All the traffic, weather, M4, showbiz and sport from across the country on Thursday, October 28.
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Key Events
Goodnight!
That's it from us tonight, we'll be back tomorrow morning with more live updates.
How the 2021 budget will affect you
Whether you're on benefits, working, or receiving a pension, there was plenty to digest from Wednesday's budget.
Announced by Chancellor Rishi Sunak were major changes in the universal credit taper rate and an increase in the minimum wage, amid the introduction of a new 1.25% health and social care tax.
But there was no u-turn on either the £20-a-week top-up on universal credit, which was withdrawn by the UK government at the start of the month.
Travel disruption after crashes in Newport and Swansea
Traffic on the M4 in Newport is being held temporarily due to a crash on the M4 westbound. The incident happened between junction 29 A48 and junction 30 A4232 Pentwyn link road (Cardiff Gate).
Part of the M4 in Swansea is also blocked following a crash on junction 44 on the A4230, Peniel Green Road. People traveling that route should expect an extra 15 minutes onto their journey.
'Devoted' Cardiff University student took her own life after being wrongly told she'd failed exam
A "devoted" university student took her own life just hours after being told she had failed her exams and could not progress to the third year of her degree.
Mared Foulkes was in her second year studying pharmaceuticals at Cardiff University when the Covid-19 pandemic hit.
And with the country on lockdown, the 21-year-old had to continue her studies online and via zoom calls.
Traffic disruption as heavy rain falls
There is queueing traffic on the M4 westbound from junction 23A A4810 (Magor Services) to junction 26 A4051 (Malpas Road).
The congestion continues to Prince of Wales bridge. Travel time in the area is around 45 minutes.
There is also slow traffic due to rain on M48 Prince of Wales bridge westbound from junction 1 A403 (Aust) to junction 2 A466 Wye Valley Link Road (Chepstow). Travel time there is 20 minutes.
Welsh seaside resort has 'dangerously high' Covid rate that's twice as high as the rest of the county
A small seaside area in Ceredigion has one of the highest coronavirus rates in Wales.
Ceredigion County Council said today (October 28) that the number of cases across the county is "very concerning", urging residents to "stick to the basics" including social distancing and wearing a mask.
The county has a rate of 656.2 cases per 100,000 people over the latest recorded week, October 17 to 23, with 464 cases reported, Ceredigion's highest rate during the pandemic.
All countries to be removed from red travel list in latest update
The UK Government has removed all countries from its red list as it announced a host of changes to the travel system this evening.
From Monday, there will be no countries on the red list, with the remaining seven countries to be removed from the list, Transport Secretary Grant Shapps announced on Thursday evening.
Mr Shapps confirmed that the remaining countries will be removed from the list at 4am on November 1.
Woman dies after being pulled from the sea in Swansea
A woman has died after being pulled from the sea in Swansea's Langland Bay.
Emergency services have confirmed that the woman died after being airlifted to hospital.
HM Coastguard and RNLI crews were called to the Gower bay at around 12 noon on Wednesday, October 27, along with police and paramedics, after reports of a woman's body being found in the water
Debris falls on carriageway and damages vehicle
A busy road has been closed in both directions after debris fell onto it and damaged a vehicle.
The incident happened at around 2.30pm on the A467 from Pantside to Newbridge. A spokesman for Gwent police said the debris fell onto a vehicle, damaging its windscreen.
No injuries have been reported.
Police closed the road in both directions and put diversions in place. It has caused heavy congestion in Newbridge and surrounding areas. Drivers have been asked to avoid the area if possible.
The incident is still ongoing as road closures remain in place, police have said.
Man found guilty of endangering the flight that killed footballer Emiliano Sala
A man has been found guilty of endangering the flight that killed footballer Emiliano Sala.
David Henderson, 67, was accused of failing to follow safety regulations which led to the death of Sala, 28, and pilot David Ibbotson when their plane crashed into the English Channel on a flight from Nantes to Cardiff on January 21, 2019.
Henderson, of Hotham, East Riding of Yorkshire, denied acting in a reckless or negligent manner likely to endanger the plane the two men were travelling in, but a jury today found him guilty of the charge.
The body of Sala, who had just completed a £15m move to Cardiff City FC, was recovered a month after the crash but that of Mr Ibbotson, of Crowle, Lincolnshire, has yet to be recovered.
You can read our full report from the trial at Cardiff Crown Court here
Wayne Pivac names Wales team to face All Blacks
Wayne Pivac has today named which of his rugby players will face New Zealand in Cardiff this weekend.
The Six Nations champions welcome the Rugby Championship winners to Cardiff on Saturday without a number of key players.
Injuries have robbed the Wales squad of several stars, while a few more are also unavailable thanks to this match sitting outside of the Test window.
As a result, Pivac has been largely limited as to who he can pick this weekend.
He has confirmed the following:
Wales team: Johnny McNicholl; Owen Lane, Jonathan Davies, Johnny Williams, Josh Adams; Gareth Anscombe, Tomos Williams; Wyn Jones, Ryan Elias, Tomas Francis, Adam Beard, Alun Wyn Jones (c), Ross Moriarty, Taine Basham, Aaron Wainwright.
