Blueprint for town's future wins council endorsement

* SML's chair and deputy chair, Phil Robinson and Issy Richards, during public consultation outside the Co-op in Regent Street.

The people’s own plan for the future of Llangollen has been endorsed by the Town Council.

For the past three years a group of volunteers known as Shape My Llangollen (SML) has been working to produce a Place Plan for the town covering the years 2022-2026.

And last Tuesday night that plan – entitled Caru (Love) Llangollen - was unanimously endorsed by members of the council.

SML was given the task by the Town Council back in the summer of 2018 and, as part of what is thought to be the largest exercise of its type ever undertaken,  has since carried out a series of public consultations  asking the people of Llangollen – residents, businesses and organisations – a number of key questions about their hopes and aspirations for the future development of their area. 

Questions including what they liked or disliked about the town and features they would like to see kept or changed were posed in face-to-face interviews at locations such as the health centre, local superstores and Centenary Square.

This exhaustive testing of grassroots opinion brought in over 1,700 replies and was reinforced by online consultations with major stakeholders in the town, ranging from the International Eisteddfod to the county council and from the Canal & River Authority to representatives of Castle Street  shops.

Although the pandemic slowed up the project it never came to halt and in the latter stages, to make up for any lost time and with the aid of a small National Lottery grant, a firm of expert consultants was brought in to help bring the results of the consultation together in Caru Llangollen, the draft Action Plan.

The views and opinions of the people of Llangollen form the core of the plan, which includes almost 90 separate action points in six sections of aims with headings including “A Community That Works Together Stays Together”, Our Younger Generation Will Be Able to Stay or Return to Live and Work in our Community”, “A Community That Supports a Vibrant Town Centre With Its Own Unique Identity” and “A Community That Provides Essential Services for Its Residents.”

The plan also lists those organisations, such as the town and county councils, responsible for taking the action points forward and gives a time scale for achievement.

There will be a final round f public consultation on the draft plan early in December and armed with the public’s latest impressions on the draft, SML will then produce the final Action Plan ready for publication early in 2022.   

Phil Robinson, who chairs SML, said: “Before final publication of Caru Llangollen in the new year, we are aiming to put it out to a final round of public consultation, hopefully, during early December.

“As we have stressed all along, this is the people’s own plan, echoing the things they have told us about how they would like to see our town shaping up over the year ahead, so we are hoping as many people as possible can join us for the consultation process details of which we will be bringing to you very soon.

“I would once again like to thank all those who have assisted our work and taken part in our earlier rounds of consultation. Without you we could never have completed this rather daunting task the like of which has never before been seen in Llangollen.”      

Here is the Action Plan

Action Plan Terminology

Stakeholders:

 

AONB	Dee Valley and Clwydian Range Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty	NWP	North Wales Police
BCUHB	Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board	NRW	Natural Resources Wales
CC	Cadwyn Clwyd	OPL	Our Picturesque Landscapes
DCC	Denbighshire County Council	SC	Local Schools
FOE	Friends of the Earth Llangollen	SDCP	South Denbighshire Community Partnership
FOP	Friends of Pengwern	SWGPG	South Wrexham General Practice Group
GC	Glandŵr Cymru (Canal and River Trust Wales)	TO	Tourism operators
HA	Housing Associations	WCC	Wales Co-operative Centre
LHC	Llangollen Health Centre	WG	Welsh Government
LFS	Llangollen Food Share	YM	Ymestyn
LTC	Llangollen Town Council
LTE	Llangollen Trade and Enterprise

Lead stakeholders charged with the task of taking forward actions are identified in Bold text and support organisation in Italics in the tables below. 

