#loughor — Public Fediverse posts

LOUGHOR: Drug dealer who fled to France jailed after ‘brutal’ ordeal in foreign prison

A Swansea drug dealer who skipped bail and fled to France was so badly attacked and abused in a French prison that he had to be placed in solitary confinement for his own safety, a court has heard.

Keith Storer, 51, of Castle Street, Loughor, has been jailed for three years, more than five years after he absconded and left the UK.

The sentencing at Swansea Crown Court brought to a close a case that began when police searched his home in the Waunarlwydd area of Swansea in June 2020.

The court heard that a search of the property and his car turned up several hundred empty snap-seal bags, weighing scales, notebooks recording money owed, £465 in cash and 1.2g of cocaine.

Prosecutor Regan Walters said an examination of Storer’s phone revealed messages relating to the supply of cocaine and cannabis over the previous six months.

The prosecutor said the messages also showed that Storer had used his teenage daughter as a “runner” to make deliveries for him.

In his police interview, Storer claimed the drugs were for his own use and that the snap-seal bags had been left by previous occupants of the property.

He was charged but failed to attend Swansea Magistrates’ Court in November 2020, and an arrest warrant was issued the following month.

That warrant was never executed, and it later emerged that Storer had absconded and left the country. The charges were withdrawn in October 2025.

The court heard that in 2026, South Wales Police received information that Storer had returned to the UK. The drugs charges were reinstated and he was arrested and brought before magistrates in March.

The prosecutor said checks showed Storer had continued to offend while in France. In 2022 he was given a suspended sentence for drink-driving, failing to stop and possession of drugs, and in 2024 he was sentenced to three years in prison there for being concerned in the supply of controlled drugs.

Storer had pleaded guilty to being concerned in the supply of cocaine and being concerned in the supply of cannabis. He has six previous convictions for 13 offences, including the matters in France.

Defence barrister Jon Tarrant said that while his client’s dealing in Swansea could be characterised as “relatively straightforward”, the offending was aggravated by the further offence he committed in France.

The barrister said Storer spent two years in prison in France, initially in a specialist facility for foreign-national drug offenders where he was the only UK national.

There, the court heard, he was subjected to “considerable violence” and other abuse, which culminated in an incident that led to him being moved to solitary confinement while arrangements were made to transfer him to a different jail.

Mr Tarrant said that while it was accepted his client was the “author of his own misfortune”, what happened in the first French prison had a “stark and long-lasting punitive effect” on him, both physically and psychologically.

Recorder Greg Bull KC said he accepted that Storer had experienced a difficult time in the French prison and had “suffered greatly”, but said he had brought that suffering upon himself. He said he could see no prospect of rehabilitation.

With a one-quarter discount for his guilty pleas, Storer was sentenced to three years. He will serve up to half in custody before being released on licence.

Detective Inspector Richard George, of South Wales Police, said the investigation had found Storer was heavily involved in the supply of Class A drugs and had done his utmost to evade justice.

He said the case had “blown up in his face”, adding that Class A dealers would always end up in prison.

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A484: Average speed cameras to be installed between Cadle and Loughor Bridge after years of fatal accidents

A new average speed camera system is set to be installed on the A484 between the Cadle roundabout and Loughor Bridge, as Swansea Council moves to tackle a road that has seen a number of fatal accidents in recent years.

Swansea Council’s cabinet has confirmed the cameras will be accompanied by improved road markings and signs along the route. The scheme forms part of the council’s 2026/27 transport investment programme, backed by Welsh Government regional transport fund money.

The A484 between Cadle and Loughor Bridge was built as a bypass in phases during the 1980s and 1990s, relieving the original route through Penllergaer, Gorseinon and Loughor of through traffic. The bypass nature of the road means it carries significant volumes of fast-moving traffic, and the junction at Victoria Road in Gowerton is a known congestion hotspot, particularly during peak hours.

Unlike fixed speed cameras — which only capture vehicles at a single point — average speed cameras measure a driver’s speed across the entire length of the monitored zone, making it much harder to slow down at a known camera location and accelerate again in between.

