A change at the top

In this issue we say a fond farewell to our Chief Executive, Dr Mohammed Mehmet who will be leaving us this month. Mohammed has been with Denbighshire for over 10 years and has achieved so much during his time with us.

Dr Mehmet, said: “My reason for leaving is simply that I believe it’s time for a change: for me and Denbighshire. I started in Denbighshire in December 2007 – on a six month contract! The ten years since have been wonderful for me. I have worked with the best staff in the UK and elected members have allowed me to do the job in my own way and have backed me with strong support. I have been lucky and proud to work here as the Chief Executive.

“There is probably never the ideal time for such decisions, but I wanted the new council to settle after the local elections and for members to agree their Corporate Plan before they had to worry about replacing their Chief Executive.

Councillor Hugh Evans OBE, Leader of the Council, said: "I would like to show my appreciation to Mohammed for transforming Denbighshire during his period as our Chief executive.

“Mohammed has guided both officers and members through difficult and challenging times into being one of the highest performing councils in Wales. His vision and commitment has set the foundations for Denbighshire to manage the future with confidence and it has been a pleasure to work alongside him.

“I wish him all the best in the future"

Although the staff and members will miss Mohammed, he is being replaced by an equally capable individual – Judith Greenhalgh who has been appointed as the new Chief Executive.

Judith, was previously the Director of Corporate Resources at Derbyshire County Council, is from Manchester and is also a former Deputy Chief Executive of the Manchester Probation Service.

Leader of Denbighshire, Councillor Hugh Evans OBE, said: “We are delighted to be welcoming someone of such high calibre to Denbighshire.

“There were strong contenders in the running for the post and they all performed to an extremely high standard in a rigorous selection process”.

Judith said: “I’m delighted to have been offered the role. I cannot wait to take up the challenge and join Denbighshire. It is such a beautiful county, which is very close to my heart. I have often stayed in the Clwydian Range and I’ll relish the challenge of coming to work for such a progressive authority”.

Judith starts her new role this month and we all wish her well.

North East Wales celebrates its Routes to the Sea

A new film showcasing the North East Wales region has been released as part of Visit Wales’ Year of the Sea campaign. Denbighshire, Wrexham and Flintshire have joined forces to produce the film to inspire new visitors to experience North East Wales’ Routes to the Sea.

Funded by Visit Wales’ Regional Tourism Engagement Fund, the film explores the region’s visitor offer from inland to the coast; highlighting the cycle routes, coastal path, heritage, and beaches as well as activities including paragliding and horse riding in Talacre. The variety of outdoor water based experiences available in the area are also featured including sailing, fishing, sea swimming, stand up paddle boarding and water skiing.

Tourism plays a vital part in the regions’ economy, with a total economic impact in 2016 of £848m and over 11 million visits made.

Tourism Minister, Lord Elis-Thomas, said: “In 2018 we’re celebrating Wales’ outstanding coastline, and inviting visitors to discover new epic experiences all around our shores, with special events and attractions throughout the year. I’m delighted that Visit Wales funding has enabled the North East to work together in order to strengthen awareness and showcase some of the area’s inspiring journeys to the coast this year.”

Ian Lebbon, Chair of Denbighshire Destination Partnership said: “Thank you to everyone who contributed to the making of the film, we hope it will inspire visitors to experience some of our water based and coastal activities. Key investments in our coastal resorts, such as the developments in Rhyl, will help increase awareness and visitor footfall to the region and create jobs that will boost the local economy.”

This film is the start of a series of new mini films which will be released throughout the year, featuring different themes including walking, cycling, wildlife, heritage, food & drink, beaches, as well as outdoor water activities. A series of blogs and Year of the Sea professional images will also be released to help draw new and repeat visits to the region.

Follow Films Co-Founder Graham Cooper, who produced the films, said “This has been a fantastic project to work on over the past few months, I’ve lived in North East Wales all my life, but working on projects like this reminds me how lucky we are to live in this area. I find so many new, amazing activities whilst producing films like this, and the passion businesses have for North East Wales is great to see.”

For further information on the places and activities featured in the film, please visit http://www.northeastwales.wales/

Do you organise events?

The Tourism Team have launched a new simplified events process for event organisers who wish to engage with the authority.

For more information visit our website.

You can download the short notification form from this page and get lots of helpful advice about holding a safe and successful event.

The Tourism Team can also promote your event via the What’s On booklet and social media channels, once a notification form has been returned.

 

 

Packed agenda at next Denbighshire Tourism Forum

Tourism businesses are being invited to a Forum outlining the latest developments in their industry this April. With a strong line-up of guest speakers including representatives from Visit Wales, and SweetSpot Group who organise high quality annual sporting events including OVO Energy Tour of Britain, the UK’s largest professional cycle race, it promises to be a key event for everyone involved in the tourism sector.

The Denbighshire Tourism Forum takes place on Thursday, 12th April at the Oriel House, St Asaph at 10.30am. The event offers a great opportunity for delegates to network and share experiences, knowledge and ideas. A variety of information stands will be present including Cadwyn Clwyd, Keep Wales Tidy, Helfa Gelf, Menter Iaith Sir Ddinbych, Llangollen International Musical Festival, CADW, Visit Wales and many more.

Councillor Hugh Evans OBE, Leader of Denbighshire and who is also the Cabinet Lead Member for the Economy, said: “With the start of the main tourism season fast approaching; the Forum is a great way to meet like-minded people and find out about the latest tourism developments. It’s not only for tourism businesses, it’s a good opportunity for students and anyone with an interest in tourism to hear from those working in the industry sharing their experiences first hand.”

Tourism plays a vital part in Denbighshire’s economy, with a total economic impact in 2016 of over £479 million, a 50% increase compared to 10 years ago, and nearly 6 million visits made to the County in 2016.

Local business owner Tommy Davies who recently won the Young Tourism Person of the Year in the Go North Wales Tourism Awards, runs Coed-y-Glyn Log Cabins in Glyndyfrdwy near Llangollen, will be coming to tell his story. Tommy said: “It’s fantastic to see Denbighshire and the wider North Wales region grow in popularity over the last few years and welcome guests from all over the world to our beautiful area. The Forum is a great platform for everyone in the sector to get together and share their stories, ideas and plans to ensure sustained future tourism growth.”

Visit Wales will also be present to share information on The Wales Way - the new family of three national scenic touring routes which cross the country’s most epic landscapes as a way of showcasing Wales’ fascinating history, coastlines and attractions. There will be lots of exciting opportunities for the sector to capitalise on this innovative campaign to bring more visitors to the region.

To book a place at the Forum please e-mail: tourism@denbighshire.gov.uk, telephone: 01824 706223 or https://denbighshiretourismforum2018.eventbrite.co.uk/

5 Journeys

As part of listening to the needs of local businesses’ and the Denbighshire Destination Management Plan-Denbighshire’s Tourism and Marketing department have developed a brand new product to promote the County to visitors, it is a handy A5 size which opens up into a useful map of local attractions and things to do. It will be available from April at Tourist Information Centres and Tourist Information Points as well as libraries and leisure centres. Should you wish to see a copy it can be downloaded from here.

Or if you wish to receive a copy please email tourism@denbighshire.gov.uk.

What's on Denbighshire

Take a look at our new brochure which is hot off the press. An electronic version is available to download on the Discover Denbighshire website.  You will also find lots of other information and ideas on what to do in Denbighshire over the coming weeks.

 

Sustainable Development Fund

The Sustainable Development Fund (SDF) was established in 2001 to support innovative, sustainable projects in Wales’s five Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONBs) and the good news is we have been awarded another year of funding from the Welsh Government.  The Fund supports the development of living and working more sustainably in association with enhancing natural beauty, wildlife, culture, landscape, land use and community within the context of the goals and sustainable development principles in the Well-being of Future Generations Act.

