18/08/2014 BBC Wales Today

you might stay dry. The temperatures will still be

Our top stories. Scrapping tolls on the Severn

bridges. Would the Liberal Democrat pledge

deliver a significant boost to the Welsh economy?

Not enough nurses to look after people in later life.

Claims recruitment is facing a crisis.

Half a million came here last here, now a call to protect Snowdonia from

the growing numbers of climbers. A service to remember the Welsh

who served in the Great War. We have a special report

from Belgium. And the biggest names in Para

athletics are here in Swansea. Tolls on

the Severn Bridge would be scrapped if the Liberal Democrats are

in government in Westminster after The party says commuters will be

hundreds of pounds better-off a year and the Welsh economy will

benefit by more than ?100 million. Here's our Political Reporter,

Carl Roberts. A key thousand vehicles use these

bridges on average every day. They are all paying for the privilege.

These lorries just pay and ?20 to cross. Cars pay more than ?6. The

Liberal Democrats and the cost of building the second -- the charges

to stop once the money for the second Severn Crossing is paid back.

It costs almost ?7 to cross one of the bridges in a car these days. The

Liberal Democrats want to scrap the charges by 2018 and deliver a boost

to the Welsh economy. The Liberal Democrats have put a price on that

boost. ?107 million a year saving commuters over ?1500 a year. We want

to rebalance the UK economy for that too much attention has been on the

south-east and we want to ensure the economic recovery happens across the

UK and the tolls represent a tax on the Welsh economy but we want to see

that got rid of. The bridges revert to public ownership halfway through

the next government. But many who use the bridges when they told scrap

as soon as possible. A decent protest heard from campaigners who

said the cost of crossing the bridges hit the Welsh economy hard.

We welcome any reduction in costs. It would help the company

significantly to become more competitive and allow as to put more

back into the company. Our current spend at the moment for the seven

bridges is around half ?1 million per annum. This is a significant

cost. The First Minister said he favoured reducing the tolls last

year. Cuba's government has demanded a say on their future. Wendy Prince

of Wales officially opened the second Severn Crossing, it cost ?3

80 to cross. Wales is sleepwalking into a storm

because of problems recruiting nurses to work in independent care

homes across Wales. That's the warning from

Care Forum Wales, which says more nursing homes are closing than being

opened at a time of rising need. Jack Cater lives at the

Forge Care Home in Cardiff. Just like the other 75 residents

here, he needs specialised nursing. This isn't a residential home

for the elderly. It caters for complex care needs,

one of hundreds of private nursing homes across Wales.

Day to day, Alex Kelleher is the Director of nursing.

She's a trained nurse and tonight, she's so short staffed, she's

having to cover a night shift. Wheras in the past we had quite

a big bank of our own nurses for the group, we have very few now

and the nurses often work in two or three different settings, so it's

much more difficult to find cover. Last week, we learned that two homes

in Bridgend, similar to this one, are set to close.

The company that owns them says it's because they can't recruit

enough qualified nurses. Now, Care Forum Wales is warning

that the situation won't improve unless the NHS and independently run

homes like this one, work more closely together.

We either collaborate and work together,

or do more of what was done in the past and get what we always got,

confusion, money not well spent, resources not best used and that

leads to problems down the line. With the adverse publicity, we are

not seeing nurses staying. Something has to be done to look at the

numbers commissioned under detention factor and what we can do to make

nursing profession people want to remain in.

leads to problems down the line. The Welsh Government says

Health Boards and Trusts are responsible for identifying the

workforce needs for their areas and that there's a specific service in

place to understand the requirements of sectors other than the NHS.

Care Forum Wales says it'll meet with the head

of the NHS next week to discuss how to solve the problem before more

homes and nursing beds are lost. Palliative care funding is to rise

by ?200,000 despite a slight drop in the overall budget. Hospices will

get ?2.6 million, around a third of the overall budget. The intention is

for money to make specialist consultants and nurses available in

all parts of the country. The former chief executive

of a racial equality charity told police he was having to use his own

credit card for charity business. The jury in a fraud trial at

Swansea Crown Court heard a police interview with Naz Malik,

where he said he would claim expenses back, despite his attempts

to persuade Awema trustees to set up The 65 year old denies

three fraud charges. A protest by anti-fracking

campaigners at Swansea University's Gwent Police have said they have

been informed of two proposed routes for protesters before the NATO

summit in Newport. A protest by anti-fracking

campaigners at Swansea University's new campus caused traffic disruption

on the main road leading The demonstrators were making clear

their opposition to a facility where researchers will look at the safety

of different types of energy, The protesters arrived at the new

Bay campus at around six o'clock this morning at the site entrance

will stop a couple of campaigners fix themselves to a barrel filled

with concrete. Another took up a loftier position on this Day of

action across the UK. And the construction site, a banner was

unfurled. Within that institute, they would be researching fracking

and we have seen from all of the other places funded by councils,

that leads to research into how to get more gas from the ground.

that leads to research into how to is no local support for this.

that leads to research into how to relief to more climate change and

negative effects on the public health. We want to know how long we

will be committed to the fossil fuel sector. Students will have to tackle

the worst effects of this. The Bay campus is being built on a six to

five acre site which was acquired from BP some years ago. It will be

different dedicated centre for research into safety. The institute

will focus on safety issues regarding existing energy processes

as well as new green energy technologies. The demonstrators left

the site peacefully at lunch time but the campaign group says it will

not rule out similar action in future.

