News
A collection of news stories affecting our community during 2023. As of 2020 we noted our community will be liable to a higher tax burned for HS2 than it would cost to build a much-needed railway station at the centre of our community and the Pontcysyllte WHS. Therefore, we object to HS2, or as we call it, “The Welsh Bypass”. Furthermore, our railway line (Marchers) offers a viable alternative to the main West Coast Line as the former Wrexham & Shropshire Service proved before closure in 2010. We ask, why not use this to alleviate congestion on the main West Coastline, which would literally save billions of pounds.
With the now accepted (2021) cost of HS2 at £106 billion pounds and maybe more confirms the forecast of £1500 taxation for very man, woman and child in the UK. This means that our community numbering 10,000 people will contribute £15 million pounds. A first-rate railway station for Cefn Mawr next to Tesco will only cost around £12 million pounds.
Please note the Cefn & Cefn Mawr covers all the villages at the central section of the Pontcysyllte World Heritage Site consisting of Cefn Mawr (leading commercial centre), Cefn Bychan, Rhosymedre, Plas Madoc, Acrefair, Garth, Trevor, Cysyllte, Froncysyllte, Pentre, and Newbridge. The total population is approximately 10,000 and is the largest community in the WHS corridor outnumbering the combined populations of Chirk and Llangollen. We all live in a 2-mile radius circle of Cefn Mawr village centre and our pub, the Holly Bush Inn.
Manchester Evening News 25th March 2024
Staggering number of pubs cut hours and days in fight for survival as industry in crisis
The Mirror 25th March 2024
Crisis-hit pubs are shutting at 8pm in survival strategy against costs and home boozers
https://www.mirror.co.uk/news/uk-news/crisis-hit-pubs-shutting-8pm-32432149
MSN 23rd March 2024
Alstom plans to launch new passenger rail service in UK
Wrexham.com 23rd March 2024
Best friends step out for Hope House Llangollen Canal Walk to raise money
Leader Live 22nd March 2024
Cefn: 'Moonbakes' bakery improves customer accessibility
https://www.leaderlive.co.uk/news/24204266.cefn-moonbakes-bakery-improves-customer-accessibility/
Bdaily News 21st March 2024
Business lecturer takes the plunge for swimming charity
https://bdaily.co.uk/articles/2024/03/21/business-lecturer-takes-the-plunge-for-swimming-charity
Rail Tech 19th March 2024
Welcome to Wrexham says new operator Alstom
https://www.railtech.com/all/2024/03/19/welcome-to-wrexham-says-new-operator-alstom/?gdpr=accept
BBC 19th March 2024
Canal restoration boosted with government cash
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cg69239l1zzo
Leader Live 18th March 2024
Pontcysyllte Aqueduct reopens after 'major health check'
https://www.leaderlive.co.uk/news/24193142.pontcysyllte-aqueduct-reopens-major-health-check/
Leader Live 18th March 2024
MP's excitement over plans for new Wrexham-London rail service
https://www.leaderlive.co.uk/news/24191598.mps-excitement-plans-new-wrexham-london-rail-service/
Shropshire Star 18th March 2024
More than £250,000 funding unlocks next phase of canal works to restore section which was levelled 60 years ago
Wales on Line 16th March 2024
Swimmers told to avoid two Welsh beaches as investigation launched
Boarder Counties Advertiser 16th March 2024
MP supports plans for rail link between Gobowen and London
https://www.bordercountiesadvertizer.co.uk/news/24185735.mp-supports-plans-rail-link-gobowen-london/
News From Wales 15th March 2024
Popular sightseeing bus service returns to the Dee Valley
https://newsfromwales.co.uk/popular-sightseeing-bus-service-returns-to-the-dee-valley/
Shropshire Star 15th March 2024
Best friends taking on fundraiser for 'lifeline' charity
The Sun 15th March 2024
ON TRACK The new train service set to launch in the UK next year – with routes to England’s prettiest towns
https://www.thesun.co.uk/travel/26708156/new-train-service-uk-london-wrexham-towns/
Travel and Tour World 15th March 2024
Alstom Breaks New Ground with First-Ever Passenger Train Service in the UK
Express & Star 15th March 2024
Chamber welcomes more trains to London
https://www.expressandstar.com/news/business/2024/03/15/chamber-welcomes-more-trains-to-london/
My London 15th March 2024
New trains between London and North Wales proposed after 13 years of no direct services
https://www.mylondon.news/news/transport/new-trains-between-london-north-28823271
Economy Class & Beyond 15th March 2024
A new operator proposes a rail route between Wrexham and London
The Standard 15th March 2024
New train services planned between London Euston and North Wales
Shropshire Star 15th March 2024
County MPs back new train service linking Shropshire to London
Nation Cymru 14th March 2024
New rail services planned between London and Wrexham
https://nation.cymru/news/new-rail-services-planned-between-london-and-wrexham/
