Parkland Place Llandudno, operated by Welsh charity Adferiad, provides 40 beds and represents a major investment in recovery services across North Wales.

The new facility has created 70 jobs, including at least 30 new local roles, and will allow Adferiad to support more people on their recovery journeys.

The opening was welcomed by Janet Finch-Saunders MS, who attended Adferiad’s 50th anniversary celebrations at the new site.

The Senedd Member for Bangor Conwy Môn said the project represented a significant investment for the region.

“It was a real pleasure to recently attend Adferiad’s 50th anniversary celebrations at Parkland Place Llandudno and see first-hand the impressive vision they have for this new project,” she said.

“This is a significant investment in North Wales and one that will make a real difference to people seeking specialist support on their recovery journey.

“The creation of 70 high-quality jobs, alongside a purpose-built facility dedicated to helping people overcome addiction, is a welcome boost for both Llandudno and the wider region.”

Adferiad said the hospital has been designed to provide a safe and supportive environment for people needing specialist help with substance use, combining clinical care with rehabilitation support.

The charity works across Wales supporting people affected by substance misuse, mental health issues, homelessness, and other challenges that can impact people’s lives.

Ms Finch-Saunders said the opening came at a time when demand for mental health and addiction services continues to increase.

“As pressures on mental health and addiction services grow, I hope opportunities can be explored in the future to strengthen links with local healthcare services and consider how this excellent facility might support even more people within our community,” she added.

She said she looked forward to seeing the positive impact Parkland Place will have in the years ahead.

Adferiad has previously highlighted the need for greater investment in support services across Wales, with the organisation providing help through residential facilities, community projects and outreach programmes.

The charity said Parkland Place marks a new chapter in its work to help people affected by addiction and support long-term recovery.

The indicators will form part of the Welsh Government’s new Foundational Literacy and Numeracy Plan, which will be published in September. The plan will take a “0 to 16” approach, focusing on early childhood development, speech and language skills, and working with parents and carers.

It will bring together actions planned during this Senedd term to ensure learners develop the essential skills they need for learning, employment and everyday life.

The new measures will include the publication of personalised assessment data alongside qualifications information and wider education system data, allowing progress in literacy and numeracy to be tracked nationally.

Alongside the plan, the Welsh Government will publish new draft guidance for schools setting out clearer expectations about what pupils should learn and when. It will also highlight the importance of systematic synthetic phonics and provide additional support for schools, particularly for children who are struggling and those making the transition from primary to secondary education.

Education Minister Anna Brychan said improving literacy and numeracy skills was central to raising education standards across Wales.

“Strong literacy and numeracy skills are essential foundations for success in learning, work, and life,” she said.

“We have been clear that we will raise education standards and by the end of this Senedd term, Wales should see sustained improvement in literacy and numeracy for all learners.”

The Minister said the new indicators would help schools understand where improvements are needed and how best to support pupils.

The initiative aims to encourage children and young people to enjoy reading as part of everyday life. The ministers will meet pupils to discuss favourite books, share recommendations and take part in workshops led by authors.

Anna Brychan said reading could inspire creativity and help young people understand the world around them.

“If we can encourage young people to find a love of reading, they can take this passion and the skills gained throughout their lives,” she added.

Emergency services were called to Llyn Geirionydd yesterday evening (July 7) following reports of an incident in the water.

A major response operation was launched involving officers from North Wales Police, North Wales Fire and Rescue Service, mountain rescue teams, underwater search specialists and the National Police Air Service.

A North Wales Police spokesperson said: “We received a call at 9.17pm on Tuesday to reports of an incident at Llyn Geirionydd.

“Officers attended alongside colleagues from North Wales Fire and Rescue Service, the National Police Air Service, Mountain Rescue Team and the Underwater Search Team.

“Sadly, the body of a 21-year-old man was recovered from the water. The man’s next of kin and the local Coroner have been informed.”

No further details have been released at this stage.

The leadership contest had originally been due to begin in September, but Welsh Labour announced on Wednesday evening that its nine Members of the Senedd (MSs) will now have seven days from today to declare who they support.

