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Community Consultation Continues into New Year

Statement from Glyntraian Community Council in Response to Inaccurate Information from the Forest School Group in December Issue of Glyn News

Glyntraian Community Council (GCC) is increasing the level of activity around its community engagement programme regarding the future use of the now redundant Ysgol Pontfadog site through December and into January 2020.

“There is a quite vocal minority group, with a special interest in the site, who are putting out information locally that their proposed option is something of a shoe in. I can categorically assure residents and businesses in Glyntraian that no one group or option over another is favoured at present,” said Cllr Graham Barrow, Glyntraian Community Council Chairman.

Engagement
A wide-ranging set of engagement activities are taking place throughout December and January. These include 1-2-1 interviews with key stakeholders, a household leaflet drop to homes across the ward of Glyntraian, a series of public meeting events and online as well as hard copy surveys.

Family Games Competition
An Interactive Family Games Competition takes place at the Oliver Jones Memorial Hall on Sunday 8th December 2019 at which contestants can vie for a £50 cash prize whilst having fun taking part in board games, challenges and submitting ideas for the site on the Council’s ‘graffiti wall’. The event runs from 1pm – 4pm. Register through the Council Clerk, Events page on this website or Eventbrite.

Polling Day Presence
Councillors will also be in attendance at the Oliver Jones Memorial Hall park in Dolywern on Polling Day to meet face-to-face with members of the Glyntraian electorate and take questions and opinion on the future of the site as people leave having cast their vote in the General Election.

Comment Boxes
Comment boxes to receive opinion and suggestions have been placed in the Swan Inn and Pontfadog Post Office in Pontfadog and the Oliver Jones Memorial Hall in Dolywern. The comment form and FAQ document are also downloadable from the Council’s website at www.glyntraian.org.uk.

Cllr Barrow added: “It is extremely important that we reach out to as many people in the Glyntraian area as possible with accurate information on the consultation process, timeline and future use options, and equally importantly, that we are seen to be doing so.”

Fair and Equitable
“The consultation process we are currently engaged in is very far from concluded. We are being scrupulously fair and equitable in gathering and valuing all opinion on the site. The independent consultant appointed by this Council is actively engaged in that process now and will be continuing that work well into January. We expect a final recommendation to this Council in late February 2020.”

Anyone wishing to keep up to date with the Glyntraian Community Council consultation on the future of the old school site at Pontfadog is invited to contact the Council’s Clerk in the first instance by emailing clerk@glyntraian.org.uk or call 07948 214079.
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Future of Ysgol Pontfadog Consultation Timeline

The future use of the former Ysgol Pontfadog site is the subject of a wide-ranging community consultation. Glyntraian Community Council is eager to seek as many views of residents in this ward as possible. To that end, many residents will know that a professional community engagement consultant was appointed by the Council in September 2019. These are the key phases and event dates to be aware of as the consultation progresses:

PHASE 1: On 11th September 2019, Marc Roberts, of Cynlas Cyf, an experienced community engagement consultant, was appointed jointly by Glyntraian Community Council and Cadwyn Clwyd after a stringent selection process from the Tenders submitted by the deadline. Marc Roberts began work on the consultation and feasibility study on Monday 16th September. Marc, together with this Council agreed the process and timeline of the engagement programme. This early establishment of the works programme phase is now complete.

Community Engagement
PHASE II: It is Marc Roberts of Cynlas Cyf who will predominantly engage and consult with local groups, organisations, individuals, Glyntraian residents, public bodies and private companies. Together we conducted a Public Drop-in Session at the Oliver Jones Memorial Hall on 9th October and Marc has also connected privately with several key stakeholders, residents and Wrexham Council during this phase. These include but are not limited to:

Glyntraian Community Councillors
Ceiriog Valley Wrexham Councillor, Cllr Trevor Bates
Wrexham Council Head of Assets
The Forest School Group
The Pontfadog Post Office
The Swan Inn
Glyntraian Community Agent
OJ Community Kitchen Lunch Club Members.

