Christmas and New Year Information

You can find out what the opening and closing time information for our services and buildings is over the Christmas and New Year period as well as information on our household and garden waste collections on our website.

With Christmas fast approaching, many homes within Denbighshire will be busy wrapping presents and starting to put up their festive decorations.

When planning on buying your essentials this Christmas, it is important to consider whether they are recyclable or not. Here is a list of key items, and their recycling instructions:

Bubble Wrap

Bubble wrap can't be recycled. Please put it in your black general waste bin or pink sacks or reuse to wrap up valuables which are going into storage or being posted.

Cellotape

Duct tape, electrical tape, cellotape, masking tape and parcel tape cannot be recycled. Please put them in your black general waste bin or pink sack.

Christmas Decorations

Christmas decorations can be reused year after year or donated to local charity shops or schools for craft sessions. Any decorations that are not fit for reuse should be put in your black general waste bin or pink sack.

Gift wrap

Gift wrap containing glitter and plastic cannot be recycled and must go in your black general waste bin or pink sacks.

Recycle plain paper gift wrap in your blue mixed recycling bin or clear recycling sacks once cellotape has been removed.

Plastic Packaging

Plastic packaging can be put in your blue mixed recycling bin or clear recycling sacks.

Aluminium Cans

Recycle your empty aluminium cans in your blue mixed recycling bin or clear recycling sacks at home or at your nearest Recycling and Waste Park.

Bottles

Glass - You can recycle any unwanted glass bottles and jars in your blue mixed recycling bin or clear recycling sacks.

Plastic - Please reuse your plastic bottles. You can recycle plastic bottles in your mixed recycling bin or clear sacks.

Councillor Barry Mellor, Lead Member for Environment and Transport said: “There are lots of things that are thrown in the bin that can actually be recycled. Christmas time can be a very busy time for our waste teams, so choosing the right waste options during this festive period is very important.” 

Tributes to former Chairman as new Chair and Vice Chair are appointed

The Council has elected a new Chair and Vice Chair for the remainder of the 2023 / 2024 term.

At a full Council meeting in Ruthin, Councillor Peter Scott (St Asaph West) was elected Chair and Councillor Diane King (Rhyl South West) was elected Vice Chair of the authority.

These appointments came about following the sad passing of the previous Chair of the Council, Councillor Pete Prendergast on 22 September.

Councillor Prendergast served as Chair of the Council for the 2017 – 2018 municipal year and was re-elected as Chair in May of this year. During the meeting, the newly appointed Chair, Councillor Peter Scott, invited Lead Members of the Groups to pay tributes to Pete Prendergast.

These were led by the Leader of the Council, Councillor Jason McLellan who said, “I had known Pete for a number of years and when he was elected it was quite clear how dedicated he was to his role as Councillor in representing his community and speaking up for his residents. Pete worked really well with the community groups in Rhyl and on his ward.”

Newly appointed Vice Chair, and Councillor Prendergast’s consort during his tenure, Councillor Diane King said, “He was one of those people you felt honoured to have in your life. His willingness to help others defined him as a person. The fact that Pete had so many close friends is a testament to the genuine, kind person that he was. He was so proud when he was elected Chair of Denbighshire County Council, not once, but twice.

“Pete came from humble beginnings, and he possessed an innate quality that he could relate to people at all levels and in any situation. This enabled him to work tirelessly for his community as a Town Councillor first of all, and then as a County Councillor. On a personal level I have benefitted immensely from Pete’s support, commitment, and friendship over the last six years. I was so proud to have him as my friend.”

Councillor Peter Scott brought the tributes to a close and said, “You will all have your memories of Pete, but from my point of view, he was a gentleman who put everyone before himself. He was a wonderful man and I’m certain he will be sadly missed by everyone who knew him.”

Tributes were also paid by Councillors Huw Hilditch-Roberts, Hugh Irving, Delyth Jones, and Martyn Hogg.

Councillor Peter Scott asked the Council Chamber to stand and observe a period of silent reflection in gratitude and in memory of Pete Prendergast. This was observed by all present with the utmost respect.

Do you know what a Cofferdam is?

Here is Balfour Beatty's Sub-Agent Aled Hughes, who is working on the Rhyl Central Sea Defence Scheme to explain.

Denbighshire win at National Catering Awards

At the annual awards, Catering Supervisor, Claire Stott took home the ‘Emerging Talent Award’ for her outstanding work and progression. Claire started as a Catering Assistant 7 years ago and has shown passion, determination, and drive to take all training opportunities available to her, both in house and via external partnerships to gain the qualifications, skills and experience to enable her to achieve several promotions.

She progressed to an Area Cook, Secondary School Cook and is now an Area Catering Supervisor. Claire supports the catering management team with the day-to-day operation of catering services in the north of Denbighshire and is helping with the roll out of Universal Free school meals.

Shelley Houston, a Cook at Ysgol Emmanuel was also shortlisted for the ‘Shining Star Award’ for her dedication to the school meals service in Denbighshire. Shelley has worked as a cook within the service for 30 years.

Hayley Jones, Principal Catering and Cleaning Manager was called to the stage to accept the ‘Welsh Government Food in schools award’. This award was presented to the Council, as well as a number of other local authorities, as a Recognition of Excellence for the Delivery of the Universal Free school meal project. This was accepted on behalf of everyone in Denbighshire who has been involved in and has supported the Catering Service.

On accepting the award, Hayley said: “It was a huge honour to accept the award on behalf of everyone who has worked tirelessly to ensure the project and work has been completed on time.

"The rollout of the Universal Free school meal project has been a team effort, with multiple departments involved to ensure the service has the capacity to cook the additional meals.”

Paul Jackson, Head of Service for Highways and Environmental Services, said: “I am so pleased to see that our staff have been honoured for their hard work and innovative ideas, it is truly well deserved.

" Our staff work tirelessly, many behind the scenes, to ensure our catering department runs as smoothly as possible, and I can only commend them on their hard work.

"Well done to those that were shortlisted, and of course the winners.”

LACA - Wales (Local Authority Caterers Association) is a professional body set up to support School Caterers across the UK.

Free after Three Parking Initiative

The Council's 'Free after Three' parking initiative will again be running up to 31 December.