The decision to use average speed cameras rather than fixed cameras reflects the nature of the route, which has seen persistent speeding problems across its full length rather than at isolated spots. The road has been the scene of a number of fatal accidents in recent years, and the case for stronger enforcement has been building for some time.

A businessman based along the affected stretch welcomed the move, saying the road was badly in need of action. “It could do with it — it’s a very fast road. And it’s a lot faster at night-time. They race up and down there,” he told reporters covering last week’s cabinet meeting.

The route links Swansea’s western suburbs with Gowerton and Gorseinon, continuing to Loughor and on towards the Carmarthenshire boundary and Llanelli — making it a key commuter corridor for communities along Swansea’s western fringe.

Average speed camera systems have been widely deployed across Wales on roads where persistent speeding has been linked to serious collisions. They are generally credited with producing more sustained reductions in average speeds than fixed cameras, because drivers cannot predict exactly where enforcement is occurring along the monitored stretch.

The scheme forms part of a broader £6.7 million transport investment package for Swansea in 2026/27, which also includes a new mile-long riverside walking and cycling path along the River Tawe, flood alleviation work at Killay Square and on the Gower road at Llandewi, new EV charging infrastructure and a £750,000 e-bike hire scheme.

Swansea Council’s Head of Service for Transport and Highways, Stuart Davies, said the funding would enable the council to deliver “a wide range of transport related projects that will benefit motorists, public transport users as well as pedestrians and cyclists.”

Road safety education programmes will also continue to be funded as part of the same settlement, the council’s cabinet heard — including the Kerbcraft scheme for children learning to cross roads safely, cycle safety training and Bike Safe courses for motorcyclists.

The A484 camera scheme is expected to be delivered during the current financial year, though the council has not yet confirmed when the cameras will become operational.

Related stories from Swansea Bay News

Flood fix: Funding confirmed to finally tackle Killay Square and Gower road misery
Two of Swansea’s worst flood hotspots are part of the same transport investment package.

Barges needed to build new £8m riverside cycle path linking city centre to Swansea.com Stadium
The headline project from the same 2026/27 transport settlement.

SWANSEA: Barges needed to build new £8m riverside cycle and walking path linking city centre to Swansea.com Stadium

A new walking and cycling route along the River Tawe has been given the green light by Swansea Council — with the project set to become one of the most ambitious pieces of active travel infrastructure the city has seen.

The path will run for a mile along the west bank of the Tawe, from a point north of the Tawe bridges through to the Hafod-Morfa Copperworks area — linking the city centre with the copperworks, Swansea.com Stadium and Morfa Retail Park for cyclists and pedestrians. It will be built in three phases and is expected to take three years to complete.

The total cost of the scheme, including design and project management, is £8.25 million. That will be funded through a combination of £6.6 million from the Welsh Government’s regional transport fund, £1.4 million from the UK Government, and a £250,000 developer contribution linked to a separate planning permission.

The council has confirmed the project will be a complex engineering undertaking. A new revetment — a reinforced structure to support the walkway along the riverbank — will need to be constructed, and sections of the work will have to be carried out from barges because of access restrictions along parts of the river corridor.

Once complete, the new path will connect with an existing stretch of shared-use path near the Hafod-Morfa Copperworks — an area undergoing a major heritage restoration that has attracted significant investment in recent years, including the arrival of Penderyn Distillery at the site. The new route will add to the 85 miles of shared-use paths already available across Swansea.

For cyclists and pedestrians, the route will offer a traffic-free connection between the city centre and a cluster of major destinations to the north — including Swansea.com Stadium, home of Swansea City AFC, and the growing Morfa Retail Park. The Hafod-Morfa Copperworks, one of Wales’ most significant industrial heritage sites, sits at the northern end of the route.

The three-phase approach to construction reflects both the engineering complexity of the project and the need to keep disruption manageable along a stretch of riverside that already attracts walkers and recreational users.

The Tawe path forms the headline project in a wider programme of cycling and walking investment confirmed for Swansea in 2026/27. Also included in the settlement is a £700,000 shared-use path linking Ffordd Beck in Gowerton to Pont Y Cob Road — a route that would finally deliver a safe connection between the two communities that has been in planning since 2022. At the moment there is no footpath between the two locations and the only provision for cyclists is a painted advisory route on a narrow main road.

