Tourism
Do you have an interest in tourism?
A Forum set up to keep tourism businesses, students and anyone with an interest in tourism, up to date with the latest developments in the industry takes place this October.
The next Denbighshire Tourism Forum takes place on Thursday, 26th October at the Oriel House, St Asaph at 11am. This free event offers a great opportunity for delegates to network and share experiences, knowledge and ideas.
There will be a variety of guest speakers:–
- Ken Skates AM – Cabinet Secretary for Economy & Infrastructure
- Councillor Hugh Evans OBE – Leader of Denbighshire County Council
- Simon Jones – Owner, Pro Kitesurfing
- Russell Vaughan – Project Manager for Rhyl Waterfront Developments, Denbighshire County Council
- Hannah Arndt – Ride North Wales, Denbighshire County Council
To book a place at the Forum please e-mail: tourism@denbighshire.gov.uk or telephone: 01824 706223 / 706915. You can also book a place via the online booking system.
Have you spotted this taxi?
Going to London in the near future? Keep a lookout for a London Taxi showing a great image of the Nova in Prestatyn! (can't miss those colours!)
If you find it - take a photo or selfie with the taxi and send it to tourism@denbighshire.gov.uk or post it on our Discover Denbighshire Facebook page to be in with a chance to win a 6 month Total Gym membership to the Nova.
Full terms and conditions can be found here.
Good luck!
North East Wales Secures Grant for Tourism Activity
A grant of £40,000 from Welsh Government has been secured to highlight North East Wales’ tourism offer.
Lead partner Denbighshire County Council, together with Wrexham County Borough Council and Flintshire County Council have joined forces to run a ‘Routes to the Sea’ project during Visit Wales’ themed Year of the Sea in 2018 and have been successful in the funding from Welsh Governments’ Regional Tourism Engagement Fund 2017-2019.
The project, supported by the three county Destination Management Partnerships, aims to showcase and tell engaging stories about the region’s coastline, cycle routes, walking trails, mountain biking, outdoor activities, landscape, historic sites, canals and rivers as well as celebrate the food offer.
Ian Lebbon, Chair of Denbighshire Destination Management Partnership said: “I’m really pleased to hear that the North East Wales partnership has secured this funding to continue the great work in promoting the region to both residents and visitors. We know tourism plays a vital part in the regions’ economy and this funding will help to ensure we continue to build a thriving, sustainable tourism economy.”
Economy Secretary, Ken Skates, said: “Innovative projects are key to the future success of tourism and attracting visitors to Wales. The North East Wales funding is part of £2 million which has been approved for a total of 38 projects across Wales under the Tourism Product Innovation Fund and Regional Tourism Engagement Fund. I’m delighted that this funding enables the private and public sectors to develop innovative projects that will stimulate demand and improve the visitor offer through supporting our themed years.”
A variety of high quality images and short films featuring many of our key locations and landmarks such as the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct & Canal World Heritage Site, Wales Coast Path and Clwydian Range and Dee Valley Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty will be produced.
Building on the success of the 2017 North East Wales Food Challenge; a ‘Year of the Sea’ Food Challenge will also be launched in 2018 which will showcase our food offer and restaurants associated with our coast and waterways.
For more information on North East Wales please visit www.northeastwales.wales
Visitor numbers on the up in Denbighshire
Denbighshire’s tourism industry is thriving according to recent research. Figures have been released as part of the STEAM programme – Scarborough Tourism Economic Activity Monitor, which aims to measure the impact of tourism from both staying and day visitors.
Tourism plays a vital part in Denbighshire’s economy, with a total economic impact in 2016 of over £479 million, an increase of 3.2% compared to the previous year and 50% increase compared to 10 years ago.
In 2016, the total number of visits to Denbighshire – taking into account tourism day visits and staying visitors was nearly 6 million, increasing by 1.7% from 2015 and 23% compared to 10 years ago.
Councillor Hugh Evans OBE, Leader of Denbighshire and who is also the Cabinet Lead Member for the Economy, said: “This is great news for Denbighshire and I’m delighted that our tourism industry is growing. Staying visitors accounted for 67% of the total economic impact last year; which highlights the importance of attracting high quality accommodation to the region.
“The latest figures reveal that Denbighshire continues to be a popular choice for day trippers and over 6,000 full time jobs were supported by tourism spend in 2016, which demonstrates the contribution the sector makes to our local economy by providing services to the community and employment opportunities for our residents.
“Capitalising on Visit Wales marketing campaigns, working with partners to deliver our Destination Management Plan and the increased popularity of North Wales as a holiday destination all play an important role in increasing awareness of the wealth of attractions, facilities and services available in the county.”
Ian Lebbon, Chair of the Denbighshire Destination Partnership, said: “It’s great to see the increase in visitor numbers to the county for both day and staying visitors. We will continue to look at innovative ways to attract more visitors especially highlighting our hidden gems and hands-on experiences that many people are seeking when choosing their breaks.
We are currently finalising our Destination Management Plan for 2017-20 in partnership with local businesses and groups to ensure long-term sustainability for the development of tourism in the county.”
STEAM reports give a month by month account of the performance of the tourism industry within an area, from which, trends can be identified and acted upon. Such research is vital to ensure the future development and success of the industry.
For more information please visit www.discoverdenbighshire.wales.
Tourism potential of red squirrels
A group of Denbighshire Tourism Ambassadors visited Clocaenog Forest recently to learn more about the work of Red Squirrels Trust Wales in helping to protect the native red squirrel population and explore the tourism growth potential.
Clocaenog Forest is one of three strongholds for red squirrels in Wales. The others being in mid-Wales and of course Anglesey. In the 1990’s red squirrels were widespread in Clocaenog Forest and were considered to be Wales’ largest population until the success on Anglesey. Strong media interest has grown the tourism potential of red squirrels on Anglesey.
