Police witness appeal after A48 Newport collision

Gwent Police is again appealing for information following a collision between a pedestrian and a Black VW Bora car at approximately 8.12pm on Wednesday, November 18.

The collision occurred at the A48 Usk Way SDR Newport, adjacent to the Transporter Bridge. The car was travelling toward Spytty Road when the collision occurred.

The pedestrian, a 12 year old local girl, was seriously injured and remains in a critical condition. She has now been transferred to the University Hospital, Cardiff.

Anyone who witnessed the collision or who saw children playing around the Transporter Bridge at around 8.00pm is asked to call Gwent Police by ringing 101 or the Collision Investigation witness line 01633 642 404.

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Welsh volunteers return from Cumbria rescue work

Rob Schoffield and Gareth Protheroe, volunteer lifeboat crew members from Flint, were part of the 40 strong RNLI National Flood team drawn from North Wales and the North of England dealing with flood relief in Cockermouth.

Rob and Gareth only signed up to the team on Wednesday night, and Thursday morning found themselves en route to Cumbria with other volunteer crew members from Criccieth, Conwy, Llandudno, Moelfre, Rhyl, Beaumaris and Pwllheli.

RNLI teams arrived on scene at 10pm on Thursday, November 19. They worked through the night in horrendous conditions, evacuating people from their homes in Cockermouth, where flood water was surging through the streets at speeds up to 25 knots; in the centre of the town water levels had reached 2.5 metres (8ft 2in).

RNLI inshore lifeboats are capable of operating in the current conditions as they have engines strong enough to cope with the speed of the water. Other craft had to be grounded due to the severe conditions.

Members of the volunteer crew at Flint are no strangers to inland flood rescue, having been involved in Towyn and Kinmel Bay in 1990, and Mold in 2000. They have also been deployed to Ruthin, Wrexham, and the upper reaches of the River Dee on several other occasions.

Alan Forrester volunteer lifeboat operations manager at Flint lifeboat station said: "We only had the meeting on Wednesday to set up RNLI National Flood Rescue Team, I was really pleased that both Gareth and Rob signed up as they are both RNLI ‘Swift Water Trained Volunteers’ but somewhat shell-shocked when they were both deployed to Cockermouth the following day."

Alan continued, "As part of the RNLI team that dealt with flood relief in Towyn and Kinmel Bay in 1990 I am well aware of the difficulties for both rescued and rescuers, and our thoughts are with the people of the affected areas."

read more... “Welsh volunteers return from Cumbria rescue work”

Mumbles lifeboat rescues surfer in trouble

Mumbles inshore lifeboat was launched Friday afternoon amid the stormy seas which have battered South Wales over the last few days. Following reports of a surfer in difficulty near Langland Bay just before sunset Swansea Coastguard requested the launch to a man seen drifting out to see by witness’s walking the cliffs.

This is just one of many calls the RNLI have received over the past few days following the strong winds and heavy rain which have had such a dramatic effect on the UK.

James Bolter who was at the helm of the inshore lifeboat said:

‘We experienced very rough seas and luckily the people who reported the surfer in danger directed us to him via Swansea Coastguard, he’d been caught by a very strong riptide off Langland which had rapidly taken him almost a mile offshore.’

Tim Conway, RNLI Lifeboat Operations Manager at The Mumbles says:

‘These are just the kind of conditions this boat was designed for and its crew trained for, the 28 yr old casualty had endured strong tides and suffered cramp in very big surf. Within minutes we were able to locate him and return him safely to the beach at Langland.'

The RNLI has set a £150,000 fundraising target over the next three years towards a new £2.7m Tamar class boat for Mumbles. The Tamar lifeboats are the most advanced vessels operated by the RNLI, providing all weather rescue capabilities and will replace the current Tyne class rescue boat that currently serves Mumbles. The new boat will carry an inshore lifeboat onboard in addition to the one located on station.

read more... “Mumbles lifeboat rescues surfer in trouble”

Welsh RNLI crews return from Cockermouth floods

The RNLI’s Flood Rescue Teams, including 17 Swift Water Technicians from across North Wales was stood down from Cockermouth at 8pm yesterday, after rescuing hundreds of flood victims. The evacuation of Cockermouth had been completed, with residents of the town placed in the safety of temporary shelters.

