16/04/2012 BBC Wales Today

Welcome to Wales Today. Our top story, up to �800 million of new

investment over five years for the Welsh steel industry.

Tales from the river bank - the Wye, Usk and Ebbw near record low levels.

Tonight concerns after unusually low rainfall. There are concerns

about the low rainfall and how matters affecting fish migration

and spawning. Hundreds turn out for a vigil for a pensioner missing for

nine days, one of three men unaccounted for over recent weeks.

The road to the Olympics. 100 days to go. Cardiff starts building a

ring of steel around the stadium. And a West End premiere for the

horror film shot in Ceredigion. Good evening. The steel company

Tata is to invest up to �800 million in Wales over the next five

years. The news came from the First Minister, Carwyn Jones, who met

senior managers at the firm last week, during a trade visit to India.

He's described it as a vote of confidence in Wales. More from Nick

Palit. Tata currently employs 8,000 people

around Wales. Today they confirmed that this investment will be new

money, but say at this stage it's too early to say exactly how it

will be spent. Nevertheless, the First Minister sees it as a sign of

intent from the Indian company, at a difficult economic time. What

they have made clear is that many will be spent on making sure that

steel in Wales becomes more and more competitive. It is right to

stay -- say that other companies would not have made that invest at.

But Tata have to it. -- have done it. It shows their confidence in

Wales. Tata says many will be invested but the benefits will be

felt at other sites around Wales. Port Talbot is Tata's biggest Welsh

plant. When it was originally opened in 1951 by the Steel Company

of Wales, it was the largest in Europe. It once employed 25,000

people. Since then, it and the steel industry have gone through a

series of different owners. Nationalised in 1967, it became

part of British Steel. In 1999, the name changed to Corus, with a

merger with a Dutch steel maker, and then finally bought by the

Indian firm, Tata, in 2007. Currently, the workforce at Port

Talbot stands at 3,500. A further 1,400 work at the rolling mill at

Llanwern, 400 nearby at the Orb works in Newport, 700 at the

Trostre tin works, and another 800 at Shotton on Deeside.

From his office at the University in Newport, industry expert

Jonathan Deacon can see Llanwern steelworks. Just before Christmas,

Tata moth-balled the hot rolling mill here, but Dr Deacon says this

new investment is a vote of confidence in the whole of the

Welsh steel industry. investment today will have a knock-

on effect to investment in the other South Wales steelmaking

plants. The days when the plants were quite separate are long gone.

Any increase in output from Port Talbot will have a knock-on effect.

In the shadow of Port Talbot steelworks lies this pub, a popular

watering hole for steel men past and present. The licensees say the

extra investment will be welcomed in this community still dependent

on work at the plant. I think it is absolutely wonderful. Everyone

working at Tata and everybody in the community, it does have a

knock-on effect. It is absolutely brilliant. Although Tata say it's

too early to say precisely how this �800 million will be spent. They

did say that because steelmaking is such an energy intensive business,

a lot of their focus will be on new technology to further improve

Closing that gap is one of the company's priorities, but perhaps

the most significant development in the pipeline is the so-called

Margam mine. Tata have been investigating digging down from the

steelworks to a rich underground coal seam. Currently, two million

tonnes of coking coal are brought in by ship every year to fuel the

plant's two blast furnaces. An announcement on the mine could come

this autumn, an investment which it's believed could generate 500

jobs, and would be in addition to the �800 million confirmed today.

It would also make Port Talbot the only steelworks in Europe with

access to its own coal. There are concerns over river

levels in some parts of Wales, after unusually low rainfall. The

Environment Agency Wales says, there is no current risk to the

public water supply, unlike some areas of England. But in south east

Wales, the Wye, Usk and Ebbw are at, or near, record low levels. Our

Environment Corrrespondent, Iolo ap Dafydd, is beside the River Usk

tonight. Good evening. This is the River Usk. It is low and that is

because of the low rainfall. Normally, we could expect this to

be about a foot higher. That is the problem. It is the low rainfall in

February and March. Parties wide the Environment Agency has come out

with this warning. -- that is why. Why are we having this warning now?

We are not facing the same problems as in England. That is correct. It

is important to stress this is not a public water drinking supply

issue, as it is in England. But at the Environment Agency, we are --

concerned about reducing river levels and the impact on wildlife

within the river system. We are particularly concerned about

migratory fish. We are equally concerned that if there was a

pollution, there would not be as much water in the river for

dilution. And we are concerned that a lot of people use the water from

Bass for businesses. If levels were to reduce, we would have to look at

certain conditions. There could be problems if the river levels keep

on decreasing. If the river levels keep on decreasing, we will have to

look at balancing the use of all users. But yes, it could lead to

conditions being imposed. The other issue, of course, is how this

affects migratory fish and spawning. This is one of the famous rivers in

Wales. What are the concerns affecting

fresh? It is principally salmon but there are other species. There non-

European listed species. They all used this river. If this lack of

rainfall continues, what then? This is a Special Area of Conservation?

