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Saturday, September 23, 2023

Llangollen people can use Plas Madoc tip from next month


* Llangollen people will be able to use Plas Madoc household waste recycling site from next month following an agreement between Denbighshire and Wrexham councils.

llanblogger exclusive

Campaigners for Llangollen to have a more convenient household waste facility have scored a major breakthrough with news that local people will be able to use the Plas Madoc tip from next month. 

Ever since the town lost its own refuse site at Wenffrwd years ago and Wrexham banned Llangollen people from using Plas Madoc, they have been faced with a 32-mile round trip to the nearest Denbighshire tip in Ruthin. 

The alternative has been to use the temporary ‘pop-up’ recycling facility set up for a few hours on the Pavilion car park on Saturday mornings but even this was halted during the Covid lockdowns.   


* The Saturday morning 'pop-up' recycling facility on the Pavilion car park. 

Over a thousand people have signed a petition, organised by campaigner Phil Jones, demanding that Llangollen should have a more convenient recycling facility. And the question became a campaign issue at the last county council election. 

Now word has come from Clwyd South Senedd Member Ken Skates that Denbighshire has negotiated a deal with Wrexham enabling Llangollen people to use Plas Madoc from October. 

The breakthrough is revealed in a letter to Mr Skates from Simon Lammond,  Denbighshire’s Waste and Recycling Manager, the contents of which have been shared with llanblogger by Mr Skates. 

The relevant part says: “We have reached formal agreement with Wrexham CBC to enable Llangollen residents to access to the HWRC (Household Waste Recycling Centre) at Plas Madoc this will provide: 

  • Increased number of available booking slots 208 a month initially as opposed to current 128 available for residents of Llangollen (will be subject to constant review dependant on demand) .
  • More flexibility providing booking slots every day, not just between 9 and 11am on third and fourth Saturday of each month.
  • Plas Madoc HWRC is a managed site ensuring the health and safety of all its users as a controlled environment.
  • Plas Madoc HWRC has the capacity to increase recycling rates, through the process of checking and removing recyclable items that have been placed in the residual waste stream.
  • Initially residents will be able to take residual and green waste and we are working with Wrexham to provide additional streams once the relevant processes are in place.
  • Residents who turn up with chargeable waste will be turned away as the case at Denbighshire’s own sites
  • As now residents with bulky items can either take them to one of the DCC HWRC sites listed on our website or use the bulky collection service provided by the council.
  • The financial costs for the new service is in line with the exiting budget for the Llangollen pop-up service whilst providing an improved service and ensuring all material is treated and recorded in accordance with legislation. 

“We have a further meeting with Wrexham to iron out some of the operational detail, but we anticipate a start date for this new service in early October 2023, once confirmed we will communicate with local Cllrs, community groups and via our web pages. During the transition period DCC will maintain the existing pop-up service for two months.” 

Llangollen county councillor Karen Edwards, a strong supporter of a deal with Wrexham over Plas Madoc, said: “The establishment of a new agreement between DCC and WCBC to facilitate access to the Plas Madoc recycling facility for residents of the Dee Valley corrects a long-standing issue arising from the closure of the Council’s Wenffrwdd waste facility. 

“This is a great example of collaborative working by our two councils, and it demonstrates the advantage of sound asset management sharing public assets to better serve our communities and drive forward our recycling objectives.

“I was elected on a manifesto committed to restoring this missing service, an issue I have pursued for the past few years and I am delighted that it is now reaching a conclusion.”

Phil Jones, on behalf of the tip petitioners, said: "When the council’s recycling site at Wenffrwdd closed without public consultation in 2007 no-one would have thought it would take 16 years to secure access to an alternative facility just over the County boundary at Plas Madoc. .

"Thanks to a petition of two thousand signatures and the tireless work of our County Councillor Karen Edwards this long standing injustice has been rectified."

Ken Skates MS said: “I have raised the recycling issue numerous times with DCC on behalf of residents of Llangollen and I am very pleased to hear of the successful conclusion of negotiations between the two councils.”

 

Railway loses its founder and president


* Bill Shakespeare at the opening of Corwen station in June.

A founding member of Llangollen Railway has passed away.

A post of the heritage railway's Facebook page says: "It is with great sadness and heavy hearts that our Railway has to announce the passing of our President, Bill Shakespeare.

"Bill’s contribution to Llangollen Railway is immeasurable and as well as one of the founding members of our Trust, he has been a significant contributor to the preservation movement.

"As Chairman between 1976 and 1998, Bill also received an MBE for his services to the Railway.
"Bill will be sorely missed by everyone that knew him and those who had the pleasure to have worked alongside him since the inauguration of the Railway back in the 70’s. We express our utmost condolences to Hazel, Susan and Gillian at this very sad time.
"Thank you Bill – we will endeavour to follow the fine examples that you set."

Mr Shakespeare was amongst special guests who attended the official opening of the new Corwen station in June.

Feast of flavours planned for 2023 Llangollen Food Festival

Around 60 exhibitors have been confirmed for the highly anticipated 2023 Llangollen Food Festival, set to tantalise taste buds across town on October 14 and 15.

Prepare your palate for a weekend of gastronomic delights as the Llangollen Food Festival returns bigger and better than ever before. This year's festival promises an unforgettable celebration of food, drink, and entertainment, taking place at various venues throughout the charming town of Llangollen.

With a diverse array of exhibitors from across Wales and beyond, the 2023 Llangollen Food Festival will showcase the best of Welsh and international cuisine. From artisanal cheeses to mouth-watering chocolates, from succulent meats to fresh produce, our exhibitors will offer a smorgasbord of delectable treats to satisfy every craving.

