Welsh Government calls for 'meaningful action' from Chancellor

 

The Welsh Government has said today's Spring Statement must be used to provide meaningful action to tackle the cost of living crisis.

In a letter to the Chancellor of the Exchequer, the Welsh Government’s Finance Minister Rebecca Evans (pictured) called on the UK Government to “act now and stand with the Welsh Government to provide a full crisis response to the cost of living emergency.” The Welsh Government has said UK Government decisions on unemployment support, changes to universal credit and increases in taxes on income are adding to the pressures on household budgets. It calls for the uprating of welfare benefits – currently set at 3.1% - to be significantly increased in the context of inflation levels expected to hit almost 8% by April. The Welsh Government is also calling the reversal of the decision to remove the £20 universal credit uplift. The case for a windfall tax on the excessive profits made by big energy companies, with money raised to be spent on supporting vulnerable households, has been described as “irrefutable” by the Finance Minister. The Welsh Government has also put forward a number of other suggestions to help people. Proposed measures include moving the social policy costs to general taxation, introducing a low income energy tariff to better target support to lower income households, and providing further and increased support through the Warm Home Discount and other winter fuel payment schemes. Rebecca Evans, said: “We have invested more than £330m to support people through the cost of living crisis, nearly double equivalent support in England. “But it is the UK Government that has the key levers, particularly through the tax and benefit system, to offer people more financial protection. “The cost of living crisis is very real for people, and is set to get worse from April. No one can afford to underestimate the gravity of the challenges we face. The suggestions we have made are effective, practical measures that would help people pay bills and put food on the table. Now we need the UK Government to listen, act, and stand with us to provide a full crisis response to the cost of living emergency.” The Finance Minister also calls on the Chancellor to take the necessary steps to secure the UK’s energy security, in response to the major geopolitical crisis arising from the Ukraine conflict. She calls on greater investment to incentivize renewable energy generation to meet net zero targets and support a more resilient domestic renewable energy system.

Planning application submitted to transform Royal Hotel

* The Royal Hotel during lockdown.

* An artist's impression submitted with the application showing how the riverside elevation of the hotel could look.

The planning application to transform Llangollen’s historic Royal into a ‘destination hotel’, potentially with a Michelin star restaurant, spa and terrace with the ability to create an estimated 45-plus jobs has been submitted to Denbighshire County Council.

The council’s planning search portal contains details of the scheme, submitted in the name of Matt Jones of MAVI Properties Ltd based in Middle Sontley, Wrexham.

According to council documents, the application for the hotel, which dates back to 1752, is Grade II Listed and has been closed since 2019, involves demolition of existing extension and erection of replacement four-storey extension to the side and rear.

It also features the erection of a two-storey extension to existing courtyard and an extension to an existing rear balcony including installation of canopy and decking.

Also planned on the site, which covers 1,375 square metres, are alterations to internal room layouts, repair works to external goods and windows and associated works.

The application further explains that the aim is the proposed refurbishment and extension of the hotel to “create a destination venue and to improve accessibility of the existing historic element.”

It explains there will be: “Works consisting of partial demolition of existing a 1960’s extension to facilitate the creation of an all-new spa extension with additional high-end accommodation above. New restaurant area to be created to existing basement with extended external decking area.”

The application adds that in 2019 a public consultation meeting was held at the Royal Hotel to allow local residents and business owners to opportunity to meet the project team and to review and discuss the design intentions.

It says: “During this meeting, the project’s aim to turn the Royal into a ‘destination hotel’, potentially with a Michelin star restaurant, Spa and terrace with the ability to create an estimated 45+ jobs were discussed.

“The intention to develop the project with the Local Authority and CADW was stated, to not only preserve the historical characteristics of the building, but to also provide an asset to increase footfall to the town. As part of the discussion, the issue of erosion to the existing riverbank wall was raised. Remedial works were subsequently completed in 2021.”

The application states that there will be no demolition of any Listed buildings, either partial or total.

It goes on to say the redevelopment would provide the opportunity to employ the full-time equivalent of 45 people.

* The application, reference number 03/2022/0174, can be viewed on the council’s planning portal at: https://planning.denbighshire.gov.uk/planning/search-applications?civica.query.FullTextSearch=03%2F2022%2F0174#VIEW?RefType=PBDC&KeyNo=32536 

New Dot Cinema to screen West Side Story

Llangollen's New Dot Cinema is set to bring a Broadway classic to the big screen at the Town Hall on Friday April 8.

Steven Spielberg’s hit remake of West Side Story sees love at first sight strike when young Tony spots Maria at a high school dance in 1957 New York City.

Their burgeoning romance helps to fuel the fire between the warring Jets and Sharks, two rival gangs vying for control of the streets.

With seven Oscar nominations, five BAFTA nominations and two BAFTA wins, this film has been a hit with audiences and critics alike.

