Free drop-in event for carers in Denbigh to showcase available support

Carers across Denbighshire are invited to attend a free drop-in ‘Carers, Coffee, Cake and Chat’ event at Denbigh HWB on Monday, 8 June, between 1pm and 3pm, offering a valuable opportunity to connect, chat, and discover the wide range of support services available locally.

The event is open to anyone in a caring role, including volunteers, those supporting family members or friends, and people working within the care sector. Whether someone is new to caring or has years of experience, the session aims to provide helpful information, guidance, and support in a relaxed setting.

Attendees will have the opportunity to connect a number of organisations offering specialist advice and services, including NEWCIS, Warm Wales, wellbeing support services, My Home Denbighshire, and other local organisations.

Designed as an informal drop-in, people can come along at a time that suits them, have a chat with professionals, and learn about practical support available, from financial advice and time management support to wellbeing resources and housing guidance.

Support like this can make a real difference. Courtney, 25, came to Working Denbighshire while balancing job searching with caring for her son, who has autism. With the right support, she built her confidence, completed training, and secured a work placement in a local school, showing how access to the right help can open up new opportunities.

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

"We know that many carers don’t always see themselves as carers, and as a result may not realise what support is available to them. This event is about creating a friendly, informal space where people can come along, have a chat, and find out what help is out there. Even small pieces of support can make a big difference."

Zienna-Lynn Teece-Lockley, Community Employment Mentor added:
"Carers are essential in our communities, often putting others first.  As a mentor specialising in supporting carers, I feel this event is a fantastic opportunity for them to take some time for themselves, find out what support is available, and make connections with organisations that can help make their role a little easier.""

No booking is required as residents can simply drop in to Denbigh HWB between 1pm and 3pm on 8 June.

Working Denbighshire’s support is free and available to anyone aged 16+ living in Denbighshire who would like help moving forward.

Residents can learn more at: www.denbighshire.gov.uk/working-denbighshire

Working Denbighshire is part‑funded by the UK Government and multiple programmes, including the Welsh Government’s Communities for Work Plus, the UK–Wales Trailblazer initiative targeting economic inactivity, the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (SPF), and Connect to Work.

Successful launch of The VIBE Station marks beginning of new support offer in Rhyl

Working Denbighshire’s launch of The VIBE Station brought together residents, partners and services for a day focused on wellbeing, support and opportunity.

Held on Friday, 29 May in Rhyl, the event welcomed over 120 attendees, including local councillors, partner organisations and community services, all coming together to experience the new space and what it has to offer.

The VIBE Station has been developed as a place where people can access support at any stage of their journey, with a focus on wellbeing, confidence and progression towards employment. The launch marked the beginning of this new approach, showcasing how the station will bring services together in one accessible and welcoming location.

Throughout the day, visitors had the opportunity to take part in a range of activities, including the chance to help create a LEGO version of Claude Monet’s Bridge over a Pond of Water Lilies, which will be displayed at the VIBE Station, as well as “Ready, Steady, Craft” painting sessions and a journaling corner introducing simple ways journaling can support wellbeing and self-reflection.

The event also highlighted the importance of partnership working, with organisations encouraged to explore opportunities to deliver services, activities and support from the space as part of its role as a Visual Integrated Base for Employment (VIBE).

Melanie Evans, Principal Manager, Strategic Employment, said:

“The response to The VIBE Station has been outstanding, with a fantastic turnout and overwhelmingly positive feedback from day one. The launch has been a vital first step in introducing a space that focuses on wellbeing as part of the journey towards employment.

It’s clear there is strong interest from both residents and partners, and we’re looking forward to continuing to develop the offer and support people to move forward at their own pace.”

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

“The launch of The VIBE Station is an important milestone for Rhyl and for Denbighshire. It demonstrates our commitment to investing in people and creating accessible, community-based support. This is just the beginning, and we look forward to seeing the positive impact this space will have as it develops.”

The VIBE Station will now begin its ongoing programme of activity, offering residents access to wellbeing support, training opportunities and one-to-one guidance.

Partners and organisations are encouraged to continue engaging with Working Denbighshire to explore how they can be part of The VIBE Station and contribute to a more joined-up approach to support across the community.

Working Denbighshire’s support remains free and available to anyone aged 16+ living in Denbighshire who would like help moving forward.

To find out more, visit our website. 

Working Denbighshire is part‑funded by the UK Government and multiple programmes, including the Welsh Government’s Communities for Work Plus, the UK–Wales Trailblazer initiative targeting economic inactivity, the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF), and Connect to Work.

Dolwen Care Home sees ‘good’ ratings in CIW inspection report

A Care Inspectorate Wales (CIW) inspection report on Dolwen residential Care Home in Denbigh has seen ‘good’ ratings on all four criteria.

The care home, which is operated by Denbighshire County Council had its most recent inspection in December.

Dolwen residential care home

The inspection summary noted that staff “provide good quality care and support, encouraging people to maintain as much independence as possible” and recognised that “people live in a service which is homely and comfortable and provides good access to specialist equipment which meets their needs.” The inspection summary also stated that “the manager and responsible individual (RI) are approachable and friendly, ensuring people are listened to and treated with dignity and respect.”

In relation to well-being, which is one of the four criteria, the care home received a ‘good’ rating, with the report highlighting that residents “are offered consistent choices in daily activities and have opportunities to reach their potential by engaging in meaningful activities” and that the home “offers a varied programme of activities.”

The home’s safeguarding environment was also praised, with the report stating that residents “felt safe and secure knowing no one could enter the building without making themselves known to care staff” and that they also “feel confident and comfortable raising any issues or concerns with care staff.

This section of the report also praised the staff’s approachable nature, with the inspectors noting that “the manager is approachable, and one person stated they never have to speak with the manager as the care staff effectively deal with any issues they have.”

On a similar note, the report noted that visitors such as family or friends of residents were “made to feel welcome” and that residents are “encouraged to develop and sustain existing relationships with family, friends, and important people in their lives, as far as possible.”

It went on to state that “all the relatives we spoke with are happy with the service and told us they are kept well informed.”

The service was also praised for it’s meeting of the Welsh Active offer, with the promotion of the Welsh language and culture described as “fully integrated into the service.”

In relation to Care and support, the care home received a ‘good’ rating.

The report stated that residents’ “personal plans are strengths based and outline how staff should support them to achieve their wellbeing outcomes” which include “detailed one-page profiles in place which clearly record their likes, dislikes, and valuable information for care staff to know about them.” The report praised the care home's handling and administration of medication, stating that “there is a clear record to track the effectiveness of this medication and any side effects” and that “there is a clear record to track the effectiveness of this medication and any side effects.”

When assessing the environment at the care home, which also received a ‘good’ rating, the report stated that residents “live in a homely and comfortable service and have access to a variety of different spaces in which to spend time alone, socialise or entertain visitors.”

The report also praised the accessibility in this area, and the “range of specialist equipment for people to access.” It went on to feature the grab rail provisions throughout the home, as well as the security of the building itself.

Leadership and management at the care home received a ‘good’ rating, with the report praising the “effective audit processes” when it comes to the quality of care. The report highlighted that there are “strict selection and vetting processes for hiring staff to ensure all staff are qualified and trustworthy.”

It went on to say that staff have stated that they “feel well supported in their roles and have an approachable and proactive management team, which they have confidence in.”

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

“The staff at Dolwen care home work so hard, and I am glad to see this recognised in this most recent CIW inspection report.

I think it is clear from this report how homely the staff make this care home, and how good the relationship is between staff and residents. I’d like to thank the staff who work tirelessly day in day out for their efforts, which have been recognised in this report.”

New community cabin opens at Ysgol Cefn Meiriadog

The community eco cabin build at Ysgol Cefn Meiriadog is now complete, with the building now fully operational and in use.

Funded through the Community Focused Schools initiative by Welsh Government, the cabin build started earlier in the year, and features a kitchen area, accessible toilet and a spacious main space which can be used by both the school and local community.

The new cabin now complete at Ysgol Cefn Meiriadog

The cabin features a 60 square metre footprint and is a space that supports family engagement, collaboration with other services and the needs of the school community.  

As well as the cabin build, solar panels will be installed on the roof of the main school building, reducing the carbon impact from this project.

Laura Martin, Head Teacher at Ysgol Cefn Meiriadog said:

“We are absolutely thrilled that the community cabin is open and bustling with activity, this is a vital resource that bridges the gap between our school and the wider community and we are delighted with the outcome.

We would like to extend our thanks to the Welsh Government and Denbighshire County Council for the funding allocation. We now have a dedicated, sustainable space where families can connect, services can collaborate, and our pupils can use for years to come.”

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

“I am glad to see that this new project is now complete, it will be a brilliant asset for both the school and the community.

This new cabin at Ysgol Cefn Meiriadog not only benefits the school and the pupils, but also the community, bringing with it a new and exciting space to utilise.

Replacing an older, outdated building, this new cabin project offers a spacious and modern new asset for the school.”

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 on the dates provided below.

• A525 Talardy to KFC Road Closure - Monday 1st and Tuesday 2nd June 2026
• A525 Rhuddlan Bypass Road closure - Wednesday 3rd June
• A525 Bryn Cwybr Ffordd Derwen Roundabouts Lane Closure Thursday 4th June
• A547 Abergele Road to Borth roundabout to County Boundary Monday 8th June.

The works will be carried out between 7pm and 6am and 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 during the times and dates of work listed.

Cllr Barry Mellor, Lead Member for Environment and Transport, said: “Our Streetscene 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.

Cabinet supports County Hall low carbon heat project

Denbighshire County Council’s Cabinet has backed the initial steps for work to improve energy efficiency at Ruthin County Hall, subject to their funding bid to Welsh Government being successful.

Cabinet members supported the process to secure grant funding from the Welsh Government Low Carbon Heat Grant to initiate the County Hall low carbon heat project.

