April 2007 Archives

Chemicals found at Rhyl house

Posted by Dan Owen on April 30, 2007 10:58 AM

FIRE fighters were called in to help police identify chemicals found in a house in Rhyl this morning.
North Wales Police said they were alerted at 5.57am by the Ambulance Service to a medical emergency in Brynhyfryd Avenue.
A police spokeswoman said: “A 51-year-old man has been taken to Ysbyty Glan Clwyd, Bodelwyddan.
“While at the address, unlabelled substances were found. The Fire Service were called to assist police in the identification of the substances which are all believed to be acids used in the process of stripping gold from items.”

Jail term for man’s caravan assault

Posted by Dan Owen on April 30, 2007 9:46 AM

A MAN who subjected a couple to a “prolonged and terrifying” assault was locked up for an indefinite period yesterday.
Ian John Hawksford, 42, formerly of the Marine Caravan Park at Rhyl, pleaded guilty to raping the woman at knifepoint last September.
Hawksford must serve a minimum of 3½ years before he can apply for parole.
The court heard he lay in wait at the park. The couple found their caravan in darkness unaware Hawksford had let himself in and armed himself with a knife.
Owen Edwards, prosecuting, said the woman had to carry out a sexual act on Hawksford while the man watched.
He said: “The defendant suggested all three go into the bedroom and the woman saw her chance. She grabbed her mobile phone and ran out. The man grabbed the knife and suffered an injury to his hand.
“Once outside the woman called the police but she was frightened the defendant was searching for her and she did not stay on the phone very long. When police called her back she cut them off and climbed up a tree where she stayed for more than an hour.”

Man quizzed over death

Posted by Dan Owen on April 30, 2007 9:42 AM

A MAN was last night quizzed by detectives following the death of a 55-year-old man in Rhyl on Thursday.
The 32-year-old, who has not been named, was arrested late on Thursday night on suspicion of being concerned in the supply of controlled drugs.
He has been released on police bail pending further inquiries.
He came forward after police appealed for the man who called to alert them to a body found at a house in Wellington Road at lunchtime on Thursday to contact them.
Officers sent to the scene found the 55-year-old, named locally as Dennis Hudson, dead in one of the flats in the building.
A North Wales Police spokeswoman said: “The 32-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of being concerned in the supply of controlled drugs.
“He was later released on police bail pending further inquiries.”
The spokeswoman said the man’s death was still being treated as suspicious last night.
“A post mortem has been conducted at Ysbyty Glan Clwyd in Bodelwyddan by the Home Office pathologist, and police are now awaiting the results of toxicology tests.
“Police continue to treat the death as suspicious at this time and forensic examinations are still ongoing at the address on Wellington Road,” she said. The house was cordoned off and a telephone kiosk some 100 yards from the house was carefully examined for finger prints and other clues.
Neighbours said they were shocked to hear of the death of a man described as being “vulnerable”.
Locals said Mr Hudson was known to many in the area but kept himself to himself.

Body found in flat after tip-off

Posted by Dan Owen on April 27, 2007 10:09 AM

DETECTIVES were last night investigating the death of a man in Rhyl whose body was found after an anonymous tip-off.
A house in Wellington Road was cordoned off and a telephone kiosk was being guarded by officers as forensic experts combed the area for clues.
The man, named locally as Dennis Hudson, was found in a flat at the three-storey property which lies on a busy road linking the town centre and Rhyl’s west end area.
Neighbours said they were shocked to hear of the death of a man described as being “vulnerable”.
North Wales Police said they were treating the death as suspicious and are anxious to speak to a man who dialled 999 to alert them of the man’s death.
A police spokeswoman: “Police are currently treating the death as suspicious and officers are appealing to the person who alerted police to the death to contact them.
“A man telephoned police from a kiosk alerting the emergency service to the death at around 12.46pm on Thursday. It is possible that this particular individual was the last person to see the man alive and officers are keen to speak to him.”
The spokeswoman added the dead man has yet to be formally identified but said he is believed to 55 years of age.
“A post mortem examination will be conducted at Ysbyty Glan Clwyd, Bodelwyddan, by a Home Office pathologist later today,” she said.
Locals said Mr Hudson was known to many in the area but kept himself to himself.
Cheryl Parsons, 21, of Wellington Road said: “I knew him by sight but not to speak to properly. He’d pass the time of day by walking to the town centre and back”
Her friend, Keith Wilkins, also 21, added: “I’ve seen him around a bit. He’s been living around here for a while but I don’t think he has much to do with anyone.”
Walking past the house Karen Tilsley, 26, from Kings Avenue, said: “I didn’t know the man at all but it’s a shame for anyone to die in that sort of way. I hope the police find out what happened in this house.”
Ray Walker of Walkers off licence in Wellington Road said: “He’s never done me any harm but he’s barred from all the shops in the town so he doesn’t come in here.”
Drinkers at the Liverpool Arms said he used to stop outside the pub from time to time but rarely went in for a drink.
One said: “He wasn’t the most talkative bloke in the world but he’d be pleasant enough, a bit simple really and there are some who would pick on him for being like that.”

