03/02/2014 BBC Wales Today

Welcome to Wales Today. Our top story.

Was the road open or closed when this bus and its passengers was hit

by a huge wave in Newgale in Pembrokeshire? I was told there was

standing water but it was still possible with care.

Our other headlines tonight. Two council chiefs and unlawful

payments to avoid tax. Now, the police talk to the Crown Prosecution

Service. She campaigned to save Tower

Colliery. Wales's longest serving MP, Ann Clwyd, is standing down.

Stephen's on the road to recovery. More of us are surviving cancer and

for longer but we still have a way to go to match the best in Europe.

Good evening. In tonight's sport. Both sides desperate for points. The

pressure's on Cardiff and Swansea for this week's make or break derby.

Good evening. The driver of a bus forced off the road in horrendous

weather conditions has denied claims he was told to use another route.

Pembrokeshire council says, he ignored warnings even though traffic

was being diverted at Newgale. No-one was injured but ten

passengers and the driver had to be rescued after the bus was hit by a

huge wave. There are warnings of more bad weather to come this week.

Abigail Neal reports. This is the aftermath of the latest storm. The

411 bus from St David's to Haverfordwest was swept off the road

on Saturday night and ten passengers had to be rescued as the bus was

battered by the waves. The driver that night was back on his route

this morning, describing his shock the moment the wave hit. I mean, the

thing is, I haven't moved the steering wheel and suddenly we're

going in another direction, but it was literally the same sort of

effort as picking up a coffee table to move it. It's not something I

want to go through in the near future. Police are carrying out a

routine investigation into the accident. Pembrokeshire Council have

issued a statement saying that the driver ignored warnings from their

workers at the scene. They say that at 7pm, the council was in the

process of closing the road and advised him to take an alternative

route, something Mr Ashman flatly denies. I was told there was

standing water but it was still passable with care. They'd just

arrived. They were in the process of, I believe. But ultimately, I'm

not going to put myself or passengers at risk. Ultimately, it's

not in my best interests. We spoke to one passenger on the bus today

who corroborated division of events by the bus driver. Well, it's the

second time in a month that the storm has caused chaos here in

Newgale, and while the weather wasn't as bad as in January it

wasn't the only part of Wales to suffer. In Abersoch, a number of

beach huts were badly damaged and in Porthmadog, a train carrying tools

was overturned on the tracks by the 70 mile an hour winds. They took no

risks in Aberytwyth, sending students home for the weekend, but

in the end it was only shingle and debris that scattered the promeande.

The application sends a message to the phone. Technology came to the

rescue nearby when a phone app helped mountain rescue teams locate

a group of seven students from Manchester ,who got into trouble on

Pumlumon Mountain. If you think of the area, it's a huge area, very

poor phone signal normally. Without a clear indication of where they

were, it's like looking for a needle in a haystack, so to have a precise

location makes the job a lot easier and quicker to get help to them. The

Met Office have warned there is another band of strong wind and

heavy rain to come, with some coastal areas facing wind speeds of

up to 80 miles an hour. Dyfed Powys Police say they're

talking to the Crown Prosecution Service and another police force

over payments to two council chief executives. Auditors say Mark James,

the chief executive of Carmarthenshire, and his counterpart

at Pembrokeshire, Bryn Parry Jones, were unlawfully paid pension

contributions directly to avoid paying tax. Our reporter Cemlyn

Davies is in Carmarthen. So the police are taking a close look at

this? That's right. Dyfed Powys Police are now liaising with the CPS

and with another force after those three reports were published last

week. As you say, the Wales Audit Office concluded both councils had

acted unlawfully by allowing their chief executives to receive direct

payments in lieu of pension contributions. In Carmarthenshire's

case, the auditors also said the decision to cover Mark James' legal

costs for a case he's pursuing against a local blogger was also

unlawful. Well, both councils have denied doing anything wrong. In fact

Carmarthenshire Council released a bullish statement saying its actions

were honourable and lawful at all times. That response has concerned

some councillors who are now demanding answers. I think it did

not recognise the seriousness of the report so far. Councillors are

making their views very clear particularly over the media

fortunes. Serious questions need to be answered. Carmarthenshire

Council's executive board have been meeting. That's a meeting that was

scheduled to take place anyway and Mark James was at that meeting.

