A rare pair of bank notes with a printing error have been sold for almost 10 times their original value after both notes were missing the portraits normally seen on the front.

The £5 and £10 notes were sold together on eBay for £149.42, attracting interest from collectors due to the unusual mistake.

Both notes feature a rare printing error where the main front design failed to print correctly. As a result, only the top section of the notes and the words "Bank of England" can be seen.

The mistake means that the portraits of King Charles III and Queen Elizabeth II, which should appear on the front of the notes, are completely missing.

The seller described the notes as being almost identical, with both showing similar printing faults, including errors on the silver security features.

The listing stated: “Please look carefully at the pictures and observe these error notes. Both notes show very similar printing errors and have matching faults on the silver areas. They are packaged in a glass airtight container for display and protection.”

A collector purchased the pair using the Buy It Now option for £149.42, with an additional £3.42 paid for postage.

The sale highlights how rare printing mistakes can significantly increase the value of bank notes, and may encourage people to check their own cash for similar errors.

Polymer £10 notes featuring Queen Elizabeth II and author Jane Austen first entered circulation in 2017.

Following the death of Queen Elizabeth II, Bank of England notes featuring King Charles III were officially introduced on June 5, 2024.

Bank notes showing Queen Elizabeth II remain legal tender and continue to circulate alongside the newer King Charles III notes.

Olivia Finch, from Bryn, was diagnosed with stage four neuroblastoma at just two years old. Her story inspired an outpouring of support, with communities rallying around her parents, Kelly and Nick, and fundraising efforts helping to pay for vital clinical trials.

Olivia first became seriously unwell in 2021, suffering from vomiting and difficulty walking for 40 days before her diagnosis.

In a heartbreaking tribute shared on Instagram, her family wrote:  

“Our beautiful, precious angel gained her wings Wednesday, peacefully at home, surrounded by love.”

They described Olivia as “pure sunshine”, adding:  

“In your six joyous years, you taught us more than most do in a lifetime… You fought the toughest battle but your courage, your spirit, and your fierce independence never wavered — even until the very end.”

The tribute ended with the words: “Forever loved. Forever missed. Forever six.”

Charity pays tribute

Morgan’s Army Charitable Foundation — set up by Natalie and Matthew Ridler after their son Morgan’s cancer diagnosis — also paid an emotional tribute. Morgan died in 2023, and the families had grown close while spending time on the same hospital ward.

The charity said the Gorseinon 10K race on Sunday, April 12 will be dedicated to Olivia’s memory.

In a statement, they said:  

“We are absolutely devastated to hear of Olivia gaining her wings this week… My heart aches for them all that they now must join our reality.”

They added that Olivia had always looked out for Morgan, saying they hoped the two children would now be reunited.

Olivia’s story has resonated deeply across Wales, with thousands following her journey and supporting her family through fundraising, messages and community events.

Her family say her strength, kindness and joy will never be forgotten.

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 The Trainer’s Key Point

Adam Spivey from Southend Dog Training says the classic line — “Do you want to go walkies?” — is basically a disaster switch.  

It spikes the dog’s excitement, which:

- Makes them harder to control  

- Causes overstimulation  

- Leads to pulling, barking, and reactivity  

- Sets the walk up to fail before it even starts  

The Fix: Silent, Calm Walk Prep

Spivey recommends a calmer, almost ritual-like approach:

- Call the dog quietly  

- Clip the lead on without hype  

- If they get overexcited, sit and wait 5 minutes  

- Only move forward when they’re calm  

- At the door, keep them behind you  

- If they rush out, close the door and reset  

- Do the entire walk prep in silence

The idea: you control the energy, not the dog.

Why It Works

A calm dog:

- Listens better  

- Reacts less  

- Walks with more focus  

- Is less likely to bark at everything that moves  

Owners in the comments back this up — especially those with working breeds like border collies who thrive on routine and calm cues.

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 Dogs Trust Adds Another Tip

To stop pulling, they recommend:

- Stop immediately when the lead tightens  

- Stay still and quiet  

- Only move again when the lead is slack  

- No jerking, no scolding  

- If needed, walk a few steps the opposite way to regain attention  

This teaches the dog that pulling gets them nowhere.

Swansea Council’s planning committee has approved plans from Stoford Properties Ltd to demolish empty industrial units at Penllergaer Business Park and replace them with a huge warehouse and multi‑level parking facilities.

The site sits just off the A48, close to junctions 46 and 47 of the M4.

What the development includes

The 11‑hectare scheme will feature:

- A 151m x 73m warehouse with rooftop solar panels  

- A double‑level van car park measuring 153m x 70m  

- A separate 221‑space car park  

- 899 van bays, HGV bays, 36 bike spaces and 28 motorcycle spaces  

- New trees planted to replace those removed (113 new trees in total)

The council expects the facility to operate 24 hours a day.

£1.3m in required contributions

As part of the planning approval, the developer must fund:

- £790,000 for improvements at M4 junction 47  

- £50,000 for bus stop upgrades  

- £40,000 for A48 crossing improvements  

- £25,000 to reduce the A48 speed limit from 50mph to 40mph  

- £16,000 for traffic regulation orders and signage  

- £390,593 for biodiversity improvements across three nearby grassland sites  

A planning report said these measures were essential to ensure the surrounding road network can “operate safely and effectively” once the centre opens.

Traffic concerns raised — but modelling deemed ‘robust’

The scheme attracted 24 objections, including from Penllergaer Community Council, with many residents worried about the impact on the already‑busy junction 47.

The council’s highways department initially recommended refusal but changed its stance after receiving further modelling and agreeing mitigation measures.

A highways officer told councillors the modelling was “accurate and robust” and represented a worst‑case scenario. Traffic light timings at the junction will be reviewed once the centre is operational.

Jobs expected — but not everyone convinced

An agent for the developer said the site had been vacant for two years and the project would create “a significant number of jobs”.

However, some councillors remained uneasy. Cllr Philip Downing said the impact of HGVs queuing to join the roundabout “does not fill me with confidence”. He abstained from the vote.

The application was approved with nine votes in favour, one against, and one abstention.

A large distribution depot already operates around a mile away at Parc Felindre, north of the M4.

Summing up the case at Caernarfon Crown Court, Judge Timothy Petts said Williams had came to the attention of the authorities, for inciting a young girl to engage in a sexual activity, which led to restrictions being placed on his use of the Internet.

In June last year it was discovered he was using Snapchat, which was in breach of a social harm prevention order, phones were seized and he was released under investigation, but despite this he contacted a young girl on Snapchat. She told him her age, which was under 16.

But he sent her lewd and concerning messages, which left her "traumatised",

The court heard he had seven convictions for nine offences.

