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Wales Online
6 hours ago
- Automotive
- Wales Online
Campervan rescued from gets stuck on popular beach a second time
Campervan rescued from gets stuck on popular beach a second time The campervan was involved in two incidents that day as the tide threaten to sweep the vehicle away Campervan submerged by the sea at Traeth y Greigddu (Black Rock Sands) (Image: Kevin Gibson ) In a race against time, fundraising jet skiers tried to rescue a campervan stuck in the sands of the renowned Gwynedd beach, Black Rock Sands, near Porthmadog. The ordeal unfolded last Friday as the tide approached threatening to sweep the van away. Images and footage have made the rounds online, depicting the distressing moment the motorhome succumbed to the advancing sea. There were rumours on social media suggesting that passers by didn't attempt to save the vehicle. However, eyewitness accounts tell a story of a significant rescue effort by jet skiers at the beach for an event organised by Colwyn PWC Riders, which successfully gathered more than £25,000 for charitable causes. Jet skiers tried to recover stranded camper van on Traeth y Greigddu (Black Rock Sands) Earlier that day, the campervan had already been in a similar incident. For our free daily briefing on the biggest issues facing the nation, sign up to the Wales Matters newsletter here Thanks to the aid of vehicles belonging to those participating in the jetski event the van was removed the first time. Misfortune struck again later when the vehicle became stuck once more. Article continues below This time, a concerted effort ensued as roughly six jet skiers endeavoured to assist the beleaguered owners. They deployed a pickup truck and a 4x4 Land Rover Defender in a bid to tug the van to safety, reports North Wales Live. A participant in the operation recounted: "We tried to move the camper a second time but it wouldn't move, the wheels didn't spin, they were stuck. "We then tried a third time to retrieve the camper - attempting to drag it out with two vehicles but this time it was totally stuck. We were in danger of digging into the sand ourselves. Someone then called for the tractor, and the rest is history." Phil Butler, an admin on Abersoch Appreciation Page, has come forward to clear the air. He commented: "A few people who weren't even there, are saying, why did no one attempt to help, but some people certainly did." He went on to say: "Even using two towing vehicles the camper would not move, so eventually it had to be left exactly where it was stuck. The incoming tide won the battle." The Colwyn PWC Riders hosted this event over the weekend, attracting upwards of 100 riders from North Wales and beyond. An impressive £25,163.97 was collected. Article continues below The proceeds will benefit a selection of noble causes, such as the RNLI and Mountain Rescue – both essential services for saving lives at sea and on the mountains, respectively – along with Macca's Project and Elsie's Story, two impactful community-focused projects.
Wales Online
8 hours ago
- Business
- Wales Online
Manchester Airport travel to get easier for holidaymakers in parts of North Wales
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 Holidaymakers in northwest Wales could find it easier to reach Manchester Airport from next year. From May 2026 Transport for Wales is planning to extend its direct rail services from the airport to Holyhead via Bangor. At present, the aim is to include stops in Penmaenmawr, Conwy and Llanfairfechan. Transport for Wales has said the plans are 'subject to industry processes' with the May 2026 timetable yet to be validated. While the extended rail connections are potentially good news for some passengers, the service will be re-routed away from Deganwy and Llandudno. This was confirmed last month by transport minister Ken Skates, cabinet secretary for transport & North Wales, at Wales' first Public Transport Summit in Wrexham. Existing stations on the route include Shotton, Flint, Prestatyn, Rhyl, Abergele & Pensarn, Colwyn Bay and Llandudno Junction. Aberconwy MS Janet Finch-Saunders lobbied Transport for Wales to ensure the three new stops were included in Conwy. She argued it would have been 'extremely frustrating' for local residents to have to travel to Bangor or Llandudno Junction to catch a direct train when they have stations on their doorsteps. Ms Finch-Saunders said there had been a possibility airport trains would not stop in Conwy town, which she described as 'one of the leading destinations and attractions of the whole of Wales'. Join the North Wales Live Whatsapp community now She said: 'Over a quarter of a million visit Conwy Castle every year. Clearly, it is common sense for Conwy town to have a direct service to Manchester Airport. It will provide one of our nation's most important