Llangollen's Four Great Highways scheme explained

 

Since llanblogger’s story yesterday about cash from the UK Government’s Levelling Up fund being used to support various schemes in Llangollen, readers have been requesting more details of one of these projects – ‘connectivity improvements including a new public space at the junction of Castle Street and Abbey Road’. Here Llangollen county councillor Graham Timms, who has been closely involved with what is known as the Four Great Highways scheme, explains what it is all about.

He says: “The Four Great Highways is a scheme that was conceived as another phase of the Llangollen 2020 project. We had community consultations and shared the project with the town council too.

“I understand that part of the levelling up fund for Clwyd South will be for a project based on this.

“The money is split between Denbighshire County Council (DCC) and Wrexham County Borough Council.

“The whole levelling up fund is being concentrated on the Dee Valley with some Aqueduct projects, Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty projects, Four Great Highways, the railway to Corwen and other linked projects.

“DCC are managing the project on our side of the county boundary. We expected the Four Great Highways to be the next stage of the Llangollen 2020 project and had been actively seeking funds from a number of grant providers and received indications that it was the type of scheme that would be supported.

“It  will provide better active travel, improved disabled access between Lower Dee Mill Park, Llangollen Bridge and the wharf and a much safer route up to Ysgol Dinas Bran.

“The new public space gives a focal point at this historic junction in the town. It will provide opportunities to highlight the history of transport in Llangollen and encouraging visitors to explore our other great assets in the Dee Valley.

“The DCC part of the bid was approved for submission at a cabinet meeting in May this year. It was brought up in the "Urgent Matters" agenda item and both Mel Mile and I spike in favour of the project in the cabinet meeting.

“Details in the paper and the minutes for the May Cabinet meeting on DCC's website at: https://moderngov.denbighshire.gov.uk/ieListDocuments.aspx?CId=281&MId=6270&Ver=4&LLL=0 

LUC environmental consultants, which has been working on Four Great Highways, explained in a briefing document: “The aim of the project is to draw attention to and celebrate the uniqueness of Llangollen in Denbighshire. We will explore issues such as improving access and connectivity, creating an uplift in the visual appearance of the public realm within the setting of the heritage assets.

“We will devise a network of interpretation, signage and public art which promotes a legible environment, creates a sense of place and reinforces the importance of the town’s legacy.”

Summarising the scheme, LUC said it includes:

* A proposed viewing platform located adjacent to Llangollen bridge

* A fully accessible footpath network into Lower Dee Mill Park

* Raised crossing points to resolve pedestrian and vehicle conflict

* An approach to interpretation with precedent examples.

Ford pick-up that's rugged enough for Clint Eastwood

Ford Ranger launch report by Steve Rogers

What did the Romans do for us? Amongst other things they built roads along some pretty treacherous, freezing, windswept Welsh hillsides so their foot-slogging centurions could carry on invading our lands.

Nearly 2,000 years later we are still driving those roads, preferably in off roaders, which I was doing in the Brecon Beacons for the launch of new models of the Ford Ranger. What those poor soldiers wouldn't have given to be tucked up in a warm Ranger cab because it is pretty wild along Sarn Helen even on a sunny winter's day.

So new Ford Rangers, but I am sensing confusion from those who have seen previews of next year's all new pick up on social media. Okay this is not THE new model, merely new names to keep interest alive because the next generation Ranger will not arrive here until 2023.

That said Ford has gone to extreme lengths to promote the additional models producing a film inspired by the classic Clint Eastwood spaghetti western called The Good, the Bad and the Bad-RSE and starring the top of the range Raptor Special Edition. It was even shot on the original film set in the mountains of Almeria Province in Spain.

Raptor SE joins Wolftrak, MS-RT and Stormtrak targeting life-stylers switching from SUVs to double cab pick-ups and the special edition is a real bad boy. It has a beefed up chassis and bespoke multi-link rear suspension, sits 51mm taller than the standard Ranger, is pimped up with blue and red racing style stripes and bulging plastic clad wheel arches and will set you back £54k. Ouch!

