Latest news with #Carmarthenshire
Daily Mirror
a day ago
- Business
- Daily Mirror
Major high street chain to shut 10 shops within weeks - full list of locations
The Original Factory Shop - which employs around 2,000 people - has been struggling in recent years, and as part of its plans to bounce back it is shutting its loss-making stores A major UK discount chain is closing 10 high street stores over the coming weeks as part of a restructuring plan. The Original Factory Shop - which employs around 2,000 people - has been struggling in recent years, and as part of its plans to bounce back it is shutting its loss-making stores. Overall, a total of 10 stores are closing between now and the end of July. Nine are closing towards the end of this month, with a final one to pull down the shutters in July. The retailer's Milford Haven branch in Pembrokeshire will be the first to close, closing for good on June 26. Just two days later, on June 28, eight more branches will close. The branches set for closure that day are in Perth, County Durham, Angus, Carmarthenshire, Worcestershire, West Yorkshire, Aberdeenshire, and Dorset. Finally, the Staveley branch in Cumbria is shutting for good on July 12. However, the chain's Nairn store is listed as "up for sale" and the company told the Sun newspaper that negotiations were currently ongoing with the landlord. The Original Factory Shop has not confirmed how many staff members will be impacted by the closures. Earlier this year, the retailer's owner Modella Capital launched plans to renegotiate rents at 88 stores through a company voluntary arrangement (CVA). This is an agreement between a business and its creditors that allows debts to be paid off over a fixed period of time. A spokesperson for The Original Factory shop recently told The Press and Journal: "The Original Factory Shop (TOFS) recently confirmed that as part of a restructuring a number of its loss-making stores will have to close. "Closing stores is always a tough decision and we are committed to keeping as many stores open as possible. This is, however, dependent on successful negotiations with landlords as we strive to build a sustainable and successful business for the future. "We have already announced that two stores will close. Additionally, a small number of other stores are currently under review, with their continued operation subject to ongoing negotiations with landlords." Join Money Saving Club's specialist topics For all you savvy savers and bargain hunters out there, there's a golden opportunity to stretch your pounds further. The Money Saving Club newsletter, a favourite among thousands who thrive on catching the best deals, is stepping up its game. Simply follow the link and select one or more of the following topics to get all the latest deals and advice on: Travel; Property; Pets, family and home; Personal finance; Shopping and discounts; Utilities. Full list of The Original Factory Shops closing Milford Haven, Pembrokeshire - June 26 Perth - June 28 Chester Le Street, County Durham - June 28 Arbroath, Angus - June 28 Kidwelly, Carmarthenshire - June 28 Pershore, Worcestershire - June 28 Normanton, West Yorkshire - June 28 Peterhead, Aberdeenshire - June 28 Shaftesbury, Dorset - June 28 Staveley, Cumbria - July 12
Sky News
a day ago
- General
- Sky News
'Breaking point' as people in last 12 months of life occupy 'almost a fifth of Welsh hospital beds'
People in the last 12 months of their life occupy "almost a fifth of Welsh hospital beds", according to a end of life care charity. Marie Curie Cymru says end of life care in Wales is "at breaking point" and is calling on the next Welsh government to ensure high-quality care. The charity says that, for many, support could be better provided at home or close to home, as it launched its manifesto for next year's Senedd election at Cardiff Bay's Norwegian Church on Tuesday. Gareth Miles died at home in Llanddarog, Carmarthenshire, in September 2023. Mr Miles, who had Parkinson's disease, had spent 10 weeks in hospital before his last week. His daughters, Branwen, Eiry and Elen, are calling for better care at home for those who have a palliative or end-of-life care condition. "Once [her father] was in hospital, even though he was better after 10 days, he couldn't be discharged because he lost the care package," she said. "He was being supported by carers twice a day because of his Parkinson's and his arthritis, and without the carers, we would have been unable to care for him ourselves. "So he spent a long time in hospital, waiting for a care package to be reinstated and, while he was there, his condition deteriorated." While calling for "better links" between health and social care, Mrs Miles said the support from Marie Curie was "invaluable". "Without their support, my father would have been stuck in hospital and his death would have been very painful for all of us, in quite a distressing environment," she added. 'Surrounded by his family' Remembering her father fondly, she said he was a "great person" with a "very fulfilling life". "He saw himself as a very lucky man because, as well as being able to do a job that he loved, he also had family and friends that loved him," she added. "So it was just very sad then that he spent the end of his life in those circumstances. "But luckily, we were able to bring him home and he had what he would call a good death in the end, surrounded by his family. "My intention through sharing this just to hopefully raise awareness of the issue and hopefully make sure that other people are aware of the support that they have." Natasha Davies, senior policy manager for Marie Curie Cymru, told Sky News the palliative and end of life care system in Wales was at "breaking point" and "under immense pressure". "The result of that is that too many people are not able to access the care and the support that they need, when they need it, where they need it," she said. "I think what those experiences show us is the profound impact that getting this right can have, not just on the person who's terminally ill, but also on those close to them." Ms Davies acknowledged hospital would be "the right and best place" for some people to receive their care. "But for others, we know that those hospital admissions, particularly via emergency department, could be reduced or avoided," she added. The Welsh government said: "Good palliative and end of life care can make a huge difference to those with life-limiting illness, helping them to die with dignity, and help the grieving process for those left behind. "We provide more than £16m a year to make sure everyone has access to the best possible end of life care. This includes setting national standards, boosting community services and ensuring people receive the support they need. "We are working with health boards and local authorities, supported by monthly discharge data, to improve the safe discharge of patients from hospital. This applies equally to people requiring end of life care."
