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    <title>Bayside Radio Colwyn Bay - News RSS</title>
    <description>Bayside Radio Colwyn Bay - News RSS</description>
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    <link>https://www.baysideradio.co.uk</link>
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      <title>Communities across Conwy prepare to remember</title>
      <description><![CDATA[Communities across Conwy County will come together this weekend to remember those who lost their lives in conflict, and to pay tribute to the generations of service personnel who have served their country.
...]]></description>
      <pubDate>Fri, 06 Nov 2026 14:16:00 +0000</pubDate>
      <link>https://www.baysideradio.co.uk/news/communities-across-conwy-prepare-to-remember-13116</link>
      <guid>https://www.baysideradio.co.uk/news/communities-across-conwy-prepare-to-remember-13116</guid>
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      <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p data-pm-slice="1 1 []"><span>Communities across Conwy County will come together this weekend to remember those who lost their lives in conflict, and to pay tribute to the generations of service personnel who have served their country.</span></p>
<p><span>Remembrance Sunday falls on November 8th this year, with services, parades and wreath-laying ceremonies taking place in towns and villages across the area. The traditional two-minute silence will be observed at 11am.</span></p>
<p><span>In Colwyn Bay, the morning begins with a service at St Paul&rsquo;s Church at 9.45am, followed by a parade and Act of Remembrance at the war memorial in Queen&rsquo;s Gardens, starting at 10.55am.</span></p>
<p><span>In Old Colwyn, a service will be held at St Catherine&rsquo;s and St John&rsquo;s Church from 10am, followed by a gathering at the village war memorial from 10.40am.</span></p>
<p><span>There will also be a service in Penrhynside, beginning at 10.15am at the Village Hall, before people move to the village war memorial for a further act of remembrance and wreath-laying. The Deputy Mayor of Llandudno, Councillor Angie O&rsquo;Grady, is expected to attend alongside council members and representatives of local ex-service and voluntary organisations.</span></p>
<p><span>In Llandudno, the service begins at Holy Trinity Church at 9.45am, before continuing at the town&rsquo;s war memorial in Prince Edward Square. The Royal British Legion&rsquo;s Act of Remembrance and the two-minute silence will take place there at 11am. The Mayor of Llandudno, Councillor Mandy Hawkins, will attend with members of the Armed Services, local ex-service organisations and representatives of the council.</span></p>
<p><span>The ceremonies provide an opportunity for people of all generations to reflect on the sacrifices made by members of the Armed Forces, both in the two World Wars and in conflicts since.</span></p>
<p><span>Remembrance Sunday is held on the Sunday closest to November 11th, the date when the Armistice came into effect in 1918, bringing the fighting of the First World War to an end. The agreement took effect at 11am, on the eleventh day of the eleventh month, which is why the time remains central to the act of remembrance.</span></p>
<p><span>Armistice Day itself falls on Wednesday, November 11th this year. A two-minute silence will be observed at 11am, marking the moment the guns fell silent more than a century ago.</span></p>
<p><span>While Remembrance Sunday provides the opportunity for communities to gather at local memorials, Armistice Day offers a further moment for reflection, wherever people happen to be.</span></p>
<p><span>Motorists should allow extra time when travelling through the areas hosting services and parades. Temporary traffic management may be needed around the memorials, particularly in town centres, but specific road closure times for this year's local ceremonies have not been confirmed in the notices available. Drivers are advised to follow any signs or instructions from police and event marshals.</span></p>
<p><span>For many families, the names recorded on local war memorials represent relatives, friends and neighbours whose lives were changed or lost through conflict. The annual ceremonies ensure their stories, and the sacrifices of those who followed them, are not forgotten.</span></p>]]></content:encoded>
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      <title>Fresh appeal for answers after fatal Marine Drive collision</title>
      <description><![CDATA[Three teenagers have been arrested following a fatal road traffic collision in Llandudno in which a young man lost his life.
The three males, aged between 17 and 18, have been interviewed by police in connection with...]]></description>
      <pubDate>Fri, 06 Nov 2026 12:45:00 +0000</pubDate>
      <link>https://www.baysideradio.co.uk/news/fresh-appeal-for-answers-after-fatal-marine-drive-collision-13117</link>
      <guid>https://www.baysideradio.co.uk/news/fresh-appeal-for-answers-after-fatal-marine-drive-collision-13117</guid>
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      <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p data-pm-slice="1 1 []">Three teenagers have been arrested following a fatal road traffic collision in Llandudno in which a young man lost his life.</p>
<p>The three males, aged between 17 and 18, have been interviewed by police in connection with the incident and released while enquiries continue.</p>
<p>The collision happened at around 10.30pm on Thursday, October 29, on Marine Drive, around the Great Orme.</p>
<p>North Wales Police have now issued a further appeal for information, saying investigators believe there may be people in the local community who have information that could help establish exactly what happened.</p>
<p>Officers are particularly keen to hear from anyone who was driving in Llandudno town centre between 10pm and 10.30pm that evening and may have captured relevant footage on a dashcam.</p>
<p>They are also asking motorists who travelled along Marine Drive, from the Toll House and around the headland, between Monday, October 26 and Thursday, October 29, to check whether they have recordings that could assist the investigation.</p>
<p>Police say they have now traced the black-coloured vehicle they were previously seeking information about.</p>
<p>Detective Inspector Tim Evans, from the Serious Collision Investigation Unit, has urged people not to speculate about the circumstances of the collision or comment on social media, warning that this can be particularly distressing.</p>
<p>He said investigators believe members of the local community may hold information that could help provide answers following the death of a young man who was loved by many.</p>
<p>Anyone with information is asked to contact North Wales Police through the force's website webchat service or by calling 101, quoting reference number 26000888717.</p>
<p>Information can also be emailed to <a href="mailto:OSSSeriousCollisionInvestigationUnitOfficers@northwales.police">OSSSeriousCollisionInvestigationUnitOfficers@northwales.police</a></p>]]></content:encoded>
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    <item>
      <title>Wales steps up efforts to improve workplace equality</title>
      <description><![CDATA[Women are making progress in the workplace and increasingly taking on senior positions, but significant inequalities remain across the UK, particularly in industries traditionally dominated by men.
