As well as visiting the Quarry and finding out more about the business, Darren was also shown the company’s Jetty in Llanddulas.

CEMEX is a global manufacturer of building materials and the biggest Mexican investor in the UK. In England and Wales, they are a leading provider of aggregates, cement, ready-mixed concrete, asphalt and concrete building products.

Speaking after his visit, Darren said: “It was a real pleasure to visit Raynes Quarry and to meet the team.  The Raynes site is one of the company’s key sites in England and Wales, in both the way it operates and for the biodiversity net gain that it has provided.

“I was amazed to learn that the quarry supports 132 different types of wildlife, including, 87 different varieties of flowering plants spotted, including several types of orchid. This has in turn attracted many different butterflies and moths, such as ringlet, small heath, common blue, dingy skipper, dark green fritillary and cinnabar moth.

“Due to their location, limestone from the quarry is transported by conveyor belts to a jetty, crossing the A55 and railway and is loaded onto coastal freighters. This allows materials to be transported directly to other UK and European ports from Raynes.

“By utilising the sea and river network, they are able to drastically reduce their carbon emissions, with a 75% CO2 saving compared to road transport. This provides an equivalent saving of more than 5,000 lorry movements. They hope to roll out the example set by Raynes across the country.

“I was told that the ultimate goal at CEMEX is to become a net-zero CO2 company by 2050. To ensure they are on the right track, they set the most ambitious 2030 targets available to the industry. They have supported this commitment, launching a range of low carbon concrete products, including the UK’s first carbon neutral ready mixed concrete, which achieves a 70% reduction in embodied carbon emissions.

“Overall, I was extremely impressed by all that they have achieved to date and are striving to achieve in the future. I am very proud to have such a successful manufacturer here in my constituency and I wish all the team at old Colwyn the very best going forward.”

On Sunday 10th July at at 23.00hrs damage was caused to a green Vauxhall Corsa which was parked up on Beach Road in  the village.

 If you have any information or suspicions please contact North Wales Police on 101 quoting ref 22000492108.

A severe warning for flooding around the Beach Road area of Llanddulas is expected as high tide hits around 10.15am on Saturday morning.

Waves overtopping the sea front is expected to occur between 9:30 and 11:15 and properties closest to the sea front are most at risk.

In Llanfairfechan, parts of the village expect to be impacted also between 9.30 and 11.15am in particular Carradog Place, Shore Road, Glanmor Road and the Promenade.

High tide at Kinmel Bay is expected at 10.15am with waves breaching the promenade by as much as 4.74 metres. Flooding is predicted to occur to frontage from Sunnyvale Holiday Park to Golden Sands Holiday Park, including the Promenade and parts of the Sandy Cove Estate.

And Rhyl Splash Point from Molineaux Road to Rhyl Golf Club is expected to experience flooding between 9.30 and 11.30am.

For a guide on securing and preparing your home in response to the threat of floods please visit https://flood-warning.naturalresources.wales/.

To hear the latest call the 24-hour floodline service on 0345 988 1188 and stay with Bayside.

The accident which is thought to involve a motorcyclist, has meant that the Expressway from Junction 23 to Junction 22 has now closed resulting in heavy tailbacks.

Traffic Wales has asked motorists to seek alternative routes and avoid the area if at all possible. 

North Wales Police have tonight appealed for witnesses after the incident occurred on the coastal cycle path at approximately 2:30pm yesterday (Tuesday 18th May).

Officers were called to a report that a man had been found on the path with significant injuries.

An ambulance was called and the 64-year-old was taken to Ysbyty Glan Clwyd. However he has since been transferred to hospital in Stoke.

Anyone who may have witnessed the incident, or who may have information, is urged to contact us via the website or via 101 quoting 21000319865.

A report was received at 5.06pm yesterday (Saturday November 21) of a collision involving a female pedestrian and a blue Volvo estate car at a location known as Middle Gate.

A woman from the local area was pronounced dead at the scene. The driver of the Volvo was left shocked, but uninjured by the collision. The Coroner has been informed.

Sgt Emlyn Hughes of the Roads Policing Unit said; “I am appealing for anyone who may have witnessed this tragic incident, or who may have dashcam footage, to contact the Roads Policing Unit.

"The road remains closed and will be for some time as we conduct our investigations."

Anyone with information should call 101 or use the live webchat:

https://www.north-wales.police.uk/contact/live-chat-support  reference Y171230.

Adrian Standerwick, Director of Active CCTV, unveiled a new-look website, branding and mission statement to celebrate two decades of the Mochdre-based firm.

