Talking Points sessions support over 1,100 residents in one year

Based at all of Denbighshire’s Libraries, Talking Points are an easy and convenient way for Denbighshire residents to find out what help and support is available in their local area. The Community Navigators service is provided by the British Red Cross in partnership with Denbighshire County Council and key partners.

Jeff, Community Navigator

Recent statistics show that these sessions have welcomed and provided advice and guidance to more than 1,130 Denbighshire residents from April 2024 – March 2025.

The 391 Talking Points sessions, which were held during this period, also garnered 100% positive feedback from those who went on to fill in a form after a session, with the feedback stating that they were very satisfied with the information, advice and assistance they received.

The support offered by the Talking Points service through Community Navigators is wide reaching, and can range from simply providing advice, referring to relevant further support, and housing support and assistance.

During this period, Community Navigators also delivered 140 awareness sessions with internal and external organisations for Denbighshire residents.

The current Talking Points locations and times are as below:

Every Monday (except bank holidays) - St Asaph Library, 10:00am – 12.30pm

Every Tuesday - Rhyl Library and Ruthin Library, 10:00am – 12.30pm

Every Wednesday - Denbigh Library and Corwen Library, 10:00am – 12.30pm

Every Thursday - Llangollen Library, 10:00am – 12.30pm

Every Friday (except bank holidays) - Prestatyn Library and Rhuddlan Library, 10:00am – 12.30pm

Ann Lloyd, Head of Adult Social Care & Homelessness said:

“We are proud of the impact the Talking Points are having in ensuring the sustainable development of communities based on their strengths and potentials. Talking points enable individuals who either have difficulties themselves, or who are caring for or concerned about somebody else, to have an opportunity to have a person-centred conversation about what matters to them and to improve their health and wellbeing with someone face to face. 

Talking Points also give staff the opportunity to network and learn about what is available within their local area to help support Denbighshire citizens. We want to see Talking Points continue to develop, allowing our communities to work with us to deliver social care, with local people supporting each other."

Councillor Elen Heaton, Lead Member for Health and Social Care said:

“Talking Points are free, helpful and friendly sessions that are held each weekday for our residents who feel they need a helping hand. Residents don’t need to book, and can simply turn up.

The Community Navigators are always ready to chat and support, and can help with a wide range of issues.”

Council’s Chief Executive, Graham Boase, announces retirement

After nearly 40 years working in local government, Denbighshire County Council’s Chief Executive is to retire.

Graham Boase, who has been the Council’s Chief Executive for the past four years but has worked for the County since its inception in 1996, will step down as Chief Executive at the end of  January 2026.

A qualified Town Planner, Mr Boase previously held the posts of Director Economy & Public Realm and Head of Planning & Public Protection at Denbighshire. He previously worked for two London Boroughs.

Announcing his retirement, Mr Boase said, “It has been a pleasure and a privilege to be CEO of such a wonderful Council and county and while I’m still very much enjoying the role, following a period of reflection, I’ve come to the decision that now is the time for me to prepare for a different future away from work.

“I will remain one hundred percent committed and focussed on my duties for the remainder of my time with the Council and the next seven months will provide time to recruit a successor and to ensure a brief handover period. It will also give the new CEO time to bed in before the next Local Government elections in 2027.

“I’d like to thank colleagues and Councillors alike,  both past and present for the help, support and friendship throughout my time at Denbighshire – it’s meant so much to me. While I’m sad to be leaving my role, I’m immensely proud to have worked here for the past 30 years and will always keep a keen eye on what’s happening in Denbighshire.”

Responding to Mr Boase’s announcement, Councillor Jason McLellan, Leader of Denbighshire County Council said, “I’d like to thank Graham for all his hard work and dedication to Denbighshire County Council in his many roles over a number of years, and of course, most recently in his role as Chief Executive.

“In this role he’s guided the authority skilfully through extremely challenging times. Graham has been a huge support to me and we’ve worked well together – I’m going to miss that working relationship. While it’s sad to hear that he’s leaving the Council, I understand it’s a personal decision and I’d like to wish him all the best for the future.

“I look forward to working with him over the coming months as we embark on the process to appoint a new Chief Executive to guide the authority into the future.”

Road maintenance update for July

Our Highways department undertake maintenance schemes across the county.

We are responsible for the maintenance and repair of 1,400 kilometres of Denbighshire roads. Our teams carry out a regular programme of works to maintain and improve our roads, which ranges from the repair of potholes right up to resurfacing schemes.

Roads may need to be closed for us to carry out the patching, drainage and other supporting works.

July’s strategic Highways work is listed below:

Cllr Barry Mellor, Lead Member for Environment and Transport, said: “Our Highways teams are constantly working all year around to support and maintain the routes we have across the county. We would like to thank residents for their patience this month as we carry out this important work.”

Dates of work may be subject to change due to the weather or other external factors.

For all roadwork information across Denbighshire roads including other Council services and utility companies please visit this link for further information.

Call for Support to Tackle Vandalism at Community Garden

The Council’s Nature for Health team are calling for the support of residents to tackle vandalism at Corwen community garden.

Over recent weeks, Nature for Health officers have noticed an increase in vandalism and antisocial behaviour to the community garden in Corwen.

The beloved green space which is supported and maintained by the hard work of local volunteers, has been significantly damaged recently by individuals who have visited the site.

These individuals have been uprooting vegetables and flowers planted by volunteers, smashing glass and discarding broken shards into planting and herb beds, and damaging infrastructure which has created an unsafe environment for visitors to enjoy.

Chloe Webster, Countryside Ranger for the Nature for Health programme said:

“This garden is more than just a place to grow food—it’s a space for connection, learning, and wellbeing.

“The recent vandalism is heartbreaking, but we know the community cares deeply about this space. We’re asking everyone to help us protect it.”

Councillor Alan James, Lead Member for Local Development and Planning said:

“It’s saddening to hear of the recent vandalism that has taken place in the community garden in Corwen. This communal area is a space for the residents to feel safe and enjoy a sense of community spirit.

“The recent behaviour seen at the garden not only disrespects the hard work of our community members but also poses a serious safety risk to families, children, and other garden users.

“Your support is vital in helping us protect this space and ensure it remains a safe, welcoming environment for everyone. We are urging the public to remain vigilant and to report any suspicious or destructive activity”.

If you have any information or would like to get involved in supporting the garden, please contact us at natureforhealth@denbighshire.gov.uk or call 01824 712757.

Nature for Health Volunteers Honoured at Awards Ceremony

The Denbighshire Voluntary Services Council hosted a special awards ceremony to recognise the outstanding contributions of volunteers across the county.

The Nature for Health team is proud to announce that four of its dedicated volunteers were among the winners, receiving accolades across three of the eight award categories: Team Leader, Young Volunteer, and Promoting Welsh Culture & Heritage.

The award winners were:

• Vera Arrowsmith – Team Leader
• Zen Hoppe – Team Leader
• Cai Scott – Young Volunteer
• Myfanwy Lloyd Evans – Promoting Welsh Culture & Heritage

Nature for Health is a collaborative initiative that connects individuals and communities with nature to support health and wellbeing. Volunteers are at the heart of the programme, playing a vital role in maximising the benefits that the project can deliver to our communities across Denbighshire.