The most recent figures show that women c...]]></description>
      <pubDate>Fri, 06 Nov 2026 12:32:00 +0000</pubDate>
      <link>https://www.baysideradio.co.uk/news/wales-steps-up-efforts-to-improve-workplace-equality-13115</link>
      <guid>https://www.baysideradio.co.uk/news/wales-steps-up-efforts-to-improve-workplace-equality-13115</guid>
      <enclosure type="image/jpeg" length="62125" url="https://www.baysideradio.co.uk/upload/news/main/6aedcac1a023e9.98548076.jpg"/>
      <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Women are making progress in the workplace and increasingly taking on senior positions, but significant inequalities remain across the UK, particularly in industries traditionally dominated by men.</p>
<p>The most recent figures show that women continue to be under-represented in engineering, transport and technical occupations, while differences in working patterns and pay remain barriers to achieving greater equality.</p>
<p>In the UK, around 72.4% of women aged 16 and over were in employment between October and December 2025, compared with 77.6% of men. However, women are considerably more likely to work part-time, with around 37% of employed women doing so, compared with 14% of men.</p>
<p>Pay differences also remain. Office for National Statistics figures for April 2025 showed that the gender pay gap among full-time employees across the UK was 6.9%, meaning women earned less per hour on average than men. The gap was particularly pronounced in skilled trades, where it stood at 13.9%.</p>
<p>The picture is particularly noticeable in industries such as transport and engineering, where women remain a small proportion of the workforce despite growing efforts to encourage more female applicants.</p>
<p>In Wales, women account for just 20% of the Transport and Communications workforce, falling to only 6.7% among transport and mobile machinery drivers and operators, according to research by Transport for Wales.</p>
<p>The issue was discussed earlier this month when the Deputy Minister for Transport, Mark Hooper, met Marie Daly, Chief Operating Officer at Transport for Wales and Chair of Women in Rail, to hear about efforts to recruit and retain more women across the industry.</p>
<p>There are signs of progress. The number of female train drivers at Transport for Wales increased from 54 to 76 between 2022 and 2023, raising women's representation among drivers from 7.4% to 9.3%.</p>
<p>Over the same period, the proportion of women among new Transport for Wales apprentices increased from 14.3% to 42.9%.</p>
<p>One example of that changing picture is Chloe Thomas, who joined Transport for Wales more than 11 years ago as a maintenance apprentice. She was the first female apprentice to work at the company's Canton depot in Cardiff.</p>
<p>After completing her apprenticeship and gaining a first-class honours degree in Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Chloe progressed from maintenance technician to fleet support engineer and is now an Assurance Engineer, primarily working with the Class 398 fleet.</p>
<p>Her career has included leading the trial of a new signalling system on the Heart of Wales Line and supporting the introduction of new trains across the network.</p>
<p>She was named Rail Engineer of the Year at the 2022 Rail Staff Awards and has since established the Women in Fleet group, which brings together female employees from across the sector.</p>
<p>The group now has more than 30 members and has helped secure improvements to facilities at Canton depot, with further work planned at Machynlleth. It has also worked with policy teams to review workplace policies.</p>
<p>Chloe said she had witnessed considerable cultural change during her time with the organisation, adding that the group was already making a positive difference for women working across the business.</p>
<p>Women are also increasingly reaching senior positions in the transport industry. Marie Daly is Chief Operating Officer at Transport for Wales and chairs Women in Rail, which works to improve diversity and career opportunities across the UK rail sector.</p>
<p>Other examples include Natalie Britton, Operations Director at Milford Haven Port Authority, and Sarah West, Managing Director of Stena Line UK and Ireland Ports, who previously became the first woman to command a major UK warship during her 20-year Royal Navy career.</p>
<p>Marie Daly said there had been genuine progress, but women still represented only a fifth of Wales's transport and communications workforce.</p>
<p>She said Transport for Wales and Women in Rail were committed to breaking down barriers, attracting diverse talent and ensuring women could see transport as a rewarding career offering long-term opportunities.</p>
<p>The Welsh Government helped establish the Women in Transport Wales Hub in 2022, providing a network for women already working in the industry while encouraging others to consider careers in the sector.</p>
<p>Transport for Wales is also working with trade unions on initiatives to increase female recruitment into train driving and engineering. These include recruitment events aimed at women, secondment opportunities and changes intended to make working environments more inclusive.</p>
<p>Deputy Minister Mark Hooper said he was pleased to hear about the progress being made to recruit and retain women in traditionally male-dominated jobs, but wanted to understand what more could be done.</p>
<p>He said inclusion, opportunity and cultural change needed to be an integral part of developing and improving transport across Wales.</p>
<p>The wider figures suggest that, while opportunities for women have expanded considerably, representation alone does not necessarily mean equality has been achieved. Women remain more likely to work part-time, are disproportionately represented in some lower-paid occupations and continue to face barriers entering certain technical and operational careers.</p>
<p>The latest Welsh Government earnings figures show that the full-time gender pay gap in Wales stood at 3.2% in April 2026, compared with 6.8% across the UK. However, when full-time and part-time employees are considered together, the difference increases to 8.2% in Wales and 12.3% across the UK.</p>
<p>The challenge for employers is therefore not simply to recruit more women, but to ensure they have equal opportunities to develop their careers, progress into senior positions and remain in industries where they have historically been under-represented.</p>]]></content:encoded>
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      <title>Free school meals extended to more Welsh pupils</title>
      <description><![CDATA[More secondary school pupils across Wales will be eligible for free school meals as the Welsh Government expands its scheme to include Year 7 and Year 8 learners from households receiving Universal Credit.
