Saturday is expected to bring a damp and fresher start across western parts of the region, with cloud cover dominating and scattered light showers moving through at times. Temperatures will remain relatively modest for the time of year, holding at around 19°C, with conditions feeling cooler under persistent cloud and occasional rainfall.

In contrast, Sunday is forecast to see a rapid improvement as high pressure builds in, bringing a marked change in conditions. Forecasters expect prolonged sunny spells to develop across the region, with temperatures climbing noticeably. Coastal areas are expected to reach around 24°C, while inland parts of North West Wales could see highs of 25°C, making for what could be a popular day for beaches and outdoor activities.

Attention then turns to the start of next week, where forecasters are warning of a significant surge in temperatures. Monday, June 22, is currently expected to bring the peak of the hot spell, with temperatures forecast to rise to at least 28°C or 29°C across North West Wales.

Latest Met Office updates suggest a sustained period of warmth, with at least six consecutive days where temperatures are expected to exceed 25°C. On that basis, it is anticipated the region could officially enter heatwave conditions by Tuesday evening, depending on how forecasts evolve.

Some longer-range model outputs go further still, suggesting isolated hotspots could reach as high as 32°C later in the week. There is also speculation among forecasters that Wales’ June temperature record could come under threat if the most extreme scenarios were to verify.

With heat and humidity expected to intensify, local authorities and emergency services are urging residents and visitors to take precautions. Beachgoers are being reminded of the dangers of cold-water shock, even in warm weather, and to take care when entering the sea.

Health advice also stresses the importance of sun safety during prolonged hot spells, including avoiding direct sunlight during peak afternoon hours, staying well hydrated, and using high-factor sunscreen as temperatures rise sharply across the region.

The system, called Convo Now, allows users to speak to North Wales Police about non-emergency matters through a live video call with a qualified BSL interpreter.

The service is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and can be accessed via a dedicated app or website. Once connected, an interpreter joins the video call and relays communication between the user and police officers.

It is designed to support Deaf BSL users in reporting non-emergency crime, reporting incidents that have already taken place, requesting police advice, or contacting local officers and PCSOs.

Users must register before using the service for the first time.

Convo Now is being introduced alongside the existing text-based service, which allows Deaf and hearing-impaired people to contact police via 18001 101.

North Wales Police say the new system is part of a wider effort to improve accessibility and ensure more inclusive communication with all communities.

North Wales Police Control Room Manager David McMahon said the service will help remove barriers for Deaf people seeking support.

“We want Deaf people and BSL users to contact us easily and confidently when they need help,” he said.

“Convo gives people better access to our non-emergency police service. We are committed to supporting Deaf and hard of hearing people in our community.

“This service is a step towards fostering further inclusivity and making North Wales the safest place to live, work and visit in the UK.”

North Wales Police and Crime Commissioner Andy Dunbobbin welcomed the introduction of the service, describing it as an important step towards more inclusive policing.

“As PCC I believe everyone should be able to contact the Police with confidence,” he said.

“Initiatives like this help break down communication barriers and keep people safe. By improving access, we are strengthening trust, ensuring fairness, and making sure no one is excluded from the support they may need.”

Steph Lotz, UK General Manager for Convo, said the partnership reflects a shared commitment to accessibility and equality.

“We believe Deaf people should be able to engage with public services confidently and independently, especially in moments where trust, safety and clarity matter deeply,” she said.

“We are proud to partner with North Wales Police to help create more immediate pathways for Deaf British Sign Language users to connect with police services and support.”

The service is expected to expand in future, with plans to introduce Convo technology at police station front counters, custody suites and for use by officers in the community.

North Wales Police say Deaf people will continue to be able to use the BSL 999 emergency service in urgent situations.

More information about Convo Now and registration details are available via the Convo website and app.

Lock Stock Self Storage, the official storage partner of the UEFA European Under-19 Championship, is offering one primary school or junior football team a free set of playing kit as part of its efforts to create a lasting legacy from the tournament.

The competition is open to primary schools and junior football teams in communities across the North Wales coast, with the winner able to choose the colour and style of their new kit.

