#llanelli — Public Fediverse posts

HYWEL DDA: Stroke patients in west Wales face major shake-up as health board prepares to launch new consultation — with Glangwili set to become the region’s only 24-hour acute unit

Stroke patients across west Wales could face much longer journeys for specialist care under plans being put out to public consultation — with Llanelli‘s Prince Philip Hospital set to lose its acute stroke capability if the preferred option goes ahead.

Hywel Dda University Health Board will decide at its public board meeting on 28 May whether to launch a second round of consultation on the future of stroke services — the one area it couldn’t reach agreement on when it made decisions on eight other fragile services at an extraordinary meeting in February.

Under the preferred option now being put forward, Glangwili Hospital in Carmarthen would become the region’s only 24-hour acute stroke and rehabilitation unit.

Prince Philip Hospital in Llanelli, Withybush Hospital in Haverfordwest and Bronglais Hospital in Aberystwyth would all become treat-and-transfer sites — meaning patients would receive initial stabilisation there before being transferred to Glangwili, or directly to a thrombectomy centre in Cardiff or Bristol.

Bronglais would also have a stroke rehabilitation unit under the plan.

The health board says the current setup is dangerous. Stroke services are currently spread across four hospital sites and there is no specialist cover seven days a week — meaning patients are not always getting the standard of care they should.

The preferred option was not one of the original ideas put out to consultation. It emerged from two alternative suggestions — Option 106 and Option 210 — put forward by members of the public during the first phase. The board felt that neither worked on its own, but combined, they could.

The proposal is a significant one for Llanelli. The town has already seen its Minor Injuries Unit downgraded as part of the same Clinical Services Plan process, and local councillors have been vocal about the cumulative impact of service losses at Prince Philip.

Councillor Sean Rees warned last year that Llanelli “cannot afford to lose any more” of its healthcare services, and raised specific concerns about what the stroke changes would mean for Prince Philip — including the added pressure of patients being transferred in from Ceredigion if Bronglais was downgraded.

The board’s chair Dr Neil Wooding said the second consultation was a direct result of what communities told the board during the first phase.

He said: “Thank you to everyone who has already given their time and provided feedback in the first phase of our Clinical Services Plan consultation, which has enabled us to reach this point. While we were able to take decisions on eight of the nine fragile services included in our Clinical Services Plan earlier this year, no decisions about the future model for stroke services have been made.”

Lee Davies, Executive Director of Strategy and Planning, said: “We know how important stroke services are to our communities, and we are committed to taking the time needed to understand people’s views on the preferred option and the other options already consulted on, before any final decisions are made.”

He added: “We need to change our current service to ensure that people in our communities have the best possible outcomes and chance of recovery from a stroke.”

The consultation will ask whether people support the preferred option — and if not, which of the previously consulted-on alternatives should be considered instead. People will also be able to flag equality and Welsh language concerns.

If approved on 28 May, the consultation opens the same day and runs until 26 July 2026. The board will then weigh all the evidence from both phases before making a final decision later this year.

The public board meeting on 28 May will be broadcast live online, with board papers already published on the Hywel Dda website.

Related stories from Swansea Bay News

Councillor warns against further service losses in Llanelli amid health board consultation
Independent councillor Sean Rees says Prince Philip Hospital cannot afford to lose more services as the Clinical Services Plan consultation continues.

Llanelli’s minor injuries unit to become 12-hour urgent care treatment centre — no return to 24-hour service
Hywel Dda confirms the MIU will not return to round-the-clock opening as part of its Clinical Services Plan decisions.

Hywel Dda to explore more than 100 new ideas for local health services
The health board received 4,000 responses and more than 100 new ideas as part of its Clinical Services Plan consultation.

Calls grow for urgent investment in west Wales hospitals as new-build plan pushed back a decade
Senior health leaders and politicians call for millions to be spent upgrading existing hospitals after a new build is delayed by ten years.

WRU: Ospreys and Scarlets still haven’t signed Welsh rugby’s new deal — four weeks after Ospreys said they would

Welsh rugby’s two west Wales regions are still unsigned on the deal that was supposed to secure their futures — and the WRU‘s plan to cut professional rugby in Wales from four teams to three remains very much alive in the background.

Ospreys chief executive Lance Bradley confirmed on Thursday that the region had not yet signed the new Professional Rugby Agreement — known as PRA25 — despite announcing its intention to do so four weeks ago.

The Scarlets are also yet to commit to the deal, which sets out how professional rugby in Wales will be run, including how much money each region will receive.

Bradley told BBC Radio Wales Breakfast the hold-up was not a cause for alarm. “It’s not signed yet, but it’s progressing towards that, so it’s very close,” he said. “It’s just a few details to sort out, there aren’t any problems with it.”

He also moved to dismiss reports suggesting the new agreement would mean budget cuts for the clubs. “There was some discussion about how you manage recruitment at relatively short notice, but no — there are no plans for a reduction in the budget,” Bradley said.

The two regions are currently signed to an older agreement that runs until 2028. Dragons and Cardiff — currently owned by the WRU — signed the new PRA25 deal in May 2025, which runs until 2030.

The Ospreys and Scarlets had held back from signing last year, releasing a joint statement seeking clarity from the WRU before they would commit. That stand-off triggered a significant escalation from the WRU.

In May 2025, the WRU announced it would move away from a model of four evenly-funded clubs — a move that sent shockwaves through west Wales rugby and fuelled fears for both regions’ survival.

What followed was one of the most turbulent periods in Welsh regional rugby history. Swansea Council went to the High Court seeking an injunction to halt a proposed WRU deal that it said would end the Ospreys. Fans launched a 10,000-signature petition. Politicians, supporters and public figures called for the WRU chair’s resignation.

The Y11 bid to take over Cardiff Rugby also collapsed in April — a significant moment that changed the landscape of negotiations, with the WRU subsequently moving to offer PRA25 to the Ospreys and Scarlets.

The WRU’s subsequent U-turn — offering both regions a professional rugby agreement — was celebrated by campaigners as a massive victory. But the deal still hasn’t been signed, and the WRU’s longer-term plan has not gone away.

The union wants to cut professional men’s rugby in Wales from four teams to three by the 2028-29 season, and has said it will outline the terms of how that will be achieved this summer.

Previous WRU proposals suggested only one team would remain in west Wales — which would mean either the Ospreys or the Scarlets ceasing to exist as a professional side. Bradley said he hoped it would not come to that.

“My personal preference would be that four regions is something that works very well,” he said. “Ospreys against Scarlets is the biggest club game in Welsh rugby — everybody likes to hate everybody else, but it’s a fantastic game and a fantastic rivalry, and I’d like to see it continue if possible.”

He added that the regions would need to see the full details of the WRU’s three-team plan before drawing any firm conclusions about what it would mean for west Wales rugby.

Related stories from Swansea Bay News

WRU: ‘A massive victory’ — reaction as Ospreys and Scarlets handed lifeline in Welsh rugby U-turn
Politicians and candidates react to the WRU’s decision to offer professional rugby agreements to the Ospreys and Scarlets.

WRU: Cardiff Y11 ownership bid collapses
Y11 Sport and Media withdrew from the Cardiff Rugby bid process as the WRU moved to offer PRA25 to the western regions.

Welsh rugby regional duo seeking clarity on Professional Rugby Agreement
The Ospreys and Scarlets released a joint statement seeking clarity from the WRU before agreeing to sign the new deal.

WRU announcement leaves rugby regions in limbo over future
The WRU said it would move away from four evenly-funded clubs after the Ospreys and Scarlets declined to sign PRA25.

https://www.europesays.com/ch/?p=70154 CARMARTHENSHIRE: Swiss Valley councillor elected as new council chair — and he wants to get around the whole county to meet its people #BloodCancerUK #CarmarthenshireCountyCouncil #charity #DementiaUK #DotJones #GilesMorgan #Llanelli #Swiss #SwissValley #Switzerland

CARMARTHENSHIRE: Swiss Valley councillor elected as new council chair — and he wants to get around the whole county to meet its people

Carmarthenshire County Council has a new Chair after Cllr Giles Morgan was elected to the role at the authority’s Annual Meeting on Wednesday, 20 May 2026.

The Swiss Valley Ward member takes over the chain of office from Cllr Dot Jones, who he paid tribute to on taking the chair — thanking her for her service to the council.

Cllr Morgan said: “I’m honoured to be elected Chair of Carmarthenshire County Council and I look forward to the year ahead.”

His wife, Mrs Claire Morgan, will serve as his Consort throughout the coming year, with Cllr Betsan Jones, the member for Betws, appointed as Vice-Chair.

After the ceremony, Cllr Morgan took to Facebook to say he was looking forward to getting around the whole county to meet people and organisations — and was delighted that his parents had been there to see him take up the role.

The appointment makes Carmarthenshire the third south-west Wales authority in less than a week to inaugurate a new civic figurehead. Swansea schoolfriends Cllr Penny Matthews and Cllr Susan Jones were inaugurated as Lord Mayor and Deputy Lord Mayor at Swansea Guildhall on 15 May, while music teacher Cllr Alan Lockyer was installed as Mayor of Neath Port Talbot at Margam Park the same day.

The Chair is the first citizen of Carmarthenshire County Council and is elected each year at the Annual General Meeting.

Duties include chairing full meetings of the council and representing the authority at formal and ceremonial occasions throughout the county.

The Chair is also responsible for welcoming visitors to Carmarthenshire and attending and supporting events organised by local people and organisations across the area.

Cllr Morgan has served as a County Councillor since 2004, bringing more than 20 years of local government experience to the role.

He currently chairs the council’s Corporate Performance and Resources Committee and also sits on the Audit Committee.

For his year in office, Cllr Morgan has chosen two charities — Dementia UK and Blood Cancer UK.

Dementia UK provides specialist dementia nurses, known as Admiral Nurses, who offer one-to-one support to families living with all forms of dementia — including Alzheimer’s disease and vascular dementia.

Blood Cancer UK funds research into leukaemia, lymphoma, myeloma and other blood cancers, and provides support to patients and their families.

The charity was previously known as Bloodwise — a name it held from 2015 until March 2020, when it rebranded to make its purpose clearer to the public. Before that, it operated as Leukaemia and Lymphoma Research.

Cllr Morgan’s election as Chair marks the beginning of a new civic year for the council, with a full programme of ceremonial and representative duties expected across Carmarthenshire over the next 12 months.

Related stories from Swansea Bay News

SWANSEA: Schoolfriends reunited as Cllr Penny Matthews becomes Lord Mayor — 60 years after they sat in the same classroom
Two of Swansea’s longest-serving councillors became Lord Mayor and Deputy Lord Mayor in the same year — a coincidence stretching back to their school days.

NEATH PORT TALBOT: From French horn to civic honours — meet the music teacher who has become the new Mayor
Cllr Alan Lockyer, founder of Neath Youth Wind Band and a lifelong music educator, was inaugurated as Mayor at Margam Park on 15 May.

https://www.europesays.com/britain/43594/ NatWest worker spied on neighbour’s accounts and mocked her benefits #Carmarthenshire #CarmarthenshireCouncil #Crime #Disability #DisabilityBenefits #DisabilityEquality #DisabilityRights #DyfedPowysPolice #LearningDisability #Llanelli #NatWest #People #Premium #TrafficAndTravel #Transport

LLANELLI: Man arrested after spate of car break-ins in Gilbert Crescent as councillor calls for ‘swift justice’

A man has been arrested after a series of cars were broken into in the Gilbert Crescent area of Llanelli — with footage of the break-ins shared on social media by one of the victims.

Dyfed Powys Police confirmed that officers are investigating a spate of thefts in the Gilbert Crescent area of the Lliedi ward, with the incidents taking place between 7pm and 8pm on Sunday 17 May. Residents reported personal items stolen after their cars were broken into.

One of the victims, Hefin Jones, shared footage of the incident on Facebook — describing the suspect as an “absolute scumbag” who had targeted several vehicles including his own.

Lliedi ward councillor Shaun Greaney made a public appeal for residents to come forward with information and urged police to act quickly. He described the crimes as “utterly despicable.”

“Residents work hard for what they have,” Greaney said. “Such abhorrent behaviour warrants tough sentences. I would hope that Dyfed Powys Police will act quickly to do all they can to catch the culprit.”

The footage, shared publicly on social media, proved crucial. On Monday 18 May — within hours of the incidents being reported — a 39-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of theft and bailed pending further investigation.

A spokesperson for Dyfed Powys Police said they were “currently investigating a spate of thefts in Gilbert Crescent, Llanelli” where “residents reported personal items stolen following their cars being broken into.”

The force confirmed the arrest and advised that their “enquiries are ongoing.”

The swift arrest delighted Greaney, who credited doorbell cameras and community vigilance for the result. “It’s great news that there has been an arrest in this instance,” he said. “It shows the value of door cameras and community vigilance.”

“One still wonders at the motives of the individual concerned,” he added. “I hope that justice is swift and that the penalty matches the crime.”

The case echoes a pattern seen elsewhere in our coverage — a prolific burglar in Baglan was jailed for five years after being caught on doorbell cameras trying a dozen doors, underlining the growing role that home security cameras play in helping police identify and prosecute suspects.

Despite incidents like this, the Dyfed Powys force area has historically recorded some of the lowest vehicle theft rates in England and Wales. Research published in 2022 found that drivers in the Dyfed Powys area were the least likely of any police force area to have their car stolen — with just 1.2 vehicles stolen per thousand households in 2021.

Anyone with further information about the incidents in Gilbert Crescent on Sunday 17 May is asked to contact Dyfed Powys Police on 101.

Related stories from Swansea Bay News

Prolific burglar caught on doorbell cameras trying a dozen Baglan doors jailed for five years
How doorbell camera footage led to a five-year sentence for a serial burglar in Baglan.

Drivers in Dyfed-Powys police area least likely to have car stolen
Research showing the Dyfed Powys force area has some of the lowest vehicle theft rates in England and Wales.

Big fall in vehicle theft revealed by new police figures
The wider picture on vehicle crime trends across the region.

SWANSEA: Ten kids from Llanelli and Blaenymaes flew to Mexico City to represent Wales — and came fifth in the world

Ten young people from Swansea flew to Mexico City last week and came home with a fifth-place finish at the Street Child World Cup — Wales’s first ever appearance at the tournament, and one that took 18 months of fundraising by the players themselves to make happen.

The boys team was drawn entirely from Swansea City AFC Foundation’s Premier League Kicks sessions in Llanelli and Blaenymaes — two of the programme’s community sites in south-west Wales that offer free football and personal development sessions to young people who might not otherwise have access to them.

The Street Child World Cup, organised by Street Child United, is not a conventional football tournament. It uses sport, art and advocacy to challenge the stigma faced by street-connected children and campaign for their rights — shining a spotlight on young people living in street situations and the fundamental rights they often lack. Alongside the football, participants took part in arts workshops and congress sessions focused on human rights, diversity and cultural understanding.

Wales entered two teams — the boys’ side from Swansea, and a girls’ team based in Blaenau Gwent. The boys finished fifth overall in their first appearance on the global stage.