McFly call in on sick Rhyl teenager

Posted by Dan Owen on April 25, 2007 10:43 AM

A TEENAGER was on cloud nine last night after one of Britain’s best-loved boy bands stopped by his Rhyl home to say hello.
Illness forced fan Mikey McCormick to cancel a trip to meet chart-toppers McFly ahead of a gig in Liverpool.
So the 14-year-old got the surprise of his life when the band pulled up in their huge tour bus outside his home and paid him a visit.
The teenager’s family last night thanked the boys for their impromptu visit. And Mikey was still pinching himself in disbelief at the band’s unscheduled stop off.
Mikey, a pupil at Blessed Edward Jones High School, suffers from a serious heart condition. The youngster is a huge fan of McFly who first burst into the charts in early 2004 and have since had six number one singles.
Thanks to North Wales Superkids, a Flintshire-based charity which offers support to families in need, Mikey hoped to meet his idols in Liverpool.
His uncle John McCormick, 51, said: “He is absolutely bonkers about McFly. He is not able to go to school that much, so he spends a lot of time at home, and listens to a lot of their music.
“They are basically the main band he is into. They knew this with North Wales Superkids so when they heard McFly were coming up they got in contact.
“So they sent him a guitar signed by all the group. He was absolutely thrilled to bits by the whole thing.”
The second part of the gift was for Mikey to go Liverpool and see the band before a concert in the city but ill-health forced him to cancel.
But the dream meeting, organised without Mikey’s knowledge, took place on Monday afternoon.
Mr McCormick said: “They just walked in like any other visitor. It was a real shock for him. He was thrilled.”
They spent a large part of the afternoon talking to Mikey and watching live DVDs of their shows with him in his room.
Mr McCormick said: “They said they felt really honoured to help.”

Rhyl Town Council grants

Posted by Dan Owen on April 23, 2007 10:48 AM

Talented Rhyl youth were amongst those the benefit
The Town Council is proud of the valuable work achieved by the significant number of voluntary, recreational and charitable organisations within the town. It’s annual Grant Aid Scheme is one way in which it can clearly demonstrate its commitment to assist the local community in a positive and practical way.
A Public notice inviting applications for grant aid from Rhyl based organisations was placed in the press in the first week of January 2007. There are no pre-set conditions precluding either the size or purpose of grants but all organisations must be constituted and provide evidence of properly conducted meetings and audited accounts. The closing date for receipt of applications was 19th February 2007 and the Council’s Finance and General Purposes Committee considered all applications on 14th March 2007. In the interests of fairness all applications are considered together at the same meeting.
The Council has faced extreme difficulty in deciding which organisations it can support and by how much from its limited budget. The value of requests for all applications amounted to over £159,000 which was almost £80,000 over its allotted budget. This year 59 organisations applied and 40 have been helped with a total of £80,000 in grant aid. Three other organisations have been asked to supply further information and may yet receive some financial help later in the year. 11 other Organisations expressed interest but declined to submit formal applications. The grant aid scheme is now closed but application forms for the next financial year will be available in January 2008.
From the attached list it will be seen that the Council has supported organisations that deliver a wide range of help to the young, old, disadvantaged, needy, disabled, sick, and victims of crime in the town. Cheques were distributed on 22nd March and the Council, in the coming weeks, is planning to highlight the valuable work in the community undertaken by these organisations.

End Of Season Night and Presentations

Posted by Rhyl FC on April 23, 2007 9:11 AM

Our main sponsors Anglia Building and Decorating Contractors, have generously sponsored the end of season night at Cromwells Bar -Faenol Fawr, Bodelwyddan on Saturday 28th April 2007 at 7.30 p.m.
There will be presentations for both the first team and reserves for player of the year, also there will be an opportunity for fans to have there photograph taken with their favourite player, the photo will be available to take away on the night at a nominal cost.
Tickets are only£5.00 to include buffet and disco. On sale at club shop on match days or from the Rhyl Fans Association.

Rhyl FC Support Ysbyty Glan Clwyd

Posted by Rhyl FC on April 21, 2007 3:43 PM

Shirt raffle
Rhyl Football Club recently supported Ty Croeso Dawn Elizabeth House by way of donating a signed shirt and a free family ticket to help raise funds to continue the running of the house.
Ty Croeso Dawn Elizabeth House, is the charity run house providing accommodation for the parents of sick children and babies in Ysbyty GlanClwyd . Helen Coles Ty Croeso manager commented,"we are delighted to have the support of Rhyl Football Club who can help us raise our profile within the local community", and are delighted to be given a signed Rhyl Football Club shirt and tickets to use in our raffle to raise funds. The shirt will be raffled at the concert at Rhyl Pavilion Theatre on May 4th – Cyngerdd Sioe Frenhinol – with Cor Godre’r Aran, Sian Meinir and Dai Jones.
Mal Jackson Commercial Director at Rhyl FC said "we are only to happy to support Helen and her team and this will continue in the future, after visiting the house I was impressed with the work Helen and her team do, which is totally voluntary, and they deserve allthe support they can get.
Picture shows the club’s Commercial Director Mal Jackson presenting the shirt to Ty Croeso manager, Helen Coles.

