13/12/2013 BBC Wales Today

Welcome to Wales Today. Our top story.

Nigel Verdon was left brain damaged - one of several workers exposed to

a poisonous chemical at work. The company is fined ?120,000.

United in grief. Pupils and staff pay tribute to 14-year-old Derek

Brundrett, found hanged on school grounds.

Also tonight. Some of North Wales' biggest leisure

centres threatened with closure. Can we trust the police when it

comes to recording crimes? The Gwent force says it's restoring faith in

the system. And in tonight's sport.

So-long Toulon - the French club says the Wales captain won't be

joining them after salary talks broke down. Will he stay in Wales?

Good evening. They will continue to carry the scars for the rest of

their lives. The words of a judge today, who fined two chemical

companies ?120,000 for exposing workers to a poisonous gas. One of

the workers suffered brain damage at the company's site at SandyCroft in

Flintshire. He's now planning to sue. Rob Thomas reports.

Home and lucky to be alive. Nigel Verdon was in a coma for a month

after being exposed to the highly dangerous chemical Methyl Iodide in

July 2012. But after months in hospital, the 41-year-old father of

two has been left to cope with the consequences of the brain damage he

suffered. The factory made medications for

angina. Nigel had only been working here at Eutical Pharmaceuticals for

six weeks, when he collapsed. He was affected by the gas given off by MI

after it had leaked into several parts of the factory. Today, after

the company was fined ?120,000, Nigel's solicitor spoke on his

behalf. The company failed to show any concern about my family's

welfare or how I know nobody purposely went out to harm me but

through gross if this happened to me so soon, what of my other work the

company failed to show any concern about my family's welfare or how

they were managing. I know nobody purposely went out to harm me but

through gross negligence I suffered. Nigel's poisoning was just one of a

catalogue of incidents at the factory. More than two years ago,

500kg of MI was mistakenly released into the atmosphere. Between

February and July of last year, workers at the factory were exposed

to chemicals. In July, the company was fined for failing to comply with

three improvement notices between 2008 and 2010. By November, an

explosive chemical, IDSN, was found at the factory. Work stopped at the

factory and leaflets were sent to more than 3,000 homes and businesses

to say that it was being removed. The following summer, the company

went into liquidation. And in August this year, the bomb squad were

called to deal with another unstable chemical. The court heard that staff

in the factory behind me didn't have the correct health and safety stuff.

Today's sentence was welcomed by the agencies who and not the Natural

Resources Wales. When these issues did come to light,

investigations are continuing into events at But for Nigel, it's little

consolation for a life he says he's lost forever.

Tributes have been paid to a 14-year-old schoolboy from Pembroke

who was found hanged yesterday. Derek Brundrett was discovered by

his friends in a wooded area just next to the school building. Abigail

Neal reports. All day there has been a steady

stream of pupils at Pembroke School coming to mourn their friend. These

cut-out hands are their tributes filled with messages of love and

loss. It is an this is the death of a 14-year-old pupil who was liked

and respected by a close group of friends. He was loyal, likeable and

Close friends of Derek Brundrett are reported to have said that he had

been feeling down for some time. The head teacher told me he'd been

receiving daily pastoral support at the school to help with him with

some issues. Just after classes broke for lunch yesterday afternoon,

the teenager's body was discovered in the woods where he and his

friends would go to play. A group of friends came here the pupils were

very they in legally phoned for an ambulances we did attempt

resuscitation sadly, Although lessons were being held today, there

was little appetite for learning. Special assemblies were held and

student counsellors were on hand to help pupils work through their grief

and shock at what has happened. The school are arranging for counselling

services to continue here over the weekend for pupils who need it. As

well as an investigation by the coroner, I also understand there's

likely to be a social services inquiry into the circumstances which

led up to Derek Brundrett's death. His mother told me today that she's

determined to find out why her son took his own life.

Some news breaking this evening. The company which runs the Sun Centre in

Rhyl and other nearby leisure facilities has started consultations

with its staff which could result in redundancies. The not for profit

organisation claim the council has put them at risk of insolvency by

cutting their funding. Over now to the newsroom and our reporter Nick

Palit. Nick, what more can you tell us? Well, the Sun Centre is a

leisure pool complex in the Denbighshire coastal town of Rhyl. A

highly popular visitor attraction for tourists visiting the North

Wales seaside resort. Back in 2001, a not for profit organisation, Clwyd

Leisure Ltd, took over the running of it from Denbighshire Council.