Boarder Counties Advertiser 14th March 2024
Shropshire: Gobowen on 2025 Wrexham to London rail line
Alstom 14th March 2024
Alstom plans to operate its own passenger train service in the UK for the first time
Rail Advent 14th March 2024
Plans unveiled to run new direct Wrexham to London trains
https://www.railadvent.co.uk/2024/03/plans-unveiled-to-run-new-direct-wrexham-to-london-trains.html
Leader Live 14th March 2024
Wrexham: Concerns over possible changes to bin collections
https://www.leaderlive.co.uk/news/24186373.wrexham-concerns-possible-changes-bin-collections/
Wrexham.com 14th March 2024
Claim ‘vexatious complaint’ prompted 4 month councillor police probe – Labour fire back at ‘shallow versions of Trump & Kim Jong Un’
Wrexham Council News 13th March 2024
Maximum fine for Wrexham company
https://news.wrexham.gov.uk/maximum-fine-for-wrexham-company/
Wales on Line 12th March 2024
Huge spring tides cause flooding in Cardiff, Newport and on rivers and the coast - live updates
Leader Live 9th March 2024
Wrexham: Moonbakes business described as 'out of this world'
https://www.leaderlive.co.uk/news/24163187.wrexham-moonbakes-business-described-out-world/
Wrexham Council News 8th March 2024
New workplace recycling regulations begin next month – here’s what you need to know
https://news.wrexham.gov.uk/new-workplace-recycling-regulations-next-month/
Business Wales 8th March 2024
New law on workplace recycling
https://businesswales.gov.wales/news-and-blog/new-law-workplace-recycling
News From Wales 7th March 2024
Waste management giant preparing thousands of customers for landmark shift in recycling laws
North Wales Pioneer 5th March 2024
Pontcysyllte Aqueduct: Conservationist on BBC's Countryfile
News From Wales 5th March 2024
Discover the Dee Valley with guided ranger walks
https://newsfromwales.co.uk/discover-the-dee-valley-with-guided-ranger-walks/
Wrexham.com 4th March
Newbridge: “details of the permanent repair is now almost finalised”
BNN Breaking 3rd March 2024
Reviving a Marvel: Pontcysyllte Aqueduct Undergoes Major Inspection Ahead of 220th Year
Daily Post 3rd March 2024
Pontcysyllte Aqueduct paying price for popularity as 'urgent' appeal launched for three months of repairs
Wales on Line 3rd March 2024
Welsh landmark closed for maintenance with warning of more to come
https://www.walesonline.co.uk/news/wales-news/welsh-landmark-closed-maintenance-warning-28744145
BNN Breaking 28th February 2024
Support Hope House in Spring Canal Walk: Trek Llangollen for Children's Hospices
Wrexham.com 28th February 2024
Hundreds already signed up for popular Hope House's Llangollen Canal Walk - Wrexham.com
Shropshire Star February 27th 2024
Next step is being taken to create Wales' fourth National Park
Shropshire Star 25th February 2024
Axing of Shrewsbury-to-London train is latest example of our capital link being messed up
North Wales Chronicle 24th February 2024
Pontcysyllte Aqueduct to feature on BBC's Countryfile
https://www.northwaleschronicle.co.uk/news/24140935.pontcysyllte-aqueduct-feature-bbcs-countryfile/
North Wales Pioneer 23rd February 2024
LOOK: Pontcysyllte Aqueduct essential maintenance work
Rail Advent 26th February 2024
Cancelled: Steam locomotive 60007 Sir Nigel Gresley to visit Shropshire this Tuesday
Daily Post 24th February 2024
Billion-pound rail plan for North Wales is ‘unprecedented’ but no timetable yet
https://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/north-wales-news/billion-pound-rail-plan-north-28696871
Leader Live 23rd February 2024
Secretary of State meets North Wales leaders over £1bn plans
https://www.leaderlive.co.uk/news/24138881.secretary-state-meets-north-wales-leaders-1bn-plans/
Denbighshire Free Press 24th February 2024
Pontcysyllte Aqueduct to feature on BBC's Countryfile
Denbighshire Free Press 23rd February 2024
Pontcysyllte Aqueduct essential maintenance work
Shropshire Star 23rd February 2024
Billion-pound rail plan for North Wales is ‘unprecedented’, says minister
Leader Live 22nd February 2024
David Metcalfe speaks on suspension from Cefn Council
https://www.leaderlive.co.uk/news/24129249.david-metcalfe-speaks-suspension-cefn-council/
BBC 22 February 2024
Countryfile: Pontcysyllte Canal
https://www.bbc.co.uk/food/programmes/m001x0yq
BBC 21st February 2024
Direct rail service to London to end
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c6pvvzw89ldo
Express & Star 20th February 2024
Work for new railway station begins
Boarder Counties Advertizer 20th February 2024
Shropshire: Oswestry's Hope House walk at Llangollen Canal
BNN Breaking 16th February 2024
Unity in Charity: Local Heroes Rally for Hope House and Tŷ Gobaith
Leader Live 16th February 2024
North Wales boxers get ready for Welsh novice championships
https://www.leaderlive.co.uk/sport/24121838.north-wales-boxers-get-ready-welsh-novice-championships/
