Welsh Government pledges £4m help with fuel bills

Some of the most vulnerable households in Wales will receive further help with soaring energy bills, after Social Justice Minister Jane Hutt launched a £4m fuel voucher scheme. 

The extra help will be targeted towards people with pre-payment meters and households not connected to mains gas. 

It comes as figures show people on pre-payment meters in North Wales have been the hardest hit in the UK by rising standing charges, with costs increasing by 102%. 

The £4m of new funding will enable the Fuel Bank Foundation to introduce a national voucher scheme, providing direct support to eligible households on prepayment meters and those not connected to the mains gas network. 

Nearly 120,000 people on prepayment meters will be eligible for approximately 49,000 vouchers to support them during the cost-of-living crisis. 

Vouchers will range from £30 in summer months to £49 in winter, with households receiving up to three vouchers over a six-month period. 

The £4m will also include a Heat Fund, which will provide direct support to eligible households living off the gas grid, which are reliant on heating oil and liquid gas. This will help an estimated 2,000 households across Wales. 

Speaking as she visited a foodbank in Wrexham yesterday (Friday) to see the support available to people trying to balance rising energy costs with putting food on the table, Social Justice Minister Jane Hutt said: “The cost-of-living crisis is having a devastating impact on people in Wales. 

“Today, nearly half of all households in Wales are at risk of falling into fuel poverty. This is deeply shocking. 

“We are investing an extra £4m in the Fuel Bank Foundation to roll-out a national scheme that covers the whole of Wales and supports people most in need. 

“This extra help is for people on pre-payment meters and for those who are not on mains gas or electricity – both ignored by the Chancellor in his latest package.” 

The extra funding and target support comes as households across Wales are struggling to pay higher energy bills, exacerbated by the increase in the domestic energy cap rise in April. People with prepayment meters are the most susceptible to rising costs and increased standing charges. 

Those on default tariffs paying by direct debit have seen a typical average household energy bill increase by £693 a year, while people on prepayment meters have been hardest hit, with increases of £708 a year. 

Households not connected to the mains gas network are also suffering from rising fuel costs and being forced into fuel poverty, with approximately one in 10 households reliant on heating oil in Wales. 

Many have reported the cost of heating oil has more than doubled over the past two months. A delivery of 500 litres normally costing approximately £340 can in some regions now cost upwards of £750.

AONB team to lead Panorama walk

The Clwydian Range and Dee Valley AONB team has organised a leisurely amble around the Panorama Walk overlooking the picturesque Vale of Llangollen. 

People taking part in the four-mile walk on Friday June 17, from 10am-2pm, will be encouraged to be on the lookout for some of the wildlife and geology that make the Panorama so special and also learn about some of the pressures the area is experiencing from visitors. 

It is hoped walkers will spot peregrine falcons, plenty of plant life, insects and even hear a cuckoo.

The Panorama is part of an internationally important designated area called the Berwyn and South Clwyd Mountains Special Area of Conservation which represents the largest tract of upland dry heath in Wales. 

It’s part of the Ruabon/Llantysilio Mountains & Minera Site of Special Scientific Interest designated for its upland heather moorland, upland birds, calcareous grasslands, geology, caves and bat species. 

The rolling heather moors contrasts strongly with the dramatic limestone cliffs, screes and disused quarry workings of the Eglwyseg.

A unique species of Whitebeam tree grows on the limestone cliffs and nowhere else in the world.

The Panorama is a working landscape shaped through the management of the land by generations of landowners, farmers and their livestock. 

Working with the farmers and visitors, the AONB says it hopes to protect the special qualities of the landscape and wildlife for the wellbeing of future generations. 

* If you would like to join the walk, register a place by emailing: our.picturesque.landscape@denbighshire.gov.uk

Meet at laybyon Blackwood Rd, approx. 200m north from Panorama Walk cattle grid towards Prospect Place. Grid Reference: SJ 24846 42900. What 3 Words location: opera.chose.delighted.

The walk will cover approximately four miles over uneven ground.

Senedd Member calls for Welsh NHS improvements

Member of the Senedd Ken Skates has set out the steps he believes the Welsh Government should take to improve health services in north Wales. 

The Clwyd South MS called on Health Minister Eluned Morgan to commission independent assessments of the short-term impact and future benefits of splitting Betsi Cadwaladr, which is Wales’ largest health board. 

