News

Mysterious substance found on beach

Published

11 years ago

January 3, 2014

THE IDYLIC and popular beach of Freshwater East had a mysterious substance washed to shore with the incoming tide on Saturday afternoon.

A number of people alerted the authorities when they noticed the unusual substance close to the shoreline.

Resident, Julie Griffiths, was out walking her dog and noticed an unusual translucent liquid shimmering in the shallows.

“It was a very noticeable substance and looked potentially dangerous”she told The Herald. There was also a considerable concern for the safety of a number of surfers in the water. “There were 15 maybe 20 surfers enjoying the great waves, unaware of the dangerous substance”, a local man told The Herald. But thankfully none of them were taken ill after the incident due to the prompt evacuation by the Mid and West Wales Fire Service and Dyfed Powys police.

Mark Lewis was surfing the break with his friend Neil Thomas when the incident happened. “We were the last two to leave the water as we were surfing much further down the beach. It is pretty worrying to think what we may have swallowed if we had been in the wrong area.”

Authorities are still unsure what the substance was and if it was harmful. Results will become apparent as samples of the substance have been sent off for analysis which will determine where it may have come from, although early indications suggest it may have fallen from one of the hundreds of commercial vessels that pass by the beach every day.

The beach has now been closed as a precautionary measure until further notice and members of the public are advised not to walk on the beach for their own safety.

Dyfed-Powys police and mid and West Wales fire and rescue service released a joint statement to warn members on the public that use the beach regularly-

“At approximately 2.15pm today (Sat 14/12), emergency services and Public Health Wales were notified of a minor pollution event on Freshwater East beach.

On attendance, emergency services personnel found some unidentified substance, which appears to have washed up on the beach. As a precautionary measure, the beach has been closed to the public whilst the matter is investigated. Samples of the substance have now been taken for analysis and identification purposes.

Members of the public are advised not to walk on the beach until further notice. If anyone has any concerns, they are advised to make contact with the emergency services or Coastguard for advice”.

In an area of outstanding natural beauty, residents are particularly concerned about this incident and The Herald urges the general public to be vigilant and careful when using the beach for recreational uses in the future.

Entertainment

Newport Winter Wonderland is the ideal treat for the family this Christmas holiday

Published

17 hours ago

December 24, 2024

Tom Sinclair

THERE is still a chance to attend the Newport Winter Wonderland and experience a magical winter experience. Located next to Friars Walk Shopping Centre (NP20 1UH), the festive attraction opened its doors on Thursday, November 21, and will run until Sunday, January 5, closing only on Christmas Day and Boxing Day.

Visitors can look forward to a real ice rink under cover, ensuring skating fun whatever the weather. Alongside the rink, a large Christmas funfair offers thrills and entertainment for all ages, while stalls serving various Christmas foods promise festive treats to keep everyone warm and satisfied.

For those looking to unwind, a fire pit provides a cosy spot for roasting marshmallows, and a licensed bar offers seasonal drinks to enjoy. Entry to the Winter Wonderland is free, with tickets required only for specific attractions.

Families can also meet Santa Claus himself, making it a perfect outing for creating cherished holiday memories.

For more details, including ticket bookings and opening hours, visit www.newportwinterwonderland.co.uk.

Make sure to wrap up warm and head down to Newport Winter Wonderland for a truly festive day out this Christmas season.

Festive fun: Newport Winter Wonderland features an ice rink, funfair, and Santa Claus (Pic: Herald).

Crime

Arrest after fatal Carmarthenshire hit-and-run

Published

17 hours ago

December 24, 2024

Tom Sinclair

A MAN has been arrested following a fatal hit-and-run collision in Llanpumsaint, Carmarthenshire, on Monday (December 23), which claimed the life of 38-year-old Aaron Jones.

The incident happened near Caer Salem Baptist Chapel between 6:45pm and 7:45pm while Aaron was walking his dog. Police said the vehicle involved, a blue car with noticeable damage, was travelling northbound through the village at the time of the collision.

Dyfed-Powys Police confirmed that the vehicle believed to have been involved has now been located, and a 27-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving, failing to stop for a collision, and failing to report a collision.

Specially trained officers are supporting Aaron’s family, who have asked for privacy during this difficult time.

A spokesperson for Dyfed-Powys Police said: “We are appealing to anyone who may have seen the vehicle or has dashcam footage from the area during the relevant times to contact us immediately.”

The road remains closed while investigations continue, and residents can expect an increased police presence in the area.

Anyone with dashcam footage, doorbell camera recordings, or CCTV footage from the area is urged to check their recordings and contact Dyfed-Powys Police immediately using the details provided in the comments.

Community

Lord Nelson Hotel refunds lucky couple the full cost of their wedding day

Published

24 hours ago

December 24, 2024

Tom Sinclair

WHAT an amazing Christmas present!

In an extraordinary gesture of generosity, the Lord Nelson Hotel delighted one lucky couple by refunding the full cost of their 2024 wedding. Abby and Simon Hooper, who tied the knot at the historic venue on August 3, were thrilled to learn they were the winners of this year’s giveaway.

The initiative was part of a special promotion open to all couples who celebrated their weddings at the Lord Nelson in 2024. The winners were selected through a random draw using a fair generator system, with the Hoopers emerging as the fortunate recipients.

The hotel has announced plans to continue the tradition in 2025, offering next year’s couples the same opportunity to win their wedding costs back.

A spokesperson for the Lord Nelson Hotel said: “If you’re planning to get married in 2025, it’s not too late to book with us and secure your spot in next year’s draw.

“We are thrilled to celebrate love and create moments to cherish, and this is just one of the ways we give back to our incredible couples.”

Known for its elegant venue spaces and exceptional wedding team, the Lord Nelson Hotel remains a top choice for couples seeking a perfect wedding day. This annual giveaway further cements their commitment to delivering unforgettable experiences.

Abby and Simon Hooper shared their gratitude after their special day: “From start to finish, the team at the Lord Nelson Hotel was incredibly helpful, and nothing was too much to ask.

“The day went smoothly, the food was fantastic, and the staff were polite, hardworking, and attentive. Mia and Jenna, in particular, stood out for their thoughtfulness and attention to detail.

“We couldn’t have asked for a better experience.”