£10m revamp of site shared by two school takes step forward

* Ysgol Bryn Collen shares a site with Ysgol Y Gwernant.

Plans to overhaul the shared site of two Llangollen primary schools have taken a step forward after Denbighshire County Council’s cabinet agreed to approve match funding and submit a business case.

* For the full story in the Denbighshire Free Press, go to: https://www.denbighshirefreepress.co.uk/news/26659722.llangollen-schools-revamp-advances-10-9m-plan/

* Llangollen county councillor Karen Edwards commented: “I welcome Cabinet’s unanimous approval to progress the funding proposals for Ysgol Bryn Collen and Ysgol Gwernant. This is an important step forward for both schools and for the future of education in Llangollen.

“Our children and school communities deserve facilities that are fit for purpose, support learning and provide the right environment for pupils and staff. The need for investment has been recognised for far too long, and it is essential that we now move forward.

“I was clear at Cabinet that support in principle must be backed by a firm financial commitment from the Council. I therefore welcome the decision to commit the proposed match funding and submit the business case to Welsh Government for consideration.

“While this is not the final approval for the project to proceed, it takes us a significant step closer to securing the investment needed. I will continue to press for progress and ensure that the needs of both schools remain a priority.

“Llangollen’s children, parents, and staff need more than promises. They need to see this project delivered, and that must remain the shared objective.”

It's all aboard for love at the railway

* Mel and Gary celebrated their marriage at Llangollen & Corwen Railway.

Llangollen and Corwen Railway is inviting couples to say “I do” somewhere truly extraordinary with the launch of a new range of wedding packages combining steam trains, heritage stations and the spectacular scenery of the Dee Valley.

The heritage railway has unveiled three new packages designed to offer couples everything from a memorable railway experience as part of their celebrations to a complete wedding day centred around the Railway.

With historic stations, traditional steam trains and some of the most beautiful scenery in North Wales, Llangollen Railway can offer couples and their guests a wedding experience unlike almost anywhere else.

Wedding packages are available from £3,995, with options for celebrations of different sizes and plenty of opportunities for couples to personalise their day.

The Railway Celebration combines a journey aboard one of the Railway’s scheduled services with reserved space, a welcome drink and traditional afternoon tea.

The Dee Valley Wedding includes a marriage ceremony at Llangollen Railway, a private steam train charter, reception, afternoon tea and an evening celebration complete with food and a DJ.

The ultimate package, Llangollen Exclusive, includes exclusive use of a steam train and selected station areas, premium food and drink, enhanced styling, entertainment options and support from a dedicated event team.

Jordan Edge, Catering Manager at Llangollen and Corwen Railway. said: “We’re incredibly excited to launch our new wedding packages and give couples the opportunity to celebrate one of the biggest days of their lives in such a special setting.

“There is something wonderfully romantic about a heritage railway. From arriving at one of our historic stations to travelling through the beautiful Dee Valley aboard a steam train, there are so many opportunities to create memories and photographs that will last a lifetime.

“We also know that every couple has their own ideas about what makes the perfect wedding. These packages give people a clear starting point, but they aren't intended to restrict anyone’s imagination. Our team will work with each couple to personalise their day and create something that really feels like their own.

“Whether the Railway is one memorable part of the celebrations or couples want to make it the centrepiece of their entire wedding day, we want to help them create something extraordinary.”

The Railway offers a variety of locations for wedding photography, including its heritage stations, alongside historic locomotives and carriages, and against the spectacular landscape of the Dee Valley.

A dedicated wedding team will work with couples from their initial enquiry through to the big day, helping them select their package and explore additional options to personalise their celebration.

* Couples interested in finding out more or beginning to plan their wedding at Llangollen Railway can contact the wedding team on 01978 860 979 or email weddings@llangollen-railway.co.uk.

Music project which has played in Llangollen releases new album

* Isaac Birchall live on stage  in 2024.

A North Wales-based acoustic/folk rock project which has entertained local audiences is launching its latest album next month. 

Cats and Crows, which has played at Llangollen Food Festival and Gales Wine Bar, is releasing This Time Will Pass Anyway on November 27.

Singer/songwriter Isaac Birchall, founder member of the project, says: "It is a record about moving on from loss, and learning to live with, and even love, the hole something can leave behind.

"It's for fans of: Bell X1, Nathaniel Rateliff, Novo Amor, Eddie Vedder, Lord Huron, The Frames."

He added: "It's a nine-song album, written and recorded at home and mastered by Fergal Davis in Dublin. It features Welsh Pipes, the Ruthin town bells from St Peter's Church, and some Welsh spoken word.

"Two singles are being released ahead of it - Mining Time on October 2 and Anyway on October 30."

Isaac Birchall has been a well known singer-songwriter on the North Wales circuit for nearly 20 years.

Having gigged under his own name as a one-man acoustic act for well over a decade, performing mostly covers at the countless wonderful pubs and clubs in the area, he found that his own musical style varied heavily, from hard rock and metal to delicate acoustic and folk.  

This Time Will Pass Anyway features a whole host of friends the project has made over the last few years from all over the world. 

