More Welsh authorities awarded for member support and development

Three additional councils in Wales (Conwy County Borough Council, Denbighshire County Council and Gwynedd Council), one additional Fire and Rescue Authority (North Wales Fire and Rescue) and two National Park Authorities (Brecon Beacons National Park Authority and Snowdonia National Park Authority) have been awarded for the quality of support and development they provide to elected members.

Today’s Member Charter Awards, developed by the WLGA, recognise the effort and time invested by local authorities and WLGA affiliate members* to provide elected members with access to appropriate levels of knowledge, skills and development opportunities needed to fulfil their roles.

Cllr Russell Roberts (RCT), WLGA Improvement Spokesperson said:

"I was delighted when my own authority was awarded member charter status in 2007. A lot of work goes into achieving this award, It is recognition of an authority’s commitment to the personal development of its members but also reflects the dedication and encouragement of the member support team to develop the knowledge and skills needed by members to undertake their respective roles.

“The role of a councillor is hugely challenging and even more so during the current climate as local communities look to their elected members for support and a dedicated effort in mitigating the impact of the recession.

“On average councillors in Wales spend 25-27 hours per week on council business and this is on top of their day job and family commitments. The role of senior councillors, such as leaders and cabinet members is more than full time; they are in charge of organisations with budgets of hundreds of millions of pounds, thousands of staff and are responsible for delivering many of the major services that the public need and care most about. However, whether you are a council leader, a cabinet member, committee chair or front line ward councillor, the role of an elected member is ever changing and as individuals we need to keep reviewing what we do and how we do it. That is why the Member Charter continues to be so valuable to both authorities and affiliated authorities.”

Across Wales we now 8 local authorities, 2 Fire and Rescue authorities and 2 National Park authorities with Member Charter Status although there is a lot of good work being undertaken by every local authority and affiliate member in the field of member development and support.

To find out more about the Member Development Charter please visit: www.wlga.gov.uk or e-mail: sarah.titcombe@wlga.gov.uk

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Be seen! Be safe

Be seen! Be safe. This is the message from the Towyn and Kinmel Bay Neighbourhood Policing Team in the run up to Christmas.

The team will be concentrating on two areas, safety of cyclists and safety of pedestrians, when they will be engaging in education and enforcement as part of an ongoing operation designed to get people seen on the roadside in the dark.

PC Steve Thomas said: "It is imperative as the nights get darker that parents ensure that their children will be seen in the dark, whether they are walking or on bicycles.

"We as a neighbourhood team implore parents not to let children go out on bicycles in the dark without lights. Drivers don't get ideal vision in poor street lighting and dark conditions, put a little bit of rain into the mix and the outcome can be fatal."

He added: "If you're going to get someone special a new bike for Christmas, please invest that little bit extra and get a set of lights for the bike. Remember, it is still a requirement in law for bikes to have lights on them."

In the run up to Christmas, officers will be stopping and speaking with children that have no lights on their bikes and they will carry out home visits.

Remember lights are a requirement......not an option!

PC Thomas went on to highlight the dangers to pedestrians: "Whilst cyclists require lights in the dark, it is also worth remembering that you should ensure you and your children are visible when walking, even on the pavement."

"Very inexpensive reflective wrist or arm bands can save your life. Remember; wear bright coloured clothing when out in the dark."

Photograph: PCSO Chris Donaldson is pictured with his new bike light

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Choose Life project visit Conwy youngsters

A programme that aims to teach young people about the dangers of drug and alcohol misuse and crime has been introduced to youngsters in Conwy.

The Choose Life project involves ex-prison inmates and wardens who visit schools and community clubs to perform a drama based on issues such as drugs, offending and under-age drinking.

The project, which has long been acknowledged as being an extremely effective and hard hitting method of delivering the message that drugs and alcohol can ruin lives, was recently arranged to attend Llandudno and Conwy Youth Clubs by PCSO Peter Colley from the West Conwy Neighbourhood Policing Team.