What makes the achievement particularly striking is how the players got there. The young people selected from the Premier League Kicks sessions spent 18 months volunteering and fundraising to cover the costs of the trip themselves — a commitment that required sustained effort long before any of them set foot on a pitch in Mexico.

Thomas Williams, Head of Programmes at Swansea City AFC Foundation, said the experience had been everything the programme hoped it would be. “We are thrilled to be a part of the Street Child World Cup, offering deserving young people a once-in-a-lifetime experience to represent Wales and play football against teams from across the globe,” he said.

“Young people from our Premier League Kicks sites in Llanelli and Blaenymaes were selected and over the last 18 months have been volunteering to raise funds to cover the costs of the trip,” Williams added.

“The young people selected from our Premier League Kicks sessions demonstrated tremendous commitment throughout the journey, spending 18 months fundraising to help make the trip possible. We could not be prouder of everything they achieved both on and off the pitch.”

The Premier League Kicks programme operates across Swansea City Foundation’s community sites, offering free sessions to young people in areas where access to sport and structured activities can be limited. For many of those who took part in the Mexico trip, it will have been their first time travelling internationally.

Wales’s debut appearance at the Street Child World Cup ended with a fifth-place finish — a result that, given it was the nation’s first ever entry in the tournament, represents a remarkable start for a programme built not on elite talent but on community, commitment and opportunity.

Related stories from Swansea Bay News

Swansea City Foundation news from Swansea Bay News
All our coverage of the Foundation’s community work across south-west Wales.

Premier League Kicks news from Swansea Bay News
Our coverage of the Premier League Kicks programme in Swansea and Llanelli.

LLANELLI: Woman charged with robbery and shoplifting after string of incidents at Asda, Home Bargains and Tesco Extra

A 41-year-old woman from Llanelli has been charged with two counts of robbery and two counts of shoplifting following a series of incidents at supermarkets across the town, Dyfed Powys Police have confirmed.

Kara Racuoco, of Llanelli, was charged following reports of offences at Asda on Murray Street, Home Bargains on Station Road and Tesco Extra at Parc Trostre between April and May.

The first incident was reported on Tuesday 7 April at Asda on Murray Street, where two bottles of wine were said to have been taken. A shop assistant was reported to have been threatened during the incident, leading to a robbery charge.

The second offence was reported on Tuesday 5 May at Home Bargains on Station Road, where a bottle of wine was said to have been taken without any attempt to pay. This incident led to a shoplifting charge.

Two further offences were reported on 16 and 17 May. On Saturday 16 May, two joints of beef were reported stolen from Asda on Murray Street, with threatening behaviour again reported during the incident — resulting in a second robbery charge.

The following day, Sunday 17 May, a further shoplifting offence was reported at Tesco Extra at Parc Trostre, where around £95 worth of meat was said to have been taken from the store.

Racuoco denied all four charges when she appeared at Llanelli Magistrates’ Court on Monday 18 May. She was remanded into custody following the hearing.

A pre-trial plea hearing has been listed at Swansea Crown Court on Friday 19 June.

Dyfed Powys Police confirmed enquiries into all four offences are continuing.

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https://www.europesays.com/britain/40216/ HALIFAX: After 173 years, one of Britain’s most famous bank names is being killed off — and its branches in Swansea and Neath are already on borrowed time #BankClosure #Britain #featured #Halifax #HalifaxClosure #Llanelli #LloydsBank #Swansea

HALIFAX: After 173 years, one of Britain’s most famous bank names is being killed off — and its branches in Swansea and Neath are already on borrowed time

The writing has been on the wall for a while. Now it looks like it’s almost over for one of the most recognisable names on the British high street.

Halifax — the 173-year-old banking brand that grew from a West Yorkshire building society into a household name — is set to be axed by Lloyds Banking Group as soon as this summer, according to industry insiders cited by The Sun, which first broke the story.

The plan, as reported, is simple and brutal. From 1 July, customers will no longer be able to open new Halifax accounts online or through the app. By October, Halifax stops taking on new customers entirely. After that, millions of existing account holders will be gradually migrated across to Lloyds Bank — and the Halifax name disappears.

Lloyds Banking Group declined to comment on any of that. A spokesperson said: “We regularly look at the role our brands play in supporting our customers. Our banking customers can already use any Lloyds, Halifax or Bank of Scotland branch, and see any of their products and services in any of their apps — there are no changes for our customers today.”

Halifax currently has branches at 22/23 Union Street in Swansea city centre, 31 Queen Street in Neath, and 24/26 Cowell Street in Llanelli.

With the brand disappearing, the Swansea and Neath branches look like candidates for closure — a Lloyds branch already sits just 160 metres from the Halifax on Union Street in Swansea, and another barely 350 yards from the Halifax on Queen Street in Neath.

The case for keeping both open in each town would look thin.

Llanelli may tell a different story. Lloyds closed its own Stepney Street branch there last year — just 130 yards from the Halifax on Cowell Street. With the Halifax now the only Lloyds Banking Group presence in the town, it could see a reprieve and a rebrand, bringing the Lloyds name back to Llanelli.

The picture gets bleaker still when you add in the Lloyds closures already confirmed in the wider area. The Lloyds branch at Beaumont House on Swansea Enterprise Park in Llansamlet closes on 2 July. The Gorseinon branch on High Street closes on 12 October. Lloyds branches in Port Talbot, Carmarthen and on Oxford Street in Swansea city centre remain open for now — but the trajectory is clear.

But this is happening against a backdrop of relentless branch closures that has already left large parts of south-west Wales with far less face-to-face banking than they once had. Lloyds shut its Ammanford and Gorseinon branches earlier this year.

Gorseinon eventually got a banking hub — but Pontardawe was denied one, despite a Senedd member pushing hard for it. And Barclays has shut branches in Morriston and Tenby and in Gorseinon and Port Talbot.

Nationally, Lloyds announced in February that 95 more branches across its three brands would close by March next year — 31 of them Halifax sites. That will leave the group with just 610 branches across the whole of the UK. The BTU union, which represents 17,000 Lloyds staff, called it “the final nail in the coffin of branch banking.”

Killing off Halifax means reversing a public commitment made by Lloyds’ former chief executive António Horta-Osório, who said in 2011: “We will keep the different brands because the customers are very different in terms of attitude.” It also completes what began in 2009, when Lloyds swallowed up HBOS — the group formed when Halifax merged with Bank of Scotland in 2001 — during the financial crisis.

Halifax itself was born in 1852, when a group of men in the West Yorkshire mill town of the same name founded the Halifax Permanent Benefit Building Society. It was a product of the Industrial Revolution — workers flooding into towns needed affordable housing, and Halifax existed to help them get it.

By 1928 it had become the largest building society in the world, with assets of £47 million. In 1997 it converted to a public limited company in the biggest share flotation the UK stock market had ever seen — creating 7.5 million new shareholders overnight.

The brand became genuinely embedded in British culture through a long-running advertising campaign featuring Howard Brown, a real Halifax customer services representative from Birmingham whose singing and dancing appearances made him one of the most recognisable faces on British television.

Despite all of this, Lloyds has recently invested in its Trinity Road office in the town of Halifax in West Yorkshire. The brand may be going. The jobs, at least for now, are staying.

No formal announcement has been made, and Lloyds declined to comment on the reported timeline. But if The Sun’s sources are right, one of the most familiar names in British banking will be gone from the high street before the year is out.

Related stories from Swansea Bay News

Lloyds Bank to close Ammanford and Gorseinon branches in 2026
The closures that have already reshaped banking across south-west Wales.

New banking hub confirmed for Gorseinon after branch closure announcements
How Gorseinon secured a banking hub after its Lloyds branch closed.

Senedd member speaks out on ‘deeply disappointing’ Lloyds response on Pontardawe bank closure
Pontardawe’s fight for banking services continues.

NatWest worker spied on neighbour’s accounts and mocked her benefits

‘I can only imagine that her motive was to find dirt on me after I had the audacity…
#NewsBeep #News #Rugby #Carmarthenshire #CarmarthenshireCouncil #Crime #Disability #Disabilitybenefits #Disabilityequality #disabilityrights #Dyfed-PowysPolice #Learningdisability #Llanelli #NatWest #People #Premium #rugby #Sports #TrafficandTravel #Transport #UK #UnitedKingdom
https://www.newsbeep.com/uk/588715/

LLANELLI: Local councillors welcome Aldi jobs but demand traffic improvements as condition of planning permission for Sandy Road supermarket

The county councillors for the ward where Aldi wants to build a £7m supermarket in Llanelli have given a cautious welcome to the plans — while making clear that managing the impact on an already congested Sandy Road must be a condition of any planning approval.

Aldi is consulting on proposals to demolish the Pinopolis entertainment centre on Sandy Road and replace it with a new store — the German discounter’s first on the western side of Llanelli.

Pinopolis only opened three years ago. Under Aldi’s proposals, the entire site would be cleared and replaced with a single-storey supermarket with 100 car parking spaces, creating around 40 jobs once open.

Hengoed ward councillors Martyn Palfreman and Edward Skinner both acknowledged the potential benefits, with Cllr Palfreman saying a store of this scale would be genuinely useful for residents across a wide area.

“A supermarket on this scale on the western side of Llanelli would undoubtedly be convenient for people in this part of the town and those living in Burry Port, Pembrey and beyond, and that is to be welcomed,” he said.

Cllr Skinner highlighted the employment opportunities. “The opportunities in terms of jobs, both during the construction phase and once the store is open, are considerable,” he said.

However, both councillors stressed that traffic management on Sandy Road could not be an afterthought. The road already carries significant volumes of traffic and the addition of a major supermarket would increase pressure on the junction considerably.

The traffic concerns are not new. Sandy Road has been one of Llanelli’s most persistent congestion blackspots for years — with the junction at Maes-y-Coed only recently upgraded after a long campaign by local councillors. New traffic lights went live in September 2025, though residents warned at the time the scheme did not go far enough.

Early signs suggested the changes were helping — but Cllr Palfreman and Cllr Skinner had always made clear the September improvements were only the beginning, not the end, of what Sandy Road needed.

Cllr Palfreman said that position had not changed. “We fought hard for the improvements to the Sandy lights last year but we have always been clear that these need to form part of a wider scheme to reduce congestion along this stretch of Sandy Road,” he said.

“Permission for this new development must be conditional on further improvements being in place to manage the already large traffic volumes in the area,” he added.

Both councillors are meeting with Aldi managers this week to discuss the proposals directly, and have urged residents to give their views before the consultation closes.

The consultation is open until 11 June. Details are available at Llanelli library and online at aldiconsultation.co.uk/llanelli.

Related stories from Swansea Bay News

LLANELLI: Aldi to build £7m supermarket on site of Pinopolis
The full details of Aldi’s plans for Sandy Road.

New traffic lights switched on at Sandy Road as improvement works finish
September 2025 — the junction upgrade and why residents said it wasn’t enough.

Councillors say Sandy Road changes are already easing congestion
Early signs the upgrade was helping — but more work was always planned.

LLANELLI: Bomb disposal team called to Felinfoel after suspect package found — residents evacuated before all-clear given

A specialist bomb disposal team was called to Felinfoel this afternoon after a suspect package was found on Long Row, Llanelli — prompting the evacuation of residents from two streets and a police cordon that lasted several hours.

Dyfed Powys Police were called to the scene at 12.25pm following the report of the package. Officers attended alongside Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service and the Welsh Ambulance Service.

Long Row and Adulam Row were closed to traffic, and residents on both streets — as well as those in Y Fron whose properties back onto Long Row — were asked to leave their homes as a precaution while the package was examined.

Traffic monitoring service Inrix confirmed the closure, recording Long Row as shut in both directions from the A476 Pant-Teg to Adulam Row.

The cordon remained in place throughout the afternoon as police awaited the arrival of a specialist explosive ordnance disposal (EOD) team. Officers thanked those affected for their patience during the wait.

The EOD team examined the package and, at 6.45pm, police confirmed there was no risk to the public. The cordon and road closures were lifted and residents were told they could return home.

Dyfed Powys Police said further enquiries would be carried out to establish the source of the item and the intention behind it being left in a public location.

A police spokesperson said: “We recognise the inconvenience this has caused, and thank you for your cooperation and patience while we ensured your safety.”

The incident caused disruption to residents for more than six hours from the initial discovery of the package to the all-clear.

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Felinfoel stories from Swansea Bay News
The latest news from Felinfoel and the surrounding area.

Dyfed Powys Police stories from Swansea Bay News
All our Dyfed Powys Police coverage.

LLANELLI: Blood test services moving to Canolfan Pentre Awel on 1 June — with drop-in event next week for patients who want to know more

Llanelli patients needing blood tests will have a new home from 1 June, as Hywel Dda University Health Board confirms its phlebotomy service is moving to Canolfan Pentre Awel.

The service has been based at the Mass Vaccination Centre in Dafen since 2024, when it was moved there temporarily. The 1 June move to Pentre Awel represents its permanent new base.

The 2024 move to Dafen was deeply controversial. The Mass Vaccination Centre sits on an industrial estate with no public bus routes — meaning patients without a car had no way of getting there. The backlash was immediate, with the Health Board forced to introduce limited appointments at Prince Philip Hospital specifically for those who relied on public transport and couldn’t reach the Dafen site.

The service had originally been based at the Antioch Centre on Copperworks Road — a short walk from Llanelli train station and considerably more accessible by public transport than either the Dafen industrial estate or Pentre Awel. For many patients, the last two years have meant navigating a service that felt like it had been designed without them in mind.

Patients who want to find out more can attend a drop-in event at Canolfan Pentre Awel on Wednesday 20 May, running from 2pm to 6pm — giving them the chance to see the new facility ahead of the move.

Dylan Jones, Head of Pathology Services at Hywel Dda, said the new facility offered a much-improved environment for patients.

“This new facility offers a bright, accessible environment with excellent transport routes and parking, which we know is important to our patients,” he said. “Working alongside colleagues in Research and Innovation, as well as other clinical teams, will also provide improved working conditions for staff and a more seamless experience for patients.”

He added that the move represented a long-term investment in services for the Llanelli community.

Sara Quarrie, Service Director for Allied Health Professions and Health Sciences at Hywel Dda, said the team had worked hard to ensure the move delivered real benefits for both patients and staff.

“We know how important it is for local people to have a service that is easy to get to and meets their needs,” she said. “We look forward to welcoming our community to the new site and continuing to provide a safe, efficient and patient-centred service.”

Cllr Hazel Evans, Carmarthenshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Regeneration, said she was pleased to see the building being used for its intended purpose.

“I am pleased to see Canolfan Pentre Awel being used for its intended purpose, by offering frontline medical health care services to our community in a more accessible location,” she said.

Canolfan Pentre Awel opened to the public in October 2025 and offers improved accessibility, transport links and parking. A new hydrotherapy pool opened there in February 2026 — made possible through a partnership between Carmarthenshire County Council, Hywel Dda and charitable donations from the Llanelli Hydrotherapy Pool Committee, the Elizabeth Williams Endowment, Treat Trust Wales and the Welsh Government.