It is anticipated the community engagement elements will conclude in December 2019, after which all parties should have a clearer idea of the emerging themes/proposal(s) for the school site as indicated by the majority of Glyntraian residents and key stakeholders.

Key Dates and Activities
Thursday 27th November – Drop-in session at the Oliver Jones Memorial Hall 5:30 – 9pm. (PLEASE NOTE THIS HAS NOW BEEN CANCELLED due to circumstance beyond Marc’s control).

Sunday 8th December – Interactive Family Games Competition at the Oliver Jones Memorial Hall, 1pm – 4pm. Fun for all the family. Come along, share your ideas for the school site and take part in a family games fun challenge where you could win £50! You must register in advance to gain FREE entry. Register here today.

Thursday 12th December – Polling Day Consultation Information Event at the Oliver Jones Memorial Hall 9am – 9pm. Polling day is an unmissable opportunity for this Council to connect with as many of our electorate as possible on the hyper local issue of the future of the school site. Councillors will be on hand throughout the day to speak to about your ideas, concerns and suggestions for its future. Mulled wine and mince pies with our compliments will be available. Please look out for us outside the hall when you come to cast your vote in the General Election. PLEASE NOTE: This is a non-party political information sharing event.

Feasibility Study
PHASE III: Marc Roberts will then work closely with those proposing a viable option(s); assisting in the development of the proposal(s) and providing support in the preparation of a sound business plan, provided such a proposal(s) meets Wrexham Council’s criteria for wide community benefit, financial sustainability, and fits within the Council’s wider strategic plan.

Glyntraian Community Council’s aim is that Marc Roberts will complete the feasibility study element and make his recommendation(s) to Glyntraian Council by the end of February 2020. Glyntraian Community Council will then discuss which (if any) proposal it is prepared to recommend to Wrexham Council for the future use of the site in the medium to long-term.

A full list of Frequently Asked Questions can be downloaded below. The PDF is also downloadable from the Council Information page/strategic documents drop down menu on this website.

Public Meeting Events
It is anticipated that two public meetings will be held in mid January – mid February 2020 in order for the community engagement consultant to gauge the community’s interest and appetite for pursuing any or all of the proposals put forward during the Phase II engagement process. The best way to keep abreast of when these events will take place is to subscribe to this news blog and submit your contact details. Alternatively you can follow the Council’s Facebook page or contact the Clerk for up to date information.

Online & Hard Copy Survey
It is anticipated that members of the community of Glyntraian will be offered the option of taking part in a survey to determine their priorities/preference for the option(s) deemed viable – and meeting the required criteria for sustainability – during January 2020. The Council’s aim is to deliver the surveys to as many households, either online or as physical hard copy, as possible.

FAQs-Public-Consultation-on-the-Future-of-Ysgol-Pontfadog-Site-updated-20.11.19-2Download


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Excellent Response to First Community Engagement Event on Future of School Site

We were delighted to see more than 40 members of the local community attending the first event held to explore the future use of the now redundant Ysgol Pontfadog site.

Marc Roberts of Cynlas Cyf, the consultant recently appointed to run the engagement programme in partnership with Glyntraian Community Council and co-funders the Denbighshire-based Rural Development Agency, Cadwyn Clwyd, was pleased by the numbers and quality of the conversations held with everyone who attended.

“It is far too early in the process to draw any conclusions regarding any consensus on potential future uses. The most important output of the evening was for me to begin the process of getting to know the community. I will be holding follow up one-to-one meetings over the next 6-8 weeks,” said Marc Roberts.”

“There was a good turn out and the demographic was also pleasing, ranging from under 8s to over 80s,” added Chair of the Glyntraian Communications Committee, Jools Payne.

There will be further events held at various venues in the community. Please subscribe to this website to keep abreast of more events in Phase II of the consultation.

For general enquiries, please refer to our FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions), which can be downloaded from the Strategic Documents page of this website.

