Launch of North Wales-wide bus ticket

* Cllr Brian Jones at the launch of the new 1Bws ticket in Rhyl.

A one-purchase ticket valid on buses across North Wales has been officially launched.

The launch of the 1Bws ticket was held at the Events Arena in Rhyl, and was attended by bus operators from across North Wales as well as invited guests from Conwy, Denbighshire, Flintshire, Gwynedd, Isle of Anglesey and Wrexham councils, Senedd members and officers from Transport for Wales.

An adult ticket costs £5.70, a child will pay £3.70 and holders of English and Scottish concessionary bus passes will also pay £3.70.

A family ticket is available for just £12.

One ticket is valid all day on busses in Conwy, Denbighshire, Flintshire, Gwynedd, Isle of Anglesey and Wrexham and on buses from North Wales to Chester, Whitchurch and Machynlleth.

There are buses covering most of the region and it is possible to explore the North Wales Coast, Snowdonia and the Clwydian Range and the Dee Valley.

Cllr Brian Jones, Denbighshire County Council’s Lead Member for Waste, Transport and the Environment, said: “I am very pleased we are supporting this initiative, which will encourage local people and visitors alike to use our extensive bus network.

“The initiative is a great way to get people back on buses and open up North Wales in a way that protects the environment.

“This ticket is a great example of the strong partnership that exists between bus operators and local authorities. It has been possible to introduce this ticket because public and private sector, bus operators large and small, have all worked together.”

Richard Hoare, Arriva’s Regional Commercial Director, said: “The introduction of the 1Bws ticket is a result of the close working partnership in North Wales between operators and local authorities. “This is an important development for existing customers and potential new users, as the new product will make travel by bus more convenient and easier to use.

“Buses are an important contributor to the North Wales economy and will be key in encouraging a green and sustainable recovery from the pandemic.”

Timetable information for all buses in North Wales is available online at http://bustimes.org or www.traveline.cymru; or by phone on 0800 464 00 00.

1Bws is valid on all local bus services operating in North Wales with the exception of service 28 between Mold and Flint.

It is also not valid on tourist services operated by open top buses, on National Express coach services and park and ride services.

Your chance to have your say on county council services

Residents are being invited to have their say on how they would like to be involved in shaping county council services.

Denbighshire says it is hoping to improve its approach to engagement and consultation to ensure that residents understand how and when they can get involved in the council’s decision-making.

Residents have previously told the council they would like to be more involved in the decisions that affect them.

It is now asking residents about how often they’d like to be approached to have their say and the best way for them to get involved.

This year, the council is also focussing on whether the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic has brought about any changes to the way it communicates that residents would like to be made permanent.

To get involved, it is inviting residents to sign up to one of two online workshops on September 7 and 8 and/or to complete a short survey.

* To find out more visit: https://countyconversation.denbighshire.gov.uk/project/524

To request a paper copy of the survey, telephone 01824 708027 or write to: Public Engagement Officer, Communities and Customers, County Hall, Ruthin LL15 1YN.

Llangollen Railway hit by vandalism costing thousands

 

* A picture from Facebook of the vandalised trains.

Just as it is making a good recovery from the pandemic and its own financial crisis Llangollen Railway has been targeted by vandals who have caused thousands of pounds worth of damage to its rolling stock.

On its Facebook page earlier today the railway revealed that the wreckers had struck at two trains parked in the sidings, spraying them both heavily with coloured paint.

And railway officials are now urging anyone with information about the attack to ring them in confidence.

The railway’s post says: “Devasted to report that last night Llangollen Railway was targeted by vandals.

“Two DMUs (diesel multiple units) were spray painted and will cost thousands of pounds to repair.

“If you really care and have any information that may help to identify the criminals, please telephone 01978 860979 for a confidential chat.”

Being subjected to this kind of wanton attack is the last thing the railway needs as it tries its best to get back on track following the deep financial crisis of last spring which plunged it into receivership and months of closure due to Covid restrictions.

Despite its troubles the heritage attraction has fought its way back into the financial black and has once again started to run the train services, including steam, which are its life’s blood.

John Joyce, head of railcars department, said: "We were shocked and saddened to discover this senseless vandalism when our crew turned up on Wednesday morning to operate the day's railcar service to Carrog. 

"Fortunately, we were able to operate the day's services as scheduled with another railcar, but the damage will need considerable time and expense to put right. Both the time and money could have been put to far more productive uses than removing this mindless damage."

He added: "After all that the Llangollen Railway has overcome during the last 18 months, enabling it to reopen in stages since July, this is one more setback that was totally unnecessary.

"Many thousands of visitors have enjoyed their visits to the line since that reopening, helping to bring back much-needed tourism to the area and its local businesses."

News of the vandalism prompted a torrent of anger against the culprits on Facebook.      

Comments on the story include:

No words!!! all the time and effort gone into reopening

All that time and effort they spent ...bloody awful

A number of heritage railways have been subject to similar vandalism in the past year. Volunteer night watchmen might help but I don't think Llangollen Police station is open all night so police would send either a mobile traffic team or officers from Wrexham

Disgusting behaviour 

This is dreadful. Is there anywhere one can donate towards the cost of the repaint?

Why absolute idiots

Absolutely unbelievable. After so many people have worked so hard to get the railway going again.

Devastating

Absolutely disgusting 

 

Lateral Flow Device test available at Denbighshire libraries

Everyone over the age of 11 living, working or studying in Denbighshire not experiencing Covid-19 symptoms can now collect free Lateral Flow Device (LFD) tests from the county’s libraries.

And that includes Llangollen Library in Castle Street.

About one in three people with coronavirus do not have symptoms but can still infect others.

Cllr Mark Young, the council’s Lead Member for Planning, Public Protection and Safer Communities, said: “We are encouraging residents to take advantage of having tests available for collection and to take regular LFD tests.

