03/09/2012 BBC Wales Today

Welcome to Wales Today. Our top story tonight: Has the tide gone

out on Swansea? A �19 million marina that was to be the

centrepiece of the city's redevelopment looks in doubt.

set-aside for the project has now been spent elsewhere.

Our other headlines tonight: Nearly a year after the Gleision mining

disaster, �1 million is to be shared between the families of the

four who died. I was actively involved. But I never perceived I

would ever see this. This has to be the best

apprenticeship in Wales - they've signed up with billionaire Sir

Terry Matthews, but none of them will be fired.

Good evening. I'll have all of tonight's sport including the

latest from the Paralympic Games, where the medals keep coming.

Aled's family were there in London as he won gold in the discus. Today,

his family are back home in Bridgend, helping to paint the post

box at the end of the street. Good evening. Swansea has been

"snubbed" and is "becoming the poor relation" to Cardiff - that's

according to local politicians as the future of a planned multi-

million pound marina looks increasingly uncertain. BBC Wales

has learnt that money ring-fenced for the project has been

redistributed elsewhere by the Welsh Government. Abigail Neal is

on the waterfront in Swansea for us tonight.

Thanks, Jamie. Yes, I'm in the SA1 development, an area of the docks

that began being regenerated about a decade ago. Now, part of the plan

here was to have a second marina for Swansea, but that hasn't

happened yet, and there are fears tonight that it may be dead in the

water. SA1 has the flats, the offices, and

the cafe culture. What it's missing is a marina. The Welsh Government

set aside land sales to help pay �19 million for the lockgates to

make that happen. But the project stalled in 2008 and the money's no

longer there. The money was ring- fenced and has been set -- spent

elsewhere. They have also scrapped it also -- altogether. A one-off

payment of �90 million is a lot to ask for. Swansea already has one

marina. The SA1 development was seen as an extension. Chris Sander

works for a company on the waterfront. Like many, his business

was relying on the promise of a second marina. In October, we have

a forum here with a number of companies from all over the world

coming here. I think it is part of the Britain -- prestigious

environment we are trying to enhance. If it stops now, it is a

major disappointment. Many here will tell you there is a demand for

more berths and an extra marina, but some argue the Welsh

Government's decision to reallocate the funds in an economic downturn

was a sound one. In the current circumstances, particularly because

there is clear indication of over capacity and other marinas, I don't

think it is a viable prospect at the moment. Others say Swansea

cannot be called "Cardiff's poor relation", given the investment it

has received. The development of the university campus is a

fantastic positive. The fact there is no electrification plan for the

line up as far as Swansea is ticking the box. For now, SA1

remains a work in progress, at least until the economic tide

begins to turn. I have come inside one of the cafes tonight. Joining

me now is a lose Bolan, the manager. What do you make of this idea that

the money is no longer there. think it is very upsetting,

basically. This is what we were expecting. Five years ago, it was

part of a business plan, and to find the money is not there, and we

were not get the marina and extra for traffic we were hoping for, is

a bit worrying. Is it just an arena that is missing, or was there other

developments who you were expecting, perhaps, five were 10 years ago?

Yes. They are still building something, and there are Ilott of

offices here. But we were hoping for a rather more leisure sort of

based area. There are a few, but I do not think there are enough.

about the argument you can have a marina, but it might only be half

full, and given the economic situation, you're better off having

that money put to other causes? They are always worthy causes, but

with the marina being full, there is obviously demand for it. This is

not to say that the marina will never happen. Many businesses were

not see this as being complete until it comes, but it may just be

a few years longer than we were expecting to wait.