The UEFA European Under-19 Championship takes place from June 28 to July 11, bringing some of Europe’s brightest young footballing talent to North Wales. Matches will be played at Bangor City Stadium, The Oval in Caernarfon, Central Park in Denbigh and the Racecourse Ground in Wrexham.

Supporters attending games in Bangor and Caernarfon will have the chance to see the stars of tomorrow in action, with the tournament featuring Wales alongside Croatia, Denmark, Germany, Italy, Serbia, Spain and Ukraine.

The competition has an impressive pedigree, with former participants including Kylian Mbappé, Harry Kane, Antoine Griezmann and Viktor Gyökeres all going on to become global stars.

Ollie Beech, marketing and communications officer at Lock Stock Self Storage, said the company wanted to leave something behind for grassroots football.

“The competition is part of Lock Stock’s sponsorship of the UEFA Euro Under-19 Championships, which are being held in North Wales this summer,” he said.

“The kit competition is our way of leaving a legacy too for a local team in the areas that we operate in.

“We are giving away a kit to a school team or to a junior team, and the competition is open to teams in places where we operate.

“Teams will be able to enter the competition via our social media across Facebook, X and Instagram. All you have to do is follow Lock Stock on social media and like our competition post.

“You’ll have a better chance of winning if you tag a friend who can also enter on your behalf. Each team can enter as many times as they like through as many people as they can.

“We’ll draw the winner randomly during the week after the final. The number of kits will be tailored to what the winning team needs, and they’ll be able to choose the colour and style, with Lock Stock branding on the front.”

Lock Stock has been a major supporter of Welsh grassroots football for more than 20 years and is the title sponsor of the Ardal Northern Leagues.

Co-founder Shon Powell, who is also the long-serving chairman of Denbigh Town, said encouraging young people into sport was at the heart of the competition.

“We are running the competition to encourage more children to participate in sport, and in football in particular,” he said.

“This tournament coming to North Wales is a once-in-a-generation event and it’s something we felt we had to be involved in.

“We’ve supported football in North Wales for more than two decades through sponsorship of the Ardal Leagues, the old Welsh Alliance and several clubs across the region. It’s something we’re massively passionate about.”

Co-founder Nick Powell said the tournament offered a rare opportunity to watch football’s next generation before they became household names.

“We would absolutely encourage everyone, whether you’re a football fan or not, to attend the games in Denbigh, Bangor, Caernarfon or Wrexham,” he said.

“Kylian Mbappé, Harry Kane, Antoine Griezmann and Viktor Gyökeres all played in this tournament before becoming some of the biggest stars in world football.

“There is no doubt in our minds that some of the players appearing this year will go on to become global superstars. It’s a chance to see them right on your doorstep before they’re playing in front of 70,000 people every week.”

Lock Stock has grown from a single site in Denbigh to become the UK’s largest container storage company, with 35 locations across North Wales, the North West and Shropshire, including facilities in Bangor and Caernarfon where tournament matches will be played.

Teams wishing to enter the free kit competition can do so through Lock Stock’s Facebook, Instagram or X social media pages.

The funding package, announced ahead of the Welsh Government’s Supplementary Budget next week, includes £100 million in additional day-to-day funding to help health boards reduce NHS waiting lists.

The announcement is likely to be closely watched in North Wales, where the Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board continues to face significant challenges in bringing down waiting times and filling workforce vacancies.

Just this week, new figures from the Royal College of Radiologists warned that North Wales is expected to experience some of the UK’s worst shortages of consultant radiologists and oncologists over the coming years, raising concerns about delays to cancer diagnosis and treatment.

As part of the latest investment, the Welsh Government will also provide £25 million in capital funding to develop up to 10 new surgical and diagnostic hubs across Wales over the next four years. The dedicated centres are designed to carry out high volumes of planned operations and diagnostic tests, helping patients receive treatment more quickly while easing pressure on hospitals.

A further £20 million will be spent on essential maintenance work across the NHS estate.

First Minister Rhun ap Iorwerth said tackling waiting lists was an immediate priority.

“We are determined to ensure the NHS works for both patients and staff – and we are acting now,” he said.

“This additional funding sends a clear signal that tackling waiting lists is an urgent and immediate priority for this new Welsh Government.

