MS calls for more help for veterans from Welsh Government

Sam Rowlands, Senedd Member for North Wales, has called for more to be done to support veterans in Wales. 

Speaking in the Senedd, Mr Rowlands, Shadow Minister for Local Government, asked Hannah Blythyn, Deputy Minister for Social Partnership, what action the Welsh Government were taking. 

He said: “Recently I had the pleasure of meeting the Royal British Legion and they are looking to extend housing priority need to cover five years for those who have left military service. 

"Also, as in place in England, to ensure that divorced or separated spouses and partners of service personnel in Wales can access housing support on the same terms as other armed forces families. 

“What consideration have you had to extend the housing priority need and what discussions are you having with representatives of veterans to ensure that their important concerns are looked at?”

The Minister said: "Our programme for government does set out our commitment to reform housing law and implement the homeless action group's recommendations to fundamentally reform homelessness services to focus on prevention and rapid rehousing. 

“As part of this reform, I can say that Welsh Government will consider the points that you raised and the Royal British Legion have raised as well.” 

Mr Rowlands added: “I was delighted to hear the response from the Minister and look forward to seeing Welsh Government progress the housing reforms and demonstrate their commitment to our veterans.”

Stylish electric Swede is a buzz to drive

Volvo XC40 Recharge drive by Steve Rogers

I’ve been driving a car for a week and haven’t touched the brake pedal. Truth or lie?

You are thinking there has got to be a catch here, but it is the truth.

The electrically powered XC40 has a system called one pedal which brakes the car as the driver lifts off the throttle. It is all to do with capturing energy for the batteries and is the next stage in regenerative braking.

We see it in hybrids where gentle braking is induced to harness battery power but this system is full on and will, by feathering the throttle, bring the car to a stop and hold until you move off. It quickly becomes second nature and apart from an emergency stop there is no need to use the brake pedal.

XC40 looks to be leading Volvos charge to electrically powered cars and has a quite a story to tell. It is the company’s smallest SUV previously powered by petrol or diesel engines but now it’s just petrol hybrid and electric.

The only difference in styling is the front grille which has been replaced by a plastic cover because there is no engine to cool. I would have stuck with the grille which is way more classier.

Power comes from an electric motor, or, in the case of the all wheel drive model tested here, two motors, one on each axle doubling the power to a gobsmacking 408bhp and get this, XC40’s dash to sixty is just two seconds behind a Ferrari F8 or McLaren 720S.

It goes against the grain when electric cars should be driven sensibly, but this car’s performance is such a hoot you are tempted to drive the nuts off it all the time. Honestly, stab the accelerator and you risk snapping your neck such is the pick up.

Back in Mr Sensible mode XC40 delivered around 220 miles from my Podpoint home wall charger, 36 miles short of Volvo’s prediction. Not too shabby and puts the Volvo in the middle of its rivals on range.

A full charge from a wall box takes 12 hours and double that if plugging into a three-pin socket, and remember never to use an extension lead because it will fry.

XC40 is an SUV so don’t expect handling to match its sports car performance but it is good to drive in spite of weighing in at a hefty 2.1 tonnes. The ride was occasionally jittery on B roads in my neck of the woods but for the majority of driving it has a comfortable ride unless  thrashed through bends when you get the inevitable body roll from a high sided car.

You cannot dispute XC40’s premium car status with high quality soft finishes and attractive metal inlays around the cabin. I have been saying for years how Volvo front seats are the most comfortable of any car I have driven and nothing has changed. It is good in the back, too, with ample leg and headroom and space for three adults.

The boot loses a few litres of space because of the positioning of the batteries but there is a decent bolt hole for family luggage. We easily loaded three golf bags and power trolleys with the back seats dropped. Surprised there were no levers in the boot wall to lower the seat backs.

Up front the dashboard has pleasing minimal Swedish styling and the infamous Volvo touchscreen infotainment system. Will we ever get used to it? You would if you owned a Volvo but it would still take a while.

This is a spanking new system powered by Android with Google mapping for navigation and is megga quick. That said it is the same old story, lots of menus with long lists of functions in small print, not the sort of thing to be meddling with while driving.

Ironic that a company that has led the world with safety technology and packs its cars with every safety feature known to man has a complex feature that can be a distraction for a driver.

I kept out of it as much as possible relying on the easy to use voice control for heating, radio and navigation commands.

