Seaside theme rolls in for Prestatyn playground upgrade

Designs have been revealed for the upgrade of the Central Beach play area, Prestatyn.

Denbighshire County Council’s Streetscene department is managing the projects after securing grant funding from the UK Shared Prosperity Transitional Fund.

The upgrade that’s rolling in a new seaside theme to the site will see the installation of accessible and sensory play equipment and is designed to allow children of all abilities play together.

KOMPAN are carrying out the upgrade of the site and Council officers were keen to use an ocean theme with the playground being so close to the beach.

A KOMPAN spokeswoman said: “This site has play opportunities for many types of user, it's hugely inclusive and accessible and this was a key focus area from Denbighshire County Council when we were at design stage.

“It will provide a modern update with dynamic, exciting and varied play. There is physical and cognitive play types and a lot of variety to ensure children learn and grow as well as explore different types of physical activity.

As well as carrying an ocean themed look, the upgraded playground will also be more friendly to the environment.

Mike Bennion, Streetscene Manager for the North, said: “We are really pleased to be able to redevelop and upgrade this Prestatyn playground to help support local children of all ages when it comes to their health and wellbeing. The ocean design is great and fits naturally in with the local surroundings, and the new equipment will really make waves for youngsters coming to visit.”

Councillor Barry Mellor, Denbighshire County Council’s lead member for environment and transport, added: "This is a great project to help the wellbeing of all children living around this Prestatyn playground park and those visiting from further afield. I look forward to seeing this completed and open for youngsters to enjoy.

Work on the redevelopment is expected to start the beginning of October and is expected to last up to eight weeks. The playground is expected to be closed during the construction phase.

Initiative helping Denbighshire youth take the next step

Young people across Denbighshire who are not currently in education, employment or training (NEET) have received a vital boost thanks to a collaborative initiative between Denbighshire Youth Services, Barod / Working Denbighshire, Education, GLLM and Coleg Cambria supported by UK Shared Prosperity Fund (SPF) and reaching wider funding from the Commission for Tertiary Education and Research (MEDR).

As part of their commitment to removing barriers and creating opportunities, partners provided tailored support to help NEET learners begin their studies this autumn. This included practical resources such as college starter kits, which helped young people feel prepared and confident as they entered education, many of whom may not have had the chance to attend college otherwise.

To further enhance readiness for learning, 100 stationery kits were distributed, ensuring even more young people had access to the basic tools needed to succeed.

Barod also delivered a series of creative and skills-based workshops at Rhyl College during the summer. These sessions were designed to build confidence, creativity and introduce participants to potential career pathways. Activities included:

• Cookery sessions to promote independence and healthy living
• Jewellery making and art workshops to encourage self-expression and mindfulness
• Sector taster sessions offering insights into construction

These workshops were made possible through strong collaboration with Coleg Llandrillo Rhyl, who hosted the sessions and supported learner engagement, alongside all other partners involved who identified and referred young people who would benefit most.

Councillor Jason McLellan, Leader of Denbighshire County Council and Lead Member for Economic Growth & Tackling Deprivation, said: “This programme is a brilliant example of what can be achieved when teams and organisations come together with a shared purpose.

“By working collaboratively, we were able to offer young people not just resources, but meaningful support that helped them feel seen, valued, and ready to take their next steps into education.”

Tina Foulkes, Working Denbighshire, Early Intervention Manager said:

“The Youth Transition Project was a brilliant example of partnership working and by the time Barod joined in the summer, the young people were engaged and ready to explore their next steps.

“Barod’s fun activities helped build rapport and boost confidence, making the sessions a valuable stepping stone.  

“The young people were also able to discuss what kits would be needed for college, which were then ordered and delivered directly to the students.”

Kelly Owen, Targeted Intervention Youth Worker – Coordinator said: “The Summer Transition Programme was a vital initiative in supporting Year 11 leavers in Denbighshire as they moved into further education.

“The collaboration between Denbighshire Youth Services, Barod, Education, GLLM, Coleg Cambria, ensured young people received comprehensive support—both practical and social—enabling them to overcome significant barriers.

“The financial assistance provided for essential course materials and resources played a key role in preventing educational exclusion, while the programme’s supportive social environment helped young people regain confidence and prepare for the challenges ahead.”

This collaborative initiative reflects the ongoing commitment of partners to support NEET citizens across Denbighshire, ensuring that every young person has the opportunity to thrive, regardless of their starting point.

The Summer Transition Programme was a vital initiative in supporting Year 11 leavers in Denbighshire as they moved into further education. It ensured participants received comprehensive support, both practical and social, enabling them to overcome significant barriers. The programme’s supportive environment, combined with access to essential materials played a key role in preventing educational exclusion and preparing participants for the challenges ahead.

To stay informed about future events and opportunities, visit working.denbighshire.gov.uk or follow Working Denbighshire on social media.

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

Working Denbighshire is part funded by UK Government.

Scottish EV off roader takes on new Welsh terrain home

A Scottish born UK first off road electric vehicle has met its new home in the Welsh hills.

Morag the Munro has been up and down the tracks around Moel Famau to familiarise with the Clwydian Range and allow countryside rangers the chance to get to know her through training.

The Munro Series-M M280 electric pick-up was funded by the Welsh Government's Energy Service and replaces an end-of-life fossil fuelled pickup. The first of its kind to be used by a local authority anywhere in the UK, the Munro will be used by the Clwydian Range and Dee Valley National Landscapes rangers to help with daily duties on the hills and will be based at Loggerheads County Park.

Nicknamed Morag for its similar rugged nature to its Highland cattle counterparts, the Munro was chosen for its ability to tackle the terrain of the Clwydians and other hilly sites, having been thoroughly tested back home in Scotland on all types of off-road situations and being able to handle gradients above 40 degrees.

Training has taken place for the rangers who will use Morag on the Clwydians, facilitated by Denbighshire County Council’s Fleet department and joined by representatives from Munro who accompanied Morag in a similar vehicle.

The training took place on and around the Offas Dyke Path which will be regular routes the Munro will take to support the rangers.

The introduction of the Munro is part of Denbighshire County Council's ongoing effort to reduce fleet carbon emissions, improve air quality, and lower long-term maintenance and service costs by replacing end-of-life vehicles with proven electric vehicle equivalents.

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

"It’s great to see this innovative addition finally out and about where it belongs and where it will work. Fleet have worked hard to make Morag ready for supporting the countryside and I’m grateful to them and Munro for supporting the all-important training of the rangers who will use the vehicle.”

Upgrades Underway at Loggerheads Country Park

Work has officially commenced on a major upgrade of the Loggerheads Country Park visitor facilities.

In 2023, UK Government confirmed their intention to provide £10.95 million of grant funding for 10 capital projects aimed at protecting Clwyd West’s unique heritage, wellbeing, and rural communities.

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

The first phase includes a full refurbishment of the public toilets, to be followed by improvements to the on-site café and meeting room and finally the visitor centre and external family friendly landscaping.

Local contractors Park City of St Asaph have been appointed to carry out the works, in partnership with design architects TACP based in Wrexham.

Despite the ongoing construction works, Loggerheads Country Park will remain open to visitors, with temporary toilet facilities and a covered seating area available to ensure a comfortable experience.

In the meantime, a new pop-up catering facility, Tŷ’r Felin / Mill House, has opened next to the historic mill. Operated by local producer Chilly Cow, the pop-up offers a selection of locally sourced hot drinks, ice cream, snacks, and cakes. It will be open seven days a week, from 10am to 4pm, until the newly refurbished café reopens in March 2026.

These upgrades are part of ongoing efforts to enhance the visitor experience at one of North Wales’s most popular country parks, which welcomes over 250,000 visitors every year.

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

“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.

“The upgrades to Loggerheads will play a vital role in future proofing the park for the increasing number of visitors that we are seeing year upon year. It is important to maintain and develop much loved national landscape areas such as Loggerheads 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.

Pupils learn about a once widespread native animal

Primary school pupils are beavering away to learn about a once widespread native animal in Wales.

Denbighshire County Councils Biodiversity team alongside the North Wales Wildlife Trust are hosting a number of engagement roadshows at schools to help youngsters find out more about beavers and their natural habitats.

The sessions, which are underway at a number of schools, are part of the Biodiversity team’s current overall project to house a family group of Eurasian beavers within a secure 24-acre enclosure at the Green Gates Nature Reserve as part of a 5-year trial.  These plans are subject to the granting of a licence from Natural Resources Wales and would be the first enclosed beaver project in North Wales.

 Pupils were given a presentation on beavers which were widespread native species in Wales, before they were hunted to extinction in Britain and much of Europe for their fur, meat, and castoreum. After several successful reintroductions, there are now over 1500 beavers living in the Britain – mostly in Scotland and England. In both Scotland and England, the Eurasian Beaver is now a European protected species, under Schedule 2 of the Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2019. There is currently a small population of Eurasian Beavers present in Wales both in enclosures and in the wild.

Youngsters also found out how beavers can increase biodiversity within their environment through their dam building and foraging behaviours.

Following the presentation, pupils were given the chance to experience how beavers build their own dams and lodges during an outdoor activity.

Biodiversity Officer, Ellie Wainwright, said: “These engagement sessions are a great opportunity to teach children all about beavers and how they can support a range of different wildlife as an ecosystem engineer. One of the main aims of the Denbighshire Beaver Project is education, and we hope to engage many more at the Green Gates Nature Reserve when we have a beaver family in situ.”

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

“The potential creation of an enclosed beaver trial at Green Gates Nature Reserve represents a significant step in our work to restore native species, enhance biodiversity, and support resilient ecosystems in Denbighshire.

“It’s great that local children have had the opportunity to learn about an animal that was once so widespread across Wales and I hope these youngsters will get to visit the site one day to see beavers in their natural habitat.”

The Council’s Building Control Team nominated for National Award

(The Council's Building Control Team)

The Council’s Building Control Team have been nominated for an award at LABC Building Excellence Awards 2025.

The Local Authority Building Control (LABC) represents all local authority building control teams in England and Wales.

As the largest business to business awards in the building control sector, the LABC Building Excellence Awards recognise quality in all types of building projects and individual contributions in the construction industry.

Following a nomination from their customers, Denbighshire County Council’s building control team have been shortlisted for the ‘Local Authority Building Control Team of the Year’ award and will attend the finals which are held in London in January 2026. 

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

“This nomination is a great reflection of the team and the service they provide in a competitive market, especially following the introduction of the recent Building Safety Act and the additional requirements presented.

“Their endeavour to engage with customers in a professional and customer focussed manner has led to strong working relationships which has assisted with providing clear guidance and support throughout projects to ensure compliance with building regulations”.

New and Improved Drift Park play area opens on Rhyl’s Prom

The Drift Park Play Area, located on Rhyl’s Prom, opened its gates to the public on Friday (September 19^th) with an official opening scheduled for later in the month. 

Drift Park, Rhyl

The park is now reinstated with a new community-chosen 'Nautical' design, informed by public consultation sessions and over 200 feedback responses through online forms which helped shape the design of the new Drift Park Play Area.

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

After considering the feedback, more swings were added to the design, including a double swing. The feedback also asked for more sensory boards to be added and additional seating. Also added due to feedback was another Cone Twister and a Zip line type piece of equipment called a ‘track rider’.

