Clwyd MS Darren Millar has raised the issue in the Senedd, saying thousands of families rely on school transport, particularly in rural communities where alternative options can be limited.

He says some transport operators are reporting fuel cost increases of between 20 and 30 per cent, while the average purchase price of fuel is now 45 per cent higher than before March 2026.

Mr Millar says councils across North Wales have been keeping local transport businesses informed about the situation, but some are waiting for national guidance on what support can be provided.

He is calling on the Welsh Government to issue clear guidance to local authorities and take action to prevent rising costs from putting school transport services at risk.

“Home-to-school transport is a service that thousands of families rely on, especially in rural communities where alternatives are limited,” he said.

“Transport operators cannot continue to absorb sustained losses without putting services at risk.”

Home-to-school transport is primarily the responsibility of local authorities, with the Welsh Government recognising the importance of ensuring learners can travel safely and affordably.

The issue of rising costs for school transport operators has previously been raised in the Senedd, with evidence highlighting fuel price volatility and significant increases in the cost of providing services.

Mr Millar said national direction was now needed to help councils and operators deal with the latest increase in fuel costs.

The annual operation brings police together with local authorities and community partners to help reduce anti-social behaviour and criminal damage while supporting safe and responsible celebrations.

While Halloween and Bonfire Night are enjoyed by many people across North Wales, police say incidents of anti-social behaviour can increase during the autumn celebrations.

They are reminding young people that behaviour which might seem like harmless fun can cause distress, damage property and, in some circumstances, lead to criminal offences.

As part of Op Bang, neighbourhood policing teams will be visiting schools, youth groups and community settings to talk to young people about staying safe and making positive choices.

Funding from the Police and Community Trust is also being used to support local activities aimed at engaging young people during the Halloween and Bonfire Night period.

Police are encouraging people to attend organised events where possible, look out for friends and take care around fireworks and bonfires.

Residents are also being asked to be considerate of elderly people, young children and pets, and to respect homes, gardens and other people's property.

People are reminded not to throw eggs, flour or fireworks at people, vehicles or buildings, damage property or enter private land without permission.

Parents and carers are being encouraged to talk to children about responsible behaviour, know where they are and who they are with, and explain the potential consequences of anti-social behaviour and criminal damage.

Police are also asking retailers to support the campaign by being vigilant about suspicious purchasing behaviour and considering whether to refuse sales of eggs and flour to unaccompanied children.

North Wales Police say the aim is to ensure Halloween and Bonfire Night remain enjoyable for everyone, while helping communities feel safe and respected.

They are also reminding people to contact the appropriate organisation if they need help or advice during the celebrations.

The Llandudno-based hospice has received the Gold Standards Framework Quality Hallmark Award, recognising its commitment to providing high-quality, person-centred care to patients and their families.

The award follows 12 months of work by the hospice’s Day Therapy team towards Gold Standards Framework accreditation. This included specialist training, reviewing care at patient level, providing evidence of how the standards are embedded across the hospice and completing an assessment visit.

The Gold Standards Framework recognises organisations which ensure people receive the right care, in the right place and at the right time, while respecting their wishes and preferences.

St David’s Hospice received the award at the GSF annual conference and awards ceremony in Birmingham, alongside organisations from across the UK working to improve end of life care.

A total of 147 organisations received a GSF Quality Hallmark Award this year, with St David’s Hospice the first hospice in Wales to achieve the accreditation.

Dr Gwyn Griffiths, Medical Director at St David’s Hospice, said he was proud of the team and their work.

He said the award reflected the care provided by staff to ensure patients’ wishes are respected and they are treated with dignity and compassion, while their families are supported too.

St David’s Hospice provides specialist care to adults with advanced illnesses or those approaching the end of life, as well as support for their families.

The charity cares for more than 1,000 people each year across Conwy, Gwynedd and Anglesey, providing clinical, emotional, physical and spiritual support.

Its services include Day Therapy Centres and Inpatient Units in Llandudno and Holyhead, with care available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

The hospice says it will cost more than £5.2 million to run its services this year, with around a quarter of that funding coming from the Welsh Government and Local Health Board. The remainder is raised through community fundraising.

Care is provided free of charge to patients, families and carers.

The Bay of Colwyn Town Council and the Welsh Mountain Zoo have announced Wild About Colwyn, a new initiative which will bring up to 19 individually designed wildlife sculptures to locations across Colwyn Bay, Rhos-on-Sea and Old Colwyn.

The permanent trail is due to launch in spring 2027 and will combine art, wildlife, conservation and community, encouraging residents and visitors to explore different parts of the Bay of Colwyn.

The project has been supported through Pride in Place funding and builds on the long-standing relationship between the town and the Welsh Mountain Zoo.

The announcement was made to coincide with World Animal Day, which took place yesterday, with organisers promising that there is plenty more to come before the trail launches.

Over the coming months, more details will be revealed, including the animals that will feature, the artists involved, the locations of the sculptures and the sponsors supporting the project.

There will also be opportunities for local schools and community groups to get involved.

Organisers say Wild About Colwyn is just the beginning, with the trail intended to create a new way for people to discover the area while celebrating wildlife and the connection between the community and the National Zoo of Wales.

More announcements are expected later this year.

The iconic British pop duo will headline Live at Llangollen Pavilion on Sunday, July 4, 2027, with special guests Tony Hadley and Altered Images also appearing on the bill.

Tickets go on sale at 10am on Friday through Llangollen Pavilion and Ticketmaster.

Bananarama, whose career stretches back more than four decades, are promising a night packed with some of their best-known songs, including Cruel Summer, Venus, Love in the First Degree, Robert De Niro's Waiting and I Heard a Rumour.

The duo have sold more than 30 million records and have had 10 UK Top 10 hits. They also hold a Guinness World Record for the highest number of chart entries by an all-female group.

The Llangollen show is part of their Too Hot To Handle Greatest Hits Summer Tour, which will visit outdoor venues across the UK.

Sara Dallin said the band were looking forward to bringing their biggest hits to audiences next summer, while Keren Woodward promised “a night of real 80s nostalgia”.

They will be joined by Tony Hadley, the former frontman of Spandau Ballet, whose hits include True, Gold and Through the Barricades.

Opening the evening will be Scottish new wave group Altered Images, fronted by Clare Grogan. The band are best known for songs including Happy Birthday, I Could Be Happy and Don't Talk to Me About Love.

The concert is being presented as part of the continuing partnership between the Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod and promoters Cuffe and Taylor.

It adds another big name to an already busy Live at Llangollen Pavilion 2027 programme, with Holly Johnson, Alfie Boe, Ronan Keating, James Morrison and Jack Savoretti also among the artists announced so far.

The Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod's Artistic Director Dave Danford said the Bananarama show would add “another very different flavour” to next summer's programme.

Tickets are available from 10am Friday, with further information available through Llangollen Pavilion's website.

Sixteen-month-old Rupert Smith, from Penymynydd, has Alternating Hemiplegia of Childhood (AHC), a rare genetic neurological condition which can cause seizures, paralysis-like episodes and serious breathing difficulties.

A fundraising evening organised by North Wales law firm Swayne Johnson raised £7,278 for Rupert’s Rainbow, the family’s appeal to fund research into AHC and help Rupert access specialist treatment in America.

There were emotional scenes at the event at the White House in Rhuallt when Rupert’s uncle Liam McHugh spoke about the youngster’s condition and the impact it has had on the family.

Around 125 people attended the evening, which included dinner, entertainment, a raffle and an auction. The event was organised by Swayne Johnson private client solicitor Olivia Brown, who also secured many of the prizes from local businesses.

The amount raised was almost three times the organisers’ original target for the evening of £2,500.

Liam had travelled from his home in Australia to support the family and had also accompanied Rupert’s parents, Siobhan and Dave Smith, to Paris for a conference about AHC.

Rupert’s dad Dave said hearing directly from a family member had helped those attending understand what life is like for Rupert and his family.

“Sometimes people just see the fundraising cause and see Rupert's photo, his beautiful eyes, his curly hair, and his smile,” he said.

“I think it is more impactful sometimes hearing it from those directly involved, it feels more personal.”

Dave said the family had initially felt isolated after Rupert’s diagnosis because of the rarity of the condition, but the support they had received from people across North Wales had given them renewed hope.

“The fact that we are trying to raise awareness of this condition, and people are willing to help and support us, really gives us hope for Rupert's future,” he said.

The Rupert’s Rainbow appeal is aiming to raise £1.5 million, with more than £435,000 now raised.

Swayne Johnson managing director Lynette Viney-Passig said Liam’s speech had been particularly moving and had reminded everyone why they were supporting the fundraiser.

“Rupert is a little boy who is literally one in a million, his condition is incredibly rare,” she said.

“His story resonates with all of us, and it hits all of us hard.”

She also thanked the businesses which donated prizes and supported the event.

Dave said the family were “deeply grateful” for the support they had received from communities across North Wales, but said the appeal now needed to reach a wider audience to help it reach its £1.5 million target.

“We need it to go further afield now to reach the target,” he said.

“It is achievable, but it will take a lot of hard work, though with the support we are receiving, we have got hope.”

For more information about Rupert’s Rainbow and the appeal, visit the charity’s website.

The Gogs played with 14 men for 55 minutes, with their indiscipline proving costly as the home side took advantage of the extra space at crucial moments.

RGC started brightly, moving the ball through the hands and looking to stretch the home defence. There were encouraging signs in the scrum too, but a couple of promising attacks broke down through misplaced passes.

Pontypool had the first chance to score but missed a long-range penalty before RGC's Sam Williams produced an important turnover at the breakdown.

The home side eventually opened the scoring after 17 minutes when Kieran Meek converted a penalty. Billy McBryde responded two minutes later with a penalty for RGC.

The game's major turning point came after 25 minutes when RGC winger Ieuan Cornelius was shown a red card. Pontypool's Scott Matthews was also shown yellow following an incident which began with a high tackle before a scuffle off the ball saw the decision reversed.

RGC were therefore left with 14 men for the remainder of the game.

Pontypool immediately looked to exploit the extra space and Carrick McDonough crossed in the corner for the first try, with Meek adding the conversion.

Despite being a man down, RGC continued to create pressure and spent periods camped inside the Pontypool half. They eventually reduced the deficit on the stroke of half-time when McBryde converted a penalty earned by Delwyn Jones at the breakdown.

RGC went on the attack again after the restart and took the lead in the 43rd minute. Sam Jones broke through after taking a pass from Dion Jones, with McBryde adding the conversion to make it 13-12.

The Gogs were working extremely hard to cover the extra ground required while a man short, but another yellow card made the task even harder.

Sam Jones was sent to the sin bin following an aerial challenge and Pontypool took advantage almost immediately, McDonough crossing for his second try of the afternoon. Meek converted again.

RGC refused to let the setback derail them and McBryde's penalty with 20 minutes remaining brought them back to within a point at 19-18.

The home side then began to make greater use of the space available to them. McDonough narrowly missed out on a hat-trick when his foot was in touch as he crossed the line, before Pontypool eventually extended their lead through Marcus Jones.

Meek's conversion put the home side eight points clear.

RGC continued to push and McBryde added another penalty after further pressure on the Pontypool defence, but the home side struck again when Buster Bodkin crossed for a try, with Meek converting.

That looked to have settled the contest, but RGC continued to attack and were rewarded late on when Sam Williams powered over for a try.

McBryde converted with the final kick of the game to secure RGC a losing bonus point.

For a side that spent 55 minutes playing with 14 men, the Gogs showed considerable determination to stay in the contest and were within touching distance of Pontypool deep into the second half.

RGC are back at Stadiwm Eirias next Saturday, when Newport visit Colwyn Bay. Kick-off is at 2.30pm.

The zoo said Mabel had experienced a short period of age-related decline before she died and described her as a “true matriarch” who had played an important part in life at the Colwyn Bay attraction for many years.

Mabel also made an important contribution to the European Association of Zoos and Aquaria's ex-situ breeding programme for the critically endangered Western chimpanzee.

Her family line will continue at the Welsh Mountain Zoo and in other EAZA member zoos, through her son and his offspring, with some of them still part of the zoo's chimpanzee troop.

The animal team described Mabel as wise, resilient and subtle, recalling that she could be “a little cantankerous” in her younger years, while retaining her playful nature throughout her life.

Chimpanzees are among humanity's closest living relatives and are facing significant threats in the wild, including habitat loss, poaching and disease. The Welsh Mountain Zoo says wild chimpanzee numbers have fallen dramatically over recent decades and lists the species as endangered.

The zoo supports the Wild Chimpanzee Foundation, which works on conservation, research and education projects in countries including Côte d'Ivoire, Liberia, Guinea and Sierra Leone.

Mabel's contribution to the breeding programme therefore forms part of a wider effort to maintain healthy populations of the species in managed conservation programmes.

The Welsh Mountain Zoo, which sits above Colwyn Bay at Flagstaff Gardens, has been home to generations of animals since it opened in 1963. The zoo is the oldest and most established zoo in Wales and is now home to more than 60 species.

For those who cared for her, however, Mabel's importance went beyond conservation.

The zoo said she leaves behind many memories for the people and chimpanzees who shared her life and described her as a “very special member” of its family.

She will be greatly missed by the animal team and everyone who had the opportunity to know her.

The WRU is working with representatives from the North Wales Rugby Council to identify investors who could take over ownership and operation of RGC as a stand-alone organisation. The governing body says there has already been significant interest from potential investors.