For patients travelling by public transport, the L1 and L2 bus routes connect Canolfan Pentre Awel to key locations across Llanelli approximately every 90 minutes, including Llanelli town centre, Parc Trostre, Prince Philip Hospital and Felinfoel. The L11 route serves Kidwelly and surrounding areas at the start and end of the day.

Patients must pre-book blood test appointments online at hduhb.nhs.wales/healthcare/services-and-teams/blood-tests or by calling the Communications Hub on 0300 303 9642. A referral from a medical professional is required to access the service.

Related stories from Swansea Bay News

BLOOD TEST SHUFFLE: Llanelli patients moved AGAIN as services shift to new £60m Pentre Awel site
The March 2026 story confirming the Pentre Awel move was coming.

Health Board moves Llanelli blood tests to out-of-town industrial park
The controversial 2024 move to Dafen that left patients without bus services stranded.

LLANELLI: Town council welcomes Heol Goffa commitment but calls for faster delivery as families face wait until 2029

Llanelli Town Council’s new Independent-led administration has responded to news that plans for a new Ysgol Heol Goffa are moving forward — welcoming the commitment while saying serious concerns remain over the timescale.

Carmarthenshire Council’s education scrutiny committee unanimously recommended the £35 million project should proceed last week, with the new school now expected to open in September 2029 if all goes to plan.

Lliedi Ward Town Councillor Andrew Bragoli said the council recognised the importance of the project for children and families across the community.

“However, many parents and staff will understandably be disappointed and frustrated by the prospect of having to wait until at least 2029,” he said. “Families have already shown enormous patience over many years, and there is a clear need now for urgency and momentum behind the project.”

Fellow Lliedi Ward Town Councillor Sarah Evans said the school played an incredibly important role in the community, and that the children there deserved access to the very best learning environment and facilities.

“It is encouraging that plans are moving forward but concerns around delays and uncertainty have not gone away,” she said. “Parents, pupils and staff deserve greater clarity about the next steps and confidence that everything possible is being done to avoid further delays. This project is far too important for momentum to be lost.”

Leader of Llanelli Town Council, Councillor Sean Rees, said the people of Llanelli had consistently supported the campaign for a new school because everybody understood how important it was for current and future generations.

“A new school would help address increasing pressures on existing facilities while also creating a safe, modern and supportive learning environment for children with additional learning needs,” he said. “The community now wants to see a clear pathway towards construction and completion so that the promises made to pupils, parents and staff finally become reality.”

The new school will be built near Ysgol Pen Rhos — almost four miles from the existing Heol Goffa site — and will cater for 150 pupils aged three to 19 with severe or profound and multiple learning difficulties. That is 30 more places than the original 120-pupil scheme that Carmarthenshire Council scrapped in 2024 on cost grounds.

The £35 million cost would be split between the Welsh Government, contributing 75%, and Carmarthenshire Council paying the remaining 25%. Carmarthenshire cabinet member for education Cllr Glynog Davies has said he is confident the Welsh Government funding will be protected under the new Plaid Cymru administration.

The existing Heol Goffa site is currently oversubscribed — with 132 pupils despite a capacity of just 118. Inspection body Estyn has found that several parts of the school are no longer fit for purpose and that facilities are outdated.

The school has also faced a separate crisis over nursing provision, with a watchdog investigation demanded after concerns were raised that lives could be at risk. The Children’s Commissioner subsequently stepped in, demanding a meeting with the health board.

The new school would have access to the hydrotherapy pool at the nearby Pentre Awel health and leisure development — a significant benefit given the specialist needs of many of its pupils.

Following the scrutiny committee’s unanimous recommendation, a decision will be taken by Carmarthenshire cabinet. The subsequent process includes a public consultation, a statutory notice, an objection report and a final decision by full council — currently scheduled for March next year.

Carmarthenshire Council is also investing £4 million in a new autism unit at Ysgol Glan-y-Môr in Burry Port, due to open by September 2027.

Our Ysgol Heol Goffa coverage

£35m new Ysgol Heol Goffa to open in 2029 after years of uncertainty
The scrutiny committee decision and the funding question hanging over the project.

New school plans for Ysgol Heol Goffa move forward after years of uncertainty
How the council agreed to press ahead after the original plans were scrapped.

‘Lives may be at risk’: Watchdog probe demanded over Llanelli special school nurse crisis
The separate staffing crisis that raised serious safety concerns at the existing school.

Campaigners condemn ‘appalling scandal’ over autism provision in Llanelli
Community anger over the wider state of additional learning needs provision in the town.

LLANELLI: Aldi to build £7m supermarket on site of Pinopolis — the entertainment centre that only opened three years ago

Aldi is planning a brand new £7 million store in Llanelli — and this time, it’s heading to Sandy Road, on the site of the Pinopolis family entertainment centre opposite Ysgol y Strade and Coleg Sir Gâr’s Graig Campus.

The site is currently home to Pinopolis, which only opened in April 2023, offering bowling, darts, soft play and a diner under one roof. It won’t be fighting the development.

David Edwards of Pinopolis confirmed the centre was now looking for a new home, saying the Sandy Road site was “no longer economically or operationally viable.”

He added: “Aldi provides a deliverable alternative to the site, which will bring benefits to the local community. We encourage our customers to support the application and have their say on the consultation.”

Aldi has been on an aggressive UK expansion drive in recent years, actively targeting new sites in towns where it believes there is unmet demand for discount grocery shopping. The Sandy Road proposal represents what the company describes as a “renewal of its commitment” to Llanelli.

This would actually be the third Aldi to serve Llanelli. The original store was in the town centre, next to the historic Buckleys Brewery building. It closed last year, having been deemed unsuitable due to operational constraints — and plans were subsequently approved to convert it into a Pure Gym.

The closure disappointed many shoppers who valued the convenience of a town centre location. The second store — which opened at Trostre in December 2021 — remains open. The proposed Sandy Road store would be in addition to Trostre, not a replacement for it.

Aldi real estate director Rob Jones said: “We are thrilled to bring forward plans for a new Aldi store in Llanelli. We encourage residents to participate in our consultation to learn more about the scheme and share their views.”

According to Aldi’s own figures, the proposed store would create up to 40 new jobs, with store assistants paid a minimum of £13.50 an hour. Additional employment would be generated during the construction phase and through the supply chain, the company says.

The plans include 133 car parking spaces — six accessible and nine parent and child spaces.

There is one obvious question the planning application will need to answer: traffic. Sandy Road has been one of Llanelli’s most stubborn congestion hotspots for years.

The problems intensified following the installation of traffic lights to serve the housing estate built on the site of the former Stradey Park rugby ground — the historic home of the Scarlets and Llanelli RFC before the move to Parc y Scarlets.

Carmarthenshire Council has made multiple attempts to ease the congestion, including road improvement works and junction changes.

Councillors said the most recent improvements were already making a difference — but the arrival of a large supermarket on the same stretch will inevitably revive those concerns.

Aldi says families in towns without access to a discount supermarket pay up to £836 more per year on average for their groceries — rising to £2,437 in areas dominated by higher-priced supermarkets. The company says the new store would help tackle that “postcode penalty” for residents in west Llanelli, Pwll, Burry Port and surrounding communities.

A statutory pre-application consultation is running until 11 June.

More on retail in Llanelli

Former Llanelli Aldi could become a gym
How the town centre store’s closure led to plans for a Pure Gym on the site.

Opening date for Llanelli’s Trostre Aldi announced
When the Trostre store opened in December 2021 — Llanelli’s current Aldi offering.

Entertainment for all the family as Pinopolis opens in Llanelli
The launch of the venue that now faces making way for the new Aldi store.

Councillors say Sandy Road changes are already easing congestion
The most recent chapter in Sandy Road’s long-running traffic story.

LLANELLI: £35m new Ysgol Heol Goffa to open in 2029 after years of uncertainty — but funding question hangs over Plaid Cymru government

Plans for a long-awaited new Ysgol Heol Goffa have moved forward after Carmarthenshire Council’s education scrutiny committee unanimously recommended they should proceed — with the school now expected to open in September 2029 if all goes to plan.

The new school will be located near Ysgol Pen Rhos, almost four miles from the current oversubscribed Heol Goffa site, and will cater for 150 pupils aged three to 19 with severe learning difficulties or profound and multiple learning difficulties. That is 30 more places than the original 120-pupil scheme that the council scrapped in 2024 on cost grounds — a decision that sparked widespread anger and protests in Llanelli.

The £35 million price tag would be split between the Welsh Government, contributing 75%, and Carmarthenshire Council paying the remaining 25%. At Tuesday’s meeting, Labour councillor Martyn Palfreman asked for assurances that the Welsh Government’s 75% contribution would be protected given that a new administration — led by Plaid Cymru — was now being formed in Cardiff Bay.

Cabinet member for education Cllr Glynog Davies responded: “I’m confident that we will get that funding.”

Cllr Palfreman, however, said the funding question was not one to be taken lightly. Writing on social media after the meeting, he said any threat to that funding would be “unforgivable” — pointing out that pupils and parents had already suffered due to what he described as Plaid Cymru’s abandonment of its original plans and commitments on the matter in 2024.

The original plans for a new Ysgol Heol Goffa were scrapped by the council in 2024 after costs escalated, before new plans were subsequently agreed following pressure from Labour councillors and community campaigners.

The school has also faced a separate crisis over nursing provision, with calls for a watchdog investigation after concerns were raised that lives could be at risk.

The new school is currently oversubscribed — it has 132 pupils despite a capacity of just 118. Inspection body Estyn has found that several parts of the existing school are no longer fit for purpose and that facilities are outdated.

A report before the committee said the new building would “provide 21st Century facilities to meet the needs of children with more complex needs and profound additional learning needs”, including better post-16 provision for life skills and vocational learning, and improved play provision on the new site.

The new school would use the hydrotherapy pool at the nearby Pentre Awel health and leisure development — a significant benefit given the specialist needs of many of its pupils.

Cllr Davies described the preferred option as “excellent and fully costed”, adding: “It’s bigger, better, modern and future-proofed.” He acknowledged it had been a “long and very complicated process.”

Twenty sites were considered before the location near Ysgol Pen Rhos was selected as the most appropriate. Director of education Owain Lloyd said its proximity to Pentre Awel was a key factor.

Cllr Kim Broom summed up the sentiment in the chamber: “The parents, they want a new school, and the children deserve that.”

Carmarthenshire Council is also investing £4 million in a new autism unit at Ysgol Glan-y-Mor in Burry Port, due to open by September 2027.

Following the scrutiny committee’s unanimous recommendation, a decision will be taken by cabinet. The subsequent process includes a public consultation, a statutory notice, an objection report and a final decision by full council — currently scheduled for March next year.

Our Ysgol Heol Goffa coverage

New school plans for Ysgol Heol Goffa move forward after years of uncertainty
How the council agreed to press ahead after the original plans were scrapped.

Council faces critical decision on future of Llanelli’s special school
The moment the original rebuild plans collapsed and the community’s reaction.

‘Lives may be at risk’: Watchdog probe demanded over Llanelli special school nurse crisis
The separate staffing crisis that raised serious safety concerns at the existing school.

Campaigners condemn ‘appalling scandal’ over autism provision in Llanelli
Community anger over the wider state of additional learning needs provision in the town.

LLANELLI: Prince Philip Hospital becomes first in Wales to offer pioneering cancer diagnosis technique

Prince Philip Hospital has become the first and currently only centre in Wales to offer CryoEBUS — a procedure that combines ultrasound guidance with a freezing technique to collect lymph node tissue samples that are larger and better preserved than those obtained through conventional methods.

The technique, known in full as Cryobiopsy Endobronchial Ultrasound, uses special biopsy needles alongside a freezing process to collect tissue from lymph nodes and, in some cases, lung masses. The improved sample quality makes diagnosis more accurate and is increasingly important for the molecular testing now used to guide newer treatments in lung cancer.

The procedure was introduced at Prince Philip Hospital in November 2025 and is performed under conscious sedation. It integrates into existing bronchoscopy and endobronchial ultrasound pathways, combining two sampling techniques into one streamlined procedure — reducing the need for repeat procedures and supporting earlier treatment planning for more complex cases.

The first procedures were carried out by Dr Robin Ghosal, Clinical Director at Prince Philip Hospital and Consultant Respiratory Physician, working alongside Dr Jonathan Fisher-Black, Consultant Respiratory Physician, and the hospital’s Endoscopy team. Dr Ghosal has completed specialist CryoEBUS training to bring the service to west Wales.

“It’s a very new technology which is gaining momentum and Prince Philip Hospital is the first in Wales to use it and one of only a handful in the whole of the UK,” said Dr Ghosal.

He said the improved diagnostic capability represented a real step forward for patients. “This allows us to obtain significantly improved tissue samples while remaining minimally invasive. This has important implications for diagnostic confidence, particularly in complex lymph node pathology, and supports more efficient progression to treatment decisions.”

CryoEBUS is particularly valuable for diagnosing complex respiratory conditions including lymphoproliferative and granulomatous diseases, where sample size and preservation are critical for accurate analysis.

The procedure uses endobronchial ultrasound guidance alongside specialised biopsy needles and a freezing technique, allowing doctors to get larger and better-preserved samples in a single visit rather than requiring multiple procedures. For patients, that means shorter diagnostic pathways and more timely access to treatment.

The technology is becoming increasingly significant as molecular testing takes on a greater role in guiding newer cancer treatments. Better tissue samples mean better molecular analysis — and better molecular analysis means more targeted and effective care.

Dr Ghosal said the procedure also enhances clinicians’ ability to diagnose conditions beyond cancer, including complex lymph node diseases where sample quality has historically been a limiting factor in reaching a confident diagnosis.

“The procedure integrates an innovative technique into established bronchoscopic and endobronchial ultrasound workflows, offering an advanced less invasive option that can reduce the need for repeat procedures and support earlier treatment planning for more complex cases,” he said.

Hywel Dda University Health Board’s Medical Director, Mr Mark Henwood, said the health board was always looking at innovative ways to improve patient care. “I’m very proud that Prince Philip Hospital is leading the way in which we diagnose respiratory diseases,” he said.

“This just goes to show that you don’t have to live in a big city to have access to the most pioneering and effective health care. Congratulations to Robin and his team for all the hard work and training they have put in to bring the CryoEBUS testing to west Wales.”

The adoption of CryoEBUS at Prince Philip Hospital reflects the continued evolution of respiratory diagnostics across NHS services and reinforces the hospital’s commitment to innovation for patients in Carmarthenshire, Ceredigion and Pembrokeshire.

The service is now available as part of the hospital’s standard diagnostic pathway, meaning eligible patients in west Wales can now access a technique previously only available at a handful of centres across the entire UK.

More from Hywel Dda University Health Board

Norovirus forces ward closures at Prince Philip Hospital as outbreak spreads across region
When a norovirus outbreak hit the Llanelli hospital and spread across the Hywel Dda area.

Glangwili Hospital faces £82m repair backlog as Wales-wide NHS maintenance bill nears £1bn
The scale of the maintenance challenge facing Hywel Dda’s hospital estate.

£2m upgrade begins at Glangwili Hospital to ease pressure on A&E
Investment in west Wales’s hospital infrastructure to improve patient flow.

