Postyn gôl yn cwympo ar fachgen

Gadawyd crys p?l droed ar y cae er cof am Casey Breese Ddydd Sadwrn

Mae bachgen 12 oed o Bowys wedi marw ar ol iddo gael ei fwrw gan byst gol tra yr oedd yn chwarae pel-droed.

Dywed yr heddlu fod Casey Breese yn chwarae pel-droed gyda bechgyn lleol ar gae chwarae yng Nghaersws ddydd Gwener pan gwympodd y pyst arno.

Dywedodd llefarydd ar ran Heddlu Dyfed-Powys fod y pyst gol yn cael eu harchwilio wedi "marwolaeth drist".

Ychwanegodd y llefarydd nad oedd amgylchiadau amheus ynglyn a'r farwolaeth.

Cymorth

Aeth hofrennydd ambiwlans awyr a Casey i Ysbyty Brenhinol Yr Amwythig lle bu farw o'i anafiadau.

"Mae'r plant oedd yn chwarae ar y cae ar y pryd wedi eu heffeithio gan y digwyddiad a bydd heddwas sydd wedi'i hyfforddi'n arbennig yn siarad gyda'u teuluoedd," meddai llefarydd yr heddlu.

Mae swyddog cyswllt yn rhoi cymorth i'r teuluoedd ac mae'r heddlu yn apelio am dystion i'r digwyddiad.

Dywedodd y Ditectif Arolygydd Ian Andrews fod yr heddlu yn cydweithio ag adran iechyd yr amgylchedd Cyngor Powys.

"Rydyn ni'n cydymdeimlo a'r teulu sydd wedi dioddef y colled arswydus yma."

Mae crwner Powys wedi ei hysbysu am y farwolaeth.

Cafodd gem gyfeillgar rhwng Clwb Pel-Droed Caersws a Chlwb Pel-Droed Caerfyrddin ei chanslo ddydd Sadwrn fel arwydd o barch.

Dywedodd is-gadeirydd Clwb Pel Droed Caerfyrddin, Robert Lloyd: "Cawsom gais yn hwyr yn y dydd ddoe wedi'r drychineb i ganslo'r gem.

"Yn naturiol fe gytunon ni ac yn estyn ein cydymdeimlad dwysaf i bawb sydd wedi'u heffeithio."

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Public toilet offer to community

31 July 2011 Last updated at 07:58 GMT The council will save ?79,000 by not running the 28 facilities All but five of Carmarthenshire's public toilets are again going to be offered to town and community councils as the county tries to save ?79,000.

Only those at Llansteffan, Ferryside, Pendine, Burry Port and Cenarth will remain under county council control.

Councils taking over any of the 28 other toilets will be given ?1,000 and not be charged business rates.

Ammanford's mayor said she sympathised with the county council but said going to the toilet was a basic need.

It is the second time that Carmartheshire has tried to hand over most of its public toilets.

"We first wrote to the town and community councils in September last year to ask if they would consider taking over the responsibility for public conveniences," said Coun Philip Hughes, executive board member for the environment.

Continue reading the main story Carrreg Cennen; Llansteffan Green; Kidwelly; Gorslas; Pendine Springwell; Ammanford Co-op car park; Ammanford park; Whitland; Tumble; Cross Hands; Drefach Felindre Parc Puw; Newcastle Emlyn; Talley; Pontyweli; Abergorlech; Llanybydder car park; Llanybydder (near Cross Hands Hotel); Llansaint; Glanaman; Alltwallis; Llanboidy; Brechfa; Cynwyl Elfed; Llanpumpsaint; Meinciau; Llanddowror Meidrim; and Pencader.

Source: Carmarthenshire council

"Of the 25, two were prepared to take over the responsibility providing we carried out some upgrading works or repairs, and a further five said they would consider it," he added.

Mr Hughes said that some of the councils had said they would consider taking over a toilet, but felt the payment being offered was too low, and they could not afford to pay the business rates.

"So we have decided to revise our offer and increase the one-off payment to ?1,000 and cover the cost of the business rates permanently," he said.

He said the decision to invite others to manage the toilets was taken because the council had no statutory obligation to provide the service.

"Unfortunately, in these difficult financial times, the cost of operating these facilities just isn't sustainable," he said.

Richard Workman, director of technical services with Carmarthenshire council, said there had been an "increasing trend" for local communities to take over a greater responsibility for services such as public toilets.

"This can lead to a better quality of service, as it can be matched with the needs and expectations of the local community," he said.

The decision does not affect what the county calls its nine "superloos", which users pay 20p to use, and which are managed on behalf of the council by an external company called Danfo.

Continue reading the main story Ammanford - Carregamman Car Park; Carmarthen - John Street Car Park; Carmarthen - St Peters Car Park; Laugharne - Adjacent to Castle; Llandeilo - Central Car Park; Llandovery - Castle Car Park; Llanelli - Town Hall - Waunlanyrafon; Llanelli - Bus Station - Island Place and St. Clears - Central Car Park

Source: Carmarthenshire Council

Two of the toilets being offered are in Ammanford, whose mayor Irena Hopkins said she appreciated the financial problems faced by the county council.

But she insisted that using the toilet was a "basic need".

"Some people find it very difficult, especially those who have a medical condition," she said.

"I know that you can go into shops, but some shops don't like you doing that.

"I'm not sure how they can overcome it, but this is a basic need for everybody, and I would have thought that (public toilets) would be the last thing to go," she said.

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Motorway tunnel opens after fire

29 July 2011 Last updated at 14:02 GMT The lorry was removed on Wednesday and overnight high-pressure cleaning was completed to allow works to begin

The Brynglas tunnel on the M4 motorway near Newport has fully reopened following a lorry fire on Tuesday.

But Transport Minister Carl Sargeant said there would be a 30mph speed limit as there was only partial lighting.

He said there had been work around the clock over the last 72 hours to clear debris and examine the tunnel on the westbound carriageway of the M4.

The lorry was removed on Wednesday and overnight high-pressure cleaning was completed to allow works to begin.

The Welsh Government said engineers spent Thursday carrying out a full structural, technical and safety inspection while a major clean-up operation continued.

The eastbound tunnel had been reopened on Tuesday afternoon with a contraflow system.

Continue reading the main story

Following the structural assessment that was concluded earlier this morning - and the considerable amount of work carried out on the tunnels over the last 72 hours - the westbound tunnel has now been reopened”

End Quote Carl Sargeant Transport Minister All damaged lighting in the tunnel was removed, and lighting in the eastern section was being cleaned, repaired and tested.

Mr Sargeant said: "Following the structural assessment that was concluded earlier this morning - and the considerable amount of work carried out on the tunnels over the last 72 hours - the westbound tunnel has now been reopened.

"This morning we have resurfaced sections of the tunnel, replaced white lining, replaced reflective studs and cleaned the tunnel bore and surfacing.

"The westbound tunnel will be opened with only partial lighting.