Becky Clews-Roberts, Red Squirrel Ranger at Clocaenog Forest says, “Being Red Squirrel Awareness Week, it was great to meet the Ambassadors and talk to them about the work happening on their doorstep. I love the look on people’s faces when I tell them that a few red squirrels survive in Clocaenog Forest! Raising awareness of the issues surrounding their decline is key to my role in the Red Squirrels United (RSU) project, a 3-year funded HLF project, and many people have decided to volunteer to help in the conservation effort”.
“A large part of my role is to recruit, train and mentor volunteers. I’m fortunate that so many dedicated people want to help but we still need more! There’s also a lot of partnership work involved. Natural Resources Wales (NRW) manage Clocaenog Forest and they are undertaking a huge amount of work to help the red squirrels that still exist there. We have run several joint training days and jointly manage a suite of trail cameras that show us how the reds are doing.”
Tourism Ambassadors are a group of local tourism businesses who work together to share best practice and promote Denbighshire and the wider North East Wales area.
Roberta Roberts, Blue Badge Tour Guide and Ambassador says, “I was amazed to learn about the things they need to survive. These indigenous species need all the help they can get. As a tourist guide I will share my new knowledge with visitors whilst travelling on coach tours through North Wales. I think visitors will love to know about the success of conservation activities in the area.”
If anyone wishes to get involved, wants to know more or spots a red squirrel in the forest, please contact Becky at beckyredsquirrel@gmail.com or visit www.redsquirrels.info. If you are interested in becoming a Tourism Ambassador please contact tourism@denbighshire.gov.uk or read the blog on www.discoverdenbighshire.wales
Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty
Pencoed/Mount Wood achieves coveted Green Flag Community Award
Keep Wales Tidy has unveiled this year’s Green Flag Award winners – the international mark of a quality park or green space.
In total, 101 community managed green spaces in Wales have met the high standard needed to receive the prestigious Green Flag Community Award (83 in 2016/17).
The flag will be flying at Pencoed/Mount Wood in Denbigh in recognition of its excellent facilities and commitment to delivering great quality green space.
We are very pleased to have received this award for the third year running and feel it is just reward for all the Keep Wales Tidy and Countryside Services volunteers who keep it in such good order and to the committee of the Denbigh Community Conservation Volunteers (DCCV) which has now been involved in projects to improve Denbigh’s environment for over 20 years and continues to look for further areas to work on.
The Green Flag Award scheme is delivered in Wales by environmental charity, Keep Wales Tidy, with support from Welsh Government. It is judged by green space experts, who volunteer their time to visit applicant sites and assess them against eight strict criteria, including horticultural standards, cleanliness, environmental management and community involvement.
A full list award winners can be found on the Keep Wales Tidy website www.keepwalestidy.cymru/greenflag
New Surveys on Castell Dinas Brân
New surveys have been carried out on Castell Dinas Brân this year to find out what remains beneath the surface of castle and the Iron Age hillfort.
The geophysical survey, which was funded by Cadw and the Castle Studies Trust, used resistivity and magnetometry to build up a map of buried remains without disturbing the ground. The area is a Scheduled Ancient Monument so any excavations are not permitted without specific permission from Cadw. Metal detecting is strictly forbidden on the site.
Recently the results have come through, and perhaps not surprisingly, features have not been identified within the castle walls, since the bedrock is very close to the surface and a lot of rubble from collapsed structures masks any other features. However in the surviving hillfort part of the site to the north, there is evidence that after the castle was abandoned the area was used for agricultural activity. There is ridge and furrow present which is evidence of strip fields that were cultivated in the 14th century onwards, once the castle was abandoned. There are also intriguing hints of burning in a few places on the hillfort ramparts. If you walk in this area there are small flat terraces within the site, which may be where houses were built in the Iron Age (about 2500 years ago), but the strip fields have in all probability destroyed the evidence here. However, just on the edge of the hillfort, the survey has identified the foot-print of possible round houses. We hope to use this newly acquired information about this fascinating site in information that will be produced in the future.
As part of the surveying process an Irish TV company who are filming a series on King Arthur came to Dinas Brân, as there are legends that say the Holy Grail is buried at the site. The filmmakers were keen to record the geophysical surveying which took place and to get some real archaeological techniques into their programme, which will be broadcast on the Discovery Channel by the Smithsonian Institute in the New Year.
Llangollen Whitebeam
The Llangollen Whitebeam has been identified as a unique species. They were last surveyed in 1987 when just 239 specimens were identified – all of which were around Llangollen! Two more specimens were found in Shropshire in 2011. The tree grows on limestone rocks and it can be very challenging to get close enough to identify them.
The Clwydian Range and Dee Valley AONB is working with Chester Zoo and Natural Resources Wales to get a revised population figure with the help of eminent botanists Dr. Tim Rich and Libby Houston who are surveying the cliffs on foot. 21st Century technology is also assisting with the project as Andy
Goodwin from Remote Insight has been mapping the rocks and capturing high quality images with the use of a drone.
Survey work being carried out on Eglwyseg rocks in early September
Patchwork of the Past
The fascinating heritage of Loggerheads Country Park will be celebrated in a new Mosaic that has been created by a joint project delivered by Countryside Services and Heritage Service, Art Service and Let’s Walk Denbighshire.
Members of the Rhyl Communities first walking group enjoyed a guided health walk that showed the plants and industrial heritage of Loggerheads and then worked with artist Julie Rogers, Illuminarte to create a piece of art work that brings together the elements that make the Country Park Special.
The mosaic includes representation of the sites industrial past and lead mining, special plants and animals, such as herb paris, rock rose, bloody crane’s bill, king fishers and butterflies, the river and the limestone rock.
