Latest news with #Wales-wide
Rhyl Journal
2 days ago
- Rhyl Journal
Rhyl sexual exploitation case re-spark grooming inquiry call
Detectives investigating child sexual exploitation and trafficking offences in Denbighshire charged four men on Friday (August 8) following arrests made on Thursday, 7 August. The individuals, aged between 24 and 60, face multiple charges related to the investigation: Darren Millar, MS for Clwyd West, said: 'This case provides yet further evidence in support of my calls for a Wales-wide grooming gang inquiry. 'In spite of repeated reassurances from the First Minister and Welsh police forces, it is clear from the testimony of brave victims, and from cases in both north and south of the country, that grooming gangs have been operating in Wales. "We need to know the full extent of these problems in order that we can protect vulnerable children, ensure that perpetrators are held to account for their evil crimes, and secure justice for victims. "The lack of urgency from either the Welsh or UK Governments on this issue is alarming and a cause for concern. It's been two months since the UK Government promised a national inquiry yet we've seen no evidence of progress." He added, "When I called for an inquiry back in January, other politicians tried to shut me down but cases like this make me all the more determined to fight for victims." The four men, charged in connection to the child sexual exploitation and trafficking offences in Denbighshire, appeared at Llandudno Magistrates' Court on Friday, August 8 and have all been remanded in custody. They will next appear at Mold Crown Court on Friday, September 5. North Wales Police have received further authorisation to charge a female with offences linked to the investigation and she will appear before the court this week. A 61-year-old man from London, also arrested as part of the investigation, has been released on bail pending further inquiries. Operation Embank and Operation Zirconium are linked investigations that have been led by North Wales Police. The investigations involve three teenage female victims, who made reports in relation to a series of offences in Rhyl and the surrounding area between April 2022 and March 2024. Detective Chief Inspector Rich Sidney, of North Wales Police, said: 'This has been a complex and long-running investigation. We have liaised with the Crown Prosecution Service throughout the process and this collaboration has resulted in authority to charge the suspects involved with multiple serious offences being provided. 'We would now ask for people to respect the judicial process and to avoid online speculation on this case. This is to ensure the integrity of the investigation and court proceedings.' Specialist Prosecutor Louisa Robertson at the CPS said: 'The Crown Prosecution Service has authorised North Wales Police to charge four males and one female in respect of these two investigations. 'The Crown Prosecution Service reminds all concerned that criminal proceedings against each individual are now active and that they all have a right to a fair trial. It is extremely important that there should be no reporting, commentary or sharing of information online which could in any way prejudice these proceedings.' In January 2025, Mr Millar said a statutory inquiry covering Wales and England, revealed by the prime minister, was "welcome but long overdue". In February, the Senedd rejected calls for a Welsh inquiry, but members voted unanimously that the Welsh government should consider one.
North Wales Live
31-07-2025
- North Wales Live
First image of missing woman as major Menai Strait search continues
Police have released an image of a woman who remains missing, despite a major search of the Menai Strait this week to find her. Gwenno Ephraim, 22, is believed to have walked towards Menai Bridge after last being seen in the upper Bangor area on Monday night. It is feared she may have entered the water. A major operation by search and rescue teams was launched along the Menai, involving the HM Coastguard helicopter, RNLI crews and the police. Today a North Wales Police spokesperson said: "Searches remain ongoing for a 22-year-old woman, who is currently missing. Gwenno Ephraim was last seen in the upper Bangor area on Monday night (28 July) and is believed to have walked towards Menai Bridge. "CCTV footage reviewed by officers appears to show Gwenno walking alone between the hours of 10.20pm and 11.10pm on Monday night. Personal items, believed to belong to Gwenno, were subsequently found on the Menai Suspension Bridge on Tuesday morning. Get all the latest Gwynedd news by signing up to our newsletter "Search efforts in and around the waters of the Menai Strait have continued today (Thursday, 31 July), following several days of activity. Despite extensive enquiries, attempts to locate Gwenno have so far been unsuccessful." Chief Inspector Stephen Pawson added: 'Officers investigating Gwenno's disappearance continue to follow many lines of enquiry in their efforts to trace her movements. 'Gwenno's family has been informed of the circumstances that led up to her disappearance and we will continue to provide support and timely updates as this investigation progresses. 'Our thoughts are with all family members at what must be an extremely difficult time. We recognise the distress and emotional impact this investigation will have, and we are committed to supporting the family with the deployment of specially trained officers." Mental Health Support Helplines and support groups The NHS Choices website lists the following helplines and support networks for people to talk to: Samaritans (116 123) operates a 24-hour service available every day of the year. If you prefer to write down how you're feeling, or if you're worried about being overheard on the phone, you can email Samaritans at jo@ Childline (0800 1111) runs a helpline for children and young people in the UK. Calls are free and the number won't show up on your phone bill. PAPYRUS (0800 068 41 41) is an organisation supporting teenagers and young adults who are feeling suicidal. Mind Cymru (02920 395 123) is a charity providing advice and support to empower anyone experiencing a mental health problem. They campaign to improve services, raise awareness and promote understanding. Students Against Depression is a website for students who are depressed, have a low mood or are having suicidal thoughts. Bullying UK is a website for both children and adults affected by bullying. CALL Mental Health Helpline for Wales (0800 132 737) provides a Wales-wide 24/7 mental health multi-channel contact service. CALL offers emotional support, signposting to agencies relevant to the caller's needs as well as free literature. The spokesperson added: 'Our enquiries to date lead us to believe that Gwenno may have entered the waters of the Menai Strait. On the night she went missing, Gwenno was wearing grey jogging bottoms, a grey hoodie, and black trainers. 'We would like to hear from anyone who may have seen Gwenno on the night of 28 July, or who may have dashcam footage of her walking from the Bangor area. 'Reports can be made to North Wales Police via 101, quoting iTrace reference 51505.'
