County says it's ready to welcome summer visitors

* Llangollen's Horseshoe Falls.

Denbighshire County Council say it is ready to welcome visitors this summer.

The council is informing residents of its plans to provide a welcome to visitors coming to the county over the summer.

With a busy season expected, the council has made preparations to manage the expected increase in visitors.

Additional car parking at Moel Famau and Horseshoe Falls, Llangollen have been developed over the winter months ready for this summer, while extra countryside rangers are being deployed at beauty spots, including Loggerheads and Moel Famau country parks and Horseshoe Falls, to provide information, support for visitors and help deal with any issues.

Extra street cleaning provision will be in place during the season to focus on busy areas in towns and parks, while increased bin emptying will be in operation at tourist hotspots.

Visitors dropping in on Denbighshire this summer will be able to sample different attractions, including the return of old favourites with Covid-19 restrictions lifted and something new for all ages.

Calendar stalwarts such as the Llangollen International Music Eisteddfod (July 7 – July 10)  Denbigh and Flint Show ( August 18) and the Rhyl Air Show (August 27 – August 28) are all running this season alongside many local events in the county.

For those interested in history, new audio guides are now available at Nantclwyd y Dre, Wales’ oldest dated timbered town house based in Ruthin.

And for those wanting to visit Llangollen, the recently completed Llangollen 2020 project has provided more space for pedestrians and improved pedestrian crossing facilities allowing for an improved experience walking around the sights of the town.  

Plas Newydd House and Gardens in Llangollen are open to the public again and new displays tell the fascinating story of the ladies of Llangollen.  

Flying in for a first this summer is also the Skyflyer based at Rhyl next to the Pavilion Theatre which is set to offer stunning views or the surrounding landscape, when open from July 6.

Cllr Win-Mullen James, Lead Member for Local Development and Planning, said: “The tourism sector contributes significantly to Denbighshire’s economy and we want to make sure that everyone has the chance to visit what the county has to offer during the summer to support our local businesses.

“Our county is full of gems of all sizes to visit, not just for visitors but for local residents as well who may discover many attractions right from their own doorstep that will provide great memories this summer.

“There are also great opportunities to travel smart across the county through our transport network saving costs and supporting the local environment. For example, the Picturesque Landscapes bus offers a perfect chance to explore the Dee Valley this summer and the Fflecsi bws service can help you reach the places you want to go, with even an electric vehicle available on routes around Ruthin.

“Denbighshire is also home to a fantastic coastline. This year marks the 10-year anniversary of the Wales Coast Path and we would encourage visitors to safely use this route through Denbighshire to explore our coastal areas and discover our beaches such as Prestatyn which has achieved Blue Flag status this year.”

It is also important to always park responsibly in designated areas and to respect the countryside, this includes keeping dogs on a lead and to bring picnics rather than disposable barbeques.

Visitors are reminded to remember Covid-19 has not gone away and to act safely, responsibly and respectfully when needed.

Information on discovering Denbighshire is available at our Tourist Information centres, for more visit this link https://www.denbighshire.gov.uk/en/leisure-and-tourism/visiting-denbighshire/tourist-information-centres-and-points.aspx

The council redeveloped its Tourism Strategy Action Plan to include Destination Management in order to coordinate activity and ensure a positive experience for visitors, residents and businesses during summer 2022.

Visitors are encouraged to plan, prepare and pre-book their visits and to follow coastal safety tips and outdoor safety messages.

A suite of social media graphics has been produced for businesses and Tourism Ambassadors

Dinas Bran's 'green' project commended in national awards

Work to reduce the carbon footprint of Ysgol Dinas Bran has been officially recognised with the school’s green energy project being commended at national awards.

Denbighshire County Council declared a Climate Change and Ecological Emergency in July 2019 and has since committed to becoming a Net Carbon Zero and Ecologically Positive Council by 2030.

This includes reducing the council’s emissions from its buildings alongside fleet, waste generated in operations, business travel, staff commuting and street lighting.

The green project at Ysgol Dinas Bran and Llangollen Leisure Centre saw a 150Kw array of solar panels installed on the school roof which generate electricity for the school onsite using the suns energy.

Other elements of the work include heating control upgrades and LED lighting. The whole project is expected to reduce the school’s carbon emissions by 73 tonnes per year.

Pupils at the school are also invested in Climate Change as the school holds the Eco-Schools Platinum status, putting the topic at the forefront of their work.

The green project was shortlisted listed in the 2022 Education Business Awards Environmental Practice category and was commended.

Cllr Barry Mellor, Lead Member for Environment and Transport, said: “We would like to congratulate all involved with this project and are proud it has received recognition nationally. This work is such a big benefit for reducing the site’s carbon footprint and at the same time improving the learning environment for pupils and staff at the school.

“We would again like to thank the school for working with the Council on such an important project.”

Mark Hatch, Ysgol Dinas Bran Head teacher, said: “We are so pleased that we have had recognition for what we have achieved here in Ysgol Dinas Brân in reducing our carbon footprint by 73 tonnes.

