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Wales Online
28-05-2025
- Business
- Wales Online
North Wales housing estate anti-social behaviour claim 'unbelievable'
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info A contentious discussion has erupted amongst North Wales Live readers as a result of a new Conwy housing development, focusing primarily on affordable housing implications and effects on community relationships. A central theme of this debate revolves around differing perspectives on what the term "affordable" signifies and the subsequent impacts of such projects. Amendments proposed to a significant development initiated in 2022 are stirring claims of increased anti-social conduct. In 2020, Cartrefi Conwy's subsidiary, Calon Homes, alongside Creating Enterprise, secured planning approval for the construction of 107 homes in the Maes-y-Felin scheme, Glan Conwy. Initially planned as a mix of market-rate houses and thirty percent allocated affordable homes, the project is currently half-built off the A470. However, Cartrefi Conwy now aims to modify the project plan by establishing 121 houses within the area; all will be the housing group's property and subsequently leased out. The motive behind this change, as stated by the group, stems from an urgent county-wide necessity for Wales-wide affordable housing. Despite this, Aberconwy MS Janet Finch-Saunders expressed her worry regarding the whole procedure. She insists that adherence to the original planning consent is paramount, cautioning that more homes would exacerbate traffic and put greater strain on local services. Additionally, she cautioned about a "considerably higher risk of anti-social behaviour and neighbour disputes on estates with a higher proportion of affordable housing". One of our readers, Steamnut writes: "Using that statement 'urgent need for affordable housing' again. Maybe they have not been able to sell all of the 'market value' properties and are looking at the rental sector to compensate or this was the plan all along. When ordinary property owners try to get or change planning permission the whole might of the planning department is brought to bear. Cartrefi Conwy should be made to stick to the original agreement." Everyyear adds: "Unbelievable. Does Janet Finch Saunders have any proof that affordable housing leads to increased anti-social behaviour? No, she does not. That term covers shared equity housing, so owner occupiers who cannot afford the full market price. A couple of decades ago, before the property boom, many of these people would have been able to buy homes at the market rate. No-one was suggesting then that they were likely to cause a rise in anti-social behaviour." PeteAM replies: "You have obviously never read any reports on the causes of crime, and they will all tell you the same. Areas of deprivation have higher crime rates. This suggests there is a strong link between poverty and crime. So yes having less money makes one more liable to behave criminally which is pretty obvious to most people, but keep wearing your blinkers and rose tinted spectacles." DaveT2912 adds: "In a village where the doctors and school are both full." Welshwitch1 believes: "It is an excellent opportunity to help the poor and unemployed people to have somewhere decent to live with dignity. It would enhance their lives and respect for one another. It would also give them an incentive to seek employment or training for work. Commentators don't be so negative, be more positive and forward looking please. Thank you." PeteAM says: "You seek employment or training for work first, that is what gives you dignity, self respect, respect for others, and the aspiration to buy your own property. Well that's what used to happen." CGX says: "Antisocial behaviour is not purely down to where you are on the housing ladder. There are very many people who own their own homes that contribute to ASB." Traderbucks writes: "When building housing expecting higher bad behaviour build a police house for a bobby so there is a local police presence." Indigodebz asks: "Who would buy a brand new home on a modern estate these days as you just don't know what the neighbourhood will become? You can't buy great neighbours." SCATHINGPEN says: "There's that word again, 'affordable'. I've asked many times, what is affordable in Wales? What do a couple, both working have to earn in order to afford, affordable? "There are homes for sale up and down the country that are obviously at the cheaper end of the market but, they take a long time to find a buyer or never seem to find a buyer. Is that because even the cheapest homes in Wales are beyond the financial reach of most? So, building affordable homes is pointless. "Welsh families won't buy many and they will be sold to buyers from outside the region. Then there's the phrase 'anti social behaviour'. Hardly a ringing endorsement for social cohesion and happy communities. Also another probable reason that private landlords have abandoned this sector. Ask any community, whether it's a street, an estate, a village, which would you prefer as neighbours? "Owner occupiers who are working and adhering to the rules of respect for those that live alongside them Or second home owners who do, despite what some claim, add to the local economy. Or perhaps holiday let's, that are not a permanent residence and therefore, not an unmoving problem of anti social behaviour? It only takes one antisocial family to ruin it for all the rest. A housing crisis is one thing. Housing problem tenants, is another." MickHookem answers: "'Affordable' means that the rents should be no more than 80% of the average local market rent, which means (in theory) that LHA should cover the rent in full." Haroc says: "These housing developments are going to pop up more and more to tackle the housing shortage for rentals, as private landlords sell up due to increasing pressures, constraints and higher taxations. There should be a clause put on these new builds for local residents who have a proven residence in the county for 20+ years and registered on the list. There are so many local families living in cramped conditions with their extended family or youngsters sofa surfing, but considered not a priority because they have family to rely on for keeping them off the streets." Do you agree or disagree with Aberconwy MS Janet Finch-Saunders? Comment below or HERE to join in the conversation.
