#swansea — Public Fediverse posts

SWANSEA CITY: Planners give fan zone the green light in principle — but the club has got some work to do

The principle is fine. Planners have accepted that a covered fan zone capable of holding more than 1,700 supporters behind the South Stand at the Swansea.com Stadium — with self-pour beer taps, a big screen and bierkeller bench seating — is an appropriate use of the site. The site is in the right location, it serves an identified need, and the planning history supports it.

But the response is detailed, and AFL Architects have a fair bit of work to do before a formal application can go in.

The most immediate problem is trees. The plans appear to show the building line coming right up to the row of trees along the southern edge of the active travel path — the walking and cycling route that runs along the northern edge of the site. Planners say those trees must stay, and the building will need to pull back to accommodate them.

That active travel route — which connects the Swansea City FC stadium area to the city centre and railway station — is a recurring theme throughout the response. Planners want a clearer design solution for how fans arriving at the fan zone will safely coexist with cyclists and pedestrians using the path.

The fan zone site sits in the same rapidly developing part of Swansea as the proposed new home for the Landore Park and Ride, which is being studied for relocation to Alamein Road just across from the stadium — a sign of just how much development pressure is building up in this corner of the city.

The area is moving fast in all directions — and construction on the £49m Skyline Swansea cable car and luge attraction began today, with earthworks starting on Kilvey Hill and groundworks under way at the Landore Park and Ride basecamp.

On design, the architects are told to go further. Planners want vibrant colours on the exposed steel framing, clerestory windows, a butterfly truss to bring in natural light, and an entrance canopy that takes design cues from the triangular structures of the stadium and the adjacent footbridge. The view toward Kilvey Hill — where the Skyline cable car could one day be visible — is flagged as an opportunity to exploit from the mezzanine level.

Accessibility is a gap in the current submission. The plans include a mezzanine level — which planners support — but say nothing about how wheelchair users and people with mobility needs will reach it. External lifts are recommended, and planners suggest making them a visual feature rather than something bolted on as an afterthought.

South Wales Police have also had their say, and their concerns are serious. They want physical hostile vehicle mitigation — barriers meeting security standard ISO 22343-1 — to prevent vehicles being used as weapons against crowds arriving at the fan zone. CCTV coverage, appropriate lighting, and measures to lock down the structure when not in use are also required.

And then there’s Martyn’s Law. The club will need to demonstrate how the fan zone complies with the Protected Duty under the legislation introduced following the Manchester Arena bombing. Given the venue’s capacity of more than 1,700, it falls within the enhanced tier — meaning formal security planning is not optional.

Noise is another issue. Residential properties in the Copper Quarter, including seven-storey apartment blocks with river-facing balconies, lie to the east. A designated Quiet Area sits around 70 metres away. A Noise Impact Assessment will likely be required, and the club needs to set out clearly what hours it proposes to operate — including for non-matchday events.

On the question of location — the site is outside a defined retail and leisure centre, which requires justification under planning policy — planners are broadly satisfied. They accept the fan zone serves a specific need linked to the stadium and couldn’t simply be relocated to a nearby retail park.

But they want the formal application backed up by stronger evidence: Championship fan zone comparisons, supporter experience data and the club’s own fan engagement plan would all help make the case.

There’s also a drainage note worth flagging for the architects. A sewer pipe runs beneath the active travel path to the north of the site, which could constrain construction.

The architects now have the full response and will be working on revised proposals. The club has publicly said it wants the fan zone ready for the 2026/27 season — a timeline that is looking tight but not impossible if a revised application moves quickly through the system.

More on Swansea City and the stadium district

Swansea City plan huge fan zone for more than 1,700 fans
The original proposals — self-pour beer taps, a big screen and a bierkeller vibe.

Landore Park and Ride set to move across the road to Alamein Road
How the wider stadium district is being reimagined — and what it means for transport.

Penderyn Distillery handed keys to Morfa Copperworks site
Another major development transforming the area around the stadium.

Swansea’s Skyline project moves a step closer
The cable car proposal that would take visitors up Kilvey Hill — visible from the fan zone’s mezzanine level.

SWANSEA: Firefighters describe dramatic rescue of casualty from giant cargo ship at Swansea’s King’s Dock

When the call came in at 4.14pm on Tuesday 28 April, crews from Swansea Central and Morriston fire stations knew straight away this wasn’t going to be a straightforward job.

