Conwy emergency services not stretched over Christmas

Jan 1 2009 by Michelle Coyle, North Wales Weekly News

CONWY residents managed to celebrate Christmas period safely, with few call-outs required by the emergency services.

Spokespeople for North Wales Fire Service and North Wales Police reported a relatively quite period for Conwy over Christmas.

Alan Sharp from Llandudno’s RNLI crew said: “There was not a single incident to attend, although volunteers were on standby. The weather has had a lot to do with it as it’s been too cold for many people to go out on the water.”

Ogwen Valley Mountain Rescue reported a quiet Christmas period but were called out to incidents on December 28 and 29. Team member Chris Lloyd said: “On Sunday a small terrier disappeared into the copper mines near the Ugly House in Nant BH. Three members of the mountain rescue went into the shaft, which is a very dangerous place. The search was abandoned and the dog’s body was sadly recovered by its owners the next day.

“On Monday, 10 members of the team were called out at 2.30pm to rescue a 27-year-old woman from Somerset who slipped whilst descending Heather Terrace on the east side of Tryfan. She had been scrambling with her male partner when she slipped and tumbled 10ft, sustaining minor head injuries. Due to the nature of the injuries, 22 Squadron helicopter was dispatched and she was flown to Ysbyty Gwynedd for treatment.

“It’s been a very quiet period for us but Llanberis Mountain Rescue was busy on Christmas Day rescuing walkers from Crib Goch. I wasn’t surprised as some of the clothing I saw some people wearing on Snowdon was not fit for crossing the car park let alone walking up a mountain,” he added.

“I do urge people to go out and enjoy themselves in the mountains, but to take quality boots, clothing, survival equipment and a torch.”