Final (?) Position from Network Rail

The last days of the crossing!!

Further to additional correspondence with Network Rail today I have received the following email confirming Network Rail's final position on the issue of the closed rail crossing on Glan Y Mor Rd.

The only option I can see open to us now is if something comes up from the local residents looking at their house deeds to see if they have conditions stipulating they can have access to the foreshore.

Or whether Guto Bebb, MP is able to achieve anything from pressure through his postion.


Dear Jason,



Thank you for you emails regarding your concerns about the level crossing closure.

As stated previously there has been no public consultation because Conwy County Borough Council has indicated that there is no public right of way over this crossing. As a consequence the various statutory closure procedures under the Highways Act 1980 or other legislation used to close public rights of way do not apply.

Without wanting to repeat myself, the closing of this level crossing is not up for negotiation and has been closed because we feel it is a safety risk to the public. This is not a public right of way.

The crossing has been assessed by our Operations Risk Control team and I have attached a copy for your reference.

The risk scores are alpha/numerical A-M, 1-13 .

Alpha being individual risk, and Numeric being collective risk. (E.g. A1 would be the highest risk score possible)

I can confirm that the risk score for this particular level crossing is C4, which gave us cause for concern.

Again, I trust this clarifies our final position with this matter.

Yours Sincerely

Maria Ivory
Community Relations Advisor - Wales & West
Government & Corporate Affairs
Network Rail

Apologies - Deleted Comments

My apologies but while trying to delete some Spam/Unpublished comments.
I mistakenly deleted the last 25 published comments

I have some of these stored in emails so will attempt to reinstate them

CENSUS

Complete your census & help tomorrow take shape


The next census for England and Wales will run on the 27th March 2011 covering 25 million households.


Why are we having a census?

The census collects information to plan services and facilities. And because every penny counts these days, it’s essential that you help shape what your local community needs – like schools, hospitals, housing, roads and emergency services. So make sure you complete your census questionnaire on 27 March 2011.



What do you need to do?

Simple. Just answer a few questions about yourself and the people who share your household with you on census day. Everything you tell the census is in strictest confidence and will only be used to produce statistics. The Office for National Statistics (ONS) will not share your personal information with any other government department or organisation. You can do it online or by post. The census needs everyone to take part in helping tomorrow take shape – and this is your chance to make a difference.



For more information, visit www.census.gov.uk, or phone 0300 0201 130.



Census history

A population census has been carried out in Great Britain every ten years from 1801, except in 1941 when the country was at war. Parliament passed the Census Act in 1800 for the first official census of England and Wales following suggestions that population growth would soon outstrip supplies of food and other resources. The basic principles of the census remain the same today. Aside from many present and future benefits, the census has the power to unlock the past. Once census records are made public, 100 years after they are collected, they mark the beginning of a journey for thousands of people to discover the lives, loves and lifestyles of their ancestors.



Did you know?

That in Wales the population grew from just over 500,000 people in 1801 to 2.9 million people by 2001.

That in 1911 there were 260,000 people employed in the mining industry in Wales which by the 2001 census was down to 3,900 people.

http://www.census.gov.uk/

Census figures are one of the factors taken into account in the formulae when funding is distributed by Central Government and by the Welsh Assembly Government. So if we can maximise the entries from Conwy it could mean substantially more funds being directed our way to help maintain and improve services.

Update 17:40. Just completed our household census online. It took 35 minutes and is a lot more straight forward than the paper form. You can save progress and return to it later if you wish.

Meetings w/c 28th March 2011

The way I have felt today I'm glad it is a slow formal start to the week. Not very well today, spending all day out yesterday at the Conwy Seed Fair probably did not help matters. Do have 1 meeting on Monday to discuss DDA Compliance, but if I feel the same tomorrow, it would be advisable to stay away.
There is also a meeting at the Business Centre on Monday to find the results from the investigations into the pollution issues of the Afon Conwy. I will have to give this a miss and get an update on Tuesday

Tuesday 29th March

7pm: Conwy Harbour Advisory Committee, Bodlondeb (member, Vice Chair)
To consider reports from the Principal Harbour and Maritime Officer on the following matters:
a) Restoration of Helen 2 (the Nobby project, Conwy Quay)
b) Mussel Gathering Licenses
c) Retirement of Principal Harbour and Maritime Officer
English: http://modgoveng.conwy.gov.uk/ieListDocuments.aspx?CId=206&MId=2626&Ver=4
Cymraeg: http://modgovcym.conwy.gov.uk/ieListDocuments.aspx?CId=206&MId=2626&Ver=4
 
Wednesday 30th March
 
All Day: Children's and Young People's Partnership Board Meeting, Douglas Rd, Colwyn Bay (member)
 
4pm: Meeting at Cartrefi Conwy, Parc Eirias, Colwyn Bay
 
5pm: Ysgol John Bright Governors Sub Committee
 
 
Thursday 31st March
 
10:30am: Partnership Scrutiny Preparation Meeting, Civic Offices, Colwyn Bay
 
 
Friday 1st April
 
10:30am: Meeting with Cartrefi Conwy's Internal Auditors, Quay Hotel
Update: this is a 1:1 meeting. As Chairman of the Audit and Risk committee I am having a meeting with the director of the external firm who have been appointed as Cartrefi Conwy's Internal Auditors. This will be an informal meeting to discuss plans for the forthcoming years, and hence why I decided to meet off site.
 
12pm - 2pm: "There's no taste like Home". ITV programme being filmed at the Quay Hotel with celebrity chef Gino D'Acampo. Invited to attend is part of judging audience
 
2pm: Families First Project Board, Dinerth Rd, Rhos on Sea (member)

Conwy Seed Fair 2011

http://www.conwybeekeepers.org.uk/conwy_honey_fair.htm

A really good day today at the Conwy Seed Fair.
The History of Deganwy group had a stall to promote the group and sell copies of Betty Mills "Flowers on a Path".
We shared our stall with the Llandulus Male Voice Choir, who were selling copies of the latest CD (and also recruiting for new members)

Although I have visited the event, this is my first year taking part, Thank you to the other volunteers from the group for manning the stall. We had a great deal of interest in the work we are doing, so hopefully we will have some new members coming forward.

The event had a wide variety of quality stalls.

Congratulations to Peter McFadden for another successful event.
I'm sure we will you will see us a gain at the Honey Fair in September (see link above)

Activities w/c 21st March 2011

A quiet week for formal meetings.