More than �1 million is to be shared amongst the families of the

four men who died in the Gleision mining disaster. Trustees met today

to wind up the appeal fund, which was launched after the disaster

The tragedy at Gleision last September shocked people around the

world. Four men died when a retaining wall collapsed, sending

water flooding through the mine. David Powell, Charles Breslin,

Garry Jenkins and Philip Hill were all killed. Within days, tens of

thousands of pounds had been pledged to a fund to help the men's

families. A total of just over �1 million was raised. That's now been

shared among them. The amount of money raised and the way it was

raised is phenomenal. When you are opening let us from all the people,

and they were giving �5 donations, really humbling. Two widows, Mavis

Breslin and Lynette Powell, along with Gary Jenkins' partner, will

each receive a lump sum. The rest of the money will be invested in

trust funds for the miners' children. You can never give a

father back to a child. The family tells you money doesn't matter. I

have lived it. I lost my father when I was 17. I understood, very

early, but family -- that money can help. �6,000 was raised in just two

days by a public collection in Neath by former firefighters. Their

chairman, Ray Evans, was part of the rescue effort at Aberfan and

says they had to do something to help. We thought it only fit we

should do something that would help the miners out. At the disaster,

the miners worked their socks off, and we thought, men like that

deserve support. The trustees said they've had to make some difficult

decisions about how the money will be distributed because of the

differing needs of the families, but they were determined they

should get their share before the first anniversary of the disaster.

A new voluntary code of practice giving milk producers more

bargaining power over the price of milk has been agreed. Earlier this

summer, Welsh farmers joined protests and blockades, angry at

drops in the price they've been receiving for their milk. The deal

thrashed out by farming unions and Dairy UK will give more security

against price fluctuation. farmers will be part of discussions

in terms of milk prices. The terms this set the prices will be

revealed. They won't be able to reduce prices without a month's

notice. The farm or will have the right to resign his contract if he

feels he has not been fairly done. There are a few things in there to

protect the rights of the farmer. A woman has been jailed at Swansea

Crown Court for injecting a teenage boy with heroin moments before he

was found dead. Helen Harding from Swansea gave the lethal shot to 16-

year-old Kyle Bates then denied it at the inquest into his death. She

was sentenced to three years in prison.

The UK Government has revealed that it's not yet signed the contract

for a new franchise to run the West Coast mainline, which includes

services between London and North Wales because of a legal challenge

by Virgin Trains. Ministers had decided to award the franchise to

First Group from December but now, they intend to defend the legal

action "robustly". Welsh Conservative MPs will be

sitting down having their tea tonight, hoping the phone will ring.

It's expected the Prime Minister will reshuffle his Cabinet, and the

Westminster rumour mill has gone in to overdrive. Will we have a new

Secretary of State for Wales by tomorrow? Lets talk to our

Parliamentary correspondent, David Cornock. Is the present Welsh

Secretary going to go? As we speak, she is a bomb at a train, making

her way back from Cardiff to Westminster after a routine way --

date in her job. I have spent the last few days talking to MPs and

others within government, and the feeling years her time may be up.

Despite the fact there is no real university -- universally accepted

replacement. Welsh Conservative say that she should be replaced by

someone based in Wales, and that only leaves one or two candidates.

Alternatively, David Cameron does not by that argument, then the name

to a car for his at Maria Miller - Minister for Disabled People,

knocking on the Cabinet door. She grew up in Bridgend. Any white

smoke yet? It looks like we will get details of the reshuffle

tomorrow. Her David Cameron's first big one for two and a half years,

looking at all level of the Government. People like Cheryl

Gillan born not what that phone to ring, because it will be bad news.

Much more to come before 7 o'clock. We'll have the latest from the

Paralympics with Tomos Dafydd. The medals keep coming. I'll be

talking to this man. He's one of the oldest competitors and after 20

years of trying, Paul Davies FINALLY wins bronze in the table

As apprenticeships go, this has to be one of the most attractive. But

unlike the television series, this lot won't get fired. The

billionaire Sir Terry Matthews has officially opened his mentoring

scheme in Newport. The Alacrity Project will provide 12 technology

graduates with money, contacts and Forget London's Millennium Bridge.

Newport is where the next generation of business talent is.

Fans of the Apprentice will be familiar with this format. People

work furiously to please a businessman but move over, Alan

Shearer. This is Sir Terry. It is important to start at the higher

level. They do not come much better. They may be incredibly well

educated but it is a new world for them. It is incumbent upon all

asked to help them become the next generation of business people and

employ people. 12 graduates will be split into three teams and work for

one year at the foundation office. They will be provided with business

advice, start-up money and access to customers. This is all about

money. Half of the budget is coming from the Welsh government. When the

companies are off the ground, 25% will be owned by the Graduate, 25%

by the Alacrity Project and the rest by private investors. But the

ambition is to make more of this. This scheme is open to applicants

worldwide. The Firstgroup have come from as far afield as Bangladesh

and as close as a report. -- preliminary group. -- Newport.

