MP welcomes £585m extra funding for Wales

Clwyd South MP Simon Baynes (pictured) has welcomed the launch of the Shared Prosperity Fund by the UK Conservative Government. 

The fund will see places in Wales that need it most draw up plans this year to deliver on their local priorities, based on a conditional allocation of funding over the next three years. 

This could include regenerating rundown high streets, fighting anti-social behaviour and crime, or helping more people into decent jobs.

Wales will see £585 million made available under the fund.

The Government says the money delivers on its commitment to match the previous EU funding from the European Social Fund and European Regional Development Fund. 

However, they say the fund will be much more flexible and locally led, "freeing communities in Wales from the bureaucratic, rigid and complex processes of the EU Structural Funds."     

Ministers say bureaucracy will be slashed, and there will be far more discretion over what money is spent on. 

EU requirements for match funding, which impacted on poorer places, will be abolished.  

Instead of regional agencies, funding decisions will be made by elected leaders in local government, with input from local members of parliament and local businesses and voluntary groups.

The new fund also includes over £101 million for Wales for an adult numeracy programme, Multiply, which will support people with no or low-level maths skills get back into work. The scheme will offer free personal tutoring, digital training, and flexible courses to improve adults’ confidence and numeracy skills.   

The UK Shared Prosperity Fund is in addition to other levelling up funding for Wales, including the Community Ownership Fund and the Levelling Up Fund, which has already invested £121m into Wales, and £790 million for city and growth deals. 

This is in addition to the record £18 billion per year block grant settlement announced by the UK Government for Wales – the largest since devolution over 20 years ago and an increase of £2.5 billion.

Secretary of State for Wales Simon Hart said: “This is a huge boost for people across Wales, who will now have access to this fund to level up their communities and make decisions about where they want to see the money spent." 

Simon Baynes MP said: “The people of my constituency and the rest of Wales voted to leave the European Union in 2016, and I’m glad to see the UK Conservative Government delivering on the will of the people once again. 

"The UK Shared Prosperity Fund has great potential to help revive communities, tackle economic decline and reverse geographical disparities in communities like Clwyd South. I’m thrilled that North Wales will be receiving £126 million, allowing us to build back better out of the pandemic.”      

A Welsh Government spokesperson said: “Despite the manifesto promises made by the UK Government, post-EU funds leave Wales with less say, over less money.

"It remains the case that Wales will lose more than £1bn that could have been used to grow the economy and support some of our most disadvantaged communities. 

“The Welsh Government has consistently called for a joint approach. In recent weeks, we have engaged in intensive talks with the UK Government to try and secure a pragmatic way forward. 

"Although there has been some movement, the funding plans set out today simply do not reflect the needs of Welsh communities. We are concerned that far too little will reach those communities most in need. 

"The Welsh Government suggested an alternative formula which would distribute funding more fairly across Wales according to economic need, but this was rejected by the UK Government. The result of this is that funding has been moved away from our most disadvantaged communities. 

“We will now work with local government partners and stakeholders to maximise the opportunities that exist for programmes that will support our mission to create a stronger, fairer and greener Wales."

Grouse Inn honoured in national food awards

A well-known pub restaurant close to Llangollen has been doubly honoured in prestigious national food awards.

The Food Awards Wales 2022 recognise the success of professionals and establishments that continue delivering great flavours and experiences to their customers.

The Grouse Inn at Carrog has landed the title of Gastro Pub of the Year North and was also voted Gastro Pub of the Year Overall Winner.

A spokesperson for The Food Awards Wales, said: “These awards aim to thank those that work hard within the city’s food industry and contribute to making Wales a great gastronomic place to visit.

“It is true that Wales combines tastes and flavours from all over the world and the visitors can find different restaurants, gastro pubs and bistros to meet their needs.

“These people enhance the country’s reputation nationally and internationally, and we would like to make sure that the hard work of Wales’ food professionals doesn’t go unnoticed.

“It was lovely to be part of this celebration and we would like to congratulate all finalists and winners for their achievements!”

Other North Wales winners are:

Best Mediterranean Establishment: Tafarn y Gader Tapas, Bistro & Bar (Dolgellau)

Traditional Welsh Restaurant of the Year: The Toad (Colwyn Bay)

Wholesaler of the Year: Cotteswold Dairy Ltd (Llandudno Junction)

Outstanding Restaurant of the Year: Indulge Restaurant (Conwy)

Café/Bistro of the Year North: Green Island Bistro (Rhuddlan)

Restaurant of the Year North: Deadwood Smokehouse (Mold).

