County councillor demands action over diversion traffic chaos

* The safety barriers damaged during the latest diversion through town - and now taken away.

Llangollen county councillor Karen Edwards is to meet with a senior Denbighshire official to discuss problems which result from traffic being diverted through the town centre.

At the meeting, which will take place in Llangollen on February 23 with Paul Jackson, head of highways and environmental services, she will demand answers to a number of key questions including whether the county is given adequate warnings of the diversions and if they warrant changes to the town centre’s road system.

This comes after a concerned resident accused the county council of being more interested with matters in other parts of Denbighshire than replacing roadside barriers damaged by traffic coming through town during the latest A483 and A5 diversion a few weeks ago.

Late last month Llangollen was twice used to reroute traffic after storm warnings led to the closure of the viaducts over the nearby trunk routes, causing massive traffic congestion on both occasions.

During the second diversion barriers and bell bollards at the corner of Mill Street and Castle Street leading on to the bridge were knocked down by a heavy wagon.

They have now been taken away, it is believed for repair by the council.

After the incident County Cllr Edwards sent a long email to county bosses in which she asked for an assurance from the county council and the North and Mid Wales Traffic Agent that they are capable of putting in place a “proper” traffic management plan.

She stressed: “It is imperative that DCC personnel responsible and accountable for this are putting in the right controls and mitigation measures.”

Cllr Edwards will also ask whether temporary traffic lights could be put on the main bridge to provide clear use of both lanes in order for large left-turning vehicles entering Castle Street to be able to safely make the turn.

In her email she tells the county: “As a result of the works conducted by DCC for the 20/20 project you have knowingly narrowed Castle Street down to 6m which falls below the recommendation for the safe passage of two HGVs and narrowed the width of the junction.  

“The bell bollards solution is a failure, and the railings are now damaged. Fortunately, and I say this with enormous relief, there were no pedestrian casualties.”

Meanwhile, a concerned resident has sent an email to Clwyd South MP Simon Baynes - copied to the county council’s officers and members along with the local MS Ken Skates and also llanblogger - criticising the lack of action over the barriers and attaching pictures of the damage.

The barriers have now been taken away. But, before they were, the resident wrote: “Our county councillors appear to be ignored by DCC officers and Llangollen’s Town Council seems to lack any direction or ability to measure the local pulse and raise/articulate these matters up to the county councillors to take forward.  

“The tragic loss of life of a young resident motorcyclist on the road before Xmas by the Sun Trevor is a case in point where once again DCC were aware of the issue but dragged their heels and pleaded poverty to make improvements but seem to find budget elsewhere for things that don’t save lives.  

“I feel it really is time you and Ken Skates stood shoulder to shoulder and held DCC to account for themselves on their record and lack of action with respect to matters of road conditions and road safety in the Llangollen area.” 

Simon Baynes MP said before the barriers were taken away earlier today (Tuesday): “I remain hopeful that Denbighshire County Council will proactively seek a solution in the near future. I intend to contact the council to inquire about the anticipated timeframe for completing the necessary works.”

Ken Skates said: "I raised my constituent's concerns with DCC on February 2 and am awaiting a response." 

* llanblogger is unable to confirm what is happening to the barriers because, despite three requests to Denbighshire County Council for a comments - the latest this morning - there has so far been no response.  

Town clerk Gareth Thomas said: "The Town Council understands that a concerned resident has contacted County Council’s officers and members along with the local MS Ken Skates, but not the Town Council itself, stating that Llangollen Town Council seems to lack any direction or ability to measure the local pulse and raise/articulate these matters up to the county councillors to take forward.  

"Llangollen Town Council is committed to representing the interests and concerns of the residents of Llangollen and effectively captures the sentiment of the community and expresses these matters with appropriate authorities, including county councillors one; of whom is the current Town Mayor. 

"The Council understand the importance of having a clear direction in ensuring that the voices of our residents are heard, and acted upon, and has a standing item on the agenda of all Town Council meetings to receive statements from County Councillors on matters relating to Llangollen. This allows for an open exchange with all County Councillors representing the community to ensure that the concerns of Llangollen residents are prioritised and addressed at the county level.

"Moving forward, the Town Council is to strengthen our relationship with the community, including the reinstatement of the annual town meetings, surveys, and community cafes together with increased transparency in our decision-making processes. 