Priority for Action

 

A	Years 1- 2 schemes
B	Years 3- 4 schemes

 

                                    Our First Aim:

A Community that works together and supports each other

 

Ref	Priority	Stakeholders	Action (What we will do)	Output (Measuring success)	Objective
A1.1	A	LTC	Establish quarterly workshops/meetings to bring organisations together using the community plan as a focus	Enable coordination and promotion of events and activities across the year, and collective ownership of the development of this plan	Improve the collaboration between local organisations
A1.2	A	LTC	Town Council to encourage the re-establishment of a representative and influential Chamber of Trade and Tourism	Promote collaboration and joint initiatives, drive development projects, promote training and support opportunities, and coordinate activities and promotional activities
A1.3	A	LTC	Town Council to consider town and place management role	To develop programmes to improve the location or to maintain existing good standard of operation.
A1.4	A	LTC LTE	Establish and maintain a Community Calendar/Diary to publicise events and activities at one place.	Enable coordination and promotion of events and activities across the year
A1.5	A	LTC LTE	Establish and maintain a Community Directory with the contact details of key personnel in organisations and businesses	Enable easy communication between key individuals and organisations
A1.6	A	LTC LTE	Host regular volunteering fairs and events, targeting groups with time and incentive to get involved e.g., retirees/empty nesters with time on their hands, or young people needing volunteering opportunities for Welsh Baccalaureate or Duke of Edinburgh Award	Raise awareness and promote local opportunities to volunteer or get involved, the benefits of participating, and the difference that can be made	Increase the number of people involved with supporting our local community
A1.7	A	HA LTC	Engage families through the housing associations to identify needs of children and young people
A1.8	A	LTC	Engage youth groups via two Town Council youth reps
A1.9	A	LTC	Host regular 'community cafe' drop-in sessions to encourage community participation in developing projects and initiatives	Enable more people to actively influence and take part in activities that benefit the communities
A1.10	A	LTC	Town Councillors to hold regular 'Street Surgeries' as have been successfully trialled in the past
A1.11	B	LTC	Explore viability of establishing a Time Credit scheme in Llangollen
A1.12	A	LTC	Develop a 'Youth Council' with their own budget to deliver projects

 

Our Second Aim:

Our Younger Generation will be able to stay or return to live and work in our community

 

Ref	Priority	Stakeholders	Action (What we will do)	Output (Measuring Success)	Objective
A2.1	A	DCC LTC	Collaborate with DCC to promote current schemes to encourage and enable landlords to develop affordable residential units in vacant spaces e.g., Empty Home and Investor Matching Service	Increased participation in support schemes by Llangollen landlords leading to new affordable residential developments	Increase the provision of affordable housing for local people
A2.2	A	DCC LTC	Apply learning from other studies into transforming empty spaces above shops into residential units	Replicating successful interventions that lead to development of new affordable residential units in currently vacant spaces above local shops
A2.3	A	DCC LTC	Collaborate with DCC to develop clear evidence base for the need for affordable housing	Evidence to support and influence future affordable residential developments and inform the new DCC Local Development Plan
A2.4	A	DCC LTC	Undertake or commission a study to ascertain why potential residential development sites are currently vacant
A2.5	A	LTC DCC	Identify potentially viable sites for affordable housing, and liaise with DCC to include within the new Local Development Plan
A2.6	A	LTC WG	Town Council could adopt a position regarding change of use of residential housing to holiday accommodation in light of the Welsh Government’s pilot to address the second homes crisis in Wales
A2.7	B	LTC HA	Explore viability of setting up a land trust or similar in order to secure land for affordable homes development	Potential new organisation to enable the community to shape and drive future development
A2.8	A	LTE LTC	Arrange annual employer and training fairs to promote employment and training opportunities, and to encourage local people to work for local businesses.	More employers, employees and the unemployed accessing bespoke training opportunities	Accessible Training Opportunities for local people
A2.9	A	LTE TO	Establish positive ongoing relationships with regional training providers, identifying and developing training opportunities relevant to the needs of Llangollen businesses and residents

 

Our Third Aim:

A Community that supports a vibrant town centre with its own unique identity

 

