Emergency services are responding to a crash on the M4 Westbound between J33 and J34. Follow along for the latest updates.
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Erica Chapman, 49, of Pen-y-Turnpike Road, Dinas Powys was recorded driving a Land Rover Range Rover at 45mph on Cardiff’s A48 Western Avenue, near the junction with Excelsior Road.
The offence was recorded by an automatic camera device on July 9, 2025.
She pleaded guilty at Cardiff Magistrates’ Court and was ordered to pay a £90 fine, £85 in costs as well as a £36 victim surcharge.
Her driving record was endorsed with five penalty points.
The court heard that no driving disqualification was imposed due to mitigating circumstances presented during the hearing.
Magistrates were told that a ban would prevent Chapman from taking her son to school, football academy sessions and football games.
They accepted that “there is no one else available to take him and there is no other way of him getting there,” and that he would lose his place and experience hardship as a result.
Chapman was ordered to pay the financial penalties in monthly instalments of £70, starting from July 15.
Emergency services were called to , Barry, at approximately 9.32am on July 2.
The fire led to the evacuation of the site, with all personnel reported safe. Crews from at least 15 stations across South Wales responded.
South Wales Fire and Rescue Service said residents in nearby areas, including Rhoose and Font-Y-Gary, should keep doors and windows closed due to smoke.
SWFRS dealing with large fire at Aberthaw Power Station | Barry And District News
Tony Redman, group manager, said: “Crews continue to tackle the fire at Aberthaw Power Station, Barry.
“We are advising residents to keep their windows and doors closed.
“Although the current wind direction is carrying the majority of smoke out to sea, smoke may affect those in areas including Rhoose and Font-Y-Gary.”
Emergency services deployed a large response including eight fire appliances, four water bowsers, two aerial hydraulic platforms, and a range of specialist equipment.
Fire crews from Ely, Llantwit Major, Kenfig Hill, Barry, Penarth, Whitchurch, Cardiff Central, Pontypridd, Maindee, Caerphilly, Merthyr Tydfill, New Inn, Cwmbran, Tonypandy and Bridgend attended the scene.
Andrew RT Davies, Conservative Senedd member for the Vale of Glamorgan and Bridgend, said: “I’m deeply concerned by the fire at the Aberthaw Power Station site – and I’d like to thank the brave firefighters at the scene who are working hard to make the area safe.
“All residents in the area should follow advice issued by authorities in the area – including to keep doors and windows closed.
“If any constituent requires further information, please do get in touch.”
A spokesperson for CCR Energy said: “The situation is currently being managed by the emergency services and our on-site teams.
“All personnel have been reported safe.
“Our priority is the safety and wellbeing of everyone involved.”
Images and video footage from the scene showed thick plumes of smoke rising into the sky.
The cause of the fire is not yet known.
Although portrayed as part of the English Cotswolds, two of the show’s lavish homes are actually located just across the Welsh border.
The first is Foxfield, a sprawling estate on Rudry Road in Lisvane, which doubles as Bella Vista on screen—the home of self-made millionaire Freddie Jones and his wife Valerie.
In reality, Foxfield is one of Wales’ most valuable properties, recently listed for around £8 million by Fine & Country.
The mansion spans 24 acres and features sweeping lawns, landscaped ponds, space for tennis courts, and even areas for wild swimming—making it a natural fit for the show’s storyline of 1980s glamour and ambition.
Built in 1999 but designed with classic appeal, the seven-bedroom home includes a double-height entrance hall and a striking American white oak staircase designed to resemble a rugby ball.
Inside are multiple reception rooms, an orangery, gym, yoga studio, and a large basement garage.
Elsewhere in Monmouthshire, another key filming location can be found.
Woodbank House in Llanhennock, near Caerleon, appeared on screen as one of the main Welsh estates in the first series.
Described as a “tucked away country house ram-full of period features,” the house also provided ample space for cast and crew during filming.
Woodbank House was recently listed with a guide price of £2.85 million through Fine & Country Cardiff.
With its classic design, formal gardens, and long driveway, it delivers all the charm of a traditional country estate—despite viewers likely believing it was somewhere in rural Gloucestershire.
