County council pledges continued support for schools

* Ysgol Dinas Bran in Llangollen is among the schools being supported.

Denbighshire County Council says it continues to monitor and support schools as Covid-19 cases rise.

Case rates are monitored closely across the county and in individual school settings and where cases are identified, close contacts are encouraged to seek a PCR test to identify potential transmission.

Secondary school pupils and staff not displaying symptoms are encouraged to take twice weekly LFD tests to help identify and isolate asymptomatic cases.

All those contacted by Test, Trace, Protect (TTP) are asked to work with the teams and follow the guidance given.

Years 10 and 11 at St Brigid’s School, Denbigh, have switched to online learning for two weeks from Monday, September 27, due to a number of cases at the school.

The school took the decision following a Risk Assessment and it was based on a Health and Safety assessment.

Cllr Huw Hilditch-Roberts, Denbighshire County Council’s Lead Member for Education, Children's Services and Public Engagement, said: “The revised arrangements for isolation following a positive case has successfully reduced the number of pupils missing out on face to face education. 

“However, the current increase in case rates nationwide is impacting staffing levels and the ability for our schools to maintain face to face provision. 

“This means decisions may need to be made to close classes or year groups due to the numbers of teachers in isolation.

“We will continue to monitor the situation and will take action to help keep schools safe when required.

“On behalf of the council, I would like to thank our school staff and parents for supporting pupils and ensuring they remain safe.

“I would also like to thank parents and carers for their understanding at this time.”

The council says parents are encouraged to be vigilant for any symptoms and if you are in any doubt, order a PCR test for your child at https://gov.wales/get-tested-coronavirus-covid-19 or by calling 119.

Rhug wins four food world Oscars

* The award-winning ribeye steaks.

Rhug Estate has won four Great Taste Awards for its organic chicken breasts, organic Welsh lamb mini shoulder joint, organic Aberdeen Angus rib-eye steak and for Rhug meatballs in black bean sauce.

The awards, organised by the Guild of Fine Food, is the acknowledged benchmark for fine food and drink. It has been described as the ‘Oscars’ of the food world. 

The unmistakable black and gold Great Taste logo is the sign you can trust when buying local food and drink It is a stamp of excellence that is recognised by retailers and consumers alike. 

Established in 1994, Great Taste is the world’s largest, longest standing and most respected food accreditation scheme for artisan and speciality food producers. 14,113 different products were entered in 2021 from 108 countries. 

Each product is fastidiously blind tasted by selected chefs, buyers, fine food retailers, restaurateurs, food critics and writers over 60 judging days. Those accredited receive either one, two or three stars for their products. Rhug achieved one star for all four of its award-winning products. 

The judges described Rhug’s organic Aberdeen Angus rib-eye steak as: “An attractive looking steak with good caramelisation on the outside. Good, well-proportioned marbling. Very tender and juicy. A really good piece of steak.” 

“This is a fine little joint, delicate and sweet,” was how the judges described Rhug’s organic Welsh lamb mini shoulder joint. They also said, “Beautifully rolled and moist on cutting. Tender and juicy.”

When it came to Rhug’s organic chicken breast the judges said: “This is a good size, a plump breast, moist, tender, not at all dry. It has quite a good depth of flavour – not always found in chicken breast – and a melt in the mouth chewability. It is a tribute to the good welfare and farming practices to produce organic chicken of this quality and a breast (often so bland) with some taste.”

The judges described Rhug meatballs in black bean sauce as, “Generously and evenly sized meatballs in a glossy, rich-looking sauce. The meatballs are succulent and flavoursome. Very moreish.”

Lord Newborough, owner of Rhug Estate, said: “I am pleased we have once again achieved Great Taste Awards. These awards are recognition of all the hard work and dedication of the entire team both on the farm and in our cutting plant. 

"We pride ourselves on producing the best quality organic meat for our customers, whether they be in our Farm Shop, online or wholesale. The team is always striving to do better and that is how it should be.” 

MG plug-in hybrid volts to the head of the pack

* MG HS PHEV plug-in hybrid.

* Toyota Yaris Cross.

* Audi Q4 e-tron Sportback.

MG hits the high life by Steve Rogers

A powerful Porsche, beautiful BMW, luxurious Lexus and many more favourites lined up to be driven but my drive of the day was the fledgling MG.

