Latest news with #IanCooper
NZ Herald
a day ago
- Climate
- NZ Herald
Winter hits Hawke's Bay: Strong winds, heavy rain, and cold forecast
Winter has arrived in Hawke's Bay, bringing with it wind, rain, and cold temperatures. Photo / Ian Cooper The wet, the windy and the cold are Hawke's Bay-bound with temperatures set to plummet this weekend. A low-pressure system crossing the country has caused MetService to issue more than 25 watches and warnings, including a strong wind watch and heavy rain watch for Hawke's Bay. MetService issued the strong
Wales Online
4 days ago
- Wales Online
'Sick' new seagull trend sees birds deliberately 'enticed onto roads to be hit by cars'
'Sick' new seagull trend sees birds deliberately 'enticed onto roads to be hit by cars' A charity has claimed there is evidence of people throwing food onto roads to watch seagulls swoop down and be hit by vehicles. WARNING: Contains images some people may find distressing Llandudno's Herring Gulls 'all need an ASBO' (Image: Ian Cooper/North Wales Live ) Bird enthusiasts in Wales have been left appalled by a cruel new "trend" that has emerged, as reported by a local charity. The Foundation for Feathered Friends (FFF) in Caernarfon claims there is increasing evidence of individuals deliberately luring seagulls into traffic by scattering food on the roads, only to watch the birds get struck by passing vehicles. The FFF volunteers have noted a worrying rise in such incidents along the North Wales coastline, with reports suggesting not just youths, but adults too are engaging in this harmful activity. Denise Theophilus, the founder of FFF, said: "We totally support the feeding of wild birds, especially gulls," and "Often they are emaciated when they arrive in coastal communities. But this is not the right way to do it." For our free daily briefing on the biggest issues facing the nation, sign up to the Wales Matters newsletter here She continued: "Who in their right mind would deliberately put these birds in danger by making them swoop onto roads to be hit by oncoming cars? "We are aware that children will get up to all kinds of mischief – but adults doing this must have some kind of psychiatric issue. "It's definitely a trend, we're seeing more and more instances of it happening. And it's us that have to pick up the poor gulls wounded by monsters like these." Denise highlighted that volunteers have observed such behaviour in various locations including Abergele, Prestatyn, Rhyl, and Llandudno, reports North Wales Live. With the number of injured birds being cared for by North Wales Wild Bird Care, the sister organisation to FFF, she suspects that this disturbing practice is likely occurring in other areas as well. Denise, a local resident, reported an alarming incident where food was deliberately placed on a street in Rhyl, leading to the death of three gulls hit by cars. Two gulls lie dead next to food that was accidentally or deliberately dropped on the road (Image: Cheryl Jones/Foundation for Feathered Friends ) The birds were found "equidistantly" near the food, with a fourth gull later succumbing to its injuries. She also recalled another disturbing episode involving a group of youths in Llandudno. "One of our volunteers was driving through Llandudno when she saw a group of youths throwing food onto a road," she said. "They were laughing as they watched cars come towards the gulls. She wanted to go back and disperse the kids but her husband didn't want to get involved." Litter blown by the wind is another factor contributing to the perilous situation for gulls on busy roads. Social media videos have also highlighted the dangers posed by carelessly discarded food cartons. However, there's online evidence of clips showing gulls being deliberately lured onto roads. Three gulls lie dead next in Rhyl. Rehab volunteers claimed each were found next to food 'deliberately placed on the road' (Image: Jane Taylor/Foundation for Feathered Friends ) Denise claims such practices have been observed outside schools and in retail car parks. When images were shared online, bird lovers were left "sickened" by the claims. One person labelled the practice "shameful and inhuman", while another deemed it "utterly disgraceful". A man claimed some motorists deliberately target gulls. He said: "I've seen a few birds, mainly gulls, laying in the road that have been run over on purpose." Herring gulls are a protected species and are on the Red List for Conservation. The RSPCA has urged people to be mindful when disposing of edible litter. Gulls will themselves scatter food waste on roads by ripping open bin bags (Image: Georgina Ford ) A spokesperson stated: "Gulls can get a bad rap especially in seaside towns, and sadly are thought of by some as a pest. "However, they are simply wild animals trying to survive in their surroundings, and deserve our kindness and respect. "It's important for people to remember that they are protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, and it is illegal to intentionally harm any wild bird, except under licence." Article continues below The RSPCA offers guidance on how to live in harmony with gulls:.
