Royal plan hailed as part of £50m vote of tourism confidence

* An artist's impression showing how the riverside elevation of the Royal Hotel. could look.

The £6.5 million plan to redevelop the iconic Royal Hotel in Llangollen has been held up an an example of a £50m vote of confidence  in the North Wales tourism and hospitality business.

It was quoted by North Wales Tourism chief executive Jim Jones as he launched the search for entries in this year's Go North Wales Awards to be staged at Venue Cymru in Llandudno on Thursday, November 24.  

The Oscars-style ceremony will be hosted by radio and TV presenter Sian Lloyd.

According to Mr Jones, times are still tough for the sector but there was “light at the end of the tunnel”.

People were tightening their belts because of inflation and the cost of living crisis so the number of staycation visitors was down.

While the start of the summer season had been “fairly busy”, bookings for August, September and October were unusually slow in contrast to last  year when it had been extremely busy.

On the plus-side there was optimism that the tourism and hospitality industry in North Wales would eventually return to and then exceed pre-pandemic levels when it was attracting record number of visitors and annually pumping £3.6 billion into the region’s economy.

Mr Jones said: “There are challenges at the moment so it’s great to have the opportunity to celebrate as well by staging the Go North Wales Awards which will showcase the best we have to offer.

“Importantly, it is also a chance to recognise all the work, the sacrifices and the investment that’s been put into the tourism sector.

“The reasons why North Wales is such an attractive destination for visitors are still there.

“We can therefore be optimistic that tourism and hospitality is well place to lead the region on the road to economic recovery.”

“There are lots of positive things happening so we do have reasons to be cheerful.

“My conservative estimate is that at least £50 million is being invested in the region by key tourism and hospitality operators.

“Zip World are launching have launched Underground Golf at Llechwedd in Blaenau Ffestiniog while another of our major success stories, Adventure Parc Snowdonia, in the Conwy Valley is investing £5 million to make it an all-year-round destination, particularly for business events, conferences and team-building courses.

“The Belmont and the Queen’s hotels in Llandudno have been bought up by a company called Everbrite and they’re investing in them.

“Meanwhile, £6.5 million plans to redevelop the iconic Royal Hotel in Llangollen have been given the go-ahead.

“When you add it all up, that’s a lot of investment and a really positive indicator for the future. It’s essentially a massive vote of confidence in North Wales.

“We always said it’d take two to three years to get back to where we were.

“For obvious reasons, we have been relying on the domestic market in recent times but now we have the international market that is just starting to open up

“It’s our job is to make sure that we’re out there promoting our investments and our assets that we have in North Wales and shouting form the rooftops.

“We are already re-establishing our links with the Asian market and our relationship with Japan is particularly strong and we’re building on the twinning of Conwy and Himeji castles a few years back.

“We have now forged similar links between Llandudno and the Swiss skiing resort of Champéry.

“All these things are helping us raise our profile internationally but we’ve got to do more and promote ourselves as the Adventure Capital of Europe.

“When you think about it, we have an incredible amount to offer visitors, right across North Wales.

“Hopefully, with support from the likes of Welsh Government, we can re-establish ourselves as a confident region and bring people into North Wales to come to stay and spend their money.

“That’s why events like the Go North Wales Awards are so incredibly important because it’s a chance to shout about the best of the best.

“We are hugely grateful of all our sponsors because quite simply the awards could not happen without their support.”

The window for submissions in 16 categories of the Go North Wales Awards is open until Monday, October 10, and more details can be found at www.gonorthwalestourismawards.website

Categories up for grabs are:

Go Hotel Award 2022

Go B&B / Inn Award 2022

Go Self Catering Award 2022

Go Holiday Park Award 2022

Go Caravan, Camping or Glamping Award 2022

Go Attraction Award 2022

Go Activity Award 2022

Go Best Event Award 2022

Go Food and Drink Award 2022

Go Tourism Supplier Award 2022

Go Skills Award 2022

Go Responsible and Sustainable Green Award 2022

Go Pet Friendly Award 2022

Go Young Person Award 2022

Go Best Newcomer Award 2022

Go North Wales Judges Award 2022

 

 

Latest Citizens Advice column

Latest column from Denbighshire Citizens Advice is:

Q: The cost of energy and food is so high now. With the kids home from school for the summer, I’m having to pay more for lunches and snacks. I’m worried about how I’ll put food on the table. I’m on a prepayment meter and I’m really scared we’re going to be left without any gas or electric if I can’t top up. What can I do? 