“We had been nominated by the Education Business awards given the coverage we have received from news articles and it is great that other schools are asking how we did it and pursuing the options. We all need to make a difference for future generations.  I would like to thank all involved in achieving this fantastic project.” 

New package of measures to address second homes issue

New planning laws, a statutory licensing scheme and proposals to change land transaction tax will be included in a package of measures to address second homes in Wales.

First Minister Mark Drakeford and leader of Plaid Cymru Adam Price set out the next steps in a programme of actions to help create thriving communities and to support people to afford a home, in a joint press conference today (Monday 4 July).

The Co-operation Agreement between the Welsh Government and Plaid Cymru includes a commitment to tackle the issue of second homes affecting many communities in Wales.

The package of measures being announced today includes:

• Changes to planning regulations by the end of the summer. These will introduce three new planning use classes – a primary home, a second home and short-term holiday accommodation. Local planning authorities, where they have evidence, will be able to make amendments to the planning system to require planning permission for change of use from one class to another. We will also introduce changes to national planning policy to give local authorities the ability to control the number of second homes and holiday lets in any community.
  
  
• Plans to introduce a statutory licensing scheme for all visitor accommodation, including short-term holiday lets, making it a requirement to obtain a license. This will help raise standards across the tourism industry.
  
  
• Following a consultation about varying land transaction tax locally in areas with large numbers of second homes, work will start today (Monday 4 July) with local authorities to develop a national framework so they can request increased land transaction tax rates for second homes and holiday lets to be applied in their local area.

The Welsh Government has already introduced a range of measures to address the issue of second homes, including giving councils the discretionary power to increase council tax premiums on second and empty homes and it has changed the rules on holiday lets so owners and operators make a fair contribution to their local communities.

First Minister Mark Drakeford said: "We are today setting out the next steps in a radical programme to ensure everyone has the opportunity to afford to live in their local community – whether that’s buying or renting a home.

“We have a shared ambition for Wales to be a nation of thriving communities – a country where people do not have to leave to find good and rewarding work and a country which people want to come to visit and to live.

“Tourism is vital to our economy but having too many holiday properties and second homes, which are empty for much of the year, does not make for healthy local communities and prices people out of the local housing market.

“There is no single, simple solution to these issues. Any action we take must be fair. We do not want to create any unintended consequences, which could destabilise the wider housing market or make it harder for people to rent or buy.”

Plaid Cymru Leader Adam Price said: “We are committed to using a range of planning, taxation and property levers to tackle the issue of second and unaffordable homes – and to do so with urgency.

“The package of purposeful measures that have been developed as a result of the constructive cooperation between Plaid Cymru and the Government in this area will, together, begin to address the injustices in our housing system and make a real difference to people and communities right across our nation.

“The aim is to give everyone ‘yr hawl i fyw adra’– the ability to live and work in the communities in which they grew up.”

Dancing prince hails Eisteddfod's 'shining example of peace'

* Getting down to the bhangra beat ... the Prince of Wales with the Sheerer Punjab Bhangra dance group in 2015.

The Prince of Wales has hailed an international festival where he once did some impromptu bhangra dancing as a “shining example of peace and harmony”.

The royal tribute was in the foreword he wrote for the programme of the Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod that’s celebrating its 75^th anniversary this year.

The event was established in1947 in the aftermath of the Second World War as a way of bringing the nations of the world closer together in a colourful, multi-cultural melting pot.

Ever since the picturesque town of Llangollen in the Dee Valley has been known as the place where Wales meets the world.

The popular festival which helped launch the careers of opera superstars Luciano Pavarotti and Sir Bryn Terfel had to be cancelled in 2020 for the first time due to the impact of the Coronavirus pandemic.

In 2021 it took on a virtual format with performances streamed online but this year Wales will once again welcome the world to the little town in the Dee Valley.

The festival starts on Thursday, July 7, and culminates with Llanfest on Sunday, July 10, when the Eisteddfod joins forces with the Llangollen Fringe Festival.

The Prince is the long-standing Patron of the Eisteddfod which he has visited three times.

* Prince Charles meets an overseas visitor to the 2015 Eisteddfod.

On the last occasion in 2015, when he was accompanied by the Duchess of Cornwall, he was captured on camera dancing to a bhangra beat with the Sheerer Punjab Bhangra Dance group from Nottingham.

The Eisteddfod’s royal connection stretches all the way back to 1953 when it was one of the first of the then newly-crowned Queen Elizabeth’s official engagements after she succeeded her father, George VI.

In the foreword, the Prince of Wales wrote: “When the Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod was founded in 1947 in a world weary of war, no-one could have foreseen that it would still be a beacon of inspiration three quarters of a century later.

“Over the years since then, the vision of those early founders has been triumphantly realised, and this little town in the Dee Valley has witnessed, time and again, the kind of concord between the nations that gives us all hope for the future.

“It is a source of great pride to me, as Patron of the Eisteddfod, that Wales should have given the world this shining example of peace and harmony.

