Thursday, June 30, 2016

South Wales - Cases of Hepatitis A reach 17 after two more people are diagnosed

A pupil at Ysgol Rhyd Y Grug in Aberfan, Merthyr Tydfil, has hepatitis A

Two new cases of Hepatitis A have been confirmed in South Wales, bringing the overall total to 17.

Public Health Wales says a second pupil at Ysgol Rhyd-y-Grug, Aberfan, has the infection which is not life-threatening.

All pupils and staff will now be offered vaccination for Hepatitis A on Friday as a precaution.

Vaccinations will also be given to children and staff who attend Kidz Den After School Club and Nursery Thymes in Treharris Community Centre on Thursday.

This is because a potential risk of hepatitis A exposure has been identified in these groups from these new cases.

Symptoms include flu-like illness

All cases have links that can be traced back to Glyn Gaer Primary School in Caerphilly where the first cases were identified in April.

Successful vaccination sessions have previously been held both in Glyn Gaer Primary School and at Ysgol Rhydywaun, a secondary school in Rhondda Cynon Taff where some of the cases are pupils.

Hepatitis A is a viral infection, usually short lived, which has unpleasant symptoms but is rarely serious. Children often only have a very mild illness.

Symptoms of hepatitis A can include flu-like illness such as tiredness, general aches and pains, headaches and fever, as well as loss of appetite, nausea or vomiting, abdominal pains, jaundice, very dark urine and itchy skin.

Heather Lewis, consultant in health protection for Public Health Wales, said: “These new cases are not unexpected.

“As we have already seen in this outbreak, the infection can spread to close contacts. We are taking every precaution to control the further spread of infection.

Help prevent the virus spreading

“However, as the incubation period for hepatitis A is so long and asymptomatic spread is common, we may well see additional cases before the outbreak is over.

“Although the infection is usually mild, if people develop symptoms that may be hepatitis A they should see their GP.

“It is important that people continue to help us prevent the virus spreading. The single most important thing everyone can do is to ensure they use good hand washing techniques after using the toilet and before preparing or eating food.”

Hepatitis A vaccination is not routinely offered on the NHS as the infection is rare in the UK, with only 12 reported cases in Wales in 2015.

However, it is advised that anyone travelling to a country where the infection is more common – particularly Africa, northern and southern Asia, Central America and southern and eastern Europe – should receive the hepatitis A vaccination along with any other travel immunisations recommended by their GP.

see-http://www.walesonline.co.uk/news/health/south-wales-cases-hepatitis-reach-11544415

Anglesey,North Wales - So why has danger zone around former Anglesey nuclear plant been extended?

Aerial view of Wales Wylfa nuclear power station

A danger zone around an Anglesey nuclear plant has been expanded.

After more than 40 years the Magnox plant at Wylfa stopped producing electricity last December.

The regulators, the Office for Nuclear Regulation (ONR), have now decided to increase the size of the zone under new guidelines.

Such areas around nuclear plants are required by law to protect the public from emergencies including radiation leaks.

Local councils are also required to draw up an emergency plan ready to activate if anything goes wrong.

The ONR regularly assesses the robustness of these arrangements by holding emergency exercises.

ONR chiefs have contacted Anglesey council and site owners Magnox over the new zone.

The new 'safety zone' covers a 2.5km radius from the site, larger than the previous 1.6km which now also fully incorporates the nearby villages of Cemaes and Tregele.

Donald Urquhart, the ONR’s programme director, who insisted the risk of an emergency is low, said: “Our recent assessment of the radiation risks and hazards from the Wylfa site confirm that, as expected, the overall radiation risks to the public have decreased since the reactor ceased operating in December 2015.

“However, this assessment confirms that a radiation emergency is still possible during the defueling phase of its life cycle and the statutory requirements for an off-site emergency planning area will therefore remain in place.

“ONR inspectors have assessed Magnox Ltd’s detailed evaluation of the current radiation hazards at the site and worked with the Isle of Anglesey County Council emergency planners to ensure that existing good practice and practical considerations relevant to the extent of the area have been taken into account.

“Since the reactor is no longer operating, potassium iodate tablets are no longer a necessary countermeasure in the vicinity of the site. Magnox Ltd., on behalf of the council, will be writing to residents to whom the tablets were previously issued in order to facilitate their withdrawal and explain this change.”

Last year, the ONR lifted a near one-mile emergency zone around the former Trawsfynydd nuclear plant in Gwynedd after concluding that a radiation emergency was “no longer reasonably foreseeable” in the event of an incident.

