24/01/2014 BBC Wales Today

Welcome to Wales Today. Tonight's headlines: Hit by debt.

Mandy Dumagnee owes thousands and is going bankrupt. A charity warns of

the huge increase in people here turning to them for help. So what's

the true cost of living? Politicians debate whether we are better off.

Also tonight: Growing opposition to plans for pylons. People on Anglesey

call on the National Grid not to build them across the island. At the

moment, pylons carry energy across the bridge but with the new lines,

there may be new pressure to bury those cables the Neath the river.

On the eve of her 19th birthday, the family of Nida Naseer, missing for

almost a month, appeal again for her to come home.

In to come home.

Wales. Alun Wyn Jones snubs to come home.

And his life was changed forever when a stunt went wrong. The

daredevil cyclist challenge on two wheels.

Good evening. There's a warning tonight that more and more people

are looking for help with debt and are unable to afford the basics in

life. The Charity Stepchange has compiled a Wales-wide report and

they've been backed up by Trades Unions saying many families have

been pushed into financial misery. It comes as politicians across the

board debate whether households are better off. The UK Government says

wages are rising. Our economics correspondent, Sarah Dickins, has

more. How much many we have to spend,

whether we have becoming better off is the question on everyone's lips.

The economy is growing but does that translate into more cash in our

pockets or are our personal debts growing? Mandy Dumagnee G had two

children and had a breakdown. She is now working as a support worker. But

that she ends ?15,000 a year, half of what she learned five years ago.

She has been struggling with money and was ?46,000 in debt. She has

paid back more than ?20,000 but still owes ?26,000 and is filing for

bankruptcy. A lot of families don't have enough money coming in to meet

the bills. Our electricity and gas has gone up. The food bills, petrol,

everything. I believe we are still in a crisis. A debt charities

helping her and many others and they say last year the number of people

turning for them to advice increased by 43%. The sums people are when has

fallen but more are taking out payday loans to cover their bills.

Up from 2.6% in 2010 to more than 18% last year. In this area of

Swansea many are finding money tight. This community cafe has kept

prices and is serving meals costing just ?1. The all-day breakfast is

particularly popular. We have got a lot of people really struggling

early in 2014. Jobs are hard to come by and benefits are being kept and

we have to eat. This is our way of providing affordable meals. In Wales

's largest recruitment agency they are feeling buoyant.

Across-the-board, different regions of Wales and outside of Wales we are

seeing a lot of activity. It is very buoyant and a

seeing a lot of activity. It is very for people looking for work.

seeing a lot of activity. It is very Companies let this will reflect

seeing a lot of activity. It is very feeling the economy is picking up

seeing a lot of activity. It is very about whether we feel better off.

seeing a lot of activity. It is very The UK government is correct in

saying that The UK government is correct in

have risen a little under last year but critics are

have risen a little under last year saying that does not include changes

to welfare nor make up the saying that does not include changes

prices have been rising more steeply than wages year after year. Whatever

the government 's spin, there are -- the reality is exposed by today's

report and more people in Wales are working in poverty and having to

rely on payday lenders. Debt is obviously built up over some time

and in 2009 saw the sharpest drop in wages. There is a long-term economic

plan in place and as a result of the recent inflation figures, people are

now finding themselves better off. What is clear from the debate about

whether we are better off is that the cost of living will dominate

arguments right up until the general election.

Sarah joins me now. So we know the politicians are fighting it out, but

what's your take on the debate? There are some very good signs

around. We know and employment is falling in Wales and if you look at

the number of people in the Welsh workforce it is bigger than it has

been to 22 years. That is good news. We also knew we are making and

serving -- selling more services. We are still the bottom of the pack

when we look at different parts of the UK but our economy is growing.

This argument highlights how severe the 2008 recession was. Although the

government is right in saying that in the last year the average weekly

wage has risen more than inflation, we've had many years since 2008 when

people have seen prices going up much more than they wages. A lot of

people had a wage freeze a few years ago at a time when inflation and the

cost of living was going up 3% to 4%. We got a lot of ground to make

up and although things are improving the dish -- economy is not as big as

it was in 2008. People are gathering at a meeting on

Anglesey this evening, where there's growing opposition to building new

power lines and pylons across the island. Engineers are planning for

new energy schemes which include a nuclear power station at Wylfa and

offshore wind farms. Our environment correspondent, Iolo ap Dafydd,

reports. Increasingly Anglesey is cultivating

its ambition to become an energy aisle. Within a decade new turbines,

new nuclear plant and a tidal scheme could be built.

new nuclear plant and a tidal scheme energy could come from this area but

there is disagreement how this letter today should be transported

to where it is needed most in England. The National Grid prefer a

new overhead line. All England. The National Grid prefer a

many people would England. The National Grid prefer a

to the National Grid laying power cables under the sea would cost ?2.5

billion. Three times more expensive than putting new pylons up.

