Temporary partial closure of Mill Street car park

* The site compound plan for Mill Street car park.

Mill Street car park in Llangollen will be partially closed for a five month period to provide a site compound for OBR Construction Ltd. to undertake construction work for Denbighshire County Council’s Four Great Highways project.

The Levelling Up funded project aims to enhance the landscape and improve accessibility, interpretation and signage in Llangollen.

The project is part of investment by the UK Government’s Levelling Up Fund that was secured through a joint application between Denbighshire and Wrexham councils for the Clwyd South Constituency.

The application was supported by Simon Baynes MP with £3.8 million being allocated to Denbighshire to invest in the communities of Llangollen, Llantysilio, Corwen and surrounding areas.

A section of the Mill Street car park will be closed to facilitate the contractor’s site compound once the work starts on Monday February 5 and will remain until the end of June 2024.

The public will still be able to access a section of the car park during this period as some parking spaces will still be available for use throughout the works. Disabled parking will also be available at the car park during this time.

OBR Construction says it will try to scale down the compound as the scheme progresses towards completion to relieve more spaces where possible.

Residents and visitors wishing to use the car park during this period are advised that heavy plant vehicles will be entering and exiting the car park throughout the day between the hours of 8am and 5.30pm. 

Pedestrian routes within or accessing the car park will also be kept clear at all times and, in instances where this may not be possible, alternative pedestrian routes will be provided.

While car parking at Mill Street will still be possible during the construction period, in the event that the car park is full, alternative car parking facilities are available nearby at:

1. East Street, Llangollen, LL20 8PW
2. Market Street, Llangollen, LL20 8RB
3. Llangollen Pavilion, Llangollen, LL20 8SW

Barry Mellor, Lead Member for Environment & Transport, said: “I am delighted that the construction work for Llangollen’s Four Great Highways project will be underway soon and look forward to the completion of this vital project which will enhance the landscape and improve accessibility, interpretation and signage in Llangollen.

“We understand that residents may be concerned about the potential impacts of the work on their ability to be able to park in the area, but we would like to reassure people that despite the reduced capacity at the Mill Street car park during this period alternative places to park in Llangollen will continue to be available during this time.” 

* To learn more about Denbighshire County Council’s Four Great Highways project on our website: https://www.denbighshire.gov.uk/four-great-highways

Llangollen features in list of Wales' most 'underrated' towns

 

* Plas Newydd is quoted as one of the highlights of "underrated" Llangollen.

Llangollen appears in an geography website’s list of the Nine Most Underrated Towns in Wales.

World Atlas, based in Quebec, Canada, says it is one of the largest publishing resources in geography and also covers sociology, demography, environment, economics, politics and travel.

According to its own description, in 2019 alone, it served over 165 million readers from around the globe.

In its “underrated towns” feature it says Wales is often overlooked as a place to visit, with many people “not knowing of the treasures it holds in vibrant folklore and endowed with a rich culture”,

Llangollen shares the list of “underrated” towns with Kidwelly in Carmarthenshire, Llangefni on Angelsey, Abderdaron in Gwynedd, Llangorse in the Brecon Beacons, Welshpool and Llanwertyd Wells in Powys, Tregaron in Ceredigion and Hawarden in Flintshire.

Of Llangollen it says: “A riverside delight that is part of a UNESCO World Heritage site, with an eponymous railway, a breathtaking hike to a 13th-century castle, and a Gothic-tinged mansion, Llangollen is optimal for embracing relaxation.

“Llangollen Railway is a scenic heritage railway from Llangollen to Corwen, with views of storybook villages, castles, and lush rolling hills. A variety of unique excursions are available throughout the year.

“If the aquatic route is more appealing, the Llangollen Canal meanders through town, an ideal spot to picnic by or take a cruise down, especially if one of the unique horse-drawn boats is available for a ride. Horseshoe Falls, a dramatically beautiful piece of Thomas Telford engineering, is not to be missed.

“For history buffs, Castell Dinas Bran and Plas Newydd House will capture imaginations. Castell Dinas Bran, or the Crow's Fortress, is a rare 13th-century Welsh-built stone castle perched on a hilltop with panoramic views of the surrounding valleys.

“Plas Newydd (New Hall) is an unbelievable mansion with enchanting gardens, best known for being home to the unconventional "Ladies of Llangollen," a pair who lived together for fifty years, becoming 18th-century celebrities and expanding the house from a small cottage to the modern iteration.” 