Willliams, 27, of Dinam Road, Caergeiliog, Holyhead, Anglesey admitted breaching a risk of sexual harm order and failing to comply with notification requirements of sex offenders register.

Acting for Williams, Elen Owen, has said Williams had entered early guilty pleas, had a troubled background and suffered with mental health issues and suggested he could be better dealt with by a community sentence with support to address his problems.

But Judge Timothy Petts disagreed and said only an immediate custodial sentence would be appropriate, saying he had a "troubling and concerning record of offending." He had also carried on using Snapchat, despite being "caught out".

A pre-sentence report also found he was a "high risk to children" and there was a likelihood of "seriously harmful offending" and there was no "realistic chance of rehabilitation" outside of prison, the judge said.

Judge Petts sentenced him to a total of two years eight months, with up to half in custody and the rest on licence. A sex offender notification requirement was reset to 10 years, with a 15 year restraining order from contacting the victim.

The attraction had been at the heart of Porthcawl for 100 years, with families "gutted" that their children wouldn't be able to grow up going to the fair as they had done when they were youngsters. Its closure came after the Welsh Government purchased parcels of land near Coney Beach for a mixed-use redevelopment in the area that is expected to feature a new housing estate, retail business facilities, a new primary school, and a number of recreational and leisure opportunities.

However, Bridgend council announced on Monday that Porthcawl was set to get another fair this year as part of the its plans to regenerate the waterfront area of the town.

Fun Land Porthcawl, operated by Studt's Events, is set to open within weeks at Salt Lake on the Eastern Promenade.

The council said the funfair will be set up in time for Easter and will remain in place throughout the summer season. Studt;s Events said Fun Land will be open daily from Saturday, March 28 to Sunday, April 12 and then will be open for weekends and school holidays "throughout the season".

Entry to the fair will be free, with rides operated by tokens which will be available to buy. As well as the funfair rides, Studt's said there will be free event days and "gigantic" fireworks displays.

"As a family-run business with a long heritage in the funfair and events industry, we have extensive experience in delivering both small community attractions and larger-scale events," said Henry Studt, of Studt's Events.

"We are genuinely delighted to be bringing a family funfair to Porthcawl and are looking forward to playing a positive part in the town’s seasonal offer for residents and visitors."

The council said Fun Land is designed to be "accessible and inclusive" and will be staffed by professional stewards. "With ample on-site parking, a secure fence will help ensure access is carefully managed, and arrangements are in place to help keep the fair clean and free of litter," the announcement from the council added.

Fun Lane will share the Salt Lake site with the NoFit State contemporary circus, which will also be in the town from April 11 to 19.

Cllr Neelo Farr, cabinet member for regeneration said: "This fantastic opportunity reinforces our commitment towards delivering high-quality leisure and cultural attractions for Porthcawl that can be enjoyed by both residents and tourists alike.

"We want to provide family-friendly activities that add to what Porthcawl already offers while also supporting local businesses by bringing more people into the town and county borough. I am pleased that the funfair will be inclusive and accessible for all visitors, and it is great to see how our plans for Porthcawl are starting to come together as part of the wider regeneration programme."

The Met Office said there will be a "notable shift" in weather conditions which will bring the risk of "wintry hazards" to Wales on Friday, March 13.

Temperatures look set to drop by 5°C compared to Thursday, with temperatures close to freezing expected overnight. 

Met Office weather maps show that areas across Wales could see snow flurries overnight on Friday and Saturday.

Jason Kelly, the chief operational meteorologist for the Met Office said: “A notable shift in wind direction to a north-westerly flow will bring a markedly colder day nationwide on Friday, with the potential for a mixture of sunny spells, heavy showers, coastal gales, and snow over high ground.

"There’s also the possibility of accumulations on lower hills too. The picture will become clearer closer to the time, so keep an eye on our forecast as the week progresses."

The Met Office forecast for Wales at the end of this week states: "Wet and windy on Thursday with gales possible for a time. Colder on Friday with blustery showers, occasionally wintry, especially in the north. Drier and less cold on Saturday."

Here are the Met Office weather maps which show where snow could fall in Wales:

Friday, March 13

The first snow flurries are forecast at midnight as we head into Friday. Many parts of Wales will see heavy rain overnight which could turn wintry in some places.

Snow could fall over hills in south Wales.

The wintry showers are expected to have eased by the morning, as temperatures slowly creep up but remain cold. Highs of around 7°C are forecast.

More snow flurries are forecast at midday, which again could affect parts of south Wales.

The Met Office said that accumulations of snow are possible across low hills.

Saturday, March 14

There will some more wintry showers overnight on Saturday, which will gradually move southwards before temperatures get warmer again over the weekend.

Merthyr Tydfil Crown Court heard how, in in early January 2026, three 11-year-old children were playing in Aberdare Park, Rhondda Cynon Taf, when they were approached by Jancouski. The 39-year-old then proceeded to assault the children.

One child was poked in the eye and hit on the head; a second child was punched causing him to lose a tooth; and the third child was punched in the nose.

Following an investigation, officers were able to link the assault to Jancouski by using CCTV from the scene which showed a tattoo on his hand.

Luke Jancouski, 39, of Trecynon, pleaded guilty to two counts of assault causing ABH and one further count of assault by beating at Merthyr Tydfil Crown Court on Thursday, March 5.

He was sentenced to one year and six months in prison.

PC Jade Barrett of South Wales Police said: "No child should ever be subjected to violence, especially in a place where they're meant to have fun and enjoy themselves. We are committed to keeping our community safe from these kinds of offenders and Jancouski is now rightfully behind bars for his abhorrent actions."

Gillett initially pleaded not guilty to sexually assaulting a woman last year following an incident that took place in a car in Bridgend on July 13. However, on January 6 he changed his plea to guilty.

As well as the sexual offence, Gillett was also convicted of two separate offences of stalking.

The 24-year-old from Bridgend was sentenced to two years and five months in prison after appearing at Cardiff Crown Court on Friday, February 20.

Following the hearing, Detective Constable Evan Thomas, from South Wales Police, said: “I would like to thank the victim for her strength and resilience throughout this investigation. Gillett’s actions have had an extremely significant impact on her, so I hope this sentence goes some way in helping her move onwards from his actions.

“If you are a victim of a sexual offence, please report it to police. We will always take your reports seriously and we are committed to holding offenders like Gillett to account."

He also endured flashbacks, anxiety, and brain fog. Ellis said he was driving down a muddy country road in November 2024 when another car drove on to the wrong side of the road, forcing him to swerve and causing his car to flip over, leaving him concussed.

A few days later, Ellis, whose first language is English but who had always been fluent in Welsh and attended Welsh-medium schools, said he suddenly struggled to speak Welsh.

