MP welcomes Gorsedd Bran refusal

Conservative Member of Parliament for Clwyd West, David Jones, has welcomed the news that the Planning Inspectorate has rejected the appeal against the refusal by Denbighshire County Council to grant planning permission for a new wind farm at Gorsedd Bran, near Nantglyn.

David Jones said:

“The cumulative impact of wind farms in the Denbighshire uplands is having a very detrimental effect upon the residents of those areas; there are, quite simply, far too many turbines in the hills.

“Denbighshire is to be commended for its refusal of this application and I am delighted that the Planning Inspectorate upheld the council’s decision.”

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Christmas at the Cathedral

Don’t forget the Denbighshire County Council Carol Service at St Asaph Cathedral!

The service, which takes place on Wednesday, 2 December at 7pm, will include musical performances from the recently formed Denbighshire County Council choir as well as other talented council staff and school children. It will also include lessons telling the Christmas story, read by staff and councillors.

A collection will be made during the service towards Cancer Research UK – Breast Cancer.

Tea, coffee and mince pies will be served at the Dean's Library (opposite the Cathedral) after the service.

Parking is available in the car park next to the cathedral and also at Ysgol Glan Clwyd.

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Sudden death in Rhyl

An investigation is underway following the sudden death of an elderly woman in Rhyl.

At approx 10:30 yesterday morning (Thursday, 19 November) officers attended an address in Epworth Road.

Detectives are conducting enquiries into the circumstances of the death which is currently being treated as unexplained.

A post mortem will be carried out this afternoon at Ysbyty Glan Clwyd in Bodelwyddan by a Home Office Pathologist.

No further details are currently available.

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Warning on council tax phone scam

Denbighshire's Council Tax team is calling for the public to be vigilant against a phone scam where callers claim they can either increase the amount of benefits you receive or say they can apply for a refund as there is a scheme being funded by the Welsh Assembly Government.

This scam has been happening in parts of the country and a small number of incidents have been reported in Denbighshire where residents have been called and told by the caller they can maximise the benefits or council tax received and then go on to ask for personal bank account details.

Ken Jones, Denbighshire's Head of Revenues and Benefits, said: "This is despicable fraudulent behaviour and the council wants to raise awareness of these kinds of calls, to make sure people do not give personal banking details over the phone to these unscrupulous individuals.

"We would advise residents never to give their personal banking details over the phone, unless they are 100% sure they are speaking to a professional individual working on behalf of a recognised organisation. If you're in any doubt, take the caller's number and check validity before calling back. Anyone working in a professional capacity won't mind you doing this."

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Appointment of Non Executive Director to Rhyl City Strategy

Denbighshire Voluntary Services Council (DVSC) have to announced the appointment of their Chief Executive Officer John Watkin to the post of Non Executive Director at Rhyl City Strategy Ltd.

John said " I am pleased to accept this appointment as it fits so well with DVSC's strategic plan in that Rhyl is important to us given the significant number of third sector organisations who operate in the area and who we support on a regular basis. We agree wholeheartedly with the vision of Rhyl City Strategy namely "helping individuals fulfil their potential through work" and DVSC hope to announce some exciting projects over the coming months that will demonstrate that support to Rhyl and surrounding areas."

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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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Council pleased that wind farm refusal stands

Denbighshire County Council has welcomed news that an appeal against a decision by the council to refuse planning permission for a windfarm near Nantglyn has been rejected.

Tegni Cyf had appealed against the decision not to grant the application for 13 wind turbines at Gorsedd Bran near Nantglyn.

This week, the planning inspector ruled that the appeal should be dismissed.

Leader of Denbighshire, Councillor Hugh Evans, said: "This is a victory for democracy. Both the planning committee and full council refused this application and at the appeal the council’s case was supported by well informed, factual evidence from residents. I must take the opportunity to pay tribute to the tremendous amount of work done by officers in the planning and legal sections, as well as councillors Paul Marfleet and Jane Yorke in preparation for and during the hearing.

"The council felt it was in the best interest of the local community not to approve the planning application and the inspector's ruling in this case clearly shows we were right in taking that decision."