The Welsh Ambulance Service had requested the fire service’s help with a casualty aboard a large cargo vessel at King’s Dock — and one look at the ship told them why.

The JSP Samsø, a multi-purpose cargo ship registered in Madeira, stretches roughly 90 metres from bow to stern — almost the length of a full football pitch — and weighs in at approximately 4,000 gross tonnes.

Standing at the dockside, the ship towers above you like a four-storey building. Getting someone off safely from a vessel that size was going to take planning, specialist equipment and tight coordination between agencies.

Ships like the JSP Samsø present a particular challenge for emergency responders. The sheer height of the vessel above the dockside, combined with the complex layout of walkways, ladders and decking, means a standard stretcher carry simply isn’t an option for a seriously injured or immobile casualty.

That’s where the turntable ladder from Morriston Fire Station came in — a specialist piece of kit that can reach significant heights and be used as a platform to lower a casualty safely to the ground.

Before any of that could happen, the crews first had to carefully immobilise and package the casualty to make sure they could be moved safely. Working alongside Welsh Ambulance Service paramedics, firefighters went through the painstaking process of securing the patient on a stretcher before the extraction could begin.

It was detailed, careful work — exactly the kind of thing that looks unremarkable from the outside but requires significant skill and training to get right.

Once the casualty was ready, the turntable ladder was brought into position and the extraction got under way. The patient was brought down from the vessel and transferred directly into the care of the ambulance crew waiting on the dockside.

The casualty was then conveyed to hospital. Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service have not provided details of the patient’s condition, as is standard practice.

The crews were stood down and left the scene at 5.21pm — just over an hour after they had first arrived.

Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service said the incident demonstrated the ability of their crews to adapt quickly and deliver effective casualty care under pressure, as well as what they described as seamless coordination with partner agencies.

The docks have long been a challenging environment for emergency services, with the combination of heavy industrial machinery, large vessels and confined spaces creating risks that require specialist training and equipment to manage safely.

King’s Dock is operated by Associated British Ports (ABP), which has run the Port of Swansea since 1982 and manages the harbour offices on site. As the principal commercial area of the port, it handles cargo vessels from across Europe and beyond — and the combination of heavy industrial machinery, large vessels and confined spaces means emergency services require specialist training to operate safely there.

The port’s working docks are separate from the nearby SA1 waterfront development and the marina, which occupy former dock areas that have been redeveloped over recent decades. King’s Dock remains an active commercial facility, and incidents involving vessels or dockside workers are handled by a multi-agency response drawing on fire, ambulance and coastguard resources depending on the nature of the emergency.

The JSP Samsø — registered under a Madeira flag and operated as a multi-purpose cargo vessel — is typical of the commercial shipping that calls at Swansea’s port facilities.

More fire service coverage

He’s 18, doing his A-Levels, and his school lets him leave class to fight fires
Meet the teenage on-call firefighter balancing school and the fire service.

In pictures: the aftermath of the Port Talbot Water Street fire
Aerial images showing the scale of the blaze that gripped the town.

Fire crews tackle two wildfires in 24 hours on Gower as bank holiday fire risk soars
Fairwood Common and Cefn Bryn both ablaze in the same 24-hour period.

Port Talbot fire enters controlled phase as road closures lifted
How the Water Street fire was brought under control after days of firefighting.

https://www.europesays.com/britain/33101/ ITV’s Believe Me filming locations that turned Cardiff, Swansea and Newport into the streets of London #Cardiff #CardiffUniversity #FilmingLocations #London #LondonEye #Newport #Penarth #PortTalbot #RoyalCourtsOfJustice #Swansea #WelshGovernment

TGJONES: Bailiff threat and tax debts cast fresh doubt over south-west Wales stores as WH Smith refuses to fund redundancy payments

The seven TGJones stores at risk across south-west Wales face fresh uncertainty after new details emerged about the dire financial state of the chain — including millions of pounds in unpaid taxes and a looming threat of bailiff action.

Seven branches in the region — including the Swansea Quadrant, Neath, Llanelli, Carmarthen, Bridgend, Tenby and Haverfordwest — were put at risk last week when owner Modella Capital announced plans to close up to 150 stores nationally as part of a major restructuring.

Now documents circulated to creditors have revealed that TGJones owes £8.4 million to HMRC, with a six-month payment agreement struck in April — and a further £3.4 million in business rates arrears. The Telegraph has reported that bailiffs are now a real threat if those payments are not maintained.