Mr Skates, the Senedd member for Fflint Wrecsam, has been serving as interim leader since May’s Senedd election, which saw Labour reduced to just nine seats and lose control of the Welsh Government to Plaid Cymru.

No other candidate is currently expected to enter the contest, meaning Mr Skates is likely to take over the leadership without a wider ballot.

Mr Skates said his aim would be to “build a new movement from the community up”, as the party begins rebuilding following its historic election defeat.

Welsh Labour had led the Welsh Government for 27 years before losing power, with the election also seeing former leader Eluned Morgan lose her Senedd seat.

Mr Skates has previously been linked with the leadership role but has never formally stood. He was a co-chair of Vaughan Gething’s successful leadership campaign in 2023 and served as transport minister in the previous Labour administration.

He is seen as being positioned towards the centre of the party, compared with the more left-wing approach associated with former First Minister Mark Drakeford.

The leadership change comes as Welsh Labour faces the challenge of rebuilding its support ahead of the next Senedd election and responding to growing competition from Plaid Cymru and other parties.

With temperatures expected to rise and more people heading to beaches, the charity is encouraging anyone planning to enter the water to choose a lifeguarded beach where possible.

The warning comes as easterly winds are expected in parts of Wales, creating offshore conditions on west-facing coastlines. The RNLI says these winds can quickly push people away from shore, particularly those using inflatables or stand-up paddleboards.

Chris Cousens, RNLI Water Safety Lead in Wales, said: “In parts of Wales, the forecast for the weekend and early next week is predicting moderate easterly breezes, which will mean offshore winds at westerly facing coastlines that can blow you out to sea.

“For beachgoers, using inflatables like stand-up paddleboards during these conditions is not advised, as they can very easily be swept away from the shore into deeper waters and away from the safety of the beach.”

He added that anyone unsure about conditions should speak to a lifeguard or seek local advice before heading onto the water.

The warning follows a recent rescue by Llandudno RNLI volunteers, who helped two paddleboarders who were blown more than a mile offshore from Rhos-on-Sea during strong south-easterly winds on June 27.

Working with HM Coastguard and Llandudno Coastguard Rescue Team, the lifeboat crew located the pair as they drifted towards the Gwynt y Môr wind farm. Unable to paddle back against the wind, both people and their boards were brought safely aboard the lifeboat and returned to shore.

The RNLI is reminding paddleboarders to wear a suitable leash and buoyancy aid, carry a means of calling for help such as a mobile phone in a waterproof pouch, and know to call 999 or 112 and ask for the Coastguard in an emergency.

The charity is also highlighting the dangers of cold water shock, warning that despite warmer air temperatures, the sea can remain cold enough to cause a sudden reaction if people fall in or enter deep water quickly.

Chris Cousens said visitors should remember the RNLI’s Float to Live advice if they get into difficulty in the water.

“Instinctively, most people who find themselves struggling in the water will begin to panic, swim, or thrash about,” he said.

“We’re urging people to ignore this instinct and remember to float. Tilt your head back, with your ears submerged. Relax and try to breathe normally.”

The RNLI says floating first gives people time to regain control of their breathing before deciding their next move, whether that is calling for help or swimming to safety.

The charity is encouraging everyone enjoying the Welsh coastline this summer to stay aware of conditions, respect the sea and visit a lifeguarded beach whenever possible.

North Wales Police, alongside the Tarian Regional Organised Crime Unit and cybercrime teams from across Wales, are highlighting the risks posed by criminals who use ransomware to lock organisations out of their own systems and demand payment to restore access.

Police say the true scale of the problem is likely to be much higher than reported, with some incidents going unreported.

A successful ransomware attack can bring operations to a standstill, prevent access to important files and put sensitive information at risk.

Tarian and the Welsh police cybercrime teams are urging businesses to take four key steps to improve their resilience:

Back up data properly – Organisations are being advised to follow the 3-2-1 backup approach: keeping three copies of data, using two different types of storage, with at least one copy stored offline or securely in the cloud. Police also stress that backups should be regularly tested to ensure they can actually be restored.

Use multi-factor authentication – Enabling an extra layer of security on accounts can help prevent criminals gaining access through stolen or guessed passwords.

