Latest from Powys County Times
Powys County Times
an hour ago
- Sport
- Powys County Times
Mack Hansen is major Lions doubt ahead of first Test due to foot injury
Mack Hansen has emerged as a major doubt for the British and Irish Lions' first Test against Australia with Blair Kinghorn also struggling to be ready in time for the Brisbane showdown. Hansen sustained a foot injury in Saturday's 48-0 thumping of an AUNZ Invitational XV and was unable to take part in the squad's first full bore training session of the week on Tuesday. The Ireland wing is in contention to face Australia at Suncorp Stadium, most likely as a bench option covering the back three, but opportunities to prove his fitness are now very limited. Kinghorn, viewed as first-choice full-back, also appears to be losing his battle with the knee injury sustained against ACT Brumbies on July 9 after it was confirmed he will not be able to train until Wednesday at the earliest. Neither player has been ruled out at this stage, but attack coach Richard Wigglesworth has revealed the Lions have already picked their team for the series opener – subject to any late changes – with the players due to be told on Wednesday. 'Mack hurt his foot in the game. I don't think it's anything serious but he was managed today (Tuesday),' Wigglesworth said. 'Hopefully he will be fully integrated pretty quickly. It's nothing that we are overly concerned about. We'll know a bit more tomorrow. 'We'll have to see tomorrow what Blair looks like. He hasn't trained fully with the squad but he's been on his feet so we'll know a bit more in the next 24 hours whether we can get him on the field.' Andy Farrell will announce his team to the public on Thursday with the identity of the flankers and inside centre the key talking points in the starting XV. Tadhg Beirne and Ollie Chessum appear to be locked in a shootout for the number six jersey with the England back row's better form on tour potentially giving him the edge over a rival who has captained the midweek team twice. Tom Curry, Josh van der Flier and Jac Morgan could all be chosen at openside – the most competitive position in the team – with compelling arguments provided for each of them to start against the Wallabies. Another option would be to field Curry on the blindside and deploy either van der Flier or Morgan at seven, resulting in Beirne or Chessum joining Maro Itoje in the second row rather than current favourite Joe McCarthy. Garry Ringrose's 12-day stand down for concussion has made the in-form Huw Jones a certainty at outside centre, but the repercussions are felt at inside centre where Farrell must choose between Bundee Aki and Sione Tuipulotu. Aki has provided the greatest punch in midfield so far on tour, but Tuipulotu has developed a deep understanding with Scotland team-mates Jones and Finn Russell, who is a certainty to feature at fly-half. Owen Farrell and Marcus Smith have been pushing hard for inclusion on the bench. 'We have got such quality across all positions so we would be lying if we said selection was easy,' Wigglesworth said. 'The selection meeting was conversational as it has been the whole way through the tour. Everyone is able to voice an opinion and is willing to be challenged. Then we come to a decision.'
Powys County Times
3 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Powys County Times
Focus on Gregg Wallace, Glastonbury and Gaza as BBC releases annual report
The BBC is to face questions on Gregg Wallace, its Glastonbury Festival coverage and the Gaza: How To Survive A Warzone documentary as it prepares to release its 2024/2025 annual report. The corporation will highlight its successes over the past year and disclose the pay of its top talent, but focus is likely to be on a storm of stories about the BBC's shows and coverage of live events. It comes after Ofcom announced it would investigate the BBC's Gaza: How To Survive A Warzone documentary after a review found it had breached the corporation's editorial guidelines on accuracy. The regulator said it had examined the BBC report and would be investigating under its broadcasting code, which states factual programmes 'must not materially mislead the audience'. The programme was removed from BBC iPlayer in February after it emerged that the child narrator, Abdullah, is the son of Ayman Alyazouri, who has worked as Hamas's deputy minister of agriculture. An Ofcom spokesperson said: 'Having examined the BBC's findings, we are launching an investigation under our rule which states that factual programmes must not materially mislead the audience.' The review, conducted by Peter Johnston, the director of editorial complaints and reviews, which is independent of BBC News, said the programme was in breach of accuracy for 'failing to disclose information about the child narrator's father's position within the Hamas-run government'. But the review found no other breaches of editorial guidelines, including breaches of impartiality, and also found no evidence that outside interests 'inappropriately impacted on the programme'. The BBC will also face scrutiny after a total of 45 out of the 83 allegations of misconduct made against former MasterChef presenter Wallace during his time on the show were substantiated, including one allegation of 'unwelcome physical contact', in a report following an investigation into his behaviour. On Monday, Wallace's MasterChef co-host John Torode confirmed he had a standalone allegation of racist language upheld in the same report. He said had 'no recollection of the incident' and was 'shocked and saddened' by the allegation in an Instagram post. In November 2024 the show's production company, Banijay UK, announced Wallace would step away from his role on the BBC cooking show while historical allegations of misconduct were investigated. The report concluded that the 'majority of the substantiated allegations against Mr Wallace related to inappropriate sexual language and humour', adding that 'a smaller number of allegations of other inappropriate language and being in a state of undress were also substantiated'. Also expected to be on the agenda is coverage of Glastonbury, which saw the broadcaster livestream a set by punk duo Bob Vylan, during which singer Bobby Vylan, whose real name is reportedly Pascal Robinson-Foster, led crowds in chants of 'death, death to the IDF (Israel Defence Forces)'. Director-general Tim Davie confirmed on Monday that staff at the festival had the authority to cut the stream Avon and Somerset Police have since launched an investigation into the group's set with the BBC issuing an apology for the live stream, and promising to no longer broadcast live acts they deem 'high risk' as they had with Bob Vylan in a pre-festival assessment. The Ipswich-formed duo, who are completed by drummer Bobbie Vylan, are also being investigated by