The work was funded through a grant received from Natural Resources Wales through a Limestone Legacy Project that aims to conserve and increase awareness and understanding of our special limestone heritage.
Helen Mrowiec, Senior Recreation Officer with the Clwydian Range and Dee Valley Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty said: "Limestone geology is one of the special features of the AONB, it is the backbone that creates the beautiful landscapes of the area which is why so many people visit and love Loggerheads in particular, it also supports a special community of plants and animals that are of European Importance.
"It has been great to work with the Community First Group to capture this special landscape and the mosaic will highlight its importance to future visitors to the park. I would like to thank the group, artist and funders for their hard work over many weeks to create this lovely artwork which will also brighten up the exterior of the visitor centre’
The Mosaic will be installed during October and will be available for all to enjoy for years to come. If you haven’t visited Loggerheads before, or if you are a regular visitor, autumn is a lovely time to visit with the leaves changing their colour adding to its charm, warm refreshments available at the Café and a broad range of gifts, guidebooks and local produce available from the visitor centre.
Some quotes from the Rhyl Communities First members:
Janet Moseley – I love doing art and crafts but I have never done a Mosaic before so it was lovely to be able to attend the walks and do something so enjoyable.
Carol Stringer - I thoroughly enjoyed doing this. I love the fact that it will go up on the wall in Loggerheads for all to see. I will be very proud when showing it to my Grandchildren.
Jane Evans - I have loved coming along to this group making new friends and having fun. It has got me out of my house and doing something that I have really enjoyed.
Gail Page – This was a great class, I was able to bring my grandson who has never been to Loggerheads before and we had so much fun. Thank you.
Forest school has arrived in Llangollen
Wild forest school launched at Plas Newydd, Llangollen this summer with two fantastic holiday club sessions offering a holistic approach to education outdoors, combining structured activities with free time to explore.
The links between our health and wellbeing and the environment are well documented, along with the need for children to have time outdoors involved in free play. Children have an inherent wonder of the natural world, and the key driver behind forest school is to turn this wonder into wisdom so children grow up educated, excited and understanding how to protect and enhance our natural environment.
Before the formal concept of forest school was developed in the UK in the 90s there were a number of outdoor learning approaches going back as far as the 1800s emphasising the importance of creative freedom, childhood innocence and the importance of nature. In today’s digital age it’s even more important and beneficial to engage our younger generations with the natural world and outdoor play.
Forest school session activities usually include:
- Wildlife discovery and habitat management
- Games and opportunities for creative and imaginative play
- Den and shelter building
- Fires and cooking
- Tool use
- Natural crafts
- Seasonal celebration
- Themed activities (story book/topics/characters)
- Free play and child directed learning
Following on from the summer events, our preschool group ‘Habitots’ started at Plas Newydd and will run in 6 week blocks to allow children to develop their skills with the sessions. For more information about our sessions email wildforestschool@outlook.com or check out our Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/wildforestschool/
A successful summer of archaeological digs
There have been a number of successful archaeological excavations in the Clwydian Range over the summer, all with involvement from Denbighshire Countryside Service. On the Iron Age hillfort of Moel y Gaer Bodfari, archaeologists from Oxford, along with local volunteers, investigated an area of the fort thought to be a gateway into the site. At Penycloddiau hillfort near Llandyrnog students from Liverpool University have been learning the techniques of archaeological excavation whilst digging up the remains of an Iron Age house and Rampart. Open day visits at both sites were extremely successful with altogether about 300 people visiting the sites.
A local community group, Clwydian Range Archaeology Group, which started as part of the Heather and Hillforts project which was managed by Denbighshire Countryside Service, has grown from strength to strength and this year have been excavating on the slopes outside the hillfort of Moel Arthur. The group applied for and got a Heritage Lottery Fund grant which was matched with a grant from the Sustainable Development Fund of the AONB and with this they have been able to employ a professional archaeologist, Dr Ian Brooks, to teach them how to excavate. The group were excavating close to the Offa’s Dyke National Trail for four rather wet weeks in July and August. Their location did mean that they too had a great many visitors, about 260 of whom signed the Visitors Book! In previous years the group has found evidence of people in the area from 5000BC to the present day. This year they located an old stream bed and deposited within this were some extremely unusual limestone tools, the like of which has certainly not been seen from this area.
Work is now going on to see if anything similar has been found anywhere in the UK. The group are gathering together again at Loggerheads Country Park in early October for a workshop session when they will begin to document everything that they have found. Plans are that they will return next summer.
It is certainly exciting to see such a focus on our area, and heartening to see how many people made the effort to visit the sites to find out what is going on.
Education
New Catholic School in Rhyl
The proposals for the new 3-16 Catholic school in Rhyl have taken an important step forward.
The amalgamation of Ysgol Mair and Blessed Edward Jones Catholic High school has now been approved after no objections to the proposal were received. This means the new schools will be established on the 1st September 2019, with the two existing schools closing.
Alongside this, Kier Construction, who were appointed in May 2017 to take forward plans to deliver the new 3-16 Catholic School, have made great progress in developing the designs for the new school. The finishing touches are being made to the plans in advance of consultation with the public in October. This will allow residents, parents and pupils to have their say on the design before it is submitted for Planning Approval. Confirmation of the arrangements will be provided on the Council's website and through its social media channels.
The project is planned to be funded in partnership by the Council and the Welsh Government, through its 21st Century Schools and Education Capital Programme and the first stage of the Business Case based on these initial plans will be considered by the Welsh Government during the autumn.
Schools Update
Over £21m is planned to be invested in the Ruthin area as Denbighshire, in partnership with the Welsh Government via the 21st Century Schools and Education Programme provide new buildings for four primary schools in the Ruthin area. We take a look at the current progress of all of the schemes in the area below.
