Temporary closure of Lower Dee Mill Park

* An artist's impression of how Lower Dee Mill Park will look when the scheme is finished.

Lower Dee Mill Park is temporarily closed until Friday March 22 to carry out drainage works in connection with the Four Great Highways scheme. 

Access to the town centre will only be available along Mill Street while the closure is in place.

The project aims to enhance the landscape and improve accessibility, interpretation and signage in the centre of 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 scheme spokesperson said of the temporary Lower Dee Mill Park closure: “Rafters and canoeists will still be able to gain access to the river during this time via the temporary access route that has been installed down to the river. 

“Further closures will take place over the coming months, but these will be kept to a minimum where possible and notice will be provided in advance. We apologise for any inconvenience caused.” 

* To learn more about this Levelling Up funded project, go to: https://www.denbighshire.gov.uk/four-great-highways

 

Libraries to provide free book vouchers to celebrate World Book Day

Libraries across the county will once again be celebrating World Book Day this year, and will be giving away thousands of free book vouchers and a limited number of free World Book Day books.

While stocks last, children can come to the library to pick up one of the free titles. These include ‘Elmer and the Patchwork Story’, ‘Marv and the Ultimate Superpower’, ‘Loki: Tales of a Bad God and Can You Get Jellyfish in Space?’. Thanks to Siop y Siswrn, the libraries also have some Welsh titles available. These include ‘Lledrith yn y Llyfrgell’ and ‘Ffeithiau Ffiaidd y Corff’.

This year, World Book day falls on Thursday 7th March. World Book Day is a worldwide celebration of books and reading and first took place in the UK and Ireland in 1997.

Whilst at the library families can also choose books to borrow from the wide selection available on library shelves, and library staff are on hand to help with suggestions, whether children prefer joke books, adventure stories, comic books or fairy tales.

There are also thousands of books available on the Borrowbox app, including audiobooks that can be downloaded for free.

For younger families the Bookstart Team will be holding World Book Day themed rhyme times all week and places can be booked online: https://bookwhen.com/denbighshire-bookstart

Councillor Emrys Wynne, Lead Member for Welsh Language, Culture & Heritage said:

“World Book day is celebrated far and wide, and our libraries are certainly doing their bit this year, with thousands of book vouchers available to Denbighshire residents.

There are also a limited number of free children’s books available, which are first come, first serve. Whilst at their local library, families can access the wide array of services offered to them, including the brilliant Borrowbox app.”

Tribute paid to woman who died after Llangollen road collision

* Sarah Elizabeth Grimshaw (Image: North Wales Police) 

A woman has died following a crash in Llangollen in January.

Sarah Elizabeth Grimshaw, who was 39 and from the Chirk area, died in hospital on February 27.

The crash happened shortly after 7am on January 30, on Abbey Road, Llangollen and involved a green tractor and a white Kia Rio vehicle.

Mrs Grimshaw, who was driving the Kia Rio, was initially taken to hospital in Stoke with serious injuries.

She was later transferred to the Wrexham Maelor Hospital, but sadly died last week, North Wales Police have revealed.

Her family has celebrated the life of a woman with a “heart of gold”.

A family statement read: “It was an honour to share our lives with Sarah.

“She had the unique ability to walk into a room and brighten up everyone’s day with boundless energy and sheer craziness.

“She had a heart of gold flowing with endless love for all people and animals.

“Sarah was the kindest, most selfless wife, daughter, sister, Brownie leader and animal lover, whose infectious warmth made the world a better place for all she came into contact.

“Sarah will be dearly missed by so many whose lives will be forever darker without her.”

Sergeant Stephen Richards, of North Wales Police’s Roads Crime Unit, is appealing for more information about the crash.

He said: “Our deepest condolences go out to Mrs Grimshaw’s family and friends at this incredibly difficult time.

“We are asking anybody who was in the Llangollen area on the morning of January 30 and who may have witnessed the collision, or who may have dashcam footage, to contact us as soon as possible.

“Our enquiries are underway, and anybody with information that could assist with the ongoing investigation should contact officers at the Roads Crime Unit, quoting reference number 24000131722.”

Latest column from Denbighshire Citizens Advice

Latest column from Denbighshire Citizens Advice is:

Q: My council tax bill is coming out in March and I am dreading opening it as it always goes up. My income has stayed the same but everything else seems more expensive and I have hardly anything left over - how will I cope if my payments for this year go up? 

A: Many of us are feeling overwhelmed as we see our basic bills and essential costs go up. You’re not alone in finding things difficult and, crucially, there’s support available. 

First off, there are discounts available to some people depending on their circumstances. You can check your bill or contact your council to find out if you might be eligible for an automatic reduction to your council tax. 

If you're not getting a discount, you might still be entitled to one. It depends who lives in the property. So, if you're the only adult in your home, you’ll get a 25% discount on your council tax bill. 

When working out how many people live in a property, some people aren’t counted - they’re called ‘disregarded people’ and include under 18s, a student nurse or someone on an apprenticeship scheme and many more. Checking the government website for more details. If everyone who lives in the property is disregarded, you will still receive a council tax bill, but it will have a 50% discount. However if everyone in your home is a student or severely mentally impaired, you won't pay any council tax. 

Additionally, if someone has moved out, tell the council as this might change your eligibility. If you are entitled to a discount as a result, it will be valid from the date when the person moved out, even if you told the council after the event, and the reduction may be backdated. 

If you think you might be eligible you should apply to your local council for a discount as soon as possible. You can find your council's contact details on GOV.UK. 

You mention that your income hasn’t increased. If you are on a low income you might be able to get your council tax reduced. If you get benefits or have other people living with you, this might affect how much your council tax is reduced by. 

Your local council will ask you details about your income and your circumstances, so they can work out if you’re entitled to a council tax reduction. They will then calculate your new bill and tell you how much council tax you need to pay. 

If you have other people living with you who are aged 18 or over, you might all be responsible for paying council tax. Only one of you needs to apply for a council tax reduction. The council will make a decision and reduce the amount of council tax you have to pay accordingly. 

You may also be eligible for additional support if you’ve reached State Pension age which you can check on the government website can GOV.UK If you’re under State Pension age, the ‘working age rules’ apply and if you've reached State Pension age, it depends if you or your partner get certain benefits. 

The working age rules still apply if you've reached State Pension age and you or your partner get: 

• Universal Credit
• Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA)
• Income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
• Income Support 

If you've reached State Pension age and don't get any of these benefits, the 'pension age rules' apply.

Even if none of the reduction criteria applies to you, your local council can still reduce your council tax bill or cancel it altogether, this is called ‘discretionary reduction’. They’ll normally only do this if you can show that you’re suffering severe hardship and can’t afford to pay council tax. 

If you’re in this situation you should ask your local council for help. You’ll need to show them evidence of your circumstances. If your immigration status doesn’t let you claim public funds, you can still apply for a discretionary reduction. A discretionary reduction doesn’t count as public funds. 

We know that times are incredibly tough and council tax is a priority bill so it’s important to keep in contact with your council if you can’t keep up payments. Citizens Advice is here to help you find a way forward, without judgement, working with you side by side. 

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: 

Newbridge Landslip Remediation Scheme

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 89^th 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