Voting at Elections: ID Requirement

Voters in Wales need to show photo ID to vote at polling stations in some elections.

This applies to:

• UK parliamentary elections, including general elections, by-elections and recall petitions
• Police and Crime Commissioner elections

Voters in Wales will not need to show photo ID to vote at a polling station at Senedd elections or local council elections.

Accepted forms of photo ID

You can use any of the following accepted forms of photo ID when voting at a polling station.

International travel

• Passport issued by the UK, any of the Channel Islands, the Isle of Man, a British Overseas Territory, an EEA state or a Commonwealth country (including an Irish Passport Card) 

Driving and Parking

• Driving licence issued by the UK, any of the Channel Islands, the Isle of Man, or an EEA state (this includes a provisional driving licence)
• A Blue Badge

Local travel

• Older Person’s Bus Pass funded by the UK Government
• Disabled Person’s Bus Pass funded by the UK Government
• Oyster 60+ Card funded by the funded by the UK Government
• Freedom Pass
• Scottish National Entitlement Card issued for the purpose of concessionary travel (including a 60+, disabled or under 22s bus pass)
• 60 and Over Welsh Concessionary Travel Card
• Disabled Person’s Welsh Concessionary Travel Card
• Senior SmartPass issued in Northern Ireland
• Registered Blind SmartPass or Blind Person’s SmartPass issued in Northern Ireland
• War Disablement SmartPass issued in Northern Ireland
• 60+ SmartPass issued in Northern Ireland
• Half Fare SmartPass issued in Northern Ireland

• Identity card bearing the Proof of Age Standards Scheme hologram (a PASS card)

Other government issued documents

• Biometric immigration document
• Ministry of Defence Form 90 (Defence Identity Card)
• National identity card issued by an EEA state
• Electoral Identity Card issued in Northern Ireland
• Voter Authority Certificate
• Anonymous Elector's Document

You will only need to show one form of photo ID. It needs to be the original version and not a photocopy.

If you don't have an accepted form of photo ID

You can apply for a free voter ID document, known as a Voter Authority Certificate; https://www.gov.uk/apply-for-photo-id-voter-authority-certificate

You need to register to vote before applying for a Voter Authority Certificate. 

Postal Vote and Proxy Changes

You can now apply online to vote by post and for some types of proxy vote. These changes apply to UK Parliament elections, including by-elections and recall petitions, and Police and Crime Commissioner elections.

You will be asked to provide your National Insurance number when applying, to prove your identity.

There are limits to how many people a voter can act as a proxy for. This means you can only act as a proxy for two people living in the UK. If you act as a proxy for people living overseas, you can act as proxy for up to four people but only two of these can be based in the UK.

The changes do not apply to Senedd and local council elections in Wales. For these elections you will still need to complete a paper application form.

If you are handing in your postal vote pack then you will be required to complete an additional form, otherwise your vote will be rejected.

For more information visit electoralcommission.org/waystovote or call their helpline on 0800 328 0280.

DVSC launch Multiply Grants

Multiply Grants Have Launched!
https://www.dvsc.co.uk/grant/multiply-grants/
Closing date: 31 March 2024

DVSC is looking to fund short-term projects which increase the numeracy confidence and abilities of adults aged 19+ across Denbighshire.

£20K-£50K revenue grants available
Part of the UK Shared Prosperity Fund
Expenditure and delivery must be completed by 31st October 2024

Clwyd West Levelling Up Newsletter

The latest edition of our Clwyd West Levelling Up newsletter has now been published and can be viewed here: https://bit.ly/3Tm7NdC

Central Rhyl Coastal Defence Scheme

As part of the work on the Central Rhyl Coastal Defence Scheme, large rocks are installed and buried on the beach under a significant layer of sand

Here is Balfour Beatty's Sub-Agent on the scheme to explain further.

Parking Charges

Just a reminder that you can find the new scale of charges at the Council's pay and display car parks at various locations throughout Denbighshire on the Council's website.

Charging hours have also changed from 8am to 5pm to 8am to 11pm.

Delivery schedule for new recycling containers

The Council has announced a new recycling and waste service which will start on Monday, 3 June 2024.

As part of this new service, residents in the county who currently have wheelie bins will receive a new Trolibocs to recycle paper, glass, plastic, tins and food cartons and a weighted hessian bag to recycle cardboard. Those residents currently recycling with single use pink sacks will receive new weighted reusable hessian bags.

The Council must deliver these containers to over 45,000 households throughout the County, while continuing to deliver the current recycling and waste collection service. Therefore, this process has to start early, with the first containers already starting to be delivered.

