Tourism bosses call for return of London rail link

* North Wales and Mersey Dee Business Council members Ashley Rogers, Adam Williams, Sean Taylor and Jim Jones at Rhyl train station.      

A group of influential business leaders are calling for direct train services between North Wales and London to be reinstated in full as a matter of urgency.

The plea came from the North Wales Mersey Dee Business Council along with some of the biggest names in the tourism industry who fear the coming summer season will be a “major lost opportunity” because of the lack of services.

Among those fronting the campaign are two of the region’s biggest tourism operators, Zip World president and co-founder Sean Taylor and Adam Williams, owner of Llandudno Pier, Tir Prince Raceway in Kinmel Bay and a string of holiday parks and amusement arcades.

Also playing a central role in the drive is North Wales Tourism, a private membership organisation which represents nearly 2,000 businesses across the region’s six counties and is a founder member of the Business Council.

The sector employs more than 43,000 people and, before Coronavirus struck, they generated around £3.6 billion a year, providing a massive boost to the regional economy.

There were big promises from Avanti when they took over the West Coast franchise from Virgin Trains in December 2019.

Avanti vowed to maintain and increase the existing services linking North Wales, Chester and London, saying that passengers would benefit from more trains, more seats, simplified fares and more frequent services.

But the UK’s transport infrastructure ground to a virtual halt when lockdown was imposed.

As a result, the number of direct trains between North Wales and London was slashed to three return services a day.

Earlier this month Avanti introduced another two direct services a day, taking the number to five and in September the number should increase to at least 10 daily services both ways.

But that’s still well short of the 14 daily return services that were running before the pandemic.

The Business Council has been lobbying Avanti and UK Government to reinstate the full original timetable by December at the latest.

According to Sean Taylor, having first class rail links with London was crucial to Zip World who already employ more than 500 people.

As well as branching out in other areas of the UK, the fast-growing, adrelaline-fuelled adventure company are unveiling two brand new attractions in North Wales this summer, with Underground Golf in Llechwedd Slave Caverns in Blaenau Ffestiniog and the SkyFlyer airship in Rhyl that will take thrill seekers 400ft in the air.

Mr Taylor said: “It’s hugely important to us and everybody else in North Wales to have  proper direct train services for lots of different reasons.

“One is perception because symbolically having a great train service says that North Wales is open for business and that we’re not some sleepy backwater.

“On a practical level, if people want to come here on business or on holiday, having limited direct services puts them off – it’s a very real barrier for travellers.

“When Virgin had the franchise, it was a fantastic service and we want that service back because it’s not just important for Zip World, it’s important to the hotels, retailers and other businesses involved in the sector because those customers will do other things as well while they’re here.”

It was a sentiment echoed by Adam Williams whose growing businesses employ around 320 people.

He said: “Resorts like Rhyl, Towyn, Kinmel Bay and Llandudno depend on trains and, with the issue of climate change looming large, it’s more important than ever that we encourage people to travel by train.

“The trouble is that by not having a proper direct train service we are sending out the message that people who want to come should drive here in their cars.

“Surely, on that basis alone, we should be running a lot more trains to take cars off the road.

“It’s a bit of shock to hear where things are at. It’s frightening for our investment and it’s frightening for all our staff and something needs to be done asap.

“Not having a full train service means that this summer season is going to be a total lost opportunity. We’ll lose a large enough percentage to make a big difference.

“It’s hugely important that the Business Council is banging the drum on our behalf and championing the call for improved rail services.

“Getting to where we were isn’t the goal. We need to improve on that and have even more direct trains. That’s the only way we’re going to thrive – otherwise, we’re going to be in trouble.”

Jim Jones, the chief executive of North Wales Tourism, also has fears for the future without a “fit-for-purpose” train service.

He said: “Transport connectivity is incredibly important in terms of tourism and the flow of visitors in and out of North Wales, especially this link between London and Holyhead.

“It’s long overdue because this is a vitally important strategic route and tourism is central to the economic recovery here in North Wales.

“I use the route quite frequently and there is nothing more infuriating than having to change trains at Crewe and or Chester.

“It was even part of the franchise agreement that Avanti would improve what we had before because it’s such an important route.

“I know there are issues in terms of resource because of a shortage of drivers and the time it takes to train new ones but North Wales is such an important destination.”

The campaign is being coordinated by Ashley Rogers, chief executive of the Business Council and board member of Growth Track 360, a cross-border alliance of business, political and public sector leaders in North Wales and Cheshire that was launched to secure £1 billion of rail improvements.

