21/07/2011 BBC Wales Today

Welcome to Wales Today. Tonight's headlines: A patient dies after

contracting hepatitis B at Morriston Hospital. As non-urgent

operations are suspended, 150 people are told they too could have

the virus. They will be concerned when they receive the letter. There

is a low risk that they have received any formal infection. --

Also tonight: 15 years after she died, John Pope is convicted for

the second time of murdering Karen Skipper. Justice has now been done

and Karen Skipper can now rest in peace.

The biggest land deal in Wales in a generation calls for an inquiry

into who takes over the vast Vyrnwy estate.

Good evening from the final day of the Royal Welsh. Over 200,000

people have come through the gates, but have they been spending their

cash? Pubs around the showground are

toasting a good week, but not all the traders are so happy.

And just how long does it take to prepare a prize winning bull?

watching them, you have to blow-dry them just like a woman going into a

hairdresser. Good evening. The family of a woman

who died after contracting hepatitis B in hospital from

another patient have launched an official complaint. More than 150

people who underwent surgery at Morriston Hospital in Swansea have

been told they may also have been exposed to the hepatitis B virus.

Non-urgent surgery at the hospital's Cardiac Unit has been

suspended. Rhodri Lewis has the story.

None of the individuals involved have been identified, but it's

known the first person, a woman, came into the Cardiac Unit at

Morriston Hospital for treatment in March. During that time, she came

into contact with another patient who already had hepatitis B. The

woman was discharged in the usual way, but she then developed the

acute form of the disease and died last month. The health board says

it's likely she contracted the disease in hospital. Her family say

they've been left extremely distressed by the death of their

mother and the knowledge that her illness had been contracted from a

patient known to be infected with hepatitis B. They've launched an

official complaint. I have spoken to the family today and they have

expressed distress about what has happened. They were to be left

alone and I respect that. It is a concern at this point in time that

they have not yet told us what the cause was. They are still trying to

find out. 150 other people who were treated at the unit between the

11th of March and the 17th of April may also have been exposed to the

disease. They live in a wide area, stretching from Aberystwyth to

Bridgend. The health board wants these people to come forward and

have a blood test. In theory, it can happen at any point where

bodily fluids get mixed. It can happen at any point in a patient's

journey from admission to discharge of the hospital. It happens when

there is contamination from them into another patient. Hepatitis B

is a viral infection of the liver. It spreads through blood and other

bodily fluids following intimate contact. It can cause serious liver

damage and in extreme cases, can be fatal. There are things in place

and they can get individual advice and a blood test and which can be

done from any time from this afternoon onwards. There is a small

risk that somebody else has acquired the virus but the only way

they will know is to be tested. Morriston Hospital has now

suspended all non-urgent cardiac surgery, and has tested all its

staff for the disease. It's also going to commission an external

review of its procedures. The health board's investigation is

continuing but it admits it may never find out exactly what

happened here. It's taken 15 years and two trials,

but tonight the family of Karen Skipper said justice had finally

been done. Mrs Skipper was attacked and drowned in Cardiff in 1996. A

local labourer, John Pope, had been convicted of the murder, but that

was overturned by the Court of Appeal last year, with a re-trial

ordered. Today, a jury at Newport Crown Court decided by a majority

of 11 to one that he was, after all, the man responsible for her killing.

Caroline Evans was in court. 62 now, John Pope was today

convicted for the second time of a murder he committed 15 years ago.

He did not react as the verdict was given. In the court, the family of

Karen Skipper sobbed. Afterwards, they gave this reaction. As a

family, we have been through 15 years of hell. Justice has now been

done and Karen can now finally rest in peace. It was a murder that

stunned a city and attracted nationwide publicity. Karen Skipper

was 34 and had been out walking with her dogs late one Saturday

night when she was killed. Her partially clothed body was found in

the River Ely and her hands were tied behind a back with her own dog

leads. She had been attacked and held and the river to drown. Her

two dogs stayed at his side all night. At first, police focused

attention on her ex husband but at his trial in 1997, he was acquitted.

It was then that police looked again at forensic evidence. They

discovered a small bloodstain on the pocket of cannons jeans and on

her underwear. The DNA or mass a sample on the D8 database from John

Pope. He admitted that the blood was his and told police how he had

met a woman he had later realised was Karen Skipper outside a shop.