In the south of the county, Myfanwy and Cai have made a remarkable impact. Myfanwy brings her deep knowledge of horticulture and her passion for the Welsh language to the Corwen Community Garden, where her warmth and cultural pride help sustain a thriving community space. Cai, a young and ambitious volunteer, has grown from participant to leader—launching his own woodworking business and now running wood whittling sessions for the programme.

Vera and Zen lead the popular Nordic Walking group every Thursday morning from Loggerheads. Long-time collaborators with Nature for Health, both have completed Nordic Walking instructor training through the programme. Their leadership and commitment ensure the group remains active and accessible, helping participants enjoy the physical and mental benefits of regular outdoor activity.

Charlotte Wheeler from the Nature for Health Team said:

“We are incredibly proud of Vera, Zen, Cai, and Myfanwy. Their dedication, creativity, and community spirit embody everything our programme stands for. These awards are a well-deserved recognition of their hard work and the positive impact they have on the lives of others.”

Councillor Alan James, Lead Member for Local Development and Planning, added:

“These volunteers are shining examples of how local action can create lasting change. Their work through Nature for Health not only enhances individual wellbeing but also strengthens our communities and our connection to the natural environment. We are proud to celebrate their achievements and the difference they make across Denbighshire.”

For more information on Nature for Health click here.

Nursery nurtures butterflies

Its National Insect Week and our Tree Nursery at St Asaph is doing its bit inside and outside to help nature’s smaller residents.

The tree nursery grows thousands of wildflowers each year alongside thousands of trees. Our wildflowers are to help bring back meadow habitats that pollinators such as bees need to thrive and survive.

But outside in the nursery grounds, the habit areas watched over by Denbighshire County Council’s Biodiversity Team, a butterfly population is also thriving.

A population of Peacock Butter caterpillars are currently enjoying the nettles nesting in the foliage around the site.

Female Peacocks will lay their eggs in clusters on the leaves of Common Nettle which is the foodplant of their caterpillars.

The caterpillars hatch between May and June and as they grow they move onto new plants. They end up sporting a black speckled look with white spots. When ready to pupate each caterpillar will find a suitable area to form a chrysalis.

Orange-red marked Peacocks with black and blue spots will emerge between June and August.

Liam Blazey, Senior Biodiversity Officer said: “Its great to see that as well as the work we do inside the nursery, the habitats we keep an eye on around this site are really giving help to the smaller wildlife we have here in Denbighshire."

He added: “As well as the Peacocks, we also have a number of dragonfly species thriving in the pond habitats we created next to the nursery tunnels and its fantastic to see this site during National Insect Week really moving forward to protect our littlest nature residents.”

Vendors announced for new Queen’s Market space

Spaces are filling up quickly at the new Queen’s Market ahead of opening day on July 10^th. There are currently 12 vendors signed up to operate from launch day, with the hot food stalls completely filled, and limited spaces left in the cold food/retail stalls. 

West Parade entrance

The individual vendors, who will work from the new Queen’s Market facility, will play a crucial role in the launching of the venue when it opens.

The list of hot food vendors consists of a high-quality blend of cuisines and flavours, bringing unique tastes right to the heart of Rhyl from launch day. From stone-baked Pizzas to Caribbean dishes, the Market will offer a wide selection of hot food options for visitors to choose from.

The hot food vendors are:

• Bad Burgers and Dirty Dogs, who will feature a range of handmade smash burgers and gourmet hotdogs with a variety of toppings on offer, along with fully loaded fries and a full range of soft drinks.

• Go Greek will offer a full range of traditional Greek food and will be creating Greek style gyros, souvlaki, halloumi fries and Greek desserts, including the magical orange cake.

• Kumo Ramen will feature authentic noodle bar servings which will include traditional broths and noodles.

• Kinn Kinn will offer a taste of Thailand, with a wide range of Thai Food available including the famous red and green curries and pad Thai.

• Little Italy Pizza Rhyl will offer hand-stretched, stone-baked pizzas, with multiple topping offers and flavours to choose from fresh, and made on the premises.

• Wrapped and Loaded will be offering artisan wraps, with high protein fillings.

• Street Pot will be cooking up Caribbean cuisine and will feature dishes such as jerk chicken, jerk curry, rice and peas, and fried plantain.

Towards the West Parade entrance of the Market, visitors will be greeted by two window units which host:

• Spill The Beans who will serve up freshly ground coffee, a choice of artisan tea, and other luxury hot drink options as well as pastries and cakes favourites.

• Pudz Ice Cream rolls who will be dishing out ice cream rolls, freshly made waffles and crepes which can be topped with classic toppings such as fresh fruit, chocolate, cream and more, as well as their famous fresh Milk shakes.

As well as tasty hot food, the Queen’s Market will offer high-quality cold food and drink options. Signed up so far are:

• Donat DWT, who will offer a full range of glazed and filled donuts, a little piece of luxury.

• Spirit of Rhyl Gin Distillery, where visitors can make their very own flavoured gin, right on site.

• The full-service bar, which will service both the events area and the market space, will be named ‘The Spirit of Rhyl’ and run by Spirit of Wales Distillery.

Councillor Jason McLellan, Leader of the Council and Lead Member for Economic Growth & Tackling Deprivation said:

“We are pleased to be announcing the businesses who will be utilising the new Queen’s Market.

The market will feature a wide range of high-quality options available for visitors, who will be able to sample these from opening day, July 10^th.

We are very excited to invite the public along on opening day so they can see what this great facility has to offer.”

Andrew Burnett, Director at Midlands Events (Rhyl) Limited said:

“We are really pleased with what the new venue has to offer. We have an excellent range of retailers, and we are really excited with the entertainment programme we are putting together.

We can’t wait to get open now, and we are really looking forward to welcoming all customers on the opening weekend. This facility will be a real asset to the town going forward and will increase the footfall of the town as a whole.”

The Queen’s Market project has received funding from the Welsh Government, largely through its Transforming Towns Programme.

The project has received funding from UK Government’s SPF funding.

It has also received funding from UK Government through the Pride of Place & Natural Environment: Rhyl, Prestatyn & Denbigh Programme.

The project is also funded by Denbighshire County Council.

Greener transport grows at Rhyl school

Students at a Rhyl school will soon be getting a helping lift from a greener mode of transport.

A more climate friendly mode of transport will be taking to the road to help Ysgol Tir Morfa students reach their school.

Denbighshire County Council’s Fleet Services has secured with the help of Welsh Government Energy Service funding two Toyota Proace Verso electric vehicle (EV) people carrier which are replacing end of life fossil fuel powered similar vehicles.

Both vehicles have ranges up to 214 miles and will reduce maintenance and mileage costs moving forward for fleet.

The minibuses will be also easier to maintain than equivalent petrol or diesel powered vehicles due to less moving parts.

Moving to a more carbon friendly vehicle line up remains the Fleet Service commitment since Denbighshire County Council declared a Climate and Nature Emergency in 2019.

Currently the Council has one of the highest figures in Wales for the proportion of zero emission vehicles (ZEVs) as a percentage of their fleet, at over 20 percent.

The people carrier will be used to support Ysgol Tir Morfa on school transport runs, fitting in with the school’s efforts to tackle climate change which has already seen low carbon energy work take place at the site alongside tree planting by pupils with the Council’s Biodiversity team in the grounds.

And the second vehicle will be used to support social care transport for adults who work at Meifod Wood Products on Denbigh Colomendy Industrial Estate as part of Denbighshire’s work opportunities scheme.

