MP asks for creation of Investment Zone covering this area

* Simon Baynes MP with Wrexham MP Sarah Atherton during Treasury Questions in the Commons.

Clwyd South MP Simon Baynes has asked Chancellor Jeremy Hunt to consider establishing an Investment Zone covering his Clwyd South constituency, Wrexham and the wider north east Wales region. 

Investment Zones were announced by the UK Government last year. 

They will grant a small number of geographic areas with tax and regulatory rules designed to promote economic growth. 

A total of 12 locations across the UK will receive this designation, with each zone receiving approximately £80 million in UK Government funding over five years.

 

Speaking at Treasury Questions Mr Baynes asked: "Would the Chancellor agree with me that my constituency of Clwyd South, that of my Honourable Friend, the Member for Wrexham, and the rest of north east Wales represent one of the best candidates for a new Investment Zone? And would he also consider making this cross-border, given our very close economic, commercial, and cultural ties with the north west of England?”

 

The Chancellor replied: “I know that there are some great businesses in his constituency and I much enjoyed meeting Robin and Helen Jones from the Jones Village Bakery at a recent reception in Number 10, and I know they’re going from strength to strength. I holidayed in Clwyd last year, and from the top of Moel Famau I saw a very impressive offshore wind farm and I completely agree with him there is enormous potential in Clwyd for clean energy and as discussions continue about Investment Zones I wish him, as well, every success.”

 

Speaking after his question Mr Baynes said: “I welcome the Chancellor’s response to my question. Investment Zones represent a unique opportunity and demonstrate the desire of the UK Government to deliver on its promise to Levelling Up. Going forward, I look forward to continuing to work with Sarah Atherton, MP for Wrexham, and other parliamentary colleagues to maximise the chances of an Investment Zone being established in our area.”

Triumphant triathlon duo raise £1,000 for Alzheimer's Research

* John Palmer, left, with son Nic, both proudly showing off their triathlon finisher's medals.

* John Palmer in action at Ellesmere.

Neither a Llangollen man or his son were able to splash out in the triathlons they completed to raise cash for Alzheimer's Research last weekend.    

Last Sunday both John Palmer and his son Nic, from Glyndyfrdwy, each took part in a triathlon challenge in memory of Lyn Palmer - respectively their wife and mother - who died from dementia last March after being diagnosed with the condition in 2013.  

John joined the fray in the sprint triathlon in Ellesmere, Shropshire while Nic took on the Bala Standard Triathlon at Bala Lake.

But, although they both finished their events things didn't go exactly according to plan for either of them.

John explained: "I was supposed to do a speed triathlon which was a 7.5 km in the lake followed by a 25 km bike ride and a 5 km run.

"But when we arrived there had been a blue/green algae bloom on the water so it was not safe to swim.  

"Nic was supposed to do an Olympic triathlon which consists of a I.5 km swim followed by a 40 km bike ride and a 10 km run. However, when he got to Bala the mist was so low and thick that it would not have been possible to see the swimmers.

"In the end the organisers in each case changed things, so we both did run-cycle-run in the end.

"We managed to complete our triathlons successfully and the next day I could even walk down stairs without assistance."

John added: "We would both like to thank everyone for their very kind support and we were delighted to reach our goal of £1,000 for Alzheimer’s Research."

Alzheimer's Research UK is the UK's leading dementia research charity. 

It funds world-class pioneering scientists to find preventions, treatments and a cure for dementia.

* There's still time to support Nic and John on their gofundme page at: https://gofund.me/99c861be

Roadworks alert from Aber Adda

Latest local roadworks alert from one.network is:

Aber Adda, Llangollen, Denbighshire 07 September - 13 September   Roadworks, Delays unlikely   Traffic management: Traffic control (give & take)   Description: Long Comm pipe Renew 25mm Job in Carriageway (6mm Bitmac (Tarmac) )   Works location: O/S BUILDING KNOWN AS HOMELEA   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: ZU0028102/000060514151B

EV like nothing you've ever seen before from Subaru

Putting the record straight on Subaru Solterra

I need to clear up a bit of a misunderstanding in my electric Solterra review, writes Steve Rogers

What I thought was the Limited model was actually the top of the range Touring. Why would that be a problem? Because the range on Touring is 257 miles against the 289 miles for the Limited, so my home charge of 247 miles was only 10 off target, not 42 miles, and would, not doubt, only drop 10 miles on the Limited model.

 Of course top model commands a higher price so £55,495 for Touring. Sorry for taking you down the wrong road.

 

Subaru Solterra drive by Steve Rogers

Meet Solterra, Subaru’s first electric car and unlike anything seen before from the Japanese car builder.

The company’s reputation has been built on its sophisticated all wheel drive system and, of course, the rally winning Imprezza which was also favoured by the cops because no one could outrun it.

Solterra is all wheel drive but is no Imprezza, although Subaru’s expertise in chassis control has turned this family SUV into a more than capable drive.

Before we go any further let’s put the record straight. Solterra is a virtual clone of the Toyota bZ4X. It is a joint project with Subaru chipping in with its all wheel drive and chassis expertise.

