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Wales Online
14 hours ago
- General
- Wales Online
Rare visitor to Welsh waters found stranded on North Wales beach
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 An unusual visitor to Welsh waters met a 'sad ending' when it became stranded on a beach in Gwynedd. Striped dolphins are common enough in the Mediterranean but they are rarely seen in the Irish Sea. So when one was reported on the sand at Pwllheli, medics from British Divers Marine Life Rescue (BDMLR) were quick to respond. The stranded cetacean was reported on Friday, May 30. Striped dolphins are relatively small and colourful, getting their name from two signature grey stripes running down their sides. Although widely distributed in the world's temperate and tropical oceans, they prefer deeper offshore waters. In Britain they are seen occasionally off Scotland's northwest coast – visitors to Wales are typically vagrants separated from their schools. On arrival in Pwllheli, BDMLR medics administered first aid. They suspected the outcome might not be good and after carrying out a full examination their fears were confirmed. A spokesperson said: 'Striped dolphins that we see stranded in the UK almost always have serious health issues. Sadly, this particular dolphin was thin, with injuries to its tail, and taking everything into consideration, euthanasia was deemed the kindest option. 'We would like to thank our medics in Wales for their efforts and the members of the public who kindly carried out first aid until our medics arrived.' Sign up now for the latest news on the North Wales Live Whatsapp community (Image: BDMLR) A similar fate befell a Striped dolphin found stranded near Cardiff in 2018. This too was underweight and in poor condition. Striped dolphins are capable of amazing acrobatics, including back somersaults, tail-spins, and upside-down porpoising. One unique behaviour has been termed 'roto-tailing' – they make high arching leaps while rapidly rotating their tails. They are incredibly curious and playful. But this can be their undoing – it may be one of the reasons why they are targeted in Japanese fisheries, often driven ashore to be killed. In March a mass stranding of Striped dolphins at Durness, on the north coast of Scotland, had a slightly happier outcome. Get all the latest Gwynedd news by signing up to our newsletter - sent every Tuesday BDMLR medics found four were already dead. The surviving three were all juveniles – one was in such poor condition it had to be euthanised. However the other two were successfully returned to the sea, swimming off strongly. 'Both a sad and happy outcome for a species that has previously not done well when stranding in the UK,' said BDMLR at the time. Stranded dolphins, seals and whales can be reported to the BDMLR rescue hotline on 01825 765546. The charity relies on donations - you can contribute here. Find the weather forecast where you live
North Wales Live
6 days ago
- Health
- North Wales Live
'Important' new risk factor for bowel cancer uncovered as cases surge in young
Being overweight in childhood and adolescence has been identified as a significant risk factor for developing bowel cancer in later life, according to a new study. Bowel cancer, also known as colorectal cancer, is a major health concern in the UK, with nearly 44,000 new cases diagnosed annually. Worryingly, over 2,600 young people are diagnosed with the disease each year, as reported by Bowel Cancer UK. Researchers have described the rising incidence of bowel cancer among younger people as a "global phenomenon", with England experiencing some of the steepest increases. While factors such as a poor diet, alcohol consumption, and smoking have been linked to this trend, the latest research highlights another crucial risk factor. Sign up for the North Wales Live newsletter sent twice daily to your inbox The study found that being overweight during childhood, adolescence, and young adulthood - as well as having a higher birth weight - is associated with an increased risk of developing bowel cancer. Dr Helen Croker, Assistant Director of Research and Policy at the World Cancer Research Fund, said: "Cancer is a complex disease which develops over several decades, so better understanding of its early origins is critical for more effective prevention efforts and understanding the research gaps. "The results of this study show that raised body mass index across childhood through young adulthood is an important risk factor for colorectal cancer," reports the Manchester Evening News. Researchers in the Netherlands have found that a higher early life BMI could be linked to an increased risk of colorectal cancer in adults, reviewing data from 37 studies examining body weight in children and cancer risk later in life. They discovered that an increase in BMI of 5 kg/m2 raised the risk of bowel cancer by 12 per cent in individuals aged 18 to 25. For adolescents aged between 10 and 19 years, a higher BMI correlated with a 5-18 per cent elevated risk of the disease. Furthermore, in young children aged two to nine years, a greater BMI was also associated with an increased likelihood of developing colon cancer. The study also revealed that each kilogram of birth weight could be associated with a 9 per cent increased risk of bowel cancer. While the findings do not establish a causal link between BMI in early life and the development of bowel cancer, it points to a significant association that necessitates further investigation to comprehend what may be driving this connection. Dr Dieuwertje Kok, associate professor of nutrition and cancer at Wageningen University and Research, noted: "Although the relationship between adult body size and colorectal cancer risk is well-documented, the potential influence of measures of body size during early life is less understood. "The team was excited to review results from 37 publications that explored birth weight, as well as body mass index across different early life stages. "This study bridges the existing knowledge gap and enhances our understanding of how early life factors may affect colorectal cancer risk in adults."