"It will therefore be opened under a 30mph speed restriction which will remain in place until we are able to carry out improvements to the tunnel over the coming weeks during a series of night time closures to minimise disruption to road users."

The minister said he wanted to express his appreciation "for the professionalism of the emergency services and the team, who have worked tirelessly to reopen the tunnel before the Friday rush-hour in addition to the patience and understanding of motorists".

He added: "The initial blaze was dealt with expediently, with the safety of motorists paramount.

The tunnel, described as the main artery into Wales, reopened fully to traffic on Friday afternoon

"The fact that there were no fatalities or injuries, even though the fire took place during rush hour, is a testament to the skill and dedication of the emergency professionals involved."

Described as the main artery into Wales, the tunnel was closed on Tuesday morning following the incident at about 0830 BST.

Despite the severity of the blaze, and the chaos that followed, the lorry driver escaped unhurt.

Firefighters spent most of the day tackling the blaze, and black smoke was seen billowing from the tunnel.

Drivers caught in the congestion reported taking up to an hour to travel a mile, with lengthy tailbacks spanning several junctions.

The incident has re-opened the debate on whether an M4 relief road is needed.

Speaking before the reopening, Rhodri-Gwynn Jones, director of the Civil Engineering Contractors Association Wales, said the heat from the blaze could have caused concrete to expand and crack.

Keith Jones, director of the Institution of Civil Engineers Wales, said the tunnel's steel roof, which was extensively damaged, would be removed so workers could get to the concrete lining underneath.

The cost of repairing the 44-year-old tunnel "could run from tens of thousands of pounds to millions, depending on extent of the damage", but would be covered by insurance, he said.

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Labour Rhondda veteran is mourned

28 July 2011 Last updated at 15:18 GMT Ken Hopkins, filmed by the BBC in 1996 Tributes have been paid to a Welsh Labour party stalwart.

Former local education authority director Ken Hopkins was a life-long Labour member from the Rhondda who chaired the party in Wales.

He helped shape Labour's policy towards devolution before its landslide victory at the 1997 general election.

The father-of-one and grandfather, who leaves a widow Margaret, died after an illness on Saturday. He was 86.

Continue reading the main story

It is not just the Rhondda Labour Party or indeed the wider labour movement that will miss him but his friends, neighbours, former pupils and colleagues”

End Quote Chris Bryant Rhondda MP Caerphilly MP Wayne David said Mr Hopkins was a convert to devolution who - after Wales voted No at the referendum of 1979 - was instrumental in shaping Labour's policy that led to the creation of the Welsh assembly.

"He was quite key in taking the Labour Party from effectively an opositionalist position to devolution, because the grass-roots never really supported devolution in 1979, certainly in the valleys," he said.

He remained an ardent opponent of nationalism and was "absolutely horrified" when Plaid Cymru won his local seat at the first assembly elections of 1999, Mr David said.

'Fight back'

Rhondda Labour Party secretary Kevin Morgan, a pupil of Mr Hopkins's when he was headmaster of Ferndale Grammar School, said: "He was absolutely devastated, but what was typical of him was he was there for the Labour Party in good times and bad times, and when there were bad times he led the fight back."

He was twice secretary of Rhondda Labour Party and was Welsh Labour chairman in 1991/92. He served on the party's Welsh and UK policy forums.

After teaching he became director of education for Mid-Glamorgan.

Friends say he continued to take an interest in policy, publishing a pamphlet in 2006 calling for government action to boost Welsh-language education.

Rhondda AM Leighton Andrews, who regained the seat for Labour in 1999, remembered a "party man who worked hard behind the scenes", adding: "He was passionate about education and passionate about enabling more people to move into education."

Writing on the social networking website Face book, where well-wishers left tributes, Rhondda MP Chris Bryant, said the party had lost a "loyal and committed member".

"It is not just the Rhondda Labour Party or indeed the wider labour movement that will miss him but his friends, neighbours, former pupils and colleagues," he said.

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Cyrraedd y nod ariannol

Mae'r darged leol ar gyfer yr Eisteddfod eleni wedi pasio'r nod

Ar ddiwrnod cyntaf yr Eisteddfod yn Wrecsam a'r Fro fe gyhoeddwyd bod targed y gronfa leol wedi ei chyrraedd.

Dywedodd Aled Roberts, Cadeirydd Pwyllgor Gwaith yr Eisteddfod eleni, ei fod yn falch iawn eu bod wedi pasio'r targed o ?275,000.

Dros y penwythnos cyntaf mae'r Eisteddfod wedi cynnig dau docyn am bris un yn lleol.

Mae hwn yn ddatblygiad o'r cynllun yn 2010 ym Mlaenau Gwent o docyn am ddim i bobl leol yn bennaf ar y dydd Sul.

Yn ol Mr Roberts mae hi wedi bod yn amser eitha' anodd yn yr hinsawdd economaidd i gyrraedd y targed ariannol.

"Ond dwi'n falch o allu dweud ein bod wedi pasio targed y gronfa leol erbyn hyn," meddai.

"Mae hyn yn mynd i roi hwb ychwanegol i ni."

Dau am bris un

Yn ol Hywel Wyn Edwards, Trefnydd yr Eisteddfod, mae'r gronfa leol bore Sadwrn wedi cyrraedd ?281,000.

Ategodd Mr Roberts bod yr arian yn dal i ddod i mewn.

"Fyddwn ni ddim yn stopio tan y byddwn ni wedi cyrraedd y targed answyddogol wnaethon ni ei osod fel Pwyllgor Gwaith, oedd dipyn uwch na'r ?275,000.

"Mae'r gwaith yn parhau - awn ymlaen."

Dywedodd ei fod yn falch iawn o'r ardaloedd lleol sydd wedi bod yn gefnogol iawn a bod rhai ardaloedd wedi bod yn llwyddiannus iawn, fel Dyffryn Ceiriog sydd dros 180% o'u targed ond bod ardaloedd mwy Seisnig wedi cyrraedd y nod.

Cafodd tua 16,000 o daflenni eu dosbarthu yn rhoi manylion am y cynllun dau docyn am bris un.

"Mae'r ymateb wedi bod yn dda iawn yn lleol ac yn un cadarnhaol iawn," yn ol Gwenllian Carr, Pennaeth Cyfathrebu'r Eisteddfod.

"Drwy hybu'r penwythnos cyntaf fel un teuluol a chysylltu efo pob disgybl yn yr ysgol gynradd, mae'n rhoi hwb i'r ymwelwyr."

Roedd hwn yn gynllyn arbennig ar gyfer ardal bwrdeistref Wrecsam.

Cyfieithu

Ategodd Mr Roberts bod y cynllun yn rhoi hwb i bobl leol di-Gymraeg ymweld a phrofi'r Eisteddfod am y tro cyntaf.

"Yn ystod yr wythnos dwi'n gobeithio y gallwn ni fel Cymry'r ardal fwynhau.

