Minister responds to "perfect storm" of local roadworks claim

* Gridlock on Regent Street caused by roadworks on September 17.

A town councillor has received a response from a Welsh Government minister to his complaints that Llangollen has been trapped in the "perfect storm" of roadworks.

Last month Stuart Davies called for national roads bosses to "get their act together" to manage major congestion in the town.

On September 17 roadworks around the retaining wall of the A5 on Queen Street, which are due to last 33 weeks, caused gridlock along Regent Street as heavy Friday afternoon traffic queued in both directions to negotiate the temporary lights set up just after the Birch Hill junction.

Cllr Davies also warned of problems caused by the night-time diversion of traffic through Llangollen from the A483/A5 for maintenance on the viaducts and the disruption by work on the town's own 2020 re-shaping project. 

He said in a statement to llanblogger at the time: "The perfect storm is happening here and now, something I warned about weeks ago."

His recent letter to Welsh Government bosses about this has now prompted a response from Deputy Minister for Climate Change, Lee Waters MS.    

Mr Waters says: "Whilst I appreciate your concerns, I can assure you that the recent Temporary Traffic Regulation Order that has been put in place does not mean that the A483 will be permanently closed for the duration of 18 months.

"The Order enables temporary closures to take place as required during the 18 month period, to undertake planned routine cyclic maintenance on the A483 and can also be used reactively in the event of an incident such as following a safety barrier collision or potholes, to allow a repair to take place.

"The most recent temporary closure on the A483 between Ruabon and Halton occurred overnight between 6 and 10 September to allow an investigation of the structural security of the viaducts in the Dee and Ceiriog Valleys. 

"Our agent will not be undertaking any further planned closures of the A483 Junction 1 to Halton Roundabout following the overnight essential structural repairs until the retaining wall repairs to the East of Llangollen and Llangollen 2020 schemes are completed. 

"Details of all planned closures are made available on the Traffic Wales website and I can assure you that our Trunk Road Agent liaises with the local authority when full closures are being planned, to agree the appropriate diversion route for all vehicle types and to plan around any other works that may also be scheduled along the diversion route. 

"With regards to ongoing and planned works in Llangollen it is unfortunate that two schemes will be running concurrently during the remainder of 2021 and early 2022. 

"Due to funding constraints and safety issues, it is necessary that these schemes are completed within the current financial year and North and Mid Wales Road Traffic Agent (NMWTRA) are working in collaboration with Denbighshire County Council to minimise disruption in the area as much as possible. 

"Regular coordination meetings are scheduled between the contractors and traffic management subcontractors for the Llangollen 2020 High Street Improvement and A5 Llangollen Retaining Wall Strengthening schemes. 

"Every effort is being made to phase traffic management on both schemes to minimise disruption to the travelling public."

Mr Waters adds: "NWMTRA is currently considering mitigation measures to ease traffic flows on the A5 in the event of an emergency closure of the A483 necessitating the use of the A5 as an emergency diversion route in addition to currently being operated as a diversionary route following a landslip at Newbridge.

"NMWTRA has instructed the contractor for the retaining wall strengthening scheme to apply temporary removal of the traffic management during such events. The contractor has also been instructed to shorten the length of traffic management whenever possible. 

"With regards to repairs to the B5605 at Newbridge, my officials recently met with Wrexham Council officers to discuss support. We have now received and are currently assessing an application for funding this financial year for ground investigation and detailed design works. These works will inform a future application by the council for funding for construction of the remedial works required. 

"We consider the road space issue is being managed as effectively as possible given the close proximity of the two schemes and the timescale for their completion. 

"However, I recognise the frustrations of the residents of Llangollen and thank them for their patience and understanding to enable NMWTRA to undertake these essential works that will safeguard the travelling public."

Cllr Davies said: "We need our elected Denbighshire County Council representatives to be more pro-active in highlighting concerns such as this and ensuring that our lives are disrupted as little as possible during the works."