Ashley Rogers said: “The increase in services in May and planned for September are a welcome step in the right direction and testament to positive working between the Department for Transport and Avanti. 

“However, direct services to and from North Wales and Chester are essential for the regional economy, whether that’s tourism bringing in our visitors or business travel, and anything below 14 return services a day means a 20^th century service in a 21^st century world. 

“Without complete re-instatement of the full timetable, there are real long term risks of major damage to the North Wales economy because it’s such a crucial part of our connectivity to London and other key areas of the UK.”

Railway launches its packed Royal Jubilee programme

* The Queen and Prince Philip on the Royal Train at Llangollen station in 1953.

Llangollen Railway is planning a busy Platinum Jubilee weekend between June 3 and 5. 

Memories will be cast back some 69 years to July 10 1953, when Llangollen station proudly welcomed the Royal Train conveying the Queen and Duke of Edinburgh to visit the International Eisteddfod Music Festival, just days after the Coronation.

Great Western steam tank locomotive No 5619, visiting from the Telford Steam Railway, will run on all three days.

This will be highest consecutive number of days that a steam service has run in the Dee Valley since Llangollen Railway Trust managed to reopen the highly scenic line in July last year. 

The railway currently operates between Llangollen and the former slate quarry village of Carrog and services are soon due to be extended to a new station at Corwen.

Although Corwen station, which has been built completely from scratch by volunteers, is yet to welcome its first trains, the Jubilee weekend will see the station open to visitors between 10 and 4pm to inspect progress. 

A train of ballast wagons, which are being used to finish the trackwork off, will be on display all weekend. 

Wayne Ronnenback, Corwen’s new stationmaster, said: “The team at Corwen have all been working extremely hard to finish our new station, which should be opening soon. We’re not quite there yet, but are looking forward to welcoming visitors over the Jubilee weekend."

Also back by popular demand after a successful Easter trial will be 1956-built Class 08 diesel-electric Shunter No 13625, which will be allowing visitors to fulfil their childhood dreams by trying their hand at being a train driver - for just £5 a go.

The shunter will also be working a shuttle service between Llangollen and Berwyn Stations, which will run in-between the three daily steam trains that run between Llangollen and Carrog.

With a return journey time of 50 minutes, the Berwyn Shuttle allows those looking for a shorter trip the chance to travel to the beautiful Berwyn station. 

There is a station tearoom and it is also possible to take a walk to the Chain Bridge or nearby Horseshoe Falls and return back to Llangollen on a later train, if desired. 

Departures from Llangollen are 10:20, 12:15, 14:30 and 16:30, with returns from Berwyn at 10:50, 12:16, 12:45, 14:26, 15:00, 16:31 & 17:00. 

Tickets cost £8.50 for adults, £5 for a child and £7.50 for seniors, purchasable from Llangollen station on the day.

The Driver-for-a-Fiver experience will run in Llangollen station and allow those over 12 (under 16s musty be accompanied by an adult) the chance to drive the locomotive for a short distance along the platform and back. 

Driver-for-a-Fiver is available between 11:20-12:05, 13:15-14:15 and 15:35-16:15. Tickets can be purchased on the day.

* More details can be found on the Llangollen Railway’s website, Facebook page or by telephoning 01978 860 979. 

Team creates improved visitor welcome at the Horseshoe Falls

* The Our Picturesque Landscape team outside the Lengthsman's hut.

After six months' preparation the area around the meter house at the Horseshoe Falls has been transformed to create an improved visitor welcome.

The job was undertaken by the Our Picturesque Landscape project, which is a landscape partnership scheme funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund based in the Dee Valley.  

Partnership officer heading the small team running the project is Kate Thomson who said: "Using Welsh Government Brilliant Basics and National Lottery Heritage funding, the area around the intake and the meter house has been transformed to create a much improved visitor welcome.

"To celebrate this we formally opened the Lengthsman’s Hut to the public for the first time yesterday (Tuesday). 

"It has been closed up for many years and has been decorated as if the lengthsman has just popped out to work and will be back shortly.

"At the opening we were also trying to recruit volunteers to open it up going forward.

"The Lengthsman's Hut is located opposite the meter house on the canal towpath, just past the Chainbridge Hotel."

In one of her first official engagements since being elected as one of Llangollen's two new county councillors, Karen Edwards visited the project yesterday.

She said: "I was delighted to be invited to the opening of the Lengthman’s Hut and meet the team involved with the picturesque landscape project. 