All 22 local authorities are expe...]]></description>
      <pubDate>Fri, 06 Nov 2026 09:10:00 +0000</pubDate>
      <link>https://www.baysideradio.co.uk/news/free-school-meals-extended-to-more-welsh-pupils-13114</link>
      <guid>https://www.baysideradio.co.uk/news/free-school-meals-extended-to-more-welsh-pupils-13114</guid>
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      <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>More secondary school pupils across Wales will be eligible for free school meals as the Welsh Government expands its scheme to include Year 7 and Year 8 learners from households receiving Universal Credit.</p>
<p>All 22 local authorities are expected to be providing meals to eligible pupils by January 2027, with more than half already offering them under the expanded arrangements.</p>
<p>Parents and carers of Year 7 and Year 8 children who receive Universal Credit are being encouraged to register through their local authority to ensure their child can access the support.</p>
<p>Previously, secondary school pupils could only qualify for free school meals if their family received Universal Credit and had household earnings below &pound;7,400 a year, excluding benefits.</p>
<p>The expansion is part of a Welsh Government commitment to extend access to free school meals and follows the introduction of Universal Primary Free School Meals.</p>
<p>An interim evaluation of the primary school scheme found high levels of awareness and take-up, with benefits for children and families including improved wellbeing and savings on household budgets.</p>
<p>Alongside the expansion, new rules governing food served in primary schools came into force on October 31. The Healthy Eating in Schools regulations are designed to improve the nutritional quality of school meals by increasing the amount of fruit and vegetables available and restricting foods high in sugar and fried products.</p>
<p>School food will also be an early priority as the Welsh Government develops its new Food Strategy for Wales.</p>
<p>Cabinet Minister for Education and Welsh Language, Anna Brychan, said extending the scheme to Year 7 and 8 pupils was the first step towards providing free school meals to more secondary school learners.</p>
<p>She said access to nutritious food could improve concentration, educational attainment and overall health, and encouraged eligible families to register with their local authority.</p>
<p>Deputy First Minister and Cabinet Minister for Social Justice and Equality, Sioned Williams, said extending eligibility would make a difference to pupils' daily lives and form part of wider efforts to tackle child poverty and reduce inequality across Wales.</p>
<p>The Welsh Government says the expansion sits alongside other measures aimed at supporting low-income families, including plans for an expanded childcare offer and the proposed Cynnal child payment pilot, subject to assurances from the UK Government about its impact on people receiving the payment.</p>
<p>A new Child Poverty Strategy is also being developed, with the Welsh Government promising clear targets and accountability.</p>]]></content:encoded>
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      <title>New 40-bed recovery hospital opens in Llandudno</title>
      <description><![CDATA[A new 40-bed specialist recovery hospital has officially opened in Llandudno, expanding support for people affected by substance use and addiction across North Wales.
Parkland Place, operated by the charity Adferiad, was formally opened on...]]></description>
      <pubDate>Fri, 06 Nov 2026 08:00:00 +0000</pubDate>
      <link>https://www.baysideradio.co.uk/news/new-40-bed-recovery-hospital-opens-in-llandudno-13113</link>
      <guid>https://www.baysideradio.co.uk/news/new-40-bed-recovery-hospital-opens-in-llandudno-13113</guid>
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      <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>A new 40-bed specialist recovery hospital has officially opened in Llandudno, expanding support for people affected by substance use and addiction across North Wales.</p>
<p>Parkland Place, operated by the charity Adferiad, was formally opened on Thursday, 5 November, by Nerys Evans MS, Deputy Minister for Public and Preventative Health.</p>
<p>The purpose-built facility is based at Lady Forester House, the former Blind Veterans UK building, and will provide specialist detoxification and residential rehabilitation services.</p>
<p>It replaces the former Hafan Wen service at Wrexham Maelor Hospital, which closed earlier this year, and is intended to increase the availability of specialist recovery support for people across the region and beyond.</p>
<p>The opening ceremony included the unveiling of a commemorative plaque, with speeches from the Deputy Minister, Adferiad Chief Executive Dr Alun Thomas and Chair of Trustees Reverend Sue Northcott.</p>
<p>The development has created 70 jobs, including at least 30 new opportunities for people in the Llandudno area. It also represents a significant investment in recovery services during Adferiad's 50th anniversary year.</p>
<p>Dr Alun Thomas said the new hospital marked an important milestone for the organisation and would allow it to expand its specialist support for people affected by substance use.</p>
<p>He said the investment reflected Adferiad's commitment to providing compassionate, high-quality care and giving people the opportunity to build better lives.</p>
<p>Deputy Minister Nerys Evans said substance misuse remained one of the greatest public health challenges, but stressed that recovery was possible when people received the right support.</p>
<p>She said Parkland Place would provide a safe and compassionate environment for people to take their first steps towards rebuilding their lives, and thanked everyone involved in making the facility a reality.</p>
<p>The opening marks a significant addition to North Wales' recovery services, providing dedicated residential facilities for people who need specialist support as they begin their journey towards recovery.</p>]]></content:encoded>
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      <title>Alledged shop incident leads to two charges in Barmouth</title>
      <description><![CDATA[A 48-year-old man has been charged after a female member of staff was allegedly assaulted at a retail store in Barmouth.
