News

20mph speed limits in Wales ‘will protect pedestrians and save money’

Published

2 years ago

July 12, 2022

SENEDD members will vote on Welsh Government plans to introduce 20mph as a standard speed limit across Wales on Tuesday (Jul 12).
The plans intend to shift to a default speed limit of 20mph from the current 30mph in most residential roads and other busy streets.
If it passes, the new law is expected to come into force from September 17, 2023.
The policy aims to reduce the number of road traffic collisions, improve air quality and noise pollution, and encourage the shift away from car use.
Research and pilot trials in eight areas across Wales have been regarded as a success by Welsh ministers.
The government estimates that after an initial £33 million is spent on the change, it will be offset by a saving of £58m in reduced use of emergency services and hospital admissions over 30 years.
Supporters of the move say that pedestrians are 40% less likely to die when hit by a car travelling at 20mph compared with one travelling at 30mph.
Dr Sarah Jones, consultant in environmental public health at Public Health Wales, said: “Travelling at 20 mph has been shown to reduce the risk of crashing and the severity of crashes that do still happen.
“It also produces less noise pollution and reduces fuel consumption. It encourages people to walk and cycle, helping to fight obesity and improve mental well-being.
“All of these are likely to contribute to improvements in health and reduction in the demands for health services, which will help the NHS recovery from Covid.”
However, not everybody is in favour of the change. The law is likely to be opposed by the Welsh Conservatives.
Sam Rowlands, MS for North Wales, has called on residents to voice their concerns about the plans.
Mr Rowlands said: “I met with local councillor Adie Drury and residents in Buckley, this morning who are extremely frustrated at the pilot scheme which has led to roads through the town having a 20mph speed limit instead of 30mph.
“They are quite rightly very concerned as they believe that pollution is increasing because cars have to drive in a lower gear and wait longer at traffic lights, there have also been more accidents and the cost of the scheme is thought to be in the region of £33 million across Wales which would be better spent on more teachers, doctors and nurses.
“The trial has certainly caused a lot of problems for people living in Buckley and I am angry on their behalf as there does appear to be a lack of public awareness around these changes.
“I do support letting councils put 20mph speed limits outside schools, hospitals and other areas where evidence shows it’s a benefit, but a blanket 20mph speed limit across urban roads in Wales is just not right.”
Stephen Edwards, chief executive of Living Streets, who advocate a walking based approach to travel, said: “This would be life-changing legislation because slower speeds will improve the places where we live, work and go to school.
“It’s simple: slower speeds save lives – and I urge Members of the Senedd to support the 20mph in the vote on 12 July and help make our streets and pavements safe and accessible for everyone in our communities.”
Christine Boston, director of sustainably travel organisation Sustrans Cymru, said: “Sustrans Cymru joins Living Streets and Cycling UK in calling for Members of the Senedd to support the proposals, because 20mph defaults will help make communities across Wales safer and more attractive places to walk, wheel and cycle.
“We believe that everyone in Wales should have access to safe streets. Making 20mph default limits in our communities will help to reduce the dominance of motor vehicles whilst creating opportunities for social interaction, creating happier and healthier places.
“We want communities that are built for safety rather than speed.”
Commenting, Welsh Shadow Minister for Transport, Natasha Ashgar MS, said:

“The Welsh Conservatives are not against introducing 20mph speed limits outside schools, playgrounds, places of worship and high streets, but a blanket roll-out is quite frankly ludicrous.

“With a price tag of more than £32 million, is this really money well spent at a time when the Labour Government should be focused on tackling the big issues at hand such as the cost-of-living? I don’t think it is, and I am sure residents across the country will be thinking the exact same.

“This is yet another diktat imposed by Labour from Cardiff Bay.

“Speed limits like this should be decided by councils in their local areas, not top-down by Labour ministers. Let’s give local people the power over their communities, the very people who know their roads best.”

Community

Spotlight shines on County’s young people at annual awards

Published

17 hours ago

November 30, 2024

Tom Sinclair

The FOURTH Pembrokeshire Spotlight Awards celebrating children and young people who achieve exceptional things and make a real difference was held recently.

The Awards – a collaboration between Pembrokeshire Youth, The Children and Young People’s Rights Office and Children’s Services – took place on 22nd November at the Merlin Theatre, Pembrokeshire College and celebrated the achievements of Pembrokeshire’s young people.

A huge well done to the young people from Pembrokeshire Youth Bank, who were involved in the whole process, from conception, to planning, to being involved on the night of the awards.

This was truly an event ‘For Young People, By Young People.’

Sponsorship from BAM Nuttall and Pure West Radio enabled the awards to go ahead this year and helped make it a memorable evening.

The event saw some amazing achievements noted and celebrated and the winners and runners up are as follows:

Achieving positive change: The Edge Quiet Hour (winner), Craig Thompson and Samantha Barton (runners up).

Arts Award: Lleucu-Haf Thomas (winner), FADDS Youth Theatre and Tomos Roberts (runners up).

Eco Champion Award: Senedd Gwyrdd at Ysgol Penrhyn Dewi (winner).

Education Award: Megan Thomas (winner), Carla Briskham (runner up).

Fundraising Award: Ellie Neville (winner), George Bromwich and Molly Venables (runners up).

Making a difference in the community: Eirlys Lloyd-Phillips (winner), Pembroke Family of Schools – Social Action Project, We Know… Our Journey Group, Neyland Youth Club Group (runners up).

Most inspiring story: Aaron Briskham (winner), Aimee Hawkings and Molly Evans (runners up).

