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."

Universal primary free school meals available across county

Denbighshire County Council is reminding residents to take advantage of the Universal Primary Free School Meals (UPFSM) before the start of a new academic year.

In December 2021, the Welsh Government announced plans to offer free meals to all primary school pupils in response to the rising cost-of-living pressures on families, with the aim that by September 2024 all children in primary schools across Wales will receive free school meals.

Earlier this year, the UPFSM offer in Denbighshire had been successfully rolled out from reception to year 6, meaning every primary school pupil in Denbighshire had access to free school meals ahead of the Welsh Government’s target date. 

If parents or carers are in receipt of certain benefits and have a household income which does not exceed the current government threshold, they could be entitled to free school meals for their child. 

Councillor Diane King, Lead Member for Education, Children and Families, said: “It is fantastic that pupils in primary school across Denbighshire have access to a free warm meal, and I’d like to acknowledge the dedicated work of our staff to achieve such a milestone ahead of schedule.

“The provision of school meals are essential in a child’s learning and development, and the catering team continue to work with local suppliers to provide a hot nutritionally balanced meal at lunchtime.

“Denbighshire County Council are committed to healthy eating and are working hard with schools to promote the health and welfare of pupils."

* To view the menu, or for more information visit the Denbighshire school meals website.  

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.