WREXHAM’S chief planning officer has said he will take into account Wrexham fans’ wishes to protect The Racecourse ground from being developed on in years to come.
Reds’ supporters have launched a petition to secure the future of the stadium by having it recognised in the council’s forthcoming local development plan (LDP) as an area protected and reserved for leisure facilities.
The emerging LDP will eventually replace the current Wrexham unitary development plan (UDP) and will be the key framework for future development in the county borough up to 2021.
Wrexham Council’s chief planning officer Lawrence Isted says that, although the final decision will be taken by councillors, he will bring the plea to the attention of the planning policy panel, who are responsible for overseeing the preparation of the LDP.
In his response he says: “At the moment the LDP (local development plan) policies have not been drafted so I will certainly take your suggested course of action into account when doing so.
“I cannot at this time say whether The Racecourse ground justifies a specific policy or designation in the LDP or whether it should be covered by general policies for the protection of community facilities.
However, I fully appreciate the importance of the issues that you have raised and I will bring them to the attention of the planning policy panel.
“It will be for the elected members who serve on the panel to recommend how The Racecourse ground should be dealt with in the LDP, although the final decision on the content of the deposit LDP will rest with the council’s executive board.”
He adds: “Please rest assured that I and members of the council fully appreciate the strong feelings among many people in Wrexham regarding the future of The Racecourse stadium and the role which it plays as a venue for sporting and cultural events in North Wales and that we will give the matter careful consideration in the deliberations on the local development plan.
“You will also be aware that in the recent past the council has approved planning applications for the redevelopment of land to the south of the ground with the express intention of helping secure its continued operation and the construction of a replacement stand.”
The petition already has well over 1,000 signatures.
You can be signed by logging on to www.petitiononline.com/LDPWFC21/petition.html.
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
Swine flu fears rocket throughout Flintshire
THE number of people visiting their doctor with fears over swine flu in Flintshire has rocketed by more than 140 times in a month, the Leader can reveal.
The figures come amid speculation that schools could be forced to remain closed after the summer holidays, although at the moment that is being viewed as a ‘last resort’ in the county.
Figures released by the National Public Health Service (NPHS) for Wales show that an average of 145 people in Flintshire have consulted their GP about the virus in the past week, compared to just one at the end of the first week in June.
Dr Roland Salmon, director of NPHS Wales’ Communicable Disease Surveillance Centre, said: “The rise in numbers of people contacting their GP with flu like symptoms illustrates the spread of the disease across Wales.
“Not everyone however, who has contacted their GP with flu like symptoms will have swine flu and not everyone with swine flu contacts their GP.”
NPHS Wales is monitoring the number of flu consultations being carried out by GPs.Government ministers are also being asked to consider keeping schools closed for an extra month after the summer holidays, in order to buy more time for a vaccine to be developed.
A Flintshire Council spokesman said the authority would be following government advice in the autumn.
But Cllr Nigel Steele-Mortimer, the council’s executive member for education, said: “If we were advised to keep schools closed on medical grounds, then that is something we would have to consider, as a last resort.
“I would be very reluctant to interfere with children’s education.
"From what I have heard about the situation so far, I would be inclined to carry on as normal.”
People who think they may have swine flu are being advised not to visit their GP surgery or hospital, but to check their symptoms using the swine flu information line, on 0800 1513513.
The figures come amid speculation that schools could be forced to remain closed after the summer holidays, although at the moment that is being viewed as a ‘last resort’ in the county.
Figures released by the National Public Health Service (NPHS) for Wales show that an average of 145 people in Flintshire have consulted their GP about the virus in the past week, compared to just one at the end of the first week in June.
Dr Roland Salmon, director of NPHS Wales’ Communicable Disease Surveillance Centre, said: “The rise in numbers of people contacting their GP with flu like symptoms illustrates the spread of the disease across Wales.
“Not everyone however, who has contacted their GP with flu like symptoms will have swine flu and not everyone with swine flu contacts their GP.”
NPHS Wales is monitoring the number of flu consultations being carried out by GPs.Government ministers are also being asked to consider keeping schools closed for an extra month after the summer holidays, in order to buy more time for a vaccine to be developed.
A Flintshire Council spokesman said the authority would be following government advice in the autumn.
But Cllr Nigel Steele-Mortimer, the council’s executive member for education, said: “If we were advised to keep schools closed on medical grounds, then that is something we would have to consider, as a last resort.
“I would be very reluctant to interfere with children’s education.
"From what I have heard about the situation so far, I would be inclined to carry on as normal.”
People who think they may have swine flu are being advised not to visit their GP surgery or hospital, but to check their symptoms using the swine flu information line, on 0800 1513513.
Enya’s garden is set to bloom with Flintshire housing developer
A PRIMARY school pupil’s garden design has bloomed into life at a Flintshire housing development.
Ten-year-old Enya Hughes’s garden design was picked by housebuilder Morris, from a creative selection of entries from pupils at Bryn Coch County Primary School.
Enya was given the chance to see her colourful paper sketch transformed into a reality at the firm’s new housing development, Soughton Park.
As part of her prize, the youngster was also presented with a family ticket for Chester Zoo and a grow-your-own sunflower by Morris sales advisor, Margie Speakman.
Runners-up Demi-Lee Davies and Sarah Atkinson, both 10, also received grow-your-own sunflower kits.
Bryn Coch teacher, Rachel Potter said: “The children have started to take an interest in the local area and are thinking about what outdoor activities are important to families.
“We’re always encouraging the children to be creative and get involved in outdoor projects and this competition was a great opportunity to do both.”
Ten-year-old Enya Hughes’s garden design was picked by housebuilder Morris, from a creative selection of entries from pupils at Bryn Coch County Primary School.
Enya was given the chance to see her colourful paper sketch transformed into a reality at the firm’s new housing development, Soughton Park.
As part of her prize, the youngster was also presented with a family ticket for Chester Zoo and a grow-your-own sunflower by Morris sales advisor, Margie Speakman.
Runners-up Demi-Lee Davies and Sarah Atkinson, both 10, also received grow-your-own sunflower kits.
Bryn Coch teacher, Rachel Potter said: “The children have started to take an interest in the local area and are thinking about what outdoor activities are important to families.
“We’re always encouraging the children to be creative and get involved in outdoor projects and this competition was a great opportunity to do both.”
Chester City manager Wadsworth battling to keep Blues on track
By Dennis Wall
MICK WADSWORTH today admitted he felt frustrated by the problems his club were facing just two weeks before the Blues’ opening fixture at Grays Athletic.
Wadsworth is continuing to work hard behind the scenes to prepare his squad for the new season, despite being prevented by the Football Association from playing pre-season friendlies.
The FA insist that the club are not currently affiliated and have ruled that the Blues cannot play any matches until Chester provide the necessary paperwork required to obtain a licence.
Chester have so far had to cancel pre-season friendlies against Marine and Liverpool, and this weekend’s scheduled match at AFC Telford.
And City are now facing a race against time to salvage next week’s scheduled home friendly against newly-promoted Premiership club, Burnley.
Wadsworth said: “We’re in a tough situation at the moment and I’ve never experienced a pre-season like this.
"It is difficult trying to prepare for the start of a season without being able to play pre-season friendlies, but we’ll fight on.
“I’m not worried about the players because I know that we’ll be ready for the opening fixture against Grays Athletic on August 8.
It’s just a little frustrating that we can’t play any friendly matches.
“I’ve no idea whether we will be playing Burnley next week because of the situation that we’re in. We can’t give Burnley any guarantees at the moment.
“I know Burnley boss, Owen Coyle, very well and I’m hoping we can fulfil the fixture.
“It would be nice to try and get a few pre-season matches played before the season starts, but many league teams will be wanting to keep the week before the season starts clear of any games.”
Wadsworth is keen to see his players focusing on getting themselves ready for the opening Blue Square Premier Division fixture.
But former Bradford City centre back, Mark Bower, who had been on trial with the Blues, has now decided to accept a two-year deal at League Two club, Darlington.
And Wadsworth is now eager to see his squad in a competitive pre-season match in order to assess the possibility of making further signings.
He said: “Striker Glynn Hurst is currently on trial with us and he has been working really hard with the squad I have assembled.
“I was hoping to see Glynn in action for us at the weekend at Marine, but that match had to be called off because of the administrative issue with the FA.
“I’m sure Glynn can do a job for us at Chester because he’s an experienced forward who has always had an eye for goal wherever he has played.
“But I now want to see how he looks in a match alongside other strikers like Gregg Blundell, Lloyd Ellams, and Fabian Yantorno.”
Richie Partridge has signed for MK Dons after a successful trial with the League One side.
MICK WADSWORTH today admitted he felt frustrated by the problems his club were facing just two weeks before the Blues’ opening fixture at Grays Athletic.
Wadsworth is continuing to work hard behind the scenes to prepare his squad for the new season, despite being prevented by the Football Association from playing pre-season friendlies.
The FA insist that the club are not currently affiliated and have ruled that the Blues cannot play any matches until Chester provide the necessary paperwork required to obtain a licence.
Chester have so far had to cancel pre-season friendlies against Marine and Liverpool, and this weekend’s scheduled match at AFC Telford.
And City are now facing a race against time to salvage next week’s scheduled home friendly against newly-promoted Premiership club, Burnley.
Wadsworth said: “We’re in a tough situation at the moment and I’ve never experienced a pre-season like this.
"It is difficult trying to prepare for the start of a season without being able to play pre-season friendlies, but we’ll fight on.
“I’m not worried about the players because I know that we’ll be ready for the opening fixture against Grays Athletic on August 8.
It’s just a little frustrating that we can’t play any friendly matches.
“I’ve no idea whether we will be playing Burnley next week because of the situation that we’re in. We can’t give Burnley any guarantees at the moment.
“I know Burnley boss, Owen Coyle, very well and I’m hoping we can fulfil the fixture.
“It would be nice to try and get a few pre-season matches played before the season starts, but many league teams will be wanting to keep the week before the season starts clear of any games.”
Wadsworth is keen to see his players focusing on getting themselves ready for the opening Blue Square Premier Division fixture.
But former Bradford City centre back, Mark Bower, who had been on trial with the Blues, has now decided to accept a two-year deal at League Two club, Darlington.
And Wadsworth is now eager to see his squad in a competitive pre-season match in order to assess the possibility of making further signings.
He said: “Striker Glynn Hurst is currently on trial with us and he has been working really hard with the squad I have assembled.
“I was hoping to see Glynn in action for us at the weekend at Marine, but that match had to be called off because of the administrative issue with the FA.
“I’m sure Glynn can do a job for us at Chester because he’s an experienced forward who has always had an eye for goal wherever he has played.
“But I now want to see how he looks in a match alongside other strikers like Gregg Blundell, Lloyd Ellams, and Fabian Yantorno.”
Richie Partridge has signed for MK Dons after a successful trial with the League One side.
Last chance to oppose controversial Flintshire development plans
A SIX-WEEK public consultation is being billed as the last chance for residents to oppose a controversial planning blueprint.
Flintshire’s unitary development plan (UDP) governs all major developments in the county until 2015.
Negotiations over the UDP have dragged on for six years, and more than 15,000 representations were made during a year-long public inquiry.
At a recent special meeting at County Hall, councillors approved a final report.Deirdre Burrows, Welsh Assembly Government planning inspector, had proposed a series of changes.
She recommended “deleting” at least part of seven sites from the UDP that had previously been earmarked for housing.
These were Alyn Park off Denbigh Road, Mold which is the home of Mold Alex FC, the former cricket pitch in Carmel, Lower Ash Farm in Mancot, land north of Issa Farm in Mynydd Isa, Cae Isa in New Brighton, Ysgol Talfryn in Brynford and the council depot in Dobshill.At the same time, she recommended a number of sites be “allocated” in the plan and earmarked for housing.
These were land west of Ash Lane in Mancot, the Broughton Shopping Park compound site, Overlea Drive in Hawarden and Rose Lane, Mynydd Isa.
A six-week consultation period on the final proposed changes is due to start in September.Hawarden’s Clive Carver was one of several councillors who reluctantly voted to approve the final UDP report while objecting to specific developments in their ward.
Argoed Cllr Hilary McGuill re-iterated her claim that the Rose Lane site was unsuitable for housing, while Caergwrle Cllr Stella Jones said it was unfair that a petition signed by many people only counted as one objection.
Planning officer Andy Roberts said representations were judged on quality, rather than quantity.
Cllr Carver, who lives on Overlea Drive, is against the Hawarden site being earmarked for housing.
He said: “I suppose this is effectively the last chance for changes and objections.“The problem is, we have to find new and compelling evidence.”
Flintshire’s unitary development plan (UDP) governs all major developments in the county until 2015.
Negotiations over the UDP have dragged on for six years, and more than 15,000 representations were made during a year-long public inquiry.
At a recent special meeting at County Hall, councillors approved a final report.Deirdre Burrows, Welsh Assembly Government planning inspector, had proposed a series of changes.
She recommended “deleting” at least part of seven sites from the UDP that had previously been earmarked for housing.
These were Alyn Park off Denbigh Road, Mold which is the home of Mold Alex FC, the former cricket pitch in Carmel, Lower Ash Farm in Mancot, land north of Issa Farm in Mynydd Isa, Cae Isa in New Brighton, Ysgol Talfryn in Brynford and the council depot in Dobshill.At the same time, she recommended a number of sites be “allocated” in the plan and earmarked for housing.
These were land west of Ash Lane in Mancot, the Broughton Shopping Park compound site, Overlea Drive in Hawarden and Rose Lane, Mynydd Isa.
A six-week consultation period on the final proposed changes is due to start in September.Hawarden’s Clive Carver was one of several councillors who reluctantly voted to approve the final UDP report while objecting to specific developments in their ward.
Argoed Cllr Hilary McGuill re-iterated her claim that the Rose Lane site was unsuitable for housing, while Caergwrle Cllr Stella Jones said it was unfair that a petition signed by many people only counted as one objection.
Planning officer Andy Roberts said representations were judged on quality, rather than quantity.
Cllr Carver, who lives on Overlea Drive, is against the Hawarden site being earmarked for housing.
He said: “I suppose this is effectively the last chance for changes and objections.“The problem is, we have to find new and compelling evidence.”
Motorcyclist injured in A548 lorry crash
A MOTORCYCLIST was rushed to hospital after a collision with a lorry in Deeside.
Emergency crews were called to the accident scene on the A548 Shotwick Road at around lunchtime yesterday.
One lane was closed on Shotwick Road, while paramedics treated the motorcyclist.
The man, believed to be in his forties, was later taken to the Countess of Chester hospital for urgent medical treatment.
A spokesman from Welsh Ambulance Service said the motorcyclist suffered an ankle injury to his left foot as a result of the accident.
Emergency crews were called to the accident scene on the A548 Shotwick Road at around lunchtime yesterday.
One lane was closed on Shotwick Road, while paramedics treated the motorcyclist.
The man, believed to be in his forties, was later taken to the Countess of Chester hospital for urgent medical treatment.
A spokesman from Welsh Ambulance Service said the motorcyclist suffered an ankle injury to his left foot as a result of the accident.
Fury as taxpayers foot the bill for huge clean-up at illegal travellers’ camp in Flintshire
By Kate Forrester
FURIOUS community leaders say taxpayers will have to foot the bill for the “horrendous mess” left on an industrial estate by travellers.
Flint councillors Ian Roberts and Alex Aldridge say they are appalled at the amount of rubbish that was discarded on Castle Park Industrial Estate, where travellers set up camp last week.
The caravans were set up near the newly-established Dee cycle path, at the back of the park, for several days and Flintshire Council was forced to apply for a court order to move the travellers on.
Cllr Aldridge said: “They have left now, but the mess that has been left behind was absolutely horrendous.
“We are often told we have a moral duty to help travellers, but my moral duty is to the taxpayers of Flintshire, the people I represent and the Flintshire Council workers have had to clear up the mess.
“Millions of pounds has been spent on Castle Park and the footpath along the River Dee next to it, to turn it into a nice place for residents to walk and enjoy the scenery.
“For this amount of mess to be dumped not 300 yards from the public walkway is absolutely disgraceful.”
Cllr Roberts said: “I find it absolutely astonishing that these people can leave a site in such a disgusting, unsanitary condition.
“It shows complete contempt for the local community.“There are old matresses left behind and nappies and used toilet paper in trees.
“It has been dumped on the bank leading down towards the river and if it floods, I’m sure the Environment Agency will be very concerned.”
The pair are now calling on Flintshire Council to prosecute those responsible for leaving the rubbish.
He added: “I am delighted with the response from council workers in clearing up the site, but there are laws in place in this county, set by Flintshire Council, on flytipping.
“No taxpayer would be able to dump their rubbish somewhere without being fined, rightfully so.
“The council must seek to prosecute the people responsible for the mess on Castle Park. If we turn a blind eye to this, then the law is unfair.”
The surface debris has been removed, and Andy Macbeth, Flintshire Council’s environmental services manager, said a clean-up operation is currently under way, but it is too early to estimate the cost of it.
He added: “Sandstone blocks are set to be installed on the site to make it more secure.”
FURIOUS community leaders say taxpayers will have to foot the bill for the “horrendous mess” left on an industrial estate by travellers.
Flint councillors Ian Roberts and Alex Aldridge say they are appalled at the amount of rubbish that was discarded on Castle Park Industrial Estate, where travellers set up camp last week.
The caravans were set up near the newly-established Dee cycle path, at the back of the park, for several days and Flintshire Council was forced to apply for a court order to move the travellers on.
Cllr Aldridge said: “They have left now, but the mess that has been left behind was absolutely horrendous.
“We are often told we have a moral duty to help travellers, but my moral duty is to the taxpayers of Flintshire, the people I represent and the Flintshire Council workers have had to clear up the mess.
“Millions of pounds has been spent on Castle Park and the footpath along the River Dee next to it, to turn it into a nice place for residents to walk and enjoy the scenery.
“For this amount of mess to be dumped not 300 yards from the public walkway is absolutely disgraceful.”
Cllr Roberts said: “I find it absolutely astonishing that these people can leave a site in such a disgusting, unsanitary condition.
“It shows complete contempt for the local community.“There are old matresses left behind and nappies and used toilet paper in trees.
“It has been dumped on the bank leading down towards the river and if it floods, I’m sure the Environment Agency will be very concerned.”
The pair are now calling on Flintshire Council to prosecute those responsible for leaving the rubbish.
