A delivery driver who was caught driving with his foot on the dashboard whilst on a facetime call was one of the many drivers caught by officers conducting Op Tramline checks earlier this month. During the first week of December officers from the Road Crime Unit took part in Op Tramline – a national roads policing operation using an unmarked heavy goods vehicle.

The UK Government has been accused of ditching “Pride in Place” for a “know-your-place" attitude and treating Wales with contempt in a fiery Senedd debate. Rhun ap Iorwerth led the criticism, warning the will of the electorate has been “flagrantly ignored” by “at best inertia" and “at worst a concerted attempt” by UK ministers. The Plaid Cymru leader pointed out that more than a third of Labour Senedd members sent a letter to Keir Starmer, accusing the prime minister of rolling back devolution.

Netflix road safety film "commissioned" v.1

Hundreds of care home staff have been given festive hampers as part of the organisation's 40th joint Christmas and anniversary celebrations. Pendine Park opened just before Christmas in 1985 when the couple launched Gwern Alyn care home in Wrexham with just 10 staff and 14 residents. Four decades on, the organisation has grown into a major provider with nine homes in Wrexham and Caernarfon, 440 beds and more than 860 employees.

The Welsh Government has published its Disabled People’s Rights Plan, a 10-year commitment to ensuring disabled people can take part fully and equally in every part of life in Wales. The plan sets out practical actions and long-term goals to tackle barriers in employment, transport, education, healthcare, housing, independent living, digital access, and public services. Developed with the input of people with lived experience through the Disability Rights Taskforce, the plan responds to real challenges disabled people face in daily life. Following a public consultation, new areas were added, including Parents and Unpaid Carers, Digital Inclusion, and Climate Change.

Gwynedd/Eryri: Higher car park fees and retail set to help Eryri budget deficit whilst staff reductions considered 'last resort' v.1

The family of a man who died in a road traffic collision in Wrexham this week have paid tribute to him. On the morning of Monday, 15 December, Jamie Lindop - a 33-year-old father from the Overton area - was riding a motorcycle that was involved in a collision with a van on Oak Road, Wrexham. Jamie sustained life-threatening injuries in the incident and was transferred to hospital.

The Flintshire and Wrexham Investment Zone has been formally approved by the UK and Welsh governments – marking the start of a 10-year programme that will turbo-charge the regional economy. Work will now begin in earnest, with a programme of grants, training, infrastructure improvements and business support helping to unlock new opportunities for local employers, investors and communities. Councillor Mark Pritchard, Leader of Wrexham Council and Chair of Ambition North Wales, the strategic body co-ordinating the work, said: “By focusing on Advanced Manufacturing, Innovation, Skills and Infrastructure, the Investment Zone will play a vital role in driving sustainable economic growth.

A Wrexham-based production company is launching a brand new documentary school, offering people of all ages the chance to learn how to make films - completely free of charge. The school, run by 73 Degree Films will take place in Wrexham every Saturday in January, with sessions on the 10, 17, 24 and 31. Each lesson will feature a masterclass led by a renowned figure from the documentary industry, giving participants the opportunity to learn from award-winning producers, directors, cinematographers and editors.

Oak Alyn Hall, a Victorian mansion and former care home, could become a huge HMO if plans are approved. v.1

More than 90 motorists have been arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence as part of an annual Christmas anti drink and drug drive campaign. Since the launch of Operation Limit on December 1, 36 drink-drive arrests and 61 drug-drive arrests have been made across the region. According to North Wales Police, this year's campaign has seen a 25% increase in those testing positive for cocaine at the roadside (12 to 15) and a 117.8% increase in the number of drug drive arrests (28 to 61) when compared to the same period last year.

North Wales Police and Crime Panel v.1

Businesses facing sharp hikes in tax bills after the 2026 revaluation will see increases phased in over two years after the Senedd backed a new transitional relief scheme. Senedd members unanimously approved regulations to help businesses which face significant rises in non-domestic rates bills after a revaluation taking effect in April 2026. The Welsh Government estimates the transitional relief will support 25,000 ratepayers at a cost of £77m in 2026/27 and £39m in 2027/28. The partial relief covers 67% of the increase in the first year and 34% in the second.

Resident doctors across Wales have voted to accept a landmark new contract following a referendum of eligible members and final year medical students. The ballot result showed 83% voting in favour and 17% against, with a turnout of 41%. The agreement includes a 4% additional investment in the resident doctor workforce, alongside changes to working patterns, training and employment conditions. It follows negotiations between the BMA Welsh resident doctors committee, NHS Wales Employers and the Welsh Government, which concluded earlier this year. Key elements of the contract include new safeguards to prevent the most fatiguing working patterns, reforms to study budgets and study leave, and measures aimed at tackling medical unemployment and improving career progression.