In a statement, councillors Paul Marfleet and Jane Yorke said: "Many local residents are hugely relieved by this decision and appreciate the effort and support that has been put in to bringing this about, from the initial planning hearing through all stages to the public inquiry itself. This truly is a victory for democracy, common sense and humanity. The faith and determination of a small group of very decent people has brought this victory about."

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Ruthin choses children's play ship

By Spring time, children in Ruthin will be able to enjoy playing on a brand new Adventure Ship-Galleon - a ship shaped play facility with mast, rope, climbing nets, tower and slide as well as a new 20 metre zip wire after residents attended a special public meeting at Ysgol Brynhyfryd, Ruthin, to make a final decision on a new play facility for the park.

In the run up to the meeting, residents were given the opportunity to put forward their proposals as part of a new Participatory Budget (PB) process, which Denbighshire elected to use to enable residents to spend up to £25,000 of Denbighshire funds on the new facility. From an initial 30 proposals, these were short-listed down to ten favourites.

During the evening, the residents behind the ten bids had the opportunity to promote their idea with a three minute presentation – the bids were then scored by those at the meeting and the winners were announced on the night.

The total cost of both the ship and the zip wire comes to £28,013 which is being met by Denbighshire a further £1,000 pledged by Ruthin Town Council.

Far from being forgotten, the other eight proposals will be considered in future years as a Friends of Cae Ddol group has been set up to assist with the future planning and strategy for the park

Councillor Bobby Feeley, a member of the project working party, said: "It was a pleasure to be part of the meeting and experience the excitement and the buzz of interest, also the disappointment of those who's projects did not succeed, we hope some will succeed in future."

Jamie Groves, Denbighshire’s head of leisure services, compered the evening, and said afterwards: "It was a great success. The PB process was being used for the first time by Denbighshire - this really fits with our aim of bringing the council closer to the community.

"It was an excellent example of how members, officers and residents can work together collectively for the benefit of their communities.

"We are hoping this will be the start of a new process for Denbighshire and we hope to try this scheme with other communities throughout the county.

"Full credit goes to the people who worked on the bids, to the residents who attended the meeting and I would also like to thank Bill Ellis Jones of Together Creating Communities, which coordinates the participatory budget scheme, and his team for all their hard work throughout this process."

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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

read more... “Impact Day: Latest”

Free parking for Christmas in Denbighshire

A number of Denbighshire towns will have free parking on certain days in the run up to Christmas, thanks to an arrangement between Denbighshire County Council and town councils.

The council has given town councils five free days parking a year, to be used at the discretion of town councils and some have decided to use some of their allocation in the run - up to Christmas.

Here are the dates:
Rhyl - Thursday, November 19, and between Monday, December 21 and Thursday, December 24.
Denbigh - Friday, November 27
Llangollen - Saturday, November 28
Prestatyn - Thursday, December 3
Ruthin - Saturday, December 5 and Saturday, December 12

Some towns across Denbighshire have already used their allocation to coincide with local community events.

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New leader for award winning heritage project

Rod Williams, a hillfort and smallholding owner from Denbighshire has been named as the new Chairman of the Heather and Hillforts Landscape Partnership Scheme.

As the owner of Penycloddiau hillfort and a 40 acre smallholding on the edge of the Clwydian Range, Rod Williams has a deep rooted connection to the outstanding heritage of the Clwydian Range and Llantysilio Mountain.

He is currently a Council Member with the Countryside Council for Wales, governor at Llysfasi College, was awarded a fellowship of the Royal Agriculture Society for Services to Agri Business in Wales and is treasurer of Tŷ Croeso Ysbyty Glan Clwyd and the Royal Agri Benevolent Institution (Clwyd). He is also a frequent broadcaster on agricultural issues, especially on S4C and Radio Cymru.

The sudden death of the Project Chairman, Michael Griffith, earlier this year left a great void. Rod Williams shares Michael Griffith’s passion for the landscape and heritage and his belief that heritage conservation can go hand in hand with environmentally friendly farming.

