Latest news with #HelenHeron
Powys County Times
2 days ago
- Business
- Powys County Times
Nant yr Arian parking cameras bid on Powys border approved
Car parking cameras are to be installed at a former visitor centre near the Powys border despite pleas from campaigners battling to save it. The Bwlch Nant Yr Arian Visitor Centre, near Ponterwyd, Aberystwyth closed at the end of March, along with other Natural Resources Wales-run centres at Ynyslas and Coed y Brenin. At the time, Elsie Grace, NRW's head of sustainable commercial development, said: 'We understand how important our sites are to local communities and visitors and we know the decision to stop providing catering and retail services is disappointing to many people. 'Our board made the decision in response to the extremely tight funding situation we and other public bodies face. 'We will look for partners, both community groups and businesses, to register an interest in providing these services moving forward and will provide more information on how to submit expressions of interest ahead of the launch of any tender exercise. 'In the meantime, all our paths, trails, car park, play area and toilet facilities will remain open and we will continue to maintain our sites to ensure public access continues.' An application was recently submitted to Ceredigion County Council by NRW to install Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) cameras at Bwlch Nant yr Arian. A supporting statement says: 'There is already a pay and display machine at the car park, and it is intended that the ANPR will replace this. The camera will be mounted on a pole, which is 4m above ground and finished in galvanised steel. Power will be taken from the existing Pay and Display machine.' Concerns were raised in a letter of objection by Helen Heron, of Save Our Centre Campaign Group, Ynyslas, comparing the situation there with Bwlch Nant yr Arian, urging the council to refuse the scheme. Helen, a former warden at Ynyslas, said parking money at the three sites was previously used to cover the cost of seasonal staff and maintenance but would now go 'straight into private pockets'. An officer report recommending approval said: 'An objection to the proposal was received by the Save Our Centre Campaign Group. Although [the council] appreciate the concerns, unfortunately the points raised in the objection letter are not planning matters, therefore they cannot be taken into account when determining this application.' It finished: 'The instalment of ANPR cameras will allow for better parking management and enforcement compared to the existing pay and display machine.'
Wales Online
3 days ago
- Automotive
- Wales Online
Car swallowed by the sea at one of Wales' most treacherous beaches
Car swallowed by the sea at one of Wales' most treacherous beaches The beach is notorious for fast-rising tides, with a car almost becoming entirely submerged A car caught out by the rising tide at Traeth Ynyslas beach A driver had a narrow escape when his car was surrounded by the sea at one of Wales' most treacherous beaches. Spectators could only watch as the silver Ford Mondeo estate was gradually devoured by a powerful five-metre tide at Traeth Ynyslas, on the windswept west coast of Ceredigion. Shouts rang out for the owner, while others frantically searched for a towing rope. A few contemplated whether they should intervene by breaking the car's windows so it could be pushed to safety. "A window is cheaper than a whole car," said one. Just in time, the driver returned, wading out to the vehicle in the hope it would restart. To everyone's relief, the car churned up the water as it reversed rapidly to dry land. In addition to fast-rising tides, the beach is infamous for its unexploded ordnance, a remnant of the area's use as a test range for rocket-propelled explosives during and after World War II. Just a few days later a controlled detonation was carried out by the Army's Explosive Ordnance Disposal Unit, reports North Wales Live. Article continues below Beachgoers were once again warned not to touch any items on the beach that might resemble old bombs or shells. Read the biggest stories in Wales first by signing up to our daily newsletter here Both incidents have been highlighted by locals campaigning against the closure of the visitor centre at Ynyslas Nature Reserve, just south of the Dyfi Estuary. On April 1, its cafes and shops were closed by Natural Resources Wales (NRW), along with those at Coed y Brenin near Dolgellau and Bwlch Nant yr Arian. Campaigners in Ynyslas are raising the alarm over the loss of staff at a popular site, which they say is putting both wildlife and public safety at risk. The site, which draws 225,000 visitors annually, has seen changes after two full-time wardens were reassigned and four seasonal wardens lost their jobs, including Helen Heron, 56, from Borth. Controlled explosions of old military ordnance are not uncommon on the beach (Image: HM Coastguard Borth ) She argued that the team's role