According to many people on Anglesey whether they are supportive or

opposed the new power schemes like offshore wind farms, they are

concerned the grid is intent on building new pylons despite some

local opposition. New developments could include Horizon's nuclear

plans -- plant. The offshore wind farm could supply another two

gigawatts of power. That is a sense of growing resentment. It will

affect the tourism industry and house prices. They could be a 25%

reduction. There are health issues. There are many concerns. The

National Grid says its assessment and planning continues and it is now

considering underground power cables. We are making sure we know

their requirements. When we take the option for it will be the right one.

In the feedback we have got, people said it was a sensitive area and we

recognise that. If there is an overhead line, they might not be

pylons across the Menai Strait. It might be a few years until a final

decision is taken. Iolo ap Dafydd is at the meeting for

us this evening. Iolo, strong opinions there? I think we will

probably hear lots of opinions, especially about the National

Grid's consultation and how they did that consultations. There are

concerns it was a year ago and it wasn't as open as it shouldn't team.

We'll probably hear about concerns from people living near pylons. But

the national grid says it has not finished its assessment and that

would continues. A final decision is several years away.

South Wales Police say six people, including a police inspector and

another serving officer, have been arrested. It's understood to relate

to the officers' work in connection with licensing.

to the officers' work in connection inspector remains on duty.

to the officers' work in connection in the Cardiff area and

to the officers' work in connection released on police bail.

to the officers' work in connection Nigel Evans, the Conservative MP and

former deputy speaker of the House of Commons, has pleaded not guilty

to of Commons, has pleaded not guilty

was born in Swansea, appeared at of Commons, has pleaded not guilty

Preston Crown Court. He denies all the

between 2002 and 2013. He's due to be tried in March.

Gwent Police have told BBC Wales that other forces across the UK have

received a small number of reported sightings of the missing Newport

teenager Nida Naseer. It's liaising with officers in those areas. Today

her family have made a video appeal for her to return home. She turns 19

tomorrow. An emotional appeal for missing Nida

Naseer on the eve of her birthday. Today her sister and mother pleaded

for her to get in touch. We are all worried about you. Please come home.

Please come back home. We all miss you and love you. We all need you.

Police have been trying to solve the mystery of her disappearance the

nearly a month. Searching areas of Newport and Cardiff and reviewing

her computer, phone and bank account records. So far, nothing. But today

Gwent Police have revealed for the first time that forces outside of

Wales across the UK have responded to a small number of possible

sightings of Nida Naseer and officers have been deployed to

follow up the reports. So far there have been no positive

identifications. The family say she was upset the night she disappeared

and was she could not go to university because of their failed

asylum claim. They believe that is why she left home. The hope now is

that her birthday tomorrow may prompt her to get in touch with her

desperate family or the police. Still to come tonight: He refereed

one of the most memorable FA Cup finals in history. Now, a blue

plaque is unveiled in Mervyn Griffiths' hometown.

A review into the death of a vulnerable young teenager in

Pembrokeshire has found that child protection agencies need to work

more closely together in the case of high-risk children. 14-year-old

Seren Bernard from Haverfordwest was found hanged in 2012. She was living

with foster carers at the time. A serious case review also concluded

it was uncertain whether any steps could have been taken to prevent her

death. We can speak to our reporter, Abigail Neal, now.

Seren Bernard was found dead a month before her 15th birthday while in

the care before her 15th birthday while in

had been problems in her home life and she had not been living at home

with and she had not been living at home

years prior to her death. Today's Serious Case Review for

Pembrokeshire's Safeguarding Serious Case Review for

of events that led up to her death. It details that

of events that led up to her death. died, Seren had made a previous

attempt on her life after running away from her grandmother's house.

Seren's mother, Sarah Pollock, alleged soon after her daughter died

that there had been serious failings by Pembrokeshire Social Services in

respect of her daughter. Ms Pollock claimed that Seren had not had

access to the mental health support and counselling she needed, and

accused social services of being "complacent". But today's report

found that Seren was in receipt of a range of services, including a drug

and alcohol support programme, from committed and responsive

professionals. And while it finds that there could have been better

multi-agency co-operation and planning, particularly after there

had already been one serious traumatic suicide attempt, it's

uncertain whether anything could have prevented her death. Seren's

mother did not want to give an interview today but said she needed

time to consider the report carefully.

A man in his thirties has been arrested on suspicion of burglary

following an emotional appeal for information from the elderly victim.

