Latest news with #Grangetown
BBC News
18-07-2025
- Politics
- BBC News
Welsh Somalilanders: 'I can be the one to make a change'
In a conference room overlooking Grangetown in Cardiff, chairs are set out and Welsh flags are hung alongside the tricolour flag of Somaliland, a self-declared republic in the horn of Africa with deep ties to Wales."Today is a historical day for the Somaliland Welsh community," says Prof Eid Ali Ahmed."We are commemorating the 65-year anniversary, when Somaliland got its independence from Great Britain."It is an important milestone for the long-standing community, which has existed in Cardiff for more than 150 years. "Today we are showing that journey and connection between Wales and Somaliland," the 75-year-old adds. 'Embrace your culture' Filing into the room are community elders, as well as guests from Somaliland's parliament. But most importantly for many, young Welsh Somalilanders are here to learn about their history."I think it's important, especially as the youth now, to embrace your culture, embrace your identity on either side," says 27-year-old Munirah Hashi, who was born and raised in Cardiff and describes herself as a Welsh Somalilander. "It's important to embrace it, be part of the community and partake in events such as this." As the event gets under way, 17-year-old Zaynab Ahmed is translating speeches made in English and Somali into Welsh. "I would say that I am a Welsh person, I would say I am a Somali person, and I don't think someone should have to compromise one to claim another," she who attended Welsh medium primary school, adds: "Welsh speaking was something that I always knew like the back of my hand so to come into a place where a lot of people are surprised and shocked about it and are interested in learning more is really special." Munirah and Zaynab take to the stage to lead a panel about their experience as Welsh Somalilanders. It has a big impact in the room."Amazing," says Prof Ahmed."I was so really impressed that many of our young generation, they came," he adds."The questions they're asking… the commitment they're making…They're showing they are Somalilanders, but they are also Welsh, and they were speaking the Welsh language as well."That was really giving me motivation, and telling me that legacy… will not die, it will continue." The legacy Prof Ahmed refers to is the campaign for Somaliland to be recognised as an independent country. Somaliland has a complicated history - it was under British colonial rule for 72 years, until it gained independence on 26 June 1960. "We were all very happy," says Prof days later, on 1 July 1960, Somaliland voluntarily joined with in 1991, after years of civil war and the overthrow of the military dictator Siad Barre, Somaliland unilaterally declared independence from Somalia. It developed a working political system, government institutions, a police force and its own currency, but 34 years later Somaliland remains unrecognised by the international community, and Somalia still considers it a part of its territory. 'Cardiff was the first place we found refuge' In 1991, Fatima Saeed Ibrahim, who was raised in Newport, returned to Somaliland and eventually became a senior foreign affairs advisor to Somaliland's parliament.'I'm a Welsh lass," she says, "but I've lived in Somaliland for a very long time."She says when the conflict first broke out, "Cardiff was the first place that we found refuge, we found understanding".She adds: "The Welsh youngsters now, they're realising that they have roots, they have a history, that their history is extraordinary." Overseeing the day's proceedings is Ali Abdi, a key figure in the community. "It's so important to be passing that baton down to the younger generation," he says. "I want to see Somaliland get recognised in my lifetime."He adds: "We've moved away from the generation of taxi drivers and security guards, although those jobs still exist. We're professionals across IT, HR, government and business as well."With about 50 members of the community in attendance, Ali seems pleased with how the day has gone so far. But he insists the best is yet to come."We're now heading to the heart of Grangetown on the junction of Corporation Road where we're going to enjoy some traditional Somali food – Bariis and Hilib [meat and rice]." In a small restaurant adorned with Welsh and Somaliland flags, traditional dishes - lentil soups, meat and rice, stews and chopped salads - are brought out in quick succession."This is the best part of the day, literally!" says Mr Abdi."Nice and hot spicy food. Somali Bariis and Hilib, can't go wrong."Also enjoying the meal is Munirah. "I think it was a good way to close the event today, everyone enjoys having a nice meal – even better that it's Somali traditional food," she inspired by today's event, says: "In the near future I would like to see if I can be the one that makes a change in my own country."The UK government's position is that Somaliland's status needs to be resolved in the local region. A Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office spokesperson said: "The UK believes that the settlement of Somaliland's status is an issue for Mogadishu and Hargeisa to decide through a consultative process and dialogue, in which we encourage both parties to engage. "Alongside others in the international community, we do not recognise Somaliland's unilateral declaration of independence."The UK is a leading partner of Somaliland, supporting its stability and promoting economic, human and social development. For a decade the UK has been the only Western country with a permanent diplomatic presence in Hargeisa."
