Latest news with #NeilJones
Powys County Times
23-05-2025
- Powys County Times
Lake Vyrnwy caravan park wins permission to amend rules
STATIC caravan owners who regularly visit a site near Lake Vyrnwy will not have to stay away for large chunks of the year from now on. Powys planners have agreed to remove restrictions dating from the 1970s which say when people can stay at Fronheulog caravan park at Llanwddyn, which is around a mile from Lake Vyrnwy. A planning application was lodged with Powys County Council in March by Neil Jones to remove two conditions, numbered four and nine, which were attached to permission granted for a development at the site back in February 1979. Planning agent Nia Lewis explained the proposal: 'The park is made up of various planning consents which have been obtained over many years. 'These approvals have varying conditions particularly in relation to the seasonal occupancy dates. 'The purpose of this application is to bring in line the seasonal occupancy dates of the various operating consents.' Planning conditions number four stipulated that: 'The caravans stationed on the site shall not be used for human habitation between November 1 and the last Friday before Good Friday apart from a fortnight's occupation over Christmas and New Year.' Condition nine said: 'The development shall be occupied as holiday accommodation only and shall not be occupied as a person's sole or main place of residence. 'An up to date register shall be kept at the holiday accommodation hereby permitted and be made available for inspection by the local planning authority upon request. 'The register shall contain details of the names of all of the occupiers of the accommodation, their main home addresses and their date of arrival and departure from the accommodation.' Senior planning officer Kate Bowen said: 'As the application seeks only to vary the occupancy conditions it is not considered that the proposal impacts upon other material considerations from the original consent.' But in the intervening 46 years planning policy has been updated with new and updated national polices now in force. Mrs Bowen said: 'The thrust of planning policy remains supportive to tourism development and the proposed variation of the occupancy conditions would further support an existing tourism enterprise. 'It is recommended that condition four is removed and condition nine is varied to the standard holiday occupancy condition recommended by Welsh Government.' A new condition now placed on the historic permission does still say that the caravans are for holiday use only and should not be a person's 'sole or main place of residence'. The establishment of the caravan park goes back to 1958 and over the years development of the site has seen touring pitches make way for static caravans which are owned privately.
Wales Online
22-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Wales Online
Strictly star addresses the 'haters' following exciting news
Strictly star addresses the 'haters' following exciting news Strictly Come Dancing professional Neil Jones has been inundated with support from his fellow cast members as he shared some exciting news with his fans Fans of Neil won't need to wait until the next Strictly series to see him perform (Image: Rowan Griffiths / Daily Mirror ) Strictly pro Neil Jones, has been met with an overwhelming wave of support from his fellow cast members as he joyfully shares news with his fans. Taking to social media, the dancer expressed his excitement about the announcement, stating "the news is out". Neil will once again be showcasing his moves on the dance floor ahead of Strictly Come Dancing's next series, which will be aired in autumn. However, fans won't have to wait that long to see him in action. The dancer confirmed he would be participating in various dancing workshop, including one in Swansea. It comes after the BBC has given Neil Jones the green light for another spin on the dance floor, as they unveiled the line-up of professional dancers returning for the 23rd series of Strictly, set to launch in autumn 2025. Joining Neil in the eagerly awaited return to BBC One's popular dance competition this year are several familiar faces including Welsh dancer Amy Dowden, Nadiya Bychkova, Katya Jones, Karen Hauer, and Nikita Kuzmin. Other returning stars such as Dianne Buswell, Gorka Marquez, Luba Mushtuk, Jowita Przystal, Johannes Radebe, Aljaž Škorjanec, Kai Widdrington, Nancy Xu, Carlos Gu, Lauren Oakley, Michelle Tsiakkas and Vito Coppola will also dazzle on the stage. Article continues below Adding to the anticipation, two new professional dancers will be unveiled as the series launch draws closer, reports Devon Live. Neil has previously been paired with stars including Toyah Willcox on the show (Image: BBC/Guy Levy ) Reacting to this month's announcement, Neil expressed his gratitude on Instagram: "I can't believe it's going to be a decade that I have been a pro on @bbcstrictly so to everyone that supports me and the show, thank you and I can't wait to continue entertaining the nation." Addressing both supporters and detractors, he said: "To the rest, come on it's about time you switch from being a hater to actually enjoying life and give me some love but if not no worries because I will continue with the good vibes and energy and being part of the show I love the most plus spreading my love and knowledge of dance that I have collected over the past 4 decades and over 45 titles worldwide." Before his much-anticipated comeback to television, Neil has plans to share his dancing prowess through workshops for those eager to pick up a move or two from the maestro. Over on Instagram, Neil thrilled his followers with a captivating video which also starred world champion dancer Craig Shaw. He said: "The news is out @prepdance on tour is coming to a city near you. 3 incredible dance workshops with two World champions @mr_craigshaw and @mr_njonesofficial and a special Strictly guest. You can book now online via the link in my Profile." Neil also shared the first batch of workshop dates, revealing: "Below are our first 4 dates and we are excited to have @kaiwidd joining us so book now because places are limited. 20th May Swansea. 10th June Dublin. 11th June Belfast. 14th June Glasgow." Upon announcing the workshops, Neil Jones received waves of excitement from his Strictly peers; Carlos Gu let out an elated "Woohoooo!", while Karen Hauer applauded with emoji claps, rooting for him by saying: "yesssss." Article continues below The announcement sparked quite a stir among fans and followers, as they conveyed their enthusiasm. One exclaimed: "Amazing! best of luck with it! ! ! !", and another added to the excitement stating, "How exciting, can't wait for Birmingham." A fan commented with sheer affection: "Love it! ! ! !", while another succinctly described the revelation as "Brilliant".