Cllr Barry Mellor, Lead Member for Environment and Transport said: “We are working very hard to reduce our fleet’s carbon footprint by replacing end of life fossil fuel vehicles when the opportunity arises with greener alternatives where it is appropriate for the service need.

“These vehicles help us reduce running costs over the long term through maintenance and miles and will continue to reduce our emissions to help us tackle the climate and nature emergency declared in 2019.

“It’s great that Ysgol Tir Morfa will have access to one of these vehicles as the students are so supportive of doing everything they can to tackle climate change and support their local nature at the school and surrounding community.  Having one supporting Meifod as well I hope will inspire the fantastic adults who work at the site to do their bit to tackle climate change.”

Growth planted for rare wildflower

A rare wildflower is growing back strong to support Denbighshire nature habitats.

Denbighshire County Council’s Biodiversity team has nurtured a new crop of Bithynian Vetch this season.

The team started a programme of work to safeguard the rare plant in 2022 after collecting seeds the year before from a solitary meadow in Denbighshire where the plant was located.

Following the Council’s declaration of a climate and nature emergency in 2019, the wildflower meadows project is part of an ongoing commitment to enhance and protect biodiversity across the county.

Rare across Wales and the UK, the Bithynian Vetch has been gradually supported at the Council’s Tree Nursery at St Asaph and this year a crop of over 100 plants have been grown by staff and volunteers at the site.

Th species of flowering plant in the pea family Fabaceae, will eventually go back into county meadows to both boost support for the future of the plant and the important pollinators who visit these habitats.

Sam Brown Tree Nursery Assistant said: “This plant is classed as vulnerable across Wales and the UK so it has been great to give it a helping hand through this work at the nursery. Hopefully the efforts between staff and the volunteers at the nursery will provide a better future in the county for the Bithynian Vetch.”

Cllr Barry Mellor, Lead Member for Environment and Transport, added: “This is a fantastic example of how our Wildflower Meadows Project is working to not only bring back these important habitats but also give a helping hand to rare plants such as this.

“It’s great to see such a brilliant number of Bithynian Vetch growing at the Tree Nursery this year and I hope these plants once back in the wild will further provide seeds for us to maintain protection of this rare species for years to come.”

This work has been funded by Welsh Government, through the Local Nature Partnerships Cymru ENRaW project.

Work on Drift Park Play Area in Rhyl set to begin

Construction work on the Drift Park Play Area, situated on the Prom in Rhyl is set to begin on June 23^rd.

In line with the scheduled end to the nearby Sea Defence Work, the Park is being reinstated with its new community chosen design, which features a nautical theme given its seaside location.

Drift Park new design

The theme was chosen after public consultation sessions welcomed over 50 local participants, who, along with over 200 feedback responses through online forms, helped inform the design of the new Drift Park Play Area.

Further engagement sessions were held at local schools, in Ysgol Tir Morfa and Christchurch School, where pupils provided feedback which helped shape the designs of the equipment, and shared their views and suggestions.

After considering the feedback, more swings were added to the design, including a double swing. The feedback also asked for more sensory boards to be added and additional seating (these will include 2 picnic benches and 2 standard benches inside the play area, and also four more picnic benches will be added outside the play area).

Added due to feedback will also be another Cone Twister and a Zip line type piece of equipment called a ‘track rider’.

The work is set to be completed by early September 2025.

Councillor Barry Mellor, Lead Member for Environment and Transport said:

“As the Sea Defence scheme work comes to an end in the Autumn, we will see the reinstating of this Play Area, with new and improved community chosen design elements.

A lot of work has been done with the local community and local schools to come up with the final design of this Play Area.

I am looking forward to seeing this park open once more, with newer and better equipment and play spaces.”

New £26m coastal defences protect thousands of Prestatyn homes

Thousands of Prestatyn residents will benefit from enhanced protection against coastal flooding following the completion of a major £26 million coastal defence project which has completed nine months ahead of schedule.

Homes and businesses in the area will now benefit from reduced risk of coastal flooding thanks to the innovative flood defence scheme which includes a new embankment to store storm surge waters and reduce the risk of them reaching Prestatyn town centre

The new coastal defences, delivered by Balfour Beatty on behalf of Denbighshire County Council, will safeguard 2,297 homes and 86 businesses from the increasing threat of storm surges and rising sea levels.

Deputy First Minister, with responsibility for Climate Change and Rural Affairs, Huw Irranca-Davies, who officially opened the scheme today, said: “These works will keep people safe and benefit the community for years to come. This is a great example of the local authority taking initiative and implementing a scheme which reduces the future risk of flooding.

“I am keenly aware of the devastating impact flooding can have on homes, livelihoods and people’s lives. 

“Safeguarding our communities from the catastrophic results of flooding and coastal erosion is of utmost importance to me in this role, and for this Government.

“We are committed to delivering support on the ground that will protect our communities from the threats of climate change.”

The project features a new flood embankment set back from the existing seafront defence, surrounding Rhyl Golf Course and running adjacent to Rhyl Coast Road.

This strategic positioning will contain any water that overtops the primary defences during extreme weather, preventing it from flowing towards the centre of Prestatyn.
Additional protective measures include new rock armour at the western end of the scheme, providing erosion protection around the slipway, along with improvements to existing culverts and construction of two new outfall structures.

Climate change and rising sea levels have increased flooding risks along this stretch of coastline, with nearly 500 properties previously flooded during storm events in nearby east Rhyl.

The Welsh Government provided 85% (£22.2 million) of the construction funding through its Coastal Risk Management Programme (CRMP), with Denbighshire County Council contributing the remaining 15%. The Welsh Government also fully funded the £1.75 million development phase.

Cllr Barry Mellor, Lead Member for Environment and Transport, said: “Having witnessed the devastating effects of the coastal flooding which hit Rhyl on December 5, 2013, this work is particularly close to my heart.

“The Council opened Rhyl Leisure Centre at that time as an evacuation centre due to the severe flooding, and the sight of my residents coming in soaking wet clinging to their loved animals will never leave me.

“I still have residents coming up to me to this day saying how grateful they are as they now can sleep at night without having to worry about their homes flooding, so I’m so pleased to see the completion of this part of the project which will now give peace of mind to the residents of Prestatyn.”

As well as protecting the area from flooding, the scheme helped employment in the region during the construction phase as 85% of local employment used was sourced from within 40 miles of the work site and 99% of local subcontractor spend was within those 40 miles. The work created 8 new jobs and over 190 days of work experience was provided for local people. Over 110 students engaged with the scheme through curriculum activities. The scheme saw environmental benefits also, with 80% of rock revetment materials used being sourced locally and 99% of the waste created was diverted from landfill.

The Prestatyn scheme is part of the Welsh Government's wider £291 million CRMP investment, which will fund a total of 15 coastal defence projects across Wales once completed, protecting approximately 14,000 properties nationwide

First Curlew Chicks of the Season Hatch in Denbighshire

The Curlew Connections Wales team are celebrating the arrival of the first Eurasian Curlew chicks of the 2025 season in the South Clwydian Hills and Dee Valley.

This comes as a significant milestone for one of the UK’s most endangered bird species which has seen its numbers in Wales drop by over 80% since the 1990’s.

Commonly known as Europe’s largest wading bird, the Curlew is easily recognised by its long, curved bill and distinctive bubbling call. Once a common sight across Welsh uplands and wet grasslands, the curlew population has dramatically declined due to only being able to raise one chick every four years, which is far too low to sustain their population.