The film promises to be a great night out, so much so that New Dot are bring back their popular prosecco tables, which means that for £35, a group of four can enjoy reserved seats with chilled prosecco and a stash of popcorn waiting for them.

Tickets are available online for the discounted price of £6, or on the door for £8. Doors and the bar open at 6.30pm, the film begins at 7pm. New Dot is working towards being cashless, so asks people to bring along their card, or the correct change.

Buy your tickets online at here.

Young 'Uns set to open up their Little Shop of Horrors

 

* Celyn Orton Jones (Audrey), Ethan Le Cheminant (Seymour) and Shea Ferron (Mr Mushnik).

Preview by llanblogger

Talented teenagers from Llangollen Operatic’s junior section, the Young’ Uns, are due to roll up the shutters on their version of horror/comedy rock musical Little Shop of Horrors at the Town Hall next week.

And they manage to ring the absolute most out of the piece, with music by Alan Menken and words by Howard Ashman, which tells the tortured tale of Seymour, a simple lad who works at a run-down flower shop on the seamier side of New York who accidentally finds himself with a very novel way of boosting business.

The cast numbers fewer than a dozen but make every shot count as they sing, dance and act their way through the plot with aplomb.

They’re particularly at home with the early 1960s rock ‘n roll and early Motown style songs which include such stand-out numbers as Skid Row (Downtown), Somewhere That’s Green and Suddenly Seymour.

The part of geeky but well-intentioned Seymour is extremely well filled by Ethan Le Cheminant while Young ‘Uns favourite Celyn Orton Jones makes a sweet but resourceful Audrey, his love interest.

Their big idea which breaths new life - or otherwise - into the wilting flower shop is a mysterious plant which simply grows and grows – to the point where it becomes a crowd-pulling attraction.

The only problem is that to sustain itself the plant, dubbed by Seymour Audrey II, needs a regular supply of human blood, which becomes something of a problem - especially for the dastardly dentist Orin, portrayed with spirit by Will Heath, who could really do with being extracted from his overbearing relationship with poor Audrey.

While it would be wrong to give the game away, suffice it to say that the props department have done an excellent job of recreating some very realistic and gory body parts one of which just happens to be clothed in a dental uniform.  

After years of sterling service with Young ‘Uns Shea Ferron is now away at college on a performing arts course. But when the call came for someone to play the key role of Mr Mushnik, the flower shop proprietor, he was quick to answer it and brings to bear his considerable acting skill to animate the cranky old New York Jewish businessman.

Providing plenty of musical impetus throughout the fast-paced show is the terrific trio of Heledd Edwards (Crystal), Grace Roberts (Chiffon) and Katie Clark (Ronette).

Kamil Grzelak and Will Robinson are great back-up characters while Sophie Siddall and Freya Mortimer operate the monstrous plant, played by Ethan Roberts.

There’s also a formidable live band on hand to help move things nicely along.

Robin Crowley jointly directs the show with Jo Lloyd, musical director is Julian Cattley and producer is Pamela Williams.     

Little Shop of Horrors comes to the town hall stage from Wednesday March 30 to Saturday April 2, with two performances on the Saturday at 2pm and 7.30pm.  

·       Tickets can be purchased from www.ticketsource.co.uk/llangollenoperaticsociety or the outlets in town, The wharf, Jades, Oggies, Tourist Information Centre and Georges cafe, at £12 and £10.

* The trio of Grace Roberts, Heledd Edwards and Katie Clark with Audrey.

* Seymour with the plant.

* Seymour with Mr Mushnik (Shea Ferron).

 * Seymour and Orin (Will Heath).

2020 road resurfacing will mean overnight closure says council

* Denbighshire County Council this morning admitted that in its latest 2020 project update, issued yesterday afternoon and sent to llanblogger and other media, it gave the wrong dates and times for the first phase of overnight resurfacing work in Castle Street. The story below now contains the correct details ...

* A new sign on Castle Street displaying the correct overnight closure details.

Denbighshire County Council says the overnight closure of Castle Street will be necessary to complete the town's 2020 project.   

The works, which started in October and are due to be completed in May, are being undertaken by the council in partnership with Welsh Government and Transport for Wales.

The council says the scheme was developed following extensive consultation with the local community, local county councillors and Llangollen Town Council and aims to improve pedestrian access to the town as well as improving the flow of vehicles.

So far work completed includes the widening of the footways on both sides of Castle Street between the A5 and the Bridge Street junction.

Work has also been carried out to pave the southern Market Street footway between Castle Street and the car park entrance.

Night works, in two phases, are now due to take place on Castle Street in order to resurface the carriageway.

Dates of the night works are March 28 until April 1, with work being carried out between 6pm and midnight.

Phase one will involve resurfacing Castle Street between its junction with the A5 and the Market Street junction. 

The re-surfacing works have to be conducted under a road closure. 

The council says consideration was given to other options, such as undertaking the work during the day or conducting a shorter series of night time closures.

