Town councillor gives update on Newbridge Road repairs

* The damaged B5605 Newbridge Road.

A Chirk town councillor has given an update on long-awaited work to repair a vital link road which has been closed for almost two years.

Newbridge Road was shut as a result of a landslide caused by severe storms in February 2021, leaving motorists heading between Chirk and Cefn Mawr no alternative but to use a long diversion route.

Early last year it was announced work to repair the collapsed carriageway of the B5605 could get under way after the Welsh Government announced further major funding of £2.8m to Wrexham Council which is responsible for the repair. 

The Welsh Government had already awarded Wrexham Council £175,000 for ground investigation and detailed design of remedial works.

There has since been no definite word on the repairs.

But earlier this week Chirk town councillor Gareth Baines posted on his Facebook page: “Many have asked recently about the delayed repairs to the B5605 Newbridge Road.

“WCBC (Wrexham Council) expect tenders to be returned within a month and for the road to be repaired before the end of 2023.

“The road is being regularly monitored for further signs of deterioration.”

Latest county council weather update

In its latest weather update, issued earlier this afternoon (Wednesday) the county council says:

"Snow showers are set to continue, these falling as a mix of rain and hail near coasts, and sleet and snow inland at times, mainly overnight. Ice will continue to be an issue following any showers.

"This will lead to some temporary snow accumulations at lower levels, whilst higher ground across the county could see further accumulations of between 2-5 cm of snow, although ice will be the main hazard. 

"A Met Office yellow weather warning has subsequently been re-issued and the warning period extended, which is now effective from Wednesday 18 January 12:00hrs through until Thursday 19 January 12:00hrs.

"DCC gritting teams will continue to focus on maintaining the primary road network and resources will continue to be deployed to salt all priority gritting routes throughout this period. Agricultural snow plough contractors have been deployed across the county to clear the worst affected rural routes.

"Residents and road users are advised to only undertake essential travel and allow extra time for any journeys that are necessary and to take extra care due to the slushy and icy conditions.

"Further updates will be provided. In the event of any emergency situation requiring an immediate response, contact should be made directly with Denbighshire Customer Services or via the Galw Gofal out of hours contact centre on 0300 123 3068."

 

 

Police issue warning about online selling scams

North Wales Police Community Alerts has issued a warning about online fraud.

It says: "Since the 1st of January 2023 North Wales Police have received 21 reports of victims selling items online and not receiving payment, totalling a loss of over £10,600. 

"Criminals are using a number of methods and are targeting those selling high value items such as mobile phones, tablets and laptops. 

"In some cases, the victims receive a fake email from Paypal claiming the payment has been made and the victim is then urged to send the sold item to the suspect in the post, only to find that no monies have actually been paid and all contact with the buyer is blocked. 

"In other cases, suspects have attended the victims home address and pretended to make payment using a fake banking app or using forged bank notes to pay before leaving with the goods. 

"Anyone selling items online are urged to ensure that payment is made in full prior to parting with any goods. If using Paypal, check the payment has been made using the app and do not agree to use the Friends and Family option as there is no protection offered with this service."

County council puts out message about waste collection

Denbighshire County Council has put out a message about waste collection in the present wintry weather conditions on its social media page this afternoon (Tuesday).

It says: "Due to the adverse weather conditions at the moment, it may not be possible for Denbighshire County Council to collect household waste on your usual collection day.

"We are asking that if your bin is not emptied on your usual collection day, that you present your containers by 7am the following day, and we will empty them as soon as we can."

Nine weeks of major resurfacing work planned for A483

Major resurfacing works lasting for nine weeks are to take place on the A483 trunk route starting next month.

According to Traffic Wales, the agency responsible, the work is necessary to replace the road surface that has reached the end of its serviceable life from south of J7 Rossett to the Wales/England border.

The majority of works will be carried out under contraflow which will allow the A483 to remain open to one lane of traffic in either direction.

There will be full overnight closures at certain times to install and dismantle the traffic management system.

The programme of work is:

Week 1 (Sun 05/02/23 – Sat 11/02/23) 

February 5th and 6th

• Daytime single lane closures in both directions. 
• Overnight single lane closure northbound.
• Full overnight closure of the southbound carriageway, including Junction 7 southbound slip roads. Local diversion in place.

February 7th onwards

• 24hr contraflow, with one lane in each direction. Junction 7 northbound on and off slips will be closed during this time.

February 9th and 10th

•   24 hour traffic lights on Junction 7 Rossett Interchange roundabout. 

Week 2 (Sun 12/02/23 – Sat 18/02/23)  

February 12th to 18th  

• 24 hour contraflow, with one lane in each direction. Junction 7 northbound on and off slips will be closed during this time.

Week 3 (Sun 19/02/23 – Sat 25/02/23)  

February 19th to 25th  

• 24 hour contraflow, with one lane in each direction. Junction 7 northbound on and off slips will be closed during this time.

February 23rd and 25th

• Traffic lights on Junction 7 Rossett Interchange roundabout during the daytime.

The slip road closure diversions will be:

• Junction 7 northbound off slip closure traffic will be diverted via the A55 J38 and back in the contraflow to Junction 7.
• Junction 7 northbound on slip closure traffic will be diverted via the A483 J6 and back in the contraflow to Junction 7.
• Junction 7 southbound off slip traffic will be diverted via the A483 J6 and back in the contraflow to Junction 7.
• Junction 7 southbound on slip traffic will be diverted via the A55 J38 and back in the contraflow to Junction 7.

* For further information go, contact Traffic Wales on 0300 123 1213 or via Twitter @TrafficWalesN

Police issue road safety warning for sub-zero conditions

North Wales Police have issued a weather safety warning for people using the roads this morning (Tuesday).

With below-zero temperatures in the region they say on social media: "TAKE CARE! Road conditions are currently very poor across parts of North Wales due to the ice and snow.

"Unfortunately, we have already received several reports of road traffic collisions.

"Take extra caution on your journey this morning."

Llan-based specialist offers free advice on handling business risks

Running a business can bring with it all kinds of risks but a Llangollen-based expert is offering free advice on how to overcome them. 

Selana Kong, managing director of the International Dispute Resolution and Risk Management UK Centre (IDRRM UK), is on the list of experienced mediators and business strategists hosting a free lunchtime webinar later this month aimed at helping people deal with the increased uncertainties, risks, and costs of running a business in the UK today. 

Selana said: “During the webinar we will show you how she resolves disputes with parties through mediation. 

“You will learn tips in conflict management and negotiation. This webinar is ideal for international executives, UK newcomers, legal professionals, coaches, board directors, and anyone who has a general interest in mediation.  

“Our confirmed speakers are Doctor Francis Law, chairman of IDRRMI, Mrs Karen Cheung Dyer,  HKMAAL Accredited Mediator and Doctor Andrew Goodman, a CEDR Accredited International Commercial Mediator. 

“The webinar is on Wednesday January 25 at 1pm. You can register for it at 

https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZAqdeyupjosGNGqHSiJ_w0kgycA7MOVO77t