Hywel Dda to explore more than 100 new ideas for local health services
The health board’s wider drive to innovate and improve services across west Wales.

LLANELLI: Forget the Scarlets — Llanelli has just been crowned the home of Wales’ second best Nando’s

Llanelli has long had reason to hold its head high — the Scarlets, the mural, the seaside. But now there’s a new entry on the town’s list of achievements: the second best Nando’s in Wales.

That’s according to a new study by BingoWebsites.org.uk, which crunched Tripadvisor review data for every Nando’s in Wales and ranked them by the percentage of customers who rated their visit as “excellent”.

Llanelli’s branch came in at 42.7% — with 85 of its 199 Tripadvisor reviews awarded the top score. Reviewers were full of praise, with mentions of “amazing service”, “vibrant ambience” and a “spotless restaurant”. Not bad for a peri-peri chicken chain on a retail park.

Only Newport got close — the Friars Walk branch topped the table with a 50% excellent rate from 112 reviews. After that, Llanelli is comfortably clear of the rest of the pack.

Swansea has two branches in the rankings, and neither can quite match their Carmarthenshire neighbours. The Morfa Retail Park branch came sixth with 38.1% — though that figure is based on just 21 reviews, making it one of the smallest samples in the table, so perhaps a pinch of peri-peri salt is needed there.

The City Gates branch tells a different story — with a much more substantial 250 reviews, it came ninth with 30%. A larger sample, but a noticeably lower satisfaction rate.

That makes Llanelli more than 12 percentage points clear of Swansea’s better-reviewed branch. A gap even the most diplomatic rugby fan would struggle to ignore.

Further down the table, Cardiff’s three branches — Mermaid Quay, Old Brewery Quarter and St David’s — all sit in the lower half, clustered around the 27-30% range. Bridgend and Merthyr Tydfil brought up the rear, with Merthyr finishing bottom of all 14 Welsh branches with just 23.9% of its reviews rated excellent.

The study was carried out by analysing Tripadvisor reviews for all Nando’s locations listed on the chain’s website. Branches with no Tripadvisor page or zero reviews were excluded — which accounted for Cardiff Capital Retail Park.

Matt White from BingoWebsites.org.uk, who commissioned the research, said the 26-point gap between Newport and Merthyr showed how difficult it can be for national chains to deliver a consistent experience across every branch. “The results suggest that customer experience at Nando’s can vary significantly across Wales,” he said.

For what it’s worth, Waterloo in London topped the UK-wide rankings with a 94.3% excellent rate from 53 reviews. Nobody in Wales is troubling that particular leaderboard yet — but Llanelli, at least, is flying the flag.

And the chain itself clearly hasn’t given up on south Wales. Plans have been lodged to open a new Nando’s at Parc Fforestfach Retail Park in Swansea, taking over the current Card Factory unit and potentially creating 40 jobs — which would give Swansea a third branch and push the city further up any future rankings.

Of course, the ranking comes at a time when eating out is getting harder for everyone — restaurants and customers alike. Llanelli has felt that pressure as much as anywhere.

The Tinhouse taproom on Murray Street closed earlier this year after the owners cited mounting hospitality costs. Ali Raj and the Bryngwyn closed on the same day in a blow that left customers heartbroken. And the Sandpiper faced an outpouring of community anger when Whitbread announced it was among those earmarked for closure.

So while Llanelli’s Nando’s clearly has plenty of fans — the data says so — the wider message is simple enough. Use it or lose it.

Llanelli’s hospitality scene

Two much-loved Llanelli restaurants close on the same day
Ali Raj and the Bryngwyn both shut their doors simultaneously, leaving customers heartbroken.

Much-loved Llanelli taproom The Tinhouse to close as hospitality pressures mount
The Murray Street taproom became the latest victim of the cost pressures hitting hospitality.

‘A bombshell for all concerned’ — community rallies to save the Sandpiper
The campaign to save one of Llanelli’s best-known pubs after Whitbread earmarked it for closure.

Four local restaurants face closure as Whitbread axes up to 3,800 jobs
The national picture behind the local closures.

RETAIL: Shoe Zone is closing stores across the UK — here’s what it means for shops in Llanelli, Neath, Swansea, Carmarthen and Port Talbot

The bad news

Shoe Zone is in trouble. The chain has just reported a £5.3 million loss — nearly double what it lost this time last year. It closed 14 stores in the past six months alone and is now shutting half its warehouse.

The company blames the war in Iran for pushing up shipping costs, and two government budgets for making shoppers too nervous to spend. Even its online sales — usually its bright spot — fell 6% in the latest figures. It had hoped to make a £1 million profit this year. It now thinks it’ll lose between £1 million and £2 million.

Why some stores are more at risk than others

Shoe Zone has been quietly carrying out a plan for years. The company is shutting its smaller, traditional high street shops and replacing them with bigger stores in retail parks that sell branded shoes like Skechers alongside its own cheap range.

By last September, it had already converted 201 of its stores to the bigger format. Only 68 of the old-style smaller shops remained — down from 112 the year before. The company wants to finish the job by the end of 2027.

The pattern is clear from what’s already happened across south-west Wales. In 2019, Shoe Zone opened a big new store at Cross Hands Retail Park — and six months later, the Ammanford town centre branch on Quay Street closed for good.

In 2023, it relocated from its smaller traditional Union Street store in Swansea city centre to the much larger former Next unit on Oxford Street. Six months later, the Morriston branch closed permanently.

Maesteg lost its Shoe Zone in 2020 and Haverfordwest followed in 2021 — both were traditional town centre shops and neither appears on the company’s store locator any more.

The stores in south-west Wales — starting with the safest

Safe: Cross Hands Retail Park
Opened in 2019 as Shoe Zone’s first out-of-town store in Wales, Cross Hands is the chain’s regional anchor for west Wales — open until 7pm on weekdays and stocking a wide range of branded footwear. This is precisely the model the company is investing in. It’s about as safe as it gets.

Safe: Swansea, Oxford Street
When Shoe Zone moved from its smaller Union Street store into the old Next unit on Oxford Street in 2023, it was a statement of intent. Large, modern and well-stocked, this is one of the company’s own concept stores — the kind of unit it wants more of, not fewer.

Reasonably safe: Port Talbot, Aberafan Centre
Inside the Aberafan Shopping Centre, this is a covered unit which is generally more stable than a standalone high street branch. Port Talbot faces its own economic headwinds following the steel industry’s decline, but the shopping centre location provides some protection.

Reasonably safe: Carmarthen, Merlin’s Walk
Opened in October 2024, the Carmarthen store is one of the newest Shoe Zone branches in Wales. It sits along Merlin’s Walk — an open pedestrianised street linking the town centre with Friars Park car park — rather than in a covered shopping centre. A store this new is unlikely to close soon, but its open high street setting means it faces the same footfall pressures as any other town centre shop.

Worth watching: Neath, Green Street
Neath’s store was refurbished and reopened in September 2023 as a modernised unit with a bigger range of brands. The recent investment suggests Shoe Zone sees a future here — but it’s still a traditional town centre store on an open high street, and those are exactly the ones the company has been closing elsewhere.

Most at risk: Llanelli, Stepney Street
Llanelli’s Shoe Zone is a long-established traditional high street shop — exactly the type the company has been systematically shutting. No closure has been announced. But with Cross Hands Retail Park already drawing shoppers from across west Wales, Llanelli faces the same question Ammanford did in 2019: does a traditional town centre branch still make sense when there’s a bigger, better-stocked store just up the road? Of all the south-west Wales stores, this one fits the at-risk profile most closely.

What happens next

Shoe Zone is fighting on multiple fronts — rising costs, falling sales, a shrinking store network and mounting losses. The company says it is still investing in its future, including launching a TikTok shop to drive online sales. But the high street has already claimed Wilko, Debenhams and countless others that once seemed like fixtures, and with losses mounting and the 2027 transformation deadline approaching, the clock is ticking for its remaining traditional stores.

South-west Wales has already seen this story play out before. TGJones — the chain that took over from WHSmith — is facing its own crisis, with seven local branches at risk and a High Court hearing on its future expected in late June.

More on the high street in south-west Wales

TGJones: Bailiff threat and tax debts cast fresh doubt over south-west Wales stores
Seven local TGJones branches are at risk as the chain battles mounting debts and a High Court hearing looms.

Seven south-west Wales TGJones stores at risk as chain announces 150 closures
The full list of at-risk branches across the region.

Four local restaurants face closure as Whitbread axes up to 3,800 jobs
Another national chain making cuts that hit south-west Wales directly.

Swansea flagship M&S store confirms closure date
The high street story that sparked months of debate about Swansea city centre.

ENERGY BILLS: New data shows 40% of people are afraid to get help after energy bills more than double — as Iran conflict threatens to push costs even higher

Energy bills in south Wales have more than doubled since 2008 — and new research suggests four in ten people are still too embarrassed or afraid to seek help when they can’t afford to pay.

Now, with the Iran conflict pushing wholesale gas prices sharply higher and a significant price cap rise expected in July, the situation could be about to get worse before it gets better.

British Gas Energy Trust, working with Age Cymru Dyfed, is bringing free drop-in advice events to four west Wales venues this month to help households get on top of their bills before that happens.

Sessions take place at Prince Philip Hospital in Llanelli on 19 May, Glangwili Hospital in Carmarthen on 20 May, Asda Llanelli on 27 May and Tesco Ammanford on 28 May — all running from 10am to 1pm and open to customers of any energy supplier.

The average domestic electricity bill in south Wales has climbed from £444 in 2008 to £1,129 — a rise of more than 150% in under two decades. South Wales households are among the hardest hit in the UK, with rural grid maintenance costs, higher heating demand and limited access to competitive tariffs all contributing.

Carmarthenshire families reliant on heating oil have faced some of the sharpest increases of all, with many paying triple what they once did — and rural communities have faced the additional threat of fuel theft as prices have rocketed.

The £150 average reduction applied automatically to bills from April offered some relief. But analysts at Cornwall Insight warn that the Ofgem price cap is on course to rise by around 20% in July — pushing the average annual bill from £1,641 to £1,973 — more than wiping out any April saving.

The driving force is the conflict in Iran. US and Israeli strikes against Iran began on 28 February 2026, prompting Iran to warn ships not to cross the Strait of Hormuz — a waterway that usually provides passage for around 20% of the world’s petroleum and liquefied natural gas supply. UK wholesale natural gas prices rose by roughly 75% between late February and late March as a result.

The government has responded with an energy package aimed at reducing the effect of higher gas prices on electricity bills, including offering voluntary long-term fixed contracts to low-carbon generators and raising the electricity generator levy from 45% to 55%. But the NIESR has warned the government has little fiscal space to provide anything like the £40 billion support package deployed during the 2022 energy crisis.

Swansea West MP Torsten Bell has written about the need to protect households from the economic fallout of the Iran conflict, while Citizens Advice Cymru has warned there is already no sign of easing in the cost of living crisis across Wales.

New research commissioned by British Gas Energy Trust found 40% of people still don’t seek help when struggling with bills. Stigma and embarrassment are the biggest barrier, cited by 38% of respondents — up from 33% the previous year. Others wrongly believe they won’t qualify for support (29%), or find the application process too daunting (17%).

It is in this context that the west Wales drop-in events take on added significance — offering a rare chance to get free, practical, face-to-face help at a time when many households are bracing for another difficult winter.

At the Llanelli, Carmarthen, Ammanford and Asda sessions, trained advisers will help with budget planning, managing energy debt, applying for debt write-off grants and accessing energy-saving measures. British Gas representatives will also be on hand to explain payment plan options and support schemes.

Tracey Talbot, Interim Chief Executive Officer at British Gas Energy Trust, said the partnership with local charities was designed to bring help directly into communities. “No one should feel alone in this — and we want people to know that help is not only available, but designed to work for them, wherever they are in life,” she said.

Daniel Barr, Senior Vulnerable Customer Lead at British Gas, said the first conversation with an adviser could make a real difference. British Gas has committed £140 million to help customers with energy bills since 2021 — the biggest voluntary support package from an energy company, it says.

Research also found 67% of people believe there should be more government and charity programmes to help manage rising energy costs. With the July price cap rise looming, the four events in west Wales this month may come at exactly the right moment for households already struggling to keep up.

LLANELLI: Crack cocaine dealer jailed for three years after police raid on Pwll property

A Llanelli man has been jailed for three years after Dyfed-Powys Police raided his home and seized thousands of pounds worth of crack cocaine — with his arrest coming only after a public appeal helped officers track him down months later.

Jake Ware, 26, of Pwll in Llanelli, was sentenced to three years in prison at Swansea Crown Court on 1 May 2026, after pleading guilty to possession with intent to supply Class A drugs, being concerned in the supply of crack cocaine, and possessing criminal property.

Officers carried out a search warrant at an address in Llanelli on 17 December 2025 following intelligence that Ware was supplying Class A and B drugs from the property.

During the search, police seized approximately £4,000 worth of crack cocaine, more than £2,000 in cash, and a range of items typically associated with drug dealing, including weighing scales and digital devices.

Although no one was present at the address during the search, officers observed two vehicles passing the property on multiple occasions. Efforts by the Roads Policing Unit to locate the vehicles were unsuccessful, and Ware was formally named as a wanted suspect.

A public appeal to trace Ware was launched on 26 March 2026, and he was arrested later that same afternoon following information received from members of the public.

Detectives also uncovered further evidence of Ware’s drug dealing activity through a Facebook account he operated under the fake name “JJ Mac.” Messages sent from the account included references to measuring and selling cocaine, with one message reading: “I literally got half oz weighed here chuck me 25 tomorrow.”

Ware was charged and remanded into custody following his arrest, appearing at Swansea Crown Court on 27 April where he entered his guilty pleas.

Detective Sergeant Richard Saunders said Ware had believed he could get away with supplying harmful drugs in the Llanelli area, but would now face the consequences.

“I want to thank the public who responded to our appeal to locate Ware,” he said. “With your help, we were able to arrest Ware and take another drug dealer off our streets.”

DS Saunders urged anyone who suspects drug dealing in their area to report it — either anonymously through Crimestoppers or directly to Dyfed-Powys Police.

TGJONES: Seven south-west Wales stores at risk as chain announces 150 closures

Seven TGJones stores across south-west Wales are facing the chop.

Up to 150 stores nationwide are set to close under a major restructuring plan announced by the chain’s owner – with hundreds of jobs at risk.

The stores affected by the decision include some of the most familiar names on south-west Wales high streets:

• The Quadrant Shopping Centre, Swansea
• Wind Street, Neath
• Parc Trostre Retail Park, Llanelli
• The Rhiw, Bridgend
• Guildhall Square, Carmarthen
• High Street, Tenby
• Riverside Quay, Haverfordwest

It has not yet been confirmed which individual stores will close.

But the announcement leaves staff at all seven branches facing a nervous wait.

The chain – formerly WHSmith – operates 480 high street stores nationally, with 26 of them in Wales.

Private equity owner Modella Capital said the restructuring was an “essential part” of the company’s turnaround plan.

