Natural Resources Wales gives update on Pengwern Vale project

 

Richard Dearing of Natural Resources Wales gives an update on the Pengwern Vale scheme in Llangollen, which is one of its five key projects in north east Wales. “In March 2021 Natural Resources Wales [NRW] and the Clwydian Range and Dee Valley Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty [AONB] organised a meeting with the community of Pengwern Vale to discuss opportunities around working in partnership to make a positive contribution to the special landscape character of Pengwern Vale. “The quiet valley to the south east of Llangollen is the old bed of the River Dee and lies within the Clwydian Range and Dee Valley AONB. “Within the Vale is a housing estate, two primary schools, farms and some small businesses. It has steep valley sides with woodland some of which is Welsh Government Woodland Estate managed by NRW. “We facilitated a virtual event with the purpose to ‘listen’. By listening we started to understand what’s important to the people who live, work and visit Pengwern Vale, the challenges they face, and how we can all work better to make a positive contribution in responding to the climate and environment emergency. “Over thirty external participants came to a virtual evening meeting including residents, Town & County Councillors, a headteacher, school governor, local businesses and representatives of Friends of Pengwern Vale, Friends of the Earth, Woodland Trust, local health centre, Llangollen 2020 (sports clubs) and Dwr Cymru Welsh Water. “Once people realised there was no pre-determined plan, the discussion became positive and free flowing. Lots of existing and possible initiatives were raised along with the ambition that the group could start to prepare a Plan for the Vale setting out a vision and ambition for at least the next generation. This could be seen almost as an Area Statement in miniature. “Some of the possibilities raised ranged from promoting the local engagement with the environment seen during lockdown, to management of recreation, green infrastructure, sustainable land management, and even as far as promoting engagement in wider environmental issues for the next generation. “This new way of working [in line with the Area Statement process] is organic.  It will take time to build trust and nurture relationships so local stakeholders have the confidence to commit and drive actions that will deliver positive community transformation. “However, there is a clear desire and enthusiasm to do something different.  The next step is for NRW and the AONB to support the community in developing a short, medium and generational ‘plan for the vale’ that will be instrumental in delivering the communities vision with the support of a range of stakeholders and partners. “If you would like to support this project, or would like to learn more please contact richard.dearing@cyfoethnaturiolcymru.gov.uk”

 

MP calls in at The Wild Pheasant

* From left, Nick Rowlands (Area Manager for the Everbright Hotels Group), Becky Shields (Hotel Manager) and Simon Baynes MP outside The Wild Pheasant.

Clwyd South MP Simon Baynes made a socially distanced visit to The Wild Pheasant & Spa Hotel in Llangollen. 

The hotel drew praise recently for offering a 15% discount to all NHS workers in gratitude for their efforts during the pandemic. 

During the visit, Mr Baynes met with Becky Shields (Hotel Manager), Nick Rowlands (Area Manager for the owners, Everbright Hotels Group) and other members of staff to discuss the re-opening of the hospitality sector following the Welsh Government lockdown earlier in the year, and the support provided through furlough and other job support schemes by the UK Government. 

Mr Baynes said: “I was really glad to have the opportunity visit and meet the team at The Wild Pheasant Hotel to hear about how they offer visitors to Llangollen a unique experience. 

"It was especially heartening to hear about how they use local suppliers wherever possible, including milk from Edwards Dairies Chirk, meat from Abbey Farm, Llangollen, and from Pen-y-Lan Pork, near Wrexham. 

“It was also good to hear from the hotel manager Becky Shields that they will be taking part in the UK Government’s Kickstart scheme to train up local young people in the hospitality sector and about their plans for expansion. 

"Their kind offer of reduced rates for NHS staff is a fitting tribute to those who worked so hard to keep us safe during the pandemic.”

Drakeford removes final set of Covid restrictions from tomorrow

First Minister Mark Drakeford (pictured) is urging everyone to continue to help prevent the spread of coronavirus as he confirms that Wales will move to the new alert level zero tomorrow (Saturday).  