Lots of different people can apply for funding:

• community, voluntary and partnership groups
• community councils
• the private sector and individuals (for projects in the wider public interest)

The fund supports projects which will:

• conserve and enhance the natural beauty of the AONB, including the built environment
• promote sustainable forms of social and economic development
• promote the economic and social well-being of local communities
• promote quiet enjoyment of the AONB

Examples might include sustainable schools projects such as the management of grounds for wildlife or energy, waste, and traffic reduction initiatives; sustainable transport projects to reduce car use and improve health; enhancement of village open spaces for local use and wildlife; restoration of historic features such as a village pond, community orchard or traditional boundaries; training programmes to safeguard traditional skills such as hedge laying, stone walling, conservation management.

The Sustainability Development Fund offers project grants, management grants to support staff costs or development grants to act as a catalyst for new action or partnerships and can provide up to 50% of the total project cost.

Want to know more?

Contact Ceri Lloyd, Sustainable Development Officer on 01824 712748 or e-mail ceri.lloyd@denbighshire.gov.uk

Last year for European seabird project

This summer will sadly mark the end of the EU LIFE+ Nature Little Tern Recovery Project. The 5-year project, with the RSPB being the lead member, involved 11 partners and covered 20 key breeding sites right across the UK. It has allowed Denbighshire Countryside Service to make significant improvements to the Little Tern colony at Gronant, with funding contributing to purchase of equipment and providing an extra member of staff. The project has provided a platform for sharing of ideas across the country and encouraged innovation when overcoming the issues that affect this rare seabird. Over the period of the project a trend of steep decline in the UK population of Little Tern has at least stabilised but we still have lots of work to do until we reach a point of recovery.

Image credit:  Michael Steciuk

Fortunately, Denbighshire has become one of the best places to see this rare seabird at close quarters. Gronant became the largest Little Tern colony, for the very first time, in the UK and Ireland in 2017. The total of 161 breeding pairs contributes to over 10% of the UK population and we have good success rates when it comes to adults rearing young. This has greatly been due to the efforts of Countryside staff, other organisations and volunteers over the years. We are always looking for more volunteers to help our efforts in ensuring little terns can still be seen in the future. Please contact the Brickfields Pond office on 01824 708313 for more information. You could even join the North Wales Little Tern Group, a volunteer group that provides significant support towards our work at Gronant.

Ghosts of Corwen

With 2018 being Visit Wales’ year of discovery, school children from Ysgol Caer Drewyn, Corwen have created a short film that celebrates their landscape and local legends.

The project was put together by Denbighshire Arts, Countryside and Heritage Services and the Clwydian Range and Dee Valley Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty who employed artist Rob Spaull to work with the children.

Following discussions about what was special about their area the children developed their own story board and became budding film directors, camera crew and actors. The film features the area’s Celtic connections and the spectacular Iron Age Hillfort of Caer Drewyn and Pen y Pigyn woodland with its association to Owain Glyndwr.

Charlotte Davies, teacher at Ysgol Caer Drewyn said: ‘The children thoroughly enjoyed their experience, they learned about their local area, developed new skills and were inspired by the project’.

Year 3 and 4 children said that they particularly enjoyed learning about the camera angels, going on the steam train, enjoyed using the editing software on the computer and creating the special effects.

Councillor Hugh Jones, Chair of the Clwydian Range and Dee Valley AONB Joint Committee said: "Corwen is located within an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty which recognises the area as having a landscape of international importance, similar to the Great Barrier Reef. It is really inspiring to see the local children engaged with and enthusiastic about their landscape."

To view the short film click here, or why not visit Corwen by train this summer and visit Caer Drewyn and Penypigyn this summer, walks to these sites can be downloaded from the website.

The project would like to thank Jude Wood and Claire Sandland for their contributions to the film and the Llangollen Heritage Railway, Arts Council for Wales, and Natural Resources Wales for their support.

AONB Guides

Congratulations to the newly qualified Clwydian Range and Dee Valley AONB Guides.

This is the fourth year that the AONB has brought people together from in and around the Clwydian Range and Dee Valley to learn about the special qualities of this outstanding landscape.

The AONB Guide Course is for those who want to learn more about the culture, heritage, biodiversity and working landscape of the Clwydian Range and Dee Valley – so that they can pass this on to others as ambassadors for the area as well as enrich their own understanding of the protected landscape.

During the course the guides have visited archaeological sites with Fiona Gale, County Archaeologist, and explored the Alyn Valley with Ecologist Joel Walley and John Morris – the Ranger for Loggerheads. They have been out at 5 o’ clock in the morning to watch black grouse and learn about moorland management and have been to the livestock market in Ruthin to talk to farmers.  They have also been learning some key Welsh phrases. 

These are the things that make up the special landscape of this area.

Six guides completed the course this year and a presentation event was held at County Hall Mold.

Here are the guides with AONB Partnership Chairman Andy Worthington. Llongyfarchiadau mawr i chi gyd.

Dark Skies

In 2016, the Clwydian Range and Dee Valley AONB set about exploring the opportunities to improve the quality of its dark skies and attain appropriate designation by the International Dark Sky Association (IDA). A feasibility study identified that Dark Sky Community Status would be the most viable option at present.  The AONB’s Joint Committee approved to pursue with accreditation in February 2018.  We have secured £10,000 from the Welsh Government towards the application process and have programmed a series of Dark Sky events as part of our Out and About programme.  Look out for the above logo.  The application could take up to 18 months to complete. 

A copy of the feasibility study is available on the AONB’s website.

'Outstanding' Clwydian Range & Dee Valley AONB Volunteer

John Roberts has won the ‘Clwydian Range & Dee Valley AONB Volunteer Award’ for this year.

 Pictured is the Chair of the AONB Joint Committee, Councillor Hugh Jones, presenting John Roberts with the Clwydian Range & Dee Valley AONB Volunteer Award

John, has been an active member of the AONB Partnership and the former Joint Advisory Committee for a number of years and his contribution to the AONB has been above and beyond the original role that he was appointed for, nothing is ever too much trouble, and when his advice is sought John is always there, wise and steadfast!

John is passionate about the outdoors and walking and is Secretary of Flintshire Rambling Association Footpaths Committee. John strives to ensure Rights of Ways are maintained and managed for walkers and represented the Ramblers Association on the former JAC Committee. John often proof reads publications for the AONB which is valued. John has also been a prominent founder member of the ‘Friends of the Clwydian Range & Dee Valley AONB’ and is the Secretary and Editor of the ‘Friends’ of newsletter which helps to raise understanding and awareness of the Clwydian Range & Dee Valley AONB, and this has assisted to its success of having almost 200 members. John is also a member of ‘Our Picturesque Landscape Steering Group Committee’.

John, lives with his wife in Sychdyn, nr Mold and is a keen sports man and has played cricket and football and is a season ticket holder for Wrexham FC. John even helped out with bowling events at Plas Newydd, Llangollen, on behalf of the AONB.

It is apparent for anyone to see that John has a real devotion to the AONB and will assist at any level to try and secure its future.

AONB Officer Howard Sutcliffe said that “I am delighted that John has won the award of ‘Volunteer of the Year’, John is both supportive and reliable and always has an easy happy and friendly manner and has been a truly positive influence for the AONB.

Councillor Hugh Jones, Chair of the AONB Joint Committee who presented John with the Award said that “On behalf of the AONB Partnership and Team I would like to thank John for his diligent work for the AONB, we are very grateful to him”.

Calls to protect and enhance Ruabon Moor

A campaign aimed at protecting the heather moorland in parts of south Denbighshire has been launched.

The Sustainable Access campaign aims to prevent further damage to the moorland, which is being eroded due to an increase in use.

Over recent years the area of moorland around Llandegla and Eglwyseg is being used as a popular route into Llangollen.  As a result the paths and animal tracks are being damaged and the heather moorland is degrading. This has an impact on wildlife in the area, particularly ground nesting birds.