The firm bought the WHSmith high street business in March 2025 – a £40 million deal that did not include the WHSmith brand itself.

Stores were quickly rebranded under the new TGJones name – a name with no prior public recognition.

Modella Capital is now blaming that “forced” rebrand for damaging consumer awareness.

A spokesperson said the decision to close stores had not been taken lightly.

“While we continue to believe in the strength of the core business, TGJones has experienced highly challenging trading conditions over the past year, along with many other brick-and-mortar retailers,” they said.

The company also blamed rising operating costs “as a direct result of government policy” and recent “geopolitical events.”

“The restructuring plan is designed to protect the substantial core of the store estate and create a stronger, more sustainable business that can continue to serve customers for years to come,” the spokesperson added.

Modella Capital said no final decisions had yet been made about the impact on staff, and the company was aiming to preserve “as many jobs as possible.”

“We want to be clear, however, that the plan may result in the closure of some stores and the loss of some roles,” the spokesperson said.

The TGJones restructure comes hot on the heels of another high-profile Modella Capital collapse.

The private equity firm shut all 154 UK and Ireland Claire’s stores last month – putting around 1,300 staff out of work.

Modella Capital placed Claire’s into administration after what it called an “alarmingly” low Christmas trading period.

It has now committed more than £35 million for the TGJones restructuring effort.

For Swansea shoppers, the timing is grim.

The Quadrant store sits within a shopping centre already undergoing significant change. The Quadrant’s former Debenhams anchor unit was bought by Swansea Council after the chain’s collapse, stripped out, and recently sold to the centre’s new owners Centurion Group, with three major new tenants expected to be confirmed.

And Swansea’s flagship Marks & Spencer store on Oxford Street is due to close on 30 May – meaning the city centre will lose yet another major retailer in the same month TGJones announces its restructuring.

The Carmarthen store on Guildhall Square is similarly prominent in the town’s main retail area, while the Neath, Llanelli, Bridgend, Tenby and Haverfordwest branches all anchor parts of their respective high streets.

The full list of which TGJones stores will close is expected to be confirmed in the coming weeks.

LLANELLI: Dafen’s Black Bridge closes until October for replacement — as next stage of walking and cycling route takes shape

One of Llanelli’s most recognisable footbridges has shut its gates – and won’t reopen until October.

Dafen footbridge – known to generations of locals as the Black Bridge – has been closed by Carmarthenshire County Council while the existing structure is demolished and a brand new bridge installed in its place.

The closure is expected to last until October due to the scale of the works involved.

The Black Bridge crosses the railway line on the west side of the B4304 Coastal Link Road, connecting Trinity Road in Llanelli to the former Pen y Fan quarry site.

The new bridge will feature ramped access – a significant upgrade on the existing structure, and one that will open the route up to wheelchair users, pushchair users and people with mobility difficulties for the first time.

The project is funded by the Welsh Government through its Active Travel Fund and forms part of a wider scheme to create a safe walking and cycling route along the B4303.

The Black Bridge replacement is the next section of a continuous walking and cycling route being built along the corridor.

An earlier section – crossing the Afon Dafen – has already been completed and was named in honour of Welsh rugby legend Phil Bennett at a ceremony last year.

The new route will connect local schools, employment sites and the hospital to the surrounding residential areas of Dafen and Llanelli.

The project also links to the wider Pentre Awel development – the major health and well-being campus under construction on the former Dafen industrial estate – which is expected to bring thousands of jobs and visitors to the area.

Wales has been investing heavily in new walking and cycling routes in recent years – and Carmarthenshire has been among the biggest beneficiaries, with Welsh Government funding backing a number of schemes across the county.

During the closure, the council is directing users to an alternative route via Olive Street and Heol Trostre.

Pedestrians are asked to follow the diversion signage in place and allow extra time for journeys that would ordinarily use the bridge.

For drivers and cyclists using the Coastal Link Road, works traffic may cause some disruption in the area over the coming months.

When the new Black Bridge opens, it will connect directly into the completed Afon Dafen section – giving Llanelli a continuous, accessible walking and cycling route that didn’t exist before.

CARMARTHEN: Lumo to launch direct Carmarthen to London Paddington service in December 2027 — with stops at Llanelli and Gowerton

The long-awaited direct rail service between Carmarthen and London Paddington is set to launch in December 2027, after train operator Lumo confirmed it has five new Hitachi trains on order for the route.

The route was first approved by the rail regulator in 2022 after a drawn-out battle with Great Western Railway, which operates its own south Wales to London Paddington services and had opposed the application. The original proposals were submitted by Grand Union Trains, which secured regulatory approval before selling its rights to the route to FirstGroup in 2024.

Lumo – FirstGroup’s open access train brand – will now operate the service, running five return journeys a day between Carmarthen and London Paddington. The service will call at Llanelli, Gowerton, Cardiff, Newport, Severn Tunnel Junction and Bristol Parkway.

A Lumo spokesperson confirmed the launch plans. The service will use single-class standard seating across all five new trains, with the operator describing its aim as bringing affordable open access travel to even more communities.

The route puts Lumo in direct competition with GWR on the south Wales to London corridor – and there is an added layer of complexity to that rivalry. Both Lumo and GWR are owned by FirstGroup, meaning the parent company will effectively be competing with itself on the route.

GWR is also scheduled to be absorbed into Great British Railways as part of the UK Government’s rail nationalisation programme – though the timeline for that transition remains unclear.

GWR said it welcomed enhancements on the route but cautioned that any new services should not be detrimental to existing services or to future services already agreed.

A spokesperson said the company would continue working with industry partners to ensure railway services were developed in the best way for passengers and taxpayers.

Carmarthenshire County Council threw its support behind the original Grand Union proposals when they were being considered by the regulator, making the case that a direct London service would bring significant economic benefits to west Wales.

The confirmation of a December 2027 launch date comes as Welsh Labour separately pledged a direct Milford Haven to London service as part of its Senedd election manifesto, backed by £50 million of investment in the Milford Haven to Carmarthen line.

The Lumo service would not serve Milford Haven or Pembroke Dock directly, but would give passengers at Carmarthen, Llanelli and Gowerton a genuine alternative to GWR on the London route for the first time.

Lumo declined to provide projected passenger numbers for its first years of operation.

Our coverage of the Carmarthen to London rail route

Regulator approves new Grand Union train service from Carmarthen to London Paddington
The 2022 decision that set the route on its current path.

Grand Union Trains submits fresh proposals to run service from Carmarthen to London
The original proposals that started the process.

Council throws support behind new intercity train service between Carmarthen and London Paddington
Carmarthenshire County Council’s backing for the route.

Union flag rail designs unveiled – south-west Wales impact comes later
What GBR nationalisation means for rail services in our region.

LLANELLI: ‘A bombshell for all concerned’ — community rallies to save the Sandpiper as calls grow for Whitbread to think again

Calls are growing to save the Sandpiper Brewers Fayre in Llanelli after Whitbread confirmed it is among nearly 200 restaurants facing closure – with the local MP, ward councillors and hundreds of customers all urging the company to reconsider.

The Sandpiper sits at the Sandy Water Park end of Sandy Road, on the roundabout junction with the Millennium Coastal Path – making it one of the most scenically positioned restaurants in the area. It has become a firm favourite with local families, dog walkers and visitors, particularly well known for its beer garden overlooking the lake, its outdoor play area and its soft play facilities.

Swansea Bay News revealed on Thursday 30 April that the Sandpiper was among four local restaurants facing closure as part of Whitbread’s plan to exit the restaurant sector entirely and focus on its Premier Inn hotel brand. Staff were informed of the decision on Thursday, with one regular customer reporting that the restaurant was still full that evening – and that staff carried on serving customers professionally despite the shock news. The Sandpiper is understood to be due to close by the end of August.

Llanelli MP Dame Nia Griffith said the announcement was devastating for staff and visitors alike. “This is such a special location with the lake and the Millennium Coastal Park, and is much enjoyed by locals and visitors, very young and not so young alike,” she said. “I will be doing everything I can to keep a pub open here.”

Councillors Martyn Palfreman and Edward Skinner, who represent the Hengoed ward covering Sandy Water Park, described the closure as a blow the town could ill afford. “Llanelli can ill-afford another blow to its hospitality sector and this announcement will come as a huge disappointment to all those who value everything the Sandpiper has to offer,” said Cllr Skinner. “We call upon Whitbread to think again.”

Cllr Palfreman described the news as a shock. “This news is a bombshell for all concerned, including staff and the vast numbers of customers that visit the Sandpiper throughout the year, both those living locally and people visiting Llanelli,” he said. “To take away such a cherished amenity would be a huge loss to the town and surrounding area.”

The reaction from customers on social media has been overwhelming. Readers described the Sandpiper as always busy and impossible to understand as a closure candidate – with many saying they hoped a buyer would come forward to keep it open. Several highlighted the venue’s importance for families with young children, noting it was one of the few local options with outdoor play facilities and a safe lakeside setting. Long-standing members of staff, described by many as professional and welcoming, were a particular source of concern. One customer noted they had been turned away on Saturday afternoon due to a staff meeting taking place – unaware at the time that staff were being told about the closure.

There is some hope that the site could survive under new ownership. Whitbread has indicated that around 110 of the nearly 200 restaurants being closed will be sold as going concerns rather than converted to additional hotel rooms. However, the Sandpiper sits alongside a Premier Inn hotel – and the fate of a similar adjoining restaurant at Parc Pemberton in Llanelli serves as a cautionary note. The former Beefeater there, which also adjoined a Premier Inn, was demolished to make way for additional hotel bedrooms rather than being sold on as a food and drink venue.

Whitbread announced on Thursday 30 April that it planned to become a “pure-play hotel business,” closing all of its remaining Beefeater and Brewers Fayre branded restaurants. The company said the proposed changes remained subject to employee consultation, and that it hoped to retain a significant proportion of those affected through redeployment across its 15,000 annual vacancies.

Baglan councillors have also written to Whitbread CEO Dominic Paul demanding answers over the planned closure of the Bagle Brook Beefeater in Port Talbot. Whitbread has not yet responded publicly to any of the calls for a rethink.

Our Whitbread coverage

Four local restaurants face closure as Whitbread axes up to 3,800 jobs across UK estate
Our original report on the four local closures including the Sandpiper.

Baglan councillors demand answers from Whitbread CEO over Bagle Brook closure
How Baglan’s councillors are fighting back against the closure of the Bagle Brook Beefeater.

CARMARTHENSHIRE: Two Debenhams buildings, two very different outcomes — as Senedd candidates question council’s town centre spending priorities

Two former Debenhams buildings sit at the heart of two Welsh town centres – but their stories could not be more different, and the contrast is drawing scrutiny from candidates standing in Thursday’s Senedd election for Sir Gaerfyrddin.

In Swansea, the former Debenhams building in the Quadrant was sold this week to Centurion – the company that already owns the shopping centre – with three major new tenants set to be announced within days. The sale was brokered by Swansea Council after the Welsh Government helped fund the purchase of the building.

In Carmarthen, the picture is more complicated. Carmarthenshire County Council purchased the town’s former Debenhams building and announced plans to transform it into Atriwm, a cultural and community venue – part of a strategy to repurpose large vacant units left by departing chains.

But opening has been pushed back to 2027 after a structural defect was discovered in the building following purchase – a complication the council says forms part of its £146 million capital programme.

Calum Higgins, Welsh Labour’s lead candidate for Sir Gaerfyrddin, said the situation raised serious questions about spending priorities across the county. “There have been some poorly thought out purchases in Carmarthen by the Plaid Cymru led Carmarthenshire County Council, and a lack of investment in towns like Ammanford and Llanelli because money is being sucked up by white elephants,” he said. He is calling for a Senedd inquiry into how local authorities spend money on town centres.

The spending in Carmarthen comes against a backdrop of contested town centre plans for Llanelli and Ammanford set out by the council in September last year.

The masterplan acknowledged that both towns face significant challenges – in Llanelli, the Murray Street multi-storey car park and indoor market beneath it are nearing the end of their structural life, while Ammanford’s plan focused on reconnecting the town centre with surrounding communities and tackling the leakage of shoppers to larger centres.

Llanelli Market has been at the centre of significant controversy since plans emerged in July 2025 to demolish the existing building and relocate to the former Woolworths site, with traders and Labour councillors raising concerns about the process.

A Bake Off star who opened a bakery in the market quit after just a year, blaming the council’s handling of the situation.

Carl Peters-Bond, Mayor of Kidwelly and independent candidate for Sir Gaerfyrddin, said the pattern of spending reflected a wider failure of priorities. “Councils and Welsh Government must start listening to people rather than ploughing blindly on with vanity projects,” he said. “Money seems to be no object when it comes to Carmarthen – yet other market towns across the county are left to survive on whatever grant funding they can find, with all the restrictions and conditions that come with it.”

Peters-Bond said the Llanelli Market move illustrated the problem. “The proposed move to the former Woolworths site is only happening because refurbishment of existing retail is a condition of the grant the council has applied for – not because it is the best outcome for the town or its people,” he said. Carmarthenshire Council has not publicly addressed this specific claim.

Plaid Cymru’s candidate for Sir Gaerfyrddin, Mari Arthur, pointed to a different root cause – arguing that the business rates system was working against town centres across Wales, not just in Carmarthenshire. “A café owner on Stepney Street pays rates that bear no relation to the advantages enjoyed by a big-box retailer on the edge of town,” she said. “That is not a fair system – it is a rigged one.” Plaid’s manifesto commits to restructuring business rates to level the playing field between high-street businesses and out-of-town retail.

Carmarthenshire County Council’s position, as set out in its capital programme, is that the Atriwm project remains a long-term investment in Carmarthen’s cultural offer, with the 2027 opening date reflecting the work required to address the structural issues identified after purchase.

Cabinet Member for Regeneration Cllr Hazel Evans said in September that the placemaking plans for all three towns would “only succeed if they’re driven by the communities they affect.”

Related coverage

Carmarthen’s old Debenhams reborn as Atriwm — but opening pushed back to 2027
Our report on the delays and structural issues affecting the Carmarthen project.

Swansea: Debenhams building sold to Quadrant owners as three major new tenants set to be named
This week’s news on Swansea’s former Debenhams — a very different outcome.

Llanelli faces twin loss as council moves to demolish market and multi-storey car park
Our original report on the Llanelli Market controversy.

Future of Llanelli, Ammanford and Carmarthen town centres set out in new plans
The council’s own vision for town centres across Carmarthenshire, published September 2025.

Four local restaurants face closure as Whitbread axes up to 3,800 jobs across UK estate

Four restaurants across the Swansea Bay area are among nearly 200 set to close after Premier Inn owner Whitbread announced plans to cut up to 3,800 jobs as part of a sweeping five-year overhaul of its business.

The Swansea Vale Brewers Fayre on Upper Fforest Way in Llansamlet, the Waterfront Beefeater on Langdon Road in Swansea’s SA1 maritime quarter, the Bagle Brook Beefeater on Pentwyn Baglan Road in Baglan, and The Sandpiper Brewers Fayre on Sandy Road in Llanelli are all included in the list of sites affected by the restructuring.