The new park features over 55 play features and can accommodate 170 users. The play area features an inclusive wheelchair roundabout, a range of nautical themed inclusive play panels, ocean themed seesaw, and large pirate ship themed slide with DDA stairs.

New park from above

Outdoor gym and exercise equipment for adults have also been installed, next to the park, which have been built as part of the larger Sea Defence work project, along with the new Drift Park Play Area.

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

“I am over the moon to see that the new and improved Drift Park Play Area is now open to the public.

This new community-chosen design will provide countless hours of fun and accessible play to the local community, which now includes better and more inclusive play features.

I’d like to thank the community for their engagement on this project, who’s feedback helped shape the new park design and layout that now sits on the prom.”

Cabinet approves new economic strategy and action plan for 2025-2035

Denbighshire County Council’s cabinet have agreed to adopt a new economic strategy for 2025-2035.

At the cabinet meeting held on 23^rd of September, members were presented with the newly proposed economic strategy as well as an action plan developed to contribute towards ‘a prosperous Denbighshire’, which is one of the Councils corporate priorities.

Led on by the Councils’ Economic Development team, the strategy detailed steps that the Council and partners can undertake to support economic recovery, improve access to quality employment and income and ensure that economic growth helps reduce inequality and poverty across Denbighshire.

Following the decision made at the meeting, the new economic strategy will replace the previous Economic and Community Ambition Strategy 2013-2023.

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

“This newly developed economic strategy is an ambitious and exciting new growth strategy that will support the County’s future economic development and work towards one of our corporate priorities in achieving a more prosperous Denbighshire.

“The process involved extensive stakeholder engagement across the public, private and third sectors, and maintaining these partnerships as the focus shifts to implementation will be crucial. It will require a collective effort from partners inside and outside the County to achieve our shared ambitions”.

Wellbeing support crafted by Meifod

A project to support wellbeing in Denbigh is having support to craft it to life from a town based service.

Denbighshire County Council’s Streetscene department is breathing life into a Wellbeing Walking Trail across Lower Denbigh and into Central Denbigh after successfully securing grant funding via the Public Recreational Open Space Commuted Sums.

This new development will see the purchase and installation of friendship seating benches with information QR codes on the furniture in strategic locations to create a wellbeing walking trail in Denbigh, to benefit all members of the public.

The benches are currently being created at Meifod wood products based on the Colomendy industrial estate in Denbigh.  Meifod manufacture wooden garden furniture in their workshop as well as providing a work opportunity service for adults with learning disabilities.

Each piece of furniture is crafted using sustainably sourced wood, ensuring it is both aesthetically pleasing and built to last.

The work will also see Meifod engrave QR codes on to the benches that when scanned will take people to an online site describing the area where each bench is located and information on the overall route.

This project is also designed to improve the visitor experience at  key locations, central to Denbighshire and encourage people to take pride in their green spaces, improve understanding of the biodiversity and conservation value of these areas.

Street Scene Area Coordinator Neil Jones said: “We are really pleased  that Meifod is creating our benches to be situated on this walk as their craftsmanship is excellent which will really help bring this development to life.

Cllr Barry Mellor, Denbighshire County Council’s Lead Member for Environment and Transport added: “This is a fantastic initiative for the town and its great to see that a local well-loved service in the form of Meifod is helping bring this project to life.

Tree nursery officer reaches coveted BBC awards finals

A nurturer of nature in Denbighshire has been nominated for a coveted national award.

Sam Brown, Tree Nursery Assistant, at Denbighshire County Council’s Local Provenance Tree Nursery, St Asaph is one of three finalists in the BBC Food & Farming Awards 2025 Countryfile Young Countryside Champion category.

Launched in 2000 the BBC Food & Farming Awards have a number of awards to celebrate farming, food and countryside.

The Countryfile Young Countryside Champion category celebrates young countryside champions between the ages of 16-24. It includes farmers, naturalists and conservationists that are seen to be making a difference in their roles.

Sam and the other finalists were picked from thousands of nominations by an expert panel of judges led by chef Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall.

His award citation reads, ‘Having been diagnosed with Dyspraxia and struggling with academia, Sam has always had a deep love of nature and now encourages those with learning difficulties to follow their passions. He volunteered as a Junior Ranger from the age of 8 and began volunteering at nature reserves and working as a tree planter. His love of trees grew along with his knowledge of native tree species and wildflowers, and he works at the Tree Nursery in St Asaph.’

Joel Walley, Lead Officer Ecology & Biodiversity, said: “We are all really, really proud of Sam for getting this amazing recognition for his commitment and dedication to preserving, nurturing and increasing our local nature’s resilience at our tree nursery.

“He is extremely passionate and hard working towards giving nature the support it needs in Denbighshire and has been integral in building a fantastic volunteer community at the nursery.

Cllr Barry Mellor, Denbighshire County Council’s Lead Member for Environment and Transport and Biodiversity Champion, added: “I know Sam works very hard to help protect and preserve the local trees and plants we have in Denbighshire, and this is fitting recognition for his passion and perseverance for preserving what we have on our lands across the county for future young generations to enjoy.”

The awards ceremony will take place on18th November in Bristol, where the winners will be announced.

Engagement to begin on species restoration project

Photo by Joel Walley 

Engagement work is set to begin around plans for an enclosed beaver trial at a new county nature reserve.

A four-week consultation with communities local to Green Gates Nature Reserve, St Asaph, is underway regarding plans to house a family group of Eurasian beavers within a secure 24-acre enclosure at the site as part of a 5-year trial.

These plans subject to the granting of a licence from Natural Resources Wales, and will be the first enclosed beaver project in North Wales.

Beavers were once a widespread native species in Wales, before they were hunted to extinction in Britain and much of Europe for their fur, meat, and castoreum. After several successful reintroductions, there are now over 1500 beavers living in the Britain – mostly in Scotland and England.

In both Scotland and England, the Eurasian Beaver is now a European protected species, under Schedule 2 of the Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2019.

There is currently a small population of Eurasian Beavers present in Wales both in enclosures and in the wild. As of the 26th September 2024, the Welsh Government supports moving towards the managed reintroduction of beavers in Wales

The Council has a biodiversity duty to “maintain and enhance biodiversity and in so doing promote the resilience of ecosystems” under the Environment (Wales) Act, 2016.

One of the Council’s priorities is to create a ‘Greener Denbighshire’ through enhancing, preserving, and improving our natural assets to support biodiversity, and growing the amount of habitat available for wildlife.

Joel Walley, Lead Officer - Ecology & Biodiversity, explained: “Often referred to as ‘ecosystem engineers’, there is much evidence that beavers can increase biodiversity within their environment through their dam building and foraging behaviours. We believe the addition of beavers to a secure enclosure within Green Gates Nature Reserve will create a dynamic and species-rich wetland habitat, helping us to achieve our biodiversity targets.

“Through this planned trial we aim to raise awareness and understanding of beavers and their ecology, and the potential benefits they can bring to Wales’ natural environment, as well as demonstrate some of the mitigation techniques that can be undertaken should any potential impacts arise as a result of beaver activity. Due to the location and careful design of the enclosure, we do not expect there to be any negative off-site impacts.

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

“The potential creation of an enclosed beaver trial at Green Gates Nature Reserve represents a significant step in our work to restore native species, enhance biodiversity, and support resilient ecosystems in Denbighshire. What would be a carefully managed trial reflects our long-term commitment to ecological restoration, whilst providing opportunities for local residents to see and learn about this keystone species first-hand.”

The consultation will be held with the local communities. It is a public consultation and anyone will be able to respond to it. The purpose of the consultation is to identify any potential impacts of the proposed enclosed trial, and we will also be contacting all neighbouring landowners as part of this exercise around Green Gates before an application for a licence from Natural Resources Wales (NRW) for the enclosed beaver trial is submitted. NRW will determine if a licence is granted.

To access the consultation online please visit - Denbighshire Beaver Project, St Asaph | Cadnant Planning

Consultation opens on the proposed Glyndŵr National Park

People are being encouraged to share their views on the proposed Glyndŵr National Park, as Natural Resources Wales (NRW) launches a 12-week statutory consultation beginning Monday 15 September 2025.

The consultation follows two years of detailed evaluation commissioned by Welsh Government, including data gathering, technical assessments, and engagement with communities and stakeholders across the region.

Previous public engagement in 2023 and a public consultation in 2024 helped shape the current proposal. Feedback from these stages has informed the final consultation map and supporting evidence.

The proposed Glyndŵr National Park map can be downloaded here:

Basic Proposed Glyndŵr National Park Map

Detailed Proposed Glyndŵr National Park Map

Once you have downloaded the detailed map, make sure to open it with Adobe Acrobat.

Ash Pearce, Programme Manager said, “This is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to protect nature, support communities, and shape a better future for this stunning part of Wales. We know change can be difficult, but with the right approach, a new National Park could bring real benefits for people, wildlife and the local economy.”

Members of the public, organisations and stakeholders are encouraged to attend an event, examine the proposal and have their say by responding to the consultation.

For information on the consultation events, visit: Statutory Consultation Events 2025

To respond to the consultation, visit: https://ymgynghori.cyfoethnaturiol.cymru/north-east-gogledd-ddwyrain/proposed-national-park-statutory-consultation-2025

Responses must be received no later than the closing date, Monday 8 December 2025.

For more information on the background to the proposal, visit: https://ymgynghori.cyfoethnaturiol.cymru/north-east-gogledd-ddwyrain/new-national-park-p

Social Care recruitment open day to be held in Denbigh

Denbighshire County Council is looking for passionate people who would like to make a difference in their community. Whether they’re taking the first career steps, or looking for a fresh challenge, the Council is inviting those who are interested along to their latest Recruitment Open Day.

Dolwen Care Home, Denbigh

The Council’s Social Care Team is hosting a Recruitment Open Day at Dolwen Care Home, Denbigh, on Tuesday 23rd September, from 10am to 2pm.

Potential candidates, and those who are interested in a career in Social Care can drop in at any time that suits them and meet the friendly team who will be there to greet them.

Candidates who attend can expect to:

• Explore the variety of rewarding roles available in social care.
• Chat with the friendly staff, managers, and recruitment team.
• Discover the fantastic benefits of working for Denbighshire County Council.
• Get tips on the application process and what the team are looking for.
• Access support with completing the application form, if required.
• Find out how they can make a real difference to people’s lives across Denbighshire.
• Opportunity for a friendly, same-day interview if they are ready to take the next step on the day.

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

“The Social Care team are looking to engage with people who are interested in supporting citizens throughout the County and working within the community.

This session is a great chance to meet the teams who support those up and down our County each and every day.”

Booking is required via Eventbrite – secure your place today here: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/diwrnod-agored-recriwtio-social-care-recruitment-open-day-tickets-1616823736319.

Outdoor gym area planned for Llangollen park

Work is set to take place to improve and develop areas to help health and wellbeing along Llangollen’s Riverside Park

Funded by Shared Prosperity Transitional Year, the work will be coordinated and carried out by Denbighshire County Council’s Streetscene department.

It follows previous improvement work at the park during the last few years which has seen initiatives including a 9-hole bespoke mini golf and play equipment added to the area.

Streetscene is working to further enhance the park area for local residents and visitors to enjoy.