Snowdon is at breaking point with the high number

of visitors damaging the mountain and putting themselves at risk

The British Mountaineering Council is calling for action to protect

Snowdon after the number of those walking to the summit last year rose

They also say more needs to be done to keep people safe.

It is Britain's busiest mountain and August is its busiest month.

And despite many past warnings about the impact of increasing

numbers on the environment, people are still coming in record numbers.

The body which represents mountain walkers and climbers says it's

time to address the issue head on. It is a tremendous asset to the

area. It is an iconic mountain has admitted suffering from the amount

of people on it. It needs a long-term vision and resources to

manage it properly for the future. time to address the issue head on.

But the National Park Authority says it is confident Snowdon can take

the strain of half a million walkers a year.

And it is spending money on making the mountain accessible as well

Our first purpose is to protect the as protecting it and it's visitors.

Our first purpose is to protect the mountain and invest in footpaths.

That will protect the fragile environment and also provides a safe

route for walkers. The main routes are very popular even on days like

this one. as protecting it and it's visitors.

Recently, the National as protecting it and it's visitors.

false paths to prevent deaths. But the BMC says

the public need to be aware that mountains are not risk-free.

If you have the equipment, it is a So are they?

If you have the equipment, it is a good lesson

If you have the equipment, it is a of people who go up and not aware.

Make sure you have water and food. Basically, make sure you have the

right clothing. So are they?

From a popularity perspective, Snowdon is a true success.

Its custodians are keen to look after it and those who climb it.

But there are still different opinions about

which is the right path to choose. He's acted with some of Hollywood's

biggest names. The Welsh actor returning home to

direct his own low budget film The producers are staying at my

grandmother 's house. My mother and sister are in

grandmother 's house. My mother and called. It is real fun to do.

More than one thousand people from Wales have been in Flanders this

weekend for events to mark the start of the First World War. On Saturday,

a new Welsh memorial was unveiled there, and last night, a Welsh choir

sang in the Last Post ceremony at the Menin Gate in Ypres. Also there

It was a weekend when the streets rang out with the sound of Welsh

voices. A weekend when the Welsh came to Flanders to remember. It is

almost exactly 100 years since the first Welsh battalions marched

through this famous square. This last weekend, the Welsh have been

back in numbers for a special commemoration. More than 1000 were

there for the unveiling of a new Welsh memorial, a dragon, a symbol

of the nation looking out on the pitch where once the Welsh fought

and died. The memorial stands for all those

from Wales, men and women, those who fought and those who were left at

home. You have come from Canada, wide? To share this wonderful

emotional experience. I had a few ankles in the First World War. This

memorial is for everyone who contributed at the time and it is

our national war ordeal in this part of the world. It is the product of a

four year grassroots campaign. It still has not sunk in but looking at

this now, I am flabbergasted we have done it. I think it is magnificent.

I am proud. The scale of the war is something that cannot be forgotten.

We thought this would be a long lasting tribute to the Welsh and

also to make people think. That is much to reflect on. In four years,

more than 1 million casualties were claimed here. There were many

heroes. This sergeant and modern -- was one who earned more than the

Victoria crosses on the same day. Iain Macleod is a military

historian. His platoon came up against a machine gun at close range

which he dealt with single-handed and went on to deal with the

blockhouse and captured about 30 prisoners. His medal this kept by

The Royal Welsh Museum in Brecon. He did not want to talk much about his

experiences. I think he was a hero in Llanelli. He was known as

recently see. He was reluctant to talk about it. Quite a quiet and shy

person. At the gate last night, a proud -- the crowd swelled by many

Welsh faces. The tenor sang a well known him. The gate itself is a

memorial to 50,000 of those with no known graves.

The event in Flanders were part of the commemoration of the start of

the First World War. There will be many more ceremonies over the next

four years and many more occasions to pause and remember.

We've only just got our breath back from the Commonwealth Games,

but tonight another major sporting event gets underway, and this time,

The opening ceremony of the IPC European Athletics Championships

opens at Swansea University in the next hour, and our sports

Yes, lovely evening for it in Swansea tonight.

At 7.30 this evening, the European Championships will

formally begin here at the athletics stadium, just quarter of mile

The actual sport starts tomorrow, and runs until Saturday with lots

of the stars of the London Paralympics taking part.

Sprinter Jonnie Peacock and Wales' Josie Pearson to name but two.

Although David Weir, who won four golds in London has just

The organisers say this event also has a wider significance to continue

to change perceptions in society about disability.