Paul Jackson, Head of Highways and Environmental Services said, “We will be delivering containers to residents between 23 February and 17 May. We know that this is early and that some residents will have to store additional containers for considerable time before the new service starts. However, this is the only way to ensure all residents have received their containers in good time before the service begins on 3 June. We sincerely apologise for any inconvenience, but we hope that residents understand that this is unavoidable.”

As well as new containers, residents will receive an information pack explaining the changes in detail, showing what type of household items should go in which container and how to present containers on collection day. These packs will be in the top box of the Trolibocs or in the reusable hessian bag for cardboard and should be kept safe.

Councillor Barry Mellor, Lead Member for the Environment and Transport said, “This new recycling system has many benefits for residents and the county. It is better for the environment as it will lead to increased recycling rates; it will be cheaper to run than the current service providing better value for money; it is also good for the local economy leading to the creation of 27 new jobs plus the economic benefits of expanding four local businesses on the Colomendy Industrial Estate in Denbigh.

“This is a collective effort between our Waste and Recycling Team and the people of Denbighshire and I would like to say thank you, as your recycling is making a big difference.”

What’s changing?

• Recycling and cardboard collected weekly.
• 250 litres of recycling collected weekly instead of 240 litres collected fortnightly.
• Non-recycling collected every four weeks in a larger 240 litre bin (weekly if waste is collected in reusable weighted bags).
• Weekly collection of small electrical items and household batteries
• Four weekly textiles collection
• Weekly collection of absorbent hygiene products (e.g., nappies, wipes, incontinence pads and disposable bed pans and liners). This is a free service, but residents will need to register by 1 March for this first round of registration. Another round will open in the autumn.

What’s staying the same?

• Weekly food waste collection.
• Garden waste collection every two weeks (chargeable service).

Video explaining the new recycling and waste service

Councillor Barry Mellor, Lead Member for the Environment and Transport explains about the new recycling and waste service.

There is more information on the Council's website.

Recycling and waste changes: Information packs

Your Questions Answered: The Blue Bin

Your Questions Answered: Landfill

Your Questions Answered: How will we cope with monthly collections?

Your Questions Answered: Pet Waste

Your Questions Answered: How will people with disabilities cope?

Your Questions Answered: Will the old bins get recycled?

Your Questions Answered: The new system is a waste of Council money

Knitting for an important cause

On Wednesday afternoons in Rhuddlan Library, there is a group who meet to chat, knit and raise awareness for an important cause.

The knitting group get together to knit and crochet an array of woollen items to raise funds and awareness about Pulmonary Fibrosis, a condition that many in the group have been impacted by.

Pulmonary fibrosis is a disease where there is scarring of the lungs which makes it difficult to breathe. The scarring causes the tissues in the lungs to get thick and stiff, making it hard to absorb oxygen into the bloodstream. Pulmonary fibrosis affects around 70,000 people in the UK.

Started by Sue and Jackie, who have a family member who is impacted by the disease, the knitting group was set up in a conservatory originally, but has now moved to the library due to growing attendance.

Now almost a month since their move to the library space, the attendance has almost tripled in size, with 15 people showing up with their knitting needles at a recent meet up.

The group sell the woollen items to raise funds for the cause, and anything that isn’t sold is donated to other local causes, with 15 blankets to the Salvation Army over the Christmas period. They are currently gearing up for Easter and are busy knitting a number of woollen ducks, chicks, bunnies and lambs.

An awareness raising coffee morning was held in the community last September, which raised over £2,500 towards the cause, and another is planned for this September.

The group said: "We are just so grateful to the Library for allowing us to use the space and being so welcoming and are highly recommended as a venue.

"Can we also thank all the knitting volunteers, anyone is welcome.”

Councillor Emrys Wynne, Lead Member for Welsh Language, Culture & Heritage said: “Libraries are spaces within our communities that have transcended just reading, and the meeting of this awareness group is a prime example of this.

"I am so glad to see that the space is being used to host such a good cause, with such brilliant woollen creations to match!”

Warm Welcome

It may be cold outside but you will always find a warm welcome in your local library. Many of our libraries run craft sessions, social mornings and book clubs which anyone is welcome to join, or just find a quiet space to read a newspaper or magazine, or maybe even do a jigsaw.

If you need to study or do homework you can get access to a computer and printer, or just use the free Wi-Fi on your own device.