North Wales Police were called to the shop shortly after 1.30pm on Wednesday, November 4, following reports that a man...]]></description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 05 Nov 2026 21:00:00 +0000</pubDate>
      <link>https://www.baysideradio.co.uk/news/alledged-shop-incident-leads-to-two-charges-in-barmouth-13112</link>
      <guid>https://www.baysideradio.co.uk/news/alledged-shop-incident-leads-to-two-charges-in-barmouth-13112</guid>
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      <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>A 48-year-old man has been charged after a female member of staff was allegedly assaulted at a retail store in Barmouth.</p>
<p>North Wales Police were called to the shop shortly after 1.30pm on Wednesday, November 4, following reports that a man had assaulted an employee.</p>
<p>Officers were able to locate and arrest a suspect after the victim provided a prompt report and a description of the man.</p>
<p>Matthew Harris, from Sheffield, has since been charged with assault by beating in connection with the incident. He has also been charged with harassment involving a second female victim.</p>
<p>Following consultation with the Crown Prosecution Service, the charges were authorised. Harris was refused police bail and remanded in custody ahead of an appearance at court on November 6.</p>
<p>District Inspector for Gwynedd South, Iwan Jones, said police took reports of this nature extremely seriously.</p>
<p>He said officers would continue to pursue those responsible as part of efforts to tackle violence against women and girls.</p>
<p>He also thanked the victims and everyone who had supported the investigation, helping officers present a case to prosecutors.</p>]]></content:encoded>
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      <title>Football foundation takes major step forward in region</title>
      <description><![CDATA[Colwyn Bay FC Foundation has officially become a registered charity, marking a significant milestone for an organisation which has already reached more than 9,500 people across North Wales.
The Foundation, which launched in January this ye...]]></description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 05 Nov 2026 19:15:00 +0000</pubDate>
      <link>https://www.baysideradio.co.uk/news/football-foundation-takes-major-step-forward-in-region-13111</link>
      <guid>https://www.baysideradio.co.uk/news/football-foundation-takes-major-step-forward-in-region-13111</guid>
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      <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Colwyn Bay FC Foundation has officially become a registered charity, marking a significant milestone for an organisation which has already reached more than 9,500 people across North Wales.</p>
<p>The Foundation, which launched in January this year, aims to use the profile and influence of Colwyn Bay Football Club to make a difference beyond the football pitch, supporting people through education, sport, health and wellbeing initiatives.</p>
<p>Achieving charitable status is expected to help the organisation attract further investment, develop new partnerships and expand the range of support it offers to local communities.</p>
<p>Its existing programmes include Primary Seagulls, which delivers education and physical activity in primary schools, and Street Seagulls, offering free football sessions, youth clubs and safe spaces for young people.</p>
<p>Other initiatives include Inspire, supporting secondary school pupils who face challenges with engagement and achievement, and Play, which focuses on early childhood development.</p>
<p>The Foundation also runs Kicking Off Careers, helping young people aged 16 to 25 who are not in education, employment or training to develop skills and improve their job prospects.</p>
<p>Its 90 Minute Club provides opportunities for older adults to stay active and socially connected.</p>
<p>The organisation works alongside schools, local authorities, community groups and grassroots sports clubs, with further plans to develop opportunities in education, employability, volunteering and leadership.</p>
<p>Josh Antoniou, speaking on behalf of the Foundation, said becoming a registered charity was a proud moment and an important step towards its ambition of making a lasting difference to people's lives.</p>
<p>He said the organisation had always wanted to create something that went beyond football, using the club's position in the community to bring people together and create opportunities.</p>
<p>He added that reaching more than 9,500 participants in such a short time demonstrated both the demand for its work and the potential to make an even greater difference across North Wales.</p>
<p>Colwyn Bay FC director Jody Johnson said charitable status would allow the Foundation to deliver more community programmes and reach a wider range of people.</p>
<p>He said the organisation was already providing activities ranging from free football and education to health, wellbeing and employment support.</p>
<p>The Foundation now plans to build on its existing work, with particular emphasis on supporting children and young people, tackling social isolation, improving physical and mental health and creating pathways into training and employment.</p>
<p>The development also supports the football club's wider ambition to play a bigger role in community life, demonstrating how its influence can extend well beyond what happens on the pitch.</p>]]></content:encoded>
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      <title>Wales consults on under-16 energy drink sales ban</title>
      <description><![CDATA[Children under the age of 16 could be prevented from buying high-caffeine energy drinks in Wales under proposals being taken forward by the Welsh Government.
A new consultation has been launched to establish how the proposed restrictions w...]]></description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 05 Nov 2026 18:00:00 +0000</pubDate>
      <link>https://www.baysideradio.co.uk/news/wales-consults-on-under-16-energy-drink-sales-ban-13110</link>
      <guid>https://www.baysideradio.co.uk/news/wales-consults-on-under-16-energy-drink-sales-ban-13110</guid>
      <enclosure type="image/jpeg" length="93862" url="https://www.baysideradio.co.uk/upload/news/main/6aecead9e52c46.88032610.jpg"/>
      <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Children under the age of 16 could be prevented from buying high-caffeine energy drinks in Wales under proposals being taken forward by the Welsh Government.</p>
<p>A new consultation has been launched to establish how the proposed restrictions would work in practice, including how shops and online retailers would check customers' ages and what action could be taken against businesses breaking the rules.</p>
<p>The move follows growing concerns about the potential impact of high-caffeine energy drinks on children's health and wellbeing.</p>
<p>Evidence suggests regular consumption can be associated with headaches, irritability, tiredness and stomach problems. Research has also highlighted links with poorer sleep, increased stress and a greater risk of anxiety and depression.</p>
<p>The previous Welsh Government consulted on plans to restrict sales to under-16s, with broad support for taking action.</p>
<p>The current Welsh Government now intends to proceed with the proposals, subject to the outcome of the latest consultation.</p>
<p>The restrictions would cover drinks, other than tea and coffee, containing more than 150 milligrams of caffeine per litre.</p>
<p>The latest consultation, launched by Deputy Minister for Public and Preventative Health Nerys Evans, focuses on how the restrictions would be enforced rather than whether high-caffeine drinks should be restricted in the first place.</p>
<p>Under the proposals, local authority food safety teams would be responsible for checking businesses are complying with the rules. The consultation also considers online age-verification systems, possible penalties for retailers and how compliance would be monitored.</p>
<p>The approach elsewhere in the UK is not yet consistent.</p>
<p>In England, the UK Government has already confirmed plans to ban the sale of high-caffeine energy drinks to children under 16. The restrictions are expected to come into force in April 2027, subject to parliamentary approval, and will cover shops, online retailers and vending machines. GOV.UK</p>
<p>Scotland has taken a different approach. Following its own consultation, the Scottish Government decided in 2023 not to introduce a mandatory sales ban, after considering the available evidence. GOV.UK</p>
<p>Northern Ireland has also not introduced a statutory age restriction, with no equivalent mandatory measures currently in place.</p>
<p>This means Wales is now moving towards a position similar to England, although the two governments are at different stages of the process.</p>
<p>The Welsh Government says its proposed enforcement arrangements would broadly follow the approach being developed in England, helping to avoid unnecessary differences for businesses operating on both sides of the border.</p>
<p>The wider aim is to create a healthier environment for children and young people, reducing their access to products which could affect their physical and mental health.</p>
<p>The consultation will help determine the final arrangements, including when any restrictions could come into force. Businesses, councils and other organisations will also be involved in developing guidance before the legislation is introduced.</p>
<p>Many major supermarkets and retailers have already introduced voluntary restrictions on selling high-caffeine energy drinks to under-16s. However, these arrangements are not universal, meaning children can still buy the products from some outlets. The proposed legislation would introduce a consistent, legally enforceable approach rather than relying on individual retailers to decide their own policies.</p>]]></content:encoded>
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      <title>Funding boost to bring more North Wales stories to light</title>
      <description><![CDATA[Bayside Radio is set to expand its local journalism and strengthen its connections with communities across the region after securing &pound;56,090 in funding from the UK Government's Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS).
