Skates raises broadband connectivity in Senedd

The issue of broadband connectivity in North Wales has been raised in the Senedd.  

Clwyd South MS Ken Skates asked for an update on how the Welsh Government is helping to connect more businesses and homes across the region yesterday (Wednesday).  

Mr Skates said: “I share people’s frustration about areas of Clwyd South which struggle to get a decent broadband connection. Broadband should be seen as a key piece of modern infrastructure, and everyone should be able to access it.  

“The UK Government is responsible for telecommunications, including broadband, but the Welsh Government is having to use funds set aside for areas it is responsible for to step in where the market and the UK Government have failed to act.”  

In the Senedd, Mr Skates asked: “What is the Welsh Government doing to help connect more properties in north Wales to superfast broadband?”  

Minister Lee Waters responded: “Responsibility for connectivity lies with the UK Government, but we continue to step in to provide connectivity. 7,508 premises have now been given access to full fibre in north Wales under the Welsh Government's £56m full fibre roll-out. We continue to provide connectivity solutions through our local broadband fund and our access-to-broadband scheme.”   

Mr Skates then asked: “Given the Welsh Government's commitment to combating the climate emergency, and also given the huge rise in the number of people who are working remotely and working from home as a result of coronavirus, would you agree with me that broadband should be regarded as a universal service, like the Royal Mail, and should be available to all?”   

The Minister agreed, telling the Clwyd South Member: “That is the key point in the debate that we need to keep emphasising. This is now an essential utility service. I hear from Members across the Chamber about difficulties their constituents have getting connected, and it is a real impediment to being able to carry out essential functions in society.   

“But the UK Government, who have responsibility for broadband, refuse either through ideology or through inertia to take the action necessary to make sure everybody has a right to be connected. So, as a result, we see a hodgepodge of pragmatic schemes being devised to try and get round what is essentially a structural flaw. And, as you say, Royal Mail, a privately-run company, has a legal obligation to deliver for the same cost a universal service, and the same must apply for broadband.” 

After the session in the Senedd, Mr Skates said: “While telecommunications is not devolved, the Welsh Government has helped connect 95% of properties in Wales.  

“The Welsh Government has to comply with competition law, so cannot stipulate which properties should be connected, and OpenReach determines which premises they cover based on multiple factors including value for public money.  

“I believe OpenReach should have to connect all homes as a cost of business, and I know the Minister will continue to press the UK Government to class broadband as a universal service.” 

Custodians of Dee Valley are celebrated at Wenffrwd

* The Custodians exhibition at Wenffrwd pocket park.

A group of people dedicated to preserving the Dee Valley's cultural and natural heritage are being celebrated in pictures and words at the new pocket park just outside Llangollen.

As part of the Clwydian Range and Dee Valley Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty's Picturesque Landscape project it is working with a number of artists in residence.

Amongst them are husband and wife Jessica and Philip Hatcher-Moore who currently have an exhibition of their work at the Wenffrwd site off the A539.

Entitled Custodians, it profiles a number of people who are involved in preserving the valley’s heritage. So far, they have done five characters, and we will be adding to the exhibition in the coming months.     

The Hatcher-Moores are based in the Dee Valley. 

Jessica is an award-winning journalist, author and travel writer who worked for the Guardian in East Africa for five years before making a home in North Wales.

Her storytelling is characterised by unheard voices and improbable things.

Jessica’s first book, After Birth, about postnatal recovery, was published by Profile in May 2021. 

Husband Philip is a photographer living on a hillside in North Wales. 

His work, which has been recognised by several international awards and exhibitions, explores society’s relationship with the landscape and environment, and spans more than a decade of reportage from across the globe.

Local venues to be used for Covid booster jabs, MS told

The area's Senedd Member has welcomed confirmation that residents will soon be able to have their Covid-19 booster jabs at more local venues.  

Member of the Senedd Ken Skates raised the matter with Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board (BCUHB) on behalf of constituents in Chirk after being approached by local councillor Frank Hemmings, who was concerned at people asked to travel more than 10 miles to Wrexham’s Catrin Finch Centre at Glyndŵr University. 

Residents of Llangollen have expressed similar concerns about having to travel to the centre of Wrexham for their booster jabs.

But BCUHB has now confirmed to Mr Skates that more local venues will be used over the coming weeks – with Plas Madoc Leisure Centre set to reopen as a vaccination clinic on October 19. 

Clwyd South MS Mr Skates added: “I’m extremely grateful to BCUHB chief executive Jo Whitehead for responding so quickly to the concerns we raised on behalf of people in Chirk, and it’s really pleasing to hear that the health board will soon be rolling out booster jabs to more local venues. 

“Offering and administering a third round of vaccinations is going to be another big challenge for the health board, but given the way they have already delivered the first two doses I think we can all have full confidence that we’re in good hands.” 

In her response to Mr Skates, Jo Whitehead said: “We are putting in place and activating plans to offer vaccinations at multiple locations to provide ease of access to local residents. However, we did not want to delay offering booster vaccinations for the highest priority groups. 

"As we are able to start offering boosters immediately in our main vaccination centres, including Catrin Finch for Wrexham county borough, we have begun issuing invitations as soon as possible, while we continue to finalise the wider arrangements.   

“With GPs gradually returning to more of business as usual, we recognise that primary care will not have capacity to offer the same level of support as with the initial vaccination roll out. In addition, the boosters will be predominantly using the Pfizer vaccine, which has more complex handling arrangements, making very localised small-scale vaccination impractical.   