- The Eduction Department is being inspected by Estyn this week and as a Chairman of the Partnership Scrutiny I was asked to keep the week quite clear for potential meetings. As part of the inspection the Children's and Young People Partnership will be inspected, of which I am on the board and that the Partnership committee scrutinises. The inspectors have now asked for all Scrutiny Chairs and Vice Chairs into a meeting on Tuesday. Quite a large Lever Arch file of documentation to read in preparation for the Inspection.

- Monday I will be preparing and sending further correspondence to Network Rail in respect of the Deganwy Rail Crossing.

- Also this week I will be finalising the accounts in relation to the Conwy District Scout Association. The Capitation payment is due, which includes the insurance payments for the Scout sections, Leaders and Helpers. This involves collection of payments from groups and sending final payment to the Snowdonia Area in the region of £14K. Just waiting for one payment!!

- Another interview by the Wales Audit Office this week, last time it was about Finance, this weeks it relates to the Information Management and Information Communications Technology (ICT) Strategy. As a member of the Corporate Improvement Board, which reviews the progress with the ICT Strategy the WAO have asked to see us for a Thematic Review.

- Saturday will be full day at the Conwy Seed Fair raising money for the History of Deganwy group. By selling the published Betty Mills "Flowers on a Path".

Formal Appointments:

Tuesday 22nd March

10:30am Estyn Inspection Interviews, Dinerth Rd, Rhos On Sea

1pm: Social Services Meeting, Charging Policy, Canolfan Marl

2pm: Conwy Mussel Fishery - Future Management Arrangements, Business Centre, Llandudno Junction

Wednesday 23rd March

10:30am: Meeting with Community Safety Partnership Manager, re: Presentation to Informal Council, Civic Office, Colwyn Bay

Thursday 24th March

7:30pm: Conwy District Scouts Executive Meeting, Colwyn Heights (Treasurer)

Friday 25th March



8:30am: Social Services - Charging Policy Project Board, Civic Offices, Colwyn Bay  (member)

1:30pm: Wales Audit Office - Thematic Review (ICT), Bodlondeb

7pm: High School Musical, Ysgol John Bright's Annual Performance at Venue Cymru

Saturday 26th March

from 7am: Conwy Seed Fair, Stall for History of Deganwy Group, Conwy High St

Ysgol John Bright

present

High School Musical

Thursday 24th March & Friday 25th March

http://www.venuecymru.co.uk/details.php?id=1034

Following last year’s phenomenal success with FAME, Ysgol John Bright present Disney’s ‘High School Musical-On Stage’. Featuring a cast and crew of one hundred students and a live band, join Troy, Gabriella and all your other favourites as they sing, dance and basketball their way through the opening of a new term at East High.

Will Troy and Gabriella make the call backs? Will the Braniacs win their decathlon and the basketball team their playoff? All will be revealed in an evening of entertainment for all the family.

Rail Crossing Closure - Press Coverage

Daily Post
http://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/north-wales-news/2011/03/17/anger-as-rail-bosses-close-path-in-deganwy-55578-28351018/

North Wales Pioneer
http://www.northwalespioneer.co.uk/news/100151/deganwy-crossing-campaign-hits-the-web.aspx

North Wales Weekly News
http://www.northwalesweeklynews.co.uk/conwy-county-news/local-conwy-news/2011/03/17/network-rail-under-fire-for-plans-to-close-crossing-in-deganwy-55243-28348826/

Facebook Page

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Save-the-Deganwy-Footpath-Rail-Crossing/170704762982316

Deganwy Prom Day - Saturday 4th June from 11am

This years event will be starting at the sightly earlier time of 11am and finish around 4pm.

The time has changed based on the experiences over the last 2 years and it will give us more time with the right tides.

The Deganwy Dash will start proceeding on the evening of Friday 3rd June. The 5 mile run along the Cycle Path to Conwy Castle and back will comence at 7:15pm.

Prize giving by the Mayor will follow at the Yacht Club

For more information and an application form please visit the dedicated website:

http://www.deganwydash.co.uk/

 

The committee are working hard to make arrangement for the Prom Day events.

We have many things happening again this year, include refreshments including Candi Floss, Tea and Scones, Bar B Que, Sandwiches, Specialist Coffee, Ice Creams etc.

A programme of entertainment is in preparation, which will include Tudno FM. This year we will have 2 arenas with one be dedicated to the Fun Dog Show which has gained in popularity each year.

Other attractions will include a Roundabout, Hook a Duck, Test Your Strength, Archery, Climbing Wall, Children's Sports, Face Painting, and more

This together with local organisation stalls and an Open Day at the Yacht Club will Make for another very successful event in 2011.

I look forward to seeing lots of people there on the day.

 

If your interested in taking part or would like more information please visit our website (currently being updated):

 

http://www.deganwypromday.org.uk

 

We really need some more Children's rides/activities. We would really like a Bouncy Castle, last year supplier has sold up, but it was very popular.

If you can help please contact me or one of the other members of the committee.

After taking on quite a primary role in the last 2 years of the Prom Day, now the events are up and running I have requested from the committee that I take a more supporting role this year. Hence this year I will not be as involved in the event as the previous years. I think it is sometimes good to to take a back seat and allow new ideas to come through. The committee are doing well and with the funds raised over the last 2 years it has put the committee in a good financial situation. This will allow them to buy in events such as the Climbing Wall and Archery this year.

The Spring Bank Holiday serves as a good time to go on holiday for us. I have given up the chance of  holidaying with the family for the last 2 years while the Prom Day has been on, but this year I will be joining Kirsty and the boys on holiday the week preceding the Prom Day. We return from holiday on the Friday, and all being well I should be able to see some of the Dash. I will then of course be on hand to help during the Prom Day. I remain in the official capacity of Treasurer for the committee.

Network Rail Notice

The following notice has appeared from Network Rail either side of the level crossing.

I have also received some very basic information from Network Rail, which states:

Cllr Weyman,


Further to you email correspondence with our Liabilities Advisor, Geoff Jenkins, I am writing to with regards to Deganwy Level Crossing.

Network Rail has been in regular talks with the rights of way officers of Conwy Borough Council over the past year to discuss the safety risks and our concerns regarding Deganwy Level Crossing.

Safety is our number one priority, and following a recent near-miss recorded at this crossing we simply can not allow incidents such as this to happen again.

This crossing is not a public right of way. With this in mind the decision has been made to close the crossing with immediate effect. A notice of this effect will be placed on site to inform users.


If you have any further questions please do not hesitate to email me directly.

