#leewatersms — Public Fediverse posts
Live and recent posts from across the Fediverse tagged #leewatersms, aggregated by home.social.
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LLANDEILO: Green candidate’s bypass backing sparks row with Labour MS — as locals say just build it
A bypass that has been promised, delayed, reviewed and re-promised for more than half a century has found a new use — as ammunition in a Senedd election row between a Green Party candidate and the Labour MS whose seat he is now trying to win.
The flashpoint came when Cllr Rob James, the Green Party’s lead candidate for Sir Gaerfyrddin — the constituency covering the whole of Carmarthenshire — posted on Facebook backing the long-awaited Llandeilo bypass.
The bypass has been in the pipeline since it was first raised in Parliament in 1970. Feasibility studies were underway by 1973. Construction was supposed to begin in 2019. It didn’t. A new start date of 2025 was set. That didn’t happen either. The current estimate has construction beginning in 2029, with completion targeted for 2031 — and a price tag of £88 million, up from an original budget of £50 million.
Cllr James invoked the case of Ella Kissi-Debrah — the first person in the UK whose death was officially linked to air pollution — to make his case. “Air quality isn’t an abstract issue. It has real consequences,” he wrote, arguing that HGVs thundering through Llandeilo’s narrow streets every day were creating real health risks.
Llandeilo is a designated air quality management area due to historic breaches in nitrogen dioxide levels. “Doing nothing,” Cllr James said, “isn’t a Green option.”
Lee Waters, the outgoing Labour MS for Llanelli — whose constituency has been absorbed into the new county-wide Sir Gaerfyrddin seat at this election — was unimpressed. A champion of sustainable transport who is not seeking re-election in May, his response on Facebook was brief and pointed: “Novel to have a Green candidate who favours building a by-pass on a flood plain.”
Waters then contacted media outlets to pile on further, saying: “See this Facebook comment from the lead Green candidate in Carmarthenshire, doubling down in favour of a by-pass. Needless to say, this is not Green policy.”
Lee WatersGreen Party Senedd Candidate and Carmarthenshire County Councillor, Rob JamesThere is some irony in Waters taking this particular stand. As transport minister, he oversaw a review that froze most new road-building projects in Wales — but the Llandeilo bypass was one of the few schemes that survived the cull. A consultant, Arcadis, was subsequently appointed to develop the outline design. The bypass remains Welsh Government policy — a point Cllr James was quick to make.
“The Welsh Government has decided to take forward the Llandeilo bypass, so it’s Labour Party policy,” Cllr James hit back. “Obviously there are concerns about its precise routing and there’s a need to make sure that environmental factors are taken into consideration. To be fair, Plaid Cymru, which controls the county council, has taken that view for a long time. Llandeilo deserves its bypass.”
While the two traded blows online, Carl Peters-Bond, an independent candidate for Sir Gaerfyrddin, said the whole row was missing the point. “Having listened to the people of Llandeilo, they’re not interested in political spats — they just want their bypass built,” he said.
Carl Peters-Bond in LlandeiloPeters-Bond, who has been campaigning in the town, said the reality on the ground was hard to ignore. “Whilst campaigning recently in Llandeilo it was not possible to hold a conversation for more than a few seconds before getting deafened by huge HGVs thundering through the narrow streets. Air pollution, noise and road safety concerns in Llandeilo are a real concern for residents.”
He added: “The bypass has been talked about at length for decades. It’s a trunk-route part of the major A483 that links South West and North Wales. The volume of heavy goods and other vehicle traffic that navigate the narrow roads have far exceeded what is safe. It’s about time the bypass was built.”
Cllr James also used the exchange to make a bold claim about the Greens’ prospects in the constituency. “The Labour vote in Carmarthenshire has collapsed and we believe the Greens are likely to poll higher than Labour. We are definitely in with a chance of winning a seat here,” he said.
The spat is not without its backstory. Cllr James was previously the leader of the opposition Labour group on Carmarthenshire County Council before being suspended by the party in January 2024 and subsequently joining the Greens.