Update on Queen's Market

After careful consideration and discussion, the Council and the Mikhail Hotel & Leisure Group have mutually agreed not to take forward their proposed partnership at the Queen's Market in Rhyl.

Following detailed discussions, both parties have agreed that a collaborative vision for the Queen's Market could not be achieved.

The Council is currently implementing a new plan to appoint an operator for the facility, and further updates regarding this will be provided in due course.

Councillor Jason McLellan, Leader of the Council and Lead Member for Economic Growth & Tackling Deprivation said: “The Queen’s Market project is a vitally important part of the long-term development work happening in Rhyl, and structural work on the building is nearing completion.

"The Queen’s Market will provide a unique retail offering to the people of Denbighshire and beyond, and we are committed to ensuring that this project will deliver the very best offering and outcome for the people of Rhyl.

"Work will continue to fit out the facility as planned, and we look forward to the Queen's Market opening for business in 2024. 

"We would like to thank the Mikhail Hotel & Leisure Group for their cooperation and collaboration on this project and wish them all the best with their future endeavours.”

Andrew Mikhail, Chairman of the Mikhail Group said: “We would like to thank the team at Denbighshire Council for their support over the last few months as we have enjoyed working with them to find a mutually beneficial solution for this fantastic venue. 

"Ultimately, we felt that the Queen's Market didn’t fit within our operating model. We wish the team at the Council every success for the future of the Queen's Market project.”

Have your say on funding for policing in North Wales

Your views are important in helping the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner to determine the policing budget for 2024/25. The precept is the part of the council tax which pays for policing in your area. Click on the link which will take you to the PCC Survey >>> https://orlo.uk/F06VM

Submit your response by midnight 7 January 2024.

Horseshoe Falls Levelling Up project appoints contractor

The Council has appointed a contractor to undertake improvement works at Horseshoe Falls funded by the UK Government’s Levelling Up Fund (LUF).

During the first round of LUF, the Council was successful in its joint application with Wrexham County Borough Council for the Clwyd South Constituency, which was supported by Simon Baynes MP. Denbighshire secured £3.8 million to invest in the communities of Llangollen, Llantysilio, Corwen and surrounding areas.

Residents can expect the following improvements to the Llantysilio Green Car Park near Horseshoe Falls:

• Replacement of existing car park surface to form designated parking bays.
• Excavation for new cesspit to replace existing old septic tank.
• Replacement of external foul drainage between new tank and existing toilet block.
• New stone wall and paving stone improvements around toilet block.

KM Construction have been successful in their tender for the project, and work is due to begin on 8 January 2024 for a period of 8 weeks (weather dependant).

The works will include some disruption to car parking, and temporary closure of the toilet block to carry out renewals of the foul drainage and provision of the new paving around the building. However, pedestrian access to Horseshoe Falls will be maintained throughout the construction process.

The area has seen a significant increase in visitor numbers in recent years, and this project aims to manage visitor numbers and enhance the visitor experience for all who visit the site.

Find out more about our Levelling Up Fund project at Horseshoe Falls on our website.

Public consultation to introduce a Public Space Protection Order for Rhyl town centre

The Council and North Wales Police intend to secure a Town Centre Public Space Protection Order (PSPO) for Rhyl Town Centre and are seeking the public’s views on the issue.

This PSPO will prevent and deal with individuals and groups consuming alcohol and/or causing anti-social behaviour in Rhyl Town Centre. This would be the third PSPO that has been live in the area since 2016.

While a number of measures are in place to help combat anti-social behaviour in Rhyl town centre, such as regular meetings between partner organisations to discuss how to collectively tackle problems, provision of services for those with alcohol issues and the new Rhyl Youth Centre, the rates of anti-social behaviour in the area remain high.

While we will continue to work in partnership to prevent these issues in future, a PSPO would offer North Wales Police an additional tool to address these issues.

The public consultation opened on the Council’s County Conversations portal from 13 November and will be accepting responses until 21 January.

Councillor Rhys Thomas, Lead Member for Housing and Communities, said: “We would encourage anyone currently living in Rhyl, or who has previously lived in the area, to take part in this consultation to share their views on the matter.

"We want to hear people’s thoughts on the effectiveness of implementing a PSPO, as well as whether they believe that the areas specified in the proposed order target the main areas impacted by anti-social behaviour.

“Anti-social behaviour is an important issue that needs to be addressed in the area and we are keen to hear the public’s views on the matter in order for us to ensure that our public protection measures in Rhyl suit the needs of the area.”

To take part in the consultation, head over to the County Conversations website

North Wales Private Tenant Forum January 2024

Thursday, 11 January 2024 (12pm - 12.30pm)

Are you renting from a private landlord or letting agent in North Wales?

Would you like to work together with local policy and decision makers to ensure your voice is heard?

Six Local Authorities in North Wales are coming together to ensure tenants’ voices are heard across the private rental sector. We are hosting a half-hour lunchtime tenant forum to hear your voices on what you think the key information is that you need as a tenant.

The local authorities involved are - Conwy County Borough Council, Denbighshire County Council, Flintshire County Council, Gwynedd Council, Isle of Anglesey County Council, Wrexham County Borough Council. 

We’ve been working together over the last year, and we would love to hear how we can support you as tenants and ensure you have the information you need.

For more information and to read the factsheet on your basic rights as tenants, please visit the TPAS Cymru website.

How is the Council doing?

It’s time to have your say!

The council’s Stakeholder Survey for 2023 to 2024 is up and running.

We want to know what Denbighshire residents, businesses, staff, elected members and partners think of the work we are doing here at the council.

 The survey is a great opportunity for the council to understand and learn from what people think so we hope you’ll help us by answering a few questions.

It’s also a great way for you to find out more about the themes that make up the council’s current Corporate Plan.

To take part and have your say, please complete the survey by visiting countyconversation.denbighshire.gov.uk

Closing date: 29 February 2024

Borrowbox

Have you discovered our Borrowbox service yet?

You can get free access to thousands of eBooks and audiobooks and now we also offer a selection of newspapers. The newspapers are available on the day of publication and look just like the printed edition.