Developments to take place at Riverside Park, where funding allows, will include the introduction of an outdoor gym area to the rear of the existing skate park. This will include the removal of the hedge row, landscaping the immediate area and installation of a number of outdoor gym equipment pieces

Plans also include the removal of existing hedge row by the picnic area/benched and installation of bow top fencing, to include pedestrian access gate and the installation of accessible picnic bench, to include required ground works.

Cllr Barry Mellor, Denbighshire County Council’s Lead Member for Environment and Transport said: “We are pleased to be able to continue improvements along this fantastic area at Llangollen through the funding we have been able to access. This work will complement areas that have already undergone improvement at Riverside Park through the direction of Streetscene to further enhance this important part of the town for both the enjoyment of residents and those visiting Llangollen."

Road improvements to begin at Nant y Garth

Denbighshire County Council Highways are set to begin works on a major Welsh Government funded road maintenance scheme near Ruthin.

Denbighshire County Council has earmarked 57 locations in the county within a two-year road maintenance programme produced to benefit from a Welsh Government Local Government Borrowing Initiative (LGBI). The aim of the funding (£4.780m over 2025/26 and 2026/27) is to improve the carriageway surface condition on sections of the county’s road network.

Significant resurfacing work is due to take place from 15 September to 19 October, weather permitting, at the A525 Nant Y Garth Pass. Traffic shall be controlled using stop/go with convoy working so some delays should be expected.  As part of the works the road markings and studs will also be refreshed.

Some preparation work has already commenced, comprising of fence repairs and drain cleansing. 

Cllr Barry Mellor, Lead Member for Environment and Transport, said: “The Council is fully aware that the state of Denbighshire’s Road Network is a regular topic from our residents. We are grateful for the Welsh Government funding which will along with the Nant y Garth Pass, will allow us to tackle a large section of our network which needs improving”.

Further information is available on our website www.denbighshire.gov.uk 

Another successful Working Denbighshire jobs fair held in Rhyl

On 10 September, Working Denbighshire welcomed hundreds of jobseekers to its latest Jobs Fair at the 1891 Bar & Restaurant, Rhyl Pavilion.

The event, held in partnership with Job Centre Plus, brought together over 50 local and national employers, including the British Armed Forces, Shotton Mill, Warner Hotels, Clwyd Alyn and Leader Optic.

Around 500 people attended the event and had the opportunity to explore a wide range of vacancies across sectors such as hospitality, care, manufacturing, and education.

The free event was open to all, offering support to those seeking employment, considering a career change, or looking to access training and apprenticeship opportunities.

A dedicated quiet hour from 1pm to 2pm provided a calmer environment for those who benefit from a more accessible setting.

Denbighshire County Council’s, Working Denbighshire service aims to coordinate support that helps people into work by removing barriers.

Through collaboration with local businesses and organisations, the programme is committed to helping residents across Denbighshire access employment and skills development.

The Working Denbighshire Team

Jake O’Mara, Employer and Training Relationship Manager at Working Denbighshire said:

“We’re delighted with the turnout and the positive feedback from both employers and attendees. Events like this are a vital part of our mission to connect people with meaningful opportunities and support them on their journey into work.”

Councillor Jason McLellan, Leader of Denbighshire County Council and Lead Member for Economic Growth & Tackling Deprivation, added:

“The success of this Jobs Fair shows the power of partnership working. By bringing employers and jobseekers together under one roof, we’re helping to break down barriers and build a stronger, more inclusive local economy.”

To stay informed about future events and opportunities, visit working.denbighshire.gov.uk or follow Working Denbighshire on social media.

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

Working Denbighshire is part funded by UK Government.

Work lights up efficiency at Rhyl workshops

Work has taken place to lower long term energy costs at part of a Rhyl workshop complex.

Denbighshire County Council’s Energy team is continuing work to drive down energy usage and lower long-term costs at Council owned buildings.

Managing projects across a range of county buildings such as schools and leisure centre, the team is working to improve building energy efficiency and reduce emissions a part of the Council’s drive to reduce its carbon footprint after declaring a Climate and Nature Emergency during 2019.

The Energy team has completed a project to upgrade the lighting at Rhyl’s Pinfold Workshops (Section A) to LEDs.

LED lighting supports better efficiency by using less energy than conventional bulbs, lowering carbon emissions. This lighting system also has a longer lifespan, which means fewer replacements, savings costs alongside less energy use.

Cost savings annually from this completed work is over £2,000, over 9000 KWh saved each year, alongside 2.68tons of Carbon savings.

Cllr Barry Mellor, Lead Member for Environment and Transport, added: “We are committed to reducing carbon emissions from our buildings, lower energy use and long-term costs.  These workshop units are very important to the people who lease them to carry out their daily business and its great our Energy team has been able to make the environment more efficient and comfortable thanks to the installation of the LED lighting.”

Enhancement work to begin for wildflower meadows

A programme of work is set to begin to enhance a number of Denbighshire wildflower meadows.

The Council’s Biodiversity and Streetscene teams have planned work to support the establishment and diversity of some of the county’s wildflower meadow sites this autumn.

The Wildflower Meadows Project helps and protects local nature and supports community wellbeing across the county. It is funded by Welsh Government, through the Local Nature Partnerships Cymru ENRaW project.

Enhancing the meadows provides benefits for everybody, not just nature, withcommunity benefits including improved air quality, urban heat cooling, physical and mental wellbeing and areas of mixed interest for education and play.”

Sites selected this year for enhancement have been identified by survey work carried out by the Biodiversity team. The scarification work will involve raking the grass or using a scarifier to expose bare soil and create space for new wildflower seeds to germinate and establish. The benefits of doing this are to reduce grass competition, promote seed germination and encourage increased biodiversity by boosting the diversity of wildflowers.

Not all sites identified can be enhanced this year and further sites that may benefit from this work are hoped to be included next year. Larger sites have been prioritised this year to ensure we have an increased local seed supply to harvest from to help seed more sites in future years and retain the project’s local provenance.

During the 2024 season 297 different wildflower species were recorded across these sites and a total of 5,269 individual wildflowers were logged overall, far outnumbering species found on more regularly mown grassland.

The meadows vary from site to site and usually contain a variety of native grasses and wildflowers. 'Wildflowers at our sites are all native species, and mostly perennial, which means they will come back every year and support the greatest amount of wildlife.' 

Bringing back and maintaining these meadow areas is an important step in helping to reverse the decline and increase local species richness and the Council has committed to capitalising on using its grassland areas for nature recovery, where appropriate.

Wildflowers provide bees and other pollinators with food across the year which supports our own food chain.

Without this habitat support for insects, nature’s pollinators would be less, impacting on our own food chain as these pollinators support the growth of most of our fruit and vegetables.

Meadow soil can also sequester as much carbon as woodlands, reducing greenhouse gases to help tackle climate change.

Cllr Barry Mellor, Lead Member for Environment and Transport and Biodiversity Champion said: “Enriching and enhancing the meadows will help create better connected corridors to support nature to travel and pollinate other sites to help tackle the nature emergency and encourage more nature back into towns for our residents to enjoy.

Historic Summer Success for Nantclwyd y Dre and Ruthin Gaol

The Council’s Heritage Service are celebrating another successful summer at Nantclwyd y Dre and Ruthin Gaol, thanks to an updated visitor experience.

The new activities, which were part funded by the UK Governments SPF fund, have been taking place alongside the heritage attractions’ normal summer opening which has once again seen visitors from near and far making their way to experience these important pieces of local history.

This season has proved particularly popular with families, thanks to a focus in recent years on developing the offering for younger visitors through interactive audio guides, trails and hands-on activities. Indeed, 2025 has seen more would-be Houdini-s in Ruthin Gaol’s ‘Escape the Gaol’ family trail, and time travellers experiencing over 500 years of history hands on at Nantclwyd y Dre than ever before!

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

“This summer is once again showing how valued our historic attractions are, by both the local community and visitors to the area and it has been a pleasure to welcome such a variety of events and activities and to see our historic spaces used in such creative ways.

“We hope to build on the success of recent months and develop our offering of new events and services to promote the sustainability of our attractions, ensuring their history remains alive to be experienced by generations to come”

Nantclwyd y Dre and Ruthin Gaol will remain open to visits by members of the public until the end of September. Please visit our dedicated heritage page to plan a visit, or contact the team via heritage@denbighshire.gov.uk for venue hire enquiries.

Emergency Services Day

Denbighshire County Council has marked Emergency Services day (9 September) by raising a flag in their honour.

The flag was raised at County Hall, Ruthin on Tuesday, 9 September, to recognise and support emergency service personnel and their immense contribution to society by providing a safe and supported environment for us all.

Councillor Arwel Roberts, Chair of Denbighshire County Council, said: “We are most grateful to all our emergency services for the sterling work that they do, often in the most difficult of circumstances.

“The day provides us with an opportunity to thank them for the dedicated service they provide to us all on a daily basis and we at Denbighshire County Council are honoured and delighted to support and celebrate this important event.” 

Designs revealed for Denbigh playground redevelopment

Designs have been revealed for the redevelopment of a play area at Lower Park, Denbigh.

Denbighshire County Council’s Streetscene department is managing the projects after securing grant funding from the Public Recreational Open Space Commuted Sums.

The revamped area will see the installation of accessible and sensory play equipment and is designed to allow children of all abilities play together.

This development also aims to increase and improve accessibility to existing and new play equipment.

Play opportunities will be increased for youngsters by adding tactile, sensory, low-level play, group rocking, social play, competitive play, solo supported spinning, fully supported swinging, social swinging and interactive play.

Work will be carried out by KOMPAN UK who are currently developing play area sites at Rhyl’s Drift Park and Queen’s Market.

A spokeswoman for KOMPAN UK said: “KOMPAN UK worked with the team at Denbighshire County Council to improve the offering at Lower Park Playground, ensuring it has a much higher level of inclusivity and accessibility. The site improvements offer so many new play opportunities for the children in the community and will no doubt develop an increased sense of ownership for the playground with it's added exciting and modern features that we are installing.

“This site is one of many we are working on across Denbighshire, so KOMPAN are very proud to be working within these communities to improve and develop play facilities, bringing new, modern, futureproofed play to the area.

“KOMPAN being the most forward-thinking play product manufacturer, also provides Denbighshire County Council with the full breakdown of recycled materials used to create these play spaces. We collect discarded fishing nets off the coast and use these to create our durable play panels, meaning they are made from >95% recycled materials. We continuously work to reduce our usage of raw materials by replacing them and instead using recycled materials that emit fewer carbon emissions. This aligns with Denbighshire's Climate and Nature strategy.

Neil Jones, street scene area coordinator, said: "We are really pleased to be able to improve this play area to help support local children of all ages when it comes to their health and wellbeing. The design is great, and the new equipment will really make this park come to life for youngsters.

Councillor Barry Mellor, Denbighshire County Council’s lead member for environment and transport, said: "This is a fantastic project to help the wellbeing of all children living around the park and those further afield. I look forward to seeing this completed and open for youngsters to enjoy.

Work on the redevelopment is expected to start mid-September. The park is expected to be closed during the construction phase.

Sign up now for the Denbighshire Tourism Forum 2025

Tourism businesses and organisations are invited to the next Denbighshire Tourism Forum, taking place on Wednesday, 15 October at The Wild Pheasant Hotel, Llangollen (10.30am–1.30pm).