North Wales Live
28-05-2025
- Business
- North Wales Live
North Wales housing estate anti-social behaviour claim 'unbelievable'
A contentious discussion has erupted amongst North Wales Live readers as a result of a new Conwy housing development, focusing primarily on affordable housing implications and effects on community relationships. A central theme of this debate revolves around differing perspectives on what the term "affordable" signifies and the subsequent impacts of such projects. Amendments proposed to a significant development initiated in 2022 are stirring claims of increased anti-social conduct. In 2020, Cartrefi Conwy 's subsidiary, Calon Homes, alongside Creating Enterprise, secured planning approval for the construction of 107 homes in the Maes-y-Felin scheme, Glan Conwy. Initially planned as a mix of market-rate houses and thirty percent allocated affordable homes, the project is currently half-built off the A470. However, Cartrefi Conwy now aims to modify the project plan by establishing 121 houses within the area; all will be the housing group's property and subsequently leased out. The motive behind this change, as stated by the group, stems from an urgent county-wide necessity for Wales-wide affordable housing. Despite this, Aberconwy MS Janet Finch-Saunders expressed her worry regarding the whole procedure. She insists that adherence to the original planning consent is paramount, cautioning that more homes would exacerbate traffic and put greater strain on local services. Additionally, she cautioned about a "considerably higher risk of anti-social behaviour and neighbour disputes on estates with a higher proportion of affordable housing". One of our readers, Steamnut writes: "Using that statement 'urgent need for affordable housing' again. Maybe they have not been able to sell all of the 'market value' properties and are looking at the rental sector to compensate or this was the plan all along. When ordinary property owners try to get or change planning permission the whole might of the planning department is brought to bear. Cartrefi Conwy should be made to stick to the original agreement." Everyyear adds: "Unbelievable. Does Janet Finch Saunders have any proof that affordable housing leads to increased anti-social behaviour? No, she does not. That term covers shared equity housing, so owner occupiers who cannot afford the full market price. A couple of decades ago, before the property boom, many of these people would have been able to buy homes at the market rate. No-one was suggesting then that they were likely to cause a rise in anti-social behaviour." PeteAM replies: "You have obviously never read any reports on the causes of crime, and they will all tell you the same. Areas of deprivation have higher crime rates. This suggests there is a strong link between poverty and crime. So yes having less money makes one more liable to behave criminally which is pretty obvious to most people, but keep wearing your blinkers and rose tinted spectacles." DaveT2912 adds: "In a village where the doctors and school are both full." Welshwitch1 believes: "It is an excellent opportunity to help the poor and unemployed people to have somewhere decent to live with dignity. It would enhance their lives and respect for one another. It would also give them an incentive to seek employment or training for work. Commentators don't be so negative, be more positive and forward looking please. Thank you." PeteAM says: "You seek employment or training for work first, that is what gives you dignity, self respect, respect for others, and the aspiration to buy your own property. Well that's what used to happen." CGX says: "Antisocial behaviour is not purely down to where you are on the housing ladder. There are very many people who own their own homes that contribute to ASB." Traderbucks writes: "When building housing expecting higher bad behaviour build a police house for a bobby so there is a local police presence." Indigodebz asks: "Who would buy a brand new home on a modern estate these days as you just don't know what the neighbourhood will become? You can't buy great neighbours." SCATHINGPEN says: "There's that word again, 'affordable'. I've asked many times, what is affordable in Wales? What do a couple, both working have to earn in order to afford, affordable? "There are homes for sale up and down the country that are obviously at the cheaper end of the market but, they take a long time to find a buyer or never seem to find a buyer. Is that because even the cheapest homes in Wales are beyond the financial reach of most? So, building affordable homes is pointless. "Welsh families won't buy many and they will be sold to buyers from outside the region. Then there's the phrase 'anti social behaviour'. Hardly a ringing endorsement for social cohesion and happy communities. Also another probable reason that private landlords have abandoned this sector. Ask any community, whether it's a street, an estate, a village, which would you prefer as neighbours? "Owner occupiers who are working and adhering to the rules of respect for those that live alongside them Or second home owners who do, despite what some claim, add to the local economy. Or perhaps holiday let's, that are not a permanent residence and therefore, not an unmoving problem of anti social behaviour? It only takes one antisocial family to ruin it for all the rest. A housing crisis is one thing. Housing problem tenants, is another." MickHookem answers: "'Affordable' means that the rents should be no more than 80% of the average local market rent, which means (in theory) that LHA should cover the rent in full." Haroc says: "These housing developments are going to pop up more and more to tackle the housing shortage for rentals, as private landlords sell up due to increasing pressures, constraints and higher taxations. There should be a clause put on these new builds for local residents who have a proven residence in the county for 20+ years and registered on the list. There are so many local families living in cramped conditions with their extended family or youngsters sofa surfing, but considered not a priority because they have family to rely on for keeping them off the streets."
