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Tuesday, March 5, 2024

Newbridge Road repair details 'almost finalised' Skates is told


* Ken Skates MS on site at Newbridge Road.

Details of repairs to the collapsed Newbridge Road are now almost finalised, according to Wrexham Council.

This is the key message from the statement received by Clwyd South MS Ken Skates when he asked the council for an update on the road which provides a lifeline into the local community. 

The B5605 is also a major diversion route when the nearby A483/A5 is shut and its closure has meant heavy traffic being sent through Llangollen instead on two occasions recently. 

Mr Skates is told in the official response: "Wrexham County Borough Council have been fortunate to have been awarded grant funding by the Welsh Government for the numerous tasks required towards implementation of a scheme of repair within the particularly challenging environment that it is in and around the landslip area. 

"In collaboration with Atkins Consulting Engineers who have been appointed to support Wrexham Council Borough Council, and our Design and Build Contractors, Jones Bros Ltd, ground investigation work has been completed and the resulting detailed report on the findings has enabled design options to be developed for a scheme of permanent repair to the embankment and road.

"Whilst we are conscious that the relative lack of visibility on site may be perceived as lack of progress being made overall, we are pleased to confirm that significant progress has been made and the details of the permanent repair is now almost finalised.

"As planning progresses towards the main repair works, on Monday 19th February the road closure order for the affected section of road was extended to also apply to pedestrians and cyclists. From this week onwards, Jones Bros will be commencing their advanced works. This will include diverting existing services, and forming the temporary access road that is required to enable the permanent repair to the landslip itself.

"As a result there will be increased activity on site from now onwards, and as the repair scheme progresses further stages will follow towards a full re-opening of the B5605 when any closures will finally be removed.

"The detailed programme of works is progressing well, but is yet to be completely finalised, however regular updates continue to be posted on Jones Bros’ Facebook page that is dedicated to the Newbridge landslip."

Mr Skates said: "The Welsh Labour Government has given Wrexham Council almost £3m of extra funding to repair the landslip, with the £2.8m announced in April 2022 in addition to £175,000 earlier awarded for ground investigations and detailed designs of remedial works.

"I have been as frustrated as everyone else - we all wanted the road repaired and reopened as soon as possible.

"With the council now saying that significant progress has been made and the final details of the repair nearly completed, hopefully people will soon see a visible acceleration of the remedial work.

"I am also speaking to the contractors and hope to visit the site over the next couple of weeks to hear more about the schedule of works and get an on-the-ground update."

The Facebook page for updates is: 

Monday, March 4, 2024

St Collen's hosts successful Gamanfa Ganu for St David's Day


Myron Lloyd from the Llangollen Eisteddfod's Marketing Committee with Trystan Lewis.


The view from the historic bell tower at St Collen's Church.

It was a rip-roaring end to the St David's Day weekend in Llangollen last night.  

Close to 150 people, many wearing daffodils, attended a Gamanfa Ganu at St Collen's Church.  

Met by town crier Austin “Chem” Cheminais, the congregation was led by hugely popular conductor Trystan Lewis in a great night of Welsh hymn singing.  

Songs included Cwm Rhondda, Finlandia, Calon Lân and Rachie - I Bob Un Sydd Ffyddlon amongst the hymns. 

Rachie was chosen as it was the 89th anniversary of the death of the legendary Rhosllannerchrugog composer Dr Caradog Roberts. 

One of the highlights was Shea Ferron singing Anfonaf Angel with organist Owen Maelor-Roberts, who accompanied the congregation throughout the night.  


 Mike Gleed from Côr Meibion Rhosllannerchrugog Male Voice Choir sang with the Bases.

Derwent Harp School travelled from Aberystwyth to perform as the congregation were welcomed by Father Lee Taylor, vicar in charge at St Collen's.

St David's Day messages from around the world were played on a special video wall.  

Eisteddfod competitors from countries like India, USA, Japan and Wales and England sent messages as did Welsh Folk legends Calan and Broadway star John Owen-Jones.  


* Town crier Austin “Chem” Cheminais opens the event.

They are all heading to Llangollen this summer for the biggest core Llangollen International Musical Eisteddod for a generation. 

The event was organised by the Eisteddfod's Music and Staging Committee. It was to raise money for the festival's charity that helps bring competitors to Llangollen for its Core Eisteddfod.  

John Gambles, Vice-Chair of the festival, said: "It was a tremendous night at St Collen's and Trystan Lewis did an amazing job of conducting.  

"We were lucky to secure the services of a brilliant showman whose knowledge and humour was greatly appreciated.  

"This is the first Gamanfa Ganu we've organised since 2017 - it was well worth the wait.  

"Wales has such a rich repertoire of hymns and the people of Llangollen raised the roof of our ancient church. We are already looking to arrange another similar event next year. What a way to finish a weekend celebrating St David's Day."

This was the latest event organised by the Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod to raise money for its charity.  

