Latest Citizens Advice column

Latest column from Denbighshire Citizens Advice is:

Q: My children love Christmas and they’re already picking extra treats off the shelf when we go shopping, and telling me what presents they want. I really want to make it a special time for them, but times are tough and I can’t help worrying about overspending and getting into debt. What can I do to manage my finances during the holiday season, and where can I turn if I find myself struggling?

A: The festive season can be a financially challenging time, and often borrowing money or using a credit card to fund Christmas can seem like your only option. But there are steps you can take to keep your spending under control and avoid falling into debt.

The first thing to do is make a budget and stick to it.

Consider who you're buying gifts for, what other seasonal expenses you have, and how much you can realistically afford to spend. Always keep receipts, or ask for gift receipts, in case you overspend and need to return something. And remember that household bills may be higher during this period due to colder weather and spending more time indoors.

If you've built up debt, please don't ignore bills or letters. Speak to the organisation you owe money to, as they may let you pay smaller amounts.

Pay 'priority debts' first, like rent, mortgage arrears, council tax, and energy bills. For other types of debt like credit cards or loans, gather all the information on what you owe, create a budget, and contact your creditors to set up an affordable repayment plan. This might seem scary, but it’s an important first step.

If your budget just doesn’t add up and you need help to afford essentials like bills and food, see what cost of living support is available on the Citizens Advice website.

It’s especially important to check if you’re eligible for the Winter Fuel Payment, which will now only be paid to those who receive Pension Credit or other means-tested benefits. If you make a claim for Pension Credit by 21 December, you might still receive the Winter Fuel Payment.

If you do find yourself struggling financially during or after the holidays, don't panic. Support is out there, and Citizens Advice can help you understand what’s available. We’re here to help you find a way forward.

Resident complains to council about "threatening" recycling leaflets

* The leaflet about which the resident has complained.

A Llangollen man has complained to a county council chief about “veiled threats” being made to residents over the way they are putting out their recycling - when he claims the crews themselves are leaving the bins in a mess. 

Denbighshire, which introduced a problem-hit waste collection system back in the summer, has just put out leaflets in the area which tell residents that if their containers are too full or too heavy or include items that shouldn’t be in it. Crews will place a sticker on it asking them to correctly sort its contents in time for their next collection.     

This has annoyed Mike Edwards who has written a letter of complaint to council chief executive Graham Boase, in which says: “Residents are requested to give up their time and asked to sort our household rubbish for recycling, but then the refuse crews come along and leave the trolley block containers in an absolute mess facing the wrong way and smaller bins e.g food bin inside one of the containers. The various bins are thrown everywhere. 

* The state the resident claims his own bin has been left in.

“I politely asked the crew to leave the trolley blocks how they found them and not leave them for me and other residents to tidy up, but this was totally ignored.

“I object strongly to threats of notices being posted on our bins if we have not filled our part of the bargain when they clearly cannot co-operate and fill their responsibilities.

“It’s extremely disrespectful for Council Tax Payers to be treated in this way especially when we have endured four months of utter chaos when this scheme was foisted on all Denbighshire residents without it being trialled in a manageable area(s) to root out problems and fine tune the scheme.

“So now the responsible department start imposing conditions upon residents with veiled threats if we don’t do as they want. It is clearly not a two way street.”

A Denbighshire County Council spokesperson said: "The picture demonstrates how our crews have been trained to stack the Trolibocs after collection. This method of stacking is best practice as it stabilises the containers in case of high winds. Placing the food caddy inside one of the other containers adds further weight to the whole Trolibocs unit to make it more stable. 

"The social media post and leaflets handed to residents are intended to help residents recycle correctly and explain why certain containers may not have been collected. They also signpost residents to their information booklet or the Council’s online A-Z guide.

"The information booklet,  which was distributed to households prior to the start of the new service, has a frequently asked questions section which clearly states on page 20 that if containers are too full or too heavy, or have items that shouldn’t be there, the crews will place a sticker or tag asking for it to be correctly sorted in time for the next collection. This information has also been available on Denbighshire’s website since May.