Working alongside local farmers and landowners, the Curlew Connections Wales team have been working hard to protect these rare ground-nesting birds by monitoring known nesting sites on the moorlands in North East Wales.

To give the nests the best chance of success, methods such as temporary electric fencing has been used to keep predators and farm animals away from the vulnerable eggs.

This simple but effective measure is already making a big difference, with 12 nests being protected by the fencing this year, which is a significant increase from 4 nests fenced last year.

Jillian Howe, Community and Engagement Officer at Curlew Connections Wales said:

“The arrival of these first chicks is very encouraging, as it shows that with community support and targeted protection, we can give curlew chicks a better chance to survive and help reverse their decline.”

 Councillor Barry Mellor, Lead Member for Environment and Transport and Biodiversity Champion, said:

“To hear of these Curlew chicks hatching in Denbighshire is a testament to the important work that our dedicated officers and partners do to ensure the protection of these red listed species. Without urgent action, the possibility that Curlew’s could be extinct from Wales entirely by 2033 is a harsh reality. However, these early hatches are a positive sign for this iconic bird and a hopeful step forward for curlew conservation in Wales”.

If you see or hear a curlew in the project area, contact our Curlew Connections Wales Officer at: samantha.kenyon@denbighshire.gov.uk or for more information visit: www.gwct.wales/curlew-connections/

Join in with the 2025 ‘Story Garden’ Summer Reading Challenge

Denbighshire Libraries are inviting families across Denbighshire to take part in The Reading Agency’s 2025 Summer Reading Challenge, encouraging children to explore the magical connection between storytelling and the natural world with this year’s theme: Story Garden – Adventures in Nature and the Great Outdoors.

Launching on Saturday, 5 July, the Summer Reading Challenge invites children aged 4–11 to visit their local library, discover new books, and enjoy a summer filled with fun, imagination, and outdoor inspiration.

Featuring beautiful illustrations by award-winning artist Dapo Adeola, Story Garden offers young readers a world of stories, creatures, and nature-based adventures. Children can collect free activity packs, take part in nature-themed events, and borrow specially selected books — all designed to keep them curious, active, and engaged with reading over the summer holidays.

Deborah Owen, Principal Librarian for Denbighshire County Council said:

“We’re really excited to welcome children and families back for this year’s Summer Reading Challenge. It’s a brilliant way to spark a love of reading while encouraging young minds to explore nature and creativity. We can’t wait to see our library transformed into a Story Garden this summer!”

Councillor Emrys Wynne, Lead Member for Welsh Language, Culture and Heritage at Denbighshire County Council, said:

“The Summer Reading Challenge is a wonderful way to inspire children to read for pleasure while celebrating the beauty of the natural world. Our libraries play a vital role in supporting literacy and creativity, and this year’s Story Garden theme brings all of that together in an exciting and imaginative way. I’d encourage families across Denbighshire to join in and make the most of everything their local library has to offer this summer.”

Now in its 26th year, the Summer Reading Challenge is delivered in partnership with public libraries and is completely free to join. In 2024, the Challenge reached nearly 600,000 children and inspired over 100,000 new library memberships across the UK.

To find out how to join in the fun visit your local library or go to www.summerreadingchallenge.org.uk.

@readingagency

#SummerReadingChallenge #StoryGarden

Give a helping hand to an under-threat bird

Residents are being encouraged to keep an eye on the sky to help a summer county visitor.

As we reach the heights of summertime, Denbighshire County Council’s Biodiversity Team is urging residents to help check in with the seasonal visits of swifts.

Swifts fly nearly 3400 miles from a winter in Africa to breed in the UK during summer. They pair for life returning to the same site each time.

The birds prefer to nest in homes and churches, using small gaps in the roofs. However, as older buildings are renovated the roof gaps became less and new builds designed differently offered no room, impacting on swift numbers.

Due to the loss of habitat, such as wildflower areas and freshwater, insects that swifts need to feed their young and refuel for their migrations have also reduced.

Our Biodiversity team is working to restore this loss through the management of the Wildflower Meadows Project which has so far created nearly 70 acres of suitable habitat, supporting the regeneration of insect and bird populations.

The team has also introduced over a number of swift boxes to areas in the county to encourage the birds to nest.

However, despite efforts locally and wider the swift is currently on the highest conservation priority level on the Red list in the 2021 UK Conservation resulting in urgent action being needed.

Residents can help swift populations who arrive at Denbighshire survive and thrive by carrying out a simple survey between May and July.

Pick an area near your home that you can safely walk a route of a mile or so. Start looking to the skies around late evening, an hour or so before dusk to catalogue the numbers of swifts and their activity (flying high up, circling or flying fast at roof height and calling loudly, a screaming party).

If you need a helping hand in knowing what to look out for, either join one of our Denbighshire Swift walks or check out this handy guide: 

A family or individual can take part but remember to stay safe while doing it as it gets darker.

All findings can be logged through our Denbighshire Swift survey  All of our records will contribute towards the Swift Recovery project started by North Wales Wildlife Trust/COFNOD.

Biodiversity Officer Evie Challinor explained: “It is so important we do all we can to help this under threat bird survive. Finding out how their populations are doing in the county and where they frequent the most with the help of residents will help us understand better where to direct help for swifts where its needed the most

“If you can spare time to help these amazing birds your support could help stabilise local swift populations.”

Major road maintenance works to commence this year

Denbighshire County Council will commence a major Welsh Government funded road maintenance programme this year.

The work across the county which will be spread over two years will be funded by a Welsh Government Local Government Borrowing Initiative (LGBI) to enable the programme to start.

This programme identified schemes for both 2025/26 and 2026/27 based on the total allocation of £4,780,699 for the two-year period from the Welsh Government.

The decision to approve the acceptance of the LGBI funding will allow Denbighshire’s Highways to commence work on the programme straight away which will greatly assist with being able to deliver this extensive programme of works during the optimum time for carriageway surfacing works.

Denbighshire County Council will be targeting this funding at improving the surface condition of carriageways on identified sections of the network during the two-year period of 2025-2027.

A programme of works has been developed to improve the carriageway surface on a number of roads in the County with significant investment planned at A525 Nany Y Garth pass, A547 Abergele Road near Rhuddlan and Ty Newydd Road in Rhyl.”

Cllr Barry Mellor, Lead Member for Environment and Transport, said: “We know the improvement of the county’s road network is a topic that comes up regularly from our residents and we are grateful to have this additional Welsh Government funding to supplement our own funding to help improve our roads.

“Our officers have worked hard to produce a mass programme of full resurfacing of carriageways for this funding.

“The work that will be carried out on our roads over the next two years will really help improve the network and driving experience for both residents and visitors to Denbighshire.”

The Council will publish more information on when and where road networks in the council will benefit from this programme through our media channels going forward.

New meadow expands reserve nature help

A new habitat area is taking shape this summer at a nature reserve.

Support is growing for pollinators around Rhuddlan Nature Reserve this year, thanks to the completion of a new wildflower meadow area.

Denbighshire Countryside Services has worked alongside the Rhuddlan Reserve Management Advisory Group since 2011 to manage the site to encourage nature to flourish and provide a place for community well-being.

Rhuddlan Nature Reserve has grown and developed over the years with the introduction of site developments including two wildflower meadows, three wildlife ponds, 300 metres of hedgerow, wildflower seeded verges, planting of 6,000 trees, a heritage species orchard, two picnic areas and a pond dipping platform.

