Latest news with #Porth
Daily Mail
13-05-2025
- Business
- Daily Mail
EXCLUSIVE Fury as tiny Welsh town with 5,970 inhabitants gets its FOURTEENTH barber shop and salon (one for every 400 people)
A Welsh town with only 5,970 inhabitants has just got another barber shop - meaning it now has 14 hair salons, or one for every 400 people. Plans by a Kurdish businessman to open a new barber in a vacant amusement arcade sparked anger among residents in Porth, South Wales, who said their town was already 'saturated'. But thirty-four separate letters of objection failed to convince members of Rhondda Cynon Taf (RCT)'s planning committee to refuse the application, meaning it can now go ahead and open. Opponents told the council that there were already 13 hair salons in Porth, many of them Turkish-style barbers, and that the dearth of other retail options was putting off visitors. Adding a fourteenth means there will now be one for every 426 residents, based on figures from the 2021 census. There are a further six barber shops in neighbouring towns of Blackwood and Newbridge - barely ten miles from Porth - where cut-throat competition led to mob violence earlier this year. While some are Turkish themed, they are all run by Kurds. The concerns come after police have warned of criminals infiltrating the industry by setting up shops as front companies to launder the proceeds of crimes like drug dealing. More than 750 barbers opened in the UK last year despite a broader High Street downturn - raising suspicions that some are being used by gangs. Just last months, enforcement teams across the West Midlands raided a string of Turkish barber shops and seized more than £500,000 in illegal cash during a crackdown on money laundering. Meanwhile unhappy customers have taken to TikTok to share videos of their wonky haircuts and patchy skin fades – possible signs of illicit businesses cynically co-opting the proud, centuries-old tradition of Turkish barbering. The newest barber in Porth is opening in a former amusement arcade on Hannah Street, The Rhondda Herald reported. During a debate before Rhondda Cynon Taf's planning committee, Councillor Loretta Tomkinson pointed out that there were already plenty of barbers in the town and that having even more would make it difficult for them to turn a profit. Other critics said the number of objections filed against the new shop understated the level of public opposition. However, planning officers recommended approval and said in their report: 'The principle of commercial development at the site is acceptable and by bringing the property back into beneficial use, would result in a positive contribution towards the wider retail centre. 'Furthermore, the application is considered to comply with the relevant policies of the Local Development Plan in respect of its visual impact and the impact it has upon the amenity and privacy of the neighbouring residential properties.' Situated side-by-side, two out of a total of the more than a dozen barber shops and hair salons within a six-minute walk on two streets in the centre of Porth Hannah Street – one of Porth's two main roads - once boasted a Boots chemist, a Woolworth's, a Clarks shoe shop, women's fashion stores and men's outfitters. In March, a branch of fashion store New Look which was based there shut its doors for good. Even some of the town's hairdressers now agree there are too many barbers. Barber Snur Abdulhmid, 18, who works at Porth Barbers in Hannah Street, said: 'There are too many, we don't need another one. 'If there are too many, no-one can make money. 'If it carries on, we'd have to close the shop.' Mr Abdulhmid said the barbers was a 'legitimate' business, although he was aware that Turkish and Kurdish barbers are seen as a front for organised crime and money laundering. 'That doesn't happen here, we pay tax and VAT,' he said. A survey conducted last year found locals in Porth felt there was already an over-abundance of certain businesses 'such as fast-food takeaways, beauty parlours, and barber shops' There were no customers when MailOnline visited on a weekday afternoon and some of the men's salons were closed. David James, 76, a retired plumber and heating engineer from the town, said: 'I use a local barber although I have nothing against the others in the town centre. 'It's ridiculous to have so many barbers and hair salons so close to each other. It can't be sustainable. 'It makes the town centre unattractive when you get so many businesses all offering the same thing.' Andy Murrains, 62, who opened up a café bar in Hannah Street six months ago after moving from London, said: 'There's always gossip and Chinese whispers about some of the places. 'This street is not in the position where it can afford to lose a few businesses, that's the reality of it.' A survey conducted last year by Porth and District Chamber of Trade found locals felt there was already an over-abundance of certain businesses, 'such as fast-food takeaways, beauty parlours, and barber shops.' After the chamber of trade posted about the application on social media, many locals commented that there were already plenty of barbers in Porth. One said: 'They are overrun with barbershops.' 'Does make me wonder how they can all stay in business,' Ian Heritage posted. Another person added: 'Objection raised, more need to do the same, this is getting beyond a joke.'