 

"Our waste and recycling crews must deal with issues arising from incorrect materials in containers. Unfortunately, if crews collect containers which are heavily contaminated, it compromises the whole load in the lorry which means there’s a risk that these materials will be rejected for recycling. One of the reasons for introducing this new system is to achieve Welsh Government’s 70% recycling target, but it is also the right decision environmentally. While the old system of collecting co-mingled recycling was easy to use, it did not lead to high quality recycling. Much of what was collected was contaminated meaning it could not be sold on.

 

"We are fully aware that many residents have been frustrated by missed collections over the past few months and we acknowledge that the roll out has not gone as we had hoped. We have apologised for this and we continue to apologise to any resident who continues to have issues. 

"The new system has already led to improved quality of recycling materials, but we must tackle the issue of contaminated recycling and we appreciate the efforts that Denbighshire residents are making in this respect. The new system, which is in line with many other local authorities throughout Wales, is the right way forward, not only to hit our recycling target, but more importantly it is better for the environment. By recycling in this way, more of the materials we collect will remain in the UK to be recycled which significantly reduces our carbon footprint."

 

Indie heroes James to headline Live at Llangollen Pavilion

Indie greats James are heading to North Wales next summer to headline Live at Llangollen Pavilion.

The Manchester legends – who gave the world such timeless anthems as Sit Down, Born of Frustration, She’s A Star and Come Home – will perform on Sunday June 29. 

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

One of Britain’s most enduring success stories, James have sold more than 25 million records worldwide since forming in Manchester in the early 1980s – gaining both critical and commercial acclaim.

Their unique craftsmanship, creativity and musical legacy has made them one of the most influential British bands of the last four decades and with 18 studio albums under their belt, James secured their first UK album Number 1 chart spot earlier this year with Yummy.

The band’s 40th anniversary in 2023 was celebrated with a tour of inspired orchestral reworkings of hits, B-sides and obscure favourites, but this was far from a full stop. As frontman Tim Booth sings on the anti-ageism anthem Rogue on Yummy, “some of us still have work to do”.

A sensational live band, who continue to sell-out arenas across the UK and beyond, James most recently completed a US co-headline tour with The Smiths’ song-writing genius Johnny Marr.

The announcement is the latest reveal for summer 2025 in Llangollen which will also see Rag’n’Bone Man, Olly Murs, Texas, The Script and UB40 featuring Ali Campbell 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’ve had the pleasure of working with James on numerous shows over the years, and they never fail to impress. Their talent is unmatched, and we’re thrilled to be bringing them to Llangollen. Fans can look forward to an unforgettable night filled with incredible music and a unique atmosphere only James can create.”

Artistic Director of the Llangollen International Eisteddfod Dave Danford added: “Our amazing summer of live music for 2025 continues, with the announcement that James will be performing live in Llangollen. Their huge anthems are sure to have the pavilion rocking to the rafters, and this is definitely a show that’s not to be missed.” 

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

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Christmas Festival programme is unveiled

 

This year’s Llangollen Christmas Festival is due to be held on Saturday November 30 and the programme is:   

10am

 

Christmas Market – Approximately 30 Stalls

 

Market Street - The majority of stallholders will be local crafters

 

Centenary Square – Local community groups

 

Outside Tourist Information Centre – Local charity and community groups

 

Throughout the day - Treasure hunt around town

 

12am – 5pm

 

Musical entertainment and morris dancing in Centenary Square

 

1pm

 

Christmas Festival Parade, starting at the Pavilion and heading into town along Abbey Road, Castle Street, Bridge Street, Chapel Street, Oak Street and back onto Castle Street stopping outside the Town Hall. 

 

1pm

 

Town Hall - Open children’s entertainment with Sion Corn’s Grotto, circus school, face painting, balloon sculpture, bouncy play, morris dancing. All free.

 

5pm

 

Switching-on of the Christmas lights (Town Council) Fireworks

Its chair Austin “Chem” Cheminais, said: “Llangollen Christmas Festival is organised by volunteers from the community who freely give their time and expertise to organise and run the event. It is not a Town Council event, although they do support us.

 

“The festival is a not-for-profit community event aimed at local people. We aim to make the Christmas Festival a totally free event, with no charge for activities or entertainment.

