Portfolio Story 4: SODA back with a bang!

Excitement as SODA opens for the weekend

Bangor University Society of Drama and Acting (SODA) are opening their show, “Another Opening, Another Show”, this weekend.

“It’s been a long and difficult process” says backstage manager Amy Partridge. “Many of the crew have been more stressed than usual and the actors are all in bits with nerves and excitement.

We’re glad we’re finally opening the show though, the past few weeks have been really stressful on us all trying to get everything together in time for dress rehearsals as well as coping with university work, I’ve just finished my third year so I’m now available almost 24/7 to help out”

SODA have a rich heritage at Bangor University, putting on a show per semester with their vast number of members. Musicals, Shakespeare, expressive dance, everything goes in SODA as long as it can be placed on a stage.

“I just wish it had been advertised better. We put links up on Facebook and such, luckily our shows are pretty popular so people talk to each other and word gets round” Amy says.

Starting Sunday 17^th May, SODA takes to the stage with their show, “Another Opening, Another Show”, tickets are £4 for students.

“I think making the tickets that price was the best idea, we could have offered them cheaper but we need money for props and materials for production. In a regular theatre you’re looking at around £8 to go and see strangers in panto and such, but it’s only £4 to come and see your friends on stage!”

This reporter will in fact be in attendance, and will update this story following the show.

“It’s all led to Sunday, fingers crossed we get a good turnout and have a really good time!” Amy closes with a laugh.

Portfolio Story 3: Housing costs in Bangor causing Poverty for students

Money, money, money.

The rising cost of housing has led to Gwynedd County to be dubbed the most expensive part of North Wales to rent a shared house.

As well as rise in tuition fees, students at Bangor University now have more financial struggle to overcome.

Current prices of housing in Bangor, according to new statistics, are a third higher than they were in 2010. This means that now the average cost of living in Bangor for students in shared housing is, on average, £368 per month.

Ffriddoedd Site accommodation has become more expensive to live with the addition of wireless broadband in the halls, but students don’t seem too worried about that.

“It’s a small price to pay, really” local student Adam McDonnell, 19, said. “I much prefer wifi to regular wired internet, it means I can take my laptop with me to the kitchen or I can sit on my bed without having to be careful of the wire.

I have to be pretty careful with money though, I tend to get a bit crazy on a night out and drink too much, but I have a budget planned for next year so I’m feeling positive – as long as the cost doesn’t rise again!”

However, second and third year students are feeling the pinch of housing costs and living expenses.

An international student by the name of Paul has commented on his experiences.

“My friends have been complaining a lot” he says “I’m amazed it costs so much”

Paul also noted that while a city, Bangor is a small university city. The cost to live in Bangor is high for the students, even with the landlords doing everything they can to help.

Video is audio only

Local landlord Johnny Chohan, of Gwynedd Student Accommodation, has let housing to students for ten years, and has tried his best to keep the costs down.

“With the kinds of contract that I offer, students worry about rent yes, but they don’t have to worry about extra bills arriving on their doorstep on top of it, as that’s all covered by the rent they pay each quarter. The rent covers three months of living in the house so it’s the same system as being on Ffriddoedd site really.

I currently own 245 houses in Bangor alone and have never had a complaint from a student regarding the price of rent – they all seem relieved that the only extra cost they need to pay is for internet, which I can help set up for them because I have a great deal with Plusnet and get the cheapest but best quality at a lower price.

Sure, if students haven’t got the money right away, all they need to do is send me a message and we can sort something out. A landlord doesn’t need to be the person they don’t want to talk to.”

Current third year student Neal McAndrew, 21, has found that the cost of living in Bangor isn’t ideal, but it could be worse.

“My landlord understands if we have to wait for our student loan to pay him” he says.

“However, I do see how some students in places like London are surprised how much we pay for accommodation”. 

Video is audio only.

Portfolio Story 2: Fire drills on Ffriddoedd Site "a form of torture"?

Something burning?

Students at Bangor University were appalled when fire alarms activated early in the morning on student campus Ffriddoedd Site.

                Ffriddoedd Site, Ffriddoedd Road, Bangor University. Image by Zoe Meredith.

