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Wales Online
13-07-2025
- Wales Online
'Bunch of idiots' torch historic Welsh building causing £2m worth of damage
'Bunch of idiots' torch historic Welsh building causing £2m worth of damage Three 17-year-olds admitted starting a fire at the Shire Hall which had prompted a 'major' emergency response The fire caused significant damage to the Grade-II listed Shire Hall in Llangefni (Image: David Powell ) Three teenagers caused a huge blaze after setting fire to old furniture in a historic Welsh building. The Grade II-listed Shire Hall in Llangefni on Anglesey was engulfed in flames in 2023 leading to more than £2m of damage. The devastated owner, who had acquired the Glanhwfa Road property from Llangefni Council in 2019 with plans to convert it into business units or accommodation, was left in "utter shock," a court heard. Three 17-year-old boys, whose identities are protected due to their age, admitted a charge of arson at Caernarfon Youth Court. Each teenager received a six-month referral order to work with the youth justice service and they were ordered to pay £85 in court costs along with a £26 referral order fee. Sarah Foskett, the bench chairman, explained that the young offenders would not be paying compensation because of their ages and the absence of presented evidence regarding the cost of the damage. In any case the maximum compensation in a youth court is capped at £5,000. The owner was left in 'utter shock' after the incident (Image: David Powell ) Article continues below Prosecutor James Ashton recounted how North Wales Police were alerted by the fire service to a building "ablaze" in the early hours of December 17, 2023, reports NorthWalesLive. Following this a major incident was declared by police resulting in road closures. Mr Ashton detailed the extensive efforts by emergency services who used "significant" resources to manage the fire throughout the night. Mr Ashton reported that while some residents took precautionary measures to hose down their vehicles in fear of the blaze spreading it ultimately did not reach them. The event at Shire Hall, once a courtroom, garnered significant attention from both local and national media, he added. With reference to mobile phone data police were able to track down a group of youths, Mr Ashton told the court. He said: "This building has been something of an attraction to young people who want to gain entry and explore." According to Mr Ashton the damage incurred was estimated to exceed £2m. Don't miss a court report by signing up to our crime newsletter here . The court heard the first defendant admit to being present and filming another youth light papers. However in court his legal representative, Michael Strain, stated that his client insists he wasn't responsible for starting the fire. Mr Strain said: "It's not something in his wildest dreams he planned for....[and they had been] a bunch of idiots." He acknowledged his client's cooperation during the police interview, adding that his client had provided names of others involved. The second defendant also denied lighting the fire. His solicitor, Gareth Parry, said his client had been invited to tag along with the group to explore. Mr Parry noted: "Some [people] were already inside. Apparently attempts had been made to set alight some items of furniture in the old courtroom." But he said his client did not ignite anything nor contribute to the fire. Additionally Mr Parry claimed that the second defendant actively tried to extinguish the fire by urinating on it and stamping it out before 6pm after which he called emergency services around 7pm. The third youth claimed he was there "under pressure" from his co-defendants. His defence counsel, Hannah Davies, argued he was part of a "group of intending for the whole building to be set on fire. "Not realising how quickly fire can spread it got completely out of hand. It's a very hard lesson for him to learn." She went on to say that the two other youths involved pointed fingers at her client for the fire but he denies starting it. He no longer associates with the same crowd, Ms Davies added. The court also learned that Shire Hall, built in 1899, is owned by Tristan Haynes. He had plans to convert it into units or accommodation but these were put on hold due to Covid-19. In a victim impact statement he expressed his "utter shock, disbelief, and confusion" upon hearing about the fire. The incident left him grappling with "inner turmoil" due to the financial burden and he felt drained and lacking in motivation. Article continues below
Wales Online
29-06-2025
- Business
- Wales Online
Long-awaited retail park cafe has arrived but was it worth the wait
