It could be described as an own goal by Cardiff Council. Their flagship alley gating scheme, which this year had a £110,000 budget, has been widely praised by residents for its role in cutting crime. But the gates have another use, too – as playthings for youngsters.

Up to 8,000 new jobs for Cardiff could be at risk after inspectors blasted plans for an International Business Park next to the M4.

Cardiff City manager Dave Jones takes his team to Preston tomorrow, but he’s not looking for revenge for the Bluebirds’ 6-0 drubbing there last season.

Preston blew Cardiff away at Deepdale four games before the end of last season, a defeat that cost them a place in the play-offs and a shot at the Premier League.

But Jones insists his side are not thinking about revenge. He said: “It’s been well documented the hurt we suffered there last year and people say we should use that as a yardstick or as motivation to beat them. But it doesn’t work like that.

An interview with Alun Michael, the MP for Cardiff South and Penarth, at his constituency office in Cathedral Road, Riverside.
Topics included the International Sports Village in Cardiff Bay, a hung parliament and working with Plaid Cymru, whether he has been damaged by the expenses scandal, devolution, fighting a general election through social media, and banning khat.

Fans of TV show Torchwood, who set up a shrine to one of its lead characters, have unveiled two plaques to thank people for the support of their campaign.

Joanna Bibey presents a plaque to Lee Simmonds, of Mermaid Quay
A group of fans began an internet campaign to reinstate character Ianto Jones, played by Welsh actor Gareth David-Lloyd, after he was killed-off during season four by writer Russell T Davies.

A BOXER, I am told, has to be special. He has to be disciplined, focused and self-motivated, three qualities which are not synonymous with the stereotypical teenager of today.
But when I was buzzed through to Phoenix Fitness in Cowbridge Road, Ely I met two such examples of the characteristics the sport instils.

Fifteen-year-old Chris Mardon of Heol Trenewydd, Caerau and 14-year-old Craig Wilford of Heol Pant Y Deri, Caerau were lacing their trainers and preparing to go for a standard four-mile warm-up run as I entered the sweat-smelling gym.
Kevin Moore, 46-year-old …

Wales have made two changes to the side tripped up at Twickenham ahead of Scotland’s visit to the Millennium Stadium on Saturday.
Jonathan Thomas replaces Luke Charteris to form an all Osprey second row with Alun Wyn Jones, who has escaped further punishment for his indiscretion at HQ, and Leigh Halfpenny coming in to the side at the expense of his regional team mate, Tom James.
Wales head coach, Warren Gatland said: “Jonathan’s been playing well for the Ospreys, we felt we wanted that experience in out tight-five and also he gives …