Train staff to spot threats – Police say many ransomware attacks begin with phishing emails designed to trick employees into clicking malicious links or sharing login details. Regular training can help create a stronger “human firewall”.

Have a response plan – Organisations are being encouraged to know exactly what they will do if they are attacked, including who is responsible for isolating systems and contacting cyber security experts.

Police are also reminding businesses not to pay ransom demands if they fall victim to an attack.

They say paying criminals does not guarantee that systems or data will be restored and can encourage further cybercrime.

A spokesperson for the campaign said: “Ransomware is one of the biggest cyber threats facing organisations in Wales and it’s often underreported, meaning the real impact is far greater than what we see.

“A single successful attack can lock down your systems, halt your operations, and threaten your data.”

Businesses are being encouraged to review their cyber security arrangements now rather than waiting until they become a victim.

The warning forms part of a wider effort by Welsh police forces to help organisations protect themselves against increasingly sophisticated online crime.

World Care (Wales) Limited was prosecuted after a Health and Safety Executive (HSE) investigation found employees at its site were sorting waste and recyclable materials by hand without suitable welfare facilities.

Llandudno Magistrates’ Court heard workers had no access to warm running water, soap or a way to dry themselves after handling waste materials which could potentially have been contaminated with asbestos.

Inspectors also discovered that asbestos had previously been brought onto the site, but employees had not been given the necessary awareness training to understand the risks and how to protect themselves.

The HSE said the company had received enforcement action on several occasions over an 11-year period, with previous concerns relating to welfare standards and training.

HSE Inspector James Benton said the health risks linked to asbestos exposure were well known, but the company had failed to provide workers with the facilities needed to protect themselves.

He said: “Basic welfare provision is essential to ensure that employees can clean themselves at work, to help prevent exposure to harmful microorganisms.

“After being told of the risks, this company repeatedly failed to provide adequate welfare facilities such as soap and running water and failed to provide asbestos awareness training to employees.”

World Care (Wales) Limited, based at Tre Marl Industrial Estate in Llandudno Junction pleaded guilty to breaching Section 2(1) of the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974.

The company was fined £36,000 and ordered to pay £8,867 in costs following the hearing at Llandudno Magistrates’ Court on 6 July 2026. It has opted to pay the amount over a 16-month period.

The HSE said asbestos must not be disposed of in standard bin bags or skips and warned that recent inspections across the waste industry had found widespread non-compliance, particularly at asbestos landfill sites and facilities processing contaminated soil.

The prosecution was brought by HSE enforcement lawyer Alan Hughes and paralegal officer Lynne Thomas.

Conwy County Borough Council launched a public consultation earlier this year on whether a charge should be introduced for people staying overnight in visitor accommodation, including hotels, guesthouses, holiday lets and other tourism businesses.

The consultation follows new powers introduced by the Welsh Government allowing local authorities to decide whether to introduce a visitor levy in their own areas.

The council says the feedback received will help councillors make an informed decision on whether Conwy should adopt the scheme.

Sharon Doleman, Cabinet Member for Sustainable Economy and Communications, said there had already been significant interest in the issue.

She said: “We know there’s considerable interest in the Visitor Levy in Conwy, which is why we’ve engaged an independent company to carry out this consultation to gauge local opinion.

“The responses we receive will help councillors make an informed democratic decision on this important matter.”

The consultation is expected to attract particular interest in some of Conwy’s key tourism areas, including Llandudno, Conwy town and Betws-y-Coed, where the visitor economy supports thousands of jobs and a wide range of local businesses.

Supporters of a visitor levy argue that a small charge could help fund improvements to public spaces, infrastructure, tourism facilities and services used by visitors and residents.

However, some within the hospitality sector have raised concerns about the potential impact on businesses and the cost of visiting the area, particularly during a challenging period for tourism.

The consultation responses will be reviewed before councillors consider whether a visitor levy should be introduced in Conwy County.

The Welsh Government legislation, approved by the Senedd in 2025, gives councils the option to introduce a levy but does not make it compulsory. Councils must complete a formal consultation process before making a decision.

Residents, businesses and visitors can complete the consultation online through Conwy County Borough Council’s website. Paper copies are also available from tourist information centres, libraries and council offices, including locations in Conwy, Llandudno, Llandudno Junction and Colwyn Bay.