He also called for the creation of a People’s Panel in the north to scrutinise and shape what the future of the NHS in the region and repeated his belief that the new Citizens Voice Body, which will represent the voices and opinions of the people of Wales on health and social care matters, should be based in the north. 

Mr Skates was speaking in a Senedd debate on Wednesday (June 8), in which the Conservatives called for BCUHB to be put back into special measures. 

He said: “There is no doubt that health provision is the single biggest issue of concern to people in north Wales right now, and by some distance. And, whilst the vast majority of people in the region would doubtlessly applaud the phenomenal and tireless efforts of the healthcare workforce, there is considerable concern over service provision and outcomes. 

“The Conservative motion sees a different set of special measures as the answer to the health board's failings. The Plaid amendment offers reorganisation as the answer. 

“I’ve considered both really, really carefully, and I do feel that both are worthy of further investigation and also an open-minded response. But I can also appreciate the likely response to both, that now is not the right time to reorganise and that we have an established process for placing specific services and entire boards into special measures.” 

Mr Skates continued: “I'd make the following suggestions. Firstly, conduct some form of a truth review to completely look at the special measures process as a means of delivering improvement. If special measures arrangements are found to be deficient in any way, then let's move to revise them. 

“Secondly, conduct a truly independent assessment of the real and likely short-term impacts of reorganisation on service outcomes. Let's have our eyes opened to the likely short-term consequences before examining the long-term possible benefits of reorganisation. Deciding on whether to embark on such a journey should be informed by the long-term potential benefits, but also by the short-term impact on services and outcomes. 

“Thirdly, I'd recommend establishing, without delay, a People's Panel in the north to interrogate the challenges and all possible solutions. A People's Panel could offer, I think, an objective, informed, depoliticised and citizen-led view of what needs to change. 

“And fourthly, let's improve communications and transparency, establish an easily accessible online data dashboard for the seven health board areas so that the public can see how their services compare to other parts of Wales in terms of outcomes. 

"We can't be back in again in six or 12 months having the same debate. I'd implore the Minister to consider all constructive suggestions, such as those that I've offered, in order to restore public confidence in health services in north Wales." 

Mr Skates also tabled a Statement of Opinion this week – seeking support of other Members – proposing that the Senedd:  

·       Calls for the new Citizen Voice Body for Health and Social Care (CVB) to be headquartered in North Wales.

·       Believes that locating the CVB headquarters in the North would demonstrate an early commitment by the organisation to decentralisation.

·       Further call on the CVB to guarantee citizens that it will serve all parts of Wales equally by having fair representation of each of the health board areas at an executive and board level.

Latest local roadworks alerts

Latest local roadworks notifications from Denbighshire County Council are:

OUTSIDE PLAS DERWEN, ABBEY ROAD, LLANGOLLEN ABBEY ROAD 04/07/2022 04/07/2022 Adnewyddu Polyn / Renew Pole PLATINUM (DCC) LLANGOLLEN Goleuadau Traffig Dros Dro/ Temp Traffic Lights 

DINBREN ROAD, JUNC WITH WERN ROAD AND WHARF HILL DINBREN ROAD 20/06/2022 20/06/2022 Adnewyddu Polyn / Renew Pole PLATINUM (DCC) LLANGOLLEN 

The Beeches MARKET STREET MARKET STREET 28/06/2022 30/06/2022 Gwaith BT/ BT Works MJ QUINN (DCC) LLANGOLLEN 

120m east of Medical centre to The Sun Inn A539 LLANGOLLEN ROAD 21/04/2022 14/07/2022 Gwaith Dwr / Water Works HAFREN DYFRDWY LLANGOLLEN Goleuadau Traffig Dros Dro/ Temp Traffic Lights 

OUTSIDE PONSONBY ARMS MILL STREET 15/07/2022 15/07/2022 I rheoli traffig ar llwybr amgen / Traffic control on diversion route 

HALL STREET jnc with BERWYN STREET HALL STREET 28/06/2022 30/06/2022 Gwaith BT/ BT Works MJ QUINN (DCC) LLANGOLLEN 

AT JUNCTION WITH A5 QUEEN STREET BIRCH HILL 26/09/2022 30/09/2022 Gwaith Dwr / Water Works HAFREN DYRFDWY (EMMA) LLANGOLLEN Ffordd ar Gau/Road Closure 

Fuel-sipping Swift may be frugal motoring answer

Suzuki Swift drive by Steve Rogers

The cost of a tank of fuel has gone berserk so what we need are cars that can squeeze every mile out of every drop of petrol.

