Ysgol Dinas Brân students celebrate 'fantastic' GCSE results

There was an atmosphere of joy and celebration at Ysgol Dinas Brân this morning (Thursday) as Year 11 students received their GCSE results. 

Many students beamed with happiness as they achieved the grades they had worked so hard for and eagerly anticipated the next step in their education. 

The results were a testament to the relentless dedication and hard work of both staff and students, according to the school.

“I am incredibly proud of all our students in Year 11 and would like to congratulate them on their achievements. They have worked tirelessly and achieved such fantastic grades,” said headteacher Mark Hatch. 

“Despite the challenges of post-pandemic learning continuing, which saw students miss significant portions of their education, their commitment and perseverance, along with the support of staff and parents, have led to these excellent outcomes.

"I want to express my heartfelt thanks to everyone involved, and I wish all our students every success in their next steps, whether that’s joining our sixth form, pursuing college or apprentice opportunities."

Denbighshire County Council is congratulating pupils receiving their GCSE results today.

Councillor Diane King, Cabinet Lead Member for Education, Children and Family Services, said: “On behalf of the council I would like to congratulate all pupils that have received their GCSE results, they have worked very hard to get here and overcome a lot of obstacles.

“There has been some fantastic partnership working to ensure students achieved the best results possible and pupils have received support from their families and schools. I would like to thank all those who have supported our hard-working students this last year. 

“We would like to wish all learners the very best in their next steps.”

Sub-postmasters hit by Horizon scandal invited to join focus group

The Post Office Horizon Inquiry is inviting current and former sub-postmasters in Wales impacted by the scandal to join a series of focus groups where they can shape its upcoming Legacy Project.

The Legacy Project will be a homage to those affected by the Horizon scandal.

Created alongside those affected, the Legacy Project aims to mark the Horizon scandal in history and ensure its effects cannot be forgotten.

Sir Wyn Williams, Chair of the Inquiry, said: “From very beginning, the Inquiry has put human stories at the heart of its work. I want these stories of hardship, suffering but above all else resilience to be marked in history, and this is the purpose behind the Legacy Project.

“We don’t know what the Legacy Project will look like yet, as it will rightly be shaped by those who have been directly affected by the scandal. But one thing is certain: it will ensure that the effects of the Horizon scandal cannot be erased.”

The Inquiry is keen to hear from a diverse range of people, who reflect a wide range of regions and experiences.

During these focus groups, people affected by the scandal can share their ideas of what a Legacy Project means to them and what it should entail.

To get involved, those affected should apply by 26 August 2024 (12:00pm).

This will build on the Human Impact Hearings the Inquiry heard in Cardiff, during which Sir Wyn heard evidence from many local sub-postmasters.

UK Parliamentary data shows that there were around 952 post offices in Wales as of March 2023. Some of these are crown post offices, however the vast majority are owned by sub-postmasters.

Joining the focus group is not the only way people can contribute to the Legacy Project.

People affected will also be able to contribute to future engagement sessions or the Inquiry’s listening project, In Your Own Words (IYOW).

Through IYOW, people affected by the scandal can share their stories and experiences, which will also help inform the Legacy Project.

The Inquiry recently announced it will be working with creative experts to develop the Project.

Art Lewry and Morag Wood, who worked with participants in the Infected Blood Inquiry on its memorial, and recent Reflections at the publication event, will work with sub-postmasters, family members, and others impacted by the scandal, to create the Legacy Project.

Visitors should plan ahead for Bank Holiday countryside visits

* Llangollen's Horseshoe Falls.

Visitors looking to travel to Denbighshire’s countryside sites this August Bank Holiday are urged to plan ahead.

Denbighshire County Council and the Clwydian Range and Dee valley National Landscapes are preparing for an increase in visitors this week to areas including Llangollen's Horseshoe Falls.

Visitors should check ahead to see if facilities are open, the weather is suitable and where possible access quieter sites and walks as this will help avoid busy periods and parking issues.

It is also vital that people respect the countryside and act responsibly by not littering, parking sensibly and only riding bikes on routes where cycling is permitted.

A series of measures have been introduced at Horseshoe Falls to reduce congestion in the area. Drivers are urged to park responsible at these sites or risk a fixed penalty fine.

In relation to Horseshoe Falls, visitors coming in on a Saturday can park in Llangollen and use the Dee Valley Picturesque Bus service: https://www.clwydianrangeanddeevalleyaonb.org.uk/projects/the-picturesque-bus/

The Dee Valley Picturesque Bus service also stops at the Llangollen Pavilion car park.

Those visiting the Dee Valley are reminded that they can use Llangollen Railway to disembark at Berwyn Station to visit the falls from either Llangollen or Corwen.

If the weather is dry over the weekend visitors are urged not to have BBQs, camping stoves or campfires on moorland areas because of the significant risk of fire.

Dog owners are also asked to act responsibly and keep their pets on leads when walking through the countryside around livestock especially as lambing season continues.

* For more information on planning your trip ahead, visit https://www.clwydianrangeanddeevalleyaonb.org.uk/  and follow the Clwydian Range and Dee valley National Landscapes on Facebook and X (Twitter).

Rules for changing roads from 20 to 30mph 'too strict' says MS

Sam Rowlands, Member of the Welsh Parliament for North Wales, says it is almost impossible for councils to change roads back to 30mph because the criteria are too strict. 

Mr Rowlands, a long-time critic of the introduction of the 20mph default speed limit, claims the guidance for councils will do very little to satisfy angry and frustrated motorists.

He said: “I have said many times since this nonsensical and crazy law was introduced the Welsh Government is not prepared to listen to what the public wants and should be scrapped. 