Afterwards, the board released a strong statement criticising the

local Plaid Cymru MP, Jonathan Edwards, who's written to the police

about the auditor's reports. In the statement, the executive board

claims the principle of innocent until proven guilty appears to have

been lost. The statement goes onto point out the officers robustly deny

they have acted in any way other than a professional and proper

manner and they have the board's full support. Well, councillors will

debate the reports at an extraordinary meeting of the council

on the 27 February. The family of missing teenager Nida

Naseer say she was deeply depressed for two years before disappearing in

December. Her sister says the 19-year-old from Newport was also

jealous of a friend, who'd been granted asylum and allowed to attend

university. Nida's family, who are from Pakistan, had been refused

asylum. Gwent Police say they've received over 50 calls regarding

reported sightings across the UK but Nida is still missing.

Police are investigating the circumstances surrounding the death

of a patient at Wrexham Maelor Hospital. 81-year-old Alan Walker

from Leeswood near Mold died nearly two weeks ago. Rebecca John is in

the newsroom. What do we know so far? Jamie, Alan Walker died at

Wrexham Maelor Hospital on 23 January. The cause of his death

hasn't been confirmed. But an anonymous hospital worker has told

BBC Wales, Mr Walker wasn't expected to die and his death was a

reflection of poor supervision, poor management and poor leadership. The

worker added that the hospital should be shut down. The exact

circumstances of Mr Walker's death are unclear, but we do know that he

died the day after an incident at the hospital on 22 January. The

Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board have confirmed that police are

investigating the incident and say they can't comment further while the

investigation is underway. They say the safety of patients is their top

priority and a small number of staff have been assigned to other duties

while the investigation is ongoing. North Wales Police say no one's been

arrested but staff members are assisting officers in piecing

together the sequence of events leading up to Alan Walker's death. A

postmortem examination has been carried out. The cause of death has

been deferred pending further toxicology tests. A coroner's

investigation into Mr Walker's death has been adjourned until June.

Much more to come before seven o'clock. They say if it ain't broke,

don't fix it. So will Warren Gatland make changes for Ireland?

Around 18,000 people in Wales are diagnosed with cancer every year.

Two years ago, the Welsh Government promised key improvements to the way

cancer services are delivered. But are they working? A new report shows

the proportion of patients who survive for at least a year after

cancer has gone up 14% in a decade. That's a slightly bigger rise than

in England, Scotland and Northern Ireland. 86.6% of girls are now

being vaccinated against cervical cancer. But we're lagging behind in

other areas. There's been a 5% drop in the uptake of bowel cancer

screening. And fewer survive the most common cancers compared to the

rest of Europe. Survival rates for lung cancer here are 8.6%. The

European average is 13%. In a moment, we'll hear from a leading

doctor. But first, one man's story of surviving cancer. I name is Steve

Spencer Evans and I am 57. I come from near Bridgend. In 2012, it was

confirmed I had cancer of the mouth. Cancer of the jaw and in the glands

on both sides of my neck. They took about two thirds of my jaw away.

They took it away. They took about 12 inches of bones out of my leg

here fashioned a new jawbone out of it. They took the glands away from

each side of my neck. I had to learn to speak again. I had to learn to

swallow again. At the time, I was very depressed. Everybody I talked

to, they were all telling me about people dying. This is the pumps that

I use to feed myself with. The food goes through a tube into my

stomach. It takes me ten hours every night to feed myself. I have now

persuaded the surgeons to give me deconstructing surgery --

reconstructive surgery. They will take the skin from somewhere on my

body and crafted over the implant. I hope that will help me with my

eating that I used to love taking my dog for a walk. Because of problems

I have with my balance, that is something that will have to wait. I

am looking forward to that in the future. Dr Tom Crosby is Clinical

Director of Velindre Cancer Centre in Cardiff. The report makes much of

the fact survival rates have improved more here than in the rest

of the UK. But the trend is the same everywhere. To what extent is this

because our performance was poor to begin with? That is something in

that but we have to recognise that improvements are being made. We have

seen a large increase in survival rates and that is important because

one year survival rates tend to reflect the stage at which patients

are diagnosed with the disease. Why are we behind the rest of Europe in

terms of survival rates for most common cancers? That is what we need

to understand more about. We know that way we deliver excellent care,

we do that very well. It results in Wales and a mental institution, can

be as good as anywhere. We have seen that way we deliver good care,

patients appreciate that and have benefited. They didn't have cases --

90% of cases feud they are having excellent care. As a doctor, if you

had to choose one priority for next year, where would you put the

funding in cancer screening, prevention or treatment? It is in

diagnosing cancer is earlier. We have seen the outcomes for

challenging cancers can be poor. Thank you very much.