This left him feeling isolated, as a third of his university course at Aberystwyth University is in Welsh and many of his peers spoke low-level English, making it hard to keep up with both his studies and social life. He believes the concussion triggered his language difficulties, and his low mood and daily nightmares and panic attacks made it even harder to concentrate.

Over time, as his mental health improved, so did his Welsh, and he can now speak the language at university again, and panic attacks typically occur only when he sees a car crash.

Ellis, who is from Cardiff, told PA Real Life: "I felt like a foreigner in a different country because I couldn't understand people around me, and not many people knew English so didn't understand me. I stayed in my room and I didn't go to lectures for four weeks after my language got worse, then I'd be surrounded by people in my flat that I couldn't understand.

"I went from being able to do university essays on human rights laws to not being able to build a Lego set." 

Ellis began studying at Aberystwyth University in autumn 2024, and after a few months he was "starting to settle in". That was until November, when his day-to-day life "completely changed".

One morning he was driving his 2013 Ford KA to a friend's house down a country road about five miles outside Aberystwyth. After a storm the previous night, he was being especially careful because of the amount of mud on the roads.

But, he said, a car came around a corner and drove on to his side of the road and he had to "choose between" being hit by the oncoming 4×4 or swerving, so he swerved. He recalled losing control on mud and spinning several times, before hitting a bank.

He said the car then flipped over three times before it was finally stopped by a fence post going into the car's wheel arch, "wedging" his car into the ground.

"In the moment, I remember it spinning and thinking 'Crap, this is out of my control' – there was nothing I could do," Ellis said. "I was shouting and shouting but there wasn't a house for two miles either way."

Ellis then "went into survival mode" with "so much adrenaline" – he said he climbed out of the car through a window and began searching for his phone.

After 20 minutes he found it in a field next to the lane, rang the police and used what3words – a geocoding system that divides the world into 57 trillion 3m by 3m squares, assigning each a unique, fixed three-word address – to give them his location, which was listed as "///passion.cobras.toasters".

He said: "It completely saved my life – I was in the middle of nowhere, and without it, I'd be walking about two miles before I found a road sign, let alone a house. It was an absolute godsend – I would urge any driving instructor to instruct your pupils to download it, any parents, and just everyone to get it."

Police arrived to secure the road and check Ellis over. He only had a cut on the back of his head from a piece of glass, but went to Bronglais Hospital the same day to be checked.

He had CT and MRI scans, and tests on his heart, blood and bones, and was "surrounded" by nine specialists while he was "poked and prodded".

He said: "I don't think I had a single thought in my head, I was just in shock – the only thing I remember saying is that I didn't want my little sister seeing me with all the machines around me. I felt guilty that my family was so worried too.

"I only moved to university two months before, I hadn't even been to all the pubs yet, and I was already in hospital." He was diagnosed with a concussion and, about 24 hours later, "once the adrenaline wore off" he "completely mentally crashed".

He said he had "brain fog" and could barely follow the instructions of a simple Lego set. A few days after the crash, he noticed he was also struggling to speak Welsh.

He believes this was because of the concussion, and his low mood made his ability to concentrate even harder. Ellis had been in Welsh-medium education since nursery and could speak the language fluently to university standard.

At university, one third of his course was in Welsh, including essays and lectures, and all of his friends and housemates spoke Welsh "constantly" to each other. Ellis added that he would speak Welsh around Aberystwyth, whether he was in a shop or "ordering a pint".

According to the 2021 Census, 17.8% of the population in Wales speak Welsh, and in Ceredigion, the county where Aberystwyth is located, 45.3% speak Welsh.

Ellis said: "I was just sat there and didn't write a thing during the entire lecture – I couldn't comprehend any of it. I tried emailing my lecturer in Welsh but I couldn't get the words together, couldn't do the formalities and the grammar or even the most basic Wenglish, which is slang Welsh.

"A lot of my mates at university only speak Welsh, it was their first language and their English is poor so I suddenly couldn't have conversations with my friends."

Since the crash, Ellis had been suffering from low mood, anxiety and flashbacks. He was not formally diagnosed, but also believes he was experiencing PTSD.

Despite this, he was given a replacement car and decided to take it on short journeys to "feel in control", despite his family being "so worried". He said: "My general mood was terrible – I was a right miserable sod.

"I wouldn't smile, I was riddled with anxiety, permanently exhausted. I wasn't sleeping properly – it would take me hours to get to sleep, and even then, I would be up every half an hour.

"I'd have panic attacks before bed every single night, my whole body would shake and my neck and knees would jerk and I'd be physically in pain."

In December 2024, he tried taking antidepressants but felt they numbed his emotions and did not work well for him. He found that going to a piece of land, in the fresh air, shouting and chopping wood "genuinely helped".

By June 2025, he noticed a significant improvement in both his mood and his language skills. Ellis believes that as his mental health improved, his ability to concentrate increased, which in turn helped his language skills recover.

He achieved a third in some modules at university, but was reassured that this would not affect his final grade "too much". His flashbacks reduced to about once a week, or when he saw anything related to a car crash.

Now, he said, his Welsh has "gone back to normal" and he only has panic attacks when driving past another car crash.

He thinks his comprehension is still "a little slow" and that he struggles with reading instructions. Looking back on his experiences, he said: "It made me think a lot about my priorities – so going home and spending time with family and going out with mates instead of focusing so much on work."

For support, visit: www.nhs.uk/nhs-services/mental-health-services.

Some trees could also be removed entirely. Cardiff Council said ash dieback, a disease which affects ash trees, is known to be present in the area.

"If dead or dying trees are identified following vegetation clearance work, then these will be removed to help limit the spread of the disease to other trees and ensure public safety," it said. 

The work is part of a plan developed for the ancient semi-natural woodland at Blackweir and aims to enhance biodiversity in the woodland, improve its structure, manage ash dieback to ensure public safety, and maintain the features of the historic park.

Cardiff Council cabinet member for parks, Cllr Jennifer Burke, said that woodland management processes can look "alarming" but said they "are tried and tested methods, used in woodlands across Cardiff and the rest of the UK, to help create the diverse and thriving habitats we all want to see."

The initial improvement works in Bute Park will focus on two sections of woodland – one area following the dock feeder canal south of the ambulance station, and a second area on the opposite side of the park, close to the River Taff.

The work will be funded using income from last summer’s Blackweir Live concerts and will be completed ahead of the bird-nesting season.

The work will include:

• cutting back areas of bramble
• invasive species management work – such as the removal of Rhododendron
• selective thinning and respacing of trees, if required
• coppicing, if required – this process involves cutting healthy trees back to ground level to encourage regeneration and regrowth over time. It does not kill the trees

The council said that the processes will help improve light levels at the forest floor, encourage ground flora and the shrub layer, improve water flow through the dock feeder canal, and increase overall biodiversity.

