Soft plastics trial to begin in parts of Denbighshire

A 12-week soft plastics collection trial will begin on Monday 14 September 2026 to find the best way to collect and recycle your plastic bags and wrapping. This is in preparation for forthcoming Welsh Government changes to recycling requirements.

We’ve invited around 4,500 homes to take part in the trial. The residents we’ve invited live in a mix of housing types and areas so that we’re able to get a good and fair understanding of how different homes will use the service.

The areas include homes in Denbigh, Prestatyn, Rhyl, Rhuddlan, Corwen, Llangollen and Efenechtyd.

If your home has been selected to take part in the trial, we’ll deliver a leaflet to your home explaining how it works between Monday 7th September 2026 and Friday 11th September.

The last collection in this trial is on Friday 4 December 2026.

Options regarding collecting future soft plastics will be considered once the trial has been reviewed, and any future changes will be communicated to residents at the appropriate time.

Denbighshire County Council’s Leader and Cabinet step down

Leader of the council Councillor Jason McLellan and his fellow cabinet members have resigned from Cabinet with immediate effect.

Councillor McLellan, who represents the Prestatyn North ward, was elected leader in May 2022. Announcing his resignation, Councillor McLellan said "This has been a very difficult decision for me as leading Denbighshire County Council has been a huge privilege and an honour over the past four years -  often in the face of tremendous challenges.

“Despite these pressures, I’m very proud of our efforts to ensure that essential services were delivered to the most vulnerable in our societies, especially in education and social care. I will continue to work in my ward to support the residents of Prestatyn.”

Each former cabinet member will continue to serve as a county councillor for their respective wards.

A new leader of the council will now be elected in the full council meeting to be held on Tuesday, 8 September. Following their election, the new leader will be entitled to appoint members to the cabinet.

While political arrangements can change, officers will continue to work to deliver services to the people of Denbighshire. The council’s governance processes allow for the continuation of business as usual until such time as a new cabinet is formed.

MP Becky Gittins visits VIBE Station to see impact of employment and community support

Working Denbighshire welcomed Clwyd East MP Becky Gittins to their integrated wellbeing and employability space at The VIBE Station in Rhyl.  Ms Gittins was keen to meet the teams helping local residents overcome barriers, build confidence and take positive steps towards employment, learning new skills and greater independence.

During her visit to the service, Ms Gittins met with staff from across Working Denbighshire to learn more about the wide range of support available to economically inactive residents facing challenges such as homelessness, low confidence and motivation and skills gaps. The visit provided an opportunity to showcase the positive impact Working Denbighshire is having across communities throughout the county, helping hundreds of people each year access personalised support tailored to their individual circumstances and goals.

Team members shared examples of how early intervention, engagement activities, training opportunities and employability support are helping residents overcome barriers and move forward with confidence. Discussions highlighted the importance of providing support at the earliest opportunity, ensuring individuals can access the right help before challenges become more complex.

During the visit, Ms Gittins heard from staff across a range of services, including early intervention with our partners in health, training, employability, housing support, homelessness, mentoring and employment initiatives. Team members shared how their work is helping residents overcome barriers, build confidence, develop new skills and progress towards sustainable employment.

The visit allowed Working Denbighshire to demonstrate how a person-centred approach can help residents address multiple barriers at once, creating pathways towards employment, improved wellbeing and long-term stability.

Becky Gittins, Member of Parliament for Clwyd East said:

"It was fantastic to visit Working Denbighshire and meet the dedicated staff supporting residents across the county. The VIBE Station is a great example of an inclusive space that can support people into long term and sustainable working. Hearing about the challenges people face, and the practical support being provided to help them overcome those barriers, was incredibly valuable. The commitment and passion shown by the team is making a real difference to people's lives."

Melanie Evans, Service Manager, Strategic Employment for Working Denbighshire, said:

"Behind every service we deliver is a person with their own story, challenges and aspirations. We were proud to show Becky the breadth of support available through Working Denbighshire and the genuine impact it is having on people's lives. Whether it's helping someone overcome barriers to employment, supporting those facing housing difficulties, or creating opportunities for young people to thrive, our focus is always on building confidence, independence and hope. The visit was a fantastic opportunity to share not only the challenges facing our communities, but also the inspiring stories of resilience and progress that happen every day. We are incredibly optimistic about the future and the opportunities we can continue to create for local residents."

The visit reinforced the importance of early intervention, tailored support and strong partnership working in helping residents improve their circumstances, achieve sustainable outcomes so that they can feel good and live better.

As Working Denbighshire continues to support communities across the county through the multi-agency services delivered at The VIBE Station and beyond, opportunities to showcase the experiences of residents and the dedication of frontline teams remain vital in raising awareness of the difference local services can make.

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

Project aims to restore woodland and hedgerows at Denbighshire farm

The Ffermio Bro project has tackled invasive species and restored vital hedgerow connections between ancient woodlands at a Denbighshire farm.

Launched in April 2025, the Welsh Government programme supports farming projects that aims to make improvements to nature and the environment across Wales’s National Landscapes and National Parks.

Each National Landscape team are responsible for setting local priorities for the scheme that reflects local needs and have specialist advisors who work with farmers and landowners to support them through the application process.

One Denbighshire farm recently received funding from the Ffermio Bro project to carry out a large-scale programme of woodland restoration and hedgerow revitalisation which look to improve habitat connectivity, tackle invasive species, and bring the farm’s ancient woodlands back into better ecological health.

Before any woodland management could begin, 1,200 metres of new fencing was installed to exclude the livestock from the woodland areas entirely, which was a step the project team regarded as fundamental to the success of the whole scheme.

The woodland works at Llangwyfan Farm focused on restoring species balance within the farm’s ancient woodlands by removing diseased trees and thinning dominant species, such as sycamore, rhododendron and cherry laurel to allow native flora and fauna to thrive.

Alongside the restoration of the ancient woodlands, the funding from the Ffermio Bro programme allowed for 240 meters of hedgerow to be fully restored to create wildlife corridors linking the farms woodland areas.

Julia Hughes, Llangwyfan Farm said:

“We applied with proposed works for consideration and were delighted that some of our proposals were successful in being awarded project funding. The guidance of the Ffermio Bro team in providing us with detailed guidance, technical and practical advice both prior to and during the work was invaluable and an intrinsic part of the whole project.”

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

“This project is a great example of collaborative working to improve the county’s biodiversity which contributes to the council’s corporate plan.

“Whilst the project has achieved a lot already, it has the potential to benefit the landscape on a wider ecological scale”.

Nature recovery project shortlisted for Welsh Local Government Award

Denbighshire County Council’s Wildflower Meadows Project has been shortlisted in the Leading Innovation category at the Welsh Local Government Association Awards 2026.

The awards, which mark 30 years of Welsh local government, celebrate the work, talent and innovation delivered by councils and their teams across Wales. The winners will be announced on 17 September 2026.

The Leading Innovation category recognises teams and projects that have solved a local problem in a forward-thinking way, using new approaches, creativity or different ways of working to deliver effective and sustainable services for local communities.

Established in 2019, the Wildflower Meadows Project now includes nearly 70 acres of native wildflower habitat across the county, supporting local nature, improving biodiversity and contributing to community wellbeing.