He had pulled a thorn from her dog's paw and the dog had bitten

him and she had wiped his hand with a tissue. He was not believe that

he was sentenced to life in prison. His conviction was overturned last

December. The Court of Appeal ordered this retrial. Now, after 23

hours' deliberation, the jury in this case decided it was John Pope

who was after all responsible. hope the verdict will allow her

family and friends to move forward. We know they will never get over

losing her so quickly. Our thoughts are also with the family of Philip

skipper, who has had to endure a long legal process stretching over

nearly 15 years. Passing sentence, the judge told John Pope, quite

what happened that night only you know the answer. Karen Skipper was

a strong swimmer and in only a few feet of water, you drowned her.

It's said to be the biggest land deal in Wales in a generation and

tonight a front runner has emerged in the competition to buy the lease

on 23,000 acres of Powys, valued at �11 million. But water company

Severn Trent say they won't confirm who their preferred bidder for the

Vyrnwy Estate is, until a three month consultation has been carried

out. And tonight, in a separate development, there have been calls

for an inquiry into the sale. Our reporter, Matthew Richards, is on

the Vyrnwy Estate. Much of the spectacular landscape

you can see behind me is up for grabs and some of the people living

locally wanted whoever bought the land to invest and bring jobs

whilst others simply wanted to maintain the peace and tranquillity

of this place. Now, amid rumours the front-runner is a water company,

people want the long-running saga to be sorted out.

Some light refreshment on the banks of Lake Vyrnwy. Chris Clark has run

his family business here for 14 years but since Severn Trent

announced they were selling up, he has faced uncertainty. We would

like to extend a whole business. -- the whole business. But we cannot

do that until we know what the next owners want us to do. Maybe they

don't want us here at all. They might have different plans. The

whole area is full of uncertainty. Many people had supported by a

property developer who was brought up locally, believing he would

invest in the area and create jobs. He issued a statement last night

after being told last night he was unsuccessful. Mr Jones has spent a

considerable amount of time and cost in assembling the bid and is

clearly disappointed that this has not led him to invest in the area.

Mr Jones has respected the views of the local community and our thanks

everybody in the community and around Wales who gave him much

support in the last 12 months. Rumours that another utility

company is the preferred bidder has led to disappointment. I need to

meet any new buyer. It seems as if it is united Utilities. The

reasonable people are concerned is because they fear it will be the

same as before. There are calls tonight into the inquiry for the

way the sale has been handled. Pecan nut be about a transfer

between two utility companies. There has to be a situation in

which the public interest is protected and the democratic

interest is held. The area is renowned for its wildlife habitats

but the Countryside Council for Wales will now carry out a three-

month consultation to canvass opinion on the way forward. It is

urging people to make their views known. The public should make their

views known. At the slow process of selecting a buyer is reaching its

conclusion but many here are still unsure about how they will be

affected by any changes a new owner might make.

Our I understand there is strong feeling of the about the sale.

That's right. Not everybody is necessarily against United in

utilities -- United Utilities. Tenants want to know if they can go

ahead and develop their businesses and build extensions to their

buildings and things like that. On the other hand, there are lots of

people say that the Mr Jones bid would have been something that

would help the area. They feel Severn Trent left things go

downhill when they were landlords. They feel that transferring it to

another large company, they would not have an interest in developing

the area. There is a public meeting and that will be held on Monday.

Let's get more from our environment correspondent, Iolo ap Dafydd. How

will this consultation work? We are talking about a vast area of policy.

We're also talking about conservation land. Land Of

Scientific Interest and Special Areas of Conservation. The

Countryside Council for Wales will consult for three months. It is not

a public consultation but they will be talking to the national park in

Snowdonia and to Powys council and to the Environment Agency. If it is

thought to be united Utilities, there has to be a relevant

documentation handed over about how they will safeguard what there is

on that estate in the next 10 to 14 days. They will need to look at

Nash -- natural beauty, plants and historical and architectural and

public access. The Countryside Council for Wales will also have to

report to Caroline Spelman, the UK Secretary on environment. We heard

and the report that there are calls for an inquiry. Where is that

likely to go? It may well be a test case for the environment and

sustainable committee, chaired by the former presiding officer,

Dafydd Elis-Thomas. He is calling for an inquiry. We are talking

about one large company selling fast parts of Wales on to another.

The implications will be on the environment and of his your local

people. -- and obviously on. That inquiry will see whether the

Assembly Government will be important. The Assembly Government

is not offering a response because it does not want to be seen

responding to a commercial bid. Still to come tonight: A new

international striker is on the verge of signing for Cardiff City.

