Llangollen 'one of ten best places to retire', says article

Llangollen is one of the ten best places to retire in Wales, according to an article in online travel magazine World Atlas.

Under the heading "The Ten Can't Miss Towns in Wales", it ranks Llangollen alongside Tenby, Conwy, Hay-on-Wye, Caernarfon, Aberystwyth, Beaumaris, Llandudno, Dolgellau and Harlech as the paces to head to "with home prices that can make the move more achievable than you think".

* For the full story, go to: https://www.worldatlas.com/cities/the-10-can-t-miss-towns-in-wales.html 

County council answers concerns about Riverside Park toilets

The public toilets in Llangollen's Riverside Park are currently closed due to technical problems but the aim is to have them open at weekends and bank holidays with a full facelift in the pipeline.

That is the word from Denbighshire County Council, which operates the loos in the popular park.

People have been complaining that despite the growing number of attractions at Riverside - the outdoor gym being the latest - the toilets have not been available to use for some time.

They are saying this can present problems as the town's only other public conveniences are some distance away in Market Street.

Asked by llanblogger about the situation a spokesperson for the county council said: "Riverside Park toilet facility has been closed due to technical issues at the facility. Going forward the toilet will be open at weekends and during the summer holidays.

"Denbighshire County Council plan a full refurbishment of the Riverside Park toilet facility during the Autumn."

Mayor sends open letter to the town about anti-social behaviour

Llangollen's new Town Mayor, Councillor Damon Richards-Gwilliam, sends out an open letter explaining the Town Council is responding to the recent bout of anti-social behaviour which struck the area last bank holiday.

Dear residents and businesses, 

I am writing to update you on actions being taken by Llangollen Town Council in response to the recent incidents of anti-social behaviour and other related concerns witnessed across our town. 

Whilst matters such as anti-social behaviour, crime and parking enforcement fall within the responsibilities of the Police and other statutory agencies rather than the Town Council, we have listened carefully to the concerns raised by residents and businesses. In light of the significant impact these incidents are having on our community, we have decided to take a leading role in supporting a coordinated response.

Accordingly, the Town Council has engaged directly with the relevant agencies, including the Police, and is convening partners to address the issues being experienced locally with a view to identifying practical solutions. We are also keen to explore ways for our local businesses to have a stronger voice in future discussions. As part of this, the Council will consider the potential re-establishment of a Chamber of Trade and gauge local interest in such an initiative going forward.

We would also encourage everyone to continue reporting incidents through the appropriate Police channels, whether online or by telephone, and to ensure that an incident or crime reference number is obtained where possible. We are regularly advised that modern policing is increasingly data-led, with resources and operational priorities informed by reported incidents and trends. For that reason, it is important that concerns are logged through official channels so that the picture held by the Police force accurately reflects the experiences of residents and businesses in our town.

Our town is a welcoming and vibrant place, welcoming thousands of visitors each year who contribute significantly to the local economy and character of our community. The overwhelming majority of those who visit our town do so responsibly and respectfully. However the behaviour of a small minority can have a disproportionate impact on residents, businesses and visitors alike. We are committed to working with partners to ensure that our town remains a safe, welcoming and enjoyable place for everyone.

Thank you for your continued support. If you have any concerns or information you would like to share please do not hesitate to contact us.

Yours sincerely,

Cllr Damon Richards-Gwilliam,

Maer y Dref - Town Mayor

Citizens Advice sessions for Llangollen and Corwen

 

Map shows traffic system for Pavilion concerts and Eisteddfod

Denbighshire County Council has released a map showing the one-way system and clearways which will be temporarily in operation on various roads in Llangollen from June 24 until July 12 to facilitate the Live at Llangollen evening concerts at the Pavilion and the Eisteddfod itself.

The one-system is shown in blue and clearways in grey. 

Access will be available for pedestrians while the closure is in place. 

Residents and businesses in Llangollen are being invited to a public meeting this evening (Tuesday) ahead of the 2026 summer season at the Pavilion and Eisteddfod.

2026 marks the third year that the Eisteddfod and Cuffe and Taylor have co-promoted concerts at the Pavilion, bringing major international artists and audiences to the town.

Representatives from both organisations will attend the meeting, which starts at the Pavilion at 6.30pm, to provide the latest information about the upcoming events programme, site arrangements, traffic management plans, noise mitigation measures, and access to the Pavilion site.

The Eisteddfod says numerous steps are being taken to maintain a safe environment for the public during event days, including traffic management measures and a one-way system in certain areas. 

A dedicated phone line will also be launched to allow residents to contact the Eisteddfod team with any issues during the festival.

Eisteddfod Chair John Gambles said: “In just a few weeks’ time, the doors of our iconic Pavilion will welcome tens of thousands of people for another exciting summer season of live entertainment, with TK Maxx Presents Live at Llangollen Pavilion 2026 and the Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod. 

"This meeting will be an opportunity for Llangollen residents and businesses to get the latest information as we prepare for a fantastic summer programme. It’s important to us to keep residents informed, listen to, act on their concerns and ensure the impact on our town is positive.”

* Tickets and further information about events at the Pavilion and the Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod are available from llangollen.net

Library Talking Points to host drop-in sessions for unpaid carers

Talking Points around Denbighshire, including at Llangollen Library, will feature drop-in sessions for Denbighshire’s unpaid carers throughout the current National Carers Week.

The support offered by the Talking Points service through British Red Cross Community Navigators is wide reaching, and paring this with help and advice from carers assessors allows unpaid carers to get support on a wide range of topics.

Talking Points are every Thursday at Llangollen Library, from 10am – 12.30pm

These sessions allow unpaid carers to find out about the support available to in their local areas, without having to travel across the county to access support.

Councillor Elen Heaton, Lead Member for Health and Social Care, said: “Looking after a loved one isn’t always easy, which is why it’s important that carers know where they can turn to for support.

"During National Carers Week, I’d encourage anyone caring for a family member, friend or neighbour to pop into one of these sessions and find out more about the support available across Denbighshire.”

Westheads enter China on their mega-trip to Thailand

* The lads' daily video log says it all ...

The three Llangollen area lads cycling to Thailand in aid of heart research have now entered China - the place they had most looked forward to tackling - and signs for a good crossing of the 17th country of their mega-trip are good, they report.

Leaving the previous country of Kyrgyzstan, it took them an exhausting two hours to get through tough Chinese immigration but once inside the border things started to look up.

For a start they reckoned the roads were far better than those they'd just left behind and the hotel where they stayed on their first night, which they thought was the nicest of the trip so far, cost them just £7 including a huge breakfast and laundry facilities.

Once rested they were planning to get back on those good roads and pedal off in the direction of their first large Chinese city, Kashgar.   

Dyfan Hughes, 18, from Llangollen, Louis Dennis, 19, from Garth, and James Thomas,19, from Wrexham - known as the Westheads - are making their 1,000 journey in aid of the British Heart Foundation in memory of Tony Edge, the father of their friend Harrison who died following a heart attack in 2024.

So far they've raised more than £30,000 of their £50,000 charity target since leaving Llangollen last year.

* llanblogger is recording their adventures along the way. To follow the journey on their social media and make a donation if you wish, go to: https://linktr.ee/westheads 

* Tucking into their first meal after crossing the Chinese border.