“But we are not content to just bring down waiting times in the short term – we want to keep them down, so that patients don’t have to wait in pain or discomfort.”

He said investing in new surgical and diagnostic hubs would help transform specialist treatment and ensure the NHS could treat more patients both now and in the future.

The announcement comes as the Welsh Government hosts two healthcare summits aimed at improving services.

One will focus on increasing investment in primary care, bringing more healthcare closer to where people live, while another will look at employment opportunities for this summer’s newly-qualified nurses, midwives and paramedics.

Cabinet Minister for Health and Care Mabon ap Gwynfor said the Government wanted to create a more sustainable NHS by strengthening community-based healthcare alongside reducing hospital waiting lists.

For patients across North Wales, where long waits for treatment have remained a major concern, the challenge will be whether the additional investment translates into faster access to appointments, diagnostic tests and operations in the months ahead.

Colin Cambell, 24, of Gwynfryn Avenue, Rhyl, appeared at Caernarfon Crown Court on Tuesday (June 16) for sentencing after admitting multiple serious assaults, including grievous bodily harm (GBH) and GBH with intent. He was also found guilty of an additional GBH charge following a trial.

The court heard that the violent incidents took place over a four-month period in 2025, beginning in March outside a public house in Rhyl, where one victim suffered a fractured skull.

In April, Cambell attacked another man at a separate bar in Rhyl, leaving the victim with lasting sight and hearing impairment.

In May, he headbutted a stranger in Chester before punching another man who attempted to intervene and stop the assault.

The final incident occurred in July on Wellington Road in Rhyl, where Cambell punched a man to the ground. The victim struck his head and suffered a fractured skull. Emergency services attended the scene and officers performed CPR.

Police described the attacks as “unprovoked” and “shocking,” with victims targeted at random in public places.

Detective Constable Jayne Marsden said Cambell was “without doubt a dangerous individual” and welcomed the sentence handed down by the court.

“The details of his unprovoked attacks against innocent members of the public are truly shocking,” she said.

“I am pleased that his victims will now have some peace of mind whilst he serves his sentence. Such assaults on the public are totally unacceptable, and we will always seek justice for the victims of such unnecessary and devastating crimes.”

Cambell will serve his sentence in custody following the conclusion of the case at Caernarfon Crown Court.

The collaboration saw students working directly with the band to rearrange and help produce a suite of songs, giving them real-world experience of working to a client brief in a professional creative environment.

With decades of experience behind them, Celt shared practical insights into songwriting and production, while also offering guidance on the realities of the modern music industry.

The opportunity came after Celt frontman Barry ‘Archie’ Jones was introduced to the college’s facilities through long-time friend and tutor Rhys Parry, who invited him to visit the Bangor campus studio.

“I was just gobsmacked by the quality of the equipment,” said Archie. “It was jaw dropping. We started talking about the students on the Level 3 course and what they’ve been doing, and between us we came up with a plan.

“I had some songs I wanted to record but wasn’t confident about the direction, so I thought it would be nice to give them to the younger generation to bring their energy into them and see what they could do.”

Students worked collaboratively on the project, gaining valuable experience not only in production techniques but also in communication and teamwork within a professional setting.

Archie said bringing industry professionals into the college creates a powerful learning experience for students as well as benefits for artists.

“It’s such a fantastic opportunity for them,” he said. “It’s also good for us. We’ve been doing this a very long time and it’s great to get a different perspective. The students get to see musicians in action and collaborate with them.

“It gives them great employability skills because communication is key when working with clients who have a vision of what they want.”

He added that the collaboration is unlikely to be a one-off, with plans being explored for future projects between Celt and Coleg Menai, further strengthening links between further education and the music industry.

The project is part of Grŵp Llandrillo Menai’s wider approach to building strong connections between education and industry, helping students develop the skills and experience needed to launch future careers.

Students interested in studying music or music technology can find out more about courses at Grŵp Llandrillo Menai ahead of the September intake.

The two-day event, taking place on Saturday, July 4 and Sunday, July 5, will transform Glyndyfrdwy Station into a showcase of transport history, with hundreds of classic cars, motorcycles, buses, tractors, lorries, military vehicles and commercial vehicles on display.