"It’s so important to restore and preserve these buildings that are part of the heritage of the Dee Valley."

Campaigners lose battle to buy Pump Field in hard-fought auction

* The auctioneer's catalogue picture of Pump Field.

A campaign group has been unsuccessful in their campaign to save a popular Llangollen field from possible future development. 

After an intense three-hour round of vying for highest price by two anonymous bidders at an online auction today (Tuesday) the 4.65-acre Pump Field off Grange Road eventually sold for £113,000.

And that was just too much for the Llangollen Green Spaces action group which was formed to spearhead fundraising and buy the land to secure it for the community into the future and the Green Paw Project which was backing them to tune of £50,000. 

On their own account the group raised almost £18,000 in just a few days on crowdfunding which won support from both the area's Conservative MP and Labour MS.

The Jones Peckover auctioneer's catalogue said: "The sale of Pump Field provides a rare opportunity to acquire a useful parcel of agricultural land extending to about 4.65 acres, currently laid to pasture and suitable for a range of agricultural, equine or amenity uses (subject to any necessary consents).

"The land occupies a picturesque setting on the South side of Llangollen with views towards Castle Dinas Bran. it is set out in one enclosure and enjoys vehicular access and good road frontage onto Grange Road."

Online bidding opened at £48,000 at 10.34am today with three bidders in the contest.

With just Bidders 2 and 3 staying the course, the price rose rapidly as they made a total of 59 bids between them. 

By 1.31pm when the auction closed Bidder 2 was winner with an offer of £113,000.

Action group spokesperson Sarah Marshall said: "I am letting all our generous supporters know that the Auction for Pump Field closed at 3pm today and the final price was above what we were able to bid, so we were not successful on this occasion.

"People have been so generous in their donations and support, we really want to thank everyone for their community spirit and efforts to secure a beautiful green space for public use.

"It's been heartwarming to see the number of donations, whether large or small it has all been really appreciated as we know people have given what they can.

"Please do not continue to donate. The crowd-funder has a minimum open period until 27th May so we need to wait until after then but the auction is now closed.

"We ask for you to bear with us whilst we sort the logistics of closing the crowd-funder page, we will be updating as to final amounts that were raised and pledged in the coming days.

"Llangollen Green Spaces will continue to work to protect our beautiful green spaces and improve biodiversity in the local area and look forward to future projects."

Beacon lighting in Denbighshire for Queen’s Platinum Jubilee

Denbighshire is holding a beacon lighting event to celebrate the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee.

The free event will take place at Rhyl Events Area on Thursday, June 2, between 9pm – 10pm. 

The beacon lighting will be part of 1,500 events taking place throughout the United Kingdom, Channel Islands, Isle of Man and UK Overseas Territories to celebrate Her Majesty the Queen becoming the first British Monarch to celebrate a Platinum Jubilee, and to mark this historic 70-year reign.

Denbighshire County Council will be helping celebrate the Queen’s remarkable 70-year reign with this free event for members of the public, with no booking required.

To coincide with the lighting of the Beacon, all present will be invited to join in to sing the ‘Song for the Commonwealth – A Life Lived with Grace’ which won the Commonwealth-wide song competition and further details can be found at www.commonwealthresounds.com

Ample car parking is available in Rhyl for the Beacon lighting, but the closest car parks to the Events Arena are the Central Car Park, Sky Tower Car Park, and Pavilion Theatre Car Park, all located along West Parade, Rhyl.

Residents are reminded as this is a late evening, outdoor event, to remember to dress appropriately.

The council has also taken part in the Queen’s Green Canopy, a UK-wide, tree planting initiative created to mark the Platinum Jubilee in 2022.

The Jubilee Tree, was planted at Cae Ddol, Ruthin in March, by Denbighshire County Council’s Chairman Cllr Alan James.

The tree is a Black Poplar, a very rare tree, native to the river banks of the county.

As part of the celebrations, we have held competitions for schools, and 20 Denbighshire schools have participated in the various competitions, with 2,404 entries having been received over seven creative competitions which include flag designs, letter writing, poetry and baking.

The winners of all the school competitions will be announced via Twitter at @cyfoeth_enrich on Wednesday, May 18.

Llan woman will use pedal power to support sick children

* Jenny Coppock will take in the cycle challenge.

A woman from Llangollen will be amongst cyclists from across the region using pedal power to support seriously ill children this summer as the Hope House Cycle Challenge returns for the first time since 2019.  

Hundreds of riders will take to the roads on Sunday, August 14, from Hope House in Oswestry and head on two routes to either 56 miles to Lake Vyrnwy or 70 miles to Lake Bala and back.   