* For a full list of winners of The Food Awards Wales 2022 go to: https://creativeoceanicblog.wordpress.com/2022/04/12/the-winners-of-the-food-awards-wales-2022-are-revealed/ 

Police warning over heating oil theft

Police have issued an alert about heating oil theft.

Through the Neighbourhood Alert network they say: "The theft of heating oil is rising across the country, likely being driven by the increase in fuel prices.

"The most recent in our area has been in Llanfair Dyffryn Clwyd which was reported to us yesterday. 

"Heating oil theft is a difficult crime to tackle often owing to the design of the oil tanks. But also made difficult as the stolen fuel is not identifiable and there is clearly no shortage of people prepared to buy it from the thieves.

"You can find plenty of security advice online by searching 'heating oil theft' or by speaking to your supplier."

Update on county's new waste and recycling service

Denbighshire County Council’s cabinet was yesterday given an update on the waste and recycling service arrangements due to be introduced next year.

This included an updated business case reflecting changes in circumstances since the project was first approved.

The service will see a new weekly household recycling collection including paper, glass, cans, plastic and food waste and a new fortnightly collection for clothes and small electrical items.

The collection of non-recyclable waste will change from fortnightly to every four weeks and instead of the current 140 litre black bins, the council will provide new, larger 240 litre black bins instead, where needed.

The roll out is scheduled to commence in the autumn of 2023, after the completion of a new centralised waste depot on the Colomendy Industrial Estate in Denbigh, with enabling works at the site already completed. 

Due to the significant increase in inflation affecting the cost of goods and materials in the last 12 months, a bid was submitted to Welsh Government for extra funding of £1.588m for the project.

The government approved this additional funding last month.

An updated version of the business case reflecting the latest cost, budget and revenue position was presented at the meeting.

Graham Boase, Chief Executive of Denbighshire County Council, said: “This project contributes to the council’s environmental ambitions as we will be reducing carbon emissions, recycling more waste and producing higher quality recycling suitable for use in the UK manufacturing industry.

“Once up and running this new model will also cost significantly less per year than it would have done if we maintain the existing collection model.

“In this way the project has been a classic invest to save project, resulting in considerable cost avoidance over the coming years.

“There have been significant increases in prices affecting goods and materials required to implement this new model and the extra funding will help ease these pressures.

“We fully recognise this is a significant change in the way we collect and recycle household waste. The council will be engaging fully with residents, schools and other key members of the community as we move towards the autumn 2023 launch."

He added: “The new service will see increased recycling performance to meet the Welsh Government’s 70% target by 2025, and help put the council in a good position to meet any policy and legislation changes, with an expectancy the target could rise to 80% in future.

“I’m proud of the very high percentage of household waste we recycle here in Denbighshire, which reflects that this is very important issue for our residents.

“I would like to acknowledge the contribution our residents make to our ability to recycle so much of our household waste.

“As part of the new service, alternative solutions will be in place for those households who find managing their waste more challenging.

“The new service will also offer the council the option to explore a more significant switch to ultra-low emission and electric powered vehicles for waste collection, thereby further reducing our carbon footprint."

Llangollen-born author to speak at Wrexham Carnival of Words

* Llangollen-born Novelist Carys Davies.

An award-winning novelist and short story writer from Llangollen will be one of the guest speakers at this year's Wrexham Carnival of Words.

The event, which runs from April 23-30, is a celebration of literature, poetry and entertainment through events aimed at a wide audience.

In the line-up of speakers will be Llangollen-born Carys Davies who was the winner of the Sunday Times Novel of the Year prize in 2000.

Now living in Edinburgh, she will appear at during the festival at Wrexham Library on Monday April 25, at 7.30pm. 

She will talk about the background to her latest book, The Mission House; about her own favourite short stories; about her journey and travels as a writer; and perhaps a few hints about what the future might hold for her.

* Tickets for the festival are available at: https://www.civicaepay.co.uk/WrexhamEstore/estore/default/Catalog/index?categoryid=35 

Railway takes official ownership of historic loco

* 03162 in Llangollen yard in the company of 31271 and 1566 in 2019. Photo by Robin Matthews.

* 03162 is seen working across the Duke Street swing-bridge on the road tramway section of the Birkenhead Docks Railway in the early 1980’s.

Llangollen Railway Trust has taken ownership of long-term resident Class 03 diesel-mechanical shunting locomotive Number 03162 from Wirral Council. 

This will allow fundraising for an overhaul and restoration project to commence immediately with a view to returning the locomotive to regular use as soon as possible.

Colin Simpson, Principal Museums Officer at Wirral Council, said “We are happy to transfer ownership of the loco to the Llangollen Railway Trust in acknowledgement of both the interest that has been expressed and the care that has been shown to 03162 over many years, and hope that they are able to use the loco to best effect."