Organisers say this year’s event will be the largest yet, with exhibits spanning more than a century of motoring and transport heritage.

As well as the vehicle rally, visitors can enjoy unlimited travel on the railway’s steam, diesel and heritage railcar services, with Glyndyfrdwy Station serving as the heart of the weekend’s activities.

Saturday’s programme will also feature a special Party in the Park concert from 6pm in a field beside the station, headlined by the internationally acclaimed Froncysyllte Male Voice Choir. Entry is free for Classic Transport Weekend ticket holders, while standalone tickets cost just £5.

Vintage shuttle buses will run between Corwen and Glyndyfrdwy throughout the evening, with a heritage railcar returning concert-goers to Corwen after the performance.

The event has been organised by railway volunteers Tim Hines and George Walker, both keen enthusiasts who restore vintage buses.

Tim Hines said: “George and I both own and restore vintage buses, so Classic Transport Weekend is something we’re incredibly passionate about.

“Every year the event gets bigger and better, but this year is on a completely different scale. We are expecting close to 400 vehicles across the weekend and will once again be using neighbouring fields to accommodate the exhibits and visitor parking.

“We are enormously grateful to our local farming neighbours for their continued support, particularly with the tractor displays which have become a real highlight of the event.

“It’s a huge amount of work behind the scenes, but seeing families enjoying themselves, enthusiasts swapping stories and visitors arriving from across the country makes it all worthwhile.

“Adding the Froncysyllte Male Voice Choir to our Party in the Park programme on Saturday evening makes this year’s event even more special.

“Whether your passion is steam or diesel locomotives, classic buses, military vehicles, vintage tractors, motorcycles or historic cars, there really is something for everyone. We genuinely believe this will be the biggest and best Classic Transport Weekend ever staged in Wales.”

Visitors will also be able to enjoy refreshments in Glyndyfrdwy Station Tearoom, relax in Porter’s Bar overlooking the platform, and explore the nearby Nant y Pandy picnic field and playground.

Volunteer stationmasters Paul and Wendy Bailey, whose team has restored and cared for Glyndyfrdwy Station for more than 30 years, are preparing to welcome thousands of visitors.

Paul Bailey said: “Our volunteer team takes enormous pride in Glyndyfrdwy Station and Classic Transport Weekend is one of our favourite events of the year.

“For one weekend, our usually peaceful country station becomes a bustling hub of activity filled with wonderful vehicles, happy visitors and lots of excitement.

“Our tearoom, Porter’s Bar, museum and platform terrace will all be open throughout the weekend. It’s a fantastic opportunity to experience Glyndyfrdwy at its busiest and enjoy the unique sight of classic cars, buses and motorcycles using the level crossing while all sorts of heritage trains arrive and depart.”

He added that visitors could also discover the area’s industrial heritage through displays about the Deeside Tramway and the local slate industry or enjoy walks into the Berwyn Mountains.

Elsewhere on the railway, visitors to Llangollen can book guided tours of the Motive Power Depot or even take the controls of Yorkshire Engine Company shunting locomotive Pilkington under the supervision of a qualified driver.

Classic Transport Weekend tickets include unlimited travel on the railway throughout the event. Entry to the vehicle rally costs £5 for adults, while children go free. Parking at Glyndyfrdwy is free, although spaces are limited and visitors are encouraged to travel by train where possible.

Further information and tickets are available on the Llangollen Railway website.

The annual Philippine Independence Day celebration was organised by the Philippine Nurses Association UK (PNA UK) Wales Chapter in collaboration with the Equality Department at Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board (BCUHB).

Among those attending Kalayaan 2026, held at the Town Hall, were Our Rhyl/Ein Rhyl Chair Craig Sparrow and Board member Jonathan Pico, a Senior Staff Nurse in Intensive Care at Ysbyty Glan Clwyd and Vice Chair of PNA UK Wales Chapter.

For Jonathan, the occasion went beyond marking a historic milestone.

“Kalayaan represents the enduring spirit of hope, unity and empowerment that continues to inspire Filipinos across the world today,” he said.