This work is part of the Denbighshire County Council’s Energy Team’s continuing drive to reduce energy use and costs at buildings run by the local authority to address the climate and nature emergency declared in 2019 and continue the reduction of its own carbon footprint.

The team has looked after projects across Council owned buildings including schools, to help improve building energy efficiency, reduce carbon emissions and also usage costs over the longer term.

County Hall was built over 20 years ago and contributes higher than necessary carbon emissions per annum due to key building fabric assets now being end of life.

The proposed project is to replace the end-of-life gas boilers at the site with air source heat pumps, to replace the Air Handling Units (AHU’s), upgrade the radiators, heating pumps and building management system.

Proposed work will also see the replacement of windows with modern energy efficient windows (with approximately half the heat loss), draught strips and areas of ceiling insulation.

The completed project will decrease energy consumption, enhance the working environment, reduce future potential expenditure on replacing the end-of-life assets and decrease carbon emissions by an estimated 48.7tonnes per year.

Cllr Julie Matthews, Deputy Leader and Lead Member for Corporate Strategy, Policy, Equalities and Strategic Assets, said: “This is a really exciting piece of work that supports Denbighshire County Council’s continuing drive to lower energy usage and costs and reduce carbon footprints across our building estate. 90% of the project cost will be covered by external grant funding should we be successful which is great inward investment for the County supporting the supply chain. The proposals in this project will also provide a better working environment for the staff and help future proof County Hall going forward.”

Archive volunteer drop-in session at Ruthin Gaol

Have you ever wondered what happens behind the scenes at your local archives? Are you interested in learning new skills, meeting new people, and helping to preserve important local history?

North East Wales Archives is inviting members of the community to attend a volunteer drop-in session at Ruthin Gaol on Friday 5 June, where you can drop in anytime between 10am and 12pm to find out more about exciting volunteering opportunities.

Visitors will have the chance to meet the archives team, learn about current volunteer projects, and discover how they can play a hands-on role in caring for and protecting the region’s remarkable historical collections.

The service is looking for enthusiastic individuals who are detail-oriented, have good manual dexterity, and are keen to contribute to an important heritage service.

Whether you’re passionate about local history, looking to gain new experience, or simply want to give back to your community, this could be the perfect opportunity.

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

“Volunteers play a hugely important role in helping us preserve and share the rich history of our communities for future generations. North East Wales Archives offers a fascinating opportunity for people to get involved, learn new skills, and work closely with unique historical collections. I would encourage anyone with an interest in local heritage, history, or simply giving something back to their community to come along to the drop-in session and find out more.”

📅 Friday 5 June 2026
⏰ Drop in anytime between 10am – 12pm
📍 Ruthin Gaol, LL15 1HP

To find out more or if you want to contact us please view our website at https://www.newa.wales/ or email archives@newa.wales.

Cabinet approves design and build contract for Denbigh High School refurbishment project

Denbighshire County Council’s Cabinet has today (May 26^th) approved the award of the contract to design, and subsequently deliver, the construction elements of the Denbigh High School refurbishment project to Wynne Construction.

In late 2025, the Cabinet gave their approval to commence the procurement process for the design and build contract for the refurbishment of Denbigh High School.

They also gave their approval to submit the Strategic Outline Business Case to the Welsh Government, which was approved in March of this year.

This project forms part of the Council’s outline plan for the Sustainable Communities for Learning Programme.

Denbigh High School

The next steps will see engagement with the school community and pupils, who will play their part to help develop the design.

The total agreed project allocation at this stage for the Denbigh High project is currently £19.8 million.

The Sustainable Communities for Learning Programme, funded by the Welsh Government, is funding 65% of this project, with the remaining 35% funded by the Council. In addition, further funding is being provided by Welsh Government for carbon net zero improvements. 

Glen Williams, Headteacher at Denbigh High School said:

“This is excellent news, and is such an exciting time for Denbigh High School and the community it serves. 

I am looking forward to working with the local authority, designers, and contractors to make sure that the modernisation of the school helps provide learners with an environment that will further support their progress and options in the future.”

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

“I am glad to see that this project has taken the next necessary step. With a design and construction contract now in place, we are one step closer to starting work on this exciting development. 

Modernising and improving the facilities at this site will improve capacity at the school, and will help to provide the highest quality education for pupils in the Denbigh area for generations to come.”

Residents invited to have their say on Prestatyn High Street project

The council are encouraging anyone who lives, works or visits Prestatyn to participate in the public consultation on the public realm improvement scheme’s detailed design that will run from 3 June to 5 July 2026.

In 2025, UK Government confirmed their intention to provide just under £20 million of grant funding for seven capital projects to improve pride of place and natural environment in Rhyl, Prestatyn and Denbigh.

This funding, known as the Local Regeneration Fund (LRF), has been awarded exclusively for the successful projects and cannot be directed elsewhere.

As part of the project to improve pride of place and the natural environment in Prestatyn, Denbighshire County Council were awarded funding to improve the public realm (visible space) of the high street.

A drop-in session has also been arranged by the council and residents are invited to have their say on the proposed improvements to the high street.

The session will be held on 3 June, at the Scala Cinema in Prestatyn between 1pm-7pm. 

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

“We would like to thank residents, visitors, and businesses for their co-operation and engagement throughout the project so far.

“Our aim is to deliver a scheme that improves the public realm of the high street and supports the long-term regeneration of the town.

“We would like to encourage as many residents as possible to have their say by either attending the drop-in event or by completing the online consultation.”

Residents that are unable to attend the in person drop-in event, can share their thoughts by completing the online consultation on the council’s website.

Paper versions of the feedback survey are also available and can be found in Prestatyn Library and One Stop Shop. The closing date for all responses is 5 July 2026.

Group to tackle Rhyl beach marine litter

A litter pick is set to tackle marine littering on a popular section of Rhyl’s shoreline this month.

Fresh from tackling beach areas near the East Nova carpark and Barkby Beach at Prestatyn, Denbighshire County Council’s Flood Risk Team is organising an event to cover areas coastal areas around Rhyl Pavilion.

The beach clean will take place on May 27 from 2pm until 3pm. Those who want to support the marine litter pick are welcome to join the group at Rhyl Pavillion Theatre car park by 2pm.

This Rhyl event will also be supported by Keep Wales Tidy who will provide some of the litter picking equipment.

Marine litter can block up waterways and drainage, stopping the flow of water, leading to higher risks of localised flooding further upstream.

Removing marine litter off beaches can provide stronger help also to natural defences as shorelines, dunes and seagrass beds are more able to maintain their natural function as defences against the sea.

Claudia Smith, Coastal Erosion and Flood Risk Officer, said: “We want to this time concentrate on the stretch of the promenade by the Rhyl Pavilion as we know more marine litter tends to wash up this side which can contribute to local flooding and damage the environment and wildlife as well.”

Councillor Barry Mellor, Cabinet Lead Member for Highways and the Environment, said: “Managing the risk of localised flooding from the impact of marine litter washing up on our beaches is extremely important to protect people from flooding.  It’s also much better for the wellbeing of our residents and those who visit these areas and the wildlife found on these beaches, I would encourage anyone who feel like they can make a difference to join in and help.”

For further details contact claudia.smith@denbighshire.gov.uk/ 07785517398

Changes to the ongoing traffic trial in Prestatyn

The council will be introducing further changes to improve the traffic flow in the area.

On 13 April, Denbighshire County Council began a trial to make Bridge Road in Prestatyn two ways to alleviate congestion in the area as a part of a wider project to enhance and regenerate the town.

The trial was requested following feedback the council received in consultations with the public, as part of the public realm improvement project on Prestatyn High Street.

In 2025, UK Government confirmed their intention to provide just under £20 million of grant funding for seven capital projects to improve pride of place and natural environment in Rhyl, Prestatyn and Denbigh.

This funding, known as the Local Regeneration Fund (LRF), has been awarded exclusively for successful projects included in Vale of Clwyd and cannot be directed to other projects.

The trial will be in place for a minimum period of three months and could last up to 18 months under the Temporary Traffic Regulation Order (TTRO) that the council have in place.

From 26 June, the flow of traffic at the bottom of High Street will be reversed. This means that vehicles leaving Parc Prestatyn will now be able to exit through High Street.

This change will also mean that the retail park will now benefit from three exit routes (High Street, Bridge Road and Nant Hall Road).

Vehicles will no longer be able to turn left down High Street Ffordd Penisardre toward the mini roundabout and retail park, instead drivers should use Nant Hall Road to access the retail park from that side of town.

This additional trial is being introduced to see if the traffic congestion at the bottom of the High Street can be alleviated further, along with the Bridge Road two-way system.

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

“We appreciate residents’ cooperation and patience as we monitor the impact of these changes and work to improve traffic flow across Prestatyn.

“The council are aware that a lot of concerns were previously raised relating to vehicle congestion on this particular road before these changes were implemented, and officers will be seeking feedback from motorists and pedestrians as the trail continues”.

New archive centre plans move forward for North East Wales

Plans for a new state-of-the-art archive centre for North East Wales are continuing to progress, with residents invited to attend a series of public drop-in sessions to find out more about the ambitious project.

In April 2024, The National Lottery Heritage Fund approved development phase funding to support plans for a new purpose-built archive centre adjacent to Theatr Clwyd.

The proposed new centre will bring together the staff and collections of both Flintshire and Denbighshire archive services, creating a modern, accessible home for the region’s rich historical collections while also supporting a wide-ranging three-year community activity programme.

Following a successful tender process through the North Wales Construction Framework, Wynne Construction has now been appointed as the project’s Design and Build Contractor.

