09/11/2015 BBC Wales Today

Roads were turned into reverse, homes evacuated. But as ?15 million

flood defences are officially opened on the other side, some residents

are not happy. B they started building a new ball and we haven't

even got a wall down here. There's nothing to prevent it happening

again. We have that 60 assembly members. Tonight there are calls to

increase the number to 100. Nanny state interfering on the Government

looking at the new? The row over banning e-cigarettes and public

places. The Swansea Valley residents left without male after the poster

is cornered by a dog. Swansea city dismiss reports suggesting manager

Garry Monk is about to be sacked. He was denied a gold medal for years

because of a drugs cheat. Jamie Baulch says the latest scandal to

engulf athletics is eroding the credibility of the sport.

A ?15 million flood defence scheme has been officially opened in

West Rhyl - but victims of a storm surge to the east of

the town have told this programme they're angry that little has been

The Welsh Government says it's making thousands more properties

Matthew Richards has spent the day in Rhyl.

Two years ago, Ivonne and Jeff Cowan showed us how flooding had ruined

They lost photographs, wedding albums and were forced to

It's just absolutely fabulous, as you can see.

Today they are back after a complete refurbishment.

But they say they are angry that the East End of Rhyl is still

We don't want it to happen again but we feel as

Everything has been done in the west end of Rhyl and nothing in the east

end to give us peace of mind, and that is all we want, peace of mind.

From Splash Point up to the far end of the west end.

There was no flooding and no chance of them getting flooding and they

started building a new wall and we haven't even got a wall here.

There's nothing to prevent it happening again and it could

Just down the coast in the west end of Rhyl, Natural Resources Minister

Carl Sergeant is unveiling flood defences that are part of the

Strengthening the sea wall and other improvements have cost ?15

million - a fraction of the spend in the east so far.

We have invested ?800,000 recently in the area of Rhyl.

It is not over for this area and we're taking our responsibilities

seriously and the Welsh Government is continuing with its investment

and there will be more to come for that particular area.

We've got to cover the whole coastline,

that is a hugely important programme, but these are costly.

This week sees the completion of the ?7 million scheme to protect

400 properties in Gwyneth by completing a channel for flood

Back in Denbighshire, work will continue for some time.

With new rock and sea walls and a diversion to the river, this

part of Rhyl now has three lines of defence against future flooding,

The Council and the Welsh Government acknowledge there is still plenty

of work to be done elsewhere in the town.

We've had some money to do the work starting now to divert

We are producing further plans which the Welsh Government will

expect from us that will help us to get additional funding to raise

The Cowans and neighbours have patched up their homes and moved

They say the authorities need to do much more

Politicians in Westminster and Cardiff Bay could end up

constantly fighting over powers and laws in the Supreme Court.

That's the message tonight from the First Minister Carwyn Jones.

He says having a new plan on the table is a great opportunity to sort

out who runs what, but as things stand a lasting agreement between

Our political editor Nick Servini is at the Senedd.

There is a well-documented criticism of this plan on the table from the

First Minister and he's keeping the pressure up. He is. He talked about

the new and unnecessary regulations when he addressed a committee of MPs

today. Even went so far as to say that whoever wins the Assembly

elections next year will not be any position to deliver on their

manifesto pledges because of the lack of clarity on this issue. These

proposals, which all form part of what is called the. After Wales Bill

are designed to the Assembly boss 's powers, but the real sticking point

is the attempt to redefine who does what. Lots of politicians here in

Cardiff Bay say instead of pushing forward because of devolution, it is

putting things into reverse because of what they say is the extent of

what they say is the extent there needs. The members of the

Conservatives party say this is a perfectly fair way of clearing up

the mess. All day today we have had a very detailed difficult

discussions of various committees into what is planned. As one Labour

honourable member put it, we were stealing our way through the

constitutional jungle. I think it will feel like that fully few more

months to come. We also learn today what opposition party members

thought of having more Assembly members. A much simpler part of the

bill is the Assembly gets the ability to control how many

honourable members they are. Leanne Wood for Plaid Cymru felt the

current 60 could be increased to between 80 and 100. Kirsty Williams

for the Liberal Democrats felt there should be an increase, but it would

have to run along a reduction in the number of MPs. The leader of the bus

Conservatives said an increase in the number of honourable members

with lead to better scrutiny of Government. They were all heading in

one direction. But how do you sell out to the public? As one MP put it

today, he knocked on thousands of doors any general election campaign

and no one told him they wanted more politicians. This will be a big

debate in the years ahead. News breaking that the behind-the-scenes

documentary and the Assembly will not go ahead because of concerns

from Labour. BBC and ITV wanted to do this documentary. The Presiding

Officer Rosemary Butler, who famously blocked James Bond film

makers from filming scenes here, said she was very excited about

that, but to make a statement from Welsh Labour said the proposal lacks

detail. It would cause disruption, in other words they didn't like it

at all and that prompted a response from the Liberal Democrats to say

this was an example of Welsh Labour lacking transparency. Thank you.

A terminally-ill woman from Swansea has had assistance to end her life

Jackie Baker, who was 59 and had motor neurone disease, had asked her

daughters to help her travel to the Dignitas clinic to die. They

later cancelled a fundraising event - after a visit from the police.

The family are now calling for a change in the law on assisted dying.

The Secretary State for Wales says there should be no limits to north

Wales' ambition when it comes to the northern powerhouse.

Stephen Crabb was visiting the site of the new Wrexham prison,

which will create a thousand jobs for the region.

He says Welsh business leaders should ensure that economic growth

in the cities of the north of England benefits north Wales.

We do see it as very much integral to the northern powerhouse vision.

This exciting vision that unites together exciting things happening

at an economic and political level in Greater Manchester and the cities

of the north, but recognises that the north Welsh economy is part of

that and we want to see north Wales capture all

A 24-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion

of causing grievous bodily harm in Aberystwyth after a man suffered

The incident happened in the Academy Pub on Halloween.

The man has been bailed while the police carry out further enquiries.

The Tory leader in Wales describing Welsh government plans to ban

It's a major part of a package of measures designed to improve

But the Conservative leader says banning e-cigarettes wouldn't save

He's not one of the thousands of people

in Wales who use e-cigarettes, but the Tory leader says outlawing

Banning people from vaping in enclosed public spaces is the most

controversial part of the Welsh Government's public-health bill.

There would be a licensing system for tattooing and piercing,

a clamp-down on selling tobacco to under 18s through a register of

shops, and local councils would have to develop a public toilet strategy.

The Welsh Government says e-cigarettes risk normalising

smoking and 40 other countries have already taken similar steps.

They would be restricted in enclosed areas in the same way

We've worked so hard here in Wales to make sure people here in Wales

don't begin the journey of being addicted to tobacco.

We want to make sure e-cigarettes don't do that in future and

if we don't succeed in that there will be people in future who

otherwise would not have been addicted to tobacco with all the

The Welsh Conservatives say e-cigarettes help regular smokers

wean themselves off tobacco and say ministers are just acting

I don't think the Government have put a persuasive case forward.

Ultimately, what we have to do is ask ourselves,

And it does actually seem they are doing it just

because they can do it, rather than for any real public health concerns

Many other organisations have taken up arms against the bill, including

Public Health England says e-cigarette are 95% less

The Welsh bill is also opposed by the anti-smoking charity Ash,

Lining up to support the move are Public Health Wales,

local health boards and the British Medical Association.

We just don't know what the effects of having

our children taking up e-cigarettes with nicotine in it, which after all

We just don't know what the long-term effects of that will be.

Down the road from the e-cigarette shop, they've

Most of the people we spoke to didn't support a nationwide ban.

I think they should be allowed to smoke them, even

People are outside smoking cigarettes now

and you're passive smoking with them smoking cigarettes.

They are just a little bit of vapour, they don't harm anyone.

My sister suffers from asthma and she can't cope with e-cigarettes.

For her position, she'd have to leave.

As things stand, I could use this out here or back in the shop.

But really it's the pubs, cafes and restaurants on roads

like this that will feel the affect if this ban does come in.

Labour doesn't have a majority in the Assembly, the opposition

parties are sceptical and Labour will have to do a deal with one

Some people living in a village in the Swansea Valley have been

told not to expect any mail until it's safe to deliver there

again, after the local postwoman was cornered by a dog.

Around 70 homes in Ystalyfera are affected, and residents now have to

travel five miles to pick up post at the nearest sorting office.

Royal Mail has apologised, but says dog attacks are

New Christmas decorations are already up in wow, with a Christmas

card may not arrive on time. Last Monday, a post woman was left

terrified a large dog that was loose on the road. Deliveries have been

suspended ever since. Cat spent is one of the people affected. My

immediate concern was for the elderly people in the street, the

disabled people, and that young mothers as well trying to keep

things together and it is not Beverly Hills, we're not rich people

around here. It is in cutting costs travelling, which is about five

miles away. We are very upset this has happened and in no way do we

condone this dog attack. It is very upsetting, especially for the person

involved. I do think Royal Mail should have carefully considered the

impact on the local residents. There are lots of shops and businesses

here on the high street, and some of the people who have had their post

Stockport and alternative collection point can be arranged to avoid a 5

journey. Up it is quite far away, especially for a lot of older

people. But this former postman says he understands why the service has

been suspended. On a couple of occasions I was chased down gardens

by dogs in the after. One of my colleagues was injured when a dog

came through the glass. Royal Mail says it appreciates the

inconvenience to people here, but in the last year there were 140 attacks

on postmenopausal women Wales. In area court which covers here there

were 19 dog attacks. Despite this being one of the busiest times of

year for Post, Royal Mail is confident it is doing the right

thing. We have to prioritise staff safety which is what we're doing

here. At the same time, we are keen to resume normal deliveries as

quickly as possible and we will do this by using constructively with

the. 'S or, making sure he understands his responsibilities and

making the area safe. Cat spent is making up a business selling

decorations. She hopes the situation is resolved soon to make sure she

can send and receive orders before Christmas.

No swansong just yet - Swansea manager Garry Monk is expected to be

in charge against Bournemouth, but he badly needs a win.

And over half a month's rain has fallen

flood alerts and warnings in force, with more rain on the way.

The family of a teenager who died in the Millpond

in Pembroke want to see more safety features around the water.

18-year-old Robert Mansfield was celebrating his birthday

when he went into the pond surrounding the town's castle.

He is the third person to die at the beauty spot this year.

This is the spot where her nephew lost his life -

As a family, it's brought us closer together,

Robert Mansfield had just turned 18 and had been out celebrating with

friends when he decided to try and swim across the pond.

Sadly, Robert Mansfield's death was not unique.

In fact, he was one of three this year to die

here at the Millpond, and now his family would like to see more

safety barriers put up to prevent others from entering the water.

Robert's aunt says he had been drinking that day.

Alcohol also played a part in another of the deaths.

But she believes if it had been harder

for him to get down to the water, her nephew may not have tried.

It was his 18th birthday so obviously he had consumed

alcohol, but I think if it there been some sort

of obstacle he would have thought, no, and he wouldn't have bothered.

They've discussed fencing in certain areas.

Netting put up, and also lighting, as it is quite dark.

Mrs Mansfield has now launched a petition after

the council rejected the family's calls for more permanent structures

But the authorities say they are looking into other improvements -

more lifebelts have been added around the pond, along with plans to

We are pushing in conjunction with Pembrokeshire

County Council to get more signage, awareness, buoyancy aids.

So we are doing our bit to work with the council to try and do something.

An inquest into Mr Mansfield's death is due to be held later this month.

Swansea City are dismissing reports suggesting the imminent departure

The Swans lost again on Saturday - they're 14th in the Premier League

- five points above the relegation zone.

It's been reported the Swansea board are unhappy with

the club's recent form, which has seen just one win in nine games.

Live now to the Liberty Stadium and our sports reporter Iwan Griffiths.

There's a sign above me here, Tomos, announcing the next fixture which,

And having been in contact with the club today we understand that Garry

Monk is expected to be in charge of Swansea City for the game in the

But with just one league win since August the result

of that game could have a significant impact on his future.

Garry Monk was in Norwich on Saturday watching

The 70th minute goal leading to a disappointing 1-0 defeat.

Swansea City have gathered just five points from the last 24 on offer.

We talked about it at half-time, the way they were set up

We never looked in any danger and it was about being patient.

Unfortunately one lapse of concentration has cost us dearly

and that's pretty much been the story of the last few weeks

which is frustrating, both for myself and the players.

Following the game, the Swansea keeper said the players have full

confidence in their manager, despite newspaper reports this morning that

It's been reported the Swansea board are unhappy with

the club's recent form, which has seen just one win in nine games.

But a senior source has told BBC Wales of his surprise

At the Liberty Club Shop today there were mixed feelings when it came to

The way we're playing at the moment, I wouldn't lose any sleep

It's lacklustre, there's no direction.

We had 60% possession and didn't have one attempt on target.

I think that what we need to go and give him our support.

He's been there for a long time and I feel he needs more time.

Monk's dismissal would be a dramatic change of fortunes

for the 36 year old, who back in August was named the Premier

The Swans are currently 14th in the Barclays Premier League table.

Relegation is a long way away, but the chairman will be driving to

A new ?5 billion TV rights deal will bring significant funds to

I think they were caught by surprise by these rumours

It doesn't look as if Garry Monk's departure is imminent.

That said, Michael Laudrup before Garry Monk was sacked after

one win in ten, while Garry Monk is starting to reach that area now.

I think it makes the Bournemouth home game a fairly big game for him.

Garry Monk did admit after Saturday's defeat that he was

at a low point, but confident of turning things around.

It's unclear exactly how much time he hands to do that.

One more piece of Swansea City news for you.

And the Spanish striker Michu has left the club after agreeing

He was the club's top scorer in 2012-13 with 22 goals

What Garry Monk would do to have a striker in that kind

Now, when it comes to managers, Swansea City have had

But the chairman Huw Jenkins has been praised in the past for

It appears that he is sticking with Monk for now.

Newport County will find out later which team they could face

The draw is live over on BBC Two wales after this programme.

They'll first have to beat Brackley Town in a replay after

Newport were 2-0 up against the non-league side, but a header from

Curtis McDonald in the 95th minute means both sides will have to do

The former World Athletics Champion Jamie

Baulch says the sport has lost a lot of credibility and tougher sanctions

Baulch was speaking after a major report on doping in athletics

recommended that Russian athletes be banned from all competitions.

He's one of Wales' best-known athletes,

and for years he was denied a gold medal he rightly deserves.

Now this latest scandal, Jamie Baulch told me is eroding

That's why I don't think is the great sport, they say

We've got Jess Ennis, Mo Farah, Greg Rutherford, massive icons, and

Greg would be the first to admit this, he's won every championship,

Olympics, World Championships, European, Commonwealth games, he

could walk around the streets and people still don't know who he is.

20 years ago with Daley Thompson and Linford Christie and all them,

Because their profiles aren't that high because people aren't watching

the sport like they used to because I think people are sick

Back in 1997, Jamie Baulch was part of the Great Britain 4x4

But more than ten years after the race,

one of the American team admitted he'd been taking performance

They were subsequently stripped of their title and that medal

finaly received their medals in 2010.

Not in front of 80,000 fans, but a handful of dignitaries.

Balch suspected one in every five athletes were cheating

The sanctions, he says, are not severe enough.

The testing regime has never been great.

There will always be doctors out there who are outwitting the

What we need to do is target it a different way.

A longer ban and don't endorse athletes who have

If they get caught they've got to give all their money back.

It's not just about penalising the athletes.

According to one of the greatest para-lympians of our time.

Tanni Grey-Thompson says coaches and others around the athletes

The sport, she says, need to look beyond the athletes, as they don't

He says drastic action is required to protect the sport he loves.

Rain has fallen in the last 24 hours. The new flood defences are

being well truly tested. There are nine flood alerts. Tonight will

continue breezy or Wednesday with more rain and drizzle as well. The

rain most persistent on high ground and somewhat drier in the East.

Unusually mild temperatures. Here is the picture for 8am. Cloudy and damp

or even wet and places. Low cloud and health. Strong winds on exposed

coast and hells. In the north and east of high ground around 15

Celsius. During the day there will be further outbreaks of rain and

drizzle. Weight, high ground. Drier to the north and east. Above average

temperatures. 14 Celsius. Tomorrow night and into winds the winds will

ease. For the rain and drizzle, heavy rain in the north and

north-west, turning drier and the South. Enter Wednesday and it is a

breezy with spots of drizzle. The odd glimpse or two of sun but into

the evening more persistent rain will start to spread its way down

from the north-west. On Wednesday night the rain will clear. Thursday

morning looks dry and bright but it won't last with more rain expected

in the afternoon and evening and the winds also picking up. Generally

mild but called on Friday. Here is another picture from one of our

weather watchers. If you would like to sign up and become a weather

watcher, check out the website. We investigate a rogue letting agent

who is letting down an awful lot of people. The globetrotting Gran who

has had a bumpy ride with her airline. What are your rights if

your parcel doesn't get delivered on time?