A PARTNERSHIP that supports the safety of visitors during the Royal Welsh Show has won a national award.
The work of the Builth Wells Events Safety Group has been recognised by judges, with the group winning the ‘Public Safety’ category at the inaugural Safer Communities Awards, hosted by the Wales Safer Communities Network.
The awards, which took place on Thursday, November 30, in Swansea, and hosted by BBC Radio Wales and BBC Radio 2's Lyn Bowles, were held to recognise outstanding contributions to community safety in a multi-agency context.
The safety group was formed in 2017 following the death of Powys teenager James Corfield at the Royal Welsh Show in July that year.
The 19-year-old farmer and Montgomery Cricket Club player had been staying with friends at the Royal Welsh Show when he was last seen in Builth town centre shortly before midnight on Monday, July 24.
A large-scale police search was triggered the next day when he was reported missing after failing to meet his family at the show. His body was found in the River Wye on July 30, with a January 2018 inquest ruling his death an accident.
In the wake of James’ death, safety improvements were recommended following a review – including a ‘Green Route’ between Builth, the showground, Penmaenau Farm and the YFC Young People’s Village, and a new safety fence between the Groe car park and river.
More medical services are now available as well as a new welfare facility, while street pastors roam the streets on the lookout for any revellers in distress.
The Builth Wells Events Safety Group is led by Powys County Council (PCC) and made up of 14 organisations, with the aim to reduce public risk and improve the safety of those in and around Builth during Royal Welsh Show week.
Councillor Richard Church, PCC’s cabinet member for a Safer Powys, said: “I would personally like to congratulate the Builth Wells Events Safety Group for their success at the inaugural Safer Community Awards.
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“I am incredibly pleased that the work of the group has been recognised. Every partner plays their own crucial role in helping to ensure the safety of all visitors, whether that's in the build up to the show, or throughout the week, so congratulations to everyone involved.”
Over the past few years, measures have been introduced to the town to support safety, such as: the ‘Green Route’; a medical and wellbeing centre operated by St John Ambulance Cymru from the Strand Hall; a pop-up help point providing guidance and welfare support; drug amnesty boxes placed on approaches to venues in and around the town; and a communications campaign promoting a safer drinking culture.
Aled Rhys Jones, chief executive of the Royal Welsh Agricultural Society (RWAS), said: “I am delighted that the Builth Wells Event Safety Group has been recognised for its good work.
“It really goes to show what can be achieved when different organisations, agencies and businesses work together.
“Safety is extremely important to the Royal Welsh Agricultural Society and we so are proud of what the group has achieved. I would also like to pay tribute to the chair, Greg Langridge-Thomas, for his excellent leadership and support.”
The safety group also includes all emergency services, the RWAS, Builth Wells Town Council, Penmaenau Farm, Wales YFC, event organisers, local councillors and volunteers.
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