A pre-planning consultation process for the planning consent will run from 21 May to 18 June. If you’re interested in seeing these documents, they are available at:

• North East Wales Archive (Hawarden), The Old Rectory, Rectory Lane, Hawarden CH5 3NR; open Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday (9.30am – 4.30pm); and
• North East Wales Archive (Ruthin) The Old Gaol, 46 Clwyd Street, Ruthin LL15 1HP; open Wednesday to Friday (9.30am – 4.30pm)

As part of this next stage, residents are being encouraged to attend two public consultation events. The sessions will provide an opportunity for people to learn more about the proposals, ask questions and share their views.

The two public pre-planning consultation events will take place at:

• Old Courthouse Ruthin: Thursday, 4 June (3pm – 7pm) (St Peter’s Square, Ruthin LL15 1AA)

• Mold Library: Wednesday, 10 June (12 noon – 5pm) (14 Daniel Owen Precinct, Mold, CH7 1AP)

Alongside the development of the building plans, a wide-ranging programme of activities is also being developed to introduce archives to a broader and more diverse audience across North East Wales. The activities aim to encourage more people to explore and engage with the rich cultural heritage and stories of North East Wales.

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

“This is an exciting opportunity to create a modern archive centre that will help preserve and celebrate the shared history of our communities for generations to come.

“The project is about far more than a building – it is about creating opportunities for more people to connect with the fascinating stories, collections and heritage of North East Wales. We would encourage residents to come along to the drop-in sessions and find out more.”

Councillor Mared Eastwood, Flintshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Education, Welsh Language, Culture and Leisure said:

“This project represents a significant investment in the cultural heritage of the region and will help ensure our important archive collections are protected, accessible and enjoyed by a much wider audience.

“It has been fantastic to see so many people already involved in helping shape the activity programme, and we look forward to continuing that engagement as the project develops.”

Andrew White, Director for Wales, The National Lottery Heritage Fund said:

“We are pleased to be supporting the continuing development phase of this exciting project and look forward to seeing it progress over the coming months. Thanks to National Lottery players, the project aims to bring communities together to help design a welcoming, accessible space that protects and shares the region’s rich heritage for future generations.”

The project is being funded by The National Lottery Heritage Fund, Flintshire County Council, Denbighshire County Council and Welsh Government.

For anyone wishing to learn more about the service that NEWA offers or the latest news on the Creative Archives project, please visit our website – https://www.newa.wales/

Can you spot these wildflowers in Denbighshire?

As the weather gets warmer our county wildflower meadows are starting to spring to life.

Back in 2019, Denbighshire County Council declared a climate and nature emergency with the aim to tackle climate change and biodiversity loss.

One of the first actions was to start managing some of the Council’s grassland for wildflower meadow creation across the county. The aim of the project is to restore and increase the amount of habitat available throughout the county for pollinators and wildlife.

This project also brings many benefits or ‘ecosystem services’ to residents in the county, such as reduced flooding, improved air quality, and air cooling.

Here’s a guide to the flowers you could spot by visiting our meadows across Denbighshire which are recognised by our Bee Friendly signage

May wildflowers

Bird's Foot Trefoil

Visiting our wildflower meadows in May you will find bird's foot trefoil in bloom. Bees and other pollinators love it as it is very rich in nectar and is the larval food source for some of our favourite butterflies - Common Blue, Dingy Skipper and Green Hairstreak.

Red Clover

Have you spotted red clover at our wildflower meadows during May? This lovely little wildflower is rich in pollen and provides an essential food source for bees - in the past it was known as "bee bread". It's not just our pollinators that enjoy this little flower, cows love it too!

Red Campion

Red Campion is visible across our wildflower meadows during May. This woodland wildflower can grow to almost 1m high and attracts bees and butterflies to its deep pink flowers by opening the petals during the day. Where to find it: Shady areas such as hedge banks, woodlands, woodland edges and rural roads.

June wildflowers

Bee Orchid (Ophrys Apifera)

Have you spotted the bee orchid in any of our wildflower meadows this month? These little orchids are the masters of deception! The flower not only looks like a resting bee but it is also slightly hairy and even produces a scent similar to a female bee – all to attract the attention of a passing male bee.

Yellow Rattle (Rhinanthus minor)

Yellow rattle is managing the height of our wildflower meadows this month. This little wildflower is great for wildflower meadows! As a hemi-parasite it restricts the growth of grasses by feeding off their nutrients and weakening them. By weakening the more aggressive grasses, the more delicate wildflowers are able establish themselves.

Foxglove (Digitalis purpurea)

The Foxglove is blooming in June around our meadows, one of most recognisable wildflowers which splashes our woodlands edges and rural roadsides with bright pink bell-shaped flowers. According to Plantlife a single 'glove' can produce a million seeds!

July wildflowers

Field scabious (Knautia arvensis)

The purple–blue flowers of Field scabious are great for attracting our native bees, moths and butterflies. It’s also an essential food source for some of our most vulnerable species such as the Narrow-bordered Bee Hawk moth and the Marsh Fritillary butterfly.

Common Knapweed (Centaurea nigra)

July brings the common knapweed into bloom across our meadows. A standout wildflower with bright pink thistle-like flowers. Common knapweed is one of our top pollinator friendly wildflowers. It provides a great source of quality nectar for bees, butterflies and beetles. Later in the season its seeds provide a sought after food source for a variety of our native bird species.

Meadow Crane's-bill (Geranium pratense)

Meadows crane’s bill is our most wide spread Geranium wildflower provides a splash of blue/violet in early summer and can last for a number of months at our wildflower meadows. In the autumn months the leaves change from green to a deep red prolonging this amazing wildflowers visual impact – it’s no wonder it has become a favourite in many cottage gardens!

Oxeye daisies (Leucanthemum vulgare)

A resilient flower, look for oxeye daisies in our wildflower meadows. Oxeye daisy flowers from May to September.

Have you met our fabulous Bookstart Team? ❤

They run free, weekly, bilingual rhyme times for babies and toddlers in all our libraries. It’s never too soon to start sharing books and rhymes with your baby and you will find a great selection of books for all ages in our libraries.

Our libraries are free to join; books are free to borrow and there are no late charges!

The rhyme times are a great way to build up your confidence sharing books and rhymes with your little one, and a brilliant way to meet other new parents.

Please book your free rhyme time place here 👇🏼

https://bookwhen.com/denbighshire-bookstart

Josh’s Journey

Due to a relationship break down, Josh, who is 34, found himself seeking the Council’s homelessness team’s help at the start of last year. In February of 2025 Josh was placed in temporary accommodation and was assigned a homeless support practitioner.

Josh

“I was homeless at the start of last year. I had been in homeless before and was placed in temporary accommodation previously, but I wasn’t in the right mindset previously to try and sort out my wider situation.

I was only in there briefly this time. I was asking everyone, trying to find a flat of my own. I eventually found one and moved out of temporary accommodation quite quickly.”

A month later, Josh had found himself privately rented accommodation to live in and was looking to write the chapter in his story.

“Whilst I was in temporary accommodation, my homeless support practitioner mentioned the intuitive thinking skills courses to me.

I was a little sceptical about doing the courses at first, but I didn’t realise until I sat them, that really, I had nothing to lose, and everything to gain from giving them a go.

I started the courses in April and March. I did the skills to life course first, which I really enjoyed and learned a lot from.

It teaches you how to deal with your own mindset, and how you think about problems. I used to really struggle with my confidence and doubt myself all the time.

They asked me at the start of the course what I would like to improve on, and so I put down work on my confidence.”

Josh then went on to take the Information, advice and guidance course, and dove deeper into his learning.

“I went on to do the Information, advice and guidance course, which taught me some more technical aspects. I would be put in other people's shoes, and I learned how to help those who may be more vulnerable.

I learned how to help others who may be in circumstances such as homelessness or maybe struggle with substance misuse.”

In early summer, Josh was offered an ambassador placement with the Intuitive Thinking team, with the hopes of that scheme then leading to a permanent job within the team itself.

“I was really buzzing as that was the placement I wanted the most out of the ones that were offered to me. I learned to give speeches and administer training by shadowing members of the team. That helped my confidence so much, standing up and speaking in front of people. I was terrified at first, but it got easier and easier over time.

I was about two months into my placement with the team when I got offered a job in the energy sector which I felt I just couldn't turn down.

The skills I learned during the courses I took, and my placement have given me so much confidence in my new role. This job is so different from what I’ve done previously, and these new skills have given me the confidence to go and try something new. That’s the main take away for me.

I was very much set in my ways of staying in my comfort zone before I did these courses. I would just do what I’d always done, but ultimately, I kept getting the same results. I feel like I spent years at a standstill really.

Since I’ve sat these courses, I’ve never felt better in my life. It sounds crazy to say that a course can change that, but I learned why I am thinking things and how to deal with those thoughts.”

Josh has chosen more positive ways to ways to pass the time.

“I have chosen more healthy options in life now, I struggled with boredom when I got sober about four years ago, I needed different outlets.

I started playing golf and going to the gym. I am now a member at Rhyl Golf Club.”

Josh has now graduated from the Intuitive thinking courses, with a number of certificates under his belt, and is enjoying his new role in the energy sector.

“I think these courses would benefit everyone; you don’t have to be in a bad position to take it. You can’t lose anything from learning from this course, as long as you are invested in it, you’re going to benefit from it.

People have said that they can see a change in my confidence. From where I was in February,  to where I am now, it feels like two different people. I felt lost and had no hope really. It taught me to think differently and rationally think about situations. It has helped me to gain the focus and drive to get what I want.

It was like a snowball effect, as soon as I decided to start helping myself, things got gradually better.”

Restoring the Past, Building the Future: Nantclwyd y Dre

Ruthin is a town is steeped in history. Razed to the ground by Owain Glyndwr in the year 1400, the historic feel of the town as we know it today comes in large part from the timber-framed vernacular style of architecture which was used during the town’s reconstruction.

Among the charming streets and historic frontages sits an important piece of Ruthin’s built heritage. Originally built in 1435 as a weaver’s hall house, Nantclwyd y Dre boasts nearly 600 years of local history and is one of the oldest timber-framed townhouses in Wales open to the public.

