Vandals steal paving stone from library steps

* A gap left by the missing paving stone on the library steps.

Anti-social behaviour in the town entered a new phase when one of the paving stones on the steps leading to the town’s library and Tourist Information Centre was ripped up and carried away over the weekend. 

And a county councillor for the area has called on North Wales's chief constable and Police and Crime Commissioner to come up with a strategy to combat what she has called "unacceptable" levels of public disorder in Llangollen.

The gap left by the paving stone theft was covered by safety barriers earlier today (Monday). 

The incident has been playing out on Facebook since early morning and someone commented that they saw teenagers carrying it towards the bus stop around 6.40 in the evening, although they don’t say which evening. 

The person who originally posted about the stone on Facebook said later: “There is CCTV footage of teenagers skateboarding etc on the steps most of the evening and leaving lots of litter.” 

This afternoon another person posted that they had seen the missing paving stone on the steps leading down to the canal on the way up to the school. 

There have been a number of incidents of anti-social behaviour in the town in past weeks, including reports of abuse of staff and theft from local businesses. 

Llangollen county councillor Karen Edwards said: "As the end of the summer season draws to a close the hot weather of last weekend brought many visitors to the town. Incidents of anti-social behaviour, vandalism and theft occurred, some of which have been reported on social media and to me directly. 

"Whilst the town’s economy relies mainly on tourism , we also find that it can bring to the town the worst elements of todays society. This is unacceptable for residents, challenging for our local businesses and bad for tourism.

"As one of your elected representatives I have written to the Chief Constable and the Police and Crime Commissioner to highlight this issue. The police have a responsibility to deal with matters of public disorder and to protect, assist and reassure the community.

"There needs to be a far better strategy to respond to these problems when they occur, and I have asked for a meeting with the Chief Constable to progress this matter. I will of course keep you informed of the response I receive in due course. 

"We all have a stake in ensuring that the town in which we live remains a great place where decency and community spirit prevails over the things which would blight our society. It will be an uphill struggle, but complacency is not an option."

Denbighshire County Council has been asked to comment.  

* A safety barrier was erected around the gap later. 

Concert for Christmas Festival features trio of Llan TV stars

Three of Llangollen's own TV stars are teaming up for a concert in aid of the town's Christmas Festival.

Shea Ferron, who made it to the finals of ITV's Britain's Got Talent as part of the Johns' Boys choir, will appear along with well-known local musician Chris Sims, who was featured in Channel 4's The Piano, and "singing policeman" Karl Joseph who hit national prominence on ITV's Star Struck.

Llangollen Superstars takes to the stage at Llangollen Town Hall on Saturday October 7.

* For tickets visit: https://llangollenfringe.co.uk/.../llangollen-superstars

Latest roadworks alerts from the county council

Latest local roadworks update from Denbighshire County Council is:

Outside MALTHOUSE BUTLERS HILL 21/09/2023 22/09/2023 Adferiad/ Reinstatement HAFREN DYFRDWY (DANIEL) LLANGOLLEN Ffordd ar Gau/Road Closure.

A539 CASTLE STREET, AT THE JUNCTION OF DEE LANE, LLANGOLLEN, DENBIGSHIRE CASTLE STREET 27/09/2023 27/09/2023 Gwaith Carthffosiaeth/ Sewer Works MORRISON UTILITY SERVICES LLANGOLLEN Ffordd ar Gau/Road Closure

A539 CHURCH STREET, AT THE JUNCTION OF CHAPEL STREET, LLANGOLLEN, DENBIGSHI CHURCH STREET 25/09/2023 25/09/2023 Gwaith Carthffosiaeth/ Sewer Works DWR CYMRU/WELSH LLANGOLLEN Ffordd ar Gau/Road Closure

Llangollen named among best places to visit in the country

* The story in the Daily Post. 

According to a story in the Daily Post, Llangollen has been named in a list of the best small towns and villages to visit in the UK. The Denbighshire town was named best in Wales in the magazine's survey of places to visit in the country.

* For the full story, see: The North Wales town named among the best places to visit in the country - North Wales Live (dailypost.co.uk)

Operatic's cake afternoon goes down a treat

Llangollen Operatic Society hosted a successful charity cake afternoon at the Silver Band Rehearsal Room in Parade Street yesterday (Saturday).

The tables was filled with a variety of delicious-looking bakes which were served with tea, coffee or, on a particularly hot afternoon, cold orange squash.

Proceeds will be going to North West Cancer Research, Macmillan Cancer Support and the Stroke Association.

There was also a fine array of donated raffle prizes on offer.     

Rotary Club hosts successful community event at church hall

Vale of Llangollen Rotary Club has been hosting its All Things Llangollen community event at St Collen’s Community Hall this afternoon (Saturday).

Around 30 local groups and organisations were being represented, giving people an insight into what they do and how to become involved.

The event continues until 6pm today.

* Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod. Pictures by David Hennigan.

* Llangollen Repair Cafe.

* Llangollen Running Club.

* Llangollen Museum.

County council issues advice after yellow weather warning

Following on from the yellow weather warning issued for this area today (Saturday) Denbighshire County Council has issued further information for the public.  

The information says there will be a thunderstorm between 2 and 9pm, with a few heavy showers and thunderstorms possible, perhaps leading to some disruption, and it adds:

"What to expect

• Spray and sudden flooding could lead to difficult driving conditions and some road closures 

•  Where flooding or lightning strikes occur, there is a chance of delays and some cancellations to train and bus services

• There is a slight chance that power cuts could occur and other services to some homes and businesses could be lost

•  There is a small chance that homes and businesses could be flooded quickly, with damage to some buildings from floodwater, lightning strikes, hail or strong winds."

The county says it has additional resources on standby throughout the warning period to respond to any flooding related incidents should they arise.

Further updates will be provided if deemed necessary.

In the event of any emergency situation requiring an immediate response, contact should be made directly via the out of hours contact centre between 5pm – 8:30am including weekends on 0300 123 3068.