Latest news with #StormEowyn
Daily Record
09-07-2025
- Climate
- Daily Record
North Ayrshire Council chiefs deny future of swimming pool is at risk
There have been fears amongst the community over the future of the facility. Rumours that Harvies Swimming Pool may be set to close have been firmly quashed by North Ayrshire Council. Concerns were raised about the future of the facility at a meeting of Irvine Community Council last Wednesday. Auchenharvie centre was badly damaged by Storm Eowyn in January, and the pool remains out of use owing to damage to the roof. Treasurer Jean Walker said: 'There are rumours that the pool is not opening again. Although it is not our remit, a lot of people from Irvine use it." She added that a class at the Portal swimming pool in Irvine on a Monday held 30 people and that all places were taken within 10 seconds of the website opening. Jean added: 'I hear the council stopped maintaining the pumps which suggests to me they are not opening the pool back up again.' Chairman Chris Pless said the council did not have a time line for its restoration yet but would approach KA Leisure for an update. A North Ayrshire Council spokesperson said: 'We expect to be in a position within the near future to confirm positive news regarding repairs to the roof of Auchenharvie Leisure Centre. 'Following the extensive damage caused by Storm Eowyn, our team has been working behind the scenes to draw up a plan of action which will see the centre brought back into use. 'A contractor has been appointed and as soon as we are able to do so, we will confirm when they are likely to start on-site."
Daily Record
08-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Record
Thousands of people set to line King Street for Castle Douglas Soap Box Derby
Homemade racers and their crews will be challenged by the special course, which features plenty of obstacles. Thousands of people are set to line King Street on Sunday for the Castle Douglas Soap Box Derby. Homemade racers and their crews will be challenged by the special course, which features plenty of obstacles – and a few surprises. And a fun-filled day is in store for the whole family One of the organisers, Matt Mckerlie, said: 'We've 15 teams and we'll start building the ramp from Wednesday. 'We've made a few tweaks and different additions to the track. 'The seesaw has been replaced with something – I'm not saying what, but they're big! 'The ramp is a bit longer and we're lining the street with the plastic from Solway Recycling to give it a bit of a smoother run to start with.' This will be the fourth Castle Douglas Soap Box Derby and the third since the coronavirus pandemic. The event is free for spectators, although Matt is encouraging people to show their support by buying one of 1000 programmes that have been printed. He said: 'We're hoping to sell all of them. They showcase the sponsors and there's some cash prizes. 'We want people to think of it like an entry ticket – the programme is £3. Other derbies in England charge £50 for a family of four. We always want to be free but cover the costs in the background.' The action is due to start at 1pm but there will be entertainment at Market Hill from 11am. That includes the Samba Sisters, The Roadrunner, fairground rides dinosaurs and Transformers. There will also be 30 stalls – including soap box derby merchandise – food vendors and a big screen for those who don't want to stand on the street. Colin Wilson from the post office will be doing the commentary, with the awards ceremony around 4.30pm. Support for this year's event has come from the National Lottery, which has helped buy generators and other electrical equipment that can be used by the whole community – such as in the aftermath of Storm Eowyn in January. Volunteers are needed to help set-up for the derby. If you can help, get in touch through the Castle Douglas Soap Box Derby Facebook page.
Daily Record
08-07-2025
- Climate
- Daily Record
Date when armageddon siren will sound on all UK phones in emergency alert test
Mobile phones across the country will blast out a loud siren this September as part of a nationwide emergency alert test designed to save lives in real disasters. Mobile phones across the UK will emit a loud, unavoidable siren at 3pm on Sunday, September 7, as part of a nationwide test of the Government's emergency alert system. The alarm, which will sound for around 10 seconds even if phones are on silent, is part of a drill to prepare for real-life emergencies. A warning message will flash on screens, clearly stating it's just a test, and users can simply swipe it away or press 'OK', reports the Mirror. This marks the second national test of the system, first rolled out in 2023 and since used five times to alert the public during extreme weather and other life-threatening events. Pat McFadden, Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, said: 'Emergency alerts have the potential to save lives. They allow us to quickly share vital information in dangerous situations, such as severe storms. 'Just like a fire alarm at home, testing ensures the system works when we need it most.' One of the largest real uses of the alert was during Storm Eowyn in January 2024, when 4.5 million people in Scotland and Northern Ireland were warned following a red weather warning. Another 3.5 million received alerts during Storm Darragh, while messages were also sent during flash flooding in Cumbria and Leicestershire. The alert system was also activated in Plymouth earlier this year when a World War II bomb was discovered, helping officials evacuate over 10,000 people. Tracey Lee, Chief Executive of Plymouth City Council, said the alert played a 'vital role' in coordinating the emergency response. Similar systems operate in countries like Japan, the US, and Germany, with Finland running monthly national tests. Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community! Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today. You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland. No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team. All you have to do is click here if you're on mobile, select 'Join Community' and you're in! If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click 'Join Community'. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice. A public awareness campaign will launch ahead of the UK-wide test, with special attention to vulnerable groups, including domestic abuse survivors. While the alerts are strongly recommended for everyone, the Government has confirmed it is possible to opt out—particularly for those who may be put at risk by a sudden alert sound. Campaigners have previously raised concerns the siren could expose people with hidden phones to abusive partners. The test comes as the Government publishes a new strategy to improve the UK's readiness and response to national emergencies. Ministers are also releasing an update on the 2023 Biological Security Strategy, aimed at better pandemic preparedness.