North Wales Police has referred itself to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) following an incident on the A483 in Wrexham. Emergency services were called to junction 5 of the bypass on Wednesday, 17 December, after receiving reports of concern for the safety of a woman. A temporary road closure was enforced whilst officers were at the scene, with the road remaining closed for some time.

Police are appealing for witnesses after the victim of a road traffic collision in Wrexham city centre sadly passed away. The incident took place at around 2pm on Monday, 1 September and involved a mobility scooter and a Range Rover Evoque on the junction of Regent Street and King Street. A 95-year-old man was taken to hospital, however sadly, he died on November 23.

Welsh Government have still not published treatment waiting lists data - with an issue now taking weeks to resolve due to 'data quality concerns' from the local health board. A suspension on wait list data locally is in place until an "external investigation into the quality and governance of the data is completed". In today's data release it states for October Treatment waiting lists, "Due to data quality concerns, referral to treatment (RTT) data for Betsi Cadwaladr University (BCU) health board have been temporarily suspended.

The Senedd has backed the Welsh Government’s “imperfect” £27bn draft budget following a late deal to prevent a “catastrophe” for public finances. The 2026/27 spending plans passed with 24 in favour, 13 against and Plaid Cymru’s 13 members abstaining as part of a near-£300m deal with the Welsh Government. Ministers will unveil the final budget in the new year before a further crunch vote on January 27.

Swansway Motor Group say they are proud to be supporting the Wrexham Round Table this Christmas, donating the use of a Volkswagen vehicle from their VW Van Centre Wrexham to help tow the much loved Santa Float throughout December. Last year the Float brought Christmas magic to more than 3,000 families in Wrexham, covering nine routes across nine nights. Their dedication to making the season special for local families inspired Swansway Motor Group to get involved.

The Welsh Ambulance Service is urging people heading out on so-called “Mad Friday” to drink responsibly and use emergency services appropriately. Also known as Frantic Friday or Black Eye Friday, tomorrow – Friday 19 December – is traditionally the last working day before Christmas for many people and marks the start of the festive party season. Ahead of what is set to be the start of a busy period for the emergency services, the Welsh Ambulance Service is urging those who are heading out and about to drink responsibly and help ease pressure on the healthcare service.

Wrexham AFC manager Phil Parkinson, first-team players Jay Rodriguez and Danny Ward and CEO Michael Williamson helped surprise the Wrexham AFC Powerchair team last week with the arrival of six brand-new chairs. The special reveal took place at the Wrexham University Sports Centre, where the Powerchair team's training sessions are held, and the players were left overwhelmed by the arrival of their new chairs. The new powerchairs have been funded by last season's half-time 50/50 draw alongside the generous support of SP Energy Networks. The club say the significant investment in the team will enable the players to train in faster chairs as they continue their progression in the North West Powerchair Football Development League.

The abolition of police and crime commissioners v.1

Senedd members will secure pay rises ranging from £12,000 to £25,000 in the next term starting in May, compared with salaries paid after the previous election in 2021. The Senedd’s independent remuneration board has confirmed the base salary for politicians will be £79,817 after the 2026 election, up from £67,694 at the start of term. Members’ pay was frozen in 2020/21 and rises have since been linked to an index of average earnings.

A Wrexham secondary school pupil has been crowned the winner of the Bishop of St Asaph's Christmas card competition. Matilda, a student at St Joseph’s Catholic and Anglican High School, came out on top of 2,000 entries from schools in north-east and mid-Wales to wow the judges with her design of angels heralding the birth of Jesus in stable, overlooked by Mary and Joseph. Judges agreed that her winning artwork hit the brief given to all 49 Church in Wales schools in the Diocese of St Asaph: The Song of the Angels: Gloria in Excelsis Deo with a focus on music, joy, and hope.

Chester Zoo is offering £1 tickets this Christmas to families claiming Universal Credit, as part of a scheme to support people who may otherwise struggle to afford a day out. The discounted tickets will be available for visits between 18 and 31 December and can be booked online in advance. The initiative is a new addition to the zoo’s long-running Community Connections Scheme, which aims to reduce financial barriers to visiting the national conservation zoo for households and community groups. Tickets priced at £1 will be available to people receiving Universal Credit, including claimants of Working Tax Credit, Child Tax Credit, Employment and Support Allowance, Income Support or Jobseeker’s Allowance and Housing Benefit.