Ref	Priority	Stakeholders	Action (What we will do)	Output (Measuring Success)	Objective
A3.1	A	LTE DCC	Engage with landlords regarding diversifying businesses in the town	Encourage a more attractive visitor offer, additional jobs, and more resilient economy	Increase employment opportunities in the town
A3.2	A	LTC DCC	Town Council to explore synergy with LDP and adopt local policies encouraging diversification which are enforced/supported by DCC
A3.3	A	LTC DCC LTE	Identify our strengths as a town and build an offer around it to attract new businesses and employers
A3.4	B	LTE	Promote existing support/networking schemes and opportunities to local businesses	Enable businesses to benefit from current support opportunities
A3.5	A	LTE	Identify and encourage use of local products and supply chains	Encourage collaboration, mutual support, and joint initiatives between local businesses
A3.6	B	LTE	Explore and coordinate a joint marketing/promotion scheme e.g., Stamp Passports
A3.7	B	WCC LTC LTE	Promote and support development of digital skills and infrastructure	Supporting businesses to adapt to changing retail and customer habits and expectations
A3.8	B	LTC AONB	Develop a signature project to improve the 'welcome' to the town along the A5 from the East	Improve the welcome to the town, promoting our vibrant cultural heritage and identity	Improve the quality of Llangollen’s streetscape and outdoor public spaces
A3.9	A	LTE	Street Banners to promote the area and brighten up the streets
A3.10	A	LTC DCC	Adopt a policy that all new developments in town centre must be accessible to all	Ensure all public areas and businesses are accessible for all
A3.11	A	LTC DCC	Establish locations for street entertainers and a clear plan to manage such activities	Cater for events and cultural performances to attract visitors to the town centre and create a unique sense of place
A3.12	A	LTC DCC	Identify space for public events, markets etc (indoor or out) and develop the area accordingly
A3.13	A	DCC LTC	Invest in improving outdoor green spaces and recreation areas, including Riverside Park water feature.	Better quality public green spaces and recreational areas within the town.
A3.14	A	DCC WG LTC	Collaborate in the implementation of the Castle Street Project	Improve Traffic flow and Parking provision in Llangollen Town Centre	Improve the Management of traffic, pedestrians, and parking in the Town
A3.15	A	DCC LTC	Identify potential sites to provide additional visitor parking
A3.16	A	DCC LTC	Lobby for support and funding for the 4-Highways project
A3.17	A	LTC DCC	Lobby for 20mph speed restriction in town centre	Safer roads for pedestrians, cyclists and vehicles on our main routes through the town
A3.18	A	LTC DCC	Lobby for weight restriction on the bridge
A3.19	B	DCC AONB	New circular cycling and walking routes connecting key sites	Develop new circular routes connecting key attractions for cyclists and pedestrians
A3.20	A	AONB OPL DCC	Connection of the new Wenffrwd pocket park to town centre and canal, via footpath network	Circular routes promoting heritage sites

                                                         Our Fourth Aim:

A Community that provides a sustainable and High Quality visitor offer

 