He added: “I am delighted with the response from council workers in clearing up the site, but there are laws in place in this county, set by Flintshire Council, on flytipping.
“No taxpayer would be able to dump their rubbish somewhere without being fined, rightfully so.
“The council must seek to prosecute the people responsible for the mess on Castle Park. If we turn a blind eye to this, then the law is unfair.”
The surface debris has been removed, and Andy Macbeth, Flintshire Council’s environmental services manager, said a clean-up operation is currently under way, but it is too early to estimate the cost of it.
He added: “Sandstone blocks are set to be installed on the site to make it more secure.”
Flintshire roadworks 22/07/09
The following roadworks will be in place in Flintshire over the next seven days:
BUCKLEY: Moel View Road will be closed for 24 weeks until Thursday, December 31, due to the installation of a concrete pipe.
CARMEL: There will be temporary traffic lights on Carmel Road while poling works are undertaken on Thursday.
EWLOE: Temporary traffic lights will be put in place outside Pottery Cottages, Ewloe, while Flintshire Council undertake patching works on the road.
EWLOE: There will be temporary traffic lights outside Moorhead, on Aston Hill while a new gas connection is fitted by Wales and West Utilities until Friday.
GWERNYMYNYDD: Swan Lane will be closed until Friday, while Flintshire Council undertake a drainage investigation.
MOSTYN: Traffic lights will be in place outside Borth Villa, Rhewl on Friday, while poling works take place.
PENTRE HALKYN: Traffic lights will be in place near the junction with Bryn Eithin, Pentre Halkyn while Powersystems undertake cabling works there until Friday, July 31.
PENTRE HALKYN: The installation of a new sewer at The Nant, will cause the road to be closed to traffic for two weeks until Friday, July 31.
QUEENSFERRY: Strengthening works to Queensferry flyover bridge will close the westbound carriageway on Wednesday and Thursday from 7.30pm-6am. Lane two on the eastbound carriageway will be closed on Wednesday and Thursday from 7.30pm-6am.
TRELOGAN: Poling works outside Gelli Ucha, to Gelli Road will cause a road to be closed on Friday.
WHITFORD: A road will be closed outside Mertyn Abbot Farm to the junction of Mertyn Downing Lane, Whitford on Thursday, while poling works take place.
BUCKLEY: Moel View Road will be closed for 24 weeks until Thursday, December 31, due to the installation of a concrete pipe.
CARMEL: There will be temporary traffic lights on Carmel Road while poling works are undertaken on Thursday.
EWLOE: Temporary traffic lights will be put in place outside Pottery Cottages, Ewloe, while Flintshire Council undertake patching works on the road.
EWLOE: There will be temporary traffic lights outside Moorhead, on Aston Hill while a new gas connection is fitted by Wales and West Utilities until Friday.
GWERNYMYNYDD: Swan Lane will be closed until Friday, while Flintshire Council undertake a drainage investigation.
MOSTYN: Traffic lights will be in place outside Borth Villa, Rhewl on Friday, while poling works take place.
PENTRE HALKYN: Traffic lights will be in place near the junction with Bryn Eithin, Pentre Halkyn while Powersystems undertake cabling works there until Friday, July 31.
PENTRE HALKYN: The installation of a new sewer at The Nant, will cause the road to be closed to traffic for two weeks until Friday, July 31.
QUEENSFERRY: Strengthening works to Queensferry flyover bridge will close the westbound carriageway on Wednesday and Thursday from 7.30pm-6am. Lane two on the eastbound carriageway will be closed on Wednesday and Thursday from 7.30pm-6am.
TRELOGAN: Poling works outside Gelli Ucha, to Gelli Road will cause a road to be closed on Friday.
WHITFORD: A road will be closed outside Mertyn Abbot Farm to the junction of Mertyn Downing Lane, Whitford on Thursday, while poling works take place.
Employment zone planned for derelict Flintshire ground
By Michael Youds
AMBITIOUS plans to transform derelict land into an employment zone could create up to 300 jobs.
Flintshire Council has submitted a planning application for a major development behind Spencer Industrial Estate, Globe Way, Buckley.
The council-owned land has been going to waste for years, and the plan is to attract new firms to the area by redeveloping the site into a state-of-the-art business park.
Buckley councillor Dennis Hutchinson is confident the project will be a success, despite the recession.
He said: “This scheme is all about job creation.“The access road has been there for some years now, and the idea is to attract interested companies who wish to relocate to the area.
“We’re not talking about heavy industry.
“It’s light industry and low and medium-tech companies that we’re hoping will come along and take up the offer.
“We’re looking for companies to come here with their own proposals and I think ultimately this could eventually create between 200-300 jobs.”
The application for outline planning permission shows the local authority wants to develop 1.8 hectares of land, with a further 2.4 hectares set aside for ‘ecological mitigation’.
Hardings Property Consultants, based in Bangor-on-Dee, is acting as the agent.
Asked about the timing of the project, with unemployment rising steeply in Flintshire, Cllr Hutchinson said: “There is never a perfect time to do something like this, but as far as I’m concerned it’s good to put this in place and then it’s there, ready to use.
“The land, which is adjacent to the Etna heritage park, isn’t conducive to housing – not that there’s a need for more houses.
“It has been earmarked for commercial development.
“No firms have committed to coming here so far, but that’s because we haven’t advertised it properly yet.”
AMBITIOUS plans to transform derelict land into an employment zone could create up to 300 jobs.
Flintshire Council has submitted a planning application for a major development behind Spencer Industrial Estate, Globe Way, Buckley.
The council-owned land has been going to waste for years, and the plan is to attract new firms to the area by redeveloping the site into a state-of-the-art business park.
Buckley councillor Dennis Hutchinson is confident the project will be a success, despite the recession.
He said: “This scheme is all about job creation.“The access road has been there for some years now, and the idea is to attract interested companies who wish to relocate to the area.
“We’re not talking about heavy industry.
“It’s light industry and low and medium-tech companies that we’re hoping will come along and take up the offer.
“We’re looking for companies to come here with their own proposals and I think ultimately this could eventually create between 200-300 jobs.”
The application for outline planning permission shows the local authority wants to develop 1.8 hectares of land, with a further 2.4 hectares set aside for ‘ecological mitigation’.
Hardings Property Consultants, based in Bangor-on-Dee, is acting as the agent.
Asked about the timing of the project, with unemployment rising steeply in Flintshire, Cllr Hutchinson said: “There is never a perfect time to do something like this, but as far as I’m concerned it’s good to put this in place and then it’s there, ready to use.
“The land, which is adjacent to the Etna heritage park, isn’t conducive to housing – not that there’s a need for more houses.
“It has been earmarked for commercial development.
“No firms have committed to coming here so far, but that’s because we haven’t advertised it properly yet.”
Psychic investigations team plan probe at historic Flintshire tower
A PARANORMAL group is planning an investigation at a historic Flintshire site.
Wrexham-based Spirit Quest UK will be looking in to supposed spirit activity at the Tower, near Nercwys.
“The Tower is thought to have been built at the beginning of the 15th century or late 14th century, when it served as a fortification near the border between England and Wales,” said Howard Hughes, Spirit Quest’s UK director of paranormal research.Spirit Quest UK was the first Paranormal Group to investigate the hall, on June 12.
Mr Hughes added: “We had heard rumours of a figure seen on the stairs, the spirit of a woman and other sketchy stories of paranormal activity, but it was really the building’s bloody history and a life-long personal fascination with the building that attracted us to the place.
“There was also the fact that no other paranormal group had ever investigated the place before.”
The team will be going back for a second investigation, on Friday, August 7.To join the team, call 01978 854252 or go to www.spiritquestuk.co.uk.
Wrexham-based Spirit Quest UK will be looking in to supposed spirit activity at the Tower, near Nercwys.
“The Tower is thought to have been built at the beginning of the 15th century or late 14th century, when it served as a fortification near the border between England and Wales,” said Howard Hughes, Spirit Quest’s UK director of paranormal research.Spirit Quest UK was the first Paranormal Group to investigate the hall, on June 12.
Mr Hughes added: “We had heard rumours of a figure seen on the stairs, the spirit of a woman and other sketchy stories of paranormal activity, but it was really the building’s bloody history and a life-long personal fascination with the building that attracted us to the place.
“There was also the fact that no other paranormal group had ever investigated the place before.”
The team will be going back for a second investigation, on Friday, August 7.To join the team, call 01978 854252 or go to www.spiritquestuk.co.uk.
FOOTBALL: Marford and Gresford scoop national award
Marford and Gresford Albion are celebrating after scooping the Club of the Year award at the Welsh Football Trust (WFT) Awards.
The club, from the village of Gresford near Wrexham, were presented with the award by football legend Ian Rush at the ceremony and will now get the chance to play on the hallowed turf at Wembley Stadium as a reward for their achievement.
The WFT, in association with McDonald's, chose the club as the winner of this year's award for their fantastic commitment to grassroots football, catering for approximately 200 players from under sevens through to under 16s.
There are currently 13 Marford and Gresford Albion boys and girls teams playing in the Wrexham and Districtl League, with training sessions held at least once a week organised by volunteer coaches.
Club chairman Steve Harris said: “To be nominated was an achievement in itself, but to win is just incredible. It’s a fantastic boost for everyone at the club and well deserved for all the hard work everyone involved puts in, week in, week out.”
Ian Rush, McDonald’s Head of Welsh Football, said: “Clubs like Marford and Gresford Albion do a great job of getting children involved in and enjoying football at a young age.
“As a great supporter of football in Welsh communities McDonald’s is proud to honour the achievements all the people who work so hard for Marford and Gresford Albion, at the Oscars of grassroots football in Wales.”
Chirk Youth are holding a mini seven-a-side tournament on Sunday, August 23 at Chirk AAAs Holyhead Road Sports Club.
The under sevens and eights will take place in the morning with the under nines and 10s in the afternoon.
Cost of entry is £25 per team, to get an application form and further details, contact club secretary Lisa Jones on (01691) 773587 or email chirkyouthfc@gmail.com
Chirk Youth are also looking to recruit players – especially in the following age groups – Under 8s, Under 9s Under 10s and for the girls team.
The club, from the village of Gresford near Wrexham, were presented with the award by football legend Ian Rush at the ceremony and will now get the chance to play on the hallowed turf at Wembley Stadium as a reward for their achievement.
The WFT, in association with McDonald's, chose the club as the winner of this year's award for their fantastic commitment to grassroots football, catering for approximately 200 players from under sevens through to under 16s.
There are currently 13 Marford and Gresford Albion boys and girls teams playing in the Wrexham and Districtl League, with training sessions held at least once a week organised by volunteer coaches.
Club chairman Steve Harris said: “To be nominated was an achievement in itself, but to win is just incredible. It’s a fantastic boost for everyone at the club and well deserved for all the hard work everyone involved puts in, week in, week out.”
Ian Rush, McDonald’s Head of Welsh Football, said: “Clubs like Marford and Gresford Albion do a great job of getting children involved in and enjoying football at a young age.
“As a great supporter of football in Welsh communities McDonald’s is proud to honour the achievements all the people who work so hard for Marford and Gresford Albion, at the Oscars of grassroots football in Wales.”
Chirk Youth are holding a mini seven-a-side tournament on Sunday, August 23 at Chirk AAAs Holyhead Road Sports Club.
The under sevens and eights will take place in the morning with the under nines and 10s in the afternoon.
Cost of entry is £25 per team, to get an application form and further details, contact club secretary Lisa Jones on (01691) 773587 or email chirkyouthfc@gmail.com
Chirk Youth are also looking to recruit players – especially in the following age groups – Under 8s, Under 9s Under 10s and for the girls team.
FRIENDLY: Wrexham FC 1-1 Preston North End
By Tom Norris
It is early days yet, but the signs are good for Dean Saunders’ side.
The men from The Racecourse looked lively throughout this tough test and even the early departure of injured striker Marc Williams failed to dampen their spirits.
Saunders has said all along that he needs time to build a team that he can call his own and on this evidence that is not too far away.
New signings and talented youngsters have been moulded together under the Wales coach and, given time, they can mount a serious push for promotion this season.
Wrexham, wearing their white away strip, enjoyed the opening 45 minutes as their passion and energy swamped a Preston outfit, who looked sluggish and short of fitness.
New signing Hedi Taboubi was the main creator for Wrexham, passing and probing from his central midfield position.
Another new boy, Adrian Cieslewicz was lively and always looking to beat the offside trap, while Mark Jones and Neil Taylor provided good width.Within six minutes of the start Saunders’ men had carved out their first goalscoring opportunity, Andy Fleming playing a pass to Taboubi, who sent an excellent raking ball to Marc Williams on the left, the striker crossed to Cieslewicz, but he was denied a path to goal and the ball went out for a corner.
The Reds then took the lead from the flag kick as Silvio Spann’s centre caused havoc in the Preston defence.The initial cross found Taboubi, via Fleming, on the edge of the area, he gave it back to Spann, and from his second bite of the cherry he found the head of Mansour Assoumani six yards from goal, the big defender doing the rest with aplomb.
Marc Williams limped off shortly after the celebrations died down and Saunders sent on trialist Matty Wolfenden in his place.
The switch failed to null Wrexham’s attacking threat as Jones fired over from 25-yards and Spann saw another centre flash agonisingly across Nicky Weaver’s goalmouth.Preston finally managed an attack soon after, Chris Sedgwick stinging the hands of Chris Maxwell from distance.
Alan Irvine’s men had caused few problems for the Reds’ defence up until Sedgwick’s strike, but this seemed to spur them in to action and Eddie Nolan fired a weak effort at Maxwell’s goal, while new skipper Callum Davidson miss-kicked when played in after a quickly taken flag kick.
Nolan then forced a smart low save out of Maxwell after a neat interchange with Karl Hawley.
Former Liverpool striker Neil Mellor was next to have a go as he used his strength to out-muscle Assoumani and Sam Williamson before firing inches wide of the right upright.
After soaking up the Championship side’s pressure, Wrexham found their foothold in the game once more, Taylor seeing a chip fail to trouble Weaver, before Wolfenden fired in a smart shot on the turn, only to see the former Manchester City stopper brilliantly tip round the post.
The hard working and pacey Cieslewicz then highlighted his undoubted ability by leaving two defenders for dead and firing a smart left-footed drive at Weaver who was equal to the task and fisted the ball clear.
Preston were able to come forward for one last time as the enterprising Sedgwick found the head of Mellor, but he failed to generate any power and Maxwell gathered comfortably.
There were two different approaches at half-time with Saunders happy to to make just one change as former Preston player Nathan Fairhurst replaced Taboubi.
On the other hand, Irvine rang the changes by bringing on his big guns with Richard Chaplow, Ross Wallace, Jon Parkin, and Chris Brown in place of Neil Trotman, Mellor, Hawley and Adam Barton.
However the changes failed to spark any life into Preston as Cieslewicz went close once more, the teenager driving into the box having picked up the ball on the halfway line and firing at Weaver, who denied a second Wrexham goal.
Slowly but surely Preston found their footing in the game, Chaplow stamping his mark on the game with the equaliser.
When Sam Williamson failed to clear a ball any further than Sedgwick, the former Rotherham winger delivered an excellent cross and the ex-Burnley player headed the visitors level.
Williamson soon found himself out of the action as Saunders brought on promising defender Kai Edwards and switched to a 3-5-2 formation.Preston were looking increasingly likely to grab the next goal, but Wrexham and Cieslewicz were always dangerous in attack, the Pole curling an effort straight at Weaver.
Fleming then fired a drive over the North End bar, before Brown forced Maxwell into a smart low save from eight yards at the other end.Again Cieslewicz went close, hitting the side netting with an acrobatic effort after Spann sent in another teasing cross.Cieslewicz then received a deserved standing ovation when he finally made way for Wes Baynes with two minutes left.
And with time running out, Parkin went agonisingly close to sneaking a late Preston winner, while Brown saw another chance clear the Wrexham bar.
The referee brought an end to proceedings with supporters of both teams giving the players a warm send off.
It is early days yet, but the signs are good for Dean Saunders’ side.
The men from The Racecourse looked lively throughout this tough test and even the early departure of injured striker Marc Williams failed to dampen their spirits.
Saunders has said all along that he needs time to build a team that he can call his own and on this evidence that is not too far away.
New signings and talented youngsters have been moulded together under the Wales coach and, given time, they can mount a serious push for promotion this season.
Wrexham, wearing their white away strip, enjoyed the opening 45 minutes as their passion and energy swamped a Preston outfit, who looked sluggish and short of fitness.
New signing Hedi Taboubi was the main creator for Wrexham, passing and probing from his central midfield position.
Another new boy, Adrian Cieslewicz was lively and always looking to beat the offside trap, while Mark Jones and Neil Taylor provided good width.Within six minutes of the start Saunders’ men had carved out their first goalscoring opportunity, Andy Fleming playing a pass to Taboubi, who sent an excellent raking ball to Marc Williams on the left, the striker crossed to Cieslewicz, but he was denied a path to goal and the ball went out for a corner.
The Reds then took the lead from the flag kick as Silvio Spann’s centre caused havoc in the Preston defence.The initial cross found Taboubi, via Fleming, on the edge of the area, he gave it back to Spann, and from his second bite of the cherry he found the head of Mansour Assoumani six yards from goal, the big defender doing the rest with aplomb.
Marc Williams limped off shortly after the celebrations died down and Saunders sent on trialist Matty Wolfenden in his place.
The switch failed to null Wrexham’s attacking threat as Jones fired over from 25-yards and Spann saw another centre flash agonisingly across Nicky Weaver’s goalmouth.Preston finally managed an attack soon after, Chris Sedgwick stinging the hands of Chris Maxwell from distance.
Alan Irvine’s men had caused few problems for the Reds’ defence up until Sedgwick’s strike, but this seemed to spur them in to action and Eddie Nolan fired a weak effort at Maxwell’s goal, while new skipper Callum Davidson miss-kicked when played in after a quickly taken flag kick.
Nolan then forced a smart low save out of Maxwell after a neat interchange with Karl Hawley.
Former Liverpool striker Neil Mellor was next to have a go as he used his strength to out-muscle Assoumani and Sam Williamson before firing inches wide of the right upright.
After soaking up the Championship side’s pressure, Wrexham found their foothold in the game once more, Taylor seeing a chip fail to trouble Weaver, before Wolfenden fired in a smart shot on the turn, only to see the former Manchester City stopper brilliantly tip round the post.