Sharjah 24
17-04-2025
- Business
- Sharjah 24
INSEAD University in Paris hosts "Wathba" participants
Sharing Global Expertise Participants are engaged in intensive training guided by highly regarded scholars and leadership specialists, featuring Professor Neil Jones and Dr. André Doria among the instructors. The program encompasses a range of topics, including individual leadership concepts, negotiation skills, change strategies, digital transformation, and high-performance teamwork. Participants will participate in hands-on case studies to apply strategic thinking in practical scenarios. Immersive Learning Commences Participants arrived in Paris on the first day and proceeded directly to the INSEAD campus, where they commenced a series of interactive training sessions. These sessions connect strategic thinking with practical experiences in an engaging global educational setting. Leadership Development Emphasized His Excellency Khalid Ibrahim Al Naqbi, Director of Sharjah for Capability Development and leader of the delegation, highlighted the significance of the program in raising awareness of youth leadership. He emphasized that these experiences enhance skills, expand viewpoints, and act as genuine investments in the leaders of tomorrow. The program promotes the development of leadership qualities that enable individuals to make assured decisions, positively impact others, and navigate diverse cultural systems and roles effectively. Participant Experience Highlighted Fatima Mohammed Al Ali, a participant, expressed her thoughts: 'This experience at INSEAD has taught me that leadership extends beyond decision-making; it encompasses influence, motivating teams, and understanding the broader perspective.' This experience provided me with valuable tools and a clearer perspective on my future role as a leader within my community and profession. Wathba Program Vision The 'Wathba' program stands out as a leading initiative from Sharjah for Capability Development, which is part of the Rubu' Qarn Foundation for Creating Leaders and Innovators. The initiative focuses on equipping young individuals with essential skills in progressive learning settings, reflecting Sharjah's commitment to investing in its people and shaping a brighter future.
Sharjah 24
16-04-2025
- Business
- Sharjah 24
INSEAD hosts "Wathbah" for strategic leadership programme
An engaging and thorough educational journey The participants are engaged in a rigorous training programme facilitated by a notable team of scholars and international leadership specialists, featuring Professor Neil Jones and Dr André Doria. The programme encompasses a wide array of topics, including personal leadership styles, negotiation techniques, strategies for managing change, digital transformations, and effective teamwork for high performance. It also encompasses practical, case-based applications of strategic thinking. Engaging in a global academic environment Upon arriving in Paris on the first day, the participants went straight to the INSEAD campus, where they commenced a series of interactive training sessions. These sessions aim to combine strategic thinking with practical learning in an engaging and internationally focused academic environment. Focus on long-term impact Khaled Al Nakhi, Director of the Sharjah Institute for Capacity Development (SICD) and head of the delegation, highlighted the programme's value in fostering leadership awareness among youth. He noted that such immersive experiences are instrumental in sharpening skills and broadening participants' perspectives on teamwork and innovation. Al-Nakhi described the programme as a genuine investment in the next generation of leaders, with a focus on cultivating leadership qualities that enable participants to create positive change, make confident decisions, and navigate multicultural, multidisciplinary environments. Participant perspectives Participant Fatima Mohammed Al Ali reflected on her journey, stating, 'During this experience at INSEAD, I realised that leadership is not only about making decisions—it's about having the ability to influence and inspire a team and see the bigger picture.' This program has provided me with practical tools and a more profound understanding of my future role as a leader in both my community and my professional field. Inspiring the leaders of tomorrow The 'Wathbah' programme stands as a prominent initiative spearheaded by the Sharjah Foundation for Capability Development, functioning under the Rubu' Qarn Foundation for Creating Leaders and Innovators. The initiative seeks to empower young individuals and refine their skills within advanced educational settings, aligning with Sharjah's overarching vision of investing in human capital and fostering a promising future.