The longer Lake Bala route takes in Bwlch y Groes – one of the highest public road mountain passes in Wales with a summit altitude of 545 metres. 

Cyclists will be provided with refreshments at the halfway feed station and treated to a delicious buffet upon return to Hope House. There will also be medical support on route as well as a bike doctor to keep cyclists safe. 

One of those already signed up to take part is 36-year-old Jenny Coppock, from Llangollen, who is a member of the Wrecsam Tri triathlon group. 

“I’ll be doing the Lake Bala ride, it’s one of the most scenic routes you can ride and I can’t wait to saddle up and get going,” she said. 

“This is a really inclusive ride for riders of all sorts of abilities and everyone is really supportive. If you have a bike, get signed up and ride for an amazing cause.” 

Due to the pandemic, the ride wasn’t able to be held for two years but is now finally back with a new bespoke medal for riders to add to their collection.  

Fundraiser Bekki Fardoe said: “It’s going to be great to see all of our riders again here at Hope House and out on the route. 

“We are so grateful to our sponsors The Fencing Bloke Ltd and Knight Frank for their incredible support in helping us be able to put on such an amazing event which will raise vital money to support children and families that need care at our hospices. 

“The Cycle Challenge is one of our most popular events, so if you want to take part and make sure you get your hands on one of our incredible medals and one of our cycle jerseys then please do sign up early to avoid disappointment and take advantage of the early bird fee.” 

* Sign up for the ride at www.hopehouse.org.uk/cycle and guarantee your place. It costs £25 to register in advance or £35 to register on the day and you must be over 16 to take part. 

Campaigners raise almost half of money needed to save Pump Field

* Action group members and supporters on Pump Meadow yesterday.

In just a couple of days the action group aiming to prevent a popular open space being sold for development have used crowdfunding to raise almost half of the £30,000 they reckon is needed to buy it themselves ahead of its auctioning off tomorrow (Tuesday) afternoon. 

Pump Field is nearly five acres of meadow, nicknamed “buttercup meadow” by many due to it’s summertime flowers. 

It is an open space used by many locals and in COVID restrictions especially it provided a perfect outdoor meeting place close to the town but away from more crowded areas. In winter it’s a popular place for families to go sledging. 

An action group named Llangollen Green Spaces formed to spearhead fundraising and buy the land to secure it for the community into the future. 

The group’s vision is to “safeguard green spaces in and around Llangollen for public access and community use and to improve biodiversity”. 

Yesterday (Sunday) afternoon more than 20 people turned up at the field to plan the campaign. 

Group spokesperson Sarah Marshall said: "We have now raised nearly half the amount needed on Crowdfunder in only a couple days, so that’s thanks to people of Llangollen.

"We we also have some reasonably substantial pledges outside of the Crowdfunder as some people are happier to do that. 

"Among those who have made pledges are the local MP Simon Baynes and Senedd Member Ken Skates."

She added: "Our aims are to protect Pump Field from property development, secure it for public use and enhance the area for biodiversity and food production.

"The Green Paw project have already pledged £50,000 (the auction starting price) for this land, any funds raised will be additional to help improve our chances. 

"Green Paw will put up a maximum bid up to whatever money has been pledged on this Crowdfunder (and private pledges) at the auction start time.

"If we are not successful at auction 100% of the money will be fully refunded. In the event of us winning the bid at auction, any additional funds will be put into a pot for the social and ecological development of the land as outlined below.

"People are asked to contact info@greenpawproject.org directly if they would like to discuss donating via a pledge that's only enacted if the bid is successful. 

“We don’t have much time to secure this field for the town, as bidding closes at 3pm tomorrow. We have tried contacting the owner for more time and we set up crowd-funding for a collective bid in order to try and prevent it being developed, as so much of the land around the town recently has. 

"Local people need outdoor places to exercise, play and relax, and we really don’t have many open spaces like this within walking distance. We are also applying to register the paths across the field as public rights of way. Anyone who may be able to help is welcome to make contact." 

Green Paw Project spokesperson Ste Chesters said: “We would love to work with the community in Llangollen to secure a future for this land that keeps it accessible and showcases a regenerative approach to land management."

As of this afternoon (Monday) a total of £13,435 had been pledged, with Simon Baynes down for £50 and Ken Skates £40. An anonymous donor pledged £2,000 while a number of people have signed for £1,000 apiece.   

* The link to the crowdfunding website is:  https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/protectpumpfield