The charity’s flood rescue team inshore lifeboats and highly trained volunteers proved their worth as, along with other emergency services, they rescued 300 people from the rapid influx of water on Thursday evening, using nine lifeboats especially transported to Cockermouth.

More than forty members of the RNLI Flood Rescue Team from across the county joined other emergency services in the mammoth flood rescue operation. The North Wales volunteers are from Conwy, Llandudno, Criccieth, Moelfre, Rhyl, Flint, Beaumaris, and Pwllheli RNLI lifeboats stations. They are volunteer RNLI crew with specialist training in swift water rescue.

Simon Bunting, an RNLI volunteer from Beaumaris who has been hard at work in Cockermouth says:

‘Driving boats up high streets is a bit out of the norm but we are all trained for swift water rescue. We are all volunteers but the training we receive from the charity prepares us for just this situation. It's been interesting to see the amount of water and the speed of water. We saw caravans floating down roads on our way here and the devastation to people's houses is unbelievable.

‘The D Class boat is a fantastic bit of kit. Nothing under 40 horse power could go out yesterday morning so we were a valuable asset working alongside other search and rescue organisations. And it's been great to see all the search and rescue organisations working together.’

The RNLI’s swift-water-rescue trained volunteer teams are made up of coastal lifeboat volunteers and staff from the lifesaving charity, which is generously funded by public donations and from organisations such as Goodyear, who kindly sponsors the RNLI’s Flood Rescue Team.

read more... “Welsh RNLI crews return from Cockermouth floods”

Fatal Collision in Bryn Road, Aberystwyth

At 16:35hrs yesterday (Thursday 19 November) a road traffic collision occurred in Bryn Road, Aberystwyth.

The circumstances are that the single vehicle involved left the steeply banked road and travelled some distance before colliding with the roof of a house( which is below the height of the road) and then became wedged against the building.

Fire Brigade and Ambulance staff attended and administered first aid to the elderly local gentleman who tragically, later died at hospital.

The house was unoccupied at the time and no other persons were injured in the incident.

Police are appealing for witnesses to the incident, and anyone with any information should contact Aberystwyth police station on 101.

read more... “Fatal Collision in Bryn Road, Aberystwyth”

Gwent Police awards ceremony

After more than 50 years service and not a day off sick a former Gwent Police officer and current member of staff still has no plans for retirement.

70 year old Nigel Pocknell, the force Welfare Officer, is just one of a number of staff and officers who are up for awards at a ceremony on Thursday 19th November.

Nigel has been nominated for the Employee of the Year award. Following his retirement after a 32 year career as a Gwent police officer Nigel Pocknell took up the newly created role of welfare officer for the force in 1992.

Nigel supports police officers, staff and retired colleagues, often in the most difficult of circumstances at all hours of the day. He provides assistance to those who have dealt with distressing incidents, are terminally ill or have lost loved ones. It can be a particularly demanding role which he performs with ease and without complaint. In 2001 Nigel was awarded an MBE for his welfare services work in support of retired police officers.

Below is just one comment from those who have worked with him;

“Nigel can be the avuncular listener, the skilled counsellor, the paternal advice giver and the shoulder to cry on. He shrinks neither from listening to the distressed person nor from giving firm advice to those who have lost their way.”

The forces Neighbourhood Officer for Alway PC 1202 Elaine Newbury is also in the running for the award.

Elaine has worked in the Alway area for her entire 10 year career and has a vast knowledge of local criminals and their tactics. Officers regularly turn to her for advice and guidance. Younger officers have also been allocated monthly postings to work alongside her, after which they return to their teams with enhanced skills in respect of interviews and prisoner handling.

PC Newbury detected 132 offences in 2008/9 and 199 offences in 2007/08, the highest individual rate in the force for both years. Her work has led to a number of prolific offenders being imprisoned.

Other awards that will feature on the night are;

TEAM OF THE YEAR (Two nominations)
Offender Management Unit Blaeanu Gwent & Caerphilly;
The Offender Management Unit was set up to co-ordinate and deal with all Prolific and Priority Offenders (POPOS) and the management and execution of all Forensic Identification packages within Blaenau Gwent and Caerphilly.

