Latest news with #Vapes
South Wales Argus
a day ago
- South Wales Argus
Viral video shows rubbish dumped into River Usk, Newport
The footage, posted on Facebook on July 26, shows a woman emptying a large carrier bag of waste directly into the river. The fly-tipping incident happened in broad daylight, along a section of the river in the city centre and near Newport's Riverfront Theatre. Newport City Council has condemned the act of fly-tipping, describing it as "a blight on the environment and communities." The council has confirmed that an investigation into the incident is underway, and Natural Resources Wales, along with Fly-Tipping Action Wales, have been informed. The rubbish that was dumped in the river in the video (Image: Supplied) A spokesperson for Newport City Council said: "[[Newport City Council]] is investigating the incident and has informed NRW and Fly-Tipping Action Wales. "We absolutely condemn fly-tipping as it is a blight on the environment and communities. "There is no excuse for it. "A wide range of items that can be recycled are collected weekly from people's homes in the city." The council also highlighted their efforts in combating fly-tipping in the city, stating a significant increase in enforcement action and a reduction in incidents. They urged residents to report any instances of illegally dumped waste through their website or by calling 01663 656656. Huw Irranca-Davies, Deputy First Minister and Cabinet Secretary for Climate Change and Rural Affairs, said in an official Cabinet statement: "Littering and fly-tipping is a blight on our communities. "It costs money to remove and damages our environment. "Yet it is completely avoidable, and everyone stands to gain from a clean and safe environment. He continued: "We are working with communities, businesses, organisations, and local authorities to provide cleaner and greener natural spaces to improve people's mental and physical well-being." Mr Irranca-Davies also mentioned the legislative efforts to curb the issue, including the introduction of The Environmental Protection (Single-use Vapes) (Wales) Regulations 2024 and The Environmental Protection (Single-use Plastic Products) (Wet Wipes) (Wales) Regulations 2025. He added: "Whilst legislation can provide an effective deterrent, it cannot operate in isolation. "We continue to provide grant funding to partners such as Keep Wales Tidy and Fly-tipping Action Wales, who work with organisations and communities to help educate and encourage positive behavioural change." Fly-tipping Action Wales is working in conjunction with local authorities to improve the quality and robustness of the annual data published on Stats Wales. This initiative aims to give local authorities a better understanding of the types of incidents occurring, so they can work with communities to target specific hotspots. There was a variety of rubbish dumped into the river (Image: Supplied) The Deputy First Minister further stated the importance of enforcement action, acknowledging its complexity and challenges. He said: "Fly-tipping Action Wales continue to support local authorities with their investigations, including providing access to free legal advice from specialist environmental lawyers and offering dedicated enforcement officer support." The council's crackdown on fly-tipping extends beyond mere enforcement. In 2024, Keep Wales Tidy was funded to develop a new litter survey methodology. The Geospatial Litter Analysis (GLN) tool expands on the existing litter data and monitoring system to better reflect the scale and scope of litter and related issues. So far this year, an area greater than 1 million metres squared has been surveyed. Keep Wales Tidy has also been instrumental in supporting community groups, with 1,334 registered litter champions and 245 litter hubs. Their initiatives aim to improve the local environment and encourage others to take action. The ongoing efforts highlight the importance of preventing the illegal disposal of waste in the first place. In 2024-25, Keep Wales Tidy worked with local authorities on more than 500 occasions on practical improvements to local neighbourhoods. The forums helped identify litter and fly-tipping hotspots, leading to targeted clean-ups and local campaigns. The council believes that consistent collaboration with local authorities, businesses, private landowners, third sector organisations, and communities is laying the foundations for preventing littering and fly-tipping in Wales.
Daily Record
31-05-2025
- Health
- Daily Record
Good riddance to single use vapes, a blight that will finally be stuck in the bin
Vaping was almost unheard of 10 years ago but is now a part of everyday life for millions. The devices have helped countless people finally quit their cigarette habits after years of trying. But the hobby is not harmless and the vast industry it has spawned requires proper regulation. Tomorrow finally sees a long-awaited ban on the sale and supply of single-use disposable vapes. These cheap plastic devices should never have been allowed in the first place, given how many of them have ended being thrown away. There's not a street in Scotland that's not seen some of the 26 million single-use e-cigarettes disposed of each year kicked into a gutter. Their cheapness, colourful packaging and easy availability also encourages far too many children to pick up a habit they now can't kick. That's why the Daily Record launched our Bin the Vapes campaign to get rid of these disposable devices - which pose a threat to our kids' health and the environment. The campaign had an instant impact and has led, eventually, to a UK wide ban on disposable vapes - which comes into force tomorrow. The measure is part of a wider bill to make the UK and Scotland smoke free. And that is a welcome aim. Put simply, kids at school should not be vaping under any circumstance. It's alarming to learn that a quarter of 11-15-year-olds have tried the habit at least once. Shops specialising in vapes have been allowed to open next to high schools, with local authorities seemingly oblivious to the health risks. So it's good riddance to single use vapes, a blight that will finally be consigned to the dustbin of history. And finally off of our streets for good. Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community! Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today. You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland. No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team. All you have to do is click here if you're on mobile, select 'Join Community' and you're in! If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click 'Join Community'. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'. Answer the call A Glasgow bingo caller could see his life change tonight - and we can all play our part to make it happen. Vinnie McKee has wowed audiences in this year's Britain's Got Talent with his stunning voice. His rendition of Proclaimers hit 500 miles got the audience whipped up into a frenzy at the first audition stage - and earned him praise from Simon Cowell. Thanks to massive public support he has now been voted through to take part in tonight's grand final. In today's Daily Record Vinnie is asking all of Scotland to cheer him on and vote for him to win the contest. And we hope our army of readers will do their bit for this talented young Scot. We're sure Vinnie will do us all proud - win or lose. And hopefully he can go from calling out bingo numbers to Number One in the charts.
