News

Economy Minister vists Pembrokeshire as tourism businesses gear up for Easter

Published

3 years ago

April 2, 2022

AS TOURISM businesses across Wales gear up for Easter, Economy Minister, Vaughan Gething, visited businesses in Pembrokeshire who are looking forward to welcoming visitors following new developments and investment.

The team at Folly Farm have had a busy winter working on new attractions to keep the visitor experience fresh for new and returning guests. A new accommodation development has had funding from the Welsh Government and the Minister had the opportunity to see one of the luxury lodges which will open to the public in the summer

A further eight safari lodges will arrive at the end of the year, which will overlook the rhino enclosure. The Minister also had an opportunity to see the Touring and Camping Park which has this week received a 5 star Visit Wales grading.

In addition to the accommodation, other developments, include a new indoor soft play area, eight brand new Takeuchi mini-diggers for the Big Dig attraction supplied by J Davies of Lampeter, a new native species enclosure on the zoo, extensive themed development for the rare breed paddocks and new land train carriages.

Chris Ebsworth, managing director at Folly Farm, said: “We’re looking forward to a busy Easter and Summer season at the attraction having had a record-breaking February half term. Advanced bookings for our accommodation are strong and we’re looking forward to our first full season of operation in two years. A heavy level of investment this Winter means there’s lots of new attractions to see and our usual annual maintenance plan means everything is looking fabulous!”

The Economy Minister said: “It’s been an incredibly difficult couple of years for the visitor economy. Two years ago, we had to take the very difficult decision to restrict people’s travel in order to keep Wales safe from Coronavirus, which meant tourism businesses weren’t able to welcome visitors for Easter.

“However, research now shows there is higher confidence and comfort levels, and the UK public anticipate taking significantly more overnight trips in the next 12 months, than the previous 12 months.

“Visit Wales marketing campaigns have been keeping Wales front of mind throughout the winter, as people regain confidence and look ahead to booking holidays.

“Since the start of the pandemic, the Welsh Government has pulled every lever possible to back Welsh businesses. We’ve provided in excess of £2.6bn funding to Welsh businesses, in a package has helped protect in excess of 160,000 Welsh jobs which might otherwise have been lost. We also extended our 100% business rate relief package for retail, hospitality and leisure businesses until the end of March 2022. To support businesses over the next 12 months, we’re providing a £116m package of non-domestic rates relief for businesses in the sectors most directly affected by the Covid-19 pandemic. This means retail, leisure and hospitality ratepayers in Wales will receive 50% non-domestic rates relief for the duration of 2022-23.

“In recovering from the pandemic, our ambition is to grow tourism for the good of Wales and to do this we will grow tourism by extending the season, promoting Wales during less busy times of the year and promoting areas of Wales which are quieter.”

One of the challenges facing the sector following the pandemic is recruitment, as many businesses are seeing a shortage of staff. The Welsh Government has been working with the sector on a recruitment campaign to highlight the range of personal development opportunities and potential career paths on offer in the sector. Folly Farm and The Grove of Narberth have worked with Visit Wales on the Experience Makers campaign to highlight roles are careers.

The Minister also visited the Grove of Narberth. The five-star hotel is part of Seren collection in Wales, and the portfolio of venues has been working hard to address the recruitment issues facing the sector.

At the start of 2022 flexible working practices were introduced, meaning that all staff can work to a four-day-a-week rota with no adjustment to salary, whilst being paid for any extra shifts. Those staff who wished to remain on a five-day week, also had the option to do so. It follows the introduction of a four-day week for chefs at the hotel in 2016. The business has also introduced a profit sharing scheme where members of staff will share in the ongoing success of the business, alongside other staff package improvements including long service holiday rewards.

Neil Kedward, Managing Director of Seren, said: “We’re delighted to have made this progressive and important change for the individuals across our businesses Grove of Narberth, Coast Restaurant in Saundersfoot, and Beach House Restaurant in Oxwich. We are already seeing the impact of this change in helping our teams find real balance in their lives, having more quality time with family and friends, and feeling energised and more focused on achieving their goals at work. We have invested significantly over the years to get the product right in each venue, and so now we are well placed to invest much more in our people.”

The Minister added: “As we build a stronger, fairer, greener Welsh economy.We are committed to investing in our people, through the Young Person’s Guarantee and a strong employability and skills offer, including apprenticeships. Apprenticeships can help futureproof, motivate and diversify a workforce – offering people the chance to gain high-quality vocational skills. They are also crucial to our ambitious post-Covid economic recovery plans. That’s why we have committed to creating a further 125,000 all-age apprenticeship places over the next five years.”

Health

New Chief Medical Officer for Wales appointed

Published

3 hours ago

January 24, 2025

Tom Sinclair

PROFESSOR Isabel Oliver has been named the new Chief Medical Officer for Wales, bringing a wealth of experience to the role.

