Heavy snowfall on Llangollen this morning

Some pictures of the snow falling in central Llangollen just before 11am today (Sunday) ...   

Businesses invited to free crime prevention event

A fully-funded crime prevention event focused on businesses in North Wales is taking place at Redwither Tower in Wrexham on February 5 and business owners from across the region are being urged to book their free place.

Organised in partnership by North Wales Police’s Cybercrime Team, the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner for North Wales, the Cyber Resilience Centre for Wales, and Welsh Government, the North Wales Business Crime Prevention Event is to look at how to keep businesses safe from crime.

Topics covered will include supply chain threats, the emerging threats of AI, cyber essential for businesses, physical security for businesses and how securing your business will help assure you for the future.

* Book your free place now via the link https://orlo.uk/Cja8j

Sustainable ways to recycle your Christmas tree

Denbighshire County Council is encouraging residents to properly dispose of their Christmas tree following the festive celebrations - whether it's real or an artificial one.

If you have an artificial tree, it is recommended that it is reused year after year as much as possible to help reduce waste. When you do decide to dispose of your artificial tree, it can be taken to your local Recycling and Waste Park.

Real trees can be recycled by using the green wheelie bin  - if you have a garden waste subscription. 

Make sure the tree is cut up first to ensure it fits properly in your bin. If you cannot fit it into your bin, real trees can also be taken to the local Recycling and Waste Park for disposal.

Councillor Barry Mellor, Lead Member for Environment and Transport, said: “Celebrating the festive season with Christmas Trees and decorating them is often the highlight of many families’ Christmas period.  When it does come time to dispose of your tree, it is important to remember the correct channels that will really help cut down on waste over the festive period.”

* For more information, please go to.

County council's weather update

Denbighshire County Council has just posted this weather update on its Facebook page:

A yellow weather warning for snow and ice is still in effect through until 12noon today.

Snowfall and ice has been experienced across the region overnight, which has led to some difficult driving conditions, largely across high ground areas.

Gritting crews have worked continuously overnight and the majority of the network remains accessible.

The A542 Horseshoe pass, School Lane, Eryrys and Gwaenysgor Hill have been closed due to the weather conditions and some areas such as Nantglyn and Prion are passable with care.

Gritting crews are currently ploughing and re-salting all routes, which is likely to continue throughout the weekend due to the forecast of sub-zero temperatures, sleet/snow showers and prolonged ice risk.

So please take care when out and about today.

Our waste and recycling crews are also out on their collection rounds as normal, but again, due to some road conditions, they may be later than usual getting to your property.

Our gritting crews will continue working throughout today and into the evening. For more information about winter gritting, please visit our web page >>> https://www.denbighshire.gov.uk/en/parking-roads-and-travel/winter-gritting.aspx

Light snow falls in the area overnight with more forecast

As predicted, there was a light fall of snow overnight, which left a sprinkling on Castell Dinas Bran and nearby hills and on top of cars parked around town this morning (Friday).

The forecast for the rest of the day is light snow and a moderate breeze.

Malcolm drives his final train after half century of service

* Malcolm Lees on his final day of volunteering with the railway. Picture: Oliver Lang.

Llangollen and Corwen Railway marked an emotional and historic day as Malcolm Lees, one of its most respected and long-serving volunteers, completed his final duties after decades of service on the railway. 

Malcolm drove his last services on the final operational day of the year, bringing to a close not only a remarkable personal contribution but also an outstanding 50th anniversary season for the railway. 

Volunteers, colleagues and supporters gathered throughout the day to thank Malcolm for his dedication, marking the occasion with the presentation of a painting of the railway he has helped shape for generations.

 

Malcolm is widely recognised as the railway’s last Steam Era footplate crew. A British Railways (Western Region) man, he was based out of Shrewsbury and Bescot during his BR days, before later becoming synonymous with Llangollen shed in the preservation era.

* Malcolm has driven trains on the heritage railway for a generation. Picture: Thomas Cusworth.

 

Speaking on his final day, Malcolm said: “It has been a huge privilege to be part of this railway for so many years. The people here are like family, and the railway itself gets under your skin. I am incredibly proud of what we have achieved together and grateful for the friendships, memories and moments along the way.”

 

Former railway boss Dave Owen paid tribute to Malcolm’s long railway career: “He started at Salop as a cleaner around the mid-1960s, reached the position of fireman, but was made redundant with the switch to dieselisation. I first knew him in the mid-1990s when he started at Llangollen as a cleaner, quickly moving to fireman and later to driver. His progression reflected both his ability and his dedication.”

 

The final day of service was marked by a real party atmosphere, with hundreds of people without a ticket turning out to see the trains depart and to celebrate both Malcolm’s contribution and the end of a hugely successful year for the railway.

 

Trust Manager David Hennigan paid tribute to Malcolm and the wider railway family, saying: “Malcolm represents the very best of this railway. He has been our last link to the steam era footplate, and I am personally grateful for his help, knowledge and advice. 

"His final day was a fitting celebration, not just of one man’s contribution, but of a railway powered by volunteers who care deeply about what they do. Our Christmas season was completely sold out and delivered by volunteers working at the very top of their game. We will be launching our 2026 season soon, and we do so from a position of strength and optimism. Enjoy your retirement, Mal.”

 

Mr Hennigan also highlighted the importance of partnership support: “None of this would be possible without the continued support of Denbighshire County Council and the Welsh Senedd, including investment through the Shared Prosperity Fund. That support helps us invest not just in infrastructure, but in people, skills and community.”

 

The Llangollen and Corwen Railway now enters its winter period before reopening with its 2026 programme, which will be announced in the coming weeks.

* Malcom is presented with a painting by former railway boss Dave Owen. 

Voluntary services council seeks new chief officer

Denbighshire Voluntary Services Council is seeking a new chief officer to guide the organisation into its next chapter, championing the voluntary sector and inspiring collaboration across the region. 

A job advert says: "Are you a values-led leader with the vision and emotional intelligence to strengthen communities across Denbighshire?  

"As the County Voluntary Council for Denbighshire, DVSC supports hundreds of charities, social enterprises, volunteers, and community groups. We empower local organisations through volunteering, sustainable funding, good governance, and influencing & engagement. 

"This is a senior leadership role where you’ll provide inspirational direction to a dedicated team, represent the voice of the sector locally and nationally, and drive forward strategies for sustainability, innovation, and growth. You’ll also build authentic partnerships with members, funders, and statutory partners, ensuring DVSC continues to deliver real impact. 

"If you’re a strategic thinker, an exceptional communicator, and above all a values-driven leader committed to inclusive, resilient communities, we’d love to hear from you." 

* The closing date is midnight on January 8. The interviews will be held later in January. Interviews will be face to face in Ruthin. For more information and to apply: https://bit.ly/DVSCVacancyChiefOfficer