08/02/2016 BBC Wales Today

will be a long way off. Thank you. That is all from the BBC's news at

Storm Imogen has been causing damage and disruption as strong winds

and rain batter parts of the country.

More than 2,000 homes are still without power tonight.

Seven flood warnings and 23 flood alerts are in force.

Flights, ferries and trains have been cancelled because of strong

And part of the M4 was closed for five hours after a lorry overturned.

Abigail Neal is in Llanelli for us tonight, Abi.

Thank you. As you said the story of this storm is one of chaos in the

south and west of Wales. Officially, the highest recorded gust was around

the corner in Pembury. A dizzy miles per hour. It's supposed to be coming

down now but it doesn't feel like it. Here is the story of how it

played out today. Passengers had a lucky escape this

morning on this train travelling Further down the coast

in Aberystwyth the promenade was closed as huge waves,

some as high as the lampposts, It seemed like de ja vu

as work on the bandstand, only being rebuilt after it was

destroyed by storms two years ago, had to be delayed when it

took a direct hit again. Strong winds played havoc

on the roads, with falling trees We had a lot of equipment lying

around. Bricks, sandbags and equipment. That was not protected at

all from the sea. Strong winds have played havoc.

The whole of Bridgend town centre was shut,

After a meeting it was decided that we cannot guarantee the safety of

the public because of the high winds. The winds are continuing

throughout the day. So a decision was made that we had to close the

town centre for public safety. I've come down today to do the banking

but with the street being closed off its a total inconvenience.

Very inconvenient. But needs must. We have to think of safety.

Wind speeds of more than 80 miles an hour have been recorded

A section of the M4 had to be closed because of an overturned lorry,

causing traffic to come to a standstill.

At it's peak Storm Imogen left more than 3,500 homes across Wales

without power, although the numbers are now falling.

If it is like this for pedestrians it's not surprising that cars have

been stopped from crossing this bridge overnight and today. One gust

of 95 mph was recorded, they have had their highest wind speeds here

for ten years. What we can see at the moment is that the current wind

speed is just over 90 mph. The purple line is 70 mph. That's where

we close the bridge to all traffic. People are being warned to stay away

from the coast. This in Swansea seem to swim against the advice, choosing

to brave the elements. The worst may not yet be over,

the clean up looks set to continue as communities are being warned

to brace themselves for more This is being billed as one of the

worst winter storms recently, perhaps not as traumatic in terms of

the infrastructure of those in January 20 14th but it does seem

like history is repeating itself. We've just heard that 300 students

have been evacuated from the promenade in Aberystwyth. This is

because of the problems with waves. So perhaps storm imaging may die

down somewhat but we have high winds expected overnight and she is not

finished with as yet. You can get the latest weather and travel

overnight and tomorrow on radio Wales. We have a full forecast later

in this programme. Now for the rest of today's news.

There may have been "third party involvement" in the death

of a teenage soldier from Llangollen who died at an army base 20 years

Private Cheryl James was found with a single gunshot wound

to her head at Deepcut Barracks in November 1995,amid allegations

After new evidence was disclosed, a second inquest into her death

is now underway at Woking coroner's court, from where

She died from a single bullet wound aged just 18. The army said it was

suicide two decades ago. Even the first inquest couldn't

answer all the questions about her death.

Police were forced to disclose more evidence leading to a fresh inquest,

which after some delay, began to seek evidence this morning.

The court heard about Cheryl James's time before joining the Army. She

struggled with family bereavement in the past, taking an overdose of

painkillers in school as a cry for help according to her father. Then

there was bitter disagreement about what the new evidence analyst

recently might tell us about her death in the coming weeks.

The barrister representing the family said the evidence before the

previous coroner showed a happy, bubbly girl. This new evidence

suggested the shot that killed Cheryl James may not have been so

conflicted. But a representative for Surrey Police suggested that other

evidence pointed to a troubled young lady with suicidal ideation. He said

that third-party involvement in her death was speculated in the extreme.