This was the annual event staged by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and traders, when motoring journos get a chance to compare like for like from a variety of manufacturers. And the winner is.... the MG HS plug-in hybrid.

It was not the most glamorous and at £30,000 not the most expensive by a long way but showed how far the iconic British marque has come since its resurrection by the state owned Chinese company SAIC. It is currently the fastest growing brand in the UK with more models to choose from.

HS PHEV is the company's flagship model and is up against SUV heavyweights like Nissan Qashqai, Ford Kuga and Kia Sportage. A brief drive showed the car has promise and efforts have been made to improve the standard of trim.

Power comes from a turbocharged 1.5 litre petrol beefed up by an electric motor giving a healthy 258bhp driven through a 10-speed automatic and an electric range of 32 miles. Emissions are low enough for £10 road tax while economy could be as much as 155mpg.

The big news from Audi is the launch of the all electric Q4 e-tron Sportback just the car to be in with the fuel pumps running dry.

It also shows how far the German premium brand has advanced down the electric road with a potential range of 323 miles. It also stands out in the crowd, not normally Audi's strongest suit, with a dipping coupe style roof line giving it a real sporting look.

As to be expected the cabin is exquisitely presented with a new twist on the design of the centre console, and check out the square steering wheel, first I have seen since the Austin Allegro of the seventies.

The electric motor has a power output of 200bhp which is good for a sprint to sixty in eight seconds and with ride selection options the driver can choose comfort or sport. No Quattro version, just rear wheel drive. Price: £45,775.

There have been huge changes in pick-up land with big players like Nissan Navara, Mitsubishi L200 and Volkswagen Amorak dropping out creating opportunities for less well known brands Isuzu and SSangYong who have beefed up their models.

Isuzu's new D Max will be featured here in a few weeks and a brief drive showed it has come on leaps and bounds and a credible threat to the Ford Ranger, the new market leader.

SSangYong has given a serious facelift to the Musso which has a strong diesel engine and a three and a half tonne towing capacity.

One to watch is the new Toyota Yaris Cross. The compact SUV has been a long time coming and will have a fight on its hands with several established crossovers out there but Toyota has plenty of experience to call on.

Basically it is a high riding, pumped up Yaris following some of the design lines of the rakish CH-R. The mechanicals are identical to its sibling with the economical 1.5 litre three-cylinder hybrid, CVT automatic gearbox and average fuel consumption in the mid 50s. Emissions are low at 112g/km with the first year VED costing £170. The top of the range Premier Edition is  £28,185.

Speeding through 50mph on polluted roads could bring a fine

From 4 October motorists exceeding the 50mph speed limits on some of the most polluted roads in Wales could receive a letter or fine through their doors, the Welsh Government has warned.

The decision to introduce environmental speed limits to improve air quality levels in five locations across Wales in 2018 was the first of its kind in the UK.

Local roads affected are the A483 Junction 5 to Junction 6 in Wrexham and the A494 Wales/England border to St David’s Interchange in Deeside.

The government says the schemes have already been successful in significantly lowering the levels of nitrogen dioxide in affected areas by up to 47%, helping to protect people from serious illness as well as playing a part in tackling the climate emergency.

Air pollution is considered to be one of the largest environmental health risks of our generation, according to the World Health Organisation, increasing our risks of heart and lung disease and contributing towards the worsening of pre-existing health conditions such as asthma.

Deputy Minister for Climate Change, Lee Waters, who has a responsibility for Transport said: “We've made significant progress in bringing emissions levels down in recent years, but we now have to go further and faster.

“We know that slower speed limits are not a popular choice, but we need to do things differently and be bold if we are to stand a chance of tackling climate change.

“It’s clear that the speed restrictions we’ve introduced on our most polluted roads are working - the results speak for themselves – but compliance with these limits is essential if we are to achieve the reductions we need to make in the shortest possible time.

“We need to act now to make Wales a safe place to live with clean air for everyone.”

GoSafe Partnership Manager, Teresa Ciano, added: “Driving at the posted speed limit has benefits for safety, but it can also improve our lives in other ways.  

"By supporting the Welsh Government's ambition to improve air quality for Wales, we know our roads will be safer too.  By implementing a first of its kind advisory letter programme, we will be able to inform people of the importance of complying with the speed limit at these locations, whilst still prosecuting the most dangerous drivers.”