Wales Online
6 days ago
- Health
- Wales Online
Woman did something unbelievable to herself after waiting years for eye treatment
Woman did something unbelievable to herself after waiting years for eye treatment A new report has also found that some patients at a Welsh health board are waiting 36 hours for treatment in the emergency department The report was presented at a Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board meeting this week (Image: Ian Cooper/North Wales Live ) An elderly woman resorted to removing a cyst from her own eye after enduring years of waiting for treatment. The perilous procedure was highlighted in a report which examined the extensive delays faced by individuals awaiting medical treatment for various conditions in North Wales. The Citizen Experiences Report, presented at a Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board meeting on Thursday, revealed that exasperated patients were taking drastic measures due to prolonged waiting times. The report was part of a "listening and understanding initiative to improve health services. The report also detailed lengthy waits endured by patients in the emergency departments at Ysbyty Gwynedd, Ysbyty Wrexham Maelor, and Ysbyty Glan Clwyd. Reports of patients waiting up to 36 hours were noted, with "overcrowding, uncertainty, and discomfort" being "common concerns". Stay informed on the latest health news by signing up to our newsletter here . There had been 300 enquiries from MPs and MSs regarding their constituents' experiences, with waiting times being "the main focus". One account described an 84-year-old former nurse who had been added to the ophthalmology waiting list in June, 2019, but had waited approximately three years before being seen. "She says that she then had some procedures which did not help, and eventually removed a cyst on her eye herself," the report read. "She is waiting for an eye operation, which was requested in October, 2023, and her eyesight is deteriorating rapidly. As a former nurse and nurse manager, she has given her working life to care for other people. Now she needs some care of her own." Another case involved a man who aspired to join the British Army but was hindered by his dental health. The report said: "He has not been able to find an NHS dentist nearby due to a chronic shortage of dentists in North Wales, and private dentists have quoted a minimum of £3,000 for treatment." The long wait also had a "catastrophic impact" on one patient's life who experienced daily pain, while another, awaiting surgery for bladder stones, suffered from "continual bleeding". Community discussions further highlighted issues relating to outpatient waiting times, access to services, ambulance and emergency department delays, and communication. Llais, the organisation that provides a "voice" for individuals when accessing health services, also collected data. Feedback revealed "significant challenges" in obtaining timely and affordable primary care, difficulties in securing GP appointments, and the lack or loss of NHS dental services. One person said: "I ended up filling my own tooth with a kit from the chemist." Another patient revealed how they'd spent 12 hours in a corridor on a trolley. Long waiting times for specialist services, including audiology, cataract surgery, neuro-developmental assessment, and respiratory care were also flagged as "a major concern". The meeting was informed that while numerous comments pointed to "dissatisfaction or frustration", there was also a wave of "gratitude" and commendation for the "professionalism and compassion" displayed by hospital staff, members, and teams. The report went on to outline steps taken by the board in response to demands for better services. In dental care, this involved establishing contracts valued at over £1.5 million to bolster NHS dental services. Additional procurement processes for general dental services, orthodontics, oral surgery, and non-urgent access amounted to more than £5 million. February saw the introduction of a new dental access portal, which has been helping to "simplify and centralise" the process of obtaining dental care. Improvements have been made across various departments including emergency, dermatology, gynaecology, physiotherapy musculoskeletal, cancer treatments, and a midwifery ward bereavement suite. For neuro-developmental services, which offer mental health support to children and adolescents, an improvement programme for Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) was underway. Additionally, the newly established Crisis Hub – Alternatives to Admission – service had provided assistance to 266 individuals within its first three months since launching in February. Article continues below The board recognised there was still "significant work" to be done in tackling "challenges" in a manner that was a "sustainable, long-term way".
Yahoo
22-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Reform council leader defends by-election cost
The Reform UK leader of a council has accused other political parties of hypocrisy over their reaction to the cost of a by-election, after one of his councillors resigned. Wayne Titley won the Eccleshall and Gnosall ward for Reform earlier in May but faced criticism over a social media post around immigration and stepped down. His resignation means a by-election at an estimated £27,000 cost and the Conservative leader on the council called it a "waste of money". But Ian Cooper, for Reform, said he would not "take any lectures from the other parties". "If you look at Staffordshire alone, Conservative MP Chris Pincher stood down, if you look at the figures, parliamentary by-elections cost in the region of £250,000," he added. "You always get people that drop out, Mr Titley decided to drop out, we move forward." But Conservative group leader Philip White described the resignation as shocking. "I asked the leader of the council to apologise for that, for the waste of money, £27,000 we're told and for putting the people of Eccleshall and Gnosall through an unnecessary by-election process," he said. "He refused to apologise." Thursday saw the first meeting of the new county council since the election. Questions at the gathering from opposition councillors, about issues such as special needs provision, highways and budgets, were met with the same line of response from Reform UK cabinet members. They said they would wait to "mark the homework" of the previous Tory-led administration before responding. Cooper added that he would like to repeat that council work had only just started for the newly elected Reform members. "There is a settling in period, steep learning curve for everyone involved," he said. "In the background we've got things going on. We have a forward plan to think about". Follow BBC Stoke & Staffordshire on BBC Sounds, Facebook, X and Instagram. Reform councillor quits two weeks after election Reform wins control of Staffordshire County Council