Yahoo
11-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
'Being spiked on a night out traumatised me'
A 19-year-old woman who believes she was spiked says she was "miserably failed" by hospital staff and says a nurse dismissed her as drunk. Libby Wolford, from Porth, Rhondda Cynon Taff, was on a night out with friends on 25 April when she experienced the "scary" incident that left her "traumatised", "screaming in pain", and unable to walk or talk. After briefly leaving her drink unattended to use the toilet, Ms Wolford returned and took a sip and within moments, she went from "nought to 100 in seconds". A Welsh government advisor has called for stronger laws, better training, and more support for victims of spiking to ensure they are taken seriously and offenders are held to account. Ms Wolford had just finished her second drink at The Banc club in Pentre, Rhondda, when she suddenly began to feel "very unwell". She spent about 15 minutes vomiting a green substance in the toilet and became disoriented, unable to understand those around her. Her condition rapidly worsened, with severe stomach pain, dizziness, uncontrollable shaking, and breathing difficulties, which prompted her boyfriend to call her mother for help and to take her to A&E. Ms Wolford said: "It got to a point where I was laying down in the back seat, and I was screaming in pain. "I was just in so much agony. "This is when I began to feel my airway starting to close because I couldn't breathe properly, and I was gasping for air. "I was so out of it I just didn't know where I was or who I was." Spiking to be made specific offence in King's Speech Intervene if women at spiking risk, says minister Man posed as woman's boyfriend after she was spiked After arriving at the A&E department at the Royal Glamorgan Hospital in Ynysmaerdy, Rhondda Cynon Taf, Ms Wolford said a nurse dismissed her condition as being "just paralytic" and claimed she "sees it all the time" - despite Ms Wolford being unable to walk, talk, or understand what was happening. After waiting for five hours, Ms Wolford made the decision to leave the hospital. "It just got to the point where I got so fed up of waiting, and just not being able to get comfy," she said. "I got really agitated, and I just wanted to go home." Ms Wolford said the whole experience had shaken her up, left her constantly feeling unwell and "worrying wherever I go". "It started as an amazing night, but after everything that happened, it turned into the worst night I've had in my 19 years. "It's just such a scary world." She said she had "absolutely no help" from the hospital and feels "miserably failed" as she was made to "feel so below other people". While she acknowledges the NHS is under pressure and often deals with many drunk patients on weekends, she believes her symptoms were dismissed too quickly. She added: "One day, it could happen to someone else, and they might have it 10 times worse. "If my immune system hadn't been so strong, it could have ended a lot worse. "Not every girl's body can handle or break down a drug like mine did, and it really angers me that nothing was done that day." A spokesperson for Cwm Taf Morgannwg University Health Board said it cannot comment on individual cases but encouraged the patient to contact its concerns team directly. In a statement, The Banc said it acted immediately after becoming aware of Ms Wolford's social media post. The club emphasised that the safety of its customers and staff is its "top priority," and that free anti-spiking drink covers are now available upon request. Ms Wolford said she wanted to share her story to "reduce the chances of this happening to anyone else ever again". She urged women to be highly cautious with their drinks on nights out and hopes more clubs will adopt anti-spike lids to protect drinks. In the UK, spiking is prosecuted under existing laws such as the Offences Against the Person Act and the Sexual Offences Act, with penalties of up to 10 years in prison. However, in the King's Speech in July, it was announced a new specific offence for spiking would be introduced to improve clarity, support victims, and strengthen police responses. In November, safeguarding minister Jess Phillips said bystanders should be prepared to step in and help women who appear at risk of spiking during the Christmas party season. She also said up to 10,000 bar staff across the country would be trained to prevent spiking incidents, support victims and help police collect evidence. St John Ambulance Cymru's clinical director Carl Lane, who is also an advanced paramedic, said spiking is "deeply dangerous and should always be taken seriously". Signs include confusion, loss of coordination, slurred speech, or unconsciousness - never leave someone alone if they show these symptoms. Seek urgent medical help; call 999 if someone is seriously unwell or unconscious, and use the recovery position or CPR if needed. For less