Hope for new Gizzi witness inquest

Posted by Dan Owen on April 20, 2007 3:12 PM

A HIGH Court judge will decide whether there will be a new inquest into a man who died hours before he was due to give evidence against a North Wales gangster.
Gary Haywood, 39, was found hanging in a hospital basement on the day he was to be the key prosecution witness against Rhyl hardman John Damon Gizzi.
A suicide verdict was recorded by a coroner last November – but Mr Haywood’s family believe he ignored crucial evidence.
They will now get a judicial review in the High Court in London to decide whether a new inquest will be held.
The Haywoods, of Dyserth, last night welcomed the news, which they hope will allow them to challenge points raised in the last inquest.
Dad-of-six Mr Haywood was due to be the key witness in the assault trial against Gizzi in September 2003.
He was put under witness protection by North Wales Police, but he and his family disappeared from the safe hotel in which they were staying two days before the trial’s opening.
He was found in London the night before the trial was due to begin and told police he would not testify.
He was later found hanging in the basement of the Luton and Dunstable Hospital, where he was seeking treatment.
The trial later collapsed, although Gizzi was later jailed for unrelated offences.
After a three-year wait, a two-day inquest was held in Luton, and included evidence from the Haywoods and senior North Wales Police officers.
Among the claims aired before Bedfordshire coroner David Morris was one that Mr Haywood was attempting to extort Gizzi for money – a claim the Haywoods say they were previously unaware of.
They now want to question that claim, and many others made in the inquest. Representatives of the family also want more acknowledgement in the verdict of evidence presented by Mr Haywood’s widow Julie.
Family solicitor Chris Topping told the Daily Post: “The inquest concluded with the verdict of the coroner last November. The verdict he returned is perhaps unsurprising, but the way in which he reached it is a bit peculiar because he has effectively ignored all the evidence from Gary Haywood’s wife.
“An application for a judicial review has been lodged and that is being administered by the courts. The High Court then has to decide if we get a new hearing.
“Mr and Mrs Haywood are exceptionally dissatisfied with the way the verdict transpired. And Julie Haywood is not best pleased having been put through the mincer in the inquest for nothing.”
Should the High Court judge decide on a new inquest, in a hearing yet to be fixed, then it would still have to take place in Luton, but under a different coroner.
Gary Haywood’s mum Vivien said: “There is so much we want to contest. Our barrister was shocked, especially with Julie’s statement basically being ignored.
“There is a lot that hasn’t been taken into account.
“We feel we just want to clear his name a little bit. We have been so down about this so now we are getting lifted a bit. I hope they agree a new inquest.”
No-one from the Bedfordshire coroner’s office, which is contesting the claim for a new inquest, was available for comment last night.

Licence row hotel plans for new image

Posted by Dan Owen on April 16, 2007 9:44 AM

A RHYL hotel which was at the centre of a lengthy legal row is in line for a major revamp.
And as a step towards the redevelopment, owners of the Morville Hotel on East Parade are applying for their opening hours to be extended.
They also want Denbighshire County Council to lift a restriction banning children other than hotel guests from the premises. The condition was imposed last year when an application for revocation of the licence was rejected. North Wales Police had tried to link the premises to three sudden deaths in the area.
The dispute began in February, 2005, when police raided the premises in the early hours and found 42 people still in the bar. The hotel was closed temporarily and in December of that year the council turned down an application by new licensee Peter Thomas for a 2am licence after hearing his nine-year-old son had been playing in the bar in the early hours.
Since last year the hotel has held a normal licence, but supervisor Mandy Davies has now applied to extend the drinking and entertainment hours. It is hoped to remain open until 4am at weekends.
Lachlan Nisbet, of Liverpool solicitors Hill Dickinson, told the Daily Post yesterday that it was hoped to go ahead with an ambitious redevelopment scheme to create a 58-bedroom hotel with a gym and conference facilities.

Bed blaze father puts his foot in it

Posted by Dan Owen on April 16, 2007 9:43 AM

A RHYL man was injured yesterday when his daughter’s hair straighteners started a fire in her bedroom and he accidentally trod on them.
The family were asleep in their home in Rosehill Road at 1.50am when the teenage girl started coughing as her room filled with smoke.
They were lucky to escape from their home as it was only the daughter’s coughing which alerted them.
Her mother went to investigate, and on finding the room full of smoke wakened her husband.
He found the electrical hair straighteners lying on her pillow.
They fell on the floor and he stood on them, burning his foot. He was taken to Ysbyty Glan Clwyd, Bodelwyddan, for treatment.
Firefighters had to wear breathing apparatus to tackle the fire.
Colin Eves of North Wales Fire and Rescue said there was no smoke alarm on the first floor.

