
Bomb squad carry out controlled explosion after Welsh high school evacuated
Bomb squad carry out controlled explosion after Welsh high school evacuated
Pupils were evacuated after a 'potentially harmful chemical' was found at the school
Denbigh High School was evacuated on Tuesday afternoon
(Image: Daily Post Wales )
A bomb disposal team carried out a controlled explosion after a "potentially harmful chemical" was found at a high school on Tuesday. Pupils were evacuated from Denbigh High School on the advice of experts.
Police confirmed that a successful controlled explosion took place. In a statement North Wales Police Conwy and Denbigh Rural said: "We can confirm that the EOD (Explosive Ordnance Disposal) team have attended and has safely removed the items and carried out a successful controlled explosion."
"There are no wider safety issues and officers have now left the scene. Thanks to the local community for their understanding and patience whilst this matter was dealt with – diolch yn fawr iawn."
This confirmation comes after Denbigh High School issued an "important notice" to parents warning historical chemicals had been found at the school. Students were evacuated from the premises on Tuesday afternoon.
Denbigh High School, which has roughly 500 students, said it ordered an evacuation for safety reasons. prioritised safety by ordering an immediate clearing of the premises. It caters for pupils aged 11-18 years from Denbigh, St Asaph, and surrounding villages, reports NorthWalesLive.
Article continues below
In a statement issued via its social media media pages on June 3 the school said: "We have had to evacuate the school building early this afternoon on advice due to the discovery of historical chemicals within the chemical store cupboard in the science department.
"This decision has been made to safeguard all members of the school community. Learners will be travelling home as normal (in 10 minutes) at the end of the school day."
Get daily breaking news updates on your phone by joining our WhatsApp community here. We occasionally treat members to special offers, promotions and ads from us and our partners. See our Privacy Notice.

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


Wales Online
8 hours ago
- Wales Online
Man dies after getting into difficulty whilst swimming at Welsh beauty spot
Man dies after getting into difficulty whilst swimming at Welsh beauty spot A major rescue operation was launched but police have confirmed a 50-year-old man has tragically died Tor Bay in Gower (Image: Nathan Jones, of Porthcawl ) A man has died after getting into difficulty while swimming at a Welsh beauty spot. The incident took place at Tor Bay, Penmaen in Swansea, near the Gower's Three Cliffs Bay. A major rescue operation was launched on Friday afternoon involving the coastguard and South Wales Police. A statement from police said that a 50-year-old man was brought out of the water at 1pm. Sadly, paramedics confirmed his death three hours later and police issued a statement on Friday evening. The statement from South Wales Police read: "A coastguard-led operation involving multiple emergency services, including the police, led to a 50-year-old man from Sandfields, Swansea being brought out of the water following the incident, which occurred at around 1pm. "Paramedics confirmed his death at the scene at around 4pm." A spokesman for the force confirmed that the man's family has been informed. Article continues below Tor Bay is the next bay west from Three Cliffs Bay, separated by the towering Great Tor (headland to the east). It is accessible on foot, about a 20 minute walk or so from Penmaen Village.