Titles include the Daily Post, Y Cymro, the Daily Mail, the Independent and the Guardian. Download the Borrowbox app to your phone or tablet and login with your library card and PIN.

If you aren’t a library member you can join online and start reading straightaway. https://denbighshire.borrowbox.com/

Memory Boxes

Did you know that you can borrow Memory Boxes from your local library?

The Memory Boxes have been created by Making Sense CIO, with Dementia Aware Denbighshire funding, and they contain a variety of objects designed to awaken the senses, spark conversations and rekindle memories. They are ideal for care home or group settings and there are 5 different boxes to choose from.

Re-live a night at the cinema with our usherette tray in the 1950s Cinema box. Re-visit playgrounds and schoolrooms of the past with the 1950s School Days box, or how about a trip to the 1950s Seaside. The 1950s Shed will take you back to tinkering in the shed and DIY adventures, and 1950s Work Place will take you back to workplaces of yesteryear.

The boxes can be requested and delivered to your local library for collection, free of charge, where they can be borrowed just like a book.

Here to help with the cost of living

The Welsh Government and Advicelink Cymru can help you claim what’s yours.

We all need a little help and support from time to time, and with the rising costs of living many people in Wales need help now.

The Welsh Government is doing everything it can to put money back into people’s pockets.

If you are unsure about what support is available, Advicelink Cymru are here to help you check and claim what’s yours.

Call the Claim What’s Yours helpline for free and confidential advice on your entitlement to extra money from:

• Welfare benefits, such as Personal Independence Payment, Carers Allowance and Pension Credit.
• Welsh Government support.

An advisor can also arrange for you to get help with debt and personal finance issues.

When you contact Advicelink Cymru, a trained advisor will talk to you about your circumstances and help you find out what support is available.

The advisor will support you throughout the claim process and help you to fill in any claim forms.

They can also advise on what evidence you need to provide to support your claim.

Get in touch with an advisor today by calling the free helpline on 0808 250 5700 Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm or go to their website.

Success for Working Denbighshire’s Employment Wellbeing event!

Working Denbighshire hosted an event in Rhyl Library in November to showcase the well-being and employability support available for people in work, those looking for a career change or those in need of a job.

Twenty organisations were in attendance, including We Care Wales, PSS UK and Citizens Advice, offering free advice, and signing residents up, to the free support available to them.

Working Denbighshire planned the event in collaboration with Working Wales, who organised this as part of a series. Due to its success, the team are currently looking into planning a similar event for the new year.

To keep up to date with our events visit our calendar - https://www.denjobs.org/

Working Denbighshire Mentors

One to One Support: Full-time Mentor

What is a full-time mentor and how can they help me?

Our experienced mentors can help you navigate through barriers that are holding you back from achieving your desired future by developing a bespoke action plan. They will offer guidance and support throughout your journey, regularly checking in over one-to-one meetings to support you to achieve your goals.

As part of your bespoke action plan, our mentors will provide you with:

• Access to training sessions
• Work experience opportunities
• Volunteering opportunities
• Wellbeing activities
• Access to IT equipment
• Understanding your benefit entitlements and support with applications
• Travel expenses *if identified as a barrier*

*If you are in receipt of Universal Credit, these activities will help you meet your Claimant Commitment*

One to One: ‘One off’ Support

What can I expect from ‘one-off’ support?

Whether you are in education, unemployed or seeking a new position, our ‘One-off’ support sessions have been put in place to help you overcome a particular barrier, including:

• Job searches
• Creating or updating CVs
• Develop interview skills and techniques
• Filling in application forms and other general employment support.

We offer this support through free weekly drop-in sessions held across Denbighshire.

Contact workingdenbighshire@denbighshire.gov.uk to find an event near you.

You can see a short video on Youtube.

Recruitment and Skills Workshop Timetable

Jobs Fair: 24 January 2024

Here is a link to the Working Denbighshire Jobs Fair Booking Form

Our Budget

The Council is one of the largest employers in the county providing the community with essential services and supporting 95,000 residents. It aims to deliver its activity in a sustainable way for the long-term benefit of communities and their future generations.

Like Local Authorities across Wales, the Council’s financial position is currently incredibly challenging, and the need for significant budget savings is unprecedented.

To find our more information as to why the Council is facing a funding gap and how we propose to close it, then please visit the Council's website.

Are you interested in the traditional craft of hedgelaying?

Check out this clip that goes behind the scenes at recent hedgelaying carried out at Rhuddlan Nature Reserve.

Denbigh pupils step up to help local biodiversity flourish

Denbigh primary pupils have boosted the future biodiversity of a local wildflower meadow.

Ysgol Y Parc pupils rolled up their sleeves to help with plug planting wildflowers at the Parc Alafowlia meadow.

Nearly 50 year two pupils spent the morning with the Council’s Biodiversity team and other volunteers, helping to enhance the current site with nearly 1,700 plants grown at the Council’s Tree Nursery at St Asaph.

The Council’s Wildflower Meadows Project, funded by Welsh Government through the Local Places for Nature grant, started in 2019 and has seen over 10,000 individual plants recorded across all sites involved so far.

The Council’s Biodiversity team is working with community groups and volunteers across the county to plug plant at meadows.

Plug planting more flowers will help create more colourful, diverse meadows and better biodiversity support for our local nature and communities.

The Denbigh meadow has already taken part in a successful scheme to introduce yellow rattle which has reduced grass length on the site allowing existing plants to thrive stronger.

Extra wildflowers planted by the pupils will mean more food on the meadow for bees and other pollinators which support our own food chain. More wildflowers will also better support local nature by providing more insect food for animals such as birds to feed on, providing a stronger wildlife area for the surrounding community to enjoy.

Evie Challinor, Biodiversity Officer, said: “It was brilliant working with the pupils at the meadow to get these wildflowers into the ground. They were so enthusiastic to help us help the local nature improve and I really hope they come back to visit the site and see the growth of the site next season.”

Councillor Barry Mellor, Lead Member for Environment and Transport, and Biodiversity Champion said: “I am really, really proud of how the Ysgol Y Parc pupils have stepped up to give a valuable helping hand to the local nature that’s on their own doorstep.

“Our ecosystems across Wales and wider are sadly in decline and its so important to halt this and try and give our children and grandchildren a chance to experience and support wildlife and nature in their future lives…they should not lose what we have right now.