Whitbread confirmed the proposed changes on 30 April as part of a new five-year plan that will see it exit its remaining branded restaurant estate entirely and replace all 197 sites with a more efficient food and beverage model linked more closely to its Premier Inn hotels. Around 110 branded restaurant sites are expected to be sold as going concerns over the next 24 months, while the remainder will be converted or closed.

The company said the proposed reduction to its 30,000-strong workforce remains subject to employee consultation, and that it anticipates retaining a considerable proportion of those affected through redeployment. The firm’s previous restructuring programme in 2024 resulted in around 1,500 redundancies.

Chief executive Dominic Paul said the plan would transform the business. “We always challenge ourselves to improve and, in light of significant cost increases in the form of business rates and national insurance, as well as the implied market discount to our inherent value, we’ve looked hard at the options open to us to maximise value creation over the medium and long-term,” he said. “This plan will transform Whitbread into a higher-margin, higher-returning pure-play hotel business.”

Unite, the union representing workers across the business, said it would seek urgent discussions with Whitbread and provide support to affected members – after claiming staff first learned of the redundancies through media reports rather than from their employer. Unite general secretary Sharon Graham described the cuts as “cruel” and called on the company to enter formal consultations immediately.

Unite national officer Colenzo Jarret-Thorpe added: “It is disgraceful that Whitbread employees heard about the job cuts through the media. The company did not even have the decency to let its staff know first.”

As part of the restructuring, Whitbread plans to sell 1.5 billion pounds of freehold property to fund future growth, reducing its freehold ownership to between 30% and 40% – making it a majority leaseholder for the first time since the Premier Inn chain was founded in 1987. The company is targeting 2 billion pounds of free cash flow by its 2031 financial year, and intends to increase its total hotel room count to 96,000 by that date, up from approximately 86,600 currently.

The announcement follows Whitbread’s pre-tax profit of 298 million pounds for the year ending February 2026, representing a 19% decline on the previous year. Overall revenues remained unchanged year-on-year at 2.9 billion pounds, though UK sales climbed by 1%.

The closure of The Sandpiper is the latest blow to Llanelli’s hospitality sector, which has suffered a string of losses in recent months. The Bryngwyn and Ali Raj restaurants closed on the same day in January, prompting hundreds of tributes from customers sharing decades of memories. The Tinhouse taproom followed in February, and the four-star Stradey Park Hotel closed with immediate effect in March, leaving staff without jobs and couples fearing for their wedding deposits.

Whitbread itself has already been reducing its footprint in the area. The Pemberton Beefeater in Llanelli – which sat next to the Premier Inn at Parc Pemberton Retail Park, close to Parc y Scarlets stadium – closed in July 2024, with plans to demolish the site and revamp the wider development. The Sandpiper Brewers Fayre on Sandy Road, also in Llanelli, is now set to follow.

The closures come as rising business rates and national insurance costs continue to squeeze the hospitality sector across Wales. Welsh Government introduced 15% business rates relief for hospitality businesses in 2026, but CAMRA – the Campaign for Real Ale – has warned the measure still leaves Welsh venues at a significant disadvantage compared with England, where the relief stands at 75%.

Related stories from Swansea Bay News

Two much-loved Llanelli restaurants close on the same day as customers share heartbreak
The Bryngwyn and Ali Raj both closed in January 2026 amid mounting hospitality pressures.

Much-loved Llanelli taproom The Tinhouse to close as hospitality pressures mount
The popular town centre taproom closed in February 2026.

Llanelli rallies around as businesses offer lifeline to Stradey Park Hotel staff and customers
The four-star hotel closed with immediate effect in March 2026.

SWANSEA: Flagship M&S store confirms May 30 closure date as council leader hints at Debenhams news
Another major closure hitting the Swansea area this week.

More business news from Swansea Bay News
The latest business and employment stories from across the Swansea Bay region.

LLANELLI: Habitual shoplifter jailed after six M&S raids in a month – as Trostre retail crime problem laid bare

A habitual shoplifter from Llanelli has been jailed for 10 weeks after carrying out six offences at a Marks and Spencer store within the space of a single month, in a case that Dyfed Powys Police say demonstrates that repeat offenders can face a custodial sentence.

Bradley Pugh, aged 18, targeted the M&S store at Trostre Retail Park in Llanelli on multiple occasions before shop staff recognised him and alerted police. He was arrested on 22 April after being spotted by staff, with his identity confirmed by officers reviewing CCTV footage.

Pugh was charged and remanded in custody on the same day as his arrest. He appeared before Llanelli Magistrates’ Court the following morning, on 23 April, where he admitted all six offences. He was jailed and ordered to pay back a compensation fee of £795.25.

Sergeant Tom Grace, of the Llanelli Neighbourhood Team, praised both his officers and M&S staff for their role in bringing the case to a swift conclusion. He said: “The public can feel rightly frustrated with shoplifting incidents. Pugh’s sentence shows that repeated offences can meet a threshold for a jail term.”

He added: “I would like to pay tribute to our team here in Llanelli, who worked hard to track down and arrest Pugh, before a swift but thorough investigation ensured he was quickly brought before a court. I’d also like to thank the members of staff at Marks and Spencer — they’ve been instrumental in working with us to bolster the store’s defences against retail crime.”

The jailing comes against a backdrop of persistent retail crime problems at Trostre. Earlier this year, police were granted special dispersal powers at Parc Trostre and Parc Pemberton after a surge in antisocial behaviour around major stores and fast-food outlets including Tesco, Morrisons and McDonald’s. Shoppers at the time described frightening scenes, with groups causing disruption inside stores and abuse being hurled at security staff.

A spokesperson said at the time: “We will not tolerate behaviour that impacts businesses, staff or members of the public.”

The issue of abuse directed at retail workers across Llanelli has also been the subject of a major campaign. A Usdaw survey found that 71% of retail staff had experienced verbal abuse in the past year, 48% had been threatened, and 9% had been assaulted — with the Freedom from Fear campaign bringing politicians including Dame Nia Griffith MP and Lee Waters MS to Tesco Trostre to highlight the problem.

Dame Nia Griffith has pointed to the Labour government’s Crime and Policing Bill, which removes the £200 threshold for prosecuting shoplifting and introduces a new standalone offence of assaulting a retail worker. The Bill also gives courts new powers to ban repeat offenders from stores.

The wider context for retail crime in Llanelli is one of deep-rooted deprivation. The Tyisha area — which borders Trostre — was identified as the sixth most deprived neighbourhood in Wales for community safety, and the town has been earmarked for a £20m decade-long regeneration drive targeting crime, empty units and a lack of community facilities.

Anyone who has witnessed or become aware of shoplifting offences is asked to report it to Dyfed Powys Police by calling 101 or reporting online. In an emergency, always call 999.

Information can also be passed anonymously to Crimestoppers by calling 0800 555 111.

Related stories from Swansea Bay News

Police granted extra powers after antisocial behaviour at two Llanelli retail parks
Dyfed Powys Police were given dispersal powers at Trostre and Parc Pemberton after a surge in disorder around major stores.

Llanelli retail staff report high levels of abuse as campaign calls for stronger protections
Seven in ten retail workers in the area report verbal abuse, with politicians backing a campaign for tougher legal safeguards.

Llanelli handed £20m lifeline as decade-long regeneration drive targets town’s most deprived communities
Tyisha — ranked among Wales’s most deprived areas for community safety — is at the heart of a major investment programme.

SENEDD ELECTION: Reform UK Wales leader visits Llanelli as party targets Sir Gaerfyrddin seats with nine days to go

Reform UK Wales leader Dan Thomas has visited Llanelli as the party steps up its campaign in Carmarthenshire ahead of the Senedd election on May 7.

Thomas, joined by Wales Director David Thomas, spent the day with local candidates and members canvassing in Llanelli town centre, the market, St Elli Shopping Centre and on doorsteps across the area.

Gareth Beer, Reform UK’s lead candidate for Sir Gaerfyrddin and Carmarthenshire branch chairman, said the mood on the doorstep had been positive.

“There is great momentum in the county and people are pleased to speak to us and hear about our policies,” he said. “Many people see this election as an important one, and many who have been put off voting in the past are now considering Reform.”

“That’s good to hear — there is a clear shift in this area from the mainstream parties. We are relating to a diverse range of voters which other parties may be struggling to engage with.”

Dan Thomas said he was impressed by the local campaign operation. “The branch has outstanding, very relatable, hard working candidates who have been, for several weeks, campaigning tirelessly, getting out there to speak to as many residents as possible,” he said.

“I was particularly pleased to support the strong Llanelli campaign, where the team is working hard to connect with local people every day and to spread the word on what Reform will do for the people of Wales.”

Reform UK Wales’s key Senedd election pledges include cutting 1p off every band of Welsh income tax, scrapping the default 20mph speed limit in built-up areas, advancing the M4 relief road, and reforming business rates to reduce the burden on independent retailers and hospitality venues.

The party also highlighted the importance of revitalising high streets, noting that Llanelli town centre was quieter than expected during the Saturday visit.

The Sir Gaerfyrddin constituency is one of the most closely watched in Wales ahead of May 7. According to the More in Common MRP we reported last week, Reform UK are projected to win two seats in the constituency on 26% of the vote, behind Plaid Cymru on 37%.

However, the latest YouGov MRP paints a more dramatic picture — putting Reform on 31% and projecting them winning three seats in Sir Gaerfyrddin, level with Plaid, and giving Labour no seats in the constituency at all. If that projection holds, both Gareth Beer and Carmelo Colasanto would be elected for Reform in Carmarthenshire.

Across Wales as a whole, the race between Plaid Cymru and Reform UK remains on a knife-edge, with the two parties tied on 29% of the vote in the YouGov model and separated by just one projected seat nationally. Reform had no seats at all in the Senedd at the last election in 2021.

The Senedd election takes place on Thursday, May 7, 2026.

Related stories from Swansea Bay News

SENEDD ELECTION: Plaid on course to make history — who’s set to represent YOU on May 7?
Our More in Common MRP analysis with candidate-by-candidate projections for Sir Gaerfyrddin.

SENEDD ELECTION: Race between Plaid and Reform on a knife-edge as two major new polls show Wales is heading for historic result
The latest YouGov and Ipsos polling and what it means for Carmarthenshire.

Scarlets: Candidates unite across party lines to demand Senedd scrutiny of WRU’s West Wales merger plans
How candidates across parties in Sir Gaerfyrddin have responded to the WRU crisis.

Senedd Election 2026 — all our coverage
Full archive of Swansea Bay News reporting on the May 7 election.

LLANELLI: Three-time world champion kickboxer who bag-packed in supermarkets to fund her career calls for business support

A three-time world kickboxing champion from Llanelli is calling on local businesses to sponsor her career — after revealing she has been raffling prizes and bag-packing in supermarkets to raise money for international tournaments.

Dr Tennessee Randall, 28, has won world titles, two European championships, and held an unbeaten international record for five years — but says a lack of consistent backing is now limiting her ability to compete at the highest level.

“Everything we do, we fund ourselves — travel, accommodation, entry fees,” she said. “We were raffling and bag-packing in supermarkets to raise money for my most recent overseas tournament.”

Her latest world title came in Abu Dhabi last November, where she won the under-65kg full-contact category. She also held an unbeaten international record between 2018 and 2023 in the under-56kg division.

“I don’t know when my next tournament is because I don’t know what I can afford,” she said. “If I had more support, I could compete more, stay active, and keep improving. There’s so much more I want to achieve to further put my local area and Wales on the map.”

Randall’s journey in the sport began at the age of seven, when her parents encouraged her to take up kickboxing following bullying at school. She progressed through local clubs before joining Xandao Kickboxing, where she was identified as a potential international competitor — and won her first world title at the age of 12.

She has since competed in approximately 1,000 bouts and has twice been named Llanelli Sportsperson of the Year at the Brin Isaac Memorial Awards. She is targeting a third win — which would equal the record held by rugby legend Phil Bennett, who alongside 1979 world snooker champion Terry Griffiths is among Llanelli’s most celebrated sporting figures.

Alongside her sporting career, Randall has earned a doctorate in psychology from Swansea University and works as a research associate while also coaching fitness and kickboxing classes locally.

She has received some support from equipment brand Top Ten but says consistent sponsorship has been hard to come by despite her record at world level.

Looking ahead, Randall has her sights set on competitions in Uzbekistan, North Macedonia and Istanbul. “These are the tournaments where you fight the best of the best,” she said. “That’s what I want — to keep pushing myself.”

Businesses interested in supporting Randall’s campaign can get in touch via her social media channels.

Related stories from Swansea Bay News

Double delight for Llanelli-born star as world kickboxing champion gets Swansea Uni Masters distinction
Our previous coverage of Tennessee Randall’s academic and sporting achievements.

Swansea and Carmarthenshire Team Wales fighters help secure impressive medal haul at World Championships
Welsh kickboxers on the world stage.

Record medal haul for Welsh martial arts competitors at World Championships
Wales’s growing reputation in international martial arts competition.

SCARLETS: Club welcomes WRU lifeline and signals new investment as season ticket sales surge

The Scarlets have welcomed the Welsh Rugby Union’s offer of a Professional Rugby Agreement, saying the development brings “increased stability, security and clearer governance” to professional rugby in west Wales.

The club confirmed it will undergo due diligence before signing the agreement, which was announced by the WRU this week as part of a wider U-turn that also saw the proposed sale of Cardiff Rugby to Y11 Sport & Media collapse. The Ospreys are expected to sign shortly too, bringing all four Welsh professional clubs onto the same contractual footing for the first time.

The deal offers what the club described as “a more equitable framework for the professional game” and the Scarlets said they would continue to engage constructively with the WRU on its future strategy.

The announcement comes alongside confirmation of significant new investment into the club from its funding group. In a statement, the Scarlets described it as “a clear vote of confidence in Llanelli, in our heritage, and in the future of professional rugby in West Wales.”

That investment followed a period of acknowledged financial difficulty at the club. Earlier this month, the Scarlets confirmed significant new funding from within their existing funding group in a carefully worded statement that thanked supporters for their “loyalty and patience during a difficult period” — language that resonated widely with fans who had watched months of uncertainty unfold. The club declined at the time to detail the scale of the difficulties or the level of investment secured.

The club also reported strong early uptake on season ticket sales this week, alongside renewed commitments from key sponsors and partners — a sign, the club said, of renewed momentum and positivity around the region.

Last weekend’s Welsh derby at Parc y Scarlets provided further evidence of the club’s pulling power, with more than 1,000 hospitality places sold out and a crowd of over 9,000 in attendance. A community festival involving more than 500 junior players from grassroots clubs across the region also took place on the day.

The Scarlets said they would be making a series of rugby recruitment and retention announcements in the coming weeks, with a new performance programme in place aimed at returning the club to top-tier play-off contention.

The wider political reaction to the WRU’s announcement has been strongly positive, with Swansea Council leader Rob Stewart — who launched legal action against the WRU during the campaign to protect the Ospreys — calling the outcome “a major win,” and MP Torsten Bell describing it as “a massive victory” for fans and campaigners.