Wales Online
25-05-2025
- Wales Online
'I warned authorities about him but nothing happened. Then he went on a rampage'
'I warned authorities about him but nothing happened. Then he went on a rampage' Exclusive: A family member of Alexander Dighton believes his near-fatal attack on Talbot Green police was not prevented because of a 'systematic failure' Alexander Dighton during a social gathering with neighbours Authorities were repeatedly warned about the views and behaviour of a man who later tried to murder a police officer, WalesOnline can reveal. On the evening of January 31, while clad in body armour, Alexander Dighton approached Talbot Green police station in Rhondda Cynon Taf with a knife, hatchet, and wooden pole. The 28-year-old threw a Molotov cocktail at a police van, which did not ignite, but he then managed to set another police van alight using petrol. He smashed the van's windows with the pole before attacking a group of officers who had arrived on the scene. He swung the pole — which was adapted with metal on the end — at one officer, punched another to the head, and stabbed a third to the leg before finally being restrained. Two of the officers needed hospital treatment. Dighton later pleaded guilty to 10 charges — among them the attempted murder of DC Jack Cotton — and is due to be sentenced next month. A family member of Dighton has now told us they referred him to the Prevent counter-terrorism scheme more than a year before the attack — but Counter Terrorism Policing Wales found he did not meet the criteria to be included in the programme. The same relative contacted South Wales Police on January 14 this year with concerns about his behaviour. We understand they also tried to get him support from Rhondda Cynon Taf council's social services around two and a half years ago, and a neighbour of Dighton reportedly made similar unsuccessful efforts with the council in the weeks before the attack. Article continues below The family member drew comparisons to the cases of Jake Davison, who shot five people dead in Plymouth, and Axel Rudakubana, who stabbed three children to death in Southport. "If all these individuals had Prevent referrals in place, why are the police not intervening, when it's the people closest to them making these referrals?" they said. "This isn't to say police didn't do their job, but it's a systematic failure. It was highlighted to all the right people and it wasn't prevented. It raises the question: are police well-staffed enough? And mental health services that could have helped Alex have been cut. "This was preventable. There has to be a policy change somewhere with regards to these radicalised individuals. The Prevent referrals are not preventing attacks." Alexander Dighton, left, as a prize-winning student and, right, in his mugshot after attempting to murder a police officer Dighton, originally from Aberdare, studied engineering at Neath Port Talbot College and parametric modelling at Coleg y Cymoedd. At the age of 18 he won a Wales-wide competition in advanced mechanical engineering for his computer-aided design of a wobbler engine. At the time, we ran a short piece on Dighton's achievement and he told us he had aspirations to become an engineer in the Royal Air Force. Around two and a half years ago he was among the first residents to move into Beacon housing association's Cwrt Tafarn estate, a new-build of 26 homes in Llantrisant, where he forged close bonds with a few of his neighbours, who were worried by his consumption of online conspiracy theories. He engaged little with his family in recent years, and on the occasions they did speak he alarmed them with increasingly anti-authority views. One family member said Dighton always struggled to understand social interaction. They believe he is autistic, although he did not seek support and did not have a formal diagnosis. The relative said they warned in the Prevent referral that Dighton had been making Islamophobic comments about the Rotherham child abuse scandal and about "Muslims raping women". They voiced concern that he was identifying as an 'incel' (a movement of 'involuntarily celibate' men, some of whom have been linked to extreme misogyny and mass killings) and that he felt he would have been "respected as a man and would have had a family" if he lived in the medieval era. The relative said they told counter-terrorism police that Dighton was severely unwell and on the road to either hurting himself or becoming a mass shooter. We understand police carried out an assessment, including going through Dighton's laptop, but that there was no follow-up action. Dighton did not speak to his family member about an explicit plan for terrorism but they felt his feelings of frustration towards society had gone through a "clear escalation". In the months before the attack he became more erratic, suddenly quitting his job — which involved making inflatable evacuation slides for Cardiff Airport — despite a recent promotion. Dighton also received a conditional discharge