"Ond yr hyn sy'n braf ydi gweld cynifer o'r di-Gymraeg yn cefnogi ar y Maes.

"Cafodd y nifer mwya o declynnau cyfieithu eu defnyddio yn y cyngerdd agoriadol nos Wener.

"Dyna oedden ni eisiau yn yr ardal yma, yn hytrach na dim ond gweld yr un hen wynebau, bod 'na bobl newydd yn gweld yr arlwy sydd ar gael yma.

"Dwi'n teimlo'n ffyddiog ein bod yn mynd i gael Eisteddfod lwyddiannus iawn."

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Six care home staff suspended

29 July 2011 Last updated at 14:39 GMT Serious failings were found at the Cerrig Camu care home Six staff have been suspended at a Gwynedd home which cares for adults with learning difficulties after a report criticised it for "a significant number of failings".

Inspectors visiting after a complaint found smelly rooms and a poor standard of care at Cerrig Camu in Dolgellau.

The Care and Social Services Inspectorate Wales (CSSIW) has now told the home to make urgent improvements.

The home owners said it took client welfare extremely seriously.

The home caters for 24 adults in four buildings on the 11-acre estate. They are cared for by 57 staff.

Inspectors who visited in June found the bathrooms and toilets were in a poor state of repair, institutional in appearance and two bedrooms stank of urine.

'Appropriate intervention'

Continue reading the main story

A strong smell of disinfectant pervaded all communal areas making it uncomfortable to spend any time in these areas, particularly the corridors”

End Quote Jacqueline Hughes CSSIW report author They also reported that medication was not being given at prescribed times or recorded correctly, and found little evidence of "appropriate levels of staff training and competence in this area".

Poor morale among staff, lack of communication between individual staff and teams at all levels were also noted.

As for mealtimes at the home, inspectors observed the quality of the food to be "poor with little consideration for the identified health and medical needs" of the residents.

In the CSSIW report, its author Jacqueline Hughes said regular visits had been made to the home and reports prepared.

But the report added that many failings identified "have not triggered appropriate intervention from the responsible individual or the directors of the company".

Ms Hughes wroted that the service provided "does not provide an acceptable level of care or a comfortable, safe environment".

Smell of disinfectant

Continue reading the main story

The findings of that independent report have led us to take immediate action and suspended six of our care staff at Cerrig Camu, pending further enquiries”

End Quote Statement Regard Partnership Ltd One resident reported in October 2010 that he could not sleep properly because there were no curtains or blinds at his bedroom window.

But his concerns were ignored by staff and the resident "covered the windows in black plastic sacks and adhesive tape".

"Sitting areas have minimal furnishing and are clinical and institutional. Broken doors and windows were boarded up," Ms Hughes wrote.

"A strong smell of disinfectant pervaded all communal areas making it uncomfortable to spend any time in these areas, particularly the corridors."

'Immediate action'

CSSIW said it inspected the home after receiving an anonymous telephone call.

A spokesman for Gwynedd Council confirmed the authority and officers from CSSIW "are working together in accordance with national guidelines for the safeguarding of vulnerable adults".

Surrey-based Regard Partnership Ltd said it took client welfare extremely seriously and had procedures in place "to ensure that should a problem arise we are able to deal with it quickly".

It added that it has a "strict whistle blowing police that allows staff or clients to immediately and confidentially inform the management team of any problems that may be affecting them".

The company said it had requested an independent quality assessment of "client procedures" in response to a "concerned member of our staff".

"The findings of that independent report have led us to take immediate action and suspended six of our care staff at Cerrig Camu, pending further enquiries," it added.

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Wrexham supporters' plea for calm

30 July 2011 Last updated at 14:03 GMT Wrexham Supporters' Trust want the club run as a community venture Wrexham Supporters' Trust (WST) has called for calm over cash-strapped Wrexham FC's future.

Around 115 staff at the club, including the players, have not been paid and two pre-season friendlies were called off.

Owners Geoff Moss and Ian Roberts put the club up for sale in May and say they have no more money while Mr Moss said he has received death threats.

WST said it "appreciated" the emotions and passions that have raised in the "rollercoaster week".

In a statement on its website, WST said: "This is a time for responsible and calm behaviour by all parties and all fans.

"The trust board is engaged in serious efforts to help our club survive and needs to be allowed to get on with the job professionally and without distractions.

"The trust board does not support, encourage or condone behaviour that brings into disrepute the wider fan base or those associated with Wrexham or football in the area.

"There is no justification for illegal and harassing activity by anyone and neither the Trust board nor the membership will be associated with such behaviour."

Wrexham Village, the holding company which owns Wrexham FC, also owns the Racecourse ground and the club's training facility.

Discussions Glyndwr University is discussing plans which could see it buy into the Racecourse with the WST buying the football club.

The Football Conference is seeking urgent assurances that Wrexham will be able to complete its fixtures in the coming season.

Wrexham's 2011/12 Blue Square Bet Premier campaign is due to get underway at the Racecourse against Cambridge on Saturday, 13 August.

The club's pre-season friendlies at Colwyn Bay on Thursday night and at Vauxhall Motors on Saturday have been cancelled.

The supporters' trust said it was confident it could complete a deal to take over the club.

Meanwhile, it has given its backing to the Wrexham Supporters' Federation which is appealing for fans to help pay the players' wages.

"The week ahead is undoubtedly a big one but the possibility of Glyndwr University buying the Racecourse and Colliers Park to enable the owners to clear the debt, pay players' wages and sell the club to the Trust is very much still alive," the WST statement added.

The Board is confident that if that agreement goes through there will be a workable lease arrangement to develop a unique partnership between the university and Wrexham football club, one that is genuinely committed to the community of Wrexham and north Wales.

"The trust will continue to provide timely updates and would ask members to rely on us for authoritative information, rather than gossip or speculation.

"As case in point Mr Moss has invited the Trust chief executive efficer to spend more time at the club working in preparation for a potential handover if the deal can be finalised."

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Cyclist killed in road incident

30 July 2011 Last updated at 15:12 GMT There is an appeal for witnesses to cyclists on the road between Pennal and Cwrt A cyclist has died after a late night road crash in Gwynedd.

The 41-year-old man was in collision with a dark-coloured car on the A493 at Pennal near the Powys border at 23:50 BST on Friday.

North Wales Police have appealed for witnesses who saw two cyclists on the Pennal to Cwrt road beforehand.

The man who died was from the south of England. He will not be named until next of kin have been informed.

A section of the the road was closed while investigations took place but reopened on Saturday morning.

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Powell and Thomas back with Wales

Venue: TwickenhamDate: Saturday, 6 AugustKick-off: 1430 BSTCoverage: Live commentary on BBC Sport website, BBC Radio Wales and BBC Radio Cymru; highlights on BBC Sport website and on BBC Three (Saturday 1900-2000 BST) and on BBC Two (Sunday 1100-1200 BST) Jonathan Thomas and Andy Powell are two experienced Wales back-row players Andy Powell and Jonathan Thomas have been included in a 39-man Wales squad to face England at Twickenham on Saturday, 6 August.

