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British citizens have to pay to visit Europe, thank you Brexit.

By
Daniel Bradshaw
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British people visiting Europe will soon have to apply and pay for an application allowing their travel. Previously as part of the European Union, British citizens had the right of freedom of movement and were able to live and work anywhere within the union.

The UK ended its ties with the EU on 31 December, 2020. Previous to this, a system known as EITAS was agreed upon. European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS)

It is possible that a British citizen may not be allowed in Europe if their EITAS application is not approved. It us understood that the application fee will be no more than 10 Euros.

EITAS states:  “ETIAS will be a largely automated IT system created to identify security, irregular migration or high epidemic risks posed by visa-exempt visitors travelling to the Schengen States, whilst at the same time facilitate crossing borders for the vast majority of travellers who do not pose such risks. Non-EU nationals who do not need a visa to travel to the Schengen area will have to apply for a travel authorisation through the ETIAS system prior to their trip”.

 

How long will my EITAS / application to travel in Europe take?

It is not yet known how long applications will take to process if not automated. It is expected that around 95% of applicants will be approved within a few minutes.
The application form should take around 10 minutes to complete and send.

Can I appeal if my application is unsuccessful? 

Unsuccessful applications can be appealed. Advice is to additionally apply to the embassy of the country you want to visit.

What countries will I need an ETIAS visa waiver for?

A non exhaustive list is: Austria, Belgium, Bulgariia, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, ithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland.

British passport holders will not need an ETIAS visa waiver for the Republic of Ireland

What are the reasons an ETIAS visa waiver could be refused?

Reasons for an unsuccessful application could be a criminal record, security threat, health concerns. Additionally, if you have overstayed previously, this could be reason for not processing the EITAS waiver.

When will I need ETIAS visa waiver to travel in Europe?

It is not yet known when the ETIAS system will start. It is expected to be running no later than May 2023, however could be running toward the end of 2022.

 

r/brexit - WHEN BREXITEERS COMPLAIN ABOUT BEING NOT LET INTO THE EU ME: Hold on. This whole operation was your 'idea.

 

Former Swansea teacher with life changing injuries – fundraiser

By
Citizen Journalism Newsbot
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0

A former Bishop Gore School pupil and later, teacher from Penal school Nigel Scozzi is being treated for for life changing injuries after breaking his spinal cord while surfing with his son, Jye. The father of 2 spent 5 weeks in the Royal North Shore Hospital in Sydney (Australia).

Mr. Scozzi spent suffered a cardiac arrest during the accident. Whilst in hospital, one of his lungs collapsed and he also had septicaemia.

A fundraiser has been setup to help Mr Scozzi with modifications to his home for his wheelchair and pay for ongoing medical care.

You can donate to the fundraiser by clicking here.

From fundraiser page:

In every workplace, there is that one colleague about whom you never hear a bad word.
Nigel Scozzi is that workmate for us.
A passionate educator, Nigel has served Shore School since 1989 as an outstanding Head of Geography, an inspirational teacher and student mentor and as the MIC of Surf Life Saving. His work in the latter has yielded scores of championship-winning teams but more importantly, has equipped hundreds of young men with life-saving skills to keep the Northern Beaches of Sydney safe for over 30 years. This video gives a glimpse of the service-minded community his efforts have created for so many young men and it paints a picture of Nigel’s other great loves: his teaching, his mates and his gorgeous young family.
In March 2022, Nigel suffered a critical accident whilst surfing. The spinal cord damage he sustained is significant. The irony that his life should be so changed by an incident like this in the surf is not lost on him, his family or his colleagues who have watched the time and energy he has poured into training boys to keep the public safe at the beach.
Having spent five weeks in ICU, Nigel is currently in the spinal ward of Royal North Shore Hospital in Sydney. While he is working hard on his rehabilitation for the remainder of this year, we need to raise funds to ensure that he can return home to a significantly modified house that will accommodate his wheelchair and pay for his ongoing care, medical expenses,  occupational and physiotherapy and transport needs.
This GoFundMe page has been created by his colleagues and friends at Shore. It will remain open until the end of this year to enable different groups within our community time to organise their own fundraising initiatives to contribute to the total.

Young man Droy, tragically died from road accident

By
Citizen Journalism Newsbot
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0

From North Wales Police:

The young man who tragically died following a road traffic collision involving two vehicles on Saturday 4th of June 2022 has been named as Droy. He was 20 years-old and came from the Nefyn area.