The Council’s Biodiversity team works closely with Streetscene teams, including specialist Streetscene Nature Recovery Operatives, to create, maintain and enhance meadow habitats. This includes cutting and collecting grass to reduce nutrients, encourage wildflower growth and support a wider range of species.

The project also uses a local provenance approach, collecting seed from meadows across Denbighshire before growing plants at the Council’s Tree Nursery in St Asaph and returning them to local sites.

The work has been supported by Welsh Government funding through the Local Places for Nature funding.

The winners will be announced at the WLGA Annual Conference at the Brangwyn Hall, Swansea, on 17 September.

Committee to hear update on waste and recycling container charge review

Denbighshire County Council’s Community Scrutiny Committee is set to discuss a review of Waste and Recycling Container charges.

The committee will be presented with a paper at the meeting on September 3 outlining a number of options for consideration and feedback following a notice of motion raised in May this year at Full Council.

Charging for waste containers in Denbighshire has been in place since 2019.The current policy of charging for waste and recycling containers was agreed in September 2023 prior to the formal roll out of the new waste model in June 2024.  This was reviewed in late 2025 which led to an approved Lead Member Delegated Decision for the relaxation of the charging policy to allow for those in receipt of School Essentials Grant or Pension Credits to receive one recycling container replacement free of charge per calendar year.

In May, councillors asked for a review of the current arrangements regarding the provision of waste and recycling containers and to give options for alternative methods of providing these items.

A full review of the arrangements and subsequent financial costs regarding different options ranging from improving the current system to introducing universal free provision has now taken place, and further details on this can be found in the papers for the Community Scrutiny Committee online here. 

Members of the committee will discuss and make recommendations on a proposed policy revision which includes

• Implementing a free customer exchange process at our HWRCs for blue bags and food caddies only
• Retaining charges for all items if customers require items to be delivered to their door
• Expand the free single item per year for any recycling container to those on the Council Tax Reduction Scheme (CTRS). For clarity the trolibox component black boxes are each considered a single item.

Following recommendations from the Community Scrutiny Committee, the Council’s Cabinet will make the final decision on any options in regards to the container charges.

A second paper will also be presented to the Scrutiny Committee for discussion in regards to the performance of the Waste and Recycling Service which can also be found online.

Tourism Forum to support local businesses in Denbighshire

Denbighshire County Council is inviting local tourism businesses to attend its next Tourism Forum, taking place at The Beaches Hotel, Prestatyn, on Wednesday 21 October 2026 from 10am.

The event will bring together tourism businesses, community groups and sector partners from across the county for a morning of updates, discussion and networking.

Attendees will have the opportunity to hear from a range of speakers on topics relevant to the visitor economy, Sheila Gilmore the Chief Executive of VisitArran & The Arran Trust will be presenting on managing popular visitor destinations, Fiona Argyle with be presenting on developments and opportunities linked to the Offa’s Dyke Path and Claire Roberts from the Welsh Revenue Authority will be explaining the need for visitor accommodation registration.

The Forum will also include time for refreshments and networking, giving businesses the chance to meet other local operators, share ideas and discuss opportunities to work together to strengthen Denbighshire’s tourism offer.

Councillor Alan James, Lead Member for Tourism, said: “Tourism is an important part of Denbighshire’s local economy, and our Tourism Forum is a valuable opportunity for businesses to come together, hear useful updates and make new connections. We would encourage local businesses with an interest in the visitor economy to attend.”

Places can be booked by clicking here on the Eventbrite link.

Refurbishment scheme update for county public toilets

Denbighshire County Council is providing residents with the latest update on the public toilet refurbishment scheme.

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

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

The Council recognises the importance of public toilets, however they are a non-statutory service, and local authorities have no legal obligation to provide them.

Despite this, work took place with city, town and community councils on a sustainable model to fund and protect as many county facilities as possible. This model includes direct financial contributions from the city, town and community councils.

To help the city town and community councils and Denbighshire County Council to keep the toilets open there will be an entry charge to access these sites.

Part of this work includes refurbishing some of the facilities that were saved due to the collaborative process. The refurbishments have been funded by PiPif funding – Pride in place impact fund.

The latest public toilets to reopen following refurbishment is Prestayn’s Barkby Beach and Llangollen Riverside.

Refurbishment for remaining sites in the scheme is listed below:

• Princes St PC, Rhuddlan closed – Due to reopen c/w 7^th Sept
• Rhyl Town Hall PC,  Due to reopen c/w 5^th Oct
• Nant Hall Rd PC, Prestatyn due to close 5^th October – reopen c/w 2^nd Nov
• St Asaph PC, due to close 2^nd Nov – reopen c/w 30th Nov
• Market St PC, Llangollen due to close 4^th Jan – reopen c/w 1^st Feb
• Coronation Gardens PC due to close 16th Nov – reopen c/w 14th Dec

Please note dates of completion can be subject to change due to the weather or other external factors.

Current work at Cae Ddôl, Ruthin, funded by the Local Regeneration Fund (LRF), also include the refurbishment of the public toilets, which will be transferred to Ruthin Town Council upon completion. While the works are in progress, a temporary facility has been placed at the park and is available for public use, free of charge.

Councillor Barry Mellor, Lead Member for Environment and Transport, said, “Thanks to the positive energy and close collaboration with city, town and community councils, we have been able to keep most of these public facilities open. This refurbishment programme will significantly improve the facilities for residents and visitors across the county.”

“I would also like to thank everyone for their support and patience while this refurbishment work is carried out.”

Further information regarding current public toilet facilities and entry charges in Denbighshire is available here

Work takes place to tackle fly-tipping at Rhyl church

Denbighshire County Council’s Streetscene and Environmental Crime and Behaviour Change Team recently attended St Thomas’ Church in Rhyl to help clear fly-tipped waste and tidy the grounds, working alongside Brighter Futures and North Wales Police local PCSOs.

All teams worked together to remove the waste and improve the appearance of this important community space, which has significant cultural and historical importance to Rhyl.

The Council is committed to working with communities and partners to tackle environmental issues and help keep Denbighshire’s towns and public spaces clean, safe and welcoming.

As part of the work, residents in the area were also given advice about the impact of fly-tipping, how they can help prevent it and how to report any incidents they witness. Community engagement is an important part of the Council’s approach to tackling environmental crime, helping residents understand how they can play a role in keeping their local area clean and reporting issues when they occur.

The Council’s Environmental Crime and Behaviour Change Team would like to remind residents that fly-tipping is an offence and can have a real impact on our communities. It can spoil local areas, harm the environment, attract vermin and costs money to investigate and clear.

If you see fly-tipping or have information that could help identify those responsible, please report it to Denbighshire County Council via the Denbighshire County Council website or by contacting the Council's Customer Services team on 01824 706000. Your information could help us take action and prevent further fly-tipping in our communities.

A big thank you to everyone involved in helping to improve the grounds of St Thomas’ Church and protect this important community space.

Improvement work completed at Llangollen Cemetery

Infrastructure improvements have been completed at Llangollen Cemetery.