Now managed by the Denbighshire Heritage Service, visitors to Nantclwyd y Dre historic house and gardens can relive the house’s fascinating past through immersive soundscapes, interiors and exhibits that give a captivating insight into what life was like for the families that lived there.

In 2023, funding was granted to restore parts of the site as the UK Government confirmed their intention to provide £10.95 million of grant funding for 10 capital projects aimed at protecting Ruthin’s unique heritage, wellbeing, and rural communities.

This funding, known as the Local Regeneration Fund (LRF), was awarded exclusively for successful projects included in Clwyd West and cannot be directed to other projects.

As one of the successful projects, £667,000 was allocated to redevelop some currently unused parts of the house in need of some repair to preserve this important piece of local heritage for generations to come, create new opportunities for the attraction to improve its future sustainability and make some exciting additions to the visitor experience.

Construction works began in October, focussing on bringing the largely unused west wing of the property back to life. This section of the house will become a small holiday let, designed and furnished in keeping with the historic nature of the building, and see improved facilities on the first floor with a dedicated space for the weekly volunteers who are a critical and valued part of the day-to-day workings at Nantclwyd.

However, before the works could begin, one set of longstanding residents needed to be taking into consideration. Denbighshire County Council consulted with ecologists to ensure that the planned developments would not disturb the resident protected bat maternity roost, which houses a significant number of the Pipistrelle and Lesser-Horseshoe population in Wales. Contractors were given specialist training, and a large bat shelter was installed in the garden, giving the winged residents an additional space to thrive.

The planned improvements will also make the kitchen area more suitable for event catering, and the summerhouse will be restored to its former glory for visitors to enjoy during the summer months, also serving as an additional space for the ceremonies taking place at the historic house such as weddings and civil partnership ceremonies.

Undertaken by B&W builders & decorators alongside TACP Architects, the project is expected to be completed by April 2026. A more sustainable approach to the improvement works has also been implemented through using wool to insulate the building rather than the more widely used oil-based insulation which emits higher carbon emissions and isn’t renewable.

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

“The beginning of these improvement works to Nantclwyd y Dre serves as a major milestone in securing the future of such a prominent historical site that sits at the heart of Ruthin. 

“Nantclwyd is as a great visitor attraction and community hub for our dedicated volunteers, and we are looking forward to seeing the newly developed spaces being enjoyed and used by visitors.

“The wellbeing of the bat population will remain as a priority whilst the works are being carried out, and we will be in continuous communications with the ecologists throughout the completion of the works”.

Career change for St Asaph man helps build continued support for frontline service

A career change with help from a council scheme has inspired a St Asaph man into stepping forward to help make a difference for local Denbighshire communities and the county environment.

County Voice sat down recently with Waste and Recycling Relief Team Leader Owen Lokier to find out how a decision to jump career tracks has helped gather knowledge and experience in the service on a professional and personal level.

Owen said: “Originally I was an engineer; I worked in the steel industry as a fabricator and welder and just basically fancied a change in career

“In January 2022 I saw an advert for the Working Denbighshire scheme for refuse collectors, so I decided I’d go and give that a shot. I started that in the January, it was a three-month scheme based in Ruthin, and off the back of that I ended up landing a full-time contract with the council as a refuse loader. The Working Denbighshire scheme was definitely a positive for this.”

Operating as a loader for 12 months, an opportunity came for Owen to expand his skills in the service.

“My line manager gave me the opportunity to drive our smaller cage vehicles a couple of days a week. This was mainly driving up to the farms, rural areas. It was based in the south, from Trefnant all the way down to Llangollen, it gave me an insight into the driving side of the service. “

The wheels of progression in the service did not stop there for Owen as spurred on by operating the smaller class of vehicle, he decided to go and do the class two LGV licence through a Welsh Government backed scheme.

“This gave me the opportunity to progress into the role of a full time driver that came available. So, I had worked my way with Working Denbighshire’s help to a grade two loader, to a grade four driving a smaller cage vehicle and then with my LGV licence I became a grade five.

“That was where I was up to until we came to Denbigh in June 2024, I was what you would call a floater at the site, I’d cover lads on sickness and one of the benefits to that was I was able to learn a lot of different rounds across the county which gave me s lot of knowledge.

“It came with its challenges as one day you could be doing something and the next day something completely different, but I liked the variety of it and also working with different teams.”

Getting to meet a lot of the service workforce helped Owen into a position to use his experience to support the service even stronger as in November 2024 he alongside another colleague was successful in applying for two relief team leader posts that help cover sickness and annual leave management from the office.

Waste and Recycling staff can also access training opportunities and whilst carrying out his current role, Owen is also working towards more qualifications with the support of Cambrian Training.

He explained: “I enrolled on a Level 3 Diploma for Sustainable Recycling Activities (Supervisory) course which I’m currently studying for. I’m hoping to progress as well from this to a level 4 NVQ to keep working my way up.

“Bev from Cambrian is very helpful, she understands that learners have different ways of learning, I like to have a bit freer rein doing the coursework, we meet once a month and I will go away and try to do a lot of it in my own time.”

Changing careers to make a difference to the local environment by helping residents with their recycling and waste, also means a lot more time engaging with county communities according to Owen.

He said: “I enjoy working outdoors and I enjoy engaging with the public which is quite a big one because you do have some positive and also some negative engagement, but I always try to turn the negatives into a positive.

“One thing I’ve always said is refuse collectors they are a part of the council that everyone in the public sees every week of their lives.

“If someone’s’ got a problem with the pavements, with the roads, we do hear that and we always try to turn it into a positive and a lot of positives do come out of it, especially around this time of year at Christmas and New Year when you look at the lads and how grateful the public are for them being out there in all weathers 52 weeks of the year.

“Also, for the elder community the refuse collectors might be the only person bar the postman that they may see in the week, so when I was on the rounds I’d try to take a couple of minutes just to say hello, how are you. That goes a long way for them as well.

He added: “Overall, as a career it’s great, it’s working outdoors, good for the environment as well.”

And what is Owen’s advice to someone who is considering a track change into the service?

He said: “I think the council is a great authority to work for. You get out of it what you put in. So, if you show you’re enthusiastic, flexible and willing to help others out that’s a great help. Teamwork, that’s a massive factor in this line of work…just don’t stop, show the willingness to learn and keep having your goals.”

Ever wondered where your Council tax goes?

Many people think that Council tax pays for everything that a local authority delivers, however, the money collected from residents annually only accounts for 26% of total Council spending.

The majority of funding (62%) comes in the form of a ‘Revenue Support Grant’ from Welsh Government, while the remaining 12% comes from business rates which is a property tax that businesses pay to help fund local services. You can find out more about how the Council is funded on our website.

So where does your Council tax actually go? We’ve produced an infographic based on a Band D property council tax bill to help give a clear explanation of how council tax payments are used to fund the range of services for residents in the county. While this infographic gives a picture of how the money is shared between different services, understanding what residents gets for that money is really important.

As you can see, the majority of council tax spending goes towards protecting the most vulnerable in our society, with 66% spent on schools and education and adult and children’s social care.

With Education accounting for 36.7%, it means that Denbighshire can educate approximately 16,500 pupils in 44 primary schools, 2 all-through schools, 2 special schools, 6 secondary schools and 1 pupil referral unit across the county, with approximately 780 teachers delivering this education

Still in the field of education, school transport accounts for 2.9% for which the Council transports approximately 2,871 learners safely to schools throughout the county. In total, there are 650 school bus and taxi trips every school day.

Meanwhile, adult and children’s social care accounts for 29.8% of Council tax spending. For this, in 2024-2025, an average of 668 members of staff had over 25,000 contacts with the most vulnerable children and adults and provided a package of care and support where necessary giving these residents the opportunity to exercise choice, voice and control over their lives.

In other service areas, 1.9% goes towards public protection and environmental health and the Council’s teams inspects approximately 720 restaurants, cafes and take aways every year to ensure they’re operating safely for the residents of Denbighshire.

Emptying bins and recycling accounts for 1.8% of your council tax bill, which equates to £32.89 per year (based on a Band D property). That involves collecting around 73,000 containers from over 47,000 households every week across the county.

For 1.8% of council tax, we maintain 1,419km of carriageways (excluding trunk roads), 601 highway bridges and culverts, 302 retaining walls and 26,000 gullies. And for 0.8%, we maintain 11,763 street lights and 1,547 illuminated signs and bollards throughout the county.

Other services residents may not be aware that are delivered by the Council are the Countryside and Heritage Services. With 1.1% of council tax going to the countryside service, the teams manage over 80 sites and more than 1,200 hectares of public green for both recreation and conservation. These range from the Country Parks of Loggerheads and Moel Famau, the county tree nursery at St. Asaph, Brickfield Pond in Rhyl, Prestatyn Dyserth Way, Llantysilio Green in the Dee Valley and numerous smaller amenity community spaces across the county.

While the heritage service accounts for 0.9% of Council tax spending and for this, the service preserves and promotes the county’s unique history, caring for important historic sites including Ruthin Gaol, Plas Newydd, Nantclwyd Y Dre, Rhyl Museum (based in the library) and a large collection store. This work ensures Denbighshire’s rich history remains accessible for education, wellbeing, and enjoyment.

Planning and economic development accounts for 0.7% of Council tax spending and for that the Local Planning Authority processes around 1,000 planning applications each year alongside 10-20 appeals and 50-100 pre-application enquiries. We also respond to over 500 planning compliance cases.

Libraries account for 0.5% of Council tax spending and in 24-25, Libraries delivered 514 Bookstart sessions to nearly 6,500 children for this money. It also lent  2,869 audiobooks to 1,028 library members on Borrowbox (part of the Digital Offer) and printed over 56,000 pages on public access printers.