The deadline for responses is 5pm on Friday 17 July 2026.

The canvass gives residents the opportunity to make sure their information on the electoral register is correct and ensures they do not lose their chance to vote on decisions affecting their communities.

With Conwy County Borough Council elections due to take place in May 2027, the council is reminding people to look out for important updates and follow the instructions provided.

The annual process helps Conwy County Borough Council identify who is eligible to vote, update the electoral register and encourage anyone who is not registered to complete the registration process.

Conwy’s Electoral Registration Officer, Rhun ap Gareth, said residents should keep an eye out for communications from the council.

He said: “The annual canvass is our way of making sure that the information on the electoral register for every address is accurate and up to date.

“To make sure you don’t lose your say at any upcoming elections in Wales, simply follow the instructions sent to you.”

Residents who have recently moved home are being particularly encouraged to check their details, as research by the Electoral Commission shows people who have changed address are less likely to be registered than those who have lived at the same property for many years.

Rhydian Thomas, Head of the Electoral Commission in Wales, said it was important that everyone eligible to vote was able to take part.

He said: “We urge people to check for updates from their local council on this year’s canvass. The council may contact residents by post or email.

“If you are not registered to vote, make sure you provide the necessary information to your local council when asked and register to vote online.”

People can register to vote online through the UK Government website. Anyone with questions about their registration status can contact Conwy’s Electoral Services team on 01492 576051 or 01492 576052, or email electoral@conwy.gov.uk.

The electoral register records the names and addresses of people registered to vote and is used for elections, as well as other legal purposes including jury service and certain identity checks.

Residents can also choose whether their details appear on the open register, which is separate from the electoral register used for elections.

People in other parts of North Wales are also urged to check that they are eligible to vote with advice and help being provided by their relevant local authority.

The investment, awarded through the Coastal Capacity Building Scheme, will support seven projects across Wales designed to strengthen coastal communities, improve marine environments and support the long-term future of the fishing and seafood industry.

One of the largest local benefits will be seen at Amlwch Port, where funding will help improve harbour infrastructure, making the port safer and more resilient for commercial fishing vessels and other harbour users. Amlwch has a long maritime heritage and remains an important base for the local fishing fleet and marine businesses on Ynys Môn.

At Connah’s Quay Docks in Flintshire, the funding will pay for new commercial mooring rings, interpretation signage and seating. The improvements are intended to make the docks safer while creating more opportunities for commercial marine activity, fishing businesses and organised recreational use.

The work also supports the wider Flintshire Coast Park Management Plan, with community groups and the Connah’s Quay Sea Cadets taking part in environmental improvements and community events around the docks.

Conwy is also set to benefit through the development of a Sustainable Seafood Trail, designed to encourage residents and visitors to discover locally landed seafood while supporting fishermen, producers and hospitality businesses. The initiative builds on North Wales’ growing reputation for high-quality, locally sourced seafood and aims to strengthen the region’s coastal economy.

Across the Menai Strait, a new community-led marine observatory programme will enable volunteers to help monitor the health of one of Wales’ most important marine environments. The strait supports internationally significant wildlife habitats as well as the region’s shellfish industry.

In Gwynedd, funding will strengthen the Clust i’r Môr marine mammal monitoring project, which works with volunteers to record sightings of dolphins, porpoises and seals. The information gathered helps scientists better understand the health of marine ecosystems and the impacts of environmental change.

The Welsh Government says the projects demonstrate how local communities can play a key role in protecting the coastline while supporting sustainable economic growth.

Cabinet Secretary for Rural Resilience and Sustainability, Llyr Gruffydd, said Wales’ coastal communities are “the custodians of our richest marine environments” and that the funding backs projects that protect those assets for future generations.

The Coastal Capacity Building Scheme is administered by the Wales Council for Voluntary Action on behalf of the Welsh Government and forms part of wider efforts to support biodiversity, sustainable fisheries and resilient coastal economies across Wales.

Frederick Davies, who lives at Rhoslan Care Home, had been a customer of Specsavers Colwyn Bay for 11 years when his hearing device stopped working just days before his milestone birthday.