Denbighshire County Council’s Streetscene secured UK Government Shared Prosperity Funding alongside capital funding to carry out infrastructure improvement work at the site.

The work was carried out to address vehicular access to the cemetery which was only possible by traffic driving through the adjacent housing estate, which was narrow and difficult to navigate.

Following completion, a new vehicular access has been created at the bottom of the site which will be accessed via Vicarage Road.

This improvement provides easier access for visitors and will enable funeral directors to access the site without disturbing neighbouring residents as well as providing onsite parking at the cemetery.

In addition to this, adjoining land located to the south of the site, which has in recent years been used for grazing was earmarked for future burial provision when required.

Work here has supported the development of the infrastructure on this plot of land for increased burial provision. Minor landscaping has also been completed including tree planting in some areas around the car park to enhance the appearance of the site along with improvements to aid biodiversity such as installation of bat and bird boxes.

Cllr Barry Mellor, Lead Member for Environment and Transport, said: “The completion of this  project has vastly improved the infrastructure at Llangollen Cemetery which will help to provide a more dignified and respectful service to local families going forward.”

Working Denbighshire’s September Jobs Fair brings new opportunities for residents

Denbighshire residents looking for work, a fresh start, or a new direction in their careers are invited to attend the Working Denbighshire Jobs Fair at Queen's Market, Rhyl, on Wednesday 30 September from 10am to 2pm.

Delivered in partnership with Jobcentre Plus, the free event will bring together a wide range of employers from across North Wales who are actively recruiting for vacancies in sectors including health and social care, hospitality, retail, manufacturing, public services, logistics and many more.

The Jobs Fair has become a key event in Denbighshire's employment calendar, helping hundreds of residents connect directly with employers while accessing the wider support available through Working Denbighshire.

More than just a recruitment event, the Jobs Fair provides an opportunity for attendees to speak with the Working Denbighshire team, who offer personalised guidance and support.  Residents are encouraged to talk to a member of the team on the day to explore the opportunities available to them.  The team can help Denbighshire residents access training funds, build confidence, overcome barriers to employment, and gain the support they need to move closer to securing a job.  By taking the time to understand each individual's skills, interests and aspirations, the team can also introduce them to employers and opportunities that match what they are looking for, helping to build confidence and remove the fear of taking that next step into employment.

Over the years, Working Denbighshire's Jobs Fairs have welcomed thousands of visitors and supported hundreds of people to engage with employment services, with many attendees going on to secure jobs, training opportunities, qualifications and long-term support through the programme.

Whether someone is searching for their first job, returning to work after a break, considering a career change, looking for training opportunities, work experience or simply exploring what's possible, the event aims to open doors and create opportunities for people at every stage of their employment journey.

Melanie Evans, Service Manager, Strategic Employment, said:

"We know that finding employment isn't always straightforward, and for some people the hardest part is knowing where to start. That's why Working Denbighshire is proud to organise this Jobs Fair. Time and again, we've seen the difference these events can make, with residents securing jobs, accessing training opportunities, gaining qualifications and, in some cases, transforming their lives. By taking the time to understand each person's individual circumstances, skills and aspirations, the team can help residents identify opportunities that match what they are looking for, introduce them to employers and provide the support needed to build confidence and take that important next step towards employment."

The event is free to attend and open to everyone, including jobseekers, young people considering their future careers, those looking to return to work, and anyone seeking training, skills development or employment support.

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.

Property section projects support communities across Denbighshire

Over the past 12 months, Denbighshire County Council’s Property section has continued to play a vital role in supporting services, communities and residents across the county.

From delivering improvement works and maintaining public buildings to supporting major projects and ensuring council assets are safe, efficient and fit for purpose, the teams within the section have been involved in a wide range of important work.

County Voice looks back at some of the key projects completed during the year, highlighting the dedication, expertise and collaboration of the different teams that help manage and improve Denbighshire’s property estate.

Since last year the Building Maintenance team has supported major improvement works at Ysgol Dewi Sant in Rhyl, helping to modernise and transform the school’s hall wing.

This project included roof reconstruction, improved insulation, replacement high-performance double-glazed windows, upgraded access arrangements and the modernisation of the foyer and entrance area, including the addition of a lift to improve accessibility.

The works helped improve energy efficiency, reduced the school’s carbon footprint and created a safer, more accessible and modern space for pupils, staff and the wider community.

They also responded to storm damage at SC2 Waterpark making the building safe before managing the replacement of the compromised waterpark roof.

With the original supplier no longer trading, a new roof was specially designed and independently checked using site-specific wind load modelling.

The project required a bespoke scaffolding solution because nearby flood defence works prevented traditional access, while wind speeds were monitored daily to keep operatives safe.

Purpose-made curved roof sheets, some more than 24 metres long, were transported to site under abnormal load permits. Maintenance colleagues coordinated the complex project with the tenant, insurers, consultants, engineers, surveyors, loss adjusters and Council teams managing the sea defence works.

The project was managed by maintenance, liaising with our Tenant, specialist consultants, engineers, insurers, forensic surveyors and loss adjusters, as well as Council colleagues including those managing the sea defence works.

Over the last 12 months the Design and Construction team has delivered and supported a wide range of high-profile projects across the county, helping to improve housing, education provision, accessibility and regeneration.

Key achievements include the completion of 22 new energy-efficient council homes at Llwyn Eirin in Denbigh, built to Passivhaus standard and fitted with solar panels and ground-source heat pumps to help reduce household energy costs and carbon emissions.

The team also designed and progressed the first hydrotherapy pool of its kind in Denbighshire at Ysgol Tir Morfa in Rhyl, supporting pupils’ physical development and wellbeing through a specialist new facility within the school grounds.

Alongside this, the team has supported the next phase of works at the Former North Wales Hospital site in Denbigh, with remediation and demolition works helping to unlock future regeneration of the 53-acre site for housing, commercial space and green community areas.

The section’s work has also been recognised through award-winning housing schemes, including Llys Elizabeth in Rhyl, which won Best Small Social Housing Development at the LABC Awards for Wales for its high-quality, energy-efficient homes for residents aged 55 and over.

Since last summer the Energy Team has continued to lead projects that improve energy efficiency, reduce running costs and lower carbon emissions across Council buildings and services.

At Cysgod y Gaer care home in Corwen, the team installed a 40kWh battery energy storage system alongside a 21.36kWp solar array, building on previous work to add PV panels, LED lighting and heating system improvements.

This combined work has helped reduce gas and electric consumption significantly, cut carbon emissions and supports the charging of two electric vehicles operating from the site to provide health and social care services in the local community.

The team has also delivered an innovative battery storage project at the Denbigh Waste and Recycling station, installing 600kWh of battery capacity to make better use of solar energy generated on site and support electric waste and recycling vehicles.

Early results show grid energy use at the site has fallen by more than half, with the system expected to save more than 76,000kWh a year, reduce costs by around £16,000 and cut carbon emissions by approximately 22 tonnes annually.

A further example of this collaborative approach can be seen at St Brigid’s School, where teams worked together during the second half of 2025 to improve the efficiency and performance of the site’s main building.

The project brought together support from the Climate and Nature programme, Building Maintenance and the Energy Team to deliver a package of heating, controls, lighting and insulation improvements.