“Around 50 youngsters from Llandudno Junction, Conwy and Llanfairfechan turned up for the session which was great,” said PCSO Colley.

“Choose Life were asked to visit the club to give local youngsters an insight into the dangers of substance misuse, under-age drinking and crime. It’s a hard-hitting educational programme which gave the youngsters a privileged insight into the life of a drink and drug addict and explained in depth the pitfalls.

He added: “The attendance was fantastic and the evening ended with a question and answer session which I don’t think any leaflet could have given!”

Further details regarding the project can be obtained via their website – www.chooselifeproject.org

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Impact Day: Latest

Today's operation across the North Wales Police force area has resulted in 84 people being arrested for a variety of offences.

Over 180 police officers were involved in the execution of warrants and searching of premises in a crack down on crime.

In the counties of Gwynedd and Anglesey the total number of arrests currently stands at 47, with 13 people remaining in custody.

Following the execution of a search warrant in one property in Merionnydd, numerous weapons, including large knives, and a quantity of what appears to be class A controlled drugs were seized. As a result a 24-year-old man from the Meirionnydd area was arrested for possession with intent to supply controlled drugs and other associated offences. He remains in police custody as enquiries continue.

Several other people remain in custody for possession of class A drugs, following the recovery of numerous cannabis plants and a hydroponics system.

In the Conwy and Denbighshire areas 22 arrests have been made for offences including possession of class A and B drugs, assault, burglary, race related offences and harassment.

In Wrexham and Flintshire 15 people were arrested and a large quantity of class A, B and C drugs were seized. A quantity of stolen goods were also recovered.

Temporary Assistant Chief Constable Gareth Pritchard said: "North Wales Police is committed to reducing crime and protecting people and today's coordinated force wide strike against crime and offenders demonstrates this.

After the success of today's operation we will be putting the evidence we have collated before the Crown Prosecution Service. Across North Wales we have disrupted criminal activity and we are now seeking to put these offenders before the courts."

The team is working to make your neighbourhood a safer place to live. If you have information about crime or anti-social behaviour in your neighbourhood, you can contact your team directly on 101, or 0845 607 1001 (Welsh line), 0845 607 1002 (English line) or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.

Alternatively send a text message to 66767 or email - northwalespolice@north-wales.police.uk

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Body found in Llandudno

At 12:00 noon today, Tuesday 17th November 2009, North Wales Police were notified of a body being found on the Great Orme in Llandudno, near to the "Rest and be thankful" café on Marine Drive.

Police and members of the Ogwen Valley Mountain Rescue Team attended at the location as a major search had been taking place involving other agencies, including the RAF search and rescue teams from 22 squadron, HM Coastguard and the RNLI. They had been searching for an 81 year old, local man.

Inspector Brian Robinson stated: "No effort had been spared to trace an elderly and vulnerable man. Our sympathy goes to the family in these tragic circumstances."

A formal identification has not yet been held. Police state that there are no suspicious circumstances and HM Coroner will be informed of the details of this incident.

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Llandudno Junction school targeted by burglars

An appeal for witnesses and information is being made after a school in Llandudno Junction has been targeted by burglars twice in recent weeks.

Laptops have been stolen from Ysgol Maelgwn during both burglaries.

The latest incident is believed to have occurred during the evening of Monday 9th November, whereby entry has been gained via one of the school windows.

An untidy search was carried out and several laptop computers were stolen.

The other incident is believed to have occurred sometime between Thursday 22nd October and Monday 26th October. Again, laptop computers were stolen.

Police are appealing for any witnesses, or anybody who may have witnessed suspicious behaviour around the school area to contact officers at either Conwy or Llandudno Police Station on 101, or 0845 607 1001 (Welsh line), 0845 607 1002 (English line) or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Alternatively send a text message to 66767 or email – northwalespolice@north-wales.police.uk

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Wales U18s head North

Simon King's Wales Under 18 side will play Australian Schools in Parc Eirias, Colwyn Bay on Saturday 5 December (6pm).

