Community

Prepare for flooding and damaging winds from Storm Darragh

Published

2 months ago

December 6, 2024

NATURAL RESOURCES WALES (NRW) is urging people across Wales to remain vigilant this weekend as Storm Darragh brings heavy rainfall and potentially damaging winds, posing significant risks in many areas.

The storm is expected to bring widespread rainfall across Wales, with a heightened risk of significant flooding in southern regions from Saturday into Sunday. Though rainfall totals are predicted to be less than those seen during Storm Bert, saturated ground and debris-filled rivers from recent storms increase the likelihood of flooding.

The Met Office has issued amber and red weather warnings:

Amber warning for rain in southern Wales from 3:00am to 6:00pm on Saturday.
Red warning for winds along the western and southern coastline from 3:00am to 11:00am on Saturday, with an amber warning for winds from 1:00am to 9:00pm.

NRW Closures and Public Safety Guidance

All NRW-managed visitor centres, woodlands, trails, and car parks will be closed on Saturday to ensure public safety. Although coastal flooding is not currently expected, large waves caused by storm-force winds could pose significant danger. NRW is urging residents to:

Avoid seafronts and promenades to reduce the risk of being swept away by waves.
Take preparatory steps now to protect homes and businesses, such as moving valuables and vehicles to higher ground and packing a flood kit.

Stay Informed and Prepared

NRW offers a free flood warning service and updates flood alerts every 15 minutes:

Sign up at naturalresources.wales/flooding or call Floodline on 0345 988 1188.
Check flood alerts and warnings regularly online.

Becky Favager, Duty Tactical Manager for NRW, said:
“Storm Darragh is expected to have a significant impact across Wales. Rivers are already swollen, and with ground conditions so wet, we anticipate a high number of flood alerts and warnings.

“Our teams have been working around the clock, checking defences impacted by Storm Bert and preparing for Darragh’s arrival. With red and amber warnings in place, we’ve closed our visitor sites to protect the public. We strongly urge people to avoid riverbanks, seafronts, and floodwaters, as they pose serious safety risks.

“Sign up for our free flood warning service and take time now to prepare for potential flooding. Check your local flood risk on our website and ensure you have a flood kit with essentials like important documents and medication.”

NRW reminds the public to:

Avoid walking or driving through floodwaters, as unseen hazards may lurk beneath.
Keep an eye on weather forecasts and visit the NRW website for updates and practical advice.

Flood alerts and warnings are available online and by calling Floodline on 0345 988 1188. Residents can also check NRW’s five-day flood forecast for their area and find tips on preparing for potential flooding.

Community

Drop in sessions to help reshape Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service

Published

2 days ago

January 24, 2025

Tom Sinclair

MID and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service (MAWWFRS) is pleased to announce the launch of a series of community drop-in sessions designed to gather feedback from residents and stakeholders. This initiative aims to identify issues and challenges that may impact the delivery of the Community Risk Management Plan 2040 (CRMP 2040).

The CRMP 2040 outlines the Service’s commitment to addressing risks, threats, and challenges faced by communities. These drop-in sessions provide an opportunity for residents to help shape the future of fire and rescue services in Mid and West Wales, ensuring safety and well-being remain a priority.

Shaping the future together

Deputy Chief Fire Officer Iwan Cray said: “We believe the best way to serve our communities is by involving them in the planning process. These drop-in sessions are an opportunity for us to listen, learn, and collaborate with the people we serve.”

The drop-in sessions, details of which are available on the MAWWFRS website, offer a platform for open dialogue. Residents can share their insights, concerns, and suggestions, contributing to the development of a modern Fire and Rescue Service tailored to their needs.

A data-driven approach

The CRMP 2040 adopts a data-driven approach, focusing on prevention, protection, and response to reduce emergencies’ impact and enhance public safety. By tailoring services to community needs, MAWWFRS is committed to building safer and more resilient communities.

Get involved

Community members are encouraged to attend these sessions and provide their feedback. To thank participants, MAWWFRS is offering a chance to win a £100 Amazon voucher. To enter, simply attend a session and complete the survey.

For more information about the plan or the upcoming drop-in sessions, visit the MAWWFRS website or contact the team at [email protected].