79-year-old Iris Mayer from Fairwater in Cardiff returned home

from hospital last week to find her home ransacked and valuables stolen.

She wrote an open letter to the thief hoping it would prick his

conscience. Four South Wales men who became

involved in a mass brawl at a racecourse have avoided immediate

jail terms. The men admitted the charges of affray in connection with

fighting which broke out between Cardiff City and Swansea football

fans at Newbury Racecourse in July 2012. They have been sentenced to

ten months in prison, suspended for a year, and ordered to complete 200

hours of unpaid work. It's home to a stone built dam, the

first of its kind in the world, but now the 23,000 acre Lake Vyrnwy

estate has been branded as "unkept" by the people living there. It had

been hoped the Powys estate, owned by utilities giant Severn Trent

Water, would fetch ?11 million when it was put on the market in 2010.

But after a deal fell through, the local community council says the

area has been rundown. Charlotte Dubenskij reports.

Tucked away in the heart of Wales, the sprawling Lake Bernet Estates is

a popular spot for tourists. But the tranquillity of this national nature

reserve has been disturbed. Tensions are now spilling over. The local

community council has criticised the owners, saying they have neglected

the estate since a deal to sell it fell through last year. It is

leading to deterioration of fencing and roads around the estate which is

leading to deterioration of fencing farmers have got problems on their

properties and they farmers have got problems on their

are no set dates for it. That claim of a general lack of maintenance is

visible. Particularly around the Jake Ball of this estate, Lakeview

knife. But Severn Trent Water says much of the work it undertakes his

unseen. The estate is almost 23,000 acres and we're trying to keep on

top of everything. With the weather the last two months, we cannot

always keep on top of everything. We work very hard. A consultation on

the future of this estate is due to be launched in the spring and while

the community council welcome that they say action needs to be taken

before then to make sure nothing detracts from the natural beauty of

this spot. Tonight's sport now. Here's Claire.

Good evening. It's a welcome boost for Welsh rugby. Despite several

offers from other clubs, Alun Wyn Jones has bucked the trend and

pledged his future to the Ospreys. The Wales lock has re-signed for

another two years, saying he's happy to have resolved the issue so he can

concentrate solely on his game. Alun Wyn Jones running out for the

Ospreys, a site fans will be singing season. The 28-year-old says his

decision is based on being in the right environment to prolong his

career. It is a big boost to retain a player of his stature. There were

players in my day which went to rugby. I decided to stay in Wales.

It is very much a personal choice. The attraction of a bit more money

in France might be there but it is not the ultimate objective for

everyone. The decision over where players ply their trade is

heightened by the unsettling political unrest ongoing between the

regions and the WRU. The chief executive Roger Lewis issued a

statement today saying it's great news for the Ospreys and Welsh

rugby. He went on to say and the WRU's proposed agreement which is

currently being reviewed by the regions, the Ospreys will be

significantly rewarded for retaining a Welsh qualified player. Alun Wyn

Jones' decision has stopped the one-way traffic leaving Wales. 11

Welsh internationals will be based on a window France next season.

Leigh Halfpenny the latest to go. His current club say it's very hard

to see him go. When His current club say it's very hard

effort into a player like that it's devastating to see go.

effort into a player like that it's devastating. But what you have to

look at in devastating. But what you have to

French Federation have ?65 million a devastating. But what you have to

year broadcasting contract. The English have over ?30 million. Ours

is ?5.5 million. All eyes are now on Sam Warburton who will consider a

new regional deal or a central contract with the union. We should

know very soon. Football and it's FA Cup action this

weekend for Cardiff City and Swansea City. The Bluebirds travel to Bolton

tomorrow. Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has signed another player from his

former club Molde and Wigan defender, Ivan Ramis, subject to a

medical. The club are also close to taking Manchester United's Wilfried

Zaha on loan. Swansea City are away to Birmingham. Last night, plans

were approved to increase the capacity of the Liberty Stadium from

just under 21,000 to 33,000. There are more than 8,000 fans waiting for

season tickets. If you win, it always gives you something for the

next game. I hope we will win tomorrow so it helps us on Tuesday.

But whatever happens on -- tomorrow, Tuesday is a key game. I

have thought long and hard about ringing players in and I'm sure

these three have the quality. Maybe not tomorrow but in the long-term.

He's the stunt cyclist whose videos have become an internet sensation.

Martyn Ashton's daredevil tricks on a bike have been watched by millions

of people around the world. Four months ago, it looked like his

cycling career was over after he was left paralysed when a stunt went

badly wrong. Now, the 40-year-old from Margam is ready to face a new

challenge on two wheels. Carwyn Jones reports.

