Clwyd South should be pilot for community bank, says MS

Clwyd South Senedd Member Ken Skates says his constituency should be a pilot area for the Welsh Government’s plans to create a Wales-wide community bank. 

The Labour politician’s seat has seen 80% of its high street banks close since 2015 – more than any other area of North Wales – and now has just one surviving branch. 

Mr Skates launched the plans for a community bank during his time as Economy Minister, and this week met Banc Cambria project lead Mark Hooper to put forward the case for the area he represents to be home to one of the 30 branches initially planned. 

He said: “It’s been well documented that Clwyd South is the worst-hit part of North Wales in terms of bank closures thanks to the UK Government abandoning its agreement with the sector that that last branch in each community should remain open. 

“The big banks are equally as culpable and have turned their backs on our communities in much the same way the UK Government has. They have been their profits ahead of their customers’ needs. They might think that keeping a cashpoint, replacing branches with mobile banks or simply asking people to do their banking online is acceptable, but customers don’t see it that way. 

“That’s why the Welsh Government launched the plans for a community bank to provide everyday banking throughout Wales.” 

Mr Skates added: “There isn’t a single community in our area which hasn’t been affected by bank closures. Brymbo, Cefn Mawr, Chirk, Corwen, Rhos, Ruabon … the list goes on. 

“Clwyd South spans around 240 square miles, and with the number of closures we have seen in recent years we have arguably the strongest claim of anywhere in Wales for one of the first community bank branches. 

"I strongly believe we should have at least one branch here of the 30 planned initially. I have put the case forward as robustly as I can and will continue to make it.”

Minister for Social Justice, Jane Hutt, said the community bank – the first of its kind in the UK – will be "a mutual owned by, and run for the benefit of, its members". 

The Welsh Government says the move will improve access to bilingual banking services for people and businesses, as well as create jobs. 

Update given on re-shaping plan for St Collen's

* People at the consultation event are shown plans of the project.

* One of the boards interpreting aspects of the proposals.

The public have been given further explanation on plans to re-shape centuries-old St Collen's Church to make it more adaptable to future demands.

Last October, Father Lee Taylor, unveiled an ambitious scheme to upgrade the historic place of worship with the aim of making it a hub for a wider range of religious and social uses.

The Genesis Programme proposals include:

* The removal of pews at the front of the nave to allow a raised platform stage to be built for worship and performance events    

* The provision of a folding kitchen to provide refreshments at cafe-style social gatherings

* Repositioning of the font to a more practical location      

* The installation of modern LED lights in the roof to highlight its historic beauty

* Fitting glass doors at entrances to allow the heavy oak front door to be left open to make the building feel more welcoming

* A new chapel for private worship where the current vestry is sited

* Replacing the traditional pipe organ with a digital version

During the first of two community consultation events in the church yesterday evening, blueprints, artist's impressions and interpretation boards detailing various aspects of the proposals were displayed around the church.

Father Lee, along with church members and a representatives of the architects were on hand to explain things in detail.

Later Father Lee said it had been a very successful evening and, despite being delayed by the pandemic, he was sure that the plan would now proceed as quickly as possible although, as yet, he could give no firm date when a start on the project would be made.    

When introducing the plan last autumn he said: “St Collen’s has for almost fifteen centuries been a place of worship for the people of Llangollen and beyond.

"The church has been cared for by succeeding generations who have seen fit to make some significant alterations to the building as its purpose has developed in a changing culture. 

“The challenge of re-ordering the church is to ensure that the church is able to reinforce its role as a focal point in the community. This means providing a building which is sufficiently flexible which the wider community can utilise for community gatherings, concerts, school performances and the like." 

The second of two community consultations planned will be held at the church this Sunday, July 18, at 12.15pm.

It is open to all and refreshments will be provided. Those planning to attend are asked to RSVP on 01978 861768, or email: stcollens@gmail.com 

Wales will move to Covid alert level 1 from Saturday

* First Minister Mark Drakeford.

Wales will move fully into alert level one from 17 July. 

The changes were paused four weeks ago because of the emergence and spread of the delta variant across the UK and to enable more people to be vaccinated in Wales.

And there will be further changes to the rules outdoors as Wales takes the first careful step towards a new alert level zero.

Alert level zero is set out in an updated Coronavirus Control Plan, which is published today. If the public health situation allows, Wales will move to this level on 7 August.

