#fforestfach — Public Fediverse posts

SWANSEA: Prolific shoplifter who stole entire chocolate display case jailed after targeting city convenience stores

Richard Wolsey, 47, of no fixed abode, pleaded guilty to six counts of theft from a shop at Swansea Magistrates’ Court on 11 May and was sentenced to eight months in prison.

Wolsey targeted supermarkets and convenience stores across Cadle, Portmead, Fforestfach, Penlan and the city centre — leaving with items worth as much as £657 in a single visit.

CCTV footage from one of the businesses, released by South Wales Police, captures the moment Wolsey walked out carrying an entire Cadbury’s display stand. The footage was shared by officers as part of a wider warning to shoplifters that persistent offenders will be identified, pursued and jailed.

PC Christian Thomas of South Wales Police said Wolsey had never shown any signs of attempting to change his ways. “Shop workers should not have to deal with petty thieves targeting their businesses,” he said. “But Richard Wolsey cares not a jot for those whose lives he makes harder with his shoplifting.”

He added: “We will relentlessly pursue anyone involved in shoplifting, especially those persistent offenders like Richard Wolsey, and they will be sent to prison.”

The shoplifting convictions are the latest chapter in a long and serious criminal history. In 2023, Wolsey appeared at Swansea Crown Court on far more serious charges — pointing a knife at his former partner’s neck on a park bench and threatening to slit her throat.

Prosecutor Hannah George told the court that Wolsey and the complainant had been in an on-off relationship for some 23 years, during which the defendant had been repeatedly violent towards her. The court heard that when Wolsey was released from prison following a 2021 assault conviction, the pair had rekindled their relationship with him promising to change — but by January the following year he had returned to his old ways.

The knife incident occurred in June 2022. Wolsey attended a garden area the couple used to frequent, found his former partner sitting on a bench reading a book, and grabbed her — pointing a Stanley-type knife at her neck and threatening to slit her throat. When she tried to flee, he punched her repeatedly to the back of the head.

At that sentencing, Wolsey was found to have 16 previous convictions for 32 offences including 11 for violence and two involving weapons. He had also breached a restraining order designed to protect his former partner on seven separate occasions since it was first imposed in 2015.

Judge Geraint Walters jailed him for two years for the knife offence and related charges, telling him the sentences would only get longer each time he broke the order. A new indefinite restraining order was imposed.

The latest sentence means Wolsey has now spent significant periods of his life in custody. He was of no fixed abode at the time of the shoplifting offences, and South Wales Police say he remains a priority target for enforcement action.

South Wales Police say shoplifting causes real harm to the people who run and work in small businesses — and that persistent offenders like Wolsey who show no intention of stopping will face the full consequences.

Anyone who recognises shoplifting activity in their local area can report it to South Wales Police on 101 or anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

More court cases

Prolific shoplifter jailed for ten months and banned from every store she targeted
Another persistent offender sentenced after a sustained campaign of theft from Bridgend shops.

Maesteg meat thief: serial shoplifter jailed after six raids in six weeks
A serial shoplifter who repeatedly targeted the same stores was banned from the town’s shops entirely.

Swansea burglar jailed after targeting city business
Another Swansea offender jailed after targeting local businesses.

Serial dine and dashers sentenced to jail
A pair who repeatedly ran off without paying at restaurants across south Wales were jailed.

Fforestfach: Planning application put in for major housing development

The proposed 35-hectare site is primarily located north of Titanium Road and Ystrad Road. 

The 430 properties would range from one-bedroom flats to four-bedroom houses, and 86 of them would be available for social rent.

Barratt Homes would build the social rented properties and 175 of the open market homes while one of its brands, David Wilson Homes, would build the remaining 169. Access to the homes would be from Titanium Road.

Swansea Council is assessing a detailed planning application for the 430 houses in tandem with an outline application for the primary school, plus three commercial units and community space referred to as a “local centre”.

Around 65% of the site is currently pastureland, according to a design and access statement submitted on BDW Trading Ltd’s behalf. There’s also scrub, marshland, woodland, a cluster of farm buildings, and a waste storage and recycling facility.

The plan is to create new areas of habitat enabling residents to look onto a network of green spaces.