A: First of all, I’m really sorry to hear how tough things have been for you. You’re doing the right thing in reaching out for support and there are things you can get help with. 

As a prepayment meter customer, your energy supplier will be able to give you temporary credit if you can’t afford to top up your meter. They might add this to your meter automatically, but if they don’t, you can call them and ask them to do this. 

If you run out of temporary credit, speak to your supplier to explain your situation. They may give you extra temporary credit if you’re struggling with living costs. There are other reasons why they might give you extra credit too, including if you’re disabled, have a long-term health condition, or you have children under the age of 5. You’ll have to pay back anything extra you get, but you can agree how to do this in a way you can afford with your supplier. 

As you say, the cost of living is really high but there is help available. If you pay council tax and you’re in bands A-D, you should get a payment of £150 automatically. It could take until the end of September, but if you've not had it already you might need to make a claim. You can check how to do this on your council's website. 

You might also be able to get a fuel voucher, which you can use to add credit to your meter. Contact your local council about this. 

There’s more government support coming from October, including a £400 payment to help you with your energy bills. If you have a prepayment meter, you’ll be given vouchers in the first week of each month from October, via SMS text, email or post. Make sure your energy company has your up-to-date details. 

To help manage other costs, it’s also worth checking you’re getting all the benefits you’re entitled to. There are benefits calculators you can use online. On the Citizens Advice website, there’s advice on how to reduce living costs and information on other ways to increase your income. 

The school holidays can be a really tough time and we know the food shop isn’t stretching as far. Contact your local council to find out what extra support you can get over the holidays. If you can’t afford to buy food, your local Citizens Advice can help you get a referral for a food bank. 

We know this is an extremely worrying time and everyone’s situation is different. Don’t struggle alone. If you need further support, contact your local Citizens Advice or call the national advice line: 0800 144 8848.

Roadworks planned for Princess Street

Latest local roadworks alert from one.network is:

Princess Street, Denbighshire 19 August - 23 August   Roadworks, Delays unlikely   Traffic management: Some carriageway incursion   Description: Stop tap Renew 32mm Job in Footway (6mm Bitmac (Tarmac) )...   Works location: OUTSIDE 9 PRINCESS STREET...   Public facing description: one.network has automatically assigned a category of Unclassified works to this Works based on the information available. Please note: Works Descriptions are not published by Hafren Dyfrdwy.   Responsibility for works: Hafren Dyfrdwy   Current status: Advanced planning   Works reference: ZU0028102/000013142858

Family fun day marks opening of Pengwern's new Community Hub

* Ten-year-old Jimmy McGreary helps Cllr Roberts cut the tape to open the Hub.

* Jimmy with his winning design for the Hub's logo.

* A demonstration of hairbraiding in a new Hub building.

* Drosi Bikes' pop-up workshop.

* Local entertainer Chris Burton provides the music.

* Cllr Roberts holds up the £78, 400 cheque that made the Hub scheme possible.

* The team involved with the project. 

A full programme of fun activities was held to celebrate the official opening of the new Pengwern Community Hub yesterday (Tuesday) afternoon. 

Families enjoyed trying out nature projects, colouring and crafts, macramé, bracelet, keyring making, hairbraiding and a photo booth.

Locally-based Drosi Bikes held a pop-up session featuring free bike health checks and there was also music entertainment plus a buffet lunch and refreshments. 

Denbighshire County Council secured over £78,000 of funding for the project from the National Lottery and Rural Futures to develop Pengwern Community Centre into a community hub space that aims to meet the needs and aspirations of the surrounding area and Llangollen generally.