South Wales Argus
15-07-2025
- Business
- South Wales Argus
Publicly-owned renewable energy developer powers ahead
The farms will have the potential to generate up to 400 MW of clean electricity – enough to power 350,000 Welsh homes' annual average electricity needs, which is around a quarter of the homes in Wales. The first three proposed sites are: Clocaenog Dau Wind Farm, Denbighshire/Conwy (up to 132 MW) Glyn Cothi Wind Farm, Carmarthenshire (up to 162 MW) Carreg Wen Wind Farm, Rhondda Cynon Taf (up to 108 MW) Trydan Gwyrdd Cymru operates solely in the interests of Wales, with all profits generated reinvested in Welsh communities and public services. It is estimated the developments will create hundreds of jobs during construction and operation, with Trydan committed to involving Welsh companies throughout the process. Trydan Gwyrdd Cymru's chief executive, Richard Evans, said: 'As a Wales-wide developer, we can commit to nation-wide, strategic programmes, such as habitat management and restoration, and we look forward to working with stakeholders to define ambitious, long-term enhancements.'
Business News Wales
11-07-2025
- Business
- Business News Wales
Publicly Owned Renewable Energy Developer Announces First Projects
The publicly owned renewable energy developer for Wales, Trydan Gwyrdd Cymru, has announced proposals for three new wind farms with the potential to generate up to 400 MW of clean electricity. That would be enough to provide the annual average electricity needs of 350,000 Welsh homes – around a quarter of the homes in Wales. In the first project announcement since Trydan's launch in 2024, the schemes will help meet the growing need for clean energy in Wales with electricity demand projected to nearly triple by 2050, the Welsh Government said. Trydan aims to develop 1 GW of new renewable energy generation capacity on Welsh public land by 2040. The first three proposed sites are: Clocaenog Dau Wind Farm, Denbighshire/Conwy (up to 132 MW) Glyn Cothi Wind Farm, Carmarthenshire (up to 162 MW) Carreg Wen Wind Farm, Rhondda Cynon Taf (up to 108 MW) All profits generated by Trydan Gwyrdd Cymru reinvested in Welsh communities and public services. The wind farms will be developed on the Welsh Government's woodland estate, which covers 126,000 hectares – 6% of Wales' total land area – and according to Welsh Government contains some of the country's best potential sites for renewable energy generation. Cutting Wales' carbon emissions is a key commitment of the Welsh Government, which aims for Wales to generate enough renewable electricity to meet 70% of what's used in Wales by 2030, rising to 100% by 2035. The Cabinet Secretary for Economy, Energy and Planning, Rebecca Evans said: 'These proposals demonstrate our commitment to harnessing Wales' abundant natural resources to generate clean energy while ensuring the benefits are felt locally. 'By developing these projects on the Welsh Government Woodland Estate, we're making best use of our public land to tackle the climate emergency and create sustainable economic opportunities.' It is estimated the developments will create hundreds of jobs during construction and operation, with Trydan committed to involving Welsh companies throughout the process. More renewable energy projects are in development and will be announced later this year. Trydan Gwyrdd Cymru's Chief Executive, Richard Evans, said: 'With Trydan driving development, and with the profits from this investment retained in Wales, we have a unique opportunity to optimise the projects and the multiple benefits they bring. 'In parts of Wales suitable for infrastructure installations, and across Wales, working with delivery partners we will create and support quality, direct and indirect jobs in the renewable energy sector and supply chains, and contribute to skills initiatives. Communities will be involved and funding will support local priorities. 'As a Wales-wide developer, we can commit to nation-wide, strategic programmes, such as habitat management and restoration, and we look forward to working with stakeholders to define ambitious, long-term enhancements.'
Leader Live
03-07-2025
- Automotive
- Leader Live
1,400 potholes fixed in three days on A494 Mold bypass
The Welsh Government said the recent resurfacing work on the A494 Mold bypass has extended its the life "by up to a decade", improving "safety and reducing the risk of damage" for all road users. The road had suffered from years of wear and tear due to increasing traffic and the impact of severe weather. Using innovative resurfacing techniques, the work was completed in just three days. (Image: Welsh Government) The Mold bypass scheme is part of the Welsh Government's Wales-wide programme to resurface and strengthen roads. An additional £25m fund, alongside support through the Local Government Borrowing Initiative, will deliver improvements to an additional 700km of roads by March 2026. MORE NEWS: The programme is focused on roads in the greatest need of repair, with more than 200,000 potholes set to be fixed or prevented, and improvements made to pavements across the country. The Welsh Government has invested £1bn fixing and improving roads across Wales since 2021. Ken Skates, cabinet secretary for Transport and North Wales, visited the completed scheme in Mold to see the results of the investment first-hand. He said: "It has been great to see such high-quality work delivered so quickly on this important route for North Wales. I would like to thank everyone who has played their part in helping us to deliver this project. "Fixing our roads is a key priority for us and we're delivering on our promise to rebuild and maintain the infrastructure that communities across Wales rely on every day. This work doesn't just reduce the risk of damage to vehicles; it improves road safety and supports local economies by keeping people and goods moving."