Droy’s family have issued the following tribute:
Young man killed, RIP Droy‘Droy was raised in Morfa Nefyn and schooled in the local area. Droy was a happy, outgoing hardworking man who had time for everyone.
‘He was very well known in the local area and enjoyed spending time with his friends and family and always had a lovely smile on his face.
‘He was in a happy relationship with his girlfriend who he deeply cherished and loved, who were both looking forward to their first holiday abroad together this year.
‘He was devoted to all his family and would give anyone his time. He had numerous interests and hobbies which included fishing, music, seeing friends, and wild camping and walking in the local area. He was a keen cook and enjoyed trying new foods.
‘Droy enjoyed travelling with his family and visited numerous countries. Whilst being with the Army Cadets he took part in numerous exercises in the countryside.
‘Since leaving school he had worked in the local area in several establishments, where he has been held in high regard by both staff and customers.
‘Droy was a key part of the community in Nefyn and will be remembered for his hard work behind the scenes at Y Heliwr public house, and his beaming smile behind the bar.
‘He recently finished his brick laying course in Dolgellau College, where he gained numerous distinctions for his work and made some good friends.
‘The family wish to thank those who have reached out to them in this difficult time. We are absolutely heartbroken, and we would now like time to grieve and would ask to be given the appropriate privacy.’
Specialist officers continue to support Droy’s family, and Sergeant Liam Ho of the North Wales Police Roads Policing Unit renewed his appeal for anyone who was driving on the B4354 last Saturday who has dashcam footage of a blue BMW X3 or a black Ford Fusion, to contact police on 101 quoting reference B080679.

Man arrested on a mountain, Balenua Ffestiniog

By
Citizen Journalism Newsbot
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0

Don’t be running from the heddlu (police) in Wales, the mountains and valleys aren’t going to stop your arrest if you are a wanted man! Watch how North Wales police use a drone to direct dog handlers in capturing a wanted man trying to escape on a mountain in Balenau Ffestiniog.

2 detonations on a Gwynedd beach

By
Citizen Journalism Newsbot
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0

Two controlled explosions were carried out by the Explosive Ordnance Disposal & Search Regiment on Black Rock Sands beach in Morfa Bychan.

The grenades belonged to a deceased man and were found by his family who reported to the police. The military Regiment transported the grenades to the beach on Wednesday (21st June, 2022).

North Wales police stated:  “Yesterday we were contacted by a member of the public who had found two hand grenades at a property that belonged to their deceased brother.

“The 11th Explosive Ordnance Disposal & Search Regiment attended and remove the explosives, and transported them to Black Rock Sands, where a cordon was put in place before they were detonated in a safe manner. PCSO Paula Stewart was given the honour of pushing the button to blow them up.”

Bridge Street Newbridge – Assault on 10th June

By
Citizen Journalism Newsbot
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0

Officers would like to speak to anyone who was in Bridge Street, near Newbridge Comprehensive School, at around 10.30am on Friday 10 June.

From Gwent Police:

We’re investigating a report of an assault in Bridge Street, Newbridge, at around 10.30am on Friday 10 June.

A woman, believed to be in her late teens, reportedly assaulted a 16-year-old girl to the head at a bus stop outside Newbridge Comprehensive School.

The girl sustained an injury to her face and was advised to attend hospital as a precaution.

The woman is described as white and had dark hair worn in a bun.

She was wearing a pink jacket, black and white trousers, bright pink shoes and had a backpack on.

We’re asking anyone who was in Bridge Street between 10.15am and 10.45am on Friday 10 June or those with information, including those with CCTV or dashcam footage, to contact us.

You can call us on 101 or send us a direct message, quoting log reference 2200193872, with details.

Alternatively, you can contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

 

Cameron Hassan sentenced to 10 years in prison for rape

By
Citizen Journalism Newsbot
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0

A man who filmed himself raping a woman on his victim’s phone has been sentenced to 10 years in prison.
Cameron Hassan, aged 31, of no fixed abode, attacked the woman, raping her as she slept in Ammanford on 21 August 2021.

Hassan, who was midway through his trial at Swansea Crown Court after denying any wrongdoing, changed his plea to guilty after the jury was shown the video of the attack.

He was back before Swansea Crown Court today and was sentenced to 10 years in prison .

Senior Investigating Officer DI Melanie Havard said the victim had shown great strength and determination throughout the investigation and trial.

“I must commend her tremendous courage in coming forward and the tenacity shown throughout the investigation,” she said.

“We appreciate this is not easy for anyone to do but the victim has expressed her gratitude to the officer in the case for her support and empathy throughout this process.