Check out the library web pages to find out what is happening in your local library. www.denbighshire.gov.uk/libraries

Digital Magazines

Save money buying your favourite magazines and download them for free with your library card. Digital magazines can be downloaded for free, 24/7 and there are no waiting lists.

There are hundreds of magazines available, including BBC Good Food, Amateur Photographer, BBC Gardeners World, Radio Times, Good Housekeeping, Auto Express and Time.

To get started enjoying digital magazines, download the award winning Libby app, or visit the library website. All you need is your library card and PIN. If you aren’t a library member it’s quick and easy to join online.

Visit www.denbighshire.gov.uk/libraries for more information.

Walking in Denbighshire

The tourism team having been trying to bring the joy into the winter months with a series of walks from their guest blogger Julie Brominicks the author of 'The Edge of Cymru'. 

They are all accessible by public transport and each one will have a simple map to follow. There are 8 planned in total over the next few months, so look out for them on our social media channels. We want to inspire you explore our beautiful part of the world that little bit deeper.

Here are the first three:

• Moel Ty Ucha- Llandrillo
• St Asaph Cathedral
• Penycloddiau

Wales, by Trails year builds on the success of Visit Wales’ five themed years to date – adventure, legends, sea, discovery, outdoors. The themed years highlight Wales as the welcoming, inclusive destination which is open all year round whether that is for the more intrepid adventurers or for those laid back visitors seeking relaxation.  Working within the Visit Wales themed year the tourism team have produced a series of short films to highlight trails in the area, under the theme of walking, cycling, accessibility, heritage, outdoor, arts and crafts and family. These too will be launched on social media over the coming months.

The first one can be viewed here.

Online Denbighshire Tourism Forums

MARCH 2024

Free sessions via Zoom

INNOVATION AND EXCELLENCE

Thursday, 21 March: 2pm to 3.15pm

Gwen Davies Vale Vineyard – From Vine to Wine in the Vale of Clwyd

Tom Taylor Llangollen Railway – Go North Wales Tourism Awards Attraction of the Year 2023

Book today! https://Online-Tourism-Forum-Innovation-and-excellence.eventbrite.co.uk

BUSINESSES WITH STORIES TO TELL

Friday, 22 March: 10.30am to 11.45am

Rob Price Ruthin Festival - Celebrating 30 years in 2024

Gail Swan Swans Farm Shop – Traditional hill farm and award-winning farm shop.

Book Today! https://Online-Tourism-Forum-Businesses-with-stories-to-tell.eventbrite.co.uk 

• Book on one or both sessions.
• Zoom will open 30 minutes before each session to allow time for everyone to gain access.
• The Zoom links will be sent by email to participants the day before each session.
• Sessions will include opportunity to ask questions after each presentation.
• Brief update from the tourism team.
• Meetings will be conducted in English, but simultaneous translation will be available on Zoom.

How Citizens Advice Denbighshire can help you

Citizens Advice Denbighshire provides free, confidential, independent, and impartial advice and support for all. They provide people with the knowledge and confidence to find a way forward to improve financial and personal resilience, prevent homelessness and reduce poverty.

Did you know? Citizens Advice Denbighshire can help with:

• Benefit entitlements
• Dealing with debt and money issues
• Budgeting and maximising your income
• Advice and support on dealing with family issues
• Renting or buying a home or finding somewhere to live
• Energy and food bills
• Using a food bank
• Consumer rights
• Rights and protections in the workplace
• Legal and civil rights
• Knowing your rights, responsibilities, and protections while in the UK

You can access their services in a number of ways:

• By speaking to online advisers
• Attending in-person advice sessions
• By phone
• By email
• Using the online form

For more information, please visit www.cadenbighshire.co.uk or e-mail energy@dcab.co.uk.

Cost of Living Support

Mali Flur Owen, Care Assistant Dolwen Care Home

Mali is a very focused and career driven individual who from young age supported her Mother by providing care and support for her older brother with complex disabilities, as well providing end of life care for her Taid who had dementia.

Mali was economically inactive but her caring roles within the family setting, inspired her to enter the care sector as a chosen career pathway. Although Mali did not have direct experience within the sector she did have the empathy and passion to peruse her goals.

After attending the ‘Step into Work’ open day run by Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board, Mali registered onto the ‘Taster to Care’ Programme. (The Taster to Care Programme is a Social Care Project which addresses the need for a sustainable, well qualified and professional staff in the Care Sector).

