AFTER two years of injury heartache scrum-half Aled Davies is handed his big chance on the European stage this afternoon.

Davies will make his Heineken Cup debut against Exeter Chiefs at Parc y Scarlets (1.35pm) after edging out Wales international Tavis Knoyle for the No. 9 shirt.

The 20-year-old is one of a crop of talented young half-backs at the region, but his progress has been halted in recent years because of two major knee operations.

So far, Davies has only five competitive appearances for the region to his name and just the one start in the LV= Cup.

However, he gave an indication of his talents as a second-half replacement in the Pro12 defeat to Ulster last weekend and with Gareth Davies ruled out with a neck strain, he has earned the nod ahead of a player who was Wales's first choice at the start of the autumn series.

Davies is among a raft of changes to the Scarlets starting XV for a game they have to win to maintain any hopes of progressing in Europe this season.

As expected, star wing George North is ruled out with the hip injury that forced him to miss the final two internationals of Wales's autumn series, but head coach Simon Easterby is able to recall Liam Williams, Jonathan Davies, Scott Williams, Rhys Priestland, Matthew Rees, Samson Lee and Aaron Shingler from Wales duty.

"We knew from the outset how tight it would be for us bringing back the internationals as we go into these double headers in Europe," said forwards coach Danny Wilson. "Of course it's difficult with just a week's prep and with the intensity of international rugby and how that impacts the players bodies.

"But you just get on with it.

"It's another challenge you face and all that really matters is getting a result and for our players returning it's another big, intense game of rugby."

Meanwhile, Exeter have included former Scarlets lock Damian Welch in their starting XV.

Scarlets: D. Newton; Liam Williams, J. Davies (capt), S. Williams, A. Fenby; R. Priestland, A. Davies; P. John, M. Rees, S. Lee, G. Earle, R. Kelly, A. Shingler, K. Murphy, J. Edwards. Reps: K. Owens, S. Hopkins, J. Adriaanse, J. Synman, S. Timani, T. Knoyle, A. Thomas, G. Maule.

Exeter: L. Arscott; G. Camacho, S. Naqelevuki, J. Shoemark, M. Jess; G. Steenson, H. Thomas; B. Sturgess, S. Alcott, H. Tui, T. Hayes (capt), D. Welch, T. Johnson, R. Baxter, J. Scaysbrook. Reps: N. Clark, B. Moon, C. Rimmer, A. Muldowney, D. Mumm, K. Barrett, I. Mieres, I. Whitten.

Robert Lloyd

SWANSEA is one of the places with the worst record for drink-driving, according to an analysis of car insurance applications.

Price comparison website moneysupermarket.com studied more than 14 million quotes from the past year, to produce a list of drink-drive problem areas.

Swansea was eighth, with Cardiff in third place, on a list topped by the Yorkshire town of Harrogate.

The list comes after South Wales Police — who cover Cardiff and Swansea — recorded the highest percentage of motorists who tested positive for drink or drugs, at four per cent, during the summer campaign.

The force has already embarked on its annual holiday season anti-drink-drive campaign, it a bid to tackle the high number of people getting behind the wheel after having consumed alcohol.

South Wales Police assistant chief constable Richard Lewis said: "Our message to drivers is that the smallest amount of alcohol affects your ability to drive safely, so the only safe option is to not drink at all.

"It is also important to remember that a drink you enjoy in the evening can leave you over the limit when driving your car the next morning, as alcohol stays in the system for many hours after you stop.

"We urge the public to contact the police if they are aware of anyone drinking and driving. That phone call could save a life this Christmas."

Police tested 27,744 motorists in Wales as part of last year's campaign, with 545 (two per cent) testing positive or failing or refusing to take a breath test.

Despite the findings, the number of people caught drink-driving during a summer crackdown across Wales this year fell compared to the previous year.

A total of 360 people tested positive for alcohol or drugs — 1.9 per cent of 19,277 tested in June. It was down from the 2.5 per cent who tested positive during the 2011 campaign, which police had described as "alarming".

Peter Roger, head of driving standards at the Institute of Advanced Motorists, said: "It's interesting who comes out top. Nearly all the top jobs are scaffolders, roofers — they're these kind of activities. This is probably because these are the kind of people who drive a lot for their job because they are in a different place every day."

POLICE have condemned conmen who tricked their way into the homes of three elderly people — one aged 98 — and stole cash and watches.

