Thu, 29 Sep 2011 at 7.30pm Newyddion 9

A controversial bid ..in the Vale of Glamorgan

..but supporters say it would create The Welsh Government wants

A favourable response in Newport today.

The German parliament offers hope for the euro...

..but will Germany's billions be enough?

The vehicle which has reached the summit of Snowdon twice this month.

And from this weekend we'll have to pay for plastic bags.

Tonight we'll find out what effect it has had in Ireland.

A meeting of the Vale of Glamorgan Planning Committee...

A meeting of the Vale of Glamorgan Planning Committee...

..is taking place at the moment...

..to discuss plans to drill for a new source of gas in the county.

It's the second time the application for permission...

..to carry out exploratory drillingat an industrial estate in Llandow...

..has been put forward.

Iolo ap Dafydd is in Barry, outside the council headquarters.

The

The councillors

The councillors have

The councillors have decided to postpone their decision on this

planning application. They want to visit the site in

order to see what sort of effect if there was drilling. They're going

to do that before the end of October. This is a controversial

issue. Many campaigners want to stop the

company drilling for gas. The site is on an industrial site in Llandow.

There are a number of concerns hocally. What worries us is that

the pro--- locally. What worries us is the process is dangerous. Toxic

chemicals are used. There is the possibility of explosions, which we

have seen happen in North America. Until the science is safe we should

not be considering approving this. In a number of States in the US,

finding gas underground has led to a number of jobs and a new source

of energy, but the drilling has also had opposition, with some

people accusing the companies of polluting drinking water.

The Welsh company can see potential in the process.

Central Government has done a lot of work on this. Their report was

favourable. There is so much of this gas potentially that it could

change the economy of the UK. Drilling has been carried out in

one part of the UK, but the drilling near Blackpool has been

suspended temporarily. Fraking involves sending a drill below

ground. The drill follows a layer of chalk underground. Chemicals and

water pump the gas to the surface. There is a lack of data on this,

but there is a high element of risk. That level of risk depends on how

safe the location is, how safe the techniques are and how much care

the company takes. According to supporters of the application,

stricter measures are in place here. If any bid includes adding

chemicals to the soil we would look at the effect and the amount of

those chemicals to make sure that the environment is protected. They

may need an environmental license with strict conditions relating to

that. So far, before the drilling has

even started in Wales, these protestors are concerned about the

possibility effects on their health and the environment. Around 50

protestors gathered outside these offices earlier and I am joined by

one of them, Catrin O'Neill. You must welcome the decision to delay

the verdict? We are very glad it has not been approved, but we were

here in April. We were here at the planning meeting and we feel as if

we're going around in circles. They will just withdraw the

application and then put it forward again. We're not moving forward.

Some people will say you don't want to be -- don't want to see drilling

in the Vale of Glamorgan because it is where you live? Some people will

say that, but what we are trying to do with our campaign is to try

attention to the fact it is a global issue. It is happening in

Australia and America. But we need the energy and we need jobs?

Talking about jobs, they have said only around 20 jobs will be created.

What about the jobs we will lose in farming and tourism? The trade-off

does not make sense at all! Another thing, Parliament have said it is

not of national importance. It is more than that - it is of global

importance. We need them to listen. They don't

know what they are dealing with. The problem is we are not familiar

with this gas and searching for gas underground involves unfamiliar

..Huw Foulkes will be looking at ..of producing energy

It looks increasingly likely that a large new university...

..could be established in South East Wales.

The University of Wales Newport has responded favourably...

..to the suggestion it could merge with Glamorgan University...

..and UWIC in Cardiff.

But before agreeing to the plans...

..Newport University has set out some conditions.

Despite

Despite the

Despite the sunshine

Despite the sunshine these students at Newport University were here to

study today. When will students of the future part of a much larger

yuan union. The Higher Education Funding Council has suggested

merging Newport with Glamorgan and UWIC in Cardiff. It would transform

higher education in Wales. It would provide competition with

Metropolitan institutions in England. It would also allow us to

work together, which would give us more courses. But Newport has set

out some conditions. Local people will have to be given a fair

opportunity because there is a high percentage of students in Gwent. A

close relationship will have to be forged with the further education

college and the merger will have to benefit the local economy. The

Welsh Government wants fewer universities. If that's -- is that

a way forward? Princeton University is smaller than Glyndwr University.

On the other hand, very large universities don't always perform.