Listen carefully, 'Allo 'Allo is back on again

Members of Llangollen Twenty Club have picked up rehearsals for their forthcoming production of the comedy 'All 'Allo which were cut short by the pandemic.

Their presentation of the iconic 1980s farce by Jeremy Lloyd and David Croft was originally planned to have  been staged in March 2020 but had to be reluctantly put on hold due to Covid restrictions.

Now the show's director Chrissie Ashworth says: "I really think the wait will be worth it as the cast and crew are as keen as ever to get on with it.

"We've have had time to rethink some scenes, and I'm sure people will be keen to enjoy an evening of pure comedy." 

Set in 1940s occupied France during the Second World War, it has characters larger than life, featuring the hapless cafe owner Rene, who has a roving eye, his long-suffering wife Edith, waitresses Mimi and Yvette, who like nothing better than an illicit clinch with Rene, and the formidable resistance worker Michelle (Listen very carefully, I will tell you only once).

There's also  the  unfortunate policeman Crabtree with his mispronunciation of words plus a host of unforgettable characters who are either German, French or Italian. 

This play has a longer run than usual, as seating capacity will be reduced to make it a safer place. 

All seats are unreserved and there are some cafe-style tables and chairs for those who arrive early. 

Bookings can be made through Ticket Source, from Courtyard Bookshop, Jennis of Market Street Llangollen, and the Oggie Shop next to the town hall. For telephone enquiries call 01978 869394.    

'Allo 'Allo runs at Llangollen Town Hall from Tuesday-Saturday November 9-13, at 7.30pm, with a Saturday matinee at 2.30 pm.

* The show comes in a milestone year for the Twenty Club as October 21 sees its 75th anniversary.

Manic performance from this red hot baby Toyota

Toyota GR Yaris drive by Steve Rogers

It looks like a baby Toyota Yaris and has a Yaris badge on the tailgate but this pint sized scorcher has little in common with its big brother.

This is the GR Yaris, Toyota's WRC rally car minus a roll cage and tiptronic gearbox, but decked out in everything needed for comfortable everyday motoring.... and the performance is manic.

If I didn't have to write about this car I would be lost for words, it is the hooligan of all hooligans and without doubt the most exciting car I have driven in 40 years as a motoring writer.

So how can I get so excited about a Yaris? There are a few things to clear up. The GR shares only six components with the normal Yaris, the rest is pure rally car. And the great Finnish rally ace Tommi Makinen helped develop the car which has a bespoke platform, bodyshell and engine.

The build team's target was for the best possible downforce, aerodynamic performance and stability and they have smashed it. The bodyshell is a mix of aluminium and carbon fibre so the car is super light at 1260kg. The carbon polymer roof is so strong an adult can jump on it and has a severe slope to accommodate the wing for the rally car.

The engine is a turbo charged 1.6 litre with 257bhp and is the world's smallest, lightest and most powerful three-cylinder. To complete the performance story GR is four wheel drive.

There we have it then but what is it like to drive and be driven in. Ask my wife and she will say it is far too uncomfortable. Well it is a rally car dear so the suspension is bound to be stiff but she did concede it was 'very very fast'.

That said my view is that GR's staggering performance is pushed into second place by the sensational grip. There are plenty of cars that can beat the GR to 60mph but I doubt there are many that can hold the road as well.

The best analogy driving GR is that it's like being behind the wheel of a race car in a computer game. Mere mortals would have to be incredibly reckless to lose control of the GR because it will go round bends faster than we have the nerve to take them. Whatever your limit, and I am talking about good fast drivers, add 30 per cent for a GR in professional hands.

Coming back to reality the cabin of GR is standard Yaris apart from special rally seats, a raised gearstick for faster changes, and drilled aluminium pedals. It has a full suite of safety features and all the usual bells and whistles found on a top of the range model.

Because the FIA, the governing body for world motorsport, decreed that a homologation of the GR rally car had to be road worthy and fit for competition Toyota built 25,000 of which 2,200 came to the UK. The bad news is that they have all been sold and the lords and masters in Japan have not decided whether any more will be built.

One thing is for sure, the GR is going to be an expensive commodity on the second hand market.