A £500,000 upgrade of the existing shared-use path between Dunvant and Gowerton is also confirmed, widening the route to improve safety and capacity. Gowerton has been the focus of active travel investment in recent years — a new cycling and walking link to Gowerton station opened after significant delays, and the latest round of funding continues to build on that network.

Taken together, the three cycling and walking schemes represent a significant step forward for active travel connectivity across the western side of Swansea — connecting the city centre to the river corridor, and linking Gowerton more effectively to both Dunvant and Loughor.

Stuart Davies, Head of Service for Transport and Highways at Swansea Council, said the funding would enable the council to deliver “a wide range of transport related projects that will benefit motorists, public transport users as well as pedestrians and cyclists.”

The broader transport package for 2026/27 also includes a £750,000 e-bike hire scheme with up to 500 bikes to be made available for short trips across Swansea, further strengthening the active travel offer alongside the new infrastructure. Locations for the e-bike hire points have yet to be confirmed.

Related stories from Swansea Bay News

New walking and cycling route proposed between Gowerton and Loughor
The long-planned Pont Y Cob Road route between Gowerton and Loughor — now funded for construction.

Gowerton’s long-awaited cycle and walking link to station finally opens after delays
The most recent active travel milestone in Gowerton, which the new investment builds on.

Penderyn Distillery handed keys to new Morfa Copperworks site in Swansea
One of the major regeneration projects at the northern end of the new Tawe riverside path.

New images show how heritage sites at Swansea’s Strand, Hafod Copperworks and museum could be transformed
The wider regeneration vision for the area at the northern end of the new Tawe path.

Swansea couple jailed after police smash large‑scale Class A drug operation

David Davies, 36, of Glebe Road, Loughor, was arrested in July after South Wales Police executed a warrant at his home. Officers uncovered drugs, cash and paraphernalia, before intelligence led them to a self‑storage unit in Gorseinon. Inside, police found four kilos of cocaine — two hidden in a safe — along with ketamine and ecstasy.

Davies’ phone revealed the scale of his operation, including messages about buying cocaine worth £98,000, laundering cash through his plastering business, and even offering a reward after £20,000 and drugs were stolen from his home while he attended an Oasis concert in Cardiff. Investigators also discovered a crypto wallet containing almost £20,000.

Partner jailed for assisting

Davies’ partner, Linzi Jones, 35, of Heol Eifion, Gorseinon, was found to have prepared cocaine deals, collected debts and continued chasing payments even after Davies was remanded. Police searching her home seized £2,294 in cash, weighing scales and luxury watches including a Rolex.

Jones pleaded guilty to being concerned in the supply of cocaine and possession of criminal property. She was sentenced to two years and eight months in prison.

Judge condemns “avarice”

At Swansea Crown Court, Judge Huw Rees said drugs were a “blight on society” and condemned both defendants for perpetuating their use out of “avarice” and without regard for the impact on others.

There were tears in the public gallery as Jones was led to the cells. A proceeds of crime hearing has been scheduled for March 18 next year to investigate Davies’ finances.

Police: “The streets are better off”

Sergeant Luke Tucker of South Wales Police said:

“David Davies and Linzi Jones were involved in a large‑scale operation of peddling Class A drugs onto the streets of Swansea and the surrounding areas.

This will have done untold damage to those who purchased the drugs and also to their families and wider communities.

The scale of David Davies’ offending has got him a long stretch in prison. The streets are better off with both Davies and Jones in jail.”

Police urged anyone with concerns about drug dealing or vulnerable people being targeted by organised crime groups to call 101 or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

#classASupply #cocaine #davidDavies #drugs #ecstasy #gorseinon #ketamine #linziJones #loughor #southWalesPolice #swanseaCrownCourt #swanseaDrugs

New health monitors installed in local GP surgeries

Patients across parts of Swansea can now monitor their blood pressure, weight and body mass index (BMI) in their GP practice waiting rooms, thanks to new health pod machines designed to encourage healthier lifestyles.