Coast Co...]]></description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 05 Nov 2026 16:35:00 +0000</pubDate>
      <link>https://www.baysideradio.co.uk/news/funding-boost-to-bring-more-north-wales-stories-to-light-13109</link>
      <guid>https://www.baysideradio.co.uk/news/funding-boost-to-bring-more-north-wales-stories-to-light-13109</guid>
      <enclosure type="image/jpeg" length="89667" url="https://www.baysideradio.co.uk/upload/news/main/6aecd7f6bdfe46.75047653.jpg"/>
      <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Bayside Radio is set to expand its local journalism and strengthen its connections with communities across the region after securing &pound;56,090 in funding from the UK Government's Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS).</p>
<p>Coast Community Radio and Media CIC, which operates Bayside Radio, is among six news organisations in Wales selected to receive support through the Government's &pound;6 million Local News Fund.</p>
<p>The funding will allow Bayside Radio to build on its established local news and community information service, extending its journalism through new partnerships, greater audience insight and enhanced digital publishing capabilities.</p>
<p>The project will focus on bringing more community voices and stories into local news coverage, working alongside organisations and groups which make an important contribution to everyday life across Conwy County and the North Wales coast.</p>
<p>By developing new partnerships, Bayside Radio aims to identify stories which might otherwise go unheard, improve the way local information is gathered and shared, and make its journalism accessible to more people through radio and digital platforms.</p>
<p>Operations and Content Director Simon Wynne said: "We're extremely grateful to the DCMS for recognising the work we're doing and giving us the opportunity to take our local journalism further. It's a real team effort and I'd like to thank everyone at Bayside for their hard work in helping us reach this point.</p>
<p>"We also owe a huge thank you to the many local organisations and groups who have worked with us over the years, sharing their stories and helping us develop our news and podcast content. Those relationships are at the heart of what we do, and we're looking forward to building on them."</p>
<p>The award forms part of the UK Government's Local Media Action Plan, which recognises the importance of trusted local news as audiences increasingly turn to online platforms for information.</p>
<p>The &pound;6 million fund is designed to help local news organisations adapt to changing media habits, invest in new technology, reach younger audiences and develop sustainable business models.</p>
<p>Six organisations across Wales have been successful, with grants of up to &pound;125,000 available. Other recipients include Wrexham.com, which will develop an artificial intelligence tool to identify potential news stories, and Bylines Networks, which will invest in strengthening its network of local publications.</p>
<p>Media Minister Ian Murray said local media remained among the most trusted sources of news but acknowledged that changes in the media landscape had forced many organisations to reduce their operations or close.</p>
<p>He said the Government wanted to support thriving local media which reported on the issues and perspectives that mattered to communities, providing trustworthy information.</p>
<p>Through the Local News Fund, the Government hopes to encourage newsrooms to innovate, adapt to the online world and continue producing high-quality journalism.</p>
<p>For Coast Community Radio and Media CIC, the award represents an opportunity to build on Bayside Radio's role as a source of local news, information and community engagement, while developing new ways of working with the people and organisations it serves.</p>
<p>The station has established itself as a community-focused broadcaster for Colwyn Bay and the wider North Wales coast, combining locally produced radio programming with news and information through its website and digital channels.</p>
<p>The new project will build on that work, giving greater prominence to local organisations, community initiatives and the people making a difference across the area.</p>]]></content:encoded>
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      <title>Caernarfon strike brought back to life in new S4C drama</title>
      <description><![CDATA[A North Wales actor is helping bring one of Britain's longest-running industrial disputes to television in a new drama based on the bitter Friction Dynamics factory strike.