Business News Wales
13 hours ago
- Business News Wales
The Role of the Welsh Active Offer in Person-Centred Care
The care home industry is designed to support those in need with the care they require to improve their quality of life, and this can cover a whole spectrum of circumstances. While taking care of residents' health and medical needs is of course a priority, those working in the industry should also take the time to recognise and nurture the person behind the diagnosis or disability. Quality of life is about more than standard measures of physical ability or comfort, and encompasses recognition of individual needs, personality traits and backgrounds. This person-centred approach puts individuals at the heart of planning and monitoring their care and development, thus ensuring the service is tailored to their unique needs and achieves the best possible outcomes. Working collaboratively with residents and their families means care providers can really get to know those they are caring for and gain a deeper understanding of what's important to them, their culture, lifestyle and values, and can therefore provide a more empathetic, tailored and overall, a better-quality of support. Effective communication is critical is building these relationships, and in the case of Welsh care homes, striving to deliver on the Active Offer can go a long way in building a sense of trust and belonging. That said, what is the Welsh Active Offer and what role can it play in a care home environment? What is the Welsh Active Offer? As part of the Welsh government's 'More than just words' strategic framework for promoting the Welsh language in health and social care, the Active Offer is a key element of the Welsh Language Standards that is designed to make the Welsh language as visible and heard as the English language. The Welsh Active Offer means care services are provided in Welsh without a resident having to ask for this specifically, meaning the language is incorporated into the home's operations and no assumptions are made about Welsh speakers' ability, or desire, to speak English. This is rooted in the belief that if a care home resident is a Welsh speaker, being able to use their own language should be a core component of their care, and not an afterthought. This is even more important if an individual becomes unwell, as they more often rely more strongly on their (first) language of choice. Recent reports show that the percentage of people able to speak Welsh is the lowest recorded in more than eight years, sitting at around 27.7 per cent, but this does not mean that the importance of communicating with people in their first language becomes any less important. The Welsh Active Offer is hugely important if we are to deliver the care residents in Wales want, deserve and should rightly expect. We need a culture change to incorporate this initiative and take the responsibility away from patients having to request this service as an 'add on'. Providing support and comfort It can be easy to overlook the power of language, particularly in busy, stressful environments such as care homes. But studies have shown that communicating in a patient's mother tongue can significantly improve the quality of care in a healthcare setting and reduce any miscommunication or related suffering. The Welsh Active offer and person-centred care are designed to create the right environment to empower residents to feel in control, but if there is any form of communication breakdown, this can be difficult to achieve. Residents may need to discuss sensitive topics with their care providers, and this is much easier to do in a language they are confident in and comfortable with. Having Welsh speaking staff on hand can put residents at ease in challenging situations, giving them the confidence needed to express themselves. Anticipating the needs of Welsh speakers, instead of waiting for them to ask for a Welsh service, can also build a sense of trust in the care they are receiving. Keeping culture alive Moving into a care home can often be a culture shock, particularly for elderly people who have been used to a lifetime of independence in their own home. Adjusting to new surroundings, routines and people can be difficult and disorientating, and many residents benefit from familiar touches that help to anchor and settle them into a new environment. Considering a resident's culture and background is key here, and providing access to activities that promote Welsh language and culture puts them at the heart of the service. For instance, providing books in the Welsh language, singing or listening to Welsh songs or offering opportunities to celebrate key sporting events and national days can help residents keep that crucial bond with their culture, going beyond basic care provisions. This may seem like a simple step, but providing this access can go a long way to helping care home residents feel a sense of belonging and in nurturing their individual personalities. Reducing isolation Loneliness and isolation is sadly on the rise amongst people of all ages, and according to the National Survey for Wales, around 91,000 of older people in Wales feel 'consistently' lonely. Living in a care home can unfortunately be an isolating experience for some residents who move away from the family and friends they are used to spending their time with, and who may find it difficult to forge new bonds with fellow residents. Being unable to communicate in their preferred language will inevitably make this feeling of isolation more prominent, and it's up to care providers to make sure all residents feel included and valued. Even if all staff aren't fluent in Welsh, learning a few words and phrases can bring joy and provide comfort to those Welsh speakers who may feel lonely. It's also important to ensure that all signage and information throughout the home is provided in Welsh to set residents up for the best possible outcomes. Failing to do so not only runs the risk of further isolating residents, but could potentially be dangerous. Putting people at the heart of the care service is all about recognising them for the person they are, and language is a huge part of this. Final thoughts Delivering truly person-centred care in Welsh care homes may require some adjustments, but the benefits are clear. Incorporating the Welsh Active Offer not only allows care providers to learn more about their residents and provide a better service, but also empowers residents to take control of their care and quality of life. Language barriers can lead to isolation, a loss of culture, and damage to confidence. By taking the time and initiative to accommodate Welsh speakers, better outcomes can be achieved for all. Providing high-quality care is about more than taking care of residents' physical and emotional needs, and by respecting and supporting their unique personalities, cultures and backgrounds, we can work together to create the service they deserve.