"Llangollen Town Council remains committed to serving the best interests of our community and welcomes constructive feedback as it continues to strive for improvement."

Homes sell faster here than almost anywhere in region, says report

Homes in Llangollen are selling at a faster rate than almost everywhere else in North Wales, latest data shows. 

Houses are taking just 101 days on average to sell in the town renowned for its scenic location on the River Dee within a World Heritage Site.

* For the full story in the Daily Post, see: Homes selling fastest in North Wales heritage town and slowest in seaside resort - North Wales Live (dailypost.co.uk)

Eisteddfod to host international Gymanfa Ganu to celebrate St David’s Day

For its latest fundraising event Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod will host an international Gymanfa Ganu to celebrate St David’s Day. 

The event, to be held on Sunday March 3 at 7.30pm at St Collen’s Church in Llangollen, will be led by the popular conductor Trystan Lewis, who will be accompanied on the organ by Owen Maelor Roberts, and will also feature the celebrated Derwent Harp School. 

The event will also have St David’s Day messages from across the world, featuring groups who will be competing at this year’s Llangollen International Eisteddfod in July. 

Elen Mair Roberts, a member of the Music and Staging committee, said: “We are delighted to have secured the services of Trystan Lewis. He is a very popular and highly experienced choral director, and we’re delighted that he will be leading our St David’s Day celebrations in Llangollen. 

"Our Gymanfa Ganu will have an international flavour, and we’ve already received St David’s Day messages from as far away as Japan and India. This is just the latest addition to the Eisteddfod’s all-year round events programme, and if you have never been to a Gymanfa Ganu you’re in for a real treat.”

The Gymanfa Ganu is an integral part of the Welsh heritage. It is a unique feature of Welsh music - a festival of sacred hymns sung by the audience in four-part harmony under the direction of a choral conductor. 

Conductor Trystan Lewis has been involved with choral music for most of his life. He conducted Pantycelyn choir to two National Eisteddfod wins whilst an undergraduate at the University of Wales at Aberystwyth, and has conducted over 200 Gymanfas, including in Canada and the North American Festival, as well as on television and radio.  

* Tickets, priced £10, are now available from www.llangollen.net and from Llangollen Tourist Information Centre.

Town Hall rocks to the sound of Pink Floyd tribute

* We don't need no education: Pinc Ffloyd on stage at the Town Hall.

After the success of the first Live at Llangollen Town Hall gig that played tribute to ABBA last month, on Saturday, psychedelic legends Pink Floyd received the tribute treatment.  

Pinc Ffloyd, the Welsh tribute band, made a triumphant return to Llangollen in front of a packed audience. 

The seven-piece outfit, who have not played in Llangollen since before the pandemic, started their two-set gig, the Welsh Pink Floyd Show, with Breath, from Floyd's 1973 album, The Dark Side of the Moon, before effortlessly running through more classics including Another Brick in the Wall, The Happiest Days of our lives, The Great Gig in the Sky and Shine on You Crazy Diamond.

The Town Hall is a perfect location for a production like this. The light show was tremendous and the sound by James Barber, who runs local company JB Sound, was immaculate. 

The place was packed, with the seating area full as well. Many commented on what they called the brilliant back drop to the concert - a wall. 

But this turned out to be a remarkable coincidence as the stage was actually being prepared for Llangollen Operatic Young 'Uns show Oliver! which takes place at the Town Hall from February 22-24.

There was a poignant moment close the end of the spellbinding event when the band dedicated their cover of Floyd's 1975 anthem, Wish You Were Here, to organiser Keith Pott's dad Les, who passed away recently at the age of 92 and was a major supporter of the Eisteddfod going back to its earliest days.

Keith, who organised the event to raise money for the Eisteddfod charity, said: "It was great to bring the Llangollen community together for another highly successful gig.  

"Pinc Ffloyd were brilliant and surpassed our expectations. This was our latest event to raise money for our charity and we can't wait to bring the Original Merseybeats to Llangollen on March 15.  

"This event was again run by our volunteers and I'd like to thank them for their help."

* Organiser Keith Potts with volunteers Barrie Roberts and Steve Price.

* The Live at Llangollen Town Hall gigs have been set up to raise money to help bring international competitors to Llangollen for its Core Eisteddfod.  

The next gig will be on Friday, March 15 when the Original Merseybeats come to town.  