The Sun
2 days ago
- General
- The Sun
Five top hidden gem attractions in the UK according to experts from Venetian palaces to hidden gold mines
THE National Trusts boasts many hidden gems across the UK - including the UK's only Roman Gold Mine and a house with 'playful and mysterious' curiosities. With so many sites in it's collection, National Trust properties offer the perfect day-out this summer. 6 And now, the charity has revealed some of it's top hidden gems. Dolaucothi, Carmarthenshire in Wales Dolaucothi, located in Carmarthenshire in Wales, is the UK's only known Roman Gold Mine. Head of visitor programming, Tom Freshwater, said: "Hidden in these wooded hillsides is evidence of Roman gold mining, dating back over 2,000 years. "On pre-booked guided tours, expert guides will unveil the secrets of Roman mining and take you underground into the mine itself, ending with the chance to try the gold panning experience." Mining continued at Dolaucothi into the 20th century, ending in 1938. Dolaucothi is open Wednesdays, Thursdays and Sundays and visitors will need to prebook underground tours. The tours start from the 1930s mine yard where visitors will see buildings and mining machinery dating from that time. Orford Ness, Suffolk Orford Ness, Suffolk is one of the most dynamic landforms on the UK coastline and the largest vegetated shingle spit in Europe. "A large proportion of the world's rare coastal vegetated shingle is found here, which together with the marshland provides important habitats for a range of bird species, mammals and invertebrates," said Tom. In 1915 the arrival of the Royal Flying Corps ushered in a 70-year period of secret military experimentation, mostly working on aerial warfare. Kids Country House Between 1935 and 1937, the first experimental work on radar was conducted on the Ness and from 1953, tests on Britain's atomic bombs. "The best thing about this place is the strangeness of the landscape: the juxtaposition of wild remoteness and fascinating but disturbing history," Tom added. Visitors can only get to Orford Ness via the National Trust ferry Octavia. There is no access on foot or by vehicle via Slaughden. There is a charge for ferry to Orford Ness and tickets, to the site, are limited and must be booked in advance. Smallhythe, Kent Originally built in the early 16th-century, Smallhythe used to be a thriving shipbuilding port. 6 It was later purchased by the Victorian actress Ellen Terry in 1899 and ten decades later transformed by her daughter into a museum which now displays a theatrical collection reflecting Ellen's career and life. Also at the destination is a 17th century thatched Barn Theatre, which hosts a programme of productions throughout the year. Tom said: "[There is an] outdoor theatre programme and last chance to see the Beetlewing dress on display in the Dressing Lady Macbeth exhibition - Dressing Lady Macbeth." In the garden, visitors can find a traditional rose garden, orchard, nuttery and ponds. The garden also boasts a 55-metre-long rose pergola, with 52 roses of nine varieties, that flower from May to July. There is a Tea Room, too, that serves drinks, cakes and snacks. Kingston Lacy, Dorset The Bankes family bought Corfe Castle in 1635 but after it was destroyed in the English Civil War, Sir Ralph Bankes decided to relocate 20 miles north and build this handsome mansion house. 6 Between 1835 and 1841 the building was transformed by William Bankes, who employed Charles Barry, architect of the Houses of Parliament, to create something similar to a Venetian palace. The building boasts paintings by Velázquez, Titian and Rubens. "It also includes the largest private display of Egyptian relics in the UK, including the nine-metre Philae obelisk in the grounds," Tom revealed. "The Spanish Room has walls of gilded leather, too" In 1841, to avoid prosecution for a homosexual act, William John Bankes fled England and lived the rest of his life in exile. Tom concluded: "He may well have returned in disguise before his death in 1855 to see the home he loved one final time." Snowshill Manor & Garden, Gloucestershire A personal favourite of Tom's is Snowshill Manor & Garden, Gloucestershire, even though picking on top spot "is so hard to choose". 6 Tom shared: "A truly unique place is Snowshill Manor - once visited, never forgotten. "I particularly love the hidden panels and mechanisms that are built into the house which makes it playful and mysterious." Outside, Snowshill is a charming 16th-century manor house built of Cotswold stone and set above a picturesque valley. Inside is a collection of mind-boggling variety gathered from around the world by Charles Paget Wade. Javanese and Balinese theatre masks adorn walls, while Penny-farthing bicycles hang from the rafters. Wade – architect, artist-craftsman, collector, poet and (crucially) heir to a fortune – bought the manor in 1919. He built his collection while living in fairly spartan style in a small cottage in the garden. 