Wales Online
13 hours ago
- Wales Online
Inside famous Welsh hotel left to rot as nature takes over
Inside famous Welsh hotel left to rot as nature takes over The Corbett Arms Hotel was visited by music legend John Lennon and wife Yoko Ono but is now in a derelict state and an uncertain future The outside of the building in July 2024 (Image: Google maps ) The once-celebrated Corbett Arms Hotel, which has hosted stars like former Beatle John Lennon and his wife Yoko Ono, is now in a state of severe dilapidation and at risk of collapse, according to the local council. Photographs from within the Grade II listed property in Tywyn reveal the extensive damage, as Cyngor Gwynedd / Gwynedd Council moves forward with plans for "partial deconstruction". A section of the hotel, including its ballroom, gave way earlier this year, prompting the installation of scaffolding along Maengwyn Street and parts of Corbett Square. The situation necessitated the temporary closure of Maengwyn Street, Corbett Square, and Red Lion Streets to ensure public and motorist safety. Cyngor Gwynedd is seeking listed building consent for the "phased partial deconstruction and demolition of the building, and required support works to stabilise the remaining structure". The council has committed to retaining as much of the building as possible during the phased deconstruction process. For more home and property content sent to your inbox twice a week sign up to the property newsletter here READ MORE: Landmark former hotel 'most at risk' building in Wales YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE: Extreme renovation burnt out farmhouse with 22 acres of land going to auction with guide price of £200k Article continues below The front and side elevations of the building in August 2023 (Image: Google maps ) However, conservation organisation SAVE Britain's Heritage (SAVE) state that Gwynedd Council had been seeking to demolish the whole building under dangerous building powers due to concerns that two areas at the back of the 1833 building had collapsed after years of neglect, but that Welsh heritage chiefs intervened after SAVE raised the alarm over the historic former seaside hotel which was facing demolition. Internal view of the Corbett Arms shows the extent of its collapse (Image: Cyngor Gwynedd ) SAVE commissioned Jon Avent, a specialist conservation engineer, to review the condition and he concluded: 'There is simply no justification for demolition.' Now Cadw, the Welsh government's official heritage advisor, has taken action that lifts the threat of imminent demolition. It confirmed that a listed building consent (LBC) application will be submitted by the council prior to any work being undertaken. SAVE states that this means the risk of hasty demolition under dangerous building powers has been averted for now. A report by the council detailing the structural integrity and remaining stability of the hotel has disclosed further information about the building's dire state, accompanied by previously unseen internal photographs of the destruction. A derelict room inside the Corbett Arms (Image: Cyngor Gwynedd ) A recent report from John Evans Associates (JEA) Limited, Chartered Structural Engineers, has highlighted the precarious state of the building, citing a "high risk of catastrophic collapse" at the rear of the main structure. Moreover, a window up to the third floor has fallen in, and the roof has sustained damage. Daily drone deployments are conducted to monitor any movement in the roof and the collapse zone on the rear elevation. According to the report, "The building is not currently stable enough to enter to try and introduce temporary propping, given the presence of the cellar, the high risk of further collapse and the poor condition of the structure based on what can be established from limited vantage points." A glass roof at the Corbett Arms on the verge of collapse (Image: Cyngor Gwynedd ) In collaboration with Cyngor Gwynedd, Cadw, and engineer Tom Martin of Mann Williams, an initial phase of demolition of the most unstable zone is now being considered. Following this phase, the residual stability of the remaining parts of the building will be assessed, with the aim of retaining them, potentially with temporary shoring and propping as needed. The partial deconstruction and demolition application is currently under consideration by the Council, and the public is invited to submit comments during a consultation period running until June 20, 2025. Complete details of the application can be found here. The Council's Planning Committee is anticipated to make a decision on the application in due course. In the interim, surveillance work will persist on the building's condition to guarantee public safety. Article continues below For more home content, including products, join our Amazing Welsh Homes Facebook group here.