for verbally abusing a local resident who he claimed had been smoking drugs. He complained to neighbours that he had reported the alleged drug use but that police "only see the things they want to see". Just over a fortnight before the attack, the family member alerted South Wales Police to concerns about Dighton's behaviour. When officers carried out a welfare check at his flat, he reportedly made racist comments about Muslims and police "protecting the wrong people". The family member believes this should have been escalated in light of the earlier Prevent referral. A few days later, a neighbour reportedly called social services "begging for help" for Dighton, who had been walking in circles and chanting outside the flats. The council reportedly responded that they "couldn't do anything" unless Dighton asked for help himself. But the family member said Dighton would never have done so given he "was severely mentally ill and had anti-establishment views". The Cwrt Tafarn estate in Llantrisant, Rhondda Cynon Taf (Image: Conor Gogarty ) Before moving to Llantrisant, Dighton was living in Preston where he had a mental breakdown and went missing. After resurfacing and finding accommodation at Cwrt Tafarn estate, his family member contacted social services with concerns he was not meeting his own basic needs. Dighton had been sleeping on the floor and his flat was in disarray. But the council reportedly said they could not intervene because he "did not meet the criteria" as he was holding down a job. The family member said Dighton posted racist comments on X, the social media platform formerly known as Twitter. He had zero followers, though he appeared to pay for a 'blue tick' feature which boosts the reach of posts. His profile's handle was @VulkantheJust, an apparent reference to a Warhammer character, and his bio read: "Dammed [sic] before Birth." Although Dighton's posts can no longer be seen because of privacy settings, one post from four days before the attack appeared to refer to the recent death of a 12-year-old black girl who died from an allergic reaction. The wording is not visible, but the post prompted angry replies from X users calling Dighton a "sociopath" who "thinks his failures are somehow the fault of 12-year-old girls". When we visited the Cwrt Tafarn estate, neighbours told us Dighton could be extremely generous and had "a heart of gold" but that his mental health seemed to suffer from staying up all night on conspiracy-theory websites. "He was on about children getting sex education at the age of three," said one. "He was on about five-year-olds in Germany being taught to w**k. And the police being child molesters and perverts. He told us he was on the dark web and he was 'looking into it deep'. "He would talk about the government, then move onto the police, and then onto gaming, and then back to paedophiles. He had a massive problem with authority. I would say to him all the time: 'Get off the web. Whatever you're on, get off it.'" Wider problems with Prevent In March the head of Prevent, Michael Stewart, left the role after a damning review found the scheme had "prematurely" closed its case on Axel Rudakubana three years before he went on to murder three children at a Taylor Swift-themed dance class in Southport. And in 2023 a review found Prevent had repeatedly "failed" to identify attackers and that there was a "sense of lost purpose" in the strategy. The following year the man who led the review, Sir William Shawcross, said key recommendations had yet to be actioned. In its response at the time, the Home Office said it was implementing them. The latest stats show Prevent is receiving more referrals but that a smaller percentage of those referrals are being adopted by a multi-agency panel for a potential package of support. In the year ending March 2024, there were 6,922 referrals to Prevent (up 1.5% on the previous year) while 893 individuals were discussed by a multi-agency panel (down 13%) and the number of cases actually adopted also dropped (by 7%). In 2021, Jake Davison fatally shot his mother and four other people in Plymouth. He had been referred to Prevent but an inquest jury found "a lack of scrutiny and professional curiosity at all levels". In the case of Dighton, the Old Bailey heard searches of his home revealed journals containing anti-immigrant ideology. As well as the attempted murder, he has admitted attempting to cause grievous bodily harm to Sergeant Richard Coleman, assaulting PC Joshua Emlyn, threatening PC Stephanie Fleming with an adapted wooden pole, attempted arson of a police van, two counts of criminal damage to police property, and possession of an adapted wooden pole, knife and hatchet. Before a sentence is passed the Old Bailey will hear evidence from the prosecutor to determine whether the attack had a terrorist purpose. Article continues below The Home Office, South Wales Police and Rhondda Cynon Taf council said they would not comment on the case until after sentencing. X has been approached for comment.