6 By the time he died in 1951, he had collected over 22,000 hand-made objects, including tiny toys, Samurai armour, musical instruments and fine clocks. "It's an eccentric collection, but one unified by Wade's love," Tom concluded. There is an 'Arts and Crafts' garden, which is an extension of the house and features a number of outdoor rooms full of doorways, hidden vistas and curiosities. In addition, there is Wolf's Cove - a model harbour based on a typical Cornish fishing village which Wade designed and built himself. The destination also has a café with indoor and outdoor seating, a shop that sells souvenirs and homeware and a second-hand bookshop. The National Trust also recently revealed its top family-friendly attractions for May half term with fairytale castles and 'book jungles'. Plus, The National Trust's best free attractions to visit this summer – from sky gardens to 'city oasis' parks. 6
BBC News
2 days ago
- General
- BBC News
Ammanford stabbing: Man appears in court over collapse of trial
A man accused of causing the collapse of a trial into a triple school stabbing has appeared in April, a 14-year-old girl, who cannot be named, was sentenced to 15 years at Swansea Crown Court for the attempted murder of two teachers and a pupil, following the second trial that began in Elias, 45, from Waunceirch, Neath Port Talbot, has been charged with the offence of refusing to answer a question relating to the qualification to serve on a appeared in Cardiff Magistrates' Court on Monday, and has been told to return on 30 June. Fiona Elias, Liz Hopkin and a pupil who cannot be named for legal reasons were stabbed by the teenager at Ysgol Dyffryn Aman in Ammanford, Carmarthenshire, last first trial involving the girl collapsed in October, because of what the judge described as a "great irregularity in the jury".The charge on Mr Elias falls under the Juries Act 1974, which sets out requirements as to who is eligible for jury service in Wales and England, and permits court officers to put questions to potential jurors to establish whether or not they are qualified to form part of a jury.
Telegraph
5 days ago
- Business
- Telegraph
The Reform revolution is about to strike Labour's Welsh heartlands
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer's attack on Nigel Farage to shore up Labour's standing in its traditional working-class heartlands has appeared to fall on deaf ears, with the party losing to Reform UK in a local by-election in the ward of Lliedi in Llanelli, Carmarthenshire. An impressive victory in the south-west of Wales, Reform UK won 43 per cent of the vote share in Lliedi – with Labour's plunging to just 23 per cent, a drop of 35 percentage points. There wasn't much good news for the Tories, with theirs dropping into single digits, registering just seven per cent. The new councillor, Michelle Beer, is the wife of Gareth Beer – the Reform UK candidate who came within 1,505 votes of unseating the sitting Labour MP for Llanelli, Dame Nia Griffith, at last year's general election. The result in Lliedi follows Reform's gain at Labour's expense last month in a local by-election for the Bridgend ward of Pyle, Kenfig Hill and Cefn Cribwr in south Wales. But why is the governing party losing its grip on these Welsh heartlands? There are a variety of factors at play – one being Welsh Labour's spectacular mismanagement of the National Health Service (with healthcare being a devolved responsibility). According to a recent report produced by a group of independent experts, there is a 'high risk' of increasing patient harm if there is not an 'urgent improvement and turnaround' in the Welsh NHS – with emergency care and cancer treatment cited as areas which needed addressing. While Labour has sought to blame the previous Tory government for troubles with the NHS in England, it has nowhere to hide in Wales, which has had a Labour First Minister since the creation of the Welsh Assembly. However, the ongoing small-boats emergency on the English south coast cannot be overlooked, with its reverberations now impacting on local politics in the south of Wales. Llanelli recently witnessed protests over the four-star Stradey Park Hotel being pencilled in as a venue to house 207 asylum seekers, with the Home Office eventually u-turning on the matter. But the damage has been done, with established communities in Welsh towns knowing that they have been eyed up by Whitehall for the relocation of illegal Channel migrants. With Labour's 'smashing the gangs' strategy failing miserably and the Tories having lost all credibility over immigration, Reform UK are well positioned to cash in electorally on this front. Reform's spectacular surge in the recent English local elections, which saw the party gain council control in Durham and Doncaster, shows that Farage's turquoise army is more than capable of parking their tanks on Labour's red lawns. Labour is running the risk of an electoral bloodbath in Britain's traditional Left-wing heartlands – at the hands of an insurgent challenger party of the Right which is led by a man who once wanted to keep the Thatcherite flame alive. Rather than go on the attack, Starmer would be wise to undertake a serious period of reflection.
