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BBC News
25-07-2025
- Politics
- BBC News
Welsh government should sell Cathays Park complex, insider says
The Welsh government should sell its Cardiff headquarters, according to a former senior civil Clifford, former head of the first minister's office in Cathays Park, said a smaller office should be set up in Cardiff Bay near the Senedd comments come after new figures show that on average just 19% of staff based in Cathays Park worked in the office each day in Minister Eluned Morgan has previously said the government won't be able to "justify" keeping its offices open if staff continue to stay away. Before Covid struck, around 2,500 people worked at Cathays Park every since the pandemic most have continued to work from most recent attendance figures, for March, show that on average the number of people attending the Cathays Park office each day was 576 (19%).The highest daily attendance was 799 (26%).Speaking to BBC-produced Newyddion S4C, Des Clifford said the days of staff working in the office five days a week were over and the time had come to sell Cathays Park."It's an ugly and unfriendly building," he said."I would close it down and perhaps sell it to the university or somebody else and set up a new office in the Bay so that the government and the Senedd are side by side."This would provide "a greater opportunity for mixing between civil servants and government and the Senedd, which might, in certain ways, create a certain kind of coherence," he added. What is Cathays Park used for? The Cathays Park complex consists of two buildings joined by a older building, dating from the 1930s and Grade II listed, originally housed the UK government's Welsh Board of the position of secretary of state for Wales was created in the 1960s, it became home to the Welsh newer building, completed in 1979, provided additional office space for a Welsh Office that had acquired an increasing range of two-building complex became the home of Wales' fledgling devolved government 20 years later, in 1999. 'Awkward questions' The Welsh government has a total of 20 sites across Wales including 15 so-called "core offices".The costs of running these offices in 2023-24 was £ the Welsh government's estate in March the average daily attendance was 16%.Asked what should happen to those offices, Mr Clifford said there were "all sorts of awkward questions that arise if you have an office in Llandudno Junction and you have another one in Caernarfon"."Are the two justifiable in the circumstances that we're describing when you've got two buildings 30 miles (48km) apart?"The same set of questions arise between Penllergaer in Swansea and Carmarthen, which I think again, is about 30 miles distance between the two."The Welsh government expects its staff to spend 40% of the week - the equivalent of two days - in the week First Minister Eluned Morgan told the Senedd: "Clearly, there will come a point where you have to say 'if you don't turn up, we cannot justify keeping this particular office open'."A review of the government's Powys offices - in Llandrindod Wells and Newtown - is already underway.
Irish Daily Mirror
21-07-2025
- Irish Daily Mirror
Disgraced former Irish swim coach George Gibney expected in Ireland on Tuesday
Disgraced former Irish national swimming coach George Gibney is expected to arrive in Ireland on Tuesday morning following his deportation to face criminal charges. The 77-year-old was arrested earlier this month in Florida under an extradition warrant. Mr Gibney is wanted in Ireland to face 78 counts of indecently assaulting four girls and one count of attempting to rape one of them. He was the alleged victims' coach and they were aged between eight and 14 at the time, according to the documents filed with a US district court. It is understood he is to be placed on a flight tonight (Monday) in America, escorted by members of the Garda Extradition Unit attached to the National Bureau of Criminal Investigation (NBCI). He is due to be formally charged when he arrives in Ireland and brought before Dublin District Court. He left Ireland more than 30 years ago and has not been back since. He was arrested in Florida three weeks ago by US Marshals on foot of an Irish extradition warrant, He was tracked down to a property in Orlando, Florida by the BBC-produced podcast Where is George Gibney as he has been the focus of an investigation by the Garda National Protective Services Bureau. Gibney coached children with the Trojan swimming club in Dublin in the 1980s and the 1990s. He was a high-profile sports figure who regularly appeared in Irish media until he was exposed for allegedly sexually abusing children. Subscribe to our newsletter for the latest news from the Irish Mirror direct to your inbox: Sign up here. The Irish Mirror's Crime Writers Michael O'Toole and Paul Healy are writing a new weekly newsletter called Crime Ireland. Click here to sign up and get it delivered to your inbox every week
Yahoo