urgent cases, contact NHS 111 and always report suspected spiking to police. Ms Wolford decided not to file a police report, fearing that "nothing would be done", and said she knew "lots of women who had reported spiking crimes" without seeing any action taken. Corrie David from South Wales Police said the force takes all spiking reports seriously and urge anyone affected to come forward so investigations can take place. He said police can conduct a rapid drugs test, and alert licensed premises to known spiking methods and offer training to staff in recognising signs of vulnerability. Yasmin Khan, who advises the Welsh government on violence against women and sexual violence, said spiking is a misunderstood and under-reported crime, largely due to the "limited forensic window" and victims feeling shame or "completely hopeless". She said reports of drink and needle spiking have increased. "It's such an abuse of power and it's just unbelievable," Ms Khan said. "The impact spiking has on victims is lifelong." She called for better training in healthcare and hospitality, more support for victims, and a stronger focus on listening to survivors. "We really have got to hold perpetrators to account," she said. Stephanie Grimshaw, from Welsh Women's Aid said sexual assault referral centres such as New Pathways in Wales provide specialist support and evidence gathering for survivors. She said "disappointing" victim-blaming attitudes in healthcare made it hard for women to feel safe and believed, and stressed that supportive responses and proper training were essential to "help survivors feel confident in coming forward". Catcalls and being followed: Why I'm scared to run The women killed by men in Wales since 2020 Clubs say they work hard to prevent spiking
Yahoo
11-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
'Being spiked on a night out traumatised me'
A 19-year-old woman who believes she was spiked says she was "miserably failed" by hospital staff and says a nurse dismissed her as drunk. Libby Wolford, from Porth, Rhondda Cynon Taff, was on a night out with friends on 25 April when she experienced the "scary" incident that left her "traumatised", "screaming in pain", and unable to walk or talk. After briefly leaving her drink unattended to use the toilet, Ms Wolford returned and took a sip and within moments, she went from "nought to 100 in seconds". A Welsh government advisor has called for stronger laws, better training, and more support for victims of spiking to ensure they are taken seriously and offenders are held to account. Ms Wolford had just finished her second drink at The Banc club in Pentre, Rhondda, when she suddenly began to feel "very unwell". She spent about 15 minutes vomiting a green substance in the toilet and became disoriented, unable to understand those around her. Her condition rapidly worsened, with severe stomach pain, dizziness, uncontrollable shaking, and breathing difficulties, which prompted her boyfriend to call her mother for help and to take her to A&E. Ms Wolford said: "It got to a point where I was laying down in the back seat, and I was screaming in pain. "I was just in so much agony. "This is when I began to feel my airway starting to close because I couldn't breathe properly, and I was gasping for air. "I was so out of it I just didn't know where I was or who I was." Spiking to be made specific offence in King's Speech Intervene if women at spiking risk, says minister Man posed as woman's boyfriend after she was spiked After arriving at the A&E department at the Royal Glamorgan Hospital in Ynysmaerdy, Rhondda Cynon Taf, Ms Wolford said a nurse dismissed her condition as being "just paralytic" and claimed she "sees it all the time" - despite Ms Wolford being unable to walk, talk, or understand what was happening. After waiting for five hours, Ms Wolford made the decision to leave the hospital. "It just got to the point where I got so fed up of waiting, and just not being able to get comfy," she said. "I got really agitated, and I just wanted to go home." Ms Wolford said the whole experience had shaken her up, left her constantly feeling unwell and "worrying wherever I go". "It started as an amazing night, but after everything that happened, it turned into the worst night I've had in my 19 years. "It's just such a scary world." She said she had "absolutely no help" from the hospital and feels "miserably failed" as she was made to "feel so below other people". While she acknowledges the NHS is under pressure and often deals with many drunk patients on weekends, she believes her symptoms were dismissed too quickly. She added: "One day, it could happen to someone else, and they might have it 10 times worse. "If my immune system hadn't been so strong, it could have ended a lot worse. "Not every girl's body can handle or break down a drug like mine did, and it really angers me that nothing was done that day." A spokesperson for Cwm