His path out of Labour followed an incident in which he was accused of sending a text message to a Plaid Cymru councillor suggesting they could have some fun by claiming that Waters had two homes in Llanelli and didn’t live in either of them. He said the message was meant facetiously and that he had forgotten sending it. Party officials said allowing him to remain in Labour’s parliamentary candidate selection process would risk reputational damage for the party.
That history between the two makes the Facebook spat feel like rather more than an abstract policy debate — and all the while, in Llandeilo, the lorries keep coming through.
Related stories from Swansea Bay News
Consultant appointed to progress Llandeilo bypass scheme
The Welsh Government appointed Arcadis Consulting to develop the outline design for the long-awaited A483 bypass.Former Carmarthenshire Labour leader defects to Green Party
How Cllr Rob James made the move from Labour group leader to Green Party Senedd candidate.Controversial Welsh transport minister to leave post
Lee Waters steps down as transport minister and announces he will not seek re-election.Freeze on new roads projects to be announced
#CarlPetersBond #CllrRobJames #GreenParty #LeeWatersMS #Llandeilo #LlandeiloBypass #SeneddElection2026 #SirGaerfyrddin #WelshLabour
The road-building review that froze most Welsh Government schemes — but not the Llandeilo bypass. -
Hendy BAFTA winner calls for Tourette’s understanding after BBC apology over racist slur broadcast
Lauren Evans, who won the Best Casting BAFTA for her work on the film ‘I Swear’, said her incredible achievement has been “overshadowed” by the controversy. The incident occurred when John Davidson, the Tourette’s campaigner whose life the film is based on, had an involuntary tic that included a racist slur while two black actors were on stage.
The BBC has since admitted it aired the slur in error and that a second slur was edited out of the coverage. In an email to staff, the corporation’s chief content officer Kate Phillips apologised for the failure.
Speaking to BBC Radio Wales, Ms Evans said the situation was “really upsetting” for everyone involved.
“It’s really upsetting I feel for for John and Michael B Jordan and Delroy Lindo that the whole evening has sort of been overshadowed by this conversation,” she said. “There must be more education and more understanding about the base-guarding of things like this, and the tics and the language and what comes out.”
Her comments highlight the complexities of Tourette syndrome, a condition where only a small percentage of sufferers, between 10% and 30%, experience tics that involve swearing or socially unacceptable language.
Viral Acceptance Speech
Ms Evans’ viral acceptance speech, in which she declared she had no speech prepared and that her kids “will not give a damn” about her win tomorrow, was celebrated as a refreshingly honest moment. However, the subsequent controversy has shifted the focus from her success and that of the film, which also saw its lead actor Robert Aramayo win a BAFTA.
Llanelli MS Lee Waters had praised her win on social media, calling it “the most Hendy ever acceptance speech.”
New BBC Comedy Project
Despite the controversy, Ms Evans is already working on her next project – casting for an upcoming BBC comedy series starring Welsh favourites Ruth Jones and Steve Speirs. She is currently looking to cast a nine-year-old boy with a Merthyr Tydfil accent to play Speirs’ grandson.
Her win was for her work on ‘I Swear’, a film about the life of Scottish campaigner John Davidson. She told the BBC that casting the role was a “unique” process that required looking beyond acting skills to find someone with the right commitment and tenacity for the low-budget film.
Ms Evans, whose impressive CV includes casting for Netflix‘s ‘Sex Education’, ‘Gavin & Stacey’, and ‘Paddington 2’, said she felt “privileged” to work on projects that “make a difference and prompt a discussion.”
Related stories from Swansea Bay News
Llanelli teen invited to Parliament after years of agony from invisible illness
A young woman’s long fight for answers finally reaches Westminster.Hendy BAFTA winner calls for Tourette’s understanding after BBC apology
A powerful plea for respect after a broadcast sparks outrage.Swansea favourite Kev Johns recovering after minor stroke
Much‑loved entertainer thanks supporters as he begins his recovery.Carmarthenshire mum says Guide Dogs support was a lifeline
A family shares how early help transformed life after their baby’s diagnosis.More health stories
#BAFTA #BBC #casting #FilmTV #Hendy #ISwear #LaurenEvans #LeeWatersMS #Llanelli #Netflix #RuthJones #SteveSpeirs #TouretteSyndrome
The latest updates on health, care and wellbeing across our region. -
Hendy woman’s ‘chaotic’ BAFTA-winning moment goes viral
Lauren Evans took home the award for Best Casting for her work on the critically acclaimed film ‘I Swear’, and her chaotic, emotional, and quintessentially Welsh reaction has captured the hearts of viewers.
