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.
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
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.
Police appeal for witnesses after Wrexham crash victim named
THE driver of a car who died following a road accident near Wrexham on Sunday night has been named.
He was Aaron Griffiths-Mahoney, aged 20, from Brynteg. The collision took place at New Road in Rhosddu at about 10.45pm.
A statement from North Wales Police which was issued yesterday said a male passenger – believed to be aged 22 – who was in the car with Mr Griffiths-Mahoney is in hospital with injuries which are described as serious but not thought to be life threatening.
Emergency services rushed to the scene of the accident after it was reported. The road was closed for a period of time, with diversions put in place.
North Wales Police are carrying out an investigation into the tragedy and house to house inquiries in the area have been conducted.
The force is appealing for anyone who may have witnessed the crash or seen the vehicle, a Peugeot 106 prior to the collision taking place, to get in contact with them.
Anyone who is able to help is asked to telephone PC 450 Aled Jackson at the Eastern Road Policing Unit.
He can be contacted on 0845 607 1001 for the Welsh language line and 0845 607 1002 for the English language line.
If you knew Mr Griffiths-Mahoney and would like to pay tribute to him, you can do so on the Evening Leader website. or by emailing us at news@evening leader.co.uk
He was Aaron Griffiths-Mahoney, aged 20, from Brynteg. The collision took place at New Road in Rhosddu at about 10.45pm.
A statement from North Wales Police which was issued yesterday said a male passenger – believed to be aged 22 – who was in the car with Mr Griffiths-Mahoney is in hospital with injuries which are described as serious but not thought to be life threatening.
Emergency services rushed to the scene of the accident after it was reported. The road was closed for a period of time, with diversions put in place.
North Wales Police are carrying out an investigation into the tragedy and house to house inquiries in the area have been conducted.
The force is appealing for anyone who may have witnessed the crash or seen the vehicle, a Peugeot 106 prior to the collision taking place, to get in contact with them.
Anyone who is able to help is asked to telephone PC 450 Aled Jackson at the Eastern Road Policing Unit.
He can be contacted on 0845 607 1001 for the Welsh language line and 0845 607 1002 for the English language line.
If you knew Mr Griffiths-Mahoney and would like to pay tribute to him, you can do so on the Evening Leader website. or by emailing us at news@evening leader.co.uk
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)