Taf Morgannwg University Health Board said it cannot comment on individual cases but encouraged the patient to contact its concerns team directly. In a statement, The Banc said it acted immediately after becoming aware of Ms Wolford's social media post. The club emphasised that the safety of its customers and staff is its "top priority," and that free anti-spiking drink covers are now available upon request. Ms Wolford said she wanted to share her story to "reduce the chances of this happening to anyone else ever again". She urged women to be highly cautious with their drinks on nights out and hopes more clubs will adopt anti-spike lids to protect drinks. In the UK, spiking is prosecuted under existing laws such as the Offences Against the Person Act and the Sexual Offences Act, with penalties of up to 10 years in prison. However, in the King's Speech in July, it was announced a new specific offence for spiking would be introduced to improve clarity, support victims, and strengthen police responses. In November, safeguarding minister Jess Phillips said bystanders should be prepared to step in and help women who appear at risk of spiking during the Christmas party season. She also said up to 10,000 bar staff across the country would be trained to prevent spiking incidents, support victims and help police collect evidence. St John Ambulance Cymru's clinical director Carl Lane, who is also an advanced paramedic, said spiking is "deeply dangerous and should always be taken seriously". Signs include confusion, loss of coordination, slurred speech, or unconsciousness - never leave someone alone if they show these symptoms. Seek urgent medical help; call 999 if someone is seriously unwell or unconscious, and use the recovery position or CPR if needed. For less urgent cases, contact NHS 111 and always report suspected spiking to police. Ms Wolford decided not to file a police report, fearing that "nothing would be done", and said she knew "lots of women who had reported spiking crimes" without seeing any action taken. Corrie David from South Wales Police said the force takes all spiking reports seriously and urge anyone affected to come forward so investigations can take place. He said police can conduct a rapid drugs test, and alert licensed premises to known spiking methods and offer training to staff in recognising signs of vulnerability. Yasmin Khan, who advises the Welsh government on violence against women and sexual violence, said spiking is a misunderstood and under-reported crime, largely due to the "limited forensic window" and victims feeling shame or "completely hopeless". She said reports of drink and needle spiking have increased. "It's such an abuse of power and it's just unbelievable," Ms Khan said. "The impact spiking has on victims is lifelong." She called for better training in healthcare and hospitality, more support for victims, and a stronger focus on listening to survivors. "We really have got to hold perpetrators to account," she said. Stephanie Grimshaw, from Welsh Women's Aid said sexual assault referral centres such as New Pathways in Wales provide specialist support and evidence gathering for survivors. She said "disappointing" victim-blaming attitudes in healthcare made it hard for women to feel safe and believed, and stressed that supportive responses and proper training were essential to "help survivors feel confident in coming forward". Catcalls and being followed: Why I'm scared to run The women killed by men in Wales since 2020 Clubs say they work hard to prevent spiking
BBC News
11-05-2025
- Health
- BBC News
Spiking: 'NHS nurse dismissed me as just drunk' says victim
A 19-year-old woman who believes she was spiked says she was "miserably failed" by hospital staff and says a nurse dismissed her as drunk. Libby Wolford, from Porth, Rhondda Cynon Taff, was on a night out with friends on 25 April when she experienced the "scary" incident that left her "traumatised", "screaming in pain", and unable to walk or briefly leaving her drink unattended to use the toilet, Ms Wolford returned and took a sip and within moments, she went from "nought to 100 in seconds".A Welsh government advisor has called for stronger laws, better training, and more support for victims of spiking to ensure they are taken seriously and offenders are held to account. Ms Wolford had just finished her second drink at The Banc club in Pentre, Rhondda, when she suddenly began to feel "very unwell".She spent about 15 minutes vomiting a green substance in the toilet and became disoriented, unable to understand those around her. Her condition rapidly worsened, with severe stomach pain, dizziness, uncontrollable shaking, and breathing difficulties, which prompted her boyfriend to call her mother for help and to take her to A& Wolford said: "It got to a point where I was laying down in the back seat, and I was screaming in pain. "I was just in so much agony."This is when I began to