The hard working and pacey Cieslewicz then highlighted his undoubted ability by leaving two defenders for dead and firing a smart left-footed drive at Weaver who was equal to the task and fisted the ball clear.
Preston were able to come forward for one last time as the enterprising Sedgwick found the head of Mellor, but he failed to generate any power and Maxwell gathered comfortably.
There were two different approaches at half-time with Saunders happy to to make just one change as former Preston player Nathan Fairhurst replaced Taboubi.
On the other hand, Irvine rang the changes by bringing on his big guns with Richard Chaplow, Ross Wallace, Jon Parkin, and Chris Brown in place of Neil Trotman, Mellor, Hawley and Adam Barton.
However the changes failed to spark any life into Preston as Cieslewicz went close once more, the teenager driving into the box having picked up the ball on the halfway line and firing at Weaver, who denied a second Wrexham goal.
Slowly but surely Preston found their footing in the game, Chaplow stamping his mark on the game with the equaliser.
When Sam Williamson failed to clear a ball any further than Sedgwick, the former Rotherham winger delivered an excellent cross and the ex-Burnley player headed the visitors level.
Williamson soon found himself out of the action as Saunders brought on promising defender Kai Edwards and switched to a 3-5-2 formation.Preston were looking increasingly likely to grab the next goal, but Wrexham and Cieslewicz were always dangerous in attack, the Pole curling an effort straight at Weaver.
Fleming then fired a drive over the North End bar, before Brown forced Maxwell into a smart low save from eight yards at the other end.Again Cieslewicz went close, hitting the side netting with an acrobatic effort after Spann sent in another teasing cross.Cieslewicz then received a deserved standing ovation when he finally made way for Wes Baynes with two minutes left.
And with time running out, Parkin went agonisingly close to sneaking a late Preston winner, while Brown saw another chance clear the Wrexham bar.
The referee brought an end to proceedings with supporters of both teams giving the players a warm send off.
WREXHAM FC: Dean Saunders feared the worst for Marc Williams
Dean Saunders admitted that he feared the worst after watching Marc Williams hobble out of action last night.
Williams lasted just eight minutes of the 1-1 draw with Preston North End having taken a knock on the same foot he broke toward the end of last season.
And as Williams headed towards the tunnel, the former Liverpool and Aston Villa attacker said he could think of little else other than the diagnosis.“I’ve just heard that Marc has a bruise and there is nothing wrong with his foot,” said a relieved Saunders.
“I couldn’t think of anything else through the first half to be honest, I was sick.
“I thought he’d broken his foot again and that would have been another striker we would have had to have signed.
“He has been having a bit of discomfort with it for a little while. He had an X-ray last week and got the all clear.
"He has been aching after training. He went over on it and hopefully it is just a fright and he felt something.
“When you get a break you get a lot of bruising around the bone, it takes ages to heal and no blood gets to that area.
“It is like when you break your finger it takes probably two years before you don’t feel any pain so hopefully it is that.
Saunders did manage to switch his attention to the game, giving praise to his side after a battling draw with the Championship outfit.“I thought we played really well first half, we knocked the ball around really well,” he said.
“As you can see some of them pulled up at the end with a bit of cramp so we are still a bit short, but they are four leagues above us, nearly five if they had won their last game the play-offs.
“Credit to the lads they played against a strong team there, they brought the two big front lads on and Chaplow came on in midfield.
“We switched systems to try and resist what was happening to us and we had chances to win it as well.
“I am pleased that they have come and played us, to play them is good for the fans and a good test for the players. I’ve still got three or four to add before the season starts.”
The game against higher opposition gave Saunders the chance to test out a different formation as the Reds went to 3-5-2 late on – and he felt it was the perfect exercise for his young team.
“There were some good performances there, they are learning the game,” he explained.“We went to three at the back towards the end of the game and some of them have never played that before.
“I was trying to teach them out on the pitch, but we need to try these things in pre-season and against good teams it is ideal.
“I was really pleased with how we passed the ball first half and how dangerous we looked, and second half I was pleased with how we defended.“If we had lost it is not the end of the world because you can try things.
“We had five or six missing tonight feeling terrible and obviously Gareth (Taylor) and Ashley (Westwood) are two big players for us.“We need a bit of experience in the team, but we have pace and that is what I want.”
Saunders also took the opportunity to take a look at trialist Matty Wolfenden, declaring his pleasure at the performance of the 21-year-old after he replaced Marc Williams with just eight minutes an the clock, before giving way to Obi Anoruo late on.
The striker was released by League One side Oldham Athletic earlier this week, and Saunders is pleased to have the chance to work with him.
He said: “He is an intelligent player, he makes great runs, he is a great signing for us.”
Williams lasted just eight minutes of the 1-1 draw with Preston North End having taken a knock on the same foot he broke toward the end of last season.
And as Williams headed towards the tunnel, the former Liverpool and Aston Villa attacker said he could think of little else other than the diagnosis.“I’ve just heard that Marc has a bruise and there is nothing wrong with his foot,” said a relieved Saunders.
“I couldn’t think of anything else through the first half to be honest, I was sick.
“I thought he’d broken his foot again and that would have been another striker we would have had to have signed.
“He has been having a bit of discomfort with it for a little while. He had an X-ray last week and got the all clear.
"He has been aching after training. He went over on it and hopefully it is just a fright and he felt something.
“When you get a break you get a lot of bruising around the bone, it takes ages to heal and no blood gets to that area.
“It is like when you break your finger it takes probably two years before you don’t feel any pain so hopefully it is that.
Saunders did manage to switch his attention to the game, giving praise to his side after a battling draw with the Championship outfit.“I thought we played really well first half, we knocked the ball around really well,” he said.
“As you can see some of them pulled up at the end with a bit of cramp so we are still a bit short, but they are four leagues above us, nearly five if they had won their last game the play-offs.
“Credit to the lads they played against a strong team there, they brought the two big front lads on and Chaplow came on in midfield.
“We switched systems to try and resist what was happening to us and we had chances to win it as well.
“I am pleased that they have come and played us, to play them is good for the fans and a good test for the players. I’ve still got three or four to add before the season starts.”
The game against higher opposition gave Saunders the chance to test out a different formation as the Reds went to 3-5-2 late on – and he felt it was the perfect exercise for his young team.
“There were some good performances there, they are learning the game,” he explained.“We went to three at the back towards the end of the game and some of them have never played that before.
“I was trying to teach them out on the pitch, but we need to try these things in pre-season and against good teams it is ideal.
“I was really pleased with how we passed the ball first half and how dangerous we looked, and second half I was pleased with how we defended.“If we had lost it is not the end of the world because you can try things.
“We had five or six missing tonight feeling terrible and obviously Gareth (Taylor) and Ashley (Westwood) are two big players for us.“We need a bit of experience in the team, but we have pace and that is what I want.”
Saunders also took the opportunity to take a look at trialist Matty Wolfenden, declaring his pleasure at the performance of the 21-year-old after he replaced Marc Williams with just eight minutes an the clock, before giving way to Obi Anoruo late on.
The striker was released by League One side Oldham Athletic earlier this week, and Saunders is pleased to have the chance to work with him.
He said: “He is an intelligent player, he makes great runs, he is a great signing for us.”
FA expresses match-fixing concerns as Chester City players receive bans
Disciplinary chiefs have expressed "serious concerns" that a Football League match may have been fixed after four players -including Chester’s Jay Harris and David Mannix - were banned for between five months and a year for betting on the outcome.
The four players have been suspended and fined after betting on the outcome of the League Two match between Accrington and Bury on May 3 2008 - three of the players were with Stanley at the time and the other at Bury, who won the game 2-0.
Harris has been banned for a year and fined a total of £5,500 by an independent FA regulatory commission, Mannix has been given a 10-month ban and fined £4,000, and Robert Williams suspended for eight months and fined £3,500.
Andrew Mangan, who was then a Bury player, has been banned for five months and fined £2,000 for betting on his team to win.
Nicholas Stewart QC, chairman of the regulatory commission, said in a statement: "The regulatory commission have serious concerns that the outcome of the match may have been fixed although none of the players were charged with these offences."
The four players have been suspended and fined after betting on the outcome of the League Two match between Accrington and Bury on May 3 2008 - three of the players were with Stanley at the time and the other at Bury, who won the game 2-0.
Harris has been banned for a year and fined a total of £5,500 by an independent FA regulatory commission, Mannix has been given a 10-month ban and fined £4,000, and Robert Williams suspended for eight months and fined £3,500.
Andrew Mangan, who was then a Bury player, has been banned for five months and fined £2,000 for betting on his team to win.
Nicholas Stewart QC, chairman of the regulatory commission, said in a statement: "The regulatory commission have serious concerns that the outcome of the match may have been fixed although none of the players were charged with these offences."
Peter Mandelson’s eye on bids to take over Vauxhall plants
By Phil Robinson
BUSINESS Secretary Lord Mandelson is keeping a close eye on developments as the battle for ownership of General Motors’ European operations enters its final round.
As bidding to take over Vauxhall Motors and its German sister-company ended on Monday night, three potential new owners had lined up.
They are Canadian-owned parts manufacturer Magna, Belgian-based venture capital group RHJ and China’s Beijing Automotive Industries.
General Motors said it would now carefully consider all the bids before giving judgement on which appears to offers the best deal.
Details will then be scrutinised by the German and UK governments, the EU Commission and the Opel/Vauxhall Trust Board.
A GM spokesman said an announcement would be made on the new owners by the end of the month.
Lord Mandelson is taking a personal interest in how the situation unfolds and has pledged to do all he can to ensure the long-term future of the Vauxhall plants at Luton and Ellesmere Port, where 5,000 jobs hang in the balance, including hundreds from Wrexham and Flintshire.
Although Magna was declared as preferred bidder for GM Europe some weeks ago, the company had to re-submit its bid – along with the other two suitors – by Monday night.
Magna’s bid is supported by Russia’s Sberbank and there has been concern that if it acquired GM Europe, too many details of its highly advanced car technology would be used to boost the Russian motor industry.
It is understood that Magna’s new bid contains assurances that this will not happen.
Insiders say that despite the RHJ bid offering a number of attractive features, Magna remains favourite in the race.German Chancellor Angela Merkel and Russian President Dmitry Medvedev have both voiced their support for Magna.
Magna has pledged that “no immediate plant closures are contemplated” at either Vauxhall site until at least 2013.RHJ is also expected to support saving both Vauxhall factories – but may ask workers to take pay cuts.
GM was forced to put its Europeam arm up for sale as part of its massive restructuring that saw it go into Chapter 11 bankruptcy in the US – before emerging as a leaner company with less debt.
Opel has been placed under the ownership of a trustee in which both GM and the German government have a stake.
Whichever bid is eventually successful, Lord Mandelson is expected to offer a sizeable amount of Government cash assistance to secure Vauxhall jobs.
BUSINESS Secretary Lord Mandelson is keeping a close eye on developments as the battle for ownership of General Motors’ European operations enters its final round.
As bidding to take over Vauxhall Motors and its German sister-company ended on Monday night, three potential new owners had lined up.
They are Canadian-owned parts manufacturer Magna, Belgian-based venture capital group RHJ and China’s Beijing Automotive Industries.
General Motors said it would now carefully consider all the bids before giving judgement on which appears to offers the best deal.
Details will then be scrutinised by the German and UK governments, the EU Commission and the Opel/Vauxhall Trust Board.
A GM spokesman said an announcement would be made on the new owners by the end of the month.
Lord Mandelson is taking a personal interest in how the situation unfolds and has pledged to do all he can to ensure the long-term future of the Vauxhall plants at Luton and Ellesmere Port, where 5,000 jobs hang in the balance, including hundreds from Wrexham and Flintshire.
Although Magna was declared as preferred bidder for GM Europe some weeks ago, the company had to re-submit its bid – along with the other two suitors – by Monday night.
Magna’s bid is supported by Russia’s Sberbank and there has been concern that if it acquired GM Europe, too many details of its highly advanced car technology would be used to boost the Russian motor industry.
It is understood that Magna’s new bid contains assurances that this will not happen.
Insiders say that despite the RHJ bid offering a number of attractive features, Magna remains favourite in the race.German Chancellor Angela Merkel and Russian President Dmitry Medvedev have both voiced their support for Magna.
Magna has pledged that “no immediate plant closures are contemplated” at either Vauxhall site until at least 2013.RHJ is also expected to support saving both Vauxhall factories – but may ask workers to take pay cuts.
GM was forced to put its Europeam arm up for sale as part of its massive restructuring that saw it go into Chapter 11 bankruptcy in the US – before emerging as a leaner company with less debt.
Opel has been placed under the ownership of a trustee in which both GM and the German government have a stake.
Whichever bid is eventually successful, Lord Mandelson is expected to offer a sizeable amount of Government cash assistance to secure Vauxhall jobs.
Chance meeting unites Mold and Melbourne penpals
A MAN got an unexpected surprise at a family reunion, when he met his online ‘penpal’ in the flesh.
Ray Roberts, from Mold, had been communicating with Evan Jones, who lives in Melbourne, Australia, by email for several years.
They got in contact with each other through the Clwyd Family History Society mailing list, as both are family history enthusiasts, but had never met in person.
So Ray got the shock of his life at his family’s annual reunion at Cilcain Village Hall last week, when Evan popped his head round the door.
Evan was on holiday and was trying to find out more about his ancestors’ Flintshire roots.
When the pair started chatting, they realised they knew each other.
They started emailing each other through the Clwyd Family History Society mailing listRay said: “I could have fainted.
"We have corresponded and chatted about family history matters for some time.
“I had no idea that Evan and his wife Pauline, whose family originally come from Anglesey, were in the UK. It was lovely to meet them.
“It is such a coincidence that they and I were in Cilcain at the same time.
“We could so easily have missed each other.
"He could have driven off without coming to the village hall, which would have been a great shame.”
Ray has arranged another meeting with Evan, before he and his wife return to Australia.
Ray Roberts, from Mold, had been communicating with Evan Jones, who lives in Melbourne, Australia, by email for several years.
They got in contact with each other through the Clwyd Family History Society mailing list, as both are family history enthusiasts, but had never met in person.
So Ray got the shock of his life at his family’s annual reunion at Cilcain Village Hall last week, when Evan popped his head round the door.
Evan was on holiday and was trying to find out more about his ancestors’ Flintshire roots.
When the pair started chatting, they realised they knew each other.
They started emailing each other through the Clwyd Family History Society mailing listRay said: “I could have fainted.
"We have corresponded and chatted about family history matters for some time.
“I had no idea that Evan and his wife Pauline, whose family originally come from Anglesey, were in the UK. It was lovely to meet them.
“It is such a coincidence that they and I were in Cilcain at the same time.
“We could so easily have missed each other.
"He could have driven off without coming to the village hall, which would have been a great shame.”
Ray has arranged another meeting with Evan, before he and his wife return to Australia.
Hope pupils to take part in Richard Hammond's CBBC TV show
A TRIO of high school pupils are to appear on TV with a top star.
The Castell Alun, Hope pupils are set to take part in Richard Hammond’s Blast Lab.
The three friends will be on the CBBC programme this weekend on Saturday, July 25, when they will be tested on their knowledge of science to compete for prizes.
George Price, 13, from Kinnerton, Shaun May, 13, from Hope, and Edward Spruce, 13, from Kinnerton competed on the show as the team Boom Shacalaca.
They will be going up against The Science Sisters from Dorset.Each programme has a different theme, and this week’s theme is terminal velocity.
The series is set in Top Gear star Hammond’s fictitious underground science laboratory.
The two teams have to impress Richard and the studio audience before going head-to-head for four rounds as they battle to win points and prizes.
The show is broadcast at 8.30am on Saturday, on BBC2.
The Castell Alun, Hope pupils are set to take part in Richard Hammond’s Blast Lab.
The three friends will be on the CBBC programme this weekend on Saturday, July 25, when they will be tested on their knowledge of science to compete for prizes.
George Price, 13, from Kinnerton, Shaun May, 13, from Hope, and Edward Spruce, 13, from Kinnerton competed on the show as the team Boom Shacalaca.
They will be going up against The Science Sisters from Dorset.Each programme has a different theme, and this week’s theme is terminal velocity.
The series is set in Top Gear star Hammond’s fictitious underground science laboratory.
The two teams have to impress Richard and the studio audience before going head-to-head for four rounds as they battle to win points and prizes.
The show is broadcast at 8.30am on Saturday, on BBC2.
Award celebrates skills of busy young Wrexham musician
TALENTED Rachel Hall has been presented with a prestigious honour celebrating her amazing musical skills.
Nineteen-year-old Wrexham-born Rachel has received an award from the Sir John Barbirolli Memorial Foundation which is run by the Royal Philharmonic Society.
Last year only 15 young musicians in the UK were awarded the prize, demonstrating the exceptionally high standards required.
As a young child Rachel briefly dabbled with the violin while at the Rofft Primary School, before beginning to learn the clarinet aged nine.
Finding that she had a natural ability in music, Rachel taught herself to play flute when she started secondary school.
When she was 14, Rachel was identified by Wrexham Music Services as a talented musician and was asked to take up the bassoon.
Within three months of being given a county bassoon to play and having less than 30 minutes of tuition a week, she played it with the Wrexham Youth Orchestra.
Rachel also played bassoon, clarinet and flute for Wrexham Senior County Band.
She toured with them to Belgium in 2006, and Holland in 2008. Rachel is currently the principal bassoonist for North Wales Youth Orchestra and the Four Counties Youth Orchestra.
She is also guest bassoonist for North Powys Youth Orchestra.
In 2006, Rachel started bassoon lessons with Hazel Barrett and through Hazel met Alan Pendlebury, Principal Bassoon with The Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra who now takes an active role in mentoring Rachel.
It was also in 2006 that Rachel took the decision to specialise in bassoon.Since 2008, Rachel has been studying for a BA(Hons) Music at Leeds College of Music.
She is studying bassoon with David Baker of Opera North. At college Rachel plays in the Leeds Community Symphony Orchestra, LCM Sinfonietta, LCM Pit Band and LCM Opera Orchestra plus several quintets.
She is currently the only student in the college studying bassoon as their first instrument.
This year she completed a successful concert tour to Luxembourg with the National Youth Wind Orchestra of Wales.Rachel is also founding member of Saxafaction, a much acclaimed saxophone quartet.
Rachel now enjoys arranging music for bassoon quartets.