Not all Council tax collected pays for council services, 2.5% goes towards the Fire service to contribute to the funding of fire protection and prevention across the county.

Councillor Delyth Jones, Lead Member for Finance at Denbighshire County Council said, “I am pleased to see the production and release of this infographic information. It will, I hope, provide residents with the context they need in order to understand how their council tax payments are used to support the breadth of services delivered by the Council.

“In what is a continuing financially challenging climate, I think it’s important to be open and clear about the costs and the pressures. It’s also important to emphasise that many of the aspects of expenditure are, quite rightly, aimed towards the legal requirement to provide Adult Social Care, Children’s Services, and Education etc. These are the areas that support the most vulnerable in our society.”

Ruthin Café - Expressions of Interest

The Council is looking for a Tenant Partner to operate the café at 46 Clwyd Street Ruthin.

You will find further information on the Council's website.

Closing date is 12 noon, Monday 22 June 2026.

UEFA Under-19 Championship comes to north Wales

Wales will host the 2026 UEFA European Under-19 Championship between 28 June and 11 July and as the host country, Cymru will be joined by Croatia, Denmark, Germany, Italy, Serbia, Spain, and Ukraine.

The venues for the matches are Central Park, Denbigh, Bangor City Stadium, The Oval, Caernarfon, and the Racecourse in Wrexham. In addition, two other towns in Denbighshire will provide training grounds for teams, with Ruthin welcoming the Spanish team and Rhyl hosting Croatia.

The groups are:

Group A             Wales, Denmark, Germany, Spain

Group B             Croatia, Serbia, Italy, Ukraine

The initial matches are on the following dates:

Sunday 28 June

Group A
Wales vs Spain (Wrexham, 19:00)
Germany vs Denmark (Denbigh, 21:00)

Monday 29 June

Group B
Italy vs Serbia (Caernarfon, 17:00)
Croatia vs Ukraine (Bangor, 21:00)

Wednesday 1 July

Group A
Denmark vs Spain (Denbigh, 19:00)
Wales vs Germany (Wrexham, 21:00)

Thursday 2 July

Group B
Croatia vs Italy (Caernarfon, 15:00)
Serbia vs Ukraine (Bangor, 19:00)

Saturday 4 July

Group A
Denmark vs Wales (Wrexham, 15:00)
Spain vs Germany (Denbigh, 15:00)

Sunday 5 July

Group B
Serbia vs Croatia (Caernarfon, 17:00)
Ukraine vs Italy (Bangor, 17:00)

You can buy tickets through the tournament page on the FAW Ticketing website

New web page launched to support residents with disabilities

The Council has launched a new web page designed to provide residents with easy access to support and services for people with disabilities or impairments across the county.

The new resource brings together a wide range of information in one place, making it easier for residents to find and navigate the support available to them.

Councillor Julie Matthews, Lead Member for Corporate Strategy, Policy, Equalities and Strategic Assets, said: “We’re really pleased to launch this dedicated web page, which brings together valuable information in one accessible place.

“It’s important that residents with disabilities or impairments are aware of the services and support available in the county. Access to the right information can make a significant difference in helping people live independently. We hope these pages will provide that support, and we encourage anyone who feels additional information is needed to contact the Council.”

The web page includes links to a variety of services, such as support with Blue Badge applications, information about beach wheelchairs, assisted bin collections, and council tax discounts and exemptions and much, much more.

You can view the information on the following link - Support and services for people with disabilities and impairments

Residents can also access information through the Council’s One Stop Shops and libraries or by calling our contact centre.

Waste transfer station welcomes Cabinet visit

Staff at the Council’s Waste Transfer Station at Denbigh recently welcomed members of the Cabinet for a guided tour around the facility.

The visit offered a useful opportunity to see first-hand how the recycling process operates and how materials are managed once they arrive on site.

The group were shown the different stages involved in handling household waste and recyclable items, helping them gain a better understanding of the work carried out by staff each day.

At the waste transfer station, recyclable materials collected from Denbighshire residents by crews are carefully separated so that paper, cardboard, plastics, glass, metals, electrical items and other accepted materials can be directed into the correct recycling streams.

Staff highlighted to the Cabinet members the importance of efficient recycling services in protecting the environment, improving sustainability, and making the best use of resources across Denbighshire.

By observing how the station operates, the cabinet members were able to see the practical challenges and benefits of a modern recycling systems and the role they play with residential support in supporting a stronger sustainable future and cleaner environment.

A month of collaboration and positive impact for Working Denbighshire

February saw Working Denbighshire deliver significant activity across national, local, and community settings, helping to widen opportunities for residents.

Working Denbighshire joined partners at the All‑Wales Trailblazer Event, bringing together the three Trailblazer pilot areas of Blaenau Gwent, Denbighshire, and Neath Port Talbot. The event provided a platform to explore emerging practice, discuss the support being delivered to people with complex and multiple barriers, and highlight the innovation taking place across the three regions.

Working Denbighshire also welcomed journalists from The Guardian as part of the newspaper’s ongoing national project, Against The Tide, an in‑depth series exploring the experiences of young people growing up in coastal towns across the UK.

Rhyl is one of the communities featured in the project, and the visit focused on both the challenges faced by local young people and the community‑led work opening up new opportunities. As part of their visit, journalists attended one of Working Denbighshire’s Baking and Pizza sessions, delivered in collaboration with Use Your Loaf Training Bakery.

The session offered an environment where participants could build confidence, learn practical skills, and take part in meaningful activities. It provided The Guardian with an insight into the day‑to‑day experiences of young people engaging with Working Denbighshire’s services, including some of the barriers they face and the community partnerships helping them move forward.

The visit demonstrated how coordinated, person‑centred support is helping residents gain confidence, connect with others, and take steps toward a brighter future.

February also saw the delivery of a highly successful Working Denbighshire Jobs Fair at 1891 in Rhyl, bringing together over 520 residents and more than 50 business exhibitors.

The event connected jobseekers with employers and training providers across a wide range of sectors, including hospitality, retail, construction, care, and public services. Attendees were able to meet recruiters directly, ask questions about live vacancies, and access on‑the‑spot support from Working Denbighshire staff.

The strong turnout resulted in many residents securing follow‑up interviews or signing up to the service for additional support to help move them closer to employment. The positive response from both employers and participants reflects the growing momentum of Working Denbighshire’s employability work and its commitment to creating real, practical opportunities for local people.

Melanie Evans, Principal Manager, Strategic Employment, said:

“The activities throughout February reinforced the importance of locally driven employment support that is collaborative and grounded in the needs of our residents. The insights gained through these events all show how vital this work is. As we move forward, these experiences will help shape how we continue to support people with complex barriers into opportunities.”

Together, these high‑profile engagements showcase one of Working Denbighshire’s most vibrant and productive months which demonstrates the increasing demand for its services.

Working Denbighshire will continue to collaborate with partners and communities to provide support for individuals seeking employment, training, and personal development opportunities.

To stay informed about upcoming events, training opportunities and support available, visit our website.

Working Denbighshire is part‑funded through the Welsh Government Communities for Work Plus Programme.

Nursery nurtures new bed for wildflower support

A new bed full of support for local wildflowers is taking shape at our Tree Nursery in St Asaph.

Thanks to the Tree Nursery community of volunteers, a new space has been created outside the growing tunnels to help the site’s local provenance work.

Volunteers have planted out excess plants that have been grown from seeds collected across Denbighshire into a newly prepared bed. 

Once the plants go to seed, the seeds will be collected and stored appropriately ready for planting the season after.

Keegan Blazey, Tree Nursery Officer said: “We have a brilliant community of volunteers here at the tree nursery, it’s great to help them learn new skills and we also learn through them thanks to the different walks of life experience they bring in each week.

“Francesca who is one of our student volunteers, really got stuck in to help create this bed which will give us a really great source of seeds right on the site to help us continue to protect and grow our local nature going forward.”

A big helping hand to guide small seed growth

Small seedlings are being given a helping hand by our band of tree nursery volunteers this week.

The tree nursery volunteer community have been helping staff at the St Asaph site with ‘pricking out’ field maples. They have been carefully moving the tiny seedlings from a shared tray into individual modules to give them more room to develop roots and foliage. By replanting them they are also helping prevent weak growth and disease for the seedlings.

By transplanting them into Root Trainers, which have vertical ridges that encourage the roots to grow downwards and prevent pot bound circular growth. The trainers also allow the roots to be ‘air pruned’ at the base, encouraging lateral branching and fast healthy establishment.

Eventually when fully grown these field maples will provide food through their leaves for many species of moth and their flowers will give an important source of pollen for bees. The tree’s fruits also provide a source of food for small mammals.

If you would like to learn skills such as this and make new friends, you can volunteer at the tree nursery on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. To join or for further information email biodiversity@denbighshire.gov.uk

Do you know how to apply to put your name down on the housing register?

Do you know what SARTH stands for?

SARTH stands for ‘Single Access Route to Housing’.

This is where, if you want to be included on the Housing Register, you will only have to make one application. Instead of applying to different housing associations separately, you complete one application that is shared across all those landlords who are part of the scheme.

The SARTH is shared by all social housing providers in Denbighshire including:

• Denbighshire County Council
• Denbighshire Housing
• Grŵp Cynefin
• ClwydAlyn
• North Wales Housing and Wales and West Housing
• ADRA
• Cartrefi Conwy

Once you have made an application to go on the Housing Register, your housing need is then assessed and you’re placed in a priority band, helping ensure homes are allocated in a fair and transparent way to those who need them most.

All the information you need to know about the scheme, and how to apply, is on our website.

Financial help towards school uniform and free school meals

There is financial help available towards the cost of a school uniform and free school meals.

Further information on whether you are eligible can be found on the poster below.

To apply visit www.denbighshire.gov.uk/benefits or scan the QR code.