Yes, the problem is getting the young salmon out and they are going

out very shortly. If we do not have a decent flow, they will be delayed

and the numbers of salmon will go down. That knocks on for future

generations. We have to do everything we can under European

law to make sure these fish have the best possible opportunity. We

cannot make it rain but we cannot go -- we can control all the other

things by licences and all -- so on. The good news is, there might be

some rain on the way. The other good news is the reservoirs in

Wales are 90 % fall. -- full. A female pedestrian in her 70s has

been killed and another has been seriously injured after a car hit a

shop in Conwy. A blue Jaguar car collided with two woman outside the

shop in Rhos on Sea. The male car driver was taken to hospital, but

his injuries are not thought to be serious. A police community support

officer from Wrexham has been jailed for 10 months, for giving

confidential information to a friend. Mold Crown heard Lisa

Stapley texted her friend, telling her get out of town, because police

were looking for her. Stapley admitted four charges of misconduct

in public office. The judge described it as a gross breach of

trust. Concern is mounting for three

people who have gone missing in South and West Wales over the last

few weeks. Owain Roberts from Cardigan hasn't been seen since

last month, while Simon Jones from Llandysul was last seen a week ago.

In Abertridwr near Caerphilly, a vigil was held last night after a

77-year-old man went missing. Rhodri Lewis reports.

Hundreds of people turned out for a candlelit vigil last night, a show

of concern for Trevor Elias. The 77-year-old is well known as a

popular character in Abertridwr and is described as a man with time for

everyone. The two women who organised the vigil via Facebook

say they were amazed at the turnout. I was overwhelmed by the amount of

support that we had. Because it was cold, I thought people would not be

bothered to turn up at the amount of people make that effort for

Trevor, it was lovely. Trevor is a gentleman everybody loves. I have

not lived here for a long time. But I remember him when I was small, I

would always see him. He would tell me a joke and he would always have

time for you. Simon Jones has been missing since last Monday. His

family say they just want to know what has happened to him.

anybody has seen him after that, please get in touch with the police

as soon as possible. Any information will be useful. It is

the massive help. We know everybody is trying their best. In Cardigan,

the search is still going on for Owain Roberts, who disappeared on

the 10th of March. The 36-year-old is well known in the town as a

guitarist with a rock band. His family have been touched by the

extent of local support. We are appreciating the family support and

the support of the people of the surrounding area. Friends and

family of the missing men are still looking for them and hoping they're

safe. Police want anyone with information about any of them is

being urged to get in touch. Much more to come before 7 o'clock.

Black armbands for the Bluebirds in tribute to former Cardiff, Wrexham

and Newport manager Eddie May. And why Ceredigion is sending a shiver

down the spines of cinema audiences across the UK.

Better schools, better services and better value. That's what the Welsh

Liberal Democrats promised today, as they launched their campaign for

May's council elections. Leader Kirsty Williams chose one of Wales'

biggest shopping centres to set out the party's stall. Mark Hannaby

reports. This Cardiff shopping centre is

spacious, bright and club scene. The Liberal Democrats see it as an

example of what they have delivered at council level. The party has

controlled Cardiff, Swansea and Wrexham in recent years. We have

deliver better services and better schools while at the same time

making sure we are not wasting taxpayers' money. It is a challenge

but we have demonstrated over the last four years that the Liberal

Democrats can meet that challenge. They know they face an uphill

struggle. They are aware that they are involved in a UK coalition

government which is making public sector cuts and that might pose

them some difficulties in the council elections. But they are

confident what they see as achievements in places like Cardiff

will be noticed by the voters. The Liberal Democrats are going big on

education. They argued their deal to pass the was government's budget

provided an extra �32 million to Wales's poorest school children.

They have promised to help business and expand schemes to help young

people acquire mortgage deposits. We have made huge strides. Other

areas, for instance Wrexham, we have seen an improvement in

education and Welsh people know that if they want better schools,

better services and better value for money, the only way they will

get it is by voting for a Welsh Liberal Democrats comes love. --

councillor. If the climate is more difficult for them this time, then

they are confident their track record within local government will

stand them in good stead. Over the coming weeks, we'll be looking at

key election issues. We start tonight with education. Whether

you're a parent, a teacher, or a pupil, local councillors are making

decisions that affect you. Huge parts of their budget are spent on

education services, but in a difficult economic climate, the

resources are getting more stretched. Here's our Education

Correspondent, Nicola Smith. This primary school opened in Victorian

times but with only 13 pupils on the books, it could close this year.