Fire drill tests are compulsory on campus, where the alarm sounds for ten seconds to check if it is fully functional, and regular fire drill testing at early hours in the morning are essential for students to be aware of the necessary methods of evacuation.

Fire alarm tests also ensure that broken or defective alarms are repaired and/or replaced in order to ensure safety for the students in the building.

While this is all well and good, there is a general feeling of hostility among students regarding the times in which the fire alarm drills take place.

A student from Gwynant Halls, who wishes to remain anonymous, says “it’s necessary but it could be more effective.

The fire alarm drills, while I understand that students who have been clubbing won’t be home until around 3am, setting off the fire alarms at 5am is almost cruel. Perhaps 3.30 to 4am would be best…”

The students are warned of the fire alarm drills during Fresher’s Week and are also warned that if they do not evacuate the building in time, they will have to face another drill later on, perhaps the next day, the next week, or the next month.

"Like a form of torture"...

Former Gwynant occupant, Ben Hearn, 21, says “I remember the fire drills we had just after Fresher’s Week. Our flat saw the wardens gathering and assumed it would be our turn next, so we did what any normal people did….and stayed awake.

The problem with that though, was that we overslept the next day and a lot of students from my flat were late to lectures – if we even went in at all, sometimes we slept through our alarms!

I remember our flat was always on high alert because we didn’t get out in time once, and had to go through the whole ordeal again – it’s almost like a form of torture when you have no idea when it will go off”

Bangor University ensure that students are made aware of the fire safety procedures; explaining on student’s first day in Halls that University wardens and security officers will oversee evacuation procedures in the event of a fire drill, and testing the procedures accordingly with one unannounced fire drill at the beginning of the semester, and one drill at least each semester.

The students are also made aware of the area they are to evacuate to, and that, in the event of failing to evacuate the building in time, will have to repeat the procedure.

Fire drills are a necessity to ensure safety. Image by Zoe Meredith

Sensitivity...

Students from both past and present, however, have found that the fire alarms are causing more headaches.

Former Ffriddoedd Resident Lewis Chapman, 22, lived in Gwynant Hall for three years while completing his course at the University.

“I found the fire alarms were quite sensitive, I’ve set my own fire alarm off a few times because my shower was too hot and the steam escaped when I opened the door. I can tell you now, my flatmates weren’t happy at all with that!

The fire alarms also managed to activate because I was cooking pasta. I had the vent open so the steam wouldn’t occupy the entire room, but the fire alarm picked up on it.

I’m glad the alarm is the other side of the room from the toaster!” he laughs. 

Put up with it!

A student living in Idwal on Ffriddoedd Site campus, who wishes to remain anonymous, has expressed her own opinion.

“I really don’t see what all the fuss is about.

Yes, it’s scary when you’re woken up and you start shaking trying to put slippers on or a dressing gown on because it’s  cold outside in the early morning, but there’s plenty of time to do so and get out fast enough.

Fire drills are necessary for our own safety, I hear a lot of people complaining and I just think what might happen if we didn’t do the drill and there was a real fire – nobody would know what to do!

Luckily my flatmates in my building are pretty good and get out with plenty of time to spare, and the drills are never around exam time, so I'm afraid other students are going to just have to put up with it - they can always move out next year!”

Portfolio Story 1: Stress and Students do not mix

Stressed-out Students at University open up

Stress is a natural part of university.

The NHS says that stress, in small doses, may be good for the university student; designed to help the student cope in challenging situations.

Stress heightens the senses and can enhance the student’s performance, especially around exam time.

It has been noted by the NHS that stress can lead to further problems, both physical and 

psychological, including (in severe cases) depression and anxiety.

While university students will be exposed to a certain level of stress, those resitting years and retaking exams are, naturally, prone to greater stress levels, and therefore more vulnerable to the likes of depression, anxiety and further health problems.

It would appear that stress is most common at the beginning and at the end of the academic years, and that these times are more common for a greater student suicide rate.

One of the biggest factors of student stress is the financial side; with student loans and debt piling up, rent and bills getting more expensive and less work placements available on the job market, students are finding it difficult to make their finances stretch until the next payment.