They will be followed by selective underplanting of native species. Underplanting is the planting of smaller trees under the existing tree canopy.

Cllr Burke, said: “Our new management plan for this important woodland aims to improve its overall health and will deliver real long-term benefits for nature.

“This is work we’ve wanted to be able to do at Blackweir woods for some time. Now, with the help of income generated through last summer’s Blackweir Live events, we can.

“To the untrained eye, woodland management processes such as vegetation clearance and coppicing can sometimes look alarming – but they are tried and tested methods, used in woodlands across Cardiff and the rest of the UK, to help create the diverse and thriving habitats we all want to see.”

Pontypridd Coroners' Court heard that Mr Trigg, who lived in the Rumney area of the city, had a past medical history that included substance addiction as well as mental health problems.

Area coroner Patricia Morgan said: "Mr Mathew Paul Trigg had a past medical history that included drug and alcohol addiction, anxiety and depression.

"He had been receiving support from addition services until late 2024 but had stopped engaging." 

On January 14, 2025, Mr Trigg was found dead a friend's property in Ferntree Drive in Trowbridge, Cardiff.

The inquest heard a post-mortem examination identified that he died as a result of ingesting toxic levels of heroin, cocaine, and pregabalin.

Pregabalin is a prescription drug which is used to treat epilepsy and anxiety. It can also be taken to treat nerve pain.

The court heard Mr Trigg was born in Newport but lived in Hendre Road in Rumney at the time of his death.

Ms Morgan recorded a conclusion of drug-related death. The medical causes of death were given as a combined toxicity of heroin, cocaine, and pregabalin as well as pneumonia.

Safety concerns have also emerged regarding elements of the two-year project, which is scheduled to begin this summer. Local people are have called for changes to the proposals that would allow the town's promenade to flood during storms, effectively functioning as a reservoir-like water storage area.

Cyngor Gwynedd is finalising designs for the new coastal defences along Barmouth's north promenade. Partial promenade collapsed in 2020-21 underscored the urgent need for upgrades to prevent potentially devastating flooding. 

Council consultants YGC dismissed the option of raising the primary wall and revetment along the seafront, as this this would create a "significant visual impact" on a town heavily dependent on tourism. The alternative approach focuses on raising a 1.2km-long secondary wall, positioned away from the seafront in front of residential areas.

The proposed concrete recurve wall will range in height from 1.55 to 1.7 metres (5.1ft-5.6ft). Local resident Kye Smith said he was shocked when he discovered this was the plan.

"Residents will feel like they are in a maximum security prison," he fumed. "The extreme height of this concrete wall will obstruct light and views. It will also invite anti-social behaviour such as graffiti and poor driving as it's so high no one can be seen behind it."

To prove his point, the 38-year-old construction worker propped up 1.7-metre planks next to the current stone wall. Taking photos, he then overlaid coloured blocks on the images to produce an "accurate" representation of the wall's visual impact.

It was at this point that he discovered the wall would appear even more imposing when seen from the promenade. Given that this sits 550mm further down the slope, he worked out a total height of 2.25 metres from the seafront perspective.

Kye described the proposed secondary wall as "unnecessary and impractical" – particularly since consultants claim the beach's new rock armour will "significantly reduce wave overtopping at the primary wave wall".

He continued: "It may be appropriate to consider improving the secondary wall with a more structural design supported by piles. However there is no clear justification for the proposed 1700mm height – or for introducing a wave-return curve that would detract from the character and visual appeal of the existing stone wall and the Wales Coast Path."

Not everyone is on board: some residents point out graffiti is not currently an issue in Barmouth and a higher flood defence wall will screen passing traffic. The initial plans featured a 10-metre wide rock revetment stretching along nearly the full length of the promenade north of Heol Idris.

Additional rock armour north of the prom was examined but subsequently dismissed as surplus to requirements. Further proposed works include:

• Groynes to be removed where possible, subject to environmental surveys.
• Primary wall to remain at the same height but with some localised modifications and repairs
• Central stone-faced wall (to delineate the prom from the seafront road) to be replaced with a similar height 0.4-metre concrete wall.
• Flood gates to replace stop logs across key openings, with goal to reduce the number of temporary defences.
• Introducing rock pods to enhance marine biodiversity.
• Improving public spaces with new seating, raised planters and better lighting.
• New art installations and cycling amenities.
• Traffic calming features with parking improvements and better access to the beach. These could include a new parking layout on Marine Parade and refurbishment of the northern car park.
• Designated locations for commercial activities such as food and drink trucks.

Maintaining the primary wall at its current height, to preserve seafront vistas, will inevitably result in increased overtopping as sea levels climb. YGC confirmed this is an integral element of the strategy.

"The promenade including the road (Marine Parade) will still flood and is part of the defence solution," YGC's specialists explained. "This area will be closed during a flood event.

"Allowing the promenade to flood balances the need for flood protection with maintaining the character of the town."

Rock armour fears

The proposed rock armour should reduce both the severity and regularity of promenade flooding. Yet Kye remains unconvinced, advocating for what he views as a superior alternative – one that's less obtrusive and "less dangerous".

To raise awareness of the scheme's ramifications and present alternative proposals, he established Facebook page Barmouth Flood Defence Scheme to voice community concerns. The page has already drawn nearly 600 members in a town of 2,500 residents that expands five-fold during the summer tourist season.

Whilst rock armour may be unattractive, its effectiveness is proven – it's currently employed in most coastal defence projects across North Wales. Nevertheless, Kye harbours concerns about its shortcomings.

"You are essentially putting an obstacle course akin to a climbing frame on the beach," he stated. "Barmouth is one of the busiest tourist towns in Gwynedd with many visitors coming from cities in England – one reason why they call this place Little Birmingham.

"After a long journey of two to three hours, the driver often drops off the rest of the family at the seafront before looking for somewhere to park. The kids are excited, they want to get on the sand and it's inevitable some will start clambering over the rock armour."

In addition to slips and falls, there have been instances of people getting stuck in rock armour. Kye refers to several examples from across Britain – but one incident closer to home stands out.

In April 2024, a young girl got trapped while playing on rock armour on Tywyn beach. As the tide was rising, a multi-agency rescue operation involving Coastguards, fire teams, paramedics and an air ambulance was initiated.

Heavy-lifting machinery was deployed and the girl was rescued after approximately three hours.

"People will do anything to get to the beach," Kye commented. "I can foresee similar incidents occurring in Barmouth that happened in Tywyn that day."

Artificial reef

Approximately 86,000 tonnes of rock will be required for the revetment. Transporting this material through the town's narrow roads would present a significant logistical challenge, necessitating roughly 20 round trips daily over a 10-month period, totalling 4,400 HGV journeys.