Ruthin St Peter’s Square Public Realm Improvements

In 2023, the UK Government confirmed their intention to provide £10.95 million of grant funding for ten capital projects aimed at protecting Ruthin’s unique heritage, wellbeing, and rural communities. This funding has been awarded exclusively for successful projects included in Clwyd West and cannot be directed to other projects.

Undertaken by OBR Construction, the proposed works to St Peter’s Square will look to widen the scope for hosting events, revitalise historical buildings and landmarks to support local identity, and promote pride of place by boosting the image of the town.

The Contractor will begin by setting up their site compound from 9^th February 2026. The works will then commence with minor works and surveys from 23^rd February, and preparations will be made for the works area ahead of the material deliveries in March. To help the Contractor set up smoothly and avoid any delays or potential damage to vehicles, we kindly ask that the area of the public car park at Park Road (highlighted on the image below as the Contractor's Compound) is kept clear of vehicles before 9^th February 2026. 

Pedestrian access across all public rights of way will be maintained at all times, and half of the car park closest to Texaco petrol station will remain open for residents and public parking.

We understand that works in the town centre can be inconvenient, and the Contractor will ensure disruption is kept to a minimum at all times. The works will be carried out in phases so that only small areas are affected at any one time. Details of each phase will be confirmed as soon as possible, and notice will be provided to all residents and businesses in the affected areas a week prior to the works commencing. Works will be carried out between 8:00am and 6:00pm Monday to Friday. If work is needed outside of these hours, we will again provide advance notice.

Throughout the project, pedestrian access will be managed, temporary ramps will be provided for accessibility, clear signage and secure barriers will be in place. Access to properties and businesses will be managed, with assistance available if required.

A dedicated Business/Public Liaison Officer will be available throughout the works to help with queries and access arrangements, and they can be contacted via e-mail: RuthinEnquiries@OBRConstruction.com.

Thank you very much in advance for your patience and understanding while these improvements are carried out. We look forward to delivering a completed scheme that will benefit residents, businesses and visitors to Ruthin. If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact us: RuthinEnquiries@OBRConstruction.com or corporateprogrammeoffice@denbighshire.gov.uk

Young people urged to claim their savings

Many young adults in Denbighshire could have an average of £2,200 waiting for them in their unclaimed Child Trust Fund account.

Child Trust Funds were introduced by the UK Government in 2005. Accounts were opened for almost 6 million children born in the UK between 1st September 2002 and 2nd January 2011.

Nearly half of Child Trust Funds in Wales remain unclaimed. According to the Share Foundation, around 1240 accounts are still unclaimed in Denbighshire.

Young people aged 16 or over can take control of their own Child Trust Fund, although the funds can only be withdrawn once they turn 18. Families can continue to pay up to £9,000 a year tax-free into a Child Trust Fund until the account matures. The money stays in the account until the child withdraws or reinvests it into another account. If a parent or guardian could not set up an account for their child, the government opened a savings account on the child’s behalf.

Every 16-year-old is sent information about finding their Child Trust Fund from HMRC with their National Insurance letter. Anyone unsure about their situation should check with their bank or building society. Alternatively, young adults and parents can also search on www.gov.uk/child-trust-funds to find out where their Child Trust Fund account is held.

Councillor Delyth Jones, Lead Member for Finance, Performance and Strategic Assets said:

“I strongly encourage all eligible young people to check their accounts and claim what is rightfully theirs. The investment could be placed into an adult ISA or put towards their education, housing or driving lessons.

I would urge young people to use the online tool to track it down or, for parents of teenagers, to speak to them to ensure they’re aware of their Child Trust Fund. It could make a real difference to their future particularly at a time when finances are tight.”

The Child Trust Fund scheme closed in January 2011 and was replaced with Junior Individual Savings Accounts (ISA).

For more information on Child Trust Funds, visit www.gov.uk/child-trust-funds. Alternatively, visit https://www.meiccymru.org/do-you-have-money-hiding-in-a-child-trust-fund/, text 07943 114449 or call 080880 23456.

Help with energy costs from Citizens Advice Denbighshire

Are you struggling with energy costs? Citizens Advice Denbighshire can help.

Their Fuel-Sense project continues to support people in Rhyl and Prestatyn, and they still have Fuel-Sense warmth packs available for anyone who needs them.

The packs include practical energy-saving items like LED bulbs, draught excluders, shower timers and more – completely free.

If you or someone you support could benefit, please get in touch on 01745 346785 or visit the Denbighshire Citizens Advice website for more information.

Discovering Denbighshire

Looking to discover more of Denbighshire?

Why not take inspiration from our walking and cycling maps for new ideas of places to visit.

For more inspiration on activities in and around Denbighshire visit - https://www.northeastwales.wales/  

Land disposal at Ffrith

The Council is aware of misinformation circulating in local Prestatyn forums that the Council is intending to dispose of public land at Ffrith Beach in Prestatyn. This is not correct.

The Council recently published a ‘disposal of land’ notice relating to 26 acres of Council-owned land which is currently privately managed under leasehold to Lakeside Ltd, the owners of Ffrith Beach Touring Caravan Park. This means that if the proposed disposal of land agreement goes ahead, Lakeside Ltd will become the freehold owners of approximately 22 acres of land which they are currently already leasing from the Council. This 22 acres of land is currently used as a touring caravan park and there will be no change of use under the proposals.

A further 4 acres of land currently leased to Lakeside Ltd will be returned to Council management and looked after by the Council’s Open Spaces team. This is the small patch of land between the Ffrith Beach Touring Caravan Park, and the Ffrith Indoor Bowls Centre.

The map below shows the affected area and explains the proposals in the Ffrith area:

Members of the public currently enjoy access to this patch of land by  permission of the existing leaseholders, Lakeside Ltd. It is not a public right of way and it is not currently maintained by the Council. Returning this small patch of land to Council management secures this land as a public open space and ensures its use as a means of accessing the beach is secured for future generations.

Ffrith Beach itself is, and will remain, publicly accessible land which is free for everyone to enjoy.

Fancy becoming a Tourism Ambassador?

The Denbighshire Tourism Ambassador scheme is a free, online training course to enhance your knowledge and deepen your understanding of the Denbighshire tourism offer.

There are 14 modules to choose from on a variety of themes including walking, cycling, food, arts, coast, history and sustainable tourism.

Watch our short film highlighting the course.

Visit www.ambassador.wales and get started today!

Registering Visitor Accommodation in Wales

New Registration Law for Visitor Accommodation in Wales: Webinars Announced to Help Providers Prepare

Anyone taking bookings for overnight stays in Wales — from casual hosts to large hotel operators — will be required to register their accommodation with the Welsh Revenue Authority (WRA) when the register launches this autumn.

The forthcoming Welsh Government legislation means that all providers offering visitor accommodation, whether a single spare room, a holiday cottage, a B&B, or a full‑service hotel, will need to complete a formal registration process. The requirement applies regardless of whether guests stay for one night or several weeks.

The new visitor accommodation registration scheme will launch in autumn 2026. Ahead of this, the WRA is encouraging hosts and businesses to sign up for updates so they can receive reminders, guidance, and the latest information as the registration date approaches. The registration process is completely free of charge and all providers must register, even if the Visitor Levy is not ultimately introduced in the county. Any who fail to register may face penalties.

Webinars to Support Hosts and Booking Platforms

To help prepare the sector, the Welsh Revenue Authority is offering a series of free webinars aimed at visitor accommodation providers and booking platforms and tourism bodies. These sessions will provide the latest updates on the new registration requirements as well as clear, practical guidance on how accommodation providers can comply. There will also be a question and answer session with WRA experts.

Webinar Dates

English-language sessions:

• Tuesday 24 March 2026, 11am–12pm
• Tuesday 24 March 2026, 6pm–7pm

Welsh-language session:

• Thursday 26 March 2026, 11am–12pm

How to Register for a Webinar

You can register for a webinar on the following link - https://www.gov.wales/welsh-revenue-authority/training-events

For further information and to sign up for notifications about the new registration scheme, visit https://registervisitoraccommodation.service.gov.wales/email-signup

Prestatyn Traffic Trial Preparation Works

From 13 April, Denbighshire County Council will begin a trial to make Bridge Road in Prestatyn two ways to see if it helps to alleviate congestion in the area.

The trial was requested following feedback the council received in recent consultations with the public, as part of the public realm improvement project on Prestatyn High Street.

Ahead of the trial, preparation works will take place on Saturday and Sunday (11 & 12 April). This will include:

• Bagging lights and signs that are not needed during the trial.
• Changing road markings, amending the signals remotely and erecting directional signs for the trial.
• Bridge Road will be closed from 8am on 11 April and will re-open once works are complete, this may be as late as 11pm on Sunday 12 April.
• A diversion will be in place for the weekend whilst the preparatory works takes place.
• The out-bound traffic from the bottom of the High Street exiting by the mini-roundabout will be directed up lower High Street on to Penisardre Road.
• On Sunday 12 April, there will be a lane closure on Ffordd Pendyffryn to Bridge Road (approximately 4pm – 9pm) to blank out the signs with a cherry picker.  During this time there will be a one-way diversion in place.

For more information on the traffic trial click here.

More areas to receive Flying Start assistance in Denbighshire

Further areas within Denbighshire are now set to receive assistance through the Flying Start childcare scheme.

The expanded areas now cover Rhyl, Prestatyn, Meliden, Rhuddlan, Dyserth, Denbigh, Corwen, Llangollen, Llandrillo, Llanfair DC and are applicable to families who have a child who turned 2 years old between 1^st September 2024 and 31st August 2025.

This expansion means that families in the new areas will be eligible for up to 12 ½ hours of funded childcare per week during term time. With more settings offering funded Flying Start Childcare, and new postcodes being added regularly, families are encouraged to check their postcode using the postcode checker on the website.