South Denbighshire Community Partnership (SDCP) has employed a part-time project coordinator for the project to initially consult with the community so that everyone has the opportunity to have their say and share their thoughts of what services and activities are most important to them, their families and their community.

To the cheers of the crowd, the Hub was officially opened by Denbighshire County Council chairman, Cllr Arwel Roberts.

He said: "This has been a vision of county council housing for three years and with a pandemic appearing in the middle of that it's great to see the end result.

"It's a big thank you to the National Lottery for assisting in the development of this scheme.

"Well done to all the council officers who have been involved in this and to all those in the local community who took part in the public consultation process.

"This is an exciting time for Pengwern and I hope that now the buildings are in place they will be much used by the community."

Helping Cllr Roberts to cut the blue ribbon was 10-year-old Jimmy McGreary, of Year 5 at Ysgol Y Gwernant, who was the winner of the children's competition organised to design the official Pengwern Community Hub logo.

Councillor slams county leaders over weekend's Horseshoe Falls parking

* A tractor tries to get past a line of parked cars near Horseshoe Falls.

Senior officers of Denbighshire County Council do not fully appreciate the seriousness and scale of the problems being caused by visitors' vehicles parking near the Horseshoe Falls in busy summer periods. 

That’s the stark message Llangollen county councillor Karen Edwards has for county hall chiefs as a result of last weekend’s major congestion around the famous beauty spot as hot weather brought visitors flocking to the area. 

Late last week with another very warm weekend in prospect the council sent out a press release reassuring that it was taking extra steps to handle parking near the falls. 

Yet as parked vehicles began to block the small country lanes around the attraction local people were taking to social media to complain bitterly about the traffic chaos this was causing. 

One said on Facebook: “There were cars parked on junctions, along grass verges, blind bends and on the road all the way up past Llantysilio Hall.

 

“Twenty+ cars all parked illegally on double yellow lines. Wing mirrors hanging off cars. A local farmer with a large tractor and trailer was struggling to get through to tend to his land.”

* Nose-to-tail parking along a country lane.

 

After being informed by officers that 26 parking enforcement notices were issued on the Sunday, Cllr Edwards replies to them in a a strongly-worded email: “This is not even scratching the surface of the issue and its potential impact to the local community.  

“If you consider 26 parking fines to be progress then we are clearly not looking at this issue through the same lens as nothing has fundamentally changed. 

“The road was still blocked over both days, the local community impacted and confidence in the council eroded even more.  

“I remain concerned that you do not fully appreciate or comprehend the seriousness and scale of the situation.”   

Cllr Edwards goes on: “Parking enforcement failed to put in a presence on Saturday despite being requested by Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty officers and during the afternoon two tractors with trailers of hay became trapped due to the illegal parking for over an hour, unable to go forward or reverse back.  

“The driver of one of the tractors advised that when police attended they said there was nothing they could do because there was no signage that supported the double yellow lines marked on the carriageway. 

“Had there been a medical emergency or a wildfire in Llantysilio/Rhewl at this time how would the emergency services been able to respond in a timely manner? 

“Does it take someone to die from a medical issue or assets and livelihoods to be severely impacted or lost due to a fire getting out of control before we get some joined up thinking and proper enforcement and action from all agencies to prevent this happening?”  

And dealing with last week’s county council press release, she says: “How do you reasonably expect visitors from out of area to read your press and public statements made on visitor management and parking enforcement before they arrive in Llangollen?” 

Suggesting solutions, she says: “Simply put I believe you should devote more time, resource and budget to turn people away when the car parks are full to get a park and ride bus the at you refer to you or simply go elsewhere.  

“Llangollen requires a full-time parking enforcement officer on site in the area at peak periods during the year all day. 

“Every weekend during peak season has the potential for this and if we had the same situation arise again, given all the experiences we have had, this would surely be negligent on the part of Denbighshire County Council.” 

Cllr Edwards calls for: 

* Control of visitor numbers and car parking- if necessary people need to be turned away.