As she took to the stage, a visibly shocked Lauren declared, “Oh my god. People have been saying all day, have you got a speech? I’m like, no, there’s no chance.”
She continued, to the delight of the audience: “I’m going to enjoy it, because my kids tomorrow will not give a damn about it. So I’m really going to enjoy it.”
The moment was celebrated by Llanelli MS Lee Waters, who posted on Facebook: “Massive congratulations to local talent Lauren Evans from Hendy who tonight won a BAFTA for her casting work on the brilliant film ‘I Swear’.” He later added a link to the speech, commenting it was “the most Hendy ever acceptance speech!”
‘I Swear’ had a hugely successful night, with the film also picking up the award for Best Actor in a Leading Role for Robert Aramayo. The film, based on the true story of John Davidson who suffers from Tourette Syndrome, is set to be released on Netflix from March 10.
This was Lauren’s first BAFTA win, despite four previous nominations for her work on hit shows like Netflix’s ‘Sex Education’ and the BBC’s ‘Lost Boys & Fairies’. Her impressive CV also includes casting for ‘Gavin & Stacey’, ‘Renegade Nell’, and ‘Paddington 2’.
Her win, and her refreshingly honest reaction, have been widely praised as a highlight of the awards ceremony. The Llanelli area has a proud tradition of producing talent in the film and television industry, with Lauren’s success adding to that legacy.
#BAFTA #casting #film #Hendy #LeeWatersMS #TouretteSyndrome -
MS raises alarm over Pontyates GP closure as fears grow surgery is being “wound down”
Mr Waters said he has been contacted by a large number of residents who fear the village could lose its only GP surgery without a genuine attempt to save it. He has now written to the Chief Executive of Hywel Dda University Health Board demanding answers on recruitment, consultation and the future of primary care in the area.
In his letter, the MS said local people were “deeply concerned” that closure was being presented as inevitable rather than a last resort. He said patients had raised “serious and credible questions” about whether alternatives had been explored at all.
He also questioned the Health Board’s handling of staffing issues. Constituents, he said, had reported “no recent visible attempt” to recruit new GPs or partners, despite workforce shortages being cited as a key reason for shutting the surgery. Some patients claim expressions of interest from GPs were not followed up, and that roles such as practice manager were not properly advertised.
Mr Waters said these concerns “require clear and evidenced answers”.
The MS also challenged the rationale around the building itself. He said residents disputed claims about flooding risk and suitability, and questioned why alternative premises in the community had not been seriously considered.
In his Facebook post, Mr Waters said access to GP services “matters hugely in rural communities”, especially where public transport is limited and neighbouring practices are already under pressure.
He said patients and staff “deserve clear answers” and insisted that local voices must be properly heard before any final decision is made.
The letter calls on the Health Board to set out exactly what steps have been taken to retain GP provision in Pontyates, what alternatives to closure have been assessed, and how patient feedback will influence the outcome.
Letter from Llanelli MS Lee Waters raising concerns with Hywel Dda University Health Board about the proposed closure of Meddygfa’r Sarn in Pontyates.Related stories from Swansea Bay News
Residents step up fight to save Pontyates GP surgery
Campaigners say confidence in the Health Board’s process has collapsed as pressure grows locally.Councillors say they’ve lost confidence in Health Board process
Local councillors raise concerns about transparency and the handling of the closure proposal.Health Board launches eight‑week consultation
Hywel Dda opens a formal consultation as the future of the surgery remains uncertain.Pontyates surgery gets temporary lifeline
A final decision is delayed, giving the community more time to make its case.Councillors demand halt to closure plans
Elected members call for the process to be paused amid growing public concern.Future of Pontyates GP surgery in doubt
#doctorsSurgery #GPSurgeryClosure #HywelDdaUniversityHealthBoard #LeeWatersMS #MeddygfaRSarn #Pontyates #PontyatesDoctorsSurgery
The Health Board considers dispersing all 4,300 patients to neighbouring practices. -
MS warns against ‘fear and lies’ over Stebonheath housing plan
The Labour MS said the claim, being shared by the “far‑right group” Voice of Wales, is “not true” and is not supported by any of the documents submitted to Carmarthenshire County Council.
