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Efforts to Address Sewage Pollution in Water Reform

A significant review has recommended a thorough reform of the regulatory framework governing water companies in both England and Wales.

The Welsh government has unveiled a comprehensive overhaul of the nation's water system, featuring the establishment of a new regulator, a nationwide plan to upgrade pipes and sewers, and stricter controls on the use of sewage sludge as fertilizer.

Water flows from a black tap in a kitchen with a window in the background, which is blurred. — The Welsh government has responded to a major water industry review

According to ministers, these sweeping reforms will pave the way for improved water quality, more effective regulation, and increased accountability, marking a significant shift in the country's approach to water management.

Implementing these changes will be a long-term process, requiring the Senedd to be granted new powers and substantial funding, which cannot be covered solely by customer bills, indicating a need for alternative funding sources.

Afonydd Cymru, a representative body for river trusts in Wales, has expressed cautious optimism about the proposals, describing them as a "beacon of hope" while urging the government to expedite the implementation process.

Deputy First Minister Huw Irranca-Davies announced the plans at a press conference held at Lisvane and Llanishen reservoirs, emphasizing the need for a "fundamental reset" in the country's approach to water management.

He cited the pressing issues of climate change, nature emergencies, aging infrastructure, and public concerns over water quality as driving the need for decisive action to address these challenges.

The reforms come on the heels of a major review, commissioned in response to growing public dissatisfaction with the performance of water companies, which called for a complete overhaul of industry oversight in Wales and England.

In January, the UK government outlined its response, including the creation of a new water watchdog for England that would conduct unannounced inspections and regular checks on infrastructure, setting a precedent for similar reforms in Wales.

Huw stands on a podium with a body of water behind him. His mouth is open with a word and he is holding a paper in both hands He has a dark suit jacket and light blue shirt. He as short grey hair — Deputy First Minister Huw Irranca-Davies announced the new plans at a water reservoir in Cardiff

As control over water is largely devolved to Cardiff Bay, the Welsh government has developed its own set of plans, including the establishment of a standalone regulatory body to replace Ofwat in Wales.

This new body would serve as the "economic regulator and system planner" for water in Wales, supporting long-term investment in infrastructure and overseeing a national planning effort to upgrade the country's aging pipes and sewers.

By taking on this national planning role, the government aims to create a more integrated and responsive approach to water management, addressing the complex challenges facing the sector.

The proposed reforms would deliver a more cohesive and effective system, according to the government, with the new regulator working in tandem with existing bodies to achieve this goal.

However, environmental regulation and pollution oversight would remain the responsibility of Natural Resources Wales (NRW), differing from the approach proposed for England, where a single, unified watchdog is envisioned.

Before the new organization can be established, the Welsh government must secure new powers from the UK government and pass legislation in the Senedd, a process that will require careful coordination and planning.

The new regulator is not expected to be operational until the early 2030s, highlighting the long-term nature of these reforms and the need for patience and persistence.

In the interim, the government plans to develop a new national water strategy for Wales, spanning the next 25 years, to replace the existing document published in 2015 and provide a roadmap for future development.

The ability of water companies to self-monitor and report their performance will be reviewed, acknowledging concerns about the reliability of these systems and the need for more robust oversight.

To address these concerns, the government may introduce additional measures, such as increased automation and inspections, to provide greater assurance and transparency.

Stricter controls on the spreading of sewage and septic tank sludge as fertilizer, as well as limits on the use of digestate from anaerobic digestion plants, are also proposed, aiming to mitigate the environmental impacts of these practices.

Afonydd Cymru has expressed particular enthusiasm for these proposals, citing the inappropriate spreading of sewage sludge as a major contributor to high nutrient levels in Welsh rivers and a cause of catastrophic incidents.

Chief executive Gail Davies-Walsh has welcomed the government's proposals, seeing them as an opportunity for significant positive change, while emphasizing the need for swift action to capitalize on this momentum.

However, she cautioned that the consultation process is only the first step, and the government must move quickly to turn these plans into reality, as the current situation demands urgent attention.

Outflow of water from a sewage sluice at Flint Dock. Brown water runs out of a waterway, with grass-covered banks on either side of the sluice walls. — The Welsh government says its reforms will help deliver cleaner rivers

The issue of funding remains unresolved, with Davies-Walsh noting that the required investment will exceed what can be raised through customer bills, necessitating alternative funding sources.

Wales' Future Generations Commissioner Derek Walker has characterized the announcement as a "wake-up call" for the water industry, emphasizing the need for a seamless transition to the new regulatory body.

He stressed that everything must be done to ensure the transition occurs without delay, prioritizing long-term environmental recovery, affordability, and strengthened compliance and regulation.

Chris Walters, Ofwat's interim CEO, has pledged the organization's support for the development of the new regulatory body, while reaffirming its commitment to delivering core functions in the meantime.

A public consultation on the government's proposals is ongoing, with the deadline for submissions set for early April, providing an opportunity for stakeholders to contribute to the shaping of these reforms.