The use of these properties highlights the value of Welsh locations in bringing Rivals to life.
Despite being set in Jilly Cooper’s fictional Rutshire, some of the show’s backdrops are rooted in South Wales.
Both Foxfield and Woodbank underline the quiet glamour that Welsh viewers might recognise in their own countryside.
For those who have glanced at the grand gates and winding driveways of Lisvane or the rolling hills around Caerleon and wondered what lies beyond, it turns out they could be spotting locations seen on screen.
It’s a reminder that storytelling magic often begins close to home.
The blaze began at Aberthaw Power Station near Barry on July 2, and prompted warnings for nearby residents to keep their doors and windows closed.
Crews from South Wales Fire and Rescue Service were at the scene at around 10.40am and remained on site for hours as they worked to bring the fire under control.
A spokesperson for South Wales Fire and Rescue Service said: “South Wales Fire and Rescue Service is currently at the scene of a large fire at Aberthaw Power Station in Barry.
“Residents are advised to keep windows and doors closed due to large amounts of smoke.
“The incident remains on-going, there are no further updates at this time [11.36am]”.
Andrew RT Davies, Conservative Senedd member for the Vale of Glamorgan and Bridgend, said: “I’m deeply concerned by the fire at the Aberthaw Power Station site – and I’d like to thank the brave firefighters at the scene who are working hard to make the area safe.
“All residents in the area should follow advice issued by authorities in the area – including to keep doors and windows closed.
“If any constituent requires further information, please do get in touch.”
A spokesperson for CCR Energy who own Aberthaw Power Station said: “The situation is currently being managed by the emergency services and our on-site teams.
“All personnel have been reported safe, and our priority is the safety and wellbeing of everyone involved.”
Residents were quick to express their shock at the fire on social media, with many hoping nobody had been injured.
One resident said: “Hope all are safe, that’s really bad”.
Another wrote: “Hope everyone is safe”.
Others expressed concern over the toxicity of the fire, emphasising South Wales Fire and Rescue Service’s warning to keep windows and doors shut.
The vaccination will be made available to 17 and 18-year-olds across Cardiff and the Vale of Glamorgan, as a result of recent outbreaks of meningitis.
Meningococcal group B (MenB) bacteria can cause life-threatening illnesses such as meningitis and septicaemia.
Dr Claire Beynon, executive director of public health at Cardiff and Vale University Health Board, said: “Meningococcal disease can develop very quickly and, although rare, it can have devastating consequences for individuals and families.
“Vaccination is the best way to protect yourself against MenB infection.
“We strongly encourage everyone who is eligible to take up the offer of vaccination and ensure they receive both doses, particularly those preparing to start university or college, where living and socialising in close contact with others can increase the risk of infection.”
Appointment letters will be sent to those born between September 1, 2007, and August 31, 2008.
Vaccinations will be given at Maelfa Wellbeing Hub in Llanedeyrn, Barry Hospital, and Riverside Health Centre.
The first dose will be offered from late July, with a second dose to follow four weeks later.
This is a targeted programme, and only those within the specified age group will be eligible.
Julie Ullah, 63, of Heol Hartrey, Dinas Powys, was sentenced to two years and eight months in prison at Cardiff Crown Court after pleading guilty to possession with intent to supply a class A drug.
Ullah was found with cocaine on June 16 in Dinas Powys.
No surcharge was applied due to a proceeds of crime order being sought.
The case was prosecuted by Tabitha Walker, with Alex Granville representing the defence.
Ullah was locked up by Judge Shomon Khan.
A large fire has broken out at Aberthaw Power Station. Follow along for the latest updates.
Emergency services are responding to a crash on the M4 Westbound between J33 and J34. Follow along for the latest updates.
Osman Hamsharzad, 40, is wanted in connection with an assault.
He has known links to Barry, Canton and Roath.
Anyone with information is being asked to contact South Wales Police using reference number 2600174739.
Members of the public can contact South Wales Police online, by calling 101 or via Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
South Wales Police have also issued a reminder to always call 999 in an emergency.