Major resort scheme set for go-ahead

Posted by Dan Owen on April 16, 2007 9:41 AM

PLANS for a multi-million pound redevelopment of Rhyl’s West End are expected to move a step closer to reality next week.
Denbighshire councillors are being recommended to give the go-ahead to proposals for the massive scheme for a 20-acre site overlooking the Foryd harbour, to be known as Ocean Plaza.
The plans by Modus Properties Ltd involve a mixed-use development of 217 apartments, 89-bed hotel, offices, shops, a gym and leisure centre, pubs and restaurants and a new Asda store to replace the existing premises in nearby Kinmel Bay.
To help create a seafront walkway the existing coast road would be diverted behind the new development to link up with Wellington Road.
Much of the site is currently occupied by the Ocean Beach fairground which for generations has been of the resort’s main tourist attractions, and some objectors say that replacing it with a supermarket is another blow to the town’s reputation as a holiday resort.
In a report to next week’s planning committee, head of planning Graham Boase concedes that it is not essential for all aspects of the development to have a coastal location and certain elements did not comply with the council’s policies.
“However, as a starting point, these policies need to be considered in the context of the use of a brown field, underused site in an area subject to deprivation but striving for private sector investment to go alongside public initiatives to regenerate the area,” he says.
The developers have subjected a retail assessment to support the Asda proposal and the planners agree that the benefits would outweigh the disadvantages.
Similarly, it is accepted that while the site is not earmarked for residential development it is unlikely in the current climate that the entire site would be developed for tourism and leisure purposes.
“As part of a component of a larger mixed development the principle of residential development is considered acceptable,” says the report.
Some concerns have been raised about the impact on nearby roads.

Car dealer order to pay back £105,000

Posted by Dan Owen on April 16, 2007 9:38 AM

A NORTH Wales garage owner jailed for selling “clocked” cars was yesterday ordered to hand over more than £100,000.
Peter Townsend was locked up for eight months last October after he admitted a string of charges.
A director of Rhyl-based Vale Road Car Sales, the court heard he ran his business dishonestly by selling motors with false mileage readings. His company was fined £6,000 and ordered to pay £10,000 costs.
A specialist financial investigator launched a probe into Townsend’s business dealing. And yesterday the 41-year-old, of Seven Sisters Road, Prestatyn, was back in court for a financial hearing under The Proceeds of Crime Act.
Judge John Rogers QC made an order – agreed by prosecution and defence teams – that Townsend made £105,228 from his criminal dealings.
His recoverable assets were said to amount to £323,000. But if he doesn’t pay up in the next six months he must serve another three years behind bars.
He was given six months to find the cash – or the judge ordered that he would have to serve three years’ jail.
The judge agreed with barrister Paul Smith, acting for Denbighshire County Council’s trading standards department, that £15,400 of the seized cash should be used to compensate the owners of 18 vehicles involved in the fraud.
Judge Rogers said it was “a wholly appropriate order”.
Last year the court heard Townsend ran his business dishonestly over a 16-month period.
The hearing was told 22 cars were sold for £93,000, and the six cars in the charges had, on average, 50,000 miles less on the clocks than they had actually done.
“Members of the public are entitled to trust those engaged in the motor trade. You and your company breached that trust repeatedly,” the judge told him.
Townsend had a formidable criminal record including convictions for car theft.
He and the company admitted three charges relating to the six cars in the charges – applying a false trade description, selling a vehicle with a false trade description and dishonestly falsifying a sales invoice.
He also asked for similar offences to be taken into consideration.

Rhyl vets

Posted by Dan Owen on April 16, 2007 9:37 AM

An inaugural meeting for Rhyl Veterans’ Day 2008 will take place at the town hall on April 27 at 10am.

Football fans raise cash for team

Posted by Dan Owen on April 10, 2007 11:36 AM

FOOTBALL fans in Rhyl were holding a collection in aid of another team before the big match in the Welsh Premier League yesterday.
Porthmadog are appealing against the FAW’s decision to fine them £13,200 and dock them three points after a fan behaved abusively last December.
The fan abused a match official at their game against Cwmbran Town last December.
Bangor City are playing at the Belle Vue ground and the club’s supporters’ group have been granted permission to hold the collection by club officials.
Rhyl Fans Association secretary Mike Jones said: “We’re hoping our supporters and the visiting fans will dig deep to help another Premiership club in trouble.
“We’ll have the collecting buckets out before kick-off and during half-time and we hope to raise a sizeable sum.
Porthmadog chairman Phil Jones said the punishment was a “total over-reaction”.
He said the incident was caused by one supporter who shouted a single comment to the linesman.
The fan was identified and banned from their ground.
The club passed his details to the FAW, who subsequently banned him from entering any football ground under its jurisdiction until 29 January 2009 under its Non-Discrimination Regulations.
The club were charged with “alleged failure of its supporters to refrain from abusive, obscene or provocative behaviour, conduct or language”.
The incident was a first offence for the north Wales club, which had to pay £1,000 plus appropriate costs within 21 days of the first hearing.

