News

Food rating system scores a success

Published

10 years ago

August 29, 2014

A LEADING Welsh environmental health officer has praised the success of the Food Hygiene Rating system.

Mark Elliott, Chair of Wales Heads of Environmental Health Group and Head of Public Protection at Pembrokeshire County Council said 23,540 businesses across Wales now received a hygiene rating with the number getting top marks increasing by almost a fifth. Conversely, the number of businesses rated 0-2 has declined by a third since the introduction of the mandatory scheme. “Giving consumers more information is having a positive effect on food hygiene standards,” he said. “The number of businesses rated 5 (very good) has increased by almost 20% since the start of the scheme and many have reported that a good rating has increased their takings significantly. “In Pembrokeshire too the number of food business operators improving their food hygiene standards is also increasing with 94 per cent of food premises now scoring 3, 4 or 5 under the scheme.” But he warned that the scheme’s success was taking place against a background of rapidly shrinking local authority budgets and if it were to be continued would have to be adequately resourced. “The Food Hygiene Rating Scheme’s success so far reflects the hard work and dedication of Environmental Health Practitioners in Pembrokeshire and across Wales,” he said. “It is vital that such services are adequately resourced in future to protect public health.” The Food Hygiene Rating system was introduced in 2010 when all 22 Welsh local authorities took the voluntary decision to implement one food premises inspection scheme. The scheme aims to improve business food hygiene standards by making them visible to the consumer so that they can make informed choices about where to eat safely. The ratings awarded by Local Authority officers follow inspections and are then made available to the Food Standards Agency, which publishes them on their website. In November 2013, the Welsh Government made the implementation of the Food Hygiene Rating scheme mandatory. Food businesses were also required to display their food hygiene rating in a prominent place, such as the front door or entrance, or face a fine or prosecution with money generated from fixed penalty notices going to the Welsh Government. Meanwhile businesses that score poorly and want to improve are given assistance to enable them to improve their hygiene rating – although in some cases further appropriate enforcement activity may also be carried out. In November this year the Rating scheme will be extended to businessto- business trade, which means that almost everyone from small producers to factories will also be included. This will help small businesses choose their suppliers and could be used as a selection criterion when public sector contracts are tendered. “Environmental Health Practitioners will take all necessary action, including prosecution, to protect the health of the public where serious failures of law are found during inspections,” said Mr Elliott, who is also a Trustee of the Chartered Institute of Environmental Health. “We are working hard to improve the services we deliver but it is against a background of rapidly shrinking local authority budgets. It is vital that such services are adequately resourced in the future to protect public health.” *Members of the public wanting to check on the rating of a business can do so at http://tinyurl.com/dyvdbgc

Entertainment

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

Published

23 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

23 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

1 day 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.”