That's not the answer. Having said that, there is a limit on funding

in Wales. We might need to find a balance. Glyndwr University said

last week it does not want to merge with Bangor and Aberystwyth. The

Welsh Government is consulting on the future structure of higher

education in Wales. It's interesting that Glyndwr University

and Newport have already made a public statement before the

consultation process has come to an end. Another issue is funding

higher education in Wales. The University of Glamorgan and UWIC

said they will respond as part of Dyfed Powys Police have confirmed

..killed a man in Carmarthenshire The man's name has not been released

The emergency services were called to Pumsaint at around 9.30am.

The German parliament has voted in favour...

..of expanding powers for the EU's main bailout fund...

..agreeing to double the money that will be available...

..to assist countries with debts.

The approval of Germany, the biggest economy in Europe...

..is seen as a significant step inthe future of the fund and the euro.

A

A morning

A morning of

A morning of concern for Chancellor Angela Merkel and the rest of

Europe. There are increasing concerns over the future of the

euro. With opposition party deciding to support the coalition

Government, it was a comfortable victory. The Chancellor was aware

that a loss would have affected her political ability.

Greece, Ireland and Portugal are in significant debt. Germany will now

double its contribution to the bail out fund.

Although the German economy is quite still strong, more money is

going to be paid out to other countries. I think a number of

people are sceptical about this. well as more money, the fund will

also have more powers. Economists say it was a crucial vote. Ten of

the 17 countries have now approved this move. The euro could have

crumbled had Germany opposed this today. While the German economy is

growing, other economies around Europe are still unable. --

The Welsh Government has announced ..to offer support to gypsies

The Government says it's the first strategy of its kind in the UK...

..and that it aims to improve access...

..to services like health care, education and planning.

It was drawn up in partnership with members of the gypsy community.

There

There are

There are 78

There are 78 travellers' sites in Wales, which contain around 800

caravans. This site has been approved for five years, but 50% of

the sites are illegal. The main aim of this strategy is to ensure

travellers and Gypsies have places to live. It is a controversial

issue but the Government wants to see local authorities improving

provision. The Government will fund the cost of establishing new sites.

We want to provide them with opportunities to access basic

services. There is a lack of permanent sites and temporary sites

for travellers. Without a network and a stable home, children can go

without education or health care. The statistics show that there are

all kinds of prejudices against this community. Unfortunately some

have lost their lives due to violence against them. While the

convepbs continues, -- conference continues, there was an appeal in

the High Court asking to move 400 travellers from deal form. The

dispute has cost millions of pounds. In publishing this document, the

Government hopes it will avoid a The Welsh Government is reviewing

The review will concentrate on vocational qualifications...

..and the course on offer to young people between 14 and 19.

Ministers want to target the money to give people the right skills.

The Welsh Government has been criticised...

..because cigarette machines will be banned from pubs in England...

..from Saturday onwards.

The ban won't come into force here until February.

Kirsty Williams, the leader of the Liberal Democrats in Wales...

..has accused the Government of being ineffective.

Using the tide to create energy hasbeen a talking point for many years.

Plans to build a barrage across the Severn were blocked a year ago.

But a team of researchers from Cardiff University...

..are looking at the possibility of creating a sustainable...

..tidal energy sector in Wales.

Sailing

Sailing from

Sailing from Penarth

Sailing from Penarth Marina this morning the waters were calm -

perfect conditions according to the research team collecting data.

Using the latest technology, this equipment transmits sound waves

through the water. The depth of the water and the direction of the

current is recorded thousands of times per minute. The results

appear on these computers and give the researchers an idea of the flow

of the water. It's the per feblgt place to collect data. On a --

perfect place to collect data. On a calm day you can assess the tide

and it is possible to assess the schemes to use that energy to

create electricity. This buoy weighs ten tonnes and is

fighting the tide. The Severn has the second biggest

tidal range in the world. With the autumn equinox the researchers are

determined to make the most of the conditions.

Those who study the sea, getting the balance of sustainable energy

schemes and protecting wildlife habitats is crucial.

It is important that we make the most of the opportunities we have

to create low carbon energy. We also have to take wildlife

habitats into consideration. They are very important. Around 30

species of birds use the habitats near by. The data will have to be

analysed, but for these researchers the ability to create a sustainable

tidal energy in Wales is a real North Wales Police are investigating

It's the second time it's happened this month.

It seems to be the same vehicle...

..but it's not yet clear who was driving the car.