I have driven some super fast cars in the last four decades but nothing compares with the GR Yaris.

Remember this car because it will go down as the hottest hot hatch of all time.

Fast facts

GR Yaris GR-Four

£30,020

1.6 turbo, 257bhp, 6sp manual

0-62mph 5.5secs; 143mph

34.3mpg combined

186g/km; 1st VED £870

Insurance group 35

Minister's pledge on Covid jabs for 12-15 year olds

As 12 to 15-year-olds across Wales start to receive their Covid-19 vaccinations, the Health Minister today (4 October) confirmed they will all be offered a vaccine by the end of October half-term. 

All 12 to 15-year-olds will be invited by letter to have the vaccine and the majority being administered at mass vaccination centres. In some areas, vaccination will be carried out at schools. 

Some of the most vulnerable 12 to 15-year-olds in Wales have already started receiving the vaccine and all health boards will have started rolling out the programme in their areas this week. 

Health Minister Eluned Morgan said: “Vaccines remain our strongest defence from the virus, helping prevent harm and stopping the spread of Covid-19. Some studies have shown show one in seven children who have been infected with the virus are thought to have also developed long-Covid. 

“We have provided resources and information to help this age group make an informed choice about vaccination. I encourage parents, guardians, children and young people to discuss the vaccination together.” 

Dr Gill Richardson, Deputy Chief Medical Officer for Vaccines, added: “We have seen the benefits that come from having as many people as possible vaccinated. 

“After careful consideration of the evidence, the four UK chief medical officers recommended the vaccination of healthy 12 to 15-year-olds after consultation with experts, such as the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health. 

“They concluded that the health benefits, combined with the additional benefits of reducing educational disruption and effects on mental health meant that vaccination should be offered. 

“Children and their families will be receiving links to information with their invitation letters so they can make an informed decision about whether or not to have the vaccine.”

Work starts on 2020 project to re-shape town centre

* An array of road signs have gone up along Castle Street.

* The contractors' work team is briefed on the job in hand. 

* A sign on Abbey Road warns of long delays ahead.

* Workmen ready to set up traffic lights are set up on Castle Street.  

Work started this morning (Monday) on the 2020 scheme to re-shape Llangollen town centre.

Contractors appointed by Denbighshire County Council arrived in Castle Street at around 8am and were briefed by bosses on how the major exercise should be carried out.

Road closure signs were erected and temporary traffic lights put in place.

The scheme is being undertaken by the council in partnership with Welsh Government and Transport for Wales.

It involves making a number improvements along Castle Street, has been developed following extensive consultation with the local community, local county councillors and Llangollen Town Council.

Work includes:

1. Widened footways on both sides of Castle Street;
2. New footway construction using natural stone paving materials;
3. A raised junction table at the junction of Parade Street/Bridge Street/Castle Street;
4. A raised junction table at the junction of Market Street/Oak Street/Castle Street;
5. A new uncontrolled pedestrian crossing on Abbey Road near its junction to Castle Street;
6. A raised table at the existing controlled pedestrian crossing on Mill Street near its junction with Castle Street;
7. New traffic signals on the Castle Street/A5 junction;
8. Junction improvements at the Hill Street/A5 junction;
9. The resurfacing of Abbey Road / Mill Street junction & Castle Street;
10. A permanent one-way restriction on Market Street between its junctions with Castle Street and East Street;
11. New street lighting;
12. The permanent introduction of the temporary one-way restriction on Church Street (i.e. east to west vehicular flow). 

Works are expected to take up to six months to complete and a variety of different traffic management options, including temporary traffic signals and a limited number of road closures, will be used to minimise disruption, says the county council.

Cllr Brian Jones, the council’s Lead Member for Waste, Transport and the Environment, said: “I’m delighted we are now able to start the work and bring these improvements to Llangollen.

“This work provides more space for pedestrians and improved pedestrian crossing facilities making it easier for pedestrians to walk around the town centre, while upgraded traffic signals will improve the flow of vehicles.”