Wales Online
18-05-2025
- Politics
- Wales Online
Tourism tax will hammer 'another nail in Wales' coffin' some fear
Tourism tax will hammer 'another nail in Wales' coffin' some fear The charge will be higher than originally planned, but there have also been concerns about how it would work in practice (Image: Ian Cooper/North Wales Live ) Mark Drakeford has unveiled changes to the proposed tourism tax, officially known as a visitor levy, which will bring in a two-tier charge for overnight stays in Wales. Wales Online readers are very sceptical that the scheme will be beneficial to Wales. Although the Welsh Government is introducing the law, each of Wales' 22 councils will decide whether to implement it, and must first hold a public consultation with residents, meaning the earliest possible introduction would be in 2027. Mr Drakeford had previously announced an increase in the charge. Initially, the levy was to be applied at one of two rates to anyone staying overnight, regardless of accommodation type, including Airbnb, Vrbo, short-term lets, hotels, hostels, and campsites. Two charge levels were proposed: 75p per person per night for hostel and campsite stays, and £1.25 per person per night for all other accommodations. However, concerns were raised by groups such as the Scouts, who argued the policy could lead to "unintended consequences" affecting organisations like theirs. In response, Mr Drakeford announced that exempting under-18s from the lower levy rate would result in higher charges for others, increasing from 75p to 80p and from £1.25 to £1.30 per night. Mr Drakeford also revealed some additional policy changes. There is a six-month timeframe for local authorities to implement the tax following the initial decision. individuals will be required to pay the levy at the point of departure from their accommodations, rather than upon arrival and the Welsh Revenue Authority will be tasked with managing the collection process. Mr Drakeford announced an amendment that introduces a six-month transition period commencing when a local authority declares its intention to implement the levy. He explained: "This means there will be additional time over and above that allowed in the original bill for the sector to prepare their systems for advance bookings." Article continues below As it stands, the majority of hospitality providers intend to pass on the additional cost to their customers. Commenter Crazynosaj thinks: 'They are passing the buck down to local councillors, who therefore become unpopular with their constituents (especially if you rely on tourist income). MS's can therefore retain their position, ensuring that those local councillors toe the party line.' Pastcaring replies: 'What they have failed to say is that £1.30 is the base charge and councils can add as much to this as they feel fit. The £1.30 will soon be £5 and higher, another nail in Wales coffin.' Abetterchoice4wales adds: 'I will be staying in England - not paying this tax which will be wasted on trees, buying farms, and giving money to people instead of finding them jobs.' Tannerbanc says: 'All this complexity to raise how much? It will just deter visitors.' Gilwern replies: 'Extra tax?! I think if they take soundings of potential visitors to Wales, then they should be paying them to come!' Gail Oliver agrees: 'Why will people want to holiday in Wales? They have already paid for the holiday, have to pay this extra charge and then be restricted to how fast they can drive. Not much of an incentive is it?' BrynCartwright adds: 'This is nonsense. People coming to Wales are already spending lots of money. Taxing them is totally unjustified.' Bobsmoth writes: 'People from Wales will be hit hardest by this tax. I run a glamping site in Wales and around 70% of my guests are from Wales. So yet again the government is taxing its own people the highest for services they are already paying for through their council tax. A family of 5 would have to pay around nearly £100 extra to stay in Wales for 2 weeks. People in Swansea or say Neath for example would have to pay it, People in Bristol or Swindon for example will just go to Devon.' Incider can't believe it: 'Who in their right mind would want to tax tourists? We should be encouraging them to come here and put valuable money into our failing economy.' Welshrugby retorts: 'Tell the same thing to people from Liverpool who travel to Manchester. It's £2 plus VAT tourist tax in Manchester! Of course an extra £1.30 per night will stop millions coming to our beautiful country, after all someone paying around £400 per person per week to stay here an extra £1.30 will do damage to the bank balance. NOT!' 'I see the anti Welsh government brigade are back out, whinging about anything and everything, 20mph areas (Which is everywhere in the UK) £1.30 per night Tourist tax (Which is more expensive everywhere else in the UK) Hospital waiting times (Which are falling quicker than the rest of the UK) Give it a rest and have a day off.' Article continues below Howie Oliver agrees: 'Where Westminster fails to provide adequate funding, these sorts of taxes become a lifeline for Wales. Many other countries impose a tourist tax, so good news that Wales is following suit. I find it incredible that the Welsh press is not focussing on underfunding by Westminster. The loss of EU funds has crippled Wales - a self-inflicted wound that continues to punish an already poor country.' Mick Bennett states: 'This will be the end of our visits to lovely Wales, not because of the cost, it's the principle. Taxed to visit and spend our money? How would the Welsh people feel if the English did the same? Labour promoting Wales? I don't think so.' How do you feel about the tourist tax becoming a reality? Will it benefit Wales? Have your say in our comments section.
