Police issue warning about this morning's high winds

Police have put out a warning about the high winds currently affecting the region due to Storm Lilian.

On their Facebook page North Wales Police have posted: "We're receiving numerous reports of fallen trees and branches on roads due to high winds - we advice you to take extra care on your journey today. We've made highways departments aware and they will be dealing as soon as they are able to."

The Met Office has issued a weather warning for this morning, which says: "Started at: 05:00 BST on Fri 23 August.

"Ends: 11:00 BST on Fri 23 August

Storm Lilian will bring strong winds, which may lead to disruption to travel and infrastructure on Friday morning."

Completion date for Four Great Highways scheme is now late September

* The Wharf steps where limited progress has been made.

The completion date for Llangollen’s Four Great Highways scheme has now been moved back by another month, which means it is now three months behind schedule.

Earlier this week llanblogger reported that there had been little progress made on certain aspects of the project, which was funded by the former Conservative government’s Levelling Up Fund and aims to “enhance the landscape and improve accessibility, interpretation and signage in the centre of Llangollen”.  

And we pointed out that there was less than a fortnight to go before the completion deadline of the end of August was reached – which itself had been moved back from June.

Today the project team revealed there’s been another change of plan and the scheme will not now be completed until the end of September.   

In an update they say: “As you may be aware the last update we provided advised that the project would be completed by the end of August 2024. 

“Unfortunately, despite the contractor working weekends to try and mitigate the time lost we are still running slightly behind due to a few issues in both areas - ground condition challenges at the Wharf and a slight re-design to the steps structure in Lower Dee Mill Park to accommodate the steel structure ramp. 

“In addition to this there is final landscaping works, which will be carried out in September 2024 as the correct time of year for certain planting. 

“Due to this delay, the planned completion date for the project is now end September 2024, however please be assured the contractor is working very hard to complete some aspects of the scheme sooner if and where possible. The signage and wayfinding aspect of the project will also be installed before the end of September 2024.

“We sincerely apologise for any inconvenience and disruption this may cause and appreciate your patience while the contractor works hard to complete this project for us.”

The first delay occurred when the scheme ran into unexpected ground conditions 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 from the 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 earlier this week while work at Lower Dee Mill Park appeared to be catching up well there seemed to have been little progress on the Wharf steps.

On Monday morning workmen were busy putting what looked to be the finishing touches to the park walkway but while large steels supports had  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.  

Let councillor know if you've had missed waste collections

Llangollen county councillor Karen Edwards, who has been dealing with the many problems associated with the area's new household waste recycling scheme, wishes to know from residents if they have had any missed collections this week. 

She says that, if you have, you should contact her by email at: karen.edwards@denbighshire.gov.uk including in the email your full name, address with postcode and a telephone number.  

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.”

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).

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"