However, it was determined that these options would not be feasible for safety reasons and because, in the case of the shorter series of night time works, they would cause more disturbance to residents.

Phase two, which will involve surfacing Castle Street between the Market Street junction and the Mill Street/Abbey Road junctions, will commence in early May. 

Further details will be provided nearer the time, according to the council.

Emlyn Jones, Denbighshire County Council’s Head of Planning, Public Protection and Countryside Services, said “For the past three years the council has been working closely with the Llangollen 2020 group to develop these proposals.

“As an authority we have also engaged and listened to local residents, businesses and other stakeholders and where possible accommodated a number of changes which complement the overall scheme.

“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.

“The council would like to apologise to residents in advance and thank them for their understanding during the overnight work which is necessary."

A Parry Construction Co Ltd is the principal contractor for the work.

Tickets go on sale for new Ladies of Llangollen play

Tickets go on sale tomorrow for a new play based on the true story of the Ladies of Llangollen to be staged at Theatr Clwyd in Mold this summer.

And the director says that at least a couple of people from Llangollen could be in the community cast that will help bring this stylish new work to life.

Celebrated Virgins, written by Katie Elin-Salt and directed by Eleri B. Jones, tells the story of Lady Eleanor Butler and Miss Sarah Ponsonby who famously lived at Plas Newydd in Llangollen.

* Director Eleri B.Jones.

When the two women found each other, they defied convention, fleeing their homes and families, cast out by a society who did not understand their love.

Starting a new life in Llangollen, they became celebrities of the day, forced to witness their own lives re-told by those who weren’t there. 

In this new play they are back, ready to reclaim the story that’s rightfully theirs, and this time, it’s on their terms.

The community ensemble, who will be fully involved in the show and an integral part of the company, has been recruited in a series of workshops and auditions held over the past few weeks.

They’ll be working with the cast of five professional actors – four women and one man whose names are yet to be announced - in rehearsals and will be involved in the show’s movement, text and visual language to help tell the story.

Eleri B.Jones, herself an actor who trained as a director at Theatr Cwlyd, said: “Celebrated Virgins has been in development for two years, starting just before the pandemic began, and is based on an idea I had after hearing stories about the ladies as a child.

“At the end of my trainee directorship at Mold the director asked me what I wanted to do for a show. The ladies were so well-known and loved that I wanted to do something about them.

“I also started my own career in local am-dram and love working with the community, which is how we came up with the idea of recruiting a community cast.

“I’m co-directing the show with a really talented, emerging playwright from South Wales, Katie Elin-Salt, and we are really thrilled with the way things have been going.”

Eleri, whose mum is Llangollen’s former deputy mayor Issy Richards, added: “The auditions for the community cast went very well and we now have two separate teams of eight people from across the area.

“There are both men and women and their ages range from 18 to their mid-70s.

“Both teams will take part in the Theatr Clwyd performances from May 20-June 4, which includes a couple of matinee performances, and then one of the teams will continue with the play to Cardiff where it will be staged at the Chapter Arts Centre from June 9-11.

“Although we’ve not quite yet decided the final composition of the teams we are hoping that at least a couple of the people will come from Llangollen.”

* Tickets are on sale from tomorrow (Tuesday March 22) and are priced from £10. They are available from the Theatr Clwyd box office at: https://www.theatrclwyd.com/event/celebrated-virgins or call the box office on 01352 344101.   

Physical punishment of children illegal in Wales from today

From today (Monday) physically punishing children will be illegal in Wales. 

The country joins more than 60 nations across the world to end the physical punishment of children. 

The landmark legislation removes the 160-year-old legal defence and provides children the same protection from assault as adults.

Under the Children (Abolition of Defence of Reasonable Punishment) (Wales) Act 2020 all types of physical punishment, such as smacking, hitting, slapping and shaking, are illegal. The new law will apply to everybody in Wales, including visitors, from March 21.

Welcoming the Act coming into force at a Toddler Takeover event at Techniquest, The Deputy Minister for Social Services, Julie Morgan said: “Today is a historic moment for children and their rights in Wales as we make physically punishing children a thing of the past. I have campaigned to make physical punishment illegal for more than 20 years. I am thrilled that from today children finally have the same protection from assault as adults.

“The law is now clear - easier for children, parents, professionals and the public to understand. Physical punishment is illegal in Wales and I can’t tell you how happy that makes me.”

“We want to protect children and their rights and this law will add to the fantastic work we are doing to make sure all children in Wales have the best start in life and to live the lives they want to live.”

First Minister for Wales, Mark Drakeford said: ”I am delighted the physical punishment of children is now illegal in Wales. This is a historic achievement for children and their rights.

“The United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child makes it clear that children have the right to be protected from harm and from being hurt and this includes physical punishment. That right is now enshrined in Welsh law. 

"No more grey areas. No more ‘defence of reasonable punishment.’ That is all in the past. There is no place for physical punishment in a modern Wales.”