Available in local surgeries

The monitors have been installed at Gowerton Medical Centre, Penclawdd Health Centre, Penybryn Surgery, Princess Street Surgery in Gorseinon, Talybont Surgery and Ty’r Felin Surgery in Loughor. Patients can use them without booking an appointment, simply by dropping in during practice opening hours.

How the machines work

The pods guide patients through a short process: entering their date of birth and gender, answering lifestyle questions, and then measuring height, weight and blood pressure. Results are stored directly on the patient’s clinical record, and a printout can also be taken home.

‘Convenient and accessible’

Dr Sowndarya Shivaraj, who leads the project locally, said:

“The introduction of the health pod monitors in our GP surgeries offers patients a convenient and accessible way to check their blood pressure and BMI without needing to wait for a nurse appointment. By flagging risks early, we are better able to offer timely health advice and support.”

Supporting healthier lifestyles

Lorraine Thomas, practice manager at Princess Street Surgery in Gorseinon, said the machines were already proving popular.

“Everything appears on a screen and there’s a questionnaire where patients are asked if they smoke and want help to quit, and it will ask about alcohol intake too. The information then gets stored on their clinical records so GP practices can monitor them.”

She added:

“Most people aren’t aware of their blood pressure and other readings, such as their BMI, so it is helpful for them to be able to come in and check and then they can monitor it.”

Early detection of health risks

Staff will review the results and contact patients if readings are higher than recommended.

Dr Shivaraj said:

“High blood pressure is a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease and stroke, so regular monitoring is vital for early detection and management. If the health pod detects high blood pressure, our teams will be alerted and the patient will be offered a follow‑up appointment for further assessment.”

The initiative is part of wider work to encourage people to take an active role in monitoring and maintaining their health, with additional support available for smoking cessation and reducing alcohol use.

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#bloodPressureMonitor #BMICheck #GorseinonGP #Gowerton #GowertonMedicalCentre #Loughor #Penclawdd #PenclawddHealthCentre #PenybrynSurgery #PrincessStreetSurgery #selfServiceHealthPod #Swansea #SwanseaBayNHS #TalybontSurgery #TyRFelinSurgery

Rugby pays tribute to Roy ‘Shunto’ Thomas, Llanelli and Swansea stalwart, who has died aged 82

Scarlets confirm passing

In a statement, the Scarlets said they were “deeply saddened” to hear of Thomas’ passing. Between 1970 and 1977 he played 184 games for Llanelli, including that unforgettable 9–3 victory over New Zealand at Stradey Park.

“The thoughts of us all at the Scarlets are with Roy’s family and friends at this time,” the club said.

Swansea RFC: “A great club man”

Swansea RFC paid tribute to Thomas’ toughness on the field and humour off it. He made 169 appearances for the All Whites between 1966 and 1970, featuring in the 1966 win over Australia at St Helen’s and the 1969 clash with the touring Springboks.

The club noted his unenviable record of being named as Wales’ reserve hooker 25 times without winning a full cap, sitting behind internationals Jeff Young and Bobby Windsor.

“He will be remembered in Swansea not for that unwanted statistic, but for his tough uncompromising play and his great sense of humour off the field,” the club said.

Loughor RFC: “A true legend of the game”

Thomas’ home club, Loughor RFC, described him as a “true legend” and highlighted his family ties, with his daughter Karen now coaching at the club.

“Our minis paid their respects to not only a great figure in Welsh rugby, but also to a much‑loved father of their coach, Karen,” the club said.

The ‘nearly man’ of Wales

Despite never winning a full cap, Thomas was a near‑permanent fixture in the Wales squad throughout the 1970s. In an era when substitutions were only permitted for injuries, he was repeatedly named on the bench but never took the field.

He was later awarded a Welsh Rugby Union President’s cap for appearing in an uncapped match against Tonga in 1974 — a prized possession he kept on display at his Loughor home.