RGC has been owned by the WRU since 2011 and was one of the founding teams in the semi-professional Super Rygbi Cymru competition when it was launched for the 2024/25 season.

The move is part of a wider change in the way the WRU wants RGC to operate. Rather than being directly owned and operated by the governing body, the intention is for RGC to have the same funding model as the other clubs in Super Rygbi Cymru, while gaining greater independence and the ability to attract outside investment.

The WRU says feedback from potential investors has suggested that RGC's commercial potential is restricted by its current integration with the organisation.

Moving to independent ownership would allow the club to develop its own commercial opportunities, sponsorship and investment while continuing to receive direct WRU funding on the same basis as other teams in the competition.

The change would apply to RGC's senior men's team, while the WRU says it will continue to invest in the wider rugby pathway in North Wales.

That includes the RGC North Wales Regional Academy and the Women's Player Development Centre in North Wales, both of which form part of the WRU's plans to develop young players and provide opportunities within the region.

WRU Director of Rugby and Elite Performance Dave Reddin said the move represented an opportunity to unlock RGC's potential while maintaining investment in the North Wales rugby pathway.

He said North Wales remained “strategically important” to Welsh rugby and that RGC had helped increase participation, provide a representative senior team and create a pathway for players to develop without necessarily having to leave the region.

RGC was established in 2008 as the representative senior team for North Wales, bringing together players from across the region. The team has since become an important part of the area's rugby structure and has provided a route for North Wales players to compete at a higher level.

The club has enjoyed a strong period on the field in recent years, including reaching the Super Rygbi Cymru final in its inaugural season before continuing to establish itself in the competition.

The Super Rygbi Cymru league itself is also being positioned as an important part of the WRU's future domestic structure. Existing club licences run until the end of the 2026/27 season and the WRU has committed a further £500,000 to the competition.

North Wales representation is also built into the league's participation arrangements, meaning the proposed change in RGC's ownership is not intended to remove the region from the competition.

Instead, the WRU says the aim is to create a more sustainable and commercially independent club while continuing to support player development and the wider game across North Wales.

Any change in ownership will depend on the outcome of discussions with potential investors and the process of establishing RGC as a separate entity.

For supporters, the proposed change could ultimately mean greater local independence for RGC, while the WRU retains a role in funding the club and developing the player pathway across North Wales.

The Colwyn Bay Football Club Historical Group is building an archive of items connected with the club and is particularly keen to hear from former players, officials and supporters who may have an old shirt tucked away.

The group is interested in everything from match-worn shirts to replica and supporters’ tops, covering different periods in the club’s long history.

It already has a small collection but would like to add more, particularly shirts worn by players during matches.

A spokesman for the Historical Group said the aim was to eventually create a permanent display at the club, showcasing shirts from different eras alongside other items documenting its history.

The independent group has the support of Colwyn Bay FC and is researching and recording the club’s history, including its teams, players, matches and achievements.

The group is also compiling first-team results dating back to the club’s formation in the 1880s, with the eventual aim of creating an online archive.

Members say old shirts can provide an important link to particular players, teams, seasons and memorable moments in the club’s history.

Anyone with a Colwyn Bay shirt or other memorabilia they would be willing to donate or loan, or who has information about an item they own, is being encouraged to get in touch.

The Historical Group can be contacted through its Facebook page by searching for Colwyn Bay FC Historical Group, or by email at cbfcseagulls@yahoo.co.uk.

The appeal forms part of the group’s wider effort to make sure the history and memories of Colwyn Bay Football Club are preserved for future generations.

Member of the Welsh Parliament Janet Finch-Saunders has reiterated her opposition to the plans, which would involve the construction of a data centre building along with back-up generators, associated plant and equipment and a new substation at the former Gerodo/Friction Dynamics site.

The development is being proposed as part of the growing demand for data centre capacity to support digital services and artificial intelligence. Such facilities contain large numbers of computer servers which process and store data and require significant amounts of electricity and cooling infrastructure.

The scale of the proposed development has prompted concerns locally, particularly because of the size of the main building, which has been described as being around 100 feet tall.

Mrs Finch-Saunders says she has been contacted by residents who are concerned about the potential impact on the area's water supply, energy demand, pollution and air quality, as well as possible effects on wildlife and the surrounding landscape.

She also says some local businesses have raised concerns about the potential impact of the development and the character of the area.

Writing to Welsh Government Cabinet Minister for Local Government, Housing and Planning Siân Gwenllian, Mrs Finch-Saunders said she believed the concerns being raised by residents deserved to be taken seriously.

