Free entrance to heritage sites for Foster Wales Denbighshire carers

Foster carers who decide to foster through the local authority now have free entry to Ruthin Gaol, Nantclwyd y Dre and Plas Newydd as part of Denbighshire’s fostering package.

This new addition to the fostering package is being introduced as a part of the council’s transformation initiative, which has the ambition to increase the number of Foster Wales Denbighshire carers, allowing children to be cared for closer to their communities and achieve better outcomes.

Foster carers who foster with the local authority are being offered a wide and comprehensive package of assistive policies, all of which will be rolled out by April.

Denbighshire County Council has also approved a foster friendly policy for staff who foster with the local authority, who are eligible for five additional days of special leave.

Rhiain Morrlle, Head of Children’s Services said:

“Fostering is a rewarding, life changing experience, that not only makes such a massive impact on a child or young person’s life, but also on the foster carers themselves.

Our heritage sites offer a great day out for the whole family, and we hope that foster carers, new and existing take up this great offer.”

Carly Davies, Heritage Lead Officer at Denbighshire Council said:

“We’re thrilled to offer free admission to foster carers as part of Denbighshire County Council’s commitment to supporting fostering families. We’re incredibly proud that all three of our heritage attractions are welcoming and family-friendly.

Whether it’s taking on Ruthin Gaol’s ‘Escape the Gaol’ family trail, exploring nearly 600 years of history at Nantclwyd y Dre through hands-on activities like dressing up and completing a Time Traveller’s Passport, or discovering the fascinating story of the Ladies of Llangollen at Plas Newydd and enjoying a picnic in the grounds, there truly is something for families of all ages to enjoy together.”

For more information about fostering, please go to:

https://denbighshire.fosterwales.gov.wales

Be an ‘eggscellent’ recycler this Easter

Residents are urged to be ‘eggscellent’ this Easter by remembering to recycle over the holidays.

Denbighshire County Council’s Waste and Recycling crews will be collecting as normal during the Easter holidays.

As it’s a time to celebrate with many gifts and cards exchanged, there are ways residents can help make a difference to recycling during the period.

Many Easter eggs come in less packaging, or they are packaged more suitable for recycling, which will help collections.

As the chocolate eggs are enjoyed over Easter, don’t forgot to flatten the cardboard boxes for recycling and put in your blue bag and also look to recycle some of the plastic trays they come in. By recycling your Easter egg boxes you are supporting a sustainable way of helping make other items such as cereal and fresh egg boxes and even package parcels that may end up back on your doorstep.

Remember, once you have unwrapped your Easter egg, most foil wrapping can be recycled. Scrunch it up and put it in the correct container for foil. If it springs back after scrunching the material is laminated and should go in your non-recyclable waste bin.

If you have received Easter cards this year these can be recycled at home along with the envelopes, as long as the card does not have glitter or foil on them, if they do they need to go in your non-recyclable waste bin.

As many families sit down for meals over Easter, it’s a good idea to look at how to reuse any surplus food to make more tasty treats over the holidays. For the food waste you can’t eat suh as eggshells, remember to use your food waste bin

If you are planning to spring into step to sort out your garden this Easter don’t forget that any garden waste can also be recycled into handy compost through the garden waste collection service, just remember to sign up to be eligible for collections between April 2026 and the end of March 2027.

Paul Jackson, Head of Highways & Environmental Services, said: “Easter can produce an increase in items at home that are recyclable. We want to encourage residents to continue to support making a difference to the Denbighshire environment by choosing the right options to recycle these items and I’d like to thank them for their fantastic efforts.”

If you’re not sure what goes where, you can check the A-Z recycling guide on the website.

North Wales partnership secure funding to tackle artificial light pollution

A North Wales wide partnership have successfully secured funding to tackle artificial light’s ecological impacts across North Wales’ designated landscapes.

On behalf of Prosiect NOS partnership, the Clwydian Range and Dee Valley National Landscape were successful in their bid titled Nocturnal Networks, being delivered by the Heritage Fund, on behalf of the Welsh Government’s Nature Networks Programme. 

The partnership, which is made up from The Clwydian Range and Dee Valley National Landscape, Anglesey National Landscape, Llyn National Landscape and Eryri National Park Authority were awarded £247,225 to address issues caused by Artificial Light at Night (ALAN) which is altering species behaviour and threatening biodiversity.

