Locals encouraged to use valley sightseeing bus

* The bus stops at the Ponderosa on the Horseshoe Pass.

* Another stop at the Wenffrwd pocket park just outside Llangollen.

Llangollen people are being encouraged to try a trip aboard a bus service which is spending the summer touring some of Dee Valley's key beauty spots. 

The Dee Valley Picturesque Bus service is a circular route which runs every Saturday until October 2021.

It links Llangollen and the surrounding villages to popular local attractions including Pontcysyllte Aqueduct, Wenffrwd Nature Reserve, Horseshoe Falls, Valle Crucis Abbey, PlasNewydd Historic House and the Horseshoe Pass.

The service aims to enable people to visit these key locations without the need of a car and reduce the need for parking spaces, making it easier for those without their own vehicle to access these places, and helping to reduce congestion at some of the busiest sites in the Dee Valley.  

The service also provides both visitors and local residents the opportunity to explore the wider area.

The service has been made possible thanks to funding from The National Lottery Heritage Fund in Wales, and delivered in partnership by Denbighshire County Council and the Our Picturesque Landscape project, a landscape partnership scheme which is working to conserve and improve access to the inspiring landscapes of the Dee Valley and Pontcysllte Aqueduct and Canal World Heritage Site.

The Dee Valley Picturesque Bus Service, number 199, operates Saturdays only until October 30. 

* For the full timetable and ticket prices for the Picturesque Bus service , see Denbighshire bus timetable webpage or pick up a leaflet from Llangollen Tourist Information Centre.

Kate Thomson, Partnership Officer for the Our Picturesque Landscape project, said: “This project was due to launch in 2020 but was delayed by the pandemic, so we are really pleased that this service was able to run in 2021 and hopefully for many years to come.  

"By working in partnership with Denbighshire County Council, we have been able to ensure that the service complements existing public transport provision.  

"Connecting to bus timetables from Corwen and Wrexham makes the Picturesque Bus service the ideal option for planning walks in the area.  

"We are grateful to The National Lottery Heritage Fund in Walesfor making this service possible, and hope it will go on to be a great success and a real legacy for the Our Picturesque Landscape project.”

Business is booming for Llangollen hotel after pandemic

* The Wild Pheasant is welcoming more brides than ever before, it says. 

* The spa is now open again following the pandemic.

A Llangollen hotel is reporting record business in the wake of the pandemic. 

The Wild Pheasant on the A5 stayed open throughout the Covid-19 crisis to accommodate key workers and is now rapidly getting back to normal. 

Fresh from its caring role The Wild Pheasant is once again welcoming the more usual kind of guest to its 47 bedrooms, restaurant and spa and the weddings side of the operation is booming. 

It was back in 2016 that the hotel was acquired by the Evenbright company which in its stable of hotels also numbers Rossett Hall, two in Lake District, Stonecross Manor and The George, as well a new one in Llandudno. 

Wild Pheasant guest accommodation includes standard double/twin rooms, executive king rooms, the Dinas Bran & Berwyn Suite and the Dee Valley Penthouse with private hot tub on the balcony. 

When it comes to dining there’s the Courtyard Restaurant and The Glasshouse with the Glanrafon Suite catering specifically for weddings.

 

A hotel spokesperson said: “The Wild Pheasant Hotel & Spa has always been a popular choice for weddings in North Wales.

 

“Our Glanafon Suite is ideal for weddings up to 100 people and boasts its own private bar area.

 

“In 2020 we were awarded the title of best countryside wedding venue regionally and nationally That was a fantastic achievement for all the team, which includes over 40 full and part-time staff.”

 

Following the pandemic the hotel’s Llangollen Spa is now open for access to its hydrotherapy pool and treatments.

 

The hotel says the sauna and steam room will be open at a later date once it is felt safe to do so.

 

A spokesperson said: “The Wild Pheasant and its team are delighted to welcome people back after the easing of Covid restrictions, although we remained open throughout to accommodate key workers. 

“The recent pandemic took the world of hospitality from one extreme to the other. But since the easing of lockdown restrictions all Everbright Hotels have enjoyed incredible levels of business and it seems as though the trend is set to continue. 

“Both The Wild Pheasant and Rossett Hall have seen levels across every area of their business exceed any previous record. 

“By the end of the year each hotel will have welcomed more brides and grooms than ever before, having rescheduled some weddings as many as three times during the pandemic. 

“The two hotels have also experienced unprecedented numbers of leisure guests coming into the area for their holidays and short breaks. 

“Restaurant and bars have been constantly busy with many passers-by and locals calling in to eat and drink. This has resulted in record numbers of enquiries from the local community already getting in early with their Christmas bookings.”

Politicians call for Universal Credit increase to go ahead

North Wales politicians are calling on the UK Government to abandon plans to halt increases to Universal Credit after it emerged their constituencies would be among the hardest hit in Wales. 