Working with the local Dementia Group, the partnership also created a Dementia friendly space on the site with sensory, trees, wildflowers and historic landscape features such as dry-stone walls and laid hedges complete with traditional Welsh oak timber seating.

Alongside this space, countryside rangers with the support of volunteers have now created a new wildflower meadow to continue the support for the site’s nature and provide a new area for visitors to enjoy.

The new area has been developed with wildflower earth and turf which will provide a variety of plants to support pollinators and the wider wildlife at the nature reserve.

And to protect the site volunteers also helped build a wattle fence around the meadow boundary.

Countryside Ranger Vitor Evora explained: “It’s been great to provide an additional wildflower meadow habitat on the nature reserve as these are a vital habitat we need to support our pollinators and the wildlife that feed off the insects in this type of area. It will also be a feature full of variety and colour for those visiting the reserve to enjoy.

Councillor Alan James, Denbighshire Cabinet Lead Member for Local Development and Planning, said: “The volunteers and rangers have made a real positive difference to this part of Rhuddlan Nature Reserve and we are grateful for their dedicated work to improving biodiversity in the area and also visitor experience for those dropping by the reserve.”

Denbighshire County Council Complete Default 20mph Speed Limit Review

Denbighshire County Council have recently completed their review of the default 20mph speed limit in the County.

In September 2023 the Welsh Government introduced legislation which changed the default speed limit for residential roads from 30mph to 20mph.

Following the implementation the Welsh Government launched a review of the default speed limit in 2024 and concluded that the default speed limit of 20mph was appropriate in the vast majority of cases.

However, an updated guidance was provided to local councils to assess any requests for ‘exceptions’ to the default speed limit.

Exceptions are lengths of road where the speed limit would be reverted to 30 mph, but they would need to be granted on a case-by-case basis and meet a very strict set of criteria, before they could be considered for an exception from the default 20mph speed limit.

The Council received over 300 submissions for exceptions for a total of 202 roads in Denbighshire and assessed all suggested exceptions rigorously in accordance with the new Welsh Government guidelines for setting exceptions.  

After assessing all 202 roads individually against the exceptions criteria, it was decided that none of the roads met enough of the exception criteria that the Council could safely consider increasing the speed limit.

Councillor Barry Mellor, Lead member for Environment and Transport said:

“Following the extensive work from our officers to assess over 300 submissions, it was decided that none of the suggested roads met the criteria set by the Welsh Government to safely increase the speed limit to 30mph. I would like to thank the officers involved with assessing the submissions we received, and I’d also like to thank the residents who took the time to get in touch with us as part of the review process”.

Merlin Cinemas confirmed as new operator for Rhyl cinema

Leading independent national cinema operator, Merlin Cinemas have announced they will take over the 5-screen cinema in Rhyl town centre, subject to completing lease arrangements with Denbighshire County Council.

The Cornwall-based independent operator has 21 other cinemas across the UK, including the Scala at Prestatyn. The company has a reputation for operating historic cinemas, as well as repurposed and modern buildings as cinemas, in communities often overlooked or underserved by larger cinema companies. Earlier this year, Merlin’s Founder and Managing Director, Geoff Greaves, was awarded an MBE for his outstanding contribution to the cinema industry - recognition 35 years spent championing the big screen in small towns.

 Following the closure of the cinema at the end of January, Denbighshire County Council has been working hard to attract an operator to the popular amenity on Rhyl’s promenade.

Councillor Jason McLellan, Leader of Denbighshire County Council and Lead Member for Economic Growth & Tackling Deprivation said, “We’re delighted to have Merlin on board to ensure that residents and visitors can enjoy a great day out in Rhyl. Once the lease is signed and Merlin have taken over, the cinema will play a pivotal role in the broader regeneration efforts in Rhyl town centre.”

Merlin is working closely with the Council to complete and sign the lease and with suppliers to assess the work needed behind the scenes before it can reopen. They are committed to improving the cinema and enhancing the cinema experience for the local community, and that may mean that the cinema reopens in phases. There will also be a new name, which is still under wraps.

Geoff Greaves, said: “We’re delighted to have been successful in our bid to operate this cinema. We’re already familiar with the location because of our cinema 4 miles along the coast in Prestatyn, but when the opportunity came along, we jumped at the chance. We are doing everything we can to get the doors open so that the town has a cinema again. We really believe that seeing a film at the cinema on the big screen with family or friends is a very different experience to watching it at home; it is more memorable, more sociable and offers a sense of occasion. We look forward to welcoming you back to your cinema very soon.” 

Councillor McLellan went on to say, “The cinema itself is in a great location opposite Queen’s Market Food Hall and Event space, which will open on 10 July, therefore this is a great opportunity to be part of an exciting time for Rhyl. As a Council, we’re delighted to have found an operator to  take over the site so quickly and we’re looking forward to working with Merlin to secure the success of the facility.

 “When it opens, I urge residents to support the cinema as well as other leisure facilities in the town – we need everyone to be backing our businesses to ensure their continued success.”

Queen’s Market opening date set for July

Denbighshire County Council is pleased to announce that the new Queen’s Market in Rhyl will officially open its doors to the public on the 10^th of July.

Queen's Market from above

The Queen’s Market buildings have been an iconic landmark in the centre of Rhyl since 1902 and have provided a variety of uses for the town throughout the years.

The new development includes 16 individual food and retail units, a double-sided bar and a large events space, and will be an integral community space right in the heart of Rhyl.

Queen's Market Hall

To celebrate the opening of the venue, a series of celebratory opening weekend events will be held each day from Thursday the 10^th of July, up until the end of the weekend. These exciting events will be announced very soon.

The internal fit out of the Market is now reaching the final stages, with final preparations being made ahead of opening the venue.

Queen's Market sign

Councillor Jason McLellan, Leader of the Council and Lead Member for Economic Growth & Tackling Deprivation said:

“We are thrilled to be announcing that the doors of the Queen’s Market will be open to the public from the 10^th of July, less than a month away.

There is a full and varied schedule of events set from the opening day, which will run all weekend long and will be announced shortly.

This venue will bring a fresh, modern and exciting offer to Rhyl and Denbighshire as a whole, and plays a major role in our regeneration efforts in the area by creating jobs and increasing footfall in Rhyl.

The Market has great public transport links and is walking distance from both the high-street and the beach.

Queen’s Market will be a hub for the community and will feature high-quality food, drink and retail options, as well as a state of the art, modern events space, which will be used to host concerts, markets, comedians, events and more.

The building is opening right in time for summer, and just before the start of the summer holidays, one of the busiest times for footfall and tourism in the area.

We are inviting all residents of Rhyl, and further afield, to come along to the opening weekend and discover what this new venue can offer them.”

Andrew Burnett, Director at Midlands Events (Rhyl) Limited said:

“Midlands Events (Rhyl) Ltd, along with Denbighshire County Council, are pleased to release the opening date of Queen's Market, which is set to be Thursday 10th July.

We have a fantastic mix of high-quality food retailers, a themed bar and a full weekend of fantastic entertainment planned for the opening weekend. 

We look forward to welcoming all customers to come along to relax, eat good food, have a relaxing drink and enjoy the free entertainment we have planned over the weekend. 

We are very proud of the venue we have created and look forward to welcoming everyone on site.” 