Darkness is a vital part of our natural heritage and essential for the survival of over 30% of vertebrates and 60% of invertebrates, as most life forms are governed by light-regulated biological rhythms.

However, Artificial Light at Night (ALAN) is disrupting these cycles. The Nocturnal Networks project will identify key pollution zones through light mapping, conduct ecological surveys and collaborate with landowners, communities, and agencies to develop plans for future retrofitting and shielding activities to limit its disruption.

The funding will also support the creation of two new roles, with one Dark Ecological Networks Officer aiding the development of these plans to protect the natural darkness which is essential for the ecosystem’s health, and one Audience Engagement Officer tasked with raising awareness and supporting behaviour change through public engagement events.

Emlyn Jones, Denbighshire County Council's Head of Planning, Public Protection and Countryside Services, said:

“We are delighted to have secured this funding to address the problems that come with light pollution. Securing this funding would not have been possible without the hard work and collaboration of the Proisect NOS partnership which includes the designated landscapes across North Wales.

“This funding will go a long way in protecting our species, through conducting essential tests and surveys and raising awareness on the potential effects Artificial Light at Night can have”.

Denbighshire Play Rangers service release ‘Let’s Play Out’ sessions for Easter holidays

Denbighshire County Council’s Play Ranger service has released their ‘Let’s Play Out’ sessions for the Easter Holidays.

The sessions are free and are run by Denbighshire's Play Ranger Service, providing open access play for children in their local communities.

Sessions for the Easter holiday are available in Corwen, Denbigh, Dyserth, Llangollen, Meliden, Prestatyn, Rhuddlan, Rhyl, Ruthin and St Asaph.

Parents or guardians of children aged six and above will need to register their child for the Play Ranger service before being able to attend the sessions. There is no need to register for children under the age of six.

The ‘Let’s Play Out’ sessions are designed so that children choose what they want to do, or what equipment they use. All sessions are fully inclusive, and any needs can be relayed when registering child for the Play Ranger service.

Dawn Anderson, Denbighshire Childcare and Play Development Manager said:

“We are excited to release our schedule for the ‘Let’s Play Out’ sessions over Easter.

These sessions are free and are open to children up to the age of 13 years old. The offer over Easter offers over 15 play sessions, all hosted in different parts of the county.

Please register, if needed and come along to have fun this Easter!”

More information: https://www.denbighshire.gov.uk/en/leisure-and-tourism/play-ranger-service/play-ranger-service.aspx

Cabinet approves recommended Care Home fees for 2026/27

Denbighshire County Council’s Cabinet accepted the recommendations for the care home fees for 2026/27 at today’s (24^th of March) Cabinet meeting.

The Council will spend roughly £16 million on older people’s residential and nursing care during 2026/27, protecting the most vulnerable in the county.

The fees for 2026/27 will continue to fund 51 care homes, which equates to more than 355 placements across the county.

The fee setting process has been informed by Care Cubed, which is a data-driven methodology providing an evidence-based and consistent approach to fee setting. This method allows the Council to understand how public money is being spent by providers to ensure that care fees are fair, equitable and deliver the best value for money.

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

“It is really important that the fee setting process for care homes remains transparent and consistent. The recommendations put in place ensure a fair and balanced approach to the fee setting process.

Social care accounts for almost a third of the Council’s budget, and with demand continuing to rise, it is important that the fee setting process remains transparent and can deliver value for money for providers and residents.

Working with the care homes in the county, we can continue to ensure that residents get the quality support and care they need.”

Council sets out new Community Asset Transfer Policy

Denbighshire County Council has today approved its Community Asset Transfer (CAT) Policy which outlines a clear and consistent process for transferring surplus council-owned buildings and land to City, Town and Community Councils, third sector organisations and community not‑for‑profit groups building on the organisations own experience with CATs and sector best practice guidance.

This policy aims to support stronger, more sustainable local services by enabling communities to take on valued assets such as former civic buildings, sports fields and other facilities. It sets out three transfer routes, short term Licence to Occupy and long-term Leasehold Transfer and Freehold Transfer, along with a step‑by‑step process for applicants.

The approach supports several Corporate Plan well-being objectives, including economic prosperity, community empowerment, and long-term sustainability.

Helen Vaughan-Evans,Head of Corporate Support Service: Performance, Digital & Assets, said: “This policy will help understanding of the process of asset transfers for all parties involved and better support our work in helping local Denbighshire communities strengthen for future prosperity.”