Rod Williams said: “I am highly honoured to take up the reigns of this important project. We are fortunate to have natural and historic heritage of international importance on our doorstep, which I have been so lucky to grow up with. It is important that we keep people farming in these hills, we must support landowners and graziers to manage these special moorland areas appropriately, to keep them in a good condition.

“Sustaining high quality local food production is also vital for the future, especially in light of increasing global demands on resources. I also view increasing people’s awareness, understanding and their enjoyment of their local countryside an important role for the project. These are challenging times, where people need to escape the pressures of everyday life. The breathtaking beauty of the area is also very important as a tourism resource in this economically difficult climate. The challenge for me, the project and its partners, as I see it, is to balance all these different interests, whilst protecting our heritage.”

The Heather and Hillforts Project is a partnership between Denbighshire and Flintshire County Councils, together with agencies such as Cadw, Countryside Council for Wales, Fire Service, Royal Commission of Ancient and Historic Monuments, National Museums and Galleries of Wales, RSPB, CPAT, CPRW, Clwydian Range Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty Joint Advisory Committee, local community groups and landowners. A significant grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund provides funding for the project, the first landscape partnership scheme supported in Wales.

The announcement of the project’s new Chairman comes at the end of the highly successful Heather and Hillforts walking festival. The event included study days, long distance walking challenges, family activities in addition to education school events. The project has an ambitious programme to deliver over the next year which includes footpath improvements, archaeological events, moorland restoration and more education resources. The three year Heather and Hillforts Project is developing a £2.3 million initiative for upland conservation work and has received a grant of £1.5 million from the Heritage Lottery Fund. For more information please visit heatherandhillforts.co.uk.

You can now follow them on twitter - Visit www.twitter.com/HeatherHillfort or join their Facebook group for more updates from the project.

read more... “New leader for award winning heritage project”

Telephone scam warning

North Wales Police are urging householders to be vigilant when giving personal details over the telephone.

The warning comes after several reports have been received at the force’s control room in St Asaph that calls are being made by people purporting to be from the bank.

They say they are calling from a Fraud Department who work for several banks and are claiming that over 500 people in North Wales have been targeted over the last week whereby money has been taken from their bank accounts.

The callers are then asking for card details to be given so that subsequent checks and cancellations can be made.

On one particular occasion the caller claimed he was working on behalf of Lloyds TSB. He gave his contact as the main switchboard number for the bank. However, when the victim contacted the bank’s Fraud Department he was told they had no knowledge of any fraud of this scale having taken place.

Police are advising people who receive such calls not to disclose their personal or bank account details and if they have concerns they should contact their bank direct.

If anyone is aware of people carrying out this type of fraud they should report it to North Wales Police, on 101, if 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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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”

read more... “Hidden crimes in Denbighshire”

Christmas at the Cathedral

Start your festive celebrations early by joining Denbighshire County Council for its Christmas Carol Service at St Asaph Cathedral.

The service, which takes place on Wednesday, 2 December at 7pm, will include musical performances from the recently formed Denbighshire County Council choir as well as other talented council staff and school children. It will also include lessons telling the Christmas story, read by staff and councillors.

A collection will be made during the service towards Cancer Research UK – Breast Cancer.

Tea, coffee and mince pies will be served at the Dean's Library (opposite the Cathedral) after the service.

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Countryside full of volunteering activities

Denbighshire Countryside Service is calling for volunteers to give a helping hand with conservation projects across the county.

There is a whole range of opportunities being arranged, with tasks varying from tree planting to dry stone walling, footpath construction to creating wildlife habitats.

No previous experience will be required, as training will be provided and people will be free to work at their own pace.

A full list of activities can be found in the Volunteer programme, which is available in libraries, leisure centres and council offices.

For more information, please contact David Shiel, Loggerheads Country Park, on 01352 810614.

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Cyclist followed in Rhyl

Police are appealing for information after a woman was followed as she cycled in Rhyl.

At about 2pm on Sunday 8 November the 32-year-old was cycling, with her dog by her side, along Bryn Cwnin Road into Trellewelyn Road when she was passed by a man driving a car described as a powder blue / silver BMW 3 series / Audi type saloon.