“Walking, running, and cycling routes will open up the meadows for everyone and create car-free connections to neighbouring communities,” the design and access statement said.

“There will be plenty of places to meet your neighbours with a community heart near the school offering a place to get together for social events.”

The development would come with new paths for cyclists and walkers and increased bus services. Subject to these being implemented the transport impact of the development would be “negligible”, according to a transport assessment submitted on behalf of BDW Trading Ltd.

The primary school, along with the “local centre” and a community sports pitch, would be on the east of the site with the houses on the west and south. The northern chunk would have open space, meadows, trees, and other features such as a park running along the Afan Llan.

A pre-application consultation has been carried out, including a drop-in session at St Illtyd’s Church Hall, Ystrad Road.

There was feedback from two residents, who were worried about the scheme’s impact on roads and surface water flooding, during the consultation period.

A flood assessment on behalf of the applicant said the proposed houses and commercial buildings would be sited in areas deemed to be at little or no risk of flooding, and measures would be implemented to reduce flood risk for the school and playing field area.

The 35-hectare site is part of a larger chunk of land stretching west to Gowerton and north to the A484, which was allocated by Swansea Council for 716 homes and a large employment zone as part of its current county-wide development plan.

There had been an expectation of a new east-to-west link road, but the latest proposals envisage it being for pedestrians and cyclists rather than vehicles – partly because more people work from home and partly because of the new school and community facilities proposed on site.

The residents who responded to the pre-application consultation felt the link road was needed and should be built as part of the application. ‌​‌​‌​​​‍‌​‌​​‌‌‌‍‌​‌‌​​‌​‍‌​‌‌‌​‌‌‍‌​‌‌‌‌​​

Proposed Development Details

• Housing Mix: The development includes a range of properties from one-bedroom flats to four-bedroom houses.
• Social Housing: 86 units (20%) are designated for social rent, to be built by Barratt Homes.
• Market Housing: 175 open-market homes will be built by Barratt Homes, and the remaining 169 by their brand, David Wilson Homes.
• Community Infrastructure: The plans include an outline application for:
  • A new primary school.
  • Three commercial units and community space (referred to as a “local centre”).
  • Leisure facilities and green spaces including meadows, woodland, and car-free walking and cycling route

[Lead image: V-real Architectural Visualisation]

SWANSEA: 186 homes planned for Penplas – including derelict supermarket site

Plans have been unveiled to build 186 new homes on land in Penplas that has stood derelict for nearly three decades.

The proposals focus on three sites off Milford Way — including the former Leo’s superstore, which has remained vacant since it was demolished in the mid-1990s.

Developers say the scheme could finally bring the long-neglected land back into use, delivering new housing for local families and first-time buyers.

The plans have been submitted to Swansea Council for pre-application consideration by housing association Codi (previously known as Pobl), working in partnership with building firm Morganstone and the local authority.

If approved, the development would form a key part of wider efforts to regenerate the Penderi area, which covers Blaenymaes, Portmead, Penplas and Cadle.

The move comes amid growing demand for housing in Swansea, particularly in established communities where younger generations are struggling to stay close to family.

Local resident Dylan Jones said the plans could help keep communities together.

He said: “New houses are very much needed in this area. People who grow up here naturally want to live near to their parents and friends when they start their own families.”

He added: “We are a proud community, who always look out for each other, and these proposals look like they will also enable those who may want to downsize from family homes as they get older.”

The new homes are expected to be modern and energy efficient, with developers promising lower energy bills and environmentally friendly design.

Plans also include improved green spaces and better links between different parts of the neighbourhood, reflecting feedback from local residents.

The development builds on wider regeneration work already underway in Penderi, including the launch of a major masterplan aimed at transforming the area, as previously reported when a long-term vision for the community was unveiled.

It also follows significant investment in existing homes, including a groundbreaking energy retrofit scheme that has seen hundreds of properties fitted with solar panels to cut costs and carbon emissions — part of what we reported as the UK’s largest project of its kind.

Codi says the latest proposals are another step in a long-term commitment to the area, where it has been a landlord for more than 30 years.

Development director Claire Tristham said the plans are about more than just housing.

She said: “These proposals add another step in delivering high-quality, energy-efficient homes providing comfortable, affordable homes.”

She added: “Regeneration here isn’t short term — it’s a long-term commitment to people, place and opportunity.”