Improvement works progressing well at Loggerheads Country Park

Improvement works at Loggerheads Country Park are progressing well, with significant upgrades taking place across the site, which include the visitor centre, café building, seating areas and public toilets, building upon the flood mitigation works carried out last winter.

Beginning in August, these improvements aimed to assist with the management of pressures associated with increased visitor numbers and respond to rising visitor expectations at one of the busiest visitor sites managed by Denbighshire County Council.

In 2023, UK Government confirmed their intention to provide £10.95 million of grant funding for 10 capital projects aimed at protecting the unique heritage and wellbeing of Ruthin and its surrounding rural communities.

This funding has been awarded exclusively for these successful projects and cannot be directed to other projects.

Along with the building improvement works, solar panels and sustainable drainage planters have been installed on the main building, supporting the park’s commitment to sustainability and helping to future‑proof a site that welcomes nearly 300,000 visitors each year.

Upgrades to the public toilets have now been completed and the facilities are now back open to the public, whilst the newly refurbished spaces feature new imagery from around the country park, creating a fresh and welcoming environment for visitors.

Following the advertisement of the café site and the interview process for potential applicants, we can announce we are working closely with local producer Chilly Cow in respect to them taking on the tenancy of the refurbished café subject to the completion of all lease arrangements.

The works, which are being undertaken by local contractors Park City (St Asaph) and designed by TACP (Wrexham) are expected to be completed by late spring. 

Councillor Jason McLellan, Council Leader and Lead member for Economic Growth and Tackling Deprivation, said:

“It’s encouraging to hear that the improvement works are progressing well at Loggerheads, we have seen an increase in visitor numbers at Loggerheads Country Park in recent years and projects such as these, once completed, will help future proof the park and meet the ever-increasing expectations of visitors.

“Whilst the works continue Loggerheads Country Park will remain open to the public throughout the Easter holidays.

“These sites are much loved National Landscape areas, and it is important that we continue to maintain and develop sites such as these as their popularity grows to ensure that they can continue to be enjoyed by all who visit.”

Plans for the Loggerheads improvement can be accessed on the Denbighshire County Council website.

Denbighshire and Flintshire County Councils appoint contractor for major new Creative Archives Project scheme  

Flintshire County Council supported by Denbighshire County Council, has appointed Wynne Construction as the lead contractor for the Joint Archives Project, marking a significant milestone in the delivery of one of North East Wales’s most important schemes.

North East Wales Archive (NEWA), was formed in April 2020 when Denbighshire Archives (Ruthin) and Flintshire Record Office (Hawarden) came together to offer a joint service for the region, bringing together their nationally important archive collections. NEWA looks after the region’s unique and irreplaceable written and pictorial history, which dates back more than 900 years. 

The aim of this project is to establish a stronger, more resilient and sustainable archive service for the region with a new archive building on land adjacent to Theatr Clwyd, to house the collections and staff and provide an extensive engagement work programme designed to attract a wider audience.  

The project, called ‘Creative Archives’, has been made possible by a development grant from The National Lottery Heritage Fund alongside financial commitments from both Flintshire and Denbighshire local authorities and Welsh Government. The funding supports the initial phase of the project, enabling detailed architectural designs, business and activity planning ahead of a second-round funding application in 2026 and planning approval. Should this be successful, construction work on the new archive centre should commence late spring/summer of 2027 and be ready for opening during autumn 2028.

Councillor Emrys Wynne, Lead Member for Welsh Language, Culture and Heritage, welcomed the appointment, saying:

“This is a major step forward for the project and for the wider community. Wynne Construction brings a strong track record of delivering high‑quality developments, and we are confident they will help us realise our ambitions for this project. This scheme will deliver long‑term benefits for residents, businesses and visitors, and we are pleased to be moving into the next stage.”

Councillor Mared Eastwood, Cabinet Member for Education, Welsh Language, Culture and Leisure said:

“Flintshire and Denbighshire are counties that are rich in heritage. We're delighted that this appointment has been made so that we can further develop this project, which will ensure that our wonderful history will be preserved for years to come and give both local people and visitors the chance to explore and uncover the fascinating stories within the collections."

Chris Wynne, managing director, Wynne Construction said:

“We are delighted to have been appointed to deliver this transformative project. We look forward to working in partnership with both Denbighshire and Flintshire Councils to create a development that supports growth, sustainability and community wellbeing.”

