County chiefs promise to investigate planter traffic incidents

* Llangollen Advocate's picture of the knocked-over 

Castle Street planter.

County council chiefs say they will investigate latest traffic incidents involving the planters in Castle Street and consider potential solutions. 

The Llangollen Advocate group, which has been campaigning against the social distancing measures installed along one side of Llangollen’s main street, has complained about a number of incidents where the planters – which replaced earlier bollards – have been struck by traffic. 

Latest example came last Wednesday when one of the plastic containers was ripped from its mountings by a passing lorry. 

Advocate obtained both stills pictures and video footage of the incident copies of which it emailed to county and town councillors. 

Llanblogger was also sent a copy of the email in which Advocate said: “Please note the attached photos which show a planter which has been knocked over by a passing vehicle this morning in Castle Street. 

“It is fortunate that that a member of the public was not there to be struck by the planter when this incident happened. 

“It clearly evidences the fragility of these items and the fact that they are not fit for purpose.”

A spokesperson for Denbighshire County Council said: “We have noted the recent incident where a lorry waiting to turn right into Market Street struck one of the planters on Castle Street. 

“We have also been made aware that there have been further recent incidents where lorries have mounted the pavement on Castle Street. 

“Our Road Safety team will investigate these latest incidents and consider potential solutions.”

MP hails 70th anniversary of heritage railways

* Simon Baynes MP during a recent visit to Llangollen Railway.

Clwyd South MP Simon Baynes has welcomed the 70^th anniversary of heritage railways in the United Kingdom, the success of which paved the way for saving the Llangollen Railway – one of the principal tourist attractions in his constituency.

Mr Baynes, who is a member of the All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) for Heritage Rail, praised the volunteer heroes without which he said heritage railway would be a pipe dream.

On May 14, 1951 the first heritage train service run by volunteers set out on the Talyllyn Railway in Wales and triggered a heritage railway movement that has now grown to 158 railways across the United Kingdom.

Mr Baynes said: “I’m very pleased to mark the 70^th anniversary of heritage railways and am very much looking forward to seeing the Llangollen Railway re-open soon to bring more tourists and visitors back to the beautiful Dee Valley. 

"Congratulations to the pioneering Talyllyn Railway which ran the first train with volunteers on 14 May 1951 and inspired over 150 heritage railways throughout the UK, including our own Llangollen Railway.”

St Collen's celebrates its saint's day with evensong

* Vicar, Father Lee Taylor, leads the worship from the choir stalls.

* The socially-distanced congregation.

* Simon Baynes MP gives the first reading of the service.

* June Cook provides the second reading. 

St Collen's Church celebrated its own saint's day with a special evensong yesterday.

Worship was led by the vicar, Father Lee Taylor, with members of the large congregation all properly socially distanced.

As singing is not allowed due to Covid-19 regulations, musical items were provided by a highly proficient choir augmented by Father Lee.

One of the lessons was read by Clwyd South MP Simon Baynes.

The event was originally supposed to have been rounded off with a barbecue outdoors but, due to the continuing rain, burgers, wine and soft drinks were served inside the church by the socially-distanced worshippers. 

Latest roadworks alerts for Llangollen

The latest local roadworks alert from one.network is:

Castle Street 24 May — 28 May   Delays likely - Traffic control (give & take)   Works location: Castle Street   Works description: 24/5/21-28/5/21/Jayne Valentine/Drainage Survey/Give and take...   Responsibility for works: Denbighshire County Council   Current status: Advanced planning   Works reference: QR015S000000001750     Brook Street 24 May — 11 June   Delays possible - Traffic control (two-way signals)   Works location: A5, Near Star Inn, Regent Street, Llangollen   Works description: Refurbishment of Traffic Signal - Replacement of Traffic Signal Poles, Tactile Paving & White Lining   Responsibility for works: Welsh Government   Current status: Advanced planning   Works reference: PD50121111154023798      Market Street 24 May — 28 May   Delays unlikely - Traffic control (give & take)   Works location: Market Street   Works description: 24/5/21-28/5/21/Jayne Valentine/Drainage Survey/Give and take...   Responsibility for works: Denbighshire County Council   Current status: Advanced planning   Works reference: QR015S000000001745      Oak Street 24 May — 28 May   Delays unlikely - Traffic control (give & take)   Works location: Oak Street   Works description: 24/5/21-28/5/21/Jayne Valentine/Drainage Survey/Give and take...   Responsibility for works: Denbighshire County Council   Current status: Advanced planning   Works reference: QR015S000000001746

Eisteddfod aims to turn the bridge into giant piece of art

* A mock-up of how the artwork will look.

Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod (LIME)is calling for people to help transform the landmark Llangollen Bridge into a giant work of art to launch this year’s festival.

The Eisteddfod has commissioned internationally renowned artist Luke Jerram to create the new artwork. 

He plans to wrap the 60 metre-long bridge in a giant patchwork reflecting the crafts and cultures of Wales alongside the festival’s participating nations. 

