News
Fire and Rescue Services’ road safety strategy
IN RESPONSE to the Welsh Government’s ‘Road Safety Framework for Wales’, the Welsh Fire and Rescue Service has launched its own ‘Road Safety Strategy ’.
The strategy provides a framework for the three Welsh FRS to communicate and implement their road safety commitments on a national and local level.
Chief Fire Officer for Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service (MAWWFRS), Chris Davies said: “Road safety has improved considerably in recent years. In 2014 there were 8,208 reported casualties as a result of road traffic collisions in Wales, this is a 30% reduction on the number of casualties seen on our roads 10 years ago.”
While the number of incidents has declined, statistics show a 12% increase in the number of people seriously injured on our roads in the last year, with poor driving and observation the leading cause of collisions.
While much has been achieved through collaborative working with our road safety partners, there is still work to be done.
A disproportionate number of vulnerable road users including young people (16 to 24 year olds) and motorcyclists are killed or seriously injured compared to other groups.
Despite making up 11% of driving licence holders, young people represent 23% of casualties in road traffic collisions in Wales.
Motorcyclists accounted for 37% of those killed or seriously injured in road traffic collisions, while accounting for just 1% of the road traffic in Wales. Motorcyclists are not necessarily at fault for collisions, their vulnerability means that they are far more likely to be killed or seriously injured. Whilst a diverse range of motorcyclists are involved in collisions, a disproportionate number of casualties are men, riding on rural roads in the drier months.
Wales has, and is projected to continue to have, the most aged population in the UK. Around 1 in 20 drivers involved in road traffic collisions in Wales are aged 70 or older. Older drivers have often held their licence for many years and the vast majority will not have undertaken any further training since passing their test, despite significant changes in driving conditions and, potentially, their own ability.
A coordinated effort in the education of road users, targeting specifically those identified most vulnerable groups, with a range of activities, interventions and publicity that result in behavioural change forms the core of today’s road safety strategy.
This strategy sets out how the Fire and Rescue Services in Wales will support the Welsh Government’s vision for a continued reduction in the number of people killed and seriously injured on Welsh Roads, with the ultimate aspiration of no fatalities.
Station Manager Simon Brown, Road Safety Manager for South Wales Fire and Rescue Service (SWFRS) said: “The All Wales Road Safety Strategy (2015 – 2020) encourages the Fire and Rescue Services’ of Wales and their partners to work together to identify local risks within their areas and developatargetedapproachtoreducing deaths and injuries on Welsh roads.
“As such, SWFRS is extremely pleased to be continuing to work collaboratively on this strategy and associated activities with our partners that aim to make our communities and roads safer and save lives.”
Stuart Millington, Senior Fire Safety Manager for North Wales Fire & Rescue Service (NWFRS), said: “All three fire and rescue services in Wales have a common objective which is at the heart of everything we do – to work together for a safer Wales.
“We are delighted to be part of the All Wales Road Safety Strategy that will continue to ensure that we all work together as best as we can within the fire and rescue services across Wales and with our partner agencies to make the roads in Wales as safe as possible.
“As part of this strategy we are looking at a variety of approaches that organisations can take to improve road safety including training, education, publicity, sharing information and evaluation. By combining all these we hope that we will be able to improve road safety across Wales.”
Business
Why there will be regular flights from Wales to a little-known Chinese city
CARDIFF Airport has launched a new flight route with thrice-weekly services to Ürümqi, an expanding city in northwestern China with a population of around four million. Though little known in Wales, Ürümqi has a complex history, highlighted in 2009 when it gained international attention due to ethnic tensions. Now, Cardiff and Ürümqi are linked as strategic cargo hubs, set to speed up deliveries and bolster Welsh businesses seeking export opportunities, including those in Pembrokeshire.
The new route, operated by European Cargo, offers a chance for Welsh exporters to reach China more swiftly. Speculatively, if fishermen in Milford Haven could ship Pembrokeshire crab to China while still fresh, it could open a lucrative market.
UK-based freighter operator European Cargo has chosen Cardiff International Airport as its latest base, launching the service to Ürümqi Diwopu International Airport with initial plans for three flights weekly and a possible fourth soon. The airline’s specialized A340-600 converted freighters, designed for high-capacity loads, will transport e-commerce and other cargo directly from Wales to China.
Jason Holt, CEO of European Cargo, described the expansion as a natural progression: “As we continue to grow outward from Bournemouth, Wales offers a prime location for investment. Cardiff Airport’s 24-hour operations and excellent motorway access make it ideal for our logistics network.”
The move has garnered praise from Welsh trade groups. Logistics UK’s Policy Manager for Trade, Customs, and Borders, Josh Fenton, called the flights “fantastic news,” highlighting the route’s potential to boost trade links for Welsh businesses. “This service showcases Cardiff Airport’s potential as a freight hub, and we look forward to seeing more routes connecting Wales globally,” he said.
With Cardiff now serving as European Cargo’s second UK base, after Bournemouth, the airline’s Cardiff operations join routes to Chinese cities like Chengdu, Haikou, and Ürümqi. The airline’s A340 fleet, suited for high-volume loads with a 76-tonne payload capacity, is poised to meet the growing demand for e-commerce transport to and from China.
Cardiff Airport CEO Spencer Birns echoed the optimism surrounding the new route. “This investment reflects the high-quality facilities and committed teams we have here. Cardiff is well-positioned to support large-scale cargo operations,” he said.
