An update message from Penyffordd Community Council 31/10/20
A Message of Support from Penyffordd Community Council - 31/10/20
Dear Penyffordd, Penymynydd and Dobshill residents,
Since we last wrote to you much has happened and we find ourselves once again facing the challenges presented by Covid19 and a second ‘Firebreak’ lockdown.
The Welsh Government's First Minister has called a ‘Firebreak’ to help slow down the spread of the Covid-19 virus.
The 'Firebreak' will last from 18:00 on Friday 23rd October until 00.01 on Monday 9th November and will replace the current local lockdown measures.
Welsh Government guidance about the new Covid rules brought into effect last Thursday 22nd October is available on:
Welsh Government - coronavirus information
Flintshire Council have also produced a guide called – Flintshire Together, the link is available here:
Flintshire Together - Useful Information for Residents
To update you, Community Council have continued to meet virtually via Zoom since the outset of the pandemic and in September we held the Annual General Meeting at which Richard Bestwick was nominated and elected Chair of Council, with Mark Rothero elected as Vice Chair.
We record our thanks to our retiring Chairman Alan Wight who has worked tirelessly in support of the village as it has undergone significant change.
Your Community Council members are listed on the Community Council Website:-
If you know of someone in need or need support yourself, please get in touch with us:
Sarah Hughes (Clerk and Responsible Financial Officer)
Telephone 01244 537032 Email clerk@penyfforddcouncil.org
1) Anti – Social Behaviour.
Most of the young people in the village are polite and well behaved, but we have unfortunately had reports of anti-social behaviour around the village. Penyffordd Community Council have made closer links with the Police and local schools in an effort to tackle this.
We all have a shared responsibility for the village, and a balance must be reached between the provision of facilities with the need to ensure a safe and comfortable environment for all.
Anyone witnessing anti-social behaviours should call the Police on 101 or 999
2) Planning Updates
With the help of Assembly Member Jack Sargeant, a meeting has been organised with Julie James, the Welsh Minister responsible for planning, where we as a Community Council will be tabling some questions about the Planning Process and the Local Development Plan.
The Inquiry into the planning application on Vounog Hill has been delayed because of the current situation. The Dobshill filling station application has now been approved; The Retirement Apartments on Rhos Road has been approved in principle but the detailed plans have yet to be submitted.
Meanwhile the building works still continues at various sites around the village.
3) Digital Trail
Penyffordd Community Council has been compiling a Digital Trail App, to help guide people to features around the village. It also includes a section to promote various clubs and organisations. If you have a group or club that would like to feature on the App, then please email Richard.bestwick@penyfforddcouncil.org.
The closing date for inclusion is Friday 6th November.
Example screenshot of the Penyffordd App so far:
4) Working Groups – Penyffordd Council Environment Group
The Environment Group within Penyffordd Community Council have been looking at play areas within the village, and have recently secured the go ahead to improve some of the play provision at the Dobshill Play area, near the new houses. Hopefully this will be in place by the New Year.
5) War Memorial Institute update.
The War Memorial is a building given to the village as a memorial to those residents who fought and died in various conflicts. It is great to see the refurbishment of the War Memorial progressing, and it will be a great new facility for residents of the village to use. There are some fundraising activities still on going to complete the last few parts of the work, and if you would like to help out in anyway please get in touch with the WMI on: penyfforddwmibooking@gmail.com
6) Remembrance Day Sunday 8th November – 11 am
With current Covid restrictions this year’s remembrance has to be different and on a much smaller scale. There will be no parade but the wreaths will be laid, the Last Post sounded and a short service conducted. People are still welcome to gather by the RBL Club at an appropriate distance.
7) Business Support Grants.
Flintshire Council on the 28th October released a Business Support grant scheme
There are two grant schemes available which offer financial support to all local businesses – grants of up to £5,000 are available to those businesses who are liable to pay business rates and up to £2,000 for all other local businesses.
The purpose of the latest round of grants is to support local businesses with immediate cash flow support. The grant schemes seek to complement other Covid-19 response measures to support businesses, social enterprises and charitable organisations in Wales. The grants are being administered by the Council and paid on a ‘first come first served’ basis. The grant schemes will close for applications at 5pm on 20th November or when the fund is fully committed.
Further information including on-line application forms will be available at:
Flintshire County Council - Business support grants Tel: 01352 752121
8) Grant Aid Application
Every year Penyffordd Community Council consider requests for funding from groups within the village. If you would like to apply for funding, then the forms are available on our website located here:
Penyffordd Council - Finance - Grants
9) Council elections
We currently have two vacancies on the Community Council, an election has been called for these positions, and this will be organised by FCC in February 2021.
We also have a vacancy for a youth rep, after Adam Bakewell our last youth rep headed off to University. If you are interested, then get in touch with our Clerk, contact details are on page one.
We continue to be here for you, and welcome your feedback and support.
Kind regards,
Richard Bestwick,
Chairman,
Penyffordd Community Council.