Replacements: Kirby Myhill, Rhys Carre, Dillon Lewis, Will Rowlands, Seb Davies, Gareth Davies, Rhys Priestland, Ben Thomas.
(Ken Owens was originally named to start with Ryan Elias on the bench, but a fitness issue has meant Elias is promoted and Kirby Myhill moves to the bench).
More on the big announcement here.
Gwent Police introduces new protocol to help missing people experience a mental health crisis
A new protocol has been launched by Gwent Police to help finding missing people facing mental health challenges.
The "Ellam Protocol" is a national scheme being introduced by police and other agencies to support people with mental health issues and those who care for them, to provide information to police that could help offiers locate the individuals if they go missing.
In a statement from Gwent Police, a spokespeson said: "On average, six people in a mental health crisis were reported as missing last month to Gwent Police.
"The protocol asks people suffering with ill mental health and those who support them such as carers, family members and support workers, to complete in advance a form recording vital details which can be accessed quickly by officers should their loved one be reported as missing.
"The form holds personal details such as a description, a photograph, medication required, mobile numbers, previous addresses, and locations of significance to that individual."
Inspector Jennie Tinsley-Brustad added: "When someone who is experiencing a mental health crisis goes missing it is very distressing for their family and friends. This form can provide valuable information to assist us in the search for that missing vulnerable person and enhance the chances of locating that person quickly and safely.
"We hope that individuals and their families who choose to complete this form will never have to use them, however by having a completed form to hand it gives relatives peace of mind that they’re providing us with relevant information to be able to send officers quickly to places where their loved ones could be should they go missing.
"When someone is reported as missing – every minute counts and this scheme could help save lives. If you have a loved one who is struggling with their mental health and are concerned that they may go missing, I urge you to talk to them, seek support and get in contact with us about signing up to the Ellam Protocol."
If you would like more information or would like a registration form, contafct Gwent Police via crimeprevention@gwent.police.uk
A55 Anglesey partially closed due to flooding
The Isle of Anglesey County Council has confirmed the A55 is closed eastbound between junctions 4 and 5 due to flooding.
All traffic is being diverted through Bryngwran, along the A5.
The A55 eastbound is closed due to flooding between junction 4-5.
— Isle of Anglesey CC #KeepWalesSafe (@angleseycouncil) October 28, 2021
All traffic is currently being diverted through Bryngwran along the A5. https://t.co/L4PYLXgiaR
Meanwhile, traffic is restricted on the A55 Britannia Bridge.
A traffic update from traffic monitoring site Inrix says: "Strong winds on A55 Britannia Bridge in both directions between J9 A487 (Treborth) and J8 A5 (Llanfair P.G.). Matrix sign set to 30 mph.
"Motorbikes, cyclists and caravans are restricted from using the bridge."
Have you seen this missing man?
Dyfed-Powys Police is appealing to the public to be on the look out for Phillip, a 60-year-old man from Borth.
Phillip was last seen at around 7.50pm on Tuesday, October 26 driving away from Borth in a 1981 red Ford Focus. At the time, he was wearing jeans, a dark hoody and black boots.
Phillip is described as 5'9" tall, of large build and he has a shaved head and a goatee beard. He has tattoos on his arms, including a tattoo of dark roses with an animated-style dragon.
Phillip is originally from the Welshpool area but is also known to visit Snowdonia, Lake Vyrynwy and the Oswestry area.
If you've seen Phillip, or you have any information that can help police, call 101 and quote reference: DP - 2021 10 27 - 232
MISSING | Have you seen Phillip, a 60-year-old man, missing from Borth?
— Heddlu Dyfed-Powys Police (@DyfedPowys) October 28, 2021
Phillip was last seen at approximately 7:50pm on Tuesday, 26th October, driving away from Borth in a 1981 Red Ford Focus, at which time he was wearing jeans, with a dark hoody and black boots.
MORE pic.twitter.com/fqmx1iYHwI
A465 reopened and traffic is now easing
A traffic update on traffic news service Inrix reports traffic on the A465 is now easing.
Inrix says: "A465 Heads Of The Valleys Road in both directions re-opened, traffic easing, accident cleared from A465 (Skenfrith junction) to A40 Monmouth Road (Hardwick Roundabout). Previous congestion to routes through Abergavenny as traffic avoids."
Abergavenny crash: Police confirm two vehicles were involved in a collision and say one driver has been taken to hospital 'as a precaution'
Gwent Police has now issued a statement on the crash that caused the A465 to be closed in Abergavenny.
Officers have confirmed they were called to a two-vehicle collision on the road and said the road had to be closed whilst emergency services attended the scene.
One person has been taken to hospital 'as a precaution' and the road has now been reopened.
A spokesperson for Gwent Police said: "We were called at 9.48am reporting a two vehicle RTC [road traffic collision] on Hardwick roundabout (A465) in Abergavenny.
"RTC involved Renault Captur and Ford transit van.
"Road temporarily closed while emergency services in attendance.
"Ambulance assessed both drivers at scene - driver of Renault taken to The Grange [hospital] as a precautionary measure with back/ neck pain.