The project team is evaluating various transportation routes. Maritime delivery of the rocks is another possibility under consideration. This option has considerable advantages: just four barge trips carrying up to 25,000-tonne loads would suffice.

Should this latter approach be selected, Kye would prefer the rocks to be deposited at sea. He advocates for an offshore reef positioned at a 15 to 20-metre depth.

This is being explored as a long-term strategy for Barmouth's coastal defences, when certain parts of the resort may need to be surrendered to the ocean.

Currently, an artificial reef isn't being proposed: the objective remains to strengthen defences as much as feasible to postpone the future "managed realignment" of north Barmouth.

Rather than maintaining the existing hold-the-line strategy, Kye argued an artificial reef would provide superior protection by "advancing the line".

"It would not only support marine life, it would also act as a natural wave barrier at a safe distance," he said. "By the time the waves reach the shore, their energy will have been dispersed, greatly reducing their impact on the beach and sea defences."

Loss of sand

Kye believes that an offshore reef could offer a solution to the ongoing issue of sand loss from north Barmouth, which has led to significant voiding that severely damaged the promenade in 2020. Much of the sand drifts southwards, and each autumn, council diggers and trucks are tasked with retrieving it from the south beach.

The deterioration of beach groynes, coupled with the construction of a causeway to Ynys y Brawd at the mouth of the Mawddach estuary, is blamed by locals for these issues. The causeway was built as a response to numerous drownings in the fast-flowing channel between the beach and the island.

While it made Ynys y Brawd accessible to walkers, it also blocked the channel, which many believe led to the harbour silting up.

Kye suggests that this also hindered the northward drift of sediment, resulting in a sand-deprived north beach and, ultimately, the proposed flood defence upgrades we see today. He believes that maintaining and restoring the groynes could provide a partial solution.

He's aware that the planned rock revetment has been extended to a width of 18 metres, taking up more of the remaining beach. "It will claim around 21,600 square meters of usable soft sand beach space," he stated.

"Removal of the groynes would then allow what's left to move freely down south like it historically has done since the creation of the causeway to Ynys y Brawd.

"In an ideal world, and for the benefit of Barmouth, its residents, businesses and visitors, it would be more effective to create an artificial reef, reinstate the groynes and properly renourish the North Beach – something that has not been done for many years."

'Eight million litres of water'.

YGC has no plans to nourish – or extend – the beach. However there is little doubt that upgraded flood defences are needed. Current analysis shows much of the resort being flooded – in places more than two metres deep – in the event of a one in 200-year storm.

Beyond the threat to approximately 757 properties, crucial transport infrastructure including the Cambrian railway line could face inundation. YGC has stated that safeguarding property, businesses and infrastructure remains the primary objective when designing the proposed scheme.

Kye acknowledges the requirement for improved defences but disagrees on the methodology. Drainage along the primary wall provides another case in point.

Currently, drainage holes are positioned at five-metre intervals but possess only a 110mm diameter, which he argues is "insufficient". Furthermore, none feature non-return valves, permitting water to flow back inland.

"It's difficult to see how more than eight million litres of water could drain efficiently through such limited outlets," he said. "What's needed are larger drain-offs equipped with non-return valves."

Also on his agenda is a fire emergency plan, as navigating through the crowded streets of north Barmouth can be challenging. He's also seeking clarity regarding the proposed floodgates between properties and roads.

"We don't know how long they remain closed before and after a storm," he stated.

The project is set to commence this summer and conclude in summer 2028. Modifications to the design may be revealed during this period.

To minimise disruption to tourism and local residents, the 7am-7pm working hours will be halted during the school summer holidays.

The woman's lawyer, Brad Edwards from the US firm Edwards Henderson, told the BBC that after spending the night with Andrew, she says she was also given a tour of Buckingham Palace and tea.

"We're talking about at least one woman who was sent by Jeffrey Epstein over to Prince Andrew. And she even had, after a night with Prince Andrew, a tour of Buckingham Palace," the lawyer said. 

BBC News has asked Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor for comment, but so far he has not responded to these accusations. Andrew has previously vehemently denied any wrongdoing.

Buckingham Palace routinely records the names of tour guests but the BBC said it has not been possible to corroborate the woman's visit without revealing her identity.

The woman's account of spending the night at Andrew's home is the first time an Epstein survivor has alleged a sexual encounter occurred at a royal residence.

It comes as pictures appearing to show Andrew crouched over an unidentified woman were featured in the latest disclosure of files linked to Epstein.

The latest pictures, released in a document of 100 pages of photographs, also appear to show the former duke touching the woman’s abdomen. Another unidentified person’s feet are up on a table in the background.

Elsewhere in the document dump, screenshots and scans appear to show the former prince exchanged emails with Epstein about a “beautiful” Russian woman and invited him to Buckingham Palace

Mr Edwards represents more than 200 Epstein survivors worldwide, and represented Virginia Giuffre, who alleged that she was brought to London to have sex with the former prince in 2001 when she was 17.

Giuffre said she was forced to have sex with Andrew two more times between 2001 and 2002 - once in New York and once on Epstein's private Caribbean island.

The lawyer, who is based in Florida, also told the BBC that there were communications between his client and the former prince before the encounter where she says she spent the night with him.

Edwards said he had been in contact with "certain legal counsel" of the former prince in the United States, but said Andrew had "seemingly been disconnected from his lawyers".

Communications stopped after King Charles formally removed Andrew's "style, title and honours", he said.

Andrew was stripped of his royal titles in October last year. It was also announced that he would leave Royal Lodge on the Windsor estate, which had been his home since 2004.

A statement from Buckingham Palace read: "His Majesty has today initiated a formal process to remove the Style, Titles and Honours of Prince Andrew. Prince Andrew will now be known as Andrew Mountbatten Windsor.

"His lease on Royal Lodge has, to date, provided him with legal protection to continue in residence. Formal notice has now been served to surrender the lease and he will move to alternative private accommodation.

"These censures are deemed necessary, notwithstanding the fact that he continues to deny the allegations against him.

"Their Majesties wish to make clear that their thoughts and utmost sympathies have been, and will remain with, the victims and survivors of any and all forms of abuse."

The lawyer said he is now considering filing a civil lawsuit on the woman's behalf against the former prince.

They had planned to enjoy a carvery for lunch. Lynne explained she "politely" asked whether they could be seated at a table for two in a calmer section of the pub, away from a play area.

However, Lynne claims she was informed they would need to be turned away as staff "didn't think it would be suitable for her". 

The venue forms part of the Marston's group, which has since apologised to the family for the incident. They said the pub is "intended to be an inclusive and welcoming place for everyone" and would learn from what happened. They pledged to "reinforce guidance" to "ensure that every guest feels comfortable, supported and valued".

