Pengwern Community Hub unveils programme for March

Pengwern Hub has announced its what's on programme for March.

From March Wellbeing Wednesdays start, with weekly sessions which include Creative activities, advice services, informative talks and wellbeing  activities. 

Task force aims to prevent fires like on Llantysilio Mountain

Operation Dawns Glaw, a multi-agency task force of specialists from key agencies across Wales has reformed to reduce, and where possible eliminate the impact of grass fires across Wales.

The aim is to prevent future outbreaks such as the blaze in 2018 which ripped through moorlands at Llantysilio Mountain and the Horseshoe Pass near Llangollen and smouldered for weeks with firefighters from across North Wales and Shropshire involved in a massive operation to bring it to an end.

The task force, which was initially established in 2016 by the all Wales Strategic Arson Reduction Board to tackle incidents of deliberately set grass fires across Wales, will also be turning its attention to the increase in accidental fires, often caused by our own careless behaviour when out enjoying the countryside.  

In 2022 the fire services across Wales attended 3,269 grassfire incidents – this was an increase of 62% on the previous year with deliberate grass fires increasing by 1542 (47%) to 2263. 

The increase was mainly due to hot dry weather in July and Aug which resulted in a second spike of incidents in addition to the Mar/Apr activity.

Every year fire is responsible for the destruction of thousands of hectares of countryside, open space, and wildlife habitats.  

Peter Greenslade, Corporate Head of Prevention and Protection for Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service, and Chair of Operation Dawns Glaw, said: “As with previous years, we launch our Operation Dawns Glaw campaign as the weather starts to improve, the nights become lighter and our use of the landscape, countryside and grassland of Wales begins to increase.

“It is vitally important that we all continue to work together to build a healthier, more resilient and increasingly biodiverse landscape here in Wales, doing what we can to protect this precious resource for the future.

“We want to work with our communities, farmers, and landowners to share our knowledge and understanding of the effect that both deliberate and accidental fires have on our communities.  We understand that controlled burns can have a positive effect on the environment, creating biodiversity and a sustainable ecosystem and we are available for free advice on how to do this safely.

“I would also like to take the opportunity to reinforce our messages that while accidents can happen, there are some within our communities who are deliberately setting fire to our countryside – not only is this a crime, for which they will be prosecuted, but it also places unnecessary pressure on front line services and puts our communities in harm’s way. I would encourage anyone with information relating to such crimes to call 101, or to report anonymously to CrimeStoppers on 0800 555 111." 

The Operation is also continuing its work with farmers and landowners across Wales, reminding them that while they may burn heather, grass, bracken and gorse up until the 15 March (up to 31 March in Upland areas), they must have a Burn Plan in place to ensure they are burning safely. It is against the law to burn outside of the burning season and can result in penalties of up to £1000.

* Find out more about #DawnsGlaw 2023 via Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service’s website www.mawwfire.gov.uk/DawnsGlaw, where you can also access some simple safety tips and download the campaign’s safety messages for use on your own social media channels. Together we held stop grass fires and protect our countryside and our country.

Remember - If are out enjoying the countryside and you do come across any suspicious activity, please call CrimeStoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111, or ring 101. In an emergency, always call 999.

Roadworks planned for A542 near Britannia Inn next month

A local roadworks alert from Denbighshire County Council warns that resurfacing work is due to take place on the A542 near the Britannia Inn in Llangollen from March 20-24.

A convoy traffic system around the works will be put in place, it adds.  

MS urges people to oppose new 20mph speed limit

Sam Rowlands, Member of the Welsh Parliament for North Wales, is urging people to sign a petition against the Welsh Labour Government’s plans to impose 20mph on restricted roads. 

Mr Rowlands, Shadow Minister for Local Government and a harsh critic of the proposals said: “For the past 12 months I have been supporting campaigners in Buckley, who are totally against the implementation of such a scheme in their town. Despite public opinion Welsh Government decided to impose this across the whole of the country.

“Like most people I am not against 20mph speed limit outside schools, hospitals and other areas where evidence shows it’s a benefit, but a blanket 20mph speed limit across urban roads in Wales is just not right. 

“New research reveals that cutting speed limits on urban roads to 20mph does not significantly improve safety and according to the government analysis, the new law will cost the Welsh economy £4.5bn and £32.5m to implement.

“Instead of slowing Wales down, Labour should grip the wheel and get Wales moving again with a pro-growth, pro-business, pro-worker programme that works for those who need to drive.

“I would urge everyone who feels strongly about this issue to sign the petition as I have done and let us try to see this scheme kicked into touch.”

He says the petition is available at: change.org/p/stop-the-welsh-govt-imposing-blanket-20mph-speed-limits-across-the-whole-of-wales-by-2023

 

Government earmarks further £5.45m for football museum in Wrexham

The Welsh Government is providing a further £5.45m for the new Football Museum for Wales in Wrexham.

The funding is part of an agreement between the Welsh Government and Plaid Cymru.