They also run the nearby Nova Centre in Prestatyn and the North Wales

Indoor Bowls Centre at Ffrith Beach. However, today, the company said the

Sun Centre may not reopen next year and the Nova Centre and bowls

complex may have to close in March. They blame the council for putting

the company at risk of insolvency by cutting its funding year on year. So

how many jobs could be affected? Well, Clwyd Leisure has started

consultation on redundancy with 70 staff, but they also employ 55

seasonal workers at times of high demand. They say the council has

been well aware of the financial problems since June. They say

they've reached the point now where cash balances will be exhausted

beyond what is needed for an orderly close of business. Have the council

said anything? They say the news has come as quite a shock and they'll be

considering their response over the weekend. They plan to hold a press

conference at County Hall in Ruthin on Monday.

In the last half hour, fire fighters across Wales have walked-out on

strike in a long-running dispute over pensions. It's the fifth time

this year they've joined colleagues in England protesting against plans

to raise the retirement age from 55 to 60. They'll stage another

four-hour strike tomorrow night. The UK Government says its proposals

offer one of the most generous pension schemes in the public

sector. A man has been found guilty of

causing the death of a pregnant woman and her unborn baby in

Wrexham. Calvin Connah, who's 22 and from Leeswood near Mold, was

overtaking a car at 85mph when he lost control and crashed into

Christina Barchetti's vehicle. She later died at Wrexham Maelor

Hospital. Connah had denied causing death by dangerous driving.

The Halo Foods factory at Tywyn in Gwynedd closed its doors today with

the loss of more than a hundred jobs. It's moving production to

South Wales and its plant at Newport. Only a tenth of the

workforce has taken-up the company's offer to move there.

Can we trust the way the police record crime? A review ordered by

the Police and Crime Commissioner for Gwent suggested the area could

have higher levels of crime than official figures show. Tonight, the

force and the commissioner say officers are torn between doing the

right thing for victims and following Home Office rules.

The review looked at 50 incidents and found that half of them should

have been recorded that meant crime could have been at 8% higher than

first thought. But there was no evidence of this is change the way

they recorded crimes to hit targets. The findings are of limited

value because of the sample size and it suggests more, there was clear

evidence that they did what they they did what they thought was right

and comply with Home Office rules. That is a real dilemma not recording

crime properly there was no minute oration of the

figures and I believe that you consider we want to focus on the

public as best we can and not focus I find what Paul Flynn has come up I

wonder whether we should not set an do people in Blackwood

here on the streets of Gwent, can be but be certain that

You're watching Wales Today. Plenty still ahead.

The painstaking work of uncovering rare medieval paintings seeing the

light of day for the first time in 500 years.

The parents of a seven-year-old boy from Cardiff who died after heart

surgery at Bristol Children's Hospital have been leaked a hospital

report which claims poor care may have contributed to his death. Last

month, a coroner ruled Luke Jenkins' death was neither predictable nor

preventable. But his solicitor says the latest report should have been

disclosed to the inquest. Matthew Hill reports.

It Had it is very concerning why they felt

give it we are they have been for separate

investigations by staffing levels next a review found that poor

communication and team working may have communicated to his ill health

or death. A. It levels but the coroner did not see this

that was leaked the question is the thoroughness of the more it says its

have it says already than documents were

submitted Luca's parents still ombudsman is

The owner of a number of Welsh radio stations says it won't appeal

against a ruling that it must sell seven stations across the UK,

including two here. The Competition Appeal Tribunal

upheld a decision by the Competition Commission that Global Radio

Holdings Limited must lose either Real Radio or Capital in South Wales

and Real or Heart in North Wales. It says the sales will preserve

competition and protect advertisers' interests.

Prince Charles has spent the day visiting parts of South Wales. The

Prince of Wales received a tour of Tredegar House, a 17th century

mansion near Newport, where he met school children and charity workers.

He then joined a reception celebrating his charity, Prime

Cymru, which helps unemployed over 50s back into work. Later in the

day, the Prince became the first member of the Royal Family in 600

years to visit Ewenny Priory Norman Church in the Vale of Glamorgan.