 

“We are funded through fund raising events, donations, sponsorship, a raffle and grants when available. Annually the group has to raise about £4,000 to fund the event. The festival is usually held on the last Saturday in November.

 

“If you need any further information or are able to sponsor us is some way please get in touch. My mobile number is 07813761766 and my email address is chemshouts@gmail.com”

Stage is all set for 'Allo 'Allo: The Camembert Caper

* A rehearsal scene from 'Allo 'Allo: The Camembert Caper.   

Llangollen Twenty Club are busy rehearsing for their fast-approaching play 'Allo 'Allo: The Camembert Caper.   

It's a roller-coaster of favourite characters in a piece based on the legendary TV comedy, all at loggerheads with everyone else. And in the midst of all this is our hapless bar owner Rene whose life seems to be in constant danger.

Add a basketful of camembert cheeses, an amorous but corrupt undertaker, two waitresses vying for Rene's charms, ill thought out escape plans for the two British airmen, German presence everywhere and ... 

Performances at Llangollen Town Hall are from next Wednesday-Saturday November 13-16 at 7.30pm, with a Saturday matinee at 2pm, at the town hall Llangollen.

Flower Arrangement Society to host evening of floral art

On Tuesday November 26, Llangollen Flower Arrangement Society will host an evening of floral art in Llangollen Town Hall entitled “It’s Written in the Stars”, with guest floral arranger, Jane Pugh of Shropshire.

Tickets are £12 and include a hot drink and a mince pie. There will also be stalls selling arts and crafts and a raffle. Doors open at 6.45pm for a 7.30pm start.

Tickets are available on the door, or contact Jane Jones on 01978 861225 to purchase in advance.

John Gambles becomes Eisteddfod's new chairman

* John Gambles (right) with Grant Calton, the Eisteddfod's new Vice-Chairman. 

John Gambles, a retired education officer and teacher, a volunteer with the festival since 1987, is the new Chairman of Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod. 

John, affectionately known throughout the town as ‘Mr Gambles’, as former deputy head at Ysgol Dinas Bran School in Llangollen, previously served as Vice-Chairman, chaired the board’s executive committee and held further roles within the organisation.

He said: “I am immensely proud to have become the new Chairman of the Eisteddfod.  Since 1947, the festival has played a leading role in promoting peace and internationalism through music and dance.  

"Every year we welcome the world to our beautiful part of North East Wales and to play a leading role in delivering the festival is an enormous privilege.  

"We are lucky to have over 600 active volunteers, many who work all year round to deliver our unique peace festival – people from all walks of life I count as friends.  

"Together, we deliver something truly special and precious to all of us. Sadly, many festivals are no longer in existence, victims of the pandemic and economic pressures, and we have found the last few years extremely challenging. 

* The new Chairman with Ken Skates MS, Cabinet Secretary for Transport and North Wales, who is a strong supporter of the festival.

"As Chairman, I will work hard to help lead our strategy to become more resilient and self-sufficient and become less dependent upon on government grants by moving towards becoming an all-year-round organisation. 

"This will also help to strengthen the local economy and ensure that Llangollen, a town with a big voice, continues to play its part in modern Wales.”

John paid tribute to his predecessor Professor Chris Adams, who will remain on the board of the festival.  

He said: “Chris took over as Chairman at a time of great difficulty and navigated us through tough times.  His commitment to the legacy of the Llangollen Eisteddfod continues and he will play a key role in our heritage and peace offerings.  

"Our message of peace and internationalism is as relevant today as it was in 1947.  Our partnership with Cuffe and Taylor has been a significant step forward and has added an important new dimension to our festival. As the new Chairman, I will continue to support this partnership and also ensure that our core offering and message of peace continues.”

The new Vice-Chairman will be Llangollen resident Grant Calton, business founder and investor in the music, film and television industries in Europe and Australia. 

"Grant is a partner at Ironbridge Capital and a business mentor to the Princes’ Trust and Guild of Mercers.  

New members of the board elected are Fiona Brockway and Morgan Thomas.  

Former Chairman, former Llangollen GP Dr Rhys Davies who is also a previous Chairman, also makes a welcome return to the board.