James Corfield tragedy prompts launch of safety group

The council has agreed to establish and co-ordinate an action group to improve the safety of young people attending the show in Builth Wells.

Emergency services, the Royal Welsh Agricultural Society (RWAS), venue organisers, volunteers and Powys County Council met this week to review event arrangements following the death of Montgomery farmer James Corfield last month.

Powys County Council's leader, Councillor Rosemarie Harris, said the council supported the establishment of a review group to examine issues such as lighting, fencing, transport, medical centres and street pastors or similar to reduce future risk.

"We are all desperately sorry for the family that this tragedy occurred and believe that, while many improvements have been made to the event and the safety of people attending over the years, we need to look at everything with fresh eyes," she said.

"It is important that we use our combined experience and knowledge to improve the safety of people moving between the four main venues – the showground, young people’s village, Penmaenau and the town itself during the week.

"The greatest challenge will be issues in and around Builth Wells town centre and I want a radical look at how we look after visitors to the town at the important event."

Mr Corfield's body was found in the River Wye in Builth Wells five days after he went missing.

The 19-year-old, who had been camping at the show, was last seen at around midnight on Monday, July 24.

His family raised the alarm on the Tuesday when he failed to meet them at the show.

Steve Hughson, RWAS chief executive, said: "The RWAS will continue to take an active role in all efforts to ensure that all events associated with the Royal Welsh are carefully planned in a way that maximises safety."