The impact upon the community has been extremely positive with prolific offenders being arrested for offences at an early stage, minimising their ability to commit further crime. The OMU has also developed innovative approaches to dealing with offenders through an accommodation project which provides them with some stability and responsibility through running their own home. The Probation Service has applauded this scheme and further work is ongoing to extend the project. The team has significantly reduced turn around times for forensic identifications and this has had a positive impact on performance in terms of crime detections. As a result of the success of the team in the Blaenau Gwent and Caerphilly the model has now been rolled out across the whole of the force.

General Purpose Vehicle;
A group of officers have been nominated for their work and commitment to proactive policing with the Newport area. As a team, working on the General Purpose Vehicle (GPV), they take an extremely positive approach to any task asked of them and their seniors regularly receive praise for their performance.

In just over 8 months the General Purpose Vehicle made 438 arrests, submitted 417 stop and search forms and seized 91 vehicles that were either being driven dangerously or involved in crime.
In addition to their statistical results they provide a regular uniformed high visibility presence in local communities.

CHIEF CONSTABLES COMMENDATIONS:
These are awarded to members of staff in recognition of praiseworthy and notable acts over and above what is normally expected of them;

During the second half of 2007, there was an increase in dwelling house burglaries in Newport. With no particular modus operandi or significant lines of enquiry officers worked tirelessly, seeking out investigative opportunities and collating all possible evidence.

Four prolific offenders were arrested and charged with conspiracy to commit dwelling house burglaries. In August 2008 they all pleaded guilty which reflected the hard work undertaken. In total 186 dwelling house burglaries were detected and the arrests dramatically reduced the number of such burglaries that were blighting our community. At the conclusion of the trial the judge congratulated the officers for the professional manner in which the evidence was presented and for their attention to detail. This team are being recognised for their work with a Chief Constables Commendation.

Commendations are being awarded to two officers for their actions in dealing with a man who was firing an air rile in Graig y Rhacca, Caerphilly in February this year. Acting to ensure the safety of the community they surrounded the man and when he ran off chased him, disregarding their own safety. The offender was caught before anyone was seriously hurt, he later pleaded guilty and received a custodial sentence of 18 months.

Two officers are being recognised for their roles in a kidnap and rape investigation in the Newport area in October 2007. They worked tirelessly, both on and off duty, in ensuring a thorough investigation was conducted and support was given to the victim which gave them the courage to give evidence. Working over an extended period of time, the officers continued to demonstrate commitment and enthusiasm. At the conclusion of the case the offender was convicted or rape, kidnap and theft and received a total sentence of nine years in custody.

Paul O'Borne is Planning Manager for Mental Health Services for Caerphilly County Borough Council. He has chaired several groups in Gwent set up to address the needs of people with mental health problems who come into contact with the criminal justice system, as witnesses, victims or offenders. He is receiving a commendation for his efforts in ensuring that Places of Safety are provided for those people detained by the police under the Mental Health Act. Mr OBorne has been a determined activist in progressing the issue for Gwent. His knowledge, energy, tact and determination were key in these provisions becoming a reality.

PC Mike Gunter is receiving a commendation for his sustained commitment and proactive approach to policing within the Newport area whilst working on the General Purpose Vehicle (GPV). With exceptional local knowledge he has achieved an extremely high arrest and process rate and colleagues regularly request his assistance to identify offenders and witnesses. PC Gunter has arrested nearly three hundred people in just over 2 ½ years. These include offences from robbery to possession of controlled drugs. In addition to this he has seized 175 vehicles under the road traffic act, demonstrating his sustained achievement and commitment to policing.

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North Wales RNLI volunteers help rescue over 200 people in Cumbria floods

Volunteers from every part of the Royal National Lifeboat Institution, including 17 Swift Water Technicians from North Wales have been involved in a massive search and rescue operation. The team have been working through the night in ‘horrendous conditions’ after record-breaking rainfall swamped parts of northern England.