It has been a challenging time for Adrian and wife Debbie; four years ago, their beloved son Sam died of an unknown heart condition aged just 25, a tragedy that shook them to the core.

Adrian threw himself into charity work and launched the Sam Standerwick Memorial Fund – which has raised more than £50,000 – but admits he “took his eye off the ball” when it came to the business.

“We were working all over the country, and Sam was my main installer, so when he passed away it had a devastating impact and made me reflect on everything,” said the 54 year old, who also has sons Simon, Matthew and daughter Amy.

“Matthew stepped into the breach and took over the installation side of the business, if it hadn’t been for him and the way he took on the challenge we would never have survived those first few months - I am so thankful and proud of him for that.”

He added: “As a company we had started to concentrate too much on the big national jobs, the hotel and pub chains, petrol stations, supermarkets and warehouse distribution.

“That was all fantastic, and at one point our turnover was more than £500,000, but I had lost sight of where it all began and what we were about.

“For the first few years if anyone wanted security systems installing in our local area, they would come to us, but that changed – I had to do something about it, and have.”

Originally from Bristol, Adrian previously owned a signage firm before a career in sales took him across the country and eventually to Llanddulas, North Wales.

After doing market research and seeing a gap in the market for an innovative security business, he took the leap and Active CCTV was born.

“At the time certain companies were selling alarms but none were really doing CCTV,” he said.

“Using my sales background, I began to drum up interest, and while it was a steep learning curve from the electrical and fitting side of it, things started to take off.

“One thing I always want us to be is at the forefront of new technology and equipment, and within a year of us launching we were the very first company in North Wales to install a PC-based CCTV system - from there we grew and grew.”

Soon they were fitting systems for some of the biggest names in retail and hospitality, including Tuffins and Marston’s brewery chain, before moving on to huge warehouse installations, sometimes fitting 100 cameras at a single site.

“We watched the sector evolve from VCR to PC-based systems to standalone CCTV technology, 8Mega Pixel cameras, perimeter protection and more,” said Adrian.

“We encourage clients to change their system at least every five years as there is of course the chance the footage captured will be needed as evidence in court, so it has to be of the highest quality, and we never compromise on that.”

Playing a key part in helping to bust a card cloning ring at a national petrol station chain was an example of that, and there have been other times when they helped bring people to justice.

But just as important for Adrian is client satisfaction, which is why everyone they work with has their own bespoke system tailored for the needs of their organisation, or private home.

The priority now is re-establishing themselves in North Wales and beyond, starting with a free CCTV health check for their existing and past customer base.

And the Memorial Fund will continue to promote CRY (Cardiac Risk in the Young) and raise awareness of SADS (Sudden Adult Death Syndrome).

“The support we have had from Sam’s friends and the local community in particular has been incredible,” said Adrian.

“We have raised more than £50,000, which has enabled us to match-fund 15 defibrillators and screen more than 600 youngsters in our local area. Those efforts will continue, and we are so grateful to everyone who has helped us.”

He added: “I’ve learned that you should never lose sight of where you are from and where you started, and that’s a tough lesson.

“Since the start of the year, even taking into account the Coronavirus pandemic, we have worked hard, secured contracts with new and existing leading North Wales businesses - such as Afonwen Laundry and PetPlace - and Active CCTV has a whole new look.

“Ultimately, I will build the company back up to the point where we are operating all over the country, but at a sustainable pace and with North Wales at the heart of everything we do.

“That’s my goal, and for Sam and all of our loyal customers, we will make it happen.”

For more information, visit www.active-cctv.co.uk or email info@active-cctv.co.uk. Alternatively, call 01492 547997.

Visit https://www.facebook.com/groups/1402315749909671 to support the Sam Standerwick Memorial Fund.

The lifeboat crew arrived on scene to find a jet-ski towing a small unpowered dinghy, with one occupant on each.

On enquiring, it transpired that the pair were fishing, one from each vessel, and had set out from Porth Eirias. Subsequent enquiries found that the Jet-ski engine was fine.

Martin Jones, Coxswain of Rhyl RNLI said "We advised the pair to return to Colwyn Bay as soon as possible due to the wind and tide not being suitable for a craft and unpowered tow to be out so far from the coast. This was understood, and the vessels started back to Eirias watched by the lifeboat crew until they were safe near shore."

He continued: "We strongly advise those going to sea to have some sort of communication means to signal for help if required, and also to wear the correct safety equipment such as lifejackets".

Due to the tide being very nearly on the slipway, the lifeboat was taken in to Rhyl harbour to wait on the pontoons until there was sufficient beach to recover the lifeboat. This was achieved at 2.10pm.