Lynne is determined to raise awareness about the incident to encourage venues to take inclusion more seriously.

Describing what happened, she said: "On Saturday, my autistic daughter and I were turned away from The Running Hare Restaurant and Pub after I politely asked if there was possibly a quieter (away from the play area) area available for a table of two.

"What followed was shocking. I was told - in front of my autistic daughter - that they were 'going to have to turn us away because they didn't think it would be suitable for her'.

"Not because of behaviour, not because of safety but because they decided that their venue was 'not suitable' at that time for my autistic child.

"The seating capacity is apparently 180, the place was virtually empty. That is not acceptable. That is not inclusive. And that is not how disabled people - or their families - should ever be treated."

The member of staff explained that two large groups were expected to arrive.

Lynne continued: "They couldn't guarantee it wouldn't be noisy after I explained my daughter's sensory issues but we were simply asking for two carveries and would have been in and out well within that time, I did explain I had ear defenders with me for her, and simply would prefer to sit away from the children's area.

"More importantly, venues do not get a free pass to exclude disabled people. Inclusion is not optional when it's convenient. Autistic people have the right to exist in public spaces.

"They have the right to eat out, they have the right to dignity.

"And parents should never be made to feel their child to a problem simply for being autistic - especially in front of them."

Quoting Chris Packham's "When you've met one person with autism, you've met one person with autism," Lynne emphasised the individuality of autistic children.

She explained how Emily encounters particular triggers involving sound, smell, and texture, which can result in episodes of screaming, head-banging, and self-harm. Emily is also selectively mute and occasionally requires a wheelchair owing to mobility difficulties.

Lynne is hopeful that sharing her story will heighten awareness and foster greater understanding of the varied requirements of autistic people.

She also thanked Joe Edwards and the team at The Pen Y Bont Farm where they went after the incident. She said: "The Pen Y Bont are the perfect example of inclusion."

An email to Lynne from Marston's stated: "I'm truly sorry for the experience you and your daughter had, no guest should ever feel excluded, and I understand how upsetting this must have been, especially given the impact it had on your daughter in the moment."

A spokesperson for Marston's said: "We never want any guest to feel unwelcome in our pub, and we're truly sorry about Lynne and her daughter's experience.

"Our pub is intended to be an inclusive and welcoming place for everyone, and we take all feedback seriously.

"This has prompted important learning for our team, and we have reinforced guidance to ensure that every guest feels comfortable, supported and valued when they visit us."

The force said two of the people involved were wearing balaclavas. Locals and users of the park that is between Rhiwbina and Whitchurch have been asked to remain vigilant and to keep their belongings on their person at all times, if possible.

People accessing the park by car have also been advised not to leave any valuables on show after the incident. 

A police statement said: "Should a member of the community have any information with regards to the theft could they please contact 101, quoting occurrence 2600027410, or contact local officers directly (lee.powell2@south-wales.police.uk / laura.rhoden@south-wales.police.uk)"

Local Rhiwbina councillor Jayne Cowan shared the police appeal with local residents.

A sentencing hearing at Mold Crown Court heard Smaje, 23, complained about being shown a lack of respect before the attack. Mr Shaw lost a "life-threatening" amount of blood following the stabbing, and thought he was going to die.

Smaje saw Mr Shaw in the Broad Oak pub in Connah's Quay, Flintshire, on Christmas Eve and agreed to go outside for a fight, the court heard. But a judge at Mold Crown Court said he got the "jump" on Mr Shaw and stabbed him with a "fairly sizeable" knife twice, with one blow going through his liver.

Mr Shaw was rushed to the Countess of Chester Hospital. He lost two and a half litres of blood - a "life-threatening" amount - and needed surgery twice after complications.

At the sentencing hearing on Thursday, prosecutor Anna Pope read a statement from Mr Shaw's mother Catherine Green. Ms Green said: "For hours I did not know if he would survive. No parent should have to fear for (their child's) life. Seeing his body weakening was heartbreaking."

Ms Green said after the attack her son's weight dropped from 72 kgs to 60 kgs in a fortnight. She said he had spent all his savings training in Thailand to pursue his dream of becoming a professional fighter. "Now because of this violent act he may never be able to follow his career," she added.

Judge Timothy Petts agreed there may always be a weakness due to his injuries. He told Smaje he had complained about a lack of respect and said he wanted to "show pain".

The court heard Smaje's actions were motivated by revenge over the men's relationships with the woman which were at different times.

Mr Shaw had tapped Smaje on the shoulder at the bar. The attack had come out of "readiness" to use the knife rather than premeditation.

"It's clear you may have been trying to get a jump on him (before reaching the exit) probably because you realised you would be no match for him as a fighter outside (the pub)," the judge told Smaje who had dialled into the sentencing hearing via a video link from HMP Berwyn.

The liver wound was four to five centimetres long. Had the liver wound been "slightly different" Smaje could have faced a murder charge, said the judge.

The defendant admitted wounding with intent. "What you did was out of character for you even bearing in mind you were in the habit of carrying a knife illegally," said the judge.

He had taken ketamine and drunk alcohol that day too, the court heard. The judge jailed Smaje, of Broad Oak View, Northop Hall, for seven years for wounding with intent and for 16 months, concurrent, for possession of a knife in a public place.

He will have to serve up two thirds of the main sentence - four years and eight months - before he is eligible to apply for parole.

In a landmark case, she is among five British families suing TikTok for the alleged wrongful deaths of their children. In an interview with The Mirror, Ms Roome, from Cheltenham, said she believes that her son would be proud of the battle she is waging on his behalf and for other children.

She said: "I think this has always been about trying to get answers for my son, but it's become a bigger picture. So it's not just my son.

"Now I've met these other parents, and I have met newly bereaved parents, it has become a bigger picture about making a difference for children all over the world. This is not a UK problem. It's a global problem."

TikTok maintains that it can no longer retrieve the watch or search history from Jools's social media account, as it is legally obliged to erase individuals' personal data, reports the Mirror.

Ms Roome has accused TikTok of lacking morals and suggested that the social media platform might have something to "hide", given its refusal to disclose the data. She added: "It's ridiculous that we've got to go across the pond to try and sue for our children's data when we're in England. It's crazy, but the English system isn't set up to be able to sue properly. It's ridiculous."

She said: "They have no morals. They don't seem interested in us as parents. If they had nothing to hide, why would they not just say: 'Here you go, parents, here's your child's social media data. I hope you get some answers.' The fact that they won't give us our children's data, to me, says, well, what are you hiding? Why wouldn't you release it?".

Jools was discovered unconscious in his bedroom in April 2022. An inquest into his death concluded that he took his own life. The coroner stated that it was unlikely he intended to do so but the exact circumstances remained unclear.