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info It's been quite a wait for coffee fans. Signs have been suggesting Black Sheep Coffee were opening a cafe at Broughton shopping centre for some two years. But on Thursday the chain - with branches around the UK - finally flung open their doors. Judging by the response so far it's clear that it's set to be a success. Franchise owners - and husband and wife team - Haris Mirza and Saba Jamshed will run the cafe - in addition to one they operate in Preston. Hari, 41, told me their Preston one took a year to be as popular as this Flintshire one is now so the future looks positive. The North Wales Live Whatsapp community for top stories and breaking news is live now - here's how to sign up (Image: David Powell) Haris said what makes Black Sheep Coffee is different is its Robusta coffee naturally contains twice as much caffeine as normal Arabica coffee beans but in a good way. It's less acidic and it's more chocolatey and nutty so it's got the right notes. "It's what drove me to open this cafe," he says. "I was literally just a customer like anyone else. I would just go and buy a regular mocha and then I just ended up taking on the franchise. (Image: David Powell) "The Robusta coffee beans come from India and the equivalent of the Arabica beans - which is the Blue Volcano which is fruitier - come from Colombia. There are other coffees as well. "There are so many options to customise - different syrups like hazelnut. caramel....., and whipped cream." Haris says it's a friendly place where staff including him and his wife chat to customers. Customers order at the front, pay at the next counter and collect at the far end. (Image: David Powell) The orders are made on one of three touch screens, much like in McDonald's or M&S cafes. There are lots of bagels, sandwiches and croissants and the like. The meal deals looked good. I went for a Chicken & chorizo farmhouse sandwich, flapjack (in a plastic wrapping) and cappuccino. The drink is from their "Blue Volcano" range and I went for added caramel. It's quite strong and rich and exactly what it's difficult to make at home. There were many Matcha drinks too. Matcha means finely-ground powder of green tea which can be added to milk, water or another drink. While here I had one with lemonade. It tastes rather like Lilt or 7UP, from back in the day, without the fizziness. And while it looks somewhat unappetising it tastes sweetish and light, and with some ice, it was a refreshing pick me up on a warm and muggy day. (Image: Reach plc) The Chicken & chorizo sandwich was on fresh bread and with a cottage cheese filling. That made it lovely and moist and it was delicious. I would have preferred the flapjack not to be in wrapping and to be a bigger square on a plate from the counter. But it was soft and fruity and a lovely snack. The decor was unpretentious, like the Black Sheep Coffee cafe I'd been to in Cardiff. This one has exposed, ventilation ducts, faux distressed plank flooring, breeze blocks and corrugated metal on one wall. They give it an industrial look. (Image: David Powell) The grey artwork personalises this branch. Striking images of two racehorses presumably hurtling around the Roodee circuit (Chester Racecourse) and Roman Chester city walls are a nice choice. It's the first Black Sheep Coffee branch in North Wales - between Clogau and Lush at Broughton retail park. And with a relatively captive audience it should do well. The facts Location: Black Sheep Coffee, Broughton retail park, Flintshire CH4 0DE. Food: Tasty and fresh with imaginative coffees, shots and Matcha teas. Service: Friendly and efficient Atmosphere: Unfussy and relaxed. The bill: Chicken & chorizo farmhouse sandwich, cappuccino with caramel shot and fruit and seed flapjack: £9.38. Verdict: A little piece of cosmopolitan life from a household chain now in North Wales too.
Wales Online
22-06-2025
- Automotive
- Wales Online
Parking fees at famous Welsh landmark triggers hunt for 'free' spaces
