First Responders send vital medical supplies for Ukraine

* Clive Knowles and Alice-Rose Langford of the British Ironwork Company, Terry Brownlow and Effie Cadwallader of Wrexham Rural Community First Responders. 

Members of Wrexham Rural Community First Responders recently visited the drop-off point run by the British Ironwork Centre near Oswestry which sponsors the collection and onward transportation of medical consumables to Ukraine.

This is the Wrexham Rural CFRs` second donation, with additional kit contributed by other CFR teams across North Wales. 

The first load was transported directly to the front line in Ukraine earlier in the year by British military veterans based on the Wirral. 

The Wrexham Rural CFR Team has donated a significant amount of specialist resuscitation and trauma kit, plus associated response bags which will help to keep medical equipment in a clean and serviceable condition, providing much needed support to both civilian and army medics. 

British Ironwork Centre is gathering donations together ready for transport to Ukraine early in the new year.

Latest Citizens Advice column

Latest column from Denbighshire Citizens Advice is: 

Q: As the weather has turned colder, I’ve noticed mould and damp in our flat. It’s mainly
in our bedroom, including some black mould on the carpet. I’ve been chasing our
letting agency, who say they’ll speak to our landlord. I’m really worried about how this
might affect our health. Our tenancy agreement isn’t up for eight months, what can I
do?

A: It’s good that you’ve already raised the issue with your letting agency. Unfortunately, it isn’t
always easy to work out the cause of mould or damp This can make it difficult to work out if your landlord is responsible, unless there’s an obvious cause, like a leaking roof.

There are many causes of damp that properties can get. The most common are rising,
penetrating, construction and condensation damp. On our website there is information that
may help you work out what type of damp you have, who is responsible and what you can
do. Check your tenancy agreement too for mentions of repairs and damp, and reach out to Citizens Advice on anything you’re unsure about.

A landlord will have to act in relation to damp if it makes the property unsafe for someone to live in. This could be for example, if it is making the tenant or a member of their family ill. The landlord will also be responsible if the damp is related to repairs they should have carried out, like if heaters are broken. If the damp has damaged items that the landlord is
responsible for, such as carpets and window frames, they’ll likely have to cover the cost of
repairs.

One of the most common causes of damp is condensation. To prevent this, it’s important to keep homes well-heated and well-ventilated, but for a lot of people this will be trickier to do given the colder weather and higher heating costs. You may be eligible for help to insulate and heat your home, and should visit our website to find out more.

On our website we also have advice on things that can make damp worse and may impact the landlord taking responsibility for repairs. These include drying clothes on heaters or blocking air vents.

If your landlord is responsible for the damp in your property but doesn’t act, there are steps you can take, such as reporting them to the local authority. If you’re in social housing you might also be able to use the landlord’s formal complaints procedure. There is more information about this on our website. If it reaches the point where you want to get out of a fixed term tenancy agreement early, do speak to an adviser first, as there might be better ways to approach the issue.

* Contact your local Citizens Advice or call our Adviceline on 0800 144 8848 for personalised support. 

Re-branding for property firm's Llangollen branch

* The re-branded Bowen branch in Castle Street.

The Bowen Son & Watson office in Castle Street, Llangollen, has a new brand name.

In a statement released on Wednesday, the property firm says:  "As one of the region’s most established firms of estate agents, valuers and chartered surveyors, covering North Shropshire, Mid and North Wales, we have rebranded in a move that continues the firm's evolution since our inception in 1862.

"Bowen Son & Watson, with offices in Ellesmere, Oswestry, Wrexham, Llangollen and Chirk, will now simply be known as Bowen, a name synonymous with property sales and lettings across the region.

"Bowen began trading as Messers Whitfield & Son, opening its first office in Oswestry. In our long and illustrious history - bookending three separate centuries - Bowen has seen a number of name changes, reflecting several generations of partners and strategic acquisitions. Our longest-serving current Partner, Eddie Bowen, joined his late father’s firm in 1994.

"Since its original incarnation, Bowen has grown to become one of the most knowledgeable and respected estate agents in the region, with five offices and 34 staff covering six counties."

Eddie Bowen said: “The way in which property is marketed has advanced significantly with the expansion of 21st century digital tools and technologies.

“As we enter 2023, we wanted to communicate to clients, both established and new, that our ultra-sophisticated data-driven marketing techniques puts their property in front of many more eyeballs than those simply passing the For Sale board outside their property.

“A strong new brand identity, focusing on the name behind our reputation and highlighting the wide range of professional services we offer will help us do that. This region is a great place to live, and for Bowen, in all its incarnations, it’s been a wonderful place to do business since 1862.”

The Bowen rebranding work and website design was executed by Shrewsbury-based creative agency, The Curious. All five Bowen offices feature the new branding and Bowen has already begun the roll out of its new For Sale boards and rebranded marketing collateral to launch its fresh look as the New Year begins.

MP elected chair of Parliamentary woods and trees group

* Dr James Cooper (Woodland Trust), Baroness Young of Old Scone (Chair, Woodland Trust & Vice Chair APPG Woods and Trees) and Simon Baynes MP. 

Clwyd South MP Simon Baynes has been elected as Chair of the All Party Parliamentary Group on Woods and Trees.

The group of MPs and Members of the House of Lords meets regularly to discuss the important role of woods and trees in tackling the nature and climate crises, as well as the importance of woods and trees to our local communities across the UK. 

The APPG is supported by the Woodland Trust – the UK’s largest woodland conservation charity – who were celebrating their 50-year anniversary during 2022. 

Dr James Cooper of the Woodland Trust said: “We warmly welcome Simon as Chair. He takes over at a time of increasing political awareness of the vital importance of woods and trees in delivering on some of the great policy challenges of our age. We look forward to working with Simon to help ensure that we have the best policies possible in place."