Former Bangor University student Adam Jardine, 21, says “while student finance is brilliant in providing tuition fee help and the maintenance loan, sometimes it’s inevitable that the student will begin working in a nightclub or bar until very late, often 2am.

I understand that students are famed for drinking the night away and wasting money, but there are some who don’t go out drinking all the time and still find themselves trying to scrape together the money for a train ticket home.

This means that often students will take up work – of any kind – in order to make ends meet. I began working in a nightclub and then walked twenty minutes home at 5am some days. It wasn’t the best feeling walking home at that time, but I really needed the money”.

Financial problems are often difficult to overcome, whether a student or an adult, causes further examples of stress and/or anxiety and/or depression.

Oxford Brookes University recently spoke out about stress, explaining that too much stress can affect students physically, mentally and emotionally.

Physically, stress can lead to headaches, dizziness, a heightened blood pressure, and insomnia.

Mentally, insomnia is again an issue, but also affects the ability to think, leaving students’ thoughts often jumbled and confused and leads to an unhealthy amount of worrying.

Emotionally stress affects different people in different ways, and often people react uniquely from one another. Stress can change people’s behaviour towards each other, some perhaps downright hostile while others become introverts.

A student from Bangor University, who wishes to remain anonymous, opened up about her experiences with pressure and stress from resitting her second year.

“I have been diagnosed with anxiety for years, but when I came to university it got worse. I loved the idea of university and freedom and I’m really happy I took the step forward, but the stress is second to none I have ever felt in my life.

It’s not just around exam times, stress at university is the same as stress anywhere else; it can jump at any minute and suddenly consume you.

My reaction to stress was to just hide myself in my room, staring at my computer screen. I was getting stressed because I couldn’t think clearly enough to do my work and I couldn’t think clearly enough to do my work because I was stressed!”

All women in this video played by actresses to keep the identity anonymous as per the student's wish.

Managing stress is a skill many students have to overcome, the universities offer a student counselling service and the GPS can offer leaflets and manuals on self-help with stress-related problems, such as insomnia.

Oxford Brookes University have suggested in order to manage stress in university, students should find some distractions such as sports or activities to release endorphins, yoga and meditation to focus and relieve the tension, as well as expression through writing or keeping a journal.

Anxiety and panic attacks are common in university students, especially during the beginning and the end of the academic year. 

Visit the Oxford Brookes or NHS website for more information on how to cope with stress and management.

Week Nine

Week Nine

(May 9^th)

Women take over UK Politics

Following the recent UK elections, currently every British Political Party with seats in Westminster – except the Conservatives – is run by a woman.

Is this female empowerment at its best; or an emasculation of the Political Spectrum in the UK?

A commentator on the Independent’s website, by the name of Tyler, has stated that “the not-so-subtle implication of this headline is that the Tories are sexist for not following along and also having a female leader”. Let’s not forget that a mere 36 years ago the Conservative Party were run by Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher.

Following the resignation of Labour’s Ed Miliband, UKIP’s Nigel Farage and Liberal Democrats’ Nick Clegg (who suffered the worst defeat for his party since 1957), women have stepped in to take the role as leader of their respective parties.

The current political party leaders for the UK as it stands are as follows:

Conservatives	David Cameron
Green	Natalie Bennett
Labour	Harriet Harman
Liberal Democrats	Sal Brinton
Plaid Cymru	Leanne Wood
Scottish National Party	Nicola Sturgeon
UKIP	Suzanne Evans

Social media networks exploded with comments from the election, and of course the dominance of female political leaders did not go amiss. Many jokes have been made about female leaders and their ability to run a country, while many stubborn users have commented on the over-population of women in political parties and taken jibes at feminists.

Personally, this reporter feels that the presence of so many female leaders is a positive for the country. While women had to once fight for the right to even vote in General elections, now womankind are considered more than capable to run their own political parties, and are encouraged to take an interest in politics.

This is a confident step forward in the empowerment of females in our society, especially as women now have much more opportunity than in earlier history.

However, it is still surely a sad sight that British civilisation fixates on such trivial details like sex or gender. Surely we, as a nation, should be focusing on political campaigns and the effect that the certain political party could have on our system; rather than becoming preoccupied with the gender of said parties.

