Denbighshire County Council has joined forces with BemroseBooth Mobile to make sure that people can park, pay and go as conveniently and as quickly as possible.

The initiative will be piloted for six months in six car parks: two in Rhyl and one in Prestatyn, Denbigh, Ruthin and Llangollen.

Customers can continue to use the existing coin operated payment methods or pay for their parking on their mobile phone using a credit or debit card.

To use Bemrose Booth Mobile, people need to call 01824 730 390, quoting the parking reference number which can be found on pay and display machines and signs around the car parks and confirm their length of stay. People can even extend their parking time by mobile phone without having to return to their vehicle.

The council’s parking enforcement staff will receive the details of the parking in real time to hand-held terminals, enabling them to check on vehicles within their parking zone in an instant.

Customers who have paid by phone will not need to display any ticket.

Councillor Eryl Williams, Cabinet Lead Member for Environment, said: “The council is going all technological in its efforts to continually improve parking services for residents and visitors to Denbighshire..

The website co-ordinator said, “We are always asking children and young people what they would like to see on YouthDen and one of the most asked for items is a problem page.  We are very glad that we have been able to meet that need and I would like to thank everyone who has helped us to set Ask Jo up.

“Obviously we will not be able to go into details on a one to one basis, but Ask Jo should be able to help with many of the problems that young people face.”

If you have a problem that is worrying you and you don’t know who to talk to or you have a friend who has told you a problem and you don’t know how to help them, you can Ask Jo by:

Texting “Jo” to 07800 140088. Texts are charged at your normal network rate.  

You can e-mail your question to askjo@denbighshire.gov.uk

Write to Ask Jo, YouthDen.com, Customer Care Service, County Hall, Ruthin, LL15 1YN.  

You don’t even have to say who you are, problems and replies will then be published on the website.

If you need to talk to someone, why not call ChildLine on 0800 1111.

This is a reciprocal visit after two teachers from Ysgol Dinas Bran spent a week in Mazwendoda High School at Easter, forging links and setting up a mutual sports project. This visit was funded by the British Council.

The South African headteacher and link teacher will spend four days at the school where they will observe lessons and become immersed in the Welsh culture.  Part of their visit will also include learning some basic Welsh which will then be used on the first ‘Welsh Day’ on their return to their school in the Kwa-Zulu Natal region.

Headteacher at Ysgol Dinas Bran, Alison Duffy, said: “The link between both schools has already been made and we will be delighted to welcome the South African delegation to our school for a true taste of Welsh life and an opportunity to see how our education system works in Wales.

“The delegation will also attend assemblies, will meet the Mayor of Llangollen and have a tour of the local area.  The meeting will also be an opportunity to further develop the Sports Project, as well as initiate some new links between departments in both schools”.

Historic re-enactor Ruth Moore Williams will lead participants on the trail of clues, red herrings and puzzles in this participatory evening full of intrigue and deception – an ideal night for anyone who has ever wanted to play detective.

Prices are £10 each of £30 per team of four.  The event begins at 7pm.

To book a place, please telephone 01824 708281.

The Local Development Plan is key to providing land for new homes, land for jobs, open space, community facilities and helping to protect those things which make our county unique: the environment, wildlife, landscape and built heritage.

The council consulted on the first stage of the Plan last summer and feedback has helped the council shape the current plans being consulted on.

The roadshows will be held at:

5th October                 Bodelwyddan Community Centre                 2pm – 8pm

7th October                Trefnant Village Hall                                 1pm – 4pm

7th October                St Asaph Theatre Elwy                         5pm – 8pm

8th October                  Prestatyn Scala Cinema                         2pm – 8pm

10th October                Rhyl White Rose Centre                         10am – 1pm

12th October                  Rhuddlan Community Centre                 2pm – 8pm

14th October                Waen Goleugoed Parish Hall                 2pm – 8pm

16th October                Rhyl High School                                 2pm – 8pm

17th October                Bodelwyddan Church School Room                 10am – 1pm

19th October                  Denbigh Town Hall                                 2pm – 8pm

20th October                  School, Cyffylliog                                 4pm – 8pm

21st October                School, Betws Gwerfil Goch                         4pm – 8pm

22nd October                Ruthin County Hall                                 3pm – 8pm

23rd October                  Clawddnewydd Community Centre                 2pm – 8pm

26th October                  Llandrillo Village Hall                                 2pm – 8pm

27th October                  Llandyrnog School Hall                         2pm – 8pm

28th October                  Llangollen Town Hall                                 2pm – 7pm

29th October                  Llandegla Village Hall                         1pm – 7pm

30th October                Prestatyn Clawdd Offa School                 2pm – 8pm

31st October                 Llanfwrog Community Centre                 10am -1pm

2nd November                 Loggerheads meeting room                         2pm – 8pm

4th November                Corwen Sports Pavilion                         2pm – 8pm

5th November                  St Asaph Cricket Club                         2pm – 8pm

12th November                Rhyl College                                         2pm – 8pm

13th November                Bodelwyddan Community Centre                 2pm – 8pm

LDP surgeries will also take place at the Caledfryn offices, Denbigh every Friday between 5^th October and 30^th November.  Anyone interested in speaking to a planning officer should make an appointment by phoning 01824 706916 or e-mail: ldp@denbighshire.gov.uk  

Information is also available on www.denbighshire.gov.uk/ldp

The deadline for comments is 5pm, Monday November 30^th. Written responses should be sent to Local Development Plan Consultation, Denbighshire County Council, Caledfryn, Smithfield Road, Denbigh, LL16 3RJ, by fax: 01824 706709 or e-mail: ldp@denbighshire.gov.uk

From the week commencing 12 October all libraries will be involved in carrying out a Public Library Users Survey.