BBC News
17-07-2025
- General
- BBC News
Teesside waste incinerator gets environmental green light
A controversial waste incinerator has received a permit from the Environment Agency (EA). Campaigners had previously claimed the Tees Valley Energy Recovery Facility (TVERF), which will be built at Teesworks in Grangetown, Redcar, would be "unfair and dangerous".Seven local authorities across north-east England will use the facility, burning up to 450,000 tonnes of waste per year, to generate energy, according to official Ian Preston said he wanted to "reassure" people that the permit ensured "robust levels" of environmental protections would be met. Developer Viridor declined to comment. The EA said permits were only issued if it was satisfied the operator would be able to comply and had "appropriate systems" in place to run the incinerator "without causing harm to the environment, human health or wildlife". The move follows the EA launching a second consultation over the plans in May. The body held its first consultation over whether or not to grant an environmental permit to the project late last year. The incinerator, which already has planning permission, is yet to be built. It is understood it will be up and running in late 2029. The site will take waste from homes in Newcastle, Durham, Darlington, Hartlepool and Middlesbrough, as well as Stockton and Redcar and Cleveland council City Council's director of operations and regulatory services previously said there were no "affordable alternative" to the group Stop Incineration North East had previously protested against the incinerator arguing that people's waste should be recycled rather than partners from TVERF previously said facilities like the planned Energy from Waste (EfW) incinerator were a "reliable and safe technology" which had been subject to "intense regulatory and academic scrutiny over decades of operation"."The project represents the safest, most reliable and most sustainable way to manage our region's residual waste," they said. Follow BBC Tees on X, Facebook, Nextdoor and Instagram.
BBC News
01-07-2025
- Sport
- BBC News
Wales Women's Euro 2025 prompts calls to give football a try
When Wales sets foot on the global stage of the Women's Euro 2025, so does the weight of their trailblazers and history makers, the likes of Jess Fishlock and Hannah Cain have inspired a new era of budding young feet across the country. But while Wales may be etching closer to a level playing field in the world of football, for many girls and women the prospect of taking a ball onto a local pitch remains out of their comfort zone. Speaking to players, coaches, supporters and those in between, they said there was space for all women to get involved and "find their place" in the game. Sisters Rosheen Khan, 21, and Eleeza Khan, 19, from Cardiff, made history in 2023 by becoming Wales' first Muslim female football referees. They said now was the perfect opportunity to get involved, as "we are living examples of that". "So many people only watch women's football games, as they're truly one of the most inclusive," said Eleeza. She said women wearing hijabs is not something typically seen in the football community, but community members in Grangetown, Cardiff, have really embraced it."One of nicest things was at my local community centre... a mum told me she hopes her daughter will grow up to be like me," Eleeza said. But she said certain football trends were not inclusive, including watch parties in pubs involving alcohol which many Muslim women won't take part in. "It's having those awkward conversations, explaining why you may not take part, and making sure girls like me aren't getting left behind." Rosheen agrees the impact of their visibility has been huge in their community, so much so she has been stopped in the streets. She said she felt very grateful to be able to contribute to the football community in their city, recalling being a little girl in the park using two jumpers as goals. Attitudes are definitely changing, Rosheen said, but more needs to be done. Her biggest hope is for more grassroots spaces to develop, and to see a lot more jobs created within that. "When I was trying to get into it I lacked confidence, so my biggest advice would be to just go for it," she said. "My mum always says 'you have to climb the mountain, not carry it on your shoulders'." Wales' captain Angharad James said Cymru