Andrew Forgrave

Ten luggage lockers have opened at Victoria Shopping Centre in Llandudno, costing £6 for half a day or £10 for a full day. The service, operated through the newly opened Llandudno Visitor Centre by Mostyn Estates, is intended to help shoppers and tourists store bags while exploring the town and potentially increase footfall and visitor spending. The centre also provides a town-centre tourism presence following Conwy Council's relocation of its tourist information service to Venue Cymru, while Llandudno Museum and Gallery operates another information point. Users must provide photo ID, collect keys during opening hours and return them before closing.

Aldi’s Llandudno store at Mostyn Champneys Retail Park was temporarily closed and taped off after a roof leak, following heavy rain. Customers were turned away while repairs were carried out, and the retailer said the issue was quickly contained and resolved. The store had reopened and was trading normally by early afternoon on August 21, 2026.

Greenpeace painted a 1,120-square-metre image of Prime Minister Andy Burnham holding an oil drum on a wildfire-scorched hillside near Sychnant Pass in Conwy. The campaign, created with A Letter From Lucy, uses climate-change messaging to oppose further oil and gas development and coincides with consultation on the Rosebank North Sea oil field. Bangor Conwy Môn MS Janet Finch-Saunders condemned the mural as environmental vandalism and urged First Minister Rhun ap Iorwerth to respond, arguing that the damaged landscape should be protected rather than used for protest. Greenpeace says its plastic-free, sports-pitch paint is harmless and will disappear, but public reaction remains divided.

The auction of Tŷ Hyll, the Ugly House near Betws-y-Coed, has been postponed from August 26 to September 23 to allow potential buyers more time to assess the property’s condition. Tearoom owner Jane Davies, whose bid was rejected after falling £15,000 short of the valuation, will leave the site on September 27 and relocate her business to Gwesty Cobdens as the Old Ugly House Tearoom. A community petition is urging the Senedd and Cadw to intervene, explore alternatives to the sale and consider heritage protection, amid fears that the property could become a private home or close for an extended period. Cymdeithas Eryri says it must obtain the best terms for the charity and hopes the next owner will preserve the site’s public spirit.

Llyn Mair near Maentwrog in Eryri has been partially drained, alarming visitors who initially assumed drought was responsible. The low water level is instead due to planned engineering works approved by the Eryri National Park Authority to improve reservoir safety and reduce the risk of winter-storm overspills. A new siphon pipe is being installed by repurposing an existing spillway, while another spillway will be blocked; the works are intended to comply with the Reservoirs Act 1975 and are subject to environmental protections.

TikToker Jamie Greenall criticised Cefn Coed campsite owner Adrian Wright after being asked to extinguish a campfire during a drought-related blanket ban on fires. Wright said the restriction was necessary because recent wildfires in Eryri had affected thousands of acres and dry conditions created a serious risk to campers, wildlife and woodland. Most guests have complied, but a small number have reacted angrily or attempted to ignore the rules. The ban is expected to continue until sustained heavy rain arrives.

A former RNLI lifeboat station at Pwllheli’s Outer Harbour is being offered on a three-year tenancy after serving the community for 130 years. The stone boathouse was replaced by a new facility at Glan-Y-Don in 2021 because silting restricted launches, a problem linked to a 1951 tragedy in which five people died. The replacement was funded partly by a £2.8 million legacy to the RNLI, including two rare 1960s Ferraris that sold for £8.5 million. Local residents expressed sadness at the building’s likely conversion to other uses, while Gwynedd Council seeks applications by 19 August 2026.

Visitors following sat-nav directions to the beach car park at Ynyslas Beach in darkness became stranded in soft, waterlogged sand after a high tide. Borth Coastguards attended shortly before 3am, checked the occupants and recovered the vehicle before a forecast high tide could reach the area. The beach is known for tide-related risks and unexploded World War II ordnance, prompting regular coastguard and Army Bomb Squad callouts.