The next event is a Daffodil Flower Festival from April 5-7.  This opens with a with a choral concert April 5 at St Collen's Church with Lleisiau’r Afon Ladies Choir, Clare Harrison and Shea Ferron.  

On March 15, the Original Merseybeats also take the stage at Llangollen Town Hall, as part of their fundraising. Tickets can be bought from https://international-eisteddfod.co.uk/event_picker/live-at-llangollen/

Silent MG making a big noise in car world



MG4 EV drive by Steve Rogers

The Japanese did it in the seventies, now the Chinese are turning the car market upside down.

Leading the charge is MG, once a British icon, now part of a pretty big state owned Chinese car company which has been the UK's fastest growing car maker for umpteen years. And it is this model that is making the biggest noise even though it makes no noise... it's electric.

The MG4 has probably won more plaudits than any other electric car, for a few reasons: It is downright good, looks fantastic, and exceptional value for money.

How exceptional? About eight grand less than its Volkswagen iD.3 rival. True, MG4 is classed as a budget model but if you are thinking this has been stripped to the bare bones to save money think again.

It has an extensive spec list and all the important safety features found on cars these days including emergency braking and cross traffic alert to help avoid reversing shunts.

The 4 is big news for MG because it marks a fresh start. The car is built on a new EV platform that will spawn a range of cars. The wheelbase is longer to accommodate the battery pack which is only 11cm deep and sits snuggly between the axles.

This thin layer gives the cabin a flat floor helping to create a roomy family hatchback.

The price range is even more significant because it starts at a class beating £27k. For that you get the SE standard entry with a range of 218 miles from a 51kWh battery, moving up to 64kWh with a potential 281 miles, or the extended model with a 77kWh battery and up to 323 miles. That is the car tested here and is still a bargain at £36,495.

As with all electric powered cars performance is brisk and while the MG is not in the firecracker division it is quick off the mark for safe, easy overtaking. But remember, too much hard driving quickly sucks miles out of the battery. One good thing about electric cars is they tend to make you drive slower.

Planning a long journey is essential and if the car's battery will take a 150kw charge topping up from zero to 80 per cent (about 280 miles for the extended range) will take around half an hour but if there is still around 60 miles left you could be on your way in 20 minutes.

MGs heritage is sports cars and the 4 stays true to its routes with rear wheel drive so the balance and handling is more than tidy thanks in no small part to its 50-50 weight distribution.

An area that could be improved is the suspension which is a bit unforgiving on anything other than smooth roads so you feel quite a thud over potholes.

Inside is fairly minimalist with just a few quick key switches along the dashboard,  otherwise everything is stored in the 10.25in central infotainment touchscreen.

It is best to take 15 minutes 'play time' because it is not the easiest to master and there is rather too much dabbing trying to make a selection on the move. I found the lane hold system too aggressive and would have preferred a steering wheel switch to turn it off rather than prod away at the touchscreen. Steering wheel toggles help with some functions but this too is best figured out while stationary.

I liked the innovative floating centre console which was in keeping with the whole modern look to the cabin, but got the thumbs down from a couple of passengers because the USB charging points are unsighted, while reaching for the cupholder trays is also awkward. A bit over picky I thought.

There is a good spec from entry model and the top of the range Trophy benefits from a 360 degree camera, wireless phone charging, navigation, heated steering wheel and seats. What's missing? A powered tailgate because, like the front doors, it is heavy when opening.

MG has given a reality check to what seems like over the top pricing for electric cars and begs the question If they can do it, and still produce a top class car, why can't the rest?

Fast facts

Trophy Extended Range

£36,495

Electric motor: 241bhp

Range: 323 miles

Battery: 77kwh

0-60mph 6.1secs; 112mph

Emissions: Zero

Insurance group 33

Boot: 363-1165 litres

Roadworks alert for Oak Street

Latest local roadworks alert from one.network is:

 

Oak Street, Llangollen, Denbighshire


06 March - 12 March

 

Roadworks, Delays unlikely

 

Traffic management: Some carriageway incursion

 

Description: EXCAVATE JOINTBAY AND 5M TRACK IN FOOTWAY FOR NEW CONNECTION

 

Works location: REAR OF 6 OAK MEWS

 

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 Scottish Power Renewable Energy.

 

Responsibility for works: Scottish Power Renewable Energy

 

Current status: Advanced planning

 

Works reference: GY0022101520773

 

 


Police to offer businesses tips on beating shoplifting at free conference

* Supt Jon Bowcott , North Wales Police, and Ashley Rogers, Chair of North Wales Police and Community Trust (PACT) with bags full of seized stolen property.             

A police crackdown on retail crime across North Wales has led to a “hugely positive” 9%  increase in the detection rate for shoplifting that’s bucking the UK trend.

But the officer running the campaign, Supt Jon Bowcott, says he’s not resting on his laurels and is the first to admit there’s still a lot of work to do.

Since last Autumn he’s been the North Wales Police lead on retail crime and he’s set up a task force to combat it.