While comments have arisen of the sexism of the British system and jokes about “breast feeding on every corner” (Tyler, on the Independent’s website); this reporter is feeling optimistic about the women in places of power. Perhaps this may prove to be a vital positive for this country.

A personal favourite, perhaps Mayor of London Boris Johnson could run for office? Just a thought.

Meanwhile, one must not forget the current leader of the United Kingdom is Conservative Party Leader David Cameron, 48, for another 5 years in office.

Although some persons following politics and the general election have claimed it to be rigged and biased towards the Conservatives, one must sit back and experience what Cameron has to offer this country for the next 5 years.

Watch this space, Conservatives, you may well be run by a woman (again) yet. 

Week Eight

Week Eight

Eruption on Mount Snowdown

                Picture of the mountain blowing ash, from @LlanberisSherpa on Twitter

Mount Snowdon has erupted around 12pm today following the largest earthquake in the UK since 1931.

North Wales Police has confirmed 16 deaths, and the figure is likely to rise.

Snowdonia National Park has been deemed off-limits to all persons by North Wales Fire and Rescue Service due to extreme danger from molten rock flowing through the cracks on Mount Snowdon.

The earthquake, with a magnitude of 5.7 on the Richter scale was confirmed by the British Geological Society as one of the most powerful earthquakes in the history of the UK.

North Wales Police are also confirming reports of widespread damage to buildings and infrastructure in Porthmadog, Penrhyndeudraeth, Beddgelert, Criccieth and Llanberis.

Pop-up hospitals have been set up in the Tesco Superstore Car Park in Porthmadog, and at Llaberis Tourist Information Center.

A Sea King helicopter has been dispatched from RAF Valley in Anglesey to assist rescue missions of residents and hikers on the mountain. So far 5 injured people have been lifted to Ysbyty Gwynedd in Bangor.

Chief Constable Mike Porkins has expressed North Wales Police are “very concerned for those who may be on the mountains”, he said “we are hearing reports of landslides and tumbling rocks”.

The molten rock is slow-moving, but is 0.7 miles from Llanberis and expected to arrive at 7pm tonight.

                Magma flowing down the mountain.

Picture by Wagner T. Cassimiro / Hefin Owen (CC BY-SA 2.0) for Dyffryn Ogwen Montain Rescue Team

Due to the danger, the A4086 into Llanberis and the A4085 between Beddgelert and Waunfawr have been closed. 

Motorists are advised to stay away from the area.

Chief Constable Roger Williams, of North Wales Police, extends “deepest condolences to those who are suffering”.

The Civil Aviation Society has confirmed that the UK airspace will not be closed due to the eruption; the ash cloud from the mountain will not affect flights.

Meanwhile, Caernarfon and Anglesey Airports are advised to keep planes grounded until the density of the ash in the area is ascertained.

Eyewitness Jane Beaulieu, a local resident, describes the scene.

“We felt the ground shift but it didn’t shake” she says, “Most of my neighbours are fine and have walked down to the school where they’ve opened up a little shelter. We’ve been told to stay put and not to go back to collect things”.

Owner of local Royal Oak Hotel, Charles Humphries says “the entire building shook, and quite a few glasses and decorations crashed off the shelves. There’s quite a mess in there.”

Humphries also confirms one person was injured in the earthquake by falling rocks.

Prime Minister David Cameron has also offered his condolences to the families of those killed or injured in the incident.

British Geological Survey Seismologist Caradoc Evans, from Pwllheli, says there are two possible reasons for the area being subject of large earthquakes in the past.

“The first is they are knock-on effects of pressure on the edge of the Atlantic Ridge” he says, “the other possible solution is that north Wales was under a sheet of ice about a mile thick some 30,000 years ago, which formed the Snowdonia mountains. Now that the ice has melted the terrain is rising, and this is what is causing the earthquakes.”
Evans has also commented that “the area has now seen more significant earthquakes over the past decades than any other part of the British Isles”.

The last recorded earthquake of this size in the UK was the 7^th June, 1931, in Dogger Bank.

This earthquake has been confirmed as the most powerful on the UK mainland since Canterbury in 1382 by the British Geological Survey.


More on this story as it unfolds. 