Many thanks

Maria Ivory


Community Relations Advisor - Wales & West
Government & Corporate Affairs
Network Rail

Maria Ivory's email address is Maria.Ivory@networkrail.co.uk

I will be responding to this is in the morning, and highlighting a few issues, not least the activities that took place in 1992 when British Rail attempted to close the crossing and ending up reestablishing it. The fact that some residents have agreements that gives then access to the foreshore and issues that exist with the the Quay Crossing.
I will also be asking for more information on the "near miss" and any further statistics they may have on this stretch.
I will also ask why other crossings on much busier and faster sections of the Rail infrastructure are remaining open.

Minutes of Special Council Meeting to discuss Chief Executive

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-north-west-wales-12790155

Please see the draft minutes (below) from the Special Council held on Monday to discuss the misconduct of the Chief Executive Mr Byron Davies.

The detailed reports included that produced by the Designated Independent Person (DIP) Mr John Bowers, QC, remain exempt due to the personal details and incidents discussed.

As you will see from the minutes, the resolutions from the DIP and then the Senior Disciplinary Committee highlight that there was more to the situation that the incident on which the Chief Executive was arrested for in March 2010. These issues were detailed in the report by the QC.

You can also see that the Council have had the services of  Denis Cooper  – Legal Adviser and Mark Hammerton – Adviser on Employment Law and Practice, from the Eversheds Legal Firm. Mr Davies had his own advisers throughout the process including a solicitor and Mr Penn a Chief Executive Trade Union consultant.

In addition to the recommendation of the QC that were passed by the Council, additional items were raised over and above the DIP report that the Disciplinary Committee felt needed further investigation. Please not that this group had the guidance of the Evershed legal expertise in coming up with the conclusions.

As can be seen, although there was an overall majority of 2:1 on the resolutions, the some members voted against some of the resolutions. They have their reasons for this, which is up to them to explain. I felt that before we progress with Mr Bryon Davies' return to work that it was our duty to ensure that all issues had been investigated and can then be tackled moving forward.
If these investigations bring forward other recommendations then we will tackle them and move forward. If nothing is resolved as untoward then we have the resolutions as described to progress with Mr Bryon Davies return to work.

One question I'm sure is on people's mind is why the DIP did not investigate these additional items, well this was down to the Terms of Reference that were associated with the case and associated issues. The new concerns came at the end of the DIPs work. Hence why I feel it is important for the Authority, its staff, residents and Mr Davies himself that we can complete the investigation before proceeding with a way forward.

English: http://modgoveng.conwy.gov.uk/ieListDocuments.aspx?CId=207&MId=2636&Ver=4
Cymraeg: http://modgovcym.conwy.gov.uk/ieListDocuments.aspx?CId=207&MId=2636&Ver=4

Minutes of Council 14th March

5 years for new AMs

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-politics-12764639

The next Welsh assembly election will be delayed by one year from 2015 to 2016, says First Minister Carwyn Jones.



This means the next Welsh government after the election in May this year will serve a five-year term not a four-year term.


It also means there will now not be a clash with the UK general election in 2015.


Our next Assembly Members will now serve a 5 year term. Makes you think!

This will mean that we will have a UK General Election in 2015, and then Welsh Assembly and Local Council Elections in 2016.

If the Welsh Assembly then revert back to 4 year terms then we will have the Assembly Elections and Local Elections at the same time, until the next conflict occurs. Are these likely to happen on the same date or will we find we have 2 elections very close together. Although there is an advantage of combining the 2 elections, not  least the cost, there are also disadvantages.

The issue here is that it will make it interesting/difficult for those candidates who would want to stand as an Assembly Candidate and/or as a Local Councillor.

Maybe there will now be a call to move the Local Elections from 2016!

Future of Anglesey Council

The following is a statement made by Carl Sargeant, Welsh Assembly Local Government Minister, on the actions he has now instructed for Anglesey.

It makes interesting reading, and it would be well worth all of Conwy's County Councillors reading this.

It indicates what can happen when political infighting gets out of control. Of course the democratic system has to allow for disagreements and difference of opinions. This is the case in Conwy, but the difference in Conwy is that these debates are usually put behind us and the whole Council then work together in the best interests of the Authority and its residents.

The quote "politics of the playground" stand out below. Conwy should take heed of the points raised and highlighted below.

In essence that Council Cabinet/Executive will be replaced by WAG appointed Commissioners. The Councillors have escaped being "struck off", and will fulfil the Scrutiny functions of the Council. Other actions including looking at the Electoral Boundaries, which is likely to reduce the number of Councillors or provide more multi-member wards for 2012, and reassessing the remuneration the Councillors will now receive in the period of the intervention.

The statement has been taken form the Druid's Blog: http://druidsrevenge.blogspot.com/


Mr Llywydd, I would like to make a statement about the future of the Isle of Anglesey County Council, and about the actions I am taking following the Auditor General’s re-inspection of it, which he reported today.



Last month I made a written statement to the Assembly which described the situation within the Council following Brian Gibbons’ intervention in 2009. That intervention tried to help the Council help itself, with the support of a high-calibre Recovery Board and a Managing Director with a strong track record in corporate recovery.

That yielded some progress. But the basic problem remains. There are too many Anglesey councillors who are more concerned with pursuing their own advantage than with delivering for the island. The pervasive political culture puts making and breaking political deals ahead of the needs of Anglesey’s citizens.


That makes the Council critically unstable. As soon as any administration takes office, its rivals start plotting to undermine or supplant it. There is and can be no trust, no consistency and no stability. And that means the people of Anglesey can have no confidence in their elected representatives, or hold them effectively to account.


As a result, the membership of political groups changes on a whim, as members back or oppose the latest plot. In the last 18 months, around a third of all councillors have changed their allegiance between various groups at least once, with scarcely any attempt to justify their actions to those they represent. Imagine the uproar if 20 AMs or 215 MPs did so.

To compound the problem, a high proportion of councillors are not opposed at election time: they are repeatedly returned by default, because no-one stands against them. That might be testament to their local influence, but it is not democratic. It means the members concerned feel immune from challenge and can behave as they please. They do not need to be accountable to those who elected them, because no-one elected them. It also means that Anglesey has one of the worst gender imbalances anywhere – only 2 out of 40 councillors are women.

I accept that in politics different allegiances are often formed, usually in order to bring stability to an elected body.

But this persistent instability, shifting loyalties in pursuit of personal advantage and neglect of the public good cannot continue. It is not democracy – it is the politics of the playground.