Tenants of housing association Cartrefi Conwy were at the Garden Gate for the new initiative to combat the Covid-19 blues.

But the location wasn’t Sunset Strip or even Torquay in Devon because all the action was taking place in Maes Cynbryd, Llanddulas.

The Queen Bee doing the calling was Cartrefi Conwy’s older person’s engagement officer, Nerys Veldhuizen, who is also a member of their wellbeing team.

Helping Nerys to Bang on the Drum about the popular numbers game is community engagement coordinator Megan Eldon and together they are rolling out the Bingoing Mad sessions across the county.

The mad-cap idea has been going down a storm with tenants who say it’s been their Saving Grace during lockdown.

Among them were Lee Winters-Jones and Fran Williams and their three Young and Keen children who were thrilled after winning a bag of Haribo sweets.

Lee said: “We have lived here since 2013 and I can say that lockdown has brought the street closer together. It’s been a long time, too long, but it has helped neighbours to make friends.

“The bingo session was great fun and a fantastic idea. Yes, I was chuffed with my Haribo win but the prizes really don’t matter it’s just about getting everyone out of their homes and joining in.”

Nerys said: “I couldn’t be more pleased with the way things have gone with Bingoing Mad. The problem is we can’t go out into the community as we normally would but it quickly became apparent tenants needed some form of safe community engagement.

“Llanddulas is the third session we have held and we have more planned. Basically, it involves me sitting in the street calling numbers with tenants sat in the doorways or gardens marking their bingo cards.

“It’s not like we play for big stakes, a full house will win a pack of four toilet rolls and a line, a bag of Haribo sweets. But it’s not about what you win it’s about taking part and having fun.

“We also play a few songs and perhaps have a socially distanced dance. The feedback has been amazing and it’s clear tenants appreciate the sessions.”

She added: “It’s important we tackle loneliness. It’s a major issue we must combat, it’s my main focus. It doesn’t matter how old you are you can be lonely.

“All our community centres are closed and will have to remain shut for now so getting people out of their front doors and giving tenants an opportunity for social interaction is vital.

“This is why we have had to come up with innovative ways of getting people out of their homes and interacting with each other.”

For those that can’t come out of their homes Nerys and other members of the Cartrefi Conwy well-being team have now started Zoom bingo sessions so tenants can play online.

She said: “If there’s one thing I will take out of the whole Coronavirus health crisis it’s the importance of being online and digital technology.

“It’s a way of keeping in touch with the outside world and something I really want to encourage our older tenants to embrace. It’s something we are going to really focus on.

“But the Bingo-ing Mad sessions have been great. It’s actually a chance for me to have social interaction with many of our tenants too. It’s lovely to see people out there of all ages smiling, having fun and interacting with each other.”

Officers were called to reports of a disturbance on Sea Road in Abergele at 7.55pm last night, Wednesday 6^th May, and a further call was then received to Mill Street in Llanddulas at 8.08pm where the disorder had continued.

Two men and a woman are currently in custody in connection with the incidents.

Detective Inspector Elfyn Hughes said: “We are keen to hear from anyone who witnessed either of the incidents and we would appeal to anyone who may have seen a White Vauxhall Astra travelling along the road between Abergele and Llanddulas between the mentioned times to come forward or anyone who may have dashcam footage from their vehicle.”

Anyone with any information is asked to contact CID on 101 quoting reference Y064071 or Y064079.  Alternatively use the live webchat https://www.north-wales.police.uk/contact/live-chat-support

Shortly before 9pm police were called to a report of a collision involving a white coloured Vauxhall Corsa on the eastbound carriageway whereby the car had left the road and had come to a stop in wooded area.

The emergency services attended and the female driver was taken to Ysbyty Glan Clwyd in Bodelwyddan by ambulance. She has since been transferred to hospital in Stoke.

PC Richard Witham of the Roads Policing Unit is appealing to anybody who may have witnessed the collision to come forward.

He said: “We’re keen to speak to anybody who may have seen the Corsa being driven just prior to the collision or anybody who was travelling in the area and who may have dash cam to contact us.”

Anybody with information that could assist with the investigation is asked to contact officers at the Roads Policing Unit quoting reference number Y059138.

Former housewife Chrissie McKenna missed the hustle and bustle of family life when her children left home and did not see the point of living in a big seaside home with nobody to fill the rooms.

With the full support of her husband Stuart, the 53-year-old applied for a role as a Share Lives Carer with national charity Person Shaped Support (PSS) and says it is the best decision she has ever made.