Emyr Gibson, who lives in the area and works as a creative practit...]]></description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 05 Nov 2026 14:38:00 +0000</pubDate>
      <link>https://www.baysideradio.co.uk/news/caernarfon-strike-brought-back-to-life-in-new-s4c-drama-13106</link>
      <guid>https://www.baysideradio.co.uk/news/caernarfon-strike-brought-back-to-life-in-new-s4c-drama-13106</guid>
      <enclosure type="image/jpeg" length="132235" url="https://www.baysideradio.co.uk/upload/news/main/6aec9545171b39.19922186.jpg"/>
      <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>A North Wales actor is helping bring one of Britain's longest-running industrial disputes to television in a new drama based on the bitter Friction Dynamics factory strike.</p>
<p>Emyr Gibson, who lives in the area and works as a creative practitioner at Pendine Park's Bryn Seiont Newydd care home in Caernarfon, plays factory worker Ifan Wyn in Y Streic Fawr (The Great Strike), a three-part series for S4C.</p>
<p>The drama revisits the dispute which began at the Friction Dynamics factory at Griffiths Crossing, near Caernarfon, in 2001 and went on to divide families, friendships and the wider community.</p>
<p>The factory, originally opened as Ferodo in 1962, manufactured brake parts for the motor industry. Workers walked out in April 2001 following disagreements over proposed pay cuts and deteriorating working conditions.</p>
<p>The dispute escalated when employees refused to sign new contracts after returning from an initial strike. They were locked out and subsequently dismissed.</p>
<p>An employment tribunal in Liverpool ruled in October 2002 that the workers had been unfairly dismissed. However, they received no compensation after the company went into receivership.</p>
<p>Emyr remembers driving past the picket lines during the dispute and sounding his car horn in support of the workers, although he admits he knew little about the circumstances at the time.</p>
<p>Taking part in the new television series has given him a much deeper understanding of what happened.</p>
<p>He said: "When the strike began I was living in Deiniolen and would often drive past the factory gates and see the workers standing outside.</p>
<p>"They would be there in all weathers and like many others I would toot the car horn in support but I didn't really know what the dispute was about."</p>
<p>His character, Ifan, is one of the striking workers, with the storyline also exploring the tensions between those taking part in the industrial action and employees who continued working.</p>
<p>It follows the impact on Ifan and his wife Sheila, played by Catrin Powell, as the dispute affects their lives away from the factory gates.</p>
<p>More than 100 people were involved in the dispute in its early stages, with 86 subsequently taking part in the employment tribunal.</p>
<p>Emyr said the characters were drawn from the experiences of several former employees, rather than attempting to tell every individual's story.</p>
<p>The production, made by Mojo Productions, was written by Ffion Dafis and directed by Huw Chiswell. Filming took place around Caernarfon earlier this year.</p>
<p>Several former factory workers have also been involved in bringing the story to the screen, contributing to the development of the storyline, attending script readings and appearing as extras.</p>
<p>Emyr said meeting the former employees and hearing their experiences had been particularly moving.</p>
<p>He added: "It was humbling to meet with them in the read-through and to hear of their experiences, and it was great to see them turn up for the filming of a scene when they decide to end the strike."</p>
<p>Alongside his acting career, Emyr works with residents at Bryn Seiont Newydd, which provides specialist care for people living with dementia.</p>
<p>He said he was grateful for the opportunity to take time away from his work at the home to take part in the production, but added that working with residents was equally rewarding.</p>
<p>Bryn Seiont Newydd manager Sandra Evans said Emyr brought great enjoyment to residents through music, singing and spending time talking with them.</p>
<p>She said the Friction Dynamics dispute was particularly significant for many residents because of their connections with Caernarfon and their memories of how the strike affected local families and the community.</p>
<p>The cast also includes Rhodri Trefor as Tom Jones, better known locally as Tommy Union, who had a direct connection with the factory, having worked at Ferodo before becoming a full-time trade union officer in North Wales.</p>
<p>Gruffudd Glyn plays Gerald Parry, one of the workers' main spokesmen during the dispute, while Rhys ap Trefor portrays John Davis, whose case was selected to represent the workers at the employment tribunal.</p>
<p>Producer Llyr Morus, who grew up in Caeathro near Caernarfon and knew some of the former factory employees, said it was a privilege to tell their story.</p>
<p>He said the sacrifices made by the 86 men and women involved in the tribunal had helped secure better working conditions for future generations.</p>
<p>The effects of the dispute could still be felt in Caernarfon today, he added, with friendships, families and communities having been divided.</p>
<p>The series has received support from the Welsh Government through Creative Wales.</p>
<p>The first episode of Y Streic Fawr will be shown on S4C at 9pm on Sunday, December 6. All three episodes will also be available on S4C Clic and BBC iPlayer from the same date.</p>]]></content:encoded>
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      <title>North Wales urged to put safety first this Bonfire Night</title>
      <description><![CDATA[People across North Wales are being urged to take extra care with fireworks and bonfires ahead of Bonfire Night, with major public displays planned in Rhyl and Holyhead.
North Wales Fire and Rescue Service, North Wales Police and the Welsh...]]></description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 05 Nov 2026 13:00:00 +0000</pubDate>
      <link>https://www.baysideradio.co.uk/news/north-wales-urged-to-put-safety-first-this-bonfire-night-13095</link>
      <guid>https://www.baysideradio.co.uk/news/north-wales-urged-to-put-safety-first-this-bonfire-night-13095</guid>
      <enclosure type="image/jpeg" length="196830" url="https://www.baysideradio.co.uk/upload/news/main/6aeb1287887167.49092771.jpg"/>
      <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>People across North Wales are being urged to take extra care with fireworks and bonfires ahead of Bonfire Night, with major public displays planned in Rhyl and Holyhead.</p>
<p>North Wales Fire and Rescue Service, North Wales Police and the Welsh Ambulance Services University NHS Trust have joined forces to encourage people to celebrate safely and avoid preventable injuries.</p>
<p>The appeal comes as families prepare to mark November 5, with firefighters recommending that people attend organised displays rather than arrange their own fireworks parties at home.</p>
<p>In Rhyl, an organised display is being supported at Brookes Field, while in Holyhead celebrations will take place at Penrhos Beach, where the bonfire is due to be lit at 6pm, followed by fireworks after dark.</p>
<p>The potential dangers of fireworks are highlighted by figures published by the Welsh Government last year. The Welsh Centre for Burns and Plastic Surgery at Morriston Hospital had treated more than 60 firework-related injuries since 2019.</p>
<p>The Welsh Ambulance Services University NHS Trust also received more than 1,100 emergency 999 calls and a further 1,700 calls to NHS 111 Wales on Bonfire Night in 2024.</p>
<p>North Wales Fire and Rescue Service says the number of incidents involving fireworks and bonfires attended by crews has fallen considerably as more people have chosen organised displays.</p>
<p>But anyone planning a home display is being reminded that fireworks are explosives and must be treated with care.</p>
<p>People should only buy fireworks from registered or licensed retailers, either in shops or online, and check that products carry the appropriate CE or UKCA safety marking. Fireworks should never be bought from unknown sellers on social media, temporary unlicensed stalls or the back of a van.</p>