Concerned that he would struggle to follow conversations and miss precious moments with loved ones during the celebrations, Frederick visited the store for help.

The team, including hearing aid dispenser James Rodgers, decided to provide him with a replacement hearing device free of charge. The device, which would normally cost £1,900, meant Frederick could take part fully in his birthday celebrations.

Frederick said he had been worried about missing out on conversations with his family and friends.

He said: “I was so worried I might struggle to hear everything properly on my birthday and miss out on such precious time with my loved ones.

“I’m very grateful to both Specsavers and the team at Rhoslan Care Home for helping me. It meant a great deal to hear my family and fully be part of the celebrations.”

The audiology team said they wanted to help after learning how important the occasion was for Frederick.

Filipe Dias, audiology director at Specsavers Colwyn Bay, said: “Mr Davies has been coming to us for many years, so when we heard his hearing device had stopped working before such an important milestone, we wanted to help.

“Being able to hear the voices of the people you love makes moments like these even more special and we’re delighted we could help him enjoy his birthday to the fullest.”

The gesture meant Frederick was able to celebrate reaching 100 surrounded by the people closest to him, with no barriers to joining in the conversations and memories of the day.

The ceremony recognised graduates from Coleg Llandrillo, Coleg Menai and Coleg Meirion-Dwyfor, who received undergraduate and foundation degrees, PGCEs, higher national certificates and a range of professional qualifications.

Many of those graduating balanced their studies alongside work, family commitments or personal challenges.

Among them was Bangor’s Lewis Grant, who achieved a First-Class BEng (Hons) in Civil Engineering after returning to education as a mature student following time living and working in New Zealand.

Lewis, who has already secured a job with a local civil engineering consultancy, praised the support he received from tutors, saying they helped him adapt both to academic life and to living in North Wales.

Llanfairfechan’s Ffion Mai graduated with a First-Class BA (Hons) in Fine Art, having completed her studies entirely through the medium of Welsh.

She said studying close to home had allowed her to remain near family and friends while developing the skills to build a career in Wales.

Laura Rowlands, from near Colwyn Bay, received a Certificate of Education in Counselling after returning to education later in life.

Having left school at 16 without qualifications, she said enrolling on an introductory counselling course had “completely changed” her life, helping her gain confidence and begin a career she is passionate about.

Hannah Eiddon Lewis completed a Professional Graduate Certificate in Education and hopes to use her qualification to support Welsh language education for children and young people.

Twins Rhian and Gethin Johnson also graduated from Coleg Meirion-Dwyfor, with Rhian earning a Foundation Degree in Health and Social Care and Gethin achieving a Higher National Certificate in General Engineering while continuing to work.

Meanwhile, Anglesey business owner Hayley Mount-Leonard received a Level 7 Certificate in Strategic Leadership and Management through Business@LlandrilloMenai, saying the course had helped her strengthen her leadership skills and support her local business.

The graduation ceremony marked the end of one chapter for the students and the beginning of the next, as many prepare to start new careers, continue their studies or develop their own businesses across North Wales.

Deputy Minister for Social Care, Mental Health and Women’s Health, Delyth Jewell, set out her priorities, which include progressing a National Care Service for Wales, strengthening safeguarding arrangements and transforming the way mental health support is delivered.

The Welsh Government says it wants to move towards a model where people can access mental health support on the same day they need it, rather than facing lengthy waits. Twenty-one demonstrator sites are already testing the new approach, with plans to roll it out more widely.

For North Wales, the changes could help improve access to community-based mental health services, reducing pressure on hospitals and ensuring people receive support closer to home. The region is served by the Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board, which provides mental health, learning disability and community services across Conwy, Denbighshire, Flintshire, Gwynedd, Anglesey and Wrexham.

The Deputy Minister also pledged to improve support for people with learning disabilities and neurodivergent conditions through stronger community services.

Work is also continuing on a new Dementia Strategy for Wales, which will focus on brain health, earlier diagnosis and improving support for people living with dementia and their families.