Chrissie, who has a grown up daughter aged 36 and a son aged 28, provides a long-term home to two gentleman with complex behavioural needs, and is so dedicated to her work as a carer she also spends three days a week as a companion with the PSS Trio Scheme, providing friendship to elderly people with dementia and taking them out on days trips, walks and shopping trips.

She is now the toast of the care industry after being on the shortlist for the Promoting Fulfilled Lives category, sponsored by Boots Healthcare, in the Wales Care Awards 2019.

The national awards are organised by care industry champions Care Forum Wales and acknowledge the exceptional work and dedication of those in the care sector.

Chrissie, who has two grandchildren, Chloe, aged 11, and Amelie, four, attended a glittering awards ceremony at Cardiff City Hall last night (Friday, October 18), hosted by tenor and radio presenter Wynne Evans, better known as Gio Compario from the Go Compare TV adverts.

“I was so shocked to be nominated, I couldn’t believe it,” said Chrissie, who also opens her doors some weekends to people on short breaks who have regular respite from their families.

“It’s an honour. I just think everybody who works for PSS and the wider care industry deserves a medal. Helping people to have a nice life is probably the most worthwhile thing anybody can do.

“I just think that I’m so fortunate. In the working world, there are hundreds of thousands of people going to work in jobs with no meaning and I just feel so fortunate I’ve managed to find a career out of something I love to do. It actually doesn’t feel like work at all.”

Chrissie, who has been married to Stuart, 54, a car salesman, for the past 30 years, has been working for PSS for the past four years.

“I was a housewife and then my two children grew up and left home. The house was empty. I knew I wanted a job but I wanted something that was fulfilling where you get a sense of worth and achievement and give something back,” she said.

“When I heard about PSS I just thought, I can do this. I had a chat with my family because it involves the individuals becoming part of your family and living in your home and they said ‘mum you’ll be great’. I knew I could have a positive impact on people who needed help.

“I feel like this has enriched my life. To give a home to people who perhaps wouldn’t get an opportunity to do the lovely things we do together makes me very happy.”

Chrissie has ensured the people she cares for feel as much part of the family as her own children and grandchildren. She has created a vegetable patch in her garden for one individual who likes to grow his own vegetables and encourages the people she supports to get involved in jam making, baking and other crafts.

Nominated by Joanne Roberts, Shared Lives Development Worker, Chrissie is described her colleagues as “one of life’s true carers”.

“It’s very rewarding and I love it,” she said.

“It’s also lovely to see people who spend all week on their own light up because they’re being taken out. You can really lift someone’s spirits.”

Mario Kreft MBE, the Chair of Care Forum Wales, said the Wales Care Awards had gone from strength to strength.

He said: “The event is now firmly established as one of the highlights in the Welsh social care calendar.

“The aim is to recognise the unstinting and often remarkable dedication of our unsung heroes and heroines across Wales.

“The care sector is full of wonderful people because it’s not just a job it’s a vocation – these are the people who really do have the X Factor.

“If you don’t recognise the people who do the caring you will never provide the standards that people need and never recognise the value of the people who need the care in society.

“We need to do all we can to raise the profile of the care sector workforce – they deserve to be lauded and applauded.

“It is a pleasure to honour the contribution of all the finalists. Each and every one of them should be very proud of their achievement.”

Last night the prestigious Spirit of Care Award was won by Tracy Peers, the head of operations at St Asaph-based Cartref Ni Ltd, which supports 35 adults in Conwy, Denbighshire and Flintshire.

Tracy, who has been the company for 21 years, also won a silver award for Leadership and Management in Support Living.

She said: ”I’m thrilled. I was really touched, although it’s a team effort. It was a lovely evening in a room with so many inspiring people. They made us feel special and it was lovely to see so many other people get high awards as well.”

Welsh Government had originally scheduled another week of essential maintainence on the Kneeshaw Lupton Bridge but all work went to plan and finished early yesterday evening.

Many drivers were not happy at the apparent lack of planning between local roadworks around Abergele and the impact A55 work brought.

Councillor Sam Rowlands, Leader of Conwy County Borough Council waded into the debate on social media and expressed his dissatisfaction at the situation.

The roadworks were the second part of the work which begun and ceased Westbound last September.

Welsh Government Minister for Economy and Transport Ken Skates said that the work was essential to maintain safety on the road and unavoidable. The roadworks added up to an hour to some local journeys during peak time. 

From Tuesday work will begin again on the A55 and motorists will be bracing themselves for lengthy delays over a 5 week period.

The works will carried out within the closed eastbound carriageway behind a 2 metre high barrier which is to provide safety for road users. Working hours will be 24 hours a day and 7 days a week.