<p>Adult fireworks cannot legally be sold to anyone under 18. Buyers should also check the category and safety distances printed on the packaging before purchasing, to make sure they have enough space to use them safely.</p>
<p>Fireworks should be kept in a closed box, taken out one at a time and lit at arm's length using a taper. People should read the instructions carefully, stand well back and never return to a firework once it has been lit, even if it appears not to have gone off.</p>
<p>Children should never be allowed to handle or light fireworks and must be supervised throughout any display. Sparklers should not be given to children under five, and older children should wear gloves and be closely supervised. A bucket of water should be available for used sparklers.</p>
<p>Parents are also being reminded to keep children well away from bonfires and to make sure they do not play with fireworks or pick up discarded items.</p>
<p>Pet owners are being urged to think ahead, as loud bangs and flashes can be particularly frightening for dogs, cats and other animals.</p>
<p>Dogs should be taken for walks before fireworks begin, while cats and dogs should be kept indoors with somewhere comfortable and quiet to hide. Closing curtains, keeping windows shut and putting on television or music can help reduce the impact of noise.</p>
<p>Small outdoor animals should be given extra bedding and somewhere to shelter. Owners of horses and other livestock are also encouraged to let neighbours know if they are planning fireworks and to take account of nearby animals.</p>
<p>North Wales Fire and Rescue Service is also reminding people never to use petrol or paraffin on a bonfire, to keep fires well away from buildings, trees and fences, and to make sure everything is fully extinguished before leaving.</p>
<p>Head of Fire Safety Paul Kay says the public should follow the Firework Code and show consideration for neighbours, emergency workers and animals.</p>
<p>Fireworks must not normally be set off between 11pm and 7am, although the legal cut-off on Bonfire Night itself is midnight.</p>
<p>If someone suffers a burn, the advice from the Welsh Ambulance Service is to cool the affected area under cool or lukewarm running water for 20 minutes, remove nearby clothing or jewellery where it is not stuck to the skin, and cover the injury loosely with cling film or a clean plastic bag. Serious injuries should be assessed urgently.</p>
<p>The message from the emergency services is that Bonfire Night should be an enjoyable occasion, but a little preparation and consideration can help prevent it ending with an unnecessary trip to hospital.</p>]]></content:encoded>
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      <title>Serious injuries following collision at A470 junction</title>
      <description><![CDATA[Police are appealing for witnesses after a man suffered serious injuries in a collision involving two vehicles near Trawsfynydd.
The crash happened at around 6.43am on Wednesday, November 4, at the junction of the A470 and A4212.
I...]]></description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 05 Nov 2026 10:00:00 +0000</pubDate>
      <link>https://www.baysideradio.co.uk/news/serious-injuries-following-collision-at-a470-junction-13107</link>
      <guid>https://www.baysideradio.co.uk/news/serious-injuries-following-collision-at-a470-junction-13107</guid>
      <enclosure type="image/jpeg" length="63081" url="https://www.baysideradio.co.uk/upload/news/main/6aec96a931a8e0.39045377.jpg"/>
      <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Police are appealing for witnesses after a man suffered serious injuries in a collision involving two vehicles near Trawsfynydd.</p>
<p>The crash happened at around 6.43am on Wednesday, November 4, at the junction of the A470 and A4212.</p>
<p>It involved a white Ford Transit tipper and a grey Toyota Aygo.</p>
<p>Both male drivers were taken to hospital by ambulance following the collision.</p>
<p>One was taken to Ysbyty Gwynedd with minor injuries, while the other was taken to hospital in Stoke, where he remains with serious injuries.</p>
<p>North Wales Police Sergeant Gerallt Williams is appealing for anyone who witnessed the collision, or saw either vehicle travelling in the area shortly beforehand, to come forward.</p>
<p>He said officers were particularly keen to hear from motorists who were travelling along the A470 or A4212 around the time of the incident.</p>
<p>Anyone with information is asked to contact North Wales Police, quoting the incident.</p>]]></content:encoded>
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      <title>Top UK award for college's floristry training team</title>
      <description><![CDATA[Floristry tutors at Coleg Cambria are celebrating national recognition after being named Training Provider of the Year at a prestigious UK industry awards ceremony.
The college received the honour at the British Florist Association's Indus...]]></description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 05 Nov 2026 09:20:00 +0000</pubDate>
      <link>https://www.baysideradio.co.uk/news/top-uk-award-for-college-s-floristry-training-team-13108</link>
      <guid>https://www.baysideradio.co.uk/news/top-uk-award-for-college-s-floristry-training-team-13108</guid>
      <enclosure type="image/jpeg" length="204661" url="https://www.baysideradio.co.uk/upload/news/main/6aec999dcc85e7.67277020.jpg"/>
      <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Floristry tutors at Coleg Cambria are celebrating national recognition after being named Training Provider of the Year at a prestigious UK industry awards ceremony.</p>
<p>The college received the honour at the British Florist Association's Industry Awards, held during FleurEx 2026 in Nottingham.</p>
<p>The award recognises the work of the floristry department at the college's Yale site in Wrexham, where students develop practical skills and experience of working in the industry.</p>
<p>Courses cover everything from creating floral arrangements to running a flower business, dealing with customers and preparing displays for weddings.</p>
<p>Tutor Amanda Ellis, who has more than 25 years' experience teaching floristry, said the team was delighted with the recognition.</p>
<p>She said the award reflected the amount of work taking place behind the scenes to prepare students for careers in the industry.</p>
<p>Learners have opportunities to gain hands-on experience through wedding projects and the college's own floristry training shop, I&acirc;l Flowers.</p>
<p>Students can also work towards professional qualifications at Levels 2 and 3.</p>
<p>The latest award follows further success for the department, with Amanda previously shortlisted for Floristry Tutor of the Year.</p>
<p>Former student Victoria Upton, who runs Violet Hill Flower Company near Ellesmere, was also named Newcomer of the Year at the British Florist Association awards in 2025.</p>
<p>Natalie Cliffe, Curriculum Director for Visitor Economy and Art and Design, congratulated Amanda and the wider team.</p>
<p>She said the award was recognition of their commitment to providing learners with the best possible opportunities and preparing them for a career in a competitive industry.</p>
<p>She added that some students initially join courses thinking floristry is simply a hobby, but soon discover the professional standards and practical demands involved in making it a career.</p>
<p>The college said the achievement reflected the team's passion and dedication to helping students develop the skills and confidence needed to succeed in the floristry business.</p>
<p>Further information about courses at Coleg Cambria is available through the <a href="https://cambria.ac.uk" target="_blank" rel="noopener">college's website</a>.</p>]]></content:encoded>
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      <title>Funded childcare for two-year-olds expands across Wales</title>
      <description><![CDATA[More families across Wales are set to benefit from funded childcare for two-year-olds, with 19 of the country's 22 local authorities expected to be offering the scheme by the end of November.