The back-rowers were discarded from the party of 35 players who recently travelled to Poland for the second of two intensive training camps.

Blues prop Scott Andrews and Scarlets hooker Ken Owens, who also missed the trip to Spala, return as well.

Dwayne Peel is again unavailable, but could join the squad on 4 August.

The Sale Sharks scrum-half has been unable to join up with the rest of the players because English clubs have refused to release any Welsh player outside the designated International Rugby Board window.

But IRB rules state that all players must be released for national squad training and matches "at least 35 days before" the opening match of the 2011 World Cup.

English players have been released to the England squad under the terms of the agreement between the clubs and the Rugby Football Union.

The Welsh regions have a similar agreement with the Welsh Rugby Union.

Of the 35 players who trained at an Olympic facility in Poland for 10 days, only Scarlets flanker Rob McCusker will be unavaible for selcetion to face England. McCusker is struggling with a back problem.

Coach Warren Gatland will name the side on Thursday, 4 August for the first of three warm-up matches.

"The team to face England at Twickenham will be selected from this training squad," said Gatland.

"We have established a nucleus of players who will form our RWC squad based on their performances in training over recent weeks, but it is now time to translate those efforts onto the field.

"The players have worked hard, but places in that final World Cup squad are still very much up for grabs and a lot will depend on what we see over the course of these next three games."

After facing England at Twickenham, Wales will welcome Martin Johnson's side to the Millennium Stadium on 13 August, before ending their warm-up schedule by hosting Argentina in Cardiff seven days later.

"We have not shied away from facing the top quality opposition in preparation for this World Cup and it doesn't come much tougher than facing the 2003 World Cup winners and 2007 finalists on their home patch," added Gatland.

"The warm-up fixtures will be tough, but we are in a really tough group at the World Cup and replicating those conditions can, ultimately, only be of benefit to us."

Gatland must name his 30-man squad for September's World Cup in New Zealand by 22 August.

Wales open their campaign against defending champions South Africa on 11 September. The tournament begins with hosts New Zealand facing Tonga two days earlier.

Wales squad to face England on Saturday, 6 August (kick-off: 1430 BST):

Forwards: Scott Andrews, Gethin Jenkins (Blues), Lloyd Burns (Dragons), Huw Bennett, Ryan Bevington, Adam Jones, Paul James (Ospreys), Ken Owens, Matthew Rees (Scarlets), Craig Mitchell (Exeter Chiefs), Bradley Davies, Sam Warburton, Martyn Williams (Blues), Luke Charteris, Danny Lydiate, Toby Faletau (Dragons), Ryan Jones, Alun Wyn Jones, Jonathan Thomas, Justin Tipuric (Ospreys), Josh Turnbull, (Scarlets), Gareth Delve (Melbourne Rebels), Andy Powell (Sale Sharks)

Backs: Michael Phillips (Bayonne), Lloyd Williams (Blues), Tavis Knoyle (Scarlets), Jamie Roberts (Blues), James Hook (Perpignan) Jonathan Davies, Stephen Jones, Rhys Priestland, Scott Williams (Scarlets) Gavin Henson (unattached), Leigh Halfpenny (Blues), Lee Byrne (Clermont Auvergne), Aled Brew (Dragons), Shane Williams (Ospreys), George North, Morgan Stoddart (Scarlets).

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'Toughened' Wales pleases Gatland

Venue: TwickenhamDate: Saturday, 6 AugustKick-off: 1430 BSTCoverage: Live commentary on BBC Sport website, BBC Radio Wales and BBC Radio Cymru; highlights on BBC Sport website and on BBC Three (Saturday 1900-2000 BST) and on BBC Two (Sunday 1100-1200 BST) Gatland says Wales will be "fitter than ever" for the World Cup in New Zealand Improved mental toughness and fitness will ensure Wales will compete against the best teams at the 2011 World Cup, according to coach Warren Gatland.

As they gear up for the tournament, which starts in September, the Wales squad has attended two separate intensive training camps in Poland.

And Gatland believes the hard work will prove vital in New Zealand.

"It was tough physically, it was tough mentally and the players were pushed hard," Gatland told BBC Wales Sport.

"They responded extremely well. It was about building that mental toughness - something we've been criticised for [not posessing].

"We know we've got good footballers and they're in pretty good shape physically.

"But sometimes it's that mental edge that has cost us games in the past when we haven't quite switched on or had a little lapse in concentration or haven't quite nailed a critical moment in a game and it's been incredibly costly."

Gatland is a firm believer in the benefits of using the training facility in the remote village of Spala in Poland, having trained there while coach of Ireland and London Wasps.

The centre, which opened in 2000 and is used by many of Poland's Olympic athletes, has become synonymous with cryotherapy - the use of extreme low temperatures to accelerate recovery time and injury rehabilitation.

It's main purpose for Wales, said Gatland, was to allow him to cram as much training as possible into a short period of time.

"We were able to do more sessions with more intensity than we would have been able to do back here in Wales or at some other venue," said 47-year-old Gatland.

"It was tough physically, it was tough mentally and the players were pushed hard. They responded extremely well.

"It was nice to feel you were a club side and having a pre-season preparing for the start of the season."

The Wales squad have grown accustomed to the plush surroundings of a four-star hotel near their training base on the outskirts of Cardiff.

Their perceived pampered lifestyle has prompted groans of disapproval, especially from some past internationals, when results on the pitch have been poor.

But Gatland, who has been forced to deal with a spate of off-field controversies involving some squad members, says the players showed a faultless attitude and appetite for hard work.

"People might think we went to some flash resort, but it's definitely not like that at all," said the New Zealander, who is under contract until the 2015 World Cup.

Justin Tipuric's work ethic in training has caught Gatland's eye

"It's very basic in terms of the accommodation - one-star hotel stuff, but the facilities are excellent. Spala is in the middle of nowhere so there were no temptations.

"In fairness to the players, they called both camps to be dry so there was no drinking. We didn't go out and have a drink at all.

"The whole focus was rugby and just concentrating on that and preparing for the World Cup."

Gatland was also keen to stress the amount of skill work undertaken in Poland, and named Cardiff Blues scrum-half Lloyd Williams and Ospreys flanker Justin Tipuric as two of the younger squad members to impress by showing "no inhibitions" and pushing some of the established faces.

The focus now turns to putting the theory into practice as Wales prepare for three warm-up games - home and away against England on 6 and 13 August, followed by Argentina's visit to Cardiff a week later.

Four years ago, Gatland's predecessor, Gareth Jenkins, saw his World Cup plans dismantle when his under-strength side crashed to a record 62-5 humiliation against England in their first warm-up match.

Jenkins' reign ended less than two months later when defeat by Fiji ended hopes of reaching the quarter-finals.

"If you went and spoke to Gareth Jenkins he would say if he had his opportunity again he wouldn't pick the same side [against England]," added Gatland.