At alert level zero:

• There will be no legal limits on the number of people who can meet, including in private homes, public places or at events.
• Businesses which were required to be closed will be able to re-open. This includes nightclubs.
• Premises which are open to the public and workplaces will have more flexibility about which reasonable measures they take to minimise the risk of coronavirus. But these should be tailored to their risk assessment and their specific circumstances.
• Face coverings will not be a legal requirement in hospitality settings where food and drink is served, but will continue to be required in most indoor public places.

At alert level zero, all restrictions on meeting with others will be removed and all businesses will be able to open. But some important protections will continue to be in place to give everyone the confidence to enjoy the summer ahead.

These include:

• Everyone must continue to isolate for 10 days if they have Covid-19 symptoms or if they have a positive test result.
• Face coverings will continue to be required in most indoor public places in Wales, including on public transport, in shops and in healthcare settings. There will be exemptions for people who cannot wear them, as there are currently.
• All those responsible for premises open to the public and workplaces must carry out a Covid risk assessment and continue to take reasonable measures to minimise the risk of exposure to coronavirus.   

Mark Drakeford said: "Moving to alert level zero is another significant step forward for us all. For the first time since the pandemic started, all businesses will be able to open and all legal limits on meeting people in indoor private spaces will be removed.

"Alert level zero does not mean the end of restrictions and a free-for-all. But it does mean we can all enjoy more freedoms with the confidence there are still important protections in place to make sure our public health is being safeguarded while we are out and about. 

"Unfortunately, the pandemic is not over yet and we all need to work together to do everything we can to keep this virus under control – at alert level zero, everything we do will have an impact on this virus.

"Even if you have been fully vaccinated, meeting outside is safer than inside; let fresh air into indoor spaces, get tested even for mild symptoms, and self-isolate when you are required to do so.

"Continue to keep our distance when we are out and work from home whenever we can. Wear a face mask, especially in crowded places, on public transport, in shops and in health and social care settings.

“Taking responsibility and working together means we can all do the things we’ve missed the most. We’ve all got a reason to keep Wales safe."

Also as of tomorrow adults who are fully vaccinated and children and young people under 18, will no longer need to isolate if they are identified as close contacts of someone who has coronavirus.

Councillor's one way idea used in bid to beat diversion congestion

A one way traffic system through Llangollen suggested by a local county councillor was used late last night in a bid to counter the effect of “chaotic” congestion in the town caused by roadworks on the A483 dual carriageway. 

After two nights of diversions through Llangollen sparked by the overnight closures for general repairs and environmental works on the A483 – from 7pm until 6am -  Cllr Melvyn Mile had contacted the North and Mid Wales Traffic Agency to complain that something must be done to avoid the traffic jams this created. 

He suggested a one-way system should be put in place. 

An official of the agency, who had accompanied him last night to observe the situation in Llangollen, put his idea into operation and later reported to him that it had eased the situation. 

In an email to the agency and Denbighshire County Council, sent at just before 10pm last night, Cllr Mile said: “We need to find a different way of dealing with the closure of the A483 and it being diverted through Llangollen until the B5605 [through Newbridge] is fully functional. Whenever that will be, not soon, that’s for sure! 

“Despite the best efforts of Lisa Bilton from the North and Mid Wales Traffic Agency and a DCC operative it’s another evening of absolute chaos on Castle Street, Mill Street and Regent Street. 

“Here’s my solution: Set up traffic lights beyond the Ponsonby on the A539, where the road is wide enough to cater for very large vehicles passing each other. Plus traffic lights on the A5, set back from the junction with Castle Street. 

“Then operate a one way system up or down Castle Street, 5 minutes duration per session or whatever is decided. 

“This should also be operated when Castle Street has been widened after Llangollen 2020. The street is full!”  

At around 10.30pm, Lisa Bilton of the traffic agency emailed back to Cllr Mile to say: “After you left me on Castle Street tonight, we started the one way system you suggested. At 10pm traffic was flowing well in both directions.”  