Now the Clwydian Range and Dee Valley Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty team and Ride North Wales, in partnership with Oneplanet Adventure who run the mountain bike centre at Coed Llandegla are launching a campaign, which encourages cyclists and other users to stick to official routes.

The campaign includes videos highlighting some of the problems caused, a series of social media activity aimed at cyclists and other countryside users,

Councillor Tony Thomas, Cabinet Lead Member for Housing, Regulation and the Environment, said: “The stunning countryside and unique terrain attracts thousands of people every year. This campaign is asking them to stick to the Trail Users Code and follow the designated official routes. We want to protect this unique landscape and prevent any further damage to the paths, the heather moorland and the wildlife that has made the moorland their home.

“This landscape is unique, but it is also fragile. That is why the AONB and its partners have been working to protect this unique location, but need the public’s help too.

“We appeal for people to be considerate of the countryside and work together to protect it for future generations”.

For further information, please visit: http://www.ridenorthwales.co.uk/ or http://www.beiciogogleddcymru.co.uk/  

Amateur archaeologists win the Clwydian Range & Dee Valley Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty Annual Award

Every year the Clwydian Range & Dee Valley Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) select an individual or group whose contribution to the landscape and communities of the Clwydian Range & Dee Valley AONB have been outstanding.

This year’s award has been awarded to Clwydian Range Archaeology Group - CRAG

The group arose from the AONB’s Heather & Hillforts project a few years ago, and they have excavated  an area on the northern flanks of Moel Arthur, which revealed some interesting ‘finds’ from the Bronze Age.

They are an enthusiastic bunch of amateur archaeologists, led until recently by two or three people rather more qualified. Their total membership is about 30 including active members and supporters.

Last year, however, they lost the services of two of their leaders, which would have made continuing the dig impossible.

However, they applied successfully for a Heritage Lottery Grant, and have received support from the AONB Sustainable Development Fund (SDF) and with the funding they appointed  a professional archaeologist to train a few of them in the techniques of excavating ancient sites, as well as the most important procedure of recording their daily work and any discoveries they make.

They have held an Open day at Loggerheads, and more recently held an exhibition in the Gallery at Loggerheads.

Numerous walkers on the National Trail have stopped to ask questions, and are given a short talk by one of the team, this in turn stimulates interest in the hillforts which is good publicity for our AONB.

The AONB award is not the only award the group has won. At the end of 2017 they travelled to London to receive the Marsh Archaeology Community Award. However I am sure this award means more to the group as it is from the local area and after all they are named after a part of our very special AONB. Congratulations to CRAGs!

Crag members being presented with the Clwydian Range & Dee Valley Award by the Chair of the Joint Committee Councillor Hugh Jones (Deputy Leader for Wrexham County Borough Council) at County Hall, Mold.

From the left, Pat Daley, Wendy Whitby, Councillor Hugh Jones, Keith Lowery, Karen Lowery

Take the Lead Campaign

The Clwydian Range and Dee Valley Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) will be working with partners to launch the second year of the Take the Lead campaign over the Easter holidays. The campaign aims to target visitors and local residents who walk their dogs in the countryside to keep their dogs on leads when walking on land with grazing animals.

The campaign will promote responsible dog walking through social media, press releases, short films and events at popular walking sites in the AONB such as Moel Famau County Park, Penycloddiau and Dinas Brân. The campaign will aim to engage with dog walkers to educate them on the consequences of dog worrying and attacks on livestock, which can cause horrific, often fatal, injuries to the livestock and can result in a court destruction order for the pet dog. 

The first words AONB Rangers often hear at the scene of a dog worrying incident is that the dog has never done it before but unfortunately by then it is too late. The campaign will be asking owners not to take a chance and to keep their dogs on leads. 

For more information please call Loggerheads Country Park 01824 71 2747.

First Minister marks official opening of Ysgol Glan Clwyd

A special milestone has been reached in the history of Ysgol Glan Clwyd, St Asaph with the official opening of the brand new school building by First Minister Carwyn Jones AM.

The First Minister visited the site on 15th March to see the results of the £16.7 million project, which was jointly funded by the Council and the Welsh Government through its 21st Century Schools and Education Capital Programme.

The first phase, which involves creating a brand new building opened to pupils in January 2017, with the refurbishment works to the former school buildings being complete by the end of 2017.

Listen to what the First Minister had to say .....

New school at Glasdir, Ruthin

Final preparations are being made ahead of the opening of a new school in Ruthin.

The £11.2million school building at Glasdir will open on Tuesday, April 10 when the 428 pupils from the town’s Ysgol Pen Barras and Rhos Street School will move to the new site. 

Council officers have been working closely with the two schools to plan for the opening day and a further newsletter will be sent to parents in advance while staff will be on hand on the opening day to ensure everything runs smoothly.

The project is funded by the Council through its 21st Century Schools programme and the Welsh Government with Wynne Construction the main contractor for the building work.

The new build comes under the Council’s modernising education programme and is part of the authority’s corporate priority to create communities where young people choose to live, work and learn.

Cllr Huw Hilditch-Roberts, cabinet lead member for Education, Children, Young People and the Welsh Language, said: “The final preparations are now being made at the new school and teachers and students are looking forward to their first day in their brand-new school.

“This  school marks a significant investment in education in the Ruthin area and will benefit students for many years to come.

“This project will help us achieve our corporate priority to ensure young people are being supported to achieve their potential and have modern school facilities that further enhances their learning.

“I’d like to thank Wynne Construction and the sub-contractors involved in the project for their excellent work in progressing this project.”

The Council’s modernising education programme has already seen more than £56million of investment in schools in the county including a new building for Rhyl High and Ysgol Tir Morfa as well significant improvement works at Bodnant Community School, Prestatyn and Ysgol Glan Clwyd, St Asaph with a number of projects still in the pipeline.

 

Green light for new 3-16 Catholic school build

The new 3-16 Catholic School in Rhyl has moved another step closer with the news that Planning permission has been granted for the new school building and associated site works.  Pupils from Ysgol Mair and Blessed Edward Jones (pictured) came together to celebrate this news that will see them educated in brand new facilities for the 2019/2020 academic year. 

Denbighshire has also welcomed confirmation from the Welsh Government that the Final Business Case for the new 3-16 Catholic school in Rhyl has been approved. The project will be funded in partnership by the Council and the Welsh Government, through its 21st Century Schools and Education Capital Programme.

This reflects the corporate priority in Denbighshire to invest in the future of children and young people in the county.

The new 3-16 school, for the Diocese of Wrexham, will replace Ysgol Mair/ St. Mary’s primary Catholic school and Blessed Edward Jones Catholic high school. The new school would be an English medium school for 420 full time pupils aged 3-11 years old and 500 pupils aged 11-16.

Education secretary Kirsty Williams said: “Our national mission is to raise standards, reduce the attainment gap and deliver an education system that is a source of national pride and confidence. Our 21^st Century Schools and Education Programme plays a key part in this and is the largest investment in our schools and colleges since the 1960s.”

“I am delighted the Welsh Government’s investment in this £24m project is having a positive impact on education and learning in Denbighshire. The new school will be a vital resource for the whole community.”

Bishop Peter M. Brignall of the Diocese of Wrexham said: “I am delighted another significant step forward for this project has been achieved. This exciting proposal of a new and innovative 3-16 school in Rhyl for Denbighshire and the Diocese of Wrexham will greatly enhance the learning opportunities for our young people in the facilities, resources and ethos provided by the on-going and fruitful partnership of Welsh Government, Local Authority and the Catholic Church.”

Councillor Huw Hilditch-Roberts, Cabinet Lead Member for Education, Children and Young People and the Welsh Language, said: “This is a significant milestone for the brand new build for the new 3-16 school. We look forward to continuing to work with the Diocese of Wrexham on this project as the Council continue to invest in improving the learning environment for the children and young people of the County.”

Kier construction have been appointed as the main contractor and some initial works are already taking place at the schools with some essential and limited tree felling and early demolition of a part of a block at Blessed Edward Jones.