Ms Roome, who has been striving since 2024 for answers about her son's death, shared: "It's draining. It's emotionally exhausting. As a group of parents, we just want answers as to why our children aren't here, and we shouldn't have to fight so hard."

The lawsuit, which was filed last year and will have a significant hearing on Friday, alleges that Jools, Isaac Kenevan, 13, Archie Battersbee, 12, Maia Walsh, 13, and Noah Gibson, 11, died while attempting the so-called "blackout challenge".

This viral challenges encourages participants to choke themselves until they lose consciousness. TikTok - owned by Chinese parent company ByteDance - maintains that the challenge has been banned on its platform since 2020. Ms Roome explained that the families are pursuing legal action in Delaware because ByteDance is registered there.

She said that Friday's hearing concerns a motion to dismiss, with TikTok attempting to have the case struck out on the grounds it should have been filed in the UK. Should this fail, the lawsuit will move to the discovery phase, during which TikTok may be legally required to hand over internal documents and the children's account information. This process could take years.

Archie was found unconscious at his family's home in Southend-on-Sea, Essex, on April 7, 2022. A coroner concluded he died as a result of a "prank or experiment" gone wrong and did not discount the possibility he was participating in online challenges.

Maia was found dead at her Hertfordshire home – just days before her 14th birthday – in October 2022. It is believed she accidentally took her own life after viewing self-harm content on TikTok. An inquest into her death has said its focus will be on TikTok.

Another boy, Isaac, was found unresponsive on the bathroom floor of their Essex home in March 2022. His heartbroken mother suspects he was attempting a TikTok "choking" challenge when he died.

Earlier this month, Ms Roome wrote online that the four original families who brought the lawsuit would be joined by the mum of Noah Gibson, 11, whose story has not been reported publicly. In addition to the US legal action, Ms Roome is advocating in the UK for Jools' Law, a proposed measure demanding that a child's online data be immediately preserved following their death. "

When a child dies, the data should be preserved so it's immediately there as it forms evidence to what happened to the child," she stated. "If we can change the law in the UK so that it preserves the data, the rest of the world is going to start looking at the UK and saying: 'Well, look at what the UK has done.' I think Jools would be looking down very proud."

Baroness Beeban Kidron has proposed an amendment to the Crime and Policing Bill, currently under consideration in Parliament, calling for automatic data preservation following a child's death. The amendment is set to be debated later this month.

Speaking to The Mirror, the crossbench peer said: "Officials and governments have let these families down - they must make it automatic and they must listen to the experience of families. For the state to let you down when you are at the worst moment when your child has died - is cruelty upon tragedy."

She noted that the Government seems "sympathetic" to her demands, but added: "I don't want feelings. I want action.

"My frustration has turned to anger that those entrusted with the safety and security of UK citizens - go home every night to their families, go on holiday, have Christmas and birthdays - but are so cavalier about the pain of those who have lost children," she expressed.

"My faith in the system has been sorely tried by this issue, multiple governments, multiple ministers and multiple regulators - and not one - has simply said - 'this must be done so I will do it' - it is the only reasonable answer."

A spokesperson for TikTok said: "Our deepest sympathies remain with these families. We strictly prohibit content that promotes or encourages dangerous behaviour. Using robust detection systems and dedicated enforcement teams to proactively identify and remove this content, we remove 99% that's found to break these rules before it is reported to us. As a company, we comply with the UK's strict data protection laws."

The court heard the three defendants were involved in an incident which took place on Thursday July 24, 2025, outside an address in North Cornelly, Bridgend.

All three were seen walking towards the address with weapons such as metal poles and walking sticks before carrying out the attack.

Footage filmed by a member of public showed them hitting the poles against the address before launching an unprovoked attack on a man in the front garden of the property.

Wallens was seen with a baseball bat; Ford was seen with a metal pole and Nicholls had a walking stick.

Officers found Wallens a short time after the incident wearing a dye hoody which was identical to the one in the footage. When searched a kitchen knife was located in his pocket.

A further search of where he was arrested identified a baseball bat and clothing was located discarded in the bushes.

A short time later Nicholls and Ford were located at their address and clothing matching that seen in the footage had been recovered.

The three defendants appeared at Cardiff Crown Court on Thursday, January 8, where they changed their plea from not guilty to guilty of affray.

Nicholls, of Ynys Teg, Tondu, Bridgend; Wallens, of Trem Capel Y Til, Bridgend; and Ford, of Ted Davies Close, Bridgend were each sentenced to one year and three months imprisonment.

Detective Constable Matthew Evans from South Wales Police said: “This was a brazen and targeted attack in broad daylight, this investigation involved multiple teams conducting great work to put a case together This sentence shows that we will not tolerate this type of behaviour in our communities."

The four defendants Richard Unwin, 38, Levi Matthews, 28, Sean Devonport, 37, and a 16-year-old boy called Hayden Matthews, who is now 20, attacked Alexandru Martocsan when they broke into a house he was staying in with his sister in 2022.

Anna Price, prosecuting, said there had been an incident between these four defendants and other men in the early morning of May 29, 2022.

All four men got into the house where the victim was staying. His sister ran upstairs to try to stop them going into his bedroom.

The victim Mr Martocsan was awoken by the sound of "windows breaking and the burglar alarm going off", said Ms Price. He locked the bedroom door but the door was broken and all four intruders came in.

One had a shovel and another had what looked like a sword, the court heard. Mr Martocsan managed to run outside but at least one of the intruders caught up with him.

He was struck on the nose and legs. Falling to the floor he was then punched, kicked and hit with the weapons.

Police arrived and the intruders fled. Mr Martocsan "was left bleeding profusely".

He sustained significant facial and other injuries including three cuts each 5cm to 7cm long to his right knee. One was "bone deep".

He was taken to Ysbyty Glan Clwyd in Bodelwyddan. A CT scan revealed fractures to both sides of his jaw bone and his nose "deviating to the right," said Ms Price.

All four defendants were identified using phone and other footage. In the clips, Unwin was seen carrying a shovel and the teenager left the house with a machete.

The four defendants admitted aggravated burglary in the incident. A judge at Mold Crown Court on Thursday jailed them for a total of almost 20 years. Matthews will be sentenced next month.

Amy Edwards, for Unwin, said he knows his behaviour had been "completely wrong and entirely inappropriate".

He admits the victim would have been "scared for his life". The father-of-seven, who had been drinking like his fellow burglars, is hard working but knows the effect alcohol has on him.

Philip Suggitt, for Levi Matthews, said he knows what he did was "foolish" and "wrong". "This was an incident where a man who clearly struggled at the time with his temper... acted in the heat of the moment fuelled by alcohol. He deeply regrets his involvement."