In heated exchanges this afternoon it was put to Cheryl James's father

that his criticism of the police was cursory and unprofessional. He

pointed to thousands of pieces of evidence that the force had gathered

and put it to Mr James that he had distracted the force with his

complaints about what they were doing was they had other

high-profile cases ongoing, including the disappearance of a

schoolgirl, Milly Dowler. The coroner intervened and said he did

not like that line of questioning. Mr James maintains that he had a

concern about impartiality in the investigation because they were

working with members of the Armed Forces to investigate his daughter's

death. The inquest continues. BBC Wales understands

that the insurance giant Aviva is the main funder of the ?300

million Circuit of Wales Our economics correspondent

Sarah Dickins is here. What I understand is that Aviva is

the name, it is the main private sector funds with this ?300 million

project. The plans were unveiled and planning applications were put in

three years ago for this. There have been many times when we thought it

was never going to happen. Some thought it shouldn't happen. It is

basically a motorbike track around that an industrial complex for

research and development of the motor sector and two hotels. We are

talking promises between 3000 and 6000 jobs. What was needed was

funding. This is what we've got. The name Aviva will be unveiled as the

big name behind it. What is the significance of that announcement?

The hurdles such as the planning enquiry and the moving of lands and

other land being given work surmounted in November. What this

basically means is there is one hurdle on going, that is the request

for about ?30 million in grants and loans were once government. They are

very competent things to form. Once due diligence is done on private

sector money they can get on site. Ultimately, that means the company

might possibly be able to put on Moto GP in Ebbw Vale in 2018. That

Two doctors have denied the manslaughter of a 12-year-old

boy by gross negligence at Cardiff Crown Court.

Ryan Morse from Bryn Ithel, near Abertillery, died suddenly

Dr Joanne Rudling and Dr Lindsey Thomas both pleaded not guilty

to unlawful killing, through gross negligence.

They've been released on bail and are due to stand trial in May.

Councillors in Gwynedd will be recommended to approve more

than ?4.5 million in service cuts at a meeting next month.

The proposals aim to reduce the council's financial deficit

of more than ?5.5 million over the next two years.

The rest of the savings could be met by further cuts to the roads budget

and increasing council tax by almost 4 % over the next two years.

A media school could be launched in Cardiff after a deal was agreed

Phoenix Satellite Television has six channels broadcasting

It's signed up to the joint venture with Cardiff Metropolitan University

to create the new campus, which developers say could house up

Conwy Council has moved a step closer to becoming the first local

authority in Wales to collect refuse once every four weeks.

Extra help would be given to large families and children in nappies.

A committee has recommended the measure, which will have to go

before the council's cabinet for approval.

Monday. It's been day here. Today the black bins as well as green

recycling ones are being empties. That happens every other week. That

policy could change. The problem according to the council is what we

throw away. They reckon that 50% of the waste we put in the black bins

should be be cycled. Across Wales councils want us to

recycle more and throw away less. To encourage us to do that they are

reducing the frequency of waste collection. Every other week is now

more or less the norm. Some authorities have moved to every

three weeks. Conwy ones to go even further and collect every four

weeks. Today that suggestion got a mixed reaction here.

We couldn't manage for weekly. It's impossible. Gradual recycle

more? Are recycle bin is full. It doesn't

bother me. I don't produce much rubbish.