extended far beyond just serving coffee, as they also managed the reserve's wildlife and monitored visitor safety. Heron claimed that incidents like the recent near-loss of a car on the beach would not have occurred under the old system. Before the wardens were replaced and the beach's parking contract was privatised, visitors were verbally advised on safe parking spots and tide times. "We would have warned them where not to park on the beach, telling them not to drive past its 'gravel path'," she explained. "As far as I know, the new gate men are not doing that." "The old NRW truck we used had a set of grip mats in the back. The two senior wardens, Andrea and Hannah, were trained in getting stuck vehicles away from danger." Natural Resources Wales (NRW) has justified the staffing cuts as part of an effort to save £12m across the board. Despite the changes, paths, trails, and other facilities at the three sites remain open, and NRW insists that wildlife protection continues under the supervision of land management staff. Visitors have been reminded by authorities that they are "responsible for their own safety", and this includes taking care of children and pets. In May, a damning report from the Senedd's Climate Change, Environment and Infrastructure Committee gave Natural Resources Wales (NRW) a firm three-month deadline to devise a "credible plan" for the shuttered visitor centres. The committee chair, Llyr Gruffydd, didn't mince his words when he described NRW's decision to close its doors as an "abandonment of public trust". Following discussions with NRW, campaigners for Ynyslas were informed that there are no commercial intentions for reopening the Ynyslas visitor centre. Instead, a "community use" approach is being considered – a stark contrast to Coed-y-Brenin and Bwlch Nant yr Arian, which are leaning towards commercial ventures. NRW has confirmed to North Wales Live that their stance on Ynyslas has not shifted. Being part of the treasured Dyfi National Nature Reserve, Ynyslas holds unique legal protections. The location isn't just critical for safeguarding the ringed plover, a species under protection; it also boasts a beach classified as red-flag due to the perilous nature of its tidal currents. Regulations are strict here: swimming or using inflatables is prohibited, boats are not allowed to launch, and digging within the dunes is forbidden. Furthermore, the beach car park is prone to flooding and the potential hazard of unexploded ordnance calls for heightened vigilance. Polly Ernest, a spokesperson for Save Our Centre Ynyslas, expressed her concerns, stating: "The six wardens performed a range of functions, rotating around the site to protect the plovers, collect parking money, advise visitors and so on. Catering was just a tiny part of their work – it consisted only of a coffee machine and a few bought-in sandwiches. "Now we have two guys sat at the gate taking parking money and issuing out-of-date leaflets. If the old wardens had still been around when the car was threatened by the tide, they would have run around and made sure they found the driver. "In reality, they wouldn't have let it happen in the first place. They would have advised on tide times and ensured the driver didn't park where they did. "One NRW staff member is still on site but 60% of their time is spend looking after the plovers. They can't possibly provide the same public service that the six wardens previously offered. It's an utter disaster waiting to happen." Efforts to mitigate risks have been taken, with the RNLI and Ceredigion Council erecting beach safety signs and providing life rings; a large red warning sign is displayed during periods of high tide, cautioning visitors about potential flooding that occurs between 15 and 21 days per month. NRW's safety assessment categorised warden interactions with the public as "critical". A spokesperson for the environmental body noted: "We understand how important our sites are to local communities and visitors. We want to reiterate and reassure the public that all our sites remain open. This includes the paths, trails, car parks, play areas and toilet facilities, and the important work undertaken to protect wildlife and maintain these sites continues to be overseen by our land management staff. "Visitors to all our sites, including Ynyslas, are responsible for their own safety as well as the safety of any children and animals with them during their visit. We would like to remind visitors that the car park is on the beach, and floods during high tides. Anyone parking there does so at their own risk and that has always been the case. Article continues below "The same systems remain in place for beach safety with signage and red flags across the site and personnel on the gate to the car park handing out information via leaflets to motorists which includes safety messages. Additional signage is also in place at the car park entrance indicating if a high tide is due and for how long the car park will be flooded."