The revelations paint a stark picture of a business that has deteriorated rapidly since WH Smith sold its 480 high street stores to Modella Capital in March 2025 and rebranded them as TGJones.

The sale was originally valued at £76 million, but this was renegotiated sharply downward to £42 million to reflect what was described at the time as a “sharp deterioration in trading conditions.” In reality, WH Smith received just £10 million upfront, with the remaining £32 million contingent on the business’s future cash flows — money that now looks unlikely ever to materialise.

Modella has since approached WH Smith to ask whether it would fund enhanced redundancy payments for staff likely to lose their jobs if stores close. WH Smith had previously offered staff a more generous redundancy scheme than the statutory minimum. It declined to provide any further support.

The development is significant for workers at the seven south-west Wales branches, who now face the prospect of statutory redundancy only if their stores are among those confirmed for closure.

The restructuring Modella is planning is known as a “cram-down” — a relatively novel legal mechanism that requires the consent of only one class of creditors to proceed, rather than a majority. It will require approval from a High Court judge, with a hearing expected in late June.

Landlords are likely to face demands for severe reductions in rent as part of the plan. Those who refuse could simply take back the keys to their stores.

If the restructuring is approved, Modella has promised to invest £35 million in a turnaround plan it claims would return TGJones to profitability, with what it describes as a “considerable investment” in the stores that survive.

The creditor documents also reveal the existence of a mystery private individual — described as not being linked to Modella — who is owed £8 million by TGJones. No further details have been disclosed.

The crisis comes as Modella’s track record with other retail brands comes under scrutiny. Both The Original Factory Shop and Claire’s Accessories — two other chains acquired by the firm — have been placed into administration in recent months. Modella blamed the worsening conditions on the British high street and tax rises enacted by the Government.

An insolvency specialist quoted in earlier reporting warned that the pipeline of retail closures was “far from over,” pointing to the collapse in discretionary spending, stubbornly low high street footfall outside major city centres, and the impact of rising National Living Wage costs and higher employer National Insurance contributions.

Post Office has previously said it will update communities if any of its services — hosted within TGJones stores — are forced to relocate as a result of the closures.

The High Court hearing in late June is now the key date for anyone with an interest in the future of the south-west Wales stores — and for the staff who work in them.

Our TGJones coverage

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

Post Office promises to update communities if any branches are forced to relocate
What the closures could mean for Post Office services hosted within TGJones stores.

WH Smith sells high street stores — which will be renamed TGJones
How the chain ended up in Modella Capital’s hands in the first place.

SWANSEA: Cabinet member Robert Francis-Davies dies — tributes paid to ‘true Swansea legend’ after 43 years of service

Cllr Robert Francis-Davies, one of the most prominent figures in Swansea public life, has died.

The Morriston councillor had served Swansea Council for 43 years and was cabinet member for investment, regeneration, tourism and events at the time of his death.

Cllr Rob Stewart announced the news on Friday morning, saying he had learned of it with huge sadness.

Mr Stewart described Francis-Davies — known affectionately as RFD — as “a true Swansea legend and an absolute force of nature who worked tirelessly for the people of Morriston and Swansea for 43 years.”

The council leader said his thoughts were with Francis-Davies’s family — named as Suzanne, Rebecca, Andrew and Rachel — at what he described as a deeply difficult time.

Mr Stewart credited Francis-Davies with helping oversee the building of the Swansea.com stadium and the National Waterfront Museum, saying he had delivered “such positive change” across his decades on the council.

He was also instrumental in bringing major events to the city, including Proms in the Park and the Wales Airshow, and was said to be a lifelong supporter of Swansea City AFC.

Francis-Davies was a proud advocate of the Swansea barrage and worked to ensure the continued development of the River Tawe corridor.

Mr Stewart said he was “an irreplaceable figure in the council” and that Swansea would not be the same without him.

Over four decades in the council chamber, Francis-Davies held a range of senior positions — including vice-chair of the housing committee, vice-chair of the finance committee, chair of the economic development committee and chair of the legal services committee.

Beyond his council work, he served as a past executive member of the Museums Association, chair of the Council of Museums in Wales, and board member of Les Rencontres — an organisation representing European cities of culture.

Morgans Hotel in Swansea was among the first organisations to pay tribute publicly, saying it was saddened to learn of his passing.

The hotel recalled that Francis-Davies had laid the foundation stone at the venue on 18 February 2002, and said it had always been grateful for his support over the years that followed.