Supt  Bowcott will be giving an update on the crackdown and offering advice and guidance at a special conference – titled Protect Your Business! Expert Session - that’s free for North Wales businesses next month.

The event between 10.30am and 1pm on Thursday, March 7, at the Scala Cinema in Prestatyn, is being organised by the North Wales Police and Community Trust (PACT) in conjunction with North Wales Police and the North Wales Business Council.

Other speakers will be focusing on how businesses can guard against cyber crime and property theft as well as dealing with anti-social behaviour and spotting the signs of modern day slavery.

The renewed push on detecting retail crime in the region comes against a backdrop of a significant increase in offences across the UK – with a 32% hike in England and a 36% rise in Wales as a whole.

While the 24%  increase in North Wales is smaller, there have been 800 more shoplifting offences  reported in the region since last April, compared to the previous year.

The good news is that a growing number of shoplifting crimes are being now detected as a result of the force’s campaign.

When it started in the Autumn, the detection rate was running at 29% and had increased to just over 38% during January.

The onslaught has been particularly effective in Wrexham where there has been a 9.6% drop in the number of shoplifting offences.

Supt Bowcott said: “There has been a national trend where retail theft was increasingly dealt with over the phone if the offender wasn’t there.

“We’re moving away from that and switching it around so that the default option is that we will attend when retail thefts have been committed, particularly where an offender has been detained, where violence has been used or threatened or where there are enquiries at the scene the would benefit from an officer attending. 

“To oversee our response and analyse performance I am chairing a coordination group made up of key individuals from across the force to ensure we continue to make progress.

“Essentially, we are having a renewed focus on combatting retail crime because it’s about fulfilling the message of our mission to make North Wales the safest place to live, work and visit in the UK.

“Cracking down on retail crime aligns well the force’s vision set by our Chief Constable Amanda Blakeman and is absolutely the right thing to do.

“We started this half way through the crime recording year which runs April to April and, despite an increase in reporting which is a national trend,  we have seen an increase in the outcome rates in the past three or four months.

“When we started we were detecting around 29 per cent of shoplifting incidents and the monthly positive outcome rate for January was 38.3 per cent so we are seeing green shoots but we are not complacent because there is more to do.

“It’s not just about convicting people either  because I recognise there are people who struggling with substance misuse  or other difficulties so we are also involved with our prevention team who look at methods of offender management that can address some of their lifestyle challenges and sign post them to support.

“One area I want to develop is dealing with repeat offenders to prevent that demand happening. Dealing with the prolific offenders can have a big impact – probably 80 per cent of offending is carried out by 20 per cent of offenders.”

According to Ashley Rogers, the Chair of PACT and Chief Executive of the North Wales Business Council, the improvement in the detection rate for shoplifting was “hugely positive and encouraging” news.

He said: “Coming out of Covid, people’s behaviour is different and the economy is different and retail theft has increased as well as a perception that anti-social behaviour has become more of a problem.

“For North Wales businesses who are on the front line in terms of handling these issues, it’s really valuable to have an insight from the experts along with guidance  how to manage things if and when it happens or even avoid it by designing your premises in such a way that would discourage it.

“Over and above that you have the scourge of exploitative modern slavery and there are elements of the problem, like the involvement of organised gangs, that businesses might not be aware of.

“It’s really important that businesses are able to spot the signs of this insidious, often hidden crime, so they can report any suspicions to the police. In uncertain economic times it’s never been more important for us all to pull together to make North Wales an even safer place, especially with the very high cost of living.”

* For more information and to book a place go to  https://bit.ly/49zq4t9

Sunday, March 3, 2024

Latest local roadworks alerts

Latest local roadworks alerts from one.network are:

 

Hall Street, Llangollen, Denbighshire


04 March - 15 March

 

Roadworks, Delays likely

 

Traffic management: Road closure

 

Description: REPLACE 13M OF OLD METALLIC GAS MAINS WITH NEW PLASTIC MAINS AND RENEW/TRANSFER ANY AFFECTED SERVICE

 

Works location: JUNC REGENT STREET - JUNC HILL STREET

 

Public facing description: Wales & West Utilities Ltd has not assigned a specific description to this Works. Please note: Works Descriptions are not published by Wales & West Utilities Ltd.

 

Responsibility for works: Wales & West Utilities

 

Current status: Advanced planning

 

Works reference: XY254003001625599

 

 

 

Regent Street, Llangollen, Denbighshire


04 March - 06 March

 

Roadworks, Delays unlikely

 

Traffic management: No carriageway incursion

 

Description: Removal of electricity supply from redundant street furniture including the excavation and reinstatement of the footway

 

Works location: Base Post, Side Of 36

 

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 Scottish Power Renewable Energy.

 

Responsibility for works: Scottish Power Renewable Energy

 

Current status: Planned work about to start

 

Works reference: GY5502101508827

 


Saturday, March 2, 2024