It would be wrong to tar all councillors with the same brush. I know that some are fully committed to change and recovery, and have tried to take a stand. But they are too few, and their approach does not seem to have any chance of prevailing. Equally, there may be many who would prefer things to change but feel unable to act. As my Recovery Board put it, if there is a silent majority which supports recovery, it is still largely silent. That is not good enough.

The people of Anglesey will know better than me that the island faces some severe challenges. It is one of the most isolated parts of Wales, with high levels of deprivation in both urban and rural areas. It has suffered from very significant job losses in recent years as major employers have collapsed or left the island. The population is ageing and declining, causing serious over-capacity in some of the Council’s services. The current financial climate will present a huge challenge in protecting the frontline services residents need. I will require responsible and decisive action from the council.


The potential development of Wylfa B may offer an opportunity to address some of these problems, but it is an opportunity that needs to be pursued sensibly and strategically. This has been very difficult given the large number of changes within the executive. The constant changes in portfolio holders responsible for driving this forward in the last few years and presents a damaging impression of the council’s credibility in leading this major inward investment.

Enough is enough. I have been more than patient in giving the Council a chance to sort things out itself. I have been more than generous in providing them with the support to do so. But it is clear that these councillors are unwilling to accept the responsibilities that their public office requires and instead wish to continue acting in a way which is destructive and dangerous to the future of Anglesey and its citizens.


I am not prepared to continue in this way. I will therefore be bringing our current intervention to an end that sought in vain to support the Council to resolve its own problems. Despite that, I would like to thank my Recovery Board for the very considerable efforts they have made. They have been instrumental in the progress the Council has made over the past 18 months and it is with the greatest regret that I have to conclude that their current role is largely over. It is unfortunate that even the valuable advice, commitment and dedication of seven very high-calibre individuals has not moved the Council forward in key areas, which underlines the need for a stronger intervention. I am very pleased that the Board has agreed to lend its very considerable knowledge and expertise to help us move to that new intervention.

I am therefore giving a further and much more stringent direction to the Council, effective immediately. It will bring stability to the council’s politics, ensure consistency in strategic decision-making and protect front-line services. The main terms of that direction will be as follows.


Firstly, I accept the Auditor General’s recommendation that I should appoint Commissioners to run the Council. They will assume all of the functions of the Council’s executive. The Commissioners will be scrutinised by the Council and its committees in the same way as the executive is now.

I am pleased to announce that I have appointed 2 commissioners to exercise the Council’s executive functions on my behalf. They are:
◦ Mr Byron Davies - former Chief Executive of Cardiff County Council;
◦ Mr Alex Aldridge – former Leader of Flintshire County Council and the Welsh Local Government Association (WLGA)

I intend to appoint Mr Mick Giannasi - current Chief Constable of Gwent Police after his retirement from the Police Service at the end of the month. I also plan to appoint a further two commissioners shortly, and will announce their names as soon as possible.

Secondly, last month I commended the Council’s staff for continuing to provide services in the most difficult of circumstances. That has to continue, and the existing delegations to the Council’s officers will remain in place.

Thirdly, I will retain the power to appoint the Council’s chief executive. I will also withdraw from the Council the power to appoint other statutory officers concerned with corporate governance – the monitoring officer and the chief finance officer. It is vital that these posts are occupied by high-calibre individuals who are immune from attack by members. It is equally vital that the council pays heed to their advice. So I am also directing that any decision of the Council or its committees which goes against the advice of statutory officers must be referred to the Commissioners for confirmation or overruling.


The Auditor General also recommended that I should consider instigate a review of electoral boundaries on the island As an alternative, he suggested that I should direct the Council to hold a referendum on an elected Mayor, and that I should consider directing the Council to develop and implement a strategy that promotes democratic renewal.

I will be immediately instructing the Local Government Boundary Commission to undertake a review of the electoral boundaries of the Authority and will be considering what action can be taken to support democratic renewal.


I also agree fully with the Auditor General and with my Recovery Board that a wider programme of democratic renewal is absolutely essential on the island. More people need to stand for election, and Council politics needs a much greater focus on delivering for citizens. I will be writing to the Electoral Commission to ask them to be involved in this work.

In light of the reduced role of councillors within the Authority which will be brought about by my directions, I will be asking the Independent Remuneration Panel to conduct a review of the allowances of councillors in the Authority with a view to them reflecting their diminished roles. I will be writing to them immediately to ask them to undertake this work.

The actions I am outlining today are not decisions that any Minister can take lightly. Indeed, they are decisions that I can only take with a profound sense of sadness. I would much prefer to trust local authorities and their members to discharge their considerable public responsibilities effectively, accountably and conscientiously. Virtually all of them do. But where they do not, we have no alternative but to act.


When I addressed the Council a year ago I said that I didn’t want to be there under those terms. I didn’t want to be intervening in their affairs. And I didn’t want to be spending large sums of public money on helping them to recover. I offered them a simple challenge: sort yourselves out, act responsibly for the people you represent and we will leave you alone. It is a challenge that they have clearly failed to meet.


Mr Llywydd, the actions and attitudes of too many of Anglesey’s councillors have indeed left me with no alternative. They have demonstrated that they care more about their personal standing than about securing recovery. They have spurned the chance to help themselves which Brian Gibbons gave to them with his original intervention, and the intensive support which they have received as a result. Most importantly, they have betrayed those who elected them, and those that they are supposed to serve.


The direction I am making today will help restore effective governance; it will ensure better strategic leadership; and it will protect vital services from the damage that continued petty political bickering causes. I intend that it will continue at least until the next local elections. But it is clearly not a long-term solution. That can only lie in the sort of democratic renewal that the Auditor General and my Recovery Board have advocated. So if Anglesey Council has a future, it is in the hands of the people of the island. All I have done today is to protect them for now from the harmful influence of those who have unfortunately consistently let them down. The people of Angelsey deserve better and this action intends to see that they get it.

Comment on Monday's Special Council meeting

Anonymous has left a new comment on your post "Cllr Wil Edwards has passed away":



Your PC ward rep reckons you told a fib on Monday about a particular incident with the CE, is this correct ?

I have not published the comment on the post it was made on as I didn't think it appropriate for the thread. Instead I have detailed it here.

This comment refers to the Special Council meeting on Monday, where the Council resolved to suspend our Chief Executive, Mr Bryon Davies, subject to further investigation.

The press statement says:
"Conwy County Borough Council met today and concluded its consideration of an independent report into disciplinary matters relating to its chief executive, Mr Byron Davies. That matter has now been concluded."


"However, as a result of the need to examine other matters that came to light during consideration of the investigation report, the council decided that Mr Davies should be suspended for a further period."