The game will be the Australians third match of a seven-match tour of the UK and Ireland which kicks-off in Dublin on Friday, 27 November against Irish Schools and ends with a Test against England Under 18 on Saturday, 19 December.

This will be the first Test match in north Wales since Wales played Romania in August 2003. An Australian Schools side, together with all three Ella brothers, played a North Wales side in Llandudno in 1977, winning 66-0.

King is hoping his side can do slightly better this time around, he said: "We will pick a strong squad largely based on last year's Six Nations squad for this match. It's a great opportunity for all of us to be able to play against a national southern hemisphere side.

"As with the senior side, the more regular contact we have with these teams, the better. When these players come up against the same players at a later stage, they will be more confident having already met them.

"We are looking forward to playing at Parc Eirias. A number of players have come through our side from north Wales in recent years, such as James King, Joel Galley and Rhodri Jones, and it is important other young players from the region are able to watch top quality rugby and aspire to follow in those players' footsteps."

Cllr Dilwyn Roberts, Leader of Conwy County Borough Council said: "We are delighted to be hosting this international game at Parc Eirias and hope that it is the first of many. The Council is committed to creating a centre of sporting excellence at Parc Eirias and making sure that the regeneration and economic opportunities that arise benefit the whole region.

"I'd like to welcome our Australian visitors to North Wales, I hope they enjoy their stay and wish them the very best of luck for the rest of the tour."

Tickets for the match are £7 for adults and £2 for Under 16s in the Grandstand and £5 for adults and free entry for Under 16s in the Terrace. Tickets go on sale on Monday 23 November at Colwyn Bay Leisure Centre and through Venue Cymru - www.venuecymru.co.uk and by calling 01492 872000.

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Theft of poppy collection boxes in Conwy county

An appeal for witnesses and information is being made following the theft of Poppy Collection Boxes.

Over the last two weeks police have received reports that four collection boxes have been stolen from various shops in the Llandudno and Conwy areas.

The boxes have been taken from Yorkshire Bank, the Mostyn House Medical Centre and Hidden Hearing Ltd in Llandudno and Rowlands Chemist in Conwy.

Police have a description for the man who is suspected to be responsible for the theft from Hidden Hearing Ltd.

He is described as being white, between 5ft 8 and 5ft 9 inches tall and of thin build. He was wearing a black baseball cap, black jogging bottoms and had some teeth missing from the right side of his mouth.

Officers also have the following description for the man who is believed to be responsible for the theft from Rowland Chemist.

He is described as being white, approx 5 ft 7 inches tall with shoulder-length brown hair described as ‘greasy.’ He had a nose which looked as though it was broken and was wearing a grey sweatshirt or jacket with a hood.

Anybody who may have information regarding these thefts is asked to contact officers at Llandudno Police Station on 101, or 0845 607 1001 (Welsh line), 0845 607 1002 (English line) or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Alternatively send a text message to 66767 or email – northwalespolice@north-wales.police.uk

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Delivering Affordable Housing in Conwy

Conwy County Borough Council is writing to developers, landowners and agents to explain changes in the way planning applications for housing developments will be determined.

In an effort to increase the availability of affordable housing in the county borough, the Council is introducing a new approach to considering applications for housing.

From 1st December, the level of affordable housing within residential development sites will be based on the Affordable Housing Delivery Statement (AHDS), which was adopted by the Council earlier this year.

All planning applications for new residential developments will be subject to the guidance contained in the AHDS.

Cllr Goronwy Edwards, Conwy’s Cabinet Member for Communities said, “Until the Local Development Plan is adopted we’re required by the Assembly to provide an interim approach to improving the delivery of affordable housing. These changes will help guide developers through the process, whilst tackling the lack of affordable housing.”

