Electric vehicle charging points planned for two Llan car parks

* Market Street car park will be the site for two of the fast-charging points.

Denbighshire County Council has secured cash to provide four electric vehicle charging points in two Llangollen car parks.

The council will receive a total of £57,400 grant funding from the UK Government’s Office for Zero Emission Vehicles, supported by the Energy Saving Trust, to support the delivery of an Electric Vehicle Public Charging Pilot.

The pilot will provide fast charging points in eight public car parks across Denbighshire for use by the public, including Market Street and the Pavilion car parks in Llangollen. 

The locations include:

Factory Ward Car Park	Denbigh	2 x 22 kilowatt (KW) Alternating Current (AC) charge points (ability to charge 4 vehicles)
Bowling Green Car Park	St Asaph	1 x 22kW AC (ability to charge 2 vehicles)
Market St Car Park	Llangollen	2 x 22 kW AC (ability to charge 4 vehicles)
Pavilion Car Park	Llangollen	2 x 22 kW AC (ability to charge 4 vehicles)
Cae Ddol Car Park	Ruthin	2 x 7Kw AC (ability to charge 4 vehicles)
Craft Centre Car Park	Ruthin	2 x 22 kW AC (ability to charge 4 vehicles)
Fern Ave Car Park	Prestatyn	2 x7Kw AC (ability to charge 4 vehicles)
Morley Road Car Park	Rhyl	2 x 22kW AC (ability to charge 4 vehicles)

Locations have been selected using a range of criteria including location and accessibility and 

Locations have been selected using a range of criteria including location and accessibility and include a mixture of key routes and car parks close to residential properties without access to off-road parking.

Procurement for the charging points will take place in the autumn with the intention for them to be installed and operational by Spring 2022.

The aim is to open up possibilities for people to transition to an electric vehicle where they didn’t previously have access to a charging facility.

The project is part of the council’s action to tackle climate change following the declaration of a Climate and Ecological Emergency in 2019 and adoption of the Climate and Ecological Change Strategy in 2021.

Other Electric vehicle initiatives are involved in the council’s goal to meet the target of a net carbon zero council by 2030. 

Projects currently under development include expanding the council’s Electric Vehicle Charging infrastructure and increasing the number of electric vehicles in its Fleet to deliver Council services.

The council is also delivering a pilot project to encourage taxi companies to transition to the use of electric vehicles after securing funding from Welsh Government.

Cllr Brian Jones, the Council’s Lead Member for Waste, Transport and the Environment, said: “It is fantastic for the Council to be part of such an important project which plays a vital part within our aim to tackle the climate and ecological emergency.

“Electric vehicles are a big part of our future so this is an important step for the county.

“They will create healthier surroundings and provide convenience for those community members and visitors who choose to use an electric vehicle.

“These charging points will provide a real advantage to the whole of Denbighshire but we also hope that some of these locations will be of particular benefit to nearby households with no off road charging facilities. They will also provide useful data to inform potential future expansion analysis of the EV Charging network here in Denbighshire.”

The electric vehicle charging points will be located on two of Denbighshire Leisure site’s including Llangollen Pavilion and Ruthin Craft Centre.

Jamie Groves, Managing Director of Denbighshire Leisure Ltd, said: “As a company we are committed to improving the environment for our residents, which contributes to better Health and Wellbeing. We are delighted to be supporting the Council and the Welsh Government in tackling the climate and ecological emergency declared in 2019, and beyond this project we will continue to work with the Council on a number of projects towards their climate change agenda.”

* For more information about the council’s wider climate and ecological change strategy visit - www.denbighshire.gov.uk/en/environmental-health/climate-and-ecological-change/climate-and-ecological-change.aspx

MP welcomes new charging points

Member of Parliament for Clwyd South, Simon Baynes MP, has welcomed the news that Denbighshire Council has secured grant funding from the UK Government to develop an Electric Vehicle Public Charging Pilot scheme. 

He said: “I warmly welcome the news that Denbighshire Council has secured grant funding from the UK Government to develop an Electric Vehicle Public Charging Pilot scheme which will benefit residents in Llangollen. 