In a Facebook post, Mr Waters said a respected housing association is working with a local developer “to turn the empty old Stebonheath School in Llanelli into small flats for local people to have a home – especially single parents currently living in B&Bs”.
He accused Voice of Wales of “trying to stir up trouble” and “spreading lies that the plan is for asylum seekers”, adding in capital letters: “THIS IS NOT TRUE.”
He said he understood that some residents would prefer the old school not to be developed, but insisted the application “should be decided by facts and by planning law, not by fear, division and lies”.
A second view of the former Stebonheath School site in Llanelli, now vacant and proposed for redevelopment into affordable flats.
(Image: Google Maps)What the plans actually say
The application, reference PL/10217, seeks permission to convert the former Stebonheath Primary School building into 21 affordable homes. Planning documents state that 20 flats would be created in the main building and one in an attached cottage.
The Design and Access Statement, submitted by Caredig housing association and Swansea‑based Castell Group, says the scheme would provide 11 one‑bedroom flats and 10 two‑bedroom flats. It describes the development as “100% affordable housing” to be managed by a Registered Social Landlord and notes that the building has been vacant since mid‑2024 after efforts to find new commercial tenants failed.
The document sets the proposal firmly in the context of local housing need and Welsh Government policy for the Swansea Bay and Llanelli growth area. It refers to national planning guidance that encourages new homes in accessible locations close to jobs, schools and services. Nowhere in the application or supporting papers is there any reference to asylum accommodation.
Mr Waters said that across Wales “3,000 children [are] living in bed and breakfasts today… because they are on the waiting list for a home”, and highlighted a particular shortage of one‑ and two‑bedroom flats for councils to use. He argued that converting the long‑empty building into small flats for local people is one way of easing that pressure.
Voice of Wales’ record in the area
Voice of Wales has been active around contentious issues in south‑west Wales for several years. Swansea Bay News has previously reported that group co‑founder Dan Morgan received a suspended jail sentence for an insurance scam, and that the group urged parents to boycott a Llanelli school’s mosque visit in Swansea, prompting widespread criticism.
We have also covered disputes where the group was involved in claims about religion lessons at a Swansea primary school which the council later moved to correct, and a racism row linked to Cinema & Co in which the group denied allegations made against it. During the 2023 row over Home Office plans to use Llanelli’s Stradey Park Hotel for asylum seekers, Voice of Wales appeared at protests and Mr Waters has previously said members used aggressive language towards politicians and campaigners.
The group has consistently rejected accusations of racism and has defended its activities in past controversies.
Residents urged to check the portal
The Stebonheath application sits within a wider Welsh Government strategy that identifies Swansea Bay and Llanelli as a national growth area where new homes and investment are encouraged. The planning statement argues the site is well placed for walking, cycling and public transport, with schools, shops and employment within easy reach.
Mr Waters has encouraged residents to look at the plans themselves on Carmarthenshire County Council’s online planning portal by searching for application PL/10217, rather than relying on social media claims.
He said the future of the former school should be decided “by facts and by planning law”, not by those seeking to “stir up trouble” over what the development is for.
#asylumAccommodation #asylumSeekers #Caredig #CastellGroup #flats #housingAssociation #LeeWatersMS #Llanelli #socialHousing #StebonheathSchool #VoiceOfWales -
Llanelli retail staff report high levels of abuse as campaign calls for stronger protections
Retail staff in Llanelli say they continue to face unacceptable levels of verbal abuse, threats and physical assault while doing their jobs — prompting renewed calls for public respect and tougher enforcement.