Developers, landowners and agents on the Council’s LDP database have been sent details of the changes, details will be published on the website and a workshop is planned to discuss the barriers to delivering affordable housing and the viability of sites proposed in the Conwy LDP.

For more information on the changes contact James Harland (01492) 575461.

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Hidden crimes in Denbighshire

Conwy, Denbighshire and Flintshire local domestic abuse forums have joined forces and will be holding a Hidden Crimes Conference at The Oriel Country Hotel, St Asaph, on Tuesday 17 November.

This one day event is supported by the Denbighshire Community Safety Partnership and will see delegates coming from England and across the principality of Wales.

The forums recognise that it is not only women and children who are affected by domestic abuse, but that it can happen to anyone regardless of gender, age ethnicity or religion.

The conference will bring together key people to share an understanding of a wide range of issues that are often at the edge of mainstream practice. The day will be informative and varied with both local and national keynote speakers and presentations - raising awareness of the hidden crimes emerging in our communities.

During the day there will be a range of thought-provoking presentations, including:

• DC Jason Morgan from the Metropolitan Police who is part of a unit which campaigns to protect children in London from the harmful traditional practice of female genital mutilation.
• Abigail Stepnitz the national coordinator for the Poppy Project which provides support and accommodation to women trafficked into the UK.
• The North Wales Women’s Centre which provides a wide range of services to women and has supported over 900 women to date.

There will also be presentations on issues faced for older victims and children and young people who are affected by domestic abuse.

Pupils at Rhyl High School have worked hard to produce a mural depicting their thoughts on the issue of domestic abuse in preparation for International White Ribbon Day on 25 November. Emrys AP Iwan A level drama students have produced a play on young people and sexual bullying and violence and they will be performing it on the day.

Michelle Davidson Beck Domestic Abuse Co-ordinator says “We have been overwhelmed with the response to attend this conference and hope that by raising awareness of these hidden crimes, agencies and professionals will work in partnership to tackle these issues to make our communities a safer place to live in”

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Llysfaen school join forces with police

A primary school in Conwy has joined forces with North Wales Police to use specialist technology that helps to identify stolen property.

Ysgol Tan y Marian in Llysfaen have had ‘Smartwater’ - a unique solution that is used to mark and identify stolen property installed at the school.

Smartwater is already being used to postcode property but many businesses and schools in North Wales are now using the spray device to protect their property. Any individuals who break in to premises will get sprayed with the colourless product which will stay on clothes, skin and hair for some time.

Inspector Jonny Hill from the Community Safety Partnership said: “Ysgol Tan y Marian has a really low crime rate and is already very secure, however this additional measure will make it one of the safest schools in North Wales.

“I am impressed with the schools’ commitment and criminals know that if the Smartwater sign is present, then it really isn’t worth the risk.”

Paul Davies, Head Teacher said: “We work very closely with our Neighbourhood Policing Team, and we see the Smartwater Technology as another way to make our school safe and secure.”

Since February this year, all prisoners going through the custody suite in St Asaph have been scanned under powerful U.V. lights which pick-up the slightest trace of the non-hazardous water based liquid on clothing, hair or skin.

Inspector Hill added: “The beauty of the product is that Smartwater contains a unique forensic code which enables us, through forensic testing, to distinguish the exact location where the individual has broken into.

“Spray pattern analysis can also identify whether the individual was caught under the spray or had it transferred unknowingly on to them at the scene or near the crime scene.”

He added: “Washing or dry cleaning clothes will not remove Smartwater and only a sample the size of a pinhead is needed to establish where the individual was sprayed. It really is an excellent tool.”

The pupils have also had the opportunity to enter a drawing competition with a school security theme. There will be a winner from each year with a Smartwater home kit as a prize as well as a gift from the school.

Businesses and schools wishing to find out more about Smartwater should contact Inspector Hill on 01745 539331.

