Y Bont: 2004: August: Letters

statcounter

Awst 2004 August

Letters

All letters must be accompanied by name and address of the writers. Opinions expressed in letters to “Y Bont” are purely those of the writers, however the editors reserve the right to edit letters submitted.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Dear Editor

With regard to July issue “A Village is for life, not just for Christmas” I agree with the writer with regard to Carrog being a beautiful place to live. Also that Holiday homes within the village could be better utilised to house permanent residents. Unfortunately, holiday homes are a fact of life in country areas such as ours, whether in Wales, England or indeed villages on the Continent. Although this situation is difficult to alter, there are actions that local councils could take. One being to double the council tax on homes that are not occupied for a certain number of weeks in a year. The amount charged over the normal tax rate could then be donated to the village to contribute to the upkeep of the village hall etc.

It is difficult to believe, however, that 11 houses would necessarily mean 22 adults and 22 children. Even if this was the case, it is debatable that these people would make a great difference to the local traders. The post office was a going concern until a few months ago. Many things have contributed to its closure. More people are now able to travel to local towns and shop at supermarkets than years ago and pensions may now be paid into bank accounts. These are just two reasons. Maybe there were other reasons. The local pub now has a far better summer trade than a few years ago with the coming of the Steam Railway and the opening of the Camp site. Yes, the winter months are quiet. But maybe local trade could be encouraged in the close season by restarting the darts and pool teams. What about the Wednesday quiz night starting up again? There are many ways to encourage trade in the winter. 11 more families are not necessarily the answer.

And would 11 more families automatically mean larger congregations in the church or the chapels? Congregations have been falling for years. One reason could be that these places of worship have not changed in recent times, and not enough is done to encourage the younger generation to become members. Consequently, members are getting older, and congregations smaller.

No, I don’t feel that the village would be saved by turning holiday homes into permanent residences. More to the point, one way to save the local amenities, such as the shop and pub and places of worship (although too late for the shop) and to make sure Carrog does not become just a faceless village, is for the present local community to use them. After all the population of this village is, I believe, approaching 400.

If you feel, for any reason, these places that you quite rightly described as “beating hearts of the community”, are not providing the service that you would like, then make your suggestions to the proprietors. Or perhaps you have suggestions for events you would like to see take place in the local pub in the winter, I’m sure they would only be too pleased to listen.

One final point. Yes, we do need new housing in the village, and I agree that Caer Efail is a beautiful meadow. It will be a shame to see it go if the proposed plans go ahead. But what other choice is there (other than reclaim the holiday homes)? Maybe there was opposition to the building of Maes Y Llan. Or the other houses that have been built in the village in the last 50 or so years. We need to keep our young people in the village, without them there is no next generation and therefore no School, Church, Village Hall, or Pub. The only way to keep them is to provide places for them to live.

Eric Lea.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Dear Editor,

Ref. your remarks re the lack of support from the community. I agree we are a lazy lot; but I’m sure everyone must support Llidiart Y Fare’s request for a speed limit on the A5. Also the weight restriction on Carrog Bridge. In spite of the contractors good job we don’t want a repeat performance however quick and competent. With regard to the housing situation, the remarks in “A village is for life not just for Christmas” I am unable to think of the 11 holiday homes mentioned, but I do agree it would be preferable to utilise any existing houses rather than build on such an unsuitable site, and we could still hope that the occupants might utilise the Village shop if we are fortunate enough to get one!

Beryl M. Hindley.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

The Dee Valley Way

This year has been a particularly busy one for me. Last April I began work on the Dee Valley Way. This is a 15 mile route along the Llantysilio Mountains from Llangollen to Corwen and takes in rural villages along the way. The project was initiated by the local Business Action Group and they were lucky in getting funds from Cadwyn Clwyd and Adfywio. The walk passes through Carrog, I’m sure many of you have seen the signs going up, and it is hoped that local businesses will benefit from walkers using the path. However, the walk isn’t just for tourists. It is also a chance for locals to enjoy the stunning views and spectacular wildlife the valley has to offer.

There will be a leaflet to accompany the walk, which should be completed over the coming months, and there will also be an opportunity to complete a 10 mile revised route led by myself as part of the walking festival on Sunday 19th September.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone in the village for their support for the project.

Samantha Williams

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Please submit your articles or letters to:
editor@ybont.deevalley.com
or telephone 430397 or 430558 or 430625