Latest news with #JasonMcLellan
Wales Online
19 hours ago
- Wales Online
Lost railway line next to the River Dee to be transformed
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info Work is getting underway on transforming part of a lost railway line in North Wales. The Ruabon - Barmouth line opened in the 1860s and for almost a century transported goods and passengers across North Wales. But it was earmarked for closure in 1965 and closed a short time ahead of that in December 1964 due to flood damage. Since then a section has reopened as a heritage line from Llangollen to Corwen but in other areas the tracks were lifted and never returned. One such section lies between Corwen and Cynwyd. But work is now getting back underway to transform this former line into an active travel route. Work did start last year but had to be halted. The project is part of investment secured from the last UK Government. Further funding was secured from the Welsh Government's Active Travel Fund, which is in place to reduce the number of short everyday journeys that are undertaken in motor vehicles and to increase levels of active travel. The project involves upgrading sections of the former railway line that runs adjacent to the B4401, into a shared use walking and cycling route. It also includes the introduction of a new tarmac surface that will ensure the route is accessible throughout the year and the installation of a new uncontrolled pedestrian crossing of the A5 near its junction with the B4401. Access to the former railway line, for construction, will now be through the adopted highway in Cynwyd, and the footpath will be closed along the old railway line during the construction phase, with signage and traffic management put in place. Join the North Wales Live WhatsApp community group where you can get the latest stories delivered straight to your phone Two-way signals will be placed on the carriageway near to Pont Dyfrdwy over the river Dee for the start of the works and will be reviewed as the project progresses. Following a delay in progress the works undertaken by Cyf will now begin in June and will last approximately 30 weeks. Councillor Jason McLellan, Denbighshire council leader and lead member for economic growth and tackling deprivation, said: 'The introduction of a new active travel route is a welcoming addition to Corwen and Cynwyd. These works will not only improve the accessibility of the site for users but also preserve the environmental and ecological importance of the route. This was fundamental during the designs process and has resulted in favouring environmentally friendly methods, such as the use of non-dig construction to complete the project. 'I'd like to thank Councillors Alan Hughes and Gwyneth Ellis, for their continued support in enabling us to work collaboratively with the community, to provide a project that will benefit everyone in the near future. We understand that this is a popular route and appreciate our resident's patience during this period.' Sign up for the North Wales Live newsletter sent twice daily to your inbox
North Wales Live
20 hours ago
- North Wales Live
Lost railway line next to the River Dee to be transformed
Work is getting underway on transforming part of a lost railway line in North Wales. The Ruabon - Barmouth line opened in the 1860s and for almost a century transported goods and passengers across North Wales. But it was earmarked for closure in 1965 and closed a short time ahead of that in December 1964 due to flood damage. Since then a section has reopened as a heritage line from Llangollen to Corwen but in other areas the tracks were lifted and never returned. One such section lies between Corwen and Cynwyd. But work is now getting back underway to transform this former line into an active travel route. Work did start last year but had to be halted. The project is part of investment secured from the last UK Government. Further funding was secured from the Welsh Government's Active Travel Fund, which is in place to reduce the number of short everyday journeys that are undertaken in motor vehicles and to increase levels of active travel. The project involves upgrading sections of the former railway line that runs adjacent to the B4401, into a shared use walking and cycling route. It also includes the introduction of a new tarmac surface that will ensure the route is accessible throughout the year and the installation of a new uncontrolled pedestrian crossing of the A5 near its junction with the B4401. Access to the former railway line, for construction, will now be through the adopted highway in Cynwyd, and the footpath will be closed along the old railway line during the construction phase, with signage and traffic management put in place. Join the North Wales Live WhatsApp community group where you can get the latest stories delivered straight to your phone Two-way signals will be placed on the carriageway near to Pont Dyfrdwy over the river Dee for the start of the works and will be reviewed as the project progresses. Following a delay in progress the works undertaken by Cyf will now begin in June and will last approximately 30 weeks. Councillor Jason McLellan, Denbighshire council leader and lead member for economic growth and tackling deprivation, said: 'The introduction of a new active travel route is a welcoming addition to Corwen and Cynwyd. These works will not only improve the accessibility of the site for users but also preserve the environmental and ecological importance of the route. This was fundamental during the designs process and has resulted in favouring environmentally friendly methods, such as the use of non-dig construction to complete the project. 'I'd like to thank Councillors Alan Hughes and Gwyneth Ellis, for their continued support in enabling us to work collaboratively with the community, to provide a project that will benefit everyone in the near future. We understand that this is a popular route and appreciate our resident's patience during this period.'