Ref	Priority	Stakeholders	Action (What we will do)	Output (Measuring Success)	Objective
A4.1	A	LTC WHS DCC	Re-establish active links and representation between World Heritage Site management groups and the Town Council	Capitalise on World Heritage Site Status, and influence developments to benefit Llangollen	Develop a high-quality offer in the outdoor adventure, cultural and heritage sectors that respects local distinctiveness
A4.2	A	LTC DCC LTE	Step up promotion of existing high quality visitor attractions focusing on the area’s unique selling points of culture, events, heritage attractions and natural beauty all set in a distinctive historic Welsh town	Develop a unique sense of place and identity, and enabling smaller businesses to benefit from the draw of our major attractions and Welsh heritage
A4.3	A	AONB OPL DCC	Trial Shuttle Bus service between key sites within the AONB	Link Llangollen with other heritage sites in the region to draw visitors
A4.4	B	LTC DCC LTE	Explore ways to promote and grow the Outdoor Activity Sector	Promote and manage sustainable growth in the outdoor activities sector
A4.5	B	LTC DCC LTE	Commission work to rationalise branding and messaging, focusing on World Heritage Site status but also incorporating AONB, Cittaslow, Plastic Free Llangollen etc.	A single coherent brand, image, and message to promote Llangollen	Improve the promotion of Llangollen’s attractions and events
A4.6	B	LTC DCC LTE	Work with businesses to develop messaging that promotes longer (overnight) stays visiting multiple establishments.	Targeting and attracting long-staying, high- spending visitors
A4.7	B	LTC DCC LTE	Encourage the provision of more hotel bedspaces including chain budget hotel e.g., Travelodge/Premier Inn
A4.8	A	LTC DCC LTE	Develop a marketing campaign spotlighting Llangollen’s attractions and events
A4.9	A	LTC LTE	Develop a coordinated calendar of events to ensure pressure on services and places is shared out across the year	Mitigate pressure on key sites and disruption to local residents during busy periods	Sustainable Management of Tourism
A4.10	A	AONB LTC	Collaborate with AONB team to organise and manage events within the AONB
A4.11	B	LTC DCC LTE	Work with partners to identify methods to manage visitor flows around the town and key sites during busy periods
A4.12	A	LTC DCC LTE	Develop common messages regarding sustainable behaviour toward both local people and the environment, and encourage local businesses to share and reinforce them with their visitors	Encourage and endorse responsible and sustainable behaviour by our visitors.
A4.13	A	LTC DCC LTE	Further develop calendar of extended (non-weather dependant) out of season events and activities which reflect Llangollen's character	Attract high value visitors during the quieter winter months to support businesses all year round and enable more permanent employment opportunities as opposed to seasonal	Extending the Season
A4.14	A	LTE TO	Work with local accommodation providers/camp sites to provide alternative accommodation options for potential out of season visitors, e.g., retired motorhome owners

                                                               Our Fifth Aim:

A Community that values, protects, and promotes the scenic beauty of our heritage and natural environment.

 

Ref	Priority	Stakeholders	Action (What we will do)		Output (Measuring Success)	Objective
A5.1	A	LTC DCC		Town Council to oppose planning applications that are contrary to the aims of the Conservation Area	Enforce suitable and sustainable developments	Increase employment opportunities in the Town
A5.2	A	LTC DCC		Town Council to oppose planning applications that are detrimental to the area's scenic beauty and natural environment
A5.3	A	LTC DCC		Collaborate with DCC to ensure measures to protect the scenic beauty, historic and natural heritage are included in the new LDP
A5.4	A	DCC LTC		Develop proposals for a fit for purpose recycling facility in Llangollen, both for household waste and street litter	Encourage and endorse responsible and sustainable behaviour.	Enabling residents and visitors to access recycling facilities, and support DCC to reach their recycling targets
A5.5	A	LTC		Continue to ensure that any Town Council organised events use locally sourced food, wherever and avoid single use tableware.
A5.6		FOE LTC		Maintain the town’s status as a Plastic Free Community
A5.7	A	LTC		Undertake or commission work to explore the feasibility of establishing a green energy (hydro/solar) scheme managed by a Community Interest Company	Reduce dependency on fossil fuels.	Establish a green energy infrastructure and enable residents and businesses to reduce their carbon footprint and cater for changing demands to and addressing the Climate and Ecological emergency
A5.8	A	LTC		Town Council to change to green energy suppliers
A5.9	A	LTC		Investigate and install electric vehicle charging points in Llangollen.
A5.10	B	AONB DCC LTC		Support the formal recognition of the Clwydian Range and Dee Valley AONB as a ‘Dark Sky Community’ from the International Dark Sky Association (IDA).	To protect and preserve unique night-time conditions.
A5.11	A	LTC DCC		Align the Town Council’s Community Grants to projects that contribute to mitigating climate change and promoting biodiversity	Encourage activities that contribute to sustaining our historic and natural heritage and addressing the Climate Crisis
A5.12	A	LTC DCC SDCP		Support and promote the work of groups such as Llangollen Tidy Towns, Friends of the Earth and Llangollen Food Share#
	A	LTC SC		Collaborate with the schools to raise awareness of local heritage, environment, and the climate crisis
A5.13	B	DCC LTC AONB		Ensure that the definitive footpath map details all public rights of way within the community including ancient green lanes	Promote awareness and understanding of the value and management of our heritage and natural environment	Encourage local residents to sustainably manage our natural resources
A5.14	A	NRW AONB FOP		Develop the Pengwern Vale Community Environment Project