There has never been a better time to be a para athlete. The experience

of Jones in the Commonwealth Games, celebrating in front of a packed

stadium, was evidence of how far the sport has moved forward in recent

years. Many of the stars from Glasgow and London will be competing

this week. England have had theirs with England and Scotland have had

it with Glasgow, now it is our turn. Having the web support and family

and friends will be amazing. 500 athletes from 39 countries arrived

in Wales over the weekend ahead of the opening ceremony tonight. The

star of the Netherlands squad is the opening ceremony tonight. The

Paralympic sprint champion. She is the fastest woman on blades in the

world. My best event is here. The code is amazing and they know

everything. They know about the sport. That gives you a good

feeling. I am happy to be here again. She already has one big fan

in Wales. Molly Hopkins was born without functional bones in her

lower legs. She recently had the chance to watch her train before the

Grand Prix in Berlin. The experience was inspirational and they are

hoping to catch up again after Molly performs a special role tonight. I

will be carrying the flag. It is a bit secret, but I am supposed to be

giving a medal if she wins something. If we can achieve a shift

in perception, to get young people to come to this event and the

disability through new eyes, we will be

disability through new eyes, we will society. There are now more than 1

million opportunities for Wales -- people in Wales with disabilities.

It is hoped the champion chips will further enhance the Welsh

trepidation as a powerhouse for disability sport. Mr Jones is with

me now for the many congratulations on Glasgow, you did is superbly. The

reaction has been incredible. It was a heroes welcome back home. I have

not had much time to think about it with the champion chips coming up.

It is just phenomenal. How important at these championships for you?

Every championship is important. They are my home games, being down

the road. We are all expected to do well and we will give our best and

see what happens from there. We wish you all the best. You will know. And

as an ex-Welsh Rugby Union. How big an undertaking has this been?

Logistically, it has been a big challenge. Thankfully, we have the

university campus which has helped. It has been a great team effort.

Various bodies in Wales have pulled together and hopefully the weather

will be on our side this weekend. It looks like a terrific venue. A lot

of family and friends will come along. With the completion as big as

this, my family would not miss it for the world. They will be loud in

their support. We wish you every success. Thank you very much indeed.

They beat Manchester United on the opening day of the

Goals from Ki and Sigurdsson gave the Swans their first top flight

victory at Old Trafford, spoiling the welcome party for new

His Swansea counterpart says the historic achievement won't deflect

I am just happy with three points. I do not care about anything else. We

came appear with a plan to get three points and be executed it well

enough. I spoke to the players afterwards. Coming to Manchester

United was an occasion. It was a great day for the fans.

Meanwhile, Crystal Palace have been fined by

the Premier League following claims that information about the Cardiff

City line-up was leaked to them ahead of their game last season.

Palace won the match 3-0 and avoided relegation.

Details of the fine haven't been released.

Cricket and Glamorgan have lost their

Championship match against Essex just down the road at St Helens.

The visitors took the two wickets they needed

It has not been a great week for Glamorgan here in Swansea.

But things much more optimistic here at the University as we look forward

Part of the track breaking Commonwealth Games squad has been in

Downing Street today. David Cameron congratulated on number of

athletes. Since winning a Bafta Cymru award

for the film Submarine, the Welsh actor Craig Roberts has

gone on to appear in films alongside some of Hollywood's biggest names.

Since winning a Bafta Cymru award for the film Submarine,

the Welsh actor Craig Roberts has gone on to appear in films alongside

But the 23-year-old has returned to home ground

for his latest production, a dark comedy set in South Wales, which

On the set of Just Jim, a new film Huw Thomas went on location in the

On the set of Just Jim, a new film exploring life for a Welsh teenager,

and his new neighbour. It is familiar territory for

Craig Roberts, not just the subject matter, but the locations too, which

are dotted around Maesycwmmer and Fleur de Lys in the Rhymney Valley.

The film is his personal project, with roles in front and

behind the camera. The film is about

a normal teenager who's not having the greatest of times, and then his

life gets turned upside down when an American guy moves in next door.

I have written the script, I'm directing it,

and I play the kid, Jim. Yeah it's pretty good,

pretty intense, there's a lot of stuff to do, but it's pretty fun.

The 2010 film Submarine made Craig Roberts a star, having already

made a name for himself on TV. And the winner is Craig Roberts

for Submarine. Since getting the BAFTA Cymru

award he's gone on to make movies with Hollywood stars.

Including Zac Effron in the American comedy Bad Neighbours.

Back on location in South Wales, the production is a more modest affair,

with the filming all happening over the past three weeks.

Now all this is happening in Craig Roberts's neighbourhood.

He was born just down the road in Maesycwmmer and many of the cast

and crew are Welsh as well. The low budget

and Craig's local The low budget

allowed some home comforts. The producers are staying at my

nan's house, The producers are staying at my

My mum's in the film, my sister's in the film, a lot of

people are in the film that I know. It's cool, it's really fun to do.

The work on location has just ended. The film's expected to

reach cinemas next year. Unlike the weather,

which is still a bit underwhelming? A reminder of tonight's

main news from the BBC. David Cameron insists there'll be no

British boots on the ground in Iraq, but UK forces are now involved

in reconnaissance missions. It comes as Kurdish forces claim

they've won back the strategically important Mosul

dam from Islamic state fighters. I'll be back after eight and against

after the BBC News at Ten. That's Wales Today.

From all of us here, have a good evening.