Other News In Brief

Motorcyclist Dead Following Police Car Collision

A motorcyclist has died following a collision with a police vehicle in Carmarthenshire, Wales. The crash happened at around 11.35pm, and a 39-year-old man was pronounced dead at the scene, officers said. Dyfed Powys Police appealed for witnesses and said the Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) had been informed. An IPCC spokesman said: "I can confirm that Dyfed-Powys Police have notified us of the incident and we are considering it at the moment. Inspector Julian Bowen said: "Inquiries are ongoing to inform the next of kin."

Talks Postpone Redundancies At Vestas Plant

Interest from another Danish company has put the closure of the Vestas wind turbine plant at Campbeltown on hold. Jim Mather, the area's local MSP and Scotland's Enterprise Minister said talks with a potential new operator are in process. The talks have been taking place for a number of weeks. Mr Mather said this is a valuable opportunity to retain the highly-skilled workforce. Around 100 workers were due to lose their jobs in November however redundancy notices have been postponed for eight weeks.

Woman Arrested Over Motorway Pile-Up

A 19-year-old woman has been arrested on suspicion of dangerous driving following a motorway pile-up. A 33-year-old man has been seriously injured as the result of the nine-vehicle collision on the M27 in Hampshire. The accident occurred on the westbound carriageway between junction 5 at Eastleigh and junction 7 at Hedge End on Wednesday night. The road has since been reopened. Some vehicles overturned and a the 33-year-old was treated for serious head injuries at Southampton General Hospital. The arrested woman, from Locks Heath in Hampshire, remains in custody.

Director Of Communications At DCMS Announced

Jane Cooper, currently at the Department for Children, Schools and Families, has been appointed Director of Communications at the DCMS, Permanent Secretary Jonathan Stephens announced today. She will take up her post early in the new year. Ms Cooper, who has previously held senior communications positions in both the private and third sectors, said: "This is a brilliant time to be joining the DCMS - a Department which touches the lives of so many people in this country in so many different ways. With London 2012 less than four years away, an international spotlight is now on the UK. So much of our face to the world will be influenced by this department's interest in culture media and sport. I'm really looking forward to joining the team and helping to promote the very best of what this country has to offer."

(JM)