Parking fees at famous Welsh landmark triggers hunt for 'free' spaces Conwy County Council introduced charges to the Great Orme's summit car park and it's had an immediate effect elsewhere A view of Llandudno's Great Orme from above Dwygyfylchi (Image: David Powell ) Conwy's rising public car park fees are reportedly shifting demand to other facilities within the area. This month, parking charges were introduced at a previously free popular spot on Llandudno's Great Orme. Llandudno Snowsports Centre (LSC) states that rising parking fees at the council's summit car park left them with no choice but to impose their own charges due to the influx of visitors looking for cheaper options. Nigel Treacy, the centre's manager, has observed people turning to his site from pricier town centre parking, with local hotels directing guests there due to free parking. "Some people were being sent here by local hotels," he revealed. "They recommended us because the parking was free. We know this because we heard it from hotel guests." The Llandudno Snowsports Centre's car park which was previously free (Image: Google ) With effect from June, Parking Eye is overseeing the new LSC parking fee of £2 for up to six hours. For our free daily briefing on the biggest issues facing the nation, sign up to the Wales Matters newsletter here Despite the change, some regulars were unprepared; a father who received a £100 fine while watching his son ski vented frustration online, which would drop to £60 if paid within 28 days, reports North Wales Live. Article continues below "I always thought it was free as have never paid before," he lamented. Amidst reductions in funding from the Welsh Government, Conwy Council has consistently raised parking rates over recent years. Charge rates do vary, yet they generally range from £1.50 for an hour up to £7.50 for a four-hour stay, with some seafront spots starting at £5.50. Previously free car parks have also seen the introduction of pay-and-display, with recent upgrades leading to charges at sites in Llanrwst and Llanfairfechan. The Council has cited stretched budgets as the reason for this change, stating it's striving to safeguard essential services within the county. The strategy involves enhancing revenue while scaling back on non-critical services. The council acknowledges that raising parking fees is one of the "difficult choices" it faces in its efforts to manage financial pressures. In Llandudno, where parking demand spikes during the tourist season, plans are afoot for a new "summer" car park, with rates beginning at £2.30 for an hour. Amid these developments, Mr Treacy has decided to implement charges at LSC to ensure parking availability for patrons. He remarked that some customers feel their rates are still too low, saying: "People tell us we're still too cheap!". He compared their pricing, saying: "£2 for up to six hours equates to 33p per hour. In contrast, the (Great Orme) summit car park is £5.50 for up to four hours, equivalent to £1.37 per hour – more than four times as much." LSC's facilities have seen significant investment, including a £300,000 refurbishment five years ago of its 200-metre dry ski slope – the longest in Wales – which now features a more bouncier surface and a 300-head sprinkler system. Additionally, LSC boasts the longest Cresta Toboggan run which is also the longest at 575 metres, as well as with Sno-tubing and "Alpine" crazy golf. Publicity for the new parking charges commenced a month prior to their implementation, leaving Mr Treacy somewhat puzzled as to how any customers could be oblivious to them. "We sat down with the operator and looked at the factors people were most concerned about with parking," he said. "Signage is a big issue – drivers often complain they're not aware of charging. "So we've covered the site in parking signs. They are four provided signs at the entrances, and 13 in the car parks and around the building. We've also paid for an extra 24 signs around the site. "Staff have been instructed to remind customers upon arrival – the last thing we want is for people to incur fines. "We also have multiple ways of paying – coins, contactless and online – and we have a 35-minute grace period without the need to pay: the industry standard is 10 minutes. This is for people who need to make quick bookings or for motorists who accidentally drive up here." The main car park, along with a smaller one located slightly downhill, now feature pay-and-display machines. They can be accessed via a single-lane road through Happy Valley gardens. Both facilities have been labelled as "basic", being gravelled surfaces first installed in 1986 and currently showing signs of wear. LSC has long harboured plans to refurbish them. "Eight years ago we looked at surfacing them with Tarmac but it was felt they would deteriorate too quickly without expensive new drainage," explained Mr Treacy. Initial designs have been proposed for new car parks estimated to cost about £250,000. Yet, justifying such expenditure is challenging given the current frosty economic conditions, particularly within leisure and tourism industries. Article continues below The introduction of new parking fees is anticipated to mitigate financial risks. "We going to need a lot of cars paying £2 a time to get near the target," Mr Treacy remarked.