the Met Police for alleged comments in a video of their performance supporting Iggy Pop at Alexandra Palace in May. In the video, Vylan appears to say: 'Death to every single IDF soldier out there as an agent of terror for Israel. Death to the IDF.' According to reports in The Times, the BBC's director of music Lorna Clarke was among a group of senior staff who have stepped back from their day-to-day roles after the broadcaster's decision to show Bob Vylan's set live. The salary of former Match Of The Day host Gary Lineker is expected to be included in the report, after he left his presenting role early following a social media row after he shared a post about Zionism which featured a depiction of a rat, historically an antisemitic insult. Lineker, who issued an unreserved apology, was the BBC's highest-paid presenter until his departure, with the annual report for 2023/24 showing his salary to be to around £1.35 million a year. The presenter will no longer front the BBC's coverage of the 2026 World Cup or the FA Cup next season, with his final appearance on Match Of The Day at the end of the last Premier League season. It comes as it was announced that Mr Davie and BBC chairman Samir Shah will face questions from MPs over the documentary, Wallace, and its Glastonbury coverage.
Powys County Times
3 hours ago
- Business
- Powys County Times
Reeves hails ‘instant impact' for aspiring homeowners as red tape is cut
First-time buyers are set to see an 'instant impact' from the drive to kickstart economic growth, Chancellor Rachel Reeves is expected to say. More mortgages will be available at more than 4.5 times a buyer's income following recent Bank of England recommendations that some lenders can offer more high loan-to-income mortgages if they choose to. This will create up to 36,000 additional mortgages for first-time buyers over the first year, the Government said. Britain's biggest building society – Nationwide – announced last week that it is aiming to increase its high loan-to-income lending limit. From Wednesday, eligible first-time buyers can apply for Nationwide's Helping Hand mortgage with a £30,000 salary, down from £35,000, and joint applicants with a £50,000 combined salary – down from £55,000. It is estimated this will support an additional 10,000 first-time buyers each year. The changes will sit alongside the creation of a permanent mortgage guarantee scheme, delivering on a manifesto commitment, and a review of Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) lending rules that could allow prospective buyers' records of paying rent on time to be used to show they can afford mortgage repayments. Reforms will be outlined in Leeds ahead of Ms Reeves's Mansion House speech on Tuesday evening. Speaking in the City of London, the Chancellor is expected to say: 'I welcome the recent changes the (Bank of England) Financial Policy Committee has announced to the loan-to-income limit on mortgage lending, which the PRA (Prudential Regulation Authority) and FCA are implementing immediately. 'With an instant impact for consumers, such as Nationwide offering its Helping Hand mortgage to more first-time buyers – supporting an additional 10,000 each year.' Ms Reeves is expected to add: 'Today, I have placed financial services at the heart of the Government's growth mission. 'Recognising that Britain cannot succeed and meet its growth ambitions without a financial services sector that is fighting fit and thriving. 'And I have been clear on the benefits that that will drive. 'With a ripple effect that will drive investment in all sectors of our economy and put pounds in the pockets of working people.' Nicholas Mendes, mortgage technical manager at broker John Charcol, said: 'The decision to widen access to Nationwide's Helping Hand mortgage by lowering the income thresholds will offer an immediate and practical benefit to a group of people who have often found themselves just on the wrong side of affordability criteria. 'For someone earning £30,000 on their own, or couples on a combined income of £50,000, this change could be the difference between continuing to rent and finally being able to move into a home of their own. 'It acknowledges the gap between headline figures and real life, and it shows a willingness to make the system better reflect the pressures people are actually under. 'It will also bring particular value to those in stable, lower-paid roles that are so essential to society but are often overlooked by traditional lending models. 'People working in care, education, retail, and public service are typically in long-term employment and manage their finances carefully, yet they are the very people who have found the doors to homeownership closed to them. 'This reform suggests that financial discipline is being recognised more broadly than by salary alone, and that is a very welcome shift. 'Equally, the recognition that a person's history of paying rent should be considered when assessing their ability to repay a mortgage is something many in the industry have been calling for over many years. 'If someone has shown, consistently and over time, that they can manage rental payments at a level equal to or even above the mortgage they are applying for, then it stands to reason that this should be considered a reliable indicator of affordability.' Paula Higgins, chief executive of the HomeOwners Alliance, said the Government should 'turn its attention to fixing the Lifetime Isa (Lisa)'. She said: 'Right now, anyone forced to withdraw their savings early faces an unfair penalty.' Ms Higgins added: 'And the £450,000 property price cap hasn't moved since Lisas launched in 2017, despite soaring house prices, particularly in the South East. 'Reforming Lisas would make a real, practical difference to those trying to get on the ladder.' Henry Jordan, Nationwide's director of home said: 'Our changes mean more people, particularly those on lower incomes, could become eligible for a mortgage. 'We also hope our commitment to further lending provides a boost to the UK's housebuilding ambitions as well as encouraging other lenders to increase support for those looking for a home of their own.' Writing in the Daily Express, shadow chancellor Mel Stride said Labour 'has taken a wrecking ball to the economy and they are making life increasingly difficult for people up and down the country'. He said: 'Rachel Reeves will no doubt claim today that her plan is working, that she is on the side of working people and that she will help people get on the property ladder. 'But all she is doing is giving with one hand whilst her Labour colleagues take with the other. 'If Keir Starmer continues to roll out the red carpet for migrants, British people will not see the benefit of more home ownership. An ever increasing number of properties will go to foreigners and their families.'