Ysgol Pen Barras and Rhos Street 
This £11 million development will result in Ysgol Pen Barras and Rhos Street School relocating from their current sites to a new facility at Glasdir, Ruthin.
Wynne Construction, the main Contractor for the project are progressing well in line with the programme which will see the works completed in the spring of 2018. Recent project highlights include completing the installation of the roof cladding and the start of the mechanical and electrical first fix. The majority of windows have now been installed and work to the new entrance and car park is ongoing.
Up and coming works include completing the window installation and the stonework to the front of the building and car park. Work will also continue on the mechanical and electrical installation and the internal plastering and external render.
Over the coming months the Council will work with the two schools to plan carefully the move from the existing sites to the new site.
Ysgol Carreg Emlyn
Over the summer preparatory work behind the scenes has continued for the new school in Clocaenog for Ysgol Carreg Emlyn.
Following planning approval to build a new primary school for Ysgol Carreg Emlyn in June, the project has now been out to tender and is currently at the tender evaluation stage. There has been a very good response to the tender with a number of contractors interested.
The appointment of the main building contractor will be announced at the start of October, with construction scheduled to start on site in the winter with completion anticipated in the autumn of 2018.
The new building will provide classrooms, a new hall, a community room, and space for small group work, external play areas, new vehicle access and car parking with a drop-off area. Following the completion of the building works the school will be able to operate from this single site with the existing buildings in Clocaenog and Cyffyliog closing.
Ysgol Llanfair
Overall there has been a positive response to the pre-planning consultation which took place over June and July. Following feedback from this, tweaks to the internal layout and highways proposals have been undertaken. The completion of additional ecological surveys should allow the planning application to be considered over the coming weeks.
Alongside this work is being progressed to secure a main contractor to work with Denbighshire to deliver the project.
Subject to approvals being received it is anticipated that construction could start on site Spring 2018 and completion anticipated in the spring of 2019.
The project will provide classrooms for the delivery of mixed year classes and additional areas including a hall, kitchen, community room, staff room, administration office, head teachers office, toilets and storage.
To keep up to date with the progress of all of Denbighshire’s projects, sign up to our Education Blog.
Business Section
Denbighshire named runner-up in national competition
The Council has come second in a national award for its work cutting down on red tape.
The Council’s Planning and Public Protection department was named runner-up in the Regulatory Delivery Awards, a UK-wide competition showcasing outstanding work in delivering regulation.
Denbighshire was nominated for its work on its Better Business for All (BBfA) project which brings together businesses and the Council’s Planning and Public Protection department to improve how regulation is delivered to save businesses time and money.
As part of BBfA, the Council now offers better co-ordination between services so a more holistic service can be provided to businesses during visits.
Denbighshire, the only Welsh applicant named among the 13 finalists, was also given a special 'one to watch' recognition by the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, which runs the awards.
Councillor Hugh Evans OBE, leader of Denbighshire, said: “Being named a runner-up in the Regulatory Delivery Awards is a real achievement. I am very proud of all the staff in the Planning and Public Protection department who have contributed to the success of Better Business for All.
“As part of BBfA, regulators inform businesses of any support available to them from the Council and other organisations, including business support grants.
“This project is about removing the regulatory barriers to growth - and raising the economic competitiveness of Denbighshire.
“Compliance with regulations can help your business provide a high and competitive standard of product that customers trust, to help guard your business against liability and to highlight any inefficient use of resources.
“We believe this is an effective way of supporting businesses, and along with a number of projects under our Economic and Community Ambition Strategy, is helping Denbighshire firms by developing the economy.
“We are extending the principles of BBfA to other service areas to further improve the way the Council interacts with businesses.”
Other work undertaken to improve regulatory delivery in the county includes Primary Authority Partnerships with local businesses, the production of business packs to provide improved guidance and support as well as workshops with businesses to help develop policies.
The awards ceremony was held in Birmingham on July 4 and other finalists included Tesco’s quality standards team, Salford City Council and Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service.
Pictured are Councillor Hugh Evans OBE, leader of Denbighshire (centre); Graham Boase, the Council’s Head of Planning and Public Protection (centre right); Emlyn Jones, Public Protection Manager (centre left) and staff from the planning and public protection department.
Take to social media to shout about great Denbighshire businesses
Traders and shoppers have a new way to shout about the great products available in Denbighshire.
The Council has launched the #CaruBusnesauLleol/#LoveLiveLocal Facebook group for businesses and shoppers to post great local purchases, products and deals in Denbighshire.
The #LoveLiveLocal campaign highlights the great range of local traders and products available on the county’s high streets.
Councillor Hugh Evans OBE, Leader of the Council, said: “There is a wealth of fantastic businesses on Denbighshire’s high streets selling a huge range of products.
“Independent traders offer value for money and a friendly service to their customers and I would encourage residents to see what is on offer on their doorstep.
“This Facebook group offers businesses the chance to promote themselves to customers and gives shoppers the chance to shout about great products and services.
“As a Council we want to see local businesses succeed as this ensures money spent locally stays in Denbighshire and helps create a thriving economy.”
Figures from the Federation of Small Businesses show that for every £1 spent with local small or medium enterprises an additional 63p of benefit was generated for the local economy, compared to 40p generated by large firms.
Businesses and residents are being invited to join the #CaruBusnesauLleol/#LoveLiveLocal Facebook group and promote great local businesses and products.
Denbighshire hosts free course to highlight dangers of cybercrime
Small firms not taking cybersecurity seriously could end up out of business if they don’t take steps to protect themselves.
That was the stark warning from experts at a free training session provided to small businesses by the Council.
Firms in the county were given a session on Cyber Essentials, a UK Government backed, industry-supported, scheme for basic cybersecurity.