29-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Cathedral has spending suspended over debts
A cathedral can no longer spend money after hundreds of thousands of pounds in debts were discovered. Bangor Cathedral in Gwynedd has had its spending suspended after furniture worth £418,000 was part-funded by the diocese and about £20,000 was spent on three trips abroad - two to Rome and one to Dublin - sources close to the cathedral told BBC-produced Newyddion S4C. It comes after the publication of two critical report summaries earlier this month which outlined concerns relating to safeguarding, behaviour and financial management at the church. A cathedral spokesperson said it had agreed to repay the cost of the trips and an "independent review" last year found no financial inconsistencies. Multiple serious referrals made about cathedral Calls for Archbishop to resign over safeguarding reports Safeguarding investigation launched at cathedral The debts are to the Bangor Diocese, which is a separate charity. The trips were allegedly paid for by the diocese, despite mainly involving cathedral staff, with the second Rome visit characterised by its extravagance. It is said to have involved "an overnight stay in the Radisson at Manchester Airport before an early flight, followed by accommodation in four-star hotels in Rome, plus dinner and taxis throughout". It was also alleged that "most of the participants on the second and third trips did not contribute towards the cost". The cathedral acknowledged there was inadequate consultation and information regarding the expenditure on furniture and that the Dean and Chapter of Bangor Cathedral had agreed to repay the costs of the trips abroad. It also said the Church in Wales centrally was helping rectify issues with financial record-keeping and the debt would be repaid by next year. The cathedral said, while spending was suspended, it was continuing with the process of appointing a new dean. Church report into inappropriate behaviour claims Church at precarious moment after Welby resignation Archbishop of Canterbury resigns over Church abuse scandal
Yahoo
15-05-2025
- Yahoo
Bosses who hired paedophile head 'absent from work'
Senior council officers who employed paedophile headteacher Neil Foden are "absent from work", BBC News has been told. An email sent to Gwynedd councillors by the authority's chief executive stated there were arrangements in place to lead its children and family support department while the head and deputy head are absent. Foden, 66, was imprisoned for 17 years in July last year, for sexually abusing young girls over a four-year period. He was head of one Gwynedd school and strategic head of another when he was arrested, and was later convicted of 19 charges, including 12 counts of sexual activity with a child and two counts of sexual activity with a child while he was in a position of trust. In the email from Chief Executive Dafydd Gibbard, seen by BBC-produced Newyddion S4C, all 69 Gwynedd councillors were told it was "unlikely we will be able to return to our normal arrangements for a while". Both absent senior officers were named in the letter, along with their titles and information about the staff stepping up into the roles. However, it does not state why they are not in their posts at present. Paedophile head teacher jailed for 17 years Sex abuse head teacher 'could have been stopped' Sex offender head teacher 'ran class with terror' Cyngor Gwynedd declined to reveal the details surrounding the absences, stating that "short-term arrangements have been put in place to lead the department". Sharron Carter and Aled Gibbard will be "sharing the responsibilities of the head of the children and family support department", Mr Gibbard wrote, with Dylan Owen, the council's corporate director, supporting the two temporary leaders whilst continuing to "provide strategic guidance to the department". Genevieve Woods, a specialist safeguarding barrister, was commissioned by the council earlier this year to investigate events in 2019, when concerns were raised with the authority about Foden's behaviour with some teenage girls. She revealed her findings in mid-March, with Cyngor Gwynedd saying in April that because the report contained "sensitive and confidential information" it would not yet be made public. During Foden's trial, it emerged that in 2019, a senior member of staff was concerned about his "close relationship" with some teenage girls, although the concerns had been for Foden's own reputation and that he could be putting himself at risk of accusations. The concerns were shared with Cyngor Gwynedd, but the court heard that a decision was made not to investigate further. BBC Wales understands four members of staff were part of the decision not to investigate at the time, and a BBC Wales Investigates programme into the case revealed three of those were still employed by the council. Councillors have been told a number of recommendations, and associated actions, are in place following Ms Woods' report. These include that the council will put in place arrangements