Business News Wales
4 days ago
- Business
- Business News Wales
Working Denbighshire Hosts Jobs Fair in Llangollen
Working Denbighshire's Jobs Fair in Llangollen has been hailed a success by employers and attendees, with interviews arranged and new opportunities shared across the community. Held in central Llangollen, the event brought local people together with a diverse range of organisations and businesses, offering a valuable gateway to explore jobs, training, and volunteering opportunities. Exhibitors included the Army, RAF, Anheddau, Branas Isaf, Denbighshire Citizens Advice, Business Wales, and Clwyd Alyn, among others. While not all attending employers had immediate vacancies, many used the fair as an opportunity to share live opportunities, offer career advice, and promote upcoming roles. All participating employers reported they would be happy to take part in similar events in the future. Branas Isaf confirmed they'have already scheduled interviews with attendees, and others distributed application links and signposted training routes and open positions. Councillor Jason McLellan, Leader of Denbighshire County Council and Lead Member for Economic Growth & Tackling Deprivation, said: 'This Jobs Fair highlights the strength and spirit of our local community. It's inspiring to see employers and jobseekers come together in such a positive way to create real pathways to employment and training. 'Working Denbighshire is proud to play a key role in supporting people on their journey to meaningful work and a brighter future.' Ruth Hanson, Principal Manager at Working Denbighshire, said: 'The success of this event reflects the hard work and collaboration between employers, partners, and our team. We're committed to continuing these opportunities and supporting jobseekers every step of the way. It's incredibly rewarding to see so many people engaged, motivated, and taking the first steps towards their new careers.' Support services including Adferiad and South Denbighshire Community Partnership also used the event to connect with residents who may benefit from wellbeing, volunteering, or self-employment support. The Jobs Fair forms part of Working Denbighshire's ongoing commitment to supporting local people into employment, training, and enterprise. The team is now preparing for upcoming events and encourages both employers and residents to get involved.
Rhyl Journal
6 days ago
- Business
- Rhyl Journal
New bin system pays off? Denbighshire's Trolibocs a year on
It has been a year since the local authority made the move to the much opposed Trolibocs system, which was rolled out on June 3, 2024. A spokesperson for the council acknowledged that while the initial rollout of the new service model faced challenges and "did not go as planned", improvements had been made. The spokesperson said: "We would like to thank our residents for their continued support for carrying out recycling in Denbighshire. "Last year we acknowledged the rollout of the new service did not go as we planned and quickly implemented a number of changes to improve services across the county during the autumn. 'These changes including new routes, more operatives and vehicles and a strengthened service management team have moved the service forward for the 47,000 properties we collect from across the county. RELATED STORIES Denbighshire to launch new bin and recycling rounds Denbighshire's new recycling scheme: Chance to ask questions Debate ignites over Denbighshire's £22m Trolibocs system 'Recycling rates have improved, but we are still in the process of analysing the data, and we will be reporting the 2024/25 performance data to a future Scrutiny Committee. The final recycling figures for 2024/25 will not show the full impact of the new collection model because we were still operating the old collection model for part of the financial year. We will therefore not see the full benefit of the new model until the 2025/26 recycling figures are published. However, we have seen a significant increase in food waste recycling in 2024/25, which has increased by around 16 per cent. We have also seen a nine per cent reduction in residual (or non-recyclable) waste. "This is important because reducing the amount of non-recyclable waste that is then incinerated is a top priority for the council and was a key aim of the new waste model. 'We aim to have an ongoing programme of informing and educating residents to make continual improvement to our recycling performance. Now that the new model has settled-in, we believe that the service will only get better over time, and that it will result in further reductions in non-recyclable waste and better recycling in Denbighshire.' The new service, which involved the scrapping of the blue wheelie bin, is 55 per cent funded by Welsh Government. Residents are tasked to separate their 'dry' recycling using a three-tier trolleybox. A free new weekly collection services, for small electrical items, household batteries and textiles, was also implemented. The revamped recycling scheme was labelled a "disaster" when it first launched with widespread missed collections; the authority's chief executive and leader cllr Jason McLellan made public apologies as the service ran £640,000 over budget and residents reported rubbish piling up on pavements attracting flies and vermin. James Davies, then MP for the Vale of Clwyd, labelled the change as "one of the worst decisions the local authority has made". Denbighshire introduced the Trolibocs stackable, separated recycling system to improve the "quality" of recycling collected and to meet the Welsh Government's 70 per cent recycling target which has been set for all local authorities in Wales.
North Wales Live
07-05-2025
- Business
- North Wales Live
Multi-million pound food hall and market taking shape in North Wales seaside town
The interior of a multi-million pound food hall and market development is taking shape. The internal work at the Queen's Market building in Rhyl is progressing, with a number of key features now installed at the site. The new £12.6m development features 16 individual food and retail units, a double-sided bar, and a large flexible events space which is capable of holding a variety of events. The first phase of the internal work begin in February. The installation of the bench seating on the lower floor and booth style seating on the mezzanine floor is complete. More seating is scheduled to be installed during this phase of the fit out. Integral plumbing and electrical work within the hot food units is now also completed. In addition to this, the installation of the bar, stage, lighting and PA, feature wall and internal signage is currently ongoing, as well as other necessary works. The council told North Wales Live that "announcements regarding the site's operator and individual tenants will be made in the near future". Councillor Jason McLellan, Leader of Denbighshire County Council and Lead Member for Economic Growth and Tackling Deprivation, said: 'The Queen's Market buildings have played a significant role in Rhyl's history for more than 120 years. "This new development is an exciting new chapter in the site's rich history, with this modern, multipurpose venue offering high-quality food and retail spaces for the people of Rhyl, and I am pleased to see that the internal developments are progressing well. Sign up for the North Wales Live newsletter sent twice daily to your inbox "This project is an integral part of the wider regeneration work in Rhyl, which has seen significant investment in the town over the past few years. It's also encouraging to see this work starting to pay off, as we've seen a number of new businesses open in the town this year. "With the Sea Defence works set to finish this year, as well as funding that has been recently awarded by UK Government, this is an exciting time for Rhyl and Denbighshire as a whole.' It was recently announced that Rhyl would receive £20m as part of the UK Government's Plan for Neighbourhoods to tackle deprivation and turbocharge growth.