Week Seven

Week Seven

Hillary Clinton announces her intention to run for President in 2016

Image reference:

http://www.nationofchange.org/2015/04/17/a-hillary-clinton-coronation-will-pave-the-way-for-a-scott-walker-presidency/

Wales’ beaches top Traveller’s Guide List

Image reference:

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/travel/familyholidays/5386726/Pleasure-on-all-fronts-in-Wales.html

Mayor of London has locks cut for charity

Image reference:

http://www.ibtimes.co.uk/boris-johnson-british-firms-should-capitalise-exciting-opportunities-malaysia-1477440

Daffodils bloom early as spring comes to north Wales

Image reference:

Picture by Nicolette Wells/Getty Images/Flickr RF

http://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/gardening-blog/2010/oct/20/why-i-hate-daffodils

Body found on Oswaldtwistle Moor

Image reference:

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/earth/energy/windpower/9730762/Home-owners-forced-to-pay-60-for-digital-television-after-wind-turbines-destroyed-signal.html

St. David’s bones exhumed during shrine excavation

Image reference:

http://www.greatbritishflorist.co.uk/blog/daffodils-st-davids-day/

Ashby-de-la-Zouch bypass closed due to accident

Image reference:

http://www.brighstoneparish.org/yarmouth-bridge-closed-next-week/

Bangor students enjoy solar eclipse

Image reference:

http://www.cityam.com/211675/no-sunglasses-selfies-or-staring-how-look-solar-eclipse-march-20

Week Six

Week Six

Outbreak of virus kills two in Bangor

Two patients at Ysbyty Gwynedd in Bangor have died due to a fatal new virus.

Reports also state that thirty-two are also suffering symptoms.

Both Tryfan (Gastroenterology) and Cybi (Intensive Care) wards were forced to close due to a suspected outbreak of norovirus.

The virus was identified as a new strand of avian influenza virus, H11N7, which is highly infectious.

Other hospitals in the region, across Wales and over the border to England are under investigation following a confirmation of the outbreak in Glan Clwyd Hospital in Rhyl with over ten cases and one confirmed death.

So far, eight suspected cases in other hospitals in Wales have proven negative, twenty-three currently undergoing further specialist tests.

All hospitals in the Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board area have now been closed to visitors.

List of hospitals closed to visitors thus far: o   Ysbyty Gwynedd, Bangor o    Glan Clwyd Hospital, Rhyl o   Ysbyty Alltwen, Tremadog o   Ysbyty Bryn Beryl, Pwllheli o   Ysbyty Tywyn, o   Ysbyty Eyri, Caernarfon o   Ysbyty Cefni, Llangefni o   Dolgellau & Barmouth Hospital o   Ysbyty Ffestiniog o   Blaenau Ffestiniog o   Ysbyty Penrhos Stanley, Holyhead o   Llandudno General Hospital o   Abergele Hospital o   Colwyn Bay Community Hospital o   Wrexham Maelor Hospital o   Holywell Community Hospital o   Mold Community Hospital o   Chirk Community Hospital o   Deeside Community Hospital o   Penley Community Hospital

 

Chief Executive of Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board, Ruth Gibbons, is advising the public with symptoms to stay in their homes for 48 hours until a doctor can see them.

She says “most patients will not be affected, and until we can definitely say otherwise they will be quarantined, we do not want to take any further risks.”

The Welsh Government has confirmed that it will be some time before scientists can develop a vaccine.

Director-General Dr Morag Chant, of the World Health Organisation, convened a meeting of the
Emergency Committee this afternoon to assess the situation.

The Committee agreed that the situation in the UK constitutes a public health emergency of international concern.

However, the Committee also advised that there were several gaps in knowledge about clinical features, epidemiology and virology of cases, and that answers to several specific questions were needed.

The outbreak of the virus has sparked a political debate between Conservative and Labour candidates in Wales.

Andrew H. Crabbs, leader of the Welsh Conservative Party, says “This outbreak is especially concerning at a time when the Welsh NHS is already stretched beyond its limit; and comes as a result of overworked nurses and doctors and under-staffed wards”

The Labour Party lashed out at Crabbs. Prime Minister of Wales, Carwyn Jones says “I condemn the Conservative Leader’s comments about the Welsh NHS. It is outrageous that they would seek to make political capital out of this serious matter in the run up to the General Election.”