The Welsh Government says all 22 councils are o...]]></description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 05 Nov 2026 08:00:00 +0000</pubDate>
      <link>https://www.baysideradio.co.uk/news/funded-childcare-for-two-year-olds-expands-across-wales-13105</link>
      <guid>https://www.baysideradio.co.uk/news/funded-childcare-for-two-year-olds-expands-across-wales-13105</guid>
      <enclosure type="image/jpeg" length="121139" url="https://www.baysideradio.co.uk/upload/news/main/6aec5de5ec7e90.46031383.jpg"/>
      <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>More families across Wales are set to benefit from funded childcare for two-year-olds, with 19 of the country's 22 local authorities expected to be offering the scheme by the end of November.</p>
<p>The Welsh Government says all 22 councils are on track to deliver the offer by the end of March, marking a significant expansion of a scheme which was available in just three local authority areas when the government took office in May.</p>
<p>The rollout provides 12-and-a-half hours of funded childcare each week and is being supported by a &pound;55 million investment in childcare this financial year.</p>
<p>The scheme is the first stage of a wider Welsh Government commitment to introduce funded childcare for all children aged nine months to four years by the end of the current Senedd term.</p>
<p>As the programme develops, the offer for two-year-olds is intended to increase to 20 funded hours a week for 48 weeks of the year, before being extended to younger children.</p>
<p>Deputy First Minister Sioned Williams said the expansion was an important step towards helping families with the cost of living and ensuring children had the best possible start in life.</p>
<p>The Welsh Government says the completed programme will create the most generous universal funded childcare offer anywhere in the UK.</p>]]></content:encoded>
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      <title>Hope over future of Llandudno town centre Post Office</title>
      <description><![CDATA[The Post Office says it has received interest from potential operators to take over services in Llandudno, following concerns about the planned closure of the town's main branch.
The update comes after Bangor Conwy M&ocirc;n MS Janet Finch...]]></description>
      <pubDate>Wed, 04 Nov 2026 17:10:00 +0000</pubDate>
      <link>https://www.baysideradio.co.uk/news/hope-over-future-of-llandudno-town-centre-post-office-13103</link>
      <guid>https://www.baysideradio.co.uk/news/hope-over-future-of-llandudno-town-centre-post-office-13103</guid>
      <enclosure type="image/jpeg" length="61774" url="https://www.baysideradio.co.uk/upload/news/main/6aeb7a6567a4b0.36371451.jpg"/>
      <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>The Post Office says it has received interest from potential operators to take over services in Llandudno, following concerns about the planned closure of the town's main branch.</p>
<p>The update comes after Bangor Conwy M&ocirc;n MS Janet Finch-Saunders contacted the Post Office's chief executive to warn of the impact the loss of the branch inside TG Jones could have on residents, businesses and visitors.</p>
<p>The retailer is undertaking a restructuring programme which will result in the closure of its Llandudno store. As the Post Office operates from within the premises, it will also have to close, with the Post Office currently anticipating this will happen in early 2027.</p>
<p>In its response to Janet, the Post Office acknowledged the importance of maintaining services in the town, particularly for people who rely on face-to-face access to postal, banking and cash services.</p>
<p>It confirmed that the process of finding a replacement operator was already underway, with expressions of interest invited from prospective retailers. The organisation says it has received interest and will shortly review the submissions before progressing discussions.</p>
<p>No replacement location or operator has yet been confirmed, although the Post Office says it is actively exploring ways to minimise any gap in services.</p>
<p>The issue is of particular concern for older and vulnerable residents, as well as people who do not use online banking or are unable to travel easily to alternative branches. Previous concerns raised by Janet included the pressure that could fall on the smaller West Shore branch, which is just under a mile away and already busy.</p>
<p>The Post Office says customers will be advised of alternative branches and the services available once a closure date is confirmed. The nearest alternatives identified are West Shore Post Office and the Conway Road Post Office, approximately 3.4 miles away.</p>
<p>Janet welcomed the news that the search for a replacement operator had begun, but said she would continue pressing for a fully operational branch in the centre of Llandudno.</p>
<p>She also expressed her sympathies to staff at the TG Jones Post Office, describing them as a hardworking and brilliant team.</p>
<p>Janet said: "I am delighted to learn of the steps that the Post Office are taking to restore services in Llandudno, and that the process is already underway. It is essential that we have a fully operational branch in the centre of Llandudno as residents, and businesses alike rely heavily on this service."</p>
<p>She said she would continue to work with the Post Office to ensure services were relocated and restored as soon as possible, adding that she would be raising the concerns during a meeting with Post Office officials this Friday.</p>]]></content:encoded>
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