Diesel used to be the answer but not anymore with it costing an extra 10p a litre, or 45p a gallon. Hard to believe isn’t it?

Unless you are ready to go down the electric car road the way to go is hybrid and here is a good one that might not be on a top five shopping list. Suzuki Swift has not got the badge pulling power of supermini favourites like Fiesta, Peugeot 208 or Skoda Fabia but may be it should because it can top 60 miles to the gallon.

For the record Swift, in its current shape, has been around since 2005 and unlike its competitors has not changed a great deal mainly because they got it right first time becoming the Japanese Mini with a shape that tells its own story.

Plenty has happened under the skin and the third generation facelift is the most significant. There have been a few nips and tucks to pretty up the body but the big changes are out of site - a new platform and self charging hybrid technology.

Until now Swift’s 1.2 litre engine has been restricted to what they call ‘mild’ hybrid which lowers emissions and sharpens the stop-start response. But the new Dualjet engine’s 12V hybrid is now self charging and done wonders for economy. The new unit has lifted fuel consumption from low fifties to all but 60mpg and I did even better returning 62.6mpg over 400 miles which in my book is outstanding.

The downside, if indeed you can call it a downside with today’s fuel prices, is lack lustre performance. Swift by name but certainly not swift by nature. Acceleration is tame and flat in the mid range so whipping down a couple of gears and a taking little more time is the way forward when overtaking.

That said Swift is a smashing car to drive with sharp steering, good balance and poise when pushed, the sort of car to make the perfect hot hatch and you can get close to that with the Swift Sport model.

Swift has not grown in size but the new platform has created a little more cabin space so there is ample room for four adults, even tall people, because headroom is excellent. Probably best to avoid three in the back, it would get a bit cramped.

Boot space has never been a strong point for Swift and still isn’t although a few extra litres have been found.

There is a big drop into the boot well which is not ideal but without it the boot would be a good deal smaller. A two level floor is common enough these days and would solve the problem. How often do we use all the boot space anyway?

There is no doubting Swift’s value for money with a strong spec at entry level. LED headlights, air conditioning, rear view camera and Smartphone link with DAB radio all part of the package while on the safety front you get automatic emergency braking, blind spot warning, and adaptive cruise control.

Notable additions at SZ5 level are navigation and keyless entry.

Against its rivals Swift is well priced although this facelift would have been the time to take a critical look at the cabin trim which has far too much hard plastic and gives that cheap look.

But you can’t help coming back to the conclusion that Swift is an enduring, loveable car and one of the most economic superminis money can buy.

Fast Facts

Swift SZ5 Hybrid

£18,499 (starts (£15,499)

1.2 litre Dualjet; 83bhp

0-62mph 13.1secs; 112mph

59.7mpg

Global star in tune with Eisteddfod's peace message

 

* Anoushka Shankar will perform at the Eisteddfod. 

The hypnotising sound of the sitar will be creating a buzz when seven times Grammy nominee Anoushka Shankar performs in Wales for the very first time.

Shankar will be taking centre stage at the Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod at 8pm on Friday, July 8, and tickets are on sale now as the event prepares to celebrate its 75^th anniversary.

She was taught how to play the instrument by her father, the legendary musician Ravi Shankar, who performed with The Beatles.

Father and daughter worked together with George Harrison to create the landmark album, Chants of India, but Anoushka has carved out a remarkable career in world music in her own right.

The English-Indian-American musician has collaborated with artists including Sting, Herbie Hancock, Jeff Beck and her half-sister, Norah Jones.

She has performed at the BBC Proms and Glastonbury and has won legions of fans worldwide, but Llangollen Eisteddfod is her first appearance in Wales and she says she is very excited by the prospect.

After the Second World War, the original concept for Llangollen Eisteddfod was a musical event that could promote education and international peace and goodwill and these are ambitions close to Shankar's heart.

She said: "My father, Ravi Shankar, had a core belief in the concept of peace through music and I was immersed from childhood in experiencing the transformative quality of music.