“For Filipinos living and working overseas, it also reflects the freedom to preserve our heritage, celebrate our identity with pride, build meaningful communities and create a sense of belonging wherever we may be.

“Through the Filipino spirit of Bayanihan - unity, compassion and collective community support - we continue to strengthen professional networks, support one another and make positive contributions to the communities we are proud to call home.”

Jonathan added that joining the Our Rhyl Board this year had reinforced his belief that Rhyl is “more than just a place many of us live - it is our second home”.

“As members of this community, we all have a role to play in helping shape its future,” he said.

Addressing guests, Craig praised the values of dignity, determination, resilience and community spirit that define Filipino culture - and drew a direct line to the ambitions driving the Our Rhyl programme.

“We have a £20 million opportunity to invest in projects that will help bring new life to the town, regenerate key areas and reconnect people with all that Rhyl has to offer,” he said.

“But success depends on community cooperation, passion and shared responsibility, principles that mirror exactly why we are here tonight.”

BCUHB Chair Dyfed Edwards described the NHS as an “International Health Service”, thanking Filipino healthcare workers for what they bring to communities across the country.

And a video message from Clwyd North MP Gill German praised the care and commitment shown by members of the Filipino community, describing them as integral to life across North Wales.

The programme also featured contributions from Rhyl Mayor Joan Butterfield MBE, BCUHB Head of Equality Ceri Harris, Eden Cuenta, Surgical Care Practitioner at Theatre, YGC, former MP and wellbeing champion Chris Ruane OBE, and representatives from Jesus Is Lord Church Rhyl, highlighting themes of diversity, inclusion, faith, heritage and the enduring links between the Filipino community and North Wales.

The celebration comes as the Our Rhyl Board ramps up community engagement activity across the town this summer, attending events, workshops and meetings to gather ideas and feedback from residents as plans for Rhyl's long-term future take shape.

For more information and to give your feedback, visit YOU TELL US, follow Our Rhyl/Ein Rhyl on social media or visit Our Rhyl - A New Future for Rhyl. Email your thoughts and feedback to info@ourrhyl.wales.

The organisation says it is planning a significant programme of engineering works between Chester and Holyhead, with the railway expected to close continuously for up to four weeks in January 2027.

The work forms part of the wider Network North Wales investment programme and is designed to improve reliability, increase capacity and make stations more accessible while supporting growing demand for rail travel across the region.

Among the planned improvements are track renewals, drainage upgrades, vegetation management and the installation of two new fully accessible footbridges at Prestatyn and Pensarn, making it easier and safer for people to cross the railway.

The announcement follows a brief statement issued by Network Rail last month indicating that major works were being planned. The organisation has now confirmed the scale of the project and why a prolonged closure is being proposed.

Network Rail says carrying out the work during one continuous closure will allow engineers to complete the programme more quickly, safely and efficiently than if it were spread over numerous weekend and overnight closures.

January has been chosen because it is traditionally one of the quietest periods for tourism in North Wales, with many holiday parks and visitor attractions closed for the winter, helping to reduce the impact on passengers and local businesses.

The investment follows the introduction of the new North Wales rail timetable in May, which delivered a 50 per cent increase in Transport for Wales services and was described as the biggest timetable improvement for the region in a generation.

Emma Osborn, Passenger Strategy Director for Network Rail Wales and Borders, said: “This is one of the most significant upgrades to the North Wales Coast line in many years and reflects our commitment to delivering the railway that passengers, freight operators, businesses and communities have told us they want and need.

“We know any closure of the railway will cause temporary disruption and we do not take that lightly. However, growth and improvement require investment, and investment on this scale inevitably means carrying out major engineering work.

“While there will be some short-term inconvenience, the long-term benefits for passengers, freight and the wider North Wales economy will far outweigh that disruption.

“By delivering this work through a continuous programme, we can complete it more quickly, safely and efficiently than would otherwise be possible, reducing the overall impact compared with prolonged weekend and overnight closures.

“This investment is about future-proofing a railway that so many people rely on every day. It will help improve reliability, resilience and accessibility, support the enhanced services introduced this year and create a stronger railway that can support economic growth, tourism and better connectivity across North Wales for decades to come.”