Wynne Construction is working closely with the council, stakeholders and local communities to finalise designs and prepare detailed proposals. Engagement and consultation activities will take place in June 2026.

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/.

Residents encouraged to sign up for online Council Tax accounts as new bills are issued

Denbighshire residents are being encouraged to register for an online council tax account as annual council tax bills begin landing on doormats across the county.

The digital service offers residents a quicker, easier, and more convenient way to manage their council tax, with a range of features designed to simplify everyday tasks.

By signing up, residents can:

• View their council tax accounts, including upcoming instalments and any outstanding balance
• Receive paperless bills
• Change payment methods securely
• Access current and previous bills 24/7
• Update personal details easily
• Spread payments through a convenient payment plan
• Apply for the single person discount
• Check their council tax band
• Manage their account at any time, from any device

Liz Thomas, Head of Finance and Audit at Denbighshire said, “With council tax bills being distributed, now is the ideal time for residents to move their account online. It’s faster, more convenient, and offers far more flexibility when managing payments and updating details. Registration takes only a few minutes and can be done on the Council Tax pages on Denbighshire’s website.”

Where does your council tax go?

Liz Thomas adds, “In setting this year’s budget, we have worked hard to keep Council Tax increases as low as possible, avoiding cuts while still providing the vital services people rely on. The approved Council Tax for 2026–27 is 4.76% for council services, along with the additional 0.46% which has to be paid to the North Wales Fire and Rescue Authority levy, giving a total of 5.22%.”

While many believe council tax funds all Council services, the money collected from residents represents just 26% of the Council’s total annual spending.

The majority of funding comes from the revenue support grant from Welsh Government and from business rates, which is a property tax paid by businesses to support local services. 

Most Council Tax spending (almost two-thirds) goes on helping the most vulnerable in our communities. This includes educating approximately 16,500 children and young people through our schools with around 780 teachers delivering this education.

It also includes providing social care and homelessness services to children and adults to help them live safe, healthy, and independent lives. These statutory services make up a significant portion of the Council’s overall budget and remain essential in supporting residents across the county.

Liz Thomas goes on to say, “In what is a continuing financially challenging climate, it’s important to emphasise that many aspects of expenditure are, quite rightly, aimed towards the statutory services and remain essential in supporting the most vulnerable residents across our county.”

You can find out more information on Denbighshire’s Council Tax pages.

If you need help or have a query about your bill, the Council Tax phone lines are open between 9am and 1pm from Monday to Friday on 01824 706 000, or you can use the Live Chat facility which is available from 9am to 5pm (4.30pm on Fridays) via the website.

Reminder to renew garden waste subscription

Denbighshire gardeners who use the garden waste subscription service are being reminded that they can renew their collection.

Renewal for 2026 to 2027 is currently open for residents to sign up before the new service period starts from April 1.

The Council is also encouraging residents who are subscribing for the first time to take advantage of this sign-up period to take full advantage of the 12-month service.

Residents are reminded to renew their collection service online using the link below:

https://www.denbighshire.gov.uk/en/bins-and-recycling/garden-waste.aspx

The two weekly garden waste service offers gardeners a convenient, means of having their garden waste collected and also for making a significant contribution towards meeting statutory recycling targets.

Councillor Barry Mellor, Lead Member for Environment and Transport said: “As April 1 is fast approaching I would encourage those who haven’t done to so renew or sign up for the garden waste service to make sure they are covered for the whole 12-month collection period."

Residents can check whether they have a live subscription on the bin collection dates page of the website or find out further information on the service here

Update on school meal prices

The Denbighshire School Catering Service has faced an increase of prices for all major commercially procured food products, the domestic food market and across all food market supply chains.

Due to rising costs, it has been agreed to increase the cost of school meals by 10p, which will be implemented on April 13 when schools return following the Easter holidays.

The School Catering Service have recently been recognised as the best performing catering service at The Association for Public Service Excellence (APSE) awards earlier this year.

This recognition, from The Association for Public Service Excellence (APSE) is based upon comparisons with other school meals services from across the UK.

It takes into account aspects such as paid and free meal uptakes, staff training, service performance and management of the service.

Councillor Diane King, Lead Member for Education, Children and Families said: “The decision to increase the cost of school meals was not taken lightly. However, even after this increase, these new prices will still be relatively low compared to other local authorities.

“As evidenced in their recent success at the APSE awards, the Council’s School Catering service are committed to providing value for money in terms of the quality of food given to pupils across our schools”.

