Parents ask for help as town's playgroup is about the close

* Llangollen Playgroup, housed in the youth club, is due to close on November 4.

Llangollen Playgroup is to close on November 4 and worried parents are asking their MP and MS to help with what they say is Llangollen’s insufficient childcare provision. 

The loss of the playgroup, which is based at the youth club on Willow Hill, comes just over a year after the closure of Llangollen Day Nursery in August last year.

One parent from the area, who doesn’t wish to be identified, has presented a full briefing about the situation to Clwyd East MP Becky Gittins and Clwyd South MS Ken Skates, hoping to enlist their support in finding alternative facilities for their children.

The parent says tells the two politicians: “Following the closure of Llangollen Day Nursery in August 2023 and the recent announcement of Llangollen Playgroup to close its doors as of 4th November 2024, I am writing to complain regarding the insufficient childcare provision for Llangollen town, the impact of which has not only had great adverse effects on my own family but to a great number of families in the area. I write on behalf of myself and those families.

“The Childcare Act 2006 Act places a duty on local authorities to ‘secure, provision of childcare that is sufficient to meet the requirements of parents in their area to enable them to take up or remain in work’.

“Currently Denbighshire County Council are not delivering against their statutory duties.

 “Given that this issue has remained unresolved since Summer 2023 and Denbighshire CC representatives have failed to keep parents sufficiently updated as per requests or successfully acted to prevent failures in provisions I am seeking your support to act in the interests of your constituents.”

The parent says that when Llangollen Playgroup, based in the Youth Club on Willow Hill, announced its closure on October 16, effective from November 4, reasons cited included ‘no viable way of continuing in [the] current economic climate with all the changes that are being forced upon [them] both now and in the near future’.”

The parent explains that both their spouse and themselves have highly demanding jobs and that “this lack of support has a great impact on our ability to balance our responsibilities to both childcare and business,” adding: “When Llangollen Day Nursery closed we were left without childcare from 14:30hrs Mon-Fri and no childcare outside of term time.”

The parent gives numerous details of how others like them in Llangollen will be affected if the playgroup closes without the facilities it provides being replaced.

The parent who contacted them wants Mr Skates and Ms Gittins "to show dedication on working with Denbighshire CC to resolve these matters expediently, advocating on behalf of the families of Llangollen and surrounding areas, providing us consistent updates on progress.”

* A Denbighshire County Council spokesperson said: “Unfortunately, Denbighshire County Council are aware of Llangollen Playgroup's recent announcement to close, despite working closely with them over the last few months to try and extend their childcare provision in the area. 

"Council officers are now working with Llangollen Playgroup and other local childcare providers to explore all potential options to help resolve these issues. However, any alternative would be subject to CIW [Care Inspectorate Wales] registration timescales."

MP and MS remain 'positive' about the future of town's public toilets

* Becky Gittins MP and Ken Skates MS.

The Member of the Senedd and MP representing Llangollen say they remain positive the town’s public toilets will be kept open after a ‘constructive’ latest meeting. 

Ken Skates and Becky Gittins met representatives of Denbighshire County Council and Llangollen Town Council on Friday (October 25) and believe that all parties are on the same page regarding the future of the Market Street conveniences. 

Mrs Gittins said: “Everyone around the table was committed to keeping the toilets open and we’re working towards a solution which will achieve that. It was a really constructive meeting and I’m encouraged that we’re all working together.” 

Mr Skates added: “There is still work to be done, but we now have a timeline of what needs to be done and when and we will aim to hold regular progress meetings so everyone knows where we’re up to. Denbighshire Council wants to move quickly on this.” 

Both Mr Skates, MS for Clwyd South, and Clwyd East MP Mrs Gittins have been contacted by Llangollen residents and visitors to the town about the future of the toilets. They have held a number of meetings with senior figures at Denbighshire in recent weeks but were keen to sit down with the town council too. 

Mrs Gittins, who attended the public meeting in Llangollen Town Hall earlier this year, said: “As I’ve said before, the town council and councillors have an important role to play in helping to find a solution to this. I’m pleased they’ve added to the positive talks we’ve been having.” 