The scheme is still at an early stage, with further consultation expected before any formal planning application is submitted.

But for many in Penplas, the prospect of finally seeing the long-empty supermarket site brought back to life could mark a turning point for the area.

Related stories from Swansea Bay News

Masterplan launched to transform a Swansea community
The wider vision behind regeneration plans in Penderi.

Contract awarded for largest UK energy retrofit of its kind in Penderi
Major investment has already upgraded hundreds of existing homes in the area.

UK’s largest energy retrofit scheme reaches milestone in Swansea community
Ongoing work to cut energy bills and emissions for local residents.

Fforestfach: Swansea barber shortlisted for UK Barber of the Year 2026

Scott Rice, founder of Onyxx Barbershop in Fforestfach, has been announced as a finalist in the Barber of the Year category at the UK Hair and Beauty Awards 2026.

The popular barbershop, based on Kingsway in the Swansea West Industrial Park near Carmarthen Road, has built a strong reputation for sharp, modern cuts and high standards.

Organisers of the awards — which celebrate top talent across the hair and beauty industry — say this year’s competition is tougher than ever, with finalists representing the very best in the UK.

Scott said the recognition reflects years of hard work and dedication to his craft.

“This isn’t luck — it’s years of discipline, consistency, and pushing my craft to a level most won’t,” he said.

“I’m building something bigger than just haircuts — I’m building a legacy.”

The achievement puts Scott among the top barbering professionals in the country, highlighting his creativity and commitment to raising standards in the industry.

Onyxx Barbershop has become a go-to spot locally, with clients praising the clean cuts and professional service on offer.

If he takes home the title, Scott would become one of the few barbers from Swansea to win at the prestigious national awards.

The winners are expected to be announced later this year.

FFORESTFACH: Plans submitted for huge new 24-hour gym at retail park – next to a planned new Nando’s

A planning application has been submitted to Swansea Council for the change of use of units 4 and 5 at the retail park, which would be combined to create a large new fitness facility operated by national chain ‘Gym Location’.

The gym would be located next door to the planned new Nando’s restaurant in unit 3, which is also yet to open, potentially adding two major new leisure destinations to the retail park at the same time.

It would be the second gym on the site, joining the smaller Anytime Fitness which is located in unit 10b.

According to a planning statement submitted as part of the application, the new gym would offer a wide range of facilities including a large free weights area, state-of-the-art cardio equipment, and dedicated studios for classes such as hot yoga, spinning, and boxing.

The operator, Gym Location, already has a number of successful sites across the UK and is looking to expand its presence in Wales.

The application states that the gym would require 24-hour access and will cater to a member base of around 11,000 people.

The move would be the latest in a series of major changes at Parc Fforestfach, which has seen a number of new big-name brands arrive in recent years.

These include a new Food Warehouse store, a new Aldi supermarket, a new McDonald’s restaurant, and a new branch of pet retailer Jollyes.

The planning documents argue that the new gym would be a “complementary use” to the existing retail and food outlets at the park, and will help to support the overall vitality of the site.

It also notes that other leisure uses have already been approved at the retail park, including a soft play area and a tanning studio, setting a precedent for this type of development.

The application will now be considered by planners at Swansea Council.

Huge Gowerton solar farm takes major step forward after UK Government funding award

The Parc Caenewydd scheme has been handed a guaranteed price for the electricity it would generate if it goes ahead. The award came as part of a national clean‑energy auction published today, which confirmed a 44‑megawatt solar farm submitted by Infinis (Gowerton) Limited had been successful.

The funding deal makes the project more financially attractive to developers, but it does not give the green light for construction. The plans are still being examined by Welsh Government planning inspectors, and the final decision will be made by ministers in Cardiff, not Swansea Council.

The proposal has already sparked strong local reaction.

Swansea Council’s cabinet member for environment, Cllr Andrew Stevens, who is also a local farmer, has spoken out against the development. But because of its size, the council has no power to approve or reject it. The application is being handled as a Development of National Significance, meaning Welsh Ministers will make the final call.

The solar farm would cover fields between Gowerton, Garden Village, Waunarlwydd and Fforestfach. It has already been through several rounds of consultation and remains one of the most debated planning proposals in Swansea.