Our thanks go to Dolywern resident, Holly Payne, recently co-opted onto the Glyntraian Communications Committee, for her assistance in organising this event.

Marc Roberts chats with Glyntraian-based environmentalist, Sarah Hawkes
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Barn Dance Kick Starts Autumn Events at the OJ

The Ceiriog Connects dance programme, supported by Glyntraian Community Council and our Community Agent, and which aims to improve social opportunities in Glyntraian and the wider area, is holding a Barn Dance & Simple Supper event on Saturday 19th October at the Oliver Jones Memorial Hall, Dolywern. The event sees the return of the popular Shave the Donkey band who will once again lead us all in a merry round of fun dancing. Tickets are just £5 and includes the simple supper. Licensed bar available. Great fun for all ages.

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Glyntraian Community Council Appoints Community Engagement Consultant

Public Meeting on Future of Ysgol Pontfadog Site First Task

Glyntraian Community Council (GCC) in partnership with Rural Development Agency, Cadwyn Clwyd, has confirmed the appointment of Marc Roberts from Cynlas Cyf to run a community engagement programme to determine the preferred potential use of the Ysgol Pontfadog site following the school’s closure in July.

“We look forward to working closely with Marc, Cadwyn Clwyd, Wrexham Council and most importantly, members of our community to explore options for a viable and sustainable future for this key site in the village,” said GCC Chairman, Cllr Graham Barrow.

The first of three informal drop-in sessions, at which all residents of Glyntraian ward and the wider Ceiriog Valley community are welcome, will take place on Wednesday 9th October at the Oliver Jones Memorial Hall in Dolywern between 5:30pm – 9pm. Marc Roberts will present his findings to Glyntraian Community Council in February 2020.

“The initial drop in session for the entire community in October is just one of several face to face community engagement and stakeholder sessions Marc will be holding throughout the engagement process,” said GCC’s Chair of Communications Committee, Jools Payne. “Now the consultant is in place, we expect to release details of the full consultation programme of events as soon as possible.” Anyone wishing to learn more about the Cadwyn Clwyd consultation on the Ysgol Pontfadog site is invited to contact the Glyntraian Community Council Clerk in the first instance by emailing clerk@glyntraian.org.uk or call 07948 214079. Details of further updates will be posted on the GCC Facebook page and website www.glyntraian.org.uk.

Funding

Cyllidwyd y prosiect hwn drwy Cymunedau Gwledig Llywodraeth Cymru – Rhaglen Datblygu Gwledig Cymru 2014-2020, a ariennir gan Lywodraeth Cymru a’r Gronfa Amaethyddol Ewrop ar gyfer Datblygu Gwledig.

This project has received funding through the Welsh Government Rural Communities – Rural Development Programme 2014-2020, which is funded by the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development and the Welsh Government.

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Deadline for Cadwyn Clwyd Consultation Tender

The deadline for tender submissions for the Cadwyn Clwyd-led Community Consultation Project on the future use of the Ysgol Pontfadog site is this coming Friday 6th September. Submissions must be received by 1pm. The tender details can be found on the Sell to Wales public procurement site https://www.sell2wales.gov.wales/search/show/search_view.aspx?ID=AUG305526

The 110-year-old village primary closed on Friday 19th July 2019. The Community Council will consult with the local community on a preferred use for the school site.
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Vacancy

Due to the resignation of Cllr Ralph Bennett a second vacancy now exists. Copies of this notice can also be found on the Council noticeboards at the Oliver Jones Memorial Hall, Pontfadog Post Office and the Council’s Facebook page. This notice can be viewed and downloaded below. A downloadable version is available by clicking the download button below.

Councillor-Vacancy-Public-Notice 6th March 2020Download

Due to the resignation of Cllr Mike Ingle a single vacancy now exists. Copies of this notice can also be found on the Council’s noticeboards at the Oliver Jones Memorial Hall, Dolywern, Pontfadog Post Office and on the Council’s Facebook page. A downloadable version is available by clicking the download button below.