Denbighshire needs to find £10.4m of savings as part of its 2024/25 budget, and a proposal to review public toilets across the county was one of the potential savings identified. A public consultation was launched to allow residents, business owners and visitors to have their say. 

The county council has repeatedly reassured the community that no decisions have been made.

UB40 featuring Ali Campbell to headline at Llangollen Pavilion

Iconic British reggae band UB40 featuring Ali Campbell will bring their magic to Llangollen next summer when they headline Live at Llangollen Pavilion on Saturday June 28. 

Ali Campbell’s unmistakable voice has driven UB40 to achieve more than 70 million record sales and 51 UK chart hits. 

This highly-anticipated show marks his return to Llangollen, where he last performed as part of the prestigious International Eisteddfod in 2016. 

The band will be joined on the night by special guests Bitty McLean and Pato Banton.  

Tickets go on sale at 10am Friday from llangollen.net and www.ticketmaster.co.uk  

Ali Campbell, UB40s original lead singer, says his current touring ensemble still captures the true spirit of UB40 resonating with audiences everywhere.    

He said: “I think I’ve got the best reggae band in the world. They are all seasoned musicians, who have spent all their lives in professional bands, and I feel so confident with them."      

With a legacy spanning more than 45 years, fans can expect a night filled with timeless classics that is sure to be unforgettable.      

Special guest on the night will be British reggae singer and songwriter Bitty McLean. Bitty is renowned for his smooth voice and significant contributions to the genre during the 1990s, rising to fame with hit singles like It Keeps Rainin' and Standing on the Ground.    

Opening the show will be British reggae artist Pato Banton who has captivated audiences for more than three decades with his infectious energy and uplifting messages. He is best known for his 1994 number-one hit Baby Come Back, a dynamic collaboration with UB40.   

The announcement is the latest reveal for summer 2025 which will also see Rag’n’Bone Man, Olly Murs, Texas and The Script headline the iconic Welsh venue with more announcements to come.  

The headline concerts are presented in a partnership between Live Nation promoters Cuffe and Taylor and the Llangollen International Eisteddfod. 

Cuffe and Taylor co-founder Peter Taylor said: "We're absolutely delighted to announce that UB40 featuring Ali Campbell will be headlining Live at Llangollen Pavilion next summer. Their unique sound and infectious energy have captivated audiences for decades, and we’re excited to bring that reggae magic to North Wales.” 

Artistic Director of the Llangollen International Eisteddfod Dave Danford added:“UB40 featuring Ali Campbell were last here in 2016, and brought the house down. We’re so pleased that they’ll be back in Llangollen next summer, alongside two brilliant special guests.” 

* For more information and to purchase tickets go to llangollen.netand www.ticketmaster.co.uk 

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Rag'n'Bone Man to headline at Llangollen Pavilion with Elles Bailey

Critically acclaimed, chart-topping British singer-songwriter Rag’n’Bone Man will bring his live show to Llangollen next summer.

The triple BRIT Award and Ivor Novello Award winner will headline Live at Llangollen Pavilion on Friday June 27, when he will be joined by blues star Elles Bailey. 

Tickets go on sale at 9am Friday from llangollen.net and www.ticketmaster.co.uk

The announcement comes fast on the heels of Rag’n’Bone Man’s latest album What Do You Believe In? which entered the Official UK Album Chart at number three on Friday.

Rag’n’Bone Man – aka Rory Graham – rose to prominence in 2016 with the release of the worldwide smash-hit Human which showcased a stunning blend of traditional blues, hip-hop and an incredible and era-defining voice.

Having won the 2017 BRIT’s British Breakthrough Act and receiving the BRIT’s Critics’ Choice Award in the same year, Rag’n’Bone Man cemented his success with the record-breaking release of his four-time platinum Number One debut album Human. 

A plethora of international accolades followed as well as a further BRIT Award for Best Single of the Year in 2018 for Human.