Works included the removal of old inefficient oil-fired boilers and their replacement with modern LPG-fired boilers across the two main plant rooms, with five boilers replaced in total and the old oil tank removed.

Modern building management controls were also installed, creating five separate zones for the main building and helping the site operate more efficiently.

In addition, more than 140 LED light fittings were installed, which are expected to save around 24,260kWh of electricity and approximately £5,579 each year.

Around 240 square metres of 300mm insulation was also added, further supporting the Council’s wider work to reduce energy use, cut emissions and improve the long-term sustainability of its buildings.

Councillor Julie Matthews, Deputy Leader and Lead Member for Corporate Strategy, Policy, Equalities and Strategic Assets, said:  “The work carried out by our Property teams over the last 12 months shows the important role they play in supporting residents, communities and Council services across Denbighshire. From improving schools and care settings to delivering energy-efficient homes, reducing carbon emissions and supporting major regeneration projects, their work has a direct and lasting impact on people’s everyday lives.

“I would like to thank all the teams involved for their dedication, expertise and commitment. Their efforts help make our buildings safer, more accessible, more sustainable and better equipped to meet the needs of residents now and in the future.”

Charge Up and Discover Denbighshire by EV this summer

Summer days are upon us, providing the perfect opportunity through more daylight to explore the best that Denbighshire has to offer.

Travelling by vehicle in modern times has seen the addition of hybrid engines and electric powered motors to help get you to locations with less impact on our climate by providing greener miles at a lower cost.

Since the first Council Electric Vehicles (EV) chargers went live in summer 2022 over 4.5million miles of travelling have been provided through more than 63,000 charging sessions.

For the Denbighshire EV owners and those living outside of the county, County Voice takes you on a whistle stop driving tour to locate the Council’s own public charging EV stations to help you plan your trip to check out the sights of Denbighshire.

Our public EV charging network provides a great opportunity to travel around Denbighshire to visit the many tourism attractions the county has to offer while charging your vehicle at one of the sites.

Is Llangollen Railway on your top list of Denbighshire attractions to visit? You can start your experience at Corwen’s Green Lane car park next to the town’s station which has five operational EV chargers which you can plug your own EV vehicle into. Step back into yesteryear by enjoying travelling down the railway line while your modern mode of transport is topped up with energy.

If you are starting at the Llangollen side of the railway, chargers are available at Market Street car park and also the Pavilion car park. These great locations will also give you time around the town to check out attractions such as the Llangollen Wharf, hiking up to Dinas Bran or just to enjoy the sites of the River Dee running by Llangollen.

Stepping into the driver’s seat of your EV and moving up to Ruthin, you can find EV chargers at Cae Ddol car park which puts you in a fantastic location to learn all about the Ruthin Gaol. And the history theme continues as a five-minute walk can take you to another past location in the form of Nant Clwyd y Dre.

Interested in arts and crafts? Public charging facilities are also available at Ruthin Craft Centre to allow you time to browse the delights and skills on offer at the site while topping up your vehicle for your next Denbighshire trip.

Heading onwards to Denbigh, the town’s Post Office Lane provides chargers, providing the perfect chance to climb up to the top of the town to view the remains of Denbigh Castle and the town walls.

A quick trip further brings you in your EV to St Asaph and the Bowling Green car park at the city which has charging facilities and which is the perfect starting point to enjoy a scenic walk along the River Elwy or check out the stunning architecture of St Asaph Cathedral.

Travelling onwards to the coast, Rhyl has the perfect place to top up and charge. West Kinmel car park has a number of chargers including rapid facilities for a quick boost. Plugging in here, you can use the time to take a walk through the centre of town to the prom to enjoy Rhyl’s golden sands and promenade, check out the harbour area, or jump on transport from the past in the form of Rhyl Miniature Railway at Marine Lake. Charging facilities are also available at Morley Road car park.

The last trip to neighbouring seaside town Prestatyn will provide chargers (including rapids) at Fern Avenue and Kings Avenue car parks, allowing you time to enjoy Prestatyn’s town centre or if feeling brave take a walk down to the seafront to enjoy the attractions awaiting you.

The EV public network is a part the Council’s overall action to tackle climate change following the declaration of a Climate and Ecological Emergency in 2019 by reducing the county’s carbon footprint.

To check out more information on these locations visit our website.

"This finally feels like my home" - Steve’s Story

Steve Purse, who lives in Rhyl is an avid campaigner, and has been to Parliament campaigning on multiple occasions for recognition of the impact of nuclear testing on families of personnel.

Living with short stature and type two respiratory failure, his previous residence did not allow him to live independently, and he was unable to use his powered wheelchair within the home.

Steve

Steve and his family joined the Specialist Housing Register in January 2021. By working closely with the Council’s Specialist Housing Register Manager and Occupational Therapists, Steve and his family were able to move to a more suitable property with adaptations, which took extensive research to ensure that they were suitable to meet the needs of Steve, but also, be usable by the whole family.

These adaptations have enabled Steve to live more independently, and improve the quality of life for both his family, and himself.

Rise and Fall Hob adaption

In house resources were utilised to complete an assessment for Steve in order to understand his requirements within a kitchen environment.

The reablement suite at Hafan Deg Day Centre in Rhyl was utilised by Steve and his family to test out and measure the bespoke range elements needed in their new home.

The suite at Hafan Deg aims to replicate a home and includes an ergonomic adjustable countertop and easy access oven, allowing easy interaction and measurements where needed. It was identified that adaptations that had not been completed before would need to be considered to accommodate Steve’s reduced reach.

Through the specialist housing register, properties like Steve’s are acquired through Registered Social Landlords, adaptations can be completed in these properties to suit the individual, enabling residents to live fulfilling and independent lives.

Speaking on his experience, Steve said:

“Where we lived prior to this was really unsuitable, to the point where I couldn’t even get my wheelchair in the house. There were narrow doorways and nothing was really in reach for me, it wasn’t a family home really.

We got a phone call to say that this property had become available, and when we saw it, we thought, wow this looks really nice. I can get my wheelchair straight into the house now from the drive. I suppose some people might take that for granted, but for me that was new and was a big thing.”

Working collaboratively with a local specialist supplier, a bathroom was designed featuring a bespoke rise and fall toilet and sink to enable Steve to complete his own personal care, safe transfers and help with his independence. Due to restrictions of the design of the items, a solution was found to embed the toilet and sink into the concrete floor of the bathroom, allowing for the lowest height to be achieved to suit Steve’s requirements.

Adapted toilet unit

Speaking on the adaptions at his home, Steve said:

“The rise and fall toilet is a real gamechanger for me. As a technological piece of equipment, it really is quite sophisticated. That to me is the biggest part of my independence, is the toilet.”

As well as a rise and fall toilet, the bathroom features bespoke armrests and a bespoke shower that can be used by the whole family.

The kitchen at Steve’s home has also been re-developed, and features a rise and fall hob, sink and bespoke oven and placement of taps for the sink enabling Steve to pour himself a drink and access hand and dish washing facilities, a task Steve was previously unable to undertake.

Steve said:

“The sink is a rise and fall, and the taps have been adjusted so that I can operate them and do the washing up.