UK ministers said today’s auction marked a major moment for clean energy across Wales and the wider UK.

Energy Secretary Ed Miliband said the results showed clean British power was now significantly cheaper than gas.

“These results shows once again that clean British power is the right choice for our country, agreeing a price for new onshore wind and solar that is over 50% cheaper than the cost of building and operating new gas.

“By backing solar and onshore wind at scale, we’re driving bills down for good and protecting families, businesses, and our country from the fossil fuel rollercoaster controlled by petrostates and dictators.

“This is how we take back control of our energy and deliver a new era of energy abundance and independence.”

Welsh Secretary Jo Stevens said Wales was leading the way on clean energy.

“Wales is at the forefront of the clean energy revolution and today’s results have delivered a record-breaking number of new solar and onshore wind projects for Wales.

“This follows the recent announcement of a contract for Awel y Môr fixed offshore wind farm in North Wales, and Erebus floating offshore wind farm off the coast of Pembrokeshire and shows that renewable energy is delivering good well-paid jobs in every part of Wales, helping to grow our economy and drive down household bills.”

Energy Minister Michael Shanks said the UK had now secured the most homegrown clean power in its history.

“Today’s results, combined with last month’s record-breaking offshore wind results, clearly show that we have secured the most clean, homegrown power in British history, putting the country firmly on track to meet our clean power mission and bring down bills for good.

“These results also show once again that clean, homegrown power is the right choice for Wales, with the first offshore wind project, Awel y Môr in over a decade and a record number of Welsh solar projects – at a price significantly cheaper than the cost of building and operating new gas.”

Chris Stark, head of the Government’s Mission Control team, said the results would strengthen the UK’s energy security.

“Today’s record results are another boost for Britain’s 2030 clean power mission. They mean more homegrown power, greater energy security, at a good price for the consumer. With each new solar and onshore wind project we reduce Britain’s reliance on gas power plants, insulating families from the next spike in global gas prices.”

For residents living near the proposed site, the key point remains unchanged: the project has secured funding, but it has not secured permission. The planning decision is still to come, and today’s announcement is likely to reignite debate over one of Swansea’s most controversial developments.

Related stories from Swansea Bay News

Huge Gowerton solar farm goes to statutory consultation
First major public consultation held on the Parc Caenewydd plans.

Further consultations to be held on plans for huge new Fforestfach solar farm
Developers announce additional engagement after community concerns.

Council’s cabinet member for environment speaks out against massive solar farm plans
Cllr Andrew Stevens voices opposition to the scale of the development.

Latest consultation dates announced for massive new Fforestfach solar farm
Updated timetable released for the next round of public events.

Massive new solar farm that could power 11,500 homes could be coming to Gorseinon
Early details on the scale and potential output of the proposed site.

Continuous ribbon of housing could stretch from Penllergaer to Gowerton as new 600‑home scheme unveiled
Wider development pressures in the same corridor highlighted by new housing plans.

Disqualified HGV driver arrested after lorry seen driving on wrong side of the road

Off‑duty officer reports lorry “on the wrong side of the road”

Dyfed‑Powys Police said the incident began when an off‑duty officer contacted the Force Communication Centre at around 1am on 29 January. The officer reported seeing a heavy goods vehicle being driven “erratically” on the A40 between Narberth and St Clears, including “on the wrong side of the road on multiple occasions”.

Police said the behaviour posed a “potential risk to other road users”, prompting immediate checks on the vehicle and a deployment by the Roads Policing Unit.

Specialist pursuit tactics prepared as HGV tracked across west Wales

According to the force, officers located the lorry travelling eastbound on the A48 between Carmarthen and Cross Hands. Dyfed‑Powys Police said the priority was the safety of the public and officers, and that specialist Tactical Pursuit and Containment (TPAC) advice was obtained.

Because of the vehicle’s direction of travel, the force said South Wales Police TPAC officers and the National Police Air Service (NPAS) were also brought in to support the operation.

The HGV was kept under “constant observation” as it continued along the A48 and onto the M4, police confirmed.

Lorry stopped in Fforestfach as officers move in

Dyfed‑Powys Police said the vehicle eventually came to a stop at an industrial estate in the Fforestfach area of Swansea, where officers detained the driver.