Detectives believe the incidents are linked, and they are urging anyone with information to come forward.

In each case the thieves knocked on doors claiming to be selling cleaning products before talking their way into the victims' houses and stealing from them.

Two of the attacks happened in Morriston, and one in Ravenhill in Swansea.

South Wales Police detective constable Claire Workman said: "These are despicable crimes against three elderly residents who have been conned out of property and money in their own homes.

"We believe that in the Morriston incidents the suspect has called at various addresses in the area and shown a yellow or white-coloured card as a form of identification.

"We are appealing to anyone with any information about these incidents or who may have been approached in similar circumstances in the Swansea area to come forward."

The Morriston incidents happened on Sunday, December 2 — but police have said the victims only came forward on Thursday and yesterday.

The first distraction burglary happened in Glyncollen Crescent when the suspect knocked at the door of a 98-year-old woman claiming to be selling bin bags and cleaning products — but after asking the victim for a drink he stole cash and made off.

The second incident happened in Enfield Close when the conman stole what police described as "a large quantity of cash" after offering to count the money owed for the cleaning products on behalf of the partially-sighted victim.

The third incident happened on Thursday in Maes-y-Felin, Ravenhill, where the suspect entered the home of a 75-year-old woman and began to show her some cleaning items.

After visiting various rooms in the house, the suspect stole two wristwatches.

Police have released a description of a man they want to talk to in connection with the Ravenhill incident. He is described as white, aged 35 to 45, around 5ft, of a thin build, and clean shaven.

Can you help? Call Swansea police on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111

CAMPAIGNERS are pushing for a final decision on Port Talbot's Afan Lido following the devastating fire there three years ago this month.

And it seems the long wait could soon be over as the "task and finish" group of councillors set up to make recommendations on the Lido's replacement is expected to put forward its proposals this side of Christmas.

The group was set up after Neath Port Talbot Council and campaigners failed to reach agreement with campaigners over crucial details for the replacement.

One was the location, with Neath Port Talbot wanting the new Lido built on neighbouring Hollywood Park, while residents demanded it should go up on its original site.

Another was the size of the pool, with the council proposing six lanes but campaigners insisting on eight.

Leading campaigner Robbie Phillips said: "It has been three years since the fire (December 16, 2009) and we are very frustrated with the delay in rebuilding it.

"For three years our children have missed out on swimming. Schools have been bussing them to Neath but the children are only having ten minutes in the pool.

"There must come a point when they have to make decisions. We still believe the proposals we have put forward are the correct way forward."

Mr Phillips said the campaigners had concerns about the leasing arrangements for the Hollywood Park site, and questioned the validity of some of the information and costs that had been presented to the task and finish group.

"We would ask councillors to listen to us, and listen to the 10,000 people who signed our petition in just two weeks.

Task and finish group chairman Anthony Taylor said it was a very important issue and members had been determined to get it right.

"We have taken extensive evidence from officers and others, including members of the campaign group.

"We have requested clarity on certain financial information," he added.

"I would hope we will be in a position to finalise our proposals before Christmas.

"These will be published in the new year and will then go to scrutiny and to cabinet for consideration."

BEN Davies insists Swansea City will not underestimate Norwich as they look to extend their seven-match unbeaten run today.

The seventh-placed Swans have won their last two Premier League matches against Arsenal and West Brom, and they have not tasted defeat since October.

But Norwich are on a nine-game unbeaten streak of their own and, with Manchester United and Arsenal among their victims, Wales left-back Davies will be wary of the Canaries.

"I think it will be a difficult game against them. We won't be taking them lightly," said Davies.

"As long as we can keep it solid at the back, I think we've got the quality up front to get goals."

Swansea could be without Leon Britton at the Liberty Stadium this afternoon, with the midfielder struggling with a knee injury.

The Swans will need no reminding of the threat Norwich carry, after suffering two defeats against them last season.

Davies, 19, was not a part of the first-team squad at that time, but he has established himself in the side following Neil Taylor's broken ankle earlier this term.

From youth team player to full Wales international in a matter of months, Davies's rise to prominence has mirrored Swansea's recent surge.

Last weekend's spectacular 2-0 win over Arsenal at the Emirates left the Swans just three points off the Champions League places.

Manager Michael Laudrup has dismissed the idea that his side could qualify for Europe, and Davies is staying similarly grounded.

"The confidence is very high in the group at the moment, and that's just down to the way we're playing," he said.