Wales Online
22-06-2025
- Climate
- Wales Online
BBC weather forecaster Derek Brockway spots 13C temperature plunge at Welsh resort as heatwave ends
BBC weather forecaster Derek Brockway spots 13C temperature plunge at Welsh resort as heatwave ends It was 30C just a couple of days ago at the seaside town Borth-y-Gest near Porthmadog basked in sunshine just days ago (Image: David Powell ) Temperatures have taken a sharp dip across Wales this week as the recent mini-heatwave came to an abrupt end, making way for cooler, wetter weather. After days of sunshine and highs of 30°C in parts of the country, forecasters are now warning of heavy rain and unsettled conditions in the days ahead. The Met Office says a shift to 'westerly mobility' is to blame, bringing in fresher air, more cloud and outbreaks of rain. While there will still be the odd brighter spell, the general outlook for this week is much more mixed with Tuesday, June 24 shaping up to be particularly wet across much of Wales. BBC Wales meteorologist Derek Brockway said: 'What a difference a cold front makes! 30°C in Porthmadog a couple of days ago but back to normal today. Now 17°C!' From superstar gigs to cosy pubs, find out What's On in Wales by signing up to our newsletter here Content cannot be displayed without consent Weather maps from the Met Office shows heavy rain centred over parts of central and north-west Wales, especially between Caernarfon and Newtown, where forecasters expect moderate to heavy downpours through Tuesday. Article continues below Consistent rain is also likely in areas such as Cardiff and Pembroke, making for a potentially windy and soggy day across the country. The wettest period looks set to hit between 4am and 9.30am on Tuesday, with continued showers affecting Swansea, Cardiff, the Brecon Beacons and parts of north Wales through to around 1pm. As the day goes on, conditions are expected to ease in the south, while rain pushes back into mid and north Wales and particularly around Newtown, Machynlleth, Llanwddyn, and later Caernarfon. According to the Met Office, the weather remains 'changeable Wednesday and Thursday with spells of rain or heavy showers' for much of Wales and the UK. The wetter weather follows a spell of warmth and sunshine for over a week for most of the country. Discussing the recent warmer weather forecasts, the Met Office also said: 'Interestingly the cause of the high temperatures in recent days was not as a result of hot air moving north from Iberia or northwest Africa like we often see. 'Instead, it is air that has originated over the North Atlantic south of Greenland but in a layer between 2-4 km above the ground. 'As the air approaches the UK, it descends within the area of high pressure. Descending air rapidly warms - at around 10°C per kilometre. 'As we head into the weekend, high pressure begins to move away from the UK towards the east, drawing up air that has been heated over several days over the near continent. Article continues below 'This allows temperatures to rise into the low 30s Celsius.'
Wales Online
20-05-2025
- Wales Online
Road-rage brawl shuts major Welsh road as air ambulances called to scene
Road-rage brawl shuts major Welsh road as air ambulances called to scene The road was shut for more than two hours, with two people taken to hospital Traffic built up by Conwy Morfa after an incident on the A55 westbound near the Penmaenbach Tunnel on May 19 (Image: David Powell ) A major Welsh road was closed for hours after a road-rage dispute erupted into violence on the carriageway. Emergency services were called to the westbound carriageway of the A55 in North Wales on Monday, May 19 after a fight broke out between two men. The incident caused major disruptions to rush-hour traffic and prompted a large emergency response. The altercation occurred near Dwygyfylchi, where two men, who were passengers in separate vehicles, became involved in a brawl. Police, along with two air ambulances, were called to the scene, reports North Wales Live. Both men were taken to hospital with injuries, and one was later arrested. Two women, who police said were driving the cars involved in the incident, were also arrested. Officers have confirmed that no collision had taken place. In a statement, North Wales Police said: "North Wales Police were called at 16:01hrs on Monday, May 19th reporting an altercation in the live westbound carriageway of the A55 at Dwygyfylchi between two males. Officers responded and the road was closed. Article continues below Police en-route to an incident on the A55 westbound just after Penmaenbach Tunnel (Image: North Wales Live/David Powell ) "Both males were passengers in separate vehicles - an Audi and a Cupra, and both were injured and taken to Ysbyty Glan Clwyd with injuries. "The female drivers of both vehicles were arrested - a 33-year-old woman was arrested on suspicion of dangerous driving and section 18 wounding and a 49-year-old female was arrested on suspicion of drug driving, racially aggravated public order and careless driving. "One male has since been released from hospital and is now in police custody after being arrested on suspicion of assault. "Both females have since been released under investigation whilst enquiries continue. The A55 reopened shortly before 6pm. "Officers would like to thank all those who contacted them yesterday, and also to all motorists for their patience and understanding whilst the incident was dealt with." Two air ambulances were dispatched to the scene. One from Caernarfon arrived at the site at around 4.30pm, while the second helicopter from Welshpool was redirected en-route to the incident. Read the biggest stories in Wales first by signing up to our daily newsletter here At one point, both directions of the A55 were shut between the Penmaenmawr exit and the Llandudno Junction side of the Conwy Tunnels. This led to traffic being diverted onto alternative routes, causing congestion in areas such as Conwy and Llandudno Junction. The eastbound lanes were reopened shortly after the incident, but the westbound carriageway remained closed for over two hours. Article continues below
