North Wales hit by heavy rain and flooding

Firefighters pump out the Cayley Arms in Rhos-on-Sea

FIREFIGHTERS were kept busy yesterday morning after heavy rain caused flooding across North Wales.

Nearly 50mm of rain fell in some places with Colwyn Bay and Llanfairfechan areas worst hit, leaving roads blocked, and homes and businesses flooded.

Police warned motorists to take care on the A55 as spray reduced visibility and there were several minor incidents as vehicles broke down.

Llangollen biker gets Isle of Man TT bravery award

Paul Owen

A BIKER has been awarded for his bravery seconds after seeing a fellow competitor crash in one of the world’s most challenging races.

Llangollen motorcyclist Paul Owen was following his close friend, Paul Dodds when the New Zealander's motorbike crashed during the Supersport race at this year’s Isle of Man TT back in June.

Owen stopped and dismounted, giving up his own chances to assist race marshals in controlling the incident, warning other racers of debris in the road.

Sadly, Dodds suffered fatal injuries in the high speed crash at Ballagarey.

We are winning battle at Anglesey council - but problems remain

David Bowles

THE troubleshooter brought in to help clean up Anglesey Council says the battle at the heart of the authority is being won – despite the local authority teetering dangerously close to an Assembly takeover last month.

Interim managing director David Bowles yesterday revealed he has been handed 18 “unsubstantiated” allegations against members and officers since taking the post at the troubled council last October.

Cross-party AMs spell out changes to proposed Welsh language law

A CROSS-party group of AMs last night demanded sweeping changes to proposed new laws on the Welsh language.

A 188-page report scrutinising the Assembly Government’s Welsh language measure spelled out a series of amendments.

The Labour-Plaid Cymru coalition pledged official status for Welsh and English, linguistic rights in providing services and a new language commissioner to set standards and handle disputes.

Mobile phone, energy and water companies are among those facing a penalty of £5,000 if they fail to provide a proper service in Welsh.