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-north-west-wales-12737917

 I understand that the minutes of the meeting will be issued soon, and I will post further when these are issued.

My reply to the above is that I did not speak with Cllr Tew prior to Monday's meeting, but the issue I spoke about at the meeting was also detailed in the report from the Independent QC.

When I was interviewed by John Bowers, QC he asked me certain question which resulted in me referring to the particular incident that the comment refers to. I remember the incident extremely well and also remember well that Cllr Tew defended the action that resulted in the incident. In fact he took the heat for it. This incident was detailed in the report written by the QC and hence is now evidence.

Hence what I said on Monday was the same as the information I gave to the QC.

I should point out that in the response made by Mr Bryon Davies to the report and the disciplinary committee minutes, he did not refute or question that this event occurred.

As I write this I have just received a phone call from Cllr Tew who has confirmed my recollection of the event in question. Cllr Tew is as concerned as me that the comment has been left from someone wanting to cause more trouble.

I suggest to Anonymous (or the people who told you this story) that if you are so desperate to satisfy your conscientious then you need to look elsewhere, instead of trying to discredit me. Your attempts are pathetic and if this is the sort of thing you have to stoop to then it says more about you than me.
This may not mean much to most, as you will not be aware of the incident. I will not be drawn further as the detail of the report remains exempt information.

Network Rail Closing Footpath Crossing in Deganwy

Comment left;
"

i live in conwy and walk across the bridge each afternoon.I pop into Mr Patel's to get a paper and do the lottery, i sometimes go into the castle view for a pint and then occasionally en route back, i will buy some fish and chips from the Harbour view and sit on the rocks to eat it.This access is the one i use to facilitate this and i wont be able to do it anymore meaning those businesses lose my money.I bet that im not the only one either   "

Network Rail has a programme of crossings closures across the country. The footpath crossing on Glan Y Mor Rd, at the junction with Pentywyn Rd, in Deganwy has been identified for immediate closure. Although Network Rail had intended to inform the public, it now seems that due to a recent near miss incident the plans have been brought forward with no consultation.


Although myself and Cllr Mike Priestley have been to trying to contact and discuss the situation with Network Rail, they have not responded.

I did post a couple of posts on this some months ago : http://jasonweyman.blogspot.com/search/label/Network%20Rail

We were only informed of this news on Friday afternoon, and have been told that Network Rail have indicated they will close the crossing with the next week or so.

We have been investigating this proposed action and received great support from the public.

Unfortunately the footpath and crossing has never been established as a Public Right of Way. Although we have evidence of the existence of the use of the site for access to the foreshore for more than 100 years, it does not help our case.

Legally Railway lines have protection from the normal Rights of Way provisions. This footpath was never included when the Definitive Map was produced. Any subsequent rights of way across a Railway will require a Permissive Path Order. This order will require the permission of Network Rail.

As the landowner, and with the protection and rights bestowed for Railway lines, Network Rail have the right to close this path. We are unable to prevent the closure through the County Council.

We now ask for Public Support to demonstrate the importance of this crossing to the residents, businesses and visitors to Deganwy.

Please add your support to our facebook petition: http://on.fb.me/gpoTcC

I have also put paper petitions in

• Deganwy News on Pentywyn Rd,
• Harbour View Fish and Chip Shop
• Deganwy Post Office (thank you for the photocopies)

The only contact we have for Network Rail at this time is the email address of the person who has informed us the Council of closure. This is: Geoff.jenkins@networkrail.co.uk

I did email Mr Jenkins on Friday afternoon to ask for more information and contact details, I will update the post when I have more info, but in the mean time can I ask anyone with information and views to email Mr Jenkins. Time is short.

All 4 of the Councillors for the Deganwy (Cllrs Weyman and Tew)and Marl (Cllrs Priestley and Shotter) Wards are backing the campaign to stop the closure.

We thank you for your support

Many thanks to Ramblers Cymru (@RamblersCymru), who via Twitter have let me know they will highlight the campaign to their members.
Over the next few days we will contact those people who contacted us last year, but we will see if we get any more information from Mr Jenkins of Network Rail on Monday.
 

Cllr Wil Edwards has passed away

Cllr Wil Charles Edwards - Uwchaled Ward

Councillors received a message this morning informing us that Cllr Wil Charles Edwards had passed away.

I repeat the the message below:

Mae’n gyfrifildob trist iawn arnai i rannu’r gwybodaeth for ein ffrind a’n cyfaill, Wil Charles wedi marw yn dawel am ddau o’r gloch bore ‘ma.
Rwyf wedi bod mewn cysylttiad a’t teulu bore yma a cynnig ein cydymdeimlad dwys am golled mor drist ar ol brywdr mor ddewr.


Cwsg yn dawel.

It is with much sadness and deep regret that I have to tell you of the passing of our friend and colleague, Will Charles.

Wil passed away peacefully at 2am this morning.

I have been in contact with the family this morning to express our condolences to them for their very sad loss following his long courageous and dignified battle.

May he rest in peace.

Due to Cllr Wil's continued fight against illness I never really got the chance to get to know Wil as much as I would have wished.  He was a very well respected person and extremely well liked by everyone.
My deepest sympathies to all of Wil's friends and family.

Meetings w/c 14th March

Saturday 13th March
I had been invited to the Open Day of the Sychnat Pass Country House, I had to drop out of this because of the news of the Network Rail closure of the footpath crossing in Deganwy. I felt I had to do somework to get the Petitions out as soon as possible.

Monday 14th March

10am Special Meeting Council
Agenda:
1. Apologies for absence

2. Declarations of Interest: Code of Local Government Conduct
  Members are reminded that they must declare the existence and nature of their declared personal interests.
3. Urgent Matters
  Notice of items which, in the opinion of the Chairman, should be considered at the meeting as a matter of urgency pursuant to Section 100B(4) of the Local Government Act 1972.
4. Exempt Items: Local Government Act 1972, Section 100A and Schedule 12A (Access to Information)
  To consider passing a resolution under the provisions of Section 100A(4) of the above Act to exclude the Public and Press from the meeting during consideration of the following item(s), as it is likely that, if present, there would be disclosure to them of exempt information as defined in Paragraph 12 of Part 4 of Schedule 12A to the Local Government Act 1972.
5. Advice on bias, pre-determination and confidentiality, by Mr. Denis Cooper (Eversheds)
6. To receive the Investigation Report by the Designated Independent Person
7. To receive the recommendations from the Senior Disciplinary Committee
English: http://modgoveng.conwy.gov.uk/ieListDocuments.aspx?CId=207&MId=2636&Ver=4
Cymraeg: http://modgovcym.conwy.gov.uk/ieListDocuments.aspx?CId=207&MId=2636&Ver=4

Although I have provide the links to the Council Agenda all of the reports are exempt items. The information has been classified exempt because
By Virtue of Paragraph 12

Information relating to any individual.
Condition:
Information is exempt to the extent that, in all the circumstances of the case, the public interest in maintaining the exemption outweighs the public interest in disclosing the information.
As can be seen from the above independent legal advice has been sort throughout this process.