Public Health Wales have released this information for the general public on influenza Flu: Public health advice and messages o   Anyone can get flu and the flu virus is easily passed from person to person.  Flu can spread rapidly especially in closed communities such as residential homes. o   For people who are generally fit and healthy, flu is a self-limiting illness and symptoms can be treated at home using remedies commonly available from pharmacies. o   However complications can occur particularly in the elderly or in those with certain medical conditions. These can result in serious illness and can be life-threatening. o   GPs may prescribe antiviral medications such as Zanamivir and Oseltamivir to such patients for both the treatment and prevention of flu. o   The most effective method of controlling influenza is by maintaining high levels of immunisation among vulnerable groups or whole populations.  o   As influenza circulates each year in the UK during the winter months (October to April), it is often called seasonal flu and results from slight changes to the virus from the previous year. o   This that some people who encounter the new virus may no longer be fully immune, and may require aanother vaccination. o   Public Health Wales supports the Welsh Assembly Government in setting a strategic direction for immunisation services, support local health boards in managing local services and achieving targets, and support General Practice and Trusts delivering services.   The Welsh Government has proposed, in the event of the virus spreading rapidly, the UK uses their annual stockpile for the treatment of patients rather than the general population The available scientific evidence does not support the general wearing of face masks by those who are not ill while going about their daily lives. Surgical and Medical staff, however, will be required to wear face masks, which are in the process of being stockpiled. More information on the outbreak and resulting responses can be found on the NHS Wales website.

Plane Crash on Anglesey

At approximately 4:15pm today, a Citywing flight carrying 15 passengers has crashed on the runway in in RAF Valley, Anglesey.

The plane, on route from Anglesey to Cardiff, was forced to turn back due to illness of the pilot.

The plane was twenty minutes into its hour-long journey.

Eyewitnesses to the scene described grey smoke billowing from the grounded plane, which was lying on the runway with snapped wings and a severed tail.

North Wales police are working with the Air Accident Investigation Branch (AAIB) to establish the cause of the crash.

So far there have been reported no fatalities.

Marlow Briggs, 43, from Holyhead was an eyewitness to the initial crash.

“The nose of the plane was up in the air, as if it was coming in to land vertically”, he says, “the back tail hit the ground, it tumbled to the side and crashed along the runway”

Briggs also says “the plane then caught fire immediately”.

There has been no further statement from the AAIB, who are leading the investigation, nor from the North Wales Police at this time.

Week Five

Week Five

3.10am

                It has already been a very good night for the Labour party in Wales, who have won back seats in Carmarthen West & Pembrokeshire South, the Vale of Glamorgan, and Aberconwy – seats which were previously taken from them by the Conservatives in 2010.

Conservatives, however, have beaten the Liberal Democrats incumbent with a swing of 10% in Brecon & Radnorshire.

Liberal Democrats have lost Cardiff Central to Labour.

Llanelli

So far looking like Nia Griffith (Labour) has kept her seat out of the hands of Plaid Cymru.

3.15am

                In the event of a hung parliament, the Labour Party have confirmed that they will not contest the Prime Minister’s right to form a government.

Ed Miliband is also confirmed to be currently travelling from his constituency to London and will arrive within the hour.

Montgomeryshire

James Rothbury (Conservative MPs Glyn Davies’ campaign manager) speaking on Radio Wales has acknowledged the success of the Labour party, saying “they were always going to bounce back from 2010” in regards to the seats being won back.

He also says the Liberal Democrats have had “a poor showing all over the UK, particularly in the university towns”, identifying the argument over tuition fees as a possible reason for the losses.

Ceredigion

Plaid Cymru are looking good, estimated a close contest between them and the Liberal Democrats.

Arfon

Boxes from Bangor appear to be leaning strongly towards Labour.

3.20am

Llanelli

Mike Persons, the Acting Returning Officer for Llanelli has released the totals votes for each candidate.

Labour win by a considerable margin with 16,320 votes, followed by Plaid Cymru with 10,230.

