Latest news with #Bembridge
BBC News
22-05-2025
- General
- BBC News
Consultation for plans to change Isle of Wight fire services
A fire service has revealed plans to merge and close stations which "are not required or currently used".Hampshire and Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service has launched a public consultation on potential changes to services on the comes after the announcement of a new fire station in East proposed changes are part of the service's safety plan for 2025-30, outlining its goals for the next five years. The plan is created by looking at different risks in communities, their potential impact and how the service could adapt to address them. In a statement, the service says it has identified ways to "rationalise operational response on the Isle of Wight".It has unveiled plans to combine Yarmouth and Freshwater fire stations, which would mean two fire engines could operate in the west of the are also proposals to stop operational responses from Bembridge fire station. 'We will continue to be there' The statement explained: "There has been no response from Bembridge since 2020 due to lack of available on-call firefighters. "During this time, Ryde fire station received investment to increase staffing to a full-time crew."The public consultation on plans will run until 29 July and there will also be community events to discuss the proposals in Bembridge and changes come as the fire service is testing the removal of less frequently used fire engines in four on-call stations in Romsey, Waterlooville, Petersfield and are also plans to introduce a new vehicle which would mean a reduction in 20 firefighter posts across Redbridge and Cosham, but the service has explained this would not result in fire officer, Neil Odin, said: "We are looking to make changes because we need to ensure that we have a modern, fit for purpose and efficient fire service. "The changes are about having the right resources in the right place to meet the identified risks in our communities. Public safety will always be our priority and, if you need us, we will continue to be there quickly, with the right people, vehicles and equipment." You can follow BBC Hampshire & Isle of Wight on Facebook, X (Twitter), or Instagram.
BBC News
07-05-2025
- General
- BBC News
Teenage girls cut off by tide rescued by lifeboat crew on Isle of Wight
Teenage girls cut off by tide rescued by lifeboat crew Coastguards and the RNLI were called to rescue the stricken pair from St Helens Beach Two teenage girls had to be rescued from a beach by a lifeboat crew on the Isle of Wight's east coast. The Bembridge RNLI crew along with Bembridge and Ventnor coastguard rescue teams and police were called to St Helens Beach on Tuesday at about 21:30 BST. Found to be cut off by tide, the pair were taken onboard the lifeboat and into the care of the coastguard team on shore. The Maritime & Coastguard Agency (MCA) said neither needed medical assistance following the rescue.
Daily Mirror
25-04-2025
- Daily Mirror
Cruise passengers warned over little-known scam that exploits tourists
Cruise passengers have been issued a warning about a new scam which has left a number of holidaymakers out of pocket after they accepted what they thought was a 'free' resort pass Cruise ship passengers have been alerted to a lesser-known excursion scam that has recently affected numerous travellers. A cruise ship specialist has revealed that many passengers have fallen victim to new cruise scams that have surfaced in recent months. Cruise expert Gary Bembridge, in his latest Tips for Travellers video, shed light on how unsuspecting tourists are being exploited, often by individuals posing as friendly locals or resort representatives. He warned cruisers to reconsider before signing up for travel clubs, which can entail hefty fees and long-term commitments. He initiated the video by stating: "This one seemed to be an issue mostly in busy Caribbean and Mediterranean ports, but a couple on my recent cruise that called into ports on the Mexican Riviera got trapped too. "On researching this scam for this, I discovered a new article had appeared on 'The Points Guy,' a large and well-known travel advice website, warning about the growth of this one. "They spoke about how significant numbers of seriously out-of-pocket cruisers had been contacting them coming home from cruises affected by this one." The expert then broke down how the scam operates. According to Mr Bembridge, at cruise ports, seemingly friendly representatives at well-maintained stands offer what appears to be a dream deal: a complimentary day pass to a stunning resort, inclusive of transfers, food, and drinks - all for attending a brief presentation. Once holidaymakers settle into the resort with a few drinks, they're often lured into a travel club pitch. It's the age-old high-pressure tactic: dazzling promises of cut-price deals on flights, hotels and excursions, all in exchange for a hefty initial fee and regular monthly payments. He warned: "Caught up in the buzz and drink, many sign the contract to join the travel club. "Only once back on the ship fully realising how much it will cost them, and how restrictive they can be, as they soberly reflect on it. "Unlike countries like the USA and UK, the laws in those countries do not have 'cooling off' periods and so they are locked in for years with the provider having their financial details. "So before accepting a day pass for anywhere, fully understand what your obligation is in exchange. "Be extremely cautious if you go to any of these with the presentations and refuse to sign anything on the day and say that you'll come back to them. There's no such thing as a free resort pass in reality."