Decommissioning at Traws began in 1995, two years after the Magnox plant ceased operating.

see-http://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/north-wales-news/danger-zone-around-former-anglesey-11543078

Wednesday, June 29, 2016

Rhyl,North Wales - Police sprayed Flintshire man who said he had been assaulted at party

Published date: 28 June 2016 |

Published by: Staff reporter
Read more articles by Staff reporterEmail reporter

A FLINTSHIRE man who claimed he had been beaten up as he left a party had to be sprayed with incapacitant as police struggled to arrest him.

Magistrates in Prestatyn heard police were called to a disturbance in Prince Edward Avenue, Rhyl, at 6.30am on June 10 and Stefan Revatto told them he had been assaulted.

They suspected he had been involved but when they went to arrest him he shouted: “Get the f... off me, I’ve done nothing wrong”.

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He tried to barge his way between the officers and then refused to stand up as they tried to put him into a car.

Revatto, 24, of Ffordd Marian, Gronant, pleaded guilty to using threatening behaviour and to breaching a criminal behaviour order imposed by Llandudno Magistrates for a similar offence in July, 2015.

see-http://www.rhyljournal.co.uk/news/163702/police-sprayed-flintshire-man-who-said-he-had-been-assaulted-at-party.aspx

Colwyn Bay,North Wales - Mum appeals for return of beloved family pet

Published date: 29 June 2016 |

Published by: Steve Craddock
Read more articles by Steve Craddock Email reporter

Pebbles the giant rabbit

A COLWYN Bay mum-of-three has called for the return of her beloved rabbit after fears the pet was stolen.

Danielle Dew, 33, of Woodhill Road, said she and her children had been left heartbroken after 4-month-old giant continental rabbit named Pebbles was stolen from her back garden in Woodhill Road.

She said: "They're so big they are more like dogs. She is so confident she'd probably go right up to a stranger.

"I've knocked on doors, I've had posters made, I've walked the streets until one in the morning looking for her.

"Who ever has taken my baby please just put her back in the garden and run. We just want her back. Me and my children are heartbroken - she's part of the family."

Ms Dew, who has two sons aged five and six and a daughter aged two, added her other rabbit, four-month-old Ebony, has also been affected by Pebbles' disappearance and has been pining for her.

A spokesperson for North Wales Police confirmed a report has been received that at some time between 2.30pm and 4.30pm on Monday, June 27 an unknown offender entered a secure garden in Woodhill Road, Colwyn Bay, and stole a large continental rabbit.

Police enquiries are ongoing. Anyone who may have seen any suspicious behavior in Woodhill Road at the time of the incident can contact police on 101 with reference number: RC160 9460

see-http://www.northwalespioneer.co.uk/news/163740/colwyn-bay-mum-appeals-for-return-of-beloved-family-pet.aspx

Connah’s Quay,North Wales - Woman arrested after arson attack on a home in Deeside

Published date: 29 June 2016 |

Published by: Staff reporter
Read more articles by Staff reporterEmail reporter

A WOMAN has been arrested following an arson attack on a Deeside home.

A joint police and fire investigation was launched after a flat on Bethel Place, Connah’s Quay, was set alight on Friday night.

A woman had to be rescued from third floor flat after the blaze broke out, causing 100 per cent fire damage to the bathroom and 80 per cent smoke damage to the rest of the property.

Police said a 45-year-old local female was arrested on Friday night and has since been bailed pending further enquiries.

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Fire crews from Deeside were able to rescue the woman who was checked over by the Welsh Ambulance Service at the scene.

A police spokesman said: “We were called to Bethal Place by the fire service, with reports of the fire.

“A 45-year-old local woman was arrested later that same evening on suspicion of arson.

“She has since been bailed and we are eager to speak to anyone who may have more information.”

Anyone who has any information should call police on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymous on 0800 555 111, quoting the crime reference number RC16092943.

see-http://www.leaderlive.co.uk/news/163744/woman-arrested-after-arson-attack-on-a-home-in-deeside.aspx

Bangor,North Wales - Three-weekly bin collections blamed for 'rubbish tip' street

The rubbish which is littering Glanrafon Hill in Bangor

These pictures show the shocking state of rubbish scattered throughout a road in Bangor.

Unsightly bin bags filled with household waste and even a bathtub have been spotted dumped on the side of Glanrafon Hill.

One Daily Post reader, who snapped the disgusting sight, said they had collected 20 sacks of other people’s rubbish in the past few months.