Lawyers acting for men who say they were sexually abused by a teacher

while at school in Cardiff in the 1960s and 1970s say they're looking

into ten new potential claims. It means that at least twenty

individuals now say they were victims of David Leighton Davies,

who died in 1980. In December, BBC Wales revealed that insurers for

Cardiff council had paid out more than ?350,000 since 2011 to seven

men who say they were sexually abused by while they were pupils of

Davies at Cyntwell High in Ely. Paul Martin reports. The class photograph

from the early 1970s. Among the faces, the art teacher. By 1977, he

was a convicted child sex offender. Now, more men say he abused them

while he was a teacher. Since we broadcast the story in December, one

man who contacted us that he was abused at school and at his own home

by the teacher. I was shocked to read about him. You hear about

others abusing trust and position, this had been kept so quiet, it had

only come out now after 30 of 40 years. He used his position of

responsibility and trust and took full advantage of it. I wish it had

not happened. He should not have done what he did. If he was alive,

you would have to ask him the question, why? Lawyers are now

looking into what he and nine others say it happened at these two

schools. If the new claims are formalised, the council may or may

not contest them. 54 years after his death, acquisitions about what the

teacher did cast a long shadow. Wales' longest-serving MP is

standing down at the General Election next year. Ann Clwyd, who's

76, has been MP for Cynon Valley for thirty years. She says she'll

continue to speak out on issues such as human rights and the NHS. For

many years, she was the only Welsh woman MP at Westminster. Our

parliamentary correspondent David Cornock reports. As a woman in what

was often a man's world, she knew how to get noticed. She spent a

night on the ground to back the campaign for the colleges in the

1990s. I am pleased we managed to get some sort of reprieve for the

colliery. She was only the fourth Welsh woman MP in Wales. The more

difficult it was, the more determined you became to get your

foot in the door. I always tell people to keep your foot in the

door. She made her name on foreign affairs at Westminster. She was

often independent and outspoken. She was sacked by Neil Kinnock and Tony

Blair put up the G1 cross-party support for raising the issue about

the care her husband received at hospital. There are increasing

complaint about nurses who fail to show care and compassion for

patients. The premise that to lead a review of complaints. I felt very

angry that this should be happening in the NHS. The vast amount of

letters I got certainly proved I was not alone. That gave me particular

impetus to carry on the campaign and it is still going on. She says she

will continue to speak out foot of the House of Lords may follow. She

says this is not a swansong but a pause for breath.

Football and rugby now here's Claire with tonight's sport.

The South Wales football derby is just five days away and it's going

to be more tense than usual as Swansea and Cardiff battle to avoid

relegation from the Premier League. The Bluebirds are one place off the

bottom, while Swansea have dismissed claims that their board discussed

the position of manager Michael Laudrup after Saturday's defeat at

West Ham. That is more riding on the South Wales derby than just the

local bragging rights. Both sides are desperate for points. Swansea

city have been sucked deeper into the relegation battle after they

lost at West Ham. It was disappointing and I have nothing

else to say about it. The result led to rumours that the board was

reviewing his position. But they have dismissed these claims. But

everybody feels an edge. Beating Cardiff city would change the mood.

If Cardiff city when, we will be in a dogfight. The results have not

been the best, but a win on Saturday would give the team able. Cardiff

city hope they victory will turn the corner for them. They need mod

results like that in the next month. We have two league games and a cup

game at home. You will not be tired from travelling. It would be better

for the boys to come into training and look forward to the next game.

The Derby will be a classic. It has never had so much to -- riding on

it. The connections from Old Trafford have paid well for the

manager. It should give us confidence to go to the Liberty

Stadium and give the Swansea players what they deserve.