Sixty grand for the all wheel drive XC40 sounds a lot but is not overpriced compared to its rivals. My guess is the majority will opt for the less expensive front wheel drive models which are still quick off the mark. If XC40 is within your budget it is an extremely good buy whichever model you go for.

How will it stack up against the Audi Q50 etron? Find out here in a couple of weeks.

What the wife says.

I dreaded having to fiddle with the infotainment system but was very impressed with the clever braking system. The covered storage box under the bonnet is a bonus and perfect for storing the hefty charging cables.

Fast facts

XC40 Recharge Twin Pro Ultimate

£60,300 (Range starts £45,750)

Twin electric motors, 408bhp

0-60mph 4.7secs; 112mph

Range 256 miles

0g/km. Road tax zero

Boot 578-1328 litres

Insurance group 41

Improved visitor access created at Horseshoe Falls

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

The Lengthsman Hut and stop plank shed has been full restored and an interpretation panel installed, the railings and down pipes on the meter house have been rubbed down and repainted along with the installation of further railings around the intake.

The work 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 and supported by Canal and River Trust.

The work has been made possible by Welsh Government’s Brilliant Basics capital fund, which is supporting local authorities and national parks to deliver the improvements which will benefit both communities and visitors, will support projects to help alleviate pressure in areas that are seeing increased visitor numbers.

Our Picturesque Landscape Partnership Officer Kate Thomson said: "Thanks to 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. It has been closed up for many years and after a full restoration has been furnished as if the lengths man who would have been responsible for the maintenance of a section or length of canal has just popped out to work and will be back shortly! The Lengthsman's Hut can be found opposite the meter house on the canal towpath.

"We are keen to recruit volunteers to open it up going forward if anyone would be interested in helping please contact our.picturesque.landscape@denbighshire.gov.uk or telephone 01824 706163."

Llangollen county councillor Karen Edwards 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."

Welsh Government Economy Minister, Vaughan Gething, said: “We’re very aware of the important part that local tourism amenities have on someone’s overall experience when on a day trip or on holiday. These facilities often go unnoticed, but they are an important part of people’s experiences when they visit Wales, while also benefit those who live in the area."

Councillor told why Llan buildings won't be lit up for Falklands anniversary

* Rhyl's 1891 restaurant and bar lit up to mark the 40th anniversary of the Falklands war.

A leisure company boss has explained to a Llangollen county councillor why some of the town's landmark buildings haven't been lit up to mark the 40th anniversary of the Falklands war like those in Rhyl.

Denbighshire Leisure Ltd, which manages county council leisure assets on its behalf, will light up attractions to remember those who tragically lost their lives in the conflict.

On Wednesday 8^th June and Tuesday 14^th June,  Rhyl Sky Tower, Rhyl Pavilion Theatre, 1891 restaurant and bar, the Events Arena waterfall and coastal bus shelters are being lit up in red blue and white to reflect the colours of the British flag and in honour of all those who lost their lives, including members of the Armed Forces from the Denbighshire area.

When she heard about this Councillor Karen Edwards wrote to Jamie Groves, managing director of Denbighshire Leisure, saying: "I have been approached by numerous residents in Llangollen who wish to know why this town has not been included in the ‘Light up Attractions to remember those lost during the Falklands War’ .

"If you could provide me with the information as to who made this decision and the reasons for it I can then relay the information to the residents here. 

"I have to add that from both a personal perspective and as a county councillor it is very disappointing."

In a reply shown to llanblogger by Cllr Edwards Mr Groves says: "In fairness, you are not the first to raise the question about lighting up the assets elsewhere in the county, but unfortunately, it is not straightforward. 

"The simple answer is that the current attractions that we light up all have the feature lighting installed already, all of which are controlled remotely by Rhyl Pavilion. 

"When the waterfront was developed along the coast the programme of work included installing feature lighting. As a company we are paid by the council under contract to manage a number of attractions, most of which include the feature lighting capability. The only other installation we are aware of, is Ruthin Craft Centre, which was paid for by the town council. 

"We would of course take on the responsibility for lighting up other assets across the county for the council if the feature lighting was installed.

"I would be happy to commission a piece of work to look into the feasibility of installing the lighting in other facilities across the county, and then taking on responsibility for lighting them up to mark special occasions. But we would need to be commissioned by the council in order to do this."

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.

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