Daily Post

Discover the Nightjar ; Green Shoots

NATURE walks will be held next week to help explore one of the area's most enigmatic creatures. Volunteers at the North Wales Wildlife Trust will lead guided walks around Gwaith Powdwr in Penrhyndeudraeth on June 30 and July 6 to learn more about the nightjar bird.

Tip of the Week Tired [ ... ]

We'll Harness River to Power Our Homes ; Villagers' Pounds 1m Hydro Electric Dream

AGROUP of villagers in Gwynedd have revealed plans to revive a pounds 1 million hydro power scheme. The scheme which would use the nearby river in Abergynolwen near Machynlleth to generate electricity could help power over 127 homes and save over 270 tonnes of carbon dioxide per year. If the plans are successful, it is estimated that pounds 120,000 could be saved thanks to the government backed feed in tariff scheme.

Search Is On for Wales' Greenest Builder

THE SEARCH is on to find Wales' greenest builder. Home owners are urged to nominate environmentally friendly builders with a chance for the winner to win pounds 3,000 and a Nissan van.

Fun Time for Wildlife Lovers ; Green Shoots

WILDLIFE lovers are being invited to a fun day in Denbighshire. The Bioblitz event in Bodelwyddan Castle Woods & Parkland in Cemaes takes place on Sunday July 15.

20th Birthday for Eco Project ; Green Shoots

Storm Brews On 'Regional Benefits' ; Lower Dole Where Pay's Lower Plan Dubbed 'Plain Barmy'

PLANS to give jobless people in North Wales lower benefits than in affluent areas of England triggered a furious reaction last night. David Cameron floated controversial plans to bring in lower out- of-work benefits in places where pay is lower to increase incentives to look for work.

Plan to Tackle Empty Homes

HOUSING chiefs are preparing to tackle the problem of empty homes across the region, in preparation for the impact welfare reforms may have on homelessness. Flintshire Council has been asked by Welsh Government bosses to act as the 'lead' authority in a new grant scheme, which will see cash loans handed out in a bid to cut the number of vancant private houses.

Doctors Say Minister Must Oversee Reforms

DOCTORS leaders called yesterday for health minister Lesley Griffiths to take responsibility for a major shake up in hospital services in North Wales. The Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board is due to publish proposals next month over the future of general surgery and maternity services in the region.

31 Days to Go Countdown to Games with 50 Welsh Olympic Heroes

Triathlon Attracts Hundreds to Watch

HUNDREDS of spectators thronged a promenade to watch superfit athletes swim, cycle and run in Llandudno Sea Triathlon - giving a huge boost to the local economy. The overall male and female winners from Saturday's event were Arthur Connell from Bangor and Emily Marrs from Shrewsbury.

Mayor Demands 'Dispersal Order' Debate

A CONTROVERSIAL dispersal order in Bangor will be discussed at a special meeting of the city council as the mayor reveals he only found out about it by reading the paper. Mayor, Cllr Bryn Hughes, has called for the debate and wants people to contact him with any questions via Facebook.

Runaway Piglet Found with the Alpacas

FARM rangers have squealed for help after a runaway piglet was discovered seeking shelter in an alpaca pen. The one-week-old fugitive piglet has been named Al by staff at Wheelgate Family Theme Park in Mansfield, Nottinghamshire, who are searching for his home and family.

Labour On Offensive Over Gove Exam Plans

LABOUR will attempt to ramp up pressure on the coalition tomorrow by calling on Liberal Democrats to join them in condemning proposals to reintroduce O-levels and CSEs as "consigning young people to the scrapheap". The party will use an opposition day debate in the Commons to claim Education Secretary Michael Gove's plans would be a "damaging leap backwards".

The Pain Goes On in Bank Glitch Chaos ; Meltdown Could Cost Rbs Millions in Payback

TAXPAYER-backed bank NatWest was forced to further extend its opening hours yesterday as it battles with a "significant" backlog of transactions following an IT failure. Parent company RBS, which is 80% state-owned, potentially faces an overtime and compensation bill running into hundreds of millions of pounds, according to one analyst.

Dead in Prison

A MAN has died in prison after being found hanging in his cell. Stephen Carroll, from Liverpool, was recalled to jail three years ago after breaching the terms of his release. He was pronounced dead at Garth prison in Preston.

Damages Blow to Cab Rape Victims

PASSENGERS of a taxi driver who became known as the notorious "black-cab rapist" lost a crucial step in their battle for damages yesterday. Ten women had asked a High Court judge in London to rule in their favour in a unique action relating to the liability of motor insurers over their injuries.

Top Award for Mechanic Jenna

A STUDENT has been named best female mechanic in the UK at an awards ceremony. Jenna Peters, an automotive engineering pathways to apprenticeship learner at Wrexham's Yale College, scooped the accolade at the IMI Auto Skills UK competition.

'Llangollen in London' at Westminster ; International Eisteddfod Performers in Parliament Showcase Event

MORE than 500 Welsh cakes are being baked for performers and guests at a unique cultural event at Westminster next week. The Commonwealth Carnival of Music is the brainchild of Lord Roberts of Llandudno, who wanted to do something to raise the esteem of Parliament after the expenses scandal.

'Lifesaver' Golfer Praised for Action

A GOLFER who saved the life of his playing partner with the use of a defibrillator machine has been commended for his efforts. Dave Pugh sprang into action when 76-year-0ld Trevor Slinger collapsed and stopped breathing after celebrating a birdie putt on the second green at Mold Golf Club.