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Services to remember Road victims

RoadPeace services will be held in two churches in the diocese of St Asaph on Sunday 15 November.


Services of Remembrance for Road Victims will be held at

• at St Ffraid's Church, Llansantffraid yn Mechain at 3 p.m.
• at St Ffraid's Church, Llansanffraid Glan Conwy at 5 p.m., where the preacher will be the Bishop of St Asaph, the Rt Revd Dr Gregory Cameron.

The Revd Christine Owen said, "Here in the Conwy valley there are too many tragic accidents on our roads. This service of music, readings and prayer is a time for those bereaved families and friends to come together to remember their loved ones. During the service, the names of those to be remembered will be read out ad a candle lit for each person remembered. These candles. provided by RoadPeace, are then given to the families."

Further details of the services from the Revd Pam Powell (Powys) 01691 828244 or the Revd Christine Owen (Conwy) 01492 583099

RoadPeace is a national charity established to represent and support bereaved and injured road traffic victims: see www.roadpeace.org.uk

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Feedback on winter timetable leads to extra buses in Conwy

Comments made by bus users and community groups about the winter bus timetable have led to extra buses. Changes have been made on the following services:

There is a new Tuesday service between Llanrwst and Corwen leaving Llanrwst at 0905 & 1305 and leaving Corwen at 1010 & 1410.

On Saturdays the 0845 Sherpa bus from Betws-y-Coed is diverted to run direct to Pen y Pass and Llanberis with an extra service at 0855 from Capel Curig to Bethesda.

Bus 25 has been extended Monday to Saturday to start at 0907 from Hen Efail rather than Eglwysbach Bee.

In addition, Arriva have reinstated the 9/X9 Llangefni - Llandudno service at 0940 from Llangefni Monday to Friday returning at 1315 from Llandudno, but with 6 journeys each way on Saturdays.

Councillor Goronwy Edwards, Conwy's Cabinet Member for Communities said:

"We are grateful for the feedback provided by bus users and community groups to our Community Development Service, those comments have directly led to these improvements to contract bus routes."

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Appeal for witnesses following serious assault in Abergele

North Wales Police are appealing for witnesses following a serious assault in Abergele in the early hours of this morning.

At around 2:20hrs this morning, Sunday 8th November, a 42 year old man was seriously assaulted by a group of five males believed to in their late teens/ early twenties outside the electric shop on Bridge Street, Abergele.

The man suffered severe head injuries and was transferred to Ysbyty Glan Clwyd, where his condition is believed to be serious but not life threatening.

If you have any information regarding the incident, please contact officers at St Asaph CID, on 101, if you are calling from Wales, or 0845 607 1001 (Welsh line), 0845 607 1002 (English line) or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

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Appeal for witnesses following assault in Llandudno

Around midnight between Friday 6th and Saturday 7th November 2009, an assault occurred around the junction of Trinity Avenue and Augustus St in Llandudno, close to a Bargain Booze shop.

Three males assaulted a group of two males and a female, all believed to be in their teens.

Police are appealing for witnesses and would particularly like to hear from a male in the area who was walking two dogs.

Anyone with information should contact DC Don Kenyan on 0845 607 1001 (Welsh service) or 0845 607 1002 (English service) as soon as possible.

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Statue stolen from Friary

Police are appealing for witnesses and information after a statue was stolen from a Friary in Penmaenmawr.

Sometime between Friday 9th and Friday 16th October, a statue of Jesus Christ (pictured) was stolen from a plinth above the door of the Old Franciscan Friary on Graiglwyd Road.

Anybody who may have information regarding the whereabouts of the statue is asked to contact PC 2713 Samantha Lovatt at Conwy Police Station on 101, or 0845 607 1001 (Welsh line), 0845 607 1002 (English line) or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Alternatively send a text message to 66767 or email – northwalespolice@north-wales.police.uk

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Serious RTC in Moelfre, Abergele

Two people have been taken to hospital following a road traffic collision near Abergele this afternoon (Tuesday, 3 November).

