News

Welsh Government addresses safety concerns following train collision

Published

5 hours ago

October 24, 2024

SAFETY remains the priority after a train collision in Powys this week, the Welsh Government has said.

Speaking in the Senedd, Transport Minister Ken Skates said: “In terms of the safety of the rail network, this is our prime concern: that the network is as safe as it can be.

“These incidents are exceptionally rare. Rail travel is still incredibly safe compared with other means of travel.

“At this moment in time, though, I would encourage the travelling public to plan ahead if they intend to use this particular route and to use the bus services instead whilst this investigation takes place on the ground.”

With the A470 trunk road temporarily closed to facilitate investigations, local diversions have been set up to manage traffic.

Joyce Watson MS highlighted the impact of the closure, saying: “Many people will be affected, whether that’s schoolchildren trying to go to school or people trying to go to hospital.

“Those people will be very anxious to know which routes to take. So, I’m asking whether that information is available in what is a very rural area.”

Cefin Campbell MS echoed the concerns, noting the upcoming challenges: “At the end of this month, the highway, the A470, is going to be closed for around ten weeks near Talerddig, which is very close to the site of the accident, and advice was given to travellers and to parents of pupils to use the train either to go to school or to get to whatever destination they were seeking to arrive at.”

Mr. Skates responded to these concerns, explaining that Rail Accident Investigation Branch officials are currently examining the site. “It is an extensive area that they are covering at the moment, which is why we believe that it could be several days before services resume,” he said. He added that the government hopes to minimize disruption and resume services in time to prevent further impact on local plans.

The Minister concluded: “We will endeavour to ensure that the lessons that need to be learned from this incident are learned as soon as possible. But we are in the hands of the Rail Accident Investigation Branch, and I just want to impress the point once again: we do wish to ensure that they are given the space and the time to be able to carry out a thorough investigation.”

Investigators are examining several factors that may have contributed to the incident, including possible leaf contamination on the tracks, signaling system issues, and braking effectiveness. A comprehensive report is expected in the coming months, offering further insights into the causes and recommendations for preventing similar incidents in the future.

Charity

Pembrokeshire charities supporting young people invited to apply for funding

Published

4 hours ago

October 24, 2024

Tom Sinclair

ANSVAR Insurance is delighted to launch its search for three outstanding charities to support, offering a generous donation of £75,000 to each over the next three years.

They will be looking to support charities that focus on helping children and young people to make positive lifestyle choices. This could include promoting safety, sports and exercise, mental wellbeing, or healthy eating, and registered charities across Pembrokeshire are being invited to nominate.

From all the nominations received, three charities will be selected to benefit from funding, each receiving £25,000 per year for three years, starting in January 2025.

Charities interested in applying are asked to initially submit a short application explaining their work and how the funding would be utilised, whether that’s to support an ongoing project or one that is about to begin. Applications can be made directly via the Ansvar website – Programme of Giving 2024 – Ansvar.

Sarah Cox, Managing Director of Ansvar, the expert insurance provider for the charity, not-for-profit, care and faith sectors, commented:

“As a specialist insurer for the charity sector, we witness the incredible work these organisations do every day. Our Programme of Giving is a way for us to give back and provide support, encompassing our Community Hub, which is free, bookable office space we offer to charities and not for profit organisations, our colleague volunteering and fundraising, and our three-year cycle of grant giving.

“Previously, we offered £45,000 over three years, but we understand that numerous challenges have made it harder for charities to meet the needs of the people they serve. As a result, we have increased our funding to £75,000 for each charity. We hope this will make a significant difference to their work and help them continue to support young people.”

Charities can nominate themselves via the Ansvar website from now until to Monday 4th November. The winning charities will be notified by Friday 13^th December.

Ansvar is a member of the Benefact Group, a charity-owned specialist in financial services. As the UK’s third-largest corporate donor, the Benefact Group strengthens Ansvar’s dedication to supporting the wider charitable community.

Crime

Young driver drove off after crashing into petrol pump

Published

4 hours ago

October 24, 2024

Court Reporter

A YOUNG driver has admitted failing to stop following a crash at a petrol station.

Charlie Simpson, 19, of St Faith’s, Lamphey, appeared at Llanelli Magistrates’ Court, facing charges for two offences.

The court heard that on February 24, Simpson, then 18, crashed a Ford Fiesta at Lamphey Service Station, causing damage to a petrol pump.

He was charged with driving without due care and attention and failing to stop after the collision.

Simpson pleaded guilty to both offences on October 16.

He was fined £120 for each offence, ordered to pay £110 in costs, and a £96 surcharge. Additionally, he received eight penalty points on his licence and a nine-month driving ban for accumulating too many points.

Crime

Police appeal for information after assault reported in Pembroke Dock

Published

5 hours ago

October 24, 2024

Tom Sinclair

PEMBROKE Dock police are appealing for information following an assault that took place in Spring View, Pembroke Dock, on Wednesday (Oct 16) between 3:15pm and 3:45pm.

Police are urging anyone with information that could assist in their enquiries to come forward. Those who can help are asked to contact Dyfed-Powys Police via their website, by emailing [email protected], sending a direct message on social media, or calling 101.

Please quote reference number 24000883740 when providing information.