He had been sofa surfing but is now a roofer in settled accommodation with a young child. The prospect of custody could "ruin everything".

Oliver King, for Devonport, said he had been "swept along with the crowd". He had not carried weapons.

But the judge His Honour Rhys Rowlands told the men it had been a joint enterprise in which weapons were carried. The "rights and wrongs" of what brought them to the house didn't concern this court, he added. He said they had targeted an innocent man for "some form of retribution".

But he said: "Whatever was the trigger for your behaviour can't excuse or mitigate what you did that morning." There had been some premeditation, alcohol consumed, considerable violence and significant injuries.

He jailed Unwin, of Powell Road, Buckley, and Levi Matthews, of no fixed address, both for seven years and two months. He jailed Sean Devonport, of Corun y Bryn, Connah's Quay, for five and a half years.

The judge adjourned the sentencing for aggravated burglary of Hayden Matthews, 20, of Bottom Road, Summerhill, Wrexham, until next month for a pre-sentence report to be made.

When they arrived, hundreds of plants were found. A man was arrested in the attic of the property.

Fatjon Cota, 32, of no fixed abode, appeared at Cardiff Magistrates’ Court on Monday, January 5 and pleaded guilty to producing a controlled drug.

Cota was remanded in custody ahead of his hearing at Cardiff Crown Court on February 2, when he is due to be sentenced. 

The cannabis plants which were found in the raid were destroyed, and the property has been made safe.

South Wales Police said: "People often talk of cannabis as being a victimless crime, but it’s not. Whatever your viewpoint on cannabis, the serious and organised crime and people trafficking which are often linked to cannabis factories can cause real harm to our communities and funds further criminality.

"The factories are also a fire risk to neighbouring properties.

"Please report any concerns to police." South Wales Police can be contacted by calling 101 or filling in an online form by clicking here.

A notice posted on the Consumer Energy Solutions (CES) website on Friday announced that administrators had been appointed. It added that the energy company had "ceased trading with immediate effect". CES employs 295 people in Swansea and Treorchy and administrators are now responsible for supporting all workers through the job losses.

A member of staff who spoke to Pulse Media after the company told workers their jobs were at risk in the days before Christmas said people were "in turmoil" after being told the grim news on a Teams call. The employee, who did not want to be named, added: "I am just beside myself along with my colleagues."

The announcement also confirmed CES will be unable to complete any further work for customers. 

The group previously said the proposed restructure and job losses were the result of the end of the UK Government-backed energy scheme ECO4 which it operated.

The initiative, which helped homeowners save on home energy upgrades, such as insulation, solar panels, and heat pumps, is due to come to an end this year.

The notice said: "Please note that James Saunders and Michael Lennon of KR8 Advisory Limited were appointed as joint administrators of Consumer Energy Solutions Limited on January 9, 2026, the company has ceased trading with immediate effect.

"The company is unable to complete any further work for customers. It should be noted that the administration of the company does not involve any other companies in the City Energy Group.

"The joint administrators will be contacting creditors and employees directly to confirm the next steps and how claims will be processed. You do not need to do anything further at this stage.

"If you are a creditor of the company and believe that you have a retention of title claim over goods supplied to the company, please provide details to CES@kr8.co.uk.

"As Consumer Energy Solutions has entered administration, we will be unable to carry out any remedial works or repairs, or to progress or resolve any existing complaints.

"If you have had an installation completed by Consumer Energy Solutions and are experiencing any issues that you believe require rectification, we refer you to the following insurance backed guarantee providers who will be able to advise."

A spokesperson for the Department of Energy Security and Net Zero said: "The ECO and GBIS schemes were not delivering value for money.

"We are instead investing an additional £1.5 billion into our Warm Homes Plan, taking it to nearly £15 billion – the biggest ever public investment to upgrade homes and tackle fuel poverty."

Locals are reporting that some drivers are having to turn around on a number of mountain roads in Rhondda Cynon Taf, leading to authorities to ask people to stay away. There has been an "intense snow shower" on the Rhigos leaving the road "just passable" on Friday evening.

The snow, which started to fall at around 3pm, quickly settled on the road causing some cars to slid. 

Traffic on the steepest part of the mountain has been described as reaching a "standstill", as drivers tried to carefully make their way down the incline.

One driver said conditions are being made particularly tricky due to a number of vehicles that are at the side of the road after being abandoned during the storm on Thursday evening.

A witness said: "There are still vans that have been abandoned on the hill up from Rhigos which means you have to drive around them and be very cautious of oncoming traffic from around the corner at the top of the hill.

"The traffic dropping down towards Treherbert had slowed down to standstill at times. It was difficult to see very far ahead but you could see headlights and taillights of cars with some turning back."

Snow has also started to fall on the Bwlch and Maerdy mountains. On Thursday evening, all three roads were shut as driving conditions became dangerous due to Storm Goretti, with some people abandoning their cars.

A spokesperson for Rhondda Cynon Taf Council said: "An intense snow shower on Rhigos Mountain Road has made driving conditions poor on the mountain route.

"The road is passable however conditions are poor. Inexperienced or nervous drivers should consider using an alternative route.

"Crews are working to improve conditions on the road and a gritting tractor is currently treating the highway, but caution is advised.

"The road was gritted throughout the early hours of this morning and throughout today, however the volume of snow in a short period of time means conditions have deteriorated. Both Maerdy and Blwch mountain roads remain open."

The inspection resulted in the bakery being temporarily closed after major issues were identified. Torfaen council said that Morrisons failed to ensure the bakery was clean, failed to keep food contact equipment clean, failed to adequately supervise food handlers, and failed to implement and maintain food safety management procedures.

The bakery was closed immediately due to food safety risks and required a deep clean before it reopened. It was given a food hygiene rating of one, meaning major improvement was necessary. 

Councillor Mandy Owen, who is the cabinet member for environment on Torfaen council, said: "This case demonstrates the important work of our officers in carrying out independent checks to ensure the food we buy is safe to eat.

"Their work often goes unseen, but they play a vital role in preventing ill health through identifying non-compliances and taking action to secure necessary improvements, safeguarding the public, and reducing the cost of illness and burden on the NHS.

"Whilst every effort is made to work with businesses using an informal, educative approach, the council will not hesitate to take formal action where the health and wellbeing of consumers is placed at risk."

Following the guilty pleas a sentencing hearing for WM Morrison Supermarkets will take place on May 7 at Newport Magistrates’ Court.

Improvements were made and upon reinspection in October 2024 the store was awarded a rating of four (good).

A spokesperson for Morrisons said: "We were very disappointed in the condition of the bakery in August 2024. It fell short of the standard our customers expect and which we should provide.

"This was a single local issue which was dealt with immediately by working closely with the council. The improvement made has been consistently maintained."