Daily Record
13-05-2025
- Business
- Daily Record
Scottish Grocers' Federation helping Lanarkshire retailers prepare for upcoming single-use vaping products sale ban
The convenience store trade body has issued an updated retailers' guide on regulations for vaping and tobacco compliance, as well as a poster which it is encouraging members to display in their stores. The Scottish Grocers' Federation (SGF) is helping retailers in Lanarkshire to prepare for a legal milestone - and stay on the right side of the law Shop staff in Lanarkshire are being urged not to be caught out by the upcoming ban on selling single-use vaping products. The SGF is highlighting how single-use vapes – including those which are non-refillable and non-rechargable - will be banned from June 1, with the Scottish Government bringing in the new law in-line with the rest of the UK. SGF, the convenience store trade body, has issued an updated retailers' guide on regulations for vaping and tobacco compliance, as well as a poster which it is encouraging members to display in their stores. Pete Cheema, SGF's chief executive, said: 'Our members, including those across Lanarkshire, are committed to responsible local retailing and operating within the law. 'It's important that we do all we can to help ensure they are fully prepared for this significant change, so that staff and customers are all properly educated about what the new law entails. 'There is no transitional period in play here. From June 1, it will be an offence for a person or business to supply or offer to supply single-use vapes - or have them in their possession for supply. Any leftover stock come that date must be discontinued and stored separately from items for sale, clearly marked as 'not for sale'. 'We are recommending that any of our members with concerns about complying with the ban contact their local trading standards team to ensure they are operating within the law.' SGF is working with Police Scotland and trading standards nationally to help ensure its members comply with the ban - as well as to clampdown on any illicit trade after June 1. Those found to have broken the law could face a fine or a prison sentence of up to two years. The new law - The Environmental Protection (Single-Use Vapes) (Scotland) Regulations 2024 - is the first of two major legal changes around the use and sale of vaping products. Further regulations are expected to be introduced through the UK Government's Tobacco and Vapes Bill, which is currently being debated in the House of Lords. This is expected to be introduced in Scotland through secondary legislation in the Scottish Parliament. SGF continues to oppose restrictions on flavour in vaping products, a proven factor in helping people switch from cigarettes to less harmful vapes. *Don't miss the latest headlines from around Lanarkshire. Sign up to our newsletters here. And did you know Lanarkshire Live had its own app? Download yours for free here.
Daily Record
13-05-2025
- Business
- Daily Record
West Lothian retailers told to prepare for single-use vaping products sale ban
The Scottish Grocers' Federation (SGF) is helping retailers across the region to ensure they are ready to stay on the right side of the law. Shop staff in West Lothian are being urged not to be caught out by the upcoming ban on selling single-use vaping products. The Scottish Grocers' Federation (SGF) is helping retailers across the region to ensure they are ready to stay on the right side of the law. Single-use vapes - including those which are non-refillable and non-rechargable - will be banned from June 1, with the Scottish Government bringing in the new law in-line with the rest of the United Kingdom. SGF, the convenience store trade body, has issued an updated retailers' guide on regulations for vaping and tobacco compliance, as well as a poster which it is encouraging members to display in their stores. Pete Cheema, SGF's Chief Executive, said: 'Our members - including those across West Lothian - are committed to responsible local retailing and operating within the law. It's important that we do all we can to help ensure they are fully prepared for this significant change, so that staff and customers are all properly educated about what the new law entails. 'There is no transitional period in play here. From June 1, it will be an offence for a person or business to supply or offer to supply single-use vapes - or have them in their possession for supply. 'Any leftover stock come that date must be discontinued and stored separately from items for sale, clearly marked as 'not for sale'. 'We are recommending that any of our members with concerns about complying with the ban contact their local trading standards team to ensure they are operating within the law.' SGF is working with Police Scotland and trading standards nationally to help ensure its members comply with the ban - as well as to clampdown on any illicit trade after June 1. Those found to have broken the law could face a fine or a prison sentence of up to two years. The new law - The Environmental Protection (Single-Use Vapes) (Scotland) Regulations 2024 - is the first of two major legal changes around the use and sale of vaping products. Further regulations are expected to be introduced through the UK Government's Tobacco and Vapes Bill, which is currently being debated in the House of Lords. This is expected to be introduced in Scotland through secondary legislation in the Scottish Parliament.
