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Friday, April 8, 2022

Welsh Government provides £2.8m to repair collapsed Newbridge road

* Ken Skates (centre) with campaigners Frank Hemmings (left) and Derek Wright at the site earlier this year.

Work to repair a collapsed road between Cefn Mawr and Chirk could get under way soon after the Welsh Labour Government announced further major funding of £2.8m to Wrexham Council. 

The Welsh Government had already awarded Wrexham Council £175,000 for ‘ground investigation and detailed design of remedial works’ for the B5605 at Newbridge, which suffered a landslip following severe storms last year. 

And after the council submitted a bid for more money from the Welsh Government in late February, Ministers have now confirmed funding to repair and reopen the road. 

Ken Skates, Member of the Senedd for Clwyd South, welcomed the news after pushing for action alongside local campaigners Frank Hemmings and Derek Wright. 

He said: “I’m thrilled that the Welsh Labour Government has approved Wrexham’s bid for further major funding to resolve this issue. It’s caused major problems locally, and a great deal of frustration, but after thorough and necessary investigations this is the news we wanted. 

“I’d like to thank the First Minister for taking a personal interest in this matter, and Minister Lee Waters for providing Wrexham Council with such a significant sum of money to fund the work.” 

In response to Mr Skates’ most recent representations to Welsh Government on the issue, the Minister said: “I am pleased to advise that we have awarded funding of £2.805m to Wrexham County Borough Council from the Resilient Roads Fund for the remedial works.”

Mr Skates also praised Frank Hemmings, Derek Wright and David Bithell for their work on the issue.

He added: “I'm pleased that by working together – instead of trying to score political points – we have been able to help secure this vital funding for our area.” 

Mr Hemmings said: “This is fantastic news for people in Chirk and further afield. This has been a huge headache for local people and has caused a lot of disruption and inconvenience, and I’m really grateful to the Welsh Government for approving the council’s funding application.

“As a B-road it’s actually the council’s responsibility to repair it, but given the level of funding needed we were reliant on the Welsh Government. I’m delighted they have delivered for our area.”

Mr Wright said: “The road is a vital link between our communities and the closure has left some people, particularly those without their own transport, cut off. We have been on and on about this to Ken, and I know he’s been doing the same with Welsh Government.

“This is a massive win for our area and I’m really pleased the repairs can now go ahead.”

Update on resettlement of Ukrainian families in county

Volunteers who have offered to house refugee families from Ukraine are being contacted by Denbighshire County Council.

As part of its on-going commitment to support the UK Resettlement Scheme, the council is contacting all residents who have offered support to those displaced by the conflict.

The council says it has been working closely with Welsh Government and is making the necessary arrangements to start resettling families from Ukraine as soon as possible.

Denbighshire has a long history of accommodating and supporting refugees and over the last five years the Council has resettled 25 families, made up of 95 individuals, predominantly in response to the refugee crisis in Syria and Afghanistan.

Ann Lloyd, the council’s Interim Head of Service for Community Support Services, said: “A number of Denbighshire residents have come forward to offer accommodation to those who have been forced to leave Ukraine due to the ongoing conflict.

“On behalf of the council I would like to thank them for their generosity.

“We are in the process of contacting residents who have offered accommodation to arrange the relevant checks before we can move to the next stage.

“As a council we are also working to ensure the relevant support is available for families once they arrive in Denbighshire.

“Through Home Office funding, we are well placed to provide the necessary support and have a working group to manage the programme, as well as a dedicated team working directly with families, and additional support from partners in the third sector and from local volunteer groups.”

* If anyone has any enquiries, or would like to offer accommodation, they should email ukresettlement@denbighshire.co.uk and for more information visit https://gov.wales/homes-ukraine-guidance-sponsors-html


MP visits Abbey Dingle care home

* Simon Baynes MP, Carol and Kenneth Mascarenhas next to the Abbey Dingle Care Home private ambulance. 

* Simon Baynes MP and Kenneth Mascarenhas next to the Cuthbert’s Seeds poster.

Clwyd South MP Simon Baynes recently visited the Abbey Dingle Care Home in Llangollen to gain an insight into its activities - both recently and earlier on during the Covid-19 pandemic – and to learn more about its history.

During the visit, Mr Baynes met with Kenneth and Carol Mascarenhas, the directors of Abbey Dingle, who have run the home since its creation 35 years ago. 

Mr Baynes discussed with them the safety initiatives taken by staff at the home to keep residents well, both in body and mind. 

Apart from the long experience of a loyal workforce, this included  the creation of a dedicated isolation wing, a Covid-proofed visitor/reception centre and a purpose-designed vehicle  for the protected transport of residents and staff outside the home, and openly sharing the ideas with the authorities and the community.