Its flag was lowered to half-mast on Friday as a mark of respect, with the hotel describing him as a man who had done “so much for the city.”

Swansea City AFC also paid tribute, describing Francis-Davies as “a driving force in the plans for the ground coming to fruition.” The club said the thoughts of everyone at Swansea City were with his friends, family and colleagues at this very sad time.

Francis-Davies is survived by his wife Suzanne and their children Rebecca, Andrew and Rachel. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him.

https://www.europesays.com/uk/946700/ Live updates as M4 crash causes gridlock – Wales Online #BritonFerry #Business #m4 #Neath #NeathPortTalbot #Swansea #TrafficAndTravel #Transport #UK #UnitedKingdom

Mediterranean restaurant La Parrilla closes its two Swansea branches

The company said that the decision has been “extremely difficult” Christie Bannon Senior multimedia journalist 16:11, 15 Jan 2020Updated 16:13, 15 Jan 2020 La Parrilla in SA1 has been welcoming di…
#dining #cooking #diet #food #MediterraneanIngredient #Mediterranean #Mumbles #Restaurants #SA1 #South-WestWales #Swansea
https://www.diningandcooking.com/2633754/mediterranean-restaurant-la-parrilla-closes-its-two-swansea-branches/

Mediterranean restaurant La Parrilla closes its two Swansea branches https://www.diningandcooking.com/2633754/mediterranean-restaurant-la-parrilla-closes-its-two-swansea-branches/ #Mediterranean #MediterraneanIngredient #Mumbles #Restaurants #SA1 #SouthWestWales #Swansea

Live updates as M4 crash causes gridlock – Wales Online

Live updates as M4 crash causes gridlock  Wales OnlineLive: M4 and Newport crawl to a halt amid heavy congestion…
#NewsBeep #News #Business #BritonFerry #GB #M4 #Neath #NeathPortTalbot #Swansea #TrafficandTravel #Transport #UK #UnitedKingdom
https://www.newsbeep.com/uk/573305/

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.

SWANSEA: Children’s mental health service based in city wins national award for its work in more than 800 schools

A Swansea-based children’s mental health service has been named School Wellbeing Support Specialists of the Year at a national awards ceremony recognising innovation and excellence in mental health support.

The Exchange programme, delivered by Health is One, picked up the title at the 2026 Global Health and Pharma Mental Health Awards.

The annual awards celebrate organisations across the UK that demonstrate innovation and commitment in mental health support.

The Exchange has been operating for nearly two decades, working with ten local authorities across the UK to deliver counselling and therapeutic support in more than 800 schools.

It is headquartered in Swansea – making the win a significant recognition for a service rooted in south-west Wales.

The award reflects the service’s approach to embedding counselling within a wider, coordinated response to children’s needs – what the team describes as a “whole-system approach.”

The Exchange works with teachers, families and wider services to identify concerns early and provide practical, age-appropriate support – across home, school, health and community settings.

The therapy offered ranges widely depending on the needs of each child.

It includes one-to-one and group counselling, play-based therapy for younger children, creative approaches for children with additional learning needs, and structured support for young people experiencing anxiety, low mood or difficulties in relationships.

The programme works in close partnership with health services, local authorities and third sector organisations.

This collaborative model is designed to reduce demand on specialist provision and provide more community-based responses to mental health concerns affecting children and young people.

For The Exchange, the award reflects an approach focused on building capacity within schools and strengthening links between universal services and specialist mental health provision.

Emma Davies, Director at Health is One, said the recognition mattered because it reflected what the team knew worked for children in Wales.

“The Exchange functions as part of a whole-system response, working alongside schools, families, local authorities and health services to make sure children receive the right support at the right time,” she said.

She said the team remained committed to delivering services that reflected those priorities. “We are proud that our work is recognised at a national level, and we remain committed to delivering services that genuinely reflect those priorities,” she said.

The Exchange’s recognition comes at a time when children’s mental health services across Wales – and the wider UK – are under increasing pressure, with rising demand for support and long waits for specialist provision in many areas. The Welsh Government previously pledged an extra £9.4m investment in children and young people’s mental health services in recognition of growing demand.

Other Swansea-based programmes have also been recognised for their work in this space, including the Bouncing Back Plus classroom and exercise programme which is delivering wellbeing support to primary school children across the city.

Schools and families seeking more information about The Exchange programme, or wishing to make a referral, can find further details on the Health is One website.