Jason Davies, director of Ruthin-based Safonda, a Cyber Essentials accreditation company which trains businesses to protect themselves from attacks, led the session.
He said: “Cybersecurity is vital for small businesses. Larger businesses can absorb a cyberattack, for small businesses, if you lose access to your data, even for a day, it can have a massive impact on your company or even shut you down.
“If you are in-line with Cyber Essentials, ransomware can’t hit you to start with. As long as you are up-to-date and doing all the things you should be, it shouldn’t get you.
“If you are the victim of a cyberattack, the first thing you should do is speak to your internet provider. Then look at what the impact is and what has been affected.
“We can’t tell people whether to pay for their data or not after they have been hit by a ransomware attack. If you pay a ransom for your data then you are funding those criminals but at the end of the day you are a business and if the data is vital to you, we can’t say don’t pay it.”
In 2016 cybercrime cost UK businesses £29 billion and Mr Davies said the best defence is to back up your data.
He said: “There is very little someone can do to you or your network that can’t be repaired with a good back up system.
“If you want a good all-round solution, the answer is to go and look at the Cyber Essentials scheme. It gives you the guidance on the five most important actions.
“Denbighshire County Council has been vital in raising the awareness of cybersecurity within the North Wales region.
Cyber Essentials encourages businesses to set up firewalls and other software to prevent unauthorised access and to make sure malware and anti-virus software is installed and up-to-date.
Maureen Young, co-owner of Ruthin Decor, was a victim of a cyberattack last year and she described it as ‘devastating’.
She said: “Cybersecurity is a big issue for our business. We had a malware attack and whilst it didn’t affect our main accounting systems, it did affect some of the documents I held.
“It is now a real concern for us to make sure we are up-to-date on protecting the business against those risks.
“I would urge other businesses to take this threat very seriously. I thought of myself as someone who was very much aware when an e-mail comes in, to know if I should open it or not, but I still opened something I shouldn’t have.
“The session was very useful. I have a list of things to check on. It is nice to see the Council help small businesses in this way. This is exactly the type of help that we need. It is the sort of thing that if you have to pay for, people put it as a low priority but if you are the victim of a cyberattack it can be absolutely devastating.”
Stuart Baldwin, owner of Rhyl-based Quest Consultancy, which provides training and project management services to businesses, said: “This course makes perfect sense for us. Cybersecurity is something we are very concerned about.
“It is something that could be detrimental to a business. You hear of major attacks happening on multi-national companies and public services. We feel much more informed after this course. It has reduced the fear, they have let us know that there are some simple steps we can take and make sure we are compliant.”
The Council is looking to host another free course for businesses in October and to register your interest e-mail econ.dev@denbighshire.gov.uk.
Innovative approach to helping pupils to get ready for the world of work
Denbighshire pupils are to get an extra helping hand to prepare for the world of work.
The Council is gearing up for the start of Ready for Work, which is being delivered with the support of Careers Wales, to provide students with enhanced mentoring support, extra careers advice as well as working with employers to develop workplace skills.
It follows on from the Pathways+ project which saw more than 1,300 students attend careers events as well as mock interview sessions with employers.
Cllr Hugh Evans OBE, Leader of Denbighshire, said: “Getting pupils ready for the world of work is vitally important. Ready for Work will help students understand the expectations and requirements of employers.
“It will also enable pupils and their parents to gain awareness of the huge variety of jobs and career opportunities within Denbighshire.
“As part of our work developing the economy under our Economic and Community Ambition Strategy, we want to make sure the county has a skilled workforce equipped to benefit from jobs and opportunities that arise.”
Ready for Work will aim to embed careers advice activity within the core curriculum delivered by schools and will include partnering businesses with schools so they can provide practical advice.
It will also include the creation of an alumni community scheme to take advantage of the skills and knowledge of former pupils as well as the delivery of bilingual careers events.
Denbighshire Housing
Affordable homes success in Denbighshire
The Council’s commitment to providing affordable housing in the county is paying dividends, with 185 created in the past three years, bringing the total to 760 in the past 13 years.
Affordable homes have been created across the county through new build and pre-existing homes, helping people to purchase a home on the open market in an area of their choice or through renting.
There are currently a range of different opportunities across the county, including schemes in Henllan, Rhewl and Denbigh. The Homebuy scheme also allows applicants to purchase a home on the open market through providing financial assistance.
To access these opportunities, to purchase or to rent at a discounted rate, people need to register once to be on the Affordable Housing Register. This is run by Grwp Cynefin who can provide individually tailored advice on the options available.
To register, please contact the Affordable Housing team at Grwp Cynefin, on 0300 111 2122.
A major part of the Council’s approach to providing affordable housing is to bring empty properties back into use.
Denbighshire is one of the best Councils in Wales for bringing empty premises back into use, with 130 properties back into use in the last financial year and over 900 empty homes brought back into use since 2010. There are currently around 700 empty properties in the county and the Council wants to bring even more properties into use through working with their owners. There is a range of advice and financial information available to help owners get long term empty properties back into use. For further information contact Andrea Fisher in Built Environment on 01824 706717 or built.environment@denbighshire.gov.uk
Warm Zone Energy Efficiency Scheme Project Update
The Council, through their energy conservation programme, have improved the energy efficiency of some of the worst performing houses in Denbighshire.
The energy efficiency of a home and the cost of fuel bills can mean the difference between being comfortable in your own home or being able to afford to eat. Energy inefficient housing creates excessively high fuel bills that can have negative impacts on people’s health and wellbeing.
The private rented sector has some of the lowest energy efficiency ratings in dwellings across Denbighshire. This will has serious implications from April 2018. The Energy Efficiency (Private Rented Property) (England and Wales) Regulations 2015 state that all private rented houses with an energy performance certificate (EPC) rating of F and G are ‘substandard’ and cannot be let. A criminal record, substantial fines and a property that cannot be let may be some of the consequences.