Our Sixth Aim:

A Community that provides essential services for its residents

 

Ref	Priority	Stakeholders	Action (What we will do)	Output (Measuring Success)	Objective
A6.1	A	LTC DCC	Engage youth groups via two Town Council youth reps to identify their needs and how we can work with them to deliver these	Identifying the needs of our young people so we can work with them to deliver projects to meet these	Improve Services for children and young people
A6.2	A	HA LTC	Engage families through housing associations to identify needs of children and young people
A6.3	B	LTC DCC	Promote training and employment opportunities in youth services	Addressing the identified lack of youth workers in the Dee Valley, both paid and voluntary.
A6.4	B	LTC DCC	Explore opportunities for intergenerational activities	Mutual beneficial projects to bring the community together	Ensure access to essential services for our residents who rely on them
A6.5	B	SDCP LRC	Expand the current Dial a Ride Scheme	Ensure essential transport is available for local residents
A6.6	B	SDCP LRC	Expand Meals on Wheels into Llangollen	Ensure food and essential goods are accessible for local residents
A6.7	A	LFS SDCP	Explore ways to support the current foodbank and food share initiatives to continue to meet increasing demands
A6.8	A	LTC DCC	Open a New Solo Digital Space service at the Library for people to access online support and platforms such as Zoom, Teams etc.	Respond to the new ways people are accessing services and changing working arrangements
A6.9	A	LTC	Review accessibility of the Town Council's services, recognising the need for a blended digital and face to face approach.	Ensure food and essential goods are accessible for local residents
A6.10	A	LTC DCC	Refer residents to DCC 's Digital Buddy Scheme
A6.11	B	FOP DCC SDCP	Develop a community Makerspace skills workshop at Pengwern	A new workshop space for practical skills development, upcycling, bike repairs, office provision and toilet facilities
A6.12	A	LTC	Undertake or commission a feasibility study to explore the potential for a new multipurpose community hub at the Town Hall	A clear understanding of the need for, viability and potential benefits of developing the town hall into a multipurpose community hub. Support local organisations to make improvements to Llangollen's community facilities	Improve Llangollen's community owned facilities
A6.13	A	LTC	Support planning applications that aim to improve both the quality and sustainability of community facilities, as long as they do not adversely affect the character and heritage characteristics of the town
A6.14	B	DCC FOP NRW	Promote engagement in sport, nature, creativity and social engagement as a means of keeping well. Nature for Health Programme
A6.15	A	SWGPG BCUHB LTC DCC HA	Ensure that residents’ views collected for the Place Plan and relating to Health and Well-being, are shared	Improve health and wellbeing by increasing access to the local environment	Ensure access to essential health services for our residents
A6.16	A	YM LHC	Many elderly people and individuals with current care needs in the community are excluded in some way from participating in social community life. Befriending is one way by which they can be supported to get more fully involved	Befriending provides companionship for isolated people a chance to develop a new relationship and opportunity to participate in local activities address issues associated with isolation and loneliness
A6.17	A	DCC LTC	Tackle environmental crime by clamping down on anti-social behaviour	To prevent the area from deteriorating and ensure it is free from litter	To feel safe at home, and secure in the area and with people in the community
A6.18	A	DCC LTC	Review existing dog control areas	To ensure areas of open space and recreation grounds are protected.
A6.19	B	NWP AONB	Actively police and advise of the effects of the illegal use of a vehicle which can lead to criminal damage of roads, other vehicles and surrounding property.	To manage off roading in the area to prevent anti-social behaviour
A6.20	A	NWP LTC	Refocus Neighbourhood Watch schemes which are not just about crime awareness but are also about supporting communities to tackle issues within them	To create a greater sense of security and reduce the fear of crime

 

Electric vehicle charging points planned for two Llan car parks

* Market Street car park will be the site for two of the fast-charging points.