Looking to the future, Fenton emphasized the need for continued governmental backing. “Logistics is central to Welsh economic growth. We urge the Welsh government to publish the Welsh Freight and Logistics Plan and appoint a dedicated minister for logistics and supply chain,” he stated.
With the addition of this route, Cardiff is set to play a significant role in bridging Wales and China, fostering global trade links essential in today’s interconnected economy.
Business
Original Factory Shop to close Haverfordwest branch in December
THE ORIGINAL FACTORY SHOP in Haverfordwest has announced it will close its doors on December 14, 2024. This news has left many saddened, with heartfelt tributes pouring in to celebrate the store’s role in the community and the people who made it special.
In a recent social media post, the management of The Original Factory Shop shared their gratitude for the community’s support, stating: “We take this opportunity to thank all of the local community and our store colleagues for their support throughout our time here in Haverfordwest.” The announcement marks the end of an era for a store that has been part of the town’s retail landscape for many years.
Among those reflecting on the closure is Nigel Shinner, a former employee whose journey with The Original Factory Shop began in Haverfordwest. Nigel shared his experience on social media, reminiscing about his time with the store and how it became a meaningful part of his life and career:
“I know there are sadder things happening in the world today, but this makes me sad. This was my point of entry into The Original Factory Shop family. I joined as just a weekender, while I was raising my kids, but it wasn’t long before I became a supervisor and farmed out to help at other stores. I really stepped up a notch when my life took a turn, and I became Head Office staff and part of the new store merchandising team, often working ten-hour days, unloading wagons, building equipment, dressing stores, and training staff. That job took me far and wide, from Land’s End to John O’Groats, from east coast to west, and to many locations across the home nations.”
Local customers also expressed their sadness at the upcoming closure, with comments pouring in on social media. Long-time shopper Julie Parry wrote, “I will be so sad to see this lovely little shop going. Always such friendly, helpful staff. Good luck, ladies, in whatever work you do next.” Another customer, Lyndsey Gould, shared fond memories of shopping at the store, saying, “Awww, such a shame you’re closing. Will miss getting my balloons from you guys.”
The closure of The Original Factory Shop marks another loss for Haverfordwest’s local shopping scene, which has seen several changes in recent years. The community now prepares to say goodbye to a much-loved establishment, with the store welcoming customers for a final visit until December 14.
For those wishing to express their farewells, the store remains open for one last month, inviting the community to visit, reminisce, and say goodbye to the team that has been a part of their shopping experience for years.
Entertainment
Other Voices Cardigan celebrates record attendances
THE fifth Other Voices Cardigan 2024 Festival was a record breaker, having attracted more than 15,000 music fans from across the world to the pretty Mid Wales coastal town over three days.
The event, which ran from October 31to November 2, featured a curated programme celebrating music, friendship, language, ideas and culture from both sides of the Irish Sea and beyond.
Festival highlights included stellar performances from Nadine Shah, Bill Ryder Jones, and Fabiana Palladino.
St Mary’s Church audiences were treated to an acoustic performance by Manics’ frontman James Dean Bradfield, who performed special renditions of the classics ‘Motorcycle Emptiness’, ‘A Design for Life’, and ‘Ready for Drowning’.
Other Church performers this year include Charlotte Day Wilson, Melys, Victor Ray, and Georgia Ruth.
Providing an extraordinary and inspiring programme across a myriad of musical genres, events took place in cafes, bars, places of worship and arts venues.
More than 42 established and emerging acts from Wales and Ireland played the Music Trail and around 300 artists and crew worked and performed. The festival also boosted the local economy, with many businesses reporting increased foot traffic and sales during the event.
Over the past weekend, the festival saw more than 15,000 individual event admissions to more than 100 performances across the weekend, representing a 36% increase on 2023.
Visitors from outside Wales also increased significantly by 41%, with music fans coming from Ireland, Italy, New York, Sweden and Germany.
“This year has been another fantastic success,” said Dilwyn Davies, chief executive of Mwldan, co-producers of the event. “We’ve celebrated the vibrancy and vitality of the music scenes on both sides of the Irish Sea, and the spirit of our communities.
“The audience response has been incredibly positive and joyous, and we can’t wait to bring everyone together again in 2025.”
Phillip King, founder of Other Voices, added: “Cardigan/Aberteifi came alive with great music and stimulating and provocative banter when Other Voices came to town this past weekend.
“The event is growing and expanding year on year, attracting more visitors to this beautiful town. It’s a real delight to bring Other Voices across the Irish Sea, to collapse between Ireland and Wales and to bring us together in a way that deepens and strengthens every aspect of our relationship.”
Church performances were live-streamed on Other Voices YouTube channel and simultaneously streamed to the big screen at Mwldan in Cardigan. Highlights will be later broadcast on BBC Wales TV, BBC iPlayer and RTÉ and RTÉ Player via media partners. The event was presented by BBC DJ and Other Voices regular Huw Stephens.
Other Voices Cardigan is staged with the support and investment of Welsh Government and Government of Ireland, The Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media and The Department of Foreign Affairs’ Reconciliation Fund.
The festival is produced by South Wind Blows in partnership with Mwldan and Triongl. This project is part-funded by the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, supported by Ceredigion County Council.
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