The Forum offers a fantastic opportunity to hear about the latest developments in the sector, connect with like-minded businesses, and share experiences.

This year’s programme includes a range of expert guest speakers:

• Gail Swan, Chair of the Taste North East Wales Food and Drink Group
• Lucy von Weber, Head of Marketing, Visit Wales
• Head of Service for Tourism, Denbighshire County Council

Delegates will also have the chance to browse a variety of information stands from organisations including Coleg Cambria, Development Bank of Wales, Busnes@LlandrilloMenai, Woodland Skills Centre, Clwydian Range and Dee Valley National Landscape, Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod, Llangollen & Corwen Railway and Denbighshire Tourism.

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

“Tourism plays such a vital role in Denbighshire’s economy and culture, and the Forum is a fantastic way for us to come together, share ideas and support one another. Whether you’re a small business, community organisation or part of a larger attraction, I’d encourage you to come along and be part of the conversation.”

Registration opens at 10.00am, with the Forum beginning at 10.30am, followed by a buffet lunch and networking at 1.30pm.

Places are free, but booking is essential. Reserve your spot today: Eventbrite Booking Form.

Prestatyn High Street – Traffic Management Trial

The recent traffic management trial on Prestatyn High Street, which encouraged vehicles to travel down Nant Hall Road to Parc Prestatyn Retail Park has now ended.

Denbighshire County Council would like to thank everyone for their co-operation during the trial period, and to those who stopped to discuss their travelling habits.

Having listened to all the feedback received during the first consultation and the traffic management trial, the Council are now in the process of carrying out further modelling of the flow and direction of traffic, to ensure the delivery of a project that will enhance and regenerate Prestatyn.

This will focus on the lower section of the High Street, Bridge Road and Penisardre Road to determine if the congestion can be alleviated as part of the UK Government funded Prestatyn High Street Improvement Scheme. 

A further public consultation will take place between mid-September and late October to gather feedback about the initial designs, and we also invite people to share their views and concerns about the traffic around the High Street at the same time.

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 recent traffic management trial on Prestatyn High Street.

“As a result of the trail we have received valuable feedback, which will be used as we move forward with further traffic modelling.

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

"We look forward to hearing more from the community during the upcoming public consultation and encourage everyone to share their views”.

Further information about the initial designs and the public consultation will be made available soon.

Nature recovery work delivers new crop of wildflowers

Orchids are seeing a resurgence in Denbighshire thanks to the support of a biodiversity project.

As the 2025 flowering season comes to an end, the Council’s Wildflower Meadows Project has logged a resurgence in one plant species across the county.

Our Wildflower Meadows Project helps and protects local nature and supports community wellbeing across the county. This project is funded by Welsh Government, through the Local Nature Partnerships Cymru ENRaW project.

New orchid plants were discovered by the Biodiversity team during a survey of local meadows in the area to assess how species were faring during this growing season.

At Abergele Road meadow at Bodelwyddan, 17 pyramidal orchids and two common spotted orchids were discovered which are new records for the site. Also, at Rhuddlan’s Abergele Road side, two pyramidal orchids were found which is also a new record for this site.

Other meadows have also seen an increase in the number of orchids growing on site.

The ATS Roundabout in Denbigh saw 18 bee orchids logged, up from nine the year before, Stryd Y Brython in Ruthin recorded two  common spotted ochids , one more than last year and Ruthin’s County Hall site saw two common spotted orchids recorded , also one than more than last year.

Liam Blazey, Senior Biodiversity Officer said: “The team have found this season that orchids are resurging across the county meadows which is a really good sign. These plants offer great support for our local butterflies and moths.

“We’ve seen that pyramidal orchids are now moving inland, having previously only been found on the coastal sites in 2023. This indicates our meadows are working as a great highway for plants, insects and animals to move between these county sites, and in doing so, are helping to increase biodiversity within Denbighshire.”

“What’s a key marker as well is orchids produce seeds which must come in contact with a special type of mycorrhizal fungi that will help the orchid seed germinate and aid it in its early growth. Each orchid tends to have a particular mycorrhizal fungi that it partners with, so unless the soil conditions are right for the fungi, we won’t get the orchids.”

“Logging this resurgence of orchids shows the project is really working now in supporting the recovery of our county meadows and improving the resilience of Denbighshire’s nature.”

Cllr Barry Mellor, Lead Member for Environment and Transport, said: “This is a crucial project for bringing back a habitat that has almost disappeared since the 1930s and this resurgence of orchids shows we are going in the right direction in supporting our local nature that has been impacted by climate change.

“Thanks to the work of our Biodiversity and Streetscene teams on this project, more wildflowers such as these orchids are returning to these meadows and adding diversity and colour for our communities to also enjoy, along with our at-risk pollinators who help put food on our tables.”

Recruitment underway for new Chief Executive

Denbighshire County Council has started the recruitment process for a new Chief Executive.

This is a key position within the Council, responsible for the delivery of quality services for Denbighshire residents and the Council is looking to appoint a purposeful leader who will share its ambitions to continue to be one of the best performing local authorities in Wales.

Candidates are being invited to apply for the role which involves working closely with elected members in preparing, developing and delivering strategic direction as well as implementing, monitoring and reviewing Council policies.

Councillor Jason McLellan, Leader of the Council said:

“As a top performing council in Wales which was praised as ‘well-run’ in its Panel Performance Assessment at the end of 2024, Denbighshire has a strong senior team in place which has an understanding of the financial challenges which currently face us and also a robust strategy in place to deal with these challenges. Our existing staff also have a proven track record in securing additional investment to help improve and regenerate our communities.

“This is an exciting time to be joining Denbighshire with several projects and initiatives on the go which will benefit residents and visitors alike. We’re fortunate to benefit from coastal and rural areas from the resorts of Rhyl and Prestatyn through the historic towns of Rhuddlan, St Asaph, Denbigh and Ruthin, the scenic rolling hills of the Clwydian Range to the picturesque Dee Valley and the towns of Llangollen and Corwen. It’s a county that has something to offer everyone.”

“With an ambitious Corporate Plan for 2022 – 2027, we are now looking for an ambitious and forward-thinking individual to lead the organisation into a successful future and to deliver the priorities that will have a significant impact for our residents and local businesses.”

Candidates must be able to demonstrate an ability to inspire and empower a diverse workforce and have the skills to lead a dynamic, high performing Senior Leadership Team in order to drive the delivery of the Corporate Plan. If you have the commitment and leadership abilities to help steer the modernisation of the Council and drive change and improvements across all of its services and functions, then this is the role for you.

For further information about the role please visit https://www.denbighshire.gov.uk/working-together

Systems improve school heating efficiency

Two schools will have more efficient heating thanks to work over the summer.

Denbighshire County Council’s Energy team continued work during the summer holidays to drive down energy usage and lower long-term costs at Council owned buildings.

The team has managed projects across Council buildings, including schools to improve building energy efficiency and reduce emissions a part of the Council’s drive to reduce its carbon footprint after declaring a Climate and Nature Emergency during 2019.

Both Ysgol Esgob Morgan, St Asaph and Ysgol Christchurch, Rhyl, have new building management systems fitted to help improve onsite efficiency

The systems will help better optimize heating performance through improved monitoring of parameters including temperature and energy use. Thanks to this addition to both sites, the schools will see reduced energy consumption, and long term lower energy use costs.

Cllr Barry Mellor, Lead Member for Environment and Transport, added “We remain committed to reducing our buildings carbon emissions, reducing energy use and lowering long term costs at schools through this work. We are grateful to the Energy Team for their proactive work and also the support from these two schools involved this Summer.

Work to begin on a Pump Track facility in upper Denbigh

A group of young people from upper Denbigh will soon see their vision come to life as work begins this month on a brand-new pump track at Cae Hywel Field.

A pump track is a purpose-built looped circuit designed for bikes, skateboards, scooters, and even wheelchairs. The project is the result of a strong community campaign and a partnership between Grŵp Cynefin’s team at HWB Dinbych, Actif North Wales, Denbighshire County Council, and local residents.

The idea came from a group of young people in upper Denbigh, aged 13–17, who highlighted the lack of local biking facilities. Working closely with Grŵp Cynefin’s team at HWB Dinbych and Denbighshire Youth Services, the group - now known as ‘Bumps and Jumps’ - campaigned for a local track so they and other young people could ride safely without travelling long distances.

A member of the ‘Bumps and Jumps’ group said:

“We’re excited for the future of the project and how the project is currently going as well as being really happy about the pump track being built and being a part of the designing part. We’re excited to see the construction starting soon.”

Members of the 'Bumps and Jumps' Group

Councillor Rhys Thomas, Denbighshire County Council’s Lead Member for Housing and Communities said:

“This is a fantastic example of how listening to the community can lead to exciting new facilities that bring people together.

“The young people who have taken the lead on this project should be very proud of themselves in making this happen and their determination has inspired the whole community.”

A pump track allows riders to use a pumping motion to maintain speed without pedalling, thanks to its series of rollers, banked turns and features that generate momentum through body movements. The track - designed for cycling, skateboarding, scootering, and accessible for wheelchair users - will feature beginner and intermediate sections, offering a safe, purpose-built space for people of all ages and abilities to get active.

Extensive community consultations, many led by the young people themselves, confirmed strong local support for the project. The chosen site is close to the play area and benches, with accessible paths and clear separation from residential properties.

To mark the start of the build, the Bumps and Jumps group will officially ‘break ground’ alongside the contractor on 8 September. A special community event will follow at 5pm the same day, where residents can see the plans, meet the team, and contribute ideas to the final track design, and everyone is welcome to attend. The work is expected to take two to three weeks, weather permitting.

Construction will be carried out by JB Extreme Landscape, and the £58,332 project has been funded through the Open Space Commuted Sum grant scheme, administered by Denbighshire’s Community Resilience Team. Denbighshire Housing will take on responsibility for maintenance and inspections, supported by the Streetscene Team.

The project is a partnership between Grŵp Cynefin’s HWB Dinbych, Actif North Wales, Denbighshire County Council’s Community Resilience Team, Denbighshire Housing, Streetscene, and Youth Services.

Work on new children’s play area begins at Queen’s Market

Construction work on a new children’s play area built on the Queen’s Market site has started this week.

The play area at Queen’s Market will be situated close to the side entrances, adjacent to the Queen Street Car Park, and will take roughly 3 weeks to complete.

After completion, commissioning and testing will commence, before fully opening to the public.

The inclusive play area will include more than 20 play features, and will be able to accommodate over 40 users at any given time. The play area is designed for the ages of 0-10+, and will feature interactive, sensory and tactile play boards also.

Built with the Queen’s Market in mind, the theme of the play area will be food and drink, with a ‘café’ and ‘ice cream’ theme incorporated into some of the play equipment.

Chief Executive of Denbighshire County Council, Graham Boase said:

“This play space is a great example of collaboration, which ensures that there is another great and inclusive place in Rhyl for children to play all year round, this time at the iconic Queen’s Market venue.

We expect the construction to take roughly three weeks to complete, before testing and commissioning can commence. I look forward to seeing another brilliant addition to this location open in the near future.”

A spokesperson for KOMPAN UK said:

“KOMPAN UK worked with Queen's Market to develop a Play Area that perfectly complements the Market function, with a fun and playful twist.