Tonight's sport now. Here's Claire. Good evening. Another turbulent week

in Welsh rugby and still no sign of any breakthrough between the Welsh

Rugby Union and the four regions. Today, news that Sam Warburton won't

be joining French side Toulon. The Wales captain has had talks with the

club but their President has revealed they couldn't agree a

salary. Tonight, Warburton lines up for the Blues. His side can go top

of their Heineken Pool with a win in Glasgow. Wales centre Jamie Roberts

will make his comeback for Racing Metro this weekend after three

months out with an ankle injury and newly recruited scrum-half Mike

Phillips makes his debut for his new club. He admits the exodus of Welsh

players to France and England is sad for the game here.

It is sad. I played ten years in Wales and it was a chance to

experience different options and it was another way of life. It is a

little bit sad, young kids growing up these days and going down the

local region and play -- watching their heroes. It is important those

players Tuesday there. As players, it is our career and we have to do

we to do. The ospreys are still waiting for their first win and they

are in action tonight. Our reporter is at the Liberty Stadium tonight.

Frustrating times for every Woody who is following well struck a right

now. It seems the Welsh captain could be staying put. He certainly

won't be joining Toulon. The announcements made today by the

President noting that they have discussed with some warped and

Alliance and Wales captain but he will not be signing. They could not

agree on salary conditions, the second, perhaps more interestingly,

they felt the club he would be away from the team for two long in the

season itself. As a result they have decided not to sign him. But, the

French vultures are bound to keep circling of the next few weeks. What

about a move surrounding Leigh Halfpenny. Do we know more about

that? No specific details on Leigh Halfpenny this evening. Again, very

interestingly, the Toulon president noted they had in the markets for a

goal kicker because Jonny Wilkinson will be retiring at the end of the

season. This evening, his focus in Glasgow. The Blues can still qualify

for the next round in the Heineken Cup. It is all over for the Ospreys

who are at home in the rain. I must ask you about the Welsh regions

supporters clubs who have been very critical of the union and the way

they have been handling things. Some developments tonight. Make no

mistake about it, we are in the middle of an enormous crisis for

Welsh rugby. The regions and the union at loggerheads. They did meet

here on Wednesday night, positive discussions according to the union,

but the supporters noted that they were not being listened to. Today it

has been announced that they will meet up with the union on Monday. It

is that old cliche that the ones who suffer most are the supporters. At

least they will get their bonuses heard on Monday.

And there's plenty more on the current crisis facing Welsh rugby in

Sport Wales tonight. It's on straight after Wales Today on BBC

Two Wales from 7.00pm Football, and Swansea will find out who they'll

face in the Europa League play-offs on Monday.

Michael Laudrup's side lost 1-0 against St Gallen, but still go

through to the knock-out stages. Meanwhile, the pressure's on Cardiff

City, who take on West Brom tomorrow. Kate Morgan reports.

After a bumpy ride to Switzerland that included fog, technical

problems and a seven hour delay, the Swans must have been hoping for a

smoother journey into the Europa League play-offs. And while the

Swans seemed comfortable, it was St Gallen who had the most chances,

with Marco Mathisse finally putting the home side ahead with ten minutes

to go. But the Swans' luck took a turn. Group rivals Kuban Krasnodar

could only manage a 1-1 draw in Valencia, sending the Swans to the

play-offs after a 1-0 defeat. They find out who they'll play on Monday.

But there's no rest over the weekend. Currently in 10th place in

the Premier League table, they travel to Norwich on Sunday. Things

are less rosy for Cardiff City. They're in 16th place, just above

the relegation zone and without a win in five games. There could be

some good news. Craig Bellamy will undergo a fitness test in the

morning ahead of playing West Brom at home, which manager Malky Mackay

hopes will change their fortunes. We have got three of the next four at

home so we go into that with optimism. In League Two, eighth

place Newport travel to Fratton Park looking for a win over Portsmouth.

Wrexham, meanwhile, continue their defence of their FA Trophy title

tomorrow away to Luton Town. Great news for Welsh driver Elfyn

Evans. He's earned the rally equivalent of a Formula One spot.

The 24-year-old from Dolgellau says it's a fantastic feeling. He'll race

for the M-Sport team in the 2014 FIA World Rally Championship.