Music Award: Carys Wood + Alice Thomas (winners), Amy Evans and Iestyn Barrellie (runners up).

Sport Award: Harley and Liam Franz (winners), Caiden Meacham and Ava Tyrie (runners up).

Voice Award: Tegan Skyrme (winner), Niamh Jones, Mya-Rose John (runners up).

Young Leader / Peer Mentoring Award: Daniella Loveridge / Chloe Harries (winners), Tomos Padel, Brogan Collins and The Point (runners up).

The final award of the night was the special ‘Spotlight Award’, given to a single young person for a particularly important contribution or achievement. For 2024 this award was given to Freya Terry.

Here’s Freya’s inspiring nomination:

Freya has struggled with her mental health since she was 11. She has had some great support from the Amethyst Project and then more recently adult mental health services. She has come out of that stronger and decided to do a voyage solo around the UK and Ireland to raise awareness of mental health in young people – attempting to inspire people to talk about their mental health so that they can get some support, rather than bottle it all up in fear and shame.

She has given talks to local Pembrokeshire youth groups, as well as talking to others as she makes her way around the country which have been really well received. She has gained so much confidence from this venture and has attracted many followers (www.she-sails.co.uk)

Boat problems left her lost at sea for many hours and then a freak wave that tossed her across the boat resulting in her getting concussion and having to call the coastguard. But this didn’t stop her, as soon as she recovered, she got going again and is making great progress.

Director of Education Steven Richards-Downes presented the overall Spotlight Award and said: “Everyone nominated in these Spotlight Awards are a real inspiration to their peers and the wider community. It was an honour to present the overall award for Freya, her story demonstrates a real resilience and commitment to give something back to society while overcoming her own struggles.”

Pembrokeshire County Council Chairman Cllr Steve Alderman said: “It is fantastic to see our young people being celebrated for the exceptional things they have achieved and the difference they make in their communities.”

Cabinet Member for Social Care & Safeguarding Cllr Tessa Hodgson added: “Sometimes young people are not given the credit they deserve and it is fantastic that this event is dedicated to celebrating the wonderful things they can achieve.”

The award ceremony was followed by refreshments and entertainment including an inflatable assault course, circus skills, photo booth as well as candyfloss and popcorn in the foyer of the college.

Special thanks also go to those who attended the event to present the young people with the awards as well as to those who took the time to nominate a young person or group.

Sincere thanks also to Dylan Harwood who performed one of his original songs; Charlie Royal, Polly Thomas, Josh Roberts and the rest of the team at Pembrokeshire College for hosting this event; Nadine Farmer, Bethany Roberts, Nicky Edwards and Angie Moore for their assistance in organising this event and to the young people from Pembrokeshire Youth Bank for their hard work.

More pictures are available on the Children and Young People’s Rights Office Facebook page.

News

Pembroke lantern parade lights up the town

Published

20 hours ago

November 30, 2024

Tom Sinclair

PEMBROKE’S Lantern Parade lit up the night on the Commons this evening, bringing the community together for a magical celebration of creativity and togetherness. Hosted by the Pembroke Town Team, the event showcased the vibrant spirit of the town, with lanterns crafted by locals under the expert guidance of Sand Palace Arts.

Leading the way was Brig Y Don, setting the tone for a parade filled with glowing woodland creatures and majestic swans, enchanting all who joined. Attendees were invited to the Tanyard Project to begin their illuminated journey around Pembroke, culminating at The Foundry House, where a spectacular fire display awaited.

Hot food, drinks, and festive music added to the warm atmosphere, as residents gathered to chase away the winter blues. The wishing tree, a highlight of the evening, offered a moment of reflection and hope, as attendees hung their Christmas wishes before heading home.

Thanks to funding from the MHPA Community Fund, UK Government, and Pembrokeshire Pride, the much-loved Lantern Parade was brought to life once more. This year’s event built on the success of previous parades, showcasing the continued dedication of the Pembroke Town Team, who also organised the popular Pembroke Festival earlier this year.

The team expressed gratitude to all contributors, sponsors, and volunteers who helped make the evening a success, ensuring the tradition continues to light up the hearts of Pembroke residents.

(Pics: Martin Cavaney/Herald)

Community

Festive cheer as St Davids switches on Christmas lights

Published

20 hours ago

November 30, 2024

Tom Sinclair

ST DAVIDS was lit with festive spirit as the annual Christmas lights switch-on drew crowds to Cross Square on Monday evening. The event, which began at 5:15pm, marked the official start of the holiday season for the city.

Families enjoyed carol singing and mulled wine as the community gathered in the chilly coastal air. Children were thrilled by a special visit from Santa Claus, who spread joy and posed for photographs with eager youngsters.

Earlier in the day, the holiday buzz began with two Christmas markets. The Oriel Y Parc Outdoor Christmas Market and the Cathedral Christmas Fair opened at 10:00am, offering a selection of local crafts, festive treats, and seasonal goods. Visitors had the opportunity to shop for unique gifts while soaking in the festive atmosphere.

Shops extended their opening hours for the occasion, allowing visitors to explore local offerings late into the evening. Local pubs provided a cosy escape from the cold, enhancing the community atmosphere.

A cheer erupted as the Christmas lights illuminated Cross Square, transforming it into a magical scene. The sparkling decorations signalled the start of the festive season and brought residents together in celebration.

With more holiday events planned for December, St Davids is set to remain a festive hub, ensuring a joyous Christmas season for locals and visitors alike.

(Images: St Davids Cathedral)