think only now companies like this foundation are looking for that

kind of thing, starting to make things work again. The plan is to

have for several companies merging and operating a cross Wales. Like

the apprentice, there will be a lot of hard work, a bit of luck and

maybe tears. But all of these young business people have got the chance

to become the next Lord Sugar. All Good evening. The medals keep

coming at the Paralympic Games. It was a golden weekend for Bridgend's

Aled Sion Davies and there have been more medals today. Live to the

Olympic Park. Tomos Dafydd is there. And much for Swansea to celebrate

in the last hour? Welcome to London. Plenty of smiling faces here

tonight. This is the face an -- place where the Paralympians gather

after picking up their medals to speak to the media. We will be

talking to a bronze medallist in just a moment. But first at the

aquatic centre. In the past hour, Ellie Simmonds, based in Swansea

has been going for her second gold medal. This is how it unfolded. She

stepped out in front of a packed crowd. She was next to Newport's

Liz Johnson. She did it in style. She has taken gold and broken her

own world record set in qualifying. This is a culmination of years of

hard work. She trains in Swansea up to 30 hours per week. It is an

honour for her. Smiling on the podium, she was given her a medal

by the Prime Minister David Cameron. All smiles for Ellie Simmonds. But

the celebrations for Welsh athletes started before lunchtime today.

Paul Davies took bronze in the table tennis at Apax arena. Let's

have a good look at that medal. -- a packed arena. I am very proud.

Tell us about the atmosphere when you finally won that match. It was

unbelievable. I thought the roof was going to take off and the noise

was unbelievable. The British crowd were brilliant. But it has not

happened overnight because you have been trying and trying for more

than 20 years to qualify for the Paralympics. This is your first

games and she picked up a bronze first time round. How difficult has

it been? I have had a lot of injury, stress and worry about finance. But

to get a medal around my neck it has definitely been what it and I

look forward to a bit of a holiday and may be going back in November

and going to Rio de Janeiro. did you get involved? I started

with wheelchair rugby many years ago and then I picked up table

tennis. I used to play at a youth club. I took it up and I have never

looked back and it has been good to me. I have travelled the world and

it has been amazing. All the best and enjoy the party in the next few

days. Thank you very much indeed. Add more celebrations down the road

in Bridgend after Sean Davis took gold in the discus yesterday. He

said he had thought about competing in non-disabled competitions in

future. Still buzzing after his gold, Aled Sion Davies said it was

the best day of his life. The 21- year-old, who has restricted

movement in his right leg said he wanted to represent Wales as a non

disabled athlete. He could potentially feature in the

Commonwealth Games in 20 --. I want to go for gold. It is a four-year

cycle with Rio de Janeiro. I want to carry on working and I Want To

Get To Rio de Janeiro. I have still got big dreams and ambitions and I

hope that it will be as good as it was here. I want to push towards

getting a place on the Commonwealth Games. Just keep pushing the

barriers of the sport. When he got gold, nobody was prouder than his

mother. After a quick kiss, it was a chance for him to reflect on his

achievement in beating his opponents. He has got silver.

LAUGHTER... I am really hyperventilating. And myself. Back

home in Bridgend and his mother Jackie had managed to catch their

breath. A golden postbox yards away from the family house is certainly

worth showing off to the neighbours. Even his brother helped out.

should be painting this, not me! am really delighted. It has been a

great event. Or some. I am the proudest brother in the world. --

awesome. It is fantastic and he deserves it. And he has achieved

his goal. All the heartache in all of the years and the suffering have

been worth it. To have this recognition. It has been brilliant.

