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North Wales Live
4 days ago
- General
- North Wales Live
Nesting birds delay work on multi-million pound training centre project
A nest of birds has temporarily held up initial site clearance for a proposed £37m fire and rescue training centre in North Wales. The presence of little ringed plovers, a protected species, has been confirmed in the area of the North Wales Fire and Rescue Service's [NWFRS] proposed site at St Asaph Business Park. It is thought this could delay work by several weeks and the situation is being monitored daily. The scheme, still in its early phase, was previously hampered by the presence of great crested newts at the site. Sign up for the North Wales Live newsletter sent twice daily to your inbox It was while looking into the newts issue that the nesting birds were found. The little ringed plover has a distinctive black and white head pattern. It is similar to a ringed plover described by the RSPB as a "small, dumpy, short-legged wading bird" - but smaller. It is illegal to intentionally or recklessly disturb any wild bird in Schedule 1 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 "while it is building a nest or is in, on or near a nest containing eggs or young; or to disturb dependent young of such a bird". The matter was discussed during a meeting of the North Wales Fire and Rescue Authority on Monday, July 21. Members heard how quiet, manual work would be permitted in the northern part of the site, but access and any machinery-based activity was prohibited until the birds fledged. In October 2024, the members had given their "in-principle approval" to a business case for a new, purpose-built training centre at St Asaph Business Park. Assistant Chief Fire Officer Justin Evans had presented the proposal, emphasising that the current facilities were "outdated" and not meeting the standards required for modern firefighter training. The proposed centre would feature classrooms, an incident command suite, breathing apparatus, decontamination facilities, realistic fire and road traffic collision training zones, and dedicated space for multi-agency exercises. ACFO Evans told Monday's meeting that the training centre project "continued at pace". Recent activity had focused on procurement, stakeholder communications, design development, technical surveys, ecology and developing fully costed options. "Key developments" included completion of a compliant procurement process by the design consultants, contracts with Perfect Circle had been signed, and a core team for the design and build activity confirmed. The formal design process had started, and letters were hand delivered to nearby residents and businesses, advising them over the initial site clearance. The public was also invited to an open information session later this summer. "Work will be commencing in earnest. However, we have had some challenges around ecology," he said. "We've had lots of conversations about great crested newts on site and how we would need to require a licence to undertake work. "It was during preparation for that, the nest of Schedule 1 little ringed plovers was discovered near the proposed access route. "We now must avoid machinery based site clearance until the chicks fledge, likely to be late August. "We can continue with some low impact manual work elsewhere, but this constraint could extend the clearance phase by several weeks, which will see a knock-on for our programme. "We're monitoring this situation daily and we're developing our plan to mitigate any potential delay or seasonal adjustments." Costings for four different build options have included a training centre only, a training centre plus HQ, a training centre plus corporate functions, and a training centre with residential accommodation. "These scenarios will feed into our shortlist and feed directly into the outline business case to ensure affordability and value for money," the fire officer said. "We are on track for a 2027 construction start," he said, but added that the project was "not without risks". "The key risk currently is due to ecology," he said. "Uncertainty" around funding arrangements and "balancing ambitions against potential costs" also remained. It was hoped the design brief would be completed by the end of August and an outline business plan presented by mid-November. A report noted estimated costs of the facility was £37.417m, with an added life cycle cost of £3.820m over a 25-year operational period. J
North Wales Chronicle
08-07-2025
- General
- North Wales Chronicle
Cause of huge Anglesey hotel fire remains 'unknown'
The blaze at The Harbour Hotel in Cemaes Bay broke out on the evening of Thursday, July 3. North Wales Fire and Rescue Service were alerted at just before 11pm. Four crews and an Aerial Ladder Platform appliance attended. No injuries were reported but Isle of Anglesey County Council deemed the building "unsafe" and on Friday, said there was a "risk of it collapsing." A spokesperson from North Wales Fire and Rescue Service said: "Due to the extent of the damage, we are currently unable to carry out a more detailed fire investigation until a structural engineer has assessed the building and confirmed it is safe to enter. "At this stage, the cause of the fire remains unknown." Hotel manager Leah Fitton labelled the fire "devastating". She has been left moved by heart-warming messages and a gofundme page set up to rebuild the hotel. The fundraiser has already raised more than £1,000. She posted on social media: "This has truly touched my heart. The Harbour hasn't been mine and Ben's business for some time - we handed it over to Dyl, who we rented it off and who has always been a huge support behind the scenes. And I've since become the manager. "Dyl, Ben, myself, the rest of our Harbour team, and our whole community are all still in shock. But the outpouring of love and support shows exactly what The Harbour has always Been - a true part of the village, built on community, connection, and care. "Right now, the most important thing is to support the rest of the team who've suddenly been left without jobs overnight." To donate to the fundraiser, click here. A statement on the gofundme page, set up by Peter Trengove, said: "The devastating impact of the fire at the Harbour Hotel in Cemaes has brought tears to my eyes. "To me, this place is the heart of the community. The owners have worked tirelessly over the years to build it up—through renovations, hosting events, and creating a space where people could come together. "It's been a cherished spot to eat, drink, and connect. I hold fond personal memories here, and I'll never forget the kindness and generosity shown by the owners during Covid - they truly went above and beyond. "I've set up this GoFundMe to help with the costs of rebuilding the Harbour Hotel. The funds will also go towards helping Leah and Ben with any personal losses they've suffered as a result of the fire. "The thought of the Harbour being gone breaks my heart. "I want to do something about it and it would mean the world if the community could stand with me in this."