There are a few subtle changes around the body but not obvious enough without close scrutiny. That said Solterra is a fine looking car so all credit to the Toyota designers. Everyone has an opinion on style but if there is a better sculptured rear end on an SUV I would like to see it.

Something that will divide opinion is the lack of a rear wiper. The thinking is that water will run off the steeply raked tailgate glass so why spoil the look? Solterra has a rear camera, backed up by a 360 degree view, so the designers reasoning seems sound but time will tell.

Inside is a bit special too, we have Toyota to thank for that as well. The all round quality is excellent with particular praise going to the dashboard which is a mix of textured fabric and soft plastics covering an unusual design which will also split opinion.

The driver’s binnacle sits high, similar to a Peugeot, but works better because the digital speedometer is always in your eyeline once the downsized steering wheel and seat height are sorted.

Solterra is well equipped with most of the little things we like along with a full suite of safety features, including adaptive cruise control, a brilliant aid that brings on emergency braking to avoid a front end shunt. We can thank Toyota for that as well.

At all but 4.7 metres long Solterra is big enough for an adult family of five. Rear legroom is particularly generous and although boot capacity is not class leading is big enough without too much intrusion from the battery pack stored under the floor.

So what is driving this car? Because Solterra is all wheel drive there is an electric motor on each axle powered by a 71.4kWh battery pack. The end result is 215bhp and a sprint to 62mph in 6.9 seconds, not a lot slower than an Imprezza, but nowhere near as swift as some key rivals.

The official range is 289 miles, but I only got 247 on a full charge from my Podpoint home charger, and then lost 12 miles with the heating on so I was down to 235 before leaving my cul-de-sac. That loss is common and a lot higher in some, I recall losing 25 miles with the heat turned on in a Volkswagen ID3.

If you can find a 150kW public charging point you should be able to achieve an 80 per cent charge in 30 minutes.

I have been giving Toyota a lot of credit but the plaudits for Solterra’s trouble free handling must go to Subaru. The ride is comfortable and the suspension deals admirably with everything our pot holed roads throw up. And it keeps its composure through tight bends with hardly any body roll. Should the going get a bit slippery then there is plenty of help from Subaru’s highly praised X-Mode which deals with different driving situations whether it be snow, sand or mud.

Apart from a car park full of rivals, the burning question is why choose Solterra over the Toyota? The cheeky answer is who wants a car called bZ4X? In most cases Subaru needs to rely on brand loyalty because Toyota also offers a two wheel drive version for a lot less than the fifty odd thousand Subaru which, of course, has to be all wheel drive.

That said I am going to be generous and put it into my top five.

What the wife says: Solterra is a good looking car and I warmed to it. It is an easy drive with no dramas if caught out by a sharp bend. The e-pedal that slows the car almost to a stop without using the brake is a brilliant way of putting energy back into the batteries. I was irritated by the number of warning bleeps, some of which are a mystery, with one sounding like someone breaking wind!

Fast facts

Solterra Limited

£52,495

Twin electric motors; 215bhp

0-62mph 6.9secs; 99mph

Range: 289 miles

Max charge: 150kW

Road tax: Zero

Boot: 441 litres

Insurance group 46

 

Senedd Members call for stricter rules on private parking firms

* Senedd Members Lesley Griffiths and Ken Skates at Island Green.

Members of the Senedd are encouraging people to take part in a recently extended consultation which they hope will lead to stricter rules around how private car park companies operate.  

Lesley Griffiths and Ken Skates have been taking a stand against Euro Car Parks, which runs the notorious car park at Island Green, Wrexham, after a deluge of complaints about unfair fines. 

 

Despite managing to get some overturned, the Labour pair remain frustrated at the ‘arrogance’ of the company and its ‘refusal to show any empathy or utilise any shred of commonsense’. 

 

Now they are hoping that the UK Government consultation will lead to new legislation which will clamp down on unscrupulous practices within the industry. 

 

Ms Griffiths, MS for Wrexham, said: “Parking at Island Green Shopping Centre has been problematic for years but the issue of suspect private parking operators issuing unfair fines to shoppers and, in turn, negatively impacting businesses is not just a Wrexham issue – it is happening in towns and cities right across the UK.

 

“This consultation could be the beginning of the end for these unprincipled companies and I hope people make their voices heard. 

 

“Our long-running dispute with Euro Car Parks shows no sign of stopping and in spite of the challenges, Ken Skates MS and I will continue to explore every avenue available to help improve the situation for the people of Wrexham.”

 

Mr Skates, MS for Clwyd South, said: “The arrogance of companies like Euro Car Parks is clear in their refusal to show any empathy or utilise any shred of commonsense. But they’re allowed to ride roughshod over their customers because what they do is within UK law. 

 

“I hope that if enough people respond to this consultation, UK Ministers will have no choice but to significantly tighten up the rules and close the loopholes which allow these sharks to operate with impunity and issue unfair fines to shoppers. 