Denbighshire County Council has secured cash to provide four electric vehicle charging points in two Llangollen car parks.

The council will receive a total of £57,400 grant funding from the UK Government’s Office for Zero Emission Vehicles, supported by the Energy Saving Trust, to support the delivery of an Electric Vehicle Public Charging Pilot.

The pilot will provide fast charging points in eight public car parks across Denbighshire for use by the public, including Market Street and the Pavilion car parks in Llangollen. 

The locations include:

Factory Ward Car Park	Denbigh	2 x 22 kilowatt (KW) Alternating Current (AC) charge points (ability to charge 4 vehicles)
Bowling Green Car Park	St Asaph	1 x 22kW AC (ability to charge 2 vehicles)
Market St Car Park	Llangollen	2 x 22 kW AC (ability to charge 4 vehicles)
Pavilion Car Park	Llangollen	2 x 22 kW AC (ability to charge 4 vehicles)
Cae Ddol Car Park	Ruthin	2 x 7Kw AC (ability to charge 4 vehicles)
Craft Centre Car Park	Ruthin	2 x 22 kW AC (ability to charge 4 vehicles)
Fern Ave Car Park	Prestatyn	2 x7Kw AC (ability to charge 4 vehicles)
Morley Road Car Park	Rhyl	2 x 22kW AC (ability to charge 4 vehicles)

Locations have been selected using a range of criteria including location and accessibility and 

Locations have been selected using a range of criteria including location and accessibility and include a mixture of key routes and car parks close to residential properties without access to off-road parking.

Procurement for the charging points will take place in the autumn with the intention for them to be installed and operational by Spring 2022.

The aim is to open up possibilities for people to transition to an electric vehicle where they didn’t previously have access to a charging facility.

The project is part of the council’s action to tackle climate change following the declaration of a Climate and Ecological Emergency in 2019 and adoption of the Climate and Ecological Change Strategy in 2021.

Other Electric vehicle initiatives are involved in the council’s goal to meet the target of a net carbon zero council by 2030. 

Projects currently under development include expanding the council’s Electric Vehicle Charging infrastructure and increasing the number of electric vehicles in its Fleet to deliver Council services.

The council is also delivering a pilot project to encourage taxi companies to transition to the use of electric vehicles after securing funding from Welsh Government.

Cllr Brian Jones, the Council’s Lead Member for Waste, Transport and the Environment, said: “It is fantastic for the Council to be part of such an important project which plays a vital part within our aim to tackle the climate and ecological emergency.

“Electric vehicles are a big part of our future so this is an important step for the county.

“They will create healthier surroundings and provide convenience for those community members and visitors who choose to use an electric vehicle.

“These charging points will provide a real advantage to the whole of Denbighshire but we also hope that some of these locations will be of particular benefit to nearby households with no off road charging facilities. They will also provide useful data to inform potential future expansion analysis of the EV Charging network here in Denbighshire.”

The electric vehicle charging points will be located on two of Denbighshire Leisure site’s including Llangollen Pavilion and Ruthin Craft Centre.

Jamie Groves, Managing Director of Denbighshire Leisure Ltd, said: “As a company we are committed to improving the environment for our residents, which contributes to better Health and Wellbeing. We are delighted to be supporting the Council and the Welsh Government in tackling the climate and ecological emergency declared in 2019, and beyond this project we will continue to work with the Council on a number of projects towards their climate change agenda.”

* For more information about the council’s wider climate and ecological change strategy visit - www.denbighshire.gov.uk/en/environmental-health/climate-and-ecological-change/climate-and-ecological-change.aspx

MP welcomes new charging points

Member of Parliament for Clwyd South, Simon Baynes MP, has welcomed the news that Denbighshire Council has secured grant funding from the UK Government to develop an Electric Vehicle Public Charging Pilot scheme. 

He said: “I warmly welcome the news that Denbighshire Council has secured grant funding from the UK Government to develop an Electric Vehicle Public Charging Pilot scheme which will benefit residents in Llangollen. 