The car passed her several times in both directions. As she carried on cycling the man slowed down opened the driver's side window and made inappropriate comments towards her.

Despite feeling intimidated by the continuing attention, the woman carried on cycling over the Tynewydd Road Bridge, where she saw the man sitting in his parked up vehicle. She then turned left into Cherry Tree Walk and by the time she had reached Graham Drive the vehicle had travelled into that street.

The woman went to approach a group of youths in the street and the car left the area.

The offender is described as being white, in his late 30s. He was of muscular build, had a tanned complexion and short cropped dark brown hair. He was wearing a light coloured 'T' Shirt and was of general tidy appearance.

House to house enquiries have been conducted and police are keen to speak to anyone who may have seen the car driving in the area or may have information relating to the incident.

Anyone with information is asked to contact PC Jim Wynne at Rhyl Police Station on 101 if in Wales, 0845 6071001 (Welsh line), 0845 6071002 (English line) or Crimestoppers on 0800 55511.

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Premises closure order served on a Rhyl property

North Wales Police have secured its first Closure of Premises Order (associated with persistent disorder or nuisance) in Rhyl.

The closure order, at 17 River Street, was issued by Prestatyn Magistrates today (Wednesday, 11th November) and is the first order of its kind to be issued in North Wales.

Over the last six months, officers from the Community Safety Team and Neighbourhood Policing Team, working in partnership with Denbighshire County Council, gathered evidence about activities surrounding the property and its occupants.

“This action was prompted by information given to officers from members of the local community,” said PC Alyn Smith from the Community Safety Team.

“Complaints regarding disorder, persistent nuisance, drunken behaviour, loud music and rowdy behaviour were being reported to officers on a regular basis.

“North Wales Police now have an additional tool with which we can deal with poorly run houses of multi occupation. We will not hesitate to use this power again if a poorly run premises is having a detrimental affect on other residents in the area.

“The Denbighshire House of Multi Occupation Forward Working Group, which consists of housing enforcement officers, planning officers, fire safety officers and police, regularly meet to pro-actively target problem premises.

He added: “We are committed to tackling poorly run premises and irresponsible landlords across the county."

Councillor David Thomas, Denbighshire's Cabinet Lead Member with responsibility for housing enforcement said: "This is a prime example of excellent partnership working and team work that exists between the various agencies in Denbighshire.

“We hope that the Order issued sends out a clear message that anti-social behaviour simply will not be tolerated and all the agencies involved will continue to take tough action against those that persist in anti-social behaviour of any form.

“Landlords should actively deal with anti social tenants, and work with other agencies to try and resolve poor behaviour.

He added: “We sincerely hope that the quality of life for residents on the street greatly improves and we would like to reassure communities in Denbighshire of the proactive multi-agency campaign to stamp out anti-social behaviour."

Chief Superintendent Simon Humphreys from the Central Command Team said: “The Police in Conwy and Denbighshire will do all we can to ensure that people have a good quality of life. Here we have worked with our valued partners from Denbighshire Council, the Fire Service, and most of all the people who reside and work in River Street to deliver a better place to live. Poor landlords will be challenged at every opportunity and action taken to protect and support our communities.”

Your dedicated 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 555 111.

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

Contact details for individual CBMs and PCSOs are available via the force website – www.north-wales.police.uk

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Denbighshire Christmas dates for your diary

Denbighshire Heritage Service is organising several events around the county with a Christmas theme.

Ruthin Gaol
Saturday 5 December 11am-4pm
Father Christmas at the Gaol. Christmas workshop making glittery decorations. Meet Father Christmas and get your present ... if you have been good !
£3.50 per child - accompanying adults free. There will also be a produce market in the Gaol courtyard.

Plas Newydd
Friday 18 December 7.30pm
Christmas with the Ladies. An evening of song, poetry, mulled wine and mince pies. Tickets £10 per person – please book in advance.