“I’ve had elderly and vulnerable people contact me in recent months who have received threatening letters from debt recovery firms demanding hugely inflated sums for alleged offences at Island Green and elsewhere which weren’t even committed. Euro Car Parks claim that even as the client of these firms they can’t intervene, which I don’t believe. I’ve asked them numerous times to confirm this, and each time they have refused to answer the question.” 

 

The Private Parking Code of Practice Impact Assessment, published by the UK Government, states: “Since 2012, there has been a significant increase in the number of parking charges issued by private parking operators, measured by the number of requests for vehicle keeper details from the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA). 

 

“Linked to this, there are concerns from consumer groups, MPs, and the public highlighting a range of poor practices and behaviours within the sector that the current system of self-regulation has not adequately dealt with. This has created additional costs and stress for drivers and registered vehicle keepers that are often not justified.  

 

“Given the current system of self-regulation does not appear to be working in addressing these issues, it is necessary to introduce a new Code of Practice to ensure that the system is fair for drivers and registered vehicle keepers. This is also considered justified on equity grounds where unfair outcomes impact certain (for example, more vulnerable) groups disproportionately.” 

 

* The full report can be read on the UK Government website. The email address to respond to is parking@levellingup.gov.uk and the consultation has been extended to October 8. 

 

 

Denbighshire libraries offering data poverty help

Working with the Good Things Foundation, Denbighshire’s Libraries help distribute free SIM cards and mobile data to local people living in data poverty through the National Databank Scheme. 

The National Databank distributes free data to people through community organisations and is supported by many popular UK mobile networks. 

Denbighshire residents can register their interest to take part if they meet the eligibility criteria. Residents can also register interest on behalf of other people if they know someone who would benefit from free mobile data. 

To be eligible to access the National Databank, residents must be over 18 years old and come from a low-income household. They also need to meet one or more of the following criteria: 

• You have no or insufficient access to the internet at home.
• You have no or insufficient access to the internet away from home.
• You can't afford your existing monthly contract or top-up.

Councillor Emrys Wynne, Lead Member for Welsh Language, Culture & Heritage said: “Internet access has become such a vital part of everyday life, with many essential services and schemes now moving online. I would urge anyone who may need some help in this area to contact or visit their local library for more information.”

* For more information, go to https://www.denbighshire.gov.uk/en/leisure-and-tourism/libraries/help-to-get-online.aspx or visit your local library.

ITV Wales news item puts eisteddfod's future under spotlight

* Ken Skates MS puts his viewpoint to ITV Wales reporter Joanne Gallacher.

llanblogger's Phil Robinson gave his view of the current problems facing Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod in a TV news item earlier tonight (Monday).

He was filmed for an ITV Wales story on the future of the festival which was aired on the evening bulletin.

Also interviewed for the item was Clwyd South Assembly Member Ken Skates and Shea Ferron, who is one of the six new members of the eisteddfod's board of trustees.

Phil Robinson, who has covered the eisteddfod as a reporter for the Wrexham Leader, as a press officer for a communications company and also for his news blog, was asked by ITV Wales reporter Joanne Gallacher what needed to be done to ensure the survival of the festival after it recorded a substantial loss on this year's event and and been forced to to make its musical director redundant as a direct result of the financial situation. 

* New trustee Shea Ferron is interviewed on the eisteddfod situation.

After stressing how many people were getting behind the eisteddfod, he said changes were definitely needed.

He explained: "This year some of the evening concerts weren't that well attended, although the one featuring Alfie Boe, the top concert of the week, was a sell-out, so they've got to look at the concerts as well as other things."

Earlier in the item Joanne Gallacher said the eisteddfod needed not only to survive but also to thrive and that volunteers, who were now in charge of the entire event following the departure of musical director Camilla King, had vowed the eisteddfod would continue next year.

Shea Ferron told her: "We are aware that the loss was a substantial amount and hence why we had to make the very difficult decision to make redundant one of the major roles of the eisteddfod."

* llanblogger's Phil Robinson was asked for his opinion on the festival's future. 

Asked how volunteers in charge, like himself, a student, would go out and promote the eisteddfod given that most had other jobs, he replied: "No matter what our commitments we will find the time because of the love that we all have for this festival."

Ken Skates MS was asked if the Welsh Government was likely to hand any further financial aid to the eisteddfod on top of the £90,000 it had already allocated in the current financial year.

The reporter also pointed out it was being said that the National Eisteddfod received more financial support from the government in Cardiff.

Mr Skates replied that he wouldn't like to play one event off against another and added: "The International Eisteddfod exists to promote world peace. It exists to draw people in. It aligns well with the Welsh Government's declared status as a sanctuary nation, and perhaps that is where we could see stronger support from the government."

The report concluded with Joanne Gallacher saying that the volunteers were adamant that the eisteddfod would continue.

She added: "Sponsorship deals are in place, fingers crossed, and they have got a list of stars that they hope will come to the Pavilion next year.

"I can't tell you who the big names are but they are impressive." 

* ITV Wales reporter Joanne Gallacher winds up the story from the bridge.