The programme provided Mali with in-depth information about the care sector, including career opportunities, details of the mandatory training and employee expectations. After completing this programme, Mali was classed as ‘job ready’ Once the mandatory programme has been completed and the participants are “job ready” and went onto complete a placement to get practical and hands-on experience through a a 4 week placement, with a minimum of 8 hours per week.

On completing the Taster to Care Programme Mali enrolled on the Working Denbighshire, Work Start scheme after seeing a 12-week placement at Dolwen advertised on the Working Denbighshire Den Jobs website.

Working Denbighshire supported Mali throughout her application and she successfully received the placement.

Throughout her placement, Mali carried out practical support and provided emotional support to the residents at social events, craft sessions and mealtimes. This gave her the experiences required to work in Care. Mali also completed her Manual handling and First Aid training as part of her placement.

Mali was keen to apply to have a permanent job in care and towards the end of her placement, became aware of a Care Assistant vacancy at Dolwen Care Home. The Work Start Scheme Project Support Officer helped Mali to complete the application form, write a personal statement and post interview support was also given which included a mock interview. Mali was successful in gaining the position, which commenced on her 18 birthday and is carrying on with her Passport to Care qualification alongside her job.

This success story demonstrates the enormous benefit of pursuing and enabling a strategic approach to employability and skills support. Mali’s support included: 

• Taster to Care Programme – Entry level and induction to the Care sector
• 1-2-1 Mentoring support – Working Denbighshire Placement Support Officer
• 12 week paid work placement – Working Denbighshire Work Start Scheme
• Training – qualification linked to the sector

All this was achieved, allowing Mali to maximise income and prevent her needing to access benefit support.  Mali said without the support of the Taster to Care and Work Start Scheme and her Placement Support Officer she would still be looking for work.

Further Information:

Working Denbighshire -The Work Start Scheme

The Work Start scheme programme offers citizens of Denbighshire who are unemployed or economically inactive the opportunity to gain paid or unpaid work experience within varied sectors.  The added value is the is support provided throughout the placement for both the participant and the employer as well as the free training opportunities to upskill and secure a permanent position. 

• Recruitment process
• CV application submitted to Work Start scheme
• Placement officer assigned to the vacancy
• Invite to attend a pre- screening interview sent

The Work Start Scheme is available to anyone who is 16 or over living in Denbighshire who needs support to gain valuable workplace experience as well as knowledge and skills.

It simulates a real employment opportunity where applications are invited and pre-screening interviews are carried out which also give the applicants the opportunity to ask questions about the role. The successful candidates are offered further support to ensure they have the confidence and knowledge to attend a formal interview with the employer. This may take the form of mock interviews or research. Financial support is also provided such as travel passes and clothing for the interview is also offered where needed to help remove their barriers to progression.

Whilst on the placement the participant is assigned a Placement Support Officer who provides 1-2-1 practical and emotional support to the individual. The support, though not inclusive, includes arranging travel passes for the first month until they receive their pay, visiting the participant and employer throughout the placement as required, sourcing training, carrying out job searches and updating the CV. 

Barod Timetable: March 2024

Embracing Autism in the workplace

Working Denbighshire organised a series of creative events for residents who class themselves as Autistic and are struggling to get into employment, to improve their wellbeing.

The workshops held at Costigan’s, Rhyl were organised by Working Denbighshire’s Project Barod team.

Local professional poet and creative producer, Martin Daw has been helping individuals who have been attending these events, to create a song and a music video using stop animation.

The finished song and music video focuses around having the power to go out and find Employment, to try and encourage more residents who class themselves as autistic to have the courage to achieve the job they want.

Working Denbighshire offering fully funded training courses

Working Denbighshire is offering residents living in Denbighshire the chance to retrain and gain further qualifications, allowing more people to secure a new job or progress in their current one.

Training opportunities are also being organised through the Work Start scheme, which aims to upskill residents.

Training schemes can be arranged for residents interested in working in popular industries including Construction, Hospitality and Hair and Beauty, but have no experience.

There are also courses arranged throughout the year for anyone looking to get a qualification in First Aid or Health and Safety, allowing them to obtain a CSCS card.

Working Denbighshire works closely with local colleges and other training providers.

Melanie Evans, Principal Manager, Strategic Employment, said: “I’m pleased that our training courses are proving to be popular already, with our recent Barista course being fully booked within just a few days.

"I would encourage individuals and businesses in the county to take advantage of the training opportunities that we can currently offer to improve your chance of getting a better paid job, or if you’re a business, the skills of your team.”

Councillor Jason McLellan, Leader of the Council and Lead Member for Economic Growth & Tackling Deprivation said: “These training courses are an opportunity for the people of Denbighshire to expand their horizons, and potentially find a career path that better suits their goals.