“Its heart-warming to see these pupils dig deep to be aware of the current help our nature needs and I hope they themselves will be proud of the work they have done when they visit the site in years to come.”

Improving Denbighshire Tree Canopy Cover

Work is ongoing behind the scenes to address the climate challenge of improving the county’s tree canopy cover.

Rhyl pupils create habitat for nature’s future

This new addition is part of the school’s KS4 winning entry prize to the Council’s Postcards from the Future competition which asked pupils to deliver a message back through time to help us understand how to create a better future for ourselves in the county and across the world.

Winner Ysgol Tir Morfa pupil Macey appealed back from the future for people to protect the homes of animals, safeguarding them for generations to come.

All winners received a selection of environmental books for the school, a talk from the Council's Biodiversity Team and a collection of plug plants to help create or improve a wildflower area.

Biodiversity Officer Ellie Wainwright and Assistant Countryside Ranger Amy Blaker were joined by Ysgol Tir Morfa students to carry out wildflower plug planting at their school in Rhyl. The wildflowers were grown from seeds harvested from county meadows at the Council’s tree nursery at St Asaph, and the Woodland Skills centre in Bodfari.

Since the 1950’s, over 95 percent of flowering meadows have disappeared. The wildflower area created through this project will provide habitat for a wide variety of wildlife above and below ground, and a source of nectar for pollinators which rely on them for food and the development stages of their Larvae.

Exposing the students to wildflower areas will help them engage with plant lifecycles, habitats for insects, sensory and creative opportunities and naturalize outdoor play.

As part of the Council’s response to declaring a Climate and Ecological Emergency, the students will also be involved with further tree and wildflower planting on school grounds over the coming months for biodiversity and climate mitigation.

Councillor Barry Mellor, Lead Member for Environment and Transport, and Biodiversity Champion said: “Our nature is in decline across Wales and it is so important we work to halt this as it impacts on us all now and our future generations.

“It is fantastic to see the students continue to get so involved with helping their local nature in Rhyl, they are inspiring for taking time to do this and I really look forward to seeing how this new area will not only help species thrive but also help their own wellbeing too by seeing the growth of the work they have put in."

Event helps pave stronger collaboration to address climate change

A public event at Denbigh has helped drive fresh ideas forward for tackling county Climate change issues. Over 50 people attended the Council’s Climate & Ecological Change Strategy Review event at Denbigh Town Hall.

Community hub for all ages gets energy efficiency help

All I want for Christmas is ..........

Christmas is a time for family, friends and fun but it can also put a strain the environment. As we all start planning for the big day and picking out gifts for our nearest and dearest it’s a good time to keep the environment in mind.

There are many benefits to acting sustainably and some small simple changes to your festive period could make a big difference to tackling climate change and ensuring we protect our planet for generations to come. Together we can make this Christmas our most eco-friendly yet!

When all you want is an Eco-friendly Christmas the Climate Change Team have got you covered! Here are our festive top tips:

“Rocking Around the Sustainable Christmas Tree……..”

• If you haven’t got an artificial tree already, avoid plastic. Real Christmas trees are much more sustainable than artificial alternatives. One study concluded you’d need to use a fake tree for 20 years for it to be greener.
• That said, don’t forget to recycle your real tree after the Christmas period. Around seven million real trees are likely to be dumped in January! If you have a green waste collection the council will collect your tree and recycle it for you, but don’t worry if you don’t. You can book to take your tree to the green waste at your local Waste depot, or alternatively chop it up and stack the wood in your garden for the birds and insects to enjoy.
• Make sure your real tree comes from a sustainable local seller who is contributing to your local area.

“On The First Day of Christmas My True Love Sent to Me, a Wildflower Seed Christmas Card”

• An unbelievable 1.5 billion Christmas cards are thought to be thrown away by UK households each year (which is approximately 33 million trees). Why not send friends and family an e-card this year instead. Alternatively, look out for plantable Christmas cards that the recipient can sow in Spring and enjoy the added bonus of vegetables or wildflowers in their garden next year.
• Disposable advent calendars contain high levels of plastic and very little chocolate. A reusable calendar lets you add treats of your own choice and can be used every Christmas.

“Santa Claus is Coming to Town”

• Buying presents you know people will enjoy and get long lasting use out of might seem obvious, but cutting out the novelty presents that don’t last beyond Christmas week really could save on waste!
• Look for eco-friendly gifts and stockists. Perhaps buy a reusable bottle, adopt an animal, purchase a membership for the RSPB or Wildlife Trust or source sustainably produced, ‘green’ certified gifts such as ethical clothing, footwear, toiletries and many others.
• Shop locally! Support the independent shops in your local area and reduce your carbon footprint at the same time.
• Have a crafty Christmas. Homemade gifts are always gratefully received and treasured. A natural Christmas wreath, edible treat or homemade Advent calendar to enjoy for Christmases to come are all some low carbon ideas.
• Try wrapping gifts with recycled paper or in colourful fabric that can be reused - this could be a gift in itself, as well as looking beautiful!

“Now Bring us Some Figgy Pudding …….”

• Try and buy only what you know you will eat and choose items which are light on packaging. If you do have leftovers, they can be transformed into meals for another day to save money and cut waste. Some tips on how to shop and cook sustainably can be found here https://food-drink.wales/ .
• Do you have a vegan on the guest list? Don’t panic, there are lots of tasty vegan recipes available online. Why not try some out as an occasional alternative?
• Try to buy meat products from local butchers or direct from your local farmer to cut down on the miles your meat travels and support local businesses.
• Certain labels can show the food standards and sustainability of food purchases.
  • The red tractor – Certifies British Food Production Standards
  • LEAF Mar­que – shows that products have come from farmers who are focusing on sustainable farming methods.
  • Fairtrade – tackles injustice by making sure disadvantaged farmers in the global south are given fair prices for their products.
  • Organic – you can be sure that the farmer is following a strict set of rules and guidelines in their food production.