It doesn't bother me at all. We struggle after two weeks. If you

leave your lid open they won't take it, so for weeks the bags will be

piled up. It's ridiculous. The council argued

that something has to be done. At the moment they recycle 59% of all

the waste here, by 2020 the target for all councils, said by the Welsh

government, will be 64%. By 2025, 70%. Levels that officials we are

unobtainable without change. We have ambitious targets that we

must meet. It's not sustainable to keep putting recyclable material

into landfill. The proposal includes extra help for

large families and those with children in nappies. A final

decision may come later this month, then they have to sell the idea to a

sceptical public. Wales should have won

against Ireland, that's coach We'll look ahead to Scotland

on Saturday and Storm Imogen arrived today, bringing more

rain with severe gales The UK Government has been urged to

block plans to stop public sector to strikes in Wales after ministers

accepted that they had a weak case to impose measures on the Welsh

government. They argue that the trade union bill should not apply to

services it takes responsibility for such as health and education. We go

live to Westminster now. This is quite a twist isn't it? Yes, the UK

Government want to make it harder for people in public services to go

on strike. The Welsh government say they can't do that because they are

in charge of schools and hospitals. The UK Government says yes they can

because it is about employment law and not public services. Now we have

this letter from the UK Government minister in which he admits that the

UK Government's all lawyers have told it that its case in Wales is

bleak. He revealed in the letter, which was leaked to the Socialist

worker magazine, that he is worried about the Government is going to

lose the vote in the House of Lords wellness, which may be as soon as

this evening. Also, it will be impossible to implement any new law

in Wales because the Welsh government will it.

So what has been the reaction? The Welsh government is really

pleased by this leak. Leighton Andrews says it confirms what they

know already, that this is a breach of the devolution settlement and the

UK Government should be embarrassed by what has emerged. It talked to

the Department for business and said they won't comment on leaked

letters. They are trying to strike a balance between the right to strike

and the right of millions of other people to go about their daily

lives. The Government here are very worried about losing key votes. We

have ensured the last of it. Oxford and Cambridge Universities

are considered to be the top two Last year almost 700

students from Wales walked through their doors,

but that's proportionately far fewer than the 20,000

students from England. Not only do far fewer students

from Welsh schools here get places, but the number of applicants

from Welsh students is also way Last year fewer than 700 pupils

from Wales applied to either He's at Cambridge having grown up

on a Cardiff Council estate. He was recently asked to speak

at a conference in Cardiff and is on a mission to increase

the number of at Oxbridge. A degree at Oxford or Cambridge

is the same price as one from Cardiff University,

so aim high. It's not going to cost

you anything and you'll learn a lot more

going to Oxford or Cambridge. The Welsh government

is rolling out a network of so-called hubs around Wales,

schools are invited to send where advice on Oxbridge

applications and expert teaching It is hoped this will address

concerns that levels of attainment and ambition in Welsh schools

just aren't high enough. If we've got young people

capable of the very best, and we are taking their GCSE

results as a marker, then to my mind, they should

be encouraged to fly. There are concerns over

whether schools are giving their pupils the right advice

about the best A-levels to take Professor Chris Taylor

of the Wales Institute for social and economic

research says that big Find differences in the probability

of you going to university. Some schools, their students are 2.5

times more likely to go to university even though they've got

the same grades as a student in another school. The Oxbridge

selection process is tough. Callum Haggett from Tonyrefail

is reapplying to Oxford to study biomedical science having narrowly

failed to get in last year. I was a bit more calm

and collected when I Was answering questions because I'd

been here before. Hopefully when my personal statement and everything

get con, rated, I can get an offer. The Welsh government hopes more

people will apply to studying UK's top universities.

There's more on this story in Week in Week Out,

tonight, here on BBC One Wales, at 8:30.

Rugby dominates tonight's sport,with all the details here's Iwan

Wales Coach Warren Gatland says his squads sights remain firmly

on winning the Six Nations Championship.

Gatland and Captain Sam Warburton were both left feeling frustrated

and flat following the 16-all draw against Ireland in Dublin yesterday.

Meanwhile medical staff may not have an update on fly half

Dan Biggar's ankle injury until tomorrow.

It's not a loss, but it's taken a couple of trophies out

You can't win the Triple Crown and you can't win the Grand Slam.

The words of a frustrated head coach.

And as Wales wait for news on Dan Biggar's foot injury,

which forced the fly half off the field in Dublin yesterday,

the players are reflecting on a wasted opportunity.

We're just getting used to that international tempo.

I don't think you chance as many things on the first weekend

as you would on the third, fourth or fifth.

I'm sure that, from both sides, you'll see a lot more.

The foundation led to the visitor's only try.

But without a single clean line break some question the attacking

If I'm perfectly honest I was disappointed with the match.

I thought we might see a little bit of the adventure that Japan showed

And the way Argentina played in the World Cup.

So disappointed with the style of play?