Five local roadworks alerts issued

The following five local roadworks alerts concerning Wales & West Utilities Ltd have been issued by one.network:

Aber Adda 28 September — 31 March   Delays unlikely - Traffic control (give & take)   Works description: REPLACE 102M OF OLD METALLIC GAS MAINS WITH NEW PLASTIC MAINS AND RENEW/TRANSFER APPROX. 14 SERVICE...   Works location: O/S NO. 1 - REAR NO. 12...   Public facing description: Wales & West Utilities Ltd has not assigned a specific description to this Works. Please note: Works Descriptions are not published by Wales & West Utilities Ltd.   Responsibility for works: Wales & West Utilities Ltd   Current status: Forward planning   Works reference: XY254003001625597   Fron Bache 28 September — 31 March   Delays unlikely - Traffic control (give & take)   Works description: REPLACE 219M OF OLD METALLIC GAS MAINS WITH NEW PLASTIC MAINS AND RENEW/TRANSFER APPROX. 9 SERVICE P...   Works location: JUNC VICARAGE ROAD - JUNC FRON CASTELL...   Public facing description: Wales & West Utilities Ltd has not assigned a specific description to this Works. Please note: Works Descriptions are not published by Wales & West Utilities Ltd.   Responsibility for works: Wales & West Utilities Ltd   Current status: Forward planning   Works reference: XY254003001625598 Hall Street 28 September — 31 March   Delays unlikely - Traffic control (give & take)   Works description: REPLACE 13M OF OLD METALLIC GAS MAINS WITH NEW PLASTIC MAINS AND RENEW/TRANSFER ANY AFFECTED SERVICE...   Works location: JUNC REGENT STREET - JUNC HILL STREET...   Public facing description: Wales & West Utilities Ltd has not assigned a specific description to this Works. Please note: Works Descriptions are not published by Wales & West Utilities Ltd.   Responsibility for works: Wales & West Utilities Ltd   Current status: Forward planning   Works reference: XY254003001625599 Hill Street 28 September — 31 March   Delays unlikely - Traffic control (give & take)   Works description: REPLACE 205M OF OLD METALLIC GAS MAINS WITH NEW PLASTIC MAINS AND RENEW/TRANSFER APPROX. 26 SERVICE...   Works location: JUNC HALL STREET - JUNC VICARAGE ROAD...   Public facing description: Wales & West Utilities Ltd has not assigned a specific description to this Works. Please note: Works Descriptions are not published by Wales & West Utilities Ltd.   Responsibility for works: Wales & West Utilities Ltd   Current status: Forward planning   Works reference: XY254003001625640 Vicarage Road 28 September — 31 March   Delays unlikely - Traffic control (give & take)   Works description: REPLACE 79M OF OLD METALLIC GAS MAINS WITH NEW PLASTIC MAINS AND RENEW/TRANSFER APPROX. 5 SERVICE PI...   Works location: JUNC HILL STREET - O/S NO. 4...   Public facing description: Wales & West Utilities Ltd has not assigned a specific description to this Works. Please note: Works Descriptions are not published by Wales & West Utilities Ltd.   Responsibility for works: Wales & West Utilities Ltd   Current status: Forward planning   Works reference: XY254003001625594

Llangollen Ramblers take in Coalport

Judy Smith has sent in the latest update, complete with picture, on Llangollen Ramblers.

She says: "Llangollen Ramblers are off to the Wales Coast Path again soon, but for recent events - here are a few of us on an easy ramble at Coalport (Ironbridge).  

"As you can see, we fixed the weather as well!  

"With walks near and far, long and short, we try to offer something for everyone.  

"If you would like a copy of our programme for the next 3 months, please email smithdinbren@gmail.com or phone 07905330788.  

"We're always extremely happy to see new faces on our excursions."  

Llangollen Comedy Club is back next week

* The Llangollen Comedy Club line-up for October 1.

The relaxation of Covid rules sees the return of Llangollen Comedy Club next week.

A spokesperson for the club said: "We are back!

"After our Comedy Club Special as part of the Fringe Festival in September, we are now resuming our monthly comedy club on the first Friday of the month.

"This month's instalment sees David Longly, Glenn Wool and Priya Hall join Silk for another night of hilarty."

The club next meets up at Llangollen Town Hall on Friday October 1 at 7pm, with tickets priced at £10.

* Ticket are available at: https://www.llangollenfringe.co.uk/index.php/en/comedyclub20/october-21