“That’s the Jingle Bell Rock”

• A new outfit for the work Christmas Do can seem super glam but fast fashion contributes to 8-10% of global carbon emissions. Why not arrange a clothes swap with friends or shop pre-used, for example, from local charity shops or online second hand marketplaces, such as Vinted? If you decide to buy new clothes, stick to stores that are open about how and where their items are produced.

Merry Eco-Christmas and a Sustainable New Year to you all!

Ruthin meadow caps off season with a new guest

Prestatyn pupils plant future growth for community meadow

Rhyl students shape new bee friendly support

Rhyl students have rolled up their sleeves to give a green helping hand to local nature.

The Council’s Biodiversity team recently joined Ysgol Tir Morfa Post 16 students to help them create a new bee friendly wildflower area on the grounds of their Grange Road site.

The students with the support of their teachers have already created a busy horticultural area outside of their school, by growing vegetables, perennial flowers and also fruit trees.

Now they have gained Bee Friendly status at the site by developing a wildflower area with the help of the Council’s Biodiversity team.

The Welsh Government’s Bee Friendly scheme aims to support the recovery of bees and other pollinators.

All the wildflowers planted by the students will help create a more colourful, diverse and stronger biodiversity around the grounds for local nature, students and staff to enjoy.

Biodiversity Officer Ellie Wainwright said: “I’m glad we were able to engage the students in the creation of this Bee Friendly area on their school grounds, they seemed to really enjoy the day planting and will get to see the area change and develop over the next few years.

"I believe it’s really important to create these habitats within schools, both to support populations of pollinators and other wildlife across our urban areas, and for the mental health benefits this will offer to the students – as little as five minutes of contact with nature has been shown to improve mental wellbeing.

"I would like to encourage other schools to get in touch with us if they would like to apply for bee friendly status or for advice on how to increase biodiversity in their school grounds.”

Pupils from the group who worked on the wildflower area said: “We worked hard today but the time passed really quickly because it was fun being outdoors and learning about the garden.

"We learned that the wildflowers don’t like to have nutrients in the soil and that hopefully the flowers will invite bees and butterflies into the garden.

"We’re really proud of the work that we have done and enjoy spending time in the garden and knowing it’s good for the environment.”

Teacher Sara Griffiths said: “Having this support to plant a wildflower garden has been such a great opportunity for our pupils to learn about biodiversity, pollinators and creating a calm space.

"We all really enjoyed creating the wildflower garden and are now looking forward to watching the flowers grow, seeing the pollinators and managing the area.”

Councillor Barry Mellor, Lead Member for Environment and Transport and Biodiversity Champion said: “This is fantastic work by the students, their efforts will really help nature grow around the school grounds.

"They have created a brilliant biodiversity area which will support nature coming back into the local area and also give them something to be really proud of when seeing it grow and thrive."

EV power drives help to support quality of living

Electric power is boosting a service designed to help people of all ages live their lives to the fullest.

The Council’s Equipment Service has taken delivery of two Fiat e-Doblo electric vans. The service provides equipment to Social Services and Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board for people in Denbighshire to help them maintain their health and independence.

These items can range from simple aids for daily living to more complex equipment that support people to stay at home for longer. Items the service can provide include raised toilet seats, toilet frames, shower chairs, perching stools, kitchen trolleys, commodes and shower stools. The new electric powered vehicles will be used to transport the equipment to provide support to residents across Denbighshire to carry on with their daily lives. They have been introduced by the Council’s Fleet department to appropriately replace older diesel vehicles that have come to the end of their lifespan. The two vans will have less impact on the environment with zero tailpipe emissions and in the long term, they will be more cost effective to maintain than fossil fuel powered vehicles.

Councillor Barry Mellor, Lead Member for Environment and Transport said: “The Council is working very hard to reduce our fleet’s carbon footprint by replacing fossil fuel powered vehicles with greener alternative vehicles if appropriate for the service’s transportation needs.

“It’s great the service is running these vehicles now as it will ultimately see their carbon emissions reduce with the important mileage they do to move this vital equipment around the county.”

VR sessions offered to social care staff

As part of safeguarding week, staff members within the Adult Social Care & Homelessness Service took part in Virtual Reality sessions to immerse themselves in topic areas such as trauma and safeguarding.

By embarking on a journey through Virtual Reality, practitioners experience a series of films closely following the lives of children and young people from pre-birth to adolescence, helping to get a better understanding of areas such as trauma and neglect and how this might impact in later life.

The Virtual Reality training is also used as an intervention tool in any safeguarding context to improve the lives of children and young people and provides professionals, parents, guardians, or care providers a unique perspective of the lived experience for someone working to manage trauma.

Kevin Jarvis, Team Manager, Business Support said: “Based on direct experience of social care and the key issues facing individuals who have experienced traumatic life events, this unique approach to learning is proving popular and engaging and establishes a strong forum for discussion and reflection on the roots of trauma.

"In Denbighshire we view the use of Virtual Reality as a progressive approach to learning and development which will complement our current delivery models and promote conversation on how we can all be more trauma informed in our approach to work.”

Laurel Morgan, Team Manager, Therapeutic Team said: “Using VR has been a helpful tool to enhance reflective practice, generate further insight and develop our thinking around trauma informed practice.

"We have used VR within Children Services, with partner agencies and with the families in Denbighshire. It has been a helpful tool to promote engagement and understanding”.

Councillor Elen Heaton, Lead member for Health and Social Care said: “It is important that our staff have the best understanding of their specialist areas.

"This Virtual Reality training will further enhance staff knowledge and understanding towards more vulnerable individuals, helping to nurture better and more informed responses.”

Electric vehicles for social care staff

The Council has been working to support the social care sector and reduce its carbon footprint by facilitating the use of electric vehicles, as well as access to driving lessons for staff who will be providing care in people’s homes.

With funding secured from Welsh Government, the Council now has ten electric vehicles available for staff providing care and has also made grant awards to providers for driving lessons.

The remaining vehicles are being used by Council domiciliary care staff.

The e-vehicles, as well as the number of driving lessons that have been awarded to care staff, are supporting domiciliary care workers to provide much needed care to citizens across Denbighshire.

Council vehicles are replaced with e-vehicles as existing fleet vehicles come to the end of their life. They are then replaced with reduced carbon Vehicles.