Food enthusiasts can look forward to live cooking demonstrations by renowned chefs who will share their culinary secrets and inspire your inner chef. A whisky and cheese tasting evening with Penderyn whisky and Welsh cheese from The Little Cheesemonger and a wine tasting evening with Pip Gale of Gale's Wine Bar will give you the chance to discover new and exciting flavours. 

And to round off the first day, Llangollen Railway will be running its famous Ale train in partnership with Hafod Brewery. Tickets will be available for the tasting events and the Ale Train will be available soon at the Food Festival website and social media pages.

It's not just about the food – the 2023 Llangollen Food Festival will also feature live entertainment that will keep the whole family entertained. Soak in the lively atmosphere as you enjoy musical performances throughout the weekend.

For the younger foodies in the family, there will be a wide range of children's activities, ensuring a fun and educational experience for kids of all ages. From interactive food-themed activities to hands-on cooking classes, there's something for every little chef in the making.

This year's festival promises an extraordinary culinary adventure, celebrating the finest in food and drink in a picturesque setting. Whether you're a serious foodie or just looking for a fantastic weekend out, the 2023 Llangollen Food Festival has something for everyone.

* For more information and to stay updated on the festival's latest news, visit the Llangollen Food Festival website or follow us on Facebook and Instagram.

Saturday, September 16, 2023

llanblogger takes a short break

llanblogger is taking a short break and will be back in about a week's time

Art exhibition opens based on inspirational Dee Valley


* Above and below: some of the artwork featuring in the exhibition at the Dory Gallery.












* Artist Mikey Jones live painting a mural on the walls of the gallery.

A new exhibition which invites you to take a fresh look at the Dee Valley and the works of art it inspires opens in Llangollen's Dory Gallery in Regent Street today (Saturday).

The Dee Valley landscape, which had its official preview to an invited audience yesterday afternoon (Friday) has been a source of inspiration to artists, poets and tourists for centuries, drawn to the area in search of the sublime. 

It became a hub for artistic activity in the 18th century, captured on canvas by renowned painters such as Richard Wilson, Paul Sandby and JMW Turner, and beautifully described in words and poetry by writers including George Borrow, Thomas Pennant and William Wordsworth.

Following this tradition, the Our Picturesque Landscape project is presenting an exhibition of over 60 contemporary works of art inspired by the scenery of the Dee Valley.

Through thoughtfully commissioned paintings, poems, installations, photography, drawings, textiles and even a myriorama, the exhibition will explore our connections with the landscape, and highlight the unique balance between the stunning natural beauty and important industrial heritage of the area.

The exhibition will be open at the Dory Gallery until Sunday October 8 accompanied by a full programme of events, art workshops and family friendly activities. For up to date details go to: www.clwydianrangeanddeevalleyAONB.org.uk

The exhibition is part of the Our Picturesque Landscape project, funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund.

Hannah Marubbi, Partnership Officer for Our Picturesque Landscape project, said; “There is strong artistic heritage in the Dee Valley, and the picturesque qualities of the landscape continue to inspire creatives today. 

"We are really looking forward to celebrating the fantastic and diverse works of art that have been created throughout the Our Picturesque Landscape project, and sharing them with the community through a programme of free, interactive events.  We are grateful to the National Lottery Heritage Fund for the £1,382,400 funding which has made our project and this exhibition possible.”

Latest roadworks alerts from Denbighshire County Council

Latest roadworks alerts from Denbighshire County Council are: 

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

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

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

Friday, September 15, 2023

Working Denbighshire offering help to school leavers

Following on from results month, Denbighshire County Council’s Working Denbighshire team are reminding recent high school and sixth form leavers that free support and help is available.

Working Denbighshire is an employability service which aims at supporting Denbighshire residents, aged 16 and above through coaching, training, and mentoring. 

Part of this service offers Wellbeing support. This has been put in place to help participants who don’t feel ready to go straight into employment or a placement. The dedicated wellbeing team have organised free weekly activities to raise aspiration, increase motivation and engagement. Activities planned include Beach Yoga, Lama Walking and Coffee Mornings, all aimed to improve participants confidence and skills for the future. 

Working Denbighshire also have dedicated teams in place for students that feel ready to go straight into employment but would benefit from 1-2-1 support and guidance with career development. Experienced mentors are on hand to help with job searching, CV writing and to support individuals through application processes for training, volunteering and placement opportunities, all focused around their choice of career. 

Support doesn’t stop there, as the team is trained to work to the needs of the individual and will even offer financial support for students experiencing financial barriers when trying to access training, placement or employment. 

Councillor Jason McLellan, Leader of the Council and Lead Member for Economic Growth & Tackling Deprivation said: “Working Denbighshire are there to help school leavers with any employment advice they may need. 

"The team can also help with finding training and further qualifications and finding a work or volunteering placement.” 

David Morgan, Working Denbighshire Manager at Working Denbighshire said: “It is important that we offer a 1-2-1 personalised service to each of our participants as everyone needs a different level of support, especially young people who have recently left education.” 

Geraint Davies, Head of Service for Education at Denbighshire County Council said: “Leaving school or sixth form can be a confusing time, with many roads to choose from. Working Denbighshire are there for school leavers, if they decide to go straight into work after finishing their education.”

Working Denbighshire is part funded through the Welsh Government Communities for Work Plus Programme which supports those most disadvantaged in the labour market to overcome the barriers preventing them from gaining employment. 

Working Denbighshire has received £3,529,632 from the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.

* To sign up to receive support from Working Denbighshire visit - https://www.denbighshire.gov.uk/en/jobs-and-employees/working-denbighshire/forms/contact-us-working-denbighshire.aspx or to find out more about the service - https://www.denbighshire.gov.uk/en/jobs-and-employees/working-denbighshire/working-denbighshire.aspx