Work is due to begin on the whole site in May with work expected to be completed on the new build by Autumn 2019.

Green light for Ysgol Carreg Emlyn new school

Exciting plans to build a brand new primary school in Clocaenog have taken a significant step forward – with the Council now the proud owners of the land needed for the development.

Currently the school is located on two sites: at Clocaenog and Cyffylliog. Now the sale has been signed and sealed, it means construction work on building the new school on the Clocaenog site can begin over the coming weeks.

This project is being funded by the Council and the Welsh Government through its 21st Century Schools and Education Capital Programme. Wynne Construction are the main contractors appointed to carry out the works.

Councillor Huw Hilditch-Roberts, Cabinet Lead Member for Education, Children and Young People and the Welsh Language, said: “This is tremendous news for pupils at Carreg Emlyn and for future generations living in the Clocaenog, Cyffylliog and surrounding areas.

“We recognise the news has been a long time coming but we are delivering on our promise to press ahead with these ambitious plans.  The investment by Denbighshire and by the Welsh Government clearly reflects the commitment to improving facilities for our children and young people and generations of children will soon benefit from state of the art educational facilities that are fit for the 21^stCentury. This is also another significant investment in Welsh medium education in the county.

“This is a momentus day for Ysgol Carreg Emlyn and we are delighted to share the news with the school and the wider community”.

Official opening for business hub supported by the Council

A Rhyl business hub located on the site of a former court building has been officially opened.

Hannah James has transformed the County Court on Clwyd Street, which closed in 2016, into a business hub with meeting and function rooms.

She has been supported with a grant from the Council to purchase equipment to help her kit out the building, renamed Clwyd Chambers, and also received support from Business Wales.

More than 50 guests took a tour of the new hub, which includes 13 flexible small business units, during the opening.

Chartered building surveyor Hannah said: “It was great to see so many people take an interest and have the opportunity to show them what Clwyd Chambers and Rhyl have to offer. I’d like to thank everyone who came along to make it such a fantastic day.

“We have already got businesses signed up to take on some of the units and have taken bookings for the function and meeting rooms.”

Hannah, a former Rhyl High School student, chose her home-town as she was impressed by the amount of public investment in Rhyl and said she was passionate about supporting the town through business growth and development.

She is also providing a training centre for collaborative working for small businesses at the site.

Councillor Hugh Evans OBE, Leader of the Council, said: “The Council is proud to be able to support the excellent work ongoing at this fantastic new business hub.

“It shows there is confidence in Rhyl. This facility will offer new and growing businesses the chance to expand and take advantage of modern facilities in the centre of a busy town. This will give a boost to businesses in the town and help increase footfall.”

 Pictured is Hannah James with the Mayor of Rhyl, Councillor Alan James

Investment in Rhyl restaurant leaders to increased trade

A Rhyl fast food restaurant has seen an increase in trade since a revamp.

Franchisee Stewart Williams, who owns and operates eight McDonald’s restaurants in Denbighshire, Flintshire and Wrexham, including the one on Rhyl High Street, said the recent investment in the site had increased trade.

Late last year the restaurant received a major digital makeover, creating an additional 15 jobs.

Self-order kiosks have been introduced to ensure the ordering process is as quick and easy as possible, while table service has also been introduced.

Mr Williams said he chose to invest in the town due to the positive signs for the future stemming from ongoing public investment in Rhyl from the Council.

He said: “Customer feedback has so far been positive. I’m pleased to say my recent investment in Rhyl McDonald’s has resulted in an increase in customers to the restaurant.

“I’m really proud to invest in Rhyl and be one of the businesses leading the way in putting more into the local area. The town is improving in all areas at the moment and I predict the new developments will attract more businesses to the area.

“In time the High Street will become more vibrant and attractive to shoppers and will hopefully see an increase in footfall.”

In addition to the work being carried out by Denbighshire County Council on the town’s new waterpark, the refurbishment of the Pavilion Theatre and the opening of 1891, a Premier Inn hotel will be opening in February and work on a 73-bed Travelodge and family restaurant is underway.

Councillor Hugh Evans OBE, Leader of Denbighshire, said: “It is great to see business owners invest in our county and improve the offer for both residents and visitors.

“The investment the Council is making in Rhyl is already having an impact, with private investment following. This will help create more jobs in Denbighshire and raise household incomes, which will help the local economy grow.

“The new waterpark, which will open early next year, will create 60 jobs and see an additional 350,000 visitors to the town each year. It is great to see businesses gearing up for the increased opportunities this will bring.”

Denbighshire’s March for Business month hailed a success

Denbighshire’s business community has taken part in the county’s biggest ever business month.

The Council's March for Business month saw more than 400 attendees take part in 25 varied events.

Working with partner support providers, the Council’s business month, held throughout March, included social media training, workshops on exporting post-Brexit, branding and marketing as well as a food event to showcase local produce.   

Councillor Hugh Evans OBE, Leader of the Council, said: “Our third business month has proved to be the most successful yet. I’d like to thank all the businesses, support providers and experts who have taken part to help build on the work the Council is doing to make sure the county is ‘open for business’.

“As a Council we are here to support entrepreneurs to grow their businesses, and themselves, because we believe passionately in supporting our local business community.

“The real target for us is to see the success of the programme translate into local business success and there are some strong signs that this is happening.”

Over the past three years the Council, through its Economic and Business Development Team, has handled more than £20,000,000 of investment enquiries, helping businesses create 250 long-term jobs and invested more than £200,000 in 60 local business start-ups and expansions through Council grants.

Colin Brew, chief executive officer of West Cheshire and North Wales Chamber of Commerce, said: “Denbighshire’s March for Business month has proved a great success and highlights the local authority’s desire to engage with local companies and provide a landscape which supports their ongoing growth.

“Chamber members who have benefitted from the project have confirmed their desire to see similar initiatives across our great region and have praised Denbighshire for their forward thinking approach.”

Dafydd Evans, North Wales Regional Manager for Business Wales addresses the Federation of Small Businesses dinner at 1891 in Rhyl.

Helen Hodgkinson of the Retail Skills Academy delivering a social media workshop at Coleg Llandrillo, Rhyl

Former Bank of England economist Neil Ashbridge giving his insights on Brexit during the West Cheshire and North Wales Chamber of Commerce Brexit event as part of March of Business.

 

Cafe R Discount Offer

After last year’s successful partnership Café R will again be working with Ruthin Gaol and Nantclwyd y Dre and offering discounts to visitors.

People visiting Café R will be issued with a voucher which entitles them to a 20% discount when they visit the Gaol or Nantclwyd y Dre and people visiting the Gaol or Nantclwyd y Dre will get a voucher entitling them to a 10% discount at Café R.

It offer will run until October.

You can preview Café R's menus on their website.

Follow them on Facebook and Twitter

Or you can ring them on 01824 708099 to book a table.

 

Fancy trying your hand at sailing?

For further details please email Andrew at commodore@llynbrenigsc.org.uk 

Investing in Leisure – Why workout anywhere else!

St Asaph

We have been delighted with the popularity of St Asaph’s fantastic new leisure centre, since its opening last year.  At Denbighshire Leisure, however, we never stand still and after listening to our customers’ ideas, we are now about to extend the fitness provision even further with our new HIIT (high-intensity interval training) room, which we hope will bring something different and exciting to your workout.

Previously, a meeting room, this brand new training area will include state of the art kit, including Technogym Skillmills, Skillrows and Connected Group Cycles.  There will also be Technogym Arke equipment and plyometric boxes.  In addition to the new equipment, we will be giving the room a complete refresh, with a new floor and air conditioning.  Work will be starting during March and we expect to open in May 2018. 

The opening of the HIIT room will also provide some extra space on the gym floor.  Customers have been asking for a stretch area, which we will now be able to provide.

We are very excited about our new space, which, of course, customers will be able to use as part of their existing membership package and we will keep you updated on developments.