Mr Baynes said: “I am delighted to have been elected as Chair of the APPG on Woods and Trees. I have supported the group and the Woodland Trust for many years in championing the role of woods and trees in society, and particularly the importance of protecting our oldest and most precious ancient woods and trees. 

"I look forward to working with my colleagues in Parliament, the Woodland Trust and other stakeholders to continue to improve protections for our most precious habitats, support our farmers to make best use of trees on farms to support food security and nature, and emphasise the vital role of access to nature near to where people live.” 

Ramblers kick off the year in damp Ceiriog Valley

Llangollen Ramblers kicked off the new year with a rather damp walk in the Ceiriog Valley. 

But despite the conditions, they managed to smile for the camera.

If you could be interested in joining them, e-mail Judy on smithdinbren@gmail.com for details and a programme. She says: "You would be very welcome."

Latest local roadworks alerts

Latest local roadworks updates from one.network and the county council are:

Berwyn Street, Denbighshire 09 January - 17 February   Roadworks, Delays likely   Traffic management: Traffic control (multi-way signals)   Description: This scheme is for the upgrade of the existing traffic signals at the A5 Castle Street junction. The upgrade will also include the relocation of the eastern signal head such that it is closer to the Hill Street junction. The Hill Street junction will be remodeled to accommodate this aspect of the works.   Works location: A5 - Berwyn Street Junction   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 Welsh Government.   Responsibility for works: Welsh Government   Current status: Advanced planning   Works reference: PD50122112145151217   Hall Street Link Road, Denbighshire 09 January - 17 February   Roadworks, Delays likely   Traffic management: Road closure   Description: Reconfiguring the junctions of Hill Street/Hall Street/A5...   Works location: Hall St Link Road   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 Denbighshire County Council.   Responsibility for works: Denbighshire County Council   Current status: Advanced planning   Works reference: QR015S000000001855   Chapel Street, Denbighshire 09 January - 17 February   Roadworks, Delays possible   Traffic management: Lane closure   Description: Reconfiguring junctions of Hall Street, Hill Street and A5...   Works location: Chapel 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 Denbighshire County Council.   Responsibility for works: Denbighshire County Council   Current status: Advanced planning   Works reference: QR015S000000001856     Hall Street, Denbighshire 09 January - 17 February   Roadworks, Delays possible   Traffic management: Lane closure   Description: Reconfiguration of Hill street/Hall Street and A5 entrances...   Works location: Hall street Llangollen...   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 Denbighshire County Council.   Responsibility for works: Denbighshire County Council   Current status: Advanced planning   Works reference: QR015S000000001858 A539 OPPOSITE JUNCTION BISHOP'S WALK, TO JUNCTION OF BRYN HOWEL ROAD FROM A A539 LLANGOLLEN ROAD 06/01/2023 10/01/2023 Gwaith BT/ BT Works MJ QUINN (CALUM) A539 JUNCTION A539 LLANGOLLEN ROAD, SEWAGE DISPOSAL WORKS ACCESS ROAD SEWAGE DISPOSAL WORKS ACCESS ROAD 06/01/2023 10/01/2023 Gwaith Dwr / Water Works MJ QUINN (CALUM) JUNCTION A539 LLANGOLLEN ROAD, SUN BANK SUN BANK 06/01/2023 10/01/2023 Gwaith BT/ BT Works MJ QUINN (CALUM)

Your views sought on Llan's Four Great Highways scheme

* Please note: Because of a problem with the email link to join the online consultation meeting a fresh link has been provided within the story below and here: levellingup@denbighshire.gov.uk

* A plan of the Four Great Highways project.

The views of Llangollen residents and businesses are being invited on a scheme to improve links between the four famous ‘highways’ that run through the heart of the town.

And a local county councillor is urging as many people as possible to get involved.

Following a successful application to the UK Government’s Levelling Up Fund (LUF) Denbighshire County Council wants to enhance the public spaces that connect Llangollen Canal, the old Ruabon to Barmouth Railway line, the River Dee and A5 Holyhead Road. 

Some key priorities of the Four Great Highways project, as it is known, are improved accessibility, signage and better materials with the aim of improving the visitor experience and increasing the amount of time they spend here. 

Proposals include:

* Better access between the Llangollen Canal, River Dee and town centre

* Inclusive and safe access for a range of users

* Opportunities to incorporate play and exercise

* Strengthened biodiversity and climate resistance

* Enhanced views and rest points

As part of the consultation process three separate online engagement sessions are planned for next week when the contracted designers, Burroughs & The Urbanists, will invite residents, businesses and visitors of Llangollen to discuss the project.

The county council says views and comments shared during the event will inform the design now being worked on. 

The meetings, being held via Microsoft Teams, are all on Thursday January 12 - for Llangollen businesses between 6 and 6.30pm, for residents between 6.30 and 7pm and for everyone else between 7 and 7.30pm.

* To arrange to attend one of the sessions, or for further information, e-mail: levellingup@denbighshire.gov.uk

Llangollen county councillor Karen Edwards said: “This is part of the South Clwyd Levelling Up Fund project. Wrexham are the leading authority and the Four Great Highways project is Llangollen's share of the pot. 

“County Councillor Paul Keddie and myself are due to have a Teams meeting next week with the designers, so we will have a  comprehensive discussion with them.” 

She added: “This is the start of the wider consultation process, so let's hope that the residents and businesses are interested because it's their voices that matter and certainly from my perspective it's important that there's thorough engagement with everyone who has a vested interest and that they  have an opportunity to input into the scheme in order to have an acceptable outcome.”