* See the full article at: 9 Most Underrated Towns in Wales - WorldAtlas

Up date on serious road traffic collision on Abbey Road

* The scene at the collision site in Abbey Road at around 8.15am.

North Wales Police alert this morning:

"ROAD CLOSURE, Abbey Road (A542), between Llangollen and Pentrefelin, due to an RTC, emergency services at scene dealing, please avoid the area, expect delays."

At around 8.20am this morning the road was still cordoned off just after the Pavilion car park with a large emergency services presence.

According to a running story on Leader Live, the fire and rescue service received the initial call at around 7.16am this morning.

North Wales Police announced at around 7.40am that Abbey Road (A542) between Llangollen and Pentrefelin was closed.

North Wales Fire and Rescue Service later confirmed it was a two-vehicle collision involving a car and an agricultural vehicle.

One person was trapped, a spokesman said.

Two fire crews rushed to the scene, one from Llangollen and one from Wrexham.

Also in attendance was the fire service technical rescue unit from Wrexham and ambulance teams.

Just after 9am came word that the casualty had been extricated by the fire service and was in the care of the Welsh Ambulance Service

A few minutes later the fire service confirmed crews at the scene had received the 'stop' message at 8.56am. However all three fire appliances remained there and were "making the scene safe."

* See the Leader's story at: Collision closes A542 between Llangollen and Pentrefelin | The Leader (leaderlive.co.uk)

Three Llangollen finalists in Welsh Hair and Beauty Awards

Llangollen has three finalists in the Welsh Hair and Beauty Awards 2024 – and the glittering presentation evening will also be held in the town.

Known as one of the most prestigious rolls of honour in the hair and beauty industry, the awards are celebrating their 10^th anniversary this year.

The black-tie ceremony will take place on Saturday May 18 at Llangollen Pavilion and will celebrate rising and well-established stars who make a difference in the industry.

Favourite stylists and salons were nominated by members of the public. With more than 80,000 votes being received, the full list of finalists from the North of Wales has been compiled, including three from Llangollen.

Jades Hair and Beauty will contest the Best of North category against salons from Colwyn Bay and Prestatyn, while Llangollen Barbers Shop will face competition from eight others based in Wrexham, Prestatyn and Old Colwyn to take the Barbers of the Year crown.

Sophie of Sophie Elizabeth Beauty, Llangollen  is a finalist in the Beautician of the Year category against competitors from Wrexham, Gwynedd, Denbighshire and Conwy county.

A spokesperson for The Welsh Hair and Beauty Awards 2024, said:  “We had an outstanding response from the public who went behind our nomination process and put forward tried and tested beauty professionals that deserve recognition.

“The awards remark the strength, skill and innovation of those who have shown excellent commitment to customer satisfaction and have changed the industry’s landscape by introducing innovative treatments and services, building extremely close and trusted relationships with their clients.

 “We would like to congratulate everyone for being shortlisted and we can’t wait to welcome all our guests and deliver an enjoyable event. We wish all finalists the best of luck.”

Latest local roadworks alerts from county council

Latest local roadworks alerts from Denbighshire County Council are:

East Street EAST STREET 21/01/2024 04/02/2024 Resurfacing works DCC HIGHWAYS (PETER PARRY LLANGOLLEN Ffordd ar Gau/Road Closure

Outside The Corn Mill Dee Lane Llangollen CLYWD LL20 8PN DEE LANE 01/03/2024 01/03/2024 Gwaith ar Wasanaeth Uwchben/ Overhead Service Works SUNBELT RENTALS (DCC) LLANGOLLEN Ffordd ar Gau/Road Closure

A542 HORSESHOE PASS 06/02/2024 06/02/2024 Trwsio Lon Cerbydau/ Carriageway Repairs DCC STREETSCENE LLANGOLLEN Goleuadau Traffig Dros Dro/ Temp Traffic Lights

JUNC  HILL STREET - O/S NO. 4 VICARAGE ROAD 22/01/2024 02/02/2024 Gwaith Nwy / Gas Works WALES & WEST (DCC) LLANGOLLEN Ffordd ar Gau/Road Closure

A542 JUNC HALL STREET - JUNC VICARAGE ROAD HILL STREET 05/02/2024 15/03/2024 Gwaith Nwy / Gas Works WALES & WEST (DCC) LLANGOLLEN Ffordd ar Gau/Road Closure