Cllr Mike responded: “Great news, thanks very much. I hope that this can be put in place by the powers that be as the default method.”

Comment on the story from Llangollen town councillor Stuart Davies ...

"I think it’s a valid concern that the statements from Cllr Mile indicate that currently and in the future he is confirming that Castle Street is too narrow to take sustained volumes of large traffic. 

"Concerns expressed during the  public consultation, that the future carriageway width is too narrow, have been recognised but not acted upon by DCC."

Timetable extended at Lllangollen Railway

* The longitudinal beams are craned into place at the new Corwen station.

The re-born Llangollen Railway is now running trains from Tuesdays right through to Sundays.

They will be using their heritage railcar which gives a panoramic driver's-eye-view of the line and the Dee Valley. 

Services depart Llangollen every hour from 11am until 4pm, and from Berwyn every hour from 11.25am until 4.25pm. Return tickets cost £8 for adults, £7 for seniors and £4 for children. Tickets are available to purchase on the day. 

Currently the trains are running between Llangollen and Berwyn but the railway hopes to extend services further up the line in the next few weeks and more details will be posted soon.

The reintroduction of highly popular steam services is also proposed for later this month.

* The massive longitudinal beams for the canopy on the waiting room at the new Corwen station have been installed. 

These connect with the columns around the stairway and the steelwork for the waiting room. 

* Railway bosses have welcomed the introduction of a new bus service with connections to Corwen and Llangollen, two of its most important stops.

The Trawscymru T10 service links Corwen with Bangor via Betws y Coed and Bethesda.

It also connects with the T3 service at Corwen for connections to/from Llangollen and Wrexham.

The service operates seven days per week and all journeys are operated by modern comfortable coach style vehicles.

The T10 buses connect with the Snowdon Sherpa network at Betws y Coed and Capel Curig and link with train services at Bangor and Betws y Coed stations.

Mazda MX-5 still reigns supreme for open-air motoring

* The open-top Mazda MX-5 roadster.

* The MX-5's cabin.

* The electric Mazda CX-30.

Mazda charging for change by Steve Rogers

Whatever your views on air pollution and the switch to electric cars we are on a journey into the unknown.

The big switch to electric is scheduled for 2030 but some motoring industry insiders are sceptical that the UK will be ready, leaving us with more questions than answers.

Will there be enough charging stations, how will people living in terraced houses, let alone high rise flats, charge an electric car?

How are the tens of thousands running motability vehicles going to cope with the higher cost of electric cars? How will we get rid of the 40 million ICE (that is the buzz word for the internal combustion engine) vehicles on our roads and what about the batteries that will have to be binned?

Or is there a different route? Mazda's UK boss Jeremy Thomson revealed what is going on behind the scenes both in Europe and Japan to create carbon free synthetic petrol and diesel products without the cost of changing to electric.

At a driving day to showcase updates to the Mazda range Thomson told me that although committed to becoming carbon free, the company was not giving up on the internal combustion engine which will still power the majority of its cars through 2030.

He said: "We remain committed to creating the ideal internal combustion engine and are getting closer to that perfect engine in terms of emissions and efficiency. Synthetic or renewable carbon neutral light fuel that can replace carbon based fuel is the way forward."

Mazda has only one electric model, the MX-30, but that is set to change with three electric, five hybrid and five plug-in hybrids being rolled out over the next four years.

Like the rest of the car world Mazda is recovering from the catastrophic pandemic and is relieved at a 55 per cent rise in post Covid sales against an industry average of 39 per cent.

Updates to the model range this year centre around boosting the Skyactiv petrol engines, improving infotainment and connected services and pumping out special editions of old favourites to keep the kettle boiling.

The biggest name in Mazda is the ubiquitous MX-5 roadster but has this got a future in the brave new electrical world, or is it sitting on death row?

Jeremy Thomson was giving little away but said: "The car is central to the Mazda brand and remains one of our best known lines, so of course it will need to evolve but always retain that amazing fun to drive feeling."

