Message from Llangollen Town Council

Town Council update 31st March 2020 

It has been a week since the UK Government enforced social distancing measures which has disrupted not only the operation of the Town Council but individual activities as well.

The administrative aspects of the Town Council are being managed through staff working from home. In addition, the Town Council’s  Facility Officer is accessing the office to check on mail and messages. 

The Town Council staff are also continuing to support the work of the Llangollen Coronavirus Help Group with practical assistance such as assisting with printing and well as some administrative support work. Additionally, the Town Clerk is actively seeking funds and other means of support the group’s efforts in support people self-isolating and the vulnerable.  

There have also been several developments over the last week regarding the governance of Community Councils in Wales. The Welsh Government are currently working on the development of the secondary legislation, so it will not be too long before the regulations and accompanying guidance will be published. In the interim advice published by the National Association of Local Councils, is as follows: -

If local councils decide to not hold meetings and take decisions by e-mail or other remote methods NALC feels it is likely that afterwards if there were a challenge that the courts will accept that exceptional times called for exceptional measures. In the absence of government guidance, they suggest for now only taking decisions remotely for truly urgent issues. In this case, local councils should evidence their decision making as best they can, for example by asking councillors to confirm their votes by e-mail to the Clerk to keep as a record of the decision.

In line with UK Government directives, all Town Council and Committee meetings are suspended indefinitely.  However there is provision in the Town Councils Standing Orders and Financial Regulations that allows for the delegation of certain activities to the Town Clerk , and in addition, at the meeting of the Asset Management Committee held on the 17th March 2020, it was resolved to provide additional delegated authority to the Town Clerk in consultation with the Town Mayor and Deputy Town Mayor to make payments on all aspect of the Town Council’s operations, as defined in the Committees terms of reference. 

Therefore, Town Council activity over the next few months will  limit be limited to specific operational aspects of the Town Council to routine matters associated with governance such as the authorisation of payments, implementation of contractual obligations and the circulation of information on planning consultations, if received, by email communication with Members.

The Town Council can still be contacted by telephone on 01978 861345 or by emailing townclerk@llangollentowncouncil.gov.uk

Respect rights of way closures in Denbighshire, says county

Denbighshire County Council is urging people to respect the decision to close some rights of way in the county, in light on the on-going Coronavirus situation.

The Welsh Government has introduced emergency regulations that require local authorities to close footpaths and other rights of way where use poses a high risk to the spread of coronavirus.

Any person ignoring the closure of a path or place under these regulations may be asked or forced to leave and may be subject to a Fixed Penalty Notice of £60,  with that charge doubling for a repeat offence.

The closures relate to public paths in or around Llandyrnog, Llangynhafal, Llanbedr Dyffryn Clwyd, Llanferres, Llanarmon yn Ial and Llantysilio communities. A full list is available on the Council’s website: www.denbighshire.gov.uk

This will remain under review and may change if areas are identified where groups of people are congregating and actively ignoring measures set out by the Government.

Councillor Tony Thomas, Cabinet Lead Member for Housing and Communities, said: “The Council is doing all that it can to minimise the spread of Coronavirus in our communities and we have decided to implement these closures of public footpaths and bridleways, in the interest of public health and safety.

“Most people are acting responsibly by staying away from those areas that are closed or where there are restrictions in place.  We ask people to follow these new closures, for everyone’s health and well-being”.

“We understand that people will want to have their daily exercise, but we would urge them to stay local to areas where they are allowed to walk. They should also adhere to the social distancing guidelines and stay at least two metres away from other individuals and not walk in groups”.

“All dog owners, whilst enjoying exercise, are encouraged to keep dogs on leads whilst safely distancing from other users and especially when passing through stock during lambing season.  Some farmers may not be able to respond to their stock’s welfare if they are having to self isolate or are required to isolate due to their age”.

Denbighshire Chief Inspector Alwyn Williams said: “Visibility with the public and pro-active engagement in terms of vehicles and pedestrians is key to ensure compliance with government lockdown instructions. We are working with partner agencies to maintain the best service to the public and we hope people will continue to adhere to the messages and stay away.”

“We want to thank all those who are listening to the advice and we urge anyone who may be considering visiting those areas that are closed or where there are restrictions in place to think again, walking along these footpaths is not essential.”

“We’re in this together and each and every one of us has a role to play by following government advice. Play your part and #ProtectOurNHS, #StayHomeSaveLives.”                                     

Monday virus update from Public Health Wales

Public Health Wales statement on Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak

This statement will be updated daily at 2pm

Updated: 2:00pm Monday 30 March

Dr Giri Shankar, Incident Director for the Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak response at Public Health Wales, said:

“210 new cases have tested positive for Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) in Wales, bringing the total number of confirmed cases to 1,451, although the true number of cases is likely to be higher. 