Rail replacement bus services will operate while the line is closed, with detailed travel arrangements due to be announced once the programme has been finalised.

Network Rail says it has already begun engaging with communities about the new accessible footbridges and will continue to work with Transport for Wales, Avanti West Coast, freight operators, local authorities, businesses and community groups as the plans progress.

Further details, including the confirmed dates of the closure and replacement travel arrangements, will be announced in due course.

Speaking at the Global Offshore Wind 2026 conference, Cabinet Minister for Enterprise, Connectivity and Energy Adam Price said offshore wind has a crucial role to play in Wales’ economic future and could help transform coastal communities across the country.

The conference, hosted by RenewableUK in partnership with the Global Wind Energy Council, brought together industry leaders to discuss the future of offshore wind and the opportunities it presents.

Mr Price said the Welsh Government wants to build a collaborative relationship with the offshore wind industry, alongside key partners including the UK Government and The Crown Estate, as part of efforts to reduce Wales’ productivity gap with the rest of the UK.

“I believe that the offshore wind sector has the potential to deliver high quality sustainable career opportunities for people in Wales, which directly aligns with our productivity mission and retaining value for Wales,” he said.

“The offshore wind sector has a key role to play in bringing about the regeneration of coastal communities in both north and south Wales.”

Wales currently has three operational offshore wind farms generating a combined 726MW of electricity, including the Gwynt-y-Môr wind farm off the North Wales coast, one of the largest offshore wind farms in Europe.

The minister said the Welsh Government’s role is to remove barriers facing the industry, including planning, infrastructure and access to finance, while ensuring decisions are made quickly.

“Our role is to remove the blockers faced by the sector – whether in planning, access to finance or infrastructure. We will focus on getting things done at pace and working collaboratively with the relevant organisations to make things happen,” he said.

As part of efforts to shape a new National Energy Strategy, the minister has begun a series of industry roundtable discussions, starting with offshore wind and later expanding to onshore and marine renewable technologies.

Highlighting the benefits already being delivered in North Wales, Mr Price pointed to the success of Port of Mostyn, which has become a major hub for offshore wind development.

“The Port of Mostyn is one of the biggest successes of Wales’s offshore wind sector with commercial-scale experience,” he said. “It has contributed to the build-out of seven fixed-bottom offshore wind projects and has created 240 highly skilled jobs for Wales.”

The minister also welcomed the UK Government’s commitment of up to £64 million to support the development of Port Talbot as a key base for the emerging floating offshore wind industry in the Celtic Sea.

RenewableUK Cymru said offshore wind represents one of the biggest economic opportunities Wales has seen in decades.

Jessica Hooper, Director of RenewableUK Cymru, said the sector could generate almost £5 billion for Welsh businesses over the next decade while supporting more than 3,000 long-term jobs.

“Offshore wind is Wales’ next big industrial opportunity - from ports to production lines, powering a new wave of Welsh industry,” she said.

She added that investment in infrastructure, streamlined planning processes and a supportive business environment would be essential if Wales is to maximise the benefits of future offshore wind developments.

“We look forward to working in partnership with the new Welsh Government and putting the right conditions in place so Wales can play to its strengths and play a leading role in the next exciting chapter of offshore wind development.”

With major projects planned in both the Irish Sea and Celtic Sea, industry leaders believe offshore wind could become a cornerstone of Wales’ economic growth strategy while helping deliver the transition to cleaner energy.

Philip Blakemore, of Eifion Terrace in Y Ffor, targeted three siblings after falsely accusing one of them of burgling his grandparent’s property. He later escalated his behaviour by making threats of serious violence and sending a photograph of a firearm, leaving the victims fearing for their safety.

The court heard that on 16 May, Blakemore phoned a man and threatened to shoot his brother, before sending an image of a gun to the man’s sister. The matter was reported to police, triggering an urgent response.

Officers later located Blakemore at his ex-partner’s address, where he was already subject to a Domestic Abuse Protection Order (DAPO) preventing him from entering the property. He had forced entry and caused damage inside.

The situation quickly escalated, with authorised firearms officers deployed to contain the address. Blakemore refused to comply with police instructions, throwing glass bottles towards officers and arming himself with a knife.