The hob also rises and falls, with the controls within easy reach, so I can cook, and the oven door is a slide and hide, meaning I can operate it properly and safely. The table is also wheelchair accessible.”

The property has not only helped Steve, but has brought the whole family together and reduced Steve’s reliance on others for everyday tasks.

“The toilet is amazing, it rises and falls and can be a bespoke height for the whole family to use.

Now that the interior of the property has been adapted, everything is in reach.

This finally feels like my home now.”

7 Welsh adventure essentials that are ready for their next journey

Wales is already one of the world's best recyclers, in fact, we're currently second on the global charts. But every great adventure wants to reach No.1.

This summer, we're backing Wales Recycles' Be Mighty. Recycle. campaign to help make that happen, one bottle, can and banana skin at a time.

Every recyclable item has a story to tell that doesn't end when you're finished with it.

Put it in the right bin and it keeps valuable materials in circulation for years to come, whether it's becoming something new or, like our food waste, helping to power Wales.

Here are seven adventure essentials that are ready for their next chapter.

1. The drinks bottle that's ready for its next Welsh adventure
   After keeping you hydrated on a coastal path, castle trail or mountain summit, a plastic drinks bottle still has plenty left in the tank.

Recycling just one plastic bottle saves enough energy to power a smartphone 14 times! Not bad for something that spent most of the day rattling around in a hiking pack.

Its next adventure starts with the right bin.

2. The can that's already planning its next summit
   Aluminium drinks cans are one of recycling's true legends.

They can be recycled again and again without losing quality, making them one of the most remarkable materials in the recycling world.

Pop it in the right bin and it could be back on the shelves and out on the trails well before next summer rolls around.

3. The glass bottle with miles still to go
   Glass is a material that loves another chapter. It can be recycled endlessly and transformed into new bottles and jars time after time.

Even better, recycling a single glass bottle saves enough energy to power a lightbulb for hours. That's a lot of mileage from one simple choice made on a Welsh hillside.

4. The suncream bottle keeping the good times topped up
   Suncream is a Welsh summer essential, whether you're exploring Pembrokeshire's coastline or soaking up the views from Yr Wyddfa. But once it's empty, the job isn't done.

When recycled, the plastic can be transformed into new products, helping valuable materials stay in use for longer. The same goes for many of the everyday essentials we pack for a day out, from toiletries to hand sanitiser to aerosols. Pop them in the right bin.

A little protection for your skin. A little protection for the planet too.

5. The foil that's been on quite the picnic
   Whether it wrapped your sandwiches on a clifftop, your snacks on a forest trail or your picnic spread on the beach, foil has one of the longest careers in recycling.

Producing products from recycled aluminium uses around 95% less energy than making them from raw materials. Which means that scrunched-up piece of foil could still be making a difference long after your tan has faded and your boots have dried out.

6. The yoghurt pot ready for another Welsh adventure
   From beach breakfasts to snacks on the go, pots, tubs and trays are a familiar part of any Welsh day out.

Don't let the fun stop there. When recycled correctly, plastic pots, tubs and trays can be transformed into new products and packaging, helping keep valuable materials in circulation for longer.

Today's yoghurt pot could be tomorrow's hummus tub. Now that's quite the transformation!

7. The banana skin with surprising power
   Some of the most impressive performers are hiding in plain sight.

In Wales, food waste collected for recycling is turned into renewable energy and nutrient-rich fertiliser.

In fact, just one recycled banana skin can generate enough renewable energy to fully charge a smartphone. That's more photos of those incredible Welsh views, more videos of memorable moments, and a few more chances to capture the magic of a Welsh summer.

So when you're enjoying Wales this summer, make sure all your food waste, from apple cores and inedible peelings, to tea bags, eggshells and leftovers all goes in the food waste caddy.

Every great adventure deserves another chapter

From bottles and cans to yoghurt pots and banana skins, every recyclable item has the potential to do something amazing after you've finished with it.

And every item recycled correctly helps Wales move one step closer to the top spot.

So when you're out exploring castles, coastlines, mountains and everything in between this summer, give your recycling the send off it deserves. Choose the right bin.

Want to see where they go next? Visit Wales Recycles and discover the journey your recycling takes after you bin it.

7 festival favourites that want to party on long after the festival ends

Wales is already one of the world's best recyclers. In fact, we're currently sitting near the very top of the global charts. But every great act wants to reach No.1.

This summer, we’re backing Wales Recycles’ Be Mighty. Recycle campaign to help to make that happen, one bottle, can and banana skin at a time.

Every recyclable item has a story to tell that doesn't end when you're finished with it.

Put it in the right bin and it keeps valuable materials in circulation for years to come, whether it's becoming something new or, like our food waste, helps to power Wales.

Here are seven festival favourites that are ready for their next act.

1. The drinks bottle that's waiting for its next headline set

After keeping you hydrated through a day of dancing, a plastic drinks bottle still has plenty left in the tank.

Recycling just three plastic bottles saves enough energy to power DJ decks for around two hours. Not bad for something that spent most of the day rolling around in a backpack.

Its next headline appearance starts with the right bin.

2. The can that's already planning its comeback tour

Aluminium drinks cans are one of recycling's rock stars.

They can be recycled again and again without losing quality, making them one of the true legends of the recycling world.

Pop it in the right bin and it could be back on stage well before next festival season rolls around.

3. The glass bottle asking for one more song

Glass is another material that loves an encore. It can be recycled endlessly and transformed into new bottles and jars time after time.

Even better, recycling a single glass bottle saves enough energy to power a guitar amp for around six hours. That's a lot of encore energy from one simple choice.

4. The suncream bottle helping keep the good times topped up

Suncream is a summer essential. But once it's empty, the job isn’t done.

When recycled, the plastic can be transformed into new products, helping valuable materials stay in use for longer. The same goes for many of the everyday essentials we bring along, from toiletries to hand sanitiser to aerosols. Pop them in the right bin.

A little protection for your skin. A little protection for the planet too.

5. The foil that refuses to leave the dancefloor

Whether it wrapped your sandwich, breakfast roll or favourite festival snack, foil has one of the longest careers in recycling.

Producing products from recycled aluminium uses around 95% less energy than making them from raw materials. Which means that scrunched-up piece of foil could still be making a difference long after the festival wristband comes off.

6. The yoghurt pot ready for another round of fun

From breakfast to snacks on the go, pots, tubs and trays are a familiar part of picnics.

Don't let the fun stop there. When recycled correctly, plastic pots, tubs and trays can be transformed into new products and packaging, helping keep valuable materials in circulation for longer.

Today's yoghurt pot could be tomorrow’s hummus tub. Now that’s a successful outfit transformation!

7. The banana skin with surprising star potential

Some of the most impressive performers are hiding in plain sight.

In Wales, food waste collected for recycling is turned into renewable energy and nutrient-rich fertiliser.

In fact, two recycled banana skins can generate enough renewable energy to fully charge a smartphone. That's more videos. More photos. And a few more chances to capture your favourite festival memories.

So when you’re enjoying Wales this summer make sure all your food waste – from apple cores and inedible peelings to tea bags, eggshells and bones – go in the food waste bin.

