Extra security at Nos Galan
THERE will be an increased police and security presence for the Nos Galan Road Races in Mountain Ash on New Year’s Eve following the suspected terror attack in Berlin.
THERE will be increased police and security presence for a South Wales event which could attract 10,000 spectators on New Year’s Eve – following the terror attack in Berlin.
The annual Nos Galan Road Races in Mountain Ash on December 31 are returning for their 58th year and Rhondda Cynon Taf (RCT) council, co-organiser of the event with the Nos Galan Committee, says it wants to reassure people that “additional” security measures will be in force this year.
It follows last week’s attack in Berlin when a lorry was driven into a Christmas market – killing 12 people and injuring 49 others – resulting in the UK terror threat being raised to ‘severe’.
RCT council, the Nos Galan Committee and South Wales Police have recently met to discuss arrangements for the 2016 event.
Oxford Street, the main road through Mountain Ash town centre, will be closed to vehicles as usual – and there will be increased security around the area.
Andrew Morgan, leader of RCT council, said: “With the recent events in Berlin the council and the police have agreed additional measures to safe guard the public.
“The event attracts more than 10,000 people to the town with more than 1,600 registered to take part in the races this year.
“Safety is as always of paramount concern and the council is working closely with the police to ensure additional security measures are in place.
“This will include increased police and secu- rity staffing along with increased physical barriers on roads approaching the town centre.
“We are looking forward to another fantastic night, with thousands of residents and visitors in the town to cheer on the runners and enjoy what is always a great fireworks display along with of course seeing the Mystery Run- ner enter the town to light the Nos Galan beacon.”
Each year’s event sees a Mystery Runner – a famous sports personality, whose identity is kept secret until the night – lay a wreath on the grave of legendary runner Guto Nythbran.
They then run to Mountain Ash carrying a flaming torch, supported by local athletes.