With

With today's

With today's wonderful

With today's wonderful weather, there was no shortage of visitors

on Snowdon. For the second time in a month there was a car there too.

Staff from the Snowdon Railway reached the summit this morning and

found the vehicle parked very close to the visitor's centre. The

railway had to be tested to make sure there was no damage. It is a

very foolish thing to do. It is illegal as well. Earlier this month,

a Vauxhall was abandoned around 200 metres from the summit.

39-year-old Craig Williams from Cheltenham is to appear in court on

October 7th, charged with dangerous driving following the incident.

Although it's not clear who drove the car this morning, it seems to

be the same vehicle. It is something very foolish to do.

A lot of people use this path every day.

We are the ones who suffer. The national park has got to pay for it.

It is not safe because a lot of people climb Snowdon every day.

Last time the vehicle was taken down the mountain on the Snowdon

Railway, but because it's parked higher up this time moving it down

From Saturday, everyone in Wales ..at least five pence for a new

The cost is part of the Welsh Government's attempt...

..to control litter.

Wales is the first country in the UK to implement the policy...

..but the Irish are used to paying for bags.

Sion Tecwyn has been to Dublin to see how the policy works.

Grafton

Grafton Street

Grafton Street is

Grafton Street is the main shopping street in Dublin. Although

thousands of people flock here every day it is rare to see them

carrying plastic bags. One reason is because they cost 20p each.

Ireland stroed the -- introduced the policy nine years ago. Most

people have accepted it. When you buy a small item at home

they put it in a plastic bag, it seems a waste. When I lived in

Wales I remembered how many plastic bags I collected. They tend to go

in the bin. It is a waste. There's no reason why there should be a

negative reaction. It has become natural here. To me, I just take a

bag with me. Before the measure was introduced, the Irish used to use

an average of 328 bags every year. Five years later, that figure has

fallen to 26 bags per person. A drop of 92%.

The Irish Government uses the money for environmental schemes. I think

it works in two ways. It raises money, not a sig naif can't amount,

but it -- significant amount, but it helps the fight against litter.

You don't see many plastic bags on the streets. Many countries have

already followed Ireland's example and Wales will join that list this

At the Rugby World Cup, ..on Sunday morning is expected

The Wales coach has suggested Shane Williams will not play.

But, after recovering from injury, the winger is desperate to play.

I've

I've picked

I've picked up

I've picked up an injury against South Africa. It was a lot worst

against Samoa. This game will be physical as well, so they might

hold me back. I want to play. You come to the World Cup to play rugby.

Football, and Danny Gabbidon and ..of the Wales squad for the last

But Wolves midfielder David Edwards Switzerland will visit

Newport County are looking ..after Anthony Hudson left just

The club is near the bottom of the Conference.

The assistant manager, Lee Harrison, will take over temporarily.

After a decades of uncertainty...

..the work of restoring CardiganCastle is finally close to starting.

The Heritage Minister Huw Lewis has announced...

..that over �4 million will be available from European funds...

..as well as �500,000 from the Welsh Government.

The building work is expected to start in a few months...

..as Aled Scourfield reports.

Cardigan

Cardigan Castle

Cardigan Castle has

Cardigan Castle has a very rich history. During the 12th century it

was the home of Rhys ap Gruffydd gruf and a first Eisteddfod took

place here in 1176. According to legend this is where Henry Tudor

stayed on his way to the Battle of Bosworth.

The original castle was made of wood. Between 1100-1170, they

celebrated the opening of the castling with the famous Eisteddfod.

-- castle with the famous Eisteddfod. A A Georgian house was

built on the site at the start of the 19th century. The effects of

decades of neglect can be seen on the castle. The Heritage Minister

announced the final piece of the financial jigsaw has fallen into

place for the restoration of the building. �4.3 million from

European funds and � -- money from the Welsh Government. It will take

�10 million and three to four years to transform this site.

A lot of hard work has been carried out locally to raise money.

The local community needs to pull together and show their enthusiasm

for the project. The trust hopes to create 19 new

jobs and give the place a new lease of life. We will restore the house,

where there will be Welsh language classes.

In another part of the house, there is self-catering accommodation.

will be a new focal point for Plans to drill for gas

In Barry tonight, the county's planning committee...

..is discussing whether permission should be granted.

It's the second time an application to drill at Llandow...

..has been put forward...

..and, like last time, there's a campaign opposing it.