She records the pieces in her free time at college, playing all of the parts herself.Although Rachel enjoys playing classical music her ambition is to become a pit musician and work in musical theatre.
Rachel has recently played bassoon, baritone sax, clarinet and flute for a performance of the musical Follies at LCM and also had great fun playing saxophone in a pantomime rock band for The Maelor School in Wrexham.
Nineteen-year-old Wrexham-born Rachel has received an award from the Sir John Barbirolli Memorial Foundation which is run by the Royal Philharmonic Society.
Last year only 15 young musicians in the UK were awarded the prize, demonstrating the exceptionally high standards required.
As a young child Rachel briefly dabbled with the violin while at the Rofft Primary School, before beginning to learn the clarinet aged nine.
Finding that she had a natural ability in music, Rachel taught herself to play flute when she started secondary school.
When she was 14, Rachel was identified by Wrexham Music Services as a talented musician and was asked to take up the bassoon.
Within three months of being given a county bassoon to play and having less than 30 minutes of tuition a week, she played it with the Wrexham Youth Orchestra.
Rachel also played bassoon, clarinet and flute for Wrexham Senior County Band.
She toured with them to Belgium in 2006, and Holland in 2008. Rachel is currently the principal bassoonist for North Wales Youth Orchestra and the Four Counties Youth Orchestra.
She is also guest bassoonist for North Powys Youth Orchestra.
In 2006, Rachel started bassoon lessons with Hazel Barrett and through Hazel met Alan Pendlebury, Principal Bassoon with The Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra who now takes an active role in mentoring Rachel.
It was also in 2006 that Rachel took the decision to specialise in bassoon.Since 2008, Rachel has been studying for a BA(Hons) Music at Leeds College of Music.
She is studying bassoon with David Baker of Opera North. At college Rachel plays in the Leeds Community Symphony Orchestra, LCM Sinfonietta, LCM Pit Band and LCM Opera Orchestra plus several quintets.
She is currently the only student in the college studying bassoon as their first instrument.
This year she completed a successful concert tour to Luxembourg with the National Youth Wind Orchestra of Wales.Rachel is also founding member of Saxafaction, a much acclaimed saxophone quartet.
Rachel now enjoys arranging music for bassoon quartets.
She records the pieces in her free time at college, playing all of the parts herself.Although Rachel enjoys playing classical music her ambition is to become a pit musician and work in musical theatre.
Rachel has recently played bassoon, baritone sax, clarinet and flute for a performance of the musical Follies at LCM and also had great fun playing saxophone in a pantomime rock band for The Maelor School in Wrexham.
Woman and child injured in ambulance crash in Bwlchgwyn
AN ambulance on its way to an emergency call was involved in an accident.
The ambulance was driving with blue lights flashing along Old Road, Bwlchgwyn, at 2.30pm on Tuesday when it collided with a Vauxhall Corsa.
The ambulance was on the way to another accident where a Renault vehicle overturned on the A5104 Llandegla to Bryneglwys road.
A woman trapped in the flipped Renault was rescued by firefighters who used cutting equipment to free her.
She was then taken to the Wrexham Maelor Hospital suffering with a knee injury.
A second passenger, a man, was checked over by paramedics.
During the crash between the ambulance and the Vauxhall Corsa, a woman received a leg and arm injury and was also taken to the Wrexham Maelor Hospital.
She had a child with her.
A Welsh Ambulance Service spokesperson said: “An ambulance was involved in a road traffic collision near Gwynfryn on the B5430 at 2.32pm while making its way on a blue light procedure to another accident near Bryneglwys.
More emergency resources were sent straight away to Bryneglwys.“Two ambulances and an officer were sent to the scene at Gwynfryn, a female with a broken arm and a child suffering from shock were taken to hospital.
“Two ambulances attended the scene of the first incident at Bryneglwys, a female with a knee injury and a male were taken to the Wrexham Maelor for a check up.”
Four casualties – described as having minor injuries – were taken to the Maelor Hospital in Wrexham by ambulance following a crash early yesterday morning.
The incident, which involved two vehicles, happened shortly before 7am at Wynnville in Ruabon. The fire service attended and used hydraulic equipment as part of the operation.
The ambulance was driving with blue lights flashing along Old Road, Bwlchgwyn, at 2.30pm on Tuesday when it collided with a Vauxhall Corsa.
The ambulance was on the way to another accident where a Renault vehicle overturned on the A5104 Llandegla to Bryneglwys road.
A woman trapped in the flipped Renault was rescued by firefighters who used cutting equipment to free her.
She was then taken to the Wrexham Maelor Hospital suffering with a knee injury.
A second passenger, a man, was checked over by paramedics.
During the crash between the ambulance and the Vauxhall Corsa, a woman received a leg and arm injury and was also taken to the Wrexham Maelor Hospital.
She had a child with her.
A Welsh Ambulance Service spokesperson said: “An ambulance was involved in a road traffic collision near Gwynfryn on the B5430 at 2.32pm while making its way on a blue light procedure to another accident near Bryneglwys.
More emergency resources were sent straight away to Bryneglwys.“Two ambulances and an officer were sent to the scene at Gwynfryn, a female with a broken arm and a child suffering from shock were taken to hospital.
“Two ambulances attended the scene of the first incident at Bryneglwys, a female with a knee injury and a male were taken to the Wrexham Maelor for a check up.”
Four casualties – described as having minor injuries – were taken to the Maelor Hospital in Wrexham by ambulance following a crash early yesterday morning.
The incident, which involved two vehicles, happened shortly before 7am at Wynnville in Ruabon. The fire service attended and used hydraulic equipment as part of the operation.
Travellers’ plea to Wrexham residents: ‘Don’t be frightened of us’
By Claire Gallagher
TRAVELLERS have sent out a message to worried residents: ‘We’re not bad people’.
The Romany gipsies living on their own land off Daisy Lane, Rossett, are anxious to put their case after another group of travellers set up camp in Wrexham last week.
A group of travellers, unknown to the gipsies living at Daisy Lane, set up camp on Maesgwyn playing fields last week.
The Daisy Lane families say they have sympathy for the other group because there are not enough pitches for travellers in Wrexham.
Jeremy Wells, 30, who lives with his wife Lisa, 33, and their six children at Daisy Lane said: “The problem is there is nowhere to go for them and nowhere they can dispose of rubbish properly.”
Speaking about the public’s negative attitude to travellers, Mr Wells (pictured) said: “The problem is people don’t know us.“We want to say to the public ‘don’t be frightened of us’.
“We don’t want this negative image because we’re not all like that.“We have never caused any trouble here and live in a peaceful community.
“We don’t want to be tarred with the same brush as other travellers who may cause trouble.”
The six families on the site are waiting for the planning inspectorate to rule on an application to change the land from agricultural to have six caravan pitches.
They have spent thousands of pounds renovating the park to make it into a home and pay for electricity, have a sewage system and a septic tank as well as a small shed serving as a utility room.
Mr Wells added: “We pay our taxes like everyone else,” added Jeremy.
The children, Jeremy Jnr, three, Diomante, four, Analise, nine Shamalia, eight months, Soniell, eight and Sinead five, go to St Peter’s school in Rossett and Mr and Mrs Wells are registered with a doctor in Rossett.
Lisa Wells said: “It would be nice to have more respect,” said Lisa.
“A few people have not looked at me or have called my children names.”But the couple say that in general the community has been supportive.
The planning decision for the Daisy Lane site is expected in the next couple of weeks and say they will appeal if it does not go in their favour.
TRAVELLERS have sent out a message to worried residents: ‘We’re not bad people’.
The Romany gipsies living on their own land off Daisy Lane, Rossett, are anxious to put their case after another group of travellers set up camp in Wrexham last week.
A group of travellers, unknown to the gipsies living at Daisy Lane, set up camp on Maesgwyn playing fields last week.
The Daisy Lane families say they have sympathy for the other group because there are not enough pitches for travellers in Wrexham.
Jeremy Wells, 30, who lives with his wife Lisa, 33, and their six children at Daisy Lane said: “The problem is there is nowhere to go for them and nowhere they can dispose of rubbish properly.”
Speaking about the public’s negative attitude to travellers, Mr Wells (pictured) said: “The problem is people don’t know us.“We want to say to the public ‘don’t be frightened of us’.
“We don’t want this negative image because we’re not all like that.“We have never caused any trouble here and live in a peaceful community.
“We don’t want to be tarred with the same brush as other travellers who may cause trouble.”
The six families on the site are waiting for the planning inspectorate to rule on an application to change the land from agricultural to have six caravan pitches.
They have spent thousands of pounds renovating the park to make it into a home and pay for electricity, have a sewage system and a septic tank as well as a small shed serving as a utility room.
Mr Wells added: “We pay our taxes like everyone else,” added Jeremy.
The children, Jeremy Jnr, three, Diomante, four, Analise, nine Shamalia, eight months, Soniell, eight and Sinead five, go to St Peter’s school in Rossett and Mr and Mrs Wells are registered with a doctor in Rossett.
Lisa Wells said: “It would be nice to have more respect,” said Lisa.
“A few people have not looked at me or have called my children names.”But the couple say that in general the community has been supportive.
The planning decision for the Daisy Lane site is expected in the next couple of weeks and say they will appeal if it does not go in their favour.
Wrexham traffic wardens issues 7,349 fines last year
By Matt Sims
WREXHAM’S traffic wardens issued 7,349 fines in the last year – exceeding their target by more than 1,500 and costing the council an extra £13,000 in processing costs.
Parking enforcement officers in the county were so keen they even beat bigger targets laid down for the next two years, with the vast majority of penalty charge notices issued in the town centre.
Because the processing of fines has been outsourced by Wrexham Council to Denbighshire, the local authority had to pay a levy on every penalty sent to the neighbouring authority – which cost the council more than double the amount it had expected to pay.
More than 59 per cent of fines – a total of 4,348 – were issued for a variety of ‘on street’ parking offences in Wrexham town centre, while nearly 39 per cent – 2,859 – were handed out in Wrexham Council’s car parks.
The total was not only higher than originally anticipated, but also more than the 6,600 target set each year for 2009/10 and 2010/11.
The figures will be discussed by a meeting of the council’s environment and regeneration scrutiny committee today.
A report to go before councillors by chief transportation officer Martin Wright reads: “Parking services not only exceeded the levels of penalty charge notices estimated for year one but also the estimate for subsequent years.
“This is a positive sign that the service is delivering what is expected.
”For each fine processed by the Wales Penalty Processing Partnership (WPPP), based in Denbighshire, Wrexham Council was charged a levy of £6.55 – more than predicted because other authorities did not issue their expected levels of notices.
In his report Mr Wright says: “The expected payment in 2008/09 due to WPPP was £26,150 whereas the actual payment was £53,000.
“As a consequence... the CPE (civil parking enforcement) budget was overspent by £13,000, which was absorbed by the transportation and asset management department.”
Mr Wright goes on to claim in the report that, since the council took over responsibility for parking enforcement from police, improvements have been seen across Wrexham.
He says: “Anecdotal evidence suggest that the county borough’s traffic flow has improved, parking at the county’s schools is safer, there has been a reduction in misuse of the blue badge scheme and it is easier to park in the town centre.”
WREXHAM’S traffic wardens issued 7,349 fines in the last year – exceeding their target by more than 1,500 and costing the council an extra £13,000 in processing costs.
Parking enforcement officers in the county were so keen they even beat bigger targets laid down for the next two years, with the vast majority of penalty charge notices issued in the town centre.
Because the processing of fines has been outsourced by Wrexham Council to Denbighshire, the local authority had to pay a levy on every penalty sent to the neighbouring authority – which cost the council more than double the amount it had expected to pay.
More than 59 per cent of fines – a total of 4,348 – were issued for a variety of ‘on street’ parking offences in Wrexham town centre, while nearly 39 per cent – 2,859 – were handed out in Wrexham Council’s car parks.
The total was not only higher than originally anticipated, but also more than the 6,600 target set each year for 2009/10 and 2010/11.
The figures will be discussed by a meeting of the council’s environment and regeneration scrutiny committee today.
A report to go before councillors by chief transportation officer Martin Wright reads: “Parking services not only exceeded the levels of penalty charge notices estimated for year one but also the estimate for subsequent years.
“This is a positive sign that the service is delivering what is expected.
”For each fine processed by the Wales Penalty Processing Partnership (WPPP), based in Denbighshire, Wrexham Council was charged a levy of £6.55 – more than predicted because other authorities did not issue their expected levels of notices.
In his report Mr Wright says: “The expected payment in 2008/09 due to WPPP was £26,150 whereas the actual payment was £53,000.
“As a consequence... the CPE (civil parking enforcement) budget was overspent by £13,000, which was absorbed by the transportation and asset management department.”
Mr Wright goes on to claim in the report that, since the council took over responsibility for parking enforcement from police, improvements have been seen across Wrexham.
He says: “Anecdotal evidence suggest that the county borough’s traffic flow has improved, parking at the county’s schools is safer, there has been a reduction in misuse of the blue badge scheme and it is easier to park in the town centre.”
Come and have a say on Flintshire policing
POLICE in Connah’s Quay are inviting members of the public to attend meetings to discuss any problems they have.
The first neighbourhood policing panel meeting, which is for the Golftyn and central wards, takes place at 6.30pm on Thursday, August 6 at Connah’s Quay community centre, Tuscan Way.
On Thursday, August 20 a meeting is being held for people in the Wepre and south areas.
It starts at 6.30pm at the civic hall on Wepre Drive.Police community support officer Sian Atkinson said: ”Members of the public can come along and discuss any local issues they have.
“We will be discussing previous action plans and creating new ones.”For more details, telephone PCSO Atkinson on 07854 352 221.
The first neighbourhood policing panel meeting, which is for the Golftyn and central wards, takes place at 6.30pm on Thursday, August 6 at Connah’s Quay community centre, Tuscan Way.
On Thursday, August 20 a meeting is being held for people in the Wepre and south areas.
It starts at 6.30pm at the civic hall on Wepre Drive.Police community support officer Sian Atkinson said: ”Members of the public can come along and discuss any local issues they have.
“We will be discussing previous action plans and creating new ones.”For more details, telephone PCSO Atkinson on 07854 352 221.
Wrexham firm tackles ministers over way of generating ‘greener’ power
A COMPANY is at the cutting edge of the drive towards a “greener” economy and creating new jobs.
Bosses at Sharp in Llay are currently in talks with the UK Government on the wider use of energy-saving power systems, which would radically reduce Britain’s carbon footprint.
As a pioneer in the manufacture and supply of solar panels for the generation of electricity, the factory has just hosted a high-level visit by the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change, Ed Miliband.
And a top Sharp executive has revealed that the company is now in discussions with Mr Miliband’s departmental colleague, Wrexham MP Ian Lucas, in his role as Under Secretary of State for Business and Regulatory Reform.Steve Crewe, Sharp’s human resources and general affairs manager, said: “The tariff system, which means that excess electricity generated by domestic solar panels is sold on to utility providers, is now in general use in a number of countries across Europe.
“Here at the Wrexham factory we build solar module panels and 95 per cent of what we produce is sold to continental Europe.
“However, there is an untapped market for panels in the UK and, hopefully, we could be at the cutting edge of filling that.”He added: “Sharp has had meetings with Mr Lucas to talk about developing this energy policy.”
Mr Lucas, who accompanied Mr Miliband on the visit to Sharp, said that one of the issues discussed was the Government’s publication of its low carbon industrial strategy.
The Under Secretary has pledged to work with Sharp and other companies to ensure that they can make the most of the opportunities the strategy provides.
He explained: “Helping the UK make the transition to a low-carbon economy really will provide real opportunities for businesses.
“The proof is right here in north east Wales, at companies such as Sharp.“I was among those who pushed to secure a PV cells production plant in Llay several years ago.
“In 2004, that plant had 400 workers – this year, the figure has doubled to 800. The factory is now one of the largest private sector employers in Wrexham. On Deeside, Toyota have secured jobs by working to produce new, greener cars.”
Mr Lucas added: “The Government’s low carbon industrial strategy will help cut carbon emissions and tackle climate change. But it will also secure and create jobs in producing and developing new technologies.
“It is hugely important we invest in these new technologies now – so we can work towards a greener future and so we can make sure we make the most of the new employment opportunities these new industries provide.”
Bosses at Sharp in Llay are currently in talks with the UK Government on the wider use of energy-saving power systems, which would radically reduce Britain’s carbon footprint.
As a pioneer in the manufacture and supply of solar panels for the generation of electricity, the factory has just hosted a high-level visit by the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change, Ed Miliband.
And a top Sharp executive has revealed that the company is now in discussions with Mr Miliband’s departmental colleague, Wrexham MP Ian Lucas, in his role as Under Secretary of State for Business and Regulatory Reform.Steve Crewe, Sharp’s human resources and general affairs manager, said: “The tariff system, which means that excess electricity generated by domestic solar panels is sold on to utility providers, is now in general use in a number of countries across Europe.
“Here at the Wrexham factory we build solar module panels and 95 per cent of what we produce is sold to continental Europe.
“However, there is an untapped market for panels in the UK and, hopefully, we could be at the cutting edge of filling that.”He added: “Sharp has had meetings with Mr Lucas to talk about developing this energy policy.”
Mr Lucas, who accompanied Mr Miliband on the visit to Sharp, said that one of the issues discussed was the Government’s publication of its low carbon industrial strategy.
The Under Secretary has pledged to work with Sharp and other companies to ensure that they can make the most of the opportunities the strategy provides.
He explained: “Helping the UK make the transition to a low-carbon economy really will provide real opportunities for businesses.
“The proof is right here in north east Wales, at companies such as Sharp.“I was among those who pushed to secure a PV cells production plant in Llay several years ago.
“In 2004, that plant had 400 workers – this year, the figure has doubled to 800. The factory is now one of the largest private sector employers in Wrexham. On Deeside, Toyota have secured jobs by working to produce new, greener cars.”
Mr Lucas added: “The Government’s low carbon industrial strategy will help cut carbon emissions and tackle climate change. But it will also secure and create jobs in producing and developing new technologies.
“It is hugely important we invest in these new technologies now – so we can work towards a greener future and so we can make sure we make the most of the new employment opportunities these new industries provide.”
Young Wrexham swine flu victim recovering well
by Garth ApThomas
A 10-year-old Wrexham schoolgirl is recovering at home after contracting swine flu.Ebony Charles, who attends St Giles Juniors, came down with the illness on Thursday and her family were initially devastated for her.