"We want all Denbighshire residents to enjoy the career they choose, in a field where they can express themselves and excel.”

To find out more go to: https://forms.office.com/e/VK2Ub5Vnmu 

Working Denbighshire is part funded through the Welsh Government Communities for Work Plus Programme which supports those most disadvantaged in the labour market to overcome the barriers preventing them from gaining employment.

Working Denbighshire has received £3,529,632 from the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.

Bringing empty homes back into use

Two historic, listed properties in the village of LLandyrnog have recently been sold to a private buyer. The properties have been empty for several years and have deteriorated into a poor state.

As the properties are listed, they will require guidance to be brought back into use. The new owners have already enquired about using Houses to Homes loan scheme that is administered by Denbighshire’s empty homes team.

The loan will assist the new owners in bringing the long-term empty properties back into use to benefit the community.

Another long-term empty has also just sold subject to contract in the village, and it is likely that this will be brought back into use also. Three other long term empty properties in the village are also being brought back into use. The owner has significantly renovated two and another one will be started in the not-too-distant future. These will be rented out in the private rented sector.

The owner has worked closely with the empty homes team, who have advised him along the way, during the renovation projects.

The goal of bringing long term empty properties back into use is crucial for the sustainability of rural communities, therefore this good news story from Llandyrnog should be celebrated.

Bringing long-term empty properties is a key priority for Denbighshire. Working closely with owners to offer some of the loans and grants available to them, such as, Houses to Homes loans, Empty Homes Grant Wales scheme and VAT reduction on building costs.

Also, working closely with homeless services to identify properties that may be suitable for the Leasing Scheme Wales, in identifying empty properties that owners may be interested in leasing to the council.

For more information on empty homes and options available please contact jeff.evans@denbighshire.gov.uk or you can ring him on 01824 706794 / 07721 484142. 

Foster carers’ stories show everyone can ‘bring something to the table’ to support local children in care

There are more than 7,000 children in the care system in Wales, but only 3,800 foster families.

There are currently around 180 children in foster care in Denbighshire and more foster carers are needed to ensure that children can stay in their local community.

Maethu Cymru / Foster Wales - the national network of 22 Welsh local authority fostering teams – has set out with the bold aim of recruiting over 800 new foster families by 2026, to provide welcoming homes for local children and young people.

Foster Wales Denbighshire has joined the new campaign, ‘bring something to the table,’ utilising their greatest asset – current foster carers – to share realistic experiences of foster care and explore the small but significant human attributes people possess that can make the world of difference to a young person in care.

Foster Wales has spoken to over 100 people to develop the campaign– including foster carers, social workers, teachers, members of the public, and care leavers.

The responses from these groups highlighted three key things stopping potential carers from enquiring:

• A lack of confidence in their skills and ability to support a child in care.
• The belief that fostering doesn’t fit with certain lifestyles.
• Misconceptions around the criteria to become a carer.

Armed with this knowledge, Foster Wales has drawn on real stories of carers in Wales to show that local authority fostering is flexible, inclusive, and comes with extensive training and professional development opportunities.

Sharen and Colin have been fostering with their local authority Foster Wales Denbighshire for 23 years. They have focussed mainly on fostering teenagers as they feel teenagers are often overlooked within Foster Care with the perception that they are more difficult to manage.

Sharen said: ‘’We have fostered many teenagers over the years and really thrive off the rewards that come from fostering teenagers. Teenagers are often misunderstood and come into care at a time when they are very aware of what’s going on.

People think that teenagers are complicated and although they come with their challenges, the right guidance, stability, and security provided to a teenager can really help to shape their futures. 

We have recently seen one of our foster children go to university. Another has got a full-time job, saved, and bought their own car. Watching them reach milestones, gain independence, and develop into caring, confident adults has been hugely rewarding for us as a family.’’

Councillor Gill German, Deputy Leader and Lead Member for Education, Children and Families said: “It’s always a privilege to meet our Foster Wales Denbighshire foster carers and to get to know them and their stories better. No two stories are the same, but what they all have in common is a will to provide a secure and stable home and offer the care and support our children need. Foster Wales Denbighshire is an amazing team, and I encourage anyone interested in finding out more about fostering to get in touch.”

Julie Fisher, Foster Wales Denbighshire Team Manager added: “Our local authority foster carers in Foster Wales Denbighshire do an incredible job, supporting children by offering their skills, experience, empathy and kindness to ensure they feel safe and secure.