"And it shows the commitment of the UK Conservative Government to Clwyd South and North Wales as this scheme comes as part of the Prime Minister’s focus on supporting green jobs, and accelerating our path to net zero as part of the Green Industrial Revolution.

“This is a great initiative with strong potential to kickstart the uptake of electric vehicles in Llangollen and the rest of Denbighshire. Electric vehicles are a big part of our future so this is an important step for making a greener, cleaner Llangollen.”

New charges to be made for DIY and construction waste

The Denbighshire Free press is reporting that Plans to charge residents for some household waste at recycling centres have been backed by the county council's cabinet.

* For the full story, see: https://www.denbighshirefreepress.co.uk/news/19660169.recycling-centres-denbighshire-charge-diy-construction-waste/ 

Latest Citizens Advice column

Here is the latest column from Denbighshire Citizens Advice:

Q: My energy supplier recently went under and the new tariff I’ve been put on is far more than I used to pay. I’ve heard energy prices are set to rise further and I’m just not sure I can afford it. What help can I get or small changes can I make around my house to help save some money this winter?

A: The cost of energy is very high at the moment and it's causing many people to worry. Normally we would suggest switching to a better deal, but the situation is very difficult at the moment and there aren’t a lot of good deals out there. However, there are still other small ways you can keep your bills down.

Little everyday things can help, such as making sure televisions and other electronic devices are switched off and not left on standby; washing clothes on a lower temperature; and only filling the kettle with the water you need.

Turning down your main thermostat by 1 degree can save you around £60 on your energy bill. And by spending one minute less in the shower each day, a family of four could save £75 a year on energy and water bills. The Government’s Simple Energy Advice website has more tips like this.

You’re right in another way about bills going through the roof - and the walls. One way of cutting costs in the long-run is to invest in good insulation if you can afford to. If you’re renting, ask your landlord to do this.

You may be able to get financial support to help insulate your home under the Energy Company Obligation scheme. Contact your energy supplier for more information. If you’re in a household that’s not connected to the gas grid you may also be able to receive help under the Home Upgrade Grant scheme through your local authority.

There’s some financial support available for paying your energy bills, depending on your situation. For example, if you’re a pensioner with a low income or receive Universal Credit orother means-tested benefits, you may be entitled to the Warm Home Discount. This gives you £140 a year to go towards your bills. Check the Government website to find out if you can claim it.

The Government recently announced a £500m fund to support households this winter so keep a look out for announcements about how this could help you. In England, it will be distributed by Local Authorities. In Wales, it will be decided by the Government.

Remember you can always call our consumer helpline on 0808 2231133 for free advice about your energy costs and staying warm this winter.

  

MP says he will continue to hold face-to-face surgeries

In the wake of the killing of his colleague Sir David Amess during an advice surgery last week, Clwyd South MP Simon Baynes (pictured) says he will continue to hold face-to-face advice sessions with his own constituents.

Sir David died from multiple stab wounds as he held his regular surgery at a local church in Leigh-on-Sea in Southend West on Friday of last week.

Mr Baynes, the Welsh Conservative Member for this area, has issued a statement today in which he says: "I am deeply shocked and saddened by the death of Sir David Amess. 

"He was a much liked and respected Member of Parliament and my thoughts and prayers are with his family, friends and staff."

He added: "Recently, with the reduction in Covid restrictions, I have started to hold MP advice surgeries in person again, including surgeries in Overton and Llangollen, during which I was able to help residents on a one-to-one basis with their issues. 

"And I will continue to hold such face-to-face MP advice surgeries across the constituency in close co-ordination with the police and remotely via Zoom."

Town clerk back at his desk after recovering from Covid-19

* Llangollen's Town Clerk, Gareth Thomas.

Llangollen's Town Clerk is back at his desk after recovering from coronavirus. 

Commenting on his experience Gareth Thomas said: “It was certainly something that I would not wish to experience again, and I urge individuals to take care as the winter approaches. 

"I had been doubly vaccinated and yet still managed to catch Covid which resulted in a short period in hospital. 

"Things can change so rapidly, and everybody should be cautious."

Mr Thomas said he would like to thank all those local people who had contacted him expressing their best wishes for a speedy recovery, which was "much appreciated".

