'Disaster' fear for train factory

1 July 2011 Last updated at 18:13 GMT Bombardier is the UK's last train-making factory The leader of Derby City Council has spoken of a possible jobs "disaster" after train-maker Bombardier lost a major contract.

Philip Hickson went to a meeting with the firm in Berlin after it missed out on a contract for London's Thameslink.

He said the full impact would be revealed to staff next week and added the future of the train-making factory - the UK's last - was "dire".

Bombardier employs about 3,000 people at its plant in Derby.

Concerns for the factory were immediately raised when it lost the ?1.4bn Thameslink contract last month, as most of its other projects are ending in the near future.

'Full consequences'

Mr Hickson said he went to Berlin hoping for good news but was now far less confident.

"We were hoping, in terms of the discussion, there might be some mileage in moving other things around in Europe to bring to Derby but clearly that is not going to be possible.

"Clearly the situation is dire."

He added: "I understand Bombardier have called all their workers to a meeting on Tuesday and although we were not told directly, I believe that is when the news of the full consequences of the loss of this contract are going to be.

"I think that is when the full scale of the disaster will be revealed."

Bombardier's Derby plant is the UK's last remaining train factory.

View the original article here

'Train' pony spotted on hospital's CCTV

19 May 2011 Last updated at 15:00 GMT Back of the queue... waiting to be seen at Wrexham A&E More images have emerged of places visited by a mystery man and his pony, including a hospital A&E department and a pub.

The animal was caught on CCTV waiting in line at the reception desk at Wrexham Maelor Hospital's emergency department.

Meanwhile, shoppers have also snapped pictures as the animal was led into a pub in Wrexham.

The RSPCA said it was concerned and was viewing CCTV tapes.

Retired teacher George Cawley, 62, was about to have a pub lunch with his wife last Friday when the man walked in "matter of fact" leading his pony.

He described it as a "crazy" scene which caused "uproar" among shoppers and customers, although the pony seemed relaxed and undistracted.

Mr Cawley explained after pub staff asked the man - and pony - to leave it was later seen tied up outside another pub in the town centre.

That was the same day the animal was taken into the A&E department where the man had asked for treatment for the animal from a doctor.

At the bar... customers were shocked when a man went to the bar with his pony

A health board spokesman added: "He was politely asked to leave the premises by the security guard and duly left, taking the pony with him."

A horse, similar to the description, was spotted on Thursday grazing near Wrexham Maelor Hospital's helipad.

It had first emerged the man tried to get on the train at Wrexham General station with the white pony in tow, but other sightings have since been revealed.

After a conductor refused him entry to a train, the man returned to the ticket booth where he tried to buy two tickets - for himself and the animal.

And at the hospital helipad...was this the same horse seen inside Wrexham Maelor hospital

The man tried to travel on Saturday's 1902 BST service to Holyhead on Anglesey with his four-legged companion.

Arriva Trains Wales said horses were not permitted on safety grounds.

Meanwhile, the RSPCA said of the station incident it was "not a safe nor acceptable manner in which to transport an equine."

It added: "The RSPCA inspectorate are currently viewing the images which have been released to the media."

View the original article here

'Train' pony is taken into care

3 June 2011 Last updated at 11:07 GMT Pony express: The man led his four-legged friend onto the platform A pony which attracted worldwide attention after CCTV showed a man trying to take it on a train has been taken into care.

The animal, believed to be called Ruby, was spotted grazing on council land near Wrexham Maelor Hospital.

Wrexham railway staff had refused to allow it onto the train, and the RSPCA expressed concern for its welfare.

Pictures also emerged of it with the man at other locations, including the the hospital reception area and a pub.

Continue reading the main story

A number of complaints have been received from the public raising concerns over the welfare of the animal and public safety issues”

End Quote Wrexham council "A Welsh pony was taken to a place of safety on Tuesday, 31 May by council officers assisted by the RSPCA," said Wrexham council.

"It is thought the pony is linked to the recent reports in the media.

"The pony was found straying on council land over the bank holiday weekend.

"Council officers are investigating reports that the pony had been abandoned on a number of nights at unsuitable locations, including the hospital helipad and the cemetery in Pandy.

"A number of complaints have been received from the public raising concerns over the welfare of the animal and public safety issues.

'Untethered and unaccompanied'

"On a number of occasions the animal has been left untethered and unaccompanied close to busy roads.

"The pony has been examined by a vet and will be looked after in a secure place."

A notice has been pinned up at the site asking the owner to get in touch within 14 days to lodge a claim to the pony.

After the man had tried to travel with the pony on the train from Wrexham to Holyhead on Anglesey, the RSPCA said it was neither a safe nor acceptable way of travelling with a horse.

Arriva Trains Wales said transport had been refused because horses were not allowed on safety grounds.

View the original article here