CC-UNWARDED-SINGLE-VACANCY-NOTICE-BILINGUALDownload
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Cadwyn Clwyd Agree Consultation Funding

Rural Development Agency, Cadwyn Clwyd, has confirmed Glyntraian Community Council’s bid for grant funding to run a public consultation exercise on the future use of the Ysgol Pontfadog site following the school’s closure on Friday has been agreed.

Councillors have arranged to meet with representatives from Cadwyn Clwyd to kick off the process of inviting tenders from professional community engagement consultants via the Sell to Wales procurement site.

“This is very positive news on what was a poignant day for our community,” said GCC Chairman, Cllr Chris Futcher. “With grant funding in place, the community council is now positioned to support Glyntraian residents in determining the future of this historic building. We are keen to hit the ground running and look forward to working closely with Cadwyn Clwyd, Wrexham Council and members of our community in developing ideas and consensus around a new chapter for a key site in the village,” he added.

Anyone who wants to learn more about the Cadwyn Clwyd consultation on Ysgol Pontfadog is invited to contact the Glyntraian Community Council Clerk in the first instance by emailing clerk@glyntraian.org.uk or call 07948 214079. Details of further updates will be posted on the GCC Facebook page and website.

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Council Applies for Public Consultation Funding

Glyntraian Community Council Bids for Grant Funding to Run Public Consultation on the Future of Pontfadog Primary School Site After Closure

Glyntraian Community Council (GCC) agreed at its June meeting to bid for grant funding in order to run a wide-ranging public consultation exercise to seek opinion on the most favoured use of the Ysgol Pontfadog site. The 110-year-old village primary closes its doors for the final time on Friday 19th July at 3:15pm.

The 110-year-old village primary will close on Friday 19th July 2019.

The Community Council voted by an 8-1 majority to sanction the 30 percent contribution cost of £3k to run a professional consultation and feasibility study through Cadwyn Clwyd. The Denbighshire-based Rural Development Agency provides guidance and support to communities across the region to help develop the rural economy in North Wales.

Grant funding has now been applied for and Cadwyn Clwyd’s decision on whether it will agree to fund the remaining 70 percent from ERDF monies is expected in mid-July. If approved, Cadwyn Clwyd will begin the process of inviting tenders from professional community engagement consultants via the Sell to Wales procurement site. It is hoped an appointment will be made, in collaboration with Glyntraian Community Council, by August with the consultation commencing in September.

“Wrexham Council Leader, Cllr Mark Pritchard has publicly declared the Local Authority is willing to transfer the whole site into the stewardship of Glyntraian Community Council once the school closes if a suitable use is agreed. GCC will become responsible for the repairs and maintenance of the entire site thereafter,” said GCC Chairman, Cllr Chris Futcher. “We wish to consult widely on the options for future use of the site, which will need to dovetail with our place plan and Wrexham Council’s own strategic priorities. We fully expect a robust, well-managed consultation process will reveal how most residents would prefer to see the asset used in the long-term. It will then be up to this Council, in close collaboration with the appointed consultant, to decide the best option to put forward to Wrexham Council. It is they who will ultimately make the final decision based on whether the chosen proposal is financially viable, sustainable and meets the needs of the community as a whole,” added Cllr Futcher.

“A professionally executed community engagement consultation is vital to ensure as many local people as possible have their chance to contribute to the process,” said Cllr Jools Payne, who chairs the GCC Communications Committee. “We anticipate the consultation may take up to five months. We will employ a wide range of online and offline tools and techniques, including digital as well as paper surveys, focus groups and public meetings to reach out to as many age groups, residents, visitors and businesses as possible.”

Anyone who wants to learn more about the Cadwyn Clwyd consultation on Ysgol Pontfadog is invited to contact the Glyntraian Community Council Clerk in the first instance by emailing clerk@glyntraian.org.uk or call 07948 214079. Details of further updates will be posted on the GCC Facebook page and this website.