Latest news with #StormDarragh
BBC News
6 days ago
- Business
- BBC News
Holyhead port full reopening delayed again after storm damage
The full reopening of one of Britain's busiest ports has been delayed again the day before it was due to berths at Holyhead, which links north Wales and Dublin, were damaged on 7 December during Storm Darragh, affecting thousands of travellers and parcel deliveries over Christmas, as well as businesses in the berth reopened on 15 January, while the second, Terminal 3, was originally set to reopen on 1 July. However, Stena Line, which owns the port, has announced Terminal 3 will reopen on Saturday due to "adverse weather conditions" delaying the final repairs. Stena Line and Irish Ferries have been running their regular four daily services from a single berth, rather than the usual two.A temporary timetable for the partial reopening has been operating while the second berth is being traders in Holyhead said they had seen a huge drop in footfall and earnings since the damage to the port, which sees two million passengers a year and 1,200 lorries and trailers crossing every day. Stena Line said: "We sincerely appreciate our customers patience and understanding, and we apologise for any inconvenience caused."
Cambrian News
6 days ago
- General
- Cambrian News
"Lifeline" community hall in Lampeter in urgent need of repairs following Storm Darragh
A 'lifeline' community hall in Lampeter is in urgent need of repairs, and the community is fundraising to make it happen. Victoria Hall in Lampeter was hit with 'major damage' to fencing and some brickwork following Storm Darragh last December. The hall is also in 'immediate' need of replacement guttering, roof tiles and 'significant cracks' needing repair. The Free Art Café, which runs on Tuesday evenings from 3–5pm, "has become incredibly popular – we now regularly welcome over 50 people of all ages" ( Victoria Hall ) However thanks to a new committee, they're now fundraising £4,000 to secure the building for future generations. Perly Freeman, hall Office Manager, said: 'Victoria Hall is so much more than just a building. 'It's a lifeline for many in our rural community, a warm, welcoming space where people of all ages come together to learn, create, connect, and support one another. 'However, there are now several urgent external repairs needed. Victoria Hall in Lampeter is in urgent need of repairs ( Google Streetview ) 'The building is in real need of care, and we can't continue this journey without you. 'The historic building is showing signs of age, and without immediate attention, it risks further deterioration. 'We want the outside of the building to reflect the vibrancy and care that's happening inside its walls.' The committee has been quoted £11,000 for the scaffolding, painting, guttering and roof repairs, and a further £5,000 for the fencing and brick repairs. Over the summer holidays, the committee plans to open the hall three days a week to provide free, art-based community activities. They hope this will offer families and individuals a creative and supportive space during the school break. ( Victoria Hall ) It comes as the hall has been granted a new lease of life thanks to some National Lottery funding - giving them the opportunity to launch a community skills hub offering free cooking and sewing machine classes, and a Free Art Cafe bringing together multiple generations doing arts and crafts together. The space is also now home to a Life Learners Group for those not in formal education, a Youth Cafe giving a safe social space to young people, and the Stage Goat Theatre Company.
South Wales Guardian
09-07-2025
- General
- South Wales Guardian
Exact date for next emergency alert test on phones confirmed
The system was first tested in April 2023 and found some problems with specific networks, as some mobile phones did not sound. The system has already been used in several scenarios, including storms, flooding and in one case when an unexploded Second World War bomb was discovered. The emergency alert is used to warn if there is a danger to life nearby, in instances like extreme weather. What does the alert look and sound like? 🚨 Emergency Alerts will appear on the home screen of your device and you will hear a loud siren-like sound and feel a vibration for up to 10 seconds. Watch the video below 📽️👇 The next emergency alert system will be tested at around 3pm on September 7, in its second-ever nationwide drill. During the test, the UK's approximately 87 million mobile devices will ring out with a high-pitched alarm and vibrate for approximately 10 seconds, while a message will appear on the screen, making it clear the alert is only a test. Ahead of the national test, ministers are spearheading a public awareness campaign to ensure people understand when it is taking place. It will also aim to draw attention of the test to vulnerable groups like those facing domestic abuse, who may have secret mobile phones which they want to remain hidden from their partners. People who find themselves in this situation are being told to consult details about opting out from alerts on the Government website. Mobile phones will ring out with an alarm this September. (Image: Joe Giddens/PA Wire) Pat McFadden, Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, is the Cabinet Office minister who has taken charge of efforts to boost national resilience against crises. Speaking as the Government announced the test is to take place, he said: 'Emergency alerts have the potential to save lives, allowing us to share essential information rapidly in emergency situations, including extreme storms. 'Just like the fire alarm in your house, it's important we test the system so that we know it will work if we need it.' Recommended Reading Met Office emergency alerts gives Brits 'heart attacks' as they expect 'WW3' Virgin Media O2 to continue switch off next month leaving customers with no internet BBC iPlayer to stop working on select TV boxes from next month - is yours one? Some five alerts have been issued since the system was first created. These included when 3.5 million people across Wales and the South West of England received an alert during Storm Darragh in December 2024, which went on to kill two people. Localised flash flooding in Cumbria and Leicestershire, and the discovery of a Second World War bomb in Plymouth in February 2024, also triggered the alert for nearby residents.