* Positive enforcement of no parking on double yellow lines and obstructing the carriageway, maintaining the road open and clear to the local community and emergency services,  the police may be required to support this.

* Officers with authority and powers on site to deal with antisocial behaviour such as lighting of barbecues and littering. It is completely unrealistic to expect one ranger or even two to manage this on their own.

* Litter collection - more bins and operatives on site during busy periods.

* Install fencing and a barrier on the entrance to the car park. Wooden or metal bollards installed on the section overlooking the falls.

A spokesperson for Denbighshire County Council said: “We are continuing to work with our partners to manage the increase in visitors at Horseshoe Falls. 

"We are fully aware of the parking issues at the site and remind visitors that parking restrictions are important for both road safety and ensuring there is a fair turnover of parking spaces.

"Over the weekend civil enforcement officers issued parking tickets to motorists parked on double yellow lines.

"Those who plan to visit the site in the future and do not comply with parking restrictions risk receiving further Penalty Charge Notices.

"Visitors are reminded that those wishing to visit Horseshoe Falls on Saturday can also use the Dee Valley Picturesque Bus Service which is available to pick up from Llangollen Parade Street from 8.35am. The service will stop at the falls and more information can be found here - https://www.clwydianrangeanddeevalleyaonb.org.uk/projects/the-picturesque-bus/

"Additional Countryside Rangers are being employed to cover this area in order to give advice to visitors arriving at the site.

"We also urge visitors to park responsibly in designated areas and to respect the countryside and the local community, this includes keeping dogs on a lead and to bring picnics rather than disposable barbeques."

Eligible adults being invited for autumn Covid booster jab

Eligible adults in Wales have begun to be invited for their COVID-19 autumn booster this week. 

The roll-out will begin at the start of September 2022 to help boost the immunity of those at higher risk from COVID-19, improving their protection against severe illness and to protect the NHS over winter 2022-23. 

The winter respiratory vaccination strategy aims to ensure that people who are eligible are also protected from seasonal flu and they are urged to take up the flu vaccine when offered. 

A single dose of COVID-19 vaccine will be offered to: 

• Residents in a care home for older adults and staff working in care homes for older adults
• Frontline health and social care workers
• All adults aged 50 years and over
• People aged five to 49 years in a clinical risk group
• People aged five to 49 years who are household contacts of people with immunosuppression
• People aged 16-49 who are carers. 

In line with advice from the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI), eligible adults aged 18+ will initially be offered the Moderna vaccine which protects from both the original COVID virus and the Omicron variant. Those eligible aged under 18 will be offered the Pfizer vaccine. Both vaccines will be offered at least three months after a previous dose. 

Eligible adults will mostly be invited via letter to attend a vaccination centre, GP or pharmacy for their autumn booster vaccination. 

Health Minister Eluned Morgan said: “As the UK moves from a period of pandemic emergency response to recovery, our focus will be on protecting those in society who continue to be more at risk of severe COVID-19. 

“Vaccines have had an enormous impact on the course of the pandemic and have helped to weaken the link between the virus, serious illness, hospitalisations and death. They have saved countless lives and given us the freedom and confidence to restart our lives. 

“I urge anyone who is eligible and invited to have the autumn booster this year to take up the offer and I thank everyone working on the vaccination programme in Wales.”

Hero cop encourages others to join police

 

* Inspector Gavin Gilmore. 

A hero police officer who’s talked down countless suicidal men and women from a world-famous bridge is calling on others to make a difference by joining the police.

Inspector Gavin Gilmore, a nationally trained hostage and crisis negotiator, is on course to become one of the most senior ethnic minority police officers in North Wales Police if he successfully completes his Chief Inspector promotion process later this year.

The multi award-winning cop, who was once honoured for his bravery after stepping in to apprehend a machete-wielding offender following a serious assault, said he could not have picked out a more challenging or rewarding career for himself.

Insp Gilmore was speaking as North Wales Police launched  its latest drive to recruit more officers.