Power comes from a 209bhp bi-turbo 2-litre diesel engine mated to a 10-speed automatic gearbox that is shared with the Mustang sports car. This is not the best model for trade or a farmer because the payload is halved and towing capacity down 1000kg.

Even though Raptor SE will tackle the toughest of off road challenges reality can be found in the everyday models which have leaf spring suspension upping the payload to just over 1100kg while towing capacity is 3,500kg, the norm for pick-ups.

The bi-turbo engine is a lot more powerful and more refined than the Isuzu D-Max tested last month with a whopping 500Nm or torque and although the 10-speed auto sounds over the top it provides smooth changes and is fairly quick off the mark.

The cheaper Wolftrak model is offered with a 167bhp power train and a six-speed manual option. It has a healthy 420Nm of torque which is 60Nm up on the D-Max and more than adequate for most heavy duty needs. Expect to average around 32mpg and 29-30mpg for the bi-turbo.

As readers will know I am not a fan of touchscreen heating controls but I will make an exception with the Ranger because it is the easiest I have come across. If you need quick demisting, temperature or fan adjustments there are physical switches in the centre console.

The pick-up market has been turned upside down with only Ford, Toyota, Isuzu and SSangYong left and Ford is hell bent on making sure it stays as the UK's best seller with special edition models taking the range to nine.

As we found out on the test drive Ranger has enough all wheel drive technology to tackle the most demanding of conditions whether it is traversing rocks, descending steep gullies or ploughing through a mud bath thanks to the low range setting, diff lock and hill descent control, and is likely to stay at the top of the pick-up league until more competition arrives.

Fast facts

Ranger Limited Double Cab

£41,455 (starts £28,785)

2-litre Bi-turbo diesel; 209bhp

0-62mph 9secs; 112mph

36mpg combined

205g/km

Insurance group 39

Towing: 3500kg

County hosts waste and recycling recruitment event

Denbighshire County Council is hosting a waste and recycling recruitment event as it looks to take on more workers to help with the expansion of services.

The event will be held at Denbigh Town Hall this Friday, December 10 over two sessions with a choice of attending one of two sessions to learn more about the service and the various roles available.

The first session will begin at 10.30am and the later one will start at 1pm.

The event aims to attract individuals aged 17 and over, who enjoy working outdoors within a friendly team environment, to discover available training and career opportunities.

Staff from the council will be talking about how local jobseekers can make a positive difference to the county as well as informing individuals on the benefits of working for Denbighshire.

A variety of posts from entry level right through to LGV driver level are available to help residents recycle even more.

Individuals who wish to apply for available waste and recycling vacancies will be supported on the day, says the council.

* Anyone is welcome to attend the free event but must register their attendance beforehand by emailing employmentcoordinators@denbighshire.gov.uk.

Welsh Secretary visits sites to receive Levelling Up boost

* Welsh Secretary Simon Hart, second right, with Simon Baynes MP, second left, and council officials at the aqueduct. 

Secretary of State for Wales Simon Hart has viewed sites in north east Wales which are receiving more than £13m in UK Government funding to boost tourism and improve facilities for visitors, including one in Llangollen.

The Welsh Secretary joined Clwyd South MP Simon Baynes and Wrexham Council last Friday to see how the money, allocated as part of the UK Government’s new Levelling Up Fund, will transform connectivity, public spaces and services in the area.

A total of £13.3m was granted to the project in October’s Autumn Budget – part of the first round of successful bids for the £4.8bn Levelling Up Fund which invests in infrastructure that improves everyday life across the UK, including regenerating town centre and high streets, upgrading local transport, and investing in cultural and heritage assets. 

There are three phases in the north east Wales project: 

1. The Trevor Basin Technical Masterplan which will see investment in a new arrival area, rewilding former industrial land, setting up a woodland activity and education area and creating a new Dee Valley walking route in the area around the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct World Heritage site. 