The Queen’s Market project has received funding from the Welsh Government, largely through its Transforming Towns Programme.

The project has received funding from UK Government’s SPF funding.

It has also received funding from UK Government through the Pride of Place & Natural Environment: Rhyl, Prestatyn & Denbigh Programme.

The project is also funded by Denbighshire County Council.

Interviews secured and community inspired at Llangollen Jobs Fair

Working Denbighshire’s recent Jobs Fair in Llangollen has been celebrated as a success by both employers and attendees, with interviews already being arranged and new opportunities shared across the community. Held in central Llangollen, the event brought local people together with a diverse range of organisations and businesses, offering a valuable gateway to explore jobs, training, and volunteering opportunities.

Exhibitors included the Army, RAF, Anheddau, Branas Isaf, Denbighshire Citizens Advice, Business Wales, and Clwyd Alyn, among others. While not all attending employers had immediate vacancies, many used the fair as an opportunity to share live opportunities, offer career advice, and promote upcoming roles. Encouragingly, all participating employers reported they would be happy to take part in similar events in the future. Branas Isaf confirmed they’ve already scheduled interviews with attendees, and others distributed application links and signposted training routes and open positions.

Councillor Jason McLellan, Leader of Denbighshire County Council and Lead Member for Economic Growth & Tackling Deprivation said: “This Jobs Fair highlights the strength and spirit of our local community. It’s inspiring to see employers and jobseekers come together in such a positive way to create real pathways to employment and training.

‘Working Denbighshire is proud to play a key role in supporting people on their journey to meaningful work and a brighter future.”

Ruth Hanson, Principal Manager at Working Denbighshire said:

“The success of this event reflects the hard work and collaboration between employers, partners, and our team. We’re committed to continuing these opportunities and supporting jobseekers every step of the way. It’s incredibly rewarding to see so many people engaged, motivated, and taking the first steps towards their new careers.”

The Working Denbighshire Team

Support services including Adferiad and South Denbighshire Community Partnership also used the event to connect with residents who may benefit from wellbeing, volunteering, or self-employment support.

A successful day, with several employers progressing candidates to the next stage.

The Jobs Fair forms part of Working Denbighshire’s ongoing commitment to supporting local people into employment, training, and enterprise. The team is now preparing for upcoming events and encourages both employers and residents to get involved.

For updates on future events or support into work, visit our website.

Energy saving work to improve school efficiency

Work to improve energy efficiency and reduce long term costs took place at a Denbighshire primary school during half term.

Denbighshire County Council’s Energy Team lead work to drive down energy usage and costs across Ysgol Llanbedr DC.

The team has managed and coordinated projects with other services across Council buildings, including schools to help improve building energy efficiency and reduce emissions and usage costs over the longer term.

This continuing work is part of the Council’s drive to tackle the climate and nature emergency declared in 2019 and reduce its own carbon footprint.

Ysgol Llanbedr saw 10.68kW of solar PV installed, each Kilowatt generated and used by the school will save around 22 pence and this generation not only reduces substantial carbon it also reduces strain on the local grid infrastructure.

Following the solar panel installation, the school is expected to use 78 percent of the generated electricity on site, helping reduce long term costs and reliance on grid supplies.

Other work at Ysgol Llanbedr included cavity and loft insulation throughout the school to reduce heat loss and bring down heating bills.

Together the work is expected to save around £1,943.00 each year and an average of two tons of carbon emissions annually.

Martyn Smith, Property Energy and Carbon Manager, said: “We have carried out this work at Ysgol Llanbedr DC to help improve onsite energy efficiency and also drive down energy bills long-term.”

Cllr Barry Mellor, Lead Member for Environment and Transport, added “We are committed to reducing our buildings carbon emissions, reducing energy use and lowering long term costs at schools through this work. We thank the Energy Team for their proactive work and also the support from Ysgol Llanbedr DC in allowing us to carry out this work during half term.”

Actif Denbighshire Project shortlisted for an award

A ground-breaking community wellbeing initiative led by Actif Gogledd Cymru Denbighshire has been shortlisted for the ‘Engaging Tenants in Environmental Initiatives/Projects’ category at the TPAS Cymru Good Practice Awards 2025.

The shortlisted project, Thriving Partnerships, Transforming Communities, is a great example of how a sense of place, community-led collaboration can drive meaningful change. Through strong partnerships and engagement with tenants and the community in both Clawdd Poncen and Upper Denbigh, the initiative has successfully tackled physical inactivity, social isolation, and health inequalities.

Actif North Wales and Denbighshire County Council’s Community Resilience Team worked together to appoint the two project Co-ordinators - one in partnership with Grŵp Cynefin’s HWB Dinbych and the second with the Council’s Countryside Services and the Clwydian Range and Dee Valley National Landscape Team. This enabled the project to work collaboratively with existing and new partners from the beginning, whilst adding value to existing work streams in these areas.

The Nature for Health team and HWB Dinbych delivered on the ground improvements which has supported the work of Actif in this programme of works. Working closely with local people and partners, these co-ordinators built a clear picture of what the community strengths were but also the barriers to wellbeing, resulting in collaborative actions.

Key Achievements Include:

In Corwen:

• The Nature for Health team transformed underused green spaces into community hubs, including a pump track, communal gardens, and exercise facilities.
• Enhancing active travel routes and hosting health outreach services.
• Partnering with local groups like Mudiad Meithrin and local sports clubs to deliver inclusive activities.

In Upper Denbigh:

• Delivering holiday programmes around Cae Hywel that provided food and active play for children.
• Partnering with Denbigh Harriers to run accessible fitness initiatives including a shoe swap and Couch to 5k.
• Empowering local youths to lead the “Bumps and Jumps” biking project, a grassroots campaign for safe cycling spaces.

This strengths-based approach - “starting with what’s strong, not what’s wrong” - enabled progress often without significant funding, instead harnessing pooled resources and strong local relationships.

Councillor Rhys Thomas, Lead Member for Housing and Communities said:

“The success of the Actif Denbighshire project is rooted in partnership, highlighted by the two Actif co-ordinators for each area being employed by different organisations, reflecting trust, and an understanding of the unique strengths of each community.

“We’re thrilled to be shortlisted and proud to showcase the power of community-led transformation.

“The nomination celebrates the project’s innovative model as one that could be replicated in other communities across Wales.”

Project Partners:

• Denbighshire County Council – Housing, Youth Services, Community Resilience, Countryside Services
• Actif Gogledd Cymru
• Grŵp Cynefin Hwb Dinbych
• Clwydian Range and Dee Valley National Landscape – Nature for Health Programme
• Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board (BCUHB) Public Health Team
• Denbighshire Leisure Ltd. (DLL) Community Sport Team

The nomination celebrates the project’s innovative model as one that could be replicated in other communities across Wales.

These projects were funded by the UK Government Shared Prosperity Fund via Actif Gogledd Cymru and the Nature for Health programme.

Video Highlights:

• Clawdd Poncen Project
• Upper Denbigh Project

Queen’s Market external signage work completed

Installation work has now been completed on the external signage at the Queen’s Market in Rhyl.

                                                                   Sign facing West Parade - Image Credit: TCB Signage

These new sign installations now adorn both main entrances and the sides of the building.

The new installations include the sign which sits at the Northwest entrance, facing the West Parade and the prom, the signage which sits atop of the Sussex Street entrance, and the signage which faces Queen Street, which sits at the side of the building. There is also lettered painted signage on the side of the building which faces Sussex Street.