 To view the school meals menu, or for more information visit the Denbighshire school meals website.

Update on public toilet provision in Denbighshire

Residents and visitors are being informed of changes to public toilet provision in Denbighshire following collaborative working to keep most county facilities open.

In November last year the Council’s Cabinet agreed proposals that will keep most public toilets in the county open thanks to the support of city, town and community councils.

The proposals were developed after money received by the council had not kept up with financial pressures and the increasing cost of delivering services, especially statutory services like social care and education. This meant less money to spend on “Place-Making” services, like public toilets.

Although the Council recognises their importance, public toilets are a non-statutory service, and local authorities have no legal obligation to provide them. However, the Council worked with city, town and community councils to collaborate together on a sustainable model to fund and protect as many facilities as possible. This model incudes direct financial contributions from the city, town and community councils.

Following this work, there are changes to charging for the toilets which will see the installation of contactless payment/entry systems commencing in March, the refurbishment of toilets and the closure of three facilities across Denbighshire.  These changes are as follows:

• From 1 April Prestatyn toilets will have an entry charge of 50p at Nant Hall Road and Nova. Prestatyn’s Barkby Beach facilities will undergo extensive refurbishment during the summer. Before the start of this work access to Barkby Beach toilets will remain free, temporary facilities will be in place whilst the work is carried out and on completion a 50p will be introduced at the site.Toilets at Prestatyn’s bus station and train station will no longer be available.
• Toilets at Rhyl Town Hall, Rhyl Children’s Village, Events Arena, and Rhyl Botanical Gardens will have an entry charge of 40p. Rhyl’s Old Golf Road facilities will undergo extensive refurbishment during the summer. Before the start of this work access to these toilets will remain free, temporary facilities will be in place whilst the work is carried out and on completion a 40p will be introduced at the site.
• Rhuddlan Princes Street Toilets will remain free of charge following refurbishment of the facilities over the summer, whilst this facility is closed, temporary facilities will be made available.
• St Asaph Toilet facilities will have an entry fee of £1 from 1 April
• Llangollen Market Street and Riverside Park toilet facilities will have an entry fee of £1 from 1 April.
• Ruthin Cae Ddol facilities will receive a refurbishment over the coming months. Whilst this facility is closed, temporary facilities will be made available.
• Ruthin Market Street Toilets will close from 31st March and the toilet facilities in Denbighshire County Council offices within the building reception area will be available for the public to use between 9.00am and 5.00pm (Monday to Friday)
• Denbigh Factory Ward Toilet facilities will close on 31 March. 
• Dyserth Waterfall Toilet facilities will close from 31 March. 

Councillor Barry Mellor, Lead Member for Environment and Transport said, “I want to once again thank the town and community councils for their positive energy and collaboration that supported everyone in reaching this position where we can now keep most of our public toilets open. I’d also like to thank residents and visitors for their support and patience whilst refurbishment work is carried out on some of the sites.”

Work to introduce the contactless systems at Llangollen, Rhyl, Prestatyn and St Asaph sites is expected to take between two to three days dependant on weather.

These facilities will remain open for use during this work, except for NOVA where temporary toilet facilities will be provided for a period of four days due to scale of the work needed at this site.

Further information regarding the planned refurbishment work periods for some of the facilities listed will be provided through the Council’s social media channels and website. 

Traffic Trial set to begin in Prestatyn

The trial will look to alleviate congestion in the area as the council look to enhance and regenerate the town.

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.

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.

Under the new layout, traffic will be able to turn left from Bridge Road down towards the mini roundabout and Parc Prestatyn.

Traffic flow will remain the same down towards the lower part of the high street, however vehicles will not be allowed to turn right onto Bridge Road from Ffordd Penisardre, as they are expected to continue down Ffordd Penisardre and left down the high street as they currently do.

Denbighshire County Council will be seeking feedback from motorists and pedestrians throughout the trail period, and if successful a permanent Traffic Regulation Order (TRO) will be applied which will see the new layout remain.

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 previous traffic management trial on Prestatyn High Street.

“As a result of the trial we have received valuable feedback, which has been used in the development of this new traffic trial which will begin on 13 April on Bridge Road.

“A lot of the concerns that were raised related to the vehicle congestion that’s currently on the road, and we hope that this trial will go some way in alleviating that.

“Our focus remains on delivering a scheme that enhances accessibility, reduces congestion, and supports the long-term regeneration of the town centre”.