After a prolonged stand-off lasting around six hours, officers entered the property on 17 May and detained him safely.

He later appeared for sentencing at Llandudno Magistrates Court on 12 June, where he admitted sending grossly offensive communications and breaching the DAPO. He was sentenced to a total of 14 weeks in custody.

District Inspector Iwan Jones said Blakemore’s actions showed “reckless and selfish” disregard for the court order put in place to protect a vulnerable person.

He added that the refusal to co-operate had diverted emergency resources away from other incidents where people needed urgent assistance, and stressed that such behaviour would not be tolerated in North Wales.

The proposals are designed to ensure North Wales leaseholders in places such as Llandudno, Bangor, Wrexham and across the wider region are not left facing unfair bills for safety failures they did not cause, particularly in the wake of lessons learned from the Grenfell Tower tragedy.

The consultation is the first step in bringing the new Act into practice following its unanimous passage through the Senedd, and focuses on three key areas: limiting the costs that can be passed on to leaseholders for remediation work, creating a new tribunal-based system for remediation orders and contribution orders, and establishing a clear method for calculating the height of regulated buildings.

Welsh Government ministers say the reforms will provide long-awaited clarity for residents living in flats and other shared buildings, where uncertainty over safety works and funding has caused concern in recent years.

Cabinet Secretary for Local Government, Housing and Planning, Siân Gwenllian, said no leaseholder in Wales should be held responsible for building safety failures they did not cause.

She said the consultation marks a crucial step in turning the legislation into practical protection on the ground, adding that the government is determined to work with partners to implement the changes “as quickly as possible”.

The Welsh Government says the consultation is open to leaseholders, residents, building owners and other interested parties, and will run until 7 September 2026.

Full details are available via the Welsh Government website on the implementation of the Building Safety (Wales) Act 2026.

The award ceremony, held at Coleg Llandrillo, marked 14 years of collaboration between the college and renewable energy company RWE in training offshore wind turbine technicians for the UK’s growing green energy sector.

The apprentices, part of the 2024-26 cohort, have spent the last two years undertaking full-time training at the college’s specialist Wind Turbine Training Centre on the Rhyl campus. Their achievements were celebrated by family members and supporters from across Britain, with one guest even travelling from Toulouse in France to attend.

During the event, Apprentice of the Year Jessica Wall reflected on her experience.

“If I had to sum up the last two years in one word, it would have to be development,” she said. “Living away from home, support from the college and pushing myself into a subject I had no prior experience in has really felt like a period of growth unlike any other.”

Jessica will now move into the industry phase of her apprenticeship at RWE’s Humber Gateway Offshore Wind Farm.

The programme equips apprentices with the technical knowledge, practical skills and professional behaviours needed to maintain and service offshore wind turbines, helping meet the growing demand for a skilled workforce to support the UK’s transition to renewable energy.

Coleg Llandrillo Principal Paul Flanagan praised the apprentices’ commitment and highlighted the wider impact of the long-standing partnership.

“Today is all about recognising the commitment, hard work, and achievements of you all – 27 fantastic RWE apprentices,” he said. “Today is about pride. Pride in what you, the apprentices, have achieved; pride in the teaching and support teams; pride in the partnership with RWE; and pride in what this centre signifies: a place where world-class energy training takes place, here in Rhyl.”

The partnership’s benefits extend beyond education and employment opportunities. RWE is also a major supporter of community projects across North Wales through the Gwynt-y-Môr Community Fund, linked to the Gwynt-y-Môr Offshore Wind Farm located in the Irish Sea off the North Wales coast. 

Over the lifetime of the wind farm, the Gwynt-y-Môr Community Fund is expected to invest more than £19 million into communities across parts of the North Wales coast. The fund supports projects focused on building strong and sustainable communities, boosting economic growth and reducing poverty and inequality.

Apprenticeship Lead and Wind Turbine Lecturer Phil Hughes said: “It’s great to see the apprentices celebrating their time at college with such positivity. Their words of thanks and appreciation for the teaching team are the most rewarding part of the job.”

RWE Apprenticeship Manager Luke Skeffington added: “A world-leading apprenticeship has been achieved in Rhyl, benefitting the company and wider community.