Some of the most inefficient houses are located in West Rhyl which is where our last energy conservation project was.
Considerable regeneration work is ongoing around the Gerddi Heulwen area in West Rhyl. As part of this regeneration work 36 dwellings in the area have had their energy efficiency improved from band E, F’s and G’s to band C on the EPC. Many of these houses had been disconnected from the gas main and put onto electric heaters that create excessively high fuel bills and give a poor energy efficiency performance.
Our latest project has improved these properties by reconnecting them to the gas main and replacing the inefficient and expensive electric heating systems with modern and energy efficient gas central heating systems. The work was funded through a successful application to Welsh Government and Warm Zone as part of the Warm homes Programme.
The project brought in over £100,000 of external funding to fund the costs of installation and bring the residents out of fuel poverty. Now many of the remaining houses in the immediate proximity of the regeneration area have good levels of energy efficiency. Each house will now have annual fuel bills reduced by hundreds of pounds.
As part of this project we also worked with Communities First and Citizens Advice Denbighshire. They were able to support training opportunities for local people. CAD provided a bi-lingual Freephone phone line to register properties for the project and were able to offer household visits and provide advice on energy efficiency, income maximisation, reducing debt, managing money and assisting with energy grant applications.
Work due to begin on a £1.2 million environmental improvement project in St Asaph
Work has started on the £1.2 million environmental improvement project for council tenants in St Asaph.
The project will deliver a number of improvements including highways and footpath reconstruction, together with environmental landscaping. On completion, the area will benefit from better parking facilities, traffic calming measures and open area landscaping. Investment in the project will come from Denbighshire Housing, with support from the wider County Council and the Welsh Government.
Dawnus have been appointed as the contractor to deliver this project. They have a wealth of experience in both building and civil projects and said: “Dawnus are extremely pleased to be awarded this prestigious improvement scheme at Bro Havard and look forward to working with Denbighshire County Council and the local community to deliver a successful project with minimum disruption to residents”.
On the 11 September, Dawnus started works in and around the Stanley Park area, where a site compound has been set up. Dawnus are in the process of visiting each property in the area affected by the improvements and will meet residents to discuss the project with them.
Councillor Tony Thomas, Cabinet Lead Member for Housing, said: “We look forward to working with the local community to deliver these improvements and create a vibrant environment that they can be proud to be a part of. This is one of a number of community based projects underway across the county, with a firm commitment by the team to improving the quality of life for local people through quality developments.”
Further key dates during the project are:
- January to March 2018: landscaping and environmental improvements will begin
- We expect the project to be completed in summer 2018
Regular updates about the project will be available on the project noticeboard at Stanley Park and also on Denbighshire Housing’s Facebook Page @TaiSirDdinbych.DenbighshireHousing.
If you would like any further information or have any questions, please contact Jayne Valentine jayne.valentine@denbighshire.gov.uk, 07887 541000 or Glyn Forsdick glyn.forsdick@denbighshire.gov.uk, 01824 712959.
Rhyl Developments
New head chef appointed for Rhyl’s 1891 restaurant
A taste of Rhyl will very much be on the menu at the resort’s new flagship restaurant thanks to its newly appointed head chef.
Aaron Broster, who has worked under the Vale of Clwyd’s celebrity chef Bryn Williams, will take the top job at 1891 which opens in December at Rhyl’s revamped Pavilion Theatre.
Aaron, 53, who lives in Denbigh, has worked at a host of top restaurants, most recently at Bryn Williams’ Porth Eirias in Colwyn Bay and Brookhouse Mill in Denbigh.
The former Ysgol Glan Clwyd pupil said: “I’m really excited to have been appointed head chef. This is a great opportunity.
“I’m looking to use local produce for the menu, within a 30-mile radius of Rhyl and definitely from North Wales. As a chef local produce is better and it helps support the great local businesses we have here in the county.
“I’d like to get Rhyl on the menu, there will be a ‘Rhyl Rock’ dessert, some of the dishes will be named after Rhyl landmarks and the steak will be called ‘The Cut’.
“There will be seaside influences and theatre influences on the menu. It is going to be fine dining, but open to everyone.”
Named after the year the original Pavilion first opened, 1891 will offer high-quality food and drink in a stylish, elegant environment and will be open to theatre-goers, residents and visitors.
Mr Broster, who has worked as a chef for 27 years, has also previously worked at the Chester Grosvenor, the Brighton Metropole Hotel and Portmeirion.
He said: “Working with Bryn has been great. I have learnt a lot. I’m pleased I worked there and now is the time to take the next step.
“1891 is going to be a fantastic restaurant. It looks amazing and I don’t think you’ll get better views in North Wales, you can see right along the coast. It is going to be an incredible experience and the food will match.
“This is going to be something great for Rhyl, along with the wider regeneration. It is raising the town up a level. It is an up and coming place.”
The Pavilion’s bar areas are also being refurbished as part of the redevelopment as well as the repainting and recreating of the façade of the main building and the creation of a new entrance foyer.
Councillor Hugh Evans OBE, leader of Denbighshire, said: “I’d like to congratulate Aaron on his new role. It is fantastic to get such an experienced and talented chef for 1891.
“The restaurant will be a real asset to the town. The redevelopment of the Pavilion Theatre is part of the wider work in Rhyl which will increase footfall in the town and create jobs that will boost the local economy.”
Taste of fine dining at 1891
Here’s a sneaky peek of how the brand new flagship restaurant which forms a significant part of the regeneration of Rhyl’s waterfront will look.
The images are hot off the press and showcase the stylish and elegant surroundings of 1891, due to open in December.
The restaurant is due to officially open on December 1st.