While the festival will mainly be held online this year, organisers hope the eye-catching Festival Bridge will also attract people to visit the town this summer.

Luke Jerram’s new bridge artwork aims to connect and extend the Eisteddfod’s creativity out from the field where it is normally held each year into the town, transforming and animating Llangollen for the whole world to see.

The festival is offering anyone, from local residents in the area and fans of the Eisteddfod to the friends and families of people participating, the chance to get involved.

They are asking for 1m x 1m fabric squares which will be stitched together into a giant patchwork and hung over the bridge. Ideally the patches should be bold in design, so the image stands out when seen from a distance.

People are asked to submit their patchwork by 30 June 2021 and to visit https://international-eisteddfod.co.uk/[KL1] for details, information and terms and conditions.

Luke Jerram, who is known for public art works around the world, said: "When I first saw LlangollenBridge I fell in love with it. It’s so iconic and at the heart of the town. 

"Across the world, bridges have always been used as both a physical and symbolic way to connect people – which fits perfectly with the aims and ambitions of the Eisteddfod. I can’t wait to see the patchworks the creative people from the local community send in, in order to turn the bridge into a work of art.”

BetsanMoses, CEO Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod (LIME), said: “The Eisteddfod has a long and rich history of working with different communities and nations across the world to bring people together to share their creativity and a message of peace. 

"The community of Llangollen are so important to the festival, with hundreds of local people volunteering every year. So we hope that creating and sharing patchwork pieces for the bridge artwork will be a way of helping them to connect to the online festival this summer, as well as attracting visitors to the town.”

Usually attracting over 4,000 performers from around the world and 35,000 visitors to Llangollen, this year’s unique celebration of global peace and harmony will be largely held online in July 2021, with the main programme being presented over the weekend of the 9 – 11 July.

In keeping with the Eisteddfod’s tradition of celebrating of the broadest possible range of musical genres from classical, opera and choral, to jazz, soul and rock, this year’s online programme will continue to share the message of peace and connect with existing and new audiences in preparation for its physical return in 2022.

Artwork on show at town's new Liberty Tavern

* An example of artist Jon Young's work.

The new Liberty Tavern and Wine Bar in Market Street, Llangollen, is currently playing host to popular artist Jon Young. 

His portrait work helps to set the tone of this new venue and the first of four pop-up events is taking place on Thursday May 27, from 1pm – 7pm.

Visitors will be able to enjoy the relaxed hospitality and see some of Jon’s other work in addition to the permanent display. 

Originals, prints and cards will be available to buy and Jon’s new Rock Legend series will be having one of its first outings. 

Jon Young Art at Liberty Tavern and Wine Bar

Thursday May 27

Thursday and Friday June 24 and 25

Thursday and Friday July 23 and 24

Thursday and Friday August 19 and 20 

Latest Citizens Advice column

Here's the latest column from Denbighshire Citizens Advice:

Q: I’ve been saving up to have my kitchen redone, but I’m a bit worried about it. Last time I had any work done on the house, it took more than double the time I thought it would and ended up costing me a fortune. I’m looking for a different builder this time, but how will I know I can trust them? 

A: Many of us will take advantage of the warmer weather and bank holiday weekends coming up to improve our homes, and it’s important to make sure the job goes well. Here are some steps you should take when choosing a trader: 

●     Find a Trading Standards ‘approved trader’ - use the internet to search for one in your area or the Government’s approved trader scheme TrustMark.

●     Get references or recommendations - ask people you know or ask the person you hire for examples of work they’ve carried out in the past. Try to avoid contractors who won’t give references - it’s a sign they could be dishonest.

●     Find out if they are a current member of a trade body - trade bodies have codes of practice and can help resolve problems if things go wrong, so check your trader is a member. Ask who they’re registered with and then check the trade body’s website.

●     Only use certified traders for gas and electrics - it’s dangerous to use someone who doesn’t know what they’re doing. Check the Gas Safe Register for a list of traders and use a registered electrician who can certify their own work. When you’re having a kitchen fitted, it’s worth checking whether the person you’ve hired will be doing the electrical or gas work themselves. If not, check who they will be using and whether they’re registered.

●     Get a written quote - this is different to an estimate. A quote is legally binding and the builder can’t change it without a good reason - for example, if you ask for extra work to be done. Try to compare quotes from a number of contractors to make sure you’re getting a fair price.

●     Get a written contract - this should cover exactly what you’re paying for and everything you’ve agreed on, like timings, payments, who will pay for materials and subcontractors.

●     Think carefully about payment - opt to pay in stages rather than upfront. Where possible, try to pay by card as this can afford you extra safeguards if something goes wrong.

●     Keep copies of receipts - also keep your written contract as evidence, as well as photos of any problems if they arise. 

* If you have a problem with a contractor, and you’re not sure what to do or where to go, call the Citizens Advice consumer helpline 0808 223 1133.