South Wales Fire & Rescue Service have announced that “Firefighter Fit” sessions are back this November followed by a recruitment drive in early 2002.
The Fire & Rescue service are running a series of six Firefighter-Fit sessions to give prospective applicants an insight into the physical demands and fitness levels required of the firefighter role.
For further information and to apply, please click below link to be taken directly to southwales-fire.gov.uk website
Please stay safe and call 999. Do not try and attempt a rescue yourself.
Nathan Healy, 23, captured dashcam footage of a First Cymru bus hitting one pedestrian from a group of crossing the road without waiting for their green man signal. Nathan was driving along and had to break sharply as the group of pedestrians had already started to cross at the crossing. Meanwhile, the bus travelling in the opposite direction did not stop in time, seemingly attempting to break after several people had already crossed whilst colliding with one female from the group.
It is understood that after hitting the pedestrian, the bus driver drove forwards a little and then stopped and talked with the group of people. No serious injuries were reported.
6th October, 2021 – Live blog update: It has been reported via social media that the female is uninjured. Her class friend stated “she barely got a scratch on her, she’s fine”
First Cymru (bus operator) have been approached for a comment into this matter. This blog is live and will update with any further information.
Daniel Hughes recently appeared at Swansea Magistrates’ Court and made at attempt to climb onto the desk of Judge Neale Thomas and proceed to arrest the court Judge as he did not recognise the authority of the Judge of the court. Security staff intervened to protect the judge.
Daniel Hughes was immediately taken to the cells and then refused to return to the court for his trial. The court was told how an enforcement officer from Neath Port Talbot council had previously visited the defendant earlier this year in relation to a parking fine to which Hughes had not responded to. A clamp was fitted to Hughes’ vehicle which resulted in Hughes becoming enraged and grabbed the enforcement officer by his neck which resulted with red marks.
Kyle Gasson (Council enforcement officer said: “I instantly knew the type of person I was dealing with. You are not there to be assaulted but it looked like it was going down that route. I asked if he was threatening me and he said: ‘Damn right I am making threats’. I am not there to be assaulted but you try not to get to that stage. I do not want to be rolling around on the floor.”
Daniel Hughes (pictured above)
NEXT has today announced its Swansea City store will close around March 2022. A few months ago, (May 2021) Debenhams closed down its Swansea Quadrant Shopping Centre store adding to the demise of retailers in the city.
Rob Stewart (leader of Swansea Council) said: “This was expected and it’s already part of our repurposing strategy. However we fully hope to see a much larger and impressive next store in Swansea city centre as part of the next phase of development”.
There is a larger Next store in Morfa Retail Park. Details here:
10-12, Brunel Way, Morfa Shopping Park, Bon-y-maen, Swansea SA1 7BP
The Cakes & Ale venue in Mumbles was vandalised yesterday (24th September) just after 10pm.
Doug from Cakes & Ale posted the following information:
“Just after 10pm this evening we were on the receiving end of what feels like extremely targeted vandalism. We’re extremely fortunate that no one was hurt, it could have been much worse. What we can’t understand is why anyone would do this? 2 men on a red motor bike wearing black clothing. Several witness statements have been taken and CCTV is being reviewed. If you saw anything or can help bring those responsible to justice please get in touch.
A fundraiser has been setup to help purchase trees for Singleton Park. You can help donate to this cause here: https://www.gofundme.com/f/replacement-trees-for-singleton-park
Posted by the group Friends of Singleton Park:
Image from geograph.org.uk – Nigel Davies
Swansea Council are in the process of strengthening the sea defences around Mumbles and require input from the public to help in the project.
The aim is to reduce the risk of flooding to homes and businesses that are increasingly threatened by rising sea levels brought about by climate change.
Funding for new defences has been secured from the Welsh Government – and we want the thoughts of the public, business and others to help shape this significant project.
Following a vigil for a local man, fireworks were thrown and hundreds of people joined in violence in the Mayhill area. Ethan Powell who died on Monday 10th May had been watching Swansea City Championship with his grandfather when he fell ill. He was later found unconscious by his grandmother, he was flown to Morriston hospital where he died on Werdnesday from cardiac arrest / multiple organ failure.
A vigil was organised in Mayhill for the evening after his funeral where balloons were to be released. After the release of balloons, fireworks were then thrown and the crown erupted into violence which attracted more rioters.
The family of Ethan have spoken out against the rioting saying that Ethan would not have wanted this to happen. They have also requested any other vigils to be cancelled.
One resident who asked the rioters if they would move away from his house because he has a baby and small children was met with threats and then rocks thrown through the windows of his home. A resident living on the street where cars were set ablaze and rolled down the hill spoke of his fear for himself and his family, being couped up in their home but ready to instantly leave if their house caught on fire from nearby burning cars. Another resident said they were now living with worry and fear and intends to be leaving the area for the safety of her family.
The Home Secretary Priti Patel said the situation was “absolutely disgraceful”, posting on twitter saying her thoughts are with the residents affected.
Seven Swansea police officers were injured. South Wales Police say they are doing all they can to identify those responsible for the riots. Assistant Chief Constable Jenny Gilmore said the police force is confident it will identify those involved and initiate criminal proceedings against them.
There has been a lot of criticism on social media about the police doing nothing to stop the rioting. This is in despite of the fact that a police presence was visible and attempts were made to quell the riots, however the number of police was not sufficient against the hundreds of rioters who had gathered. Some residents were still left anxious and worried as felt vulnerable despite police presence in the area.
Jenny Gilmore (Assistant Chief Constable) defended the police actions saying: “We saw disorder, violence and criminality on the streets of Mayhill, that is something that we’re not used to seeing here on the streets of south Wales. What we saw last night was disgusting behaviour, utterly unacceptable and caused a great deal of distress, alarm and fear amongst the local community. The numbers of people who were involved last night were significant, we had up to 200 people involved at some points in time. The priority of our officers is always going to be to keep people safe, everything else can be picked up later.The numbers of officers to break up a crowd of that size is far in excess of what we were able to deploy last night. So I’m confident the right decisions were made.”
Mark Drakeford (First Minister) thanked the police for bringing the situation under control and described the rioting as “completely unacceptable and will not be tolerated anywhere in Wales”
Live Blog Updates:
A fundraiser has been started here: https://www.gofundme.com/f/may-hill-riot
A petition to install CCTV cameras has been started here: https://www.change.org/p/swansea-council-south-wales-police-swansea-council-install-swp-monitored-cctv-cameras-on-wuan-wen-hill
https://www.thesecretswansea.co.uk/ The Secret Beach Bar & Kitchen has offered free lunch delivered to any resident who had been affected by the riots.
https://www.facebook.com/Nicky-Tees-patios-and-drives-106032034947608/ Nicky Tees – Patios & Drives has offered free assistance to any resident needing help.
http://www.windowdoctorwales.co.uk/ Has offered free assistance to any resident needing windows boarded up / repaired.
Swansea City A.F.C. paid tribute to Ethan today (22th May 2021) via social media.
This is a live blog. Further updates may follow.