Yahoo
17-02-2025
- Yahoo
Thug who abused pregnant partner jailed amid jeers of "grass" towards victim from public gallery
A Liverpool man has been jailed after subjecting his partner to repeated assaults, attacking her during her pregnancy and punching her within hours of her giving birth to his child. Neil Jones, of Saltergate Road, Dingle, had been with his victim for around two years, inflicting shocking abuse on her that continued throughout her pregnancy. He then proceeded to stalk her from a fake Facebook account after their relationship ended, the Liverpool Echo reported. Today (February 17) pleading guilty to coercive and controlling behaviour, stalking and making threats to kill, Jones' supporters at Liverpool Crown Court shouted "grass" at the victim who sat in tears as she made a witness statement. READ MORE: Exact time to see rare 'Blood Moon' as spectacular lunar eclipse comes to the UK READ MORE: Vinted sellers cancelling orders over 'ridiculous' feature they 'hate so much' Liverpool Crown Court heard this afternoon, Monday, that the pair's relationship "changed" after he lost his job in November 2022. The 28-year-old first turned violent on December 4 that year after the couple began arguing over her speaking to another man while they were attending the Christmas markets in Liverpool city centre. Shannon Stewart, prosecuting, described how this saw him drag the complainant down a side street before kicking and punching her. The victim was able to run away but was tracked down by Jones after being refused entry to a taxi. They then walked together to his family home, where he began strangling her and armed himself with a knife. When she sought refuge inside a bathroom, the defendant began banging on the locked door while threatening: "I'll kill you." Jones was then said to have behaved violently towards his victim during arguments throughout their relationship, including by punching her to the head and kicking and pinching her. On one occasion, on December 5 2023, he was also said to have bitten her in the face. Then, on January 5 last year, he grabbed and pushed her before punching her on the arm. His victim discovered that she was pregnant with his child a matter of days later. But Jones continued to attack her in spite of this, including leaving her with a black eye after punching her to the face on April 26. He again hit her in the side of the head on May 29, causing a cut to her ear. His supporters in the public gallery were issued with a warning by Recorder David Knifton KC at this stage after one woman was heard remarking "you're a grass". Ms Stewart then continued to document the episodes of violence suffering by an expectant victim, including being strangled during assaults. Then, after she had given birth to their son on September 22, Jones "became aggressive" towards a nurse. A short time later, he then punched the mum in the face while the new born baby lay in a cot beside her. His victim then ended the relationship in December 2024, although Jones continued to "constantly" message her and call her from withheld numbers. He was also said to have created a Facebook account under the name "Bobby Firmino", a reference to the former Liverpool FC forward, which he used to contact her and "ask where she was". In one phone call, he threatened to "get someone to rape her", "come to her house with a knife and kill her" and "rape her and rip her throat out". Jones reportedly attempted to call her around 400 times over the period of Christmas and New Year before he was arrested on January 5. She told the court in a statement from the witness box: "My mental health has deteriorated significantly because of the ongoing abuse. I was too scared to leave him because of the constant threats I received. "I stopped seeing family and friends out of fear that something would happen to them. Since the abuse, I feel as if I'm constantly walking on eggshells and riddled with anxiety. I've received multiple messages calling me names and telling me 'snitches get stitches'. I'm not a grass." Two women then left court, with one heard to remark "grass" as she did so while [the victim] sat in tears. Jones has three previous convictions for six offences, including possession of an offensive weapon in a public place, with his last brush with the law seeing him handed a community order for dangerous driving in 2016. Olivia Belle, defending, said on his behalf: "He has accepted full responsibility for his actions. To his nearest and dearest, this offending has come as quite a massive shock to them. "He has no violence on his record and has stayed out of trouble for most of his life. He is a hard working man. He has always enjoyed labouring. Prior to his remand, he worked with machinery and on windmills. "He volunteered with Old Swan Youth Club and helped to provide food for children in the community. He is known as being dependable and well liked. He was involved in a road traffic accident last year. He fractured his skull and is now partially deaf. "Mr Jones wishes to offer an apology to her. He has presented as emotional and offers his deepest regret for his actions. He wishes for a better life upon release, devoting time to his son and becoming a father." Jones admitted engaging in controlling or coercive behaviour, stalking involving fear of violence and making threats to kill. Appearing via video link to HMP Liverpool wearing a grey Berghaus tracksuit top, he was jailed for 30 months and handed a 10-year restraining order. Sentencing, Recorder Knifton said: "The background to this offending follows an all too familiar pattern. Initially, it appears to have been a happy and normal relationship. Unfortunately, it turned sour. "You became controlling and coercive towards her, preventing her from using social media and restricting her use of her mobile phone. More seriously, your behaviour developed into violent incidents towards her extending over a period of two years. Many of the assaults occurred during a period when was was pregnant with your child. "She finally decided to end the relationship. You thereafter constantly messaged, called or attempted to contact her over social media despite being told that she wanted nothing to do with you. "You made vile and abusive threats towards her, including threats to rape her and kill her with a knife. I have listened to a recording of that call. Your conduct is utterly despicable. "Despite her fear of repercussions, she had the courage to report matters to the police. She became scared to leave her address. She feared for the safety of her friends and family and isolated herself from them. "She describes herself as having changed from being an outgoing, confident and bubbly person to one who is scared and riddled with anxiety. That is the legacy of your conduct towards her. "I bear in mind that you have no convictions since 2016, when you were 19 years of age. I note that you have an offer of employment with a demolition company when you are eventually released from custody. "I have read a helpful letter from your parents. They explain that you have struggled to contain your emotions due to untreated ADHD. They say that you have a good heart and a strong desire to make positive changes in your life. That material clearly presents a different side to you to that which you showed towards Olivia." A physical confrontation between two women then ensued on the landing outside the courtroom following the hearing. Screaming and shouting was heard as they were separated from the scuffle before the victim and her supporters were escorted away by security staff.