But the council say that, as soon as they were aware of the matter, officers attended the scene to clear away all the waste.

She said: “The rubbish is off the scale.

“I’ve lived here on the hill for 15 years and this is the worst I’ve seen it.

“There was just litter everywhere, from food waste, bottles, cans, nappies, used condoms and even a bath.

“The bin bags have been completely ripped by the seagulls.

“It’s an ongoing problem and I’ve collected at least 20 sacks of other residents’ rubbish in the past couple of months.”

The resident blamed the new three-weekly bin collections for exacerbating the problem.

The litter and split bin bags on Glanrafon Hill in Bangor

She added: “It certainly has added to the problem.

“There are a lot of communal flats which students use down this road and they’ve had real difficulty adapting to the changes.

“It really is like you’re living on a rubbish tip as we’re right in the middle of it here.”

Last week, pictures showed the mess business owners have been subjected to in Caernarfon , with piles of rubbish and over-flowing bins seen near to their premises on collection day.

The controversial plans to collect household waste just once every three weeks were rolled out in the Arfon, Dwyfor and Meirionnydd areas of Gwynedd last year despite opposition.

Recyclable products and food waste collections remain unaffected.

The litter-strewn Glanrafon Hill, Bangor

A Gwynedd Council spokesman said: “As a council, we are working closely with Bangor University’s Student Union as part of the latest end of term student waste and recycling campaign.

"Under the banner of ‘Love Bangor – Hey Punk Sort Your Junk’, the Students’ Union-led campaign builds on from the success of several previous campaigns which have helped to assist students to recycle more and to carefully dispose of their end of term waste before leaving for home.

"The campaign also helps students find key information about dealing with their household waste and recycling.”

“It is understood that the waste on this occasion was placed on the street sometime after the students had left and our enforcement officers will follow this matter up.”

see-http://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/north-wales-news/bangor-three-weekly-bin-collections-11541424

Tuesday, June 28, 2016

Caerphilly,South Wales - Number of elderly and vulnerable women targeted in 'despicable' distraction burglaries

Gwent Police are asking people to be extra vigilant following a number of similar and 'despicable' distraction incidents preying on elderly and vulnerable in the area.

28 JUN 2016
BY TYLER MEARS

Gwent Police is appealing for information and calling for extra vigilance

The force have reported a series of incidents between June 16 and 24 where a man has tried to gain entrance to a property using similar excuses and stories.

When access had been granted, there were reports of valuables being stolen.

A number of elderly women have been targeted

On June 16, a man called at a 69-year-old woman’s house on Heol Barri in Caerphilly , claiming he wanted to check for any damage to her greenhouse after his sister had been playing with a catapult.

The pensioner, who didn’t own a greenhouse, became suspicious and asked the man to leave, so nothing was stolen.

But on the same day, a man approached a woman in her front garden on Wingfield Crescent in Llandbradach, claiming his daughter had damaged one of her rear windows

He followed her into her home to check the windows and after he left the occupant discovered a quantity of cash was missing from the address.

A week later more women were also targeted

A week later on June 23, a man visited the home of an 84-year-old woman on Heol Isaf in Nelson.

He again falsely claimed that his sister had damaged the pensioners windows, but she refused to grant him access and nothing was stolen.

On the same day a man also called at the address of a 95-year-old woman on Newport Road in Magor, again claiming that his sister had caused damage to one of her rear windows.

The man entered her home to check the back of the property while a second man followed. After they left it was noticed that a number of items of jewellery were stolen.

One of the men is described as being in his late teens/early twenties, around 5’8” tall and of slim/medium build, with dark blonde hair and a local accent.

Jewellery, cash and a safe was stolen

At around 12pm the following day, on June 24, a man called at the address of an 89-year-old woman on Tydfil Road in Bedwas, and said something had gone through one of her back windows.

He entered her home to show her and after he left she noticed that a case of jewellery and cash was missing.

Later the same day, at around 1.10pm, a man called at the address of a 77-year-old woman on Gladstone Street in Abertillery.

Again the excuse was given that damage had been caused to a rear window by his sister. He was granted access and followed her through the house to look at the ‘damage’ while another man entered the property.

The two men were disturbed by a neighbour and made off with a safe.

What have the police said?

DS Michelle Chaplin said: “These are despicable crimes that prey on the elderly and vulnerable. An investigation into all these incidents is currently ongoing, but in the meantime I would ask residents to be extra vigilant and keep an eye out for their neighbours.