Councillor Barry Mellor, Lead Member for Environment and Transport said: “These vehicles not only help our environment, but also the staff who are using them to provide important services and care to the people of Denbighshire.

"It is great that independent domiciliary care providers have also been granted access to the vehicles, as use of e-vehicles helps to reduce the amount of carbon that is produced.”

Councillor Elen Heaton Lead Member for Health and Social Care said: “We’re very grateful for this funding provided by the Welsh Government as reliable transportation for our social care teams is vitally important.

"They play a huge role in supporting and caring for the people within our county.

"Not only does this initiative support our mission to provide high quality care and support to our community, it also contributes to a more sustainable and environmentally friendly future for our country which is vital.”

Tree Book Launch

Last week, we had a very successful launch of our book ‘Trees in our Landscape’ at Plas Newydd, Llangollen.  

Imogen Hammond discussed where the inspiration behind the book came from and how the team worked together to design a book which showcases the AONB’s top 20 trees.

This was then followed by a guided walk around the garden, spotting interesting trees with Lisette Davies, Plas Newydd gardener.

Winter Meeting of the Clwydian Range & Dee Valley Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB)

The Winter Meeting of the Clwydian Range & Dee Valley Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) Champions, Local Members, Town & Community Councils was recently held at Coleg Cambria, Llysfasi. This time the meeting focused on Trees within the landscape of the AONB and Denbighshire.

AONB Area Manager, David Shiel said that The AONB Team were holding the meetings in order to encourage and promote communications and engagement with the Town and Community Councils within the AONB and to also to showcase some of the work that was being completed within the AONB.

The evening had spotlighted some of the work that was being completed within the woodlands of Loggerheads and Denbighshire, and presentations were completed on:

• Trees in our Landscape Publication - The Remarkable trees of the Clwydian Range & Dee Valley AONB, from Countryside Ranger, Imogen Hammond
• The importance of Tree Preservation Orders - Denbighshire County Council Tree Officer, Michelle Brown
• Ash Die Back within the AONB with a focus on Loggerheads Country Park - Countryside Ranger & Project Officer, Saul Burton

The Chair of the AONB Partnership, Andrew Worthington MBE said: "It was a very informative evening, and it was fantastic to see trees of the AONB and Denbighshire being discussed and celebrated."

The next meeting will be held on the evening of 16 May 2024.   

Clwydian Range & Dee Valley Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) Partnership

A meeting of the Clwydian Range & Dee Valley Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) Partnership was held in October at Coleg Cambria Llysfasi.

The meetings bring together key interests in the Clwydian Range and Dee Valley AONB to consider and advise on conservation and enhancement of the natural beauty and locally distinctive character of the landscape, including its physical, ecological and cultural make-up.  The AONB Partnership reports to and advises the Joint Committee in the development and delivery of the AONB Management Plan. 

At the meeting presentations were held on

• Pentre Dŵr Community Project - A Day in the Life of a Farmer
• Dŵr Cymru - Wastewater treatment processors and the regulators
• National Park for Northeast Wales Project

Chair of the Partnership, Andrew Worthington OBE said: "The AONB Partnership plays a vital role in supporting the work of the AONB by providing guidance from a dedicated group of voluntary members who represent a variety of elements of countryside management, they also consider the ‘Actions’ from the AONB Management Plan."

Councillor Emrys Wynne, AONB Joint Committee Member and Cabinet Lead Member for Welsh Language, Culture and Heritage said: “This is a really important and beneficial meeting for driving forward the protection and enhancement of the AONB landscape thanks to the fantastic input from the volunteer members who make up the partnership.”

AONB Officer, Howard Sutcliffe said that the AONB Partnership is always interested to hear from people who have  a keen interest in the AONB If you would like to be considered for membership of the Partnership please email Karen.Weaver@denbighshire.gov.uk.

Volunteer Newsletter for the North

Brickfields Pond

Volunteers cleared the black thorn and bramble along the southern footpath and opened new viewpoints to the pond. The offcuts were used to build new habitat piles which will help biodiversity growth. Volunteers also started to clear a new area at the northern side of the nature reserve where historically there were Water Voles, new habitats piles were created, and we are planning to plant more vegetation beneficial for the Voles. 

Creepy Coed y Morfa

On Tuesday 31 October, volunteers made their own spooky spiders at Coed Y Morfa with coppiced hazel. A variety of tools were used to shape the body, and other wood species to make the legs and fangs. Coppicing is a traditional technique for woodland management, involving cutting trees repeatedly at the base over time to create a coppice stool. The regrowth comes through much straighter than the original growth and can be harvested in cycles depending on what the wood will be used for, providing a sustainable wood source. Managed in this way, coppiced species can live for hundreds of years. The small leaved lime at the Forestry Commission’s National Arboretum in Westonbirt which is still managed via coppicing is thought to be around 2000 years old!

Of course, spiders are not just for Halloween. In the UK we have over 660 different species of spider. They play an incredibly important role in the ecosystem, providing food for a wide variety of animals, whilst also consuming a variety of flies and insects themselves. They are especially important when it comes to controlling pest species and keeping pest related diseases under control. We will have some Nature for Health funded woodworking/craft sessions coming soon, so be sure to check the following timetable and volunteer calendars.

Climate Change Sites, Sustainable approach to Mulching

As part of our woodland creation scheme. We will be planting trees on several new sites across north Denbighshire. When we plant trees, we traditionally add a layer of mulch to provide nutrients and hold moisture for the sapling while it gets established. In an ongoing effort to find more eco-friendly and carbon neutral ways to go about our work, we have chosen to trial the use of sheep fleece as a replacement for mulch. Fleece is a readily available, local material that releases nitrogen into the soil as it biodegrades and will do a great job of holding moisture in the soil around our trees. To secure the fleece in place, we will be creating simple wooden pegs. As you can imagine, we will need rather a lot so please join us at the Willow collective in Rhyl on 8 December to sharpen and shape our fleece pegs.

Coastal Volunteering Updates

Volunteers have been helping to improve signage along the Wales Coast Path by installing new posts and waymarker discs. In November, non-slip strips were added to the new path infrastructure at Barkby by volunteers. We’ve also been doing some scrub clearance on the dunes at Tower Beach, Barkby and on the Gronant pony paddock.