Former Wales international John Hartson tells us Kenny Miller would

Welcome for the last time this week to Llanelwedd and the Royal Welsh

Show. The crowds are enjoying the final moments in the Main Ring this

evening before everyone packs up and heads home. 226,000 people have

been here this week - 5,000 less than last year, but organisers are

still delighted with how it's gone. But I think it's fair to say not

everyone's completely happy, particularly over in that area,

where the bulk of the trade stands have been trying to make money. A

lot of them have found it a struggle.

Every year, more than a thousand trade stands on the showground hope

to cash in. Dave Almond runs one of them and, along with others I've

spoken to, doesn't consider this to be a vintage year. This is the

worst year I have ever done. I don't think I will even cover the

costs this year. We sell high- priced items and what has been

happening is that they have been giving us a wide berth. They are

not looking, they are buying specifically what they want. Those

costs are more than �1,000 for the week. But Dave's experience hasn't

been shared by everyone. Some businesses close to the showground

say they've been overwhelmed. I grew up in mid Wales and spent a

summer working at this cafe opposite the showground. I remember

royal welsh week being incredibly busy. Let's speak to the current

manager. Lisa - I imagine Royal Welsh week here is as intense as it

gets. There is a massive increase. We have got to look at the

surrounding area to find staff to help us. And pub landlords in

Builth Wells say there's been healthy trade in the evenings,

despite the Young Farmers' village down the road luring some of the

youngsters away. The publicans to tremendously well, the hotelier's,

some of the shops are a little bit quiet, and one or two to close and

traders take the opportunity to have a week away. But, on the whole,

it is a great asset to Builth Wells. Back at the showground, it's a

mixed picture. This year, it cost almost twice as much for a farmer

to book a cattle stall. The number of entries fell from around 1,000

to less than 800. Millions of pounds worth of agricultural

machinery is on display but, with people across Wales tightening

their belts, are they just looking? We have dealers who will negotiate

deals while they are at the show but it will sow seeds for the rest

of the year because some of the equipment is seasonal. You are

making your mind up on what you want to purchase for the winter.

fewer people through the gates this year and, according to some people,

less money changing hands. One of the main organisers of the

show, Barrie Jones, joins me now. A lot of trade stands saying it's

been a slow week. 5,000 fewer visitors than last year. Is that

bad news for you? Around 700 fewer police officers

could be responding to emergencies in Wales by March 2015 as the four

On the hall we have had good feedback and we are delighted with

the support we have had a. But if traders do nothing people are

spending money, they might not come back. We have enjoyed the support

and loyalty of traders for many years and we are confident that it

can be maintained. We will keep our policy and strategy under reveal

from ear to ear, but we are confident that we can retain their

support in years to come. One of the major talking points prior to

the show was the investment made in the ring and the drainage system

because in the past we have seen it turn into a mudbath. You must be

pretty delighted with the way it has turned out. Absolutely

delighted. We invested in a whole new drainage system, a new

foundation, it was quite an investment. �200,000. But look at

the end result. We are delighted and we have a Main Ring which is

worthy of a Royal Welsh Show. you for joining us. Plenty more to

come from the Royal Welsh later in the programme. Around 700 fewer

police officers could be responding to emergencies in Wales by March

2015 as the four Welsh forces make cuts. That's according to research

by Her Majesty's Inspectorate of Constabulary. Dyfed Powys Police

could see a slight increase, but the other three forces are likely

to see reductions. The price of gas and electricity is

going up for customers of Scottish and Southern Energy, which owns the

Welsh supplier SWALEC. The company is putting household gas bills up

by 18% from September, while electricity will rise by 11%. It's

blaming higher wholesale costs. The suspension of Conwy Council's

Chief Executive cost the authority almost �350,000. Byron Davies, who

was cleared of rape in January, was found guilty of misconduct by his

employers. Figures released under the freedom of information act show

the council paid his salary, legal advisers, as well as the cost of

covering his work. Now, it's a bit early for snow, but

Cardiff Council is trying to get schools, doctors surgeries and

community groups to pay �1,600 on 'snow kits' so they can help

themselves in freezing weather. The kits are made up of two gritting

bins and a spreader machine. But one teaching union says schools

don't have the spare cash, while the British Medical Association

said buckets and shovels were a cheaper alternative.