"And it shows the commitment of the UK Conservative Government to Clwyd South and North Wales as this scheme comes as part of the Prime Minister’s focus on supporting green jobs, and accelerating our path to net zero as part of the Green Industrial Revolution.

“This is a great initiative with strong potential to kickstart the uptake of electric vehicles in Llangollen and the rest of Denbighshire. Electric vehicles are a big part of our future so this is an important step for making a greener, cleaner Llangollen.”

New charges to be made for DIY and construction waste

The Denbighshire Free press is reporting that Plans to charge residents for some household waste at recycling centres have been backed by the county council's cabinet.

* For the full story, see: https://www.denbighshirefreepress.co.uk/news/19660169.recycling-centres-denbighshire-charge-diy-construction-waste/ 

Latest Citizens Advice column

Here is the latest column from Denbighshire Citizens Advice:

Q: My energy supplier recently went under and the new tariff I’ve been put on is far more than I used to pay. I’ve heard energy prices are set to rise further and I’m just not sure I can afford it. What help can I get or small changes can I make around my house to help save some money this winter?

A: The cost of energy is very high at the moment and it's causing many people to worry. Normally we would suggest switching to a better deal, but the situation is very difficult at the moment and there aren’t a lot of good deals out there. However, there are still other small ways you can keep your bills down.

Little everyday things can help, such as making sure televisions and other electronic devices are switched off and not left on standby; washing clothes on a lower temperature; and only filling the kettle with the water you need.

Turning down your main thermostat by 1 degree can save you around £60 on your energy bill. And by spending one minute less in the shower each day, a family of four could save £75 a year on energy and water bills. The Government’s Simple Energy Advice website has more tips like this.

You’re right in another way about bills going through the roof - and the walls. One way of cutting costs in the long-run is to invest in good insulation if you can afford to. If you’re renting, ask your landlord to do this.

You may be able to get financial support to help insulate your home under the Energy Company Obligation scheme. Contact your energy supplier for more information. If you’re in a household that’s not connected to the gas grid you may also be able to receive help under the Home Upgrade Grant scheme through your local authority.

There’s some financial support available for paying your energy bills, depending on your situation. For example, if you’re a pensioner with a low income or receive Universal Credit orother means-tested benefits, you may be entitled to the Warm Home Discount. This gives you £140 a year to go towards your bills. Check the Government website to find out if you can claim it.

The Government recently announced a £500m fund to support households this winter so keep a look out for announcements about how this could help you. In England, it will be distributed by Local Authorities. In Wales, it will be decided by the Government.

Remember you can always call our consumer helpline on 0808 2231133 for free advice about your energy costs and staying warm this winter.

  

MP says he will continue to hold face-to-face surgeries

In the wake of the killing of his colleague Sir David Amess during an advice surgery last week, Clwyd South MP Simon Baynes (pictured) says he will continue to hold face-to-face advice sessions with his own constituents.

Sir David died from multiple stab wounds as he held his regular surgery at a local church in Leigh-on-Sea in Southend West on Friday of last week.

Mr Baynes, the Welsh Conservative Member for this area, has issued a statement today in which he says: "I am deeply shocked and saddened by the death of Sir David Amess. 

"He was a much liked and respected Member of Parliament and my thoughts and prayers are with his family, friends and staff."

He added: "Recently, with the reduction in Covid restrictions, I have started to hold MP advice surgeries in person again, including surgeries in Overton and Llangollen, during which I was able to help residents on a one-to-one basis with their issues. 

"And I will continue to hold such face-to-face MP advice surgeries across the constituency in close co-ordination with the police and remotely via Zoom."

Town clerk back at his desk after recovering from Covid-19

* Llangollen's Town Clerk, Gareth Thomas.

Llangollen's Town Clerk is back at his desk after recovering from coronavirus. 

Commenting on his experience Gareth Thomas said: “It was certainly something that I would not wish to experience again, and I urge individuals to take care as the winter approaches. 

"I had been doubly vaccinated and yet still managed to catch Covid which resulted in a short period in hospital. 