Every great act deserves an encore

From bottles and cans to yoghurt pots and banana skins, every recyclable item has the potential to do something amazing after you've finished with it.

And every item recycled correctly helps Wales move one step closer to the top spot.

So when you're out enjoying festivals, events and days out across Wales this summer, give your recycling the encore it deserves. Choose the right bin.

Want to see where they go next? Visit Wales Recycles and discover the journey your recycling takes after you recycle it https://www.walesrecycles.org.uk/ 

Can you spot these wildflowers in Denbighshire?

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

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

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

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

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

May wildflowers

Bird's Foot Trefoil

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

Red Clover

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

Red Campion

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

June wildflowers

Bee Orchid (Ophrys Apifera)

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

Yellow Rattle (Rhinanthus minor)

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

Foxglove (Digitalis purpurea)

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

July wildflowers

Field scabious (Knautia arvensis)

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

Common Knapweed (Centaurea nigra)

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

Meadow Crane's-bill (Geranium pratense)

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

Oxeye daisies (Leucanthemum vulgare)

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

Restoring the Past, Building the Future: Nantclwyd y Dre

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Josh’s Journey

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

Josh

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Have you met our fabulous Bookstart Team? ❤

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

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

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

Please book your free rhyme time place here 👇🏼

https://bookwhen.com/denbighshire-bookstart

Cows return to Moel Famau

That’s right, the best habitat conservation workers in the business are back on the Clwydian Range’s busiest peak.

These bovine beauties may not have a degree in Environmental Science but what they lack in education they more than make up for in vibrant enthusiasm for conserving our moorland habitat.

They are part of the partnership working of Natural Resources Wales and the National Landscape, using traditional methods to manage the landscape we care for.  

To read more about the project, click the link below:

https://www.clwydianrangeanddeevalleyaonb.org.uk/cows-return-to-moel-famau/ 

Denbighshire residents asked to help find veterans still owed justice

Denbighshire County Council is supporting Fighting With Pride's #BattleForLostVeterans2026 campaign and encouraging local residents, veterans' groups and community organisations to help reach people affected by the historic ban on LGBTQ+ personnel serving openly in the Armed Forces before 2000.

Thousands of service personnel were dismissed, discharged or forced to hide their identity during their military careers. Eligible veterans may now be entitled to financial reparations of up to £70,000, as well as other restorative measures.

Although many veterans have already come forward, Fighting With Pride estimates that around 1,000 eligible veterans remain unaware of, or have not yet applied to, the scheme. The deadline for applications is 12 December 2026.

The council is encouraging anyone who may be eligible, or who knows someone who could be affected, to share information about the campaign and help ensure veterans receive the recognition and support they deserve.

Councillor Julie Matthews, Deputy Leader of the council, and Denbighshire’s Armed Forces Champion said, "Veterans have made significant sacrifices in service to their country and it is important that those who were treated unfairly because of their sexual orientation or gender identity are given the opportunity to access the support and recognition they deserve.

"We encourage residents, community groups and veterans' organisations across Denbighshire to help spread awareness of this campaign. By sharing this information, we can help ensure that anyone who may be eligible for reparations is aware of the support available to them before the application deadline."

Many individuals may no longer identify as LGBTQ+, may not consider themselves part of the veteran community, or may find it difficult to revisit their experiences. Community awareness is therefore vital in helping reach those who may still be owed justice.

For more information and support, visit the Fighting With Pride reparations webpage - https://www.fightingwithpride.org.uk/reparations/#

Or to apply visit www.gov.uk/lgbt-veterans

More than 1,100 children already enjoying the Summer Reading Challenge in Denbighshire Libraries!

More than 1,100 children have already signed up for this year's Summer Reading Challenge in Denbighshire Libraries – and there's still plenty of time to join in the fun!

Feeling bored during the summer holidays? Missing friends and classmates? Looking for fun, free activities?

Signing up to the Summer Reading Challenge is completely FREE and is a fantastic way to keep children reading throughout the long summer break. Simply sign up and visit the library three times to borrow and return books to earn a medal and certificate. The Challenge runs until the end of September, so there's still plenty of time to take part.

As well as the Reading Challenge, libraries across Denbighshire are hosting a range of free events to keep children entertained over the holidays.

Don't miss award-winning local author Oliver Sykes, who will be visiting libraries in Rhyl, Prestatyn and St Asaph with his brand-new one-man show, Diesel and Me. Based on Oliver's own childhood, the show is a funny, vivid and heartwarming celebration of community and found family, perfect for children aged five and over and the grown-ups who come along with them.

Children who sign up for the Summer Reading Challenge will also be entered into a prize draw to win £50 worth of cinema tickets, kindly donated by the Books Council of Wales.

The theme for the 2026 Summer Reading Challenge is Read to the Beat, delivered by The Reading Agency in partnership with public libraries and powered by Universal Music Group UK. The theme encourages children to explore the connection between stories and songs, discovering how reading and music can inspire imagination and creativity.

To find your nearest library and discover what's on this summer, visit our website.

Chair of the Council visits Ruthin Library

Chair of Denbighshire County Council, Councillor Bobby Feeley, recently visited Ruthin Library to learn more about the wide range of services, activities and support available for local residents.

Helen White, Heidi McDougall, Cllr Bobby Feeley, Vanessa Hill

Councillor Feeley was joined by Chief Executive Helen White, Head of Housing and Communities Heidi McDougall, Principal Librarian Debbie Owen and Ruthin Library Manager Vanessa Hill.

During the visit, Councillor Feeley met library staff and saw first-hand how the library has become much more than a place to borrow books. Alongside its extensive collection of books, the library offers free access to technology and digital support, job clubs, Bookstart and Rhyme Time sessions for young children and families, craft and reading groups, and provides a welcoming space where residents can access advice and support from a range of services.

With the Summer Reading Challenge – Read to the Beat! currently taking place in libraries across Denbighshire, the visit also highlighted the important role libraries play in encouraging children to develop a lifelong love of reading. The Challenge is packed with fun, free activities throughout the summer holidays, helping young readers stay engaged while discovering the joy of books, music and creativity.

One of the highlights of the visit was seeing the Citizens Advice Denbighshire service based within the library, where friendly, knowledgeable advisers are on hand to help people with a wide variety of issues, both big and small.

The group also explored the library's basement archive, home to a fascinating collection of historic publications that help tell the story of Ruthin's rich heritage and history.

The visit also brought back personal memories for Councillor Feeley, who recalled visiting the building for the first time as a newly elected Glyndŵr District Councillor in 1986, when it served as the Council Chamber. She reflected on its transformation into the much-loved library that has served the community since the early 1990s.

Councillor Feeley said:

"It was wonderful to spend time at Ruthin Library and see the incredible range of services it offers. Libraries today are so much more than places to borrow books – they are welcoming community hubs where people of all ages can learn, connect, access support and take part in activities.

"It was especially lovely to see the Summer Reading Challenge in full swing, inspiring children and families to enjoy reading together over the holidays. It was also fascinating to revisit a building that holds such personal memories for me and to see how it has evolved into such an important community resource. I'd like to thank the staff for the warm welcome and for everything they do to support residents every day."