The development has also been welcomed by Senedd candidates in Sir Gaerfyrddin, where earlier this week Labour, Plaid Cymru and independent candidates united to demand scrutiny of the WRU’s west Wales merger plans — arguing that the loss of the Scarlets would be devastating for the Carmarthenshire economy and culture.

The Ospreys have also responded positively. The region’s chief executive has spoken of his optimism for the future following confirmation that the club will also be offered the agreement and that plans for a redeveloped St Helens stadium in Swansea are proceeding.

The WRU has been clear, however, that its ambition to move to three professional clubs by the end of the 2027/28 season remains unchanged. CEO Abi Tierney said the union was “undeterred” from that goal, with a decision on how to implement the strategy expected by June. The agreement provides near-term stability — but the longer-term picture for all four regions remains unresolved.

Nonetheless, the Scarlets expressed confidence in the club’s direction, saying the hard work, energy and forward focus at the club on and off the field “continues at full pace” — with further announcements on the playing squad and recruitment to follow in the coming weeks.

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WRU: ‘A massive victory’ — reaction as Ospreys and Scarlets handed lifeline in Welsh rugby U-turn

The announcement that the Welsh Rugby Union will offer the 2025 Professional Rugby Agreement to both the Ospreys and Scarlets has been met with celebration and relief across south and west Wales — but also with sharp words for the union over the months of uncertainty that preceded it.

The WRU confirmed this week that Y11 Sport & Media has withdrawn from its bid to purchase Cardiff Rugby, that Cardiff will remain under WRU ownership for now, and that both the Ospreys and Scarlets will be offered the PRA25 agreement in line with Dragons RFC and Cardiff Rugby. The WRU has been clear, however, that its ambition to move to three professional clubs by the end of the 2027/28 season remains unchanged, with a decision on how to implement that strategy expected by June.

Here is how some of those who campaigned for the regions have responded.

Rob Stewart, Swansea Council leader and Labour candidate for Gŵyr Abertawe

Swansea Council leader Rob Stewart, who launched legal action against the WRU and called in the competition watchdog during the campaign to save the Ospreys, described the outcome as a major win.

Rob Stewart said: “Today the WRU have announced the deal to sell Cardiff to Y11 is off and a new Professional Rugby Agreement is being offered to the Ospreys and Scarlets — ensuring four teams remain potentially until 2030,” he said.

“Let me be clear — this is a major win for the campaign to save the Ospreys that I’m proud to have been a part of.

“The Ospreys will be playing at a redeveloped St Helens from the start of next season, which will be fantastic for the city, our local economy, and the Ospreys supporters.”

Stewart was also blunt in his criticism of the WRU’s handling of the saga. “We could have been in this position a year ago had the WRU not presided over chaos and confusion. The clubs and the union have suffered financially and fans and our game have faced unnecessary uncertainty. This was completely avoidable and the leadership of the WRU have to take responsibility for the crisis they caused.”

However, the WRU’s own statement makes clear its three-club ambition remains firmly in place. CEO Abi Tierney said the union remains “undeterred from our ambition to move to three professional sides,” with a decision on implementing that strategy expected by June. The PRA25 agreements provide near-term stability — but the longer-term picture for all four regions is still unresolved.

Torsten Bell MP, Swansea West

Torsten Bell, the MP for Swansea West who has been among the most vocal critics of the WRU’s handling of the Ospreys crisis, called the announcement a turning point.

“Today is a huge moment. Fans, and those of us who campaigned relentlessly alongside them against WRU’s chaotic reforms to Welsh rugby, have won a massive victory,” he said.

“The WRU have backed down and the Cardiff deal is off. More importantly the Ospreys will sign a new agreement with the WRU for the next four years — seeing the club into the next decade with a significant funding boost.

“So the attempt to force the Ospreys out of professional rugby with no proper process has been defeated.

“Crucially, this means the exciting development of St Helens will now be going ahead. Professional rugby is coming back to the centre of Swansea.

“Today is a vindication for everyone that stood up to be counted. I want to congratulate the fans and clubs for what they have achieved.”

Carl Peters-Bond, independent candidate for Sir Gaerfyrddin

Peters-Bond, who joined politicians from Labour and Plaid Cymru earlier this week in calling for Senedd scrutiny of the WRU’s west Wales plans, welcomed the development but echoed the sentiment that much of the damage had already been done.

“I’m delighted that the WRU board have finally seen sense and regional rugby will continue in Llanelli and Swansea,” he said. “Rugby is more than just a sport — it’s part of our culture and an important part of our region’s economy.

“It’s just a shame that it has taken over a year of uncertainty causing anger, frustration and confusion for fans, players and the wider community — something that could have been avoided if the WRU had just listened instead of ploughing on regardless.”

More reaction to follow as it comes in.

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SCARLETS: Candidates unite across party lines to demand Senedd scrutiny of WRU’s West Wales merger plans

Candidates standing in the same Carmarthenshire constituency have united across party lines to demand greater scrutiny of the Welsh Rugby Union’s plans for professional rugby in West Wales, following the WRU’s restatement of its position at an extraordinary general meeting last week.

The WRU used its EGM on April 13 to maintain its stance that only one professional team should represent West Wales — a position that would effectively force a merger between the Scarlets and the Ospreys, ending one or possibly both clubs as independent regional sides. Politicians of all parties are warning that the consequences would be felt far beyond the rugby pitch.

Calum Higgins, Labour’s lead candidate for Sir Gaerfyrddin, said scrutinising the WRU’s proposals would be a priority if elected on May 7.

“It’s vital for the Carmarthenshire economy and rugby heritage in Llanelli that we have professional rugby here,” he said. “The Senedd should scrutinise the proposals and hold the WRU accountable for their actions.

“There are also lots of fans from the other regions in Carmarthenshire, mainly Ospreys fans who are understandably worried about their future. Any decent rugby fan would be supporting each other during this — we shouldn’t allow the WRU to divide the regional rugby fan base.

“If elected in May, a priority for me will be to scrutinise the proposals from a fan’s point of view. The rivalry between the Scarlets and Ospreys is something to protect and nurture for the future, and this proposal risks trashing rugby heritage in the South West.”

Higgins, a keen rugby fan from Tycroes in Carmarthenshire, was pictured outside Parc y Scarlets.

Carl Peters-Bond, independent candidate for Sir Gaerfyrddin, said he had attended the Save Our Scarlets march in Llanelli last year and that the stakes went far beyond sport.

“The Scarlets have a huge heritage in the area. The loss of the Scarlets through the WRU’s potential reduction of the number of professional sides would be devastating, not just for the economy of South West Wales — Llanelli in particular — but also for the culture of the region,” he said.

“Rugby here is more than a sport. It’s part of who we are, and it binds our communities together. That’s why I’ll always stand up for the Scarlets and for grassroots rugby across Carmarthenshire.

“This isn’t about party politics. It’s about protecting something that belongs to all of us. The Scarlets are woven into the fabric of west Wales life, and losing them would be a blow we cannot afford.”

The sentiments echo those previously expressed by Cefin Campbell, Plaid Cymru’s lead candidate for Sir Gaerfyrddin, who backed a petition calling on the WRU to protect the Scarlets’ future during the union’s formal consultation period last September.

Writing on his website at the time, Campbell said dissolving the Scarlets would be “disastrous news not only for Llanelli, Carmarthenshire, and the wider region, but also on a national level.”

“A club that has produced legendary players — from Phil Bennett, Delme Thomas and Ray Gravell, to Stephen Jones and Ken Owens, to name but a few. And away from the pitch, the team contributes so much to the local economy, identity and culture. If this was lost it would leave a massive gap to fill and would lead to disillusionment by ordinary fans of the sport.”

“We will be contributing to the formal consultation process as I hope thousands of others will as well, in order to send a clear message to the WRU that dissolution of the Scarlets is not the solution to the mismanagement of professional rugby in Wales over many years.”

The cross-party response reflects growing concern among Carmarthenshire politicians ahead of the Senedd election, with candidates from Labour, Plaid Cymru, Conservatives and the independent benches all in agreement that the next Welsh Government must use its scrutiny powers to challenge the WRU’s direction of travel. The WRU’s insistence on a single West Wales team raises the prospect of a merger that could mean the end of the Scarlets, the Ospreys, or fundamentally alter both clubs beyond recognition.

Swansea Bay News has reported extensively on the WRU’s plans for the future of professional rugby in Wales, including the reaction of supporters and the broader implications for the Scarlets and Ospreys.

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SCARLETS: Club confirms ‘significant’ new investment after difficult period amid financial rumours

The Scarlets have confirmed they have secured major new funding to secure the club’s future, in a statement that all but acknowledges the financial turbulence that has surrounded the region in recent weeks.

The board released a carefully worded statement on Friday that stopped short of detailing the scale of the difficulties the club has faced, but which thanked supporters for their “loyalty and patience during a difficult period” — a phrase that will resonate with fans who have watched months of uncertainty unfold.

The investment — described as “significant” — has come from within the club’s existing funding group, rather than from new external backers.

The Scarlets issued the following statement in full:

“The Scarlets Board can confirm that the club has secured significant further investment for the future stability of the club and region.

“The investment is an important vote of confidence in the Scarlets, in Llanelli, the enduring strength of our rugby heritage and in the future of professional rugby in the region and its links to sport, community and culture in west Wales.

“The club’s priority and focus continues to be about protecting its future, providing stability for players, staff, stakeholders and supporters, and creating the time needed to consider the next stage of professional rugby development in Wales properly and responsibly.

“The additional investment is provided from within our existing funding group who are committed to the future of the club and who deeply understand Scarlets rugby and its importance to Welsh rugby and west Wales.

“We would like to thank our supporters, staff, players, partners and the wider Scarlets community for their loyalty and patience during a difficult period. Their belief, loyalty and support of our club has never wavered. Neither has ours as the Scarlets Board.”

The language will not be lost on supporters. References to “stability,” a “difficult period” and the need to consider “the next stage of professional rugby development in Wales properly and responsibly” all but confirm that the rumours of serious financial difficulty were well-founded — even as the statement stops short of spelling out what that difficulty looked like.

Notably, the new investment comes from existing backers rather than fresh outside money, suggesting the club’s current funding group has stepped up to plug a gap rather than a new investor riding to the rescue.

The statement arrives against one of the most turbulent backdrops in Welsh rugby’s recent history. The WRU has been pressing ahead with plans to reduce the number of professional regions from four to three — and while the Ospreys have widely been reported as the region under threat, the union has stopped short of confirming that any final decision has been made. That ambiguity will do little to ease nerves in west Wales.

The WRU’s own governance has been in crisis in parallel. Clubs forced an extraordinary general meeting — initially set for April 13 — to hold the union’s leadership to account, in a saga that has lurched from confrontation to apparent resolution and back again. The union’s chair, Richard Collier-Keywood, announced he would stand down in July after months of pressure over the direction of the professional game.

With the regional picture still unresolved, the Scarlets’ statement that they need time to consider “the next stage of professional rugby development in Wales properly and responsibly” takes on added significance — raising the question of whether the club is positioning itself for a future that looks very different to the present.

The Scarlets declined to provide further detail on the level of investment secured, the identity of the investors, or the circumstances that made the additional funding necessary. Swansea Bay News has contacted the club for further comment.

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LLANELLI: Police crack down on North Dock anti-social behaviour hotspot as spring season begins

Police are stepping up patrols at Llanelli’s North Dock waterfront this spring after the area established itself as an annual anti-social behaviour hotspot — with officers warning they will take “robust action” against those who spoil it for others.

Dyfed-Powys Police say reports of problems at North Dock increase every year as the weather improves and more people are drawn to the popular waterfront location. Complaints received by the force include reckless and dangerous driving, items being thrown at other vehicles, excessively loud music and persistent horn beeping.

The force’s local neighbourhood policing and prevention teams will carry out additional patrols throughout the spring and summer, working alongside Carmarthenshire County Council and local businesses to address the problem.

The scale of last year’s operation gives a sense of what officers are prepared to deploy. During a proactive crackdown in March 2025, the force issued 18 vehicle prohibitions, 18 traffic offence reports, seized two vehicles, issued Section 59 warning notices for anti-social driving, made two arrests for drug driving and handed out two out-of-court disposals for drug offences — all in a single operation.

Inspector Thomas Coppock, of Carmarthenshire Neighbourhood Policing and Prevention, said the force wanted people to enjoy the area but would not tolerate behaviour that ruined it for others.

Inspector Thomas Coppock from Dyfed-Powys Police said:

“Each year as the weather improves, people will naturally want to get outside and enjoy the sun by going to areas like North Dock in Llanelli. First and foremost, we want all members of our community to enjoy spending time outside together in one of the many beautiful locations across our police force.

“However, sadly North Dock has become a hotspot for anti-social behaviour, including reckless driving, at this time of year. Unfortunately the acts of a small minority can affect the enjoyment of the majority when this behaviour occurs.

“We will be present to hear any of your concerns, as well as proactively looking to engage with the local community with officers on patrol. We aim to provide a reassuring presence for people to feel safe, while also proactively disrupting crime and acting as a deterrent.

“If necessary, we will be ready to take robust action by using the powers available to us as police, and working closely with partner agencies.”

Officers are encouraging anyone who experiences or witnesses anti-social behaviour at North Dock to report it directly to Dyfed-Powys Police online, by emailing [email protected], or by calling 101.

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https://www.europesays.com/uk/866074/ Food seller not inspected for seven years in Carmarthenshire #Britain #Carmarthen #Carmarthenshire #CarmarthenshireCouncil #GreatBritain #Llanelli #UK #UnitedKingdom #Wales

BLOOD TEST SHUFFLE: Llanelli patients moved AGAIN as services shift to new £60m Pentre Awel site

The move by Hywel Dda University Health Board marks the latest change for locals, who previously saw blood tests controversially shifted to an “out-of-town industrial park” in Dafen from the Antioch Centre in 2024.

That move drew heavy fire from patients at the time, as the Dafen Mass Vaccination Centre is not served by any public bus routes. The Health Board was even forced to offer limited appointments at Prince Philip Hospital specifically for those who relied on public transport and couldn’t reach the industrial estate.

Now, the service is set to find a permanent home at the £60 million Canolfan Pentre Awel, a modern sports and leisure facility that officially opened its doors in October 2025.

The new location is expected to be a relief for many, as it is marginally better served by public transport and sits much closer to the Antioch Centre where tests were originally held before the Dafen “exile.”

The Health Board claims the shift to Pentre Awel will finally offer the improved accessibility, better transport links, and more convenient parking that patients have been demanding.

Canolfan Pentre Awel already boasts a state-of-the-art hydrotherapy pool, which opened in February 2026, providing therapeutic support for people with various conditions.

The phlebotomy team will initially be based in Block B, sharing space with Research and Innovation services and a range of bookable clinical rooms.

While the Health Board states the move aims to enhance the “patient experience,” for many in Llanelli, it simply means yet another change to navigate for a routine but essential service.

For now, patients are being told to continue booking their blood test appointments at the current Dafen site or Prince Philip Hospital. Appointments can be made online via the existing booking system or by calling the Communications Hub on 0300 303 9642.