For further information, visit: www.1891rhyl.com or keep an eye on the local press and social media.
Another key milestone in water park development
The skate park on Rhyl promenade closed on Monday, 25 September - to make way for the flagship water park which will form a significant part of the waterfront redevelopment.
Work on the detailed design of the brand new replacement skate park is underway and the location of the new facility will be announced shortly.
A planning application for the skate park is expected to be completed in the autumn and work will start early in 2018, with a view to it being available for the summer months.
The Council would like to thank skate park users for their co-operation.
Meanwhile, Alliance Leisure Services have been awarded the contract to develop the Water Park, with contractors ISG now on site.
Leader of Denbighshire, Councillor Hugh Evans OBE, said: “The future upgrading of the leisure and tourism offer on the coastal front is considered the most critical element of the overall regeneration of Rhyl.
“The proposals for the new ‘Waterfront’ have been developed in such a way as to complement the regeneration plan for the whole town and, because of its location (next to the Sky Tower & Cinema, opposite the new Premier Inn development and close to the Town Centre/High Street retail area), serving as a catalyst for attracting more footfall into Rhyl and driving increased visitor numbers through the Town Centre.
“The relocation of the skate park is an important element of the scheme and this latest development shows that plans for the water park are progressing into a very exciting phase and are on-track to be delivered.
News
Hundreds line the street for Freedom of the County parade
Hundreds of people lined the streets of Ruthin last month to bestow the honour of Freedom of the County to the Royal Welsh.
They already have the honour and this was reaffirmed during a ceremony on 2 September. Fusilier Llewelyn (the goat) led over 130 soldiers, who paraded through the town’s streets, starting off at Wynnstay Road and up Market Street to St Peter’s Square where a parade inspection took place.
Following a public address and National Anthems, Fusilier Llewelyn then led the Royal Welsh, the Regimental Band and the Cadets around St Peter’s Square, down Well Street and into Wynnstay Road where the march ended at the cenotaph.
This momentous occasion gave the people of Denbighshire and visitors to the area, a chance to show support and thank our armed forces for their courage and bravery in the execution of their duty, both at home and overseas.
The Freedom of the County was first awarded by the Council to The Royal Welsh in June 2011, when hundreds of people lined the streets of Denbigh to support and witness the event.
Recycling efforts paying dividends
The Council is saying a “huge thank you” to the county’s residents for their recycling efforts.
In the 2016/17, Denbighshire recycled 64% of the waste it collected, meeting the 64% target set by the Welsh Government two years early.
The Council is now encouraging residents to make sure that all food waste is disposed of in the food waste collection service. Currently 20% of the total waste that is collected in black wheelie bins is actually food waste.
The next target set for Denbighshire is to reach 70% by 2024/2025.
To assist with improving recycling rates further, residents are asked to ensure that all food waste is placed in the orange food waste caddy provided, ready for its weekly collection.
A smaller kitchen caddy is provided for you to collect food waste each day and transfer to the orange food waste container when convenient. The following food waste can go into the orange caddy: Baked products i.e. cakes, cereals, biscuits, bread crusts, mouldy bread ; Canned/packed products i.e. nuts, pulses, seeds; Vegetable waste i.e. peelings / rotten veg; Tea bags / coffee grounds; Leftovers; Fruit waste i.e skins, cores, peels; meat waste; Dairy waste i.e. egg shells.
Councillor Brian Jones, Cabinet Lead Member with responsibility for recycling said: “Meeting the recycling target two years early is a great achievement and we couldn’t have recycled so much without the dedication and commitment of Denbighshire residents to dispose of waste in the correct way.
“The Council is proud of its recycling service which has developed over recent years and Denbighshire is seen at the forefront of recycling in Wales. We want to continue with our green, environmentally friendly approach by providing the right recycling services and by working with residents and local communities."
For further information about recycling, please click here.
National Adoption Week 2017 #SupportAdoption
National Adoption Week 2017 will take place from the 16th to 22nd October. As in previous years, the need to find families for some of our most vulnerable children is at the heart of the event and the focus this year is on siblings.
It will also aim to encompass all aspects of adoption, to demystify and clarify the adoption process, reflect the challenges of adoptive parenting.
The North Wales Adoption Service will be supporting National Adoption Week by holding information/drop in sessions across North Wales giving people the opportunity to come and find out more about the adoption process. No appointments are necessary, and people are welcome to come and talk through their own personal situation, in full confidence if they wish.
On the 18th of October we will be at Rhyl Library (1pm -3pm) and the Swimming Centre in Llandudno (4pm-7pm).
For more information please visit our website http://www.northwalesadoption.gov.uk/.
Innovative Council initiative seeks involvement from local community
Denbighshire’s Shared Lives Scheme is currently looking for local people who would like to become ‘carers’.
The scheme provides extra support in the daily lives of people in need – they may have a complex disability, mental health problems, physical disabilities, or sensory impairment which affects their lives.
The Council is looking for enthusiastic and caring individuals, couples or families who live in Denbighshire and have a spare room in their home to be a Shared Lives Carer.
Denbighshire’s Shared Lives Scheme has dedicated staff who provide practical support, advice and guidance to Shared Lives Carers. We will also provide them with appropriate training and arrange for them to be paid a fee.
Councillor Bobby Feeley, Cabinet Lead Member for Well-being and Independence, said:” Denbighshire’s Shared Lives Scheme aims to play a crucial link in supporting those in our community who need help the most. Experience of working in the care sector would be useful but isn’t a requirement – enthusiasm is just as important!”
Anyone interested in becoming a Shared Lives Carer or those who would like to find out more should contact Denbighshire’s Single Point of Access and ask to speak to the Shared Lives Scheme Co-ordinator.