Wales Online
24-05-2025
- Wales Online
Man in North Wales picked wrong place at the wrong time to have a wee
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 A man in North Wales picked the wrong and the wrong time to have a wee. The incident happened at a service station in the Flintshire area. Despite it being busy it is alleged the man urinated in public. This is a bad move at any time but it was particularly foolish as he was stood next to a marked police car. He was arrested for "outraging public decency" despite protesting he had done nothing wrong. The incident was highlighted by the Flintshire North Community Policing Team. They said: "I have some files to complete for another drug driver who's returned over, and for a 'outraging public decency' incident where, in the middle of the day in a busy services a male decided to urinate, right next to our marked police car. "He was shocked when we wouldn't just let him go because he believed 'it wasn't that big of an issue'." The offence of outraging public decency is when someone does something lewd, obscene or disgusting in the presence of at least two members of the public. He was perhaps lucky he wasn't apprehended by the team in Flintshire who picked up another alleged offender that day. In that incident a suspect who assaulted officers and continued to make threats was confronted with a police dog and an officer with a taser. The man sensibly gave himself up on the arrival of the dog. Sign up for the North Wales Live newsletter sent twice daily to your inbox Find out what's happening near you
North Wales Live
14-05-2025
- Politics
- North Wales Live
Technical problems at council's new HQ will 'take time' to resolve
Conwy Council said it will take time to adapt to its new council chamber after the move to its Coed Pella HQ after 30 years at Bodlondeb – following official complaints from councillors about technical issues. Earlier this week, despite spending around £700K on kitting out Coed Pella and its new council chamber with modern equipment, the first council meeting was plagued with technical issues. The Welsh-to-English translation suffered from interference, meaning councillors could not be heard, whilst microphones completely dropped out. This meant those watching online had no idea what was being said at the public meeting. Councillors, including Cllr David Carr, have since complained, calling the problems "not good enough". Conwy County Council has now said "refinements" are needed. A council spokeswoman commented: 'We've had feedback from Cllr Carr and other councillors following the first meeting at Coed Pella. Sign up for the North Wales Live newsletter sent twice daily to your inbox. 'This has included positive comments as well as highlighting some issues, so we're aware that some small refinements to the new systems may be necessary. It must be remembered that adapting to a new system takes time for everyone. "The meeting was open to the public to attend at Coed Pella. The statement on the front of agendas states: 'WEBCASTING This meeting will be filmed for live and/or subsequent broadcast on the council's website'. 'The legal requirement is to offer hybrid meeting arrangements for formal democratic meetings (allowing councillors to choose whether to attend in person or remote in). There is a difference between holding a hybrid meeting and livestreaming. There is a statutory requirement to broadcast full council meetings only, but Conwy aims to livestream all its meetings.' She added: 'The guidance issued by Welsh Government recognises that on occasion there could be instances where livestreams fail and local authorities should have arrangements in place to upload recordings if at all possible.' Cllr David Carr was one of the councillors who complained about the issue. He said: 'I was disappointed that my comments weren't heard online. "The people in the room, I think, heard me. When I watched what I'd said online, a lot of what I said the microphones didn't pick up. It is absolutely not good enough. "Really, we've got to get these things right. I've flagged it up with democratic services. All members need to be heard. It should have been tested before the meeting, and I've asked them to look and find a solution because it is not acceptable.' He added: 'Obviously, you might get teething problems, but they've put it out online with large chunks of what I've said missing. Cllr Cheryl (Carlisle), her microphone wasn't working. "Cllr Louise (Emery), some of what she said, the microphone wasn't working. Anybody watching that online would think what did those people say? "Well, I'm not making any allegations, but it was opposition members that it happened to. I'm not making any allegations. It's obviously technical problems. But the way it worked out was opposition members (comments) weren't online.' Cllr Carr said his comments that went unheard online related to his opinion that the council had spent money on "a pointless communication strategy". The Old Colwyn councillor explained he told the chamber that the council were investing in "non-essential services" when there were issues with frontline services, such as bin collections. 'The communication strategy, if you go onto the council website, most of it (the information) is pointless,' he said. 'There is information like close the gates when you are in the countryside and it is national tea day today on the website. "The council are spending on that. It is not relevant to what we do as a council. Something that is relevant is when we had problems with the blue bin collections. I did ask them to use the website to let residents know what to do with the nappies. But they wouldn't use it for that because it is bad publicity for the council.'
Daily Record
06-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Record
Theme park horror as girl falls from rollercoaster after carriage detaches
The child was rushed to hospital with 'serious injuries' after the ride malfunctioned on Saturday morning. A young girl has been hospitalised with 'serious injuries' after a rollercoaster carriage she was in became detached from the tracks, plunging several metres to the ground at a UK theme park. The horrific incident occurred on Saturday morning, leaving onlookers in shock as the ride malfunctioned. The child was swiftly taken to hospital following the terrifying ordeal at the Llandudno Victorian Extravaganza, in North Wales. Local reporter Aaran Lennox recounted the chilling events that unfolded at the well-attended festival. He reported: "A children's 'ride on car' detached from the ride mid-operation causing the car to fall several meters from the air whilst the child remained inside." An investigation is underway by the operator to find out the cause of the malfunction. Chris Williams, Director of Llandudno Community Events CIC, released a statement regarding the accident. He said: "At the extravaganza on Saturday morning there was an incident involving a ride on Mostyn Street at approximately 10.15am, still being investigated by the operator, reports the Mirror. "The health and safety executive visited the extravaganza following the incident and permitted the operator of the ride to continue operating, however out of respect for the family involved the ride will not operate for the remainder of the event." He added: "The extravaganza team is in communication with the family and we wish them a speedy recovery." The Llandudno Victorian Extravaganza is a lively annual festival held over the May Day Bank Holiday weekend, reports Wales Live. Esatablished in 1986 by local leaders and heritage enthusiasts, the event was designed to stimulate tourism during the usually quiet period between Easter and late May. It has since transformed into a celebration of Victorian culture, drawing visitors from all over the UK and further afield.