Ken Skates and Lesley Griffiths have urged MPs to ‘show some humility’ and fight for their constituents by opposing Westminster’s plans to withdraw a proposed £20-a-week rise in payments – equivalent to £1,040 a year – from October 6.   

Both Members of the Senedd say they have received emails and telephone calls from ‘extremely anxious’ constituents about the UK Government’s plans, but as benefits are not devolved to Wales it is incumbent on Members of Parliament to vote against the cut.   

“We continue to hear daily soundbites from the Tories at Westminster about ‘levelling up’, which all sound pretty hollow when they’re complicit in plunging low-income families into further financial problems,” said Mr Skates, Member of the Senedd for Clwyd South.   

“I would implore Members of Parliament to stand up and be counted. People have long memories and they won’t forget it if their MP supports the Tory Government taking this much-needed money away from them. It’s time for them to show some humility.”  

Figures recently published by the independent Joseph Rowntree Foundation revealed that all but four Welsh constituencies will see over a third of working-age families with children hit by the cut – including all six won by the Tories from Labour at the 2019 General Election.   

In Clwyd South, which includes Llangollen, 42% will be affected, it says.  

Ms Griffiths, Member of the Senedd for Wrexham, said: “In just a few weeks, the UK Government will impose the largest reduction to the basic rate of social security since World War Two. It’s impossible to over-state how hard this will hit local families, and it’s heart-breaking.   

“As we cautiously emerge on the other side of the pandemic, governments should be aiding social and economic recovery, but the statistics prove significantly reducing the support offered by Universal Credit will have a detrimental effect on many Wrexham residents.”  

It is estimated that 22% of all working-age families in Wales will see a £1,040-a-year cut to their incomes from October 6. A huge 42% of families with children in Wales will be affected.   

Across the UK, more than a third (38%) of those who will see their income reduced are in employment – while one in six (16%) are under 25.   

The Welsh Labour Government, along with the UK's other devolved administrations, has written to the Secretary of State for the Department of Work and Pensions, Thérèse Coffey, expressing ‘grave concerns regarding upcoming plans to withdraw support to the poorest in our society’.  

Stylish Spaniard more than pulls its weight

Seat Tarraco drive by Steve Rogers

Hauling my 24ft caravan 250 miles to the New Forest seemed a straight forward enough task for a seven seat SUV until I read the pre delivery spec for the Seat Tarraco.

Surely a three-cylinder 1.5 petrol was a mistake? Towbars are always matched with a diesel and Seat has an able 2-litre in its armoury. A call to Katie in the Seat press office confirmed I was getting the petrol model...and to stop worrying!

I know this engine well from various Seat, Volkswagen and Skoda test cars but didn't figure it as a capable tow car. Did I need to be bothered? Of course not it towed like a dream, cruising effortlessly and with a good punch of acceleration on climbs. Humble pie eaten.

Modern day automatics are the best solution for towing taking away the drudgery of constant gear changing and tricky hill starts and the Tarraco's seven speed DSG was always in the right gear at the right time.

Most of the drive was dual carriageway and motorway and Tarraco was always stable in crosswinds and while overtaking big artics when you can be troubled with sway. Oh I did like towing with this car.

If there was a downside it was economy. For a while we were ticking over at around 24mpg but a check at journeys end showed just over 22mpg. The 2-litre diesel would probably have managed 27-28mpg but then diesel costs more so the difference is marginal.

That's towing done and dusted but how does Tarraco measure up in everyday life? Seven seats tells you it is a big car but it does not drive like a big car. Seat has always been the sporty arm in the VAG group so it drives a little firmer than its Skoda Kodiaq and Volkswagen Tiguan AllSpace cousins although they share the same platform and mechanicals.

This is good because Tarraco stays tight through twisting and undulating roads and we came across plenty driving around the New Forest. It does not absorb bumps quite as well as Kodiaq or the seven seat Peugeot 5008 but is only a minor point.

Inside is practical rather than eye catching with a clear digital driver's binnacle which includes a central block for information or a small navigation screen all easily selected from steering wheel buttons.

The central 8in touchscreen sits high so is in the driver's eye line and although there are lots of menus and sub menus they are easy to fathom and helped by short cut buttons. The graphics are sharp and quick to respond.

Tarraco has been thoughtfully designed as a big family car with sensible touches like door bins big enough to take things like a litre bottle, pop up tables on the front seat backs so children can do what they do to while away the time on long journeys. There are Isofix points on the front passsenger seat and the outer seats on the middle row but not in the third row where children are likely to sit.

That third row is best suited for children because space is tight for an adult and headroom is not that great although a grown up could cope with a short journey. The only car in the class that can take adults comfortably is the Kia Sorento.

Tarraco does well for load space with the third row folded and even has room for a couple of carry on cases with all seats in play. Try Kodiaq if more space is needed for family holiday clutter.