But she has shown tremendous resolve, her condition has picked up over the weekend and is looking to be well on the road to recovery.
Ebony’s mum, Sue, of Rhosymedre, said that the first signs of illness included a severe headache and feeling sick.“The school got in contact to say that Ebony was poorly. I went over to pick her up and she did look rough, very pale.”
Sue got in touch with her GP and swine flu was diagnosed.
She went to fetch a prescription from the Maelor Hospital and the medication has been working well.“Ebony has picked up a bit over the weekend and looks to be recovering well.
It is such a relief. When I first realised she was ill I was hoping it would just be something like a small viral infection.
I was mortified when swine flu was diagnosed.“We are a big family, with my husband and seven children there are nine of us.
“We were advised to carry on our normal day to day lives.“Ebony has been really good.
"In the beginning she was so bad it felt like her head was going to blow up,” said Sue who has been devotedly nursing her daughter through the illness.
Sue herself came down with a bug on Sunday, but she managed to shake it off within 24 hours.
“I started to get symptoms like headaches and really bad coughing and did think I was starting to get swine flu myself.
But thankfully it has passed off now almost as quickly as it came.
“I would also like to thank the doctors for all their expertise and care, they have been very good.”
A 10-year-old Wrexham schoolgirl is recovering at home after contracting swine flu.Ebony Charles, who attends St Giles Juniors, came down with the illness on Thursday and her family were initially devastated for her.
But she has shown tremendous resolve, her condition has picked up over the weekend and is looking to be well on the road to recovery.
Ebony’s mum, Sue, of Rhosymedre, said that the first signs of illness included a severe headache and feeling sick.“The school got in contact to say that Ebony was poorly. I went over to pick her up and she did look rough, very pale.”
Sue got in touch with her GP and swine flu was diagnosed.
She went to fetch a prescription from the Maelor Hospital and the medication has been working well.“Ebony has picked up a bit over the weekend and looks to be recovering well.
It is such a relief. When I first realised she was ill I was hoping it would just be something like a small viral infection.
I was mortified when swine flu was diagnosed.“We are a big family, with my husband and seven children there are nine of us.
“We were advised to carry on our normal day to day lives.“Ebony has been really good.
"In the beginning she was so bad it felt like her head was going to blow up,” said Sue who has been devotedly nursing her daughter through the illness.
Sue herself came down with a bug on Sunday, but she managed to shake it off within 24 hours.
“I started to get symptoms like headaches and really bad coughing and did think I was starting to get swine flu myself.
But thankfully it has passed off now almost as quickly as it came.
“I would also like to thank the doctors for all their expertise and care, they have been very good.”
Wrexham taxi driver assault man claims his drinks had been spiked
By Claire Gallagher
A FATHER punched a taxi driver seven times on the head following an argument with his wife.
On June 6 Richard Arthur Carroll attended his son’s christening and then he and his wife went out drinking with friends in Wrexham.Carroll, 27, of Concorde Row, appeared at Wrexham Magistrates Court to admit assaulting taxi driver John Anthony David Barratt by beating and damaging a wooden fence belonging to Brian Clifford Matthews.
Rod Williams, defending, said: “The christening was at All Saints at 12.30pm and there was a reception at the Wynnstay at 2pm.“It finished at 6pm and they went into town with friends.
“He normally drinks pints of lager but later discovered his friends had been spiking his drinks during the course of the night.”
The couple left to get a taxi at about midnight.Emily Downing, prosecuting, said: “The taxi driver picked up the defendant with a female and was taking them to a specific location.
“An argument ensued and the female started saying ‘help me, take me to my mums.’
“The taxi driver told the defendant to get out. Barratt walked to the passenger side of the car and then the defendant punched Barratt.
“Barratt received seven more blows to the head. He grabbed him by the neck to restrain him and they fell through a fence.”
Mr Williams said that his client, a gas engineer, wanted to apologise to the taxi driver and the resident whose fence was damaged.“He accepts full responsibility and he’s thoroughly ashamed of his behaviour,” he said.
“The incident occurred as a direct consequence of too much alcohol. He will lose his job and he is the main breadwinner.”
Magistrates ordered Carroll to pay compensation of £100 to Mr Barratt, to pay a fine of £300 with court costs of £60 and a victim surcharge of £15.
Magistrates chairman Pat Thomas said: “You make sure nobody else sticks anything in your drink.”
A FATHER punched a taxi driver seven times on the head following an argument with his wife.
On June 6 Richard Arthur Carroll attended his son’s christening and then he and his wife went out drinking with friends in Wrexham.Carroll, 27, of Concorde Row, appeared at Wrexham Magistrates Court to admit assaulting taxi driver John Anthony David Barratt by beating and damaging a wooden fence belonging to Brian Clifford Matthews.
Rod Williams, defending, said: “The christening was at All Saints at 12.30pm and there was a reception at the Wynnstay at 2pm.“It finished at 6pm and they went into town with friends.
“He normally drinks pints of lager but later discovered his friends had been spiking his drinks during the course of the night.”
The couple left to get a taxi at about midnight.Emily Downing, prosecuting, said: “The taxi driver picked up the defendant with a female and was taking them to a specific location.
“An argument ensued and the female started saying ‘help me, take me to my mums.’
“The taxi driver told the defendant to get out. Barratt walked to the passenger side of the car and then the defendant punched Barratt.
“Barratt received seven more blows to the head. He grabbed him by the neck to restrain him and they fell through a fence.”
Mr Williams said that his client, a gas engineer, wanted to apologise to the taxi driver and the resident whose fence was damaged.“He accepts full responsibility and he’s thoroughly ashamed of his behaviour,” he said.
“The incident occurred as a direct consequence of too much alcohol. He will lose his job and he is the main breadwinner.”
Magistrates ordered Carroll to pay compensation of £100 to Mr Barratt, to pay a fine of £300 with court costs of £60 and a victim surcharge of £15.
Magistrates chairman Pat Thomas said: “You make sure nobody else sticks anything in your drink.”
No word from retail giant as Broughton store stalls
MARKS and Spencer is staying tight-lipped over claims that long-held plans for a new store at Broughton Shopping Park have been put on the back burner.
Planning permission for a huge expansion of the retail park, including a flagship Marks and Spencer store, was granted in 2006 but three years on there is no sign of the proposals becoming a reality.
At a recent public meeting in Broughton, councillors claimed that the high-street giant was focusing on getting the final go-ahead for a vast new store proposed at the Cheshire Oaks outlet village in Ellesmere Port.
At 195,000 sq ft, the Cheshire Oaks site would be the second largest Marks and Spencer store in the country and would represent the largest investment by the company in a UK store during the last decade.
The Ellesmere Port scheme was given the go-ahead by councillors but was called in by the Government and has been the subject of a public inquiry.
Asked about the plans for Broughton, a Marks and Spencer spokesman would only say: “We remain committed to expanding in the area and we will review our strategy later in the year.”
Former Broughton county councillor Derek Butler told the Evening Leader: “Marks and Spencer seem distracted by the state of the retail market at the public inquiry at Cheshire Oaks.
“In the meantime, people in Broughton are the last to know as usual.”
He added: “What people in Broughton really want is the interchange on the A55 that would divert traffic around the back of village, because the people here are sick of the gridlock.
“But that is unlikely to happen without the Marks and Spencer scheme because the developers would fund the road improvements.“The money has to come from somewhere.”
Planning permission for a huge expansion of the retail park, including a flagship Marks and Spencer store, was granted in 2006 but three years on there is no sign of the proposals becoming a reality.
At a recent public meeting in Broughton, councillors claimed that the high-street giant was focusing on getting the final go-ahead for a vast new store proposed at the Cheshire Oaks outlet village in Ellesmere Port.
At 195,000 sq ft, the Cheshire Oaks site would be the second largest Marks and Spencer store in the country and would represent the largest investment by the company in a UK store during the last decade.
The Ellesmere Port scheme was given the go-ahead by councillors but was called in by the Government and has been the subject of a public inquiry.
Asked about the plans for Broughton, a Marks and Spencer spokesman would only say: “We remain committed to expanding in the area and we will review our strategy later in the year.”
Former Broughton county councillor Derek Butler told the Evening Leader: “Marks and Spencer seem distracted by the state of the retail market at the public inquiry at Cheshire Oaks.
“In the meantime, people in Broughton are the last to know as usual.”
He added: “What people in Broughton really want is the interchange on the A55 that would divert traffic around the back of village, because the people here are sick of the gridlock.
“But that is unlikely to happen without the Marks and Spencer scheme because the developers would fund the road improvements.“The money has to come from somewhere.”
Flintshire bar staff step up security after samurai raid
By Michael Youds
BAR staff working at pubs in the Flint area have spoken of their fears following a terrifying armed robbery which left two people hospitalised.
Police are hunting a trio of armed raiders who burst into the Coach and Horses in Flint Mountain in the early hours of Monday, carrying baseball bats and a samurai sword.
A customer was tied up and threatened with the samurai sword, and the pub manager was beaten badly.
Stuart Bickerton-Starkey, director of Lovely Day Inns which owns the pub, called it a “severe and shocking crime” and said staff have been left devastated.
The company is offering a cash reward for information leading to the arrest and prosecution of the raiders.
The attack has left landlords in the area fearing they could be next.Linda Leigh, landlady at the George and Dragon on Church Street, Flint, said she would be stepping up security measures.
She said: “What happened is disgusting and it does make you think.
“I guess they’ve gone in there thinking they’ll get a lot of money but most pubs now, including us, bank daily and we never have much money on the premises.
“All pubs are struggling at the minute and something like this is just not on.”
One member of staff from a Flint pub, who asked not to be named, said: “It’s pretty worrying.
“It’s not the sort of trouble you expect around here, and the terrifying part is that there isn’t really anything you can do to prepare for it. I just hope it’s a one-off and not part of a new trend.”
Detectives want to hear from a group of customers who left the Coach and Horses just before the raid.
The three robbers were all wearing dark clothes and had most of their faces covered with clothing.
Anyone with information should call Mold CID on 0845 607 1002, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
BAR staff working at pubs in the Flint area have spoken of their fears following a terrifying armed robbery which left two people hospitalised.
Police are hunting a trio of armed raiders who burst into the Coach and Horses in Flint Mountain in the early hours of Monday, carrying baseball bats and a samurai sword.
A customer was tied up and threatened with the samurai sword, and the pub manager was beaten badly.
Stuart Bickerton-Starkey, director of Lovely Day Inns which owns the pub, called it a “severe and shocking crime” and said staff have been left devastated.
The company is offering a cash reward for information leading to the arrest and prosecution of the raiders.
The attack has left landlords in the area fearing they could be next.Linda Leigh, landlady at the George and Dragon on Church Street, Flint, said she would be stepping up security measures.
She said: “What happened is disgusting and it does make you think.
“I guess they’ve gone in there thinking they’ll get a lot of money but most pubs now, including us, bank daily and we never have much money on the premises.
“All pubs are struggling at the minute and something like this is just not on.”
One member of staff from a Flint pub, who asked not to be named, said: “It’s pretty worrying.
“It’s not the sort of trouble you expect around here, and the terrifying part is that there isn’t really anything you can do to prepare for it. I just hope it’s a one-off and not part of a new trend.”
Detectives want to hear from a group of customers who left the Coach and Horses just before the raid.
The three robbers were all wearing dark clothes and had most of their faces covered with clothing.
Anyone with information should call Mold CID on 0845 607 1002, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
Saltney boxing club looking to expand after first birthday
A COMMUNITY facility in Saltney is looking to expand as it approaches its first anniversary.
Deva Academy – a registered charity and member of the Young People’s Clubs of Great Britain was set up last September.
Based on the Central Trading Estate, Marley Way, Deva is run by Mark Shepherd, 44, from Connah’s Quay and Dave Evans, 42, of Saltney.
Both are fully qualified coaches.
“We’re a non-profit organisation,” said Dave, a former Manchester United apprentice and Chester City footballer.
“I’m giving something back.
"It’s a community facility. All the money we make goes into a community account via a group of trustees. "
“We started out as a boxing club with a couple of kids, but its snowballed from there.
We’re now trying to get as many organisations as possible to use the facilities.
Any affiliated group or sport that comes under the Olympic banner can come in, but we don’t do mixed martial arts"
In addition to spending £6,000 on new flooring, the academy houses three boxing rings, a dance room, spectators balcony, gym mats, full cardio section and infra red sauna.
Disabled group the Mulberry Centre from Sealand Road and the Chester Goddesses cheerleading squad are among those who have used the facilities.
For more information call 01244 671 288 or visit http://www.devaacademy.co.uk/.
Deva Academy – a registered charity and member of the Young People’s Clubs of Great Britain was set up last September.
Based on the Central Trading Estate, Marley Way, Deva is run by Mark Shepherd, 44, from Connah’s Quay and Dave Evans, 42, of Saltney.
Both are fully qualified coaches.
“We’re a non-profit organisation,” said Dave, a former Manchester United apprentice and Chester City footballer.
“I’m giving something back.
"It’s a community facility. All the money we make goes into a community account via a group of trustees. "
“We started out as a boxing club with a couple of kids, but its snowballed from there.
We’re now trying to get as many organisations as possible to use the facilities.
Any affiliated group or sport that comes under the Olympic banner can come in, but we don’t do mixed martial arts"
In addition to spending £6,000 on new flooring, the academy houses three boxing rings, a dance room, spectators balcony, gym mats, full cardio section and infra red sauna.
Disabled group the Mulberry Centre from Sealand Road and the Chester Goddesses cheerleading squad are among those who have used the facilities.
For more information call 01244 671 288 or visit http://www.devaacademy.co.uk/.
Flintshire community leaders slam 'unrealistic' targets
A MAJOR waste reduction strategy has been heavily criticised by senior community leaders in Flintshire.
Flintshire Council’s executive members say some of the targets in the Welsh Assembly Government’s ‘Wise About Waste’ plans are ‘unrealistic’ and could put too much pressure on local authorities.
The strategy includes specific recycling and waste reduction targets, which the council must meet within a certain time limit if it is to avoid being hit by heavy landfill taxes.
Cllr Nancy Matthews, executive member for waste management, said the food waste recycling target in particular was too high for Flintshire to meet.
She added: “It is completely unrealistic and could have a detrimental effect on the whole process of reducing waste.
“The report does not even take into account or mention the residents of Flintshire and how they are expected to help take the strategy forward.”
The Welsh Assembly Government is currently gathering feedback and comments about the strategy from local authorities, but Carl Longland, the council’s director of environment, said Flintshire’s views did not appear to have been acknowledged.
Flintshire Council’s chief executive, Colin Everett, said lots of people had ‘very strong views’ on the subject and that the council would submit its formal response to the assembly in the near future.
Flintshire Council’s executive members say some of the targets in the Welsh Assembly Government’s ‘Wise About Waste’ plans are ‘unrealistic’ and could put too much pressure on local authorities.
The strategy includes specific recycling and waste reduction targets, which the council must meet within a certain time limit if it is to avoid being hit by heavy landfill taxes.
Cllr Nancy Matthews, executive member for waste management, said the food waste recycling target in particular was too high for Flintshire to meet.
She added: “It is completely unrealistic and could have a detrimental effect on the whole process of reducing waste.
“The report does not even take into account or mention the residents of Flintshire and how they are expected to help take the strategy forward.”
The Welsh Assembly Government is currently gathering feedback and comments about the strategy from local authorities, but Carl Longland, the council’s director of environment, said Flintshire’s views did not appear to have been acknowledged.
Flintshire Council’s chief executive, Colin Everett, said lots of people had ‘very strong views’ on the subject and that the council would submit its formal response to the assembly in the near future.
Chester City postpone match against Liverpool
CHESTER CITY have postponed tonight’s scheduled pre-season friendly against Liverpool at the Deva Stadium.
The club’s preparations for the start of next month’s Blue Square League Premier Division campaign have been disrupted following a directive issued by the Football Association.
The FA’s governance department has been in touch with the club to advise that they are not currently an affiliated club, which means Chester have been unable to fulfil their arranged friendlies.
Last weekend’s scheduled friendly match at Marine was cancelled, and now the Blues have been forced to postpone tonight’s match against Liverpool and this Saturday’s friendly at AFC Telford.
Meanwhile, Chester director, Bob Gray, says that everything is being done to remedy the situation in a bid to salvage the club’s remaining pre-season arrangements and put things in order before the start of the league season which is scheduled to kick-off at Grays Athletic on August 8.
He said: “We would like to reassure fans that we’re working hard to rectify the administrative issue with the Football Association and will rearrange our pre-season friendlies as soon as possible.
“I worked late last night to ensure the FA received everything they had requested and the club has solicitors and the administrators working hard to try and resolve the situation.
“Postponing tonight’s scheduled home friendly with Liverpool has hit us in our pockets because that game would have helped provide funds for the club ahead of the start of the season.“If we can save next week’s home friendly match against Burnley we will do, but the most important thing is to ensure everything is sorted out before we start our league season.
“I’ve been in constant contact with the FA and I’m confident we can clear up the situation before our game at Grays next month.
“The transfer of ownership from old company to new company is still in the hands of our solicitors and the administrators, and we are still hopeful of finding a solution acceptable to the FA.
“All the relevant paperwork that was requested has been forwarded to the FA. Technically, we could play friendly matches and I am still hopeful that we will receive our affiliation very soon.”
FA spokesman Mark Hooper said: “When clubs go into administration and transfer to a new owner, there are certain regulations every club has to meet to safeguard the financial integrity of the game.
“These regulations are outlined to the club and, to date, they (Chester City) haven’t met our rules. Some of the information we need has been supplied but not all of it.
It is not us that’s the issue.”The situation has frustrated Blues boss, Mick Wadsworth, who was hoping to watch striker Glynn Hurst, and goalkeeper Andrew Murphy in pre-season action.He said:
“We’ve put a very good team together and our training has been going very well.“We’ve all been enthused about the start of the season, but the fact that we’ve been unable to play any of our pre-season friendlies has cast a cloud on our preparations.
“We’re just sticking with it at the moment and continuing to train in the hope that the situation can be resolved ahead of our first league game of the season.”
Wadsworth confirmed that trialist and centre back Mark Bower had yesterday agreed to join League Two club Darlington.
He said: “Mark had been training with us but he gave me a courtesy call yesterday to say that he had been offered a two-year deal at Darlington.