Prof. Oliver joins the Welsh Government from her position as Director General of Science and Research and Chief Scientific Officer at the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA). She will provide clinical leadership and offer independent professional advice to the Welsh Government on health and public health matters. Her role includes tackling health inequalities and leading efforts to improve healthcare quality and patient outcomes across Wales.

Having started her career in acute hospital medicine in the West Midlands and South West England, Prof. Oliver transitioned to public health. She previously served as Director of the National Infection Service at Public Health England (PHE) and is co-director of the National Institute for Health Research’s Health Protection Research Unit on Behavioural Science and Evaluation at the University of Bristol. She is also an honorary professor at University College London.

Cabinet Secretary’s Welcome
Cabinet Secretary for Health and Social Care, Jeremy Miles, praised the appointment, saying:
“Professor Oliver brings a wealth of experience to Wales after working at a senior level in public health in the UK, and I look forward to working with her.
“I’m delighted she has joined us as we work to improve health and wellbeing, and I’d like to offer her a warm welcome to Wales.”

Excited for the Challenge
Prof. Oliver expressed her enthusiasm for the role, stating:
“It is an honour to be appointed as the Chief Medical Officer for Wales, and I am very excited to work with the dedicated health professionals and communities across Wales to create a healthier Wales and safeguard our NHS.

“Today, we face challenges from our ageing population, inequalities, and global factors such as climate change. For someone like me, with a great passion for health and wellbeing, Wales offers unique opportunities to secure major improvements in public health and health services, thanks to innovative policies and effective collaboration between sectors. It will be my privilege to serve the people of Wales to secure healthy, resilient, and prosperous communities.”

Prof. Oliver, a keen runner like her predecessor, is set to participate in the Newport Marathon later this year. She succeeds Sir Dr. Frank Atherton, who steps down at the end of January.

Contact Details:
William Davies
0300 0258 788
[email protected]

Let me know if further tweaks are needed!

Crime

Three men jailed for £620,000 cannabis production at former Llandysul school

Published

3 hours ago

January 24, 2025

Tom Sinclair

THREE men have been sentenced for producing cannabis worth up to £620,000 at a former school building in Llandysul.

Njazi Gjana, 27, and Ervin Gjana, 24, were each sentenced to two years and six months in prison, while Armeld Troski, 29, received a three-year and four-month prison sentence.

The operation followed a warrant executed by Dyfed-Powys Police on Friday, November 15, 2024, after reports from the public about suspicious activity at the site. Upon entry, officers discovered a large-scale and sophisticated cannabis cultivation setup spanning three floors. The building had been heavily modified to accommodate the illegal operation.

***Llandysul school burned down after the cannabis grow was discovered (Pic: Herald)***

Arrests made after pursuit

During their search of the property, officers heard movement downstairs and arrested two individuals, Njazi and Armeld, on-site. A third man, later identified as Ervin Gjana, escaped by climbing over a wire fence and fleeing into nearby fields. However, police used a drone and conducted a physical search, eventually locating Gjana on a roadside. He was soaking wet and scratched from brambles when arrested on suspicion of cultivating cannabis.

All three men were charged with producing a Class B drug and pleaded guilty at Swansea Crown Court on Friday, December 20, 2024.

***The police took photos after the grow was discovered (Pic: DPP)***

Police praise public for vigilance

Detective Constable Ben Nicholls said: “I’d like to thank the Llandysul community for their vigilance and proactivity in reporting suspicious activity to police.

“The information we receive from members of the community helps us build the picture of illegal activity that allows us to execute warrants such as this to ensure our area remains hostile to those who deal drugs.

“Monday’s sentencing serves as a reminder of our dedication to removing and preventing harmful substances damaging our communities, and we thank the public for the crucial role they play in this work.”

Signs of cannabis cultivation

Police encourage the public to report any concerns or suspicions about cannabis cultivation. Indicators include:

A distinctive aroma coming from a property and noises from ventilation fans.
Blacked-out windows to avoid detection.
People and vehicles arriving at odd hours.
Bright lights on continuously in seemingly vacant properties.
Excessive condensation on windows.
Unusual wiring or bypassed electricity meters.
‘Garden’ rubbish, such as plant pots, fertiliser, and chemicals.

Any information, no matter how small, could assist in tackling drug-related crime. Reports can be made via:

🖥️ | Online contact
📧 | [email protected]
💬 | Social media direct messages
📞 | Non-emergency: 101

For the deaf, hard of hearing, or speech impaired: text 07811 311 908.

For updates on local policing, appeals, and events, follow Lampeter, Aberaeron, and Llandysul Police on Facebook.

Community

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

Published

3 hours 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.