First Minister Mark Drakeford said: "We are entering a new phase of the pandemic. Cases of the virus have risen sharply since the delta variant emerged six weeks ago but, thanks to our fantastic vaccination programme, we are not seeing these translate into large numbers of people falling seriously ill or needing hospital treatment.

"We can be reasonably confident that vaccination has weakened the link between infections and serious illness. But there is still a risk that this third wave of the pandemic could cause real harm – either direct harm from the virus or indirect harm from for example people having to isolate.

"We can move to alert level one for indoor spaces from 17 July and go further for outdoor spaces because we know the risk of transmission outdoors is lower.

"We are also publishing plans for a new alert level zero, which will have fewer legal restrictions but which will still need all of us to take steps to protect ourselves."

From 17 July, Wales will move fully to alert level one, including:

• Up to six people can meet indoors in private homes and holiday accommodation.  
• Organised indoor events can take place for up to 1,000 seated and up to 200 standing.
• Ice rinks can reopen.

Wales will also take the first step into alert level zero as the limits on the numbers of people who can meet in public places or at events will be removed.  Outdoor premises and events will also have greater flexibility around physical distancing.

Also from 17 July other changes include:

• New rules for children’s residential activity centres so children in groups of up to 30 can visit.
• A specific requirement for employees to provide comprehensive information on the risks and mitigations identified in the COVID risk assessment  with their employees.

If Wales moves to alert level zero on 7 August, all premises would be able to open and most – but not all – restrictions will be removed and replaced with the ongoing requirement for all organisations and businesses to carry out Covid risk assessments. These will determine what reasonable measures are needed to be put in place to keep workers and customers and visitors safe.

There will also be no legal limits on the number of people who can meet others indoors, including in private homes.

Face coverings will continue to be required by law in most indoor public places and on public transport at alert level zero from 7 August, with the exception of hospitality settings.

The First Minister said: "The pandemic is not over and the virus continues to spread across Wales, which makes it really important for everyone to say yes to vaccination and to do everything we can to keep ourselves and our loved ones safe.

"Even though vaccines have weakened the link between the virus and hospitalisation, we are seeing young, fit people suffer from long-Covid, which, for some, has a major impact on their lives.

"We have the headroom to continue to gradually remove restrictions, but each and every one of us has a really important part to play to keep Wales safe as we head into the summer."

The First Minister has also confirmed that people who have who have been fully vaccinated in the UK will no longer need to self-isolate if they are returning from an amber list country, in line with the position in England and Scotland.

Railway lands £143,000 grant boost

* Scene from the film Back in Business shows the train pulling into Berwyn station.

Llangollen Railway has been awarded a grant of £143,290 from the Wales Cultural Recovery Fund Phase 2. 

And its finance chief says the cash windfall will ensure the heritage line's future into next year.

The purpose of the funding is to assist with salary and overhead costs both ahead of and during the initial weeks of reopening.

"We are delighted to have been given this grant," Phil Freeth, the Trust's finance director, said. 

"It enables us to be confident of being able to employ staff for certain essential positions, which we hope will include at least some staff previously employed by the PLC if they haven't already got positions elsewhere. 

"Crucially, the award secures the railway's immediate future in uncertain times, certainly into 2022, and beyond if visitor numbers hold up."

The news follows a successful re-opening last weekend with the diesel railcar operating to Berwyn station.

After part of the business running the railway went into administration earlier this year, it ran its first train again last Friday.

Now operated by the Llangollen Railway Trust, and after a lot of hard work, the first train, DMU Class 108, ran from Llangollen to Berwyn.

* A short video, entitled Back in Business, and taken from the cab of the DMU is now viewable on Youtube by following the link: https://youtu.be/JuqiW6n9lQQ

Ken Skates welcomes new National Park plan

* Ken Skates MS (left) with Howard Sutcliffe, Denbighshire County Council’s AONB officer, at the new Wenffrwd Nature Reserve, near Llangollen. 

Plans for a new National Park in North East Wales have been welcomed by Clwyd South Assembly Member Ken Skates. 

The Welsh Government wants to make the Clwydian Range and Dee Valley Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) the first new National Park in Wales since 1957, with local member Mr Skates saying the move will help create sustainable jobs. 

The plan was one of a number of pledges for North Wales in the Welsh Labour manifesto ahead of the Senedd elections in May.  

