Wales breaking news plus weather and traffic updates (Thursday, January 30)

Council workers were told they could face prosecution after potentially putting "thousands of lives at risk"

NRW warned the council workers that they could face prosecution after removing debris after a storm. Rhondda Cynon Taf's council leader Andrew Morgan spoke of the situation that happened after storm Dennis in 2020 calling it "outrageous". Read more here.

Pupils left 'sobbing' over cuts proposed to Bridgend

Proposals made within the Bridgend Council's draft revenue budget for the 2025-26 have been met with controversy as funding cuts suggested for Bridgend schools. The removal of the Bridgend Music Service was suggested could have a negative impact on pupils according to council members. Read more here.

Alert issues as men try to get pupils to get in their van

South Wales Police have issued an alert as occupants of a blue van were reportedly "acting suspiciously" near a school in Swansea. Reports were made to the police on Wednesday, January 29 about the driver near near Bishop Vaughan School in Morriston, Swansea. Read more here.

Legendary singer and actress dies

Marianne Faithfull, English singer and actress has died at the age of 78. A spokesperson confirmed the tradegy in a statement saying: "It is with deep sadness that we announce the death of the singer, songwriter and actress Marianne Faithfull. Marianne passed away peacefully in London today, in the company of her loving family. She will be dearly missed." Read more here.

M4 slip road closure following "large diesel spill"

The M4 J22 eastbound exit slip road to the M49 after the Prince of Wales Bridge is has been closed following a "large diesel spill". A diversion is currently in place via the M5 south at J20 with an engineer currently en route to assess the road surface.

Body found in search for missing 51-year-old man

Gwent Police have indentified a body found in a river as Andrew Edwards who was reported missing. The 51-year-old of Tir-y-Berth was reported missing on Monday, January 27. His body was found in the river near Pantglas Industrial Estate, Bedwas on Wednsday, January 29. Andrew Edwards' family have been informed. Read more here.

Met Office weather forecast for this evening and tonight

The sky across Wales is set to be cloudy with rain spreading eastwards tonight. Here is the full forecast for Wales this eveing and tonight, according to the Met Office:

An increasingly overcast evening with rain arriving from the west overnight, falling as snow over the Eryri mountains. Widespread low cloud brings areas of hill fog, this clearing by dawn on Friday. Breezy for a time, especially around the coasts. Minimum temperature 2 °C.

Maternity and neonatal services returning to Princess of Wales Hospital

Next month maternity and neonatal services will be returning to Princess of Wales Hospital after temporary closures. Essential maintance work meant that the units have been closed since Septmeber 2024. With work complete the services will reopen at the hospital starting on Monday, Febrary 10. The University Health Board said:

Our timescales for return are as follows: Week commencing 10 February: Neonatal services at Princess of Wales Hospital will re-open. Week commencing 17 February: We will start to reopen our maternity services as follows: Monday 17 February: We will re-open at 9am for spontaneous labours.
Monday 17 February: We will re-open at 12pm for planned inductions of labour.
Thursday 20 February: We will re-open at 8am for elective caesarean sections.

Police alert issued as former Cardiff City footballer wanted

South Wales Police have posted an appeal for ex-Cardiff City footballer Leonne Jeanne, who has been "recalled to prison". The 44-year-old was was convicted of dangerous driving in 2019 and has a previous conviction for participating in a plot to supply cocaine in 2015. The police appeal said: "Leonne Jeanne. Age: 44. From Cardiff. Recalled to Prison. Give reference 2500002271." Read more here.

Major Cardiff Parkway station approved

Plans for a new mainline train station at St Mellons in Cardiff, with an integrated 900,000 sq ft business park, have been approved by the Welsh Government. More than two years since the scheme was called in by the Cardiff Bay administration as a project deemed a development of national significance, the decision to approve planning has been made by First Minister Eluned Morgan. Read more here.

Bishop of Liverpool resigns

The Bishop of Liverpool has resigned after allegations of sexual assault and harassment were made against him. The Right Reverend Dr John Perumbalath said he had decided to retire without any admission of fault or liability, but to avoid the issue being "a distraction". It comes after Channel 4 news reported earlier this week that one woman had accused the bishop of kissing her without consent and groping her, and another woman accused him of sexual harassment.