Shropshire Star 16th February 2024
Hundreds of people have signed up for a charity canal walk
Leader Live 15th February 2024
Cefn councillor David Metcalfe suspended for four months
https://www.leaderlive.co.uk/news/24118927.cefn-councillor-david-metcalfe-suspended-four-months/
Nation Cymru 14th February 2024
Road repair hope following three year wait
https://nation.cymru/news/road-repair-hope-following-three-year-wait/
Leader Live 13th February 2024
'Plan for increased use of public transport is fundamentally flawed'
https://www.leaderlive.co.uk/news/24113291.plan-increased-use-public-transport-fundamentally-flawed/
Daily Post 12th February 2024
27 best and worst places to live in North Wales shows big divide in one county, and our community, Acrefair & Cefn Mawr is rated near the bottom.
https://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/north-wales-news/27-best-worst-places-live-28606748
Leader Live 10th February 2024
Michael Gove to detail plans to boost housebuilding on urban brownfield sites
Shropshire Star 9th February 2024
Roads and rail hit as Shropshire goes on flood alert once more
Shropshire Star 8th February 2024
Steps-free access planned for railway station between Shrewsbury and Wrexham
Wrexham Council News 7th February 2024
Have Your Say on How we Manage Flooding
https://news.wrexham.gov.uk/have-your-say-on-how-we-manage-flooding/
Shropshire Star 6th February 2024
Volunteers look back on great year for Montgomery Canal
Shropshire Star 5th February 2024
TV historian Dan Snow reveals documentary plan for world heritage site and 'one of my favourite places'
Leader Live 4th February 2024
Looking back - Ysgol Min y Ddôl in Cefn Mawr, Wrexham
https://www.leaderlive.co.uk/news/24091647.looking-back---ysgol-min-y-ddol-cefn-mawr-wrexham/
Shropshire Star 3rd February 2024
Most endangered mammal in Britain making a re-appearance in canal
The leader Live 3rd February 2024
Past and future success of hall in Cefn Mawr, Wrexham
https://www.leaderlive.co.uk/news/24094050.past-future-success-hall-cefn-mawr-wrexham/
Leader Live 2nd February 2024
Dan Snow visits Pontcysyllte Aqueduct for 'History Hit TV'
https://www.leaderlive.co.uk/news/24091925.dan-snow-visits-pontcysyllte-aqueduct-history-hit-tv/
Dredging Today 2nd February 2024
Llangollen Canal dredging project complete
https://www.dredgingtoday.com/2024/02/02/llangollen-canal-dredging-project-complete/
Wrexham Council News 1st February 2024
Wrexham’s Sweet Chestnut through to the European Tree of the Year
https://news.wrexham.gov.uk/vote-now-for-sweet-chestnut-to-be-europes-best/
Country Times 1st February 2024
Powys: Water voles could return to Montgomery Canal
https://www.countytimes.co.uk/news/24091424.powys-water-voles-return-montgomery-canal/
Leader Live 31st January 2024
Wrexham: Grandma raising money for her 99th birthday
https://www.leaderlive.co.uk/news/24073268.wrexham-grandma-raising-money-99th-birthday/
The Swansea Herald 31st January 2024
Swansea’s first ever one planet development planning approved
Business News Wales 31st January 2024
£1.1M Funding Announced for North East Wales Decarbonisation Plan
https://businessnewswales.com/1-1m-funding-announced-for-north-east-wales-decarbonisation-plan/
Time Out 30th January 2024
A brand-new rail route could soon launch between London and the Midlands
Shropshire Star 29th January 2024
Company plans for new Shropshire to London rail service
Wales on Line 28th January 2024
Disposable vapes to be banned in Wales
World Atlas 28th January 2024
9 Most Underrated Towns In Wales
https://www.worldatlas.com/cities/9-most-underrated-towns-in-wales.html
Boarder Counties Advertiser 26th January 2024
Newbridge Road: A483 traffic chaos sparks repair questions
Daily Post 26th January 2024
Town centre 'bedlam' will remain in A483 gridlock unless council 'pulls finger out'
https://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/north-wales-news/town-centre-bedlam-remain-a483-28519290
The National 25th January 2024
RIVER DEE: THE HEARTBEAT OF NORTH WALES
https://thenational.wales/river-dee/
Leader Live 25th January 2024
Newbridge Road: Traffic chaos sparks questions over repairs
https://www.leaderlive.co.uk/news/24072024.newbridge-road-traffic-chaos-sparks-questions-repairs/
Change.org 23rd January 2024
Exclusive: Further EA failings
The National 24th January 2024
Funding urged for Network Rail’s congested Wrexham to Bidston line
https://nation.cymru/news/funding-urged-for-network-rails-congested-wrexham-to-bidston-line/
Wales Farmer 21st January 2024
Decision on turkey-breeding unit plan near Denbigh on hold
https://www.walesfarmer.co.uk/news/24063272.decision-turkey-breeding-unit-plan-near-denbigh-hold/
Change.org 21st January 2024
A full criminal investigation into those responsible for the Post Office Scandal, please sign this petition.
