News
Clean Coast Week seeks helpers
‘KEEP WALES TIDY’ is urging people to volunteer their time and get involved with ‘Clean Coast Week’, a project which will help look after our award-winning Welsh coastline.
The fourth year of ‘Clean Coast Week’ which has been sponsored by McDonald’s, will take place between April 23 and May 1.
The project is searching for volunteers who are committed to working together to help keep beaches clean ready for everyone to enjoy during the busy summer months.
One of Wales’ leading environmental charities, Keep Wales Tidy, will be participating in cleanup events alongside McDonald’s restaurant staff, community groups, schools and businesses across the country as part of the Spring Clean.
Howard Gray, Head of Sustainability and Distribution at McDonald’s UK, said: “McDonald’s has been trading in Wales for nearly 20 years and are proud to be involved and supporting the Clean Coast Campaign for the fourth year in a row.
“Each year has been a fantastic success so far and also a very positive way to bring the community together to help clean up the much-loved Welsh coastline ahead of the hustle and bustle of the summer months.
“Our restaurant teams throughout Wales will be volunteering as part of our commitment to keeping our local environment clean and litter-free. We would love to see as many people as possible joining in to make Clean Coast Week a huge success in 2016.”
It is hoped that fourth annual Clean Coast Week 2016 will follow in the success of the previous three years. Since 2013, more than 325 registered events have taken place up and down the Welsh coast.
Over the three years it has been running so far, more than 8,000 people have been involved in removing over 6,700 bags of rubbish from the coast.
Wales boasts a host of spectacular beaches, with many having received the internationally recognised Blue Flag Award, managed by Keep Wales Tidy.
Lesley Jones, Chief Executive for Keep Wales Tidy, stated: “The coastline is very important for Wales as it allows us to showcase our beautiful country, boosting local economies and the tourism industry.
“It’s important that we get together to help care for our beaches and maintain the high standard of our coast.
“I hope that people from across Wales can spend a few hours at their nearest coastal area to ensure that locals and visitors can continue to enjoy the best that Wales has to offer.”
Clean Coast Week offers a great opportunity for everyone to get involved in caring for our spectacular coastline, from removing litter left on beaches to sprucing up coastal areas.
To take part in one of the organised beach clean-up events, or to organise your own event visit www.KeepWalesTidy.org or email [email protected].
Education
Sam Kurtz quizzed by primary school pupils about how was is governed
PUPILS at St Oswald’s VA Primary School welcomed a visit from local Senedd member Samuel Kurtz on Monday (Feb 2), as children put questions to him about how Wales is governed.
Years five and six pupils took part in an interactive session where the Senedd Cymru member explained the role of the Welsh Parliament, how laws are made, and how elected representatives support local residents.
He outlined what a Member of the Senedd does day-to-day, how decisions affecting communities are taken, and why taking part in democracy is important.
The pupils were then given the chance to quiz him directly, raising questions about politics, local issues and how young people can make their voices heard. Staff said the children showed strong interest and came well prepared.
Speaking afterwards, Mr Kurtz said: “It was a real pleasure to visit St Oswald’s and see such enthusiasm and curiosity from the pupils.
“Understanding how democracy works and how decisions are made is important, and it is encouraging to see young people taking an interest in how their community and country are run.
“I was particularly impressed by the quality of the questions, which showed they had clearly done their research.”
Teachers described the visit as a valuable opportunity to bring lessons about citizenship and Welsh democracy to life.
The school visit forms part of Mr Kurtz’s ongoing programme of meeting with schools, community groups and residents across Carmarthen West and South Pembrokeshire.
Crime
Police confirm teacher was stabbed at school as teenager appears in court
15-year-old charged with Section 18 GBH with intent and possession of a bladed article on education premises
POLICE have confirmed that the teacher injured during Thursday’s lockdown at Milford Haven Comprehensive School suffered stab wounds, as a 15-year-old boy appears in court today (Saturday, Feb 7).
Dyfed-Powys Police said the teenager has been charged with Section 18 grievous bodily harm with intent and possession of a bladed article on education premises. He has been remanded in custody and is due before Swansea Magistrates’ Court this morning.
Emergency services were called to the school at around 3:20pm on Thursday (Feb 5) following reports that a member of staff had been assaulted by a pupil. The school was placed into immediate lockdown and police said all learners later returned home unharmed.
The injured teacher has since been discharged from hospital and is recovering with support.
Detective Chief Inspector Matthew Briggs said: “We are continuing to support the victim whilst they recover from this traumatic event. Following detailed enquiries by specialist officers, injuries initially assessed and described as non-stab injuries have now been confirmed as stab wounds.
“A statement at an early stage of the investigation was based on preliminary information available at the time.
“There will continue to be a higher than usual police presence in the area over the coming days to provide further reassurance. Officers will be working closely with local secondary schools to offer support over the coming week.”
In a joint update issued by the local authority and the school, deputy headteacher Daryl John thanked staff and the small number of pupils who remained on site, saying they acted “with professionalism” and were “calm throughout”. He added that the school community was grateful for the “rapid and effective response” of the emergency services and sent best wishes to the injured colleague for a “full and speedy recovery”.
Pembrokeshire County Council leader Cllr Jon Harvey confirmed the school will reopen on Monday, with additional support available for pupils and staff affected by the incident. He said lockdown procedures are routinely rehearsed so that, in rare cases where they are needed, everyone knows what to do.
The school was closed to pupils on Friday, with the town noticeably quieter than usual as children stayed home.
Police enquiries are continuing and further updates are expected following the court hearing.
News
Local rugby talent Osian Williams selected for Wales Under-20 clash with England
A FORMER Haverfordwest Blues junior has earned international honours after being selected to represent Wales Under-20 rugby union team in their fixture against England.
Osian Williams, who began his rugby journey at Haverfordwest Rugby Football Club, will pull on the red jersey this evening in what marks a proud milestone for both the player and the Pembrokeshire club that helped develop his talent.
Club members said the call-up reflects years of hard work, commitment and steady progress through the ranks, with Williams recognised locally for his determination and performances on the pitch from a young age.
A spokesperson for Haverfordwest RFC said the whole club is “incredibly proud” to see one of their own step onto the international stage.
They added that it is always special to watch former junior players progress to represent their country, describing Williams’ selection as “fully deserved” and an inspiration to the next generation coming through the Blues’ youth setup.
The match against England provides a stern test for the young Welsh side, but for Williams and his family it is also a moment to savour after years of dedication to the sport.
Friends, coaches and former teammates are expected to be cheering him on from Pembrokeshire as he makes his mark in Welsh colours.
Photo caption:
Osian Williams has been selected to play for Wales Under-20s against England (Pic: Supplied).
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