The Health Board has confirmed it will release further details regarding the exact opening date at Canolfan Pentre Awel and any changes to appointment arrangements as soon as they are available.

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Llanelli teen caught with cocaine stash after late‑night police stop admits drug dealing

Cole Stevens was driving a white Renault Clio on Capel Isaf Road in Llanelli shortly after 10.30pm on Saturday 28 March when Dyfed‑Powys Police officers intercepted the vehicle, believing it was being used to supply drugs in the area.

‘You got me’ – teen hands over drugs on the spot

Officers searched the car under the Misuse of Drugs Act — and Stevens immediately confessed he had cannabis on him, handing it straight to police.

A deeper search uncovered far more. A mobile phone was found hidden under the driver’s seat, while a tobacco pouch contained 12 snap bags of white powder. Stevens confirmed the bags were cocaine. Officers also found a wrap of white crystalline substance tucked inside his sock and £780 in cash.

He was arrested on suspicion of possession with intent to supply and taken into custody. A search of his home later uncovered handwritten notes believed to be linked to drug dealing.

During questioning, Stevens made several admissions, telling officers: “I just have to do it to earn a living,” and, “I’m only selling it to three people.”

Drugs worth £1,460 seized

Police drug experts examined the substances and concluded the quantity was far beyond personal use. The haul was given an estimated street value of £1,460.

Stevens was charged with possession with intent to supply cocaine, possession of cannabis, acquiring criminal property, and being concerned in the supply of cocaine between October 2025 and March 2026.

He appeared before Llanelli Magistrates Court on Monday 30 March and pleaded guilty to all charges. He has been released on conditional bail ahead of sentencing at Swansea Crown Court on 20 April.

Police: ‘You will be caught’

Detective Constable Steve Thomas said the case showed the force’s determination to disrupt drug dealing in the area.

“This result highlights our commitment to proactively removing drugs from our streets through targeted and intelligence‑based patrols,” he said.

“The weight of evidence against Stevens left him no option but to plead guilty. If you are dealing drugs in the Dyfed‑Powys force area, you will be caught and you will be prosecuted.”

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COCKLE RAID CHAOS: 4x4s stuck in mud as four men hit with £36k fines

Four men from Llanelli and Burry Port have been ordered to pay more than £36,000 after being caught illegally gathering cockles from the protected Burry Inlet.

The group drove their 4×4 vehicles more than a kilometre out into the estuary in a bid to collect cockles without permission — but their plan quickly unravelled.

Natural Resources Wales (NRW) officers swooped on the scene after receiving reports of unlawful activity on June 12, 2025.

When enforcement teams arrived, they discovered Ethan Thomas, Brogan Phillips and Finley Harvey Jones, all from Llanelli, along with Korey Kathrens from Burry Port, in the middle of the estuary.

But the operation turned into a farce when two of the vehicles became stuck in the mud, leaving the group stranded and needing to be towed to safety.

Officers seized a significant haul of cockles along with equipment used in the illegal gathering operation.

Despite denying the charges, all four men were found guilty following a trial at Llanelli Magistrates’ Court on March 23, 2026.

Each man was fined £4,000, ordered to pay a £1,600 victim surcharge and £3,546 in prosecution costs — bringing the total penalty to £9,146 each.

The court heard the men will pay the fines back at a rate of £200 per month.

NRW said the case highlights the serious impact illegal cockle gathering can have on the environment and legitimate fisheries.

Huwel Manley, Head of South West Wales Operations for NRW, said:

“This case highlights the seriousness of illegal cockle gathering, which can damage fragile ecosystems and undermine licensed fisheries operating within the estuary.”

He added: “We welcome the court’s decision and hope it sends a clear message that this type of crime will not be tolerated.”

The Burry Inlet is a tightly regulated shellfishery, with strict rules in place to protect both the environment and the livelihoods of licensed cockle pickers.

Natural Resources Wales say that illegal harvesting not only threatens the delicate ecosystem but also puts lives at risk, with fast-moving tides and treacherous mud making the estuary one of the most dangerous in the region.

The organisation added that this latest case serves as a stark warning to anyone tempted to cash in on the area’s natural resources without permission — you could end up seriously out of pocket.

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Stradey Park boss hits out at ‘nuisance’ far-right group in explosive video

The boss behind the bid to rescue the Stradey Park Hotel has hit out at a controversial activist group in a fiery online video — accusing them of stirring division and “masquerading as principle”.

Businessman Ahsan Ullah, whose firm owns the hotel, said he is doing “everything within my power” to stop it falling into administration following months of chaos.

The once-popular Llanelli venue has been at the centre of a long-running row after plans to house asylum seekers there were scrapped — before the hotel shut its doors again earlier this month.

“Fight still continues”

In his latest video message, Ullah insisted the battle to save the hotel is far from over.

He said: “The fight still continues… I’m doing everything within my power to save this hotel from administration. It matters to its staff, its customers, to the community — and above all it matters to me.”

He also moved to shut down speculation about the building’s future use, stating unequivocally that it would not be used to house asylum seekers.

Fresh attack on campaigners

But the strongest words were reserved for controversial group Voice of Wales, which has been heavily involved in protests linked to the hotel.

Ullah accused them of inflaming tensions and chasing online attention.

He said: “Shoving smartphones into people’s faces… and uploading selectively edited footage for clout and clicks is not activism. It certainly isn’t journalism.”

In a cutting remark, he added:
“A more accurate description should be the nuisance of Wales. They do not speak for Wales.”

https://twitter.com/ahsanforbritain/status/2036808881901379682?s=20

Community tensions still raw

The hotel, located in Furnace, Llanelli, became a flashpoint last year when proposals emerged to turn it into accommodation for asylum seekers.

Following backlash from residents and campaigners, the Home Office abandoned the plan — allowing the hotel to briefly reopen.

But ongoing financial issues have left its future hanging in the balance once again, with a High Court case adding further uncertainty.

“This is about saving the hotel”

Ullah struck a more conciliatory tone when addressing local concerns, saying he had held a “productive” discussion with local Labour councillor, Martin Palfreyman.

He said his priority now is stabilising the business, dealing with refunds and supporting staff.

“My duty is to protect this hotel, support its staff and secure a stable future,” he said.

What happens next?

With legal proceedings ongoing and no clear resolution yet, the future of one of Llanelli’s best-known hotels remains uncertain.

For now, Ullah insists he is focused on keeping the business alive — while warning critics he won’t be distracted by what he calls “noise”.

But after months of closures, protests and political rows, one question remains for locals:

Can the Stradey Park Hotel really be saved — or is this saga far from over?

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LLANELLI: Wetland centre to get £400k makeover — but visitors warned of disruption

WWT Llanelli Wetland Centre has secured funding to completely transform its entrance and visitor centre, promising a “more welcoming and accessible” experience for families.

The project, backed by Welsh Government cash and council support, will see the front of the centre redesigned with new pathways, wider doors and improved facilities.

But the upgrade comes with a catch.

Construction is due to begin in April 2026 and will run through to November — meaning months of changes for visitors, including temporary entrances and relocated facilities.

Despite the disruption, the centre insists it will stay open throughout.

Bosses say the revamp is badly needed, with the current entrance no longer fit for purpose.

New features will include modern welcome points, bilingual signage and interactive displays highlighting the wetlands and wildlife.

There will also be eco-friendly upgrades, including a drainage system designed to reduce flooding and boost biodiversity.

Centre manager Jo Jones said the changes would transform the visitor experience.

She said: “Our newly transformed visitor centre will ensure everyone receives a warm and inclusive welcome.

“While there will be some temporary disruption during the build, we’re carefully planning the works so people can continue to enjoy the wetlands.”

The £400,000 project includes £300,000 from the Welsh Government’s Brilliant Basics Fund, with the rest funded by the charity itself.

Ministers say the investment will help secure the site’s future as a top visitor attraction in Carmarthenshire.

Rebecca Evans, Welsh Government Cabinet Secretary for Economy, said: “WWT Llanelli is a remarkable natural asset, and this investment will ensure it becomes even more accessible, inclusive and welcoming for everyone. The Brilliant Basics Fund exists to enhance the essential infrastructure that underpins great visitor experiences – improving accessibility, facilities, and supporting destinations to offer year-round, sustainable tourism.

“This project at WWT Llanelli embodies those aims and I’m delighted that the Welsh Government can help drive this transformation, which will benefit visitors, wildlife and the wider Carmarthenshire economy for generations to come.”

Cllr Hazel Evans, Carmarthenshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Regeneration, Leisure, Culture and Tourism, added: “Working in collaboration with WWT Llanelli, this exciting project will enhance visitor experience and improve accessibility by updating pathways, doors and ramps as required to meet universal standards, providing bilingual interpretation and installing clear wayfinding systems. I look forward to seeing the results of this project in the future.”

The work is expected to be finished in time for a major milestone — the centre’s 80th birthday celebrations.

In the meantime, visitors are being urged to follow signage and plan ahead as building work gets underway.

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Heartbreak for diners as popular Gorseinon restaurant closes its doors

The devastating news was shared by the Seager family on Facebook, citing “mounting financial pressures” for the heartbreaking decision.

Their post read: “Unfortunately, due to mounting financial pressures, we have made the heartbreaking decision to close our doors at present here at No1 High Street. We thank you all for your messages of support & will keep you informed.”

This latest closure comes hot on the heels of their Llanelli restaurant, “Y Bryngwyn,” which shut down just two months ago, leaving many customers heartbroken.

The Seager family has been a staple of the South Wales dining scene for years, known for their popular steakhouses.

The Gorseinon venue, which opened in 2018, represented a significant £600,000 investment, transforming the former Riverside Inn pub into a bustling steakhouse.

Now, only their “The Grillhouse” restaurant in Waunarlwydd remains open, leaving the future of the family business hanging in the balance.

The double blow to the Seager empire highlights the ongoing challenges faced by the hospitality industry in the region.

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PORT TALBOT: Steel plan sparks cautious hope — but big questions remain for Welsh jobs

At the heart of the strategy is a push to rebuild domestic steelmaking, including new tariffs on imports, a target for half of UK steel demand to be met at home, and billions in funding to support the industry’s transition.

For communities built around steel, the announcement lands at a critical moment.

In Port Talbot, the shift away from traditional blast furnaces is already under way, while in Llanelli, the Trostre works continues to play a key role in Welsh production. Together, they form part of an industry now facing one of the biggest changes in its history.

Local Labour MP Dame Nia Griffith has backed the plan, arguing it signals a more serious commitment to the sector after years of uncertainty.

Dame Nia Griffith, MP for Llanelli, said:
“The steel industry is a vital core element of our economy here in Wales, generating growth and providing thousands of jobs, including hundreds in my own constituency.

“This is a clear, well thought-out, long-term strategy for our steel industry that will help deliver the high-quality steel our country needs for our key infrastructure, our national security and for the wider economy.”

Her support reflects the Government’s central message — that the strategy will not only protect jobs, but put the industry on a more stable footing for the future.

But that optimism is far from universal.

Opposition figures say the plan raises as many questions as it answers, particularly around how much of the promised investment will reach Wales and what role UK steel will play in major future projects.

David Chadwick MP, Liberal Democrat spokesperson for Wales, said:
“It is welcome that the Government has finally acted, but this looks like a panicked move after months of delay.

“Since the blast furnaces were switched off, Welsh steel has been left on life support.”

There are also concerns about the UK’s trading position, with warnings that being outside key European arrangements could leave exporters at a disadvantage in one of their biggest markets.

Industry voices have struck a similarly measured tone — welcoming steps to tackle cheap imports while warning that deeper issues remain unresolved.

Unite, which represents many steelworkers across Wales, says the new tariff regime is a positive step, but argues the industry needs a clearer long-term direction.

Sharon Graham, General Secretary of Unite, said:
“Unite welcomes the strengthening of the UK’s tariff regime to prevent the dumping of cheap foreign steel onto the domestic market.

“But this last minute situation is just another reminder that the reactive approach to UK steel that sees it lurch from crisis to crisis needs to be overhauled.”

One of the biggest sticking points is the industry’s shift towards electric arc furnaces — a cleaner form of steelmaking that relies heavily on recycled materials.

While central to the Government’s net zero ambitions, unions have warned that relying too heavily on this approach could limit the UK’s ability to produce certain types of steel.

Peter Hughes, Unite regional secretary, said:
“The government must also back the production of virgin green steel as we can’t simply rely on electric arc furnaces to produce all the steel we need.”

Alongside the strategy, ministers have also unveiled a new funding stream aimed at helping areas like Port Talbot adapt to the changes.

The Economic Growth & Investment Fund will offer grants of up to £1.5 million to businesses across Neath Port Talbot, Swansea and Bridgend, targeting sectors such as advanced manufacturing, green energy and digital industries.

Local leaders say it could help soften the economic impact of the transition — if it delivers.

Cllr Steve Hunt, Leader of Neath Port Talbot Council, said:
“This fund provides an important opportunity to support businesses that are ready to invest, grow and create new jobs across the region.”

For now, the strategy marks a significant moment for Welsh steel — but not a settled one.

With major changes already under way and more still to come, the focus is quickly shifting from what has been promised to what will actually be delivered.

And for communities across South West Wales, that will ultimately be the measure that matters most.

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LLANELLI HAULIER HIT HARD: Fuel crisis adds £64,000 A WEEK to costs — and shoppers could soon feel the pain

Bosses at Owens Group say the surge in diesel prices — driven by the ongoing conflict in the Middle East — has pushed costs up by around 30% almost overnight.

Founder Huw Owen said the impact was immediate.

“We felt it as a company straight away,” he told the BBC.

“With a fleet our size, we burn a tanker of fuel a day. We used to order fuel a week or even a fortnight in advance — now we’re negotiating prices day by day.”

Inevitable’ price hikes

The warning comes just days after concerns were raised about rural families struggling to heat their homes — with industry figures now saying the crisis is spreading fast through the wider economy.

The Road Haulage Association has warned rising fuel costs will “inevitably” be passed on, meaning higher prices for everyday goods.

“Everything we buy is moved by road at some point,” said RHA representative Geraint Davies.

“If these costs stay high, there will be an inflationary effect — it’s unavoidable.”

Supply chaos and soaring prices

The crisis has also disrupted how companies can even buy fuel.

Owens Group — one of the largest haulage firms in Wales with around 600 vehicles on the road — says suppliers have stopped allowing bulk advance orders.

Instead, firms are being forced to buy fuel daily at volatile prices, making long-term planning almost impossible.

Global oil prices have surged past $100 a barrel amid fears over supply routes linked to the conflict involving Iran, sending shockwaves through industries reliant on transport.

Government under pressure

The RHA is now urging ministers to extend the 5p fuel duty cut, warning that ending it later this year would “add flames to the fire of inflation”.

But the UK Treasury says it is trying to balance public finances, insisting it will ensure drivers get a “fair deal at the pump”.

rom hauliers to households

The warning signs are clear: from heating oil in rural homes to diesel in delivery fleets, the same crisis is rippling across Wales.

And with businesses like Owens now absorbing massive cost increases, experts say it may only be a matter of time before supermarket shelves reflect the price shock too.

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