You can get tickets for that gig from the Llangollen Tourist Information Centre or from Live at Llangollen Friday 15 March The Merseybeats - Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod (international-eisteddfod.co.uk)  USE PROMO CODE 'LIVE24' to remove the booking fee to get tickets for £10.

Llangollen Railway lands a second major award within months

 

Llangollen Railway is celebrating after winning the Heritage Railway Association's Infrastructure Award for its new Corwen station.

A post on the railway's Facebook page says "We are absolutely over the moon!

"This award is a credit to the blood, sweat, tears and much more that have endured over the years to build what is now an award-winning station. A lasting legacy to all concerned.

"The dedication and determination of our volunteers is admirable. From the initial conception to the fundraising efforts, the works carried out to the opening itself have all been a huge undertaking. We are so proud of every single one of you."

Last November the railway was named Go Attraction of the Year for 2023 in the Go North Wales Tourism Awards for its recovery from major financial problems.

MP welcomes better accessibility plan for Ruabon station

* Simon Baynes MP at Ruabon station.

Clwyd South MP Simon Baynes has welcomed an update from Network Rail on work to ensure Ruabon station is accessible for all users.

He says securing access for everyone to the station remains a key priority for him and he supports the efforts to secure funding via the UK government’s Access for All initiative. 

Access for All  was launched in 2006 to create an obstacle free, accessible route from the station entrance to the platform. This includes providing lifts or ramps, as well as associated works and refurbishment along the route.

Mr Baynes and representatives of Wrexham County Borough Council attended the online briefing from Network Rail earlier this month where it was confirmed that a single option for the station has been identified.

This is to install new lifts behind the existing railway footbridge which will enable step-free access to and between both platforms. 

An outline design will be completed by the end of next month and a prior approval application is being processed by Network's Rail planning team.

Cllr David A Bithell, Deputy Leader of Wrexham County Borough Council with responsibility for Strategic Transport, said: "Ruabon station is extremely popular with local travellers and a key interchange for visitors to the World Heritage Site at Pontcysyllte. 

"I am grateful to Network Rail for their continued support to ensure all travellers can access all areas of Ruabon station to make their journey as trouble free as possible."

Mr Baynes said: "At this moment in time passengers with heavy luggage, mobility problems or pushchairs and small children are unable to access the Chester platform making journeys longer and inconvenient. 

"I welcome the progress made by Network Rail and look forward to working with them in the coming months as their plans progress.” 

Armoury's restored lock-up shop now back in action

* The front of the lock-up shop on the A5.

Following years of restoration by the Armoury Conservation Trust (ACT) the lock-up shop on the A5  - by the traffic lights at the junction with Castle Street - is ready for action.

Local carpenter Iain Ashcroft's craftsmanship has fulfilled the vision of architect Jamie Coath to restore the shop front to a design in keeping with its neighbours and its Victorian heritage.  

The work was partially funded by the Clwydian Range and Dee Valley Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty's Sustainable Development Fund.  

The shop is a usable space once more, and the Armoury Conservation Trust has announced that The Little Learning Company took occupancy from February 1 to coordinate their programme of heritage skills training across Llangollen and the surrounding areas. 

The Little Learning Company has designed and delivered training on heritage crafts, including felting and canal folk-art, in locations such as Llangollen Railway and Pentredwr Community Centre.  

They are expanding their capacity by training more tutors and expect to offer courses in additional heritage skills such as dry stone walling soon. 

ACT Chairperson Sue Hargreaves said: "I am pleased the Lock Up Heritage Centre is able to host an organisation whose activities align with our aims of heritage, community and education.  

"I am looking forward to working in partnership with The Little Learning Company, to get the shop back into purposeful use benefitting the local community, and to develop the profile and activities of the Lock Up Heritage Centre itself."

Little Learning Company Director Laura Davies said: "We are thrilled to be able to use The Lock Up as our heritage skills base in Llangollen, and we are looking forward to continuing to partner with the fantastic organisations and groups in and around Llangollen. 

"Big thanks go to Gwlangollen for putting us in touch with the Armoury Conservation Trust and for helping us bring our heritage skills programme to life.

"Keep an eye on the shop window for details of our upcoming courses. If there is a particular heritage skill course you would like us to offer please contact Michelle@thelittlelearningcompany.co.uk"

* The project is funded by the UK Government’s Shared Prosperity Fund, awarded by Denbighshire County Council.