Anger as Pride banners pulled down in Ammanford high street
The incident allegedly occurred around 3am, hours before the inaugural Pride event in the town, which has been organised to coincide with the town's popular farmers market.
A spokesperson for Ammanford Farmers Market said: 'Does anyone know who these lovely people are, caught on CCTV pulling down all our Pride banners at around 3/3.30am last night?
'The original footage which the police will have shown the faces much clearer. Don't worry – they were all back up bright and early this morning, but the footage is now with the police. If you recognise them, drop us a message. Hate has no home here.'
Responding to the post, locals voiced their disappointment.
Lisa Evans said: 'All our balloons were popped too. Lots of time and effort was put into it. Very immature behaviour.'
Jeff Swift Jones added: 'That's the epitome of society today in a video. And what would happen if they got caught? Nothing."
Emma Powell agreed: 'And this is why we can't have anything nice.'
Angela Wilkes also said: 'What is wrong with these kids today, and why are they wondering the streets at 3am. Where's the parents? Despite this, Hope you all still have a fun day.'
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Spectator
4 days ago
- Spectator
Why women trust Farage more than Starmer
Labour's attack dogs have Nigel Farage firmly in their sights. A vote for Reform will leave women and girls at risk from all manner of online nasties, is their latest salvo. Apparently, only Labour can offer us women the protection we need. Well, as one such woman, I would far sooner have a pint with Farage than be looked after by Starmer. First came technology secretary Peter Kyle, who, at the end of July, accused the Reform leader of 'wilful disregard for the safety of children online' after he proposed repealing the Online Safety Act. Angela Rayner then ramped up the panic. Scrapping online safety laws would enable 'a vile, misogynistic culture on social media' by opening the floodgates on revenge porn, the Deputy Prime Minister proclaimed. This would 'fail a generation of young women,' she added for good measure. And now this week sees the launch of a Labour attack ad scurrilously linking Farage to Andrew Tate – a self-declared 'misogynist' and 'sexist' facing charges, which he denies, of rape and human trafficking in more than one country – after Farage discussed Tate's appeal to young men in a podcast. The crude message being drummed home to voters is that women and girls will not be safe with Farage in charge. That Labour needs to confuse online and real world harms, that it seeks to blur the boundary between the actions of Jimmy Savile and internet pornography, not only speaks of desperation, it is insulting to women. There isn't a woman alive who doesn't know the difference between a podcast interview and being intimidated or physically threatened in real life. Or, for that matter, between even the vilest online content and the actions of a rapist or paedophile. To suggest women don't know this – and need to be protected in the online world just like girls – is patronising in the extreme. In case Labour's PR team needs reminding, women are morally and intellectually equal to men. Of course there are things online I would not want children to see. But, as a mother, I consider it my role – not the job of government ministers – to protect my daughter. Because, let's be honest, when it comes to protecting women and girls in real life, the Labour government does not have a leg to stand on. Just this weekend, while Rayner was busy arguing Farage would fail women, Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy joined Wigan's Pride march sporting a 'Protect the Dolls' T-shirt, 'doll' being slang for a man who 'passes' as a woman. Was a government minister really suggesting that males should be allowed access to women's single sex spaces – presumably including toilets, changing rooms and hospital wards – places where women really are vulnerable? So much for women's safety. And if we're discussing risks to girls, what has Labour done about the Pakistani-heritage grooming gangs that have preyed on working class girls in towns across Britain? Jess Phillips, the minister for safeguarding and violence against women and girls, huffed with irritability when forced to listen to Conservative Katie Lam's Parliamentary plea for justice for the victims of 'racially and religiously aggravated' crimes. When the issue of grooming gangs was raised on Radio 4's Any Questions, Leader of the House of Commons, Lucy Powell, dismissively retorted, 'Oh, we want to blow that little trumpet now do we,' and 'let's get that dog whistle out shall we'. And let's not forget that Starmer initially ruled out a national inquiry into grooming gangs, accusing those calling for one of jumping on a 'far-right bandwagon'. So much for the safety of girls. Labour has nothing to offer women and girls other than promises of censorship. Restricting free speech online might suit the current government but it is scurrilous to use women's safety as a reason for this control. In any case, patronising women while smearing Farage could backfire spectacularly. With women now leading protests against asylum seekers being housed in hotels, Reform is targeting female voters directly. Women are listening: latest polls suggest that Reform is gaining ground not just among women but among young women in particular. Even trendy women's mag Cosmopolitan has been forced to admit that 'Nigel Farage and co are winning over more female voters.' It seems I'm not the only one who would prefer a pint with Farage to being looked after by Starmer. Joanna Williams is an academic and author. Follow her on Substack here