The survey will be asking library users for views about their local library, what are the strengths and identify any areas in need of improvement.

As a gesture to thank library users for participating in the survey, Denbighshire Library Service will be giving one random winner from every library an opportunity to take advantage of a month’s free DVD rental from their local library.

Although the General Election has yet to be called, council officials in Denbighshire are already working hard to make sure that all eligible residents can have their say on polling day. 

Registration forms were sent to over 44,000 households in the County at the end of August and now reminders are being issued to households who have not yet confirmed or returned the annual electoral registration form.  

Dr Mohammed Mehmet, Electoral Registration Officer for Denbighshire said: “We are trying to ensure that all eligible residents are included in the next Register of Electors.  A general election can be called at any time, but must take place by June 3, 2010.  Electors may find that once an election is called that there is very little time to register. Typically a minimum of 17 working days between the announcement of a general election and polling day. 

“It’s simple to register, all you have to do is complete the annual registration form and you’ll be able to help choose the people that make the decisions which affect your everyday life. If the information on the form is correct, it’s even easier as you can confirm the information by using the telephone, internet or text registration services.” 

 “For some people, this may be the first General Election that they get to take part in and may be worried about what to do. You can find out more by calling 01824 706101 or go to www.aboutmyvote.co.uk.” 

Kay Jenkins, Head of the Electoral Commission’s Wales Office said: “There’s a General Election coming between now and June 2010, If you’re not registered to vote, then you can’t make a decision about who represents you in Westminster.  Secure your voice on the issues that matter to you now: it only takes a few minutes.”

Friday 2^nd October , 10am – 2pm In Search of Blackberries

A fun 5 ½ mile circular walk from Loggerheads Country Park to Moel Famau, picking blackberries on route. Recipe suggestions shared on the day. Don’t forget to bring a container for your berries!

Saturday 3^rd October 2pm – 4pm Nut Hunt

Search for evidence of the nationally rare dormouse by investigating nuts on the ground! Meet at Loggerheads Country Park.

Friday 16^th October 9am – 5pm Taking in the Sites

A 10 mile autumn walk to Eryrys enjoying the different habitats and wildlife at the heart of the Clwydian Range. Meet at Loggerheads Country Park.

Tuesday 27^th October 1pm – 3pm Feeding the Birds

Come and make a variety of bird feeders for your garden to give them a feast for the winter. Loggerheads Country Park. For those aged 5+

Wednesday 28^th October 10am – 12pm If you go down to the woods today…

Explore the woods hunting for chewed nuts to see what animals live there. Can we find the elusive dormouse? NWWT Nature Reserve Coed Cilygroesllwyd, meet at the lay-by by Ruthin Rugby Club.

Saturday 31^st October  2pm – 7pm  Samhain Scare

Wear your scariest fancy dress and take part in some craft activities before going on a bat hunt in the park. Loggerheads Country Park

To book a place at these free activities,  please contact Denbighshire Countryside Service, on 01352 810 614 or 01352 810586 at weekends.

The Mortgage Rescue Scheme is funded by the Welsh Assembly Government in partnership with Denbighshire County Council and Cymdeithas Tai Clwyd.  Its intention is to help homeowners avoid mortgage repossession where this will result in homelessness.

Councillor Christine Evans, Denbighshire County Council’s Homelessness Champion, said:“This is an important scheme that aims to support and assist those who are experiencing difficulties with their mortgages to remain in their homes and avoid homelessness as a result of the current economic downturn.

“I am pleased to see the Welsh Assembly Government and the Council take such active steps to try and assist any residents who may be in danger of homelessness because of difficulty in meeting mortgage payments”.

Gwenan Jones, Senior Affordable Housing Officer at Cymdeithas Tai Clwyd said:“A number of home owners have been assisted to date.  The scheme is excellent ways of assisting homeowners to remain in their homes, and as a result, the family is able to remain close to family and friends, and the children can remain at their school.”

The Mortgage Rescue Scheme will not be the best option for everyone. It may be possible for people to get back on track with their mortgage payments without having to sell their home.    If people are having difficulty paying your mortgage you must talk to your lender and take independent advice to find out what options are available to you as soon as you think there may a problem

The scheme is open to people who would be a priority for re-housing with a local council or housing association.   Denbighshire County Council can tell you if this applies to you but in the first instance you must be able to answer yes to all of the following:

·        Your home is in danger of being repossessed.  That is, your lender has indicated the intention to repossess your home.  

·        You will be homeless if the property is repossessed.

·        The property is your only or main residence.

·        The property is clear of any legal reasons that would prevent it being sold.

·        You are unable to sell and buy a cheaper home locally.

If you are eligible, the housing association will look at the level of your debts, the cost of buying your home and any repairs or other works that are necessary.  In some cases, it will not be possible to go ahead with your application if the costs are too high to make it practical.

If you think that the Mortgage Rescue Scheme could help you, you should contact:

Denbighshire County Council’s Homelessness Team on 01824 706100 (Welsh Language) and 01824 70 6101 (English Language)

Before applying for the Mortgage Rescue Scheme we recommend you firstly seek independent advice. Contact details can be found below

Housing Debt Helpline Wales:  0800 107 1340 or visit

www.housing-debt-helpline-wales.org/

Shelter Cymru 0845 075 5005 or visit www.sheltercymru.org.uk/shelter/home

Citizens Advice Bureau: Local office numbers in the phone book or online:  www.citizensadvice.org.uk