“I sensed he felt guilty about leaving us but I told him that he had to think about himself and his family and he has n
The club’s preparations for the start of next month’s Blue Square League Premier Division campaign have been disrupted following a directive issued by the Football Association.
The FA’s governance department has been in touch with the club to advise that they are not currently an affiliated club, which means Chester have been unable to fulfil their arranged friendlies.
Last weekend’s scheduled friendly match at Marine was cancelled, and now the Blues have been forced to postpone tonight’s match against Liverpool and this Saturday’s friendly at AFC Telford.
Meanwhile, Chester director, Bob Gray, says that everything is being done to remedy the situation in a bid to salvage the club’s remaining pre-season arrangements and put things in order before the start of the league season which is scheduled to kick-off at Grays Athletic on August 8.
He said: “We would like to reassure fans that we’re working hard to rectify the administrative issue with the Football Association and will rearrange our pre-season friendlies as soon as possible.
“I worked late last night to ensure the FA received everything they had requested and the club has solicitors and the administrators working hard to try and resolve the situation.
“Postponing tonight’s scheduled home friendly with Liverpool has hit us in our pockets because that game would have helped provide funds for the club ahead of the start of the season.“If we can save next week’s home friendly match against Burnley we will do, but the most important thing is to ensure everything is sorted out before we start our league season.
“I’ve been in constant contact with the FA and I’m confident we can clear up the situation before our game at Grays next month.
“The transfer of ownership from old company to new company is still in the hands of our solicitors and the administrators, and we are still hopeful of finding a solution acceptable to the FA.
“All the relevant paperwork that was requested has been forwarded to the FA. Technically, we could play friendly matches and I am still hopeful that we will receive our affiliation very soon.”
FA spokesman Mark Hooper said: “When clubs go into administration and transfer to a new owner, there are certain regulations every club has to meet to safeguard the financial integrity of the game.
“These regulations are outlined to the club and, to date, they (Chester City) haven’t met our rules. Some of the information we need has been supplied but not all of it.
It is not us that’s the issue.”The situation has frustrated Blues boss, Mick Wadsworth, who was hoping to watch striker Glynn Hurst, and goalkeeper Andrew Murphy in pre-season action.He said:
“We’ve put a very good team together and our training has been going very well.“We’ve all been enthused about the start of the season, but the fact that we’ve been unable to play any of our pre-season friendlies has cast a cloud on our preparations.
“We’re just sticking with it at the moment and continuing to train in the hope that the situation can be resolved ahead of our first league game of the season.”
Wadsworth confirmed that trialist and centre back Mark Bower had yesterday agreed to join League Two club Darlington.
He said: “Mark had been training with us but he gave me a courtesy call yesterday to say that he had been offered a two-year deal at Darlington.
“I sensed he felt guilty about leaving us but I told him that he had to think about himself and his family and he has n
Chester's salute for Dragoon Guards
LORD Mayor John Ebo and the Duke of Westminster took the salute when the 1st Queen’s Dragoon Guards marched through Chester city centre.
Near the saluting dais was 23-year-old Lance Corporal Phil Meadows from Upton who lost a leg when his vehicle hit an explosive device in Afghanistan eight months ago.
The march began at the Castle Street car park with the salute taken near the Cathedral in St Werburgh Street. Cllr Ebo said: “There are many links between the city and the Dragoon Guards.”
Leading the march was the Prince of Wales Band and among the people who were also there were Lt Col Alan Richmond, the High Sheriff of Cheshire, William Fergusson; the Sheriff of Chester, Cllr Hilarie McNae and Deputy Lord Mayor, Cllr Neil Ritchie.
The Queen’s Dragoon Guards lineage stretches back more than 300 years and has seen active service all over the world and most recently, the tour in Afghanistan.
On Friday the Duke of Westminster received a cheque for more than £1,200 from Queen’s Dragoon soldiers for the British Limbless Ex Service Men’s Association (BLESMA)L/Cpl Meadows’ fellow soldiers in C Squadron raised the money by taking part in a cycle ride on static machines in Afghanistan, cycling 6,000 miles which is the equivalent from Garmsir to Chester.
Near the saluting dais was 23-year-old Lance Corporal Phil Meadows from Upton who lost a leg when his vehicle hit an explosive device in Afghanistan eight months ago.
The march began at the Castle Street car park with the salute taken near the Cathedral in St Werburgh Street. Cllr Ebo said: “There are many links between the city and the Dragoon Guards.”
Leading the march was the Prince of Wales Band and among the people who were also there were Lt Col Alan Richmond, the High Sheriff of Cheshire, William Fergusson; the Sheriff of Chester, Cllr Hilarie McNae and Deputy Lord Mayor, Cllr Neil Ritchie.
The Queen’s Dragoon Guards lineage stretches back more than 300 years and has seen active service all over the world and most recently, the tour in Afghanistan.
On Friday the Duke of Westminster received a cheque for more than £1,200 from Queen’s Dragoon soldiers for the British Limbless Ex Service Men’s Association (BLESMA)L/Cpl Meadows’ fellow soldiers in C Squadron raised the money by taking part in a cycle ride on static machines in Afghanistan, cycling 6,000 miles which is the equivalent from Garmsir to Chester.
Chester hotel evacuated in fire scare
HOTEL guests had their mornings cut short after their building was evacuated in a fire scare in Chester.
However, residents staying at the Best Western Queen Hotel, City Road, were allowed back into their rooms shortly after the source of the alarm was found to be an electrical fault.
Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service sent two appliances to the scene after receiving a call at about 10.30am on Friday.
White Watch manager Chris Rodaway said upon arrival firefighters found a strong smell of smoke coming from the basement staircase of the hotel.
He said: “Firefighters conducted a search of the area and using the thermal image camera, identified that a light fitting was overheating.
The electrician for the building was notified and electrics isolated until repair.“There were no injuries.”
He added: “We recognise the good work by the staff at the hotel for a full and orderly evacuation at the premises in response to the alarm.”
Smokers are being asked to be careful when discarding their cigarettes after a blaze in Chester over the weekend.
Emergency crews responded to a call after a pile of rubbish became engulfed in flames behind The Terrace Bar, Cheyney Road.
City firefighter Anthony McCarthy said the fire was caused after a lit cigarette was thrown on bags of waste that were stored against the back of the building at 2.30am yesterday.
He said: “There are two things immediately wrong with this.
The rubbish should not have been stored against the building and it was a careless throwing of a lit cigarette. There were no injuries.”
Campaigners call for more public toilets for Chester's disabled
DETERMINED campaigners are pushing for more public toilets to be built for disabled residents in Chester.
They say visitors who are handicapped often need extra space for changing and other tasks and are urging council leaders to take a serious look at the issue.
Last year Chester became one of the first areas in the country to launch a Community Toilet Scheme, which aimed to provide improved access to clean and safe public toilets through a partnership between the local authority and businesses.
The scheme, which came after pressure groups campaigned on behalf of the millions of visitors to Chester every year, involved a network of shops, pubs and restaurants which allowed full use of their toilet facilities without the need to purchase goods.
It also worked to increase awareness of the availability of such amenities.Business which signed up to the scheme included Burger King, Foregate Street, Tesco, Frodsham Street, Little Roodee Café, The Groves Bar and Bistro and the Slug and Lettuce, Bridge Street.
Public toilet facilities can also be found in Frodsham Street, Princes Street, The Groves, Union Street and Grosvenor Park.
However, some residents now say many of these toilets are not equipped deal with visitors with severe disabilities and their carers.
Colin Pinches, of Ullswater Crescent, Plas Newton, is involved in a national campaign called Changing Places which is pushing to increase the number of facilities for disabled people throughout the country.
He said: “I think it is a disgrace Cheshire West and Chester Council do not provide enough public toilets that meet the needs of local people with severe disabilities.“Whilst we have one in the area this is far from enough.”
Colin said people with profound and multiple learning disabilities need Changing Places toilets, with a hoist, changing bench and plenty of space.
“Without them, carers are often forced to change their disabled loved-ones on dirty toilet floors,” he said.
“I urge the council to install more Changing Places toilets. People with profound multiple learning disabilities should have the same opportunities as everyone else.“And carers have enough to contend with. Let’s not make their lives harder by denying them the right to basic public facilities.”
CWaC spokesman Mike McGivern said: “There are a number of shops which have a sticker in the window which says these toilets are available for public use as part of the campaign from last year.“The Chester City Centre Access Guide contains details of the Council-owned toilets that are wheelchair accessible.“Also, many have been spruced up in the last year so. The guide is available in DIAL House, Shopmobility, TIC, The Forum, Quaker Meeting House.”
To find out more about public toilets in Chester go to www.chester.gov.uk/communitytoilets. For details about the Changing Places campaign go to www.mencap.org.uk/changelives.
They say visitors who are handicapped often need extra space for changing and other tasks and are urging council leaders to take a serious look at the issue.
Last year Chester became one of the first areas in the country to launch a Community Toilet Scheme, which aimed to provide improved access to clean and safe public toilets through a partnership between the local authority and businesses.
The scheme, which came after pressure groups campaigned on behalf of the millions of visitors to Chester every year, involved a network of shops, pubs and restaurants which allowed full use of their toilet facilities without the need to purchase goods.
It also worked to increase awareness of the availability of such amenities.Business which signed up to the scheme included Burger King, Foregate Street, Tesco, Frodsham Street, Little Roodee Café, The Groves Bar and Bistro and the Slug and Lettuce, Bridge Street.
Public toilet facilities can also be found in Frodsham Street, Princes Street, The Groves, Union Street and Grosvenor Park.
However, some residents now say many of these toilets are not equipped deal with visitors with severe disabilities and their carers.
Colin Pinches, of Ullswater Crescent, Plas Newton, is involved in a national campaign called Changing Places which is pushing to increase the number of facilities for disabled people throughout the country.
He said: “I think it is a disgrace Cheshire West and Chester Council do not provide enough public toilets that meet the needs of local people with severe disabilities.“Whilst we have one in the area this is far from enough.”
Colin said people with profound and multiple learning disabilities need Changing Places toilets, with a hoist, changing bench and plenty of space.
“Without them, carers are often forced to change their disabled loved-ones on dirty toilet floors,” he said.
“I urge the council to install more Changing Places toilets. People with profound multiple learning disabilities should have the same opportunities as everyone else.“And carers have enough to contend with. Let’s not make their lives harder by denying them the right to basic public facilities.”
CWaC spokesman Mike McGivern said: “There are a number of shops which have a sticker in the window which says these toilets are available for public use as part of the campaign from last year.“The Chester City Centre Access Guide contains details of the Council-owned toilets that are wheelchair accessible.“Also, many have been spruced up in the last year so. The guide is available in DIAL House, Shopmobility, TIC, The Forum, Quaker Meeting House.”
To find out more about public toilets in Chester go to www.chester.gov.uk/communitytoilets. For details about the Changing Places campaign go to www.mencap.org.uk/changelives.
'Half of all Chester's waste is being recycled'
THE amount of waste Chester area residents recycle has doubled under the new waste collection service.
Cheshire West and Chester Council (CWaC) is now collecting waste in blue, green and brown wheelie bins from eight out of 10 households in and around Chester.
In the other areas bags continue to be used. There have been many teething problems and a limited number of households have not yet had a single waste collection since the new system was introduced.
But overall council leaders are delighted with the way the introduction has gone and since its introduction last month, a staggering 55 per cent of all household waste collected has been sent for recycling or composting.
The amount of waste sent for disposal has also tumbled by more than a quarter, helping to reduce the council’s reliance on landfill, a significant contributor to climate change.
Chester was previously recycling only a third of its household waste, lagging behind the two other parts of the new CWaC territory, Ellesmere Port and Neston and Vale Royal, which were both recycling 40 per cent plus of its waste.
In a message of congratulation, council leader Mike Jones said: “Thank you so much to everyone who is supporting this new service.
“This has been a mammoth task and to achieved such a high level of recycling so far is a testament to the good will and community spirit of people in this area.”
Cllr Jones added: “Due to the exceptional performance of the new service additional pressure has been placed on the recycling collection operatives who are out from 7am to 8pm.
“For those households that have suffered problems with their collections, I apologise and offer my assurance that we are working with our collection partner Focsa to provide additional resources and overcome these issues as fast as we can.”
A new Materials Recovery Facility (MRF) has been installed at Bumpers Lane, off Sealand Road. specifically for the area’s new waste collection service.
The cutting-edge facility costing £900,000 operated by Fosca processes waste on behalf of the local authority.
Flintshire firms come to churchyard's aid
A CHURCHYARD which had fallen into a state of disrepair has been given a new lease of life thanks to local businesses.
When the pathways at St John the Baptist Church, Penymynydd, churchyard became impassable the church struggled to find funding to restore the hazardous paths.
Church warden Andrew Bronnert said: “It is rare for there to be a churchyard still open for burials but the old pathways have made access difficult for people visiting and tending graves.
“The ground has also caused damp in the church building itself.”
Nearby Hanson Cement, formerly Castle Cement, stepped in and donated cash for materials to get the project up and running.
Work started in the grounds of the grade two listed church to replace the paths, improve the drainage and alter the ground to prevent further damage.
As word spread, Marshall Paving, Travis Perkins, Read Construction, AH Plant Hire, Scarfo & Sons and DP Williams all came forward to offer their help.
Vicar, the Rev Paulette Gower held a special service recently to thank the local businesses for their generosity.
When the pathways at St John the Baptist Church, Penymynydd, churchyard became impassable the church struggled to find funding to restore the hazardous paths.
Church warden Andrew Bronnert said: “It is rare for there to be a churchyard still open for burials but the old pathways have made access difficult for people visiting and tending graves.
“The ground has also caused damp in the church building itself.”
Nearby Hanson Cement, formerly Castle Cement, stepped in and donated cash for materials to get the project up and running.
Work started in the grounds of the grade two listed church to replace the paths, improve the drainage and alter the ground to prevent further damage.
As word spread, Marshall Paving, Travis Perkins, Read Construction, AH Plant Hire, Scarfo & Sons and DP Williams all came forward to offer their help.
Vicar, the Rev Paulette Gower held a special service recently to thank the local businesses for their generosity.
UK's firefighters in Chester for charity kickabout
FIREFIGHTERS from all over the UK travelled to Chester to compete in a football tournament in aid of a good cause.
The seven-a-side team tournament featured 20 teams, including some of “the best teams from the North West”, to compete for the Burning Issue Trophy in aid of the UK Firefighters Charity.
Winners were Lincolnshire Fire and Rescue with Chester side Hoole Rangers runners-up.
The event, which will take place at the Cheshire County Sports Club at the weekend, aimed to raise about £5,000 to help the rehabilitation of injured firefighters.
Editor of The Burning Issue magazine, Brett Tudor, said: “Fire service teams from the North East to the south coast will descend on Chester for what promises to be a great day out for all the family.”
Entertainment on the day also included a bouncy castle, a rowing competition, face painting and raffles.
Football-themed entertainment included a Soccer AM-style ‘Beat The Goalie’ competition’ and ‘Keepy Uppie’ which should keep spectators amused between games.
Brett added there was a prize for the winning teams as well as for the top goalscorer.
There will also be trophies and raffle prizes for spectators to win on the day.
The seven-a-side team tournament featured 20 teams, including some of “the best teams from the North West”, to compete for the Burning Issue Trophy in aid of the UK Firefighters Charity.
Winners were Lincolnshire Fire and Rescue with Chester side Hoole Rangers runners-up.
The event, which will take place at the Cheshire County Sports Club at the weekend, aimed to raise about £5,000 to help the rehabilitation of injured firefighters.
Editor of The Burning Issue magazine, Brett Tudor, said: “Fire service teams from the North East to the south coast will descend on Chester for what promises to be a great day out for all the family.”
Entertainment on the day also included a bouncy castle, a rowing competition, face painting and raffles.
Football-themed entertainment included a Soccer AM-style ‘Beat The Goalie’ competition’ and ‘Keepy Uppie’ which should keep spectators amused between games.
Brett added there was a prize for the winning teams as well as for the top goalscorer.
There will also be trophies and raffle prizes for spectators to win on the day.
Campaigners’ anger over plan to scrap Chester town twinning
DETERMINED campaigners are gearing up for a fight as council leaders prepare to end twinning with foreign towns by next year.
Cheshire West and Chester Council (CWaC) says it will scrap the “wasteful” scheme in the face of budget cuts and staff redundancies.But enthusiasts claim town twinning, which has been in place since the end of the Second World War, has led to cultural enrichment and economic benefits for the region.
The CWaC executive took the decision after stating there should be a “new way of managing the council’s policy on international co-operation”.
However, the council will allow each former twinning association to continue through to 2010, granting them each £2,000 to do so.
Chester is twinned with Sens in France, Lorrach in Germany and Seneghalia in Italy. Vale Royal is linked with Rychnov-nad-Kneznou District in the Czech Republic and Ellesmere Port with Reutlingen in Germany.
Chester International Links Association (CILA), which manages the twinning scheme, receives a large chunk of its funding from CWaC.
Former city council leader and president of the Walled Town Friendship Circle, John Price, said it would be very difficult for the new authority to push Chester as a must-see European destination by 2015 if it abruptly ended its relationships with its twin towns.
He said: “This takes no account of what the people actually want.
This brings in social, cultural and economic benefits. For example, last year there were youth games in all four towns.”
He added there were various partnerships set up, like international police conferences and art exhibitions.
“How are people around the world going to regard CWaC after they have discarded their partners without so much as a consultation?” he said.
Chester and Palestine Exchanges (CAPE) chairman Rod Cox said most of the concerns seemed to be over European partners in the twinning agenda, but residents should be reminded there were also cities in other regions linked up with West Cheshire.
Chester has a “friendship agreement” set up with Jericho, Palestine.Rod, who has helped traumatised war victims in Palestine, said: “There are lots of practical and real benefits that come out of twinning partnerships.
“Members are now involved in a project called ‘Portico’, which is about the preservation of historic buildings and from which Chester stands to benefit.
CILA won’t give up.”A CWaC spokesman said there would be a new “international framework” drawn up in October to concentrate on research, manufacturing, finance and knowledge-based businesses such as chemical and life sciences, rural and waterway development, food and drink, tourism and regeneration.
Cllr Herbert Manley, who will chair the International Framework Group, said: “The traditional twinning links that the former district council established did good work in the area of cultural and civic exchanges.