destinations with an international gateway, and enable even more to visit the area on public transport.' Transport for Wales (TfW) is seeking match funding for step-free access at Shotton and Ruabon stations. Residents in Penmaenmawr have pointed out there is also a need to improve access at the town's station if the new Manchester Airport service is to be a success. Online, frustrated travellers say they struggle to cross over the station bridge to the platform opposite – especially those with wheelchairs and prams. It's feared holidaymakers with heavy suitcases may also struggle. One mum said: 'I have to take my daughter out of her wheelchair, carry her round to the other side with my 3 year-old and leave them in the shelter unattended whilst I go back and get the wheelchair. Something needs to be done.' Another agreed: 'It is ridiculous trying to get over with children. I have to take my baby over with my 8 year-old then go back for the pram and it is dangerous. I am currently pregnant too and God knows how I will manage getting the train without another adult to help me. It is 21st century, there should be access for disabled people and families.' A man said this issue should be addressed so that 'people can get to work and hospital meetings before providing trains for people who can afford holidays'. Ms Finch-Saunders fought unsuccessfully to retain Llandudno on the Manchester Airport route. However TfW is aiming to introduce a new service from the resort to Liverpool next year. Other rail changes in the pipeline include a 50% increase in the number of services across the North Wales line from December 2026 to May 2026. Sign up for the North Wales Live newsletter sent twice daily to your inbox Train services between Wrexham and Chester will be doubled in May 2026. There will also be a through service between Wrexham and Liverpool, with the longer-term goal of running four trains per hour by 2035. The aim is to create 'metro style' train services on the North Wales line and the Marches line from Chester to Wrexham. TfW is also examining options to re-open stations and build new stations in employment growth areas. A 'test' station' at Deeside Industrial Park is being considered to gauge demand for permanent services there. Find out what's happening near you
North Wales Live
8 hours ago
- Automotive
- North Wales Live
Live updates as A55 closed in both directions due to Conwy Tunnel fire
The A55 is closed in both directions due to a vehicle fire in the Conwy Tunnel. Smoke can be seen billowing from the tunnel, with fire crews on the scene. Major delays are building. A Traffic Wales statement said: "Warning. Vehicle fire A55 Conwy Tunnel - Closed in both directions. Emergency services are on scene. Please avoid the area." This is a breaking news story. We will bring you all the latest as we get it via the live blog below. Get all the big headlines, pictures, analysis, opinion and video on the stories that matter to you. If you have some information you can contact us by following our Twitter feed @northwaleslive - the official North Wales Live account - real news in real time. Or like - your must-see news, features, videos and pictures throughout the day from the North Wales Live. Don't forget you can also keep up to date with the latest via the free North Wales Live app. Download it for Apple devices here and Android devices here.
Scottish Sun
10 hours ago
- Scottish Sun
Blue coat & abandoned Fiat -how case of missing psychiatrist was only solved 12 years on when another man met same fate
Both men were well prepared and experienced hikers CHILLING ECHOES Blue coat & abandoned Fiat -how case of missing psychiatrist was only solved 12 years on when another man met same fate THE MYSTERY of a missing doctor who vanished in a Welsh national park has finally been solved twelve years later. Psychiatrist Shayne Eves Colaco went for a walk in the Carneddau mountains in Eryri - also called Snowdonia - when he disappeared. 5 Rescue teams out searching for Shayne Colaco in the Welsh mountains Credit: Daily Post Wales 5 The search for David Brookfield led to the discovery of another missing walker Credit: Daily Post Wales 5 Shayne Eves Colaco's remains were found in Snowdonia after twelve years Credit: Daily Post Wales He drove from Stoke-on-Trent in the summer of 2012 and set off walking towards 3,209ft Pen yr Ole Wen. But he didn't return to his Fiat car and was never seen again. Despite searches, cops couldn't find him and he was declared dead six six later, despite his body remaining undiscovered. Fast forward to January last year, when David Brookfield, 65, also vanished in the Welsh Carneddau mountains. He WhatsApped his wife from the summit of Carnedd Llewelyn, but no one ever heard from him again. For four months, searches were carried out to no avail. But in May 2024, a blue jacket was sighted in the Ogwen Valley by a passing coastguard helicopter on a routine training exercise. It is believed David had fallen in a gully and was seriously injured on his descent from the mountain. While his body was recovered, mountain rescue made another change discovery. They spotted another jacket further down the gully, that looked far older and seemed to have been there for some time. Sgt Paul Terry of the North Wales Police drone unit recalled to North WalesLive: 'The jacket didn't seem to fit with the picture of what we were investigating. It was an older jacket, one that seemed to have been there for some time and inside the pocket was a car key. 