“The apprenticeship programme develops professional skills in addition to academic qualifications and has developed a UK-wide team of RWE technicians. The team spirit was clear to see through the demonstration of camaraderie and friendship on this day of celebration.”

The success of the programme has also helped inspire learners to compete at the highest level of vocational skills competitions. Among them is third-year RWE apprentice Madeleine Warburton, who now works on the Sofia Wind Farm in Grimsby and will represent the UK at the WorldSkills competition in Shanghai later this year.

Coleg Llandrillo has also expanded its renewable energy training provision with the launch of a new RWE-Nordex sponsored course, further strengthening opportunities for learners and supporting the future workforce needed by the renewable energy industry.

As offshore wind continues to play a growing role in the UK’s energy future, the partnership between Coleg Llandrillo and RWE is helping ensure that North Wales remains at the forefront of developing the skills, talent and community benefits that come with the transition to cleaner energy.

Conwy County Borough Council and the Conwy and Denbighshire Public Services Board have launched two new surveys inviting people to share their views on life in the county, the challenges facing local communities and their priorities for the years ahead.

The feedback gathered will form part of a Well-being Assessment, a key piece of work that helps public bodies understand the needs of local people and identify areas where services can be improved. The assessment will help guide future decision-making and influence how organisations work together to support communities across the region.

Chief Executive of Conwy County Borough Council, Rhun ap Gareth, said local residents have a vital role to play in shaping future priorities.

“We want to work with our communities to help make them stronger and more resilient – and that starts with listening. By taking part in the survey, the people of Conwy County can help shape the future and influence the way we work. I’d like to encourage everyone to take part and share their views.”

The consultation forms part of the work of the Conwy and Denbighshire Public Services Board, which brings together organisations including local councils, health services, emergency services and other public sector partners. The board’s role is to improve the economic, social, environmental and cultural well-being of communities by encouraging agencies to work collaboratively on shared priorities.

Under the Well-being of Future Generations (Wales) Act, Public Services Boards are required to assess the state of well-being in their areas and use that information to develop plans that address local needs and challenges. The latest surveys are designed to ensure residents’ voices are at the heart of that process.

The surveys are available in both English and Welsh and take around 10 minutes to complete. Responses are anonymous, and paper copies can be obtained from libraries throughout Conwy County as well as at Coed Pella. Alternative formats are also available on request.

The consultation is open now and closes on Friday, July 31, 2026.

Officials hope a strong response will provide a clear picture of what matters most to local people, helping to shape services and investment decisions that affect communities across Conwy County for years to come.

Clwyd MS Darren Millar hosted the event, welcoming shortlisted businesses and praising their contribution to rural life and the local economy.

Among the finalists were Gwalia House in Abergele, which reached the butcher category final, and Kinmel Bay Post Office, recognised in the Village Shop / Post Office category. Both were nominated by members of their local communities for their service, resilience, and role in supporting rural life.

The Countryside Alliance Awards themselves were established to highlight and celebrate the importance of rural enterprises and community hubs across the UK. Originally launched in the early 2000s by the Countryside Alliance, the scheme was designed to recognise businesses that often operate at the heart of village life — from independent shops and post offices to farms, butchers, and pubs.

Over time, they have grown into one of the UK’s most prominent rural awards programmes, with regional heats across the nations leading to national finals in Westminster and devolved legislatures such as the Senedd.

The awards are unique in that nominations come directly from the public, with local communities putting forward the businesses they believe make the biggest difference. Shortlisted entrants then progress through regional judging stages before national winners are selected.

Speaking after the event, Darren Millar said it was a privilege to meet the Clwyd finalists and congratulate them on reaching the final stage of the competition. He praised their achievement in being recognised among the best rural businesses in Wales, noting that even without taking home the top prize, their contribution to local communities was “incredibly valuable”.

He added that the strength of community support behind the nominations demonstrated the vital role such businesses play in sustaining rural economies, providing essential services, and maintaining social connections in villages and towns across North Wales.

While neither local finalist secured the national title this year, both were praised for their continued service, with organisers and representatives emphasising that simply reaching the final stage of the “Rural Oscars” is itself a significant achievement.