Nia Griffith (Labour) has been declared elected as the member of parliament for the constituency.

3.25am

                There was a clear shift towards Labour in Llanelli, but perhaps not the kind of momentum they will need in order to secure the majority at Westminster.

Llanelli

Vaughan Williams (Plaid Cymru) has accepted defeat. “Trying to win the seat was always going to be an uphill task”, he says.

Williams also identifies his belief for the reason for his loss; tactical voting. “It was seen as a vote between 

Labour and the Conservatives in Westminster rather than Plaid and Labour in Llanelli” he says.

“We can build on this in elections in the future. It’s been a long and hard campaign” was his closing statement.

Ceredigion

Totals appear to be close between Plaid Cymru and the Liberal Democrats, who look worried.

Arfon

Hywel Williams (Plaid Cymru – winner in 2010) has said he is “quietly confident about keeping my seat”. He seems optimistic about the future in the event that Labour and the Liberal Democrats fail to win the majority either way, saying “there could be a role for Plaid (Cymru) and other parties such as the SNP in forming a majority government”

There has been a lower turnout for this election than in 2010.

3.30am

Ceredigion

Tom Mathias, the Acting Returning Officer for Ceredigion, has released the total votes for each candidate.

Plaid Cymru win with a total of 14,502 votes, narrowly beating the Liberal Democrats with 13,208 votes in total.

Mike Parker (Plaid Cymru) has been declared elected as the member of parliament for the constituency.

3.35am

Arfon

Dylan Jenkins, the Acting Returning Officer for Arfon, has released the total votes for each candidate.

Plaid Cymru has won with a total of 8,902 votes. Labour only missed out by 98 votes. The votes for Labour totalled 8,804, a very narrow win for Plaid Cymru.

Hywel Williams (Plaid Cymru) has been elected as the member of parliament for the constituency.

3.40am

Carwyn Jones, the Welsh Labour First Minister, has said “Wales looks as if it’s leading the way for the rest of 
the UK to follow”.

Ceredigion

Mike Parker (winning candidate for Plaid Cymru) has acknowledged the loss of the seat in Ceredigion in 2005, and has called the area “a stronghold for us in the Assembly Election for years”, he said gaining the seat back was always felt as “doable”.

Mark Williams (losing candidate for Liberal Democrats) has called the event “heart breaking”. He says “I have no doubt in my mind that it’s the student vote that has made the difference”. He protests his innocence in the raised tuition fees matter but has said “people only looked at it as a party political issue”, and extends his congratulations to Plaid Cymru’s Mike Parker on his victory in Ceredigion.

Arfon

Alun Pugh (Labour) has acknowledged the very narrow loss for Labour to Plaid Cymru.

“I think we’ll do it next time” he says with a hint of optimism, “It looks like a very good night for Labour across the UK” he says, “I think we picked up on a lot of disaffected Liberal Democrat votes amongst the students”.

Montgomeryshire

The Conservative Party are expected to win the seat in Montgomeryshire.

3.45am

Montgomeryshire

James Buntley, the Acting Returning Officer for Montgomeryshire, has released the total votes for each candidate.

The Conservative Party has won by a landslide with a total of 15,208 votes. Their main competitors, the Liberal 
Democrats, stray behind with 12,602 votes.

Glyn Davies (Conservative) has been elected as the member of parliament for the constituency.

3.50am

Kirsty Williams AM, Leader of the Welsh Liberal Democrats, has spoken about the party’s situation.

“Clearly it’s a terrible result for the Liberal Democrats in Wales” she blames the coalition with the Conservatives for this result.

“I don’t think there will be much appetite for another coalition” with either Labour or Conservative, she says. “It’s time to lick our wounds and re-group as a party”

Montgomeryshire

Glyn Davies (Conservative), has spoken about his win in Montgomeryshire.

“We’ve lost a few seats but we’ve also kept a few seats with a larger majority” he says, “Across the UK we seem to be faring better. It’s going to be an interesting few days”

When asked about the threat from UKIP, who totalled 601 votes in Montgomeryshire, Davies said they “never really materialised after all the talk and bluster”.

Davies is “looking forward to representing Montgomeryshire over the next four years”.