Latest news with #ToxtethO'Grady
North Wales Live
16-07-2025
- Health
- North Wales Live
Despair over hospice 'underfunding' amid Anglesey bed closures blow
The impending closure of the St David's Hospice ward in Holyhead, Anglesey, has provoked a wave of dismay and frustration among North Wales Live readers, with many voicing their discontent over the decision and the broader issue of hospice funding in the region. St David's Hospice has made public its intention to shut down its beds on Anglesey and is considering reducing its workforce. The charity had broadened its reach in 2021 by inaugurating a satellite facility at Ysbyty Penrhos Stanley in Holyhead on March 1. A grant of £450,000 from the National Lottery Community Fund was secured to underwrite staffing costs at the new unit for three years. However, it has now been disclosed that the beds will be decommissioned this October for a minimum of twelve months, pending a future review. Consequently, some employees face uncertainty as a consultation process regarding their positions has commenced. St David's Hospice, which operates a 12-bed site in Llandudno and provides day therapy in Bangor, has not specified the number of staff members who might be impacted. The local Plaid Cymru MP and MS have described the announcement as "devastating news" for both families and staff, calling on the Welsh Government to intervene and support the hospice sector within Wales. One reader, Toxteth O'Grady fears: "I fear the Llandudno Hospice is next unless they find someone who can turn things around. Doesn't help that the Senedd continually underfunds it compared to South Wales hospices." While Old bat believes: "They are not interested in our corner of this beautiful country. Just Cardiff, that's all that matters to them and I can't see it changing anytime soon!" Bertrand?? adds: "This is a disgrace." Steamnut writes: "More NHS beds will have to be used which will exacerbate the bed-blocking situation." Starman1956 says: "Terrible news for Holyhead and Anglesey. Surely something can be done, to stop the closure of the ward." MickHookem states: "If you're that upset, try spending some money in one of their shops as that's how they raise money to keep operating." HWSmall comments: "Typically, Hospices are funded by donations (esp. included in wills). So the real question is 'do the people of Anglesey want to support the Hospice'?" Alwyn67 replies: "That's not correct. Hospices receive their funding from WG as a block grant and decide themselves how to allocate it across Wales. I think we can all agree that funding should increase, but it's certainly not unfairly allocated." Toxteth O'Grady as does: "Not sure where you get your information from, but you're wrong. The proportion of statutory funding varies significantly between hospices across Wales. In North Wales, the range is 15 per cent to 19 per cent. South Wales and Powys: In South Wales and Powys, the range is 10 per cent to 71 per cent." While over on our Facebook page - Nic Ap Clayton writes: "Get rid of the extra Senedd members and fund our hospice."
Wales Online
12-06-2025
- Politics
- Wales Online
Welsh council's 20mph speed limit decision gets 'revert back' verdict
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 North Wales Live readers have been debating Ceredigion County Council's decision to uphold the 20mph speed limit on county roads. Following a thorough review, the council chose to maintain the speed limits implemented in 2023, a move that has divided public opinion. This comes after the Welsh Government altered its guidance on where exception roads - those permitted to retain a 30mph limit - can be located. It is anticipated that there will be a significant increase in exception roads, which is hoped to alleviate some of the opposition to the default limit introduced in September 2023. Ceredigion County Council stated it had carried out an extensive review of the 20mph speed limits across the county, during which they received 62 individual comments. The council reported that of these, 23 were in favour of the new 20mph limits, 20 called for changes to the national policy, 16 objected to the existing 20mph limits on county roads, and eight referred specifically to Welsh Government-managed Trunk Road locations, over which the Council has no control. One reader, Cooperman1927, comments: "When will people realise we have just been hoodwinked into thinking changes will be made. Use your vote at the next election and make your voice heard." Toxteth O'Grady adds: "Absolutely disastrous net zero policy disguised as a life saving law. Vote Labour out." Outofhere believes: "These councils are a law unto themselves. They serve no one except themselves." Pay1233 says: "We are blessed, in some areas of Birmingham, it's 15mph." Simondc feels: "So as it appears you fully support this bad law, let us see how many of these councillors survive next year's vote? I beg people for once in your lives vote, but vote after reading what each candidate offers. Please don't vote historically but vote for the candidate that aligns with your views, not anyone else. If you don't vote then you cannot argue