"We need to go up to Twickenham with a strong side. We need to give a good performance and build on that and get some confidence out of that first match."

Listen to more from Warren Gatland on BBC Radio Wales' The Back Page

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Tracking back

30 July 2011 Last updated at 08:10 GMT Diesel engines began to replace steam enginese in the 1960s A railway line aims to recreate sights and sounds of the 1960s using more than just trains this weekend.

Organisers at Llangollen Railway hope to step back in time with period costumes, music, and nearly 100 vehicles such as the iconic Mini and "less successful" Hillman Imp.

Visitors will also be asked to come in fancy dress.

The railway is currently trying to raise cash to extend the line 1.5 miles (2.4km) to Corwen.

"The 60s was a time of great change, including for the railways - with steam engines being scrapped and replaced with diesels and railcars," said event organiser Tez Pickthall.

"So, we're running a mixture of all those things on the railway and trying to make the usually sparkling steam engine 'Foxcite Manor' look dirty and uncared for by using special paint - just like they were in the 60s as they were run down for sale to the scrap man," he added.

There will also vintage buses operating a rail replacement service between Llangollen and Carrog to explain "how Dr Beeching closed the Dee Valley line in 1964".

Mr Pickthall said Llangollen Railway was currently trying to raise cash to match funding provided by the Welsh Government to help extend the line to Corwen.

"The atmosphere should be great," Mr Pickthall added.

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Fighting parents end play scheme

29 July 2011 Last updated at 13:58 GMT Tempers frayed over the first-come-first-served allocation of places A summer play scheme in Rhondda Cynon Taf has been cancelled after police were called in to separate parents fighting over limited places available for children.

Llantwit Fardre Community Council said it axed its plans after tempers flared on three days at Gwauncelyn Primary, Tonteg.

The council said the police were called when parents began fighting.

Councillor Graham Stacey said "there's no excuse" for the parents' behaviour.

The authority normally runs four schemes throughout the Llantwit Fardre, Tonteg, Church Village and Efail Isaf areas.

But they were reduced to just two this year, following a flood in one of the schools and changes to Welsh Government regulations regarding the sort of premises and number of staff needed to supervise the children.

On Monday, the first day of the scheme, between 140 and 160 parents queued for several hours to secure one of the 110 first-come-first-served places at Gwauncelyn Primary.

As it became obvious that not everyone was going to get in, tempers flared and violence broke out.

Similar scenes were repeated on Tuesday and Wednesday, although they were less severe as police were already on hand, anticipating difficulties.

'High tension'

In a letter to be sent out to all households in the area this week, Llantwit Fardre Community Council Leanne Handley said the risk of "further altercations between parents" left the council with "no alternative but to close down all play schemes with the last sessions being held on Friday 29 July."

She added that the "unusually high demand for places", particularly at Gwauncelyn, had caused "high tension and even fighting amongst the parents requiring a police presence".

Rhondda Cynon Taf councillor for Church Village Graham Stacey, who also serves on Llantwit Fardre Community Council, said cancellation of the remaining play schemes would mean that "a minority of parents will have ruined the holidays for everyone".

"First-come-first-served seemed the fairest system at the time, but in the light of what's happened, we'll have to go back and take a look at whether there's a safer way in which we can relaunch the play schemes," said Mr Stacey.

"It was always going to be difficult this summer, as we've had to juggle around with venues on a tighter budget, and haven't been able to offer as many places as normal, but that's no excuse for the behaviour which children and our employees have had to suffer."

One parent, who only wanted to be identified as Emma, told BBC Wales: "I saw the police hauling two parents off, but there were dozens abusing the staff as well as each other.

"There's a lot of people around here who seriously ought to be ashamed of themselves.

"When adults behave like that if they can't get their own way, then what hope is there for the kids?"

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Couple back 1,800 cow mega-dairy

29 July 2011 Last updated at 07:08 GMT The county council is to consider a retrospective planning bid for the dairy which houses 1,800 cows

A couple running a mega-dairy without planning permission in Carmarthenshire have defended the operation.

Some people living close to the two giant sheds at Cwrt Malle Farm near Carmarthen want them pulled down.

The county council is to consider a retrospective planning bid for the dairy which houses 1,800 cows.

Farmers Howell and Susan Richards defended their development on BBC One Wales' programme Welsh Mega-Dairies, which was broadcast on Thursday.

Mr and Mrs Richards rapidly expanded their business over a year ago without planning consent.

Their cows are milked 24-hours-a-day, seven days a week, and do not graze the grass surrounding the farm.

United States

Mr Richards argued it should be seen as a way to improving farming fortunes rather than turning the cows into little more than an industrial operation.

He said he was inspired by a mega-dairy he saw in the US where dairy herds numbering 30,000 were kept in sheds.

Continue reading the main story

We are now considering their impact on the community, the local road network and the local environment”

End Quote Eifion Bowen Carmarthenshire council "I learned more in a week out there than I probably learned in 10 years of farming here," he tells the programme.

But they may be forced to pull down their sheds if the planning decision does not go their way.

Carmarthenshire council's head of planning Eifion Bowen said the couple were warned they needed permission before the development was finished.

"We are now considering their impact on the community, the local road network and the local environment," he said.

Another farmer, in Welshpool, is contemplating following the Richards by increasing his own herd five-fold to 1,000, all housed in a high-tech dairy.

Fraser Jones's proposals for a three-storey milking parlour and sheds has attracted 833 comments - most in opposition.

Concerns

Critics cite concerns over an increase in lorries delivering feed and taking away milk, as well as the problems of disposing of slurry from so many cows in such a small space.

Campaign group Compassion in World Farming said there are animal welfare concerns surround mega-dairies.

Organic dairy farmer Allan Rogers says farmers can make a profit without mega-dairies

Chief executive Philip Lymbury claimed cows are pushed to their physical limits to produce more milk and keeping them permanently indoors makes them more likely to suffer serious health issues.

The programme also heard from Allan and Heather Rogers, who have an organic dairy farm at Chirk near Wrexham.

They argued their commitment to producing high-quality milk, which they sell direct to the customer, is making a profit while still giving their herd the chance to graze on pasture, and also a longer life.

Their 160 cows graze on grass from March to November and in winter feed predominately on forage crops such as oats and peas which the Rogers grow on their own land.

Mr Rogers said it does away with the need to buy in expensive processed feed supplements.

"Going for low input means the cost of production is also lower so we can gain a few more pence on each litre we produce," he said.

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Weever fish warning to beachgoers

29 July 2011 Last updated at 12:18 GMT Weever fish lie hidden in the sand Beachgoers in Pembrokeshire and Ceredigion are being warned about a rise in the number of people being stung by the venomous weever fish.

RNLI lifeguards said three people were stung in Tenby earlier this week and another was injured in Newgale, near Haverfordwest.

There have also been a rise in reports of weever fish on beaches at Llangrannog and New Quay in Ceredigion.