More than forty members of the RNLI Flood Rescue Team from across the county have joined other emergency services in the mammoth flood rescue operation. The North Wales volunteers are from Conwy, Llandudno, Criccieth, Moelfre, Rhyl, Flint, Beaumaris, and Pwllheli RNLI lifeboats stations. They are all trained in swift water rescue.

More volunteer crew members are on their way to the scene, as teams from the charity rescued dozens of people from flooded homes in Cockermouth, where flood water was surging through the streets at speeds of up to 25 knots. The teams said that the flood water was so high in places they were rescuing people from first floor windows, including some very young children and elderly people, and taking them to safety.

The Environment Agency said the situation was "very serious". Police said water levels in Cockermouth centre had reached more than 2.5m (8ft 2in). Overseeing the RNLI teams from the police command centre in Penrith, RNLI Divisional Inspector North Andy Clift says:

‘RNLI Flood Rescue Teams arrived on scene around 10pm last night. They have worked through the night in horrendous conditions, evacuating people from their homes in Cockermouth. We also sent an RNLI crew to Keswick to assist power company staff attempting to reach an electricity sub-station.

‘Our swift-water-rescue trained volunteer teams, made up of coastal lifeboat volunteers and staff from the charity, train year-round to ensure we can respond to the specific conditions faced with swift water flooding, which are different to the conditions our volunteers usually face at sea. We will assist the emergency response for as long as we are needed.’

RNLI inshore lifeboats are capable of operating in the current conditions as they have engines strong enough to cope with the speed of the water. Other craft had to be grounded due to the severe conditions. Meanwhile the volunteer crew of the RNLI all-weather lifeboat, based at Workington, was also involved in a sea search for a policeman missing after severe flooding caused a bridge to collapse in the town.

The lifeboat charity’s Flood Rescue Team, which is supported by Goodyear, is operating in Cockermouth and Keswick, rescuing people from flooded properties and assisting power workers reach electricity sub-stations.

RNLI volunteers and staff operating in Cumbria have travelled from: Swanage, Poole HQ, Stockton-on-Tees; Scarborough; Redcar; Staithes and Runswick; Silloth; Morcambe; Hartlepool; Blyth; Criccieth; Conwy; Llandudno; Moelfre; Rhyl; Flint; Beaumaris; Pwllheli.

read more... “North Wales RNLI volunteers help rescue over 200 people in Cumbria floods”

Collision in Amlwch

Two people have been taken to hospital following a road traffic collision in Amlwch this morning.

Shortly after 10:30am North Wales Police received a report of a single-vehicle collision on Lon Goch.

An ambulance was called and an elderly woman has been taken to hospital with what is believed to be minor injuries and an elderly man was airlifted by the Air Ambulance.

Both were taken to Ysbyty Gwynedd in Bangor.

The man who was airlifted to hospital following the single-vehicle collision remains in hospital but his condition has improved. His injuries are now being described as minor.

Police are appealing to anyone who may have been travelling along that particular stretch of road and who witnessed the collision, to contact officers at the Western Roads Policing Unit on 101, or 0845 607 1001 (Welsh line) or 0845 607 1002 (English line).

The road remains closed at this time but it is expected to re-open within the next hour.

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Exercise USAR Cymru 2009 in Neath Port Talbot

Emergency services and key partners will be practising their response to a major incident tomorrow (Saturday 21 November).

All agencies are required to regularly exercise their emergency plans to ensure an efficient response to major emergencies.

A fictitious incident will occur and emergency services personnel and local authority colleagues will respond and enact their major emergency plans to deal with the incident.

Approximately 60 simulated casualties will be in place to test the response of all the agencies, which include the Welsh Fire Service Urban Search and Rescue (USAR) Team, Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service, South Wales Fire and Rescue Service, South Wales Police, Welsh Ambulance Services NHS Trust, Neath Port Talbot Local Authority, 160 Brigade (Wales), 203 (Welsh) Field Hospital (V), St John Ambulance Cymru and the British Red Cross Society.

Eric Bellew, Welsh Urban Search and Rescue Team Manager, said: "This is the largest exercise of its kind to be run in South Wales this year and it will provide all partners with an opportunity to practice our combined response to a large scale emergency.

"We all hope these types of incident will never occur, but we must be prepared to respond in the event of one happening. The public need to be assured that their local emergency services and other key partners have robust plans in place and that these are practiced on a regular basis."