“Getting tested regularly is the only way to know if you have the virus and if people test positive and self-isolate, it helps stop the virus spreading.

“Welsh Government is also encouraging school staff and secondary school age learners to undertake LFD tests just before they return to school.”

Free LFD tests are also available to collect at pharmacies.

The council adds: "Please do not use an LFD test if you are experiencing any of the main symptoms of Covid-19, a new continuous cough; a high temperature; loss of or change to sense of smell or taste, self-isolate immediately and book a PCR test at www.gov.uk/get-coronavirus-test

 

Matt's Foodbank closes after a decade of good work

* Back in 2019 members of the Llangollen Christmas Festival Committee handed over a cheque for £250 to Pastor Brian Smith and Pat Smith in the Matt's Foodbank storeroom. 

A Llangollen-based charity organisation which helped to feed hundreds of people in crisis has closed after almost 10 years in operation. 

Matt’s Foodbank, based at the City Church in Brook Street, shut down earlier this month. 

It had been run by Pastor Brian Smith and his wife Patricia who has told llanblogger: “Sadly, we have had to close Matt’s Foodbank after nearly 10 years. 

“My husband Brian and I are having a few minor health problems so decided this was a good time to close knowing that the Foodshare in town also provides food to people in crisis. 

“We will be giving them our stock of food which will be used, not for the Foodshare but for those in need. 

“I do hope they will be supported by the folk of Llangollen who have so generously supported us over the years. The Co-op has also been amazing in allowing us to have a collection box in their store all these years.” 

Just a couple of years ago the couple told llanblogger the bank was distributing basic supplies to around 400 people a year. 

Vouchers for the bank were available from a variety of places in the town, such as the One Stop Shop in Llangollen Library, the Citizens' Advice Bureau, the health centre and all three schools. 

Donations of food were taken at drop-off points including the Co-op in Regent Street and a typical shopping list included everything from breakfast cereal and biscuits to tinned meat and fish to sugar and dried pasta and rice. 

In a recent post on its Facebook page, the foodbank said: “We would like to take this opportunity to thank everybody who has been kind enough to purchase food items and make donations over the years. 

“Every single contribution has helped to support individuals and families who have needed a helping hand. 

“Thank you once again to everyone for your support.”

Latest Citizens Advice column

Latest column from Denbighshire Citizens Advice is:

Q; I’m a single parent and lost my job during the pandemic. My local Citizens Advice helped me apply for Universal Credit which has been really helpful to cover some of the income I’ve lost. But I’m very worried about the upcoming £20-a-week cut to Universal Credit - I don't know how I'll be able to pay for the school uniforms and shoes, especially as they grow so fast! Is there any other support out there to help plug the gap?

A: If you're on a low income or employed, you might be able to get help with some of the costs of sending your child to school, including school meals, transport and uniform. It’s always worth talking to your local education authority to see what support is available as some of their resources and offerings can differ. The following information is for England.

Free school meals 

Children in Reception, Year 1 and Year 2 automatically get free school meals. If you have older children you can apply for free school meals if you get certain benefits. In your case as you’re on Universal Credit and you applied after 1 April 2018 you would be eligible if you earn less than £7,400 a year without benefits. You can see the full list of eligibility requirements on the Citizens Advice website. 

To apply for free school meals you need to contact your local authority, you can check the details at Gov.uk by typing your postcode in. 

Transport 

If your children are aged between five to 16, your local education authority might offer free or lower cost transport if you don't live near school or your child's unable to walk there. You need to apply to your local education authority for help. 

Uniforms and other costs 

Your local education authority might also be able to help with some other costs, like uniforms, music lessons or trips and activities. There may also be local charitable schemes to help with these costs, it’s worth checking with the school to see if it knows of any. Schools can also sometimes also advise on finding second hand uniforms. 

What’s next 

If your child is staying in education after year 11, you must tell HMRC’s Child Benefit Office if you want to continue receiving child benefit and any extra support for children within means-tested benefits. When your child turns 16, HMRC will send you a letter asking whether your child will stay in education or training. You must reply to this letter to keep getting Child Benefit.

Welsh Government announces extra cash for police support officers

The Welsh Government have announced additional funding to provide a 100 Police Community Support Officers to tackle crime and support communities.

The First Minister Mark Drakeford and the Minister for Social Justice Jane Hutt have announced an extra £3.7m for additional PCSOs across the country, bringing the total budget to over £22m.

The additional 100 PCSOs brings the total funded by the Welsh Government to 600.

Highlighting the important role PCSOs play, First Minister Mark Drakeford said: “PCSOs have provided a vital link between neighbourhoods and police services and are recognised for their willingness to become part of their communities.

“They have played a critical role in responding to the pandemic and I want to pay tribute to their unwavering commitment.

“The PCSOs have continued to step up, providing support and developing innovative ways to keep their communities safe.”

Police Community Support Officers work with police officers and share some, but not all of their powers. They provide an important link between their communities and the police service to ensure people have the support they need

Some of the things PCSOs support frontline policing with are stopping speeding outside our schools, reporting vandalism or reducing anti-social behaviour.

Minister for Social Justice Jane Hutt said: “Communities right across Wales have appreciated the vitally important difference that PCSOs make to their neighbourhoods. It’s clear to see that they’ve fast become part of their communities and have ensured that when there is a problem, individuals know their local PCSOs have their best interests at heart.

"Their work to identify and understand local issues has enabled a focus on early intervention, ensuring that local support services can link up and deliver for our communities.

"I’m delighted that we’re hitting the ground running on delivering our pledge to recruit 100 more PCSO’s in Wales today, demonstrating our commitment to keeping our communities and neighbourhoods in Wales safe.”