At the onset of the pandemic in February 2020 home-made PPE packs designed and made with the assistance of the residents, the local school and others in the community, were issued to all staff and residents visiting relatives for their protection outside the home. Thanks to this the home has had no Covid casualties throughout the pandemic. 

Mr Baynes heard about the extensive programme of activities that Abbey Dingle organised for its residents throughout the year during lockdown maintaining their holistic well-being. 

Mr Baynes also learnt more about the history of the site – the former J&R Cuthberts (Horticultural Seeds) Administration Centre (secretly relocated from London to protect the valuable seed stocks from being destroyed) and how it played a major role in originating the famous Dig for Victory campaign during World War II. 

The home currently has an original Cuthbert’s Seeds poster on display, which has kindly been loaned to the home by Robert (Bob) and Sandie Attenburrow (sadly recently deceased), formerly of Dobson & Crowther Printers in Llangollen. 

Kenneth and Carol Mascarenhas also invited Mr Baynes to see Abbey Dingle’s own dedicated  ambulance/courtesy car, which is on standby and available, should it be needed, at all times. 

Kenneth Mascarenhas said: “The arrival of Simon Baynes MP was a very welcome surprise to the home, in view of his present busy schedule in Westminster in these difficult and testing times. 

"Whilst access to the home was restricted due to ongoing Covid counter-measures, the residents and staff were very appreciative of him making the time and effort in visiting them and noting his concern for their well-being during lockdown. 

“He came across as a very approachable, level-headed and energetic individual, representing the people of Clwyd South and North Wales in Westminister; having had the experience of working at grass roots level in his family’s hospitality and tourism business at the local Lake Vyrnwy Hotel, and later in the international banking and finance industry in the City. 

"He is noted for promoting Wales’ economic and national interests at every possible opportunity at central Government level, as clearly evidenced by his media appearances in Parliamentary debates etc.

“As a humanitarian, historian, and supporter of the arts, his recent appointment as a Parliamentary Private Secretary to the UK Ministerial team at the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport is well earned and deserved. 

"The work of the Department covers many areas of UK Government policy which are extremely important for the whole of Wales’s diverse historic, cultural and economic heritage and the need for good national transport links, internet access and online presence, and considered a prelude to a  ministerial appointment in the Government Cabinet. 

“He was also very keen to encourage the promotion and documentation of the history of the town’s destination attractions of the Eisteddfod, Railway, Canal and Horticultural heritage and indeed, his next visit was scheduled to the town’s railway and Llangollen museums. 

"As a memento and practical incentive to help promote  the town’s heritage, Simon arranged to have a dedicated copy of his book which he co-authored with his father documenting the history of his local family-run hotel at Lake Vyrnwy, for the home’s library, offering help and advice to anybody prepared to rise to the challenge, which can only benefit the economy and community in these uncertain economic times.” 

Simon Baynes said: “I was greatly impressed to hear about the many sensible and safe precautions taken by Kenneth, Carol and the rest of the team at Abbey Dingle, which have had the effect of preventing any Covid casualties at the care home. 

"I understand that most of them were based on the work of Florence Nightingale and Mary Jane Seacole from the Crimean War in 1853. I enjoyed my visit very much, and was most impressed by the regular activities organised for residents at the home. 

“The building has a fascinating history and I was very interested to hear about its contribution to the British war effort and the ‘Dig for Victory’ campaign during World War II. The whole team of staff do an amazing job and I would like to praise them for the work they do under extreme duress from challenging external events impacting on the operation of the Home. 

“It is also noted that as a continuing family commitment to the Llangollen community, Carol and Ken’s children, Richard and Bethan, have chosen to involve themselves, and presently manage another small local care home, The Old Vicarage in Llangollen, in family succession, previously established by Bronwen and David Morris 30 years ago.” 

Thursday, April 7, 2022

Shadow Welsh Secretary visits Plas Madoc and Stiwt


* Ken Skates and Jo Stevens try out Plas Madoc's sports facilities.

Shadow Secretary of State for Wales, Jo Stevens, a member of UK Labour leader Keir Starmer’s frontbench team, was invited to Clwyd South by local Member of the Senedd Ken Skates last Friday.

Jo Stevens, MP for Cardiff Central, was able to see first-hand how Welsh Government investment has given Plas Madoc Leisure Centre a new lease of life – including work on new changing rooms following a £250,000 grant last year. 

She was welcomed to the centre by Stella Matthews, chair of the volunteer-run Splash Community Trust which runs Plas Madoc. 

The Shadow Welsh Secretary said: “Visiting Plas Madoc was a trip down memory lane for me. I first visited the centre back in the 1970s as a child.