Rhyl Museum
Saturday 5 December 10.30am-12.30pm
Rockin' Robin. Creative Christmas art drop-in for the under 7s. Free

Saturday 12 December 10.30am-12.30pm
Woodland Christmas Decorations. Make your own Christmas decorations from natural materials. Drop-in for ages 6 -18. Free

Saturday 19 December 10.30am-12.30pm
A Christmas Pantomime. Creative drama drop-in for ages 6-12. Something for the budding actor. Free.

Monday 21 December 11am-4pm
Christmas Glitter. Make your own cards, decorations and gifts with plenty of sparkle. Drop-in for ages 4 -14. Free.

For further details on all these events, contact Curatorial Manager on 01824 708223 or e-mail heritage@denbighshire.gov.uk

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Youth mosaic project in Denbighshire

Denbighshire Heritage Service has been working on the Merseyside Connections Mosaic Project since being awarded £24,000 by the Heritage Lottery Fund last year.

The project – continuing on from the Liverpool Capital of Culture 2008 – involves young people in Denbighshire creating a mosaic trail based on the county’s connections with Merseyside. Subjects covered include the Resurgam submarine, H M Stanley and Vale of Clwyd evacuees. Through workshops, the young people involved have had the opportunity to learn new lifelong skills and discover more about the richness of their county.

Mosaic artist, Tricia Jones, has been running workshops. She and members of Denbighshire Youth Service have worked with young people to formulate their ideas and the final locations for the mosaics.

The mosaic trail leads from Rhyl in the north of Denbighshire to Llangollen in the south with the initial, outlying mosaic located on the docks in Liverpool. The latter, which has been created by children from the ‘Welsh’ streets in Liverpool, reflects the voyage of the Mimosa – a ship in which many Welsh people sailed to Patagonia.

There will be an end of project celebration on Sunday 6 December at the Ruthin Gaol for all those who took part in the project.

For further information, please contact : Susan Dalloe, Museums Development Officer at Denbighshire County Council on 01824 708274 or susan.dalloe@denbighshire.gov.uk

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HMO Multi Agency Team Saves Lives

The intervention of the Denbighshire HMO (Houses in Multiple Occupation) multi agency team is likely to have saved the lives of several tenants in a property on West Parade in Rhyl.

Following a referral from the local Community Beat Manager, the property was inspected by the multi-agency team. It was discovered that the boiler was faulty and leaking gas and may have been doing this for three months from when it was installed.

The National Gas Emergency Service was called out. The boiler was immediately condemned and the gas supply switched off. Fortunately none of the occupants were smokers, as there could have been the potential for several fatalities.

Following the team’s intervention the landlord has now repaired the boiler and obtained a valid landlord gas safety certificate.

The HMO Multi Agency Team was established two years ago to improve housing conditions in the private rented sector, by encouraging close working relations between all relevant partner agencies to ensure private landlords throughout the County meet their obligations to their tenants.

Councillor David Thomas, Cabinet Lead Member for Regeneration, said: “This is a prime example of how working in partnership can improve the lives of the county’s residents.

“The team provides advice and guidance to private landlords that let out out their properties, to make sure that the health and safety of residents are complied with. People have a right to live in standard accommodation and the multi-agency team will not hesitate in taking enforcement action against any landlord that does not comply with health and safety laws”

If you live in a rented property with gas appliances, your landlords is obliged to provide you with a copy of a landlord gas safety certificate, please ask your landlords for a copy in the first instance”.

If the landlords fails to provide the certificate you can either contact the Housing Enforcement Team on 01824 706389 or the Health and Safety Executive on 02920 263176 who will take action to ensure that the gas appliances are tested. If you need to check if the engineer who carried out the gas safety check is registered, please visit the Gas Safe Register website www.GasSafeRegister.co.uk or call 0800 408 5500.

If you smell gas or are worried about gas safety, you can call 0800 111 999* at any time, day or night. Your call will not cost you anything**. Just pick up the phone, dial the number and you will be put through to a trained operator who will take all the details. Further information can be found on the National Grid website www.nationalgrid.com

*All calls to the National Gas Emergency Service and National Enquiry lines may be recorded and monitored.

**Some mobile phone network operators may charge you for the call.

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