Shortly before 1pm, police were informed of a two-vehicle collision on the B5381 in Moelfre, near to the cross-roads of the A548.

Ambulance and Fire and Rescue Service were informed as a man was believed to be trapped in one of the vehicles.

A man was airlifted to Ysbyty Glan Clwyd by the Air Ambulance with serious injuries, however his injuries are not believed to be life threatening. A woman was taken by road ambulance with what is believed to be minor injuries.

The road was closed whilst recovery was being arranged and re-opened shortly after 15:45.

Police are appealing to anyone who may have witnessed the collision to contact officers at the Western Roads Policing Unit on 101, or 0845 607 1001 (Welsh line) or 0845 607 1002 (English line).

Alternatively send a text message to 66767 – or email northwalespolice@north-wales.police.uk

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Serious assault in Towyn

Police are investigating a report of a serious sexual assault that occurred in the Gors Road area of Towyn, between 11.30pm on Friday 30th October 2009 and 3am Saturday 31st October 2009.

Police are keen to speak to anyone who may have been in the area at the time and may have seen anything suspicious.

Officers are particularly interested in tracing a white man who is described as being between 20 and 30 years of age. He had short dark cropped hair, was of thin build and between 5'8" and 6' in tall. He was wearing a dark tracksuit.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Central CID at St Asaph on 101, if in Wales; 0845 6071001 (Welsh line); 0845 607 1002 (English line) or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.

Alternatively send a text message to 66767 or email - northwalespolice@north-wales.police.uk

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Children's bonfire night warning

School children have issued a warning to bonfire night revellers.

Youngsters from all three primary schools in Abergele were invited to draw pictures illustrating the dangers associated with bonfire night.

PCSO Alexandra Jones organised the competition and with the help of staff from Tesco and Lynne Jones from the Arson Reduction Team the winning entries were selected.

As the theme of the competition is deemed important the charity co-ordinator for Tesco agreed to donate prizes to the schools. The winner, Lois Green of Ysgol Glan Morfa was awarded a micro mini hifi. Second prize of a digital camera went to Isabelle Kirkham of Ysgol St Elfod and third prize, also a digital camera, went to Niamh Merrison of Ysgol Glan Gele.

Lynne Jones from the Arson Reduction Team donated the printing of all posters, to all the winners at a special presentation held last week at the Tesco store in Abergele.

Inspector Essi Ahari congratulated the schools and the three girls on their well presented drawings in regards of the danger on bonfire night.

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Rural affairs minister celebrates the best of local food at the Gwledd Conwy feast

Elin Jones was in Conwy last Saturday (24 October) to show her support for the 'Gwledd Conwy' Feast.

The festival, which began as a fairly small affair, has grown significantly over recent years. Now it's widely regarded as one of North Wales’ most prominent food and drink events.

During her visit to the festival the Minister had the opportunity to meet an array of local food producers and chefs. The minister also spoke to them about the growing importance and popularity of local food.

Speaking about the event, the Elin said;

"The Gwledd Conwy Feast has become one of the highlights of the Welsh food and drink calendar as both a culinary and cultural event and I am looking forward to seeing and sampling the wide variety of high quality local food that is on offer.

"Events such as these are an excellent way of promoting the benefits of buying local food, as set out in our Local Sourcing Action Plan. Not only is there a wide range of high quality local produce to choose from, buying locally also means we have the luxury of being able to speak to the producer directly about where our food comes from and seek reassurance on production methods and animal welfare.

"Buying locally also reduces the miles food travels which helps us to reduce our carbon emissions, and leads to money being reinvested back into our communities, something which is more important than ever in the current economic climate."

The Gwledd Conwy Feast was the winner of Visit Wales’ Best Community Event in Wales Award in 2007. This year’s event has been supported by £43,000 of Welsh Assembly Government Supply Chain Efficiencies funding.

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