“We have therefore been exploring use of our community hospital estate and a network of around 30 identified sites across north Wales to run ad hoc clinics at a local level.  

“For Chirk and surrounding areas, Plas Madoc Leisure Centre will restart vaccination activity 19th October. Sessions will take place on Tuesdays and Saturdays on alternate weeks through to December for residents registered with the four practices in South Wrexham that haven’t signed up to offer boosters in practice (Llangollen, Chirk, Gardden Rd and Hanmer). Appointment letters for these sessions started to be sent out over the last weekend.  

“Anyone receiving a letter who already has an appointment at Catrin Finch can call to rebook into Plas Madoc if they prefer.  

“The other GP practices in the area will be inviting the over 75 cohort to attend their surgeries for their boosters. Those aged under 75 in the initial priority groups will be offered an appointment at Catrin Finch or Plas Madoc, and will have the option to rebook at the location if more convenient.  

“As the booster programme progresses, once the vaccination work in care homes and for housebound individuals has been completed, we will use local case rate and vaccination uptake data to guide deployment of mobile vaccination units to areas in North Wales.” 

County launches website for weekly updates on 2020 scheme

Denbighshire County Council, in partnership with Welsh Government and Transport for Wales, is currently making improvements to Castle Street, Llangollen.

This 2020 scheme includes the creation of:

• wider footways
• improved and safer junctions
• new traffic signals and a pedestrian crossing
• new one-way systems
• resurfacing works

There will be some road closures and temporary traffic lights but the council says it  will work closely with local residents and businesses to listen to any concerns and minimise disruption.

The works should be completed by Spring 2022. 

In a bid to keep in touch with developments on a weekly basis the council has set up a website for updates.

You can log onto it at: https://www.denbighshire.gov.uk/en/parking-roads-and-travel/roadworks/llangollen-2020.aspx

This week's work schedule:

Monday 4 October 2021

Set up traffic management (temporary traffic signals) from the bridge up to just before the junction with Market Street.

Start saw cutting for the new kerb line outside the Royal Hotel into Bridge Street.

Tuesday 5 October 2021

Continue with the work on Bridge Street.

Prepare for the new kerb line along Castle Street.

Wednesday 6 October 2021

Start to lay new kerbs on Bridge street.

Dig out along Castle Street ready for the new kerbs to be laid.

Thursday 7 October 2021

Continue with Castle Street kerb preparations.

Dig up the path along Bridge Street.

Friday 8 October 2021

Lay new kerbs along Castle Street.

First Minister praises "hugely impressive" health centre

* Sir Keir Starmer, left, Ken Skates and Mark Drakeford, far right, speak to practice manager Tessa Orton-Jones outside the health centre during their visit last April.

The “hugely impressive” team at Llangollen Health Centre had their praises sung in the Senedd yesterday by the First Minister.  

Mark Drakeford and local MS Ken Skates also hailed the efforts of all GP surgery and health centre staff in Wales during First Minister’s Questions on Tuesday.  

When primary health services in North Wales were brought up, Clwyd South MS Mr Skates said: “First Minister, during and before the pandemic you were a regular visitor to GP surgeries in Clwyd South, including in Chirk and Llangollen.   

“Would you join me in congratulating all staff at GP surgeries for the incredible work they've done during the pandemic, including, of course, reception staff? Would you also join me in condemning all abusive behaviour towards primary care health staff?”  

The First Minister responded: “I absolutely do that. I thank Ken Skates. It was at his invitation that I went both to Chirk, a little while ago now, but far more recently to the fantastic surgery in Llangollen, a 21st-century surgery with all the facilities that you need to run a modern primary care service.   

“It was hugely impressive hearing directly from the staff there of the way in which they had organised their services during the coronavirus pandemic, the enormous number of vaccinations they were able to do in a single day because of the way that they'd organised the services for that local population, and to hear not just from GPs but, as Ken Skates has said, from the practice manager and others who provide that service.   

“It is a brilliant example, and hugely appreciated by that local population, and I completely agree, as I'm sure Members right across the Chamber do, with what Ken Skates said. None of those people should be subject to abuse for doing the fantastic job that they have done.”  

The First Minister visited Llangollen Health Centre with Mr Skates and UK Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer in April – one of a number of times he’s visited the town this year.  

In 2014 Mr Drakeford, then Health Minister, announced £5m of Welsh Government funding to create a new health centre for the town following a campaign launched by previous Assembly Member Karen Sinclair and taken up by Mr Skates following his election in 2011.  

The former River Lodge building on the banks of the Dee had been bought by the Welsh Labour Government in 2007.  

Police appeal for witnesses to A5 collision

Wrexham.com is reporting that An appeal for witnesses has been launched after three people were taken to hospital following a road traffic collision on the A5 in Glyndyfrdwy last Friday afternoon (October 1st).

At 3:43pm, North Wales Police received a report of a three-vehicle collision involving a grey Jaguar F-Pace (which was towing a caravan), a green Skoda Yeti and a grey Mercedes sprinter on the A5.

Emergency services attended the incident and the driver of one vehicle, and the driver and passenger from another vehicle were all taken to the Wrexham Maelor Hospital.

One man has sustained serious injuries.

Police are now appealing for any witnesses and are keen to speak to anybody who may have been travelling along the A5 between Corwen and Llangollen around the time of the collision, and who may have dash cam footage, to contact officers at the Roads Policing Unit via the website or by calling 101, quoting reference number 21000682951.

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."