Memories of 1972

Thomas’ career highlight came on 31 October 1972, when Llanelli stunned the All Blacks 9–3 at Stradey Park. He recalled the pitch invasion and wild celebrations that followed:

“The All Blacks players couldn’t believe it. After the game, when we were sitting together and drinking, they were telling us you were much better than us on the day.”

It was, famously, the day the pubs ran dry in Llanelli.

“I had a load. I had a lift home to Penclawdd. They took me back to the club at about 8pm. I was well‑oiled!” he laughed in a later interview.

Life beyond rugby

After finishing with Llanelli in the late 1970s, Thomas returned to Penclawdd RFC for a spell as coach and remained a regular supporter of “The Donkeys”. Away from rugby, he worked delivering coal around Gower, transporting cockles across the UK, and later for British Steel.

Reflecting on his career, Thomas once said he would never have swapped the All Blacks victory for a full Welsh cap:

“No, I wouldn’t give that up. No‑one can ever take that day away from me.”

Legacy

Known for his fierce scrummaging, quick left foot, and lineout accuracy, Thomas was admired by teammates and opponents alike. He will be remembered as a determined player, a loyal club man, and a gentleman of the game.

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#AllBlacks #AllWhites #Loughor #LoughorRFC #Penclawdd #RoyShuntoThomas #Rugby #Scarlets #Swansea #SwanseaRFC

Managed to walk under 6 miles completing three Slow Ways today. Feels like a bit of a record - are there other locations this close together? #Gorseinon #Gowerton #Loughor #SlowWays

Managed to walk under 6 miles completing three Slow Ways today. Feels like a bit of a record - are there other locations this close together? #Gorseinon #Gowerton #Loughor #SlowWays

Managed to walk under 6 miles completing three Slow Ways today. Feels like a bit of a record - are there other locations this close together? #Gorseinon #Gowerton #Loughor #SlowWays

Managed to walk under 6 miles completing three Slow Ways today. Feels like a bit of a record - are there other locations this close together? #Gorseinon #Gowerton #Loughor #SlowWays

Managed to walk under 6 miles completing three Slow Ways today. Feels like a bit of a record - are there other locations this close together? #Gorseinon #Gowerton #Loughor #SlowWays

King Arthur’s stone on #Gŵyr. The 25-ton capstone sits on top of Cefyn Bryn Common. Legend has it that while travelling in #Carmarthenshire #KingArthur removed a stone from his shoe and threw it across the #Loughor Estuary. By the time it reached its final resting point at #CefnBryn the stone had become an enormous boulder. #SilentSunday #StandingStoneSunday #Cymru #Myths #Gower

King Arthur’s stone on #Gŵyr. The 25-ton capstone sits on top of Cefyn Bryn Common. Legend has it that while travelling in #Carmarthenshire #KingArthur removed a stone from his shoe and threw it across the #Loughor Estuary. By the time it reached its final resting point at #CefnBryn the stone had become an enormous boulder. #SilentSunday #StandingStoneSunday #Cymru #Myths #Gower

King Arthur’s stone on #Gŵyr. The 25-ton capstone sits on top of Cefyn Bryn Common. Legend has it that while travelling in #Carmarthenshire #KingArthur removed a stone from his shoe and threw it across the #Loughor Estuary. By the time it reached its final resting point at #CefnBryn the stone had become an enormous boulder. #SilentSunday #StandingStoneSunday #Cymru #Myths #Gower

King Arthur’s stone on #Gŵyr. The 25-ton capstone sits on top of Cefyn Bryn Common. Legend has it that while travelling in #Carmarthenshire #KingArthur removed a stone from his shoe and threw it across the #Loughor Estuary. By the time it reached its final resting point at #CefnBryn the stone had become an enormous boulder. #SilentSunday #StandingStoneSunday #Cymru #Myths #Gower

King Arthur’s stone on #Gŵyr. The 25-ton capstone sits on top of Cefyn Bryn Common. Legend has it that while travelling in #Carmarthenshire #KingArthur removed a stone from his shoe and threw it across the #Loughor Estuary. By the time it reached its final resting point at #CefnBryn the stone had become an enormous boulder. #SilentSunday #StandingStoneSunday #Cymru #Myths #Gower