"It feels like society as a whole can forget how investing time, effort, money and energy into the arts actually brings about an 'upliftment' of society as a whole into connection and peace."

Shankar has herself frequently performed at benefit concerts and in 2018 she embarked on a short US tour to help raise funds for the non-profit organisation, Help Refugees.

More recently, she has turned her considerable talents to writing film scores, including the music for the series, A Suitable Boy, adapted from Vikram Seth's novel, which won an Ivor Novello nomination.

"I am finding the idea of composing for visual mediums more interesting after a couple of decades of primarily touring and writing albums," she said.

"It certainly draws a new and different audience but also requires something different of me as a musician which I find challenging and fulfilling."

The Llangollen festival has become an established and much-loved home for world music, so Shankar's appearance is a natural fit.

The evening programme celebrates her father’s legacy, as well as featuring orchestral arrangements of Anoushka’s own eclectic output.

She will join forces with Austrian percussionist, composer, Hang-player and Björk collaborator Manu Delago and the strings of the Britten Sinfonia, for an evening that promises to transport the audience on to a wild and mystical ride.

"Manu is one of my favourite collaborators," said Shankar. "He's a brilliant musician and also we wrote many songs together over the years, so getting to replay them with him now, years after we used to tour and play them together more frequently is a genuine treat."

She says her music is always evolving and the audience at Llangollen can expect some new interpretations for her first Welsh performance.

"I can't pick favourites but in context of Jules Buckley's gorgeous arrangements for orchestra. I particularly love hearing this version of Land of Gold come to life," Shankar added.

"It's amazing hearing a song that started as a duo, then a song, grow across orchestral strings."

The festival, which helped launch the careers of opera superstars Luciano Pavarotti and Sir Bryn Terfel, had to be cancelled in 2020 for the only time since its inauguration due to the coronavirus pandemic.

In 2021 it took on a virtual format, with performances streamed online, but this year the music and dance extravaganza is back in the town where “Wales welcomes the world”.

Preparations are well under way for this year’s festival, which starts on Thursday, July 7 and culminates with Llanfest on Sunday, July 10, when the eisteddfod will join forces with the Llangollen Fringe Festival.

During the four-day event, there will be a host of new attractions and activities on the revamped outdoor site, including music, dance, talks, comedy, food, drink, shopping, workshops and pop-up entertainment.

The competitions will reach a crescendo on the Saturday night with 'Choir of the World, and the contest for the Pendine International Voice of the Future, featuring the finest young singers from across the globe.

* To buy tickets go to www.international-eisteddfod.co.uk/tickets_for_llangollen_eisteddfod/

Walkers raise £2,500 for hospital in memory of Gareth Heald

* The walkers are greeted by members of Gareth's family, including his mother Nesta Hughes, outside Anfield football ground.

A group of men raised £2,500 for charity by walking from Llangollen to Liverpool in memory of their friend who passed away last year at the age of 45.

Gareth Heald was born and raised in Llangollen, attending Ysgol Bryn Collen and Ysgol Dinas Bran and singing in St Collen’s Church choir.

Later he moved to the south of England and became finance director for a firm in London, living in Hertfordshire with his wife Rachel and son George.

* Gareth Heald who died last summer.

Gareth died suddenly in the summer of 2021 and a collection taken at his funeral in St Collen’s Church raised over £2,000 for the Great Ormond Street children’s hospital in London where son George received dialysis treatment after he became seriously ill in 2020.

After the funeral four friends from his school and university days decided they would also like to make a special gesture to support the hospital in his memory – trekking from the home of his mother Nesta Hughes in Maesmawr Road over to Anfield football, legendary home of Liverpool FC of whom Gareth was a long-time supporter.  

Over two days on a recent weekend they covered the 60 miles to the ground, managing to collect over £2,500 in sponsorship cash.

They were greeted outside Anfield by Gareth’s friends and family, including his mother Nesta.

She said: “His friends Mathew, Andrew, Simon and Arran did the walk and we went over there to thank them for their efforts, which were amazing.

“I’d also like to thank everyone who pledged cash to the walk. People were stopping me as I was shopping in town to offer donations.”   

* The four walkers set off from Maesmawr Road, seen off by more of Gareth's friends.