Rugby. Warren Gatland is weighing up his selection options ahead of

announcing his side to face Ireland tomorrow. Lions centre Jonathan

Davies and captain Sam Warburton are both pressing for starting places in

Dublin. Wales say they know face a huge job on Saturday. One game down

and a first win in the bag. For defending champions, it was not of

the quality many expected. There were positives, but that is plenty

to do this week. It was a good first half. We did not quite go to plan in

the second half. We have things to work on. We have this week now to

prepare and get things right. Warren Gatland names besides to place --

play Ireland tomorrow. The Jonathan Davies be selected? -- will Jonathan

Davies be selected? Sam Warburton received a warm welcome as he came

off the bench on Saturday. He could return. Ireland at home will be a

big step up. They used to a win over Scotland yesterday and watching them

closely at the Wales defence coach. All roads lead to Dublin at the

moment. I watched the game and hope had butterflies just watching stop I

was taking notes. Anticipation of a big game coming up. Irish fans have

not forgotten that Warren Gatland dropped Brian O'Driscoll. For

Ireland, it is proving additional motivation.

There was disappointment for Wales' Women who lost their Six Nations

opener yesterday. Wales were leading after dominating the first half.

This try from Lowri Harries, but Italy fought back and powered their

way over the line with just four minutes left on the clock. Wales

play Ireland on Friday night. There's nothing like the Six Nations

to bring rugby fans together. We're a passionate bunch whether watching

it in the stadium or in the living room at home. 620,000 of us watched

the game on TV on Saturday. Maureen Boyardi invited a few friends and

family around to her house in Treorchy. This is how the Six

Nations Opener went down with them. I tell you what, if it was not for

the Italians, we would not have a scream in the valleys! -- ice cream

exclamation mark. If he does not get it, . Oh my God. It had the post.

Poor boy. Look at his face. Absolutely brilliant. Don't count

your chickens. So that's how they do it in

Treorchy, but is it just as lively at your house? We're looking for a

family to film watching the Ireland match this weekend. Are you

passionate about watching Wales? If so, why not get in touch? Just email

us. Tell us a bit about who comes round, and what goes on. We look

forward to hearing from you. Derek shouts a lot watching the

rugby, especially when it's raining. If my charts are right, it could be

a bit stormy in Ireland next Saturday. A change in the month

hasn't brought a change in the weather. There is more severe

weather on the way this week. More heavy rain and gales. In fact in the

next eight days, some parts of South and West Wales could have another

100mm or more of rain. That's four or five inches and about a month's

worth! Most of Wales has been dry today but rain will move slowly

northeast this evening. Drier, clearer weather following overnight

with showers. Temperatures inland falling close to freezing with a

frost in places and a risk of icy patches. Here's the picture for

eight in the morning. Some places dry and chilly with a touch of

frost. A few mist patches but there will be showers around. Heavy in

places and wintry on higher ground with a little snow. So a mixture of

sunshine and scattered showers tomorrow. During the afternoon, most

places will become dry for a time but more rain will reach the far

southwest by evening. Top temperatures six to eight Celsius.

The wind backing southeasterly and increasing during the afternoon.

Becoming strong with gales in the southwest. Tomorrow night an

Atlantic storm with move towards southwest Ireland. So tomorrow

evening, the weather will do downhill again. -- go downhill

again. Turning wet and very windy. Strong to severe gale force winds

with Met Office warnings in force. Wednesday will remain windy with

further spells of rain and heavy showers. There is also a risk of

flooding on parts of the coast from Anglesey to Southwest Wales, with

large waves and fairly high tides. Thursday, less windy and brighter

with showers. The showers will be wintry on higher ground. A little

snow on the mountains. Friday may start dry followed by showers and

more disturbed weather on the way next weekend from yet another deep

area of low pressure! Not ideal for those of you travelling to Dublin

for the rugby. X Ray's on at 7.30pm. Here's Lucy

and Rhodri with a preview. Hello. Our programme is back and we will be

meeting a second-hand car dealer who shouts and swears and threatens that

customers. We will go behind the scenes as trading standards shuts

down a shocking call centre empire. I'll have an update for you here at

eight o'clock and again after the BBC News at ten. That's Wales Today.

Thank you for watching. From all of us on the programme, good evening.