South Wales Guardian
17-05-2025
- Automotive
- South Wales Guardian
Llandovery farmers market to celebrate Great Big Green Week
The event will kick off on Saturday, June 7, from 10am to 2pm at Llandovery's Market Square. The Llanymddyfri EV community car project will be showcased at Llandovery Farmers Market, alongside a wide range of locally produced food and drink. There will be music and live entertainment throughout the day. Market manager Raoul Bhambral said: "The Great Big Green Week is about bringing you together with your friends and family to do things to benefit climate and nature. "Where better to do that than at your local farmers market? "The market and its music are a great day out for friends and family already. "Many of our growers and livestock farmers are small scale family-run businesses and they tend to practice more natural, environmentally friendly methods that avoid lots of toxic chemicals – which is great for people and nature. "Ynni Sir Gar's community car-pool project is great for the climate, in reducing multiple-car use and therefore carbon emissions. "Come and find out more about this project and how it could benefit you or your community." The Llanymddyfri EV community car is part of Charge Up Wales, a Wales-wide project run by the community benefit society called TrydaNi. It aims to help communities start and run car clubs, helping to move away from traditional models of car ownership towards a cleaner transport future. Sioned Haf from Ynni Sir Gar said: "We will be on hand to answer community questions about how the project and the booking app works, and how people can join in and book an electric vehicle. "We are keen to meet other communities who may be interested in such a scheme." The Great Big Green Week runs from June 7 to 15. It is the biggest celebration of community action to tackle climate change and protect nature in the UK.
North Wales Chronicle
15-05-2025
- Health
- North Wales Chronicle
Wales health chiefs face questions on digital delays
Peter Fox, the newly elected chair of the Senedd's health committee, pressed witnesses about a lack of digital infrastructure 'holding back' improvement in eye care services. Digital Health and Care Wales (DHCW) was moved to level three on ministers' intervention framework in March due to concerns about its ability to effectively deliver major programmes. Helen Thomas, DHCW's chief executive, said: 'We know there are many opportunities that digital and data services can support… in terms of the challenges eye care services face. 'And we believe there is a way to go in terms of ensuring that they have the full digital infrastructure that is needed.' David Thomas, director of digital at Cardiff and Vale, said an electronic patient record system has been deployed in all ophthalmology sub-specialties in his health board area. But, asked about progress on digital stalling elsewhere, Ms Thomas told the committee DHCW hopes to complete a full national rollout after a current contract ends in early 2027. The digital eye care programme began in January 2020, with £8.5m allocated by ministers. A press release, published in March 2021, said: 'The project, being led by Cardiff and Vale university health board, has already commenced rollout across Wales.' Sam Hall, director of primary digital services at DHCW, said an electronic referral system was part of the original programme 'but hasn't yet been delivered'. Labour's Lesley Griffiths, a former health minister, pointed out that the 'OpenEyes' digital patient records project had an agreed deadline to be rolled out by March 2023. 'But this didn't happen,' said the Wrexham Senedd member. 'So, I wonder if you could explain why it didn't happen and what the current status is please.' Mr Thomas pointed to the impact of the pandemic during the meeting on May 14. Warning of problems getting people 'on the same page', he said: 'In hindsight, in terms of lessons learned, the engagement could have worked a lot better with other health boards.' He said OpenEyes is live in Cardiff and Vale, and one service at Cwm Taf Morgannwg, with plans to roll out the patient record system to all ophthalmology services within 10 months. Mr Thomas told the committee that Welsh Government funding covered capital spending, leaving health boards to meet the everyday costs such as employing more staff. He explained additional funding has been requested, given wider financial constraints, to cover local implementation costs of around £50,000 for each health board, 'We do now have the buy-in from health boards to proceed,' he said. 'But we need to recognise that there was a period where things didn't progress as they should.' Emma Cooke, an executive director at Cardiff and Vale, added: 'We weren't demonstrating its value to the rest of Wales… that's the big thing I think we should have picked up quicker.' Michael Stechman – clinical director for ophthalmology at Cardiff and Vale, and a consultant general surgeon – warned of a Wales-wide shortage of ophthalmologists. He also raised concerns about the centralisation of services creating challenges – with major trauma, neurosurgery and vascular surgery all 'competing' for theatre space. Turning to Betsi Cadwaladr university health board, Mr Fox pointed out that about 40,000 patients in the area were waiting for ophthalmology outpatient appointments. Carol Shillabeer, chief executive of Betsi Cadwaladr, replied: 'It's probably fair to say the health board has not made as much progress over the past four-five years as other areas. 'It's something for us to learn from.' Ms Shillabeer, who was appointed in 2023, outlined a focus on community ophthalmology services to free up capacity for secondary care teams to see the highest-risk patients. Pressed about underreporting of incidents, the chief executive emphasised the importance of transparency and candour due to potentially 'life-changing' levels of patient harm.