“The success of the Festival has proved the truth of the Eisteddfod motto – Byd gwyn fydd byd a gano. Gwaraidd fydd ei gerddi fo. A world that sings is truly blessed.

“In my visits over the years, it has always been a joy to see how people from so many different backgrounds and cultures can find a common language in music, and can create new and lasting friendships.

“At a time when we once again find our world overshadowed by conflict, we need the vision of Llangollen more than ever. As you celebrate the magnificent achievement of reaching this significant anniversary, I send everyone connected with the Festival my warmest good wishes.

“Dymuniadau gorau i chi i gyd (Best wishes to you all).

The Eisteddfod’s Executive Producer, Camilla King, said: “We are extremely grateful to the Prince of Wales for the wonderful words in the foreword he has written for the programme.

“I know that his steadfast support over many years has always been gratefully appreciated.

“It is fitting that our 75^th anniversary coincides with the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee so there will be even more reason to celebrate.”

Over the four days of the Eisteddfod 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.

In the evenings there will be concerts featuring the singing duo of Aled Jones and Russell Watson and Anoushka Shankar, the British-Indian-American sitar player, producer, film composer and activist who is the daughter of renowned musician Ravi Shankar, and half-sister of singer Norah Jones.

The competitions climax on Saturday night with Choir of the World and the contest for the Pendine International Voice of the Future featuring the finest young singers from around the world on the stage where Placido Domingo, Kiri Te Kanawa, Elaine Paige, Michael Ball, Sir Bryn Terfel and Luciano Pavarotti have performed.

This year’s Eisteddfod is a shortened version of previous years but will still pack plenty in with a full programme of competitions in the Pavilion and starting on Thursday with Schools Day and the Young Peacemaker Awards.

Sunday sees the Eisteddfod let its hair down for Llanfest before the climactic final concert featuring indie rock stars Amber Run, blues powerhouse Elles Bailey and Bajan-Welsh singer songwriter Kizzy Crawford

* For more on Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod and its competitions and concerts as well as how to get to it and where to stay go to http://international-eisteddfod.co.uk/ or check out https://www.facebook.com/llangollen

Church bells to ring out for Eisteddfod and its staunch supporter

* St Collen's bell tower.

At 3pm this Wednesday, July 6, local bell-ringers will be ringing the bells at St Collen's Church for 45-50 minutes to celebrate the return of the Eisteddfod after a two-year break caused by Covid.

They will also be celebrating the life of Sandie Attenburrow who died recently and had contributed much to the Eisteddfod over many years. 

Mrs Attenburrow was also very supportive of St Collen's and Llantysilio parish churches.

* Sandie Attenburrow (bottom row, centre) with fellow members of the Eisteddfod floral team.

Cost of living advice to be given at local roadshows

The Community Resilience team from Denbighshire County Council will be in Llangollen next month with two summer roadshows providing information and advice about dealing with cost of living issues.

As one of a series of similar events being held across the county in July and August.

They are being delivered in partnership with a host of organisations, including Citizens Advice Denbighshire, Stop Loan Sharks Wales, South Denbighshire Community Partnership, Cambrian Credit Union, NEST, Warm Wales and Ground Work North Wales.

The Llangollen roadshows are both to be held on Wednesday August 10, at Pengwern Community Centre from 10-11:30am and then at Llangollen Food Share from 1-2:30pm.

Residents are urged to attend the roadshows, and talk to the teams about useful services that may be able to help.

Other roadshows are planned for Glyndyfrdwy Village Hall, from 1-2:30pm, on Wednesday July 6 and, both on Tuesday August 9, on the Clawdd Poncen Housing Estate, Corwen, from 10-11:30am, and Canolfan Ni, Corwen,  from 1.230pm.

Councillor Rhys Thomas, Cabinet Lead Member for Housing and Communities, said: “We fully recognise that increased costs of living is having an impact on people right across the county and we want to play our part in supporting residents through providing relevant advice and information. 

“These sessions will be informal and we would urge anyone with any issues of concern to them to come along. Our friendly team will provide the information needed or direct people to the right organisation."

Police seek information about stolen trailer

Police are seeking information about the theft of a trailer from near Llangollen.

In a message sent over the Neighbourhood Alert system PC 2264 Chris James of the Rural Crime Team says: "Between 0100hrs and 0130hrs on 25th June 2022 an Ifor Williams tipper style trailer was stolen from a property on Gilfach Road, Fron, Llangollen.

"The trailer was bearing the serial number TT85G1523062600.

"It appears that the theft was pre-planned as it was pushed down a field onto a country lane where it was attached to a vehicle before being driven into a second field, where the gate had been removed, down to another gate and then out onto the A5 between Fron and Whitehurst.

"Anyone with any information that may assist with the return of the trailer and the identification of suspects is asked to make contact with North Wales Police under reference 22000447384.

"Please ensure that all trailers are safely stored and secured when not in use and kept out of the way of passers by if in rural locations.

"Any suspicious vehicles can be reported to North Wales Police."