2. Connectivity improvements in the area including a new public space at the junction of Castle Street and Abbey Road in Llangollen, improving links between Llangollen and the Wenffrwd Nature Reserve through a walking / cycling route along a disused railway line and new visitor facilities at Llantysilio Green / Horseshoe Falls. 

3. Improvements to Corwen Station and car park including electric vehicle charging points and the creation of a walking / cycling route along the disused railway line between Corwen and Cynwyd. 

On Friday, Mr Hart, Mr Baynes and members of Wrexham Council visited the Trevor Basin, Pontcysyllte Aqueduct and the River Dee to learn how the levelling-up investment would benefit the area. 

Secretary of State for Wales Simon Hart said: “The UK Government is completely focused on levelling up our communities, improving infrastructure and connectivity and creating opportunity for people right across Wales.

“It was fantastic to see the ambitious plans for the Dee Valley and surrounding area and learn how the major injection of funding we are providing will unlock the potential of all our local areas.

“We are aiming to provide investment where it’s needed and where it can make a real difference to people’s lives.”

Clwyd South MP Simon Baynes said: “I am hugely grateful to the Secretary of State for taking the time to join us at the Trevor Basin to discuss the ambitious plans underway to level up Clwyd South and our communities in North East Wales, with the Trevor Basin masterplan, the investment in Llangollen and Chirk, and the proposals for the Corwen area.

“The projects have huge potential to benefit Clwyd South residents and visitors alike. They will not only provide jobs and a much needed economic boost to Clwyd South but also improve the well-being of our residents by widening access to recreation, outdoor and other amenity activities. And will celebrate the amazing history, language and culture of our part of Wales and bring them to a wider audience.”

The Wrexham and north east Wales project was one of 10 successful bids in the first round of applications for the new Levelling Up Fund including the regeneration of Aberystwyth seafront, an important dualling of the A4119 in South Wales and redevelopment of the Theatr Brycheiniog Arts Centre in Brecon. 

It was also announced last month that more than 160 projects across Wales will also receive a share of more than £46m in the first round of the Community Renewal Fund which will pilot new programmes that invest in people, boost skills and support local business.  

And three further projects in Wales received over £460,000 from the new Community Ownership Fund designed to protect valued community assets.

Popular Christmas Cheer returns with a new venue

The popular Llangollen Christmas Cheer event is returning - with a move to a new venue.

The evening of festive pre-Christmas entertainment, organised by the Inner Wheel Club  of Llangollen, is being held at St Collen’s Community Hall on Friday, December 17, starting at 6.30 for 7pm. 

Apart from last year’s pandemic hit event, it has been a permanent fixture for the past 30 years, starting as a wassail at what was then the ECTARC Centre  - now the library - and moving to the Town Hall where it evolved into Christmas Cheer.

The format has changed very little in that time. Members of the audience are greeted with a warming glass of punch on arrival. In between the two halves of entertainment in words and music, everyone enjoys a two-course meal.

Over the years members of the club have been keen to nurture local talent with a number of past performers having gone on to become professional opera singers.

This year will be no exception when they welcome James Reardon, a promising young pianist from the town. Also appearing will be Helen Belton, well known to many for her singing talents especially as a member of St Collen's church choir.

Also living locally Caitlin Drake is fast making a name for herself on the professional musical theatre stage. To add gravitas to the occasion Gethin Davies will be performing some favourite monologues.

The accompanist and musical coordinator is Owen Roberts, a valued friend of the club who has been performing this task for most of the 30 years.

The evening will end with a hearty sing-a-long of familiar carols conducted by Gethin.

Due to Covid restrictions the numbers of tickets available has had to be restricted but there are a few remaining prices at £15. There will be a bar available and a raffle. All proceeds will be donated to the charities supported by Inner Wheel in the local area.