Deputy Minister for Arts and Sport Dawn Bowden (pictured) made the announcement on a visit to the city and comes at a time when interest in Welsh football is at an all-time high.

The museum, which will be within Wrexham Museum and see a substantial redevelopment of the building, will celebrate Wales’ football heritage and help build a legacy from the nation’s involvement in the men’s FIFA World Cup 2022, ensuring its history is valued and stories are recorded for future generations of players and supporters.

Deputy Minister for Arts and Sport, Dawn Bowden said: “Wrexham is the birthplace of Welsh football so it’s the ideal location to celebrate the sport’s heritage.

“We have seen many successes, especially in recent years, in men’s and women’s football, and ensuring the dramatic and emotive events on the international stage, the history and development of club football in Wales and the spirit and diversity of the Welsh football community is told in one place will be vital for present and future generations.

“The new museum will become a key venue in the city as well as for North Wales’ tourist and visitor offer. It also comes at an exciting time for Wrexham AFC as they aim to get back into the Football League.

“Today’s announcement is a great example of the Welsh Government’s commitment to Wrexham and North Wales, especially following the recent disappointing news from the UK Government about the failed levelling-up fund bid.”

Many themes will be showcased at the Football Museum for Wales in Wrexham including Welsh language communities, fan culture, Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic communities and LGBTQ+ experiences.

Since 2020, more than £800,000 in Welsh Government funding has already ensured the appointment of a dedicated Football Curator and Engagement Officers, the progression of designs, and a pan-Wales public engagement and community consultation to develop proposed plans and content. 

Protecting and promoting Wales’ culture and heritage forms part of the Co-operation Agreement between the Welsh Government and Plaid Cymru.

Designated Member Siân Gwenllian said: “Yma o Hyd fever spread across Wales and across the world last year with our national team reaching the world cup. It showed the pride and joy football has brought us in recent years and how important it is to Wales.

“This redeveloped museum will celebrate our nation’s contribution to the game and the heritage and legacy it provides for us all. Wrexham, a city steeped in football history, is a fitting home for this exciting project and I am delighted we are working together to make it happen.”

Lead Member for Partnerships and Community Safety at Wrexham County Borough Council, Councillor Paul Roberts, said:

“I’d like to thank the Welsh Government for their continued support for Wrexham, the spiritual home of football, to continue to develop the Football Museum for Wales."

Skates raises concerns children refused school meals due to debts

Member of the Senedd Ken Skates has raised concerns that schoolchildren are being refused lunches and turned away at the till because of debts already owed. 

The Clwyd South MS said ‘no child should be humiliated in this way’ – and he has taken the matter up with the local education authority. 

Mr Skates said: “I was contacted by a constituent whose child, a high school student, told her that pupils at her school had been refused a meal and turned away at the canteen till in front of their friends and peers because they already owed money. No child should be humiliated in this way.” 

He also highlighted the incident during First Minister’s Questions and asked Lesley Griffiths MS – standing in for Mark Drakeford – how the Welsh Government is helping. 

Mr Skates said: “I've heard of instances of high schoolchildren who’ve been turned away at the canteen till because their hard-working parents haven’t been able to clear the dinner money debts that they’ve incurred. 

“Would you agree that schools should act with the utmost compassion during these times of financial hardship, and not put young people through such humiliating ordeals? And can you outline what support the Welsh Government is giving to young people to avoid school-time hunger?” 

Ms Griffiths responded: “Yes, I would absolutely agree with you. We know that no child should go hungry, and local authorities and schools should work in partnership with families who are experiencing difficulties with payment of school meals to try and find a solution to ensure that no child goes without a meal at lunchtime. 

“There should be a system in place where parents are reminded in a timely fashion if the balance on their child's account is low, for instance, so that parents can obviously take the action needed. In the case of non-payment, every effort should be made to contact the parent to find a solution, and that might include setting up a payment plan.” 

Ms Griffiths said the Education Minister, Jeremy Miles, has written to councils to remind them of their discretionary powers to provide free meals or implement variable pricing structures. 

She added: “And we've also reminded them of our expectation that no child should be denied an offer of a meal if they turn up to school hungry, because we know that children concentrate far better when they're not hungry.” 

Last year the Welsh Government announced it was rolling out universal free primary school meals, starting with the youngest pupils from September. Ministers are working closely with councils to meet the commitment for every primary pupil to receive free school meals by 2024. 

The Welsh Government also committed £11m to extend holiday food provision for pupils eligible for a free school meal to help low income families and ensure children don’t go hungry in the holidays. 

Traffic alert for Church Street

Latest local traffic alert from one.network is:

Church Street, Llangollen

February 20 - February 22

Roadworks, Delays likely

Traffic management: Road closure

Description: New service required at property. Excavation of a joint bay in footway outside 5a Church Street and.

Works location: Outside 5

Responsibility for works: Scottish Power Renewable Energy

 

Current status: Advanced planning