“We hope this case demonstrates that Dyfed-Powys Police acts on serious allegations such as rape and sexual assault with officers working tirelessly to secure justice for victims.

“If you are suffering because of similar abuse, please contact the police, or if you would rather speak to someone in confidence, New Pathways are an independent charity that will support you through every step of the investigation.”

New Pathways can be contacted at 01685 379 310 or email [email protected]

You can report it to Dyfed-Powys Police online at: https://bit.ly/DPPContactOnline, by emailing [email protected], or by calling 101.

Mumbles Coastguard rescues 5 people and a dog

By
Citizen Journalism Newsbot
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0

An off duty coastguard worker was enjoying time with her family on a beach in Gower when she spotted a boat in trouble. The boat had lost its engine and crashed into the rocks.

A statement from Mumbles Coastguard said: “Tasked to a vessel sinking with five persons on board and a large dog. Engine was unresponsive at best and practically zero safety equipment and totally overloaded. So lucky this happened at the base of a cliff to allow a short time in the water and a scramble to safety. The vessel sank within seconds of hitting the rocks. Some non swimmers on board clearly badly shaken by the ordeal.

“They had no means of raising the alarm, lifeboat crew member called it in whilst sitting on the beach with her family. We were on scene in minutes with the lifeboat. The engine fell off, and the boat broke in two. Lucky, lucky people.”

This incident happened on 17th June, 18:40 (approx)

Swansea Railway Station Improvements

By
Citizen Journalism Newsbot
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0

Swansea railway station has been given a dramatic transformation after Network Rail and Transport for Wales came together to deliver key improvements.

An investment of almost £7.5m in the station, which first opened 171 years ago this week, is the biggest in more than a decade and will make passengers’ journeys more reliable, comfortable and enjoyable.

Almost the entire length of platform four has been rebuilt and can now accommodate 10 carriage intercity trains, providing more flexibility for passengers.

The station itself has had a major refresh with improved ticket-buying facilities, new toilets, and refurbished space for use by local businesses and community groups.

Among the improvements are:

  • New Customer Information Screens.
  • New signage and rebranding.
  • New cycle shelter added at front of station.
  • Additional benches.
  • New lighting and waiting shelter on platform 4.
  • Refurbishment of male and female toilets.
  • Replaced end of platform barriers.
  • New recycling bins and refuse storage area.
  • Provision for station colleagues to make public address announcements whilst mobile.
  • New LED lighting.
  • New luggage trollies and bays at platform 2/3.

Bill Kelly, Wales and Borders route director at Network Rail, said: “The completion of this brand-new platform is a part of our wider commitment to improve journeys and stations for our passengers across the Wales and Borders network.

“Working with Transport for Wales, our engineers and contractors have worked around the clock to deliver a transport hub which the city of Swansea can be proud of.

“We would like to thank the local community for their patience over the last few months while we delivered these improvements.”

TfW project manager Yasmin Browning said: “The work at Swansea station really has gone a long way to transforming the station for customers. Enhancements across the length and breadth of the station mean better customer access to information and more comfortable surroundings whilst waiting to depart.

“The extended Platform 4 not only looks great but will allow for more options bringing trains in and out of the station, helping deliver key capacity improvements. This project has shown how close collaboration with our Network Rail Partners can deliver for customers.”

GWR’s Head of Customer Experience Samyutha Bala said: “We are delighted that work to extend Platform 4 has been completed and can now accommodate our 10-car Intercity Express Trains. This gives us greater flexibility at Swansea which will reduce delays and maintain a reliable service for our customers.

“This is particularly important as lockdown eases and both leisure and business travel increases. We work very closely with Network Rail Wales and Western and Transport for Wales and they have done a great job here, that will really make a difference for our customers.”

Rob Stewart, Leader of Swansea Council, said: “I really welcome the investment Network Rail and Transport for Wales have made at Swansea Station.

“With space for bigger trains and upgraded facilities it is a real uplift for the city, which is currently undergoing a £1bn regeneration programme.

“Great transport links are an essential part of any thriving and ambitious city, and these improvements will make such a difference to people travelling to and from here.”

M4 Lorry fire – Prince of Wales Bridge

By
Citizen Journalism Newsbot
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0

Thick plumes of smoke can be seen for miles from a lorry fire on the Price of Wales Bridge (M4). Emergency services attended the scene and the fire was extinguished.

Photo credit: Ricky Bowden 

 

 

 

Further photos, credit: Matt Gough

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