Denbighshire Flying Start is a Welsh Government funded programme. The aim of the programme is to help children to have the best possible start in life for their future growth and development.

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

“This latest expansion of the Flying Start scheme will mean that more Denbighshire families can now get access to the free childcare provision. This assistance is a massive help for parents and families.

Residents in the newly expanded areas can check if their postcode is eligible through the postcode checker.”

For more information please visit our website. 

Assistance to support independent living in later life

Citizens Advice Denbighshire has received funding from Independent Age for a new 3-year project supporting Independent Living in Later Life.

The project is for people aged over 65 living in Rhyl, Prestatyn and nearby areas who may be struggling with money worries, rising bills or housing problems. All the support is free, confidential and impartial.

Contact Citizens Advice Denbighshire or pop along to a drop in sessions. You can find out more about our various drop in session on the Citizens Advice Denbighshire website

Senedd Election 2026

Wales will be divided into 16 new constituencies for the Senedd election on 7 May 2026. Each of the new constituencies will have six Members, making a total of 96 Members elected to the Senedd.

Residents in Denbighshire will be voting in one of three constituencies:

✅ Clwyd (covers most of the county)
✅ Bangor Conwy Môn
✅ Gwynedd Maldwyn

You can find your new constituency on the Senedd Cymru website by typing your postcode into the map.

Please remember, counts won’t take place in Denbighshire this year so to follow results live, check the relevant council's page:

🔹 Clwyd 👉 www.facebook.com/FlintshireCC
🔹 Bangor Conwy Môn 👉 www.facebook.com/ConwyCBC
🔹 Gwynedd Maldwyn 👉 www.facebook.com/CyngorGwyneddCouncil

Anyone aged 16 or over on 7 May 2026 who live in Wales, are eligible to vote in the upcoming Senedd election. Here are five key facts about the Senedd:

1. Wales has its own parliament – the Senedd. The Senedd passes laws about all sorts of things which affect your daily life in Wales.
2. Things like hospitals and GPs, housing, schools and education, road and rail transport, farming, culture, the environment and the Welsh language are all decided by the Senedd.
3. On 7 May 2026 residents in Wales will have one vote to choose the party or independent candidate they want to represent their area in the Senedd.
4. The Members of the Senedd which are elected in May 2026 have the power to make decisions that impact everyone in Wales.
5. You can find out everything you need to know about the Senedd election on vote.wales

Get inspired - things to do in Denbighshire!

Looking for some inspiration on the best things to do in Denbighshire and plan your next adventure. Read the latest blogs on the North East Wales website.

St Peter's Square Programme of Works

Over the coming months, a series of carefully planned works will be carried out to complete the St. Peter’s Square public realm improvement scheme. The following table provides an overview of the planned phases of work, including where and when each section will take place.

Traffic management systems and road closures are inevitable and will only be implemented where necessary to protect the public and Contractor’s workforce. Road closures during the Ruthin festival will be managed by the Contractor’s traffic management sub-contractors to ensure a co-ordinated approach.

All dates are indicative* and may be subject to change due to weather or programme adjustments, but every effort will be made to minimise disruption throughout the construction period.

Surfacing works are then planned to take place from 9 – 18 November 2026*.

Phase 1 - Well Street and area behind and around The Old Courthouse

Phase 2 - Castle Street

Phase 3 - St. Peter’s Square – East and West side around square and Market Street

Phase 4 - St. Peter’s Square – North side of square and junctions with roads off square

All resurfacing works are currently planned to be completed at night to minimise disruption.

Throughout the project, pedestrian access will be managed, temporary ramps will be provided for accessibility, clear signage and secure barriers will be in place. Any issues can be relayed to either the Public Liaison Officer RuthinEnquiries@obrconstruction.com or the Project Team corporateprogrammeoffice@denbighshire.gov.uk. 

We appreciate your patience and co-operation during the construction phase of this project.

2026 Dates for free caravan weight check and security advice

Denbighshire and Conwy Trading Standards are offering free caravan and campervan weighing and advice sessions.

Residents who are going on in holiday in a touring or motor caravan can make sure that they are not overloading their vehicle or caravan and putting themselves at risk.

The free caravan weighing and advice sessions are available for Denbighshire and Conwy residents, and for those in other local authority areas if they can travel to the location.

This is an advice session, and no action will be taken if overloading or other issues are found, but we will work with you to reduce the load. Council officers will be accompanied by an officer from North Wales Police Community Safety section who will provide practical security advice to keep your car and caravan secure.

The free weight checks will take place at the weighbridge on the A525 between Rhuddlan and St Asaph on the following dates and times:

• Friday 22/05 – 10am-3pm
• Friday 17/07 – 10am-3pm
• Friday 28/08 – 10am-3pm

Appointments are not necessary for these sessions and residents are welcome to attend any of the listed sessions and find out if they’re within the legal weights for their vehicles.

The weighbridge can be found on the Rhuddlan to St Asaph A525 road, approximately three quarters of a mile from Rhuddlan, located in the layby, there will be signs indicating the weighbridge is in operation.

If you have any questions regarding the above please contact either Denbighshire Trading Standards section on tradingstandards@denbighshire.gov.uk or visit their Facebook page, likewise contact Conwy Trading Standards on trading.standards@conwy.gov.uk.-

Council to engage with Rhyl businesses as project progresses

Following cabinet approval for the UK Government funded Local Regeneration projects to move into the pre-construction phase, the council will now engage with Rhyl town centre businesses and residents to further develop the design work for the project.

Following the Easter period, the council will begin a programme of engagement with local businesses to discuss the proposed scheme in more detail.

These discussions will focus on key operational matters, including deliveries and waste management, to ensure that potential disruption is minimised and impacts are carefully managed throughout the construction phase.

The projects aim to transform the area surrounding the Clock Tower into a pedestrian-friendly space, by making it more attractive, accessible and better connected to the promenade.

For more information on the project click here.

Did you know that 29.8% of Council Tax spending goes towards adult and children’s social care?

29.8% of Council Tax spending goes towards adult and children’s social care. And with 36.7% going to schools and education, this means that over 66% of your Council Tax goes towards protecting the most vulnerable in society.

To find out more about how your Council Tax is spent visit our website

Did you know that street lighting accounts for 0.8% of Council Tax spending?

Street lighting accounts for 0.8% of Council Tax spending.

For that, the Council maintains 11,763 street lights and 1,547 illuminated signs and bollards throughout the county.

To find out more about how your Council Tax is spent visit our website

Did you know that school transport accounts for 2.9% of Council Tax spending?

School transport accounts for 2.9% of Council Tax spending and for that the Council transports approximately 2,871 learners safely to 75 schools throughout the county.

To find out more about how your Council Tax is spent visit our website

Working Denbighshire offers free, weekly wellbeing sessions

Working Denbighshire offers free, weekly wellbeing sessions across the county - from drop-ins and wellness walks to youth support and confidence-building activities. They're open to all Denbighshire residents aged 16+, and they’re completely free! Check out the latest timetable and events here. 

Did you know the Council’s Licensing Team have launched their new service standards.

The Council’s Licensing Team have launched their new service standards. It explains what you can expect when applying for licences, during inspections and enforcement, and how to get in contact or provide feedback. For more information visit our website.

Did you know that Denbighshire Heritage Service accounts for 0.9% of Council Tax spending?

Denbighshire Heritage Service accounts for 0.9% of Council Tax spending. For that it preserves and promotes the county’s unique history, caring for important historic sites, including Ruthin Gaol, Plas Newydd, Nantclwyd Y Dre, Rhyl Museum (based in the library) and a large collection store.

This ensures Denbighshire’s rich history remains accessible for education, wellbeing, and enjoyment.

Through our attractions, events, and learning programmes, we support local pride, cultural tourism, and the economy while protecting heritage for future generations.

To find out more about how your Council Tax is spent visit our website

Did you know that Planning and economic development accounts for 0.7% of Council Tax spending?

Planning and economic development accounts for 0.7% of Council Tax spending.

The Local Planning Authority processes around 1,000 planning applications per year alongside 10-20 appeals and 50-100 pre-application enquiries.

The Authority also respond to over 500 planning compliance cases.

To find out more about how your Council Tax is spent visit our website

Did you know you can watch live and recorded video webcasts of Council committee meetings?

You can watch live and recorded video webcasts of Council committee meetings at any time.

All the related papers are also available for you to see including the agendas and decisions made.

If you want to know more about what’s happening in the Council, look at the calendar of meetings to find out what’s going on.

Did you know that 1.1% of Council Tax spending goes towards Countryside Services?

1.1% of Council Tax spending goes towards Countryside Services and for that, the service manages over 80 countryside sites and over 1,200 hectares of public green, for both recreation and conservation.

These range from the Country Parks of Loggerheads and Moel Famau, the County Tree Nursery at St. Asaph, Brickfields Pond in Rhyl, Prestatyn Dyserth Way, Llantysilio Green in the Dee Valley and numerous smaller amenity community spaces across the County.

The Service has specialist team covering Ecology and Trees throughout the County, the National Landscape designation, recreation and rights of way, organises nature for health walks and events and manages the Countryside Centre at Loggerheads and catering at Plas Newydd.   

To find out more about how your Council Tax is spent visit our website

Council Tax only accounts for 25% of total Council funding

Council Tax only accounts for 25% of total Council funding. When you pay your annual Council Tax bill, 1.8% of that pays for waste and recycling collections - the equivalent of £32.89 per year (based on a Band D property council tax of £1,799.48 per year). Most of Council Tax spending goes towards the most vulnerable in society - schools and education is the biggest expenditure accounting for 36.7% while adult and social care accounts for 29.8%. Find out more on our website

Denbighshire Youth Service

That Denbighshire Youth Service is open to everyone aged 11 to 25 years. They offer social activities and opportunities to develop interests as well as help and support for anyone that needs it. To find a youth club near you or for help and support for children and young people, please visit our website.