The fish have spines laced with venom and hide in the sand in shallow water.

The RNLI said the increase in injuries coincided with a rise in temperatures.

Phil Davies, RNLI lifeguard manager, said: "It's great to see people enjoying the Welsh beaches in this warm weather, but we would like to ask the public to be careful when walking in shallow water.

Continue reading the main story

Our advice to avoid being stung is to always wear some kind of footwear when walking in shallow water”

End Quote Phil Davies RNLI lifeguard manager "A weever fish sting can be particularly painful and they are very hard to spot since they're buried in the sand.

"Our advice to avoid being stung is to always wear some kind of footwear when walking in shallow water, whether it is a flip-flop or a jelly shoe."

People who are stung are advised to approach the RNLI's lifeguards, who are trained first aiders.

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Tonnes netted in cockle crackdown

29 July 2011 Last updated at 14:12 GMT The cockle beds are managed to allow a third of the crop to be harvested by licensed cocklers each year A clampdown on excessive cocklepicking on the Dee Estuary has netted eight tonnes of cockles.

Some of the 50 cocklers licensed to work the beds had the quantity of their harvest checked on Wednesday evening.

Environment Agency Wales said a number of offences were identified in the intelligence-led operation with North Wales Police and the Merseyside force.

Cocklers are allowed maximum daily catch of 300kg (660lb) to ensure only a third of the stock is taken each year.

The agency said licensees who break the rules would face enforcement action and risk losing their licences.

The sustainability-led cockle industry was set up in the estuary in 2008 and the beds are open for six months of the year.

Environment Agency Wales North Wales area manager David Edwell said: "Setting up this industry is a great success story - but we must make sure that it remains sustainable and is not threatened by some licensees who disregard the rules."

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Home nations learn World Cup draw

Watch the European section of the World Cup draw

England will face Montenegro, Ukraine, Poland, Moldova, and San Marino in Group H when they bid to qualify for the 2014 World Cup finals in Brazil.

Scotland and Wales were drawn together in Group A, and will play Croatia, Serbia, Belgium, and the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia.

Northern Ireland are up against Portugal, Russia, Israel, Azerbaijan and Luxembourg in Group F.

Only group winners are guaranteed a place at the tournament.

With 13 places available in Brazil for European teams, the eight-best second-placed teams will play-off against each other to go through.

Continue reading the main story

It is not an easy draw. You have to be really, really focused and play every game like a final - but that will be another manager's job

England manager Fabio Capello

The Republic of Ireland were drawn against Germany, Sweden, Austria, Faroe Islands and Kazakhstan in Group C, while France and world champions Spain are in a five-team group - the only European group without six teams - along with Belarus, Georgia and Finland.

"Three years is a long time and 2014 isn't now," said France coach Laurent Blanc. "Spain are currently the best team there is but we don't know if that will be the case in two or three years' time.

"You have to go up against the best if you want to achieve something at a World Cup."

In the qualifying process for the 2014 World Cup, 203 teams will play an eventual 824 matches across the globe.

The draws for the Africa, Asia, Oceania and the North, Central America and Caribbean regions also took place in Rio de Janeiro on Saturday, although no draw was made for South America as its nine teams qualify through a one-group championship.

The finals will take place between 12 June and 13 July, and a decision on whether to introduce goal-line technology will be taken at next March's meeting of the International FA Board, the game's lawmakers.

Continue reading the main story The total of 203 teams vying for one of 31 World Cup spots in Brazil surpasses the 200 who participated four years agoThe only associations not to have signed up to compete for 2014 qualification are Bhutan, Brunei Darussalam, Guam and MauritaniaFifa would not draw Azerbaijan and Armenia together, nor Russia and Georgia, because of political conflicts which they said could lead to fan violence during matchesGermany has been the most successful team in the last six World Cup qualifying campaigns, with only two losses in 74 matches

England manager Fabio Capello was present at the draw, although he is set to move on next summer after the conclusion of the European Championships.

Montenegro drew 0-0 with England at Wembley in October in their qualifier for Euro 2012 in Poland and Ukraine.

"It is not an easy draw," said Capello. "You have to be really, really focused and play every game like a final - but that will be another manager's job.

"We know Montenegro very well and we have to play against them again. Poland are improving and will be really focused and will be tough opponents. With Ukraine I remember the game we lost against them in the last match during the qualification for South Africa. Moldova are not so strong, and San Marino the same."

Wales manager Gary Speed said: "It's obviously a tough draw. It's a really tough group, but it could have been worse. There are no weak teams in the group. It's one of those groups where everyone can beat anyone."

Scotland boss Craig Levein admitted he had hoped to miss Speed's side in the draw, saying: "I would have rather avoided Wales because obviously it brings in that home international rivalry, which we probably could have done without.

"We have recent good experience of playing Wales, when we won against them over in Dublin recently, but also not so long ago we lost 3-0 to Wales, so it's a bit of a mixed bag."

Northern Ireland manager Nigel Worthington said of Group F: "It looks a reasonably tough group, but it could have been worse. There is a fair bit of travelling but you have to deal with that."

Find the 2014 World Cup preliminary draw in full here (external site).

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Breastfeed mums 'forced to quit'

29 July 2011 Last updated at 05:49 GMT Breast milk is best for feeding babies, say doctors Four-in-five new mothers in Wales feel forced to quit breastfeeding to get back to work, a survey claims.

Fewer than 20% said they felt they had the backing of their colleagues or bosses to continue breastfeeding, said health products firm Phillips Avent.

A GPs leader said firms should discuss the issue to see what facilities can be made available to working mothers.

The Welsh Government said it backed breastfeeding at work and in public.

The UK-wide survey of nearly 2,800 mothers found Wales was the fourth worst place in the UK for mums to breastfeed in public.

A total of 29% said they hid in public lavatories when they had to feed their baby in public.

More than two-thirds of those survey said they were "blatantly stared at" when they were breastfeeding in public.

Only 16% said they felt supported by colleagues and their employer to breastfeed at work.

Breastfeeding advisor Vicki Scott said it had "such positive effects for both baby and mum".

Not an option

She said: "Breastfeeding is something to be proud of and mums shouldn't hide away.

"Mums getting out there and doing it is the only way to shift attitudes again so that breastfeeding is seen as the norm that it is!"

Continue reading the main story

A lot of employers do try to accommodate them, but it's still not quite a tenable option for most people”

End Quote Siona Murray NCT Gwynedd and Conwy Siona Murray, a volunteer coordinator for around 150 households in Gwynedd and Conwy for the parenting charity National Childcare Trust (NCT), said mothers had told her that breastfeeding at work was not an option for them.

She said: "It's not something that they would be able to choose to do, no.

"The facilities would not be there. There's a general lack of awareness. They would not be able to express as they need to.

"The way the working day is structured, they would not be able to take the time out to express and still be able to do their job.

Doctors in Wales have long backed moves to encourage breastfeeding mothers.