But we need to recruit more amazing people in our area to ensure that all local children who need it have a welcoming home and the right foster carer for them.

When you foster with Foster Wales Denbighshire the team will provide dedicated, local knowledge and support, an excellent learning and development package and more importantly, you can help children stay in their own local community, close to friends, their school and everything they hold close.

We encourage anyone who wants to make a difference to a child’s life to bring their skills and experience to the table and get in contact with Foster Wales Denbighshire. Become part of your local fostering community.”

For more information about fostering, or to make an enquiry, visit the Foster Wales website.   

Work starts at new St Asaph community nature space

Footballers have helped kick off development of a new St Asaph community nature space.

The Council’s Countryside Service and Climate Change teams have begun work on developing four new county community nature spaces to boost benefits for local wildlife and residents.

Work began today at Glan Elwy, St Asaph, thanks also to local support from the city’s football club youth teams and Elwy Care Group.

The Community Nature Spaces Project has received £800,000 from the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.

This biodiversity improvement work will also support the Council’s drive to reduce the county’s carbon footprint by contributing to the amount of carbon sequestered (or absorbed).

Glan Elwy will focus on providing stronger habitat spaces for nature to benefit from as well as community spaces for residents young and old to enjoy and learn from local wildlife.

Volunteers alongside Council staff have planted nearly 2,000 trees planted at the site.

Cllr Barry Mellor, Lead Member for Environment and Transport, said: “We are continuing to nurture and grow our local woodlands which has already seen some fantastic areas for nature and communities created in Rhyl, Prestatyn, Ruthin, Corwen and the surrounding areas.

“These sites are not just to bring back habitats for our local nature but also to support the communities surrounding them, to give residents something to be proud of and that’s why this year’s work will be known as the Community Nature Spaces project and we are proud to start this at St Asaph.

“We are still keen to hear if residents would like to get involved with the other sites for tree planting days and any other volunteering or training opportunities.”

Those interested in helping out can email climatechange@denbighshire.gov.uk

 

Tree planting takes place at new Rhyl community site

A Rhyl site is taking shape to provide benefits for both local nature and community wellbeing.

Tree planting is underway at the new Community Nature Space adjacent to Ffrodd Elan Park at Llys Brenig on the Park View Estate.

This work accompanies three other Community Nature Spaces being established by the Council this year at St Asaph, Henllan and Clocaenog, which were announced in October 2023, and tree planting at schools throughout the county that was announced in December 2023.

The Community Nature Spaces Project has received funding from an £800,000 grant from the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.

Rhyl’s new Community Nature Space will eventually provide stronger habitat areas for nature to benefit from as well as community spaces to support resident mental and physical wellbeing and enable them to learn about local wildlife.

Developing this Rhyl space will also give other community benefits such as improved air quality, urban heat cooling, and areas of mixed interest for education and play.

This work supports the drive to reduce the county’s carbon footprint by contributing to the amount of carbon sequestered (or absorbed) by trees.

Groundwork at Llys Brenig has seen the creation of a pond and wetland area to support local wildlife, installation of new fences around the pond and around the site boundary, and preparation for future footpath construction for community member to use for recreation.

Denbighshire County Council Countryside Services alongside volunteers are this week planting 1,885 trees at the site, a mix of native broadleaved varieties that are appropriate for the local conditions and which, along with the wetlands and wildflower meadow at the site, will help provide diverse species-rich habitat to aid nature’s recovery and resilience and make a contribution to tackling the ecological and climate emergency in addition to the benefits for local community health.

Ysgol Bryn Hedydd Year 4 pupils who are learning about sustainability in class, also rolled up their sleeves to help with planting at the new community site.

Cllr Barry Mellor, Lead Member for Environment and Transport, said: “This is a great development for the wellbeing of the local community surrounding this site and I am grateful to everyone involved who made the acquisition of this land happen.

“I’ve been out there helping with the planting and I am really looking forward to seeing this area grow to support local nature and lend a supportive hand to giving local residents a fantastic place to go and enjoy wildlife on their own doorstep to bring a great boost to their mental and physical wellbeing. “

Can you connect curlews with vital support?

An appeal has been launched to help connect curlews with much needed protection this season.

The Clwydian Range & Dee Valley Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) is taking part in the ‘Curlew Connections Wales’ project, a Curlew Recovery Wales partnership project working with Bannau Brycheiniog and GWCT.

It is under the all-Wales partnership project Gylfinir Cymru an all-Wales partnership project that aims to help breeding curlew across the country, including Denbighshire.