'Deep in the memory of this rescue team was Shayne Colaco, who had gone missing in the same area 12 years earlier.' As the cops investigated further, they were "amazed" to find that the details matched up with the missing hiker. So they resumed the search for Shayne in another bid to find him and bring peace to his family. A drone pilot then noticed a piece of fabric under a bush in the gully. Sgt Terry continued: 'Quite incredibly, [he] realised that he had also discovered the remains of Shayne Colaco. 'What's really so amazing about this story is that so many of the people involved in searching for David had also been involved in the searches 12 years before for Shayne." David and Shane were both experienced walkers who were well prepared, and Sgt Terry warned hikers that it's important to understand the danger of the hills and weather. 5 The peak of Pen yr Ole Wen is seen in the distance Credit: Getty
Wales Online
11 hours ago
- Automotive
- Wales Online
Three key roads earmarked for upgrades in Denbighshire after £4.8m spending boost
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 Three key roads in Denbighshire have been identified for improvements using money accessed from the Welsh Government. A similar exercise in Gwynedd has seen more than 60 roads and footpaths earmarked for upgrades. Denbighshire Council has secured £4.8m from Cardiff's Local Government Borrowing Initiative (LGBI) to boost its road maintenance programme. The local authority is now planning 'significant investment' to resurface three roads. They are the A525 Nany Y Garth Pass near Ruthin; the A547 Abergele Road near Rhuddlan; and Ty Newydd Road, a key conduit in Rhyl. Denbighshire's Highways aims to start work 'straight away' during the 'optimum time for carriageway surfacing works'. Cllr Barry Mellor, lead member for environment and transport, said: 'We know the improvement of the county's road network is a topic that comes up regularly from our residents. The work that will be carried out on our roads over the next two years will really help improve the network and driving experience for both residents and visitors to Denbighshire.' The LGBI funding runs for two years with Denbighshire saying improvements are planned on a 'number of roads'. Details of other highways to benefit from the funding will be released in due course. Cyngor Gwynedd received £7.8m through the LGBI scheme – it has a two-year target list that extends to more than 60 roads, paths and structures such as bridges and retaining walls. The local authority said these span the entire county from 'Llanrug to Llanystumdwy and from Tudweiliog to Tywyn'. The North Wales Live Whatsapp community for top stories and breaking news is live now - here's how to sign up (Image: Cyngor Gwynedd) Council leader Cllr Nia Jeffreys said: 'The condition of the roads is of concern to a large number of local people, but due to the dire financial situation of local authorities we have not been able to invest in the network as we would have liked. 'This investment will make a huge difference and target the areas most in need in terms of potholes in roads, resurfacing, footpaths, and other structures.' The LGBI initative was announced in March by Ken Skates, cabinet secretary for transport and North Wales. It provides an extra £10m of revenue funding to enable local councils to unlock £120m of additional capital funding. A similar scheme was rolled out successfully in Wales between 2012 and 2014. Cllr June Jones, Cyngor Gwynedd's cabinet member for highways, said the extra cash will enable a broader programme of work to be carried out on the country's roads. 'It also means the council will be able to plan spending much better,' she said. Sign up for the North Wales Live newsletter sent twice daily to your inbox 'For example, this past financial year, £750,000 was spent on filling potholes on our network here in Gwynedd. This is not the best use of our road maintenance revenue funding as it is completely responsive. 'Through this investment over two years, we are confident that we will reduce our emergency spending on filling potholes in roads and spend more on programmed resurfacing work.' Find out what's happening on the roads near you
