Latest news with #MonmouthshireCouncil
Wales Online
01-07-2025
- Wales Online
Dog owners warned over disturbing treats left in a Welsh beauty spot
Dog owners warned over disturbing treats left in a Welsh beauty spot Monmouthshire Council have urged dog walkers to remain "vigilant" when visiting the location This treat contained three of the small metal fishing hooks, claims dog walker (Image: Anonymous ) A Welsh Council has issued an urgent warning following disturbing reports of dog treats laced with fishing hooks being found in a popular park. The alarming discovery has sparked outrage within the community, with many locals condemning the act as "pure evil." Monmouthshire County Council shared a public safety notice urging walkers to stay alert: "Please be vigilant! We have received reports that dog treats containing fish hooks have been placed along footpaths at Mill Street, Abergavenny, which leads to the River Usk and may also be found in Castle Meadows itself. The police are aware of the situation. If you are walking your dog in the area, please exercise caution." The warning is especially alarming for those who frequent Castle Meadows in Abergavenny, a well-loved spot for dog walkers and nature lovers. One concerned local shared their experience during a recent walk. "I took my dogs for their regular walk on Castle Meadows near Aber' beach around 8am on Friday (June, 27)," they said. "A couple I vaguely know showed me two dog treats with metal inserted inside and warned me to be cautious on my walk. "About halfway between the river and Linda Vista, I found one treat on the side of the path. I picked it up and warned other dog walkers in the area. When I returned to the carpark, a gentleman told me that others had been found near the benches by the entrance to the Meadows." The walker claimed that the treats appeared to resemble common pet snacks, like those found in local supermarkets. This detail has led them to believe that the placement of these treats is very much deliberate and intended to cause harm. Article continues below It was reported that multiple dog walkers have found treats containing metal fish hooks (Image: Anonymous ) They went on to claim that this is not the first time such incidents have occurred. "Whoever this sick person is, they need to be caught as soon as possible." Earlier this year, WalesOnline reported on a distressing incident in which a Jack Russell swallowed two fishing hooks embedded in a treat during a trip in Castle Meadows. The dog required emergency veterinary treatment after an X-ray revealed the hooks lodged in its stomach. The dog's owner described the "terrifying ordeal", explaining how the hooks had been carefully concealed. She shared: "The eye of the hook was hidden in the centre - there was no way that they could have been attached to a fishing line." The owner of a Jack Russell found a fish hook deeply embedded into a bone-like treat (Image: Anonymous ) It was also noted that the incident occurred in a grassy area frequented by cattle, far from any water where fishing equipment would naturally be found. PetMD advises that should a fishhook become embedded in the dog's paw, mouth, esophagus or stomach it requires special care (including sedation, minor surgery, endoscopy and pain medications) to remove it. Fortunately, the Jack Russell made a full recovery, but the experience serves as a stark reminder to pet owners in the area to remain vigilant. Read the biggest stories in Wales first by signing up to our daily newsletter here Article continues below Gwent Police Inspector Emma Sowrey said, "Following this report we will be carrying out patrols in the local area, we would encourage dog owners to be vigilant and if anyone has any information, they can contact the local council or ourselves."
South Wales Argus
09-06-2025
- Business
- South Wales Argus
Concerns raised over £72m shortfall's effect on council
Peter Fox has written to Monmouthshire Council's leader regarding the impact of the shortfall in employer National Insurance (NI) funding. The shortfall comes following the UK Government decision to increase NI contributions without providing full funding to local authorities, leaving public sector bodies to pay more to employ staff. Mark Drakeford, Labour's finance secretary, assured in November that additional funding would cover these increased costs. This week, he revealed the UK government would not provide full funding, leaving a £72 million shortfall across Welsh public services. Mr Fox said: "Mark Drakeford assured us that these tax increases would not fall on the public sector, so last week's news was bitterly disappointing. "Local authorities will now face a difficult choice: either cut vital services or raise council tax to cover the extra costs."
Yahoo
09-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Concerns over £72 million shortfall's impact on council services
A local Senedd Member has raised concerns about a £72 million funding shortfall's effect on council services. Peter Fox has written to Monmouthshire Council's leader regarding the impact of the shortfall in employer National Insurance (NI) funding. The shortfall comes following the UK Government decision to increase NI contributions without providing full funding to local authorities, leaving public sector bodies to pay more to employ staff. Mark Drakeford, Labour's finance secretary, assured in November that additional funding would cover these increased costs. This week, he revealed the UK government would not provide full funding, leaving a £72 million shortfall across Welsh public services. Mr Fox said: "Mark Drakeford assured us that these tax increases would not fall on the public sector, so last week's news was bitterly disappointing. "Local authorities will now face a difficult choice: either cut vital services or raise council tax to cover the extra costs."
Telegraph
02-06-2025
- General
- Telegraph
Villagers win battle against 200m ‘Great Wall' at Welsh beauty spot
Villagers have won a fight to tear down a giant fence that was blocking views of a national park. The 200m-long, 6ft-high steel fence was dubbed the 'Great Wall of Clydach' after it was built by a Labour-led council without notice at a cost of £40,000. But weeks later, officials have agreed to tear it down – and will spend £20,000 on its removal. The roadside structure blocks views of the mountains and valleys within Wales's Brecon Beacons National Park (now known as Bannau Brycheiniog) and close to the Unesco World Heritage site of Blaenavon. Locals described the fence, made of galvanised steel with sharp spikes on top, as 'disgusting' and criticised the council for a lack of consultation. Officials said it was erected along Pwll Du Road, which has been closed to traffic for five years, over fears it could collapse. Resident Clive Thomas said: 'It's just an eyesore. When the sun is on it and everything, it just looks out of place.' Simon Elliott added: 'There was no consultation with anyone. The fence has been put up with no understanding at all of what the area is. 'All it needed was a low-level fencing to stop any cattle or people going over the edge into the quarry.' Monmouthshire County Council has agreed to remove the fence and replace it with a shorter structure that will 'blend in' with the surroundings. Independent councillor Simon Howarth said he was pleased with the council's decision, but added: 'We shouldn't have got here' and claimed huge bills could have been avoided. He said: 'Overall, we are where we should have started, but around £50,000 to £70,000 worse off.' A council spokesman said: 'Following a positive meeting, the local community and the council agreed with the proposal to reduce the height of the back line of the palisade fencing, replacing it with stock proof fencing and painting the reveals and pillars with a suitable colour to blend in with the landscape.'