To find out the location of your nearest library, visit our website.

Rhyl Beach clean

A Beach clean has been organised at Rhyl Beach, from the Pavillion Theatre car park, LL18 3AQ on August 26, from 3pm until 4pm.

Volunteers are welcome to join the event which has been organised by Denbighshire County Councils Flood Risk team, with equipment supplied by Keep Wales Tidy.

The partnership is working to tackle the impact of marine litter in the area which can block up waterways and drainage, stopping the flow of water, leading to higher risks of localised flooding further upstream.

Taking litter off the beach can also provide stronger support for natural defences such as shorelines, dunes and seagrass beds as they are able to better maintain their natural function as defences against the sea. The litter pick which has become a monthly event also helps to improve the environment for local residents and visitors.

For further information on joining the event contact claudia.smith@denbighshire.gov.uk/ 07785517398 for more details.

Fancy becoming a Tourism Ambassador?

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

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

Watch our short film highlighting the course.

Visit www.ambassador.wales and get started today!

Changes to Prestatyn Traffic Trial

A new arrangement is being introduced to the Prestatyn traffic trial as part of the council's ongoing efforts to improve traffic flow and reduce congestion in the town centre.

From Saturday 15 August, motorists will be able to make a right turn from the B5120 Ffordd Pendyffryn, Prestatyn (travelling from the bus station/Lidl direction) down Bridge Road towards the mini roundabout, for businesses at the bottom of the High Street and Parc Prestatyn Retail Park.

The additional right turn movement is intended to reduce the number of vehicles travelling through Parc Prestatyn Retail Park to access businesses located at the lower end of the High Street. By providing motorists with a more direct route, the council hopes to ease pressure on local roads and improve access for residents, visitors and businesses.

Previous traffic modelling for the area advised that a right turn at this location would not be possible due to the width of the road and associated highway constraints. However, following further detailed work and a review of the available road space, a solution has been identified that safely accommodates the right turn movement.

Motorists are encouraged to take extra care when travelling through the area as road users become familiar with the new arrangement. Appropriate signage will be in place to guide drivers.

The council will monitor traffic movements and congestion levels during the trial period to assess the effectiveness of the changes and determine any future improvements that may be required.

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/  

Financial help towards school uniform and free school meals

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

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

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

Corporate Plan Highlights April 2025 to March 2026: A prosperous Denbighshire

Every year, the Council reviews its performance in delivering the Corporate Plan 2022 to 2027: The Denbighshire We Want. Our Corporate Plan sets out what we want to achieve for the people and communities of Denbighshire over the next 5 years. The Plan consists of six themes.

Corporate Plan Highlights April 2025 to March 2026: A Denbighshire of quality housing that meets people's needs

Every year, the Council reviews its performance in delivering the Corporate Plan 2022 to 2027: The Denbighshire We Want. Our Corporate Plan sets out what we want to achieve for the people and communities of Denbighshire over the next 5 years. The Plan consists of six themes.

Corporate Plan Highlights April 2025 to March 2026: A learning and growing Denbighshire

Every year, the Council reviews its performance in delivering the Corporate Plan 2022 to 2027: The Denbighshire We Want. Our Corporate Plan sets out what we want to achieve for the people and communities of Denbighshire over the next 5 years. The Plan consists of six themes.

Corporate Plan Highlights April 2025 to March 2026: A healthier and happier, caring Denbighshire

Every year, the Council reviews its performance in delivering the Corporate Plan 2022 to 2027: The Denbighshire We Want. Our Corporate Plan sets out what we want to achieve for the people and communities of Denbighshire over the next 5 years. The Plan consists of six themes.

Corporate Plan Highlights April 2025 to March 2026: A well-run, high performing Council

Every year, the Council reviews its performance in delivering the Corporate Plan 2022 to 2027: The Denbighshire We Want. Our Corporate Plan sets out what we want to achieve for the people and communities of Denbighshire over the next 5 years. The Plan consists of six themes.

Corporate Plan Highlights April 2025 to March 2026: A greener Denbighshire

Every year, the Council reviews its performance in delivering the Corporate Plan 2022 to 2027: The Denbighshire We Want. Our Corporate Plan sets out what we want to achieve for the people and communities of Denbighshire over the next 5 years. The Plan consists of six themes.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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 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

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

Part of Council Tax spending goes towards the Fire Service?

Part of Council Tax spending goes towards the Fire Service.

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

Did you know that 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

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

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

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

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. 

Denbighshire Youth Service

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

Did you know that all primary

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

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 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

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

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

Did you know that 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

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 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

What do I do with brown paper?

Brown paper (often used in delivery packaging, take-away bags or as packing around items in boxes) contains fibres like cardboard that can’t be recycled with other paper. Watch below. 

Gas Canisters

Planning a BBQ this summer? When the gas runs out, make sure the canister goes to the right place. Gas bottles and canisters should never go in your household recycling or general waste bin. Watch our short video for simple advice on how to dispose of them safely.

Registering Visitor Accommodation in Wales

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

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

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

Marine Litter group

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

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

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

Watch this clip for more.

Swifts

Did you know that our Biodiversity team is also working to support swifts who migrate to Denbighshire during the summer? These birds are on the UK’s Red List of Birds of Conservation Concern. Find out what we are doing in the county and how you can help by watching this clip.

Jobs Fair at Queen's Market, Rhyl

Denbighshire residents looking for work, a fresh start, or a new direction in their careers are invited to attend the Working Denbighshire Jobs Fair at Queen's Market, Rhyl, on Wednesday 30 September from 10am to 2pm.

Delivered in partnership with Jobcentre Plus, the free event will bring together a wide range of employers from across North Wales who are actively recruiting for vacancies in sectors including health and social care, hospitality, retail, manufacturing, public services, logistics and many more.

The Jobs Fair has become a key event in Denbighshire's employment calendar, helping hundreds of residents connect directly with employers while accessing the wider support available through Working Denbighshire.

More than just a recruitment event, the Jobs Fair provides an opportunity for attendees to speak with the Working Denbighshire team, who offer personalised guidance and support.  Residents are encouraged to talk to a member of the team on the day to explore the opportunities available to them.  The team can help Denbighshire residents access training funds, build confidence, overcome barriers to employment, and gain the support they need to move closer to securing a job.  By taking the time to understand each individual's skills, interests and aspirations, the team can also introduce them to employers and opportunities that match what they are looking for, helping to build confidence and remove the fear of taking that next step into employment.

Over the years, Working Denbighshire's Jobs Fairs have welcomed thousands of visitors and supported hundreds of people to engage with employment services, with many attendees going on to secure jobs, training opportunities, qualifications and long-term support through the programme.

Whether someone is searching for their first job, returning to work after a break, considering a career change, looking for training opportunities, work experience or simply exploring what's possible, the event aims to open doors and create opportunities for people at every stage of their employment journey.

Tourism Forum to support local businesses in Denbighshire

Denbighshire County Council is inviting local tourism businesses to attend its next Tourism Forum, taking place at The Beaches Hotel, Prestatyn, on Wednesday 21 October 2026 from 10am.

