News
Welsh RNLI volunteers aid Carlisle
RNLI Flood Rescue Team volunteers from Penarth, Porthcawl, Barry Dock, Angle and Port Talbot have joined emergency services from across the country to help people caught up in floods in Cumbria.
RNLI volunteers operating in Carlisle and Cockermouth have evacuated over 300 people over the weekend and are continuing to help in affected areas today.
Two RNLI teams have been wading through flood waters to help people in Workington.
The RNLI’s team of specifically trained flood rescue volunteers arrived in Kendal on Saturday and have been helping the communities affected by flooding ever since.
RNLI volunteers from south Wales helping with rescue operations include Jason Dunlop from Penarth, Chris Missen from Porthcawl, John Perring from Port Talbot, Hugh Davies from Barry Dock and Sarah Lunn from Angle.
Among the tasks undertaken by the Welsh RNLI Flood Rescue Team volunteers was a joint operation to evacuate elderly and vulnerable residents of a care home in Carlisle last night.
About 15 of the home’s residents, and five carers, needed to be taken from the home, which had flood water throughout its ground floor and has lost power and was getting cold.
Working in partnership with fellow emergency services, three RNLI Flood Rescue Team boats were involved in the evacuation, with volunteers carrying the elderly residents down from the first floor to the waiting boats, which transferred them to dry land for further care. All were taken to safety.
Also in Carlisle yesterday, an 80-year-old woman had to be helped out of a first floor window onto a ledge after five foot of water flooded into her home on Sunday. She was transferred safely into an RNLI Flood Rescue Team boat. While in another flooded Carlisle property yesterday RNLI volunteers waded through feet of water to carry another two pensioners out on their shoulders on stretchers and into a rescue boat.
Among the hundreds of people evacuated by RNLI Flood Rescue Team volunteers were children, pensioners, pregnant women and pets – including a Great Dane.
RNLI volunteer Chris Missen, who travelled to Cumbria from Porthcawl, Wales, to help the rescue effort, said the conditions were ‘unprecedented.’
He said:
We have been working closely with the other emergency services to do what we can to help people, and fortunately the majority of the people we’ve evacuated have been uninjured but are understandably quite distressed. It’s heart-breaking to see what this has done to people’s homes, especially just before Christmas.
The scale of this incident isn’t like anything I’ve seen before, it’s relentless. I’ve been involved in six other flood rescue operations with the RNLI and this is by far the worst. It’s unprecedented. It has been emotionally and physically challenging for the RNLI volunteers but the teamwork has been excellent and the operations have gone well.
Flood Rescue Team volunteer, Glen Mallen said:
We currently have five Flood Rescue Teams on the ground, with four specifically adapted boats for flood rescue. We are working closely with other emergency services on the scene to help those in need. Thankfully most of those helped are uninjured, but understandably distressed. It is so sad to see this kind of devastation, especially so close to Christmas.
The RNLI Flood Rescue Team is supported by Toolstation.
Crime
Mother admits to killing seven-year-old son in Haverfordwest
A mother has admitted to the manslaughter of her seven-year-old son at their home in Haverfordwest, citing diminished responsibility.
Papaipit Linse, 43, appeared at Swansea Crown Court on Friday (Nov 22), where she denied murder but pleaded guilty to manslaughter in connection with the death of her son, Louis Linse. Prosecutor Caroline Rees KC confirmed the manslaughter plea would be accepted, stating it “did not come as a surprise” to the prosecution.
The incident occurred on 10 January when police were called to a property on Upper Market Street. Louis was rushed to Withybush General Hospital but tragically died shortly afterwards.
During the hearing, Linse, who spoke only to confirm her name and enter her pleas, was informed that she would be sentenced on 13 December. Judge Paul Thomas KC described the case as “clearly a very sensitive as well as a very tragic case.”
The court was told that Linse is currently receiving treatment at the Caswell Clinic, a mental health facility in Bridgend. Psychiatric evidence is expected to be presented during the sentencing hearing to provide further insight into the circumstances surrounding the case.
Community
Council warns of icy conditions as temperatures drop
ROAD users in Pembrokeshire are being urged to exercise caution tonight as temperatures are forecast to dip below freezing.
Pembrokeshire County Council has announced that road surface temperatures could reach as low as -2°C, with the possibility of sleet or snow on higher ground. In response, precautionary salting of the county’s primary routes will be carried out this evening and overnight.
A spokesperson for the council said: “Road users are advised to take care if travelling on untreated roads.”
Motorists are reminded to plan ahead and drive carefully, particularly in areas that may not have been treated.
Stay tuned to The Herald for updates on road conditions and weather warnings.
Community
Stallholders wanted for Milford Haven Christmas Market
MILFORD HAVEN BUSINESS CIRCLE is calling for stallholders to join the town’s festive Christmas Market, set to bring holiday cheer on Friday, December 6, and Saturday, December 7, 2024.
The market will take place at the Lower Charles Street Car Park, promising a vibrant mix of stalls and attractions. Organizers are seeking a variety of vendors, including those offering gifts, children’s toys and games, food, cakes, flowers, and more.
There’s also an open invitation for someone with small children’s rides to add to the festive fun. A highlight of the event will be the Grinch’s Grotto, offering an entertaining twist to this year’s celebrations.
If you’re interested in having a stall, contact the Milford Haven Business Circle via email at [email protected] for more information.
Mark your calendars and join the excitement as Milford Haven celebrates the season in style!
-
Business2 days ago
Specsavers relocates to landmark new store following £1.2 million investment
-
Crime4 days ago
Pembroke man faces rape and sexual assault charges
-
Community6 days ago
Special guests for Torch showing of ‘Attack on Sorpe Dam’
-
Community3 days ago
Waldo Lounge in Haverfordwest is now officially open!
-
News3 days ago
A tribute to Honey Arteya Foxx French, written by her family
-
Top News5 days ago
Pembrokeshire’s ‘coal king’ lifts one of world’s oldest 127 kg lifting stones
-
News5 days ago
Police appeal after Nerf gun bullet hit baby
-
Farming7 days ago
Farmers fight back: Inheritance tax row at Welsh Labour conference