The force confirmed the 22‑year‑old man was arrested on suspicion of driving while disqualified and immigration offences. The HGV was seized under Section 165A of the Road Traffic Act.

Driver charged and remanded to court

In an update issued the following day, Dyfed‑Powys Police named the driver as Tajinder Singh, of Tudor Road, Southall.

The force said he has been charged with driving while disqualified and using a motor vehicle on a road without insurance. He was remanded to appear before Llanelli Magistrates’ Court on Friday, 30 January.

Police urge public to report dangerous driving

Dyfed‑Powys Police said anyone with concerns about dangerous driving should report it, adding that roads policing officers “will take action to detect unsafe driving and prevent serious collisions”.

Tesco launches Swansea toy drive for Mr X Christmas Appeal

Local stores join long‑running appeal

Two Tesco Extra stores in Llansamlet and Pontardulais Road, Fforestfach have set up collection points for the Mr X Christmas Appeal, which has been running in Swansea for more than six decades.

Donations of new, unwrapped toys can be made in store until 15 December, with gifts distributed to children across Swansea and Neath Port Talbot through nearly 150 childcare agencies.

66 years of festive giving

The Mr X Appeal was founded in the late 1950s by Swansea businessman Tom Bravin, who kept his identity secret for decades while anonymously delivering thousands of presents to children. His identity was revealed after his death in 2016, but the appeal continues in his name, now in its 66th year.

Organisers say the tradition has become a cornerstone of the city’s festive season, ensuring that children who might otherwise go without receive a gift at Christmas.

Community voices

Trevor Evans, Community Champion at Tesco Pontardulais Road Extra in Fforestfach, said the response from local shoppers is always strong:

“This year’s toy donation campaign is a fantastic way for customers to help local families in need and ensure children in our community have something to open on Christmas Day.”

Catherine Hill, Store Manager at Tesco Llansamlet Extra, added:

“We have been supporting the Mr X Appeal for several years. We have an amazing response at this store and provide lots of children with gifts thanks to the generosity of our customers.”

Wider support

More than 800 Tesco Extra stores across the UK are taking part in the toy drive. Last year, customers donated 125,000 toys, with organisers hoping to beat that figure in 2025.

#charity #christmas #christmasGift #communityChampion #fforestfach #llansamlet #mrXAppeal #tesco #tescoExtra #tomBravin #toyDonation #toys

https://www.cyclingeu.com/770349/briton-ferry-to-hawtrhorn/ Briton Ferry to Hawtrhorn #A465 #A48 #Bicycling #BicyclingUK #BicyclingUnitedKingdom #Biking #BikingUK #BikingUnitedKingdom #Bridgend #BritonFerry #Cardiff #CardiffBay #carmarthen #Clydach #Cowbridge #Cwmbran #Cycling #CyclingSwanseaUnitedKingdom #CyclingUk #CyclingUnitedKingdom #Drives #Fforestfach #Llanelli #Llansawel #M4 #Neath #Pentwyn #Pontardawe #Pontypool #PortTalbot #Porthcawl #rides #SA1 #Swansea #UK #UnitedKingdom #Wales #walks

https://www.cyclingeu.com/708887/briton-ferry-to-llansamlet-by-bike/ Briton Ferry to Llansamlet by bike #A465 #A48 #Bicycling #Biking #BikingUK #Bridgend #BritonFerry #Cardiff #CardiffBay #carmarthen #Clydach #Cowbridge #Cwmbran #Cycling #Drives #Fforestfach #Llanelli #Llansawel #M4 #Neath #Pentwyn #Pontardawe #Pontypool #PortTalbot #Porthcawl #rides #SA1 #Swansea #UK #UnitedKingdom #Wales #walks

https://www.cyclingeu.com/699991/cwmbran-to-briton-ferry-2/ Cwmbran to Briton Ferry #A465 #A48 #Bicycling #BicyclingUK #BicyclingUnitedKingdom #Biking #BikingUK #BikingUnitedKingdom #Bridgend #BritonFerry #Cardiff #CardiffBay #carmarthen #Clydach #Cowbridge #Cwmbran #Cycling #CyclingNewportUK #CyclingUk #CyclingUnitedKingdom #Drives #Fforestfach #Llanelli #Llansawel #M4 #Neath #Pentwyn #Pontardawe #Pontypool #PortTalbot #Porthcawl #rides #SA1 #Swansea #UK #UnitedKingdom #Wales #walks

