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/

Just 13 days left to finishing deadline on Four Great Highways scheme

 

* Steel supports are in place on the steps up to the wharf from Abbey Road but there appears to be no work yet on the actual steps.  

There’s now just 13 days left before the forecast completion date for Llangollen’s Four Great Highways scheme.

The project, funded by the former Conservative government’s Levelling Up Fund, aims to “enhance the landscape and improve accessibility, interpretation and signage in the centre of Llangollen”.  

It was due to be finished in June but, according to the team responsible for the scheme, there were delays due to unexpected ground conditions being encountered with its two key aspects - a raised walkway at Lower Dee Mill Park and the improvement of the flight of steps up from Abbey Road to the canal wharf.

An update given by the Four Great Highways Project Team in early August said that because of a delay while steel supports were delivered the scheme would be finished by the end of this month.

But while work at Lower Dee Mill Park appears to be catching up well there seems to be little progress at the wharf steps.

This morning (Monday) workmen were busy putting what looked to be the finishing touches to the park walkway but while large steels supports have now been installed at the top end and a mechanical digger was on site, there were few signs of any start being made on the wharf steps.

The project is part of a Levelling Up investment secured through a joint application between Denbighshire County Council and Wrexham County Borough Council for the old Clwyd South Constituency – Llangollen is now part of the new Clwyd East. 

The application was supported by former MP for the area Simon Baynes and £3.8 million was allocated to Denbighshire to invest in the communities of Llangollen, Llantysilio, Corwen and surrounding areas.

* There seems to be good progress on the new walkway at Lower Dee Mill Park. 

Water watchdogs move to prevent pollution of River Dee

Businesses on an industrial estate in Corwen have received important guidance as part of a campaign aimed at protecting the nearby watercourses, including the River Dee, from pollution.

On Wednesday August 14, Natural Resources Wales (NRW) officers visited various units on the Ty’n y Llidiart Industrial Estate. 

This is the latest industrial estate visit across North East Wales designed to help businesses identify any pollution risks associated with their operations.

During the visits, officers discussed possible pollution prevention measures and provided advice on any necessary consents and environmental permitting requirements. A letter drop was also carried out at a nearby residential area to raise awareness of potential misconnections to the surface water line.

The nearby waterways, such as the Nant Fawr, have faced several pollution incidents over the years. 

NRW says these incidents are often caused by accidental releases of harmful substances from nearby industrial sites or incorrect connections to the surface water drainage system.

And they stress it is crucial that pollution risks to the surrounding streams are minimised given their connections to the River Dee. 

This vital watercourse is recognised as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) thanks to its diverse wildlife, including species like lamprey, Atlantic salmon, and European eel.

The Dee is also an important source of drinking water. It was designated as a Water Protection Zone under the Water Resources Act, 1991, meaning consent is required where certain substances are used or stored at specific sites anywhere within the designated area, which includes Ty’n y Llidiart Industrial Estate.

Rhys Ellis, NRW Environment Team Leader for Denbighshire, said: “Pollution incidents can occur frequently due to spills, accidents, or even vandalism. These incidents not only endanger human health but also have a devastating impact on local wildlife and water quality.

“By proactively engaging with businesses at Ty’n y Llidiart Industrial Estate, we aim to ensure they have the necessary measures in place to prevent such pollution. This initiative will help raise awareness about the risks of pollution from industrial estates and safeguard the river Dee and its surrounding habitats.”