Please also look out for our new Express Classes timetable, led by our team of excellent instructors.

Rhyl

Exercise at Rhyl Leisure Centre is about to be transformed.  Over the next few months we will be working hard to create a series of new fitness zones designed to bring something different and exciting to your workout. Keep an eye on our social media for updates and look out for the next issue of county voice which will bring you all the details. 

Llangollen the latest to benefit from leisure centre investment

The on-going investment in leisure facilities across the Dee Valley and wider Denbighshire communities is gathering pace, with the latest upgraded facilities at Llangollen Leisure Centre now open to the public. 

The latest upgrade at the Centre has focused on the fitness suite, including the introduction of brand new Technogym cardio equipment, complete with Wellness cloud technology which can allow people to watch videos and programmes whilst they train.  The suite has also been given a make-over, with complete redecoration and new flooring installed.

This is the latest initiative to invest in leisure facilities in the Dee Valley. Only last year the 3G pitch was refurbished at Corwen Leisure Centre, as well as investment in the fitness suite.

Councillor Bobby Feeley, Cabinet Lead Member for Well-being and Independence, said: “This is another important milestone in our drive to enhance our leisure facilities county-wide.

Don’t forget to book your free 1-2-1 with one of our team of excellent instructors, who can refresh your programme, show you the new range of equipment and help set up your cloud account

Walking football for the over 50’s!

Walking Football is recognised by the Football Association of Wales as an inclusive small sided format of the game.

Walking Football is recognised as an opportunity to maximise participation for all groups and to encourage sustained participation for players of all abilities. If you are over 50 and would like to take part, the sessions take place at Denbigh Leisure Centre on Wednesdays from 5pm - 5.45pm.

For more information please contact Delyth Morgan 01824 706 859 or via e-mail at delyth.morgan@denbighshire.gov.uk.

Community Chest

Fancy £1,500 for your Community Sport project? Then apply for a Community Chest grant.

The purpose of the grant is to increase participation and improve standards within community sports clubs. Applications are now accepted online via the Sport Wales website.

Applicants must register on-line before completing the application form. For more information contact aled.williams@denbighshire.gov.uk

 

Sport Leaders

During half term, staff in Leisure Services ran a Level 1 Sport Leaders course in St Asaph Leisure Centre. 20 young people from local community clubs took part in the two day course. A Sport Leader's qualification teaches young people how to plan and lead sessions.

A level 2 Sports Leaders course was also held over three days during Easter.  

For more information on Sport Leaders please contact Hollie Collins at hollie.collins@denbighshire.gov.uk

Disability Sport Wales Awards

The Disability Sport Wales Awards were recently held at the Vale Hotel in the Vale of Glamorgan and invited to be guest speakers were local triathlete Elan Williams, her mum Ceris and local Sport Wales “legend” Stewart Harris.

During a question and answer session with the award presenters they gave details of what they have achieved in sport, the different journeys they have been on, leading to how this has benefited them and changed their lives. Ceris also gave her thoughts from a parent point of view and the difference she feels sport has made to her daughter’s life. They all spoke highly of the opportunities available within Denbighshire and how insport club has helped the clubs they attend in delivering inclusively and recommend more clubs get involved in the programme.

Ceris is a member of Ruthin Tristars and Stewart is a member of Rhyl Golf Club.

For more information on disability sport, including local clubs and insport please contact Brett Jones 07990 561 024.

Training provided by Leisure and Youth Services

The training and development courses provided by Leisure and Youth Services includes:

• Paediatric First Aid Training
• First aid at Work
• Safeguarding
• Manual Handling
• Lifeguard training
• Food Hygiene
• Youth Work Training (Award and Certificate)
• Sports Leaders (level 2)

For further information please email leisuretraining@denbighshire.gov.uk

Community Arts

We are delighted to announce that a Denbighshire bid to Comic Relief for a 2 year grant for the Care Home Challenge Fund has been successful. As a result the three care homes in Denbighshire will receive regular workshops with NEW Dance and with musicians from Canolfan Gerdd William Mathias Music Centre, co-ordinated by Denbighshire Arts Service.  Artistic practitioners will work closely with care home staff to upskill them and to build in sustainability to the project. As well as participating in all sessions, staff will also undertake specific training sessions.

We anticipate the project helping to enhance the health and wellbeing of care home residents, reducing the risk of falls, to decrease isolation and increase engagement with the community including local primary schools and third sector providers and to increase the confidence of the carers and staff in the homes. We are looking forward to involving families and carers and having a lot of fun in the process.

Three members of the team attended the start-up meeting at Comic Relief HQ in London where they were introduced to them to the world of Comic Relief and learnt how we will work with them over the lifetime of the grant.  This was a great opportunity to meet other successful projects, to consider how to measure the impact of the project and to learn about how Comic Relief will be evaluating this funding initiative.

Play Work Award

13 members of the Community Wellbeing team have recently completed a Level 2 Award in Playwork Practice. The staff will now be trained to enhance and deliver Play opportunities to children and young people across the county. This will be established through delivery within schools, community events and open access play provision. This compliments the team from 4 to now 17 Playwork qualified staff.

Family Information Service

Denbighshire Family Information Service has recently been awarded with a “Families First Quality Award”.

The Families First Quality Award (FFQA) is a National Quality assurance process and quality improvement framework designed to help you provide gold standard information to families and keep families at the heart of your work. The Families First quality Award recognises organisations that demonstrate excellence in providing information, advice and assistance to local families.

The award has been developed by the Family and Childcare Trust through the National Association of family information services to help family information services measure their effectiveness in delivering their statutory obligations. 

For more information on the Family Information Service please contact us on 01745 815891.

Insport Bronze

Staff from Strategic Leisure were recently awarded the insport Development Bronze Award, by a panel of leading sport professionals.

The insport Development programme is part of the broader insport project, which aims to support the physical activity, sport, and leisure sectors delivering inclusively of disabled people. The programme consists of 4 incremental standards (Ribbon, Bronze, Silver and Gold), against which a series of aims have been identified. As part of the presentation information was provided on programme delivery, workforce development and facilities amongst other things.

Officers will now be working towards the Silver award.

For more information on Disability Sport, please contact Brett Jones, Disability Sport Officer on 07990561024.

The Council wins Heart for the Arts 2018 Award

The winners have been announced for the National Campaign for the Arts' (NCA) Hearts For The Arts Awards 2018.

The awards celebrate the work of Councils, Councillors and Council Officers who have overcome financial challenges to ensure the arts stay at the centre of community life.

‘Lost in Art’ by the Council has been named Best Local Authority Arts Project Encouraging Community Cohesion.

Lost in Art is a visual arts project for people living with dementia and their carers. The aim of the project is to explore the role of visual arts in addressing issues that can affect people with dementia, including social isolation, confidence, communication and quality of life. The project was developed with the support of the Arts Council of Wales and the Dementia Services Development Centre at Bangor University and its Dementia and Imagination research project.  There are two groups running in Denbighshire at present, one in Rhyl and the other at the Ruthin Craft Centre.

Councillor Bobby Feeley, Lead Member for Well-being and Independence said:  “I would like to congratulate the Arts Service and their team for this worthwhile project, research has shown that taking part in creative project can improve mood and confidence and an increased sense of belonging to a community for those taking part.

“The intergenerational element with local schools is also a wonderful addition.”

Siân Fitzgerald, Community Arts Officer said:  “On behalf of the Arts Service, I am delighted to receive this award and I would like to thank the artistic team involved and the all the participants who have been integral to the project.

“I would also like to acknowledge the support and expertise we have received from Ruthin Craft Centre, Arts Council of Wales and Bangor University.”

Masterplan for Rhyl

Residents, business and visitors are urged to get involved in shaping a masterplan for Rhyl town centre and help influence the town centre they would like to see in the future.

