14/08/2013 BBC Wales Today

Welcome to Wales Today. Tonight's headlines: It's one of Wales' most

protected natural habitats. Now a company wants to make

electricity by burning coal under the Loughor estuary. We don't know

what buildings or structures will be needed and in an area of outstanding

Police are searching for teenagers suspected of starting a fire which

gutted one of Wales's oldest rugby clubs.

His first official engagement since becoming a dad, Prince William takes

a break from parenting duties to visit the Anglesey Show.

Good evening from the Cardiff City Stadium where Wales are preparing to

take on the Republic of Ireland. The build-up is dominated by Gareth

Bale. Will he complete a big money move to Real Madrid? The Spanish

media are here, even though he's not playing!

And as both Swansea and Cardiff City look ahead to the start of the

Premier League, has football become Good evening. How we generate our

energy is under the spotlight once again. It comes as a company says it

would like to burn coal underground and use the gas to generate

electricity. If given planning permission, it could mean drilling

under the Loughor estuary near Llanelli, one of Wales' most

protected natural habitats. The process is called coal gasification,

and has already created some local opposition. Could the future Welsh

energy be lying under the water? The company behind the plans once

planning permission to drill here, below the Loughor estuary to

generate electricity. The process is called underground coal gasification

which means injecting oxygen into the ground to ignite the coal. The

gas produced is brought to the surface to be used to create power.

The process is different to fracking, where fluid is pumped into

the ground at high pressure to fracture shale rock. Here in

south-west Wales, coal gasification already causing controversy.

concern is for the environment, any damage that could be done to the

local environment. Also, this is a fossil fuel which is contributing to

carbon emissions and climate change. We also have a specific

concern about this specific process in that it could lead to subsidence

in the area. The company hoping to mine here says it is important to

address our overreliance on gas imported from Russia and the Middle

East. We are blessed around our shores with millions and billions of

tonnes of coal. Now there is a technology that we want access to

convert it cleanly into gas, with potential huge benefits for the

country. Cluff Natural Resources was granted a licence to extract gas

from here and from the DS jury back in January but it'll have to secure

other various planning and other permits before work can get under

way. -- and from the Dee Estuary. Another company was granted a permit

like that. That has now expired. On the other side of the Gower

Peninsula, there are calls for more information about what could lie

ahead. It is a new technology. One of the problems with it is that you

don't really know what is going to happen, and if all you get is the

sound bites of the PR man, of the people who are putting it forward,

then experience has shown you can't trust those completely. So, we need

hard evidence. Cluff Natural Resources insists coal gasification

is safe and there wouldn't be a blight on the landscape. The company

plans to speak to local residents to allay their concerns but more

immediately a public meeting is being held in Llanelli this evening.

Our Environment correspondent joins me now. We have heard about

applications to extract gas before, haven't we? Why do they cause so

much controversy? It seems that any energy generation causes

controversy, whether we are talking about nuclear, wind farms,

incineration. Here, we are talking about gasification of coal, which is

basically because of new techniques brought in from the oil industry,

instead of drilling out at sea, where there are billions of coal

reserves, and using the gas from that allotted then generate

electricity. It is different to fracking in terms of finding gas

underground. It is about coal under the sea. Potentially, there is

potential to have gas, and there is potential to create work, and there

is potential to import less gas. That is only potential. There is a

long way to go in terms of planning permission, evidence, showing this

can work commercially, and also an environment assessment. This seems

to highlight the quantity of gas that we have and how it could

potentially help to create energy. Not just gas. We're talking about

all types of different energy. We have to close our old coal-fired

power stations. We used all our coal we had. Now this is a new

generation, a second-generation. And the are keen to see whether we can

get gas underground from coal or gas, and use it to import less gas

from Norway and cat are, and from Algeria. The price of gas is also

escalating, which is another reason the UK government and private

companies are interested. I am sure we will be hearing much more about

this. Thank you. Police want to speak to two

teenagers after a fire started deliberately gutted part of one of

Wales' oldest rugby clubs. Part of the stand, and the bar of Maesteg

Rugby Club, which had just been renovated, have been destroyed by

the blaze. This is where we played New Zealand

in 1992. We will never get those back. 24 rows ago, the walls of

Maesteg Rugby Club or covered with its history. And all our past

history of players, International is, some of these pictures, they go

back to 1910, 1908. This is how it looked a few years ago. Its takings

and bookings are a means of survival and only weeks ago, thousands of

pounds and a lot of hard work went into renovating it. For the fans who

have propped it up for the past 20 years, it is hard to take in.

getting it right on the field as well, and now we're back-to-school

one. And all that memorabilia upstairs, it is gone, it's over 100

years old. It is something that cannot be replaced. Sad. When you

come downstairs, you could be forgiven for thinking this room is

relatively untouched. You can still see the photographs, the cups, the

history of Maesteg Rugby Club on the walls. But the damage here is great.