The Freedom from Fear campaign, led by trade union Usdaw, was marked at Tesco Trostre with a visit from Dame Nia Griffith MP, alongside Lee Waters MS, Cllr Dot Jones and other local representatives. The event aimed to raise awareness of the abuse faced by shop workers and encourage the public to “keep your cool” in the run-up to Christmas.
Survey shows 71% of retail staff verbally abused
Interim results from Usdaw’s 2025 survey — based on responses from over 3,000 retail workers — show that:
- 71% have experienced verbal abuse in the past year
- 48% were threatened by a customer
- 9% were assaulted
Usdaw general secretary Joanne Thomas said the figures show a “slight downturn” compared to previous years, but warned that the scale of abuse remains “shocking”.
“Nearly three-quarters of those working in retail are regularly facing abuse from customers,” she said. “Far too many are experiencing threats and violence. Our members are saying loud and clear that enough is enough.”
Local voices call for change
Dame Nia Griffith MP said retail workers “deserve to be treated with respect” and backed Usdaw’s call for stronger legal protections.
“We’re introducing a new standalone offence of assaulting a retail worker,” she said. “That gives shop staff the protection they need and sends a clear message that abuse will not be tolerated.”
She also pointed to Labour’s Crime and Policing Bill, which removes the £200 threshold for prosecuting shoplifting and introduces new powers to ban repeat offenders.
Campaigners urge public to ‘respect shop workers’
Usdaw activists say incidents tend to rise in December as shops get busier and customer frustration grows. The union is encouraging staff to report abuse and reject the idea that it’s “part of the job”.
The Freedom from Fear campaign continues throughout the year, with workplace and community events planned across South Wales.
Related stories from Swansea Bay News
Festive donations worth over £4,500 brighten Christmas for Neath Port Talbot community groups
Local organisations receive support to deliver seasonal projects across the borough.Free buses return to Swansea for Christmas
Families and shoppers can travel across the city at no cost on selected dates this month.Christmas pop-up shops return to Carmarthenshire high streets
Local businesses showcase festive gifts in Carmarthen, Llanelli and Ammanford throughout December.#Christmas #CllrDotJones #LeeWatersMS #Llanelli #NiaGriffithMP #ParcTrostre #retail #retailWorkers #TescoLlanelliExtra #TradeUnion #Usdaw
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“Constitutional outrage”: Lee Waters and Mike Hedges join Senedd Labour revolt over UK Government funding bypass
Two prominent South West Wales politicians — Llanelli MS Lee Waters and Swansea East MS Mike Hedges — have joined a growing rebellion inside Welsh Labour over UK Government funding decisions that bypass the Senedd.
In a strongly worded letter to Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, signed by over a third of Labour Members of the Senedd, the group accuses Westminster of using Tory-era powers to override devolved responsibilities — calling it “deeply insensitive” and “a constitutional outrage.”
“Why is Whitehall deciding where to fix bus shelters in Wales?”
At the heart of the row is the Pride in Place programme, a UK Government initiative that funds local regeneration projects — including bins, toilets and bus shelters — directly through councils, without going through the Welsh Government.
The letter slams the use of the UK Internal Market Act 2020, originally passed by the Conservatives, to impose funding decisions in areas like regeneration that are fully devolved.
“Why is the UK Government directly funding Welsh Councils to fix bus shelters, reopen park toilets, and provide bins?” the letter asks.
“For our own Government to then come in and use the very same powers to act in devolved areas is at best deeply insensitive, at worst a constitutional outrage.”
Politics News
Follow the latest debates, decisions and political rows shaping Swansea, Llanelli and South West Wales.
Local voices speak out
Lee Waters, a former Welsh Government cabinet member, and Mike Hedges, one of the longest-serving MSs in the Senedd, are among 11 signatories demanding that Wales be treated as an equal part of the UK.
The group warns that the current approach undermines the Welsh Government’s authority and risks wasting public money by duplicating existing programmes.
“If this was being done by a Tory Government, we would be calling for a judicial review,” they write.
Pressure mounts on Starmer to act
The letter calls on the Prime Minister to recommit to devolving powers over rail infrastructure, policing, justice and the Crown Estate — pledges made in opposition but not yet delivered in government.
That last demand is particularly sensitive. Welsh Labour has long backed the devolution of the Crown Estate, arguing that profits from Welsh land and seabed should benefit Wales directly. But earlier this year, UK Labour ministers rejected a Commons amendment that would have transferred control, sparking anger among Senedd members and comparisons with Scotland, where the Crown Estate is already devolved.
With Llanelli MS Lee Waters and Swansea East veteran Mike Hedges among the signatories, the row has brought the issue home to South West Wales. Both have warned that bypassing the Welsh Government on regeneration projects undermines devolution and risks wasting public money.
The pressure is now firmly on Downing Street to respond — and to show whether Labour in power will deliver the reforms it promised in opposition, or face growing unrest from its own ranks in Wales.
Related stories from Swansea Bay News
Crown Estate funds new offshore wind programme in South Wales
New investment reignites debate over whether control of the Crown Estate should be devolved to Wales.Welsh Government highlights Swansea in offshore wind ports prospectus
Ministers push for local control over infrastructure as Crown Estate plans major Celtic Sea rollout.#CrownEstate #devolution #KierStarmer #LeeWatersMS #Llanelli #MikeHedgesMS #PrideInPlace #PrimeMinister #SwanseaEast #UKGovernment #UKInternalMarketAct2020 #UKLabour #WelshGovernment #WelshLabour
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Landslide washes away section of Carmarthenshire cycle path
Path collapse near Tumble
The Walk Wheel Cycle Trust Cymru (formerly Sustrans) confirmed that a landslide has taken out part of the route linking Tumble and Pontyberem. The charity’s estates team has been on site to close the affected section and warn users not to approach the area.
A spokesperson said:
“Please do not approach the site as it is extremely dangerous and unstable. Our team are working to close the path and ensure route users are aware on the ground. We are working with local partners to secure the site and it will remain closed. A diversion will be put in place as soon as possible.”
Council urges public to stay away
Carmarthenshire County Council confirmed the landslide and said the area has been fenced off. A spokesperson added:
“There has been a significant landslide which has taken out a section of the Sustrans Cycle Route linking Tumble and Pontyberem. We urge the public to keep away from the area for safety reasons. The path is owned and maintained by Sustrans, now known as the Walk Wheel Cycle Trust.”
Climate change warning
Local Member of the Senedd Lee Waters described the collapse as a stark reminder of the impact of extreme weather. Sharing an image of the damaged path, he said:
“The impact of flooding is being felt right across the local area today. This picture of the cycle path washed away near Tumble is a pretty stark illustration of how climate change is impacting us here and now – the experts are agreed that heavy rainfall and more intense storms are a direct consequence of man‑made climate change.”
He also thanked the emergency services, Carmarthenshire Council and local volunteers for their efforts in supporting communities affected by flooding over the past 24 hours.
Wider flooding impact
The landslide comes as Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service declared a major incident following more than 450 flooding‑related calls in 12 hours, with rescues carried out in Whitland, Ferryside, Kidwelly, Lampeter and St Clears. Swansea has also been hit, with Cwmbwrla roundabout once again submerged.
Related Articles
Major incident declared as flooding triggers rescues across West Wales and Swansea
Fire crews carry out dramatic rescues in Whitland, Ferryside, Kidwelly, Lampeter and St Clears, with Cwmbwrla once again submerged.Cwmbwrla roundabout submerged again as flooding hits Swansea and wider region
Torrential rain leaves roads under water and causes disruption across South West Wales.Council blames collapsed culvert – not drains – for Cwmbwrla flooding
Swansea Council says a collapsed culvert is behind repeated flooding at the busy junction.Flooding devastates Carmarthenshire dog sanctuary as fire crews rescue 34 animals
Firefighters save dozens of dogs after floodwaters engulf Glanrhyd Dog Sanctuary near Kidwelly.Landslide washes away section of Carmarthenshire cycle path
A section of NCN 47 near Tumble has collapsed after flooding, with the route closed for safety.#CarmarthenshireCouncil #CarmarthenshireCountyCouncil #cyclePath #flooding #landslide #LeeWatersMS #Pontyberem #Sustrans #Tumble #WalkWheelCycleTrustCymru