Children are able to use their imaginations and role play skills to act out serving or being a customer at their very own Caffi/Cafe!

This Play Area is designed with children that have all different levels of ability in mind, ensuring that there are play activities that don't all require physical strength, but also the option to develop fine and gross motor skills through climbing, crawling and exploring the play features. Playing here develops cognitive skills too with fun games and creative play boards.

We're super pleased to be able to design and install this Play Area at Queen's Market and look forward to installing more exciting outdoor play and fitness in Rhyl in the coming months! Let's Play!”

Hafan Deg hosts successful Summer Event

Hafan Deg Day Centre in Rhyl recently held its Summer Event, and invited the public along to join in on the summer fun with a whole host of activities for the whole family.

Included in the summer fun was a variety of Children’s Entertainment, a Raffle, a Bingo session, a Bric-a-Brac sale and a visit from Scaly Safari Co, who bought along some scaly friends for visitors to see.

Visitors could also have henna art done, and there was also a kite making session for younger visitors.

Refreshments, including tea, coffee and snacks were also available on the day, as well as baked goods.

Hafan Deg Day Centre offers a wide a range of facilities and is a hub for many of the older people who live in its vicinity. The centre currently operates 3 days per week as a day care centre where a range of activities take place for the people attending.

The centre has received key refurbishment work since it has come back into the Council’s hands in 2023.

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

“Hafan Deg Day Centre is a place which cares for the local community that live nearby, and today was a lovely example of this, with young and old coming along to enjoy the facility, along with some scaly friends too!”

Denbighshire County Council adopts further provisions for Fostering staff

As part of its commitment to staff who decide to become Foster Carers, the Council has recently adopted a Foster Friendly leave policy, offering flexible working arrangements which respond to the needs of Foster Carers who work for the Council.

The policy affirms the Council’s commitment to supporting staff who Foster, and allows an additional 5 days special leave in a 12-month period for those who Foster through the Foster Wales programme.

The additional leave allows Foster Carers who work for the Council to use it for vital periods such as assessment and initial training prior to approval as a Foster Carer and child review meetings, annual Foster Carer review meeting and training.

This leave can also be taken as full or half days.

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

“This change in policy will allow our staff to have more time and space to help with their important roles as Foster Carers.

This policy change is a reflection of our commitment to those amazing staff members who decide to Foster.”

Rhiain Morrlle, Head of Children’s Services said:

“I am delighted that this policy is in place, it demonstrates Denbighshire’s commitment to supporting staff who wish to foster and those staff that already foster for us.

We have many committed and talented staff across the council, we are confident that many would make excellent foster carers and hope that this policy encourages staff to contact the Fostering Team for a discussion.”

This new policy is also one way in which the Council is transforming one of its services to save money in the long term.

By increasing the number of foster carers in the county, it enables the Council to provide better outcomes for young people in a way which is also more cost-effective.

History beneath the classroom in Rhuddlan school

Thanks to a talk led by Heneb Archaeologist, Ian Grant, members of the summer club (Jester’s Fun Club) at Ysgol y Castell in Rhuddlan got to learn about the history which sits right underneath their school grounds.

Pupils, representatives from the Council, Bryn Build and Heneb in front of new work at Ysgol y Castell, Rhuddlan.

Ysgol y Castell is currently undergoing extension works which will see 16 square metres of addition classroom space added to four classrooms, producing a total extension of 64 square metres for pupil use, with updated learning facilities to be added at the same time. As the school sits on a protected site, excavation work must be monitored by an archaeologist, with the most recent work, the excavation of land for the attenuation tank and yard extension, also falling under this requirement.

During the talk, pupils got to learn about Rhuddlan and their school site through the ages, and how the landscape and archaeological finds have helped archaeologists learn more about the behaviour patterns of people from a number of different key ages, including the medieval ages, and even earlier.

Heneb Archaeologist, Ian Grant.

Pupils got to see some of the archaeological finds that have been discovered at the site from a number of different digs (not the most recent excavation works), which included, but is not limited to, bits of medieval pottery, old animal bones and fragments from tools that were discovered.

Pupils attend a talk before visiting the site.

After the talk and the tour of the discoveries found at the school site, the pupils then got to see the progress on the work that is happening at the school by Bryn Build, who are undertaking the work, which included seeing the newly extended school yard and the dug-out space for the attenuation tank.

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

“It was brilliant to attend the talk and the tour at Ysgol y Castell. I learned a lot about the fascinating history of the school site, which dates back much further than I realised.

It was also great to see the progress on the extension work, which will both upgrade and enhance pupils learning and wellbeing, with updated learning facilities to be added at the same time as the extension.”

Councillor Arwel Roberts, School Governor, County Councillor for the Rhuddlan Ward and Chair of the Council said:

“It is so important that pupils learn about the history of their area, and the rich and interesting stories that are right underneath their feet.

Engaging with their local history helps pupils discover more about how and why the area they live and learn in came to be as it is today. The pupils at Ysgol y Castell have the rare opportunity of actually learning about the history that is literally right under their feet, in their school field.”

Councillor Ann Davies, County Councillor for Rhuddlan Ward said:

“At the meeting it was good to see how engaged and well informed the children were.

They were clearly very interested in the archaeological dig and in seeing the artifacts on display.

It is important for the children to know the history and that some of the relics found next to the school in Rhuddlan are up to 9000 years old. I would like to thank Heneb staff for the excellent presentation and all those involved with the archaeological dig.

Having been involved with the school for the last 50 years, I am delighted that the much-needed extension is going ahead.”

The first phase of this project is 65% match funded by the Welsh Government, through its Sustainable Communities for Learning Programme. The remaining 35% of funding has primarily come from a developer’s contribution provided by the Tirionfa housing development in Rhuddlan.

Flood prevention works to take place on A525

Flood prevention works are set to take place on the A525 between Trefnant Lights and the Denbigh ATS roundabout from Tuesday 26 August until Friday September 5.

The purpose of the works is to resolve the recurring issue of flooding on this section of during periods of heavy rainfall, especially during the winter months. 

The first phase of work from 26 – 29 August will see the road will be closed both day and night, diversion routes will be signed accordingly. Following on, the second phase of these works will see temporary two way lights on the section between 29 August and 5 September.

The first phase of the work is taking place during the school holidays to minimise disruption to the school run and businesses. Water levels are also at their lowest more especially due to the continued dry spell which will assist matters on site and help speed up the works to a successful conclusion.

Cllr Barry Mellor, Lead Member for Environment and Transport, said: “Denbighshire County Council apologise for any inconvenience that these essential flood prevention works may cause, and we are grateful for local cooperation and patience during this time to ensure that the works are completed as quickly and efficiently as possible.”

Working Denbighshire helps residents overcome barriers to employment

Working Denbighshire provides tailored support to residents across the county who are facing barriers to employment, including low confidence, anxiety, and limited work experience. Through mentoring, volunteering opportunities, and skills development, the service helps individuals build confidence and move closer to their goals.

One example of this support is Derek, who was referred to Working Denbighshire through the Job Centre a few years ago. At the time, Derek was experiencing low confidence, anxiety, and lacked the skills and experience needed to enter the workforce.

With guidance from the Working Denbighshire team and through a volunteering placement at St Kentigern’s Warehouse, Derek has made significant progress. He’s now actively working towards a career in IT support or administration.

Derek, Working Denbighshire participant said:

“At one point I was extremely shy, with bad anxiety and no confidence.

“I never thought I’d get to where I am now, but with support from Working Denbighshire and through volunteering, I’ve overcome so many barriers.

“I know the younger me would be proud of how far I’ve come.”

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

“Derek’s journey is a brilliant example of the positive impact Working Denbighshire can have on people’s lives.

“It’s about more than just finding a job, it’s about helping people unlock their potential, overcome personal barriers, and feel confident in their future.

“We’re proud to support residents like Derek on their journey towards employment.”

Derek continues to build his skills and experience through volunteering and is determined to secure a full-time role in the near future.

His journey forms part of the Working Denbighshire Complex Disabilities and Mental Health Team’s wider “Work Works” campaign, which highlights the positive impact that working, or taking steps towards work can have on people’s lives. Whether it’s improving wellbeing, gaining confidence, meeting new people, or learning new skills, the campaign shares real stories from across Denbighshire to inspire others.

Working Denbighshire is a free service that helps residents access training, find employment, and build confidence in their job search. Anyone looking for support can get in touch by visiting our website.

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

Working Denbighshire is part funded by UK Government.

Lost habitats are back to breathe life into nature

Nature’s been given a helping hand in Denbighshire for the last six years thanks to a project working to restore lost habitats.

Our Wildflower Meadows Project which started in 2019, aims to restore and increase this habitat in the county as since the 1930s. The UK has lost 97% of its meadow land, with Wales in particular having less than 1% left. This loss has impacted heavily on nature and communities.

The project is also part of our wider Bee Friendly campaign aimed at supporting the recovery of bees and other pollinators across the county

Our meadows are usually left uncut between March and August, except a small border mown around each site, allowing the flowers to set seed, and ensures that the meadow provides the greatest benefit to wildlife.

Cut and collect is carried out at the sites to help to lower the richness of the soil, and create the low-nutrient ground that our native wildflowers and grasses need to thrive.

Grass and wildflower seeds collected from areas around the county have been used to enhance our meadows. Some of the seeds have also been grown on at our tree nursery to produce plug plants. Only using local seeds ensure the plants which then grow are genetically suited to Denbighshire and will be the most beneficial to biodiversity in the area.

Here County Voice takes a look back at some of the project highlights that have benefitted both plant and wildlife across Denbighshire.

During 2021 the Biodiversity team recorded a nationally declining species on the Prestatyn Beach Road West site.

Hound’s tongue (Cynoglossum officinale) and was previously only recorded in Denbighshire 18 times within the last 116 years.

Seeds were taken from the site to the Council’s tree nursery and thanks to the effort of the staff, new plants germinated for planting on other coastal meadow sites to help expand its range in Denbighshire.

In 2021 Bithynian Vetch, a species of flowering plant in the bean family Fabaceae grew on a single project site managed by the Biodiversity team. Since 2019, this was the only place in Wales it was recorded growing in the wild.

During June staff collected a small number of seeds from the Bithynian Vetch. These were taken back to the Council’s tree nursery at St Asaph to be grown on site to help boost the plants dwindling numbers.

An innovative organic method was carried out as well in 2021 to help control the length of grass in a Denbigh meadow.

The site was treated with locally sourced Yellow Rattle seeds. Yellow rattle is a parasitic plant, tapping in to the roots of grasses and other neighbouring plants and stealing their nutrients. This reduces the dominance of grasses within a meadow, allowing more native wildflowers to take hold.

During the 2022 season the Biodiversity team inspected the site and found a reduction in grass length and an increase in wildflowers.  The successful trial meant more food for pollinating insects and their predators

‘Bee Friendly’ really came into its own in 2023 after the Biodiversity team found a new resident at a Ruthin meadow.

A female Tawny mining bee was found resting in a nest on the site. The spring flying bee with dense orange and red hair feed from a variety of flowers which make wildflower meadows the perfect area to locate to.

Tawny mining bees are usually seen from March to June and are common throughout south and central Britain. This showed how designated sites are providing support for local nature to flourish as well by providing plants for pollinators and grass for insect food.