The exercise will take place in the Jersey Marine area off the public highway, and The Quays at Briton Ferry will be used during the exercise as a Survivor Reception Centre., but the public should be assured that any perceived increase in sightings of emergency service vehicles is in relation to this exercise.

read more... “Exercise USAR Cymru 2009 in Neath Port Talbot”

RNLI charity’s Flood Rescue Teams on scene at inland floods

Royal National Lifeboat Institution’s Flood Rescue Teams (FRT) are due to arrive on scene at Cockermouth at around 10.30pm from the north west coast and Wales to assist in the rescue efforts currently underway in the town.

The charity’s inshore lifeboats are capable of operating in the current conditions as they have engines strong enough to cope with the speed of the water; earlier other craft had to be grounded until conditions improve.

Overseeing the RNLI teams from the police command centre in Penrith, RNLI Divisional Inspector North Andy Clift says:

‘Our swift-water-rescue trained volunteer teams, made up of coastal lifeboat volunteers and staff from the charity, were alerted at around 5pm to join the emergency flood response to people in Cockermouth. We’ve gathered our response equipment including inshore inflatable boats, and headed straight for Penrith for briefing. The operational teams are now travelling direct to Cockermouth to prepare four lifeboats to launch into the floodwaters. We’ve got a further five lifeboats on route.

‘The dark and cold conditions won’t help, but our teams train year-round to ensure we can respond to the specific conditions faced with swift water flooding, which are different to the conditions our volunteers usually face at sea.

‘We expect to operate throughout the night, and will assist the emergency response for as long as we are needed.’

read more... “RNLI charity’s Flood Rescue Teams on scene at inland floods”

Man dies following house fire, Undy

Following a house fire in Rectory Gardens, Undy on Wednesday 18th November the 41 year old male taken to Morriston hospital with injuries has now died.

Police are not treating the fire as suspicious and are acting on behalf of the coroner.

read more... “Man dies following house fire, Undy”

Sudden death in Rhyl

An investigation is underway following the sudden death of an elderly woman in Rhyl.

At approx 10:30 yesterday morning (Thursday, 19 November) officers attended an address in Epworth Road.

Detectives are conducting enquiries into the circumstances of the death which is currently being treated as unexplained.

A post mortem will be carried out this afternoon at Ysbyty Glan Clwyd in Bodelwyddan by a Home Office Pathologist.

No further details are currently available.

read more... “Sudden death in Rhyl”

Port Talbot lifeboat man heads to war

The RNLI crew at Port Talbot will be a volunteer short this Christmas, as Aaron Morris, 20, heads to Afghanistan.

Aaron, a Senior Aircraftman Firefighter based at St. Athan, near Cardiff joined the Royal Air Force Fire and Rescue Service two years ago. RAF personnel from St. Athan are regularly deployed on Out of Area (OOA) operations working on front line and supporting roles worldwide.

Robbie Harris, RNLI Lifeboat Operations Manager at Port Talbot says: ‘Aaron became a volunteer with the Port Talbot Lifeboat Station six years ago. Two years later he became a crew member and has been to sea on many rescues. He is a much valued crew member and everyone here will certainly miss him, during the four months, whilst he is away.’

Being stationed at St. Athan has meant Aaron could continue in his volunteering role with the RNLI when he was not on duty, by staying with his parents, Roger and Karen Morris of Little Warren, Port Talbot. They have been happy to support him juggling his two challenging roles.

Mrs Morris says: ‘We are very proud of Aaron. Everyone will miss him, especially over Christmas, however, we are sure he will make the most of where ever he is and of course we will be looking forward to having him home.’

Commanding Officer, MOD St. Athan, Commodore Anthony King, added, ‘Aaron Morris is representative of many of the Service Personnel from St Athan currently serving in Afghanistan. His consummate professionalism in both his working and volunteering roles underlines his commitment to the Service and others. He along with many of our other young Servicemen and women will be missed by their families over the festive season. Our thoughts will be with them all and I personally look forward to their safe return in the New Year.'

read more... “Port Talbot lifeboat man heads to war”

Appeal after road traffic collision: Usk Way, Newport

Gwent Police are appealing for information after a collision occurred between a pedestrian and a Black VW Bora car at approximately 8.12pm last night (Wednesday November 18th) at the A48 Usk Way, Newport adjacent to the Transporter Bridge.