ITV News
07-07-2025
- ITV News
Mobile phones to receive emergency alert in national test - here's what to expect
A loud siren will sound from millions of mobile phones this September as the government tests its emergency alert system. The emergency alert text will be sent to mobile phones across the UK at around 3pm on Sunday, September 7, in its second-ever nationwide drill. Phones will vibrate for roughly ten seconds - even if they are set to silent - and a message will appear on phone screens, making it clear it is a test. The first time the system was tested was in April 2023, but some mobile phone users warned that their devices did not sound, with the problem traced to specific networks. Why is it taking place? The emergency alert system is used to spread information and advice rapidly, and is used to warn if there is a danger to life nearby, in instances like extreme weather. Regular testing ensures the system is functioning correctly, should it be needed in an emergency, and familiarises the public with the alerts. Who will and won't receive the alert? During the test, the UK's approximately 87 million mobile devices will ring out with a high pitched alarm and vibrate for approximately 10 seconds, while a message will appear on the screen making it clear the alert is only a test. The system has already been used in several scenarios – including storms, flooding and in one case when an unexploded Second World War bomb was discovered. Emergency alerts work on all 4G and 5G phone networks in the UK, and a mobile phone or tablet does not have to be connected to mobile data or wifi to receive them. Alerts will not be received if a device is turned off, connected to a 2G or 3G network, wifi only, or not compatible. Ahead of the national test, ministers are spearheading a public awareness campaign to ensure people understand when it is taking place. Domestic violence charities and campaigners are working with victims of abuse to ensure they know how to switch off alerts on a concealed phone. People who find themselves in this situation are being told to consult details about opting out from alerts on the Government website. Disability charities and campaigners are also being consulted to support disabled people, and drivers are being encouraged to find somewhere safe and legal to stop before reading the message. No personal data will be collected or shared as part of the test. When has it been used before? Since the first national test of the emergency alerts system in 2023, five alerts have been sent. 4.5 million people in Scotland and Northern Ireland received an alert during Storm Eowyn in January 2025 3.5 million people across Wales and the South West of England received an alert during Storm Darragh, which killed two people, in December 2024 Other activations included when an unexploded Second World War bomb was discovered in Plymouth and localised flash flooding in Cumbria and Leicestershire. What else is the government doing? The government is publishing a Resilience Action Plan on Tuesday to improve the way it prepares for and responds to emergencies, and will publish an update on action being taken to secure the country from biological risks. Pat McFadden, Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, is the Cabinet Office minister who has taken charge of efforts to boost national resilience against crises. He said: "Emergency alerts have the potential to save lives, allowing us to share essential information rapidly in emergency situations including extreme storms. "Just like the fire alarm in your house, it's important we test the system so that we know it will work if we need it." Other countries, including Japan and the USA, also regularly test their emergency alert systems.
Glasgow Times
07-07-2025
- Climate
- Glasgow Times
Emergency texts with 'loud siren' to be sent out in Glasgow
Mobile phone users will receive a test emergency alert around 3pm on Sunday, September 7, as part of plans to strengthen the country's preparedness. The devices will vibrate and make a loud siren noise for roughly 10 seconds, even if they are set to silent. This allows vital information and advice to be sent to people rapidly in an emergency. The system is used to warn if there's a danger to life nearby, including extreme weather. It allows vital information and advice to be sent to people rapidly in an emergency. It will be just the second of its kind and follows a government commitment to test the system regularly to make sure it works optimally and familiarise the public with the alerts. This is in line with standard practice in other countries, such as Japan and the USA. READ NEXT: New plan revealed for historic Glasgow pub - here are the details Pat McFadden, Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, said: 'Emergency alerts have the potential to save lives, allowing us to share essential information rapidly in emergency situations, including extreme storms. "Just like the fire alarm in your house, it's important we test the system so that we know it will work if we need it. 'This test is part of our action plan to build resilience across the whole country and secure the nation under the Plan for Change - from the £1 billion we're investing in a new network of National Biosecurity Centres to the £4.2 billion we're investing to build a new generation of flood defences to protect local communities.' Since the first national test of the emergency alert system in April 2023, five alerts have been sent, including during major storms when lives were at risk. The largest ever use of the system saw approximately 4.5 million people in Scotland and Northern Ireland - including Glasgow - receive an alert during Storm Eowyn in January 2025, after a red weather warning was issued, meaning there was a risk to life.