Even after 30 odd years the MX-5 reigns supreme as far as wind in the hair motoring goes. The car is an out and out gem and to keep interest alive a Sport Venture special has been introduced with nappa leather interior, sliver door mirrors and silver roll hoops.

In terms of horse power 130 doesn't sound a lot but with its high revving engine in such a light body the roadster is plenty quick enough. Mazda has perfected the opening mechanism and the soft top can be opened or closed in around five seconds.

The car's infotainment unit, operated via a rotary controller between the seats, has always been easy to use but needs to be brought in line with the faster system on CX-30 and CX-5.

My top Mazda is CX-30 which is a bulked up Mazda3 but because of its sleek design looks nothing like the sports utilities cum crossovers it competes against. As the newest ICE model it gets the upgraded e-Skyactiv X engine that has lower engine emissions, a boost in horse power and economy along with the upgraded infotainment system with its larger screen, faster response, connected services, and it still has a rotary controller. Hooray!.

Unlike Toyota and Honda who have dropped diesel in favour of petrol hybrids for Rav4 and CR-V SUVs, Mazda is sticking with a diesel option for CX-5 which will please caravan owners who are wondering where to turn after 2030.

The model also gets the flagship 190bhp 2.5 litre Skyactiv-G engine until now only available in the Mazda6.

On the safety front Mazda will next year reveal an autonomous driving system that will monitor the driver and take control if the driver falls asleep or is incapacitated, park in a safe place and make an emergency call.

Fast Facts

MX-5 Sport

£26,355 (starts £24,055)

2-litre petrol; 130bhp

0-62mph 8.3secs; 127mph

44.8mpg combined

142g/km. 1st VED £215

Insurance group 27

Boot 130 litres 

Call for action to stop off-roaders using green lanes

* From left, Liz Hughes, Rheinallt Hughes, Mike Crawshaw, Llyr Gruffydd MS, Councillor Trevor Bates, Glyn Jones and Alan Gardner from Agrisgôp Leader.  

Farmers in the Ceiriog Valley have met with Plaid Cymru's North Wales MS Llyr Gruffydd to make their case for action to prevent off-roaders, who they say often turn up in gangs with uninsured and untaxed vehicles, from using green lanes into the Berwyn range.  

Mr Gruffydd says the problem also affects a countryside area of Llangollen. 

The farmers met the MS on the Wayfarers track going from Llanarmon Dyffryn Ceiriog over to Llandrillo near Corwen, an old drovers' track that has become impassable over the years due to neglect and damage caused by the off-roaders. 

Llyr Gruffydd said: "Farmers are at their wits' end in dealing with some off-roaders who are abusive, violent and confrontational. The farmers are trying to go about their work and earn a living while off-roaders damage property, frighten livestock and leave gates unclosed.  

"The green lanes that the off-roaders favour are becoming more damaged with overuse and a variety of agencies - including the Welsh Government - seem unable or unwilling to act. 

"I was glad to be listen to the situation first-hand, as I have with farmers on the other side of the Berwyn range in the Llandrillo and Cynwyd area. 

"There have also been problems in the Llangollen area, notably Allt y Badi. 

"This is not an isolated problem of course - it affects many parts of Wales and that's why I think we need a more joined-up approach to resolving it for the benefit of local residents and responsible users of these important pathways and lanes. 

"The police have a role here and I was glad to hear compliments about former Police and Crime Commissioner Arfon Jones who had taken an interest in this matter. 

"The new PCC needs to follow up on that and the police have a part to play in stamping out criminality. Other agencies including the local council, Welsh Government, Natural Resources Wales as well as landowners and those seeking to use these routes for their leisure also need to come together.

"The problem in the past is that no one organisation has taken responsibility or ownership of the issue. 

"Given the extent of the problem, that neglect from the various authorities can't continue." 

Also in attendance at the meeting was local councillor Trevor Bates and Alan Gardner, who has been supporting a group of local farmers to face the challenges and develop solutions through Farming Connect’s Agrisgôp programme, delivered by Menter a Busnes on behalf of the Welsh Government.