https://www.cyclingeu.com/698735/briton-ferry-to-cwmbran/ Briton Ferry to Cwmbran #A465 #A48 #Bicycling #Biking #BikingUnitedKingdom #Bridgend #BritonFerry #Cardiff #CardiffBay #carmarthen #Clydach #Cowbridge #Cwmbran #Cycling #Drives #Fforestfach #Llanelli #Llansawel #M4 #Neath #Pentwyn #Pontardawe #Pontypool #PortTalbot #Porthcawl #rides #SA1 #Swansea #UK #UnitedKingdom #Wales #walks

https://www.cyclingeu.com/694168/cwmbran-to-briton-ferry/ Cwmbran to Briton Ferry #A465 #A48 #Bicycling #BicyclingUK #BicyclingUnitedKingdom #Biking #BikingUK #BikingUnitedKingdom #Bridgend #BritonFerry #Cardiff #CardiffBay #carmarthen #Clydach #Cowbridge #Cwmbran #Cycling #CyclingSwanseaUnitedKingdom #CyclingUk #CyclingUnitedKingdom #Drives #Fforestfach #Llanelli #Llansawel #M4 #Neath #Pentwyn #Pontardawe #Pontypool #PortTalbot #Porthcawl #rides #SA1 #Swansea #UK #UnitedKingdom #Wales #walks

https://www.europesays.com/uk/276799/ Restaurants caught dodging tax in Wales, including takeaway that owes £400,000 #Britain #Cardiff #Cardigan #Cathays #Courts #Fforestfach #GreatBritain #NorthWales #Prestatyn #Restaurants #Roath #Swansea #UK #UnitedKingdom #Wales #YourMoney

https://www.cyclingeu.com/629732/briton-ferry-to-the-quays-by-bike/ Briton Ferry to The Quays (By Bike) #A465 #A48 #Bicycling #BicyclingIreland #Biking #Bridgend #BritonFerry #Cardiff #CardiffBay #carmarthen #Clydach #Cowbridge #Cwmbran #Cycling #Drives #Fforestfach #Ireland #Llanelli #Llansawel #M4 #Neath #Pentwyn #Pontardawe #Pontypool #PortTalbot #Porthcawl #rides #SA1 #Swansea #Wales #walks

Cllr Andrew Stevens, #SwanseaCouncil’s Cabinet Member for Environment and Infrastructure has spoken out against plans to build a massive #solarfarm on 85 acres of farmland between #Gorseinon, #Fforestfach, #Gowerton and #Waunarlwydd.

Cllr Stevens, a local farmer who also represents the Gorseinon and Penyrheol ward, says to take such a large amount of productive local farmland out of use does not sit well with him at all – even more so how the proposals have come about.

https://swanseabaynews.com/2022/12/08/councils-cabinet-member-for-environment-speaks-out-against-massive-solar-farm-plans/

Cllr Andrew Stevens, #SwanseaCouncil’s Cabinet Member for Environment and Infrastructure has spoken out against plans to build a massive #solarfarm on 85 acres of farmland between #Gorseinon, #Fforestfach, #Gowerton and #Waunarlwydd.

Cllr Stevens, a local farmer who also represents the Gorseinon and Penyrheol ward, says to take such a large amount of productive local farmland out of use does not sit well with him at all – even more so how the proposals have come about.

https://swanseabaynews.com/2022/12/08/councils-cabinet-member-for-environment-speaks-out-against-massive-solar-farm-plans/

Cllr Andrew Stevens, #SwanseaCouncil’s Cabinet Member for Environment and Infrastructure has spoken out against plans to build a massive #solarfarm on 85 acres of farmland between #Gorseinon, #Fforestfach, #Gowerton and #Waunarlwydd.

Cllr Stevens, a local farmer who also represents the Gorseinon and Penyrheol ward, says to take such a large amount of productive local farmland out of use does not sit well with him at all – even more so how the proposals have come about.

https://swanseabaynews.com/2022/12/08/councils-cabinet-member-for-environment-speaks-out-against-massive-solar-farm-plans/