Mr Skates said: “There is a lot of excitement about the Welsh Government’s plans to create a new National Park right here in Clwyd South. 

"As well as a celebrating our area’s unique natural beauty, National Park status will further boost tourism – an industry so vital to Clwyd South – and support the green economy as we look to build on our proud record of being one of the most environmentally friendly countries anywhere in the world.” 

Mr Skates raised the issue in the Senedd recently, with First Minister Mark Drakeford saying: “We will create a new National Park for Wales – the first in over 50 years. 

"National Park status brings many benefits for agricultural communities, biodiversity and sustainable tourism. Engagements with communities about protecting and enhancing the special qualities of the area will be an important part of delivering this commitment.” 

Mr Skates this week met Howard Sutcliffe, Denbighshire County Council’s AONB officer, to discuss the plans and visit the new Wenffrwd Nature Reserve just outside Llangollen, which opened recently following significant financial support from the Welsh Government. 

Mr Sutcliffe said: “It was fantastic to welcome Ken to the newly opened pocket park at Wenffrwd, which was an unused remote tip and has been transformed into a new and exciting public park. I’m so pleased that the Welsh Government is investing substantial funds into AONBs and National Parks in Wales.” 

Responding to concerns raised by constituents, Mr Skates has also asked the Welsh Government for reassurances that opportunities for local people to live and work in the National Park area will not be lost. 

Minister for Climate Change, Julie James, said: “I very much agree that National Park status should not be to the detriment of local people. There are a number of steps we are already taking across Wales to mitigate the issues you raise, and full consultations will be part of those as the process unfolds. 

“Social housing remains one of mine, and this Government’s, key priorities. This continued commitment is reaffirmed by the challenging target we have set to deliver 20,000 new low-carbon homes for rent in the social sector. 

“Our latest housing need estimates show that in North Wales, under central estimates, 1,200 additional homes are required each year. Of these, 47% of the estimated need is for market housing and 53% for affordable housing (intermediate rent or social). Our housing target goes beyond this. 

“We are also committed to exploring and developing effective tax, planning and housing measures – which could include local rates of Land Transaction Tax – to ensure the interests of local people are protected. 

“We are also acutely aware of the growing issues in Wales relating to second homes and addressing these issues is one of this Government’s priorities. We will shortly be considering a number of measures, and it is anticipated this plan will be published in the autumn. We will be announcing the plans to engage with communities about protecting and enhancing the special qualities of this landscape in due course.” 

Railway looking for new cook

The railway, now back in its business after its long lay-off, is looking for a cook "fairly quickly" at its cafe on Llangollen station.

The description says: 

Job: Cafe Cook

Terms: Minimum 21hrs

Supervise a small team of two customer/point of sale staff
Experience useful, but not essential.

Anyone Interested is asked to contact Tom on 07951273945.

Summer of fun for children and young people in Denbighshire

Children and young people in Denbighshire can looking forward to a ‘Summer of Fun’.

Denbighshire County Council is providing a range of free sporting, cultural and play based bilingual activities as part of the Welsh Government’s Summer of Fun project.

Events will take place across the county between July 19 and September 1.

Cllr Huw Hilditch-Roberts, the Council’s Lead Member for Education, Children's Services and Public Engagement, said: “We are delighted to be supporting this project and offering a fantastic bilingual programme of events in Denbighshire. We are working with a number of partners on this project including town and community councils and I would like to thank all those involved.

“The past year and a half has been very difficult for our children and young people and these free activities will certainly give them something to look forward to during the summer holidays and help support their social, emotional, physical and mental wellbeing. 

“I would encourage parents to make the most of these events and help their children enjoy the best possible summer this year.”

Events and activities are being arranged for children and young people aged 0 to 25 and are designed to support children and young people to express themselves through play, offer community based interactive, creative and play-based initiatives for all ages and provide opportunities to play with friends and peers.

Denbighshire’s new Play Ranger Service will operate Let's Play Out sessions and will offer outdoor play opportunities to children while Denbighshire Youth Service, Technocamps, Salford Children’s Camp, Denbighshire Music Cooperative and the Urdd will be offering a range of activities including community based youth work sessions, open access youth work days, outdoor activity days and sessions, STEM and the schools out project.

All events and activities will have Covid-19 safety measures in place, which attendees will need to follow.

To book onto one of the events or activities visit www.denbighshire.gov.uk/summer-of-fun