Hunt’s winner brings Euro mission nearer

Posted by Dan Owen on April 10, 2007 11:35 AM

Rhyl 3 Bangor 1

FORMER Bangor players Lee Hunt and Mark Connolly shared the goals that defeated their old club and secured Rhyl a priceless win in their quest for European football for a fourth successive season.
A competitive Easter Monday clash saw the Lilywhites play out the last 25 minutes with only 10 men following captain George Horan’s controversial sending off, but still their superior strength saw them to an eighth win in a row over City.
“The lads showed tremendous character after Horan’s sending off, which I must say I thought was a bit harsh,” said Rhyl manager John Hulse.
“I felt that today was a big step towards getting that second place. If we can win now at Carmarthen this Saturday it should be enough.”
City chief Steve Bleasdale was disappointed after seeing his side slip to their first defeat in eight starts.
“I don’t think it was a 3-1 game,” he said. “I thought we deserved a point. We did well to equalise after going a goal down early on, but we switched off at set pieces which you can’t afford to do against a team like Rhyl.”
Rhyl started the better and took a ninth-minute lead when returning striker Dave Cameron, in for the injured Andy Moran, flicked on Chris Roberts’ corner and Hunt bundled in his 21st goal of the season.
Back came Bangor to level in just two minutes when defender Steve Wynne, who had been denied by a fine stop from keeper Paul Whitfield moments earlier, finished off a Mark Smyth cross.
Visiting keeper Ian Havard saved well from both Connolly and Cameron before the break, while Whitfield acrobatically beat away a menacing Kyle Jacobs 25-yarder.
Nine minutes into the second period the Lilies regained the advantage when Roberts’ pinpoint cross from the left was headed home from six yards by the marauding Connolly.
There was uproar among the home contingent on 65 minutes when Horan received a second yellow card from referee Phil Southall despite appearing to win the ball in a challenge on substitute Sion Edwards.
This was the signal for Bangor to up the pressure, but they were restricted to long shots, with converted defender Cameron outstanding at the back.
Jacobs came closest to a second for City with a 20-yard effort which took a wicked bobble off the pitch.
But Rhyl always looked the more dangerous in attack and three minutes into injury time the outstanding Hunt was felled by Jacobs in the area. Connolly dispatched the penalty to seal the points as that Euro vision gets closer.

Victory puts Rhyl closer to Europe

Posted by Dan Owen on April 7, 2007 1:27 PM

Airbus UK 0 Rhyl 2

RHYL boosted hopes of another summer of European football after sealing victory over an Airbus side still battling to climb clear of the drop zone.
With leaders The New Saints looking firm favourites to retain their crown, Rhyl consolidated second spot after stretching their unbeaten league run to nine games at the Airfield.
Two goals from Lee Hunt, taking his tally to 13 in the league, were enough to see off the Wingmakers, who are three points above the relegation zone having played more games than a number of their rivals.
Hunt sounded an early warning when he hit the upright as Rhyl, having made most of the running, failed to capitalise with some good chances going to waste.
But they made the breakthrough in the 35th minute when the lively striker latched on to a through-ball before neatly lobbing keeper Adam McGhee.
Airbus, lying third from bottom, carved few clear-cut chances, with their first real effort on goal seeing James McIntosh drive an effort wide of the post just before half time.
Rhyl continued to call the tune after the interval but had to be wary of the home side's counter-attacks, which saw a right-wing cross just elude the incoming James Hussaney while a strike from player-boss Gareth Owen was deflected away.
Hunt finally sealed the points 17 minutes from time when he headed home Mark Connolly's free-kick from the right.
The victory took Rhyl five points clear in second spot.

I can’t change the world but I can make a protest

Posted by Dan Owen on April 7, 2007 1:25 PM

AN optician last night vowed to remain independent and fight for the little man’s rights.
Thomas Hodgson has run an independent Rhyl dispensing opticians store making spectacles for 29 years.
But he claimed Assembly guidelines meant he must set up a limited company in order to be officially registered.
Mr Hodgson refused saying he wanted to remain loyal to the customers who had used his shop as an independent store.
The Denbighshire county councillor vowed to keep his corner of the high street independent and free from big-name corporations.
And he even took out newspaper adverts describing his “personal protest” against the Assembly and insisting he would not “sacrifice [his] freedom for a bureaucratic process.”
New Assembly guidelines introduced in the wake of the Harold Shipman scandal mean every health professional in Wales must be registered on an official roster.
But Mr Hodgson said of all the opticians listed on the 77-page document his Wellington Road store was not included.
He claimed the Assembly told him he would be on the roster if he registered his small business as a limited company.
Mr Hodgson, 62, said: “It is absolutely ridiculous. The Assembly told me I would be included on the list only if I was a limited company.
“I told them I had always worked independently and have always accepted the liability that comes with that.
“This attacks the independence of shop owners. To say you need to be a limited company I find offensive in the extreme.”
As a consequence of not being on the Assembly list Mr Hodgson was left with no option but to withdraw his registration with the General Optical Council watchdog.
It means he can no longer work alone with under-16s or with blind patients and must now be supervised by colleagues.
He said: “There is no encouragement in legislation today for the next generation of shop workers.
“What are we going to be left with on the high street? The next generation will be employed only by the big companies – not smaller businesses.
“I asked a local historian what the big difference was today compared to the past. And he said it was shops with ‘...and son’. Look now and there are none.
“I will plod on with patients who have been coming to see me for 30 years. Companies do not have that kind of freedom.
“And when that freedom is taken away I really do get frustrated. It is not for me to change the world but I can make my own little protest.”
The Assembly spokesman said there would be no comment on policy issues in the pre-election period.

