#morriston — Public Fediverse posts
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SWANSEA: Everything you need to know as Morriston and Mumbles head to the polls next Thursday
Voters in two parts of Swansea go to the polls next Thursday, with council by-elections being held in both Morriston and Mumbles on the same day.
The two vacancies have very different causes — one following the death of a long-serving councillor, the other triggered by the Senedd election — and they are the city’s second and third by-elections in a matter of weeks, after the Liberal Democrats took Fairwood from the Conservatives last month in a contest that followed the death of former Lord Mayor Paxton Hood-Williams.
The Morriston by-election follows the death of long-serving councillor Robert Francis-Davies, who passed away in May after 43 years of service.
Known across the city as RFD, he was the council’s cabinet member for investment, regeneration, tourism and events at the time of his death — and over more than four decades was a prominent voice for Swansea’s sporting and cultural landmarks, credited with helping deliver the Swansea.com Stadium and the National Waterfront Museum.
Tributes following his death described him as a “true Swansea legend” — and this week a giant graffiti tribute bearing his initials appeared on the front wall of St Helen’s stadium, alongside the words “The Legacy Remains in Place”.
Among the six candidates hoping to succeed him is his daughter — Rebecca Francis-Davies, standing for Welsh Labour, the party her father represented throughout his time on the council — meaning Morriston voters will decide whether the seat stays in the family.
The full list of candidates, in ballot paper order:
- Graham Ashby — Reform UK
- Rebecca Elizabeth Francis-Davies — Welsh Labour
- Idin Ghotbi — Welsh Conservatives
- Hayden Lewis — Welsh Liberal Democrats
- Gareth Paul Schofield — Wales Green Party
- Ioan Marc Warlow — Plaid Cymru
The Mumbles by-election was triggered by the departure of Francesca O’Brien, who was elected to the Senedd for Gŵyr Abertawe at May’s election.
Ms O’Brien was first elected to the council as a Conservative before joining Reform UK in August last year — meaning Reform is defending a seat it has never won at a council ballot box.
Seven candidates are standing in Mumbles. In ballot paper order, they are:
- Emilie Cox — Reform UK
- Dorian Davies — Independent
- Jim Hehir — Welsh Liberal Democrats
- David William Lewis — Welsh Labour
- Tricia Sanderson — Plaid Cymru
- Hannah Williams — Welsh Conservatives
- Rich Williams — Wales Green Party
The statement of persons nominated records that Mr Davies, standing as an Independent, declared membership of Reform UK between May 2025 and May this year — meaning a former Reform member is on the ballot alongside the party’s official candidate.
The notice also records that Ms Sanderson, standing for Plaid Cymru, declared membership of Mebyon Kernow — the Cornish nationalist party — over the same period.
The Fairwood result showed how unpredictable these contests can be — and Thursday’s two polls are the latest test of where Swansea politics stands since the Senedd election saw Reform UK make an historic breakthrough across Wales, and since the campaign saw a public row erupt between the council’s Labour leader and Ms O’Brien.
Polling stations in both wards will be open from 7am to 10pm on Thursday 18 June, with one councillor to be elected in each ward. Postal votes have already been issued.
Anyone wanting to check their polling station can do so via Swansea Council’s website.
Swansea Bay News will bring you the results from both counts.
Related stories from Swansea Bay News
FAIRWOOD: Lib Dems take Swansea seat from Conservatives in by-election following death of former Lord Mayor
The surprise result in the city’s first by-election of the post-Senedd era.SWANSEA: Cabinet member Robert Francis-Davies dies — tributes paid to ‘true Swansea legend’ after 43 years of service
The tributes that followed the Morriston councillor’s death in May.ST HELEN’S: ‘The legacy remains in place’ — giant graffiti tribute to Swansea legend RFD appears on stadium wall
Our exclusive interview with the artist behind the tribute.SENEDD ELECTION 2026: The new political map of Wales
#byElection #CllrRobertFrancisDavies #FrancescaOBrienMS #Morriston #Mumbles #SeneddElection2026 #SwanseaCouncil
How May’s election transformed the region’s representation. -
Families celebrate first new play area at Parc Gwernfadog in 25 years
The site, located on land behind Morriston Comprehensive School, offers a vibrant mix of equipment for toddlers and juniors. Features include a slide built into the bank, cradle and flat‑seat swings, and a dish roundabout designed so children of all abilities can join in.
The playground is part of Swansea Council’s £8 million programme to transform dozens of play areas across the city. While Parc Gwernfadog has gained its first new facility in a generation, other parks in Morriston and nearby communities have also been refurbished under the scheme.
The new slide at Parc Gwernfadog has been built into the bank as part of the revamped play area.
(Image: Swansea Council)Community‑shaped design
Council Leader Rob Stewart said the investment was about creating safe and inclusive spaces across Swansea:
“We’re investing in a new generation of play areas to give children all across Swansea the chance to enjoy safe, fun and inclusive spaces in their communities.”
The design of the Parc Gwernfadog site was shaped by feedback from local families and councillors. Councillor Andrew Stevens, Cabinet Member for Environment and Infrastructure, added:
“We want children to have the best possible start in life and that includes having access to safe and fun places to play.”