Clwyd East MP Becky Gittins has backed Gronant residents’ concerns that the former Gronant Institute is unsuitable for asylum accommodation, citing limited public transport and access to services. The 15-home development is being considered for use by Clear Springs Ready Homes, with 13 units earmarked for asylum seekers. Gittins is seeking further information from Flintshire Council and the Home Office, while warning that threats, intimidation and violence are unacceptable and that outside groups should not exploit local anxiety. Flintshire Council stressed that the prospective residents are legally claiming asylum and should be treated with compassion and respect; Welsh Conservative leader Darren Millar said residents had been blindsided by the plans.

Demand for certified solar eclipse glasses has surged across North Wales ahead of the August 12 eclipse, with shops largely sold out and online prices reaching £20 per pair. Astronomy clubs and community venues in places including Anglesey, Denbighshire and Conwy are supplying glasses or arranging safe viewing events. Readers are warned to use eyewear marked ISO 12312-2 and avoid ordinary sunglasses or damaged filters. NASA says welding goggles or helmets can be used only if they have a sufficiently dark Shade 12 or higher filter, with Shade 13 filters particularly uncommon. The eclipse will obscure roughly 92–94% of the Sun in North Wales and coincide closely with the peak of the Perseid meteor shower.

The Llŷn Peninsula in Gwynedd has been identified as one of the UK's best locations to view the partial solar eclipse on August 12, 2026, with 93.3% of the sun expected to be obscured. The eclipse will be visible across Wales from shortly after 6pm until just after 8pm, peaking around 7:10pm, and the Perseid meteor shower will reach its annual peak a few hours later. Clear western horizons, low light pollution and dark skies near Ynys Enlli make the peninsula especially suitable. Wales will not see another total solar eclipse until 2090.

Claire Aleks, a mother of four from Rhyl, died by suicide in July 2022 after 11 months of physical and psychological abuse by her partner, Kathryn White. The couple met on Tinder, and the court heard that White isolated Aleks from family and friends, monitored her communications, controlled her contacts and subjected her to threats and violence. Liverpool Crown Court found White guilty of controlling and coercive behaviour after a trial. The judge said the abuse significantly contributed to Aleks's death and described White as showing no remorse, shame or empathy. White was sentenced to three years and six months in prison.

Richard Holt, the pastry chef who operates Melin Llynon windmill on Anglesey, reveals that a historic bookkeeping error discovered in 2023 left him facing substantial debts and intense stress. A delayed chocolate-factory launch compounded the pressure and led to chest pains that were diagnosed as a panic attack. His businesses, including Mr Holt’s Chocolate and the popular takeaway mônuts doughnuts, continued to expand despite the difficulties. Viral endorsements from food and travel vlogger Kalani Ghost Hunter, including a second visit with Chris Baird Films, doubled daily takings, attracted international visitors and helped Holt begin paying off five-figure debts.

Enlli Thompson was diagnosed with ovarian cancer at 19 after months of severe pain, headaches and abdominal symptoms were attributed to other causes. She underwent surgery, chemotherapy, egg freezing and a full hysterectomy, resulting in immediate menopause, but entered remission in November 2025. The experience ended her mechanic apprenticeship and redirected her toward public speaking and advocacy for better awareness of gynecological cancers. Her case also highlights concerns about delayed diagnosis, gender and age-related dismissal of symptoms, limited GP consultation time and failures to meet cancer treatment targets in Wales.

An Eryri mountain leader has warned parents against carrying babies up Yr Wyddfa for summit photographs, citing infants’ limited ability to regulate temperature and the risks of wind, cold, slips and falls. Safety experts broadly discourage the practice, although experienced parents and mountain leaders argue that careful route selection, weather checks, specialist equipment, insulation and emergency planning can make some ascents manageable. Experts recommend the less exposed Llanberis Path and stress that plans should be changed or abandoned if conditions deteriorate.

The UK Government is considering mandatory eyesight tests for drivers when they reach 70, with possible cognitive assessments and licence revocation for those who fail. The proposals would replace the current system, under which drivers renew their licences every three years and self-report medical conditions. More than 10,000 licences have reportedly been revoked or refused renewal since the start of last year, but no final decision or implementation timetable has been announced. Motoring expert Matt Crole-Rees supports stronger eyesight checks, noting that drivers may not recognise when their vision falls below the legal standard.

Residents living beside the Plasdwr housing development in Cardiff say construction dust is preventing them from using their gardens or opening windows during a hot summer. Jacob Sparkes describes recurring dust clouds settling on his property and plants, while Paula, who has COPD and uses a breathing machine, says the dust and heat are worsening her living conditions. Barratt Redrow, which is building the section beside Pentrebane, says it has received no direct complaints and is following an approved environmental management plan, including dampening work areas, using road sweepers and retaining vegetation. The local authority reportedly found the mitigation measures satisfactory.

North Wales Police closed the B5129 Chester Road West in Shotton, Deeside, for about five hours on August 1 because of an ongoing concern-for-safety incident involving a young person. Traffic was diverted between Deeside Retail Park and Deeside Leisure Centre, with drivers advised to avoid the area. The incident was resolved at around 9pm, and congestion subsequently eased, although some delays remained on Station Road.

Traffic queues formed on the A55 after a broken-down vehicle caused an eastbound lane closure between junctions 27 and 28 near St Asaph, Denbighshire. A second broken-down vehicle caused westbound delays near the Britannia Bridge. Traffic Wales attended both incidents and later reopened the lanes, although residual congestion remained near the bridge.

Marc and Kellie Evans are seeking permission to build a three-bedroom home in their Llanberis garden after their application was rejected twice on design, landscape and overlooking concerns. Marc argues that planning rules favor wealthier outsiders and holiday-let owners while making it difficult for local families to remain in the village. Llanberis has 99 active Airbnb listings and 9.8% of its homes are holiday lets, second homes or empty, although this remains below Abersoch's 57.8%. The family fears continued tourism growth will weaken the Welsh language community and threaten the local primary school. A local councillor supported the proposal, and the family plans to submit a further redesign.

A half-built house on a prominent entrance to Penmaenmawr has stood abandoned for years and is reportedly deteriorating, with residents citing falling debris, vandalism, fires and difficult living conditions. Conwy councillors Cathy Augustine and Anne McCaffrey are pressing the council to pursue compulsory purchase and demolition if the deadlock with the developer cannot be resolved. A local developer has offered to redevelop the site and claims to have complained about the council's failure to act, but councillors warn that a compulsory purchase process and demolition could take up to 10 years.

A juvenile ocean sunfish found stranded near Abersoch was carried back into the sea by a visitor but later washed ashore dead. Sea Trust Wales has recorded an increase in sightings around the Welsh coast, possibly linked to warmer seas drawing the jellyfish-eating fish closer to shore. The article describes the species’ unusual appearance, vulnerability to injuries and predators, and extraordinary reproductive capacity.

A 14-tonne Mercedes-Benz coach was stopped by local residents before it could cross the Menai Suspension Bridge, which is subject to a 7.5-tonne limit while repairs are underway. The intervention occurred after monitoring staff suspended work following complaints of abuse and harassment, leaving the crossing temporarily unguarded. Local postman Mike Eyre helped halt and turn the coach around, while the driver apologized and said the breach was a genuine mistake. The incident follows other overweight-vehicle violations that have caused bridge closures and traffic congestion. Residents and businesses are increasingly frustrated with the monitoring system, repeated closures and uncertainty over whether restrictions will remain after repairs are supposedly completed in spring 2027.

A campervan occupying four spaces at Y Glyn beside Llyn Padarn in Llanberis has intensified local anger over illegal overnight parking and poor enforcement. Residents accuse visitors of ignoring site rules, creating litter and noise, and using BBQs and fire pits despite wildfire risks. The council says parking is monitored under its civil enforcement scheme, that campervans have the same parking rights as other vehicles unless specific restrictions apply, and that further changes to local parking arrangements are planned.

A SIXT study identifies relatively under-the-radar beauty spots across North Wales and the wider UK using factors including online reviews, Instagram exposure, Google searches, weather, pollution, transport access and parking. Featured North Wales locations include Little Orme and Angel Bay in Conwy, World’s End in Wrexham, Alwen Reservoir in Denbighshire, Llyn Idwal in Gwynedd, South Stack Lighthouse on Anglesey and Ewloe Castle in Flintshire. Pwll Deri in Pembrokeshire is ranked Wales’s top secret location and second in the UK, while the article notes that some supposedly hidden sites remain popular despite their strong social-media presence.

Authorities reported several near-miss fires at scenic sites across North Wales, including Wepre Park in Flintshire, Penrhos Coastal Park and Newborough Forest on Anglesey. Park rangers, Natural Resources Wales wardens, police and firefighters extinguished the fires before they spread, but warned that smouldering fires can reignite and threaten people, wildlife and property. The incidents have renewed calls for stronger enforcement, including heat-seeking drones, fines and bans, alongside education and community-based initiatives to discourage illegal campfires and wild camping.

Unusually warm seas around Wales, with temperatures up to 5C above normal in some coastal areas, are bringing increasing numbers of normally rare species to Welsh waters, including ocean sunfish, triggerfish, pufferfish, turtles and other warm-water creatures. The marine heatwave is also linked to algal blooms, jellyfish, stronger storms and coastal flooding, while threatening cod, fishing stocks and seafood production. Anglesey Sea Zoo director Frankie Hobro warns that prolonged warming, combined with an El Niño year, could produce more severe consequences, including venomous Portuguese man o’ war and weever fish arrivals and cold-shock deaths among turtles and other species when conditions suddenly turn colder. The zoo is fundraising for a dedicated turtle rescue and rehabilitation centre.

Cyngor Gwynedd is introducing 20 experimental Traffic Regulation Orders across four overcrowded tourism locations, with two additional orders in Trawsfynydd, to tackle roadside parking, unofficial overnight campsites and blocked bus routes. From July 27, 2026, restrictions will affect Y Glyn in Llanberis, the Dinorwig quarry bus terminal, Abergwyngregyn near Aber Falls, Nant Gwynant near Yr Wyddfa’s Watkin Path, and two streets in Trawsfynydd. The measures include 24-hour parking bans, overnight restrictions, permit-only access and limited short-term parking, with exemptions for loading, passenger pickup and some disabled drivers. The trial will last up to 18 months before the council decides whether to make the restrictions permanent.

RSPB Conwy now requires non-members to pay a £6 admission fee even if they only want to visit its Waterside Coffee Shop. Regular customers have criticised the change as unaffordable, discriminatory toward people with limited mobility and potentially harmful to the café and nearby farmers market. Bangor Conwy Môn MS Janet Finch-Saunders said she would ask the RSPB about exemptions. RSPB Cymru says the fee covers access to the whole reserve, addresses a loophole used by some visitors and supports conservation and site maintenance; it recommends membership for frequent visitors.

A specialist firefighting helicopter is due to support crews tackling the 11-day Rhinogydd wildfire in Eryri National Park after Natural Resources Wales struggled to find an approved contractor amid exceptional demand elsewhere in Britain. Fires are burning near Llyn Cwm Bychan and Trawsfynydd, with containment efforts limiting damage to 513 hectares of Cwrt Forest. Authorities have issued local communities with situational-awareness guidance and warned that evacuation could become necessary if conditions worsen. Five other North Wales wildfire sites are being monitored, while residents are urged to avoid cordoned areas because rescues of people who entered restricted zones have diverted emergency resources.

A major wildfire in the Rhinogydd mountains has led to controversy after Natural Resources Wales rejected the use of a privately hired firefighting helicopter despite growing public pressure for aerial support. Cwm Bychan Farm funded the aircraft themselves but were told it could not be used due to unmet assurance requirements, prompting criticism from the helicopter operator. The fire continues to spread toward nearby communities and forests, with emergency services constructing firebreaks and deploying specialist equipment. Welsh Government officials reported that no aerial firefighting assets are currently available anywhere in the UK while additional ground resources have been deployed to support containment efforts.

Police found more than £3,300 worth of cocaine and MDMA, along with cash and phone evidence of dealing, during a raid on Adam Bowen’s Holyhead home and car. Bowen admitted multiple drug supply offences and possession of criminal property and was sentenced at Caernarfon Crown Court to five years and four months in prison. North Wales Police said the case reflects ongoing efforts to combat drug supply and urged residents to report related activity.

A light aircraft accident at Hawarden Airport prompted a major emergency response, with two occupants escaping unharmed after the plane tipped forward on the runway. Fire crews from multiple stations and ambulance services attended, though no hospital treatment was required. The incident caused a seven‑hour suspension of flights before airport operations resumed later that evening.

A Ministry of Defence training vessel anchored off Porth Dafarch in Anglesey so crew members could reach the popular Licence to Grill food van, known for seafood specials and gourmet burgers. Owner Adam Rossington has built the beachside business into a social media success, drawing visitors by boat and on foot during heatwaves. The beach has recently seen heavy crowds, parking pressures and minor incidents, including a mistaken bomb scare, while another military vessel attempted but failed to reach the shore for food. Licence to Grill continues to grow alongside its sister ice cream van, supported by high online engagement and year-round demand.

Police have begun checkpoint patrols at Newborough Forest and Traeth Llanddwyn amid heightened wildfire risk, following recent fires in the region and the discovery of illegal barbecues and campfires. Natural Resources Wales and North Wales Police are coordinating efforts to enforce bans on fires and camping, with warnings that the area may close again if danger levels rise. Local concerns have intensified after significant wildfires in nearby areas diverted firefighting resources. Improvements to forest infrastructure and car parks continue as authorities urge visitors to avoid barbecues and reduce fire risks.

North Wales has been moved to prolonged dry weather status as rising temperatures, repeated heatwaves and minimal rainfall cause rivers to dry, fish to die and ecosystems to deteriorate. Natural Resources Wales warns that without sustained rain, conditions could quickly worsen and lead to an official drought declaration. Groundwater, soil moisture and river flows are all dropping, and wildfires have intensified across the region, prompting emergency responses. Officials expect extreme weather events to occur more frequently due to climate change and urge the public to use water responsibly as coordination continues among Welsh authorities and environmental agencies.

Brown scum seen on the River Clwyd near Rhyl prompted concerns about possible sewage pollution, but an investigation by Natural Resources Wales found no evidence of sewage discharge. Initial assessments indicate the discoloration is likely caused by harmless Phaeocystis algae linked to recent warm weather. Similar algae-related incidents were recently reported on the River Usk. Samples from the Clwyd are still being analyzed, though authorities report no cause for alarm and note that such occurrences are common during summer months.

A severe wildfire in Conwy caused extensive environmental damage, burning even the soil and leaving hillsides unstable, prompting Conwy Council to close multiple footpaths over safety concerns. Residents were evacuated, some infrastructure including power lines was damaged, and firefighters remained on site as hotspots persisted. Pensychnant Conservation Centre reported unprecedented ecological destruction, warning that full recovery could take decades.

A wildfire on the Rhinogydd mountains above Llanbedr intensified during a heatwave, prompting calls from residents and MP Liz Saville-Roberts for water‑bombing helicopters to support ground crews struggling to access the terrain. Farmers used their own vehicles to help firefighters reach the site as smoke affected nearby communities. With no rain forecast, concerns grew over wildlife harm, risks to properties and the health effects of drifting smoke. Emergency services continued to tackle the blaze while officials sought clarity on mitigation measures and considered aerial assistance if conditions failed to improve.

North Wales Police gained widespread praise for humorous social media posts after wanted man Sion Parry reacted to an appeal for information with laughing emojis, leading to his quick arrest. Comparisons were drawn between the police team’s wit and Aldi UK's well-known online humour. Other recent posts from local policing teams show a trend toward light‑hearted engagement with the public, including commentary on incidents such as illegal parking that led to the discovery of illicit tobacco.

Smoke and haze across northeast Wales prompted concerns after residents reported strong burning smells and reduced visibility, initially thought to be linked to recent local wildfires. North Wales Fire and Rescue Service attributed the conditions to smoke drifting from large moorland fires near Manchester, including one at Dovestone Reservoir, which has led to a major incident declaration. Air quality readings showed moderately high pollution levels in Wrexham, significantly lower than Manchester’s unhealthy levels. Public health agencies advised people, especially those with respiratory conditions, to limit exposure until conditions improve.

A 21-year-old man from Edern, Joel Hookings, was sentenced at Mold Crown Court to eight years and four months in prison after admitting rape, sexual assault by penetration and creating indecent images of children. Police uncovered videos of the assault stored in a hidden Snapchat folder. He was placed on the sex offender register indefinitely and given a lifetime restraining order to protect the victim. North Wales Police commended the victim’s bravery and urged other victims of sexual offences to come forward.