Turning to work matters, the Town Clerk confirmed that no problems had been encountered during his period of absence and this, he said, was largely due to the close working relationship he has with the Town Hall Facilities Officer, Charlie Jones, who stepped in to make sure that activities in the pipeline were implement effectively.

He added: "The large projects referred to by Cllr  Palmer in his press statement of September 28 are still pressing ahead. 

"The highways work on Castle Street is a project being driven by the county council, and therefore was not affected and is continuing apace.

"Work continues, on schedule, to the roof of the Town Hall. The scaffolding will be completely erected by the end of this week and the main contractor, Grosvenor Construction, will provide temporary protection to ensure weather shielding to the interior spaces.  

"Works to repair the clock tower are due to be completed by November 8 and the remaining roofing and rainwater goods by December 2. 

"Last but not least, the ceiling repairs will make the most of a lull in use of the auditorium to be completed by December 15."

Mr Thomas went on: "Preparations for Remembrance 2021 are in place and the Town Council will hold the Annual Remembrance Sunday Service on November 14 on Centenary Square.  

"As usual the parade will muster on Market Street at 10.30am and the Service of Remembrance will start at 10.45am.

"In the days leading up to that Sunday there will be a short Act of Remembrance at the War Memorials at 10.45am on Armistice Day organised by the Royal British Legion.

"In a departure from previous years individuals or organisations requiring a wreath for the service on the Sunday are asked to call into the Council Chamber between the hours of 10 and 12noon, then 4pm and 6pm on Wednesday and Thursday, November 10 and 11 and between 2pm and 4pm on Friday November 12.

"Wreaths will be available for purchase at a cost of £20 and it is important that a cheque, payable to the Royal British Legion, or cash to cover the cost is presented on collection to ensure that the Royal British Legion maximises the amount it raises locally."

MS welcomes vision for future of Welsh economy

* Clwyd South MS Ken Skates.

Member of the Senedd for Clwyd South, Ken Skates, has welcomed the Minister for Economy’s vision for the future, which focuses on better jobs, narrowing the skills divide, and tackling poverty. 

At a hybrid Economic Summit, attended by businesses, trades unions and local government leaders, Welsh Labour’s Minister for Economy, Vaughan Gething, discussed how Wales can create a stronger, fairer, and greener economic future. 

The Minister committed to extending the ‘Team Wales’ model to offer ‘as much certainty as possible’ for businesses facing a volatile recovery.

He also promised a new era of partnership to strengthen regional economic development, a delivery plan to back the everyday economy, and wide-ranging support for workers in a fast-changing economy.

He said the Welsh Labour Government will work with unions and businesses to develop its ‘something for something’ approach so that Welsh public money is wedded to action on fair work, decarbonisation, and skills.

Mr Gething  also started a conversation about the long-term demographic challenge facing the Welsh economy. 

The proportion of the population aged 16 to 64 years old in Wales has been decreasing year-on-year since mid-2008 – and could be just 58% of the population by 2043. 

In response, the Minister said the approach taken by Welsh Labour’s Ministers will be geared towards creating an economy where more young people feel confident about planning their future in Wales, supporting job creation and more dynamic local economies. 

Welcoming the vision, Member of the Senedd for Clwyd South, Ken Skates MS, said:“Welsh Labour in Government is taking the bold action required to build a stronger, fairer, and greener Wales for us all. The last 18 months have been extremely difficult for us all, but by coming together we have kept Wales safe, and now the Welsh Labour Government wants to deliver a ‘Team Wales’ recovery, built by all of us.

“Our strong Welsh recovery will rightly be based on the principles of fair work and sustainability as the Welsh Government invests in the industries and services of the future. 

“A new era of partnership for stronger regions, a young person’s guarantee, a plan to back our everyday economy and collaboration with world leading, advanced manufacturing is exactly the focus we need as we move forward.”

Llan man's 650-mile bike ride for homeless veterans

* Gary Perriton with his bike before the big ride.

A cyclist from Llangollen has embarked on a 650-mile solo bike ride to raise funds and awareness of homeless veterans.

* For the full story in the Denbighshire Free Press, published before he left, see: https://www.denbighshirefreepress.co.uk/news/19648180.armed-forces-veteran-embarks-gruelling-650-mile-solo-bike-ride/