SWANSEA: Plans to convert iconic Sandfields restaurant into 12-bedroom HMO complex submitted to council

Plans have been submitted to convert one of Sandfields’ best-known buildings – the late-Victorian Pantygwydr – into two Houses in Multiple Occupation totalling 12 bedrooms.

The pre-application planning notice has been lodged with Swansea Council, proposing the conversion of the historic corner property at the junction of Oxford Street and Richardson Street.

Under the proposals, the ground floor restaurant would become a 5-bedroom HMO, while the upper floors – currently used as four-bedroom owner’s accommodation – would be converted into a separate 7-bedroom HMO.

That would create 12 bedrooms in total across two HMOs at the building.

The building is currently home to the Pantygwydr restaurant, an independent French restaurant that has traded at the site since 2008 – nearly two decades.

It is currently still trading and taking bookings for 2026.

But the freehold of the property has now been listed for sale at £325,000 by Astleys Chartered Surveyors and is currently marked as Sold Subject to Contract.

The planning statement submitted to the council notes that the property has been marketed for several years without any demand for the existing restaurant use.

The Pantygwydr is a substantial late-Victorian building measuring 4,646 sq ft over three floors plus a basement.

Originally operated as the Pantygwydr Hotel, the building features classic Victorian architecture, strong corner frontage and period interior details including wood panelling and decorative cornices.

The basement is currently used as a beer cellar – a reminder of the building’s former life as a hotel and bar.

Under the proposals, no external alterations would be made to the property. A shared bike and refuse store would be created at ground floor level in the existing courtyard.

The application is significant in the context of HMO concentration in the Sandfields area – which has long been a focus of debate over the impact of high HMO numbers on community character and housing supply.

The site sits just outside Swansea Council’s HMO Management Area, where stricter rules apply. Outside that zone, planning policy permits HMO conversions provided they would not result in more than 10% of properties within a 50-metre radius being HMOs.

The applicant’s planning agents have calculated that there are currently three HMOs within 50 metres of the site, out of 59 properties in total. Approval of the application would create five HMOs in that radius – 8.47% of the local property stock, just below the 10% threshold.

The statement also argues that the property would generate significantly less parking demand as HMOs than as a restaurant – with the existing use estimated to require around 16 parking spaces, compared to seven for the proposed HMO use.

The application is currently at the pre-application stage, with reference number 2026/0329/PRE on the council’s planning portal. A formal planning application is yet to be submitted.

If submitted and approved, the conversion would mark the end of nearly 20 years of independent restaurant trade at the site – and the loss of one of Sandfields’ most distinctive hospitality venues.

The Pantygwydr restaurant remains open for bookings as planning discussions continue.

More from our property and rental coverage

‘No kids, no benefits’ rental bans become illegal next month – here’s what tenants and landlords need to know
The major change to Wales’ rental rules taking effect in June 2026.

Belvoir Swansea acquires The Greenrooms managed property portfolio
One of the city’s biggest recent rental sector deals – and what it tells us about the local market.

Swansea ranked one of the best UK cities to own a commercial property
Why investors are looking to Swansea – and what’s driving the interest in conversions.

Four local restaurants face closure as Whitbread axes up to 3,800 jobs across UK estate
The wider hospitality squeeze threatening high street venues across south-west Wales.

SWANSEA: Grade I listed Guildhall finally gets roof fix — after plastic sheeting and a bucket became a fixture in the foyer

Now Swansea Council has applied for listed building consent to fix the problem — replacing sections of the roof at the Guildhall with a new waterproof system designed to match work already completed on other parts of the building.

The Grade I listed Guildhall, built between 1930 and 1934 using Portland stone, has been plagued by water penetration despite its grand and sturdy appearance.

Leaks have been identified at multiple points across the building — including from a skylight above the law courts and from timber and metal frame windows in various locations.

The proposed works will see sections of roof above the law courts and the Brangwyn Hall replaced, along with new skylights and refurbished windows.

Some windows will be removed and taken away for specialist restoration off-site.

Re-pointing work is also planned as part of the application.

Discussions have already taken place with Welsh heritage body Cadw and the council’s own conservation officer ahead of the submission — reflecting the building’s protected status and the care required for any works on a Grade I listed structure.

A heritage impact assessment submitted alongside the application said the new roofing system would ensure the long-term water tightness of the building’s fabric.

The Guildhall was listed at Grade I in 1994 — the highest level of protection available in Wales, reserