Claire Elliott

A wildfire emergency alert issued across parts of Wales appeared in Welsh several minutes before the English version, prompting complaints and calls to 999. Former Welsh Conservative leader Andrew RT Davies argued for English-first alerts, while Reform UK MS Laura Anne Jones called for both languages to be sent together. Former rugby referee Nigel Owens and several readers defended the Welsh-first approach, noting Wales’s linguistic identity and the equal legal status of Welsh and English. Other readers said the main safety concern was the delay between messages rather than the order of the languages. Firefighters continue responding to wildfires across mid and south Wales, with North Wales Fire and Rescue Service assisting.

Conwy Council has proposed parking and traffic changes in Llandudno and Craig y Don, including an overnight motorhome ban on part of Abbey Road, a one-way system on Trinity Avenue and revised waiting, loading and parking restrictions. Supporters say the measures would improve road safety and address problems for residents, while critics warn they could harm tourism, local shops and small businesses by making access and parking more difficult. Residents and other interested parties can submit objections to the council until August 28, 2026.

The Welsh Government has launched a 12-week consultation into the rule requiring self-catering properties to be available for 252 days and let for 182 days annually to qualify for business rates. Properties that fail to meet the threshold can face council tax premiums of up to 300%, and about 40% of holiday lets reportedly have failed to qualify since the rule was introduced in 2023. The review will consider lowering the threshold and creating exemptions for tourism businesses, large accommodation developments, planning restrictions, homes within owners’ grounds and farm accommodation. Tourism campaigners and holiday-let owners argue that the current rule has damaged small businesses, local employment and investment, while the government says it aims to balance tourism with protection of local housing. The consultation closes on October 23, 2026.