This work to protect the curlews across 12 areas in Wales is funded by Welsh Government through the Heritage Lottery fund (HLF).

The projects covers the current AONB area which includes large areas of Denbighshire, parts of Flintshire and parts of Wrexham.

To help get the right support and protection to the birds in the area, the project team is keen to work with community volunteers to monitor sights and sounds of curlews on the land.

Local Curlew and People Officer Sam Kenyon explained: “The curlew is under threat across the whole of the UK due to habitat loss, earlier forage cuts during nesting season and the impact of predation on the birds.

“What we will be doing shortly is monitoring and surveying this Spring to get a good idea of where we need to target our efforts rurally. As it’s such a big area to cover, we are looking for support from local community members to help us locate curlews through sightings and sounds off public access areas and also take part in monitoring throughout the season.

“We would support anyone interested in volunteering to help these rare birds survive in the area and it’s also a great opportunity for getting outdoors to help not just the curlew’s wellbeing but your own as well.”

For further information on the project or to report any sightings or hearings of curlews in the areas listed through using What 3 Words please email samantha.kenyon@denbighshire.gov.uk

Councillor Barry Mellor, Lead Member for Environment and Transport and Biodiversity Champion, said: “This is a very important project for the curlew that was once a popular sight not just in Denbighshire and North Wales but across the whole of the UK. I’m grateful that this project and funding allows the AONB to really push forward with protecting the curlews we have, and I would encourage those interested to volunteer to help the populations to survive and hopefully grow in the future.

Explore Loggerheads by guided ranger walks

Keen walkers are being invited to put their best foot forward to explore a country park.

Clwydian Range and Dee Valley AONB countryside rangers are continuing a series of guided walks around Loggerheads County Park to help people explore the area and enjoy the benefits of the outdoors for their mental and physical well-being.

The park sits below the limestone cliffs of the Alyn Valley where the river enters steep wooded gorges, and open and secluded grasslands. Limestone influences all parts of the park shaping the look of the landscape and influencing plants that grow there.

Loggerheads also holds a rich heritage history with the rock in the area mined for lead during the 18th and 19th centuries.

The rangers team recently held a Winter Ranger Walk which guided a group around the current seasonal influence on the park giving people a chance to enjoy the benefits of being outdoors and learn about the area.

Countryside Ranger Imogen Hammond explained: “We recently welcomed members of the public for what we’re hoping to make a quarterly weekend seasonal walk round Loggerheads Country Park.

“We had a great turnout of 19 people and had a great discussion on winter plants, ongoing ash dieback works, habitat management works and the vital role of our team of volunteers!”

The next guided walk by the rangers at Loggerheads Country Park will be on Thursday March 28 from Loggerheads to Devil’s Gorge to lean about the legacy of lead mining in the area. The following month on Saturday April 20 there will be a guided springtime walk at the park.

For further information or to book onto a walk, contact imogen.hammond@denbighshire.gov.uk.

Councillor Win Mullen-James, Denbighshire Cabinet Lead Member for Local Development and Planning, said: “Getting outdoors is so important for boosting physical and mental health and I would encourage anyone to join these fantastic guided walks by the rangers to learn about the management and history of Loggerheads while enjoying the benefits being outdoors can bring to your own well-being.”

Coastal volunteer care helps improve health and environment

Opportunities to help care for coastal areas are helping support better health for communities, volunteers and are also improving local environments.

The Council’s Countryside Service is working alongside Nature for Health to help people enjoy the outdoors for physical and mental wellbeing and to become more physically active.

Nature for Health is a collaborative project that engages with individuals and communities to promote the role access to nature can play in improving health and wellbeing.

The Nature for Health Programme has received £703,854 from the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.

Countryside rangers together with Nature for Health Volunteers recently helped with repairs around Rhyl Harbour including the replacement of timber on the boardwalk and maintenance to the benches.

The group also installed new Wales Coast Path discs and waymarkers with their correct colour schemes around the harbour and Horton’s Nose.

Scrub clearance has been a priority during the winter months, with work carried out at the dunes at Barkby and Gronant. Volunteers guided by the rangers have also carried out important maintenance to the solitary bee boxes (at location) , giving them a good clean out and ensuring they are ready to go back out in the spring.

North Denbighshire Coastal Ranger Claudia Smith said: “It has been really good to have the volunteers looking after their own wellbeing by helping with this important outdoor work to improve the areas both for the surrounding nature and the people who come to visit them for their own health needs.