Help at last for bike tragedy families

Posted by Dan Owen on April 6, 2007 9:11 AM

THE families of four cyclists killed on an icy North Wales road are to receive compensation.
The Rhyl Cycling Club members died when a car ploughed into them on the A547 outside St George on January 8 last year.
Yesterday it emerged insurers for both the motorist Robert Alan Harris and Conwy County Borough Council are to pay up.
But the council said the settlement was not an admission of liability – despite a claim to the contrary not being challenged by their barrister at a preliminary inquest yesterday.
A full jury inquest into the deaths of the cyclists starts on June 4 and is expected to last at least four weeks.
North Wales Police also announced no further criminal action will be taken against any of the parties investigated over the crash.
Maurice Broadbent, 61, from Rhuddlan, Dave Horrocks, 55, from Moelfre, Abergele, Wayne Wilkes, 42, of Rhyl, and 14-year-old Thomas Harland, from Prestatyn, died when Mr Harris’ Toyota skidded off ice into their path.
Police investigations centred on whether the road was gritted after an accident earlier that morning.
Many of the details likely to emerge during the full inquest at Abergele were outlined in Flint yesterday.
Barrister William Hoskins, representing the families, said: “There was a combination of factors – one was driving, the other was the fact that the road hadn’t been gritted, and the third obvious fact was that, although there had been an earlier accident on the road, there were no signs on the road warning of particularly treacherous conditions.
“That inevitably calls into question the degree of liaison between the various services warning the public about the highway when there are treacherous conditions.”
Barristers said they wanted an inquest jury, saying the case was so high-profile and could reveal a “systemic failure” in the police and Conwy’s way of working.
North Wales Central coroner John Hughes said: “There are, it seems, systems in place to accommodate bad weather in the area. The area we are looking at is – did the system in terms of the gritting fail?
“Was it a systemic failure or was it an individual mistake?”
Graham Wells, for North Wales Police, said: “It becomes a question of what did individuals do, what were they required to do, was there a system in place, ought there to have been a system in place, was that system working properly, and if not, why not?”
Some 50 witnesses will be called to give evidence at the inquest, although solicitors for Robert John Williams, the now-retired officer responsible for gritting, had hoped to call up to 135.
Thomas Harland’s dad Jon and Wayne Wilkes’ sons Jo and Ray, all of whom were injured in the crash, are expected to give evidence at the inquest.
After the hearing solicitor Sue Bence, who represents the cyclists’ families, said: “Families will receive a sum of compensation – but that has never been anywhere near their primary concern. Their primary concern remains getting three principal questions answered – namely how was the vehicle being driven, given the conditions on the day in question?
“They also want to know what were the gritting policies and what was the weather maintenance programme in place. How was that operated and did it fail?
“There is no amount of money that any of these families can receive that will possibly compensate for what happened.
“The fact this has been resolved means there may not be a need to bring this before a civil court.”
NORTH Wales Police last night confirmed no further charges will be brought in relation to the A547 crash.
An investigation led by the force and overseen by the Independent Police Complaints Commission lasted 14 months.
A total of 217 witness statements were taken.
Abergele motorist Robert Alan Harris was fined £180 and handed six penalty points on his licence after he admitted having defective tyres.
CONWY chief executive Derek Barker last night said the authority had not made an admission of liability over the deaths of the four cyclists.
He said: “In accordance with the wishes of the relevant parties to provide some degree of finality for the families of those killed and injured in this tragic cycling accident, the insurers of the council have agreed to contribute, in conjunction with the driver’s insurers, to the claims to obviate any further distress, suffering and cost to the families associated with the pursuit of legal redress.
“As was stated at the inquest hearing, the agreement to deal with the cyclists’ claims in this way was reached without any admission of liability or apportionment of blame as far as the council was concerned.”