Did you know that all primary

All primary aged children are eligible for free school meals through the Universal Primary Free School Meals scheme? This is a Welsh Government initiative which has been set up to help with the rising costs-of-living. You can find out more information on the Council's website.

Did you know that 64% of the Council's budget goes on education, schools and social care?

Did you know that 64% of the Council's budget goes on education, schools and social care? A further 14% is committed to things like the Wales wide national scheme for Council Tax benefit and the levy we have to pay to the North Wales Fire and Rescue Authority which then only leaves 22% left for all other Council services including emptying bins and recycling, planning and public protection, protecting heritage attractions, transporting pupils to school.

You can learn more about where the budget goes on the news pages.

Did you know that single use vapes are being banned in Wales from 1 June?

Single use vapes have been banned in Wales since 1 June.

The ban includes vapes containing nicotine, non-nicotine, CBD and other health/vitamin devices, and the Council’s Trading Standards team is encouraging Denbighshire businesses to switch to reusable products before the ban comes into place.

You can find out more on our website.

Downloading eBooks, audiobooks, newspapers etc

You can download eBooks, audiobooks, digital magazines and newspapers for free using the Borrowbox app? All you need is your library card and PIN. Not a library member? It’s free to join online www.denbighshire.gov.uk/libraries

Did you know?

Schools and education accounts for 36.7% of Council Tax spending, and social care accounts for 29.8% which means that over 66% of your Council Tax goes towards protecting the most vulnerable in society.

To find out more about how your Council Tax is spent visit our website.

Did you know that 1.9% of Council Tax spending goes towards public protection and environmental health?

1.9% of Council Tax spending goes towards public protection and environmental health and as part of this, the Council inspects approximately 720 restaurants, cafes and take aways every year to ensure that these premises are operating safely for the residents of Denbighshire.

In addition, the Council responds to over 1,200 requests a year relating for housing and pollution.

To find out more about how your Council Tax is spent visit our website

Working Denbighshire has its own section on our website?

Working Denbighshire has a section on the Council's website. Working Denbighshire is here to help residents aged 16 and over who might be struggling or worrying about money. Whether you’re looking for work or need support to get back on your feet, we’re here to guide you towards a better future. Why not have a look on our website.

Part of Council Tax spending goes towards the Fire Service?

Part of Council Tax spending goes towards the Fire Service.

Not all Council Tax collected pays for council services, 2.5% goes towards the Fire service. To find out more about how your Council Tax is spent visit our website.

Did you know that roads and infrastructure accounts for 1.8% of Council Tax spending?

Roads and infrastructure accounts for 1.8% of Council Tax spending.

Within that, the service is responsible for 1,419km of carriageways (excluding trunk roads), 601 highway bridges and culverts, 302 retaining walls and 26,000 gullies.

To find out more about how your Council Tax is spent visit our website

Did you know that 1.8% of Council Tax spending goes on emptying bins and recycling?

Emptying bins and recycling accounts for 1.8% of your Council Tax bill, which equates to £32.89 per year (based on a Band D property).

For that, the Council collects approximately 73,000 containers from over 47,000 households every week across the county.

To find out more about how your Council Tax is spent visit our website

Did you know that you only have to apply once to be included on the housing register?

SARTH stands for ‘Single Access Route to Housing’. This is where, if you want to be included on the Housing Register, you will only have to make one application. Instead of applying to different housing associations separately, you complete one application that is shared across all those landlords who are part of the scheme. The SARTH is shared by all social housing providers in Denbighshire. Once you have made an application to go on the Housing Register, your housing need is then assessed and you’re placed in a priority band, helping ensure homes are allocated in a fair and transparent way to those who need them most.

All the information you need to know about the scheme, and how to apply, is on our website.

Wildflower Week 2026

Our Wildflower Week 2026 starts on May 25 and here’s Biodiversity Officer Ellie to give you an insight into what’s in store – have a watch.

If you are interested in attending any of the events please click on this link

Marine Litter group

Denbighshire County Council’s Flood Risk Team and volunteers have together collected over 30 bags of litter from beach areas along the Prestatyn coastline.

A number of litter picks have taken place this year to tackle the impact of marine litter in the area which can block up waterways and drainage, stopping the flow of water, leading to higher risks of localised flooding further upstream.

Taking litter off the beach can also provide stronger support for natural defences such as shorelines, dunes and seagrass beds as they are able to better maintain their natural function as defences against the sea

Watch this clip for more.

Registering Visitor Accommodation in Wales

Anyone taking bookings for overnight stays in Wales — from casual hosts to large hotel operators — will be required to register their accommodation with the Welsh Revenue Authority (WRA) when the register launches this autumn.

The forthcoming Welsh Government legislation means that all providers offering visitor accommodation, whether a single spare room, a holiday cottage, a B&B, or a full‑service hotel, will need to complete a formal registration process. The requirement applies regardless of whether guests stay for one night or several weeks.

For further information and to sign up for notifications about the new registration scheme, click on this link.

Gold Cymraeg Campus Award

During the Spring term Ysgol Cefn Meiriadog were awarded the Gold Cymraeg Campus Award, making them only the second school in Denbighshire to achieve the award.

The Cymraeg Campus award is a Welsh language initiative designed for schools to promote the Welsh language and cultivate a strong Welsh ethos in everyday life. This award is a fantastic achievement for Ysgol Cefn Meiriadog and is testament to the hard work and commitment of the staff and learners to promote the Welsh language and culture across the school. During the Spring term the school were joined by members of the Governing Body and Denbighshire County Council for a celebration assembly which was delivered by members of the Criw Cymraeg. The school’s Criw Cymraeg helps lead the school’s efforts by organising weekly assemblies, leading playground games recognising pupils who try hard to speak Welsh and promoting the Welsh language throughout the school day.

Headteacher Laura Martin said: "This award is testament to the hard work of the whole school community, led by Mrs Pitt-Lacey and our excellent Criw.

"As a school we work really hard to promote the Welsh language and culture and are delighted that this has been recognised. I am incredibly proud of the effort and commitment of all involved and am delighted to have received gold."

Chair of Governors, Shannon Gage says "On behalf of the entire Governing Body, I want to extend our warmest congratulations to the school on achieving the Gold Cymraeg Campus Award. This award is a reflection of the dedication and hard work demonstrated by our whole school community and highlights our unwavering commitment to developing the Welsh language and culture at Ysgol Cefn Meiriadog. We are immensely proud of this achievement and look forward to building upon this success over the coming years."

Well done Mason from St Brigid's School!

Mason Green, (pictured right below) a St. Brigid’s School Denbigh student, took part in the first round of the British Tractor Pullers Association championship event on 9th and 10th May in Scorton Showground in Lancashire.

Competitors from all over the UK assembled with their modified tractors to enter this high-octane festival of horsepower. Entrants compete in a league format at events around the UK throughout the summer months. The competition uses tuned-up tractors to pull a weight transfer sledge along a 100m track. Mason entered the 500kg Garden Modified Class, where he and his team, having added a motorbike engine, a lot of ballast, roll cages and an awesome paint job, to a standard ride-on lawnmower.

In the race, Mason guns it down the track as 500kg is gradually added to the tractors load until the tractor can’t pull any more. He said of his run “I would have gone further on the second run, but I could feel the turbo shaking and the last thing you want when you’re giving it welly is to blow a turbo”. Wise words indeed. Points are awarded based on distance travelled over 2 runs against a field of 12 at this event. Mason finished 3rd overall, in this first event of the year, collecting 27 league points in the process. He and his team are working on squeezing a few more horsepower out of that engine in preparation for the next event in Aberdeenshire in June. Mason finished in 2nd place overall in last year’s competition, but he is aiming to go one better this year. We’ll be keeping a close eye on his progress here at St. Brigid’s. 

Mrs Leah Crimes, Headteacher of St Brigid's School said“ We are incredibly proud of Mason and his achievements in such a demanding and unique sport. His dedication, teamwork and passion are a fantastic reflection of the values we celebrate here at St. Brigid’s. To see him compete at a national level and secure such an impressive result at the start of the season is truly inspiring. We wish Mason every success as he continues his championship journey.”

St Brigid's School Combined Cadet Force

The Combined Cadet Force (CCF) is an extra-curricular activity provided within St Bridgid's School in Denbigh which aims to help develop individuals to become better members of society when the students eventually leave school.

This academic year has seen the CCF support several high-profile events. 12 cadets and 2 Cadet Force Adult Volunteers (CFAVs), went to the Festival of Remembrance Service at the Royal Albert Hall and Cadet Flight Sergeant Alannah Davies was privileged to carry the National CCF Standard. The following morning saw the cadets and CFAVs parade alongside serving service personnel and veterans in the march past the Cenotaph in London in front of HM the King.

In February this year St Brigid’s CCF were invited to provide 12 cadets to support the Maundy Money service in St Asaph Cathedral where his Majesty the king presented Maundy Money to 154 recipients, 77 Men and 77 Women representing the Kings age. The cadets as members of St Brigid’s school and the CCF were a credit to both the school and the cadet organisation attracting the following comments from Colonel Edwyn Launders, Controller, Lord Chamberlain’s Office to thank the cadets for, “So brilliantly supporting the Royal Maundy Service at St Asaph Cathedral  on Thursday  2nd April. We could not have hoped for a smarter, more professional and efficient group of young people to help us look after all the guests.”

The CCF gives young people the opportunity to develop life skills, increase independence and build confidence participating in things like the Duke of Edinburgh Award scheme, taking to the skies and experiencing flying or supporting events like the ones highlighted above, giving opportunities to young people they might not otherwise have.

Ysgol y Gwernant success in the Siarter Iaith Quiz!

Congratulations to the Year 5 and 6 pupils for coming joint first in the final round of the Language Charter Quiz.

The school is extremely proud of their success and their dedication to the Welsh language.