Search for Welsh lottery winner

A Welsh lottery winner has been warned the clock is ticking for them to claim a life-changing sum of money making them a millionaire. A Euromillions ticket from October 18, 2024, with winnings of £1m, is yet to be cashed in having been purchased in Swansea. The deadline to claim falls on April 16, 2025, or the ticketholder will lose the huge sum of money. If you’re lucky enough to win the National Lottery you have 180 days, roughly six months, to claim your prize.

Princess made hospice patron

The Princess of Wales has followed in the steps of Diana as she is made patron the Ty Hafan children’s hospice. The announcement was made during a surprise trip to the hospice on the outskirts of Cardiff. It is part of the Princess' phased return to royal duties after completing a bout of chemotherapy last summer, and follows the princess confirming she is in remission from cancer.

Police investigate vehicle fires

Two men were arrested in the early hours of this morning after two vehicles were set alight in Lavendar Grove, Fairwater. Roads policing officers stopped a grey Renault on Cardiff Road, Barry at 2.30am. South Wales Police say that officers seized class A drugs, cash, and weapons from the vehicle. Two males, aged 18 and 15, were arrested on suspicion of arson and drugs offences. They remain in police custody and an investigation is underway.

Princess of Wales' surprise visit to Wales

The Princess of Wales is carrying out engagements in Wales showcasing the work of long-established organisations with community at their core. The royal visit will focus on spotlighting the wellbeing of children and families as well as celebrating excellence in Welsh textiles manufacturing – both of which are themes close to The Princess’ heart. Live updates here.

Young family lose everything in house fire

A young family have lost everything after their home burned down in Glyncoch, Pontypridd. Callum John, 24, said he and his partner Zelda Callas, "can't even begin to comprehend" what they lost in the blaze that destroyed their home. Read their story here.

M4, A470 and A423 congestion alerts

Traffic Wales is reporting congestion points this morning. They are on:

• M4 both directions junction 38 Margam to junction 41 Pentyla
• A470 Southbound Pontypridd to Coryton
• A4232 both directions Culverhouse Cross to M4 J33 Capel Llanilltern

The full list of banks closing

Six Lloyds and Halifax branches are to close in Wales as the Lloyds Banking Group cuts costs and shifts its focus to digital banking. The clos ures are among 136 branches closing across the UK from May this year till March 2026. Lloyds said that its customers were increasingly doing all their banking online. They said: "Over 20 million customers are using our apps for on-demand access to their money and customers have more choice and flexibility than ever for their day-to-day banking. See the full list here.

Gatland vows to spring surprise on France

Warren Gatland claims Wales are ready to go out in Paris and do things France aren't going to expect On the back of a record 12-Test losing run, Wales head to the Stade de France on Friday as underdogs. However, Gatland believes they can spring some surprises on the home side as they seek to "play some good rugby". Read the rugby morning headlines here.

More than 2,000 violent shop attacks in Wales

Welsh shop workers saw more than 2,000 violent attacks last year as concerns are raised about the rise of shoplifting. An industry body has warned that retail crime is "out of control" as shoplifters carry out increasingly brazen and violent thefts. Read more here.

M4 emergency repairs causing delays

Emergency repairs are causing delays around a busy M4 junction. One lane is closed at the junction 30 Cardiff Gate eastbound off slip to allow emergency barrier repairs to be carried out. There are around 15 minute delays in the area.

Massive increase in water bills

People are set to see their water bills go up on average from £503 to £639 from April - around a 27% increase. It's the start of five years of increases that will see household water bills in Wales rise by a total of 42% to become the highest in England and Wales by 2030. Read how you can get help here.

Passenger jet collides with helicopter

An American Airlines passenger plane with 60 passengers on board has collided with an Army helicopter near Washington DC. There was no immediate official word on casualties, but all take-offs and landings at Ronald Reagan National Airport have been halted. One American outlet is reporting that 18 bodies have been recovered from the scene as President Trump confirmed he is being briefed and issued a statement. Read everything we know here.

Met Office forecast for Thursday

Thursday welcomes the sunniest day of the week. Finally. Here is the full forecast for Wales today:

A chilly start, and a rather cold day overall, but with plenty of sunshine to compensate, making it feel more pleasant. Staying largely dry, although a few showers developing, mainly in the north and west during the morning. Gentle winds. Maximum temperature 8 °C. Turning increasingly overcast during the evening with rain and hill snow crossing the country overnight, accompanied by hill fog. This clearing towards dawn on Friday. Patchy frost and ice possible. Minimum temperature 1 °C.

Good morning

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