It is the heart of the village. If you take out the heart of the

village, you have children travelling miles to school. He does

not make sense. We walked to school. There are no transport costs. The

children are healthy. They get breakfast club at school. The

children are fully integrated into the school life. But small schools

are expensive to run. Just like any local qualities in Wales,

Ceredigion niece to save money -- in local authorities. The decision

on the future of the school has been postponed. This is still the

picture in many schools across Wales. Buildings that are damp,

cracked, not suitable any more. Last year, the Welsh government

announced its biggest ever school building programme but local

authorities have to foot part of the bill. This is the new multi-

million-pound High School in print -- Newport. It replaces another

secondary school that was no longer fit for purpose, a significant

investment in facilities for the future. And now, every local

authority in Wales has had to commit to spending millions of

pounds on refurbishing and rebuilding their schools. But

concerns have been raised whether VAT demand on councils is

sustainable long-term. The question is whether they will be able to

carry on finding money for the other two-thirds of the programme

that is not yet funded. The first seven years represents only one

third of the investment. What difference does this make in the

classroom? Many teachers believe funding is the key to improving

education standards but one union warns not enough cash is making it

to the front line. We are seeing budgets being cut from top to

bottom and it is having an impact on how local authorities can give

resources to school. As a result, we are seeing classroom assistants

leading classes, a lack of resources, Materials, and

dilapidated buildings. The standard of education and Welsh schools is

under the spotlight now more than ever. Balancing the needs of pupils,

teachers and the communities they serve within budget will be no easy

task for Wales's local councils. And on tomorrow's night's programme

we'll be looking at another local election issue, the cost of caring

for the elderly. David Sharp from Tenby has multiple sclerosis and

relies on round the clock care. The budgets are under pressure but our

population is ageing. We'll be asking how councils will be able to

pay the bill. A meeting is being held shortly to

discuss the future of a 15th century Denbighshire church.

Villagers are being asked for ideas for other uses for The Church of St

Elidan in Llanelidan to help bring in vital funds. A dwindling

congregation has meant other ways are needed to boost the income

needed to maintain the building. Buckingham Palace has released

details of the Queen and Duke of Edinburgh's tour of south Wales

next week, to mark the Diamond Jubilee. On Thursday they'll attend

a service at Llandaff Cathedral in Cardiff, before visiting Margam

Country Park and Merthyr Tydfil. On Friday, they'll visit Aberfan and

Ebbw Vale, before attending a festival at Glanusk Park near

Crickhowell. In 100 days' time, the first event

of the 2012 Olympics will take place here in Wales. And tonight

our sports reporter, Ashleigh Crowter, is at the Millennium

Stadium where it will all begin. Ash, the clock is ticking. Any sign

that the Greatest Show On Earth is about to arrive in the Welsh

capital? I think the answer is No. There will be woman's football

match at 4 o'clock on 25th July, two days before the official

opening ceremony. It will be the first sporting action of London

2012. Before that, there is a lot of rugby soup to be played at the

Millennium Stadium. It will be a little while inside before any

substantial changes are made. But just outside the stadium, it is a

different story. There will be massive security operation in

Cardiff surrounding the Olympics. Today in Westgate Street, one of

the main roads into the stadium, they were digging up the roads and

fitting some retractable electric bollards.

Tributes are being paid to one of the great characters of the foot --

the game of football in Wales. Very sad news over the weekend, the

death of former Cardiff, Wrexham and Newport manager Eddie May at

the age of 68. He played more than 300 times for Wrexham, and also had

a spell at Swansea. So a much-loved figure in Welsh football. Cardiff's

players will wear black arm-bands in his memory at tomorrow night's

match against Derby, when the Bluebirds will hope to consolidate

their place in the play-offs. A place in the championship play-offs

is Cardiff to take. With three games to go. A hard-fought victory

at Barnsley has left the Bluebirds in 6th place. When all their

remaining games and they are guaranteed another crack at

reaching the Premier League. Cardiff host Derby County tomorrow

and it is bound to be an emotional night as fans and players pay their

respects to former manager Eddie May. It will be a nice fond memory.

Everyone will turn up and we will try and win the game in his name.