A 46-year-old man died after jumping from Llangollen’s historic bridge, prompting a police investigation and renewed efforts to warn the public about the dangers of the long-standing local practice of bridge jumping. Emergency services responded after witnesses reported the incident, and the man was later found in the River Dee and taken to Wrexham Maelor Hospital, where he died. North Wales Police plans to work with local councils to increase safety awareness as large crowds continue to gather at the riverside during recent heatwaves.

Traeth Llanddwyn beach and Newborough Forest on Anglesey reopened after a temporary closure caused by heightened fire risk during a heatwave. Natural Resources Wales confirmed access had resumed but announced partial closures of the main beach car park early this week to clear windblown sand. The agency urged visitors to avoid lighting fires and to follow safety guidance as dry conditions persist. Ongoing road and track improvements will continue through July, with some temporary closures, and further vegetation management is planned for autumn to reduce future fire risk.

A police‑escorted shunt reactor delivery from Traeth Morfa Bychan to Trawsfynydd is causing traffic delays across Gwynedd, part of National Grid’s project to replace overhead lines with an underground cable tunnel across the Dwyryd Estuary. Residents and drivers were warned of temporary road stops, parking restrictions and the closure of the main beach entrance, with the convoy departing later than planned due to tide‑dependent logistics.

Llandudno ranks tenth in a national analysis of seaside destinations for fish and chips, offering 43 outlets and positioning it as Wales’s leading location for the dish. Brighton tops the UK list, followed by Southend-on-Sea and Blackpool. Despite mixed Tripadvisor reviews for one local shop, the town remains a major tourist draw and was recently ranked among Wales’s best seaside destinations.

Residents in Halkyn and across North Wales report disruption from large Airbnb-style holiday lets, prompting Alex and Guy Roberts to petition the Senedd for stricter licensing rules aimed at limiting late‑night noise and protecting communities. The petition, now with nearly 1,000 signatures, calls for clearer council powers, including noise management requirements and restrictions on outdoor entertainment. Supporters argue that some large properties function more like private venues than traditional holiday lets, while critics warn additional regulation could harm tourism and impose excessive burdens on property owners. The debate highlights tensions between local quality‑of‑life concerns and the economic role of the region’s visitor accommodation sector.

A rectangular, letterbox-shaped opening on the sea cliffs of Ynys Moelfre off Anglesey is revealed to be the remnant of an 18th‑century limestone quarrying operation. Quarry workers once cut blocks directly from the island’s tidal edges and loaded them onto boats, leaving behind geometric cuts that resemble a man‑made doorway. The island’s brief quarrying period ended in the early 19th century due to difficult conditions and competition from larger mainland quarries, with only Anglesey Masonry’s Aber Quarry remaining in operation today.

A prolonged heatwave in North Wales caused large sections of the Afon Dulas near Llanddulas beach to dry up, killing thousands of fish despite rescue attempts by local volunteers. While some residents blame altered riverbed conditions from winter storms or possible upstream abstraction, Natural Resources Wales attributes the die-off primarily to low rainfall and warns that relocation efforts can further harm fish. Locals are urging NRW and Conwy Council to coordinate long-term solutions as climate-driven droughts become more common, amid additional concerns about algae levels linked to a nearby storm overflow.

Police arrested a 32‑year‑old woman following a reported wounding incident at a property in Rhostyllen, Wrexham, prompting a large response involving several vehicles and a dog unit. Drone footage captured officers at the scene, where the door appeared to have been forced and crime scene tape was visible. The woman was later bailed under conditions as the investigation continues.

A neglected 1930s former rectory in Pistyll near Nefyn is heading to online auction with a guide price of £135,000. Known as Gwerindy, the overgrown five‑bedroom property sits in an elevated coastal position with expansive views toward the Irish Sea and Anglesey. Requiring full renovation or possible redevelopment, it is expected to attract developers and cash buyers. The house includes multiple reception rooms, outbuildings and 0.376 acres of grounds, with bidding scheduled for July 30.