Hulse warns Rhyl not to take Airbus threat lightly

Posted by Dan Owen on April 6, 2007 9:10 AM

RHYL manager John Hulse has warned his side not to let their European hopes nosedive at Airbus today after last week’s stalemate against champions-elect TNS all but ended their title aspirations.
“They may be in relegation trouble but that makes them an even more dangerous proposition,” said the Lilywhites boss.
“Under Gareth Owen they are more than capable of beating anyone, and that includes us, so we need to be totally focused to ensure we don’t throw this great position away.
“We are very much in the driving seat and only one club in the League wouldn’t swop places with us so it’s in our own hands now to go on and get ourselves in Europe again next season.”
While conceding that last week’s goalless draw at Belle Vue makes it highly unlikely that they can now overtake TNS, Hulse doesn’t expect Rhyl to surrender second place.
Looking to make it nine league games undefeated tonight, Hulse said: “We’ve been through the experience of this pressure for the last four or five years so we know how to deal with it, difficult as it is.
“I felt we dominated most of the game against TNS and finished the stronger side despite being part-timers.
“After a good hard training session in midweek we are in excellent shape going to Airbus and hopefully for Monday’s home game against Bangor City.”
Hulse has a full-strength squad available apart from injured Stuart Graves. and added: “The more games we can get through without losing position the less chance there is of our rivals catching us.”
Meanwhile, third-from-bottom Airbus UK continue their battle to escape the relegation zone at Broughton, writes John Bridgwater.
Having revived their survival chances with a five-match unbeaten run, the wingmakers were brought down to earth with a 4-1 home reverse against Llanelli in their last outing two weeks ago.
And Player-boss Owen admits his side have work to do if they hope to climb away from the wrong end of the table, where no fewer than seven teams are still in with a chance of being relegated.
“We didn’t really perform against Llanelli which was disappointing after our previous five performances but we’ve got to stay positive in our last four games,” he said.
“Rhyl will be difficult but we’ve shown we can do well against the top sides with our wins against Connah’s Quay and Port Talbot.”
Elsewhere, Newtown boss Darren Ryan is looking for his side to “put their bodies on the line” as they battle for Welsh Premier survival in the coming fortnight.
A five-match losing run has kept the Robins languishing close to the relegation zone, while suspensions to key performers, defender Brian Showdery and midfielder Glenn Tolley, have added to the problems ahead of tonight’s tough trip to TNS. But Ryan is looking for a spirited response from his troops as they bid to pick themselves up following last weekend’s 2-0 reverse against fellow strugglers Newi Cefn Druids.
“It’s no good feeling sorry for ourselves, we’ve got to stand up and be counted and be prepared to put our bodies on the line,” he said.
“We’ve got a young side who have been playing in fits and starts but they have to grow up quickly and take more responsibility. They know the situation.”
The Robins are boosted by the return of Justin Wickham along with Rob King. while front runner Sean Butler will also be back for Easter Monday’s clash against Airbus UK.
The New Saints manager Ken McKenna, meanwhile, is warning against complacency as they close in on the championship.
“If we win our last three home games, and get a few points on the road that should be enough,” he said.
“We’re in a terrific position, but there’s still work to be done. It can be a dangerous time, so you can’t afford to take your eye off the ball.” “I’ve told the lads the harder they work now, the less they will have to do at the end of the season.” With a near full strength available, McKenna is again set to ring the changes in a bid to keep his squad fresh. Martyn Naylor and Alfie Carter could be back in the reckoning next week.

Rat Pack crooner chooses Rhyl over Las Vegas

Posted by Dan Owen on April 6, 2007 9:09 AM

HE may be the UK’s answer to Frank Sinatra, but crooner David Alacey is also the Dennis Bergkamp of theatre land. Like the Arsenal soccer legend, David has a phobia of flying – ruling out any chance of flying to the stars!
Despite headlining the hugely successful Rat Pack Live show, David has had to turn down invitations to perform in Las Vegas because he just can’t bring himself to board a plane.
So the good news for North Wales Ole Blue Eyes fans is that David is staying back home – and heading for Rhyl, on April 28.
Travelling show Rat Pack Live is an authentic tribute to Frank, Dean Martin and Sammy Davis Jnr.
For all David’s confident swagger under the spotlights, he confesses off-stage he cannot conquer his fear of flying.
"It’s something I’m really going to have to conquer as – although Rat Pack Live packs out venues throughout the UK – it’d be a dream come true to play Vegas," he said.
David plus Harry Crawley (Dean Martin) and Rahul d’Mello (Sammy Davis Jnr) say singing like the individual members of the infamous Rat Pack backed by a tight big band is only half of what makes Rat Pack Live a lifelike hit.
"The Rat Pack were the definition of cool in their Fifties’ and Sixties’ heyday," says David. "We work hard to stay in character 100% of the time on stage."
A lot of research has gone in to ensure the show is as realistic as possible.
"As well as being lucky enough to see Frank Sinatra perform live twice during the 90s, I’ve amassed a collection of over 100 videos of the Rat Pack performing live all over the world," says David.
"Much of it is really rare material. Not only are we able to inject the wisecracks and humour for which the trio were famous, our repertoire is more extensive than any other Rat Pack tribute. We have literally hundreds of songs we can choose from."
Rat Pack Live, Rhyl Pavilion Saturday, April 28, 8pm. Tickets from £16.50 on 0870 330 0000, www.easytheatres.com or www.pavilion-theatre-rhyl.co.uk

Lilywhites a match for TNS

Posted by Rhyl FC on April 5, 2007 4:24 PM

This was a match of vital importance in the Welsh premier league where both eteams were hoping to secure points to ensure UEFA ccompetition places. It was a game played in high wimds and totalally dominated for long periods by a rampant Rhyl attacking side. TNs, after there last weeks' Welsh Premier cup success over Newport county appeared sjshocked by the constant rampaging Rhyl attacks and were happy to leave Belle Vue with a point.

The game startedf late with the live TV coverage and immediately gareth Wilson free kick the ball was knoocked on to G Horan and TNS keeper Docherty smothered the shot on the goal line. On 5 minutes Mark Connelly of Rhyl brought about another good save by Docherty from a 25 yard freekick. 10 minutes gareth Powell free kick nodded down to Hunt and aggain Docherty pushed the ball wide for a corner. On 15 minutesw Michael jackson played a 45 yarde back pass to keeper Docherty who was under pressure reulting in another corner. Alex hay took the corner b ut the ball cvarried high on the wing over the TNS goal. It was 21 minutes before TNS ventured out of there own half but george Horan safly took control of a Wilde flick on and the danger was averted. Rhyl continued to attack and the TNSDforwards were forced to stay back and help the defence against the nonstop barriage from the Rhyl midfield. the game was becoming scrappy with nonstop petty fouls and before the halftime whistle Rhyl were awarded 13 free kicks and 5 corners. It was not until 38 minutes that Dwane Courtney, the TNS long throw specialist threw a thirty yard ball to Greg Stones who shot hard and low agt ganns goal. Gann smothered the ball and released it at the foot of Stephen Beck of TNS a scramble on the line reulted in a free kick to the releif of Rhyl. Half Time Rhyl 0 TNS 0
The second half started with TNS showing a little more interest in attack but on 52 minutes after a Gareth Wilson foul TNS John Leah rocketed a shot against the Rhyl crossbar. This was only the secdond TNS attack of the game which continued to be littered with petty freekicks by bothy teams. On 75 minutes TNSD caused another scare in the Rhyl goalmouth from a Duane Courtney throw in, when Mike Wild and gann in the Rhyl goal collided and luckily for Rhjyl the linesman had spotted an offside. The game was end to end without any real goal opportunities before 86 minutes when Greg Stone shot was bravely smothered by Gann in the Rhyl goal.