The regeneration of Rhyl has been a key priority for the Council, with the prestigious waterfront development now taking shape, with the brand new SC2 flagship being built, the opening of the 1891 restaurant which formed part of the renovation of the Pavilion Theatre, the creation of the Premier Inn, as well as improvements to the Sky Tower.

This is in addition to the regeneration of the town’s harbour and the creation of brand new housing and green space in West Rhyl.

Now the Council wants to draw up a town centre masterplan, to complement the works completed on the promenade and on-going projects.

The intention is to have a vibrant and balanced mix of uses for the town centre, improved pedestrian flows between the promenade and the town centre and  to create a desireable environment.

Members of the public, visitors, as well as local businesses and organisations will have an opportunity over the coming months to get involved in a consultation and to share their ideas.

To get involved, go to www.denbighshire.gov.uk/rhyltowncentreplan

 

Big splash as new waterpark name unveiled

The name of the brand new flagship waterpark in Rhyl has been unveiled.

The £15 million leisure and visitor attraction will be called SC2 and forms a major part of the waterfront development in the town.

The waterpark will open to the public in Spring 2019 and is expected to attract an extra 350,000 visitors to the town each year. It will create 65 new jobs.

SC2 will be a 1200 metre square water space, with indoor and outdoor flume rides, children’s water play frame and slides, TAG Active zone, party rooms, reception, sales areas, outside Splash Pool – two wet splash pads, sun lounger areas and café terraces to provide wet play entertainment.

There will be WC facilities, as well as a bar and terrace to cater for evening trade.

The plans were drawn up in partnership with Alliance Leisure, the Council’s leisure partner.

Councillor Bobby Feeley, Cabinet Lead Member for Well-being and Independence, said: “Announcing the name is another significant milestone in this exciting project.

“We wanted a modern name and brand that complements other leisure facilities in the county, and being a brand that will be instantly recogniseable and one that people will remember.

“The building works are on schedule and residents and visitors to the promenade area will have seen the structure taking shape over recent weeks. We are delighted at the progress made so far and we have a lot of work ahead of us to get the building ready for opening next year.”

Councillor Hugh Evans OBE, Leader of the Council, said: “The waterfront development is really starting to take shape.  The work on SC2 is the latest in a line of major development projects.  The work of refurbishing the Pavilion Theatre and the opening of the 1891 restaurant has already taken place and has set a high standard of development.  The Brand new Premier Inn and restaurant are now open, and work of renovating the Sky Tower has also taken place.

“This is an exciting chapter for the town and we look forward to other projects taking shape over the coming months”.

SC2 is being funded by the Council, with contributions from Rhyl Town Council and the Welsh Government. 

Here are Councillor Hugh Evans OBE and Jamie Groves talking about unveiling the name of SC2.

  

It's not just a waterpark ... we're bringing the first TAG Active in Wales to SC2!  Watch the video below...

Stay up-to-date with all the latest news and progress at SC2 by signing up to receive regular updates on their website. 

Or you can follow them on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram for all the latest information. 

 

1891 Restaurant

The 1891 restaurant is a new contemporary and stylish first floor restaurant and bar located on the waterfront at the Pavilion Theatre in Rhyl.

OPENING TIMES

Thursday – Saturday 3.30pm until late (food served 4.30pm – 9.30pm)

Sunday 12.00pm – 9.00pm (food served 12.00pm – 7.00pm)

The restaurant will also be open when larger shows are on, so please enquire for individual dates.

To book a table please ring 01745 330000 or e-mail 1891@denbighshire.gov.uk

Follow them on Facebook or visit their website for further information and to see their sample menus

PROCESSIONS at Ruthin Craft Centre

Lead artist – Lisa Carter

PROCESSIONS, is a UK-wide mass participation artwork to mark 100 years of women’s suffrage, produced by Artichoke and commissioned by 14-18 NOW, based on an idea by Darrell Vydelingum.

PROCESSIONS will invite women* and girls across the UK to come together on the streets of Belfast, Cardiff, Edinburgh and London on Sunday 10 June 2018 to mark this historic moment in a living, moving portrait of women in the 21st century.

*those who identify as a women or non-binary.

As part of the event Art organisations across the UK have been assigned to select an artist to design and make a banner for the Procession on the 10th of June. As a result, One hundred women artists have been commissioned to work with communities across the UK to create 100 centenary banners for PROCESSIONS.

Ruthin Craft Centre is pleased to announce that we are one of those arts organisations taking part in the event and our lead female artist will be Lisa Carter.

Lisa Carter lives and works in North Wales. Her work although rooted in painting and drawing sometimes combines these processes with sculpture and installation.

www.lisa-carter.com

The women who came together on the streets a hundred years ago made themselves visible with handmade flags, banners, pins and rosettes. The workshops will focus on text and textiles, echoing the practices of the women’s suffrage campaign, and the banners made will represent and celebrate the diverse voices of women and girls from different backgrounds.

For more information about the national event please visit PROCESSIONS 2018 website

http://www.processions.co.uk/

Event information

As part of the event Art organisations across the UK have been assigned to select an artist to design and make a banner for the Procession on the 10th of June. As a result, One hundred women artists have been commissioned to work with communities across the UK to create 100 centenary banners for PROCESSIONS.

Ruthin Craft Centre is pleased to announce that we are one of those arts organisations taking part in the event and our lead female artist will be Lisa Carter.

We would like YOU to take part and help us make a banner at Ruthin Craft Centre for the PROCESSION at Cardiff on the 10^th of June 2018.

Creative drop-in workshops with Lisa Carter.

Workshop 1: Making our future shared

Sunday 13th of May 2018

1.30pm – 4.00pm

FREE no need to book, suitable for all ages

An invitation to make co - created poster/s, inspired by the Suffrage banners. The workshop will combine screen printing with an exploration of graphics (words and images) to create large posters that reflects on the concerns women/girls face today. Create a vocabulary of words, slogans and symbols to construct posters together and individually through cutting, collaging and assembling.

Workshop 2: Banner Making

Sunday 27th of May 2018

1.30pm – 4.00pm

FREE no need to book, suitable for all ages

This workshop will focus on text and textiles. As part of this workshop we would like you to bring along a piece of scrap fabric or an old pillowcase to make your own banner and take away on the day or help make our large banner for the Processions March on Sunday 10th June to mark the centenary of the Representation of the People Act, which gave the first British women the right to vote.

There will be basic materials available such as fabric, templates for font and image, glue and sewing kits. Please feel free to bring along your own to make them personal, this could be recycled fabric, old clothes, felt or bedlinen.

Sewing and textile skills would be helpful but not necessary.

TALKS

As well as hosting a series of practical workshops we are also inviting renowned Curators/ Writers to share their knowledge and insight to the historical movement of the suffrage in relation to CRAFT.

Afternoon talk with Dr Melanie Miller

ESSENTIAL FEMININITY? CRAFT, ART AND THE WOMEN'S MOVEMENT

Sunday 29th April 2018

2pm – 3pm

FREE please call to book a place

Tel: +44 (0)1824 704774

Textile banners, along with other visual artefacts, played a key role in the campaign for women's suffrage.

Under the guidance of Mary Lowndes and Sylvia Pankhurst, the Women's Social and Political Union (WSPU) used design and colour to create a clear identity for the suffragettes' campaign.

‘A banner is a thing to float in the wind, to flicker in the breeze, to flirt its colours for your pleasure…’ Mary Lowndes ‘Banners and Banner-Making’ 1909.

Suffragettes were seen by some as unfeminine, By making banners that incorporated traditional skills such as embroidery, the suffragettes demonstrated that women who demanded the vote were not bereft of ‘feminine accomplishments’. The medium was the message.

Textiles have continued to be used within social and political activism.

This presentation will discuss the use of textiles by the suffragettes as well as more contemporary examples.

There will also be a consideration of the term ‘essential femininity’ in relation to craft and art, and an investigation of the use of craft processes within Fine Art practice. This is a topic which has been hotly debated for years, but is particularly pertinent given the location of this talk.