Tuesday 15th March

3pm: Social Services Budget & Efficiencies Meeting, Bodlondeb (member)

7:15pm: Deganwy and District Residents Association, Conway Yacht Club, Station Rd, Deganwy (member)

Wednesday 16th March

9:30am: Community Safety Partnership - Strategic Steering Group, Community Fire Station, Rhyl (guest)

2:30pm: Partnership Co-ordinators Meeting, Civic Centre, Colwyn Bay

7:30pm: Deganwy Prom Day Committee Meeting, Conway Yacht Club, Deganwy

Thursday 17th March

10am: Welsh Church Act Fund Meeting, Bodlondeb (replacement member)

2pm: Estyn Meeting Preparation for CYPP, Llandudno (member)

Best Wishes in Your Retirement

Brian and Keith - Photo from Pioneer Newspaper

End of an era for popular Deganwy cafe


Published date: 09 March 2011
Published by: David Waddington
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

CUSTOMERS have bade a tearful goodbye to a long-standing Deganwy cafe.

Victorian coffee shop, Cafe’T’Air on Station Road, has been at the heart of the village for more than 16 years, but owners Bryan Hughes and Keith Hallowes closed the doors for the last time on Saturday.

Bryan said: “We’ve been here 16 years but now we’re retiring. There was another cafe opening in the village and we decided to call it a day.

“There are only the two of us running it, with Keith doing the baking - which people came especially for. We’ve done very well keeping it going for so long.

“The amount of presents we've been given over the last few days has been quite moving really. Most of the regulars stayed with us from day one. There were lots of tears.”

Although the cafe is now closed, Bryan confirmed it would re-open under new management as a furniture shop.

He added: “A lot of shops have closed down over the years but they’ve all come back. The thing about Deganwy is it's a close-knit community where everyone is very supportive. When the Deganwy Castle Hotel closed it was a big disappointment for the village because the bar was like a meeting place. We were the meeting place in the day time, and the bar was one at night.

“But we were always supported by the villagers. They are not just our customers, they are our friends.”

http://www.northwalespioneer.co.uk/local/99864/end-of-an-era-for-popular-deganwy-cafe.aspx

My best wishes to Brian and Keith in their retirement. They have certainly been an important part of the village for many many years. They will be missed by many people, they certainly had a very loyal following, and I know customers came form all over the area for their regular visit to the unique experience which was Cafe’T’Air.
Although the Coffee Shop may not have been to everyones taste it is true to say what they did and what they specilised in, they did extremely well.
It is very sad to see them go, but I'm also happy to see that the shop will start a new life as a Furniture Store. I hope Brian and Keith have a very active, long and well deserved retirement.

We know the names, We know the faces, Now we need the detail

So who will be our next Assembly member for Aberconwy:

We know the names, We know the faces, Now we need the detail of what each is offering Aberconwy

Iwan Huws, Plaid Cymru

Mike Priestley, Liberal Democrat

Janet Finch Saunders, Conservative

Eifion Wyn Williams, Labour

Update: Thank you for the email from Eifion and the more up to date photograph

New Labour Candidate for Aberconwy Assembly Seat



 New Labour candidate chosen for Aberconwy Assembly seat



Mar 10 2011 by Eva Ketley, North Wales Weekly News


THE new Labour candidate for the Aberconwy seat at May’s Assembly elections is confident he can get a good result.
Environmentalist Eifion Wyn Williams, 40, was selected on Sunday after Conwy county councillor Ronnie Hughes stood down as candidate for health reasons.
“I’m delighted to have been selected and am confident I can put up a good performance,” he said.
“In 1997 I stood at short notice for the Caernarfon seat against Dafydd Wigley and halved his majority which brought us up from third to second position.”
Eifion lives in the Wrexham area but works in Conwy from an office on the Riverside Business Park, and has strong family links with the Conwy Valley. He says his work for Environment Wales and the Wales Community Recycling Network means he has links with community groups throughout the constituency.
“My heart is in Aberconwy. My wife and I were married in Llanrwst and I’m looking forward to the challenge of standing in the election. If elected I will be a strong advocate for the area and its people,” he said.
http://www.northwalesweeklynews.co.uk/conwy-county-news/local-conwy-news/2011/03/10/new-labour-candidate-chosen-for-aberconwy-assembly-seat-55243-28307240/
 
So who will be our next Assembly member for Aberconwy:

• Iwan Huws, Plaid
• Mike Priestley, Lib Dem
• Janet Finch Saunders, Conservative
• Eifion Wyn Williams, Labour
• Anyone else?

I've noticed Mike has got some of his posters out already, some adjacent to the Weekly News Roundabout.

Dog Fouling Update

Quote from the Cllr Mike Priestley's Blog:

Spoke to our PCSO (Police Community Support Officer) today and he informed me that another morning was spent yesterday tackling dog fouling. A number of people were spoken to and I believe 3 fixed penalties were issued to people not picking up after their dogs. This was on the Deganwy to West Shore section of the cycle track. Varying excuses ranging from "I didn't see the dog do it"!! to, I was not paying attention as I had to text my friend.


http://mikepriestley.blogspot.com/2011/03/quick-updatedog-fouling.html

The message has to be that we are tackling the issue and see this as a major concern. I and other councillors do receive many complaints about the amount Dog Fouling around the areas. And it is not just the Police out and about we also have an joint Environment and Regulatory Services team dealing with the issue. Some of which you will not immediately appreciate are officers and it may not be obvious the area is under surveillance.
I  hope the message starts getting through to those Dog Owners that do not clear up after their dogs.
Once (if) we get the information both myself and Cllr Mike will name and shame.

Elected Police Commissioners - AM Candidate Hustings

police-conwy-debate (4)[1]

Update: I understand that this meeting is not dedicated to Aberconwy AM Candidates, not all the Aberconwy candidates will be on the panel, it also includes candidates of the area list and from Clwyd West

What difference will the role of Elected Police Commissioners make in Wales?



