Young people could have £2,000 waiting for them, says council

Many young adults in Denbighshire could have an average of £2,000 waiting for them in their unclaimed Child Trust Fund account.

Child Trust Funds are long-term, tax-free savings accounts which were set up for every child born between 1 September 2002 and 2 January 2011, with the government contributing an initial deposit of at least £250. Funds can be withdrawn once the account matures when the child turns 18.

According to government data, nearly a million young people in the UK have yet to claim their Child Trust Funds. More than 800,000 accounts belong to people from low-income backgrounds - prompting concern that those who need the money the most are not accessing it.

Every 16-year-old is sent information about finding their Child Trust Fund from HMRC with their National Insurance letter. Anyone unsure about their situation should check with their bank or building society. Alternatively, young adults and parents can also search on www.gov.uk/child-trust-funds to find out where their Child Trust Fund account is held.

Councillor Gwyneth Ellis, Denbighshire's Lead Member for Finance, Performance and Strategic Assets, said: “I would encourage all young people in Denbighshire to investigate if they have money which is unclaimed in a Child Trust Fund and to use it wisely. The investment could be placed into an adult ISA or put towards their education or driving lessons.

"I would urge young people to use the online tool to track it down or, for parents of teenagers, to speak to them to ensure they’re aware of their Child Trust Fund. It could make a real difference to their future plans.

"The money in a Child Trust Fund has the potential to be life changing and the lack of knowledge about them shows the importance of financial education and planning from a young age.”

There are currently 5.3 million open Child Trust Fund accounts. Young people aged 16 or over can take control of their own Child Trust Fund, although the funds can only be withdrawn once they turn 18. Families can continue to pay up to £9,000 a year tax-free into a Child Trust Fund until the account matures. The money stays in the account until the child withdraws or reinvests it into another account.

If a parent or guardian was not able to set up an account for their child, the government opened a savings account on the child’s behalf. The Child Trust Fund scheme closed in January 2011 and was replaced with Junior Individual Savings Accounts (ISA).

* For more information on cost of living support in Denbighshire, please visit www.denbighshire.gov.uk/costofliving or contact Citizens Advice Denbighshire www.cadenbighshire.co.uk

Velodrome plan for Ruthin 'no longer achievable'

 

* An artist's impression of how the velodrome could have looked. (Image DCC)

After months of planning and commitment from Welsh Cycling, Sport Wales, Ruthin Town Council and Denbighshire Leisure Ltd (DLL), it has been agreed collectively that the Ruthin Velodrome project will no longer be proceeding. 

The plans would have seen the first Velodrome in North Wales, along with providing a transformative project for the town; providing health, financial and educational benefits as well as more opportunities for the young people of Ruthin and the wider county of Denbighshire. 

In 2020, in response to a Welsh Cycling invitation for expressions of interest, Ruthin Town Council (RTC) was selected as the preferred partner for the Welsh Cycling, North Wales, Outdoor Velodrome project. 

Then in March 2021, following a detailed feasibility study, Ruthin Town Council in partnership with Welsh Cycling and Denbighshire Leisure Ltd (DLL) agreed to progress the project at the then preferred location, of Ysgol Brynhyfryd. 

Following further feasibility work and business plan proposals, a formal funding application was made to Sport Wales in Feb 2022 resulting in a Sport Wales £2m grant approved in March 2022 and an additional offer of £300k grant was made in August 2023, in response to increased estimated project costs. 

After many months of design work and consultation with stakeholders, the final detailed scheme was approved in December 2023. 

However, the partners in the project say that pricing schedule showed a significant funding gap between the resources available for the project and the required contract sum, mainly attributable to "unprecedented levels of inflation" in the construction industry. 

A statement issued through DLL says: "At the December Project Board Meeting it was reported that the capital cost of the scheme was over budget, with this sum likely to increase again if any adverse planning, or sustainable drainage conditions were applied to the development consents. 

"Costs would also further increase due to the time it would take to get the project to site after the necessary statutory planning stages. Therefore, despite all the efforts, it has been decided to cease the project as the required funding continues to increase beyond the available budget."

Graham Boase, Chief Executive of Denbighshire County Council, said: “We’ve supported this business case from the beginning, unfortunately the current climate has meant we are unable to help get this project over the line. 

"All stakeholders have worked extremely hard to bring this project to fruition and we are fully supportive of future projects and we welcome the opportunity to work with Sport Wales to prioritise this funding into North Wales projects.”

Owen Hathway, Assistant Director at Sport Wales, said: “It is disappointing that despite all-parties best continued efforts, the development of the proposed velodrome in Ruthin has been deemed no longer feasible. We thank all of those involved for exhausting all possible options to try and avoid this outcome. Sport Wales remains committed to investing into the sport infrastructure in North Wales. 

"In conversation with the Welsh Government our aim is that the money that had been awarded to this project is both retained for investment in sport and preferably ringfenced for the North Wales region, while we explore other opportunities in the area, including with Welsh Cycling as the National Governing Body.”

Jamie Groves, Managing Director of DLL, said: “As a board, we agreed to pursue a number of actions in order to give this project every opportunity possible, recognising the importance of the new facility to both Ruthin and more broadly, the whole of Denbighshire. Regrettably, despite best efforts and endeavours by all concerned the project appears to be out of our reach. 

"Taking everything into consideration, it is with a heavy heart that the project board bring the project to a close and the balance of the grant will be returned to Sports Wales to provide every opportunity for sports projects (or indeed a cycling project) to be delivered elsewhere in North Wales.”

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