Rory began collecting his dedicated fan base incredibly early on in his career, one that has continued to grow and sell out tours and headline festivals around the globe. 

Since his debut album, Rag’n’Bone Man has also collaborated with international artists including Gorillaz (The Apprentice), Logic (Broken People), Calvin Harris (Giant) and Pink (Anywhere Away From Here). 

Life by Misadventure, Graham’s second Number One album with Columbia Records. spent seven weeks in the Top 10, and included singles such as All You Ever Wanted, Anywhere Away From Here, Alone and Crossfire. 

New release, the uplifting third studio album What Do You Believe In? speaks to Rag’n’Bone Man’s roots, heavily dipped in hip hop, soul and blues influences. The album features an abundance of powerful tracks, each resonating with Rag’n’Bone Man’s signature deep, soulful voice and heartfelt lyrics. 

Collaborating with a flurry of renowned writers and producers between Brighton, London, New York and LA, Rag’n’Bone Man has crafted a record that promises to touch and brighten the hearts and souls of his fans. 

Elles Bailey joins Rag’n’Bone Man, sharing her award-winning smokey blues sound, which have seen her named Vocalist Of The Year at the UK Blues Awards and Live Act Of The Year at the UK Americana Awards two years running. Her fourth studio album Beneath The Neon Glow hit number 12 in the UK Album Charts and number 1 in the UK blues charts. 

It has already been announced that pop Scottish rock legends Texas will headline Live at Llangollen Pavilion on Thursday June 26, while global pop rock sensation The Script headline on Thursday July 3 and pop sensation Olly Murs on Friday July 4 with more announcements to come.

The headline concerts are presented in a partnership between Live Nation promoters Cuffe and Taylor and the Llangollen International Eisteddfod.

Cuffe and Taylor co-founder Peter Taylor said: “We have had the pleasure of presenting shows with Rag’n’Bone Man previously so I know the Llangollen audience is in for a treat next June.

“His stunning vocals make for a very powerful and uplifting show that will enthral everyone.”

Artistic Director of the Llangollen International Eisteddfod Dave Danford added: “Llangollen is famous for welcoming world-class singers to North East Wales, and Rag’n’Bone Man unquestionably has one of the most iconic voices of his generation. We can’t wait to hear him performing in our pavilion next summer.” 

* For more information and to purchase tickets go to llangollen.net and www.ticketmaster.co.uk  

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Bryn Collen teacher completes intensive Welsh learning course

* Bryn Collen teacher Claire Paton.

A primary school teacher from Llangollen who took up an intensive Welsh learning course has returned to the classroom to share her newfound knowledge and skills.   

Claire Paton, a teacher at Ysgol Bryn Collen, Llangollen was one of only 14 teachers selected in North Wales to join the Welsh Government’s Welsh In A Year course, run by Bangor University – a sabbatical where teachers are taught consistently through the medium of Welsh from day one by Welsh language tutors. 

The initiative is part of the Welsh Government’s agenda to gain one million Welsh speakers by 2050. 

 

Her application was supported by Ysgol Bryn Collen headteacher, Lisa Howden, in line with the school’s development plan to increase the use of Welsh, particularly in Nursery, through to Year Two.  

 

During the course, Claire had to submerse herself in written and oral Welsh practice and take exams. 

Alongside her fellow students, Claire attended conferences, explored areas of Wales to develop confidence in the language and trained in a Welsh-medium school. 

Each week the group met in person at the Welsh Language Unit in St Asaph. After five months Claire went back into the classroom one day a week to develop the use of Welsh around the school. 

 

Claire is delighted to be back in Ysgol Bryn Collen sharing her knowledge. She said: “It’s wonderful to be back in school and share my new skills to help the school develop, particularly with our focus on Welsh reading.  

 

“I have gained confidence and knowledge that has given me an excellent foundation to build on. I can converse with my Welsh speaking colleagues and contribute to us gaining the Silver Award of Cymraeg Campus.” 