“Ken told me about how the wonderful team at Plas Madoc took it from almost being demolished to being named the best social enterprise in Wales. They have done an amazing job, and it’s become a real community hub thanks to their hard work.

“The centre is a brilliant example of how the Welsh Labour Government has invested in local communities and worked alongside them. Stella told me that she didn’t think it would be going without the crucial support they’ve had.” 

The Shadow Welsh Secretary later visited The Stiwt in Rhos, where she was given a tour and told about the board’s plans for the future. 

She said: “I’ve never been to The Stiwt before, but I know how iconic it is not just locally but throughout Wales. Susan Elan Jones, the former MP for Clwyd South, told me many times about The Stiwt and her home village of Rhos, so it’s been lovely to visit and catch up with Susan, who remains a passionate member of the board. 

“It’s a stunning building, and just like at Plas Madoc it was clear to see how dedicated the team is. It’s a real labour of love for the trustees.” 

Mr Skates said: “It was brilliant to welcome Jo back to Clwyd South and show her some of our most valued and iconic community facilities. I was extremely proud to be able to highlight the fantastic work being done as both venues look to the future with confidence.” 

Llan dog to star in Manchester production of Tosca

* Ebby gets ready for her starring role in Tosca at Manchester Opera House.

A talented Llangollen resident is taking a starring role in a professional stage show in Manchester this evening (Thursday).

For one night night only Manchester's famous Opera House theatre is playing host to Opera International's award-winning Ellen Kent Production of Puccini's Tosca, featuring the Ukrainian National Municipal Opera Kyiv, with international soloists, highly-praised chorus and full orchestra.

Also on stage will be Ebby, an eight-year-old greyhound who lives with Llangollen town mayor Cllr Austin Cheminais and his wife Jane.

Explaining Ebby's rise to stardom, Chem said: "The opera features two royal greyhounds and wherever the company is stopping on its current tour it asks the local branch of the Greyhound Trust to suggest two dogs to take part.

"One of the greyhounds chosen by the Mersey & Cheshire branch is our dog Ebby, so she'll be on stage tonight.  

"She's an ex-racing greyhound from Ireland. She was adopted, through the Trust, by my wife Jane and I in October 2021.

"Ebby is very calm and well behaved, she’s very affectionate and loves people, so will perform well.

"We are very proud that she’s been chosen to take part in Tosca."

Looking after Ebby on the night is Chem and Jane's son Jim who is a volunteer at the Trust.

Chem added: "Adopting Ebby has changed our lives, She’s very laid back, a bit of a couch potato but loves her walks and is proving to be a loving and loyal companion and friend."

* The Greyhound Trust was founded in 1975, since then they are proud to have found over 100,000 loving homes for greyhounds. Each year, they home approximately 3,500 retired racing greyhounds and help hundreds more, but there are many more that still need their help.

If your interested in finding out more about adopting a greyhound or supporting the Greyhound Trust, go to: www.greyhoundtrust.org.uk

For local information from the Merseyside and Cheshire Greyhound Trust, phone 07510172178, or email joannejohnson2@hotmail.co.uk

Latest local roadworks update


Latest local roadworks to be notified by one.network are:

 

Vicarage Road, Denbighshire


09 April - 10 April

 

Delays possible - Traffic control (two-way signals)

 

Description: defect rectification - 14m x 0.5m resurfacing (10mm), 2m x 2m connection point to resurface....

 

Works location: O/S SITE ENTRANCE

 

Public facing description: one.network has automatically assigned a category of Unclassified works to this Works based on the information available. Please note: Works Descriptions are not published by GAS TRANSPORTATION CO LTD.

 

Responsibility for works: GAS TRANSPORTATION CO LTD

 

Current status: Planned work about to start

 

Works reference: ZP00671843-EAU-01

 

 


Wednesday, April 6, 2022

Six candidates announced for town council election

Only six candidates have been announced for the 11 vacant seats in the Llangollen Town Council election on May 5.

The remaining five seats will therefore have to be filled by co-option following the election.

Candidates are:

* Felton Scott Lee

* Gittins Craig, 7 Oak Street, Llangollen, LL20 8NR, Independent

* Haddy Jon Henllys, Berwyn, Llangollen, Denbighshire, LL20 8AL Independent

* Keddie Paul, Ty Cae`r Onnen, 48 Regent Street, Llangollen, LL20 8HS, Independent

* Morris Aled Huw, Independent

* Rush Jen 43 Tyn Y Celyn Drive, Llangollen, LL20 7PN

* llanblogger intends to publish the descriptions/manifestos/head-and- shoulders pictures (maximum 200 words) of each of the candidates for the town council seats during the election campaign. Deadline for submission to: llanblogger@gmail.com is Friday April 15.