7pm-8.30pm Friday 11 March Venue Cymru


This is a panel debate between prospective AMs standing for election on 5 May in the Aberconwy constituency which has been arranged to take place on Friday 11 March in the Crafnant Room, Venue Cymru from 7pm to 8:30pm.


The topic will be What difference will the role of Elected Police & Crime Commissioners make in Wales? and will follow a standard 'Question Time' format.


The debate is open to all members of the public, members of the police service or contributing to the criminal justice system in any way e.g. Neighbourhood Watch, victim support.


Registration, including questions that members of the audience would like to ask the prospective AMs, is on-line at www.regonline.co.uk/conwy-debate and capacity is limited. Arrangements are being sponsored by a small private company based on the Wrexham Technology Park, chaired by Richard Hibbs, and the debate is likely to be conducted in English, though we will look at the feasibility of Welsh Language support

Picked this up from the The Three Towns Forum, courtesy of PC Mike Smith.
http://threetownsforum.co.uk/forum/index.php?topic=195.0;topicseen

A chance to look at some of the Assembly Candidates in action and there view on this important subject, which will affect the future scrutiny of Police.

Council Meetings open to the Public

I have received the following comment:

"As usual I find your blog excellent.



In fact you were so explicit and informative I felt I would like to attend some of the meetings etc at the council, can anyone just walk in to any meeting, or are most in camera? and when meetings are not at Bodlondeb are they still open to the public? "

I thought it was worth answering this on a separate post.

All of the main decision making meetings such as Council, Regulatory (Audit, Licencing and Planning) and Scrutiny Committees (Principal, Partnerships, Communities, Customers) are open to the public and press.

We welcome members of the public (and press !!)  to attend. Occasionally there are some items that do attract more attention, e.g. Libraries, Wind Farms, Planning etc that do mean the public gallery is occupied. But most of the time very few, if any, members of the public attend.
Some of our meetings of Customers or Communities Scrutiny committees are held in the evening, in attempt to encourage public attendance.
From May it is likely that more of the meetings will be varied in the times from 1 month to the next to again encourage members of the public to attend.
The Welsh Assembly in their Local Government Measure due to be implemented in 2012, are looking at other ways of attracting members of the Public to attend, these may include Podcasts of proceedings.

Most of the public meetings are held in Bodlondeb, and generally in the Council Chamber. Licensing is commonly held at the Town Hall in Llandudno.
If you want to attend then please come to Bodlondeb and ask at Reception and they will direct you to the relevant room. If you are bringing with you a crowd of people it would be useful to contact Bodlondeb before hand to warn them to open up the public gallery further.

Occasionally public available meetings are held else where, recently we have used the Business Centre in Llandudno Junction (Behind Cineworld) or a Venue Cymru. Again these are open for the public to attend.

When I post on my blog about the meetings I will be attending during the week, I provide an Internet link to all those that are open to the public.

You can see a list of all the meetings open to the public at:
English: http://modgoveng.conwy.gov.uk/ieDocHome.aspx?bcr=1
Cymraeg: http://modgovcym.conwy.gov.uk/ieDocHome.aspx?bcr=1


The above link will take you to all the agendas, reports and minutes of past meetings.

You can see a Calender of meetings at:
English: http://modgoveng.conwy.gov.uk/mgCalendarMonthView.aspx?GL=1&bcr=1
Cymraeg: http://modgovcym.conwy.gov.uk/mgCalendarMonthView.aspx?GL=1&bcr=1

I also include a copy of the main agenda items in my postings, so you can see what is being discussed at these meetings. There are some reports that are commercially sensitive, e.g. when tenders are being decided. or where legal proceedings are being taken, or when personal details are being discussed that are classified as Exempt. All of these points are usually left to the end of the meeting at this point the press and public are asked to leave.

The other meetings I detail are not open to the public, these are generally working groups which are either monitoring existing projects, preparing reports that will come to the relevant public meetings or those where I am a rep on Outside Organisation e.g, Cartrefi Conwy or School Governors.

Meetings w/c 7th March 2011

Quite a lot on this week, so not only lots to read and prepare for; but it also has created  a long post.

Monday 7th March

9:30am Scrutiny Chairs and Vice Chairs Meeting, Bodlondeb (member, Chairman of Partnerships)

10:30am: Principal Overview and Scrutiny Committee, Bodlondeb (member)
Agenda:
7. To consider reports by the Corporate Performance and Improvement Manager on the following matters:
 i) Outcome Agreement Progress Report
 ii) Corporate Plan 2012-2016
8. To consider reports by the Democratic Services Manager on the following matters:
 i) Policy Documents on Members Attending Conferences
 ii) Policy Document on Members' IT
9. To consider a report by the Director of Social Services on the following matter:
 i) Social Services Charging Policy
10. To consider a report by the Joint Head of Highways and Infrastructure on the following matter:
 i) Update report on Maesdu Bridge Project
English: http://modgoveng.conwy.gov.uk/ieListDocuments.aspx?CId=107&MId=2321&Ver=4
Cymraeg: http://modgovcym.conwy.gov.uk/ieListDocuments.aspx?CId=107&MId=2321&Ver=4

1pm: Estyn Briefing for Children and Young People Partnership (CYPP), Bodlondeb (member)

2pm: Libraries Modernisation Project Team Meeting, Business Centre (member)

Tuesday 8th March

I have had to give my apologies to a meeting of the Welsh Member Champion and Development Officer Network organised by the WLGA, taking place in mid Wales. I could not miss the Council meeting where we set the 11/12 budget and Council Tax.