JUNC BACHE MILL ROAD - JUNC REGENT STREET BUTLERS HILL 25/03/2024 12/04/2024 Gwaith Nwy / Gas Works WALES & WEST UTILITIES (A LLANGOLLEN Ffordd ar Gau/Road Closure

Details of local diversion route

Latest local road traffic alert from one.network is:

Abersylio to Efenechtyd, Llangollen, Denbighshire 31 January - 02 February   Delays likely - Diversion route   Name: Diversion   Location: Abersylio To Efenechtyd   Description: Streetworks / License - Streetworks   Responsibility for event: Denbighshire County Council   Current status: Planned

Tributes paid to a man who loved Llangollen and dies aged 92

* Les Potts who died last Thursday aged 92.

One of Llangollen’s best-loved characters, famous for his dedication to a number of local organisations ranging from the International Musical Eisteddfod to the Tidy Town Team, has died at the age of 92.

Amongst Les Potts’s distinctions were that he had attended and volunteered at every Eisteddfod since it began in 1947 and that he was the first Briton to officially complete every  mountain walk in the Austrian Alps.

Les, who died at Wrexham Maelor Hospital last Thursday,  was born in Knotty Ash, Liverpool and his first job on leaving school was with one of the city’s shipping firms checking on cargoes at the busy docks.

He had an early enthusiasm was cycling and it was while journeying over from Liverpool with his club that he met Joan, the girl from Llangollen who was to become his wife of over 60 years until she passed away six years ago.

The couple had three children – Keith, a leading figure with Llangollen Eisteddfod and a life vice-president, Allan, a well-known local photographer, and their sister Rosemarie. They also had seven grandchildren and a number of great-grandchildren.

Moving to Llangollen following his marriage, Les started work at the town’s seed factory, first working as a buyer and eventually working his way up to a senior management position. He stayed with the company until it moved to Torquay and he took early retirement at the age of 55.

His long association with the Eisteddfod began in 1947 and he attended the very first one with his father.

He then went back every summer, working as a volunteer with the festival’s ticket committee, and was there right up until last year, becoming a very well-known and respected figure amongst fellow volunteers and visitors.  

He was also a member of Llangollen Operatic Society, The Twenty Club, Llangollen Round Table, Llangollen Probus Club and even helped Santa on his visits to the railway. 

Railways were another passion of his - mainline, narrow gauge and model. He was a signalman on the Welshpool and Llanfair Light Railway and also volunteered at Llangollen Railway. 

He was a member of Llangollen Town Tidy team and had also helped with the Countryside Commission. 

His son Keith said of him: “He was very well known in the area and will be much missed. 

“His long association with the Eisteddfod was remarkable and he is possibly one of the last surviving people to have attended and volunteered at every one since 1947. 

“He served for two years with the army during his National Service but not even that could keep him away and he obtained special permission to do one volunteering shift at the Eisteddfod. 

“Walking was another of his pastimes and he won bronze, silver and gold awards for being the first Brit to complete all the mountain walks in the Austrian Alps years ago. He had a certificate to prove it which was awarded to him appreciative local villagers. 

“He kept up his interest in walking and could often be seen making his way through town on his regular trips. The last time he was out was only a few weeks ago.” 

His other son Allan said: “Our Dad away peacefully in the Maelor Hospital. He has gone to join Mum but will leave a huge hole in the hearts of all our family. 

“Dad spent the majority of his life living in Llangollen. He loved the town and its people. He was passionate about so many things and always supported local business.” 

Paying tribute to him, the Chairman of  Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod, Chris Adams, said: "Les was central to our festival and the fact that he attended and volunteered at every single Llangollen Eisteddfod is a remarkable achievement.  

“He welcomed tens of thousands of visitors to Llangollen every year and remained a valuable member of the tickets team right up until July 2023.  

“He was an amazing man who passed his love for our remarkable peace festival on to his children, Keith, Allan and Rosemarie, and their family. 

“Les was a well-known character in Llangollen, not just through his lifetime of dedication to the Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod, but also as a member of the Llangollen Operatic Society, the Twenty Club, the Round Table, and the Llangollen Town Tidy group.” 

Dave Danford, Artistic Director of the Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod, said: "Les Potts was a man who gave his whole life to our festival, and did so much behind the scenes as an active volunteer right until his sad passing.  

“His death is a very sad moment for us all, but we are thankful for his enormous contribution, right from our very first festival in 1947." 

* No details of the funeral have yet been given.