About MAWWFRS

Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service is dedicated to protecting and serving the communities of Mid and West Wales. Through prevention, protection, and response, the Service works tirelessly to ensure the safety and well-being of all residents and visitors.

Community

Landfill odour sparks calls for inquiry and legal action

Published

3 days ago

January 23, 2025

Tom Sinclair

RESIDENTS near Withyhedge landfill in Haverfordwest are demanding a public inquiry and considering legal action after foul odours returned just weeks after the site reopened on 6 January.

The landfill, closed last May to address odour issues, was declared fit to reopen by operator RML, which claimed its improvements would protect nearby communities. However, Colin Barnett, of campaign group Stop the Stink, said: “People in Crundale, Haverfordwest, and Spittal are being subjected to horrendous smells again.”

Describing the site as a “stink bomb on steroids,” Barnett supported Conservative MS Paul Davies’ calls for a public inquiry. “We’ve been flanneled by NRW, public health, and Pembrokeshire council. It’s disgraceful,” he said, adding that delays in resolving the issue had left litigation as the only option.

RML, part of Dauson Environmental Group, is owned by businessman David Neal, who has previous convictions for environmental crimes in 2013 and 2017. Last year, another of Neal’s companies pleaded guilty to environmental offences.

Natural Resources Wales (NRW) reported receiving 34 complaints since 6 January, with a rise in recent days coinciding with the end of a slurry-spreading ban. However, NRW stated no odours attributable to the landfill were detected and plans to inspect the site with Pembrokeshire council on 29 January.

First Minister Eluned Morgan said: “I’ll keep a very close eye on this, and if concerns persist, we’ll discuss further steps with NRW.”

RML and the Welsh Government declined to comment.

Community

Public transport users urged to ‘check before travelling’ due to storm

Published

3 days ago

January 23, 2025

Tom Sinclair

TRANSPORT FOR WALES and Network Rail are urging all customers to check before they travel on Friday morning and into the weekend with weather warnings in place across the country.

With Storm Eowyn set to hit Wales and winds reaching 90mph on Friday morning, customers should expect disruptions and are strongly urged to check before they travel.

There will be alterations to rail services, replacement road transport on certain routes and blanket speed restrictions at some locations, meaning journeys could take longer than usual.

Stand by buses are being planned at key locations around the network in preparation for travel disruption.

Across Wales and the Borders, Network Rail have positioned response teams to address any storm related problems to keep disruption to a minimum.

TfW Operations Director Sarah Higgins said: “It’s so important for our customers to plan ahead when looking to travel this Friday.

“While we’ve made a number of changes to our services based on detailed forecasts, storms can still be unpredictable.

“We’ve seen the impact storms can have, with damage to trains and infrastructure sometimes taking weeks or months to repair, so our cross-industry approach will hopefully limit that and keep our colleagues and customers safe. We apologise to customers for any disruption to their journeys as a result.”

Network Rail Wales & Borders Operations Director Rachel Heath added: “Our priority is always keeping safe everyone who travels and works on the railway.

“Unfortunately, there will be some delays and cancellations on Friday, as trains will not run on some lines and there will speed restrictions on other parts of the route.

“We are working closely with our train operator colleagues to ensure we can safely reopen affected lines as quickly as possible and urge passengers to check before they travel.”

Rail service changes:

No services to run on the Conwy Valley Line all day, with replacement road transport in place.
No services to run on the Heart of Wales line all day, with replacement road transport in place.
Speed restrictions at various locations around the network, meaning some journeys will take longer than usual. These include:

  50mph speed restrictions imposed from 0200 to 1500 Friday on the North Wales Coast – Bodorgan to Llandudno Junction.
  50mph restrictions from 0200 to 1200 between Carmarthen to Kidwelly.
  50mph restrictions from 0200 to 1200 between Neath and Swansea.
  50mph restrictions from 0100 – 0800 between Newport and Llanwern.

Customers who have connecting tickets for the following operators who have suspended services due to the adverse weather conditions, we’ll honour tickets dated 24 January on either Thursday 23 January or up to and including Tuesday 28 January.