Message from the town's new Mayor, Cllr Paul Keddie

* New Town Mayor, Paul Keddie.

Paul Keddie was chosen earlier this week by his fellow town councillors as Lllangollen's new Mayor.

Cllr Keddie, who also became one of the area's two county councillors at the May 5 election, has sent this message to the people of the town:

"I am truly honoured and proud to be voted Mayor of Llangollen, thank you to Cllr Haddy and Cllr Rush for proposing and seconding me and to those who voted for me.

As with County Council, my goals are to improve the way we all live our lives by improving the local facilities, transport links, waste and recycling management and moving towards a greener community.

The way we live our lives in the aftermath of the dreadful pandemic is slowly becoming more ‘normal’ and similar to pre-pandemic ways, but some of the changes that were forced upon us in the Covid times can still be used to make things easier and greener for us.  Examples of this are working from home and attending meetings using virtual access methods, both are saving on travel and reducing the toxic waste given out as a result. 

Festivals and events are returning to their former glory, please support these as best you can.  They bring the community together and share our wonderful town and surroundings with people from all over Britain and the world.  A smile to a stranger goes a long way in a town like ours, it is helping to secure our future - keeping our visitors happy so they are more likely to return and will spread the word that the Welsh can be friendly.

I wish you all well and look forward serving you during my term of office."

Cllr Keddie replaces Austin Cheminais. who stood down from the Town Council on May 5, as Town Mayor.      

Councillor Jen Rush (pictured below) has been appointed Deputy Mayor.

She said “I am honoured to have this opportunity to serve the town and look forward to supporting Cllr Keddie in his well-deserved role as Mayor.

"We are fortunate to have two experienced councillors and an accomplished Town Clerk to guide those of us who are new to the role, with the benefit of new councillors to bring fresh ideas and ways of thinking to the table.

"I hope the co-option process makes the Town Council more diverse, so all residents feel supported and represented. I would urge anyone interested to get in touch with the Town Clerk before 10 June.

"I know from volunteering with New Dot Cinema that our community groups and events are a huge part of what makes our town so vibrant. Our wonderful grass-roots support groups like Llangollen Food Share do an invaluable job of making sure no resident of Llangollen has to go without. These groups are going to be more important than ever as we rebuild post-pandemic, let's do our best support them.

"Outside my role as Town Councillor, I am mum to a toddler and own a small digital marketing agency, where I work exclusively with charities and not-for-profits. I am also due to complete a Master’s in Digital Communications this year, so it is a busy time, but as several people have recently said to me ‘If you want something doing, ask a busy woman’! 

Former butchers shop at centre of spirited social media debate

* The former Gwyn Davies butchers which a dog has trouble walking past.

A fascinating Facebook post about a closed-down Llangollen business has turned into a running story with ghostly overtones.

It began yesterday afternoon when a visitor to the town posed the question on Llangollen & District Noticeboard, above a picture of the former Gwyn Davies butchers in Castle Street which closed about six months ago: “Why does my dog freak out walking past this old butchers shop?

“Been coming Llangollen, for years, great place, whenever I walk the dog past this place my dog goes crazy and tries to run away, he's done this for four years since he was a pup, has anybody else experienced this? He's a huge mastiff and has never been spooked by anything other than walking past here.”

* Copper, the dog that started the debate.

The question immediately sparked an intensive online debate about the reasons behind the dog’s odd behaviour which has so far attracted around 80 comments.

A number have been the usual mickey-taking but some have suggested a supernatural reason for why the animal gets spooked outside the shop, which remains unoccupied following the retirement of Gwyn Davies.

One person commented: “Senses animal death vibes/energy maybe.

Another suggested: “They can smell blood.”

And another: “All animals are sensitive to spirits. May be coincidence it’s a butchers.”

“He feels like he is walking past a graveyard with all the dead meat in there,” said someone else.

Other people related similar experiences such as: “We had a collie many years ago, when we took her with us on holiday there was a butchers in Barmouth that she wouldn't go past.”

Then the history of the Castle Street shop comes in focus, with one person commenting: “Recent historic pictures of Llangollen have shown many raw carcasses hanging outside the shop years ago. Row upon row of sheep cows and chickens before Gwyn had it.”

Then another person explained: “It used to be slaughterhouse and butchers.”

Later in the comments things took a supernatural turn as someone posted: “I remember my Uncle, old Noddy (local historian) telling me that above the shop was haunted. Maybe that is why?”

The ghostly theme is taken up in another comment which said: “There was a large German Shepherd that would not enter the kitchen in our local pub, as he got to the door of the kitchen he froze. It was said the pub was haunted.”

And someone else said: “My father worked there when Edwards’s owned it many years ago, they used to do their own slaughtering in those days at the rear of the premises, he may sense these things, dogs are really intelligent/sensitive.”

There are further ghostly suggestions with the comment: “I found at article about a previous butcher seeing a ghost whilst walking to work in the butcher shop.”

Taking this up, another person commented: “I worked there for Gwyn Davies a few years back in the early 90's and heard tales that the cellar and the flat upstairs were haunted. I never saw or heard anything though.”

Amusing but rather unhelpful was one of the later comments, which suggested to the original poster: “You need to call ghost butchers.”

* To see the Facebook post, go to: https://www.facebook.com/groups/220715008050894/permalink/4965354713586876/

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. 

What police found in A5 corridor speed check

Police have commented on the speed of one motorist they recorded on the A5 earlier today (Wednesday).

In a message sent out through the Neighbourhood Alert online network PCSO Geraint Jones of Corwen Police Station says: "Early morning speed checks have been conducted this morning along the A5 corridor between Corwen and Llangollen following concerns from local residents. 

"Most vehicles were sticking to the speed limit's however one vehicle was seen travelling above 60 mph.

"NPT (Neighbourhood Policing Team) will continue to monitor on regular occasions - results will be fed back to local councillors."

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."

Cost of living support payments begin in county

Denbighshire County Council has begun one-off payments of £150 to those paying Council Tax.

As part of the Welsh Government’s Cost of Living Support Scheme to help residents with cost of living increases, payments will be made to those with properties in Council Tax bands A-D.

Payments will also be made to residents who were in receipt of Council Tax Reduction Scheme Support on February 15, 2022, irrespective of the Council Tax Band, and those with properties in Council Tax Band E where the property has had modifications for disability, reducing the chargeable value to Band D.

The first payments are being made to residents who pay for Council Tax via direct debit and payments began on Monday, May 16.

Steve Gadd, the Council’s Head of Finance and Property, said: “The council is administering this scheme on behalf of the Welsh Government and we have been working as quickly as possible to be able to start making these payments to our customers.

“Payments will be made automatically to the majority of residents paying via direct debit, with the remainder of customers needing to complete a short form on the council’s website.

“We would like to thank residents for their understanding while the council has worked on IT upgrades and to ensure robust and correct procedures are in place to implement this scheme.”

Residents who do not pay their Council Tax by direct debit must complete a short application form on the Council’s website.

Our intention is for this form to be made available during the week commencing May 23 with payments made during the following week.

We will continue to keep members of the public informed on the scheme.

For more information visit www.denbighshire.gov.uk/cost-of-living