Rail Advent 21st January 2024
Steam locomotive 70000 Britannia to pass through Wrexham and Shrewsbury this Monday
The Leader Live 18th January 2024
Wrexham: Decarbonisation project to slow down amid pressures
https://www.leaderlive.co.uk/news/24056801.wrexham-decarbonisation-project-slow-amid-pressures/
Leader Live 17th January 2024
PICTURES: Declan Swans gig in memory of Bailey Jones
https://www.leaderlive.co.uk/news/24054403.pictures-declan-swans-gig-memory-bailey-jones/
About Manchester 16th January 2024
Top 7 Easter canal boat holidays for 2024
https://aboutmanchester.co.uk/top-7-easter-canal-boat-holidays-for-2024/
Leader Live 16th January 2024
Wrexham: Declan Swans' tribute show to the late Bailey Jones
https://www.leaderlive.co.uk/news/24051513.wrexham-declan-swans-tribute-show-late-bailey-jones/
North Wales Pioneer 14th January 2024
Readers views: North Wales' most mispronounced place names
Irish Post 13th January 2024
Unlocking canal bliss — holidaying aboard a narrowboat
https://www.irishpost.com/travel/unlocking-canal-bliss-holidaying-aboard-a-narrowboat-266331
Leader Live 13th January 2024
Climate change the focus of Wrexham Xplore! exhibition
https://www.leaderlive.co.uk/news/24046641.climate-change-focus-wrexham-xplore-exhibition/
Wales on Line 13th January 2024
Residents stunned as Welsh river turns bright orange
Leader Live 12th January 2024
Wrexham: Declan Swans to play gig in memory of Bailey Jones
https://www.leaderlive.co.uk/news/24044719.wrexham-declan-swans-play-gig-memory-bailey-jones/
The National Wales11th January 2024
WALES’ GRAND WATERWAY: THE LLANGOLLEN CANAL EXPLORED
https://thenational.wales/what-is-the-longest-canal-in-wales/
The National for Wales 6th January 2024
SOARING HEIGHTS: THE PONTCYSYLLTE AQUEDUCT, WALES’ HIGHEST BRIDGE
https://thenational.wales/what-is-the-highest-bridge-in-wales/
Daily Mail 6th January 2024
Park strife! Fury over plans for new UK national park as locals call it a 'crazy' idea that could see house prices soar by £100k and cause planning chaos for their homes
Leader Live 5th January 2024
Johnstown: Residents call for landfill site to be shut down
https://www.leaderlive.co.uk/news/24029683.johnstown-residents-call-landfill-site-shut/
Leader Live 3rd January 2024
Speed camera locations in North Wales for January 2024
https://www.leaderlive.co.uk/news/24025047.speed-camera-locations-north-wales-january-2024/
Boarder Counties Advertiser 2nd January 2024
Two-month closure for Pontcysyllte aqueduct and towpath
Leader Live 3rd January 2024
Bikes in action in muddy motocross in 1980's Acrefair
https://www.leaderlive.co.uk/news/24022088.bikes-action-muddy-motocross-1980s-acrefair/
Leader Live 3rd January 2024
Cefn Mawr playgroup wins regional award for achievements
https://www.leaderlive.co.uk/news/24022749.cefn-mawr-playgroup-wins-regional-award-achievements/
Shropshire Star 2nd January 2024
Historic aqueduct part of canal stretch, closed for two months.