North Wales Live
4 days ago
- Automotive
- North Wales Live
Sea rises around car on Welsh beach as onlookers search frantically for rope
A driver had a close call when his car was enveloped by sea water at a notorious beach. Onlookers watched on in horror as the Ford Mondeo estate was slowly engulfed by a five-metre high tide at Traeth Ynyslas on the west Wales coast. Some called out for the owner, others ran around trying to find towing rope. A few wondered if they ought to intervene by smashing the car's windows so it could be pushed to safety. 'A window is cheaper than a whole car,' noted one person online. In the nick of time, the driver returned, wading out to the vehicle in the hope it would restart. To everyone's relief, the car churned up the water as it reversed rapidly to dry land. As well as fast-rising tides, the beach is renowned for its unexploded ordnance, the legacy of the area's use as a test range for rocket-propelled explosives during and after World War II. Just a few days later, a controlled detonation was carried out by the Army's Explosive Ordnance Disposal Unit. Beachgoers were again reminded not to touch any items on the beach that might look like old bombs or shells. Both incidents have been highlighted by local people campaigning to reverse the closure of the visitor centre at Ynyslas Nature Reserve, just south of the Dyfi Estuary. On April 1 its cafes and shops were shut by Natural Resources Wales (NRW) - along with those at Coed y Brenin near Dolgellau and Bwlch Nant yr Arian in Ceredigion. Ynyslas campaigners claim the loss of staff from the site is endangering both wildlife and the public at a site that attracts 225,000 visitors each year. Around, 100,000 vehicles-a-year park up on the beach for a £4-a-day fee. Join the North Wales Live Whatsapp community now Following the closure, two full-time wardens were redeployed and four seasonal wardens were laid off, including Helen Heron, 56, from Borth. She said the multi-disciplinary team did much more besides serving coffee to customers. As well as managing the reserve's wildlife, they would keep a close eye on visitors to ensure their safety. The near-loss of a car on the beach would 'never have happened' under the previous regime, she insisted. Before the wardens were moved on, and the beach's pay-to-park contract was awarded to a private operator, visitors were verbally informed of safe parking and tide times. 'We would have warned them where not to park on the beach, telling them not to drive past its 'gravel path',' she said. 'As far as I know, the new gate men are not doing that. 'The old NRW truck we used had a set of grip mats in the back. The two senior wardens, Andrea and Hannah, were trained in getting stuck vehicles away from danger.' NRW said the cuts were needed as part of a wider restructure aiming to save £12m. Paths, trails and other facilities at the three sites have remained open and NRW said work to protect wildlife is now being overseen by land management staff. It said visitors were "responsible for their own safety", including those of children and pets. Sign up for the North Wales Live newsletter sent twice daily to your inbox In May, a report by the Senedd's Climate Change, Environment and Infrastructure Committee told NRW to come up with a 'credible plan' for the now-closed visitor centres within three months. By shutting their doors, NRW was responsible for an 'abandonment of public trust', according to committee chair Llyr Gruffydd. In a subsequent meeting with NRW, Ynyslas campaigners were told there are no commercial plans to reopen the Ynyslas visitor centre. Instead, a 'community use' solution is being sought - unlike Coed-y-Brenin and Bwlch Nant yr Arian, where commercial operators are preferred. NRW has reiterated to North Wales Live that this remains its position. As Ynyslas visitor centre forms part of the Dyfi National Nature Reserve, it has specific statutory provisions. Not only is the area home to a protected species, the ringed plover, its beach has red-flag status due its 'dangerous' tidal currents. No swimming or inflatables are allowed, boats cannot be launched and digging is banned in the dunes. The beach car park often floods and the presence of unexploded bombs or shells also demands extra caution. Polly Ernest, spokesperson for Save Our Centre Ynyslas, said: 'The six wardens performed a range of functions, rotating around the site to protect the plovers, collect parking money, advise visitors and so on. Catering was just a tiny part of their work – it consisted only of a coffee machine and a few bought-in sandwiches. 'Now we have two guys sat at the gate taking parking money and issuing out-of-date leaflets. If the old wardens had still been around when the car was threatened by the tide, they would have run around and made sure they found the driver. 'In reality, they wouldn't have let it happen in the first place. They would have advised on tide times and ensured the driver didn't park where they did. 'One NRW staff member is still on site but 60% of their time is spend looking after the plovers. They can't possibly provide the same public service that the six wardens previously offered. It's an utter disaster waiting to happen.' Beach safety signs have been erected by the RNLI and Ceredigion Council, and several life rings are available. When tides are above 4.6 metres, a large red sign is displayed warning of the times when the beach is is expected to flood – which it does 15 to 21 days each month. In a safety assessment, NRW regarded its warden-public interractions as 'critical'. A spokesperson for the environmental body said: 'We understand how important our sites are to local communities and visitors. We want to reiterate and reassure the public that all our sites remain open. This includes the paths, trails, car parks, play areas and toilet facilities, and the important work undertaken to protect wildlife and maintain these sites continues to be overseen by our land management staff. 'Visitors to all our sites, including Ynyslas, are responsible for their own safety as well as the safety of any children and animals with them during their visit. We would like to remind visitors that the car park is on the beach, and floods during high tides. Anyone parking there does so at their own risk and that has always been the case. 'The same systems remain in place for beach safety with signage and red flags across the site and personnel on the gate to the car park handing out information via leaflets to motorists which includes safety messages. Additional signage is also in place at the car park entrance indicating if a high tide is due and for how long the car park will be flooded.' Despite so many safety precautions, accidents can happen. Online, one man recalled how, in the 1970s, a Land Rover was caught out by Ynyslas' notorious quicksands. 'They never did get it out,' he said. 'Sunk without trace and still there somewhere.'