The Spaniard does well when it comes to value for money although it would do even better if it was offered as a five seater which it is not. There are six trim levels with entry SE good for LED headlights, 8in touchscreen, digital cockpit and smartphone integration among the highlights.  Moving up to SE Technology gives navigation but push the boat out to Xcellence Lux and you will want for nothing in luxury or safety.

If you are wondering about the name it is not just a jumble of letters. Seat is proud of its Spanish heritage and has named its cars accordingly since birth - Marbella, Toledo, Alhambra, Ibiza and so it goes on. Tarraco is the original name for Tarragona, a beautiful city I know well with its ancient amphitheatre overlooking the Mediterranean.

Fast facts

Tarraco Xcellance Lux

£35,970 to £29,155 

1.5 litre TSI turbo; 148bhp

0-62mph 9.5secs; 124mph

37.7mpg combined

171g/km. 1st VED £870

Boot: 230; 700; 1775 litres

Towing capacity 2000kg

Insurance group 21

Story reveals anti-social behaviour in Dee Valley

* The picture with the story on Deeside.com

Deeside.com is reporting that police are calling for people to act responsibly after issues with anti-social behaviour at a beauty spot near Llangollen.

Officers said evidence of wild camping and littering had been discovered in the Clwydian Range and Dee Valley Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. 

* For the full story, see: https://www.deeside.com/police-call-for-people-to-act-responsibly-after-anti-social-behaviour-issues-in-clwydian-range/

Llangollen Ramblers' latest steps along coast path

* Llangollen Ramblers walking down into Aberystwyth last week.

Llangollen Ramblers have been walking the Wales Coast Path for some six years and have now covered all the coast between Chester and Aberystwyth - including a circuit of Anglesey.  

They now have only another 450 miles to go to Chepstow.

Spray paint attack was planned in advance, says railway

* Owner of the diesel unit George Fletcher and driver John Joyce are seen cleaning some left over blemishes off the carriage window whilst the train was stopped at Carrog. Pictures by George Jones.

* Driver John Joyce prepares to take the railcar away from Carrog.

Llangollen Railway believes that the recent spray-painting of its historic diesel railcar was part of a well-planned attack by a group of vandals who came prepared for their handiwork.

And it says police are currently examining CCTV footage in a bid to track down the culprits.

As llanblogger revealed last week, the 1960s-style British Railways diesel carriages had their smart green livery over-sprayed by multi-coloured aerosol paints between Tuesday night and Wednesday morning.

But thanks to the hard work of a team of volunteers to clean off the paint was able to get back on track carrying passengers this weekend.    

* The carriages pictured just after the vandal attack.

A press release from the railway says: "Llangollen Railway is pleased to announce the heritage diesel railcar which was paint-sprayed by vandals last week was back in use in time for the Bank Holiday weekend train services.

"The two-car diesel unit was again working resplendent in its 1960s style British Railways green livery after hard work by volunteers removed the multi-coloured spray paint applied by vandals in the early hours of Wednesday morning.

"It is evident the incident was not a spontaneous action by an individual, but rather a well-co-ordinated attack by a group which had specifically identified a target for their handy work and came to the railway well prepared for their night-time activity. 

"The police are reviewing CCTV footage and gathering forensic evidence to identify the perpetrators of this damage. 

"If their intention was the railcar would have to run displaying their so-called artistic endeavours then it has been frustrated by some hard work by the volunteers using a lot of elbow grease to remove it." 

Reviewing the paintwork whilst the unit was at Carrog station on Saturday, head of the railcars department John Joyce said: "Following the discovery of the mindless vandalism on Wednesday morning, volunteers set about removing the graffiti the same day. 

"Experimentation with different methods revealed that it could be removed with relatively little damage to the paintwork underneath, although some repairs will be needed once the running season is finished.

“We have been heartened by all the support shown to both the railcar department, and the railway as a whole, including some very generous offers of assistance and donations. 

"Visitors to the railway who rode on the railcar were pleased to learn that the paint had been removed and the affected bodywork was none the worse for the damage.” 

Owner of the railcar, George Fletcher, came over from Derby to inspect his vehicles and was relieved to see the unit back in action. 

He said, “As a 60-year-old train set it is of some historic importance and has been in preservation since the early 1990s.

“I like to see it is well looked after by the Llangollen railcars group. It looks the part when seen in operation on the Llangollen line and I am pleased visitors like riding in it as a memory of earlier rail travel. 

“After all that the railway has been through over the last 18 months, a few cans of cheap spray paint couldn't be allowed to hold us back." 

The railcars affected are once more available for passengers to enjoy the panoramic views of the Dee Valley scenery as summer turns into autumn over the coming weeks.

* A post of the railcars group's Facebook page says: "Many people have asked us how they can help defer the cost of the recent damage to our units caused by vandals.

"Contributions can now be made using one of the railway Trust's donation systems for which the details are:

Account no 79532454

Sort Code 53-81-03

Account Name Llangollen Railway Trust Ltd

Reference (important) - Railcar Fund."