The team also discovered during this season pyramidal orchids at two coastal sites at Prestatyn which was recorded as a first.

And last year a pyramidal orchid was discovered inland at a meadow in Ruthin indicating the network of meadows were really starting to help nature fightback.

This year extra bee orchids were discovered at a meadow in Denbigh which shows the meadows  are working as a combined highway for plants, insects and animals to move across the county, increasing biodiversity as they go.

Orchid produce seeds which are incredibly small (also known as dust seeds). These seeds must come in contact with a special type of mycorrhizal fungi that will help the orchid seed germinate and aid it in its early growth. Each orchid tends to have a particular mycorrhizal fungi that it partners with, so unless the soil conditions are right for the fungi, orchids won’t grow. The resurgence of orchid shows the project in 2025 is heading in the right direction, and the meadows are continuing their journey to recovery.

The school that does Sports Day differently

Nestled up on a hill, sitting just beneath a Medieval castle in Llangollen, Ysgol Dinas Brân’s Sports Day, which this year falls on the last day of term, is a little different than what is traditionally offered.

Arial view of part of the field on Sports Day

An assembly kicks off the day, with a presentation of the year’s achievements displayed on the Sports Hall wall, supported by a soundtrack provided by a pupil-formed band, who impressively cover a number of Oasis’ greatest hits. The presentation also included teacher’s stories of their sporting pasts, signifying the importance of sport throughout school.

Once the presentation is over, the Sports Day (which has also formerly been referred to as ‘The Dinas Brân Olympics’) commences.

Pupil-formed band playing at presentation

Setting up the day is a big task, and starts early in the day, with the Head of Department for P.E., Neil Garvey, and other staff arriving at 6am to prepare.

By 9am, set up in the middle of the school field are a number a 5-a side pitches, a mini golf course with multiple holes, and an inflatable obstacle course. Further along the field sits a massive inflatable dart board for ‘foot darts’ (played with footballs in place of the more traditional darts), a tall climbing wall, and both football and rugby target practice, respectively. Also on offer is a Tug of War contest, canoeing at the nearby canal, Just Dance sessions, and more traditional events such as running races (100m, 400m) and shotput.

Climbing Wall

An Ice Cream Van and a snack stall are the menu of the day with teachers getting to choose the soundtrack to the events. Although an element of competitiveness will always be the case with some events, this day is ultimately set up to have fun and try new experiences.

Once on the field, some pupils rush to get all geared-up to scale the climbing wall, others grasp tightly onto their putters as they traverse the mini-golf section of the field. The variety on offer means that a whole host of hobbies and activities are represented on this Sports Day.

There are no leaderboards, charts or placements for a vast majority of the activities on offer today, as participation is the aim for this sports day, with the idea being that the wide array of activities will help with pupil participation and engagement.

Year groups all take their turn throughout the day taking part in the numerous activities spread across two school fields (and part of Llangollen’s famous Canal) as they run, climb, kick, putt, paddle and jump in the name of a tweaked and different Sports Day, which feels more of a celebration than a competition.

In the afternoon, staff take their turn, with staff sack races set up, where teachers hop head-to-head to reach the finish line first, with pupils cheering them on.

Neil Garvey, Head of Department for P.E. explained:

“Our Sports Day is a little different than your traditional Sports Day. We changed our approach to Sports Day around 12 years ago to try and increase the number of pupils participating in the events.

The previous Head of Department, Helen Davies, set this up, we sat down as a team to come up with ideas to help change the whole idea of a ‘Sports Day’ to get more pupils involved. This was her idea, and is something that we have built on year on year. Each year we have added new events, and partnered up with local businesses in the area to get things such as a big inflatable obstacle course and the climbing wall.

Since we made the tweaks, the number of pupils participating have gone through the roof. You can see on their faces, the pupils really enjoy this approach to Sports Day.”

Jimi, pupil at Ysgol Dinas Brân said:

“I think Dinas Brân’s sports day is actually the best sports day you could ever have! You have all sorts of events like rock climbing and football, anything you’d want to do really.

This year I’ve most enjoyed the climbing wall, as I’d never really done it before and some of the athletics.”

Pupil tries Foot Darts

Maggie, another pupil at Ysgol Dinas Brân said:

“Ysgol Dinas Brân does an excellent Sports Day as it gives a chance to pupils who don’t usually do sports a chance to try new activities.

I’ve really enjoyed the inflatable obstacle course with my friends and the races.”

Mark Hatch, Head Teacher at Ysgol Dinas Brân said:

“The whole purpose of this format is for health and wellbeing, and getting out there. It’s an inclusive day which has everyone trying something new, being active and enjoying themselves.

It’s all about getting the pupils out there, enjoying something different and giving them a whole new set of experiences, and to create a really fun day too.”

Nurture of nature experience brings all-round help for biodiversity

Across Denbighshire’s land and waters, work is ongoing to help nature recovery in the face of the ever-increasing pressures from man-made and climate change impacts.

County Voice sits down with Biodiversity Officer Evie Challinor to find out what has fuelled the steps to the post she holds today to support the nature we have across our county.

Evie spent the first part of her life exploring what Mid Wales outdoors had to offer for a young adventurous spirit.

She said: “Mid Wales is very agricultural; it was a bit different from up here in that way. There are conservation sites there, but not many that were local to me. However, I spent many hours of my early life adventuring, wading in ponds, climbing trees, and following rivers; wherever I could find to explore.”

Pondering her A-Levels, the prospect of taking on an outdoor career inspired by early outdoor adventuring began to form in Evie’s mind.

“I’d always loved Biology and the natural world, especially studying ecosystems and the connectivity of the natural world. I had always been academically minded up until then and the natural progression from here was to pursue Biology in some form, as a career.  

“After a bit of research, I found Zoology and decided that was the course for me. I went to Bangor University where I spent 3 years studying Zoology. It was fantastic having Eryri and Anglesey right on the doorstep for both learning and recreation… it was a brilliant Uni.”

People who love animals often tend to take on Zoology to keep their passion for conservation alight.

Evie explained: “I think it’s quite common when you get there to realise that can’t study animals in isolation. You also need to know your plants and that’s very true of what I am doing now in this role I am in. Plants underpin everything.”

“During my undergraduate, I was fascinated by comparative zoology, the study of animal’s unique adaptions, and with animal behaviour. These led me quite far down the anthropology and evolution route, including looking at how animals and plants are adapted to their surroundings. Slowly that came round to conservation, ending with my decision to stay on and do a Masters in Conservation and Land Management.”

Building up her experience while at Bangor, Evie also spent some time volunteering with the North Wales Wildlife Trust and the Snowdonia Society.

“The Snowdonia Society were quite active in the area and were a really good organisation for a student to get involved with. They provided transport which was a massive help to a student without a car. I went and did a lot of practical habitat management with them as a result.

“I also had friends who were quite heavily involved in the Amphibian Reptile Conservation Trust across that way, so I did some habitat management for them on Anglesey. The other organisation I spent time with was North Wales Wildlife Trust, who I was fortunate to do some water vole survey training with. I really started leaning into the volunteering more towards the end of my Masters.”

Just before graduating with her Masters, Evie secured an all-Wales role with the National Trust.

“It was based on a strategic level; they were trying to bring together the management plans they had for all their different portfolios and begin to make the practical conservation a reality by starting to match up projects up with funding.”

“I was brought into that team to help with the co-ordination. It was a fantastic role to have, especially straight out of university - some really valuable experience.”

Unfortunately for Evie, like many thousands of people, the Covid Pandemic put an end to this part of her career after she took voluntary redundancy due to the huge impact of the time across many organisations in the UK.

However, she soon picked herself back up and joined Cheshire Wildlife Trust, working in the membership department, simultaneously picking up a role as a forest ranger with another company at the time.

Evie’s first steps into Denbighshire came shortly after when she moved into the Clwydian Range & Dee Valley Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty as a ranger down in the Dee Valley.

After a summer in the Dee Valley team, she spent the next nine months at Loggerheads, before moving on to working for the Canal and River Trust.

She explained: “I loved the ranger role in many ways but felt it didn’t give me enough time to dedicate to developing some of the skills that I felt I was missing. The role change to ecological advisor for the Canal and River Trust allowed me to gain some of this experience whilst supporting the restoration of the Montgomery Canal.”

Evie admits after a year with the Canal and River Trust, her ‘dream role’ appeared in the form of the job she holds now.

She said: “I had the practical habitat management experience and plenty of advisory experience, but one of the things I really wanted to get to grips with was the species and habitat surveys, which are a really rewarding part of the sector. 

“I feel like my surveying expertise has come on leaps and bounds by just spending that time out and about. You just feel so good; you come back at the end of the day and you are happy. I feel with the projects we are doing that I’m actually making a difference. I think job satisfaction wise you can’t really get much better than that.”

Highlights working as a Biodiversity officer so far for Evie include finding her first great crested newt on one of the sites she works on, and her first dormouse encounter.

“I’m also loving doing the dormouse surveys. We’ve been doing box checks, bringing all the sites up to scratch… you are just lifting the lids and peaking in, waiting to see if there’s anything there! It’s just a really nice thing to do. Especially when you get the tell-tale signs of occupation by seeing a little nose poke out”.

For the many nature supporters out there, Evie’s advice about following in her footsteps is to start ‘getting out there and volunteering’.

She explained: “That foot in the door also shows that you’ve got a passion. Building those connections with the right people will teach you a lot.”

And her ambitions whilst taking on this role?

“I’m currently working hard to get my first license in the form of a great crested newt licence. Getting my first licence under my belt will be a very big milestone for me, with hopefully more to follow in the future.

“I’m also looking to do a ponds project; I’ve got many aspirations for this one. Creating new ponds and a network of people to share knowledge with across Denbighshire and creating a propagation wing for it.

She added: “So I’m currently out doing lots of surveys, and a little digging around sites, trying to find plants to be able to bring back to the tree nursery to propagate to give us a local seed source. It’s great fun!”

Nature nurtures determination for countryside career

A long-standing love of nature has helped drive one man forward into protecting and nurturing Denbighshire’s local trees and plants.

County Voice sits down with our Tree Nursery Assistant Sam Brown to learn how since an early age, protecting nature has fashioned his outdoor career.

Born at Wrexham Maleor hospital, Sam grew up in Acrefair, a little village halfway between Llangollen and Wrexham.

Early memories include a helping hand from his parents for learning about the importance of the outdoors.

He said: “Mum and Dad brought me up to love nature, we used to go to National Trust properties, RSPB reserves, we have Erddig on the doorstep, Chirk Castle, Ty Mawr Country Park. Basically, they brought me up stomping and walking around in wellies most weekends and outside of school…loving nature was instilled in me at an early age.

“I was a junior ranger at Ty Mawr Country Park with Wrexham Council, they basically ran it as a club, I was eight when I started and around 15 when I finished. They ran it after school, so you would get changed from your school uniform, you would get down there in your wellies for four o’clock and they would run activities for you for an hour.”

Sam honed his countryside skills as a junior ranger by tackling mucking out the animals, to pond dipping to surveying butterflies at the park.

“I really got stuck into it, they instilled quite professional values into us, like how to look after the animals, being friendly chatting to people and training as well, such as a river safety course.”