Swansea GP Charlotte Jones, who sits on BMA Cymru's GPs committee, said she understood that it was difficult for all employers to facilitate a breastfeeding employee but would encourage them to do so.

Continue reading the main story

It is important that mothers are able to breastfeed their babies in a range of settings”

End Quote Spokesperson Welsh Government 'Support breastfeeding' "Breast milk continues to be the best for feeding babies. The alternative formulas are getting better and we support women in their choice for their baby," she said.

"We would encourage employers to work with their working mothers, where possible, either through providing a quiet room where they can express some milk or to have an open discussion with their employee."

The Welsh Government said 456 organisations, including primary schools, shops, cafes and leisure centres, had joined the Breastfeeding Welcome Scheme.

A spokesperson said: "If we are to achieve our aim of increasing the number of women who breastfeed, it is important that mothers are able to breastfeed their babies in a range of settings.

"We have issued guidance to employers to remind them of their legal obligation to provide support for breastfeeding mothers, and encourage them to draw up policies to support breastfeeding that includes breaks and privacy for expressing, fridge storage for expressed milk and flexible working hours."

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Campaigners hope to buy island

30 July 2011 Last updated at 11:16 GMT Sully Island lies about 450m from the Vale of Glamorgan coast and is reachable on foot only via a tidal causeway Campaigners hoping to buy an island just yards off the south Wales coast are holding a family fun day later.

The asking price for Sully Island off the Vale of Glamorgan coast was cut from ?1.25m to ?95,000 when it failed to find a buyer.

The Save Sully Island group aims to encourage 950 people to give ?100 each to buy the island and set up a trust to preserve free access to all.

Thursday is the deadline for sealed bids for the island to be submitted.

A former haven for a Norman pirate and Middle Ages smugglers, the uninhabited grass and gorse-covered tidal island is classified as a site of Special Scientific Interest by the Countryside Council for Wales.

Continue reading the main story

"We know we could raise the ?95,000 if we have the time - hopefully the vendor will extend the deadline for us”

End Quote Steve Shields Save Sully Island 'Untouched, unspoiled' Covering 14.5 acres (six hectares), Sully Island can only be reached via a causeway for six hours each day.

Sited about 400m from the mainland shore, it offers views to the west stretching up the Second Severn Crossing, and to the east people can see the hills of Devon.

The campaigners say if their bid is successful, they will leave it "untouched, unspoiled and open to everyone".

They were preparing to hold a gathering on the beach opposite the island on Saturday at 16:00 BST to raise awareness of the campaign.

Organiser Steve Shields said the "magical" nature of the island meant the campaign launched only three weeks ago had struck an emotional chord with the public.

He said: "People feel very strongly about it. People want to keep keep it free and safe - they have been enjoying it for generations."

Mr Shields said that in the event the campaign had not raised enough for the asking price by Thursday, the sealed bid would include a letter asking for an extension to the deadline.

'Phenomenal' interest

He said: "We know we could raise the ?95,000 if we have the time. Hopefully the vendor will extend the deadline for us to raise the funds."

Sully Island was first put up for sale in May 2009 for ?1.25m but failed to find a buyer.

It also failed to sell at auction last year with a ?150,000 guide price.

Cardiff estate agents Cooke and Arkwright said interest in the sale had been "phenomenal" since its price was dropped.

The firm has said the island was unlikely to gain planning permission to become a private residence but something to cater for the site's many visitors might be approved.

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Cyclist badly hurt in road crash

30 July 2011 Last updated at 09:11 GMT The incident caused delays on the A550 and A55 A cyclist was seriously injured in a road crash in Flintshire on Friday afternoon.

A VW Golf was in collision with the cyclist at 15:15 BST on Chester Road, Dobshill.

The A550 was closed in both directions and the incident caused serious traffic problems close to the junction with the A55.

North Wales Police are investigating.

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First solo show for artist at nearly 100

30 July 2011 Last updated at 15:41 GMT James Mills pictured with two of his paintings An artist is celebrating having his first solo exhibition of his work - at the age of 99.

James Mills, who will be 100 on 12 September, is having his oils and watercolours exhibited at a gymnastics club in Neath.

Among the works on display at Neath-Afan Gymnastics Club is a sketch from 1930.

Mr Mills, who still picks up his paint brush an hour or two a day, said his commisions now are "made to order".

"It has been a long held ambition of mine to have a solo exhibition of my work so I am delighted that I have finally been able to achieve it, he said.

He uses mediums including acrylic and watercolours, but says he prefers to paint in oil and watercolours.

After the death of his wife Violet, the former marine engineer moved to Cimla, Neath from Barry, Vale of Glamorgan in 2002 to be nearer to his son Roger and his family.

He only started painting at the age of 57.

As a resident of Barry, he joined the Baruc Art Society and the South Wales Art Society, through which he was able to develop his love of painting.

'Very sprightly'

Painting completed a few months ago of Mr Mills great-grand-daughter

He exhibited many paintings through these groups, winning prizes, including the Saunders Waterford Watercolour Painting competition in 1990.

A portrait of Prince Charles in 1980 was later bought by Barry Town Council to hang in the central library.

According to Mr Mills' grand-daughter Nicola Lewis, who arranged his solo exhibition, Prince Charles has seen the portrait and was extremely impressed.

Among the artist's other works are portraits of Welsh sports stars Jonathan Davies and Colin Jackson and actor Ruth Madoc.

Mrs Lewis said she was happy to arrange this exhibition for her "very sprightly" grandfather, who was still skipping at the age of 90.

"I had promised for a very long time that as soon as I had opened our long planned gymnastics centre I would give a weekend over to his exhibition.

"Finally that has come to fruition, so a very exciting time for us all."

They are now busy planning a "mega-party" for Mr Mills 100th birthday which will be combined with other family celebrations in six weeks time, she said.

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Protest church offered for £1,000

29 July 2011 Last updated at 10:56 GMT The Church in Wales offers to sell a Rhondda community its church for ?1,000

Campaigners fighting to save a church in Rhondda Cynon Taf have been offered the building for ?1,000, well below the ?25,000 market value.

Protesters have been staging a sit-in at All Saints Church in Maerdy, which needs ?400,000 of repairs, all month.

Archbishop of Wales Dr Barry Morgan said he was giving the protesters a chance to save the church.

Campaigners said they could raise ?1,000, but they disputed the repair costs, claiming they were ?100,000.

Dr Morgan said the Church in Wales could sell the building at that price provided it was kept as a place of worship.

The parochial church council (PCC), which is made up of elected members from the three local churches of Maerdy, Ferndale and Tylorstown, had voted to close All Saints.

The Maerdy branch abstained from the vote over the church's future.

'Great opportunity'

Continue reading the main story

I am giving the protesters in Maerdy exactly what they are asking for - a chance to save All Saints Church from closure”

End Quote Dr Barry Morgan Archbishop of Wales The PCC has refused to give the church a year's reprieve, and the archbishop has refused to overrule that decision because it had been taken by a democratically-elected body.