It is a weekend the family will never forget. His dreams have been

realised, winning gold at his first Olympic Games. Plenty to look

forward to in the next few days. Keep an eye out for Tracey Hinton

at first six games in the 100 metres sprint. Much more to come in

the next few days. Teenage defender Ben Davies has been called up by

Wales for their first two World Cup qualifiers, starting on Friday

against Belgium. He replaces his Swansea City team-mate Neil Taylor

who broke his ankle on Saturday and will now miss the rest of the

season. Here's Ashleigh Crowter. Whichever way you look at it, it

wasn't a great tackle. But sadly, for Neil Taylor, it was also one

that ended his season. The Swansea left back knew straight away that

there was a serious problem. X-rays show multiple fractures to his left

ankle. Surgeons operated to reset the bones on Saturday night. Both

Wales and Swansea will miss the 2012 Olympian. 19 year-old Ben

Davies, who replaced Taylor at the Liberty Stadium, has now been

called up by Wales for the opening World Cup qualifier against Belgium

on Friday. Craig Bellamy and Andrew Crofts will also miss the game

through injury. Swansea's excellent start continued with a 2-2 draw

against Sunderland. They went behind twice, but goals from Wayne

Routledge and a fourth of the season from Michu saw them grab a

point. They are second in the Premier League going into the

international break. In the Championship, Cardiff City fielded

new signings Craig Noone and Nicky Maynard against Wolves. The

Bluesbirds went behind after only 10 minutes, but they were soon on

level terms as Peter Whittingham converted the penalty that Noone

had won. With Maynard heavily involved, City then went ahead.

Whittingham again with precision placement. And in the second half

he completed his hat trick with the pick of the three. Looking at them

today they are beginning to get it and I am happy with them and the

way they have applied themselves. We are bringing on good football

was as well and I am delighted with their performance. In the Blues

Square Bet Premier, Wrexham claimed the spoils in the Welsh derby.

Goals from Adrian Chizlevitch and Danny Wright ended Newport County's

five match unbeaten run. But the Warren Gatland is expected to be

named as the head coach for the British and Irish Lions tour of

Australia. We will be talking to him tomorrow. It is perhaps the

most romantic Church in Wales, set in one of the most beautiful

locations. Built by the patron saint of Welsh lovers. Parts of the

St Dwynwen church in Anglesey have been buried in the sand for

hundreds of years. We have been to see conservationists turning back

time. This is a beautiful but remote spot that has been

attracting pilgrims for centuries. That is why this work is being done.

Remedies the senior manager. -- this man. The owner fled here

hundreds of years ago because of problems in South Wales. She came

here and established a church in her name. It became a very

important pilgrimage site for hundreds of years. It became a very

significant site. Talk us through what is happening. We are in

partnership with the various organisations and we have excavated

areas around the church. We have extracted parts of the original

church and rubble is being moved. The same is happening in and

outside the church. We are looking at architectural features. I will

have to put on my safety equipment because we are on a building site

and I will speak to the archaeologists fear. You uncovered

is indeed last two weeks. -- archaeologist here. We are just at

that stage where we have discovered the base of the steps and the bench

around the nave as well as the areas where we are standing down.

We have got to begin the process here of conservation. Part of the

project is about this and not so much about archaeology but

conserving what we have. The patron saint of lovers and hopefully this

work will make more people fall in love with this church. I may use up

sunshine and we have got more dry weather coming this week. -- I know

you love sunshine. High pressure is you love sunshine. High pressure is

coming this week bring in Nice spells of weather. We have got a

good start for most of us. Cloud becoming widespread and mist and

eventually rain reaching Anglesey. Quite muggy tonight. Temperatures

at 12 and 15. This is moving south east across Britain. This is

bringing a bit of rain, followed by a clearer and fresher conditions

and high pressure waiting in the wings. Tomorrow, grey and cloudy.

Dry at this stage in the South but further north and west, we will

have some damp weather and light rain and drizzle. Fog as well.

Temperatures at 16. Rain and Brazil -- drizzle stretch -- spreading

further. It will start to cheer up in the afternoon. Much of the

country becoming quite sunny by the end of the day. But quite cloudy in

the south-east. Temperatures not as high as today. Up to 20 degrees and

a moderate west and north westerly degrees. -- breeze. Becoming quite

sunny in the afternoon and temperatures rising up to 17.

Tomorrow, dry and clear skies. Temperatures in mid-Wales falling

down to as low as eight in the Brecon Beacons. High pressure over

Ireland. This is moving south by Friday. After tomorrow, it is set

fair for a few days. Mist and fog first thing but otherwise dry.

Sunny spells and pleasantly warm. At the moment the weekend looks

largely dry and warm. That is great news for Proms in the park. Last

year it was cancelled because of heavy rain. But Saturday night

should be nice and dry. After the wettest summer in Wales since 1927,

we are in for a dry spell for a change. Keep updated online. Some

change. Keep updated online. Some good news on the weather forecast

front. The Prime Minister David Cameron is finalising plans for a

major reshuffle. Changes are expected to Murray and could see

dozens of ministers changing, or losing their jobs. There is