Morning talk with Dr Elizabeth Goring

Wearing the Colours: jewellery and the women’s suffrage movement

Sunday 27th May 2018

`11am – 12pm

FREE please call to book a place Tel: +44 (0)1824 704774

Jewellery was a powerful weapon in the campaigning armoury of British women fighting for the vote in the early part of the 20th century, and suffrage campaigners were sophisticated in the ways they used it for political expression. Most of this jewellery was created as part of a sustained marketing exercise devised and implemented by the Women's Social and Political Union – the WSPU – in the years from 1908 to 1914. Elizabeth will explore the story of suffrage jewellery through some of the personal narratives behind the jewels and the formidable women who made and wore them. She will also discuss some of the popular myths and misunderstandings that have grown up around suffragette jewellery.

For more information about our up and coming events please visit our website

http://www.ruthincraftcentre.org.uk/

Taking the Lead on dogs in the open countryside

The Council and the Clwydian Range and Dee Valley Area of Outstanding Beauty have joined forces to launch a brand new campaign, encouraging people to keep their animals on lead in the county’s open countryside.

The Take the Lead campaign is now in its second year and is being launched ahead of the start of the holiday season this Easter.  The campaign is targeting local residents and visitors to the countryside and wants to build on the success of last year’s initiative.

The campaign will include the production of videos that will be shared on social media, as well as features in the local media and online. 

Councillor Tony Thomas, Cabinet Lead Member for Housing, Regulation and the Environment, said: “We were delighted by the success of last year’s campaign and it seemed that people were listening to the message. We saw far more people acting responsibly and taking their dogs on leads in the countryside – we thank them for their efforts.

“However this is a kind of message that needs to be repeated time and time again to gain its maximum impact, so we will be sharing our campaign messages with locals and visitors and encourage the small minority who flout the law to take action.

“We have seen some incidents where sheep have been injured or killed as a result of attacks from dogs off their leads. This is what we need to avoid and by working together with dog owners, we can really make a difference”.

“They really must be mindful that they are crossing valuable grazing land where there are sheep roaming. The effects of attacks on animals can be devastating, to the animal and to the landowner.

Councillor Hugh Jones, Chair of the Advisory Committee, said: “We appreciate why people would want to go on walks in our scenic countryside in the Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Many walkers bring dogs with them and whilst we want that to continue, all we are asking is that people respect the Countryside Code.

“There are plenty of warning signs and information about taking dogs on leads and we will be out and about over the coming months talking to owners and sharing our message to as wide an audience as possible”.

Listen to what Ceri Lloyd, AONB Sustainable Development Officer has to say ...

Stop feeding the seagulls call from council

A campaign is to get underway in Denbighshire in the coming weeks to try and reduce problems caused by seagulls.

Seagulls are a common cause of complaint for the Council and are seen as something of a nuisance, predominantly in coastal communities, but also inland.

Now the Council is looking at ways of tackling the issue and will focus its efforts on encouraging residents and visitors not to feed seagulls, and working with food providers to reduce food waste and ensure any food waste bins are covered adequately.

The campaign will run on the Council’s social media accounts, on its website, in the local press and through working with local communities.

Councillor Tony Thomas, Cabinet Lead Member for Housing and the Environment, said: “We fully recognise that seagulls are part of life in all coastal communities. They have been present for many years and continue to thrive.

"However, we do get regular complaints from residents in coastal communities, as well as some of our towns inland about the dangers posed by seagulls, especially when they are attracted to food.

“There are limited options to the Council as they are a protected species.  We have tried some scare tactics similar to the angry birds and netting/ bunting being provided in some areas and to a degree they have been successful.

“What we need is the public’s support. By not feeding the seagulls and making sure food waste is covered, we can greatly reduce the amount of opportunities for the seagulls to swoop on our town centres”.

Residents informed of changes to benefits system

Residents in Denbighshire are being reminded about some changes to the benefit system being introduced by the Department of Works and Pensions (DWP). 

Universal Credit is being introduced in stages by DWP across Great Britain by postcode area and has already been rolled out in south of the county.  Whether you can claim it and the way you manage your claim depends on where you live and your personal circumstances.  The changes will only apply to new claimants and those who have had a change in circumstances.

Other claimants don’t need to do anything until they hear from the DWP about moving to Universal Credit.

As part of Universal Credit Full Service, claimants are expected to claim and manage their account with DWP online.

To support residents impacted the following services are available:-

• Residents who need access to the internet or access to a computer to make their claim and manage their account online can visit their local Library / One Stop Shops.
• For questions and advice on applying for Universal Credit and how the changes could impact you, contact Citizens Advice in Denbighshire on 01824 703483 or go to https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/wales/benefits/universal-credit/
• You can also visit www.gov.uk/universal-credit

Background information

Universal Credit is a complete overhaul of the current benefit system being implemented by postcode areas across Great Britain, on a phased approach, by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP).  It is a means-tested benefit for people of working age who are either, not working, or working but on a low income.  It replaces six main benefits/tax credits (Income Support, Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance, Income-related Employment and Support Allowance, Child Tax Credit, Working Tax Credit and Housing Benefit).  Universal Credit combines all of these benefits into one single monthly household payment.  Universal Credit Full Service is for single people, couples and families who are applying for the first time or have a significant change in circumstances. It also means fully digital, i.e. claimants are expected to claim and manage their account with DWP online. 

Aims of Universal Credit

• To make the system simpler for claimants – i.e. single application and one single payment.
• To ensure people are financially better working rather than on benefits.
• To make it easier for people to gain employment.
• To reflect the reality of work to the claimant i.e. a single monthly payment

Officers in Denbighshire are undertaking a raft of activities to ensure that residents are provided with the support they require and that all impacted services are briefed and prepared.  If you would like any further details please contact Rachel Thomas (01824 712449) or Paul Barnes (01824 712660).

Sounds of Europe heard in Llangollen visit

The future of minority languages across Europe was the subject of debate for  25 students from Europe during a week long stay in Denbighshire.  

The visit to Llangollen was hosted by Ysgol Dinas Bran as part of the Erasmus Project, which was set up to understand the importance of minority languages across Europe.  

Ysgol Dinas Bran has been involved in the project for two years, with representatives having visited a number of European countries.  

This month it was the school’s turn to host a visit for pupils from Poland, Italy, Switzerland, Germany and Scotland for a week-long visit.  

Students stayed with host families in the Dee Valley as part of the exchange visit.  

Ifor Phillips, Head of Welsh at Ysgol Dinas Bran, said: “The school has been extremely fortunate to be involved in such an important project. Students from across Europe have been given opportunities to learn about the minority languages and to hear what steps are being taken to promote and protect their future.  

“During the week, we offered the European students a real taste of Welsh Language and culture. They attended a Noson Lawen and a real life Welsh language gig. We have also shown them the sights of Llangollen and Denbighshire, as well as a visit to Snowdon and Llanberis.  

“It has been an extremely worthwhile initiative and we have been delighted to promote the Welsh Language and culture through our activities during the week”. 

 

Council tax booklet goes live online

Your Money, the Council’s definitive guide to all things relating to council tax has now gone live online.

The Council recently set its budget for the 2018/19 financial year. In terms of council tax, this means an increase of 4.75% for Denbighshire residents (this takes into account an increase in the county council element, as well as the town/city/community council and the Police and Crime Commissioner’s precepts).

Every year, the Council produces a booklet that explains all the facts and figures behind the council tax settlement, how that money is spent and details on how to pay your council tax bills.

The booklet also gives information on business rates, small business relief discounts and what kind of support is available if residents struggle to pay their council tax.

The booklet is produced electronically and can be found here

Update on the Council’s Corporate Plan

Progress is being made on the Council's new five-year Corporate Plan.

The Plan, which has set out priorities around housing, the environment, young people and connected and resilient communities, will improve the lives of residents with a proposed investment of £135 million.