 

Following Ysgol Bryn Collen’s positive Estyn Inspection earlier this year, the staff and governors have prioritised the development of Welsh language skills. 

 

Headteacher Lisa Howden said: “We are incredibly proud of Claire’s achievements during the last twelve months and it’s wonderful to see her sharing her experiences and language skills across the school. Following our excellent Estyn Inspection our school is working hard towards achieving our Silver Award through Cymraeg Campus and strengthening the Welsh Language across the primary year groups.” 

 

Claire continues to improve her skills and attends Welsh meetings twice a month run by Lucy Cowley, in Gales Wine Bar, Llangollen, and keeps in touch with her fellow students. She is also able to converse in Welsh with the other proficient Welsh teachers within the school environment. 

 

She will graduate from Bangor University, alongside her fellow students in June 2025.  

 

Funding earmarked for Wrexham metastatic cancer nurse, MS told

A Member of the Senedd has repeated his calls for a ‘crucial’ cancer nurse to remain at Wrexham Maelor Hospital on a permanent basis. 

Clwyd South MS Ken Skates raised the issue with Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board (BCUHB) earlier this year and was told the Welsh Government had provided funding to ensure the Metastatic Cancer Nurse Specialist role was preserved for the current financial year. 

The Maelor is the only North Wales hospital where the position is temporary, and concerns have once again been raised about its future. 

But Mr Skates has been told the Welsh Government has earmarked further funding. 

He said: “This is a crucial role with a caseload – as I understand it – of around 200 patients, all of whom value it extremely highly. Clearly, the continuing uncertainty about the future of the role is detrimental to all concerned, and my constituents who are regular visitors to the oncology department are asking why it’s only Wrexham where the position isn’t permanent. 

“The Welsh Government has indicated that there is funding in place for this essential role, so I hope the health board is able to take it up.” 

Mr Skates wrote to the health board’s senior management with his concerns earlier this month. 

In his response, BCUHB chair Dyfed Edwards said: “The Metastatic Cancer Nurse Specialist is one of a number of roles and schemes that are being funded on a non-recurrent basis, using temporary funding provided by Welsh Government to support enhanced performance and transformation. 

“Since you last wrote to us, we have provided the necessary assurance to Welsh Government about the impact of this temporary funding. Securing this funding from Welsh Government on a recurrent basis is now contingent on the Health Board meeting its financial targets for the current year. 

“A significant amount of hard work is taking place across the Health Board to achieve this, in order to ensure that this valuable additional resource remains within the health service in North Wales.However, we do not expect to be in a position to agree recurrent funding for any of these schemes until the 2024/25 financial allocation is made available to the Health Board in early 2025.” 

He added: “It is very clear from the representations made by individual patients, patient representative groups and colleagues working within our cancer services that the care and support provided by the current postholder is highly valued. As such, I am very sorry for any anxiety caused by our inability to confirm permanent funding for this post at this stage, although I hope that this response helps to clarify the Health Board’s current position and next steps.”

County Council completes works on Four Great Highways project

* New steps and signage at Lower Dee Mill Park completed as part of the project.

Denbighshire County Council has completed works on the Four Great Highways project in Llangollen. 

The project was part of investment by the UK Government that was secured through a joint application between Denbighshire County Council and Wrexham County Borough Council for the former Clwyd South Constituency, in which £3.8 million was allocated to Denbighshire to invest in the communities of Llangollen, Llantysilio, Corwen and surrounding areas.

 

The intention of the work was to promote and enhance the Four Great Highways of Llangollen, by providing landscape and engineering improvements that would improve accessibility and visibility of attractions within the town through enhanced signage and wayfinding.

 

OBR Construction, who completed this project, were also responsible for the completion of another UK Government funded project in Wenffrwd Nature Reserve.

 

Barry Mellor, Leader Member for Environment and Transport said: “I am happy to hear that works to complete the Four Great Highways project has now come to an end. We hope that these improvements to accessibility, interpretation and signage will help promote Llangollen’s historical sites and encourage more residents and visitors to spend more time there."

* The new play area at Lower Dee Mill Park.