Built to last
Children can test their balance and strength on the new climbing pole and rope equipment.
(Image: Swansea Council)The council says that all equipment has been selected for durability, safety and accessibility, with robust materials and a layout that encourages imaginative play and social interaction.
The playground was installed by Dragon Play, which has delivered a number of new parks across Swansea.
Other Morriston‑area improvements
In addition to Parc Gwernfadog, several other playgrounds in and around Morriston have recently been upgraded as part of the council’s programme. These include:
- Llansamlet Playground
- Llangyfelach Playground
- Morriston Park Playground (phase 1)
- Craig Cefn Parc Playground
- Heol Tir Du Playground
- DFS (Nixon Terrace) Playground
- Parc Llewelyn Playground
- Tregof Village Playground
(Image: Swansea Council)Part of a city‑wide programme
Beyond Morriston, the £8m investment has already delivered improvements at sites such as Victoria Park in St Helen’s, Knoyle Playground in Penlan, Parc yr Helig in Birchgrove, Bracelet Bay in Mumbles, and many more across Swansea.
Further projects are under construction or planned, including Long Ridge in Mayhill, Mynydd Newydd in Penderry, and Trallwn in Llansamlet.
Council leaders say the aim is to ensure every community benefits from modern, inclusive play facilities, with designs shaped by feedback from local families and councillors.
Funding for the project was provided by Swansea Council. More information on playground improvements across the city is available at www.swansea.gov.uk/newplaygrounds.
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- Youngsters celebrate makeover for much‑loved Morriston play area
- Margam Country Park’s adventure playground named one of the best in Britain
#CllrAndrewStevens #CllrRobStewart #DragonPlay #Morriston #MorristonComprehensiveSchool #ParcGwernfadogPlayground #park #playground #playgroundUpgrade #roundabout #slide #SwanseaCouncil #swings
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Swansea magistrates extend closure of vape shops in crackdown on illegal sales
Eight vape shops across Swansea will remain shut for up to three months after magistrates backed council action against the sale of illegal vapes and counterfeit tobacco.
The closures follow Operation Ceecee & Marvel, a three‑day joint operation led by Swansea Council’s Trading Standards with support from South Wales Police, HMRC, Home Office Immigration officers and tobacco detection dogs.
Raids lead to extended closures
Officers targeted 14 shops where earlier test purchases had confirmed illicit sales. Nine were issued with temporary 48‑hour closure notices while the council sought longer orders through the courts. Magistrates have now approved applications to extend the closure of eight shops, while the owner of the ninth has opted to shut down permanently.
The shops ordered to remain closed are:
- Morriston Mini Market, 86 Woodfield Street, Morriston
- Crystal Vapes, 95 High Street, Gorseinon
- World of Vapes, 89 St Teilo Street, Pontarddulais
- Bob Marley Vapes, 75 St Helen’s Road, Swansea city centre
- Asia Vapes, 40 St Helen’s Road, Swansea city centre
- Kubus Vapes, 31b St Helen’s Road, Swansea city centre
- Bob CBD Vapes, 29 Union Street, Swansea city centre
- Snoop Vapes, 71 High Street, Swansea city centre
More Trading Standards news
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Illegal goods seized and arrests made
The raids led to the seizure of 971 packs of cigarettes, 970 packets of hand‑rolling tobacco and 2,292 vapes, with a combined retail value of more than £77,000. Five vehicles linked to the shops were also confiscated, and 11 people were arrested in connection with the sales.
Council and police warn of risks
Andrew Williams, Swansea Council’s Cabinet Member for Corporate Services (Performance), said:
“This council is taking the sale of illegal vapes and counterfeit tobacco in Swansea very seriously. Our Trading Standards Team has made this issue a priority… I’m delighted that magistrates have supported our applications to extend the closure of eight shops in the city.”
Inspector Andrew Hedley, South Wales Police, added:
“Counterfeit tobacco and vapes are not only illegal, but they are incredibly dangerous for those who use them. These businesses were all given warnings to stop selling these items but disregarded them. They will now face prosecution for various offences as a result.”
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Nine Swansea vape shops shut down in major crackdown on illegal sales
Trading Standards and police closed nine shops across the city after uncovering widespread sales of illegal vapes and counterfeit tobacco.Second jail term for man selling counterfeit tobacco in Swansea
A repeat offender has been jailed again after being caught with thousands of counterfeit cigarettes destined for city shops.Port Talbot trader branded ‘epitome of a rogue trader’ after probe
A Port Talbot businessman has been heavily criticised in court following a Trading Standards investigation into his practices.Illegal vapes, fake dolls and tobacco stash seized in Neath Port Talbot raids
Raids across Neath Port Talbot uncovered counterfeit goods including vapes, toys and tobacco products.#AsiaVapes #BobCBDVapes #BobMarleyVapes #Business #CllrAndrewWilliams #counterfeitTobacco #CrystalVapes #Gorseinon #HighStreet #illegalVapes #KubusVapes #Morriston #MorristonMiniMarket #Pontarddulais #retail #SnoopVapes #SouthWalesPolice #StHelensRoad #Swansea #SwanseaCouncil #TradingStandards #UnionStreet #vapeShop #vapeShopClosure #vapes #WoodfieldStreet #WorldOfVapes