“If someone calls at your home who you think is suspicious, please report it to police immediately. Do not grant access to your home if you are unsure of someone and their reasons to enter.”

Gwent Police have offered this three step plan:

If in doubt keep them out - It sounds simple, but if you don’t let someone in - they will go away. Don’t let them pressure you into opening the door.
Be prepared. Be in control - Think about what to say to doorstep cold callers in advance. And keep a list of key contact numbers near your phone so you can check out legitimate callers. Ask all other unwanted callers to go away.
Call a neighbour or the police - Contact a local relative or nominated neighbour who can help verify a cold caller. If you think someone is a rogue trader call us on 101. To report a distraction burglar or rogue trader who has taken your money and is still in the area - call 999.
see-http://www.walesonline.co.uk/news/wales-news/number-elderly-vulnerable-women-targeted-11535079

Wrexham,North Wales - Teen girl jailed for 'savage' iron bar attack on neighbour

Katie Williams was jailed for four years

28 JUN 2016
BY GLYN BELLIS

Katie Williams was 17 at the time she hit Helen Davies, 45, over the head repeatedly

A girl who was 17 when she launched what a judge described as a “savage” unprovoked attack with a metal bar on a woman neighbour was locked up for four years.

Katie Williams, now 18, of Wash Lane, Bury, had been found guilty after a trial of wounding Helen Davies, 45, with intent and possessing an offensive weapon.

Judge Philip Harris-Jenkins said at Caernarfon crown court that she had hit her neighbour to the head with the bar in a public lane. Then, as the victim ran to her own home, Williams and someone else had put her to the ground and she was struck again with the bar outside her front door at New Broughton, Wrexham.

The first attack was in the presence of a child.

The judge told Williams, who denied the charges :”The injuries have left physical reminders but also emotional scarring, because of the issues of neighbourhood fallings out between your family and her of which this was a culmination.

“You should think long and hard about her plea for you to understand and accept what you did. It’s evident from the pre-sentence report you show no responsibility for your actions and no remorse for what the jury found you did. This was a nasty, savage attack on a middle-aged woman who didn’t provoke the incident in the slightest.

“The fact you followed her to her home shows the callous way you acted on this day. However, it’s obvious you lack maturity when it comes to thought and reason and I don’t doubt the seeds of that lie very much with your poor upbringing.”

There were “good aspects” to her, too, he added.

An indefinite restraining order was imposed, banning contact with the victim who is a mum.

Prosecutor David Mainstone said there had been “bad feeling” between the neighbours for a number of years. The injured woman had a scarred forehead following the assault.

“Every day this scar on her face is a reminder to her and her children about what happened,” the prosecutor remarked. Her life had been “affected hugely.”

Defence counsel James Coutts said Williams was “vulnerable” and had tried to mask this. But she had found work and looked after herself in a different area.

The teen had spent two months in custody. “She’s found the experience challenging,” counsel added.

Det Con Jess Evans of North Wales police said afterwards :“This was a particularly vicious assault with a weapon which left the victim traumatised. I am pleased with this sentence.”

see-http://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/north-wales-news/teen-girl-jailed-savage-iron-11535323

Rhyl,North Wales - Overnight break-in at Rhyl NatWest sees burglars leave 'something odd' in bank

Police and scenes of crime officers are currently carrying out investigations at NatWest on the town's Church Street

Burglars have struck at a bank in Rhyl .

Police and scenes of crime officers are currently carrying out investigations at NatWest on the town’s Queen Street.

The bank is closed at the moment.

Onlookers described the drama as police cars raced to the scene.

One said: “The police cars were here first shortly followed by the scenes of crime van.

“They’ve just cordoned off the back of the building.

Police investigate burglary at NatWest bank in Rhyl

Man dies after Rhyl crash

“Members of staff are still waiting outside."

The onlooker overheard staff on the phone to police saying they had found "something odd" in the bank when they arrived this morning.

North Wales Police have been asked to comment.

They have confirmed they are investigating a burglary.

A North Wales Police spokeswoman said: “Police are appealing for witnesses following a report of a break in at the NatWest Bank in Rhyl.

“Officers are currently at the location on Queen Street and investigations are on-going.”

"At this time nothing is believed to have been stolen. Crime Scene Investigators are still at the scene and officers are in the vicinity conducting local inquiries."

Anyone who saw any suspicious activity in the vicinity of the building overnight or who may have information is urged to contact Detectives at St Asaph CID on 101 quoting reference number U094798.

see-http://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/north-wales-news/overnight-break-rhyl-natwest-sees-11535196

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