A Parry Construction Co Ltd has been appointed as principal contractor for the work.

The council says it will work closely with local businesses and residents throughout the project to ensure any disruption is minimised and any concerns or issues are identified and addressed as soon as possible.

The Llangollen 2020 Castle Street scheme will take place at the same time as Welsh Government’s on-going retaining wall stabilisation works located on the A5, towards Llangollen Golf Club, and the council says its officers are working closely with the Trunk Road Agency and Welsh Government to coordinate traffic management operations so disruption is minimised.

Two taken to hospital following yesterday's A5 crash

North Wales Live has given an update about the crash which shut the A5 near Glyndyfrdwy in both directions for five hours yesterday evening.

* For the full story, see: https://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/north-wales-news/what-know-far-crash-shut-21741290

Police drone helped to fight Llan mountain fire

* North Wales Police and Crime Commissioner Andy Dunbobbin with Chief Inspector Jon Aspinall and one of the drones.

A new police drone team has been hailed as “highflying heroes” after saving three lives and playing a key role in putting out a major gorse fire.

The praise came from tech savvy North Wales Police and Crime Commissioner Andy Dunbobbin who is keen to expand the unit.

Mr Dunbobbin was briefed on their successes by Chief Inspector Jon Aspinall who leads the dedicated team which includes a sergeant and four constables and was established in April this year.

He also showed Mr Dunbobbin dramatic footage of how the team played a vital part in tackling a huge fire on Llantysilio mountain near Llangollen in early June, alongside 11 crews from the North Wales Fire and Rescue Service.

A drone was used to identify hotspots on the mountain so that a helicopter from Natural Resources Wales could drop water on them.

Days later the team located a missing pensioner, Roy Giblin, 82, from Abergele, in a patch of long grass near the town’s train station. His grateful family said that without the assistance of the drone “he didn’t stand a chance”.

Rescuers had "little doubt"  the drone  unit saved the life of another  elderly man, Robert Davies, 86, from Morfa Bychan, in Gwynedd, who had gone missing in July.

After a major multi-agency search, he was located by the police drone, hidden from view in tall shrubbery on a hillside above the village and flown to safety by helicopter.

The third life-saving incident came when a man fell down a steep drop at a quarry in Denbigh and landed on a ledge.

Chief Inspector Aspinall said: “He had a severe head injury and I would say that was a situation where our drone flight saved his life because he might not otherwise have been found.

“In addition to finding missing people, the drones are used for a range of different police work including catching criminals fleeing from vehicles or houses, or people who have been involved in domestic abuse and fled the scene. There’s countless examples of the good work that they’re doing.

“They  are incredibly versatile and essentially they have revolutionised policing. It’s enabling us to do things we were not able to do before.

“The fact that the Police and Crime Commissioner is keen on technology in general and drones in particular is music to our ears.”

The drones were deployed more than 350 times in the first three months after going operational.

The squadron includes two wet weather drones that can operate when it’s raining heavily and in winds of up to 35 miles an hours.

As well as having a thermal imaging capacity, the high powered video cameras have a 200x zoom enabling the pilot to tell the time on someone’s wrist watch from high in the sky.

The drones also have a geo-location facility so if the pilot presses a button, it can give officers on the ground the exact longitude and latitude.

If the battery is running low, the drone will automatically return itself to where it took off.

As well as being responsible for how North Wales is policed Mr Dunbobbin is  playing a key role in using technology, including drones, to fight crime across the UK.

The Association of Police and Crime Commissioners have elected him as their deputy lead for police technology and digital and deputy lead for economic and cybercrime, including fraud.

Fellow commissioners decided he was the perfect person for the job because of his background working in the technology industry.

Mr Dunbobbin said: “The drones are incredibly effective and versatile, and I’ve had conversations with the Chief Constable about how the drone team can move forward and what can be done there. 

“I made a pledge in my manifesto that we would make best use of the technology that’s available to us and this is what’s happening here.

“The introduction of drones has made a significant difference and at least three lives have been saved already. That’s just priceless.”