Latest news with #ThamesValley
Yahoo
a day ago
- Climate
- Yahoo
Trout rehomed downstream due to dry weather
More than 50 brown trout have been given new homes because of the extreme heat and dry weather this summer. The fish are being relocated from a section of the River Lambourn, near Hungerford in Berkshire, where the water level has "significantly dropped". The rescue and relocation comes after the country suffered its driest spring since 1893. Peter Gray, fisheries team leader in the Thames Valley for the Environment Agency (EA) and in charge of the transfer of fish, said: "We've acted today to save the fish." Earlier this month, the EA declared the Thames Valley and parts of Surrey to be in a period of prolonged dry weather. Expected rainfall in the area has been down 50% over the last three months. Three heatwaves and a long dry spell have put more pressure on wildlife and habitats, including rivers. The healthy fish were removed from the Lambourn in oxygenated tanks, then rehomed in deeper waters a short distance downstream. Officers will monitor the juvenile and adult trout to make sure they get used to their new surroundings. Mr Gray said: "The water level has dropped significantly, we are trying to be proactive and move the fish before the situation creates anymore problems. "We hope this population of brown trout, up to around three years old, will be much happier in a part of the Lambourn with stronger flows. "We've acted today to save the fish. They can be the first casualties when conditions deteriorate, and react better to being moved in cooler temperatures." The EA has urged anglers, swimmers and boaters to report any environmental concerns they see, such as fish gasping for air on the surface of a river or lake. You can follow BBC Berkshire on Facebook, X (Twitter), or Instagram. More like this New rules for salmon and trout fishing in Cornwall Bringing back wild brown trout to 'damaged' river Drought threatens trout farm's future Salmon numbers at lowest since records began Related Links Environment Agency
BBC News
a day ago
- Climate
- BBC News
Berkshire trout released downstream due to dry weather
More than 50 brown trout have been given new homes because of the extreme heat and dry weather this fish are being relocated from a section of the River Lambourn, near Hungerford in Berkshire, where the water level has "significantly dropped".The rescue and relocation comes after the country suffered its driest spring since Gray, fisheries team leader in the Thames Valley for the Environment Agency (EA) and in charge of the transfer of fish, said: "We've acted today to save the fish." Earlier this month, the EA declared the Thames Valley and parts of Surrey to be in a period of prolonged dry rainfall in the area has been down 50% over the last three heatwaves and a long dry spell have put more pressure on wildlife and habitats, including rivers. The healthy fish were removed from the Lambourn in oxygenated tanks, then rehomed in deeper waters a short distance downstream. Officers will monitor the juvenile and adult trout to make sure they get used to their new Gray said: "The water level has dropped significantly, we are trying to be proactive and move the fish before the situation creates anymore problems."We hope this population of brown trout, up to around three years old, will be much happier in a part of the Lambourn with stronger flows."We've acted today to save the fish. They can be the first casualties when conditions deteriorate, and react better to being moved in cooler temperatures."The EA has urged anglers, swimmers and boaters to report any environmental concerns they see, such as fish gasping for air on the surface of a river or lake. You can follow BBC Berkshire on Facebook, X (Twitter), or Instagram.
BBC News
3 days ago
- Politics
- BBC News
Police officers 'struggling', Thames Valley federation says
The chair of a regional police federation has said officers are "struggling financially" after a Freedom of Information request revealed thousands of officers across the country were working second data showed more than 4,000 officers were approved for secondary employment in 2024, double the number recorded in O'Connor, chair of Thames Valley Police Federation, said officers "need to be remunerated properly" for their Valley Police said the wellbeing of its officers was a "top priority". The force added that it "recognises the concern among officers regarding pay".The federation said police pay has fallen by 21% in real terms since 2010, leaving many officers "feeling they have no choice but to seek additional income".Thames Valley Police said it was unable to provide figures for how many officers had taken on extra work. 'Under more scrutiny' Ms O'Connor said the data showed "how significantly officers are struggling financially at a time when the service is already at breaking point"."Officers' workloads are increasing, performance targets are high, and officers are under more scrutiny now than before," she warned that public safety "could be affected if officers are not properly paid and rested"."Officers attend more traumatic incidents now more than ever, the demand on the frontline is increasing by the day," she said."This rest time allows them to look after their wellbeing, which is key for their long-term mental health."Brian Booth, the acting deputy chair of the Police Federation of England and Wales (PFEW), which requested the job figures, said police officers were "overworked, underpaid and under threat"."They should not have to finish a shift protecting the public and then work a second job just to pay their bills," he added. In a statement, Thames Valley Police said it offered a "range of financial wellbeing services and information to support our colleagues".It said this included access to financial assistance and education."Officers and staff are allowed to generate additional income, as long as it does not present a conflict of interests or impact their health, wellbeing or performance," the force Home Office declined a BBC request to comment. You can follow BBC Oxfordshire on Facebook, X (Twitter), or Instagram.
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Yahoo
Man arrested for possessing 'bladed article' at Oxfordshire railway station
A man has been arrested on suspicion of public order offences and possession of a bladed article at an Oxfordshire station. The man, whose name has not been released, was taken into police custody after an incident at Bicester Railway Station. An officer from the Thames Valley Police rural crime taskforce assisted incident and crime response teams to respond to reports of the male in Bicester. READ MORE: Fire at south Oxfordshire farm overnight with smoke in area Help support trusted local news Sign up for a digital subscription now: As a digital subscriber you will get: Unlimited access to the Oxford Mail website Advert-light access Reader rewards Full access to our app According to police, the man remained in custody overnight and will be subject to an interview in the morning. In a busy shift for the rural crime taskforce, officers also used the policing drone to assist with "an incident in Oxford" on Wednesday evening, and completed patrols in Buckingham. Other teams were also on patrol in North Buckinghamshire and West Berkshire overnight.
BBC News
3 days ago
- BBC News
Thames Valley Police courier fraud warning as victims lose £2m
More than £2m was lost by victims of courier fraud in the Thames Valley in the past year, new statistics have from the National Fraud Intelligence Bureau (NFIB) found the region's police force received 135 reports, the second most in the UK after the Metropolitan scam involves fraudsters, usually pretending to be police officers or bank employees, urging victims to withdraw funds or purchase items as part of an hand the cash or items to a courier, who promises them reimbursement before taking off with the goods. The NFIB data showed that courier fraud amounted to almost £22m of losses nationwide from April 2024 to March 2025 - with each victim losing £16,000 on the Met and Thames Valley Police, Cheshire Constabulary, Hampshire Constabulary, and Essex Police had the next highest number of reports. Det Insp Duncan Wynn, from Thames Valley Police, said: "Any telephone call out of the blue should be treated with caution, especially if it is framed as an emergency where you are required to act quickly."He said the police, or banks, would "never ask you to assist with an undercover investigation, move money, withdraw cash, share your one time password or ask you to grant them access to your computer"."We would also never send a courier or anyone else to pick up items or ask you to post anything."He said the force would "continue to be relentless" in its "pursuit of those who prey on vulnerable victims".Thames Valley Police and Crime Commissioner, Matthew Barber, added: "We are warning people to be vigilant and aware that criminals are employing new tactics and putting pressure on victims to make quick decisions and preying on those who rightly trust institutions such as the police." You can follow BBC Oxfordshire on Facebook, X (Twitter), or Instagram.