Plaid Cymru's spokesperson on Climate Change, Delyth Jewell MS, has expressed support for the creation of a Wales-specific regulatory body, seeing it as essential for holding water companies accountable and ensuring better value for customers.

Gail Davies-Walsh looks at the camera as she stands in front of a green bank and water body. she is wearing a burgundy windbreaker coat, open in the front revealing a purple v neck blouse. she has rectangular glasses and ear length curly dark hair — Afonydd Cymru's Gail Davies-Walsh

She emphasized the need for transformative change, including the full devolution of powers over water, to create a water system that truly serves the people of Wales, prioritizing their needs above corporate interests.

Welsh Conservative Shadow Cabinet Secretary for Climate Change and the Environment, Janet Finch-Saunders MS, has expressed skepticism about the potential impact of a new regulator, arguing that it will not automatically lead to cleaner rivers or address underlying issues.

She pointed out that a new regulator will not prevent sewage spills, fix broken infrastructure, or halt rising water bills, highlighting the need for more comprehensive solutions.

Reform UK Wales has stated that the success of these reforms will be judged on their results, emphasizing the need for tangible improvements in the lives of people in Wales.

The party has called for efforts to stabilize prices and support Welsh Water in upgrading the network, recognizing the importance of affordable and reliable water services.

Leader of the Welsh Liberal Democrats, Jane Dodds MS, has welcomed the allocation of £5m in funding to strengthen enforcement and regulation, secured through a budget deal, but cautioned that this investment is only a first step.

She emphasized the importance of using this funding effectively, as it will not be sufficient on its own to address the complex challenges facing the water sector.

The Green Party has expressed support for the plans, acknowledging the need for a Wales-specific regulator and full control over the country's water resources, seeing these reforms as a crucial step towards a more sustainable and equitable water management system.

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Keanu Reeves’ John Wick Video Game Revealed at PlayStation Event

The iconic hitman has made previous appearances in games, however, the version developed by Saber will mark the first instance where the character is voiced by Reeves.

A video game adaptation of the John Wick franchise, which has grossed over $1 billion worldwide, is in development, with Keanu Reeves set to lend his likeness and voice to the project.

An in game screenshot of a video game version of Keanu Reeves as the character John Wick. He is wearing a suit and looking at the camera.

The game, currently titled "Untitled John Wick Game", is being developed by Saber Interactive, the studio behind Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2, in collaboration with Chad Stahelski, director of the John Wick film series.

A trailer for the game, expected to serve as a prequel to the film series, was unveiled during PlayStation's "State of Play" event on Thursday.

The event also featured announcements for remakes of several major game franchises, including the God of War trilogy, as well as a special 30th-anniversary edition of the classic platformer Rayman.

The John Wick film series, which has earned over $1 billion globally, follows the story of a retired assassin, played by Keanu Reeves, as he seeks vengeance in a world of high-stakes action.

Although the character of John Wick has appeared in games before, this will be the first time Keanu Reeves has provided his voice for the role.

Reeves has previous experience in the gaming industry, having played a key role in the hit game Cyberpunk 2077 as the character Johnny Silverhand.

According to Matthew Karch, CEO of Saber Interactive, the development team is "honored" to be working with Chad Stahelski and Keanu Reeves to bring the John Wick universe to life in a AAA game.

The game's story will be an original narrative designed for mature audiences, featuring a mix of familiar characters from the film series and new ones.

Jenefer Brown, president of global products at Lionsgate, the producer of the John Wick films, expressed the company's goal of capturing the "intense action" and "distinctive fight choreography" that define the franchise.

The reaction to the game's announcement has been largely positive among fans on social media.

However, some fans have expressed concerns about the potential impact on Saber Interactive's other projects, including the long-awaited remake of the classic Star Wars game Knights of the Old Republic.

Christopher Dring, editor-in-chief of The Game Business, believes that the John Wick game is a strong fit for Saber Interactive, given the studio's experience with action-oriented IPs and its ability to release multiple games across various genres.

Dring notes that Saber Interactive operates as a collective of studios working on multiple IPs, allowing it to release a diverse range of games annually.

During the same event, Sony announced that Santa Monica Studios is working on remakes of the first three God of War games, building on one of the platform's most successful franchises.

An in-game screenshot of Silent Hill Townfall. We see the back of a man who is looking at a sign that says "Welcome to St. Amelia". — Konami's trailer for Silent Hill Townfall revealed it is set in St Amelia, a "fictional island inspired by Scotland"

Although a release date for the God of War remakes was not provided, Sony did announce a surprise side-scrolling prequel game, Sons of Sparta, which is available now.

The event also offered a first look at Townfall, the latest installment in the Silent Hill series, set on the fictional island of St. Amelia, which draws inspiration from Scotland.

A 30th-anniversary edition of the classic platformer Rayman was also announced, featuring five versions of the 1995 game, along with a near-immediate release.