There are more coastal opportunities to volunteer included in the below timetable.

Volunteer Timetable for the North - December/January

Storm Babet

In October, Storm Babet arrived in Denbighshire.

Rain was forecast for Denbighshire and our Highways Officers were prepared for the bad weather, but maybe not as bad as what was encountered. It was certainly much wetter than had been expected.

As soon as the Customer Service Centre opened, they were inundated with flooding and gully enquiries and initially, these were in the north of the County, but gradually, throughout the day, these enquiries were coming from all over Denbighshire.

The Highways Officers worked tirelessly for a 24 hour period to ensure the safety of our residents and our roads and worked with a variety of contractors to undertake various works that were needed. On that day alone there were more than 250 flooding and gully enquiries logged - more than what is usually received in 12 months. Areas of Rhyl, Prestatyn, Dyserth and St. Asaph were particularly badly hit.

The following week, the clear up began. A lot of properties had experienced some kind of flooding, but approximately 60 properties had water coming into their properties.

There was also a lot of damage to our roads and structures (22 culverts and retaining walls damaged at a repair cost of at least £300,000) including debris washed up in many places and the clean up and repair work is still ongoing. At some locations the team has been able to address the issues but at others it’s going to take time dependant on funding or other work schemes that impact that area.

The Council has a statutory duty to investigate the cause of all internal flooding incidents and, in conjunction with Natural Resources Wales and Welsh Water, this work has already begun. Recommendations as to how future issues can be avoided will be made in due course.

Climate Change is affecting us and we are experiencing many more storms in the autumn and winter seasons. Our teams work tirelessly when this happens and our resources can be stretched and we thank our residents for being patient during these periods.

If you’re concerned about flooding in your area at any time, please refer to the contact details on the Council's floods webpage.

Below are some photographs that were taken by staff during the flooding.

Gritting the County's roads

The Council carries out precautionary salting on some roads when temperatures are predicted to fall near freezing point. This salting work takes place either at 6am or 6pm, to avoid peak traffic times.

These are the types of roads which are prioritised:

• Main classified routes (A and B roads)
• Principal bus routes
• Access routes to hospitals, schools and cemeteries
• Access to police, fire, ambulance and rescue services
• Primary routes serving substantial villages / communities
• Main industrial routes that are important to the local economy
• Main access routes to shopping areas
• Areas where known problems exist, such as exposed areas, steep gradients and other roads liable to icing.

The salt has to be crushed by traffic to make it effective.

Unfortunately, there are some occasions where we cannot salt the roads before the onset of icy conditions, for example:

• When rain is followed by rapidly clearing skies, salting is normally deferred until the rain stops to prevent it being washed off.
• Dawn frost occurs on dry roads. When early morning dew falls on a cold road and freezes on impact. It is impossible to forecast with any accuracy when this will occur.
• Rush hour snowfall. When rain turns to snow coinciding with rush hour traffic, early salting cannot take place as it would wash off, and gritters cannot make progress because of traffic congestion.

Here is Councillor Barry Mellor, Lead Member for Environment and Transport talking about gritting in Denbighshire.

The successful #LoveLiveLocal campaign is back for 2023!

We are urging the residents of Denbighshire to support our local businesses and traders this winter once again. Rather than simply asking residents to ‘support local’, the ‘Love Live Local’ campaign aims to highlight and introduce the wealth of businesses, goods and services that Denbighshire has to offer.

Asking people to shop and support their local businesses is nothing new. The annual #lovelivelocal campaign is always an excellent opportunity to remind us of the wonderful offers we have nearby, but the campaign is particularly relevant this year.

Shopping locally can benefit us all by reducing the amount of fuel we need to pump into our cars for longer journeys. Not only can this save shoppers a few precious pounds, it is also more sustainable shopping, with local people shopping locally from local businesses. Those opting to shop locally can also benefit from the ‘Free After Three’ parking scheme that will run until 31 December.

The campaign aims to encourage people to spend their money in Denbighshire, whilst encouraging shoppers and businesses to use their social media channels to share their positive experiences using the #lovelivelocal hashtag.

As part of the campaign, social media assets will be made available for traders to help promote their businesses online – the more people are out and about doing their shopping, and telling everyone about it, the better the atmosphere for everyone as Christmas approaches.

Residents are also encouraged to visit other seasonal events in their local town centre, such as the switching on of Christmas lights, community carol services and artisan markets.

Councillor Jason McLellan, Leader of the Council, and Lead Member for Economic Growth and Tackling Deprivation, said: “The purpose of this campaign is to remind people of the wonderful businesses we have in Denbighshire, to shop and use local services wherever possible to keep the Denbighshire economy thriving and lower our carbon footprint.

“It has been a difficult few years for businesses and there are some challenging times ahead, but it’s important that we all play a part to support our local economy.

“We think it’s more important than ever to push the #lovelivelocal message to our residents and remind everyone there are many shops in our towns and villages that offer a wide range of products, from food and drink to beauty and fashion, from arts and crafts to professional services.

“A walk into our towns and villages will reveal some hidden gems and you’ll often find some amazing gifts for your loved ones. We want to help businesses showcase their products, to encourage people to visit and to surprise and excite the consumer about what is on offer”.

And once Christmas and the sales have passed, how about a new year’s pledge to continue visiting the local high street in 2023 and beyond?

You can get involved by visiting the Love Live Local page on our website.

Council to provide free period pants for PE offer

The Council, through the Welsh Government Period Dignity grant, has secured funding to provide period pants for PE, for residents to access for free.

Working with provider Hey Girls, there are currently 100 vouchers available for redemption, with more becoming available subject to demand.

The Council is also collaborating with Denbighshire Leisure LTD (DLL) as the offer will be promoted to all DLL members and service users.

The period pants can be worn for up to 12 hours and have moisture wicking qualities allowing for comfort whilst wearing.

Councillor Julie Matthews, Lead Member for Corporate Strategy, Policy and Equalities said: “This offer allows for these vital products to be available for free to those who need them during sporting activities.

"This will reduce certain anxieties and inspire confidence to those who need them, and I am very pleased to see that they are available and easy to obtain.”