“14 further deaths have been reported to us of people who had tested positive for Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19), taking the number of deaths in Wales to 62.

“We offer our condolences to families and friends affected, and we ask those reporting on the situation to respect patient confidentiality.

“Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) is now circulating in every part of Wales.  The single most important action we can all take in fighting Coronavirus is to stay at home in order to protect the NHS, and save lives.

“We know that staying at home can be hard, and we want to thank each and every person across Wales for doing their bit to help slow the spread of the virus.”

“Members of the public must adhere to social distancing rules about staying at home, and away from others, introduced by the UK and Welsh Government.  These rules are available on the Public Health Wales website.

“People no longer need to contact NHS 111 if they think they may have contracted Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19).  Information about the symptoms to look out for is available on the Public Health Wales website, or members of the public can use the NHS Wales symptom checker.

“Anyone with a suspected coronavirus illness should not go to a GP surgery, pharmacy or hospital.  They should only contact NHS 111 if they feel they cannot cope with their symptoms at home, their condition gets worse, or their symptoms do not get better after seven days.

“Only call 999 if you are experiencing a life-threatening emergency, do not call 999 just because you are on hold to 111.  We appreciate that 111 lines are busy, but you will get through after a wait.

“The public play a very important role in slowing the spread of infection. By strictly following the latest measures, you will protect yourself, protect the most vulnerable and help to reduce the pressure on NHS Wales and minimise the impact of the virus.”

Numbers of confirmed cases by local health board

Health Board	New cases	Cumulative cases
Aneurin Bevan	51	565
Betsi Cadwaladr	13	82
Cardiff and Vale	62	344
Cwm Taf	34	158
Hywel Dda	12	87
Powys	2	22
Swansea Bay	32	157
Resident outside Wales	2	12
To be confirmed	2	24
Wales Total	208	1439
Total	210	1451

Welsh Government unveils £500m scheme to help businesses

First Minister Mark Drakeford (pictured) has revealed a new £500m fund to plug the gaps left in the coronavirus support available to businesses in Wales, reports Business Live this afternoon (Monday).

The funding is on top of a £1.4bn package of support for businesses in Wales announced last week.

The Economic Resilience Fund will support businesses, charities and social enterprises - with a focus on those who have missed out on support schemes already announced by the UK and Welsh Governments.

This follows the announcement of a business rates holiday for firms in the leisure, retail and hospitality sectors and the UK Government's Job Retention scheme, which pays up to 80% of a worker's wage if they are 'furloughed' because of coronavirus.

For the full story, see: https://www.business-live.co.uk/economic-development/welsh-government-reveals-500m-fund-18006907?utm_source=businesslive_newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_content=Link604&utm_campaign=wales_newsletter

Coronavirus update - Monday

* Father Lee Taylor presents an online 

Songs of Praise from his piano in the vicarage. 

Almost 700 people tuned in to watch the vicar of Llangollen perform his lockdown Songs of Praise on Facebook yesterday evening.

Since the coronavirus crisis began Father Lee Taylor has been streaming Sunday morning mass live on social media to bring worship to his congregation while strictly observing social distancing rules.

Yesterday he extended the idea by performing the first of a series of regular Sunday evening sessions based on him being filmed while sitting at the piano in the Abbey Road vicarage performing a selection of best-loved hymns requested in advance by parishioners and friends.

There was everything on offer from the Old Rugged Cross to Love Divine All Loves Excelling.

There was even a musical tribute to a couple from Leigh on Sea in Essex who he befriended during his curacy some years ago.

They are currently celebrating their golden wedding anniversary and for them he sang and played the old music old hall song My Old Dutch.

You can tune in again next Sunday at 5pm by logging onto the Llangollen Group of Anglican Churches Facebook page at:  

https://www.facebook.com/LlanGroupChurches/?epa=SEARCH_BOX

The online appeal set up last week by the Llangollen Coronavirus Help Group currently stands at £1,715, with the money being used to support its vital work ensuring that the most vulnerable people in the area are cared for during the crisis.

You can donate at: https://www.gofundme.com/f/llangollen-covid-19-support-group?utm_source=facebook&fbclid=IwAR0YENQ0t613PD60Z-zaJgDm4smL4MYntALgiX40fAtbCQHPTs-x4pJHEQE

Yesterday, group co-ordinator Cat Meade took to Facebook to give this update on: “Just a quick post to say we are working hard on the logistics of the Support Group, part of this is to ensure this page https://www.facebook.com/groups/2605345223029039/ is for local updates on the Group, its activities and anything we feel you "Llangollen residents" should be aware of.