At school Sam coped with a diagnosis of Dyspraxia while studying but his love for nature helped him through.

He explained: “I liked school, but I didn’t get on with the academics, I was always looking out of the window watching the sparrows and the whitetails and the pigeons outside. I was far more interested in that than the lessons.

“But a few teachers, one of them Miss Mills, my science teacher tapped into that once. When everybody else was doing another science practical she sent me and my friends out to do a bird survey on the school fields. She also ran an after-school gardening club where I got to do all sorts of things.”

Options weighed on Sam’s mind following school after he pondered the choice of a career in Mechanics or Marine Biology which had always been on his mind since a youngster, but the love of nature and the countryside always remained a driving force in the background.

“I was also a bit of a petrol head, really into engineering and cars but I couldn’t do maths very well and that took me off the engineering track because I knew I found it difficult.”

However, nature remained by his side and Sam admits the steps into the career he enjoys today happened quickly.

He explained: “We were just flicking through courses at Coleg Cambria and found a course at Llysfasi College which was Countryside Management and Conservation and Forestry was another option for me as well.”

Sam took part in an open day at the college doing some work and found he loved the activity involved. Joining the Level 2 stage of the course he spent three years at the college working through to achieve Level 3.

“I met some really good people that I'm still in touch with now. Even now sometimes I work with some of them as well. And yes I really, really enjoyed my time at the college. My tutors were really inspiring, really helpful.

One of his tutors was a botanist and helped Sam develop his knowledge of plants and another gave him the skills to work practically out in the countryside.

“When I finished College, I was in two minds as to whether to go to university, I felt I was too young even though most people went at my age… I didn’t feel very ready to move away from home.”

Sam admits he tussled with the idea of going to Aberystwyth University or Liverpool John Moores to study Marine Biology but the continuing call of the nature of the countryside gave him an opportunity that he has never looked back from.

“I ended up going to a job interview for a countryside ranger in the Dee Valley team, I didn’t get that job, but they put me on the relief ranger list. I’d do a day with them here and there, the busy seasons, tree planting, things like that, so I got a good bit of experience with them.

“I know my love was the land, the people on the land and the things on the land. I discovered I loved trees; with my Dyspraxia you do sometimes get fixated with things. I was able to memorise all the native tree species straight away and I got really good at wildflowers as well. From a young age it’s always been there in the back of my head what I really wanted to do.”

Faith is also important to Sam who is a Christian and to him, nature together with his beliefs is a big driver for his commitment and work.

“I’m really passionate about nature…I’m a Christian, I believe God created nature and it deserve respect, the animals…the plants. It’s an amazing resource for our spiritual health, our actual health, we need to recognise that and that the Earth is a precious resource, and I want to look after it.”

Becoming a passionate gardener since leaving college growing plants at home, Sam admits his happy place is in his garden.

Sam also experienced time caring for an under-threat bird at the Little Terns colony at Gronant Dunes as a warden.

“I enjoyed my time with the Little Terns. I loved looking after them, they were lovely animals.”

Following his warden duties, Sam got his current Tree Nursery Assistant role in September 2023 and has been using his skills to boost the county’s local plant and tree population ever since.

“I've been absolutely loving it. Having the opportunity to put all my skills to use here and enjoy making a positive difference to something so close to my heart is so worth it.”

And his tips for anyone wishing to follow in his footsteps?

Sam added: “What you need to do is you just need to volunteer wherever you can. No matter where you are in the country, you're going to have a local Wildlife Trust, you'll have a National Trust property nearby and you'll have a local council countryside service which may do volunteering.

“Also, when you volunteer…its showing a willingness to volunteer. I learnt a lot from volunteering. I'd say more so than any other part of my education. So volunteering is important and of course… just having that determination to keep going.”  

Teachers take on Africa charity trip

Three teachers from Denbighshire recently swapped South Denbighshire for Southern Africa as they embarked on a journey to support children with additional needs in a remote mountain village.

Rachel Costeloe, Tina Hughes, and Kathryn Packer are qualified teachers who work for Denbighshire County Council’s inclusion team and took the 8,000-mile trip from Denbighshire to Lesotho, a landlocked country in Southern Africa earlier this year.

Rachel Costeloe, Tina Hughes, and Kathryn Packer

The three teachers took the trip in their spare time for the ‘One Day’ charity.

As part of a volunteer delegation for charity, the three teachers helped children who are orphaned, some of whom have additional learning needs and require a level of care that is difficult to provide locally without support. During their two weeks, Rachel, Tina, and Kathryn delivered training to a local school and two special schools. They also held an outreach programme for the community, delivering support to those who are vulnerable and those with additional learning needs.

Whilst visiting one of the special schools, they teamed up with the Lesotho Sport and Recreation Commission and provided play and sports activities including some sensory play. 

As Lesotho is twinned with Wales, the team held a cultural day, where the trio held a mini-Eisteddfod which included Dawnsio Gwerin and dancing to Welsh music by the band The Candelas. 

Rachel Costeloe, Additional Learning Needs Advisory Teacher said:

“I truly feel privileged to have been part of this team. I delivered Trauma Training to the teachers in the schools that we visited and to the house parents of the orphans.

I can’t thank my friends and family enough for all the support they have given me.

The whole experience has been life changing and I’m already planning my next trip to Lesotho, and this time I will be taking my daughter with me.”

Tina Hughes, Additional Learning Needs Advisory Teacher said:

“We were fortunate to visit two special schools during our visit, one in Buthe Butha and the other in Leribe.

We worked alongside the Lesotho Sports Academy and some of the international rugby players to promote disability sports sessions.

We also worked alongside teaching staff, delivering training, and sharing techniques on how to develop communication with the use of core boards.”

Kathryn Packer, Behaviour Support Outreach Teacher said:

“I took my knowledge and resources to Lesotho to deliver the 6 Bricks training to the teachers, children, and the house parents.

The games and activities work on memory, motor skills, problem solving, creativity and cognitive flexibility.

It was an amazing experience, a privilege and joy.”

Since returning home, the three colleagues have continued to support the cause from afar, but all three have plans to return to Lesotho in the future, to continue to support the work that is going on there.

Nursery nurtures strong future for local nature

A tree with a history of an old pub tipple of yesteryear and a plant so rare in Wales are elements of Denbighshire’s own nature finding new life thanks to a blossoming site.

Since 2021, roots have been put in the ground for the Council’s local provenance tree nursery at Green Gates Farm, St Asaph.

Dedicated members of the Council’s Biodiversity team alongside committed volunteers have helped produce a number of highlights at the nursery which is producing thousands of tree and wildflowers from locally sourced seeds to go back out to protect and boost county nature.

Here’s some of the successful projects the hands-on team at the site have grown to fruition.

In 2022 Hound’s tongue, a nationally declining species was found on the Prestatyn Beach Road West meadow. It was previously only recorded in Denbighshire 18 times within the last 116 years.

Seeds were taken from the site to the nursery and thanks to the effort of the onsite team, new plants germinated to go out to other coastal meadow sites to expand its range in Denbighshire.

During 2023 work was carried out to protect and support the future of a wise old tree in Denbighshire.

Over 15,000 acorns were gathered by the team and volunteers and planted at the tree nursery.

Oaks have an important impact on biodiversity by giving support to more life forms than any other native trees. Hundreds of insects can be hosted by the tree providing birds a rich source of food. Across autumn, squirrels, badgers and deer will also feed on acorns.

In 2024 the tree nursery turned its attention to a rare shrub in Denbighshire.

Juniper is rare in Denbighshire, known only at a location on Prestatyn hillside. The shrub is also a priority species for protection in the UK after a dramatic decline due to over grazing and loss of suitable grazing areas.

Efforts were made to protect a solitary juniper in Denbighshire in 2008 when the Council worked with Chester Zoo to put in young plants at Prestatyn hillside to encourage the existing juniper to grow.

Members of the Biodiversity Team  visited the site and harvested seeds to be taken back to the tree nursery for growing the shrub as Juniper provides valuable habitat and food for a diverse range of species, including insects, birds, and mammals.

During this year the tree nursery also raised a toast to support a rare historic tree in Denbighshire

The team at the tree nursery provided a boost for the Wild Service Tree. Over 300 out of 500 seeds collected by the team the previous year germinated at the nursery.

The wild service tree is rare across the county and historically known as the chequers tree due to the fruits that are said to taste similar to dates and given to children in the past as sweets.

Fruit from the tree was also traditionally made into a fermented beer like alcoholic drink and it is believed that this beverage influenced the naming of many ‘Chequers’ pubs and inns across the UK.

Projects this year at the nursery included producing over 1,000 elder trees from an actual elder growing on the site through cuttings. Historically, Elder which provided a source for coloured dyes, was also made to make the patterned Harris Tweed.

And a new generation of an under-threat tree is getting ready to help support a rare butterfly.

The nursery nurtured a large crop of wych elms to help the species which is under threat from Dutch elms disease. Many of the mature trees cut down due to its impact, reducing the growth and spread of younger trees.

Over 1,800 wych elm trees have been grown from seeds collected at Loggerheads Country Park last year to help the tree resurge in Denbighshire. They will be eventually planted out at the Green Gates Nature Reserve development next to the tree nursery.

Wych elms are an important larval food-plant of the rare White-Letter Hairstreak Butterfly, which was recorded at Loggerheads some years back but has since remained scarce across Denbighshire.

A tree written into Shakespeare’s musing on love is also enjoying a new chapter in Denbighshire.

Nearly 2,500 crab apple trees are telling a new story in 2025 thanks to the support of the tree nursery.

Crab apples have long had a link with love and marriage throughout history. The apple pips were thrown into fires while saying the name of your true love, if they exploded that love was true. Celts burned the tree wood during festivals and fertility rites.

And William Shakespeare continued the crab apple’s theme of love by mentioning the tree in both A Midsummers Night Dream and Love Labours Lost.

Growing up to 10metres and lasting around 100 years the crab apple leaves provide a source of food for moths including pal tussock, gen pug and the eyed hawk moth.

The tree is a massive source of food love for nature, birds love the fruits and mice, voles and badgers are also known to enjoy feasting on the apples.

A new mural on its way to Rhyl

Artists are putting the final touches to a striking new mural along Rhyl’s coastal defences – a powerful visual tribute to the town’s ongoing regeneration.

Led by artist and facilitator Ffion Pritchard, the project invited creatives from across Denbighshire to contribute to the Ein Rhyl/Our Rhyl campaign.

Supported by Rhyl Neighbourhood Board – an independent collective made up of residents, business owners, politicians, council officers and grassroots organisations - and Balfour Beatty, the mural aims to showcase the heart and heritage of the beloved seaside resort, leaving a lasting legacy for future generations.

“The response has been incredible,” said Ffion, from Bangor.

“We’ve worked with a wide range of amazing community groups and seen just how much creativity and pride exists here.

“From young people to older residents, everyone has had something valuable to share. This project has brought people together in a powerful way, allowing them to express their vision of Rhyl - what it means to them, where it’s been, and where it’s going. It’s been a joy to help guide that process.”

The mural will span up to 60 pre-cast units and be printed on durable materials such as aluminium.

Alongside the main installation, workshops with local schools, youth groups and families have helped shape a vibrant mural trail reflecting Rhyl’s past, present and future.