feel my airway starting to close because I couldn't breathe properly, and I was gasping for air. "I was so out of it I just didn't know where I was or who I was." After arriving at the A&E department at the Royal Glamorgan Hospital in Ynysmaerdy, Rhondda Cynon Taf, Ms Wolford said a nurse dismissed her condition as being "just paralytic" and claimed she "sees it all the time" - despite Ms Wolford being unable to walk, talk, or understand what was waiting for five hours, Ms Wolford made the decision to leave the hospital."It just got to the point where I got so fed up of waiting, and just not being able to get comfy," she said."I got really agitated, and I just wanted to go home." Ms Wolford said the whole experience had shaken her up, left her constantly feeling unwell and "worrying wherever I go". "It started as an amazing night, but after everything that happened, it turned into the worst night I've had in my 19 years. "It's just such a scary world." She said she had "absolutely no help" from the hospital and feels "miserably failed" as she was made to "feel so below other people". While she acknowledges the NHS is under pressure and often deals with many drunk patients on weekends, she believes her symptoms were dismissed too added: "One day, it could happen to someone else, and they might have it 10 times worse. "If my immune system hadn't been so strong, it could have ended a lot worse. "Not every girl's body can handle or break down a drug like mine did, and it really angers me that nothing was done that day."A spokesperson for Cwm Taf Morgannwg University Health Board said it cannot comment on individual cases but encouraged the patient to contact its concerns team directly. In a statement, The Banc said it acted immediately after becoming aware of Ms Wolford's social media post. The club emphasised that the safety of its customers and staff is its "top priority," and that free anti-spiking drink covers are now available upon request. Ms Wolford said she wanted to share her story to "reduce the chances of this happening to anyone else ever again".She urged women to be highly cautious with their drinks on nights out and hopes more clubs will adopt anti-spike lids to protect drinks. In the UK, spiking is prosecuted under existing laws such as the Offences Against the Person Act and the Sexual Offences Act, with penalties of up to 10 years in prison. However, in the King's Speech in July, it was announced a new specific offence for spiking would be introduced to improve clarity, support victims, and strengthen police November, safeguarding minister Jess Phillips said bystanders should be prepared to step in and help women who appear at risk of spiking during the Christmas party also said up to 10,000 bar staff across the country would be trained to prevent spiking incidents, support victims and help police collect evidence. What to do if someone is spiked? St John Ambulance Cymru's clinical director Carl Lane, who is also an advanced paramedic, said spiking is "deeply dangerous and should always be taken seriously".Signs include confusion, loss of coordination, slurred speech, or unconsciousness - never leave someone alone if they show these urgent medical help; call 999 if someone is seriously unwell or unconscious, and use the recovery position or CPR if less urgent cases, contact NHS 111 and always report suspected spiking to police. Ms Wolford decided not to file a police report, fearing that "nothing would be done", and said she knew "lots of women who had reported spiking crimes" without seeing any action taken. Corrie David from South Wales Police said the force takes all spiking reports seriously and urge anyone affected to come forward so investigations can take place. He said police can conduct a rapid drugs test, and alert licensed premises to known spiking methods and offer training to staff in recognising signs of vulnerability. Yasmin Khan, who advises the Welsh government on violence against women and sexual violence, said spiking is a misunderstood and under-reported crime, largely due to the "limited forensic window" and victims feeling shame or "completely hopeless". She said reports of drink and needle spiking have increased."It's such an abuse of power and it's just unbelievable," Ms Khan said."The impact spiking has on victims is lifelong."She called for better training in healthcare and hospitality, more support for victims, and a stronger focus on listening to survivors. "We really have got to hold perpetrators to account," she said. Stephanie Grimshaw, from Welsh Women's Aid said sexual assault referral centres such as New Pathways in Wales provide specialist support and evidence gathering for survivors. She said "disappointing" victim-blaming attitudes in healthcare made it hard for women to feel safe and believed, and stressed that supportive responses and proper training were essential to "help survivors feel confident in coming forward".