Man of the match Gareth Wilson Rhyl match rating *** Crowd 876 rReferee Dean John

CLUB AGAIN SUPPORTED BY RHYL TOWN COUNCIL

Posted by Rhyl FC on April 4, 2007 9:06 AM

The directors, manager and staff would like to thank Rhyl Town Council for once again supporting the club with grant funding.

This year they have generously donated towards the continuing success of our Healthy Living Scheme with the local primary schools which last year attracted 480 pupils, who toured the ground to complement their learning about eating and keeping healthy.

Mal Jackson Commercial Director is now able to work on other projects with Rhyl High School, Rhyl College and the nursing homes in Rhyl. Mal commented

“That without the continued support of Rhyl Town Council we would not be able to develop the community projects that benefit the club and the people of Rhyl and surrounding areas.

The Healthy Schools Scheme has been an excellent joint initiative working alongside the public sector and our sponsors, already we have five tours booked over the next few weeks.

The projects with Rhyl High School and Rhyl College, complements the students studies and Rhyl FC are proud to be able to give their assistance with these initiatives, (more about them in future weeks)".

We are continually reliant on support from existing and new sponsors, if any company would like to discuss ways of delivering the schemes, please contact Mal Jackson at the club, either e>mail malcolmjackson@rhylfc.co.uk or telephone 01745 338327.

Mal Jackson

Rhyl Football Club

Commercial Director

AM protests over ground ad ‘cover-up’

Posted by Dan Owen on April 2, 2007 9:43 AM

A NORTH Wales AM is to lodge a formal complaint after TV bosses ordered a football club to cover up her advertising hoarding but ignored that of another politician.
Vale of Clwyd Labour AM Ann Jones has a pitch-side advert at Rhyl’s ground stating: “Ann Jones AM wishes Rhyl FC every success for the season.”
S4C declared it a political advert and banned it ahead of Saturday’s live broadcast of Rhyl’s game against The New Saints.
But producers did not request a cover up of an ad with almost identical wording on a hoarding belonging to Labour’s Vale of Clwyd MP Chris Ruane.
While Mrs Jones’ hoarding was turned around, his was shown to TV viewers.
His – out of date – message to the club reads: “Chris Ruane MP wishes Rhyl FC all the best for the season 2005-2006.”
Now a fuming Mrs Jones is to lodge a formal complaint with S4C.
The AM, a devout follower of Rhyl FC, has owned the hoarding supporting the Lilywhites for eight years.
A number of matches broadcast from Rhyl’s Belle Vue ground in the past have shown her advertising hoarding.
Mrs Jones said: “When I got to the ground on Saturday afternoon, my hoarding had been turned around, but I found another one that was in the same category as mine.
“I feel I have been targeted because it is election time. S4C have tried to say it is not about the election, but it is strange that this has come around at this time, when the hoarding has been there for years.
“They seem to be hiding behind this term ‘political advertising’ when it is not the case. It does not say ‘Ann Jones – Labour AM.’ Oddly, this has brought more publicity than if S4C had kept the sign there in the first place.”
Fans chanted songs of support for Mrs Jones during the top-of-the-table clash, which ended 0-0.
An S4C spokesman said: “A decision was taken to cover up the billboard at the ground during the televised football match between Rhyl and TNS because it represents political advertising.
“Political advertising is not allowed under broadcasting regulations.
“We are unable to confirm whether any political advertising has occurred at live TV matches in the past.”
He added that S4C was investigating whether Mr Ruane’s billboard appeared on screen at any stage.

Good weekend for Rhyl youth and Nomads

Posted by Dan Owen on April 2, 2007 9:32 AM

MIKE ROOSE plundered a stunning hat trick to secure Rhyl Youth a 4-1 victory at Premier Division title hopefuls Prestatyn Town Reserves.
Ashley Callend also netted for Rhyl, whose goals all came in the last 15 minutes, Prestatyn having taken a 46th-minute lead through Lucas Brookes.
Rhyl Nomads struck seven without reply against Halkyn United Reserves. Phil Parry bagged a hat-trick and Dave Gray two, with Phil Graham and Rod Hastie also scoring.

This page contains an archive of all entries posted to Rhyl News in the April 2007. They are listed from oldest to newest.

March 2007 is the previous archive.May 2007 is the next archive.

Many more can be found on the home page or by looking through the archives.

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