She has called for the plans to be rejected, saying the local environment, landscape, wildlife and communities should be protected.

The proposed site is a former industrial location, and any planning application will be considered through the relevant planning process, with environmental, infrastructure and other potential impacts subject to assessment.

Data centres have become an increasingly important part of the UK's digital infrastructure as demand for cloud computing, online services and AI technology grows. However, their development can also raise questions around electricity supply, water use, cooling systems, noise, traffic and the visual impact of large buildings.

Mrs Finch-Saunders is encouraging residents who have concerns about the proposal to make their views known to Cyngor Gwynedd as part of the planning process.

She said: “I am deeply concerned about the proposed AI data centre. It will have a significant impact on the local water supply, pollution levels, the amount of energy required to operate the centre, air quality, and potentially the surrounding wildlife and ecosystems.”

She added that residents had contacted her about environmental concerns and the potential consequences for the surrounding area and local businesses.

The proposals remain subject to the planning process, with the final decision taking into account the relevant planning considerations and evidence submitted as part of the application.

The child died following a collision involving a white Ford Transit tipper van on Mill Road at around 5pm yesterday evening, Thursday, October 1st.

Detective Inspector Tim Evans, of the North Wales Police Serious Collision Investigation Unit, said officers' thoughts were with the boy's family and loved ones at what he described as an “incredibly difficult time”.

A full investigation into the circumstances of the collision is continuing.

Police are particularly appealing to anyone who was in the area around Pen y Bryn Road and Mill Road at around 5pm and has not yet spoken to officers.

They are also asking anyone with private CCTV, doorbell camera or dashcam footage to come forward, even if they do not believe the footage contains anything significant.

The driver of the van, a 39-year-old local man, was arrested on suspicion of driving offences. He has since been released under investigation while enquiries continue.

Anyone with information can contact North Wales Police via their live webchat or by calling 101, quoting reference 26000807122.

Information can also be passed anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Police are asking people to respect the privacy of the family and others affected, and not to speculate about the circumstances or share material online while the investigation continues.

The extension is adding 16 square metres of additional space to each of the school’s four classrooms, creating 64 square metres of extra space for pupils. Updated learning facilities are also being installed as part of the project.

Extensive work was carried out over the summer holidays, allowing all four of the new classroom areas to be brought into use.

External rendering and painting of the extension has now been completed, with downpipes and painting of the school yard among the remaining works due to be carried out over the coming weeks.

The project has also included replacement of doors throughout the school and improvements to firestopping measures, designed to improve the safety and resilience of the building.

Further decorative work linked to the door replacements, along with remaining snagging and some firestopping work, is due to take place during the October half-term.

The project remains on schedule for completion during the winter, in line with the original programme.

The work is being delivered by BrynBuild Ltd and funded by the Welsh Government through its Sustainable Communities for Learning Programme, a developer contribution from the Tirionfa housing development in Rhuddlan, and Denbighshire County Council.

Councillor Huw Hilditch-Roberts, Deputy Leader and Lead Member for Education and Children, Welsh Language, Culture and Heritage, said the improvements would provide pupils with better space and facilities for learning.

He said the council was pleased with the progress of the project and that some of the additional space was already being used by pupils and teachers.

He added that the investment demonstrated the council's commitment to providing high-quality education across Denbighshire.

The force says it has been working with the organisers to help ensure the event passes peacefully and without incident.

Police say they respect the right of people to protest peacefully, while also having a responsibility to prevent crime, maintain public order and keep the community safe.

Officers are expected to be visible in Llandudno over the weekend to provide reassurance.

North Wales Police has not provided further details on how many people are expected to attend.

Members of the public who have concerns while the event is taking place are being advised to speak directly to a police officer.

The “AI and the Future of Your Business: Protect It, Scale It” series is being delivered by Small Business Britain with support from BT, and will take place online on Wednesday 14th and Wednesday 21st October, both starting at 10am.

The first session, “Protect It”, will focus on using AI safely and securely. Lee Stephens, Director of Security Advisory Services at BT, will look at issues including data protection, choosing trustworthy AI tools and protecting business and customer information.

The second session, “Scale It”, takes place on October 21st and will look at how businesses can use AI to support growth. Dr Detlef Nauck, BT's Head of AI and Data Science Research, will discuss developments expected over the next year, how businesses can build an AI strategy that grows with them and how smaller companies can use the technology to compete with larger organisations.

The Conwy Business Hub says the sessions are aimed at helping small business owners understand both the opportunities and risks associated with AI, with practical advice they can use in their own businesses.

To find out more and to sign up, click here.