And support the team in his name tomorrow. It'll be a fitting

tribute. There was relief as Swansea ended a four match losing

run with a comprehensive victory over Blackburn Rovers. The result

means their status as a Premier League side next season is very

nearly assured. Swansea will be very keen to retain the services of

their Icelandic midfielder. He scored the 7th goal of his three-

month loan spell on Saturday. have a nibble -- another couple of

seasons left on my contract. It is down to whether it is in charge to

speak too often Haine and get something sorted. I am very happy

here and I'm enjoying my football. In the conference, Wrexham know

they will need to go through the play-offs to return to the Football

League. At the bottom of the table, Newport

still have more work to do, despite picking up a valuable point at

play-off continues -- contenders York. They are five points above

the drop zone with four games left to play. Well, that's it for

tonight. And on Wednesday, we'll also be marking the official 100

days to go to the Olympics, when we'll be looking at what sort of

legacy the Games will leave for us here in Wales.

Tonight sees the international premiere of a new horror film

inspired by life growing up in a small West Wales village. Elfie

Hopkins, which stars Ray Winstone, is the work of Ceredigion born

director Ryan Andrews. And as Cemlyn Davies reports, the film was

shot almost entirely in the county. Elfie Hopkins is the story of an

aspiring teenage detective who finds her first real case when a

mysterious family, the Gammons, moves into the area. It seems new

residents have arrived in this dead-end town. Described as a

twisted tale of cannibalism this is Ryan Andrews' first feature film.

It was quite far to travel to see your friends. There was a lot of

time playing around in the wards. I thought I was a vampire Addo. I

would go round investigating. -- vampire hunter. It was based on

that idea of being a child and letting your imagination run away

with you. Ryan Andrews was brought up here in the small quiet village

of Llwyndafydd just outside New Quay. And where better to bring his

film's storyline to life than the place that inspired it. Most of

Elfie Hopkins was shot right here in the director's home village and

just up the coast in Aberarth. countryside is amazing. With a lot

of the lakes and rivers and the trees, you can build an atmosphere.

It helped create a world where the film could resist -- exist.

director isn't the only Welshman involved in the film. Starring

alongside Ray Winstone and his daughter Jaime, are a host of Welsh

actors. Aneurin Barnard from Ogmore Vale plays Dylan Parker who helps

the title character solve mysteries. He has this very she should with

her and they have been creating stories and investigating in the

town and getting into trouble. -- relationship with her. He does all

the research and gives it to her for her to investigate. Like Ryan,

Aneurin also enjoyed filming in Wales. It is always nice to come

back to Wales. It is close to the heart. Really lovely to do. Elfie

Hopkins opens in cinemas on Friday. The quiet Ceredigion countryside

may never be viewed the same way again.

Here's Derek with the weather The River Usk is very low and its

not surprising. In South Wales, the last 18 months have been the driest

for 100 years. While in Monmouthshire in the last year,

every month bar three has been drier than normal. So we do need

rain and there is some on the way. Pressure is falling and the weather

is about to turn much more unsettled. Low pressure bringing

rain and showers. In fact, by the end of the week, some parts of

Wales will have 20 to 40mm, well over an inch of rain! So tonight

rain will spill across the country. The wind picking up as well. The

rain heaviest during the early hours with strong and gusty winds.

Temperatures staying above freezing. The lowest around 4 Celsius, so no

frost. Tomorrow's chart shows a deep area of low pressure moving

close to Ireland. More typical of Autumn than spring. So tomorrow

rain first thing will soon clear. Dry and bright for a time but

showers will follow. Some of them heavy and blustery. Hail and

thunder possible with a few sunny intervals in between. Top

temperatures 9 to 12 Celsius and breezy, especially on the south and

west coast. Gusts 45 to 50 mph. The wind will make it feel cool. In

Monmouthshire tomorrow. Overnight rain will soon clear. Dry and

bright for a time but showers are likely in the afternoon.

Temperatures in Grosmont rising to 11 Celsius. Tomorrow night will

bring more showers or longer spells of rain. Some heavy rain in places

too with fresh to strong south- easterly winds. The outlook for the

rest of the week remains unsettled. Low pressure bringing showers. Some

of the showers heavy and prolonged with hail and thunder. Breezy at

times and feeling cool with temperatures below average. The

rest of April looks unsettled as well. There is a hint it may turn

drier and warmer by the end of the month into May but in the meantime,

we're all in for some wet and cool weather over the next few days. So

a big change on the way. The rain not to everyone's liking but it

will help to replenish ground water levels and top up the river Usk.

Tonight's headlines from the BBC. We'll have an update for you here