* For more information or to purchase tickets, contact enid.law@froncastell.co.uk  or phone: 01978 869285/07816 286436      

Llangollen Rotary closing after 60 years of service

After 60 years of service to the community the Rotary Club of Llangollen has announced it is to close down next summer.

And the club says it is to disperse its charitable funds to local good causes and organisations.

On its Facebook page the club has posted: "It is with great sadness that we must announce that the Rotary Club of Llangollen will be closing by the end of June 2022 due to a lack of active members to fill critical club officer posts.

"As part of our closure programme we will be holding a funds evening on Monday February 28, 2022 to disperse our charitable funds to local charities, good causes and community organisations.

"If you are a Llangollen charity or community organisation and would like to apply for funds to help with your project or community service delivery then please let the club know by leaving us a message and we will be in touch to explain the process.

"The closing date for initial applications is January 31, 2020 to allow for processing and allocation of a presentation slot on the night."

Comments on social media reflect the degree of sadness about the announcement.

Some of the posts say: "It will be a great loss to the town when you close. How many times have we heard 'We'll ask Rotary to help' You will certainly be missed by The lnner Wheel Club and we thank you for your support and friendship."

"Sad news indeed. Inner Wheel and Rotary have worked together and supported each other over the years. The town will miss them."

"Sad news, lovely people that have done great work in their community for many years. I always enjoyed my visits there."

"Sad to hear this about a hard working Rotary Club."

"A great shame that such a club will be lost to the local community."

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Railway should get the support it needs, says North Wales MS

* Sam Rowlands MS, far left, with members of the trust board and station master Ben Jackson at Berwyn.

A leading opposition Senedd Member says the Welsh Government should ensure Llangollen Railway is not taken for granted and gets the support it needs.

The comment was made by the Welsh Conservatives’ Sam Rowlands, who represents North Wales and chairs the Senedd’s Cross-Party Group on Tourism, during a visit to the heritage attraction yesterday (Monday) afternoon.

He was shown round by members of the seven-strong trust board who rescued the railway from liquidation last March and have since put it firmly back on track.

After taking a trip aboard one of the railway’s vintage diesel trains to Berwyn station and back to Llangollen, Mr Rowlands said: “I was impressed to see the real quality offering for tourists coming into the area and also for locals to embrace.

“I’ve also been impressed by the volunteers I’ve met and the trust board members who have put a whole lot of heart and effort into ensuring the railway continues to function and continues to be a quality offer for anybody in Llangollen and along the whole stretch of the line.

“It’s a beautiful place to come and see, with breath-taking views along the route and I’m really keen to see the railway flourish.”

He added: “The cross-party tourism group I chair is always looking to see how it can speak out for the benefit of tourist attractions and this railway ticks all the boxes in terms of a good offer for tourists and locals alike.

“The group has its next meeting in January and I’ll be sure to share my experiences of coming here and also within the wider Senedd, making sure that these sort of heritage attractions are on people’s radar.

“I saw that if this place hadn’t been able to re-boot we would have seen derelict stations and a derelict line which would have been a tragedy for Llangollen and the surrounding areas, so we have to see that this place isn’t just taken for granted and receives the support it needs.”

The trust board’s vice-chairman Phil Coles explained that as the railway recovers from its financial crisis and the worst effects of the pandemic it was planning to take on four or five additional paid staff over the next few months.

He said: “I think the visit went very well because the more politicians we can talk to and give an understanding of what we’re about, hopefully the more able we’ll be to get grant aid and to fill some of these positions.”

Asked about when the new Corwen station at the end of an extended line was likely to open to the public, Mr Coles said: “We’re hoping that will be in mid to late May. But it’s very much dependant on things like whether we have a bad winter. If we have freezing weather that will set us back.”

And speaking about how the revival of the railway has been progressing, he said: “It’s gone very, very well. The cashflow is ahead of our forecast. In fact, it’s gone so well that at times it’s been difficult to cope, not so much with the amount of passengers but the fact that the business started running away from us before we got everything in place.”