for dealing with concerns which do not reach the formal child safeguarding threshold, as well as strengthening whistleblowing and record keeping arrangements, and providing safeguarding training to all council staff. The full report has been sent to the independent investigators of the statutory Child Practice Review, which is being carried out by North Wales Safeguarding Board. Cyngor Gwynedd said it had received "legal advice from independent experts on the next steps". It added: "As a responsible employer, Gwynedd Council has a responsibility to respect the confidentiality of staff. Because of this, we cannot share information relating to the employment of individuals." A request for comment has been passed on to the absent staff members through Cyngor Gwynedd. Council to apologise to paedophile head victims Sex abuse head teacher report not being made public Police probe new allegations into paedophile head
Shafaq News
13-05-2025
- Shafaq News
Visit Kurdistan: Walk in the footsteps of Shanidar Cave – now a global tourism magnet
Shafaq News/ Tucked into the rugged cliffs of Bradost Mountain in Erbil, the capital of Iraqi Kurdistan, Shanidar Cave (Neanderthals) stands as one of the world's most significant archaeological treasures. For decades, it has drawn historians, archaeologists, and adventure seekers. But today, this ancient wonder is witnessing a remarkable revival in global interest—thanks to the recent BBC-produced documentary 'The Real Neanderthal' streaming on Netflix. Unearth the Past at Shanidar Cave First excavated in the 1950s by archaeologist Ralph Solecki, Shanidar Cave gained international fame with the discovery of ten Neanderthal skeletons dating back 35,000 to 65,000 years. One particular find, Shanidar IV, sparked global intrigue due to the 'flower burial'—a possible sign of ritualistic funerals among Neanderthals that challenged long-held beliefs about their intelligence and emotional depth. Alongside the Neanderthal remains, archaeologists have uncovered more than 30 proto-Neolithic skeletons from around 10,600 BCE, offering a rare, continuous glimpse into early human life and death. A Tourism Renaissance Sparked by Netflix According to the Directorate of Antiquities in the Soran Independent Administration, the documentary has dramatically boosted interest in the cave. Abdul Wahab Suleiman, head of the Directorate, told Shafaq News that following the film's release, more than two billion people worldwide searched for 'Kurdistan' online—driven by curiosity about the cave's ancient secrets. 'Thousands of interested individuals now want to visit this historical site to see firsthand where Neanderthals lived,' he noted. In response to this surge, the local government—working in coordination with the University of Cambridge and the Erbil General Directorate of Antiquities—is launching a new tourism development plan. Projects include a dedicated archaeological museum near the site and a cable car to transport visitors from the mountain base directly to the cave entrance. These enhancements aim to turn Shanidar into a world-class heritage and tourism destination. Set approximately 2,200 feet (670 meters) high in the Zagros Mountains, the cave is a scenic three-hour drive from Erbil International Airport. Though the final stretch includes winding mountain roads, the journey rewards visitors with breathtaking vistas and a profound sense of timelessness. Inside, travelers can explore its vast chambers and intricate rock formations. Guided tours bring to life the scientific importance of the site, while surrounding trails offer hiking opportunities for nature lovers and photography enthusiasts. Visitor Farhad Hussein, who came with his family after watching the Netflix documentary, expressed enthusiasm but also highlighted gaps: 'We have a great interest in knowing what's inside this cave. But unfortunately, there are no tourist facilities here. We hope the government pays more attention to this area.' Planning Your Visit Spring (March–May) and autumn (September–November) offer the most pleasant conditions for hiking and sightseeing. Summers can be extremely hot, with temperatures soaring above 40°C (104°F), while winters may bring snowfall and cold winds across the mountains. Wear durable footwear for the rocky terrain, bring water for the hike, and carry a flashlight for navigating the cave's darker passages. Why Shanidar Matters Shanidar Cave is more than an archaeological site—it is a portal into humanity's prehistoric journey. With its stunning natural setting and profound historical significance, it bridges the ancient with the modern. Now, with the eyes of the world turning toward Iraqi Kurdistan, Shanidar offers travelers not just a destination, but an unforgettable story etched into stone. Whether you're tracing the footsteps of Neanderthals, experiencing a cultural renaissance, or simply soaking in the majesty of the Bradost Mountains, a visit to Shanidar Cave promises an experience that will echo through memory—just as it has echoed through millennia.