The event will bring together tourism businesses, community groups and sector partners from across the county for a morning of updates, discussion and networking.

Attendees will have the opportunity to hear from a range of speakers on topics relevant to the visitor economy, Sheila Gilmore the Chief Executive of VisitArran & The Arran Trust will be presenting on managing popular visitor destinations, Fiona Argyle with be presenting on developments and opportunities linked to the Offa’s Dyke Path and Claire Roberts from the Welsh Revenue Authority will be explaining the need for visitor accommodation registration.

The Forum will also include time for refreshments and networking, giving businesses the chance to meet other local operators, share ideas and discuss opportunities to work together to strengthen Denbighshire’s tourism offer.

Councillor Alan James, Lead Member for Tourism, said: “Tourism is an important part of Denbighshire’s local economy, and our Tourism Forum is a valuable opportunity for businesses to come together, hear useful updates and make new connections. We would encourage local businesses with an interest in the visitor economy to attend.”

Places can be booked by clicking here on the Eventbrite link.

Success for Ysgol Pen Barras at Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod

Huge congratulations to the Ysgol Pen Barras Choir, Ruthin, who were victorious on Wednesday, 8 July, at the Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod.

They took top honours in the Junior Choir competition, competing against eight choirs from Wales and across the globe.

Following this success, they went on to compete later that evening in the World Youth Choir Competition. The winners of that competition were the ABC Junior Choir from Cardiff.

It was an incredible experience for the choir members. The Ysgol Pen Barras Choir was led by Mrs Sioned Roberts, with Mrs Elin Owen providing the accompaniment.

In addition to this success, the children of Ysgol Pen Barras also presented the Festival’s Message of Peace to the World. The theme of the presentation was “Protecting Minority Languages,” and it was wonderful to see the message receive a tremendous reception from a full audience twice during the day.

The children will perform the message once again on Saturday, 11 July, at 10:30 am. Best of luck to them.

Mrs Helen Williams and Miss Elin Parry (teachers at Ysgol Pen Barras) were responsible for writing this year’s script. Dyfan Phillips, Headteacher of Ysgol Pen Barras, said:

“This has been an unforgettable day for the children, staff, and parents of Ysgol Pen Barras! We had the incredible privilege of presenting the Message of Peace and Goodwill not just once but twice, and then the honour of winning the primary school choral competition.

We had no plans to win or perform again, so there was a fair amount of reorganisation involved in arranging for the children and parents to return to the Eisteddfod site.

Many thanks to everyone who was involved in the arrangements and supported us. It was an amazing experience for our young people, and it is wonderful to be able to take the Welsh language across the world through the medium of the Eisteddfod.”

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

"I would like to congratulate everyone at Ysgol Pen Barras on this fantastic achievement. Winning the Junior Choir competition at the Llangollen International Eisteddfod is a wonderful accomplishment and reflects the hard work, commitment and talent of the pupils, staff and everyone who has supported them.

"I am also incredibly proud that the children had the honour of presenting this year's Message of Peace to the World, championing the importance of protecting minority languages. They represented their school, Ruthin and Denbighshire with great pride, demonstrating the strength of our Welsh language and culture on an international stage. They should all be immensely proud of what they have achieved, and I wish them every success with their performance on Saturday."

Welcoming Luis Gardner back to Ysgol Dinas Brân before the under 19s Euros!

We were delighted to welcome back former YDB pupil Luis Gardner for a special Q&A session with our boys’ and girls’ football teams.

Luis shared his journey from his time as a pupil at YDB to representing Everton FC and earning international honours with Wales U19s. Our students gained a fascinating insight into the dedication, hard work and resilience required to succeed at the highest level of the game.

With the upcoming UEFA U19 European Championships on the horizon, it was fantastic for our young footballers to hear first-hand about Luis’ experiences and ambitions for the future.

Luis is a true inspiration to our students and the wider YDB community. We are incredibly proud of everything he has achieved so far and look forward to following his continued success.

A huge thank you to Luis for giving up his time to speak with our students and answer their questions so openly and honestly.

Good luck at the Euros, Luis — everyone at YDB is behind you!

If you'd like to see Luis and the rest of the Wales team in the UEFA under 19 Championships between 28 June and 11 July, you can grab your tickets on the FAW’s ticketing website 👉 https://tinyurl.com/3v6fm7yw

Sector leading politics at Ysgol Dinas Brân, Llangollen

We have always valued the student voice at Ysgol Dinas Brân (YDB), with a multi award-winning Student Council and Eco Council at the centre of our efforts to empower our students to become confident future leaders when they leave education. We have made sure that the student council has had its voice heard, with students sitting on our board of governors and also being involved in Denbighshire County Council forums.

Rocio Cifuentes the Children’s Commissioner for Wales recognised the active nature of our student voice through our use of digital questionnaires and then she visited YDB presenting to our students in an assembly. The Children’s Commissioner for Wales then sat down with our student council members to get their views on the issues facing young people in Wales and what they think government can do to help support young people to help them achieve their potential.

We have worked closely with the Politics Project to produce an outstanding programme which has given year 12 students a virtual question time with Darren Millar Leader of the Welsh Conservatives and the Year 13s interviewed Rhun Ap Iorweth Leader of Plaid Cymru and now Wales First Minister. We have also welcomed visits from former First Minister Mark Drakeford, Llr Gruffyrdd and Ken Skates for issues relating to youth transport and Cymraeg.

Ysgol Dinas Brân staff and students organised a Hustings Event before Easter with 6 candidates standing in the Senedd election from a range of parties for a two-hour question time for our year 11,12 and 13 students including help with voter registration. Questions were formed by the student body, and the event was run by a dedicated team comprising of staff, year 12 History students and members of the student council.

The year 7 students have as part of their history project on the role of the Senedd have conducted a class election by created their own parties with logo’s, names and a manifesto and then they voted and elected their part of choice.

It has been another exciting year for the YDB student voice with a huge range of outstanding opportunities and real-world experiences! Da Iawn YDB!

Ysgol Dinas Brân Prom 2026

Ysgol Dinas Brân's class of 2026 celebrated their prom recently and their Head of Year, Mr Sinclair, Assistant Head of Year, Miss Hughes and all the school staff paid tribute to them.

"What an unforgettable evening for our Year 11 students. From the stunning outfits to the incredible atmosphere, our pupils truly made it a night to remember.

"We are so proud of the maturity, kindness, and spirit they showed throughout the evening. As they move on to their next chapter, we wish them every success — they deserve it.

"Thank you to the staff, families, and venue team who helped make the night so special".

New kits for Ysgol Bro Dyfrdwy!

Here are Ysgol Bro Dyfrdwy pupils looking very smart in their new football and rugby kits!

Mr Arwel Lloyd Owen, Headteacher at Ysgol Bro Dyfrdwy said, "I'd like to thank Coed y Dyffryn Ltd and the Blue Lion in Cynwyd for sponsoring - the pupils are delighted with the new kits."

Gold Cymraeg Campus Award

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

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

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

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

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

Well done Mason from St Brigid's School!

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

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

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

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

St Brigid's School Combined Cadet Force

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

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

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

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

Ysgol y Gwernant success in the Siarter Iaith Quiz!

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

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