"Road now reopen."
Full story here
A465 now closed in both directions
The A465 Head of The Valleys Road in Abergavenny is now closed in both directions after an incident.
For the latest on this, follow our traffic blog here
Man in critical condition after single-vehicle crash in Caerphilly
Police are appealing for information after a crash in Pontllanfraith, Caerphilly saw a man rushed to hospital for treatment.
Details of the collision are not yet known, but it's understood a black Vauxhall Corsa was in a single-vehicle collision in Llanarth Road in the village at around 3.10am on Thursday, October 21.
Officers have confirmed a man in his 30s was taken to the University Hospital of Wales in Cardiff for treatment. It's understood the man is still in hospital, in "critical but stable" condition.
Today, police have issued a statement and appealed for anyone who may have witnessed the collision, or has dashcam footage, to get in contact with them on 101.
The full statement from Gwent Police says: "We are appealing for witnesses following a road traffic collision in Pontllanfraith.
"A black Vauxhall Corsa was in a single-vehicle collision in Llanarth Road at around 3.10am on Thursday, October 21.
"A man in his 30s was taken to the University Hospital of Wales, Cardiff, for treatment. He is in a critical but stable condition in hospital.
"Anyone who may have witnessed the collision or has any CCTV or dashcam footage of the area at the time is asked to get in contact with us.
"To report information, you can call us on 101 quoting log reference 2100 369 162, or you can send us a direct message on Facebook or Twitter.
"Alternatively, you can call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111."
A499 Pwllheli closed due to flooding
The A499 in Pwllheli, Gwynedd, is closed this morning due to flooding betwen Pwlhelli and Llanbedrog. Traffic is reportedly coping well.
A465 in Abergavenny is closed
The A465 Head of the Valleys Road in Abergavenny, Monmouthshire is closed after an incident.
An initial report from traffic monitoring service Inrix says: "A465 Heads Of The Valleys Road closed, queueing traffic due to accident at A40 Monmouth Road (Hardwick Roundabout). Congestion to the High St in Abergavenny. On the roundabout."
Police have been approached for more information.
More follows.
Coronavirus infection rates, cases and deaths
New figures from Public Health Wales (PHW) published on Wednesday, October 27, which cover the last 24-hour period, show the total number of Covid-related deaths in Wales is now 6,122.
There were also 2,582 new positive cases recorded in today's update, bringing the total number since the pandemic began to 429,731.
The latest seven-day infection rate across Wales based on the cases for every 100,000 people (for the seven days up to October 22) now stands at 699.7 – a welcome fall from the 719.9 reported on Tuesday.
Accident on A483
The A483 northbound is partially blocked and there is heavy traffic due to an accident in Saint Padam's Church.
Met Office issues updated weather warning
A yellow weather warning for rain across Wales has been expanded with most of the country set to see torrential rain.
The forecaster originally issued a yellow weather warning for heavy rain for parts of Wales on Tuesday, but it has now been extended to more areas with flooding now "likely".
Almost four inches of rain is forecast in some parts of Wales, with other areas across the UK expecting to see a months worth of rain in less than 18 hours.
The forecasters said that a band of rain will move eastwards across the UK from Wednesday, arriving in Wales on Thursday morning.
The yellow weather warning is in place for Wales from 6am on Thursday October 28, to 3pm on Friday October 29.
The warning states spells of heavy rain will spread southeast across Wales through Thursday, before clearing east through Friday.
Find the full forecast here.
Congestion on M4 at Cardiff
There is traffic congestion on the M4 Eastbound from J33 A4232 (Cardiff West And Services) to J32 A470 (Coryton Interchange).
Health board bans visitors due to rising coronavirus cases
A Welsh health board has restricted visitors at all of its hospitals following a rise in positive Covid-19 cases.
Hywel Dda University Health Board said the decision to temporarily suspend visiting was down to transmission rates within the community and in hospitals.
Ceredigion, Carmarthenshire and Pembrokeshire, the counties in the health board area, each have Covid case rates above 600 per 100,000 people.
The health board added that visitors would be allowed with prior arrangements in some instances, such as the end of life and critical visits.
Cigarette and tobacco prices rise from 6pm today
The cost of cigarettes has risen across all retailers today, the Chancellor has confirmed as part of the budget.
Duty rates on tobacco products increased by the rate of RPI inflation plus 2% as of 6pm on Wednesday, October 27. Meanwhile, the rate on hand-rolling tobacco increased by RPI inflation plus 6%, MirrorOnline reports.
RPI was previously sitting at 4.9%, which means cigarettes go up by 6.9% and rolling tobacco by 10.9%.
Today's forecast
There will be heavy rain in the west turning increasingly widespread throughout the day, according to the Met Office.
Today:
Rain in the west, occasionally heavy, but turning increasingly wet across the rest of the country during the morning with persistent and, at times, heavy rain. Strong winds, easing later. Maximum temperature 16 °C.
Tonight:
Remaining cloudy with persistent rain for many areas, heavy over high ground. Breezy at first but becoming calmer by morning. Minimum temperature 7 °C.