Jamie Groves, Managing Director of DLL said: “DLL will be supporting the Council in this important project, not only by promoting the vouchers to our members and customers, but also by spreading the word to local clubs and partners, via our Active Communities team.

"Ending period poverty by raising awareness and providing access to quality products is an incredibly worthwhile aim, and we are proud to be involved in this initiative.”

Participants can register for a voucher by going to the period dignity webpage.

Have you ever thought about being a school governor?

School governors work to plan the school's strategic direction, oversee budgets, and support and challenge the headteacher. As part of the governing board, governors play a vital role in helping schools run efficiently and effectively to give children the best education possible.

Schools with strong governing boards are better equipped to make crucial decisions that affect the education they provide for their pupils.

If you think you have the commitment and enthusiasm to make a difference, then register your interest on our website.

Work completed on Rhyl homes energy efficiency

Energy efficiency work has been completed on 41 Rhyl council homes.

Work has finished on phase two of the Welsh Government funded energy improvements to the Denbighshire Housing properties on Rhydwen Drive, Rhyl.

The homes have had solar panels fitted to generate electricity which is stored in batteries fitted into the properties to allow energy use in the evenings.

In addition, the properties have had external wall insulation carried out to support the reduction of drafts and the energy needed to heat homes, especially during the winter time.

Following the completion of phase two, altogether 96 Denbighshire Housing properties on Rhydwen Drive have received energy efficiency improvements.

Councillor Rhys Thomas, Lead Member for Housing and Communities said: “We are pleased to see the completion of phase two of this project to improve the energy efficiency of the 41 homes on Rhydwen Drive.

‘I was grateful to have recently visited Rhydwen Drive and to have met with some of the tenants who have had this work done on their homes.

"They were very pleased with the appearance of their homes and also with the impact that having solar panels and added insulation was having on reducing their fuel bills at this time of high energy costs.”

New podcast exploring the history of Castell Dinas Brân launched

A new audio storyscape has been created by Sarah Baylis and produced by Sally Harrison entitled - ‘Capturing the Castle: A Journey Through Time.’

The podcast takes listeners on an audio-guided walk with Sarah, from Llangollen Bridge up to the summit of Castell Dinas Brân, walking in the company of the many ‘ghosts’ who’ve made the same journey over the last 200 years.

Their words - extracts from letters, travel journals, newspapers, poetry and song – are voiced by local people who responded to a call out for contributors to read the accounts of the historical characters. Members of the community also feature, providing a modern perspective of the Castell from both locals and visitors. The recording also features traditional harp music performed by Tom Parry, and the Victorian folk ballad ‘Jenny Jones’ sung by Jennie Coates.

Layered over time, these varied voices capture the history of the Castell - telling its story from different perspectives, and providing a changing commentary on the Picturesque landscape and the growth of tourism to the Dee Valley up to the present day.

The 48-minute-long recording was recently featured at the exciting Dyffyn Dyfrdwy | Dee Valley exhibition at the Dory Gallery in Llangollen, where it played on repeat in a small nook of the gallery, accompanied by historical postcards of the area. Following the exhibition, it has been made available as a podcast on Soundcloud and on the Clwydian Range and Dee Valley AONB website.

You can now listen to the Capturing the Castle podcast (external website) It is also being featured at an ongoing exhibition in Llangollen Museum.

The audio histories project has been commissioned by the Our Picturesque Landscape project, funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund.

Hannah Marubbi, Partnership Officer for Our Picturesque Landscape project said: “We are really pleased to share this fascinating new podcast, creatively telling the story of one of the most iconic structures in the Dee Valley, which has been attracting and inspiring both locals and visitors for centuries.”

Councillor Emrys Wynne, the Council’s Lead Member for Welsh Language, Culture & Heritage, said: “It is fantastic to see the history of Castell Dinas Brân being shared in such an immersive way; this is a truly innovative approach to telling the story of the castle.

"We are also delighted that members of the local community were able to be part of this project, providing them with the opportunity to champion their local area and celebrate their heritage.”

Food Standard Agency: Festive Food Tips

Looking at booking somewhere for a Christmas meal with the family or friends? Why not check the food hygiene rating before you make a reservation!

5 = hygiene standards are very good
4 = hygiene standards are good
3 = hygiene standards are generally satisfactory
2 = some improvement is necessary
1 = major improvement is necessary
0 = urgent improvement is required

Search for Food Hygiene Ratings on the Food Standards Agency’s website: www.food.gov.uk/ratings.

There is a lot of information on the Food Standards Agency's website on all the below topics:

• Defrosting your turkey
• 5 top tips on cooking your turkey
• Managing your fridge
• Cooking your side dishes in the airfryer
• Cooking for guests with allergies
• Hosting a Christmas Party – Listeria Message
• Leftovers and Listeria
• Leftovers
• New Year's Eve Hosting

#FestiveFoodTips

North East Wales Archives launch new podcast

North East Wales Archives are to explore digital storytelling with the launch of ‘Acid Free’, a brand new podcast and series of digital stories which will explore the real life experiences and themes from their archive collections.

The podcast will feature archivists and selected guests, who will be taking a closer look at the people and stories from the local archive collections from Denbighshire and Flintshire. The podcast and digital content were officially launched at the Hawarden branch of the North East Wales Archives on Friday 24th November.

The first episode of the podcast is named 'A Rogue’s Gallery: Victorian Criminals in North East Wales' and features guest speaker Richard Ireland who is an author and lecturer specialising in the history of crime and punishment. This episode delves into the lives of Victorian criminals, discussing photographs used by the police, types of punishment and prisons in the late nineteenth century.

The new series of digital content also includes digital stories which have been created in collaboration with volunteer researchers from Glyndwr University. The stories explore the lives and crimes of David Francis and George Walters, whose photographs feature in two unassuming leather-bound volumes held at North East Wales Archives in Ruthin.

Councillor Emrys Wynne, Lead Member for Welsh Language, Culture & Heritage said: “It is great news that the archives service is launching this new podcast, and is producing new digital content about our county and beyond.

"The archives hold really interesting information, and bringing these stories to life is a brilliant way for residents to learn about the rich history of where they live.”

You can listen to the podcast on spotify (external link) 

You can view the new digital stories on the service’s YouTube pages.

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year