“We have had several posts on the page, I am sure in the warmest of ways, however this bumps the important info down, so please respect this and message me, Mike Connolly or Paula Lingard should you wish a message to get to the page.

“Anyone offering food services to Llangollen will be vetted and asked for documentation on their Hygiene Rating & status/location of business, we are facing a huge health concern with COVID 19, without needing to worry of any other possible health issues to you.

“We are Volunteering for you, safeguarding you all is the main priority.Stay home & stay safe #llangollenfamily.”

* This stark image of a police officer's shadow on an empty playground
accompanied yesterday's post by North Wales Police.

North Wales Police posted yesterday: “We are reminding the public NOT to travel to North Wales.

“You should only be leaving the house for food, health reasons, one form of exercise a day or work (if you cannot work from home). Please visit the UK Government & Welsh Government websites for further details.

“Day trippers, holidaymakers - please stay away. The mountains, beaches and countryside will still be here when this is all over.

“Please be reassured that we are still out there patrolling our communities and our roads.

“And a huge thank you goes to all those who are listening to advice and who are staying at home.

“Play your part and #ProtectOurNHS

#StayHomeSaveLives #COVID19!

Public Health Wales - Sunday update

Public Health Wales statement on Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak

This statement will be updated daily at 2pm

Updated: 2:00pm Sunday 29 March

Dr Giri Shankar, Incident Director for the Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak response at Public Health Wales, said:

“148 new cases have tested positive for Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) in Wales, bringing the total number of confirmed cases to 1241, although the true number of cases is likely to be higher. 

“10 further deaths have been reported to us of people who had tested positive for Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19), taking the number of deaths in Wales to 48.

“We offer our condolences to families and friends affected, and we ask those reporting on the situation to respect patient confidentiality.

“Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) is now circulating in every part of Wales.  The single most important action we can all take in fighting Coronavirus is to stay at home in order to protect the NHS, and save lives.

“We know that staying at home can be hard, and we want to thank each and every person across Wales for doing their bit to help slow the spread of the virus.”

“Members of the public must adhere to social distancing rules about staying at home, and away from others, introduced by the UK and Welsh Government.  These rules are available on the Public Health Wales website.

 “People no longer need to contact NHS 111 if they think they may have contracted Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19).  Information about the symptoms to look out for is available on the Public Health Wales website, or members of the public can use the NHS Wales symptom checker.

“Anyone with a suspected coronavirus illness should not go to a GP surgery, pharmacy or hospital.  They should only contact NHS 111 if they feel they cannot cope with their symptoms at home, their condition gets worse, or their symptoms do not get better after seven days.

“Only call 999 if you are experiencing a life-threatening emergency, do not call 999 just because you are on hold to 111.  We appreciate that 111 lines are busy, but you will get through after a wait.

“The public play a very important role in slowing the spread of infection. By strictly following the latest measures, you will protect yourself, protect the most vulnerable and help to reduce the pressure on NHS Wales and minimise the impact of the virus.”

Numbers of confirmed cases by local health board

Health Board	New cases	Cumulative cases
Aneurin Bevan	32	514
Betsi Cadwaladr	5	69
Cardiff and Vale	26	282
Cwm Taf	34	124
Hywel Dda	21	75
Powys	1	20
Swansea Bay	21	125
Resident outside Wales	4	10
To be confirmed	4	22
Wales total	144	1231
Total	148	1241

“We are looking at ways of providing information for the public and media in a routine or automated way, and we ask that the public and media bear with us while these systems are put in place.”

MPs call for action on supply of virus protection equipment

The seven Welsh Conservative MPs across North Wales are calling for urgent action to ensure the region is not left behind in ensuring adequate capacity to treat coronavirus patients.

In recent days, the UK Government has announced the acquisition of private healthcare facilities as well as the setup of "Nightingale" field hospitals at the ExCel Centre in London, the National Exhibition Centre in Birmingham and the Manchester Central. 

Similar plans are in place to provide 2,000 emergency beds at the Principality Stadium in Cardiff.

Simon Baynes MP (Clwyd South) said: “Constituents in Clwyd South are contacting me in large numbers every day to express their concern about the problems being experienced by the Welsh Government in Cardiff with providing sufficient testing and personal protective equipment (PPE) for frontline health and social care workers. 

"A key Welsh Government contract to supply testing equipment has fallen through and I would urge the First Minister to redouble his efforts to source and supply testing equipment and PPE to all our brave frontline staff in Wales in the Coronavirus crisis.”