"Some of the results we've got have been a massive boost. Especially after beating West Brom and Arsenal, people are going to start raising their expectations.

"But as a group, our aim is still to reach 40 points and to stay in the league. The earlier we reach that, the further we can try to progress."

A road in the Upper Swansea Valley is closed following a crash early this morning.
 
One vehicle was involved in the incident on the A4067 between Ystalyfera and Ystradgynlais.
 
The road is closed in both directions between the A4068/B4599 (Aubrey Roundabout) and the B4599 Trawsffordd following the crash at 8.10am.
 
There are no details of injuries to the driver or any passengers.
 
Police said the road was likely to be closed for some time.

RESIDENTS in Carmarthenshire are being asked for their views on the council's draft flood risk strategy.

A draft consultation document has been drawn up and residents and businesses are being asked for their feedback before it is handed over to Welsh Government.

It follows an initial public consultation held during August and September this year to understand public perception on local flood risk, and to help shape the strategy.

Widespread flooding across the UK in the summer of 2007 resulted in the country's largest peacetime emergency since the Second World War.

Executive board member for street scene councillor Colin Evans said: "The council has a duty to co-ordinate and lead the management of flood risk arising from local sources within the county.

"It is important that we develop a strategy that reflects the needs of Carmarthenshire and so feedback from the public is vital."

The Government commissioned an independent review of the lessons learned during the flooding emergency which called for urgent and fundamental changes in the way flood risk is managed across the country.

The Flood and Water Management Act (FWMA) 2010 came into force and local authorities were tasked with leading and co-ordinating local flood risk management.

As a designated Lead Local Flood Authority (LLFA) under the act, Carmarthenshire Council is responsible for preparing a strategy to address flood risk arising from local sources such as surface water; ground water; and, ordinary watercourses.

The consultation draft and survey can be found on the council's website and paper copies are also available in county hall, Carmarthen; Ty Elwyn, Llanelli; Town Hall, Ammanford and the council offices in Crescent Road, Llandeilo.

Mr Evans said: "We also aim to increase flood risk awareness and provide further guidance and information for residents and businesses on managing risk and minimising damage as part of the strategy."

The closing date for responses is December 31.

FESTIVE fundraisers collected more than £1,200 from kindhearted customers at Llanelli's Parc Trostre on Saturday.

A team of adults and children wearing Santa outfits encouraged shoppers to donate what they could for Welsh children's cancer charity Latch.

The volunteers raised £1,242.12 on the day which, when added to the funds already collected, brings the total raised by the group to £3,790.64. Event organiser Sharon Thomas said: "Initially the money raised was going to buy Christmas presents but, because of how much we have now raised, we are going to buy four buggies, computer games for the wards and birthday presents for the kids throughout the year."

Latch was created to provide support to children diagnosed with cancer or leukaemia and their families.

A SPECIALIST developer of onshore wind farms has acquired a significant portfolio of wind energy projects in planning including a site in Neath Port Talbot.

Wind Ventures has acquired an 18 mega watt project in planning at Hirfynydd as well as sites in Powys and Dumfries.

A project team based in Newport will develop the portfolio.

The addition increases Wind Ventures' development pipeline to over 400 Mega Watts with opportunities in Scotland, England and Wales.

Ross Glover, managing director of Wind Ventures, said: "We have ambitious plans to grow the business and are very pleased to announce this acquisition which provides significant opportunities for us to rapidly expand.

"Wind Ventures is committed to developing sustainable wind energy projects in partnership with local communities and landowners and we look forward to delivering many more renewable energy projects over the next few years."

A MAN received superficial injuries following a car crash near the Farriers Arms pub in Llanelli.

Firefighters were called to the two vehicle collision at 01.06am on Saturday.

The crew from Llanelli remained on the scene at Cwmbach Road until 2.04am.

The road was temporarily closed.

YOUNGSTERS at a Morriston church are finding a new use for festive treats — raising money for charity.

St David's is busy with its annual Advent collection, with empty Smarties tubes being used to collect 20p pieces.

The confectionery collection is aiming to raise cash for children's charities — last year the money was donated to Welsh Dragon Burns Club, and Morriston Hospital's Oakwood ward.

St David's vicar Hugh Lervy said the seasonal Smarties collection was popular with younger members of the congregation.

He said: "It's a fun way of getting youngsters involved in the collection."

A MOTORIST escaped injury after a vehicle collided with three parked cars on Walter Road in Swansea.

Firefighters from Swansea Central fire station and police attended the incident which happened at 9.06pm on Friday.

FRIENDS of a much-loved Swans fan who died after a car crash have paid tribute to the 29-year-old.

Andrew Williams, of Clase, died after the collision at around 8am on Saturday

It happened near the Aubrey Roundabout in the Gurnos area of Ystradgynlais.

A spokesman for Dyfed-Powys Police said an appeal had been launched for witnesses to the incident and added: "The collision involved a silver Honda Civic and resulted in the death of the sole occupant, Andrew Williams, aged 29, of Clase in Morriston.

"HM coroner has been informed and the investigation is ongoing."

Friends of the motorist paid their condolences to him within hours of the incident on social network Facebook.

Terri Louise Crocker wrote: "Can't believe you've been taken away from us like this.

"I love you cuz and you will always be in my thoughts and my heart. Love you angel, sleep tight."

Another friend of Mr Williams also took to his Facebook page to express his sorrow at the news of his death and wrote: "Well, Andrew not for one minute did I ever think I would ever have to write this to you. I can't even put into words the way me and Rich are feeling right now and all our other friends.

"We have lost one truly amazing and caring gentleman and what a absolute honour it was to be your friend.

"Nothing will be the same without you Ging and I wish things were different but they're not. We will honour your memory forever as you played such a big part in so many peoples lives and yes we have all lost a very dear and amazing friend but Andrew heaven has gained one very special angel. Love you always."

Charlene Williams, a cousin of Mr Williams, took to her own Facebook page and wrote: "He was my life not just my cousin. He was also like a brother a best friend my soul mate, who am I gonna turn to now when things get hard.

"Miss and love you so much big man. "Sleeptight."

Mynyddbach councillor Gloria Tanner did not know Mr Williams but said: "Any loss of life at this time of year is sad.

"My thoughts are with his family."

Police closed the road in Ystradgynlais where the incident happened for several hours on Saturday morning.

Firefighters from Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service were also involved in making the vehicle safe following the collision.

Crews from Pontardawe and Abercrave were dispatched to the scene.

Dyfed-Powys Police is asking anyone with information relating to the collision to contact them on 101.

FESTIVE spirit came to Llanelli at the weekend.

A music event was held at Parc Howard on Sunday.

It was organised by the Friends of Llanelli Museum to raise funds for the group, and as part of the town's Christmas celebrations.

The carol concert also featured mulled wine and mince pies for the guests.

Those attending also had the chance to enjoy a raffle.

Margaret Morgan lead the choristers at the Carols in the Park event in the mansion and grounds of Parc Howard which were gifted to the town of Llanelli in January 1912.

The event featured renditions of Christmas classics such as Jingle Bells.

A TOTAL of 70 people in Swansea have taken steps to become special guardians since April this year.

Swansea Council's newly created permanency project team in its child and family services department is supporting more people caring for looked-after children to become special guardians.

A special guardian could be a long-term foster carer, or a family member or friend who wants to care for the child or young person on a long-term basis.

Mark Child, Swansea Council's cabinet member for health and wellbeing, said: "Special guardianship is an ideal option for some children because it gives their long-term carers more leeway to make decisions on their behalf and helps make their lives more stable."

THE next Bonymaen Pact meeting takes place tomorrow in St Illtyd's Primary School in Jersey Road.

The current Pact priority for the area is tackling off-road motorcycling.

The meeting starts at 6.30pm, and is open to all residents.

IT has been a vintage year for sport, from the grassroots to the London Olympic Games — and some remarkable people have been honoured for their contributions to making it so special.

The Swansea Sports Awards saw a host of winners picking up prizes for their efforts over the past 12 months from the gyms, courts, pools and pitches of South West Wales all the way to London 2012.

Among the winners were Llanelli athlete Dai Greene, who won senior sports person of the year, and swimmer Ellie Simmonds, who capped a memorable year by scooping the junior disabled sports person prize.

But the awards were not just for those who have made a name for themselves on the international stage — those who contribute to local sport were also honoured.

Among the winners Gowerton School's year nine rugby side, who hich scooped the secondary rugby team of the year title, and the City of Swansea Gym Club were named senior team of the year. Lisa Thomas, of the West Street Gymnastics Centre, was named coach of the year.

Ian Beynon, Swansea Council's development outreach manager, said: "Interest in sport has never been higher."