that the wrong candidate was elected as every vote counts?" Indigodebz believes: "If it was just about saving lives there would be repeater/reminder signs in the 20mph zones like in England. There would be much greater compliance if 20mph was attributed to just residential areas, schools and the like." Steamnut writes: "They say they took the views of the 63 respondents into account. They didn't listen to thousands of views before it was implemented did they? In truth, doing nothing saves the council money. Roll on the elections next year." Sobchak believes: "Okay, let me put it another way. If you've got time to worry about something as petty as this then you must have an empty life." Jet11 says: "Main roads are for driving on not playing on, 20mph past schools is fine, but most roads that were 30 mph should revert back, the way the Nimbys are going they will have everybody back on pony and traps. Then they will complain about the horse mess left behind." Joebloggs999 adds: "Pedestrians need to concentrate when crossing roads, not play on their phones and assume it's always somebody else's fault, another import from America, we are now a suing state!" Ian Papworth thinks: "This is good news. 20 mph will not affect tourism and will increase road safety. 20 mph is being adopted across many tourist destinations across Britain and Europe (some are even Tory!). If you can't drive at a consistent 20 then you need to take test again. This speed limit applies to less than 35 percent of Welsh roads." Do you agree with the council on the 20mph speed limit? Comment below or HERE to join in the conversation.
North Wales Live
12-06-2025
- Politics
- North Wales Live
Welsh council's 20mph speed limit decision gets 'revert back' verdict
North Wales Live readers have been debating Ceredigion County Council's decision to uphold the 20mph speed limit on county roads. Following a thorough review, the council chose to maintain the speed limits implemented in 2023, a move that has divided public opinion. This comes after the Welsh Government altered its guidance on where exception roads - those permitted to retain a 30mph limit - can be located. It is anticipated that there will be a significant increase in exception roads, which is hoped to alleviate some of the opposition to the default limit introduced in September 2023. Ceredigion County Council stated it had carried out an extensive review of the 20mph speed limits across the county, during which they received 62 individual comments. The council reported that of these, 23 were in favour of the new 20mph limits, 20 called for changes to the national policy, 16 objected to the existing 20mph limits on county roads, and eight referred specifically to Welsh Government-managed Trunk Road locations, over which the Council has no control. One reader, Cooperman1927, comments: "When will people realise we have just been hoodwinked into thinking changes will be made. Use your vote at the next election and make your voice heard." Toxteth O'Grady adds: "Absolutely disastrous net zero policy disguised as a life saving law. Vote Labour out." Outofhere believes: "These councils are a law unto themselves. They serve no one except themselves." Pay1233 says: "We are blessed, in some areas of Birmingham, it's 15mph." Simondc feels: "So as it appears you fully support this bad law, let us see how many of these councillors survive next year's vote? I beg people for once in your lives vote, but vote after reading what each candidate offers. Please don't vote historically but vote for the candidate that aligns with your views, not anyone else. If you don't vote then you cannot argue that the wrong candidate was elected as every vote counts?" Indigodebz believes: "If it was just about saving lives there would be repeater/reminder signs in the 20mph zones like in England. There would be much greater compliance if 20mph was attributed to just residential areas, schools and the like." Steamnut writes: "They say they took the views of the 63 respondents into account. They didn't listen to thousands of views before it was implemented did they? In truth, doing nothing saves the council money. Roll on the elections next year." Sobchak believes: "Okay, let me put it another way. If you've got time to worry about something as petty as this then you must have an empty life." Jet11 says: "Main roads are for driving on not playing on, 20mph past schools is fine, but most roads that were 30 mph should revert back, the way the Nimbys are going they will have everybody back on pony and traps. Then they will complain about the horse mess left behind." Joebloggs999 adds: "Pedestrians need to concentrate when crossing roads, not play on their phones and assume it's always somebody else's fault, another import from America, we are now a suing state!" Ian Papworth thinks: "This is good news. 20 mph will not affect tourism and will increase road safety. 20 mph is being adopted across many tourist destinations across Britain and Europe (some are even Tory!). If you can't drive at a consistent 20 then you need to take test again. This speed limit applies to less than 35 percent of Welsh roads."