The car was travelling towards Spytty Road when the collision occurred

The pedestrian - a 12 year old local girl - was seriously injured and is currently in Frenchay Hospital in a critical condition.

If anyone has any information about the collision they are asked to call Gwent Police on 01633 838 111 or the Collision Investigation Unit on 01633 642 404.

read more... “Appeal after road traffic collision: Usk Way, Newport”

Be seen! Be safe

Be seen! Be safe. This is the message from the Towyn and Kinmel Bay Neighbourhood Policing Team in the run up to Christmas.

The team will be concentrating on two areas, safety of cyclists and safety of pedestrians, when they will be engaging in education and enforcement as part of an ongoing operation designed to get people seen on the roadside in the dark.

PC Steve Thomas said: "It is imperative as the nights get darker that parents ensure that their children will be seen in the dark, whether they are walking or on bicycles.

"We as a neighbourhood team implore parents not to let children go out on bicycles in the dark without lights. Drivers don't get ideal vision in poor street lighting and dark conditions, put a little bit of rain into the mix and the outcome can be fatal."

He added: "If you're going to get someone special a new bike for Christmas, please invest that little bit extra and get a set of lights for the bike. Remember, it is still a requirement in law for bikes to have lights on them."

In the run up to Christmas, officers will be stopping and speaking with children that have no lights on their bikes and they will carry out home visits.

Remember lights are a requirement......not an option!

PC Thomas went on to highlight the dangers to pedestrians: "Whilst cyclists require lights in the dark, it is also worth remembering that you should ensure you and your children are visible when walking, even on the pavement."

"Very inexpensive reflective wrist or arm bands can save your life. Remember; wear bright coloured clothing when out in the dark."

Photograph: PCSO Chris Donaldson is pictured with his new bike light

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Achievements celebrated at St Davids RNLI crew dinner

An eventful year for the RNLI at St Davids was marked during the station’s annual crew dinner on Saturday (14 November). A courageous rescue, a fundraising success story and a fond farewell to an RNLI volunteer were just some of the highlights of the evening.

Presentations were made to RNLI helmsmen Nicholas Phillips and Simon Thornton and RNLI crew members Simon Twitchen and Gareth Morris, who saved three lives last summer. They received a framed letter of thanks from RNLI Chairman Admiral the Lord Boyce congratulating them on their teamwork and tenacity during a rescue on 5 August 2008. The letters were presented to them by RNLI Divisional Training Inspector Andy Hurley.

Mr Hurley paid tribute to the volunteer crew who performed admirably during the rescue of three young women who were trapped on rocks at Caerfei Bay.

Also praised during the evening were Mr and Mrs Barry, manager and manageress of The Grove Hotel, St Davids, who put on their walking boots to raise funds for the RNLI. The husband and wife team completed a sponsored walk up Snowdon, raising £304 for the St Davids branch of the RNLI charity.

During the dinner, a fond farewell was bid to former St Davids volunteer Huw Thornton who has left the crew due to family and work commitments. Huw joined the RNLI in 1999 as a shorehelper, becoming and RNLI crew member in 2003 and he has also served as a deputy head launcher.

Photograph: Andy Hurley presenting the awards to the RNLI crew at St Davids, who helped save three lives last summer

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Glynllifon Road Safety Day

Students have been given an insight into road safety matters in a bid to change their attitudes and behaviour.

A Road Safety event was held on Tuesday (17 November) at Coleg Meirion-Dwyfor in Glynllifon.

Over 200 students attended the day which included presentations and exhibitions from North Wales Police, the Welsh Ambulance Service, North Wales Fire and Rescue Service, Gwynedd Council, Go Safe (Arrive Alive) and Bikesafe.

Organised and facilitated by the college and Sergeant Emlyn Hughes from the Western Roads Policing Unit, the purpose of the event was to highlight the risks and dangers posed to young drivers, who are one of the most vulnerable group of drivers.