It's another big night of European football for Llaneli. The New

Saints start 3-1 down to Midtyland in Denmark. Meanwhile, Llanelli are

aiming to defend their 2-1 lead this evening. They've kicked off

against Dinamo Tbilisi away in the Football, and former Wales striker,

John Hartson, says Kenny Miller would be an ideal signing for

Cardiff City. The club's in talks with the Scotland international as

new manager Malky Mackay rebuilds his squad for the new season.

Here's Tomos Dafydd. First home game and a first defeat

for Malky Mackay. Celtic were the visitors for this friendly. A

single goal was enough. And watching from the stands, Kenny

Miller, the Scotland striker who travel to Cardiff last night to

negotiate a deal with the Bluebirds. They had an offer accepted by his

Turkish club. He is a top professional footballer. With age,

he is getting better. He is a more experienced player in terms of his

overall game. I think he is a top professional as well. Swansea are

just weeks away from Premier League football. It was all smiles in last

week's team photo with the fans, but John Hartson says they need to

sign experienced players to cope in the top flight. Swansea will go

through a few rough patches this season, especially on the road, and

if they lose one or two games it is important to have a player to get

the lads together again in training and focus on the next game. So we

could see new faces at Cardiff and Swansea before the new season and

preparations on the field continue this weekend with Swansea facing a

Welsh League club and Cardiff City travelling to Bournemouth.

Well, that's it from me this evening. I'll hand you back to Ross

for our final visit this year to the Royal Welsh Show.

Thanks, Lucy. The crowds are still enjoying the sunshine here tonight,

not leaving the Main Ring. It has been one of the big attractions

here this week. But, of course, that Main Ring throughout the week

is also about the big competitions where animals try to be Best in

Show. Cemlyn Davies has been following the highs and lows of

competing at the Royal Welsh. This year's most prominent show

winner's circle the Main Ring one final time and among those taking

part in the parade of champions, the best Welsh black ball over four

years old. We met him on Monday along with John Hughes. John's

father owns the ball but was too unwell to come to Llanelwedd. He

has been following events closely from the farm on Anglesey. We had

Supreme at the Anglesey show four times but this is the cream of the

success. I wish I could be there but I am very confident in John.

After he won, I have got to tell you, my eyes went a bit wet. He was

back in action this morning representing the Welsh Blacks

against other native breeds. Preparing a bowl full competition

is no easy task. It takes about five hours from start to finish.

You have got to wash him and then it is like a woman going to a

hairdresser. But this one is much cheaper. He seems perfectly used

all of this. We have trained him since he was a little calf. It is

natural for him. Good luck in the competition. This pet rabbit,

Sapphire, wins her competition. am amazed, it is her first show.

She did really well and I am really happy. Backing the Cattle Ring,

there was a different outcome. The first prize went to the longhorn.

would have loved to have finished on a high note, but there we go.

There is another show coming up so onwards and forwards. They leave

for Anglesey knowing that the proud owner and father will be waiting to

welcome them home. We've been fairly lucky with the

weather this week. No glorious sunshine, but no heavy downpours

either. A few showers this afternoon. What's in store for the

It is looking quite promising for the weekend. We got off quite

lightly today. We had one heavy shower this afternoon but at the

moment it is nice and dry with a little bit of sunshine. The best of

the sunshine today has been in Pembrokeshire. Temperatures in

Milford Haven as high as 19 degree Celsius. But there has been some

heavy and thundery downpours. The forecast tomorrow is once again

looking mixed. Some sunshine, some places tried but not everywhere,

but there are a few more heavy showers in the forecast. This

evening, those heavy, thundery downpours I mentioned in parts of

Mid-Wales and the South will continue for a while before slowly

dying away. A fair amount of cloud overnight. Light winds with lowest

temperatures around 11 degrees Celsius. Tomorrow's chart shows

high pressure North of Ireland with a few troughs in southern England

and Wales. Tomorrow, mixed fortunes again. A few bright and sunny

intervals but cloud building through the day. These mainly in

Mid Wales. They should not be as heavy as today but I would not rule

out the odd sharp one. Some places staying dry tomorrow, the best of

the sunshine towards the north and west coast. Temperatures similar to

today's. Tomorrow night, the showers will fade away to leave

much of the country dry with some patchy cloud and clear spells. He

is looking fairly promising for the weekend. The odd shower in places

on Saturday but otherwise fine with good spells of sunshine. Something

When we arrived on Sunday, it was pouring with rain, but we have been