BBC News
31-03-2025
- General
- BBC News
Ynyslas: Protesters rally as NRW axes cafes and shops at centres
More than 100 people gathered in protest against cuts to Natural Resources Wales visitor Nature Reserve, near Borth, Ceridigion, is one of three ceasing to operate its cafes and shops from Monday - along with Bwlch Nant yr Arian near Ceredigion and Coed y Brenin in in red, campaigners at Ynylas marked the rally a "red alert event" on Saturday, saying the decision to remove staff from the site will "endanger wildlife and the public".NRW said the cuts are part of a wider restructure of the organisation which aims to save £12m and said work to protect wildlife "will continue to be overseen by land management staff". NRW added that the walking paths, mountain biking trails and other facilities at the three sites will stay open. Helen Heron, 65, from Borth, had her last day working at Ynyslas on Sunday. She said about 250,000 people visit the centre each year, and it also hosts wellbeing groups and groups for pensioners, but now she says "all that is being denied to people". "It will have a devastating effect on Borth," said Ms Heron. Ms Heron was taken on as one of four seasonal workers from April 2024 to September 2024 and says she and her fellow seasonal workers did a lot more than retail and catering work at the site."Only 5% of our job is retail and catering," she said. Ms Heron said their work included ensuring visitors remain safe while on site, with the beach and the estuary having red flag status, and they also protected wildlife such as the Ring Plover. Ms Heron said the site employed two permanent employees and a centre manager, and says those employees don't have clarity on their job security. "I'm speaking up for the full time staff because they can't at the moment," she said."I'm lucky. I don't rely on that work to pay the mortgage or rent but the permanent staff do. The permanent staff still don't know if they are going to be redeployed or made redundant. "I think the way NRW has treated staff is appalling and what worries me most is that we don't know if it will be long before a serious incident happens at the beach. There's no phone signal at the beach. The only way to raise alarm is to go to the visitor centre."Ms Heron says staff at Ynyslas were on garden leave until the end of next week and were waiting to hear about their jobs. She said staff played an important role in terms of public safety, since the site is a red flag beach and a site where World War Two ordnance regularly washes up on the beach."Staff have radios and there is no mobile signal on the beach so anyone finding themselves in danger would have difficulty raising the alarm," she said. Roger Fuller, another former seasonal worker at Ynyslas, said warning signs about ordnance and the red flag were small and faded and not easy for people to see. Mr Fuller, who worked there from February to September 2024, said he and the campaign group had been fighting to save the centre since December 2023. "It's not just a job - they give their hearts to it," he said. Elsie Grace, NRW's head of sustainable commercial development, said: "We understand how important our sites are to local communities and visitors."We are now firmly focused on the process to find partners to register an interest in providing services at Bwlch Nant yr Arian and Coed y Brenin. "We are currently finalising how and when we will go to market for these opportunities and we hope to communicate more information soon."But regular users of the visitor centres say closing the cafes and shops will have a far-reaching Cymru councillor Delyth Lloyd Griffiths – who represents the ward where Coed y Brenin is located - said it will be "really, really devastating" for staff and added: "We are asking the Senedd now to come in at this very last moment and stop this devastation of resources in our area, and in the other centres, Nant yr Arian and Ynyslas as well." Additional reporting by Angela Ferguson.