Craig Sparrow, Chair of Rhyl Neighbourhood Board, added: “We’re incredibly grateful for the dedication and creativity that’s gone into this project. It’s been fantastic to see the community come together, from third sector groups to individual artists, everyone has played a part.

“Projects like this show just how much talent there is in Rhyl, and how art can help tell our story in such a meaningful and lasting way. I’m really looking forward to seeing the completed mural.

“It’s going to be something we can all be proud of and will showcase the very best of Rhyl, both for residents and visitors.”

Participants have included Ysgol Tir Morfa, West Rhyl Young People’s Project, Viva LGBT Youth Cymru, Brighter Futures, Willow Collective, Ysgol Bryn Hedydd, and families through workshops at the town library. The project is on course to be completed in August.

Working on behalf of Denbighshire County Council, Balfour Beatty’s redevelopment of the East Parade included removing the old promenade and sea walls, widening and raising the new promenade for improved pedestrian and cyclist access, and constructing a concrete-stepped revetment to reduce flooding risk — protecting over 600 properties in Central Rhyl.

Highlighting Denbighshire's main towns

Our Tourism Team have been highlighting each of our main towns in their North-East Wales blog.

You can find out more in their blog

Willow weaves growth at nature reserve.

A natural symbol of renewal is helping the growth of a new nature reserve.

Willow trees grown from seed at Denbighshire County Council’s local provenance tree nursery, at St Asaph, have made their way to a new outdoor home.

Over 500 willow trees will be planted in willow pits and around the wetland land areas, at the Green Gates Nature Reserve.

Willows are one of the quickest growing trees and can symbolise renewal, immortality and vitality. The bark was also chewed on in the past by people to help treat fevers.

The tree is best known for its use in making wicker items such as baskets through weaving.

A525 & A547 Cyclic Maintenance Works

Denbighshire County Council will undertake cyclic maintenance works on the A525 Dual Carriageway between the Talardy Roundabout and Bryn Cwybyr roundabout and on the A547 Abergele Road on the dates provided below. The works will be carried out between 7pm and 6am and take 3 evenings/nights to complete. The works shall comprise of grass cutting, Strimming, litter picking and sweeping.

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

• Monday & Tuesday 15^th and 16^th September - Road Closure – A525 Talardy - KFC
• Wednesday & Thursday 17^th and 18^th September - A525 Rhuddlan Bypass
• Monday 22^nd September -A547 –Abergele Road - Borth Roundabout to Area Boundary

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

Denbighshire County Council apologise for any inconvenience that this may cause and would be grateful for your cooperation and patience during this time.

Merchant Navy Day

Denbighshire County Council pays tribute to those who have served in the merchant navy on Merchant Navy Day.

Celebrated annually on September 3, Merchant Navy Day honours the sacrifices of past and present seafarers.

In commemoration, the Red Ensign flag will fly outside of County Hall to mark the occasion.

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: https://www.denbighshire.gov.uk/en/childcare-and-parenting/families-first-and-flying-start/flying-start.aspx

Fancy learning something new?

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!

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/  

Help shape Rhyl’s future

Big changes are coming to Rhyl, with £20 million of regeneration funding set to be invested over the next 10 years.

The Rhyl Neighbourhood Board has been set up to lead this exciting work, bringing together local residents, businesses, visitors, voluntary groups and community voices to shape a bold new vision for the town.

They would be grateful to receive your views.

Click on the link to complete a short survey >>> https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/ourRhyl

You can find out more about the work of the Rhyl Neighbourhood Board and read their latest news on the Council's website.

Road maintenance update for September

Our Highways department undertake maintenance schemes across the county.

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

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

September’s strategic Highways work is listed below:

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

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

The Young Ranger programme

This summer, the Clwydian Range and Dee Valley ranger team has expanded the Young Ranger programme to include a Youth+ group for young adults aged 18-25.

This new group of Youth + Rangers will be trained to help the ranger team carry out surveys around the Clwydian Range and Dee Valley. Volunteer sessions will include 4 training sessions a year, learning specialist skills to carry out ecological surveys. Participants will then be encouraged to carry out independent surveys throughout the year to feed back data to the ranger team.

Anyone interested in joining in should contact Imogen Hammond at imogen.hammond@denbighshire.gov.uk.

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.

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 1.8% 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 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

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.

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.

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 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.

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.

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

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

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 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 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

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 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

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 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 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

Major road maintenance programme

Denbighshire County Council has announced which road areas will benefit from a major Welsh Government funded road maintenance programme. More here

Planning Enforcement in Llandegla

Denbighshire County Council recently undertook work in connection to a planning enforcement notice in the County.

For more information on the Council’s planning procedures visit our website

Dogs on Lead Campaign

We're asking dog owners to be mindful of keeping their dogs on a lead while walking through the countryside. Watch the video below to hear from a local farmer on the work they've been undertaking to keep their livestock safe.

Tourism Forum

Tourism businesses and organisations are invited to the next Denbighshire Tourism Forum, taking place on Wednesday, 15 October at The Wild Pheasant Hotel, Llangollen (10.30am–1.30pm).

The Forum offers a fantastic opportunity to hear about the latest developments in the sector, connect with like-minded businesses, and share experiences.

This year’s programme includes a range of expert guest speakers:

• Gail Swan, Chair of the Taste North East Wales Food and Drink Group
• Lucy von Weber, Head of Marketing, Visit Wales
• Head of Service for Tourism, Denbighshire County Council

Delegates will also have the chance to browse a variety of information stands from organisations including Coleg Cambria, Development Bank of Wales, Busnes@LlandrilloMenai, Woodland Skills Centre, Clwydian Range and Dee Valley National Landscape, Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod, Llangollen & Corwen Railway and Denbighshire Tourism.

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

“Tourism plays such a vital role in Denbighshire’s economy and culture, and the Forum is a fantastic way for us to come together, share ideas and support one another. Whether you’re a small business, community organisation or part of a larger attraction, I’d encourage you to come along and be part of the conversation.”

Registration opens at 10.00am, with the Forum beginning at 10.30am, followed by a buffet lunch and networking at 1.30pm.

Places are free, but booking is essential. Reserve your spot today: Eventbrite Booking Form.

What’s On in Prestatyn

(Prestatyn High Street)

Prestatyn High Street Initial Concept Design Public Consultation

To hear people’s views of what they would like to see in the central area of the High Street as part of this scheme, a public consultation will be held between 15 September – 31 October 2025.

For more information and to see the designs visit our website.

The consultation will be available from Monday 15 September at: www.denbighshire.gov.uk/consultations

Designs will also be on display at Prestatyn Library from Monday 15 September for the duration of the consultation and paper copies of the consultation can be collected and submitted there too.

Feedback received during the consultation will be shared with the public later in the year and will help inform the final design.

Information Event

If you have any questions after seeing the designs, please come along to the drop-in session to speak to the Project Team which will be held on Thursday 18 September 2025.

The event will be held at Scala cinema, Prestatyn between 1pm – 7pm.

For more information and to see the designs visit our website.

Information about the Prestatyn Nature Park project will also be available on the day.

Free training and workshops this September

Working Denbighshire is running a series of free workshops and training sessions this September to support people with skills, wellbeing, and employment. Open to anyone living in Denbighshire — whether in or out of work — these sessions are a great way to build confidence, learn something new, and explore opportunities.

Here’s what’s coming up:

• Rebuild & Bloom with LEGO:  12.30pm 16 September, 23 September, 30 September at Rhyl Library
• Barista Training:  9.30am Wednesday, 17 September at Ffordd Las Community Centre
• Intro to Warehouse Operative: 10am Wednesday, 17 September at Rhyl Library
• Wellbeing Wednesday - Create & Calm: 10.30am Wednesday, 17 September at Pengwern Community Hub
• Sweet Bakes & Pizza Lunch: 11am Thursday, 18 September at Use Your Loaf
• Forest School Opportunity: 9.45am Friday, 19 September at Rhyl Library
• Paediatric First Aid: 9.30am Monday, 22 September at HWB Dinbych
• She Connects - Create & Calm: 11am Wednesday, 24 September at North Wales Women’s Centre, Rhyl
• Men Moving Forward - Chat & Connect: 1pm Wednesday, 24 September at Rhyl Library
• Level 2 Food Safety: 9.30am Monday, 29 September at Rhyl Library

The sessions are all available to book via the Working Denbighshire Eventbrite page: www.eventbrite.com/o/working-denbighshire-79434827543

If you know someone who might benefit, or want to find out more, please get in touch with the Working Denbighshire team.

Rebuild and Bloom: Free Lego wellbeing sessions

Working Denbighshire is inviting adults (aged 16+) to take part in a unique series of creative wellbeing sessions this autumn, where Lego isn’t just for kids.

“Rebuild and Bloom” is a four-week programme of free sessions running every Tuesday afternoon from 12:30 to 2:30pm, starting 16 September until 7 October 2025. The sessions will be delivered at Rhyl Library.

The sessions aim to boost wellbeing, confidence and personal development through the simple but powerful joy of building with Lego.

The sessions will be led by Floss Barrett, a LEGO flower artist whose personal journey of recovery inspired the programme. Floss began building with LEGO following a knife attack that left her with severe injuries to both hands. As part of her physical recovery, she started using LEGO to rebuild strength and mobility in her fingers, but soon discovered it also became a vital tool in rebuilding her wellbeing.

Floss is a passionate volunteer who specialises in Botanical LEGO Flowers and is eager to introduce others to the calm, creativity, and joy this unique hobby can bring.

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

“Supporting people to feel better, believe in themselves and explore new opportunities is at the heart of everything we do. Rebuild and Bloom is a brilliant example of how creativity and connection can inspire people to move forward.”

The initiative is being delivered by Barod, Working Denbighshire and Floss, and supports people to improve their wellbeing, gain confidence, and take steps toward employment or training.

Floss Barrett, Working Denbighshire volunteer said:

“When I was at my lowest, LEGO gave me a place to escape. It became my safe haven, a world where I could just be me. I want others to feel that same calm, focus and creativity. LEGO helped me heal and I truly believe it can help others too.”

The sessions will be relaxed, inclusive, and open to all adults, whether you’re looking to improve your wellbeing, rebuild confidence, or just try something new. No experience is needed, and both Floss and the Working Denbighshire team will be on hand to support attendees throughout.

You can attend just one session or all four, but availability is limited so booking a place is essential. To book your place visit our website.

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

Working Denbighshire is part funded by UK Government.

Chairman's Charity Concert at St Asaph Cathedral

Councillor Arwel Roberts, Chairman of the Council invites you to his charity concert in the company of two renowned local choirs: Meibion Marchan and Côr Rhuthun.

Concert details:

      📅 Friday, 21 November

      🕢 7.30pm

      📍 St Asaph Cathedral

Tickets for the concert are £12 and are available from:

• Siop Elfair: Rhuthun/Ruthin (01824 702575)
• Siop Clwyd: Dinbych/Denbigh (01745 813431)
• WISH: Rhuddlan (01745 591264)
• Tudor House: Prestatyn (01745 859528)
• Eleri Woolford: 01824 706196 (eleri.woolford@sirddinbych.gov.uk)

All proceeds from the concert will go the Chairman’s chosen charities namely St Kentigern Hospice and Urdd Gobaith Cymru.