Jame Corfield: Royal Welsh Show safety talks following tragic death
A call to improve safety has been issued after the tragic death of a young farmer attending the Royal Welsh Show.
Royal Welsh Agricultural Society chief executive Steve Hughson has said discussions will take place over ways to improve safety at the Builth Wells event, but that the organisation cannot do it on its own.
Mr Hughson said a meeting has been arranged to discuss measures that can be taken after the death of 19-year-old James Corfield, of Montgomery.
He said: “There are a number of different events around the show, such as the YFC village where James was staying, and in Builth Wells town where he tragically went missing from.
“There are a number of difficult elements to this, and I have already called for a multi agency meeting to see how we can work together improve safety measures. I have heard talk of fencing along the river, but that is not for the Royal Welsh Show.
“We take our responsibilities very seriously but this is not something we can do on our own, we have to work with the police, the local authorities, the young people’s village and licensees in Builth Wells.”
James was found in the River Wye six days after he was last seen. Hundreds of volunteers had taken part in the efforts to try and find him.
Mr Hughson said the show had addressed safety measures after previous deaths at the event. He said: “Back in 2004 a young man died when he was hit by a car. I was in the police force at the time.
“As a result the Royal Welsh Show worked with other partners to increase safety measures with speed restrictions, lighting and extra pavements put in place near the young people’s village.
“Sadly another man staying in the young people’s village died when he went swimming in the river and drowned.
“Following that we worked with others to put in extra signage, fencing and throw lines on the river. Something must happen to improve safety and we must come together with all other bodies, we can’t just do it on our own.”
Montgomery’s cricket teams will holding a minute’s applause ahead of their matches this weekend to remember their former teammate.