But on Friday the Church in Wales confirmed it was now offering the church for just ?1,000.

Dr Morgan said: "I am giving the protesters in Maerdy exactly what they are asking for - a chance to save All Saints Church from closure.

"They are confident they can raise enough money to restore and maintain it and now they will only have to find an extra ?1,000 to buy it.

"It's a great opportunity for them as the community would then own the building and the land and its future would be in their hands."

'Dry and wet rot'

Continue reading the main story

We can raise the ?1,000, but will need to start fundraising towards the repair costs.”

End Quote Sarah Morton Friends of All Saints The archbishop, who made the offer to sell the church at a PCC meeting in Tylorstown on 19 July, before accompanying protesters to All Saints, said it was "a sad situation" to see any church close.

The Church in Wales said the church was valued at ?25,000, and the ?1,000 it was asking would simply cover its costs in handling the sale.

However, Sarah Morton of the church campaigners Friends of All Saints said the repairs would only cost ?100,000.

She said: "We've had a survey carried out and the architect and surveyor who visited the church said there was nowhere near ?400,000 worth of repairs.

"They said ?100,000 would secure the roof and solve the dry and wet rot problems."

"We can raise the ?1,000, but will need to start fundraising towards the repair costs.

"We're appealing for donations from building firms and tradesmen who might be able to work for free or for a lower fee, and we'll have to come up with fundraising ideas."

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£5m for new sports facilities

31 July 2011 Last updated at 07:56 GMT The first phase created six 5-a-side floodlit football pitches More than ?5m is being spent improving facilities at three council-run leisure centres in Flintshire.

A new gym and pitches have been completed in a ?2.4m development at Deeside which includes an indoor extreme sports area still to be completed.

A 10-pin bowling alley is being built at Flint in a ?1.1m upgrade.

And a new fitness suite and dance studio will be opened in Buckley next year as part of a ?1m revamp.

The county council has entered into a partnership with a private firm, Alliance Leisure, to carry out the improvements.

Councillor Dennis Hutchinson, executive member for leisure and public protection at Flintshire council, said: "In these difficult financial times, when all the talk is of public sector budget cuts, partnering with a private sector company has allowed us to make facility and service improvements for the benefit of our community."

Continue reading the main story

... partnering with a private sector company has allowed us to make facility and service improvements...”

End Quote Dennis Hutchinson Councillor High ropes course He said their aim was to encourage more people to take part in regular sport and physical activity.

The work at Deeside leisure centre is being completed in phases.

The first phase created six 5-a-side floodlit football pitches.

The second phase being officially opened next month includes an 80-station fitness suite, two fitness studios, a toning studio and new changing rooms.

The final phase, due to be completed in January 2012, includes a day spa and an indoor extreme sporting arena with a high ropes course and skate park.

Work is to get under way soon at Flint leisure centre which will see a 10-pin bowling alley in the sports hall with an indoor bowling green on the floor above.

And from next January work is due to start at Buckley leisure centre, attached to Elfed high school, where work includes long awaited extra parking spaces as well as new facilities.

It is hoped upgrades will also be carried out at council leisure centres in Holywell and Mold.

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Social worker taken off register

29 July 2011 Last updated at 17:13 GMT A social worker has been removed from the Register of Social Care Workers after being found guilty of misconduct.

Luciana Protopopescu was found guilty of failing to take appropriate action to the protect the interests and wellbeing of a child in Cardiff.

That included not acting immediately in response to a referral made in relation to a child, and not following procedures for logging telephone calls.

Her former employer Cardiff council intends to make a statement on Monday.

'Poor professional judgement'

Ms Protopopescu's case was considered by a hearing of the Care Council for Wales Conduct Committee in Cardiff.

The failure to pass on concerns raised by a child's teacher had left the child exposed to unnecessary risk, the hearing found.

In reaching its decision the committee said: "The actions of the registrant demonstrated a lack of insight into her poor professional judgement about a child protection case and raised concerns about the risk of her making similar misjudgements in the future."

As a result of the decision Ms Protopopescu will no longer be able to call herself a social worker, or practice as a social worker.

The Care Council is the social care workforce regulator in Wales.

A spokesman for Cardiff Council said the authority will be issuing a statement about the ruling on Monday.

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Row over autism unit closure plan

29 July 2011 Last updated at 06:09 GMT Council officers say Westwood primary school has not succeeded

A psychology professor has accused council officers of presenting inaccurate information to justify closing a unit for autistic children.

Council officers say the Westwood Primary School in Buckley, Flintshire, has not succeeded.

But Prof Richard Hastings says Bangor University research proves the claims inaccurate.

Opponents of closing the unit accused council officials of "unfounded claims, flawed evidence and misinformation".

A report to members of Flintshire council's executive argues children at the Applied Behavioural Analysis (ABA) unit "often fail to generalise... skills they have learnt".

It says unnamed parents complained the unit "restricted the development of their child's independence skills" and left them with "increased dependency on adult support".

Parents supporting the unit say that is not true and have been backed by Prof Hastings who previously oversaw the Westwood ABA unit.

He said the Flintshire report "suggested that some of the skills had not been developed as hoped, that those skills the children had were not generalised - they'd not been able to do the same things in other situations.

"Whereas, because we had that relationship with them that was to collect research data, collect outcome data, we know that that's not quite the case.

"That information is available and clearly shows that children actually did very well."

Bev Mathias says the threatened-unit has helped her son Elliot communicate 'Progress'

The most recent report by schools inspectors Estyn in 2006 described the unit as "excellent".

It added: "Individual targets are set and excellent pupil progress is observed."

Beverley Mathias, of Caergwrle, said her five-year-old autistic son Elliot had received invaluable help at the unit.

She said: "Before Elliot had ABA he very rarely made eye contact, he wasn't speaking - the way he'd communicate was by touching pictures, and that was kind of ad hoc, whether he'd do it or not.

"You can have a basic conversation with Elliot now. He follows instructions. He's much happier."

Eight-year-old Mollie Johnson recently left the unit, where she learned to communicate through sign language.

Her father Simon Johnson, of Wrexham, questioned Flintshire's argument that there is not sufficient demand to keep the unit open.

"We know from first hand experience they're not telling parents about the unit. Of course, if parents don't know about the unit they're not going to demand it," he said.

Conservative AM Mark Isherwood, who chairs the Welsh assembly's autism group, said: "I wouldn't like to suggest that officers have intentionally misled elected members, but certainly there are major questions to be asked about the evidence they appear to have presented to elected members."

A Flintshire council spokesman said the unit can provide support for 10 pupils but the number of children requiring ABA has reduced over the last few years.

He said: "Only two pupils are due to attend the unit for the next academic year.

"Wrexham and Flintshire councils are looking to utilise and develop other provisions and support to provide a broader programme for pupils with autistic spectrum disorder incorporating a range of interventions."

Councillors on Flintshire's executive will vote on the unit's future on 20 September.

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