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.  

Roads around aqueduct closed due to police incident

Update: The roads around the aqueduct reopened a few hours later

The roads surrounding the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct near Llangollen have been closed due to a police incident this afternoon (August 22), reports the Denbighshire Free Press.

* For the full story, see: https://www.denbighshirefreepress.co.uk/news/24535299.roads-closed-pontcysyllte-aqueduct-due-incident/

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.”