“Countryside volunteering is a great way to boost your health, gain experience and also care for the environment you live in as well.

“The important maintenance they have helped us carry out on the solitary bee boxes will provide spaces for red mason and leafcutter bees to lay their eggs, which then emerge as fully grown bees in the spring.”

Councillor Win Mullen James, Denbighshire Cabinet Lead Member for Local Development and Planning, said: “Getting outdoors is so important for boosting physical and mental health and we are grateful for this work carried out by the rangers and volunteers who I hope have enjoyed it for their own well-being.

“It’s also important work to protect the nature in these amazing environments we have on our coastline, and this will help preserve these areas and habitats for people to visit and enjoy.

Upcoming coastal work includes transplanting marram grass at Rhyl Harbour and helping out at the little tern colony. Anyone interested in helping can contact Claudia on 07785517398 or email Claudia.Smith@denbighshire.gov.uk

Your child may be eligible for school essentials funding

Your child be eligible to get up to £200 for School Essentials and extra funding for your school.

There is more information on how to check your child’s eligibility on the Council's website.

#FeedTheirFuture

Have you thought about becoming 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.

Council reminds local businesses of support available

As the new financial year approaches, the council would like to remind local Denbighshire businesses of the support and advice that is available to them.

Throughout the month of March, the Council will be running its popular ‘March For Business’ campaign, which provides free workshops, networking events and advice sessions for businesses across Denbighshire. The events will be held both in person and online. More information here.

The Commercial Property Development Grant, which has received £290,000 worth of funding from the UK Government Shared Prosperity Fund offers capital investment grants to regenerate commercial properties located in Denbighshire town and city centres. The grant scheme forms part of the wider Town Centre Property Improvement Scheme Project. Grants between £5,000 and £50,000 are available to improve or develop a commercial property.

The Denbighshire Commercial Property Development Grant is open to commercial properties based in one of the 8 principal town and city centres in the county, as below:

• Corwen
• Denbigh
• Llangollen
• Prestatyn
• Rhuddlan
• Rhyl
• Ruthin
• St Asaph

The project must fit into a specific criteria. More information can be found here.

Existing micro and small businesses, new business start-ups and social enterprises are eligible to apply for the ‘Prosperous Denbighshire’ grant, provided through Cadwyn Clwyd. This is funded by the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund through the ‘supporting local business’ investment priority. The project is aligned to the UKSPF aims to boost productivity, pay, jobs and living standards by growing the private sector, with focus on supporting micro and small enterprises within Denbighshire. More information can be found on the Council's website.

The Public Protection team at the Council provides free and helpful advice and guidance to make sure that businesses are complying with the laws and regulations that apply. This includes advice on which licences or permits are needed, advice on health and safety, food safety and labelling, trading standards matters within businesses and much more. More information available here.

Councillor Jason McLellan, Leader of the Council and Lead Member for Economic Growth and Tackling Deprivation said: “The council is here to support the hardworking local high street businesses which are essential to our local economy.

"Whether you are a new or existing business, the Council can provide helpful information and useful resources to help, including the upcoming March for Business month.”

March for Business

The March for Business campaign is back for 2024, providing free workshops, networking events and advice sessions for businesses across Denbighshire.

Information about all the workshops available to you are on our website.

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Ruthin Gaol and Nantclwyd y Dre historic house and gardens all set to reopen in March

Ruthin Gaol and Nantclwyd y Dre historic house and gardens are looking forward to welcoming visitors back after the winter break when the heritage sites open their doors on Saturday, 23 March.

The historic sites offer a captivating journey through time. An atmospheric and compelling insight into former prison life can be found at the Gaol, and a discovery of Welsh family life throughout the ages at Nantclwyd y Dre, a Grade I listed timber-frame holding ‘Hidden Gem’ status for its faithfully recreated interiors, and enchanting gardens.

This season, alongside interactive exhibits, guided tours and hands-on demonstrations, visitors are challenged to escape the Gaol and become time travellers at Nantclwyd y Dre as part of new activities that bring history to life in ways that are sure to create lasting memories!

Together, the sites offer the perfect day out for families, history enthusiasts, and anyone with an interest in discovering a little more about Ruthin’s social and architectural past. And, opening just in time for the Easter break, an Easter trail will be running at Nantclwyd y Dre over the 23rd, 28th, 29th and 30th March (10:30 - 17:00, last entry at 16:00), included in the normal ticket price.

Ruthin Gaol and Nantclwyd y Dre will be open to the public from 23 March onwards, with operating hours and ticket information available on the Council's website.