From the 10th September all traffic including Emergency Service vehicles will use lane 1 and lane 2 of the westbound carriageway in a bi-directional contra-flow traffic management arrangement between cross-overs located at Rainbow Bridge, Colwyn Bay and near to Junction 23 at Llanddulas.

The lane width will be restricted to 3.2m and the speed will be restricted to 40 mph for both eastbound and westbound traffic. The eastbound carriageway will be fully closed over the length of the contra-flow.

The westbound carriageway will also be closed over-night between Junction 23 Llanddulas and Junction 22 Old Colwyn on 8th and 9th September and on 8th and 9th October to open up the cross-overs and to reline the carriageway.

Traffic will be diverted on to the A547 Abergele Rd during the closure of the A55 westbound carriageway over-night between Junction 23 Llanddulas and Junction 22 Old Colwyn on 8th and 9th September and on 8th and 9th October.

‘Please drive carefully’ and advisory ‘40mph signs’ will be erected along the diversion route as mitigation.

Signs will be erected in advance of A55 Junction 22 heading east bound and in advance of A55 Junction 23 heading west bound advising drivers to remain on the A55 when the bi-directional contra-flow traffic arrangement is in place.

A group of health care staff have received their Welsh Language Certificates after completing a unique course offered by Coleg Cymraeg Cenedlaethol.
 
The TSI is a recognised and accredited qualification by the Coleg Cymraeg Cenedlaethol and the WJEC which has been developed in order to enable applicants to acquire a certificate evidencing their Welsh language skills and ability to work through the medium of Welsh.
 
The course, which has been rolled out as a pilot scheme within the Health Board, also aims to boost the ability to communicate confidently and professionally in Welsh, in written and verbal form in order to respond to the needs of the local population. 
 
Macmillan Project Manager, Andrew Owen, who is the first person outside the higher education sector to ever complete both parts of the Welsh Language Skills Certificate, says learning the language has not only improved his communication with Welsh colleagues but also with those outside the workplace.
 
He said: “I completed both my oral and written parts of the certificate within a year and I was really pleased to find out I’d passed both of them.
 
“I am originally from Llanddulas and when I moved to Caernarfon it became apparent to me that the majority of the population spoke Welsh so I wanted to make the effort to learn the language.
 
“Learning the language has enabled me to speak to people in the town in their first language and also colleagues within the hospitals.
 
“I’m really pleased to receive this certificate and I would like to thank our Welsh language tutor Ceri for all her support through our Welsh lessons – she is a great teacher and extremely passionate about what she does.”
 
Sharon Moore, a Nurse Practitioner in the Pre-op Assessment Unit at Ysbyty Gwynedd, who succeeded in her oral examination, said improving her language skills has enabled her to speak with Welsh patients in their first language.
 
She said: “It has been really beneficial for me to have the opportunity to attend Welsh lessons through the health board.
 
“I see Welsh speaking patients who are coming for their assessments prior to surgery so it’s important to me that I can speak to them in their first language so it makes them feel more comfortable.”
 
Eryl Young, a Speech & Language Therapist who works within the community, said the course has boosted her confidence in using the language in the workplace.
 
She said: “I have always been able to speak Welsh but I have never felt confidence enough to use it at work.
“I visit many schools within the community in my role and I never used to feel confident enough to speak with the teachers I meet through the Welsh language.
 
“In the last year through taking lessons and now passing my oral examination I feel much more confident and I start the majority of my conversations at work in Welsh.”
 
Also receiving their oral examination certificates were Surgeon Mr Phillip Moore, Geriatrician Dr Sally Jones, Consultant Psychiatrist John Clifford, Pharmacy Technician Yankier Perez and IT Analyst Martin Williams who have both learnt the Welsh language to benefit their Welsh speaking patients.
 
Ceri Phillips, the Health Board’s Welsh language tutor, who offers extensive opportunities at various levels for staff to learn Welsh, said: “Huge congratulations to the members of staff that have succeeded in the oral examination and for Andrew Owen for completing both parts of the certificate, I’m extremely proud of all of them as they’ve done brilliantly.
 
“I’d also like to thank Coleg Cymraeg Cenedlaethol and WJEC for inviting the Health Board to take part in the pilot scheme, we are the first organisation outside the higher education sector to take part in the Welsh Language Certificate.
 
“I’m extremely proud of each member of staff that has taken part in the certificate this year, and I’m looking forward to be involved in the TSI pilot scheme again next year.”

Tanya Morgans of Coleg Cymraeg Cenedlaethol said: “The college would like to congratulate the candidate’s enuithasim towards the Welsh as they prepare for the Certificate and also in their day to day work.

“We look forward to collaborate during the next year.”