Back flips, somersaults, gravity defying stunts. There's no bike

trick Martyn Ashton couldn't perform. When he posted this film of

his exploits on You Tube back in 2012, he thought it might get a few

thousand views. Within 24 hours it had clocked up a million. Overnight,

the former world champion mountain bike rider had become an internet

sensation. But last year, it all went wrong and his life was to

change forever. I had an accident and fell really badly. And

fortunately I broke my back which has left me paralysed from the waist

down. I knew the permanence of it as well. I knew I would never walk

again. At the time of his accident, Martyn had already started filming

his second stunt video. From his hospital bed, he decided to finish

it. Cyclists from around the world offered to help. Within weeks, the

film was online, offered to help. Within weeks, the

original footage and new tricks performed by fellow trial bike

champions who came to his aid. Martyn's

champions who came to his aid. cycling. He's been given

champions who came to his aid. to try out and if his recent spin

around to try out and if his recent spin

need for speed. After doing about 30 minutes of riding, he came back in

and said how fast you need to go to ride the blue line on the track,

which had me worried! Martyn's stunt days may be over, but his fame

continues to grow. His two online videos have now racked up 18 million

views. He's the internet's newest cycling celebrity.

He was the Welshman who refereed one of the most memorable FA Cup finals

in history and took part in a World Cup final. But plenty of people

don't know who he is. Today, a blue plaque was unveiled to remember the

late Mervyn Griffiths from Blaina, who inspired other referees from

Wales to similar heights. Here's our Gwent Valleys reporter, Paul Heaney.

The FA Cup final between Blackpool and Bolton in 1953. It is often

known as the Matthews final thanks to the performance of the late Sir

Stanley Matthews. But there was a Welshman on the pitch that day as

well. Referee Mervyn Griffiths, one of the most highly regarded

officials of the year. In six spells near Abertillery in attempt to

remind people of his achievements and the other Welsh officials he

helped to inspire. I was just starting as the youngest referee in

Wales at 17 and I thought, this chap has got to the cup final. I want to

which even this. It spurred me on. Mervyn Griffiths became

internationally famous in the 1954 World Cup final between Hungary and

West Germany. As linesman he ruled an equalising goal offside for the

massive favourites Hungary. It allowed West Germany to claim an

unlikely victory. Despite his achievements he was still a man of

the people. He appeared to be very jovial and was always smiling. A

very amicable guy. He was always one of the team. Until today his name

may only have been known by foot or anoraks but now it will be cast in

the memories of those who live in the area he was born.

Well, we have a rather wet weekend in store. Owain is here with the

forecast tonight. How is it looking? I am afraid we have some rain on the

way this weekend. I am afraid we have some rain on the

rain today. You can see this band of rain over

rain today. You can see this band of set to remain quite

rain today. You can see this band of next few hours and as we

rain today. You can see this band of will clear and mist and fog patches

will form the country. This is that and of

rain making its way to the east and behind it a few showers but

generally a cloudy night with mist and fog patches. Remaining quite

breezy on the coast. The mist and fog most likely further east. Quite

breezy on the West Coast. Tomorrow morning, some showers across parts

of south and south-east Wales. Up from Powys, a bit cloudy and the odd

shower likely. North-east Wales mainly dry but Anglesey and Gwynedd

are likely to catch a few heavy downpours. Through Ceredigion, again

a cloudy picture and in the south-west the odd spot of rain as

possible. But mainly dry. If we take a look at the rest of the country,

strong winds throughout the day tomorrow but parts of mid Wales and

South Wales likely to see the best of any sunny spells. Temperatures

around 11 degrees in Cardiff but closer to eight in Caernarfon. This

is where the story changes little because these showers move on and

will have a dry spell across much of the country for a time tomorrow

night. A band of showers across the country and a band of heavy rain on

the way. It could be quite a cold night. A weather warning for South

Wales on Sunday. Very heavy rain likely. It will remain quite

unsettled thanks to this area of low pressure. Looking forward to

Monday, still quite windy but less in the way of rain so a fairly

unsettled picture for now. A reminder of our top stories: Many

families have been pushed into financial misery, according to the

charity StepChange. Their Wales-wide report suggests more people are

unable to afford the basics in life. It comes as the UK Government says

wages are rising. The family of missing Nida Naseer

have made a video appeal for her to return home ahead of her 19th

birthday tomorrow. A small number of sightings have been reported across

the UK and Gwent Police are liaising with officers in those areas.

And that is Wales Today. We'll have an update at 8:00pm and more news at

10:25pm. But for now, from all of us on the programme, have a good

weekend.