“However, we now have one large strategic authority which needs to compete and promote CWaC’s interests on a larger stage and to that end we should focus our attention on the trade, investment and local economic benefits of international networking, not just in Europe, but also with the emerging economies of the Far East.”
Cheshire West and Chester Council (CWaC) says it will scrap the “wasteful” scheme in the face of budget cuts and staff redundancies.But enthusiasts claim town twinning, which has been in place since the end of the Second World War, has led to cultural enrichment and economic benefits for the region.
The CWaC executive took the decision after stating there should be a “new way of managing the council’s policy on international co-operation”.
However, the council will allow each former twinning association to continue through to 2010, granting them each £2,000 to do so.
Chester is twinned with Sens in France, Lorrach in Germany and Seneghalia in Italy. Vale Royal is linked with Rychnov-nad-Kneznou District in the Czech Republic and Ellesmere Port with Reutlingen in Germany.
Chester International Links Association (CILA), which manages the twinning scheme, receives a large chunk of its funding from CWaC.
Former city council leader and president of the Walled Town Friendship Circle, John Price, said it would be very difficult for the new authority to push Chester as a must-see European destination by 2015 if it abruptly ended its relationships with its twin towns.
He said: “This takes no account of what the people actually want.
This brings in social, cultural and economic benefits. For example, last year there were youth games in all four towns.”
He added there were various partnerships set up, like international police conferences and art exhibitions.
“How are people around the world going to regard CWaC after they have discarded their partners without so much as a consultation?” he said.
Chester and Palestine Exchanges (CAPE) chairman Rod Cox said most of the concerns seemed to be over European partners in the twinning agenda, but residents should be reminded there were also cities in other regions linked up with West Cheshire.
Chester has a “friendship agreement” set up with Jericho, Palestine.Rod, who has helped traumatised war victims in Palestine, said: “There are lots of practical and real benefits that come out of twinning partnerships.
“Members are now involved in a project called ‘Portico’, which is about the preservation of historic buildings and from which Chester stands to benefit.
CILA won’t give up.”A CWaC spokesman said there would be a new “international framework” drawn up in October to concentrate on research, manufacturing, finance and knowledge-based businesses such as chemical and life sciences, rural and waterway development, food and drink, tourism and regeneration.
Cllr Herbert Manley, who will chair the International Framework Group, said: “The traditional twinning links that the former district council established did good work in the area of cultural and civic exchanges.
“However, we now have one large strategic authority which needs to compete and promote CWaC’s interests on a larger stage and to that end we should focus our attention on the trade, investment and local economic benefits of international networking, not just in Europe, but also with the emerging economies of the Far East.”
Tributes flood in for Neston crash victims
TRIBUTES have been paid to four friends who died when their car crashed into a tree at Neston.
The blue Vauxhall Tigra Coupe collided with the tree as they were travelling along the A540 Chester High Road, Neston, in the early hours of Sunday.
The car was severely crushed upon impact which has delayed formal identification of the bodies.
Cheshire Constabulary spokeswoman Jo Preihs said they believe the driver was 19-year-old John David Aston, an employee of the Brewers Arms in Neston and the front passenger to be former Neston High School student Michaela Louise Favager, 19, who worked in Iceland in Neston.
The rear passengers were Gillian Fowle, 43, who also worked in the Brewers Arms, and Edward Thomas (Eddie) Smith, 19, a builder.
All were from Neston.
A tribute group in memory of the four friends has been set up on social networking site Facebook.
One message read: “Such a tragic loss of four lives. May you all rest in peace.”
Another read: “So tragic, my thoughts go out to all the families. Rest in peace to the four of you."
Another: “So sad, so tragic...RIP.”Miss Preihs said details of the four friends would be released shortly.
“Police are still investigating the cause of the collision and witnesses are still being sought,” she said.A roadside tribute has been set up by friend and family, naming the victims as “Eddie”, “John”, “Jill” and “Michaela”.
Police are appealing for any witnesses to come forward and anyone with information should contact Cheshire Constabulary on 0845 458 0000.
BREAKING NEWS: Motorcyclist seriously injured in Flintshire crash
A MOTORCYCLIST has been seriously injured in an accident in Flintshire.
Emergency crews rushed to the scene on the A548 Shotwick Road, Deeside to reports of a collision between a motorcyclist and a lorry at around 1pm this afternoon.
Paramedics treated the motorcyclist at the scene, before he was rushed to the Countess of Chester Hospital.
A spokesman from Welsh Ambulance Service said that the man is still undergoing urgent medical treatment.
Emergency crews rushed to the scene on the A548 Shotwick Road, Deeside to reports of a collision between a motorcyclist and a lorry at around 1pm this afternoon.
Paramedics treated the motorcyclist at the scene, before he was rushed to the Countess of Chester Hospital.
A spokesman from Welsh Ambulance Service said that the man is still undergoing urgent medical treatment.
Flintshire town gives green light to new homes plan
PLANS to build nearly 60 homes on Saltney High Street have been given the thumbs-up by town leaders.
But Saltney Town Council members have raised concerns over access to the housing development, and are suggesting a one-way system be introduced.
Goldrock Investments Ltd has applied for planning permission to build 58 two-storey homes at 142 high street.
Asked for its observations at a recent meeting, the town council welcomed the application but expressed reservations over access.
Cllr Veronica Gay said: “This could be a godsend because we are desperately short of housing in this area, but my only reservation is that the designs only show one access route for 58 homes.
“This isn’t enough, and I’m concerned it could create a Shotton or Connah’s Quay-type traffic situation on the high street.
“Other than that, I think it’s a fantastic scheme.”
Town clerk Alan Thorniley said: “We are suggesting a one-way access system off the high street.”
The town council’s comments will now be passed to Flintshire Council’s planning department.
Morrisons says it is “hopeful” it will get planning permission for a new 65,000 sq ft supermarket on Saltney high street later this month.
The store would be based on the site of the old GT Owen and Bramall Quicks stores.
But Saltney Town Council members have raised concerns over access to the housing development, and are suggesting a one-way system be introduced.
Goldrock Investments Ltd has applied for planning permission to build 58 two-storey homes at 142 high street.
Asked for its observations at a recent meeting, the town council welcomed the application but expressed reservations over access.
Cllr Veronica Gay said: “This could be a godsend because we are desperately short of housing in this area, but my only reservation is that the designs only show one access route for 58 homes.
“This isn’t enough, and I’m concerned it could create a Shotton or Connah’s Quay-type traffic situation on the high street.
“Other than that, I think it’s a fantastic scheme.”
Town clerk Alan Thorniley said: “We are suggesting a one-way access system off the high street.”
The town council’s comments will now be passed to Flintshire Council’s planning department.
Morrisons says it is “hopeful” it will get planning permission for a new 65,000 sq ft supermarket on Saltney high street later this month.
The store would be based on the site of the old GT Owen and Bramall Quicks stores.
Flintshire school bids to go green with plan for windmill
By Laura Jones and Kate Forrester
A SCHOOL is hoping to become the greenest around by setting up its own windmill to generate electricity.
Huw Jones, headteacher at Ysgol Glan Aber, Bagillt, is keen to make his plans to build a windmill in the school field become a reality.
He claims the venture would reduce the school’s electricity bills by between 50 and 100 per cent – but the school needs to overcome several hurdles before the project takes off.
Mr Jones said: “We are currently looking around for funding to get it off the ground, but the idea is still in the very early stages of development, there is funding and planning to consider yet.
“There is a fantastic spot on the top of the school but we have a consultant coming soon to see if it is a viable option for us.
“We would love a windmill here. The cheapest one we have seen is about £30,000, so we are looking for sponsorship for about £15,000 so we can get match funding from the Welsh Assembly.”
Mr Jones says the school might even be able to make a profit on the project, by selling its unused electricity back to the National Grid.
He added: “The windmill would be a great educational resource for the school and it would teach our children about the importance of green energy and there will be a digital screen to show them how much energy the windmill is producing.
“The school is on its third eco award and this would be a great addition for us.”
Bagillt councillor Mike Reece says Ysgol Glan Aber is leading the way in eco-friendly technology and hopes other schools will follow its example.
He said: “I will be doing all I can to help and I really hope the project gets the green light.
The staff are children at Glan Aber are really ahead of their game.”
Any businesses who want to sponsor the school can call Mr Jones on 01352 711995 or visit www.glanaber.org.uk.
A SCHOOL is hoping to become the greenest around by setting up its own windmill to generate electricity.
Huw Jones, headteacher at Ysgol Glan Aber, Bagillt, is keen to make his plans to build a windmill in the school field become a reality.
He claims the venture would reduce the school’s electricity bills by between 50 and 100 per cent – but the school needs to overcome several hurdles before the project takes off.
Mr Jones said: “We are currently looking around for funding to get it off the ground, but the idea is still in the very early stages of development, there is funding and planning to consider yet.
“There is a fantastic spot on the top of the school but we have a consultant coming soon to see if it is a viable option for us.
“We would love a windmill here. The cheapest one we have seen is about £30,000, so we are looking for sponsorship for about £15,000 so we can get match funding from the Welsh Assembly.”
Mr Jones says the school might even be able to make a profit on the project, by selling its unused electricity back to the National Grid.
He added: “The windmill would be a great educational resource for the school and it would teach our children about the importance of green energy and there will be a digital screen to show them how much energy the windmill is producing.
“The school is on its third eco award and this would be a great addition for us.”
Bagillt councillor Mike Reece says Ysgol Glan Aber is leading the way in eco-friendly technology and hopes other schools will follow its example.
He said: “I will be doing all I can to help and I really hope the project gets the green light.
The staff are children at Glan Aber are really ahead of their game.”
Any businesses who want to sponsor the school can call Mr Jones on 01352 711995 or visit www.glanaber.org.uk.
Flintshire street’s parking issues may go to court
by Laura Jones
A SOLUTION could be in sight for residents of a street which has been plagued by parking problems for more than a decade.
People living on Bistre Close in Buckley have fought for years to stop drivers who do not have allocated parking putting cars on the roadside and blocking the close.
The road, which falls between two Buckley council wards, Mountain and Bistre West, is made up of sheltered accommodation bungalows occupied by elderly residents.
Concerns have been raised by those residents about access for fire engines and ambulances to their properties.
Now, Buckley Mountain Cllr Carol Ellis and the council’s executive member for estate management, Cllr Helen Yale, have started a legal battle to have residents-only parking put in place on the street.
Cllr Ellis said: “We have been trying to get something done for years and we have finally started what will be a lengthy procedure to get the problem solved.
“Bistre Close was allocated as an ‘adopted road’ when sheltered accommodation complex was built 30 years ago and it’s accessible to anyone who wants to park there.
“Flintshire Council do not have any legal powers to change the parking in the street to residents-only unless they go through a legal procedure which could take months to pass.
“But as it stands, access to the road is a great concern and I wouldn’t like to think what would happen if there was a fire.”
Cllr Ellis added: “This is the only solution that we have come up with that will resolve the problem.”
Joe Bennett, 81, has lived in Bistre Close for more than eight years, and said the situation has ‘got out of hand’.
He said: “It is about time something was done.
“We are pensioners and we really don't need this. It is not our fault that people buy houses that don’t have parking.”
A SOLUTION could be in sight for residents of a street which has been plagued by parking problems for more than a decade.
People living on Bistre Close in Buckley have fought for years to stop drivers who do not have allocated parking putting cars on the roadside and blocking the close.
The road, which falls between two Buckley council wards, Mountain and Bistre West, is made up of sheltered accommodation bungalows occupied by elderly residents.
Concerns have been raised by those residents about access for fire engines and ambulances to their properties.
Now, Buckley Mountain Cllr Carol Ellis and the council’s executive member for estate management, Cllr Helen Yale, have started a legal battle to have residents-only parking put in place on the street.
Cllr Ellis said: “We have been trying to get something done for years and we have finally started what will be a lengthy procedure to get the problem solved.
“Bistre Close was allocated as an ‘adopted road’ when sheltered accommodation complex was built 30 years ago and it’s accessible to anyone who wants to park there.
“Flintshire Council do not have any legal powers to change the parking in the street to residents-only unless they go through a legal procedure which could take months to pass.
“But as it stands, access to the road is a great concern and I wouldn’t like to think what would happen if there was a fire.”
Cllr Ellis added: “This is the only solution that we have come up with that will resolve the problem.”
Joe Bennett, 81, has lived in Bistre Close for more than eight years, and said the situation has ‘got out of hand’.
He said: “It is about time something was done.
“We are pensioners and we really don't need this. It is not our fault that people buy houses that don’t have parking.”
Wrexham Lager Club fundraiser to benefit Olivia’s fund
WREXHAM Lager Club will be holding a special charity evening on Friday to raise money for Olivia’s Fund, set up in memory of Olivia Wood.
Julie and Darren Wood, of Gwersyllt, set up the fund through Hope House Hospice for their six-year-old daughter who died in a road traffic collision in Merseyside along with four other people, including grandmother Linda Wood.
The evening will feature a soul night featuring Denzil on Disco, as well as fun and games for everyone to take part in.
There will also be a charity raffle taking place on the night, featuring a number of prizes.
Julie said: “Hope House and all their staff have provided enormous comfort to us over the past few months.
“The service they provide is amazing and we will continue to do all we can to raise money for Hope House.
We’ve planned a fun evening and would encourage everyone to come along to support a worth cause.
We would like to thank the Lager Club for letting us use the venue for free.”
The event kicks off at 7.30pm, with tickets available on the door for £3.
Julie and Darren Wood, of Gwersyllt, set up the fund through Hope House Hospice for their six-year-old daughter who died in a road traffic collision in Merseyside along with four other people, including grandmother Linda Wood.
The evening will feature a soul night featuring Denzil on Disco, as well as fun and games for everyone to take part in.
There will also be a charity raffle taking place on the night, featuring a number of prizes.
Julie said: “Hope House and all their staff have provided enormous comfort to us over the past few months.
“The service they provide is amazing and we will continue to do all we can to raise money for Hope House.
We’ve planned a fun evening and would encourage everyone to come along to support a worth cause.
We would like to thank the Lager Club for letting us use the venue for free.”
The event kicks off at 7.30pm, with tickets available on the door for £3.
Cats feeling crunch as recession hits protection charity
THE credit crunch is starting to bite hard at a Wrexham animal charity.
The town’s Cats Protection branch, which runs an adoption centre in Madeira Hill for stray and abandoned felines says in its latest newsletter that it is being overwhelmed with calls from desperate owners, who are being forced to quit their own homes and move into rented property where landlords do not allow pets.
The article in Cat’s Cradle also reveals that the branch is being asked to care for a growing number of abandoned cats - as its own income slumps because of the recession.
For the first time ever, it has had to dig into its reserves to make ends meet.
Lynn Gay, who is in charge of the adoption centre, said: “At the start of the year we didn’t seem to have been too badly affected by the credit crunch but now it is really starting to bite.
“Not a day goes by when we don’t receive a number of calls about cats and kittens being abandoned outside homes that people have been forced to move out of.
“At a recent open day we had at the centre we even had someone bring along a kitten in a box.
“We are also having a lot of pregnant female cats being brought in whose owners have not been able to afford to have them neutered.”
Lynn added: “We have also seen our own income go down. People used to come in and give us a donation of £20 or £30 but that is just not happening any more.
“When we arrange an adoption, it has been our policy to ask for a donation of £30-40 towards the full medical check and tagging we give to every cat before it is re-homed.
“But it is getting to the stage where we are wondering about reducing this.”
One piece of good news for the branch is that the recession has brought a surge in business at its charity shop in Wrexham town centre as people go hunting for bargains.
But this means that stock levels have become very low, with the branch particularly short of women’s wear and bric-a-brac.
It is also short of volunteers to help look after cats at the adoption centre between 9 and 11am on Saturdays and Sundays.
For details of volunteering opportunities, call the centre on 01978 313574.
The town’s Cats Protection branch, which runs an adoption centre in Madeira Hill for stray and abandoned felines says in its latest newsletter that it is being overwhelmed with calls from desperate owners, who are being forced to quit their own homes and move into rented property where landlords do not allow pets.
The article in Cat’s Cradle also reveals that the branch is being asked to care for a growing number of abandoned cats - as its own income slumps because of the recession.
For the first time ever, it has had to dig into its reserves to make ends meet.
Lynn Gay, who is in charge of the adoption centre, said: “At the start of the year we didn’t seem to have been too badly affected by the credit crunch but now it is really starting to bite.
“Not a day goes by when we don’t receive a number of calls about cats and kittens being abandoned outside homes that people have been forced to move out of.
“At a recent open day we had at the centre we even had someone bring along a kitten in a box.
“We are also having a lot of pregnant female cats being brought in whose owners have not been able to afford to have them neutered.”
Lynn added: “We have also seen our own income go down. People used to come in and give us a donation of £20 or £30 but that is just not happening any more.
“When we arrange an adoption, it has been our policy to ask for a donation of £30-40 towards the full medical check and tagging we give to every cat before it is re-homed.
“But it is getting to the stage where we are wondering about reducing this.”
One piece of good news for the branch is that the recession has brought a surge in business at its charity shop in Wrexham town centre as people go hunting for bargains.
But this means that stock levels have become very low, with the branch particularly short of women’s wear and bric-a-brac.
It is also short of volunteers to help look after cats at the adoption centre between 9 and 11am on Saturdays and Sundays.
For details of volunteering opportunities, call the centre on 01978 313574.
Wrexham workers delighted at Toyota jobs boost
A TOYOTA worker from Wrexham has spoken of his relief after the car giant announced it will build new hybrid engines at its Deeside plant from next year.
As we reported on Friday, the Japanese firm will be making a hybrid model of its Auris hatchback in the UK from mid-2010, with the cars being manufactured at Toyota’s plant in Burnaston, Derbyshire and the engines being made in Deeside.
It is hoped the news will help safeguard the jobs of about 550 workers at the Deeside plant, which has endured a difficult year due to the recession.
Marc Baird, 28, from Borras, who works at the Deeside plant, said the news had come at a ‘crucial time’ for workers at the factory.
He said: “It’s really good news for Toyota, but looking at the bigger picture it’s great news for the area as well as the environment, which is important to think about today.
“I think it will be exciting working on the hybrids, which is a new thing in modern engine production.
“Toyota haven’t done anything like this in the UK before, so to be part of a groundbreaking project is a real boost for everyone that works here.”
The news will provide a much-needed morale boost at the Deeside plant, which was effectively shut down temporarily during a non-production week in April.