Loic Gounon, brand producer for the Rayman games, discussed the anniversary edition with the BBC, highlighting the inclusion of a new documentary that explores the making of the original game, as well as accessibility features designed to enhance the experience for modern players.

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Tottenham set to appoint temporary boss ahead of permanent summer hire

Tottenham expect to appoint an interim manager to oversee the team for the rest of the season by this weekend, with plans to make a permanent appointment in the summer.

The task of finding a successor to Thomas Frank has fallen to Johan Lange and Vinai Venkatesham, who are overseeing the selection process.

Tottenham Hotspur intends to appoint an interim manager to see out the current season, with a view to making a more permanent appointment during the summer months.

The dismissal of Thomas Frank occurred earlier this week, at a time when the team was five points clear of the relegation zone.

According to sources close to BBC Sport, Tottenham Hotspur is expected to finalize an agreement with an interim manager before the team resumes training on Monday.

Following their early exit from the FA Cup in the third round, Tottenham has a nine-day break before facing Arsenal in the north London derby on February 22.

With no match scheduled for this weekend, the first-team squad has been given a brief break and is set to return to training on Monday.

The club is aware that the mid-season transfer window presents limited options, and it may be more feasible to secure a long-term manager at the end of the campaign.

An in-depth examination of Thomas Frank's tenure reveals the challenges he faced in winning over players and fans.

A closer look at Frank's time at Tottenham highlights the risks involved in his appointment and the ultimate failure of his tenure.

Although the search for an interim manager is still ongoing, the successful candidate will be considered for the permanent position if they perform well in the role.

Former Tottenham manager Mauricio Pochettino is a potential candidate to take the reins on a permanent basis, particularly since his contract with the US men's national team is set to expire after the World Cup this summer.

Another candidate being considered is Roberto De Zerbi, who recently parted ways with French club Marseille by mutual consent.

For the latest news, analysis, and fan perspectives on Tottenham, please refer to our dedicated section.

If you have any questions about Tottenham, feel free to ask and we will do our best to provide you with the information you are looking for.

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Aberdeen to unveil new manager soon with Docherty set to take assistant role

Aberdeen has bolstered its interim management team with the return of Tony Docherty, who previously served as an assistant manager, to support Peter Leven, amid anticipation of a permanent appointment announcement that sporting director Lutz Pfannenstiel had indicated would be made “imminently”.

Ross County parted ways with Tony Docherty in December, and he has now taken on a new role.

Aberdeen have brought in former assistant manager Tony Docherty to support Peter Leven's interim management team, despite sporting director Lutz Pfannenstiel indicating that a permanent appointment was imminent.

Docherty's return to Aberdeen comes just a week after Eirik Horneland, a former coach of Rosenborg, Brann, and Saint-Etienne, emerged as a top contender to succeed Jimmy Thelin, who was sacked earlier.

As Aberdeen delays making a full-time appointment, speculation surrounding Eirik Horneland's availability has arisen, with reports suggesting the 50-year-old Norwegian may not be able to take on the role until summer.

Since Jimmy Thelin's dismissal on January 4, Lutz Pfannenstiel has been leading the search for a replacement, and he confirmed that Tony Docherty would be joining the team to assist Peter Leven during the interim period.

Dundee Utd are facing a challenging schedule, with four matches in 14 days set to take place on a weather-affected pitch.

According to Stavrum, Eirik Horneland's coaching style, characterized by intensity, would be a good fit for Aberdeen.

Tony Docherty initially joined Aberdeen in 2013 as part of Derek McInnes' management team and spent eight years at the club.

Before his stint at Aberdeen, Docherty served as McInnes' assistant at Kilmarnock and later managed Dundee and Ross County, but his time at Ross County ended in December when he was let go with the team at the bottom of the Championship.

Lutz Pfannenstiel praised Tony Docherty's experience, stating that he has a deep understanding of the club and will be a valuable asset during the transition period.

Pfannenstiel highlighted Docherty's extensive knowledge of the Scottish Premiership, gained through his experience as both a coach and manager, which will be beneficial to the team in the short term.

The club's managerial search is nearing its conclusion, and an announcement regarding the new head coach is expected soon, according to Pfannenstiel.

Peter Leven, who is serving as caretaker manager for the third time, expressed his enthusiasm for Tony Docherty's appointment.

Leven welcomed Docherty's return, stating that his experience will be a significant boost to the team, particularly during the upcoming matches.

Leven noted that Docherty was eager to join the team and that his presence will provide valuable support during both training sessions and matches.

Eirik Horneland left his position at Saint-Etienne in early February, at which point his team was fourth in France's second tier.

If Aberdeen decides to wait until summer for Horneland to take over, it will be similar to the six-month delay that occurred when Jimmy Thelin joined the club from Elfsborg in the summer of 2024.

For the latest news, analysis, and fan perspectives on Aberdeen, visit our dedicated page.