The window for applications is open from August 18 to August 29 and details can be found on the North Wales Police website www.northwales.police.uk 

The dad-of-one, who is currently Wrexham Rural District Inspector, joined the force in 2007 at the age of 24 following a three-year stint as a chemical engineer.

The 40-year-old studied for a degree at Manchester Metropolitan University  but said the idea of a policing career had always appealed to him.

Despite strong disapproval from his father who was keen for him to become a doctor, Insp Gilmore signed up and said it was the best decision he has ever made.

“For me it was the right time. I had reached the age of 24 and had a lifetime of experiences already, coming from a background of divorced parents. It does make you grow up pretty quickly,” he said.

“I also come from a mixed-race background. My dad was Mauritian and of Hindu faith and my mother is white.

“My father never wanted me to join the police. He preferred engineering or a career in the NHS and had aspirations of me becoming a doctor. When I joined, I had the added complication of going against my father’s wishes.

“When I told him my plans, he was quite against it. I was born in the early 80s and it was very much a different world. It was difficult to change the views of someone who had lived through the Brixton riots in 1981. Even when I got promoted my dad was still concerned for me and asked if I was sure that policing was for me.

“I’m now 15 years into my career and going for my promotion to Chief Inspector. If I pass, I will be the most senior minority ethnic police officer in the force which just shows how quickly you can go through the ranks if you give it your best.

“If you want to implement change in the police, you have to get yourself in a position where you implement the change. Policing is evolving and while there is still a way to go, the Chief Constable is really pushing to make a difference.”

After completing his initial training, Insp Gilmore joined Wrexham North and undertook a variety of roles before completing his initial sergeant qualifications and moving to Mold, Flintshire, as part of the response team.

After 18 months, he passed his inspector exams and moved into an acting inspector role at Flintshire South and Flintshire North where he continued to build his evidence for the rank before returning to Wrexham in charge of Wrexham Rural District. 

During the past 15 years, Insp Gilmore has amassed a wealth of qualifications including high-level national training as a crisis and hostage negotiator.

It is these specific skills that has seen him deal with multiple incidents involving suicidal people on the Menai Bridge on Anglesey in addition to resolving dangerous hostage situations.

He has also trained as a firearms officer, public safety commander and advanced driver and is currently completing a Master’s Degree in Policing and Law Enforcement Leadership at Liverpool’s John Moores University.

“I’ve talked lots of people off bridges including Menai Bridge, I’ve talked people off roofs when they’re threatening officers or other people. I’ve dealt with situations where people have committed crimes and have threatened to burn down buildings and large scale public disorder incidents,” he said.

“I’ve investigated gangs bringing drugs into North Wales and was involved in breaking up an operation involving the supply of drugs from Merseyside into North Wales.

“This is a really complex job. You’re taking people’s liberty away and need to fully understand your legislative powers. You’re given great responsibility as a police officer and you need to fully appreciate the powers warranted to you.

“You’re not only dealing with victims of crime but communities as well and your own officers’ welfare. Police officers deal with death all day long and their welfare is paramount.

“There are so many career paths in the police, it’s so varied. If you have an affinity for investigations, you can go into CID, if you have an affinity for driving you can go into roads policing.

“I’ve not looked back since 2007, it has really opened my eyes. You have to remain fit and agile, of course, and as society evolves so do you. Every day is a school day.”

Insp Gilmore, whose wife is a serving North Wales police officer, now uses his personal experiences to help other minority ethnic officers and staff coming through the ranks as deputy chair of North Wales Police’s Black and Asian Police Association (BAPA).

“We support ethnic minority staff and officers who join us, especially when they are suffering periods of stress-related illnesses. We also use a buddy system for new officers so they don’t feel isolated,” he said. 

“For me as an Inspector going on to become a Chief Inspector and becoming the most senior minority ethnic officer in the force, this shows other people from a similar background you can go up the ranks and that you shouldn’t view ethnicity as a barrier because it’s not.

“There are support networks within the police to help you through, we are not isolated and on our own. We have a welfare team in place offering whatever support is needed. There really is no better time to join.”

* For more details about how to apply go to www.northwales.police.uk