10am: Full Council, Bodlondeb (member)
Agenda:
1. Apologies for absence

2. Declarations of Interest: Code of Local Government Conduct
3. Urgent Matters
4. To receive any announcements from the Chairman, Leader, Members of the Cabinet or the Acting Chief Executive
5. To answer questions under Council Procedure Rule No. 14.2
6. Capital Programme 2011/2012 and Forward Programmes
7. Budget 2011/2012: Council Tax and Associated Resolutions
8. To note minute 939 of the Audit Committee held on 21 February 2011- Prudential Indicators and Treasury Management Strategy
9. Investment Strategy and Minimum Revenue Provision (MRP) Policy
English: http://modgoveng.conwy.gov.uk/ieListDocuments.aspx?CId=207&MId=2600&Ver=4
Cymraeg: http://modgovcym.conwy.gov.uk/ieListDocuments.aspx?CId=207&MId=2600&Ver=4
 
2pm: Cabinet, Bodlondeb (non-member)
Agenda:
5. Announcements by the Leader

6. Announcements by the Acting Chief Executive
7. Review the Cabinet Forward Work Programme
8. Feedback from Representatives on the following Outside Organisations:
 i) Local Service Board (The Leader)
 ii) Welsh Local Government Association (WLGA) – Councillor Goronwy Edwards
 iii) North Wales Fire Authority - Councillor Merfyn Thomas
9. Leader's Portfolio
 i) Draft Children & Young People's Partnership - Social Inclusion for Disadvantaged Groups
10. Business Manager's Portfolio
 i) Outcome Agreement Progress Report
 ii) Corporate Plan Project Plan 2012 - 2016
 iii) Policy Documents on Members Attending Conferences
11. Corporate Modernisation Portfolio
 i) Policy Document on Members' IT
12. Corporate and Regulatory Services Portfolio
 i) Data Protection & Freedom of Information Performance
 ii) Corporate Compliments & Complaints Annual Report for the period 1st April 2009 - 31st March 2010
 iii) Corporate Compliments & Complaints Half Year Report for the period 1st April - 30th September 2010
13. Lifelong Learning and Skills Portfolio
 i) Regional Collaboration Education Board
 ii) 21st Century Schools - Strategic Outline Programme (SOP)
14. Communities Portfolio
 i) Denbighshire Local Development Plan (LDP) - Bodelwyddan Strategic Site Community Linguistic Impact Assessment Consultation Draft January 2011
 ii) Project Approval - Micro-Businesses - Transition to the Future
15. Social Care and Health Portfolio
 i) Social Services Charging Policy
16. Exempt Items: Local Government Act 1972, Section 100A and Schedule 12A (Access to Information)
17. Social Care and Health Portfolio:
 i) Proposed acquisition and disposal of the Doctor's Surgery, Scotland Street, Llanrwst
18. Infrastructure Portfolio:
 i) Variation to the Maesdu Bridge Contract (Proposed appointment of independent third party)
19. Communities Portfolio:
 i) Clwb Rygbi Nant Conwy
English: http://modgoveng.conwy.gov.uk/ieListDocuments.aspx?CId=171&MId=2290&Ver=4
Cymraeg: http://modgovcym.conwy.gov.uk/ieListDocuments.aspx?CId=171&MId=2290&Ver=4

4:30pm: Llanrhos Old School Restoration Committee, Llanrhos (committee member)

7pm: History of Deganwy Group Committee Meeting, Peniel Chapel, Deganwy (Committee member, Chairman)

Wednesday 9th March

10:30am: Interview with External Auditors regarding the Medium Term Financial Planning Process, Bodlondeb

2pm: Planning Committee, Bodlondeb (member)
5. To consider the following reports:

(i) Planning Applications
 a) Code Ref: 0/37231 - Removal of 7 no. parking spaces utilising area to extend terrace facilities offering additional dining amenities for 60 no. guests with appropriate tables and chairs plus the creation of 1 no. extra disabled parking bay. The Quay Hotel and Spa, Deganwy Quay, Deganwy
- Minded to grant conditional planning permission and consent under the provisions of the existing Section 106 Obligation
 b) Code Ref: 0/37582 - Engineering operations comprising the construction of a landmark opening bridge for pedestrians and cyclists crossing the entrance to the Foryd Harbour at Rhyl. Foryd Harbour, Rhyl
- Minded to grant conditional planning permission
c) Code Ref: 0/37587 - Installation of new shop front, internal and external alterations and installation of rear external staircase. 169 Conway Road, Llandudno Junction
- Minded to grant conditional planning permission
 d) Code Ref: 0/37603 - Upgrade elevations and provide level access. 144 Conwy Road, Llandudno Junction
- Minded to grant conditional planning permission
 e) Code Ref: 0/37606 - Display of 1 no. externally illuminated fascia sign, 1 no. non-illuminated fascia sign and 1 no. non-illuminated hanging sign. 144 Conwy Road, Llandudno Junction
- Minded to grant conditional advertisement consent
English: http://modgoveng.conwy.gov.uk/ieListDocuments.aspx?CId=205&MId=2372&Ver=4
Cymraeg: http://modgovcym.conwy.gov.uk/ieListDocuments.aspx?CId=205&MId=2372&Ver=4
 
3pm: Cartrefi Conwy Board Meeting, Bryn Eirias, Colwyn Bay
This meeting starts at 2pm, but I will join them at Cartrefi at the end of the Planning Committee
 
Thursday 10th March
 
9am: WAG/Environment Agency Municipal Sector Plan Conference, Venue Cymru
 
2pm: Cartrefi Conwy Audit and Risk Committee, Bryn Eirias, Colwyn Bay (member, Chairman)
 
6pm: Communities Scrutiny Committee, Bodlondeb, (non-member)
Here for information, I may not be able to attend, but there are some interesting , potentially 'hot' topics on the agenda
Agenda includes:
To consider reports by the Joint Head of Highways and Infrastructure Services on the following matters:-
 i) Cycling on Llandudno Promenade
 ii) The Existing Winter Service Provision
 iii) B4407 Ysbyty Ifan
 iv) Provision of Residential Disabled Parking Bays
English: http://modgoveng.conwy.gov.uk/ieListDocuments.aspx?CId=452&MId=2349&Ver=4
Cymraeg: http://modgovcym.conwy.gov.uk/ieListDocuments.aspx?CId=452&MId=2349&Ver=4
 
Friday 11th March
 
10am Informal Council, Bodlondeb (member)
Presentations on:
-  Welfare Benefits Reform
-  Recycle More - Weekly Kerbside Recycling - introducing the new service being launched to 49,000 households in May
-  Destination Management
 
2pm: Green Programme Board - Partnership Scrutiny Chair and Vice Chair meeting with Head Of Environmental Services and Officer, Mochdre
 
Saturday 12th March
 
Invited to Open Day at: Sychnant Pass Country House
The new owners, Hugh & Janet are holding the event to re-launch the Country House for the forthcoming season. BBC Radio 2' Ken Bruce will also be attending.
They have kindly invited some local councillors and myself to the launch between 12pm and 6pm.  hope to attend the event.
http://www.sychnantpasscountryhouse.co.uk/

A walk up the Little Orme

While some are in Cardiff listening to politician after politician telling them what is wrong in the world and their master plans to fix it all, we decided it was a really nice day for a walk.
Taking inspiration from some of the experiences detailed on The Three Towns Forum, I thought it was time we explored the Little Orme.

A very pleasant walk and fantastic views.