qualifying for Euro 2025 was "so much bigger than just the football on the pitch". "It's about showing women and girls across the country that this game is for them too," she said. "Whether they want to play, coach, referee, work behind the scenes or support from the sides, I want every girl and woman in Wales to know there's a place for them in this game, whatever role they want to play." Influenced by watching Wales and her daughter Yasmin's passion for the game, Marisa Teodósio, from Cardiff, started playing football for the first time at the age of who has no family in the UK, started coaching at Canton football club and said she had been welcomed to the community, giving her a sense of belonging."Football is so inclusive," she said, adding: "I've never been overlooked at all."It's the highlight of my week, football to me is a life skill, it teaches resilience."So many girls can come together to play a game they all love."The main thing is we do not know everything, we are all learning, but we all learn together, we learn with the girls as well."Just get involved, you will love it." Ceri Williams started refereeing across the junior leagues in Swansea at the age of 14, and has gone on to referee in the Uefa Women's Champions League and most recently the FA Women's Cup wants other women and girls to feel inspired and get involved, as she says everybody comes from different backgrounds and gets into football in different ways. "It's about getting people involved in sport, a lot of girls growing up would swim, run or go to the gym, but they may not consider football," Ceri said. "You don't need to be the best player, I'm an absolutely awful footballer, but I don't need to be."Football is a team sport, even if you take the referee route, you still feel like you're part of a team."Some people have played since the age of five, while other women in their 30s and 40s realise 'this is fun' and get involved... nobody is better than anyone else." Ceri has always loved football, and said her football journey started when she was eight years old going to watch Swansea with her the atmosphere of women's football is much more family-orientated than men's, she said, adding her dad would have taken her at a much younger age if he had the opportunity to."It's the 'if you can see it, you can be it' mentality," she said there was slow progress in grassroots football, and a focus on providing safe spaces on pitches and changing facilities is needed to make sure girls and women do not feel like an participation is on the up, she hopes the tournament will bring more growth to the game. "I saw the growth in the women's game over in England during the last Euro campaign, if we achieve even 5% of that growth over here, it would do so much for the game," she said.
Yahoo
03-06-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Man arrested for arson with intent to endanger life after fire outside Chinese restaurant
A man has been arrested on suspicion of arson with intent to endanger life after a emergency services were called to a fire in Cardiff in the early hours of Monday morning. The fire was allegedly started outside Yang's Chinese restaurant on Penarth Road in Grangetown, at around 1.50am on June 2. Officers from South Wales Police attended the scene and arrested a man who remains in police custody at this time. A spokesperson for South Wales Police said: "Officers were called to an address on Penarth Road, Grangetown, at 1.50am yesterday (June 2) to reports of a fire. READ MORE: Emergency services at the scene of large fire in Cardiff - live updates READ MORE: Coachella in legal row with tiny Welsh festival over its name "Officers attended and a man was arrested on suspicion of arson with intent to endanger life. He remains in police custody." Get daily breaking news updates on your phone by joining our WhatsApp community here. We occasionally treat members to special offers, promotions and ads from us and our partners. See our Privacy Notice
BBC News
02-06-2025
- General
- BBC News
Van fire in Middlesbrough town centre
Firefighters are tackling a van fire in Middlesbrough town Fire Brigade was called to Whin Street shortly before 10:00 BST, with plumes of black smoke seen said the vehicle was "well alight" and one fire engine from Grangetown was in Police said its officers were not required to attend. Follow BBC Tees on X, Facebook, Nextdoor and Instagram.