Working hours and basic pay were cut by 10 per cent earlier this year.
Alyn and Deeside MP Mark Tami described the announcement of the hybrid engine plan as ‘outstanding news’ for the area.
He said: “The hybrid engine will be the first to ever be produced for the firm outside the US or Japan.
“Hybrid technology has enormous potential and I am confident this will secure the long-term future for many skilled workers at the Deeside plant.”
Ieuan Wyn Jones, deputy first minister for Wales, hailed the decision as ‘an investment by a world-class company in a world-class facility’.
Toyota began engine production at Deeside in 1992.
It was previously thought that Toyota would not start making the new model for another three years.
As we reported on Friday, the Japanese firm will be making a hybrid model of its Auris hatchback in the UK from mid-2010, with the cars being manufactured at Toyota’s plant in Burnaston, Derbyshire and the engines being made in Deeside.
It is hoped the news will help safeguard the jobs of about 550 workers at the Deeside plant, which has endured a difficult year due to the recession.
Marc Baird, 28, from Borras, who works at the Deeside plant, said the news had come at a ‘crucial time’ for workers at the factory.
He said: “It’s really good news for Toyota, but looking at the bigger picture it’s great news for the area as well as the environment, which is important to think about today.
“I think it will be exciting working on the hybrids, which is a new thing in modern engine production.
“Toyota haven’t done anything like this in the UK before, so to be part of a groundbreaking project is a real boost for everyone that works here.”
The news will provide a much-needed morale boost at the Deeside plant, which was effectively shut down temporarily during a non-production week in April.
Working hours and basic pay were cut by 10 per cent earlier this year.
Alyn and Deeside MP Mark Tami described the announcement of the hybrid engine plan as ‘outstanding news’ for the area.
He said: “The hybrid engine will be the first to ever be produced for the firm outside the US or Japan.
“Hybrid technology has enormous potential and I am confident this will secure the long-term future for many skilled workers at the Deeside plant.”
Ieuan Wyn Jones, deputy first minister for Wales, hailed the decision as ‘an investment by a world-class company in a world-class facility’.
Toyota began engine production at Deeside in 1992.
It was previously thought that Toyota would not start making the new model for another three years.
Meet the Wrexham man who speaks Welsh, English...and Klingon
WHEN it comes to learning languages Alex Greene’s skills can be described as being absolutely out of this world.
Alex is fluent in Welsh, English and Klingon - a fictional race which was created as part of the ever-popular science fiction television and film series Star Trek.
Alex, from Hightown, said that he decided to take up the challenge of mastering the Klingon tongue when he attended a Star Trek convention some years ago.
As part of the event there was a Klingon dictionary available. Alex enthusiastically bought a copy and steadfastly set about his studies.
It took Alex, aged 46, about 12 months to become proficient and now he greatly enjoys regularly getting in touch with fellow Klingonists.
“My favourite characters in Star Trek are Lieutenant Uhura and Hoshi Sato who are communication officers and that’s what I like to do, communicate with people.
“As well as the languages which I can speak fluently I also have a smattering of French, Latin and Japanese. It is a subject which I find totally fascinating.”
Alex said his great ambition would be to utilise the varied and extensive skill set that he has developed in a satisfying career progression.
Asked if he ever thought it might be a waste of time to become fluent in a language which has its origins in a television show, Alex pauses briefly, smiles patiently and then answers: “No, not at all.
"This is something which I have wanted to learn and enjoyed doing so. I have found it to be very worthwhile.”
The Klingon Dictionary was launched in the mid 1980s.
It has gone on to prove to be a very popular publication with hundreds of thousands of copies being sold.
Enthusiasts have also created a Klingon Language Institute which is reported to have translated epic works such as Shakespeare’s Hamlet into Klingon
Alex is fluent in Welsh, English and Klingon - a fictional race which was created as part of the ever-popular science fiction television and film series Star Trek.
Alex, from Hightown, said that he decided to take up the challenge of mastering the Klingon tongue when he attended a Star Trek convention some years ago.
As part of the event there was a Klingon dictionary available. Alex enthusiastically bought a copy and steadfastly set about his studies.
It took Alex, aged 46, about 12 months to become proficient and now he greatly enjoys regularly getting in touch with fellow Klingonists.
“My favourite characters in Star Trek are Lieutenant Uhura and Hoshi Sato who are communication officers and that’s what I like to do, communicate with people.
“As well as the languages which I can speak fluently I also have a smattering of French, Latin and Japanese. It is a subject which I find totally fascinating.”
Alex said his great ambition would be to utilise the varied and extensive skill set that he has developed in a satisfying career progression.
Asked if he ever thought it might be a waste of time to become fluent in a language which has its origins in a television show, Alex pauses briefly, smiles patiently and then answers: “No, not at all.
"This is something which I have wanted to learn and enjoyed doing so. I have found it to be very worthwhile.”
The Klingon Dictionary was launched in the mid 1980s.
It has gone on to prove to be a very popular publication with hundreds of thousands of copies being sold.
Enthusiasts have also created a Klingon Language Institute which is reported to have translated epic works such as Shakespeare’s Hamlet into Klingon
Bankruptcy figures reach all-time high for Welsh counties
THE number of new bankruptcy cases in Denbighshire and Wrexham last year was higher than the average for England and Wales.
Figures from the Insolvency Service reveal that the figure for Denbighshire was among the highest, with 17.4 people per thousand members of the county’s adult population officially going bust.
That represents a total of 135 individual cases.And it was a considerable increase on the previous year when 121 cases were recorded, equal to 121 people per thousand of adult population.
Another bankruptcy blackspot was Wrexham, where 172 cases were registered last year, or 16.5 per thousand of adult population.
This was also a considerable hike on the previous year when 137 cases were recorded, representing 13.2 per thousand of adult population in the county.
Both these figures were higher than the England and Wales average rate for 2008 of 15.7 - itself up from 15.2 in 2007.
In Flintshire the number of bankruptcy cases in 2008 was 161 - a rate of 13.6 per thousand of adult population.
This compared to 147 cases the previous year, giving a rate of 12.5.For the whole of Wales, there were 3,324 new bankruptcy cases in 2008 - the highest on record.
The figures also show that there were 2,276 Individual Voluntary Agreements (IVAs) in 2008 in Wales, also the highest on record.
Eleanor Burnham, Welsh Liberal Democrat Assembly Member for North Wales, said: “These figures show just how hard the recession is hitting the pockets of families in Wales.
“This government has done far too little to prevent the mountain of personal debt building up and now we are seeing this debt timebomb go off.”
She added: “The real tragedy is that with so many households going bankrupt, we are likely to see further rises in long-term unemployment, child poverty and homelessness.
“The government cannot continue to make announcements claiming they are delivering help without ensuring that is readily available for families when they need it.”
MP ignites jobs row with Wrexham Council
A FIERCE row has erupted over Wrexham Council’s record on attracting new jobs to the borough.
Clwyd South MP Martyn Jones says that when it comes to the authority’s handling of planning applications he wonders whether the ‘right hand knows what the left hand is doing’.
But council leader, Cllr Aled Roberts, says the planning committee must be allowed to operate without ‘political interference’.
The row blew up after Mr Jones hit out at the council’s recent rejection of a plan by Kingsmoor Park Properties Ltd to build two new warehouses on Wrexham Industrial Estate.
The bid was supported by TDG, a local employer which wanted to expand its existing Wrexham facility on to the site.
A second unit was also being promoted for another local company.Councillors refused permission on policy grounds as the application sought permission for two occupiers of the new floor space whereas the unitary development policy limits the site to a single occupier.
But Mr Jones launched an attack on Cllr Roberts on the basis of his comments in the Evening Leader last week in which he said North East Wales needed to attract new businesses.
The MP said: “I am stunned the council can claim to be working to support local businesses when they turn down planning proposals that could support the local economy and workers on mere technicalities.
“You do wonder sometimes whether the right hand knows what the left hand is doing.”
Mr Jones added: “TDG’s proposal would have developed the Wrexham Industrial Estate and brought new jobs into the region.
“Maybe the rigid application of the rules in this case has some deeper motive behind it.
“It does seem hypocritical to be denying opportunities to local businesses one week and then waxing lyrical about the need for more local business jobs in the area.”
Cllr Roberts hit back: “I was not aware until Martyn Jones’ press release that Wrexham Council was responsible for all the job losses within the manufacturing sector in Wrexham.
“Obviously Mr Jones does not accept any responsibility on behalf of the UK government for the area’s current economic performance.
“I would have hoped we would be working together to tackle the serious difficulties we face.
“Although Mr Jones would have us believe otherwise, there has been discussion regarding the apparent conflict between the need to follow planning law and the need to provide jobs.
“That is why the council’s Economic Development Department was a supporter of the TDG application rejected by the planning committee.”He added: “Due to our statutory responsibilities the planning committee must be allowed to operate without political interference.
“Mr Jones seems to imply that planning applications should be considered differently if they are made by big business compared to other residents.
“My comments were that this council will do everything it can to attract jobs to the area working alongside the Welsh Assembly Government and UK agencies but this will not be at the price of forcing our planners to adopt one rule for business and another for everyone else.”
Clwyd South MP Martyn Jones says that when it comes to the authority’s handling of planning applications he wonders whether the ‘right hand knows what the left hand is doing’.
But council leader, Cllr Aled Roberts, says the planning committee must be allowed to operate without ‘political interference’.
The row blew up after Mr Jones hit out at the council’s recent rejection of a plan by Kingsmoor Park Properties Ltd to build two new warehouses on Wrexham Industrial Estate.
The bid was supported by TDG, a local employer which wanted to expand its existing Wrexham facility on to the site.
A second unit was also being promoted for another local company.Councillors refused permission on policy grounds as the application sought permission for two occupiers of the new floor space whereas the unitary development policy limits the site to a single occupier.
But Mr Jones launched an attack on Cllr Roberts on the basis of his comments in the Evening Leader last week in which he said North East Wales needed to attract new businesses.
The MP said: “I am stunned the council can claim to be working to support local businesses when they turn down planning proposals that could support the local economy and workers on mere technicalities.
“You do wonder sometimes whether the right hand knows what the left hand is doing.”
Mr Jones added: “TDG’s proposal would have developed the Wrexham Industrial Estate and brought new jobs into the region.
“Maybe the rigid application of the rules in this case has some deeper motive behind it.
“It does seem hypocritical to be denying opportunities to local businesses one week and then waxing lyrical about the need for more local business jobs in the area.”
Cllr Roberts hit back: “I was not aware until Martyn Jones’ press release that Wrexham Council was responsible for all the job losses within the manufacturing sector in Wrexham.
“Obviously Mr Jones does not accept any responsibility on behalf of the UK government for the area’s current economic performance.
“I would have hoped we would be working together to tackle the serious difficulties we face.
“Although Mr Jones would have us believe otherwise, there has been discussion regarding the apparent conflict between the need to follow planning law and the need to provide jobs.
“That is why the council’s Economic Development Department was a supporter of the TDG application rejected by the planning committee.”He added: “Due to our statutory responsibilities the planning committee must be allowed to operate without political interference.
“Mr Jones seems to imply that planning applications should be considered differently if they are made by big business compared to other residents.
“My comments were that this council will do everything it can to attract jobs to the area working alongside the Welsh Assembly Government and UK agencies but this will not be at the price of forcing our planners to adopt one rule for business and another for everyone else.”
Tom Kearney leaves Wrexham FC
Midfielder Tom Kearney has become the latest Wrexham player to cancel his contract by mutual consent, after reaching an agreement with the club.
The former Everton player scored on his debut back in August last year, but is another who failed to feature regularly since the appointment of Reds’ boss Dean Saunders.
Of his 15 Blue Square appearances, 11 were made before the end of last September, although he did start in the final two fixtures of last season.
Kearney joined the club from Halifax Town a year ago and looks likely to stay close to his Liverpool home by joining another BSP club in the north-west of England shortly.
However, he does have other irons in the fire: “I’ve been coaching with the Everton Academy and I’m working towards my football qualifications,” said Kearney.
“So I’ll continue with that in the short term and see what opens up for me. I do have one particular club that has offered me a deal, so now I’ll try and get that sorted out.
“I’m just sorry it didn’t work out better for me and the club, but I have enjoyed my time at Wrexham.”
Kearney joins a growing list of players to leave the club this summer with Darran Kempson, Michael Proctor, Gavin Ward, Sam Aiston, Patrick Suffo, Carl Tremarco, and Nat Brown among those to depart.
The former Everton player scored on his debut back in August last year, but is another who failed to feature regularly since the appointment of Reds’ boss Dean Saunders.
Of his 15 Blue Square appearances, 11 were made before the end of last September, although he did start in the final two fixtures of last season.
Kearney joined the club from Halifax Town a year ago and looks likely to stay close to his Liverpool home by joining another BSP club in the north-west of England shortly.
However, he does have other irons in the fire: “I’ve been coaching with the Everton Academy and I’m working towards my football qualifications,” said Kearney.
“So I’ll continue with that in the short term and see what opens up for me. I do have one particular club that has offered me a deal, so now I’ll try and get that sorted out.
“I’m just sorry it didn’t work out better for me and the club, but I have enjoyed my time at Wrexham.”
Kearney joins a growing list of players to leave the club this summer with Darran Kempson, Michael Proctor, Gavin Ward, Sam Aiston, Patrick Suffo, Carl Tremarco, and Nat Brown among those to depart.
Wrexham FC News: Nathan Fairhurst out to impress
NATHAN Fairhurst is determined to show former club Preston North End exactly what they are missing at The Racecourse tonight, (7.30pm).
The 20-year-old from Chorley spent nine years at Deepdale, but joined Wrexham shortly after Dean Saunders took over as managerHaving played 20 times, including 15 starts, Fairhurst was ready to join the club on a permanent basis despite Preston boss Alan Irvine offering him a new one-year deal.
Now Fairhurst wants to impress both his current and former employers by carving out a long and successful career in the professional game.
“There will be a few familiar faces at the game that’s for sure and I am looking forward to playing against some of my former team mates,” he said.
“I am really looking forward to it, I keep in touch with a few of the lads on a day to day basis and it will be nice to see them and hopefully get the better of them.
“It was difficult to leave Preston in the first place. I had to make the decision about whether to stay for another year or come here and play first team football.
“I made the choice to come here and play regularly and I am pleased to have done it really. It is a chance to push on and I can really dig deep to get myself a starting role on a regular basis.
“There is a lot more competition for places now with the gaffer signing a couple more midfielders, but as a midfielder you have to thrive on that.
“Competition will make you a better player and it is good to be pushed by other people. I want to show everybody who watches the match that I have what it takes.”
Fairhurst is expected to play some part in tonight’s friendly encounter, while Saunders is also hoping to finally have Liverpool goalkeeper Dean Bounzanis available to him for the clash with the Championship outfit.
Speaking about the teenage shot stopper, Saunders said: “Hopefully he will be here tonight, I am still waiting.
“They are just trying to tie up his contract at the club and once he has sorted that out he will be on his way over.”
Saunders also outlined his plans for this evening, admitting that now is the time for some of his first team squad to get 90 minutes under their belt.
“Some will play the full game, some won’t,” he said. “I might also have a look at other players throughout the game as well.
“Not many trialists will play because it is a big game for us really against Preston and attitudes have to be right.
“They are not where I want them to be fitness wise, we have had a number of hard days training and some of the players have not played a whole game yet.
“I am going to try and have a look at the whole thing, I might try playing in a different formation or I might look at one or two other things.”
One man who is expected to line-up against Wrexham is former England under-21 and Manchester City goalkeeper Nicky Weaver.
The 30-year-old has joined Irvine’s men on trial and will get the chance to impress with regular stopper Wayne Henderson currently out injured.
Supporters attending tonight’s friendly are reminded that the Eric Roberts Stand will be closed for the game and all remaining pre-season fixtures.
The club apologises to those supporters who particularly enjoy sitting behind the goal, but any pre-bought tickets for the remaining friendlies can be used in either the Mold Road or Yale stands.
The 20-year-old from Chorley spent nine years at Deepdale, but joined Wrexham shortly after Dean Saunders took over as managerHaving played 20 times, including 15 starts, Fairhurst was ready to join the club on a permanent basis despite Preston boss Alan Irvine offering him a new one-year deal.
Now Fairhurst wants to impress both his current and former employers by carving out a long and successful career in the professional game.
“There will be a few familiar faces at the game that’s for sure and I am looking forward to playing against some of my former team mates,” he said.
“I am really looking forward to it, I keep in touch with a few of the lads on a day to day basis and it will be nice to see them and hopefully get the better of them.
“It was difficult to leave Preston in the first place. I had to make the decision about whether to stay for another year or come here and play first team football.
“I made the choice to come here and play regularly and I am pleased to have done it really. It is a chance to push on and I can really dig deep to get myself a starting role on a regular basis.
“There is a lot more competition for places now with the gaffer signing a couple more midfielders, but as a midfielder you have to thrive on that.
“Competition will make you a better player and it is good to be pushed by other people. I want to show everybody who watches the match that I have what it takes.”
Fairhurst is expected to play some part in tonight’s friendly encounter, while Saunders is also hoping to finally have Liverpool goalkeeper Dean Bounzanis available to him for the clash with the Championship outfit.
Speaking about the teenage shot stopper, Saunders said: “Hopefully he will be here tonight, I am still waiting.
“They are just trying to tie up his contract at the club and once he has sorted that out he will be on his way over.”
Saunders also outlined his plans for this evening, admitting that now is the time for some of his first team squad to get 90 minutes under their belt.
“Some will play the full game, some won’t,” he said. “I might also have a look at other players throughout the game as well.
“Not many trialists will play because it is a big game for us really against Preston and attitudes have to be right.
“They are not where I want them to be fitness wise, we have had a number of hard days training and some of the players have not played a whole game yet.
“I am going to try and have a look at the whole thing, I might try playing in a different formation or I might look at one or two other things.”
One man who is expected to line-up against Wrexham is former England under-21 and Manchester City goalkeeper Nicky Weaver.
The 30-year-old has joined Irvine’s men on trial and will get the chance to impress with regular stopper Wayne Henderson currently out injured.
Supporters attending tonight’s friendly are reminded that the Eric Roberts Stand will be closed for the game and all remaining pre-season fixtures.
The club apologises to those supporters who particularly enjoy sitting behind the goal, but any pre-bought tickets for the remaining friendlies can be used in either the Mold Road or Yale stands.
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