                                                              Sign facing Sussex Street - Image Credit: TCB Signage

Work is progressing rapidly on the internal fit out of the building, in anticipation of the opening of the Queen’s Market this summer.

Both main entrance signs are comprised of stainless-steel lettering which will be illuminated, and include the new Queen’s Market logo.

                                                            Sign facing Queen Street - Image Credit: TCB Signage

Councillor Jason McLellan, Leader of the Council and Lead Member for Economic Growth & Tackling Deprivation said:

“The Queen’s Market signs are the first thing that most people will see when they approach the building from either direction. We wanted them to be instantly recognisable, and I feel the lettering, along with the colouring and logo on the main entrances will do just that.

The Market is really starting to take shape now, and we can’t wait for the public to pass under the signs, and through the doors this summer when it opens.”

Andrew Burnett, Director at Midlands Events (Rhyl) Ltd said:

“We are pleased to now be at the point where the building's branding and identity is being released.

We see this as a key milestone to getting the building prepared to open for use by the community of Rhyl and the town's visitors.”

Ysgol Dewi Sant hall renovation project nearing completion

Work on the modernisation and transformation of the Hall wing at Ysgol Gymraeg Dewi Sant in Rhyl is nearing completion.

Internal work on Ysgol Dewi Sant's Hall

Built in the mid-1960s, the Hall wing has seen a number of key renovation and improvement works completed since work commenced at the start of the year. The roof of the Hall has seen a rebuild, with additional insulation added.

The large windows have been replaced and modernised. The windows are now high performance double glazed, adding both energy efficiency and aesthetic improvements to the Hall.

External work on Ysgol Dewi Sant's Hall

As part of the renovation, modern insulation has been fitted into the walls of the hall, improving the energy efficiency exponentially in comparison to the old design. The works that are currently being undertaken will ensure its continued suitability and adequacy for educational purposes, and its use by the wider community. Work has also taken place to modernise the foyer and entrance to the Hall, with a lift being added to improve disability access.

Outside the Hall wing, the school’s grounds are also being upgraded to improve access for users with a disability. Additionally, new and upgraded technology will be integrated into the learning spaces on the wing, providing learners with access to the latest digital tools that foster innovative and interactive learning experiences.

The work on the Hall is scheduled to be completed in the summer.

The work has been funded utilising funding from Denbighshire County Council and Welsh Government Repairs and Maintenance capital grants.

Councillor Diane King, Lead Member for Education, Children and Families said:

“It is great to see that this work is nearing completion.

This work will help to reduce the school's carbon footprint, as well as provide modern facilities and amenities for Denbighshire’s largest Primary School Hall.

This development supports student wellbeing, and also helps to provide a vibrant, refreshed space for wider community activities.”

Headteacher, Mair Evans said:

“We are delighted with our new school hall, which boasts excellent modern facilities that meet the highest standards for health and safety, accessibility and safeguarding. The project is being completed to a very high standard.

This new space will greatly enhance our learning environment and benefit the entire school community.”

Active Travel works set to restart in Corwen

Due to unforeseen circumstances halting progress previously, works to introduce an active travel route between Corwen and Cynwyd are set to begin again.

The project is part of investment by the UK Government that was secured through a joint application between Denbighshire County Council and Wrexham County Borough Council for the former Clwyd South Constituency, in which £3.8 million was allocated to Denbighshire to invest in the communities of Llangollen, Llantysilio, Corwen and surrounding areas.

Further funding was secured from the Welsh Government’s Active Travel Fund, which is in place to reduce the number of short everyday journeys that are undertaken in motor vehicles and to increase levels of active travel.

The project involves upgrading sections of the former railway line that runs adjacent to the B4401, into a shared use walking and cycling route. It also includes the introduction of a new tarmac surface that will ensure the route is accessible throughout the year and the installation of a new uncontrolled pedestrian crossing of the A5 near its junction with the B4401.

Access to the former railway line, for construction, will now be through the adopted highway in Cynwyd, and the footpath will be closed along the old railway line during the construction phase, with appropriate signage and traffic management put in place.

Two-way signals will be placed on the carriageway near to pont Dyfrdwy over the river Dee for the start of the works and will be reviewed as the project progresses.

Following a delay in progress which was beyond the control of the Council, the works undertaken by G.H.James Cyf will now begin in June and will last approximately 30 weeks.

Councillor Jason McLellan, Leader and Lead Member for Economic Growth &Tackling Deprivation said:

“The introduction of a new active travel route is a welcoming addition to Corwen and Cynwyd. These works will not only improve the accessibility of the site for users but also preserve the environmental and ecological importance of the route. This was fundamental during the designs process and has resulted in favouring environmentally friendly methods, such as the use of non-dig construction to complete the project.

“I’d like to thank Councillors Alan Hughes and Gwyneth Ellis, for their continued support in enabling us to work collaboratively with the community, to provide a project that will benefit everyone in the near future.

“We understand that this is a popular route and appreciate our resident’s patience during this period.”

To learn more about active travel you can visit the Active Travel page on our website, or for any queries regarding the project please email Levellingup@denbighshire.gov.uk .

Road Cyclic maintenance update

Cyclic maintenance work will take place near St Asaph and Rhuddlan at the beginning of June.

Work comprising of grass cutting, strimming, litter picking and sweeping will be carried out on the A525 Dual Carriageway between the Talardy Roundabout and Bryn Cwybyr roundabout and on the A547 Abergele Road.

All work will take place between 7pm and 6am and will take 3 evenings/nights to complete.

To ensure that the works are carried out safely, the A525 and A547 will be closed to all vehicular and pedestrian traffic on the dates stated below:

• Monday & Tuesday 2nd and 3rd June–Road Closure – A525 Talardy - KFC
• Wednesday & Thursday 4th and 5th June - A525 Rhuddlan Bypass
• Monday 9th June -A547 –Abergele Road - Borth Roundabout to Area Boundary

Cllr Barry Mellor, Lead Member for Environment and Transport, said: “Our Street Scene and Highways teams will be working hard during this period to improve these routes, and we would like to apologise for any inconvenience that this may cause and would be grateful for your cooperation and patience during this time.”

Alternative diversion route for each section of road closure will be signed accordingly.

Wales’ First Minister travels to see successful projects in Denbighshire

The First Minister of Wales, Eluned Morgan, recently visited several projects in Denbighshire.

Whilst on her visit, the First Minister visited both Rhos Street and Pen Barras schools, the Buttermarket in Denbigh and Greengates farm in St Asaph.

Rhos Street & Pen Barras Schools, Ruthin –

The First Minister’s first stop was to Rhos Street and Pen Barras schools, which opened on their new site in April 2018 thanks to a £11.2 million investment through the 21^st Century Schools Programme.

Funded by the Welsh Government (£8.64m) and Denbighshire County Council (£2.59m) the schools had historically shared a site prior to the move. However, the previous site was not purpose built or designed to accommodate both schools which resulted in a few constraints.

Completed in 2018, the project won a national award for Offsite Project of the Year in 2019 from Construction Excellence Wales and now delivers a modern teaching and learning environment for 525 pupils.

On the visit, the First Minister toured around the award-winning site which boasts state of the art facilities, met both schools’ headmasters, before interacting with teachers and excited pupils and enjoying a performance from Rhos Street and Pen Barras’s choirs respectively.