Sgt Hughes said: “We hope the event has encouraged young people to exercise greater responsibility for themselves, peers and other road users whilst driving.

“By working in partnership with other agencies, we want to get across to young drivers messages such as the dangers of not wearing a seatbelt, driving too fast and using mobile phones.

“The attendance was fantastic and the students showed a great interest in some of the sessions we provided – including a demonstration by the Fire and Rescue Service.”

During the day inputs were given by Paramedic Dermot O’Leary from the Welsh Ambulance Service and Gwynedd Council’s Road Safety Manager, Colin Jones who gave a presentation on Green Road Technology which aims to improve driving standards.

Colin Jones, Gwynedd Council’s Road Safety Manager added: “Gwynedd Council, the police and other emergency services are crucial partners in delivering road safety interventions such as the one held at Coleg Glynllifon.

“It is a sad fact that the younger adult age groups are disproportionately likely to die on the roads, with the 16 – 29 age group accounting for over a third of all deaths. Road collisions account for around 30% of all deaths of 15 – 19-year-old and around 17% of all deaths of 20 – 29 year-olds.”

Welsh Ambulance Service Paramedic Dermot O’ Leary said: “I wholeheartedly endorse the efforts of all agencies that have been here today. Any opportunity in communicating with young people such as this is a plus.”

The students were also given an opportunity to see the equipment used by Paramedics in the event of a collision and talk to PC Gerallt Davies from the Collision Investigation Unit.

One of the students who thought the day was very worthwhile was 22-year-old Llion Jones. He said: “I’ve learned stuff today that you don’t learn after you’ve passed your driving test. The day has been really interesting.”

Site Director Coleg Meirion-Dwyfor, Eurwyn Edwards said: “This has been an extremely important event to highlight the potential dangers and risks to young drivers.

“We’ve had similar events in the past which have been on a smaller-scale and I would like to thank Rhiannon Hulse from the college who has assisted with organising the day.

He added: “The practical demonstrations of realistic events has hopefully brought home some of the realities and hopefully, many of the young people have taken this on board.”

Photograph: PC Gerallt Davies from the Collision Investigation Unit talking to some of the students.

read more... “Glynllifon Road Safety Day”

Update: Missing man from Surrey

North Wales Police can confirm that 31-year-old Dawood Ramjaun, who was reported missing from the Surrey area, was found safe and well in the Chester area on Monday night (16th November).

read more... “Update: Missing man from Surrey”

20 year honour for St David's coxswain

St David's RNLI lifeboat 2nd Coxswain Clive Hayes has been awarded with a 20 year service badge.

Clive was officially enrolled as a crew member in July 1999. He was appointed Deputy Second Coxswain in 1994 and became 2nd Coxswain in 1995.

He was also an Inshore Lifeboat crew member from it's arrival in July 1997 until November 1998.

He has been on some notable callouts receiving a Vellum Service Certificate for the Blackfriars Rescue in 1999, and also a Framed Letter of Thanks for the Western Belle rescue in 2008 when he sustained broken ribs.

read more... “20 year honour for St David's coxswain”

Tenby Seize Vehicle Used for Anti-social Behaviour

A motorist has had their vehicle seized in Tenby after being warned about using it for anti-social behaviour.

The Tenby Police and Communities Together meeting was informed one motorist had had their vehicle seized after failing to adhere to the warning and another motorist was warned about using their vehicle for anti-social behaviour.

They also told the public that one fixed penalty notice has been issued for speeding,.50 fixed penalty notices were issued by Police Officers for illegal parking within the town and the bus stop in Park Road and that Speed checks carried out in Upper/Lower Park Road with one motorist spoken to.

The meeting was also updated on the action taken in Heywood Lane with one fixed penalty notice issued for deliberately causing obstruction outside the Infants School and one fixed penalty notice issued for causing unnecessary obstruction in Tudor Way.

Members of the public raised concerns about the number of cars illegally parked in White Lion Street and the High Street and these areas will now be targeted by the team.

The meeting also agreed addressing violent crime should remain a priority for the coming month.

The next Tenby Police and Communities Together (PACT) meeting will take place on December 2 from 7-9pm at Augustus Place, Tenby.

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