Wales Online
08-07-2025
- Wales Online
Fire hit Blaenau Ffestiniog hotel 'looted'
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info The owners of a hotel hit by a devastating fire say the building was "looted" on Sunday night. Fire crews were scrambled to the Queens Hotel in Blaenau Ffestiniog shortly before 11.10am on Saturday as flames took hold of the building. Six fire engines and an aerial ladder platform battled the blaze with roads closed off while emergency services worked at the scene. Everyone was safely evacuated but the fire has caused extensive damage to the property. It has been devastating for owner Angi Scott and all the staff affected. She said they had "lost everything, except each other". The community has rallied around them with a Gofundme set up to raise money - alongside hundreds of messages and offers of support. But last night the hotel hit out on social media after saying someone had "looted" the burnt out property. They posted on Facebook: "To whoever looted queens last night, the CCTV is now with police, security in building tonight and not only is the building dangerous, as a family we've lost everything, do you really want to be the person that takes the last little bit we have. "Can people please let us know if there is anyone in there seen without a hard hat. We will be pressing charges." Local residents were horrified at the news. One person said: "How low can you get?" Another added: "How low can some people go! To take advantage of someone's loss and their livelihood. Shame on whoever did this." One person posted: "Omg this is disgusting, vile." North Wales Police have been asked to comment. The cause of the fire is not yet known. North Wales Fire and Rescue Service said: "At 11:09am on Saturday, 5th of July we were called to a fire in Blaenau Ffestiniog. Multiple crews and an Aerial Ladder Platform appliance attended the incident. "The fire caused substantial damage to the property; however all guests and staff were evacuated safely after alarms were activated. Due to the extent of the damage, we are currently unable to carry out a more detailed fire investigation until a structural engineer has assessed the building and confirmed it is safe to enter. At this stage, the cause of the fire remains unknown." Join the North Wales Live WhatsApp community group where you can get the latest stories delivered straight to your phone
North Wales Live
08-07-2025
- North Wales Live
Fire hit Blaenau Ffestiniog hotel 'looted' in incident branded 'vile'
The owners of a hotel hit by a devastating fire say the building was "looted" on Sunday night. Fire crews were scrambled to the Queens Hotel in Blaenau Ffestiniog shortly before 11.10am on Saturday as flames took hold of the building. Six fire engines and an aerial ladder platform battled the blaze with roads closed off while emergency services worked at the scene. Everyone was safely evacuated but the fire has caused extensive damage to the property. It has been devastating for owner Angi Scott and all the staff affected. She said they had "lost everything, except each other". The community has rallied around them with a Gofundme set up to raise money - alongside hundreds of messages and offers of support. But last night the hotel hit out on social media after saying someone had "looted" the burnt out property. They posted on Facebook: "To whoever looted queens last night, the CCTV is now with police, security in building tonight and not only is the building dangerous, as a family we've lost everything, do you really want to be the person that takes the last little bit we have. "Can people please let us know if there is anyone in there seen without a hard hat. We will be pressing charges." Local residents were horrified at the news. One person said: "How low can you get?" Another added: "How low can some people go! To take advantage of someone's loss and their livelihood. Shame on whoever did this." One person posted: "Omg this is disgusting, vile." North Wales Police have been asked to comment. The cause of the fire is not yet known. North Wales Fire and Rescue Service said: "At 11:09am on Saturday, 5 th of July we were called to a fire in Blaenau Ffestiniog. Multiple crews and an Aerial Ladder Platform appliance attended the incident. "The fire caused substantial damage to the property; however all guests and staff were evacuated safely after alarms were activated. Due to the extent of the damage, we are currently unable to carry out a more detailed fire investigation until a structural engineer has assessed the building and confirmed it is safe to enter. At this stage, the cause of the fire remains unknown."
North Wales Chronicle
04-07-2025
- General
- North Wales Chronicle
Owner of fire-hit Anglesey hotel speaks of devastating loss
The fire at The Harbour Hotel in Cemaes Bay, on Anglesey, broke out last night (Thursday, July 3). North Wales Fire and Rescue Service were alerted at just before 11pm. Four crews and an Aerial Ladder Platform appliance attended. No injuries were reported but Isle of Anglesey County Council say "The building is unsafe and there is risk of it collapsing." Leah Fitton and Ben Owen have run hotel since just before Covid hit in 2020. Leah posted on social media: "As many of you will have heard, there's been a devastating fire at The Harbour. It's not just a business - it's been my home, my life, and has always held a special place in my heart, for so many years. Seeing it like this is absolutely heartbreaking. its not just a devastating loss for myself, but for our village! "I'm holding onto one thing - everyone is safe. For that, I am endlessly grateful. "I want to say a massive thank you to the emergency services who responded so quickly and did everything they could to protect us. "Thank you for all your kind messages. I'm sorry I haven't been able to get back to everyone! Your kindness and support mean more than I can say. "Who knows what the future holds for The Harbour, but for now, I just want to say thank you to everyone, from the bottom of my heart." A spokesperson for the fire service said: "We were called to a fire at a hotel on Bridge Street, Cemaes at 10.56pm last night. "All guests and staff were evacuated safely after alarms were activated. "The fire caused substantial damage to the property. "The cause of the fire is currently under investigation." A road closure was put in place in the early hours of this morning on Bridge Street. RELATED: A spokesperson from Isle of Anglesey County Council said that barriers had been set-up around the hotel perimeter to stop public access. They added: "The building is unsafe and there is risk of it collapsing." Bridge Street re-opened about 9am this morning. The local authority said: "Two-way traffic lights will have to be in operation as the area in front of the Harbour Hotel has been closed off due to the risk of loose slates falling from the roof. "The first entrance to the Gwelfor Estate which is within the scope of the traffic lights remains closed for the time being until further notice."