“Almost half a million people in Wales signed a petition against this implementation, however, this was totally ignored by Welsh Government and they pressed ahead not considering the fall out for the public, services, businesses and the economy. 

“Only last month I warned that the so-called ‘listening campaign’ would lead to hardly any roads being reverted back to 30mph and I remain extremely concerned that the criteria for councils to change roads from 20mph back to 30mph is far too strict and takes no account of what local people think. 

“I recently heard that councillors in Kinmel Bay have written to Conwy County Borough Council to request that Foryd Road and St Asaph Avenue have their speed limits changed, however, because of the strict criteria this is unlikely to happen. 

“I often drive along both these roads and quite clearly they could be reverted back to 30mph. There are also many roads across North Wales in the same situation and it really isn’t good enough. 

“I do have some sympathy for local councils as their hands appear to be tied when it comes to making decisions about the speed limits but I believe the criteria is unworkable and needs urgently reviewing.”

Removal of weir helps bring Dee nearer to its natural state

* Erbistock weir which has been removed to benefit the River Dee.

The River Dee is a step nearer to its natural state following the removal of Erbistock weir, a key part of the LIFE Dee River project.

The removal of the Erbistock weir marks a significant milestone for the EU-funded LIFE Dee River programme, offering a new era of ecological restoration for the River Dee. 

The completed work has already shown promising signs, with improvements being seen in the river's morphology, marking a return to its more natural state.

The removal of the weir has opened up an unimpeded passage for all fish species within the Dee, enhancing biodiversity and supporting the river’s ecosystems. Early observations indicate notable changes in the river's flow and sediment distribution, which are expected to further benefit local wildlife and improve overall river quality.

Heneb, the Trust for Welsh Archaeology, has been involved in the project and provided crucial insights during the planning and execution phases. 

Their investigation into the weir's history revealed that, contrary to earlier beliefs, the structure was built after 1850. This finding, derived from the examination of construction materials and historical artefacts discovered on-site, has refined our understanding of the weir’s impact on the river.

The work to remove the weir was completed by contractor S.E. Metcalfe a’i Gwmni, four weeks ahead of schedule, ensuring the successful and timely completion of this important environmental project.

Gethin Morris, LIFE Dee River Senior River Restoration Officer, said: “We are thrilled to see the Erbistock weir removal project completed. This achievement not only represents a major step forward for river restoration on the Dee but also shows the commitment of everyone involved in our LIFE Dee River project.

“The positive changes we’re already witnessing in the River Dee are a testament to the hard work and collaboration of our partners and contractors. The weir’s removal will help to transform the Dee and its catchment by restoring it and its surroundings back to their natural state.”

Museum gets ready for fitting of its new roof

* Llangollen Museum is to be fitted with a new roof.

Scaffolding has gone up and the site fenced off ready for the fitting of a new roof at Llangollen Museum.

The Parade Street building has been closed for the past few weeks in preparation for the work which is being paid for by the Community Ownership Fund and another funder which they museum cannot yet disclose.

The entire roof will be replaced with a new structure with steel girders and museum says the appearance of the building will change slightly as the new roof will not have a parapet and the rainwater will drain through external pipes, rather than the internal ones that have caused flooding problems when they have become blocked.

Building work by the contractor, Team Roundhouse of Frodsham in Cheshire, began yesterday (Monday). 

The work is estimated to take around six months, meaning the museum will be closed until January 2025.

For updates on the work, and exact dates of re-opening people are invited to keep an eye on the museum's own Facebook page.

However, heritage will not stop in Llangollen, according to the museum.

A spokesperson said: "During the period of the closure some of our display cases will be relocated to other public venues around Llangollen. Look out for displays in the Tourist Information, the Library, the Dory Gallery, the Health Centre and St Collen’s Church.

"Our programme of talks will continue. There will be no talk in July but the next talk will be on Wednesday, August 28, at 7.30pm, in the Council Chamber on the opposite side of Parade Street from the museum. 

"Entitled ‘The reasons the Welsh went to Patagonia in 1865 and how they overcame early hardships,’ it will be a presentation by Graham Edwards. 

"On Wednesday September 25, again in the Council Chamber at 7.30pm, the Portable Antiquities Scheme Officer, Susie White, will give a talk entitled ‘Buried Beneath our Feet’. She will describe what the Portable Antiquities Scheme is – who they are, why they do what they do – and then look at some of the objects recorded on the database from the local area. 

"October 30 will be Gill Smith with Andy the storyteller. The talk will be entitled 'Brenig, Landscape of the Dead,' and on November 27 Sam Thomson will give his second talk looking at the Romans in Britain and North Wales, again in the Council Chamber. Watch out for posters, and on our Facebook page for full details."

The spokesperson added: "Plans for the Llangollen Museum Young Archaeologists’ group are well on the way, and will continue during the period of closure. We are hoping to have a full programme in place by the end of 2024. 

"Young Archaeologists’ Club (YAC) is the only UK-wide club where young people aged 8–16 year olds can participate in real archaeology and discover why it matters. If you want to become a professional archaeologist in the future or just feel like taking up an amazing new hobby, YAC is the right place for you.

"Anyone wanting to join our mailing list for updates please email cdv.yac@gmail.com"

Roadworks planned for A5 trunk road at Chirk

According to the Wrexham Leader, the A5 trunk road at Chirk Bypass, Wrexham, will be temporarily shut next month. 

* For the full story, see: https://www.leaderlive.co.uk/news/24517241.planned-chirk-bypass-closure-set-next-month-wrexham/