"Things can change so rapidly, and everybody should be cautious."

Mr Thomas said he would like to thank all those local people who had contacted him expressing their best wishes for a speedy recovery, which was "much appreciated".

Turning to work matters, the Town Clerk confirmed that no problems had been encountered during his period of absence and this, he said, was largely due to the close working relationship he has with the Town Hall Facilities Officer, Charlie Jones, who stepped in to make sure that activities in the pipeline were implement effectively.

He added: "The large projects referred to by Cllr  Palmer in his press statement of September 28 are still pressing ahead. 

"The highways work on Castle Street is a project being driven by the county council, and therefore was not affected and is continuing apace.

"Work continues, on schedule, to the roof of the Town Hall. The scaffolding will be completely erected by the end of this week and the main contractor, Grosvenor Construction, will provide temporary protection to ensure weather shielding to the interior spaces.  

"Works to repair the clock tower are due to be completed by November 8 and the remaining roofing and rainwater goods by December 2. 

"Last but not least, the ceiling repairs will make the most of a lull in use of the auditorium to be completed by December 15."

Mr Thomas went on: "Preparations for Remembrance 2021 are in place and the Town Council will hold the Annual Remembrance Sunday Service on November 14 on Centenary Square.  

"As usual the parade will muster on Market Street at 10.30am and the Service of Remembrance will start at 10.45am.

"In the days leading up to that Sunday there will be a short Act of Remembrance at the War Memorials at 10.45am on Armistice Day organised by the Royal British Legion.

"In a departure from previous years individuals or organisations requiring a wreath for the service on the Sunday are asked to call into the Council Chamber between the hours of 10 and 12noon, then 4pm and 6pm on Wednesday and Thursday, November 10 and 11 and between 2pm and 4pm on Friday November 12.

"Wreaths will be available for purchase at a cost of £20 and it is important that a cheque, payable to the Royal British Legion, or cash to cover the cost is presented on collection to ensure that the Royal British Legion maximises the amount it raises locally."

MS welcomes vision for future of Welsh economy

* Clwyd South MS Ken Skates.

Member of the Senedd for Clwyd South, Ken Skates, has welcomed the Minister for Economy’s vision for the future, which focuses on better jobs, narrowing the skills divide, and tackling poverty. 

At a hybrid Economic Summit, attended by businesses, trades unions and local government leaders, Welsh Labour’s Minister for Economy, Vaughan Gething, discussed how Wales can create a stronger, fairer, and greener economic future. 

The Minister committed to extending the ‘Team Wales’ model to offer ‘as much certainty as possible’ for businesses facing a volatile recovery.

He also promised a new era of partnership to strengthen regional economic development, a delivery plan to back the everyday economy, and wide-ranging support for workers in a fast-changing economy.

He said the Welsh Labour Government will work with unions and businesses to develop its ‘something for something’ approach so that Welsh public money is wedded to action on fair work, decarbonisation, and skills.

Mr Gething  also started a conversation about the long-term demographic challenge facing the Welsh economy. 

The proportion of the population aged 16 to 64 years old in Wales has been decreasing year-on-year since mid-2008 – and could be just 58% of the population by 2043. 

In response, the Minister said the approach taken by Welsh Labour’s Ministers will be geared towards creating an economy where more young people feel confident about planning their future in Wales, supporting job creation and more dynamic local economies. 

Welcoming the vision, Member of the Senedd for Clwyd South, Ken Skates MS, said:“Welsh Labour in Government is taking the bold action required to build a stronger, fairer, and greener Wales for us all. The last 18 months have been extremely difficult for us all, but by coming together we have kept Wales safe, and now the Welsh Labour Government wants to deliver a ‘Team Wales’ recovery, built by all of us.

“Our strong Welsh recovery will rightly be based on the principles of fair work and sustainability as the Welsh Government invests in the industries and services of the future. 

“A new era of partnership for stronger regions, a young person’s guarantee, a plan to back our everyday economy and collaboration with world leading, advanced manufacturing is exactly the focus we need as we move forward.”