The railway's Pete Edwards, who brokered the discussions with the council, said: “I first approached Colin back in 2019 regarding the loan status of 03162as it was becoming clear it was starting to deteriorate. 

"We are very grateful of Wirral Council’s recognition of the care we have provided to 03162 in the 33 years she has spent at Llangollen - longer than her original career with British Railways.

"Transfer of ownership to us presents a number of opportunities but first and foremost is the chance to embark on a restoration project to safeguard her future. 

"A fairly significant amount of work is required, so we are looking at a three to five year project with funding coming from donations. 

"We are well-aware of the loco’s popularity amongst enthusiasts and the much-needed revenue it could bring to the LR through use at our galas, driver experiences and enthusiast specials. It will also be a very useful addition to our shunter fleet.

Built in 1960 at Swindon Locomotive Works, 03162 has an interesting history. Along with classmates 03073 and 03170, in 1981 it was transferred to the Birkenhead Mollington Street Depot for use on both the Dock Railway and Merseyrail Electric Depot. 

When Mollington Street depot closed in 1985, the loco was transferred to Birkenhead North, repainted in as-built BR green livery with original number D2162 and inscribed “Birkenhead South 1879-1985”, to commemorate the closure ofher former home.

The Birkenhead 03s were often stabled at Duke Street and could be seen working at Cavendish and Pan Ocean sidings, the latter of which could not take the heavier Class 08. 

Railway operations on this part of the dock finally ceased in May1989 and the Birkenhead 03s were the last of the class in use on the mainland British Isles.

All three went on to be preserved and British Rail donated 03162 to Wirral Council’s Museum Service, who were developingthe Wirral Transport Museum & Heritage Tramway. 

As the museum was still some time off being able to receive the loco, it was loaned to the Llangollen Railway in 1989. 

Arriving in full working order, 03162 was quickly put to good use in North Wales, hauling engineering and works trains in support of the railway’s “Project X” extension to Glyndyfrdwy and Carrog.

03162 remained a popular and useful member of the Llangollen Railway’s fleet, undertaking shunting work and putting-in popular appearances at diesel galas. 

The loco underwent routine maintenance and enjoyed a repaint back into BR blue livery in 2003.

Being in largely ex-BR condition and suffering from a worn final drive gearbox, the loco gradually fell out of regular use. It was last used to operate ballast trains on the Corwen extension in 2014, but has been in storage at both Carrog and Llangollen since then.

Pete added: “Now we have confirmed that Wirral Council no longer require 03162 for display at Birkenhead, we look forward to ensuring she is restored to fully operational condition. 

"All being well this will be in time for her to celebrate her 65^th birthday in fine style in 2025. 

"Anybody interested in supporting the restoration project through either donation of funds or practical support would be very welcome and can contact us through our website or Facebook page.”

 

Fringe announces two more acts for this year

* Talisk.

Organisers have announced two more acts for this year's Llangollen Fringe. 

The festival runs from Friday July 22 to Saturday July 30.

Appearing at Llangollen Town Hall on Wednesday July 27 is Talisk, described as "a ground-breaking, chart-topping, genre-bending, instantly enthralling".

The Fringe adds: "It's little wonder that Talisk rank highly amongst the most in-demand folk-based groups to emerge from Scotland in the last decade.

"Alongside extensive touring, and appearances at leading festivals across multiple continents, Talisk have stacked up major awards for their explosively energetic, artfully woven sound. 

"Mohsen Amini, Graeme Armstrong and Benedict Morris fuse concertina, guitar and fiddle to produce an innovative, multi-layered signature that captivates audiences worldwide. 

"At its core, three seemingly acoustic instruments - in the hands of three master craftsmen; one unmistakable, bold sound and captivating live show."  

* Tickets are available here.

* Warmduscher.

Second act announced for the Town Hall on Friday July 29 is Warmduscher of whom the Fringe says: "Warmduscher have never taken to the term supergroup, but it’s safe to say that their unique, potent blend of raw musicianship, down ‘n’ dirty rock riffs and devil-may-care party attitude was borne from the union of Clams Baker and The Witherer of Paranoid London; Quicksand of Fat White Family; and Mr. Salt Fingers Lovecraft & Kid Whispers, hailing from Insecure Men."

Warmduscher's line-up is Clams Baker III - vocals, Benjamin Romans Hopcraft aka Mr Salt Finger Lovecraft - bass, Adam Harmer aka Quicksand - guitar, Marley Mackey aka Kid Whispers - keyboards, Quinn Whalley aka The Witherer - noises, Bleu Ottis aka Baby Bleu - drums.

* Tickets are available here.