Trailing 13-nil Wales fought back and eventually held a 3-point lead.

But after failing to win from tht position, celebration

The result means that England and France are on top

of the Six Nations table, and lead the way with their wins.

However, with three home games to come, the championship title

is still on for Wales as they prepare to welcome

I'm joined by the former back row, Jonathan Thomas, who won two

Is it fair to judge their attacking style?

Since the World Cup there is a general feeling that the team needs

to involve the attacking game. The coach and players know that. I never

felt that would happen for this game, only two weeks before seven

training sessions before they joined up for the first game.

They probably will evolve over the course of the campaign, it wasn't

that type of game. It didn't lend itself to open style rugby.

Let's look at the positives. I know you are keen to highlight the

defensive style of Wales on Saturday.

It's one thing you can never question with this team. Whenever

you see them play the defence is heroic. Jamie Roberts was the

defensive captain and he was outstanding again, as was Faletau. I

think from 13 nil down it could have gone so much worse, but the

character of this team is unbelievable. I think this try you

was a great finish. Some players really stood up to be counted.

The team will be announced for Saturday on Wednesday, do you

foresee any changes? I don't think so. The team will be

keen to, in terms of try scoring opportunities, in terms of what they

create, they'll want more possession and more ball in hand of the back

three, the big winners. George zero will want to get his hand on the

ball more. It will be much more clinical. They will want to score

tries. Scotland are a much improved team.

Thank you for your company. Jonathan will be on radio Wales bought this

evening. Let's turn to the World of Judo

and Merthyr's Natalie Powell has expressed her delight

after winning her first ever Significantly, she beat Team GB

Olympic rival Gemma Gibbons Powell won a Gold Medal for Wales

at last years Commonwealth Games and she's aiming to repeat

the success in Rio this summer. I had Gemma, my team mate,

who's really good competitor. It was always going to be a tough

match with the pressure I've not got a grand slam

medal before I've been To do it in Paris, the biggest

grand slam there is, John Disley, the former Welsh

athlete who co-founded the London Marathon,

has died at the age of 87. Disley, who was born

in Corris in Gwynedd, won a bronze medal in

the steeplechase at the 1952 He also set Welsh records at six

different distances. The wind warnings have expired

but what a day it's been today. The south and west worst hit

by storm Imogen with the strongest Even inland we've seen

gusts of 60 to 70mph. Strong enough to bring down a few

trees, cause damage and disruption. Thankfully the gales are now easing

but still windy this evening And at the moment there are still 17

flood warnings in force Storm Imogen formed over

the Atlantic and is now The isobars across southern Britain

still close but beginning So this evening less stormy

but still windy with a few showers. The wind easing further

after midnight. Temperatures inland falling

as low as 1 or 2 Celsius. Here's the picture

for 8 in the morning. Much calmer in the south

with lighter winds. Showers in parts of the south

otherwise most of the country A few showers as well with rain

spreading from the north during the afternoon with a little

snow on the hills and mountains. The wind increasing

in the afternoon. Gusts 45 to 50mph in

Pembrokeshire and feeling cold. Tomorrow evening rain and wintry

showers will spread south and clear. A few showers in the north overnight

otherwise dry with a slight frost in places inland sheltered

from the breeze. One or two showers but overall a lot

of dry, bright weather. On Thursday a frosty start for some

of us away from the coast. A little sunshine but cloudier

than Wednesday with a few showers On Thursday night into Friday we're

keeping an eye on low pressure moving in from the Atlantic

towards southern Britain. Bringing more rain and stronger

winds with some snow mainly In the meantime the strong winds

and gales easing tonight. Sunshine in places but a few heavy

showers and some rain as well. I'll have an update for you here

at 8pm and again after the BBC Our top story tonight is the

weather. Damage and destruction across Wales as wind and rain

battered the country. More than 1000 homes are still without power. The

other headlines, BBC Wales understands that Aviva is expected

to confirm that they are the financial backer of the circuit of

Wales in Ebbw Vale. The project promises to attract sporting events.

The project promises to attract sporting events.

That's Wales Today thank you for watching from all of us