Isaac said: "Words can't describe the pride we feel for this album. We can't wait for you to hear it."

* More details: https://www.facebook.com/CatsAndCrowsBand

Fly-tipping investigations lead to enforcement action

* The fly-tipping incident in Llandegla.

Fly-tipping incidents in the countryside and town have been tackled recently by Denbighshire County Council.

From rural Llandegla to the streets of Denbigh, Denbighshire County Council is reminding would-be fly-tippers that dumping waste will have consequences.

Two fly-tipping investigations by Denbighshire County Council’s Environmental Crime and Behaviour Change Team resulted in those responsible being identified and issued with Fixed Penalty Notices (FPNs).

In Llandegla, officers investigated a fly-tip discovered in the area, carrying out enquiries and following the available evidence to establish where the waste had come from and who was responsible. The investigation led to the identification of the individual, who was subsequently issued with a Fixed Penalty Notice.

Meanwhile, in Denbigh, a resident was issued with a £250 Fixed Penalty Notice after a pile of black bags was dumped in the community. The waste was reported to the Council, prompting an investigation that resulted in officers identifying the person responsible.

The cases demonstrate that fly-tipping investigations can lead to enforcement action.

Environmental Crime Manager Jonathan Brittain-Hughes said: “Unfortunately for those responsible, these weren’t cases of leaving waste behind and hoping nobody would notice.

“Our officers investigated both incidents, followed the evidence and were able to identify those responsible. As a result, Fixed Penalty Notices have been issued.

“Fly-tipping has a real impact on our communities. Whether it is black bags dumped on a residential street or waste abandoned in the countryside, it affects the places where people live, work and visit."

Councillor James Elson, Lead Member for Environment and Transport, added: “Fly-tipping will not be tolerated in any part of Denbighshire. Whether waste is dumped in one of our towns, on a residential street or in the countryside, we will investigate the evidence available and take action against those responsible.

“We all have a role to play in protecting our communities and keeping Denbighshire clean. I would urge residents to dispose of their waste responsibly and to report fly-tipping so that our officers can follow up the information provided.”

Denbighshire County Council continues to tackle environmental crime across the county through a combination of prevention, education, intelligence gathering, community engagement and enforcement.

Residents are reminded that household waste should be presented for collection in accordance with the Council’s waste collection arrangements. Any additional waste should be disposed of through appropriate facilities or services.

Seen a fly-tip? Help follow the trail ...

Members of the public can play an important role in helping the Council identify those responsible for fly-tipping.

If you witness fly-tipping or have information about an incident, please report it to Denbighshire County Council. Where possible, provide the location, date and time, a description of the person or vehicle involved, and the vehicle registration number.

What's on at Pengwern Hub in November

The following activities/sessions are on at Pengwern in November:

Llangollen | Star Inn Burglary - update

Llangollen | Star Inn Burglary - update

Two people have been arrested in connection with the burglary offence at The Star inn, Llangollen. 

In a statement : Inspector Joseph Dunn - Conwy and Denbighshire Rural Local Police Team says: "We are actively working with the Crown Prosecution Service around the next steps in this case, with a view of bringing this matter before the courts.

"I know that the break in and damage caused to the Star Inn has generated significant concern and anger across Llangollen and the wider community. The team at The Star have worked extremely hard to bring the pub back to life for the community, and incidents of this nature have a huge impact on those who invest so much in our local businesses. 

"Llangollen is a strong and resilient community, and I'd like to personally thank everyone who has shared information and supported the investigation which has led to these arrests."

On its Facebook page, the Star Inn says: 

⭐ A HUGE THANK YOU FROM EVERYONE OF OUR COMMUNITY AND SURROUNDING AREAS

We would like to say a massive thank you to everyone who helped identify those responsible for the recent incident by sharing our posts, coming forward with information and showing their support.

The outcome is the best we could have hoped for, and we have been truly overwhelmed by the kindness, encouragement and community spirit shown over the past few days. ❤️

Our focus now is firmly on getting The Star Inn back on track. We will be working tirelessly to ensure we OPEN AS PLANNED on Friday 6th November for our Soft Launch, followed by our GRAND OPENING on Saturday 7th November! 🍻🎉

A couple of individuals will not derail something that means so much to our community. If anything, the events of the past few days have shown just how strong our community really is.

We would also like to extend our sincere thanks to North Wales Police for their swift response and professionalism in dealing with this matter.

Llangollen, you've been absolutely incredible. We cannot thank you enough! ❤️

⭐ The Star Inn – Your Pub, Your Community. ⭐

Llangollen Ramblers' invitation to join their winter walks

This winter, Llangollen Ramblers are putting on a series of eight walks, ranging from four to nine miles, each starting from Llangollen Bridge.

The walks are free and Ramblers say you will be more than welcome to join in, whether you're an experienced walker or a novice.  

A spokesperson for the group, Judy Smith, said: "We aim to cover the very best of the local footpaths and, of course, the views.  

"You can find all the information you need, along with a programme, by calling into to Llangollen Tourist Information for printed copy, by looking on Llangollen Ramblers Facebook site, or by emailing me, Judy, on smithdinbren@gmail.com.

"We really look forward to seeing you!"