Powys County Times
4 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Powys County Times
Wizard of Oz and sports week ends term at Llanelwedd Primary
Llanelwedd Church in Wales Primary School students and staff wrapped up the summer term with a serious of activities. In late June, the entire school showcased their talents at the Wyeside, performing The Wizard of Oz. Children from Reception to Year 6 participated, donning colourful costumes and singing songs. The performance was directed by Mr Shearman, headteacher, who praised the pupils for their "energy, confidence and teamwork." June also saw the school's annual Sports Week, featuring a variety of activities. Every pupil participated in challenges including a bike course, swimming sessions, and tennis. The week also included a special visit from the Cambrian Archers who introduced the children to archery. Sports Day, held on the Thursday, saw all house teams competing, with Wye house taking home the trophy in a close contest. The school's Year 6 boys' cricket team also had a memorable term. The team travelled to Cardiff to compete in the South East Wales Cricket Finals. After winning all their group games, the team finished fourth overall. The school expressed pride in the team's performance and sportsmanship. A school spokesperson said: "With such a busy and successful term behind them, pupils and staff alike are now ready for a well-earned summer break." The series of events marked an end to the academic year, with pupils and staff now looking forward to the summer holidays.
Powys County Times
4 hours ago
- Powys County Times
Lexus driver jailed for causing crash on A470 at Brecon
A man from Brecon who caused a serious accident after he drove at excessive speed and in an erratic manner, has been jailed for 30 months. Kody Cook crossed a junction on the A470 near Brecon and clipped another car, causing them both to spin out. The driver of the other vehicle, Isabella George, suffered damage to her lung and spleen. The 21-year-old, who has never held a full driving licence, had already admitted causing serious injury by dangerous driving, driving while disqualified, and driving with no insurance when he was brought before the court two days after the incident. Caitlyn Jones prosecuting explained how Cook had been driving his mother's Lexus on the afternoon of May 13. She said he drove at speed "in excess" of the speed limit, swerved to the left and right, stopped in the middle of the road, failed to use his indicators, and was seen to be arguing with a passenger. He continued to the junction of the B4602 and crossed the path of a Mini being driven by Ms George. The two vehicles clipped and spun, activating the airbags. Cook fled the scene, shouting he was sorry. He was arrested by police shortly afterwards and did not comment in interview. Ms Jones read out a victim impact statement from the victim, who was taken to hospital by ambulance. It said: "At the time, I felt I was going to die. I have never been in an accident, and I never want to ever again. "I have no control, and my life has been impacted by someone who didn't seem to care. Seeing this male standing in the road, shouting to his girlfriend he was sorry and going to phone his mum, but had no thought about me. "I always thought that people would stay and check on each other. He didn't even come anywhere near my car. I couldn't believe that he hadn't thought about me and what he could have done to me - I could have died." Paul Hewitt, defending, admitted it was "a highly dangerous manoeuvre" and it was "merciful" that Ms George did not suffer more serious injuries. Explaining that Cook is already on recall in HMP Berwyn, he continued: "He accepts his fate today, there's no question about what is going to happen to him and he tells me that when he is released, he is going to go back to Exeter where he is from." Mr Hewitt added: "He is a disqualified driver, he had no insurance, he should not have been driving that car, certainly should not have been driving in that manner." Sentencing Cook to 30 months in prison for the dangerous driving offence, Judge Shoman Khan told him: "Even before the collision itself, that type of driving shows a disregard for the risks to other road users." He continued: "You would have known, and a careful driver would have known, about the high level of care required to make this right turn. But you didn't show care. "You turned and pulled into the path of Miss George; there was nothing she could do to avoid you, and the severity of the collision is clear." Cook will also serve three months for driving while disqualified to run concurrently, and there was no separate penalty for the lack of insurance. He was told he will serve one year in prison with the rest on licence, and he was disqualified from driving for six years and three months. He must complete an extended retest before he can drive.