South Wales Guardian
5 days ago
- South Wales Guardian
Anger as Pride banners pulled down in Ammanford high street
A video on social media shows two people appearing to yank down decorations in Ammanford arcade. The incident allegedly occurred around 3am, hours before the inaugural Pride event in the town, which has been organised to coincide with the town's popular farmers market. A spokesperson for Ammanford Farmers Market said: 'Does anyone know who these lovely people are, caught on CCTV pulling down all our Pride banners at around 3/3.30am last night? 'The original footage which the police will have shown the faces much clearer. Don't worry – they were all back up bright and early this morning, but the footage is now with the police. If you recognise them, drop us a message. Hate has no home here.' Responding to the post, locals voiced their disappointment. Lisa Evans said: 'All our balloons were popped too. Lots of time and effort was put into it. Very immature behaviour.' Jeff Swift Jones added: 'That's the epitome of society today in a video. And what would happen if they got caught? Nothing." Emma Powell agreed: 'And this is why we can't have anything nice.' Angela Wilkes also said: 'What is wrong with these kids today, and why are they wondering the streets at 3am. Where's the parents? Despite this, Hope you all still have a fun day.'
Daily Record
13-08-2025
- Daily Record
Uniformed cops unable to participate in Stirling Pride events after ruling
The change - prompted by a court ruling in England over police impartiality in trans/gender-critical debates - will mean cops will only attend the Stirling festival in their traditional public safety role. Disappointed Stirling Pride organisers are warning a decision by Police Scotland not to take part in the event could damage relationships between cops and the LGBTQ+ community. While police will still be deployed to ensure the public attending the event next month are safe, they can no longer participate in any of the activities. Last year saw the police play an active role in the festival, a celebration of LGBTQ+ social and self-acceptance, achievements, legal rights, and pride. However, in a statement issued by Stirling Pride organisers, they said that - despite otherwise positive relationships between local officers and the community - the police would not be involved. They said: 'Today we have been advised that Police Scotland will not participate in Stirling Pride 2025. 'This means that there will be no Police Scotland stall, no presence in the march and no vehicle at Pride this year. This is a significant change from last year, where Police Scotland's participation was noted as a positive addition to the event.' The organisers said the decision appeared to have been made following a court case in England brought by an individual, that police should not participate in Pride events as this could be a breach of their impartiality should there be a dispute between trans and gender critical people. They added: 'The LGBTQ+ community have long had a very difficult relationship with police and this step will be seen as a capitulation to the anti-trans and anti-LGBTQ+ lobby. 'Police Scotland have made significant efforts to improve relations with the LGBTQ+ community, however this regressive step is a partial decision based on the view of a minority who are actively anti-trans. 'This will not only damage relations and increase suspicion between the LGBTQ+ community and Police Scotland as an organisation. 'Stirling Pride has a good relationship with local police in Stirling and value the co-working we have had to bring safe events to the area, which makes it all the more disappointing that Police Scotland have made this decision.' Police Scotland, however, said there would still be close engagement. Assistant Chief Constable Catriona Paton said: 'Police Scotland has vast experience in policing events and we will continue to do so in a professional, engaging, and proportionate manner. 'Pride events will be no different and we will engage closely with event organisers, although no officers will participate in forthcoming events in uniform. 'We are reviewing the UK High Court judgment on Northumbria Police's participation in Newcastle Pride 2024 and its implications. 'We will ensure Police Scotland's response to events continues to be in line with our values and code of ethics, providing a professional and impartial service which upholds the human rights of all.' RuPaul Drag Race stars Tia Kofi and Chanel O'Conor have been announced as headliners of Stirling Pride 2025 alongside award winning piper, fiddler and composer Malin Lewis. Stirling Pride will return on Saturday September 20 with 18 acts announced to perform across a dozen venues in the city centre. Events take place all day with the majority of events being free to attend and open to all LGBTQ+ people and allies. For further details visit:
