15/02/2017 BBC Wales Today

Welcome to Wales Today - our headlines tonight.

Thousands of steelworkers at Tata vote to accept less generous

pensions in a bid to secure the future of the industry.

We are tired, frustrated, and we need to rebuild confidence in

ourselves, in the company, and put us back where we need to be.

So after a year of being threatened with closure -

They say we'll all be driving electric cars soon -

The last chapter for shops like this high street bookseller.

The rise in business rates driving firms like this.

Crowds turn out to debate the future for the valleys.

But how will the latest regeneration initiative succeed -

What I want to know is what buses are running at ten o'clock, because

they all finish at six o'clock. Getting the community is fed back,

it's not about money. -- spirit back.

And you've probably never heard of him -

but schoolboy Jackson Page from Ebbw Vale is taking

They've voted for less money in future to save their jobs.

Thousands of Tata steelworkers have overwhelmingly backed a deal that

will end the company's final salary pension scheme.

The three unions at the company's UK plants had recommended

that their members, including 6,000 in Wales, accept the deal.

Tata's offer included a ?1 billion investment

commitment at Port Talbot - and no compulsory job losses.

More from our Business Correspondent Brian Meechan.

28-year-old Scot has been working at Port Talbot the ten years, people at

his dad into the Tata plant. He and his workmates about a tough decision

to make. What does it mean you in particular and the younger workers?

The steep engine is not so at the front of our minds as the older

workforce, but it gives us hope -- obviously pensions are not at the

front of our minds. If Tata keep to their commitments, and the

government steps up and commit to the steel industry, hopefully that

will give us a future we deserve. Workers are being offered a pension

which will give them a lot less in retirement than their current one.

The company will pay 10% into the pension part, all of workers paying

6%. Tarter says it is essential to secure the long-term future of Port

Talbot and the other plants. The pension deal is also tied to a

ten-year ?1 billion investment plan to support steel-making at the site.

A minimum five-year commitment to keeping to blast furnaces at the

plant, and a commitment to seek to avoid compulsory redundancies in

that time. Although the employees at Port Talbot have voted on it, it was

inevitable, they didn't have a choice on the matter. The company

pension scheme is dead in the private sector, companies are

closing it left, right and centre, we had Tesco a year ago, Royal Mail

are closing it, it is the way of the world. When the deal was announced

in December, the workforce seems split and there was a significant

chance it would be rejected. In the end, members of the community union

that 72% in favour in a turnout of 70%. Unite reported a 75% vote in

favour, while GMB said its members voted yes by 74% in a 51% turnout.

Local union leaders who also work at Port Talbot initially said they

would let members decide themselves, but last month they urged them to

back the deals, arguing the alternative was unthinkable. I don't

think anybody had any great pleasure in putting the X in the box, and

people have reflected and thought of the future. It is deals at

sacrifice, it is a men's to do it. It is the lesser of two evils. Do

you think Tata can rebuild trust? Everybody has got to the stage where

we are tired, frustrated, tired, and doing need to rebuild confidence in

ourselves, in the company, and put us back where we need to be. There's

still a lot more to happen, including what happened overall.

Just because the boat has come back with a yes, doesn't mean to say we

stop. We will carry on, we would hold a company to account, the

government to step up to the plate. And we will make sure what is best

for us. The future of Port Talbot and the rest of the UK operations

may be a little clearer tonight, but there are many more decisions to be

made about what that future looks like.

Let's talk to Brian in Port Talbot now.

There's been a year of uncertainty for Tata workers -

does today's vote draw a line under it all?

This certainly isn't the end. Tata has said it is please workers have

signed up to this plan for the long-term future, but there will be

questions about Tata delivering on the promises and pledges it has

made, and also another big decision that is coming along, Tata wants to

take this pension scheme and is 130,000 members and separated

completely from the company, and it will have to get the support of

regulators and the UK Government in order to achieve that. There's also

questions for the UK Government about how steel fits into its

industrial strategy, that it has been talking about, and also how

important Steelers in its spirited negotiations, because did say it was

fairly low down in comparison to some other sectors -- Brexit

negotiations. There will be a lot of pressure on the UK Government to

make sure steel continues to have a place at the table it has had in the

last year. Wales urgently needs

a network of rapid charging That's the call from campaigners

who claim a lack of infrastructure in rural Wales is holding back

the growth of low carbon vehicles. Currently the only rapid charging

points available to the public Here's our Environment

Correspondent, Steffan Messenger. Making the switch from a diesel van

to an electric model was all about cutting fuel costs and

helping the environment Based in Newtown in Powys,

he delivers plumbing and heating He's installed his own charger,

which tops up the van in around four But far from helping his business,

he's found that a lack of points to plug into whilst he's out

and about means his new vehicle is On a fully charged battery, you're

basically, you get about 70 miles. I mean, people talk about this thing

of range anxiety, that's really You are very conscious of how far

you can actually go. Currently to operate

an electric vehicle in mid Currently so-called rapid

charging points that can top up an electric car in around

20 to 30 minutes are locations along the A55,

and eight stops along the M4. Without some serious

forward planning, the rest of Wales is, in Richard's

words, a no go zone. We are trying to do the right thing,

we are trying to be green, we are trying to have a carbon

neutral standpoint. So when you're trying to do

the right thing and everything seems against you, it's

quite a difficult... Use of electric cars

is growing in Wales. Latest figures show

there are 1,725 licensed vehicles here, compared

to just 70 back in 2012. The Welsh government says it wants

to see that continued. More of us choosing

electric vehicles will help tackle carbon

emissions and air pollution. But campaigners say a lack

of charging infrastructure means the switch isn't happening

as quickly as it could. At the moment, you can't

travel from north The trouble is, it's

a chicken and egg situation. People want to travel and use

electric vehicles, but they can't because infrastructure isn't

there, and infrastructure isn't going to be built until

the demand is there. What I would like to see

is government recognising it does need some grants

and funding support. Back in 2015, a report by transport

exports commissioned by Back in 2015, a report by transport

experts commissioned by the Welsh government made a string

of recommendations to improve the They included installing charge

points in all government property and encouraging local

authorities to do the same. All the places people

want to go need to And so until we get

that level, I think we are still going to struggle a bit

to really make a difference in terms of our carbon emissions

from vehicles. The Welsh government told us

it was considering the recommendations that it received

and was committed to helping the low Back in Newtown, Richard is hoping

it won't be too long before he has other faster points to plug into,

apart from his own. A 23-year-old man from south

Wales will appear before Westminster Magistrates tomorrow

charged with terrorism offences. Nathan Saunders, from Tredegar,

was arrested earlier this month, and is accused of possessing

information likely to be useful to a person committing or preparing

an act of terrorism. Severn Trent has

completed its takeover Shareholders were against the deal

because of fears over job But they dropped an appeal

opposing it on Monday. Businesses could close up

and down our high streets because of a rise in business

rates this April. Millions of pounds of rates went

unpaid in Wales last year and property experts have warned

things could get worse. An independent book shop, remember

those? This one in the Vale of Glamorgan has been selling to all

ages for 30 years. But competition online and a rise in attacks it pays

other sharp, business rates set by a government body means it may not be

a fairy tale feature. I don't think any businessman can effectively

programme etude in 70% rise in turnover. So once we get two years

to win free -- 270%. Business rates are taxed, go towards paying for

public services. More than ?900 million was collected in Wales last

year. But 50 million went unpaid. A ?20 million rise in ten years. But

if there is already millions in business rates going uncollected,

what affect will shops like this, if they struggle to pay it, have that

overall pot? Some property consultants believe it could cause

it to rise. Absolutely there is a potential for that to grow. And at a

steep away than we've seen in the last decade? I the liability is

increasing, people were struggling before, there's nothing to suggest

anything will become easier for them. And you could end of seeing a

lot more vacant properties on the High Street as a result. The finance

secretary said small businesses should know by the end of the week

exactly how he plans to help them. Business is on high streets like

this will receive an extra ?20 million, say the Welsh government,

rates are generally going down in well cities. They are working

targeting relief, but they admit timescales have been challenging.

But the rate rise now weeks away, some real businesses say they need

help now. Much more to come

before seven o'clock. Sweeping up syringes -

how Wrexham's trying to get clean by taking drugs paraphernalia

off the streets. And while his friends are in school

- teenager Jackson Page from Ebbw Vale is sharing the stage

with some of the world's best. The minister in charge

of the new body which aims to raise living standards in the south Wales

valleys says it is not just about delivering shiny new roads,

but about creating an industrial renaissance after a century

of economic decline. Alun Davies was speaking

after chairing his first public meeting of the valleys taskforce

in Merthyr Tydfil. Our political editor

Nick Servini went along. A roll call of regeneration schemes

for the valleys has been a future bull feature of government for

decades in Wales. A different time and a different approach. The latest

ideas regeneration are discussed at a public meeting in Merthyr Tydfil

of the Welsh government's valleys Task Force. Alun Davies is keen to

show his credentials as a Tredegar Boy . A boat today in the primary

Boye. A boat today in the primary school, in the classroom, where I

started school. Labour politicians don't have to do this usually, but

the party's tribal support is not what it once was here. What do

people want? As you can expect, there's no shortage of concerns.

What I want to know is, what buses are running at 10pm, because

throughout the valleys they finish at 6pm. It is a fantastic idea in

theory. When you put it into practice, it breaks down

straightaway. Getting this community spirit back, it's not about money.

We've got ?1 million available, not one person turned up from the

community. The overall then sends is the dizzying array of subjects

discussed -- overwhelming sense. From productivity to the state of

late-night bus services, and it will be a real job of the machinery of

government to knock this into some kind of coherent response. It's

about the feet of the fire on the politicians to implement what has

been discussed. In these days of austerity, we want value for money

and action and results were that what we need. With Merthyr Tydfil

we've already received a generous allowance of European money, and

they think now it is beholden upon the people who perceive that money,

including the college, that they begin to generate funds themselves.

There will be no new government department with the Task Force, it

will instead look to influence different ministers from the inside.

But will it succeed where others have failed? You are telling me

other people have tried before and they fail, therefore you will fail.

That is the counsel of despair. I won't accept it. You from the

valleys, I am from the bodies, you want this to succeed, I wanted to

succeed. All others who are from the valleys want to see the succession.

That means we need to work together to do it. What I'm saying, people in

the valleys have seen the schemes come and go. What is different? It

is bringing a razor-sharp focus on all the activities of government. No

part of the government work is outside our scope. Billions have

been spent regenerating the valleys over many years. The landscape is

different now, particularly after Brexit, and the likelihood is it

will have to be done in the future with far less money in the coffers.

Able and talented pupils are not getting enough

That's according to the education watchdog Estyn, which says schools

instead focus on helping pupils on the borderline

The Welsh government agrees, it says it needs to push more able pupils

What can be done to tackle the growing number of needles

and syringes discarded by drug users around Wrexham?

That's the question being considered - after a report into so-called

"drug litter" recommended more co-operation between the council,

A dedicated helpline for people to report the problem

These images of discarded needles, prescription medication and other

drug paraphernalia were taken by a Wrexham councillor close to the town

centre last year. Others have called a greater action to tackle the

problems is an award which they say pose a risk to residents and give

the town a bad name. They tried to look at them, but the emphasis in my

area has switched around where my residents of feeling vulnerable in

the area. And too much emphasis in my regard is getting to these

particular clients. Not just clients, there's a large group who

aren't engaging with the agencies. Zoe is a volunteer with the drug and

alcohol charity, she struggled with addiction herself and is working

with others to try and make a positive contribution to society as

part of a project to create true glitter. I injected, I smoked crack

cocaine. If I to go into a empty shed take drugs, I would, I was

desperate. So nowadays I go into these places and they tidy them up,

I am making amends for the way I lived. Wrexham councillors are

discussing research which says there should be better cooperation between

people. And the charity has been given extra money to fund litter

picks like this. Staff say it is often a minority of drug users

leaving the letter. The majority use responsibly, there is a small

minority that don't, quite often from the homeless, but not always.

It is difficult to control that with those people. A pilot scheme to

Wrexham councillors to report drug letter could be extended to the

public, but towns and cities across Wales are affected with no quick fix

insight. Football, and Cardiff City

have moved into the top half of the Championship

after a remarkable comeback Trailing 2-0 after the first 20

minutes, Kadeem Harris started the comeback with two goals,

before Craig Noone's long range strike -

and a 90th minute penalty from Joe Ralls saw

the Bluebirds winning 4-3. Success in the snooker for several

Welsh players today. Lee Walker and Dominic Dale

through to the last 32 But the star of the show

was Jackson Page from Ebbw Vale. He's also through to the next

round - out-performing some of the best players in the world -

at 15 years old. They say practice makes perfect.

Even at just 15 years old, Jackson Page is well-prepared. I started

when I was three, I was on the table. My dad used to tell me to

practice. From the players lounge, he watched as Mark Williams crashed

out in the first round. But Williams, he says, played an

important part in his own success. Mark took the club over when I was

about ten. And then 12, 13, 14, and 15, I practice with more quite a

lot. It is a great help. At a school in Ebbw Vale, he is living up to the

mantra. They have specially arranged time off from class for him, people

inspired to chase his dream job. We have the board of local celebrities.

Mark Williams is one of those famous faces. We use it as an inspiration

for others. He's not surprised to hear Jackson is doing well. He's

very confident, he's very and articulate. And talented. And I

think maybe that gives them the confidence he has because he so laid

back. Every challenge he faces seems to be undaunted by it. It's

something he can just do in his stride, and I have no doubt he will

go on to massive things. Good to see someone from our school doing so

well. Can you believe what happened? Another win this afternoon means

world number four could meet him in the next round. I looked at the draw

and saw he was at the top. That was my thoughts. When I first started

watching, I watched him against Ronnie O'Sullivan. My dad said it

would be me one day. On appearances at least, this was just another day

in office were Jackson Page. Good luck to him. And you can find out

who he will play next at this programme from 7pm, live over on BBC

Two Wales and the BBC red and online.

For the first time - a production by the Welsh language

national theatre company has been broadcast live into cinemas.

Last night's staging of Macbeth by Theatr Genedlaethol was performed

in front of a small audience at Caerphilly Castle,

but watched by crowds in cinemas across Wales.

It's part of an effort to reach new audiences,

and will be repeated with English subtitles.

Our arts and media correspondent, Huw Thomas, reports.

Macbeth's witches meet in Caerphilly Castle

for a production that breaks new ground with its language and its

Last night's performance was beamed live into cinemas, where it

will be repeated over the coming weeks.

This is the first time one of their productions has been

broadcast, and it's going to be repeated

in the cinemas over the

The whole point is that more people enjoy the show,

where ever they live in Wales, without having to travel to catch

They don't have to travel all the way to

Obviously there are limited numbers who can see it

here live, so it gives them the ability to see it,

weather it is its in Bangor or Aberystwyth or Newport.

And centuries after its first performance, Macbeth remains a

Thematically, it is about power, and it's about the desire

And that's as relevant today as it was three, four, five

The technical challenge of staging a play in an

ancient castle is matched only by the complexities of broadcasting it

to audiences scattered across the country.

While it is now accessible to people who can't make it to

Caerphilly, it's also about reaching those who would normally give Welsh

Because we've got the subtitles, then we are

opening up our work to as wide an audience as we can.

And that's very important to us, to bring people to

Welsh language theatre even though they may

not be able to speak the

All the performances at the castle are sold out, but it will be

repeated at cinemas with subtitles over the next two months.

Tonight's production of the weather forecast now

There's snow storm and tempers on the way, but much milder, 12 degrees

with sunshine and showers this afternoon. Bright and breezy with a

breast south-westerly wind. I think we've seen the last of the cold

weather for a while -- brisk south westerly wind. This evening we start

was showery rain but it will clear eastwards. The rest of the night is

looking dry, some clear spells, some low cloud and a miss forming. Not a

cold night but chilly in man. Down to four Celsius, maybe a touch of

ground frost. This is a picture for ATM, dry and places, some low cloud.

Also one to showers dotted about in mid and Wales, otherwise try.

South-westerly breeze on Anglesey. A fairly decent day tomorrow, largely

dry, some sunshine at times, just the odd isolated shower in the

afternoon. It will turn temperatures above average, ten to 12 Celsius.

Light winds in the south, a tad breezy in the north. Most of the day

is dry, some sunshine and the mild, 11. In Port Talbot, most places dry,

sunny intervals, a high of ten and Briton Ferry. A little rain

spreading into part of the North. Elsewhere, dry. In the south, the

risk of a few bob patches. Friday, that shows a ridge of high pressure.

This cold front west of Ireland will pass through Wales over the weekend,

but it will weaken, not bringing much rain. On Friday, any mist and

fog will lift, some bright spells, sunshine and a mild again. Mostly

dry but in the south and west, increasing cloud may bring the odd

spot of rain later in the afternoon. Over the weekend, plenty of cloud on

Saturday, little bit of rain, mostly in the north and west. On Sunday,

most places are dry and mild again. Police in Malaysia have arrested

a 28-year-old woman in connection with the suspected poisoning

of the half-brother Kim Jong-Nam died yesterday

after he was attacked Thousands of Tata Steel workers have

backed the deal which will end the company's final salary pension

scheme, which includes a ?1 billion investment at Port Talbot and no

compulsory job losses. I'll have an update for you here

at eight o'clock and again That's Wales Today,

thank you for watching. From all of us on the

programme, good evening. when farmers leave

their daily routines behind... Right, here we come, Dorset!

..for a show day.