In 2007, a huge medieval wall painting of St George and the Dragon

was discovered by chance in small church in the Vale of Glamorgan.

Since then, restoration work has revealed a host of treasures.

They include a fesco of the seven deadly sins and an elaborate altar

from the early 1500s. After years of conservation work, these rare finds

have finally been unveiled to the public, as Carwyn Jones now reports.

Hidden in a small valley near the banks of the River Severn stands the

country church of St Cadoc's in Llancarfan. For centuries, this

humble building has been hiding some of the most unique medieval

treasures in Wales. Building work six years ago revealed part of a

painting, concealed by 27 layers of limewash. That turned out to be a

fresco of St George and the Dragon dating back to around 1485. Next to

that, a medieval take on the seven deadly sins. They're among the best

preserved wall paintings from this period anywhere in Wales. Over the

last six years we have been rediscovering St George and the

Dragon painted out in around 1548 and lost for all those centuries but

now rediscovered. It's taken years of steady, delicate restoration work

to expose these paintings. But they weren't the only medieval relics

that were being uncovered. Conservators also brought to life

this elaborate altar screen which was created in 1510. Despite its

ruinous condition, it still had its original paintwork. That's now been

revealed, but one mystery still remains. This ornate medieval

treasure is somewhat out of place and the question is, how did it get

here? One possible explanation is that it was moved from an abbey or

cathedral during the reign of King Henry VIII when he dissolved the

monasteries. To everyone's surprise, St Cadoc's has become an artistic

treasure trove. Parishioners hope that could lead to more visitors

coming through the doors and reaching into their pockets. A small

village, a big church, it does get cold. Hopefully, with these visitors

coming to see the paintings, will warm us up a bit. It's taken six

years and ?500,000 of funding to reveal the church's medieval past.

But that's not quite the end of the story. Conservators believe there

are even more paintings hidden behind the limewash on this wall and

next year they'll be back to uncover more of St Cadoc's hidden history.

The weather now. Derek, a wet weekend ahead?

Very changeable. I can promise some dry weather and sunshine this

weekend but there is more rain on the way. Strong winds and gales as

well. Saturday will be the windiest day and there is a Met Office yellow

warning in force for Anglesey tomorrow, where gusts of 60mph to

70mph are likely. It has been very mild recently. Yesterday,

Llanfairfechan on the north coast hit 17 Celsius. Not quite a record

for December but about ten degrees above average. Tonight, colder and

clearer. Scattered showers this evening. The whole country dry after

midnight. Temperatures inland falling as low as two Celsius with a

ground frost. Milder on the coast with freshening winds in the west.

Tomorrow's chart shows a deep low moving towards Scotland. These

fronts are heading our way and notice the isobars - they're close

together and that means stronger winds. Here's the picture for 8.00am

in the morning. Nice and dry for a jog in the park or taking the dog

for a walk. The wind light in the east but that will change. Gale

force winds in the northwest and on Anglesey. Later in the morning, rain

will reach the north and west. This will spread across the rest of the

country during the afternoon. The rain heaviest in Snowdonia and on

the Brecon Beacons where 40mm is likely. The rain accompanied by

strong to gale force winds. Gusts of 60mph to 70mph on Anglesey.

Elsewhere, 45mph to 60mph. Heavy rain on the Cambrian Mountains with

gales. The high in Lampeter around ten Celsius. So, a wet start

tomorrow evening but overnight the rain will clear. The wind easing as

well with temperatures staying above freezing. Sunday morning will be dry

and bright. Some sunshine but further rain or showers are expected

in the afternoon. The wind increasing as well, becoming fresh

to strong. Next week, very up and down. Wet and windy at times. Some

clearer, colder weather as well with a few showers. Tuesday one of the

better days with some sunshine. Tomorrow we'll start right but there

is more rain on the way. The headlines again from the BBC.

Concern is growing for hundreds of thousands of Syrian refugees forced

to endure freezing temperatures with no more than tents for shelter.

Two former chemical firms in Flintshire have been fined ?120,000

after a poisonous gas leak caused staff to fall ill. Archimica

Chemicals and Euticals Limited admitted a total of eight health and

safety charges. There's an update at 8.00pm and more

from Wales Today at 10.25pm. From all of us here, have a good evening.