The room is flooded and everywhere you go, there is a strong smell of

thick acrid black smoke. Investigators say the fire was

started deliberately in the sponsors area of the stand. A group of

teenagers were seen on the pitch just before. Two climbed over the

wall from the car park. Police want to know who they are and think

someone must already know. Maesteg, like any towns in the valleys, this

club is an integral part of the community. I'm convinced that

members of this community know the identities of these individuals.

get to this corner and this is the only untouched part. Club ties

presented from touring teams. There is not a mark on it. That is a bit

of hope there, that is what the club will be back in. That optimism

starts now with the first home game in just four weeks time, training

goes ahead as planned at the club tonight.

A man from Pembroke has died after falling from a balcony in Ibiza.

24-year-old Grant Weston was on holiday with a group of friends when

he died in San Antonio on Wednesday. Police on the island are questioning

his friends but his death is not being treated as suspicious.

A former mayor of Denbigh accused of causing an explosion and setting

fire to two cars has pleaded not guilty to all charges against him.

Town councillor John Larsen held the post of mayor in 1999. He's accused

of six charges, including three of arson and two of possessing

explosives. His trial is expected to start at Mold Crown Court in

October. It's been confirmed that the Duke of

Cambridge will leave his posting as a search and rescue helicopter pilot

at RAF Valley on Anglesey next month. In a speech at the Anglesey

Show, he thanked the people of the island for giving him and his wife

such a warm welcome. Roger Pinney is at the Showground for us tonight.

Anglesey has been Prince William's home for the past three years. It's

been for his first term as a married man, now he is a dad as well. -- his

first home as a married man. So many people on the island, so many people

in the showground, had their fingers crossed that Prince George would

make an appearance as well. That wasn't to be. It was something

Prince William apologised for, in his way.

Relaxed and informal, the hallmarks of this particular Royal Princess.

Of duty from his pilot duties, this was an important engagement. His

first since the birth of his son. And possibly his last here as a

known somewhere as beautiful and welcoming as Anglesey. The views

across the Strait are undoubtedly among the most stunning in the

British Isles. I know that both of us will miss it terribly when my

duty comes to an end next month and we have to move elsewhere. If this

was an official outing, there were times today when it didn't feel like

one. William appeared to have time for everyone, from high-fives, to

gifts to three-week-old George. was talking to lots of people. He

seemed to get involved in the crowd. He's gorgeous! And he's very

good at talking Welsh. He said he loved it here in Anglesey. He was

very friendly and open with the audience that was surrounding him.

And what about this encounter? like to say thank you for rescuing

me. Was it you? From the beach?Yes. Sian was rescued from an Anglesey

beach by the Prince's helicopter. I'm glad you're feeling better. When

you go out next time, beware of the conditions. Three years ago, he

joined the search and rescue crews at RAF Valley. It was here he

brought his wife to be Kate for their first engagement as a couple.

Three years in which Anglesey has been home for the Prince and the

Duchess. Judging from what he told me before his wedding, plenty of

time for the couple to fall for Anglesey as well. We wouldn't rule

out having a house in Anglesey permanently. I really do love it

here. We could see more of you in the future? We could be. We will see

how it pans out. I adore it here. public farewell today, but you can

be sure it will not be for good. From the warmth of Prince William's

words, we got a real sense of the affection both he and Catherine hold

Anglesey and its people. This has been a golden period in their lives,

a place they've had privacy they might not ever get again. And at

places been able to get on and do a job he clearly enjoys. We are told

that his tour of duty at RAF Valley ends next month. So, will there be

another public engagement here before them, or shortly afterwards?

I've spoken to his officials, they say they haven't ruled it out. And

the people of Anglesey will be hoping that that time it will

include Prince George, too. Back to you.

Still to come on the programme: Tonight's sport, dominated by

football. We're an hour away from kick-off as

Wales take on the Republic of Ireland. This evening, there's

interest here from Spain, as speculation mounts about Gareth

Bale's record-breaking move to Real Madrid.

For thousands of pupils in Wales, the wait is nearly over. Tomorrow

morning, youngsters across the country will get their A level

results. For some it'll be a day of celebration, but what if things

don't go to plan? Our education correspondent Arwyn Jones weighs up

the options. It is a site which will no doubt be

repeated across Wales tomorrow as thousands of youngsters get their

A-level results. Many will get what they want and get to university. For

those that don't get the grades, all is not lost. A lot of students seem

to think that if they don't get exactly the grade they got on the

offer they had from the University that everything is lost. It is our

experience that in clearing, if a student gets busy tomorrow, they

will get a place usually by the weekend. Lydia Robert Paul is the

pints as she waits for her results. She hopes to go to Oxford to study

politics if she gets the grades but knows it is not everyone. If you

want to something like an apprenticeships, like hairdressing,

that is a good way to go if you don't want to go to uni. I don't

think it's the only option and it's good for some people. For me, I'd

much like the academic pathway. out of ten students from Welsh

universities get a job or are in training within six months of

graduating but there are questions about the kind of work they get.

Their average salary is �19,500. Less than the UK average of �21,000.

Near Wrexham, Aaron Davis is a lifeguard and he got his A-level

results last year but took a year round. The lesson here, there is no

need to rush. I took a year out to save money and also because I wanted

to go to the University that I wanted to go to. That was important

to me. So I have saved enough money to go down to London. If people are

worried, this website could help. It is run by a charity and there is a

helpline, too. Thousands of young people have already used it. What if

things don't go to plan at all? That's where people like this can

help. They offer careers advice and there is plenty to choose from.

There may be apprenticeships available, where they can train on

the job and get some qualifications. There may be also jobs growth Wales,

and six-month work experience. has initially working in this bike

shop in Wrexham but now he's turning his attention to bigger machinery.

He's got an apprenticeship with JCB. It enables me to earn money whilst

I'm learning. It also gives me some free time, which is great, being my

age, I've got money in my pocket and I don't need to undertake another

job. There is a job prospect at the end of it. Three different routes.

The message is the same. There are plenty of opportunities out there.

And tomorrow night on the programme, the highs and lows of results day.

Advice for students looking for university places or those venturing

into the world of work. A library devastated by floods last

November will re-open today after a complete refurbishment. St Asaph

Library suffered severe damage in floods last year. It will have a new

modern layout and design, as well as hundreds of new books.

A Mid Wales market town, believed to be the final resting place of a

travelling circus elephant 165 years ago, has been reliving its history.

Two African elephants have been on set in Tregaron in Ceredigion, as

part of an S4C film. It tells the story of circus elephant Jwmbi, who

died in the town while visiting with a Victorian circus. He's believed to

be buried behind the Talbot Hotel, but despite a five day dig a few

years ago, Jwmbi's skeleton has never been found.

Football, and Wales take on the Republic of Ireland tonight in a

friendly, but the build-up has been dominated by one man, who won't be

playing tonight. Tomos Dafydd is at the Cardiff City Stadium for us.

Tomos. There is a game on tonight but the

build-up has been dominated by one man, Gareth Bale. Speculation

mounting of a big-money move to Real Madrid, in excess of �18 million,

which would make Gareth Bale the most expensive footballer ever. --

�80 million. There's plenty of interest from Spain, too. There's a

handful of Spanish journalists watching on, even though Gareth is

not playing. Earlier, I saw some of the footballers taking in the

stadium. Ashley Williams also caught a glimpse of the Republic of Ireland

manager Giovanni Trapattoni. The big story this week is about Gareth

Bale. And his potential move to Spain. Chris Coleman says it hasn't

affected his side's preparation. He might have hoped training with Wales

would provide a haven from all the hype but despite not playing because

of a foot injury, Gareth Bale is so making headlines over a potential

move to Madrid. Rarely do you find Spanish journalists covering Wales

game. A handful of them are staying at the team hotel and they are in no

doubt where Gareth Bale will end up. Normally, when he wants a

player, he gets it. We had a sedan, fico. And now Gareth Bale is the

player that he wants. And I think he is going to get him. If rail Madrid

get their man, Gareth Bale would become the most expensive player

ever in a deal worth more than �80 million. Golfing fees played to pay

for other players, 15 million paid for Joe Allen, and 14 million paid

for Craig Bellamy. Regardless where he plays, Chris Coleman is sure he

will be committed to the Wales side but he thinks it would be a culture

shock for him to move to Spain. Everything is scrutinised in Spain.

You can't move. You get used to it. It was a bit daunting when I moved

there. The first thing you've got to do is learn the language, get into

the culture, understand what they are about. Gareth Bale will join

some of the finest footballers at Madrid, where players are mobbed,

even after routine training sessions. And it could be an

opportunity to market his talents and create brand Gareth Bale.

Madrid are a world brand. Belmont use Gareth Bale for marketing and

merchandising because they would expect an immediate rush of people

to buy his shirts. While the deal hasn't been done, speculation will

go on. Wales will hope the focus will return to matters on the pitch

and prove they can perform without their in demand star player. Plenty

to talk about. Let's talk to Rob Phillips, our football

correspondent. So, the transfer talk, has it been a distraction?

Chris Coleman insists it hasn't, but as you made the point, the Spanish

journalists are here today, as they have been in the team hotel, which

has been different for fish wells -- for this Welsh squad. Wales have to

cope without him tonight because of injury, so they have to show they

can do that and win without him. Some say it is an awkward time to

have an international friendly, days before the Premier League season,

what will Wales game tonight? have four World Cup qualifiers to

play in the autumn and these games are very few and far between, a

chance the Chris Coleman to get his squad together. There are injury

absentees other than Gareth Bale, but a win would put them in a good

mood. Thank you very much. And you'll be able to listen to

Rob's commentary on Match Of The Day Wales over on BBC Two Wales at

11:20. Live commentary, too, on BBC Radio Wales and Radio Cymru. Updates

online, too. You won't miss any of the action here on the BBC. The most

lucrative Football League gets going again and for the first time there

two Welsh teams competing in the Premier League. With so much

attention given to Welsh football, as it ever taken rugby as the

national game? This report now from Matt Murray.

Rugby has always had a particular hold on the national psyche of

Wales. The Six Nations tournament sees hundreds of thousands of fans

pour on to the streets of our capital. Come on, Wales! The sport

is part of our culture and has been for more than 150 years. But does

rugby still reign supreme? Former Cardiff City captain, Jason Perry,

believes things changed a long time ago. He now runs a football academy

at Bridgend College. There's nothing better than seeing both sports do

well but in terms of participation levels, the amount of people who

watch the game, the number of fields, the number of players in

Wales, I do believe football is the biggest sport in Wales. Even people

with a rugby background will admit to that. A view not shared here at

this rugby academy in Cowbridge in the Vale of Glamorgan. It's recently

become a WRU School of Rugby. These pupils are coming in on their summer

holidays to train and play the sport they love. Matt Silva has

represented his country at the highest level and played against New

Zealand. He's now in charge at this academy and believes Rugby is still

the sport which gets children out early on a wet Wednesday. Going into

international matches, rugby sells out, full stadiums every game. For

football? No. They struggled to sell tickets. The Football Association of

Wales recently argued that more people are watching and playing

football than ever before. With 1,500 football clubs in Wales

compared to just over 300 rugby clubs and numbers playing the game

outstrip Rugby on a three-to-one basis. What do these budding sports

stars prefer? Football. More people watch it. Rugby is a day out when

Wales are playing. Cardiff are in the Premier League, and Swansea.

national team has had a lot of success in recent years. And a lot

of attention has been focused to the youth side of rugby. So the

development can come through. the debate is certain to rumble on

with Wales defending their Six Nations title and two Welsh clubs in

the Premier League. Only one thing is for certain it promises to be

another exciting season of Welsh sport.

I'm sure Matt Murray's report has started heated debates at homes

across the country. Well, we are just days away now from the start of

the Premier League. Later this week, we'll be at Swansea City and Cardiff

City, looking ahead to the start of an exciting new era of top flight

football. Well, the weather is not perfect but tonight's game. Sue has

the forecast. Any Not great news for the football

Cricket. It's looking dull, damp, largely cloudy with drizzle. More of

the same tomorrow. Tomorrow, it is cloudy, mystic and murky, and we

will see heavy bursts of rain pushing in from the north-west, much

milder than in recent nights. Overnight lows of around 16 or 17.

Tomorrow, another cloudy day, rain at times. The odd bright spell. By

the afternoon, it banned of heavy and persistent rain begins to push

on from the West -- a band of heavy and persistent rain. Temperatures

creeping up into the low 20s. 21 in Conwy, but then tomorrow a cold

front pushes through bringing heavy rain. 20 or 30 millimetres, and inch

possible. That and of rain will clear eastwards early on Friday

morning. We have drier day with variable cloud, sunny spells and

fresher with temperatures in the mid-to high teens. Going downhill on

Saturday. A deep area of low pressure bringing rain, moving

eastwards, turning dry by Saturday and then it is bright and breezy on

Sunday. Sunny spells, maybe some showers, but on the whole a much

better day and a more promising start to next week. High-pressure