.jpg%3Fwidth%3D1200%26auto%3Dwebp%26quality%3D75%26crop%3D3%3A2%2Csmart%26trim%3D&w=3840&q=100)
Scotsman
08-07-2025
- Scotsman
All mobile phones in Scotland to blast emergency siren in UK test
The system has been deployed for real five times since it was first tested in 2023 Sign up to our daily newsletter – Regular news stories and round-ups from around Scotland direct to your inbox Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to The Scotsman, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... Mobile phones across the UK will be sent a siren alert in a second national test of an emergency system warning people of danger to life, the UK government has announced. The system is used by the government in emergency situations where there is a threat to life, such as terrorist attacks or during extreme weather. It allows information and advice to be shared widely in an emergency. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad The test is scheduled for September and is the second UK-wide trial of the system. It was first trialled in April 2023, however some users reported that their phones did not receive the alarm, including many Three network customers. The government has committed to test the system regularly to ensure people are familiar with the alert and smooth out any technical problems. What should I expect? The test is scheduled for around 3pm on Sunday, September 7. It will see phones vibrate and make a loud siren sound for around ten seconds. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad The alert will be accompanied by a pop up message confirming that the alert is a test. The siren will sound even if your phone is on silent but not if it is switched off. Your device does not have to be connected to mobile data or wifi to receive the alert. The government said only those using 4G and 5G phone networks in the UK will receive the alert. 3.5 million people across Wales and the South West of England received an alert during Storm Darragh last year | PA Has the system been used before? So far, alerts have been deployed five times at a regional level. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad In January this year, 4.5 million people in Scotland and Northern Ireland received an alert during Storm Éowyn after a red weather warning was issued. Approximately 3.5 million people across Wales and the South West of England received an alert during Storm Darragh in December 2024, which killed two people. The system was also deployed when an unexploded World War II bomb was discovered in Plymouth. Pat McFadden, Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, said: 'Emergency Alerts have the potential to save lives, allowing us to share essential information rapidly in emergency situations including extreme storms. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad 'Just like the fire alarm in your house, it's important we test the system so that we know it will work if we need it.' Countries including the US and Japan use similar systems to alert people in an emergency. How will vulnerable groups be protected? Domestic abuse charities have previously raised concerns that the alarm could inadvertently expose the location of hidden phones used by victims to communicate with family members and services. The government said it is engaging with charities in the sector and that in some scenarios people may choose to switch off alerts if, for example, it may reveal a concealed phone. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad A guide has been published advising people on how to opt out if needed. For people who are deaf or blind, it said audio and vibration attention signals will alert people to the message, if accessibility notifications are switched on. Targeted communications campaigns will also be launched to support vulnerable groups ahead of the test.
ITV News
08-07-2025
- General
- ITV News
Mobile phone emergency alert system to be tested in early September
Mobile phones will ring out with an alarm this September as the Government tests its emergency alert system. The emergency alert system will be tested at around 3pm on September 7, in its second ever nationwide drill. The first time the system was tested was in April 2023, but some mobile phone users warned their devices did not sound, with the problem traced to specific networks. The emergency alert is used to warn if there is a danger to life nearby, in instances like extreme weather. During the test, the UK's approximately 87 million mobile devices will ring out with a high pitched alarm and vibrate for approximately 10 seconds, while a message will appear on the screen making it clear the alert is only a test. The system has already been used in several scenarios – including storms, flooding and in one case when an unexploded Second World War bomb was discovered. Ahead of the national test, ministers are spearheading a public awareness campaign to ensure people understand when it is taking place. It will also aim to draw attention of the test to vulnerable groups like those facing domestic abuse, who may have secret mobile phones which they want to remain hidden from their partners. People who find themselves in this situation are being told to consult details about opting out from alerts on the Government website. Pat McFadden, Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, is the Cabinet Office minister who has taken charge of efforts to boost national resilience against crises. Speaking as the Government announced the test is to take place, he said: 'Emergency alerts have the potential to save lives, allowing us to share essential information rapidly in emergency situations including extreme storms. 'Just like the fire alarm in your house, it's important we test the system so that we know it will work if we need it.' Some five alerts have been issued since the system was first created. These included when 3.5 million people across Wales and the South West of England received an alert during Storm Darragh in December 2024, which went on to kill two people. Localised flash flooding in Cumbria and Leicestershire, and the discovery of a Second World War bomb in Plymouth in February 2024, also triggered the alert for nearby residents. Tracey Lee, chief executive of Plymouth City Council, said the alert 'proved to be an invaluable tool during the Keyham bomb operation'. She added: 'This was the first time the system had been used in a real emergency, and it played a vital role in helping us safely evacuate over 10,000 people and coordinate a complex, multi-agency response.' Other countries, including Japan and the USA, also regularly test their emergency alert systems. On Tuesday, Mr McFadden will also unveil a new resilience action plan, which includes advice for how the British public should prepare for emergencies. Ministers will also publish an update on how they are implementing the 2023 Biological Security Strategy, aimed at preparing for future pandemics.