The two programme boards responsible for monitoring the Corporate Plan have both met: the Connected & Resilient Communities and the Environment Board, and the Young People and Housing Board and plans are now being drawn up with a number of projects set to be announced in the coming months.

Councillor Hugh Evans OBE, Leader of the Council, said: “We are gearing up to start announcing projects that will help ensure our new corporate priorities will be met over the next five years.

“These priorities will improve the lives of our residents and continue to make Denbighshire a great place to live, work and visit.

“Implementing this plan requires an additional £135 million of investment. At a time of continuing reductions in budgets this is an ambitious amount, but we believe ambition is important. Our ability to attract funding, pool resources with partners and harness the capacity within our communities will give us a good chance of success.”

The priorities are that everyone is supported to live in homes that meet their needs; communities are connected and have access to services and goods locally, online or through good transport links; the Council works with communities to build independence and resilience; the environment is attractive and protected, supporting well-being and economic prosperity and younger people want to live and work here and have the skills to do so.

The priorities were drawn up after the County Conversation consultation with residents and discussions with Council staff and elected members, as well as colleagues from other organisations.

The priorities were then presented to elected members and were adopted by the Council.

The ‘Corporate Plan, Working Together for the Future of Denbighshire’ document outlines the five key priorities for 2017-2022 and you can visit www.denbighshire.gov.uk/corporateplan for more information.

UK Armed Forces Day 2018

Excitement is building throughout North Wales for the UK Armed Forces Day 2018 event that takes place in Llandudno on the 30 June, with so many people wanting to show their support and say thank you to our serving personnel, veterans, cadets and their families for all the work they do to keep us safe at home and abroad.

On the 30 June, a parade of around 1,000 serving personnel, veterans, cadets and marching bands will step off from the Llandudno War Memorial at 11am to signal the start of the Armed Forces Day celebrations. The parade, which promises to be an impressive display of both sound and colour, will then march down the road adjacent to the promenade, culminating in a salute to a number of special guests and dignitaries outside Venue Cymru.

Serving personnel, veterans, families, friends and visitors will then have the chance to interact with exhibitions and activities along Llandudno Promenade and Bodafon Fields including static aircraft, armoured vehicles and a diving tank (all assets are subject to operational requirement). A fantastic opportunity for the public to get up close to military assets.

A full programme including an event site map will be released nearer the time.

To keep up to date on the Armed Forces Day event visit www.conwy.gov.uk/events or follow them on on Facebook and Twitter.

What is DEWIS?

Dewis Cymru is the place to go if you want information or advice about your well-being – or want to know how you can help somebody else.

When we talk about your well-being, we don’t just mean your health. We mean things like where you live, how safe and secure you feel, getting out and about, and keeping in touch with family and friends.

No two people are the same and well-being means different things to different people.

We’ve got information that can help you think about what matters to you, and we’ve also got information about people and services in your area that can help you with the things that matter to you.

If you want to know more about how to use Dewis Cymru to help you work out what matters to you, click here.

How to use DEWIS Cymru

If you’ve got a service that helps people with their well-being, you can add your details to  Dewis Cymru, so that the people who you want to help and support can find you more easily. It doesn’t matter how big or small you are, or whether you’re volunteers - if you help people with their well-being, Dewis Cymru wants to know about you and about what you do, so that we can put people in touch with you!

If you want to add details of your service to Dewis Cymru, click here.

Unlocking the Cells at Ruthin Gaol

On the 26th March Ruthin Gaol reopened its cell doors for the 2018 season. Visitors will be able to explore the cells where prisoners lived and worked, learn about the crimes they committed, the punishments they suffered and hear the stories of the gaol's most infamous inmates!

We’re also very pleased to announce Ruthin Gaol has once again won the Hidden Gem Accolade 2018 for ‘attractions that deliver an outstanding and memorable experience for visitors’!

Along with providing activities for all the family during normal opening times we also hold special events which this year will include World War II Day on Friday 1st June!

Come and find out about World War II in the historic setting of Ruthin Gaol; meet the Land Girl and Munitions Worker and learn about the gaol’s special contribution to the war effort.

Suitable for all ages.

10.30am to 12.30pm and 1.30pm to 3.30pm

Included in admission cost.

Information on opening days, opening times and prices can be found through visiting our website http://www.ruthingaol.co.uk/

For latest news and information follow us on Facebook/Twitter/Instagram @ruthingaol

Plas Newydd Opening

Plas Newydd house and tea rooms has now re-opened.

Visitors will once again have the chance to learn the fascinating story of the Ladies of Llangollen and how they ran away from Ireland to set up home together in North Wales. Their extraordinary gothicised home will be open for visitors to explore and see how the Ladies turned a simple Welsh cottage into a fantasy of oak carvings and stained glass.

The tearooms will also reopen and will offer visitors a range of lunches, cakes and afternoon teas.

There has also been much work going on in the gardens at Plas Newydd over the winter including continued work on the restoration of the shrubbery, which is such an important part of the garden. As well as the new addition of ornamental trees throughout the garden which have been planted this winter. Having also received a very generous, and much appreciated donation from Amanda Ponsbsy, we have been able to purchase trees to finish the restoration of the shrubbery, as well as other plants and shrubs for the garden.

Neil Rowlands, Head Gardener at Plas Newydd, says what visitors can expect to see this Spring:

‘The gardens at the moment, with spring just around the corner will look delightful with superb displays of crocus, and towards the end of this month a stunning display of native primroses.

Further on into the season, the garden comes into its own, with all the perennial plants showing to their full glory.

The parterre will also look stunning, with the lavender and old roses in full bloom in June.’

Open 30th March – 30th September every day 10.30am – 5.00pm.

For further visiting information, including prices, visit www.plasnewyddllangollen.co.uk

For latest news and information follow us on Facebook/Twitter/Instagram @plasnewyddllangollen

Nantclwyd y Dre Opening

Nantclwyd y Dre will be reopening for the 2018 season on the 7^th of April. Once again we look forward to welcoming visitors to explore Wales’ oldest timbered town house and experience what life was like for the people who lived here through the ages from its medieval beginnings through to World War II.

Over the winter work has continued on the gardens at Nantclwyd with our fantastic volunteers contributing to the upkeep and development of the gardens throughout the winter whatever the weather!

Nantclwyd’s Gardener, Hayley Proudfoot, says that this spring visitors will be able to see 24 different varieties of tulips, daffodils, bluebells and blossom on our fruit trees all found throughout the garden. Our 40 different rose varieties will be coming into bloom while the vegetable beds will be progressing nicely with heritage varieties, including skirret, multi coloured carrots, pink fir apple potatoes and broad beans.

We’re also very happy to announce Nantclwyd y Dre has once again won the Hidden Gem Accolade 2018 for ‘attractions that deliver an outstanding and memorable experience for visitors’!

Information on opening days, opening times and prices can be found through visiting our website.

 

We’ve got some exciting events lined up at Nantclwyd y Dre for Spring 2018:

Beastly bug hunt! - Monday, 28th May

11am to 2pm

A guided nature hunt around The Lord’s Garden to identify and learn about the fascinating bugs that live here. Suitable for all ages, children must be accompanied by an adult.

Included in admission price.

 

Nature Day at Nantclwyd Y Dre - Saturday 9th June

10am to 5pm

Come and explore the Gardens of Nantclwyd and help us with our Bioblitz. Talk to the experts and learn more about the creatures and plants at Nantclwyd and how you can help wildlife in your garden.  What will you spot on your visit?

Included in the admission price.

 

Meet the Gardeners - Monday 25th June

2pm to 3pm

What would a garden be without its gardeners? Meet the hard working people who keep the gardens at Nantclwyd Y Dre healthy and flourishing. Ask questions, seek advice and draw inspiration from our dedicated and friendly team. The afternoon will involve walking around the site followed by an informal Q&A session in the Kitchen Garden.

Included in admission price.

For latest news and information follow us on Facebook/Twitter/Instagram @nantclwydydre