You can write to them or see them at: Single Point of Access, Denbighshire Social Services, Russell House, Churton Road, Rhyl, LL18 3DP; Telephone: 0300 456 1000. Email: spoa@denbighshire.gov.uk
Council identifies need for gypsy and traveller sites
The Council is on the look-out for land for a residential, as well as a transit site for Gypsies and Travellers in the county.
The Council, working with Conwy County Borough Council, carried out an assessment need for accommodation for Gypsy and Travellers. All local authorities across Wales are required to undertake such assessments, in line with the Housing (Wales) Act 2014.
The assessment recognised the need for a six pitch residential site in Denbighshire, as well as a transit site for four to five pitches for those travelling through the county.
A permanent site would function as any other residential community where residents are provided with basic accommodation, such as individual amenity blocks, access to utilities, refuse facilities and collection service. As with any other rented accommodation, residents pay rent and council tax, pay for their own utilities and are required to abide by tenancy conditions.
Transit sites are permanent facilities designed for temporary use by occupiers, normally with a communal amenity block. Individual occupiers are permitted to stay on the site for up to three months at a time.
Currently, there are no existing permanent or transit sites in Denbighshire.
The next steps is to review all suitable land currently in Denbighshire and to encourage landowners to put forward any privately owned sites forward for consideration. Any expressions of interest should be forwarded to ldp@denbighshire.gov.uk. The closing date for submissions is 8 November, 2017.
For more information, please visit: www.denbighshire.gov.uk/gypsiesandtravellers.
St Asaph Library and One Stop Shop – Temporary Closure Information
The Council are offering free bus travel from St Asaph to Rhuddlan Library for library customers during a short period of extensive refurbishment.
The St Asaph Library and One Stop Shop building closed to the public from Monday 2nd October 2017 and will reopen in the New Year.
Denbighshire County Council, in partnership with the City Council, will be improving the building and services provided to create a community facility ready for the future.
During the closure, the council and Arriva welcome customers to travel free of charge on the local bus service (Arriva), to the next nearest library which is Rhuddlan Library / One Stop Shop.
Please be prepared to present your Library Membership card to the bus driver to qualify for the free travel service – if this is not possible a travel ticket will have to be purchased, which does not apply to those who travel with a free bus pass.
Customers may catch the bus from any recognised bus stop in St Asaph to travel to Rhuddlan Library/One Stop Shop at the following address:
Rhuddlan Library / One Stop Shop
Vicarage Lane
Rhuddlan
LL18 0DR
The opening hours for Rhuddlan Library and One Stop service are:
Monday 9:30 – 12:30 1:30 – 5pm
Wednesday 9:30 – 12:30 1:30 – 5pm
Thursday 1:30 – 5pm
Friday 9:30 – 12:30 1:30 – 5pm
Saturday 9:30 – 12:30
We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause - thank you for your cooperation and patience during this time. The council would also like to extend their thanks to Arriva for providing this free of charge service for customers.
Your Talking Points
Ageing Well in Denbighshire
A week-long series of events has taken place across Denbighshire in the run-up to the International Day of Older Persons which was held on 1 October, to celebrate the contribution of older people.
This year, a series of events were arranged by the Denbighshire Ageing –Well Networking Group to showcase what support is available. This Partnership includes the Council, Age Connect, Alzheimers’ Society, British Red Cross, Care & Repair, Care Forum Wales, Citizens’ Advice Denbighshire, NEWCIS and the NHS and many more.
Events included sessions of the Lost in Art project, social events, arts and textiles, a ‘culture club’ for arts and dance and Talking Points sessions for people to get advice and information on well-being issues.
A social media campaign was also held to promote the projects and help raise the profile of issues relating to older people. You can see the social media videos below.
A copy of Denbighshire’s Ageing Well Plan can also be found by visiting: http://www.denbighshire.gov.uk/ageingwell.
Council to survey residents
The Council will soon be asking for your views about council services and issues in your local community.
Every two years, we produce a residents survey when we ask for your views about your communities as places to live and how satisfied you are with council services in general.
The findings will help us understand how much you know about us and our services; your experiences of contacting us and providing feedback and what you think we should focus on during the next four years.
The findings of the survey will be issued in early 2018.
The survey will be issued to sample households across the county over the coming few weeks. Copies will also be available in reception areas and on social media.
We’ll let you know when they’re available.
Modernising Social Services: Community Resilience
Community Navigator
The Community Navigators aim to develop and support local networks and communities and promote a range of help available within the community to reduce the need for formal, planned support. The support from them will be empowering and enabling wherever possible and will promote independence, confidence and skills.
Community Navigators provide a link between health and social care, the citizen, their family and carers, and sources of support within the community. GPs are increasingly finding this service invaluable and the service has been described as ‘a mechanism for linking patients with non-medical sources of support within the community.
Community Navigators offer a different way for people to find out what help might be available or what they can contribute in their community to support their health and wellbeing. They work closely with health and social care teams and can be found within the Talking Points in your local area.
Dewis
If you prefer to look on line for sources of help or opportunities to volunteer, look on Dewis Cymru, the place for well-being information across Wales.
Dewis is the well-being website for Wales where information about ocal organisations and services can be found to help you maintain your independence and well-being. To see what is available in a particular area that might be of benefit to you, your family members/friends or those looking after other people check out www.dewis.wales. As well as details about services and activities in your area it also has lots of really useful information.
There are currently over 3,500 resources on Dewis and it gets over 30,000 page visits per month and each person who goes on Dewis stays for over 5 minutes – that might not sound much but it’s more than a lot of websites get and it shows that people who come to Dewis are finding it useful – why not take a look yourself…..http://www.dewis.walesn/
If you think you need help or would like a discussion with someone, you can visit a Talking Point, contact the Single Point of Access on 0300 456 1000 or visit our website.