Women’s health is another key priority. A Women’s Health Summit later this month will bring together women with lived experience and healthcare professionals to discuss issues including the normalisation of pain. The Welsh Government says it is also working to improve endometriosis care, abortion services and maternity safety, as well as support for families who experience the loss of a baby.

On social care, ministers have reaffirmed their ambition to develop a National Care Service for Wales, with the long-term aim of creating a system that is free at the point of need, while also strengthening safeguarding arrangements to better protect children and adults at risk.

Speaking about her priorities, Delyth Jewell said she wanted to bring greater attention to areas that have “too often been undervalued”, adding that mental health, women’s health and social care “deserve a voice in the heart of government.”

The announcements build on ongoing efforts to strengthen health and care services across Wales, although the Welsh Government has not yet set out a timetable for the wider rollout of many of the proposed changes.

The former hostage and humanitarian was presented with the special Wales Care Award during the Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod, where he served as president for 15 years.

The Welsh slate plaque was presented jointly by Sir Karl Jenkins, who succeeded Sir Terry as Eisteddfod president, and Mario Kreft, chair and founder of the Wales Care Awards.

Mr Kreft praised Sir Terry’s lifelong commitment to supporting vulnerable people, highlighting his work as a humanitarian and his dedication to social care.

“Quite simply, Sir Terry is an international treasure,” he said.

“He is a great humanitarian who has done so much for those in captivity, but I have also known him as the president of the International Eisteddfod.

“He understands community and values the contribution made by the arts and social care. This award recognises his lifetime interest in the care sector.”

The Craig Thomas Lifetime Achievement Award is among the highest honours presented through the Wales Care Awards, recognising individuals who have made an outstanding contribution to society.

Sir Terry became internationally known after travelling to Lebanon in 1987 as the Archbishop of Canterbury’s special envoy to negotiate the release of hostages. He was himself kidnapped and held captive for almost five years before being freed in 1991.

Since then, he has continued campaigning for peace, human rights and the release of hostages around the world, including helping secure the freedom of people held in countries such as Iran and Libya.

Sir Karl Jenkins said it was a privilege to present the award.

“Sir Terry’s compassion, courage and commitment to helping others have inspired people around the world for decades,” he said.

“He has given so much through his work for peace, human rights and social care, and this honour is a fitting recognition of an extraordinary lifetime of service.”

Sir Terry said he was honoured to receive the award and to return to Llangollen alongside old friends.

“It’s also a privilege to be back in Llangollen at the International Eisteddfod with Mario and Karl, both old friends,” he said.

“After 15 years here in Llangollen as president of the Eisteddfod I have come to regard myself as an honorary Welshman. This award confirms that status is a little bit more than honorary.”

Reflecting on his continuing humanitarian work, Sir Terry said he had recently spoken with a man detained in Iraq for five years and received news that his ordeal was coming to an end.

“We have over 100 such cases at the moment and the world is a sad place, but we should never forget that a kindly act can make a difference,” he said.

“The Llangollen Eisteddfod has made a difference in bringing people together from all over the world and making us a community of care, compassion and music.”

John Gambles said Sir Terry was a “truly deserving recipient” of the honour.

“His compassion, humility and lifelong commitment to helping others make him a truly deserving recipient of this award,” he said.

“His work has touched countless lives and continues to remind us of the values at the heart of social care – kindness, dignity and community.”

The crash happened on the A5 between Llyn Ogwen in Gwynedd and Capel Curig yesterday afternoon.

Emergency services were called at around 4.42pm after reports of a collision involving a red BMW motorcycle and a blue Ford Transit dropside van.

The road was closed for several hours while emergency crews dealt with the incident and a specialist air ambulance was called.

The Midlands Air Ambulance flew the injured biker to the Royal Stoke University Hospital, which has a specialist trauma unit.

North Wales Police is now appealing for witnesses and anyone who may have dashcam footage of the incident to come forward.

A force spokesperson said: “Emergency Services were called at 4.42pm on Tuesday 8th July, to reports of a collision involving a red BMW motorcycle and blue Ford Transit drop side van, on the A5, Ogwen Valley, Conwy.

“Anyone with information or dashcam footage is asked to contact North Wales Police.”

The A5 is a key route through Eryri and was affected by the closure for several hours following the collision.