Buttermarket, Denbigh –

On her visit to the Buttermarket in Denbigh, the First Minter learned of the recent redevelopment of the historic building that has been transformed into a much-needed community space in the town.

The renovation was funded through a variety of sources, including the Shared Prosperity Fund, the Community Facilities Programme, Clocaenog Forest Wind Farm, Brenig Wind Farm, Freeman Evans Trust, Bernard Sunley, Garfield Weston Foundation and contributions from key local organisations, including Vale of Clwyd Mind, Gwrp Cynefin and Denbigh Town Council.

The building is owned and operated by Vale of Clwyd Mind, which has recently relocated its head office to Denbigh. This move enables the organisation to expand its mental health services across Denbighshire, providing essential support to the community.

In addition, the building now serves as the new home for Denbigh Museum, Denbigh Community Archives, Menter Iaith Sir Ddinbych and a community Cafe. Together along with Vale of Clwyd Mind, these organisations will support a wide range of voluntary activities, delivering vital services to the local population and fostering greater collaboration among third-sector organisations.

Greengates Farm, St Asaph –

Finally, the First Minister visited Greengates Farm in St Asaph to see the Tree Nursery which strives to support and nurture Denbighshire’s natural plants and trees.

The site, which spans 70 acres, grows trees and plants which will eventually be planted back out into the countryside and community to boost biodiversity.

On a tour of the Tree Nursery, guided by Joal Walley, Lead Officer, Ecology & Biodiversity at Denbighshire County Council, The First Minister explored the polytunnels which host seedlings and saplings of Denbighshire’s natural biodiversity, and was given some of the history of some of the rarer native species such as the Black Poplar Tree and The Wild Service Tree.

The site is currently undergoing development which see a nature reserve created on the 70-acre facility, which will strive to further support local biodiversity and helping nature recovery, as well as permissive pathways, which will be created to allow visitors to access and enjoy the site and a raised viewing area will also be developed.

This work has been funded by the Welsh Government, through the Local Nature Partnerships Cymru ENRaW project and Local Places for Nature grant. The work is also funded by UK Government.

Paul Moore, Chief Executive Officer for Vale of Clwyd Mind said:

“It was a fantastic opportunity to welcome the First Minister to The Buttermarket to talk about the redevelopment and the planned services moving forward and how we all collectively aim to work together to make a difference to help real people in our community”.

First Minister, Eluned Morgan said:

“It was great to visit Denbighshire and see some of the excellent projects the Welsh Government, the local authority and partner organisations have supported in the area – including fantastic new schools, a community hub and a local project to support nature. Well done to everyone involved in delivering on these projects, which are so important to local people, and I look forward to visiting again.”

Councillor Jason McLellan, Leader of the Council and Lead Member for Economic Growth & Tackling Deprivation said:

“It was a pleasure to have welcomed the First Minister to Denbighshire and to have shown her how each of these projects are excelling thanks to fantastic collaborative works.

“The success of these projects and the continued support from the Welsh Government and UK Government, shows the confidence they have in Denbighshire County Council to continue to deliver projects that will benefit Denbighshire, whether it’s improving education standards, supporting the community or improving biodiversity in the County.  

Vendor open days scheduled at Queen’s Market

With the last few spaces left to fill at the new Queen’s Market facility in Rhyl before its opening this summer, the Council, in conjunction with Midlands Events (Rhyl) Ltd, are inviting businesses along to the Market for two open days which are scheduled for June 3^rd, 10am-6pm, and June 4^th, 10am-4pm.

The open days are aimed at businesses who are looking to trade from the historic venue, and will offer a comprehensive tour of the modern facilities by the Directors at Midlands Events (Rhyl) Ltd and key Council staff, as well as provide insights into how the venue can help support local business growth.

Businesses who have an interest in trading from the venue can confirm attendance through contacting queensmarket@midlandsevents.co.uk or by calling 07795 574602.

Councillor Jason McLellan, Leader of the Council and Lead Member for Economic Growth & Tackling Deprivation said:

“These open days are a brilliant opportunity for businesses who are looking to trade from this exciting new facility to occupy the last few available vendor spaces before it opens this summer. 

There will also be an opportunity to learn more about how day-to-day trading will look and meet the directors at Midlands Events (Rhyl) Ltd, who are managing the Market on the Council’s behalf. This project is now very close to being ready, and we are very excited for the opening this summer.”

Andrew Burnett, Director at Midlands Events (Rhyl) Ltd said:

“We look forward to welcoming all interested parties both old and new to come and view the fantastic trading environment we have created.

The level of detail and the materials that have been used on this project have created a fantastic venue for businesses going forward and we look forward to welcoming everyone whether they have visited the site before or not.

This is a venue created for the people and the businesses of Rhyl, so please feel free to come along and visit us on the open days.”

Improvements at Ruthin Gaol and Nantclwyd y Dre

Denbighshire Heritage Service have recently completed a series of accessibility improvements at two of its historic attractions.

The works at Ruthin Gaol and Nantclwyd, have looked at improving access for visitors and promoting inclusivity at the County’s heritage attractions, and were funded by the UK Government’s Shared Prosperity Fund.

Enhancing Access at Ruthin Gaol

Offering a unique Victorian prison experience, Ruthin Gaol is fast becoming one of North Wales’s most popular attractions, welcoming increasing numbers of visitors from far and wide and receiving a TripAdvisor Traveller’s Choice award in 2024.

To enhance accessibility within this historic site, recent improvements have focused on making navigation safer and more comfortable for all visitors. These include:

• New seating installed in the basement, offering a welcome rest spot for visitors exploring the site.  
• Unnecessary street furniture removed to create clearer walkways.  
• Additional and updated handrails, especially where steps previously lacked support.
• Brightly painted nosing strips on stairs to improve visibility and reduce trip hazards.  
• A new cycle storage and baby-changing facilities, making the site more family-friendly and accessible to cyclists.  

Improvements at Nantclwyd y Dre

Dating back to 1435, Nantclwyd y Dre is one of the oldest Welsh timber-framed townhouses still open to the public which boasts beautiful hidden gardens, where visitors can experience history hands-on through interactive trails and activities found throughout the house’s period-themed rooms, from medieval to modern.

Works to improve access to the ground floor, including the coffee corner, 1940s style Parlour, WWII-themed hall, Victorian kitchen, shop, ‘Bat Cam’ area, and extensive gardens were prioritised and have now been completed thanks to the inclusion of:

• New ramps installed in both the house and garden, making all areas easier to access.  
• Improved lighting, particularly in rooms where previous low levels posed a challenge for some visitors.  

Carly Davies, acting Heritage Service Manager, said:

“We are committed to improving access across our historic attractions while respecting their unique character. These enhancements are an important step in making Ruthin Gaol and Nantclwyd y Dre more inclusive, and we hope event more visitors can enjoy a day out with us as a result.” 

Councillor Emrys Wynne, Lead Member for Welsh Language, Culture and Heritage added:

“The recent changes are a welcome improvement to both sites and directly address some of the key findings from recent accessibility audits. I hope that more visitors can now enjoy these wonderful sites thanks to these improvements that underline Denbighshire Heritage Service’s commitment to ensuring that our heritage sites are accessible to all”.  

For more information about visiting Ruthin Gaol and Nantclwyd y Dre, including accessibility details, please visit our website or contact the Denbighshire Heritage Service team via heritage@denbighshire.gov.uk.