People urged to join consultation on new National Park

Natural Resources Wales (NRW) is urging people to respond to the public consultation on a proposed new National Park in Wales, which could include Llangollen.

One of a series of special consultation events is planned for Llangollen Town Hall on December 10, from 3-7pm.

People can also respond by viewing materials and submitting questionnaire feedback on an updated draft boundary map, referred to as the Candidate Area. 

The map has changed since the initial study area map was shared in 2023 and so, sharing feedback again this year is crucial, says NRW.

Welsh Government has commissioned NRW to gather evidence and assess the case for a new National Park. 

An initial study area map - referred to as the Area of Search - was identified and shared during a public engagement period in 2023. Following this, and a period of evidence gathering, NRW is now running a public consultation giving people a second opportunity to respond to the emerging proposal.

The public consultation period has been running since October and will end on December 16.

A questionnaire is live on the project website and a series of drop-in and public online events have been arranged in and around the area under assessment. 

The events are an opportunity to learn more about the project and evidence gathered to date, ask questions of the team and share feedback on the Candidate Area Map. 

People are encouraged to attend a drop-in event or sign up to an online event, and submit a questionnaire with their feedback.

Ash Pearce, Programme Manager in NRW’s Designated Landscapes Programme team said: "I strongly urge everyone who cares about these issues to respond to the consultation which closes on December 16. We will carefully consider all  feedback, and this will help inform our next steps.”

There will also be a public online event: 

Date	Time	Location
Thursday 12 December	6pm – 7:30pm	Microsoft Teams

To sign up to an online event email your interest to the project team at designated.landscapes.programme@naturalresourceswales.gov.uk

The questionnaire is live on the project website and can be accessed at:
https://ymgynghori.cyfoethnaturiol.cymru/north-east-gogledd-ddwyrain/waless-national-park-proposal-public-consultation

Paper copies are also available at all drop-in events.

* To find out more about the project visit the website: https://ymgynghori.cyfoethnaturiol.cymru/north-east-gogledd-ddwyrain/new-national-park-proposal-information-page-wales

Llangollen people encouraged to enter biodiversity awards

Llangollen people are being encouraged to enter awards which celebrate those who support biodiversity.

Bionet is the Local Nature Partnership for North East Wales, covering the Counties of Conwy, Denbighshire, Flintshire and Wrexham. 

The Bionet Awards were put in place to celebrate the work being undertaken by local people, communities, organisations and businesses in North East Wales to conserve, protect and enhance biodiversity. 

Organisers say: "We believe it is important to celebrate successes achieved for biodiversity. In the face of the ecological emergency, a lot of the news we hear has a negative narrative but there are lots of people making a positive impact through local actions. 

"The awards are split into eight categories to demonstrate how various actions can achieve a positive biodiversity impact within multiple different sectors."

Categories are:

1. Young Person’s Award

2. Community Group Award

3. Primary School Award

4. High School Award

5. Business Award

6. Biodiversity Friendly Development Award

7. Town or Community Council Award

8. Volunteer Award

 

Individuals can nominate themselves or be nominated by someone on their behalf, as long as you have their permission to share their contact details. 

 

* To enter, follow this link to our online application form: https://arcg.is/5uum1

To read about last year’s winners, you can find out more at:

https://www.bionetwales.co.uk/project/bionet-award-winners-2023/

 

The award ceremony will take place on February 1 2025 at Venue Cymru, Llandudno where each winner will be presented and have the opportunity to showcase their work. Applications must be submitted by the deadline of midday on December 1.

Llan makes list for top places to spend a weekend

Llangollen makes a list which includes the eight best small towns in Wales for a weekend retreat.

The list is compiled by the US-based WorldAtlas which says Wales is filled with charming small towns, each offering a delightful escape from city life. 

It adds: "From storybook castles to colorful harbours and lush valleys, this magical country is filled with small towns that pack big characters. Each destination offers something a little special ... "

Making the cut along with Llangollen are Conwy, Aberaeron, Beaurmaris, Hay-on-Wye, Tenby, Crickhowell and Barmouth.

Of Llangollen, it says: "Sitting pretty by the Dee River, Llangollen invites travellers to experience a slice of Welsh culture and nature. 

"This charming destination offers a mix of outdoor adventures and cultural landmarks, such as the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct. Carrying the Llangollen Canal, this towering structure is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a popular spot for canal boat rides. Visitors can also enjoy a scenic journey through the Dee Valley on the Llangollen Railway’s vintage steam trains.

"Nature lovers and hikers will love a climb to the ruins of Castell Dinas Brân, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. For a summer escape in July, experience the Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod, a festival celebrating music and dance from around the world. Gales of Llangollen, a cozy family-run hotel with a wine bar, provides a relaxing place to stay after a day of exploration."

* To see the WorldAtlas article, go to: 8 Best Small Towns In Wales For A Weekend Retreat - WorldAtlas

Latest local roadworks from Denbighshire County Council

Latest local roadworks bulletin from Denbighshire County Council is:

OUTSIDE NUMBER 4

OAK STREET

18/11/2024

20/11/2024

Gwaith Nwy / Gas Works WALES & WEST UTILITIES

LLANGOLLEN

Ffordd ar Gau/Road Closure

 

A539

A539 LLANGOLLEN ROAD

20/11/2024

22/11/2024

Cynnal y Lon Gerbydau/ Carrigeway Maintenance DCC HIGHWAYS

 

A539

TYN DWR ROAD

TYN DWR ROAD

18/11/2024

20/11/2024

Gwaith BT/ BT Works GT WILLIAMS

LLANGOLLEN

Ffordd ar Gau/Road Closure

 

Date confirmed for Eisteddfod's 2025 Parade of Nations

* Performers from 30 countries took part in the 2024 parade.  

* Llangollen town crier Austin “Chem” Cheminais will be again be leading the parade in 2025.

Llangollen International Eisteddfod has announced its celebrated Parade of Nations will be held through the town on Wednesday July 9 at 4.30pm. 

Visitors can expect a colourful spectacle, as groups from across the world will be participating alongside dozens of groups from Wales and the rest of the UK.

Competitors that plan to come to Llangollen next year include choirs, dance groups, ensembles and soloists from across the globe.  

This includes performers from Argentina, Burundi, Canada, China, Denmark, France, Ghana, India, Indonesia, Isle of Man, Japan, Malaysia, Morocco, New Zealand, Northern Ireland, Philippines, Portugal, Republic of Congo, Trinidad and Tobago, USA, and Zimbabwe.

The parade, one of the central parts of the festival, will be followed by a huge party on the Eisteddfod field, where visitors can get on the ‘ground for a pound’.

The parade will be led by the Llangollen Silver Band and Llangollen town crier Austin “Chem” Cheminais.  

New in next year’s parade will be Community Rhythms and Roots Wales’ who will be bringing six groups representing diverse communities from across the country to perform in Llangollen. 

John Gambles, Chair of the festival, said: “As usual, our last parade was an amazing spectacle and full of colour. Over 8,000 people came out to welcome our international competitors.  

"We’ve got some amazing international competitors from around the world already confirmed for next year. Our Parade of Nations is one of our most popular events, and this will be followed by a huge celebration on our field, as welcome the world once again to Wales.”

Dave Danford, the Eisteddfod’s Artistic Director, who will be overseeing the event, said: “The profile of our festival grew considerably this year, and we’re pulling out all the stops to ensure 2025 is even bigger. 

"Our partnership with Cuffe and Taylor is continuing to enable us to bring some truly amazing artists to Llangollen, such as James, Olly Murs, The Script, Texas and UB40 featuring Ali Campbell, all of whom have already announced shows here next summer as part of our Live At Llangollen Pavilion series. 

"However, the International Eisteddfod itself remains the central part of everything we do here, and we’re delighted to be welcoming so many international competitors and visitors next summer. It’s always great to see the Llangollen and the wider community come out to support our festival.”

Porters' Delicatessen is now officially Dementia Friendly

Porter's Delicatessen has been officially recognised as one of the first Dementia Friendly Organisations in Llangollen.

In order to achieve the award, the proprietors had to show the actions they are taking to meet the criteria by demonstrating that their staff are dementia aware, inclusive and supportive, that their processes are inclusive and supportive and that the shop is also easily accessible, inclusive and supportive.

The scheme was initiated and is managed by the North Wales Regional Partnership Board and Dementia North Wales.

The award for Porter's was presented to the proprietors, Emma and Ben, by Angela Williams, Chair of Llangollen Age and Dementia Friendly Llangollen, and the Secretary, John Palmer.

* If any other organisations would like to be recognised as Dementia Friendly. please contact John Palmer jp.llandem157@gmail.com for details.

Solution may have been found to keeping open town's public toilets

* A solution may have been found to keeping the Market Street toilets.

The town and county councils could work together to save Llangollen’s threatened public toilets.

Suggestions that the Market Street conveniences could close along with all the others across the county in a bid to dig Denbighshire out of a massive financial black hole have caused deep concern in the town since they were revealed by llanblogger a few months ago.

A public meeting was called to hammer out the issue back in the summer with many people voicing their fears about the damage any loss of the toilets would mean to Llangollen businesses relying heavily on the tourism trade and also to residents themselves.

Although the meeting was inconclusive local MP Becky Gittins and Senedd Member Ken Skates have revealed they have been working behind the scenes to secure an amicable solution to the problem.

It is known that the Town Council has also been looking closely at the financial situation to see if anything can be done.

Now a possible answer has come forward in the agenda for the town council meeting next Tuesday, November 19.

A budgetary report from town clerk Gareth Thomas, which will be considered by councillors, says: “In addition to the Town Council’s reserve requirements through continued working with the County Council to fulfil the Town Council and residents’ desires that the County Council continue to provide toilet facilities in Llangollen a solution has been proposed.”

Spelling it out, the report adds: “The county council have indicated that if they can convert the existing toilets on Market Street to cashless operation and variable summer and winter opening times then this will reduce cost which will allow for the continued provision of the service.

“However, to facilitate this capital works are required to the building and the county council is applying to the Brilliant Basics Fund which assists in the provision of small-scale tourism infrastructure improvements across Wales and is open to local authorities and national park authorities.

“Total grant available is £300,000 with a maximum intervention rate of 80%. There is no minimum grant amount.

“The estimated cost of the works to upgrade the toilet facilities to allow for cashless payment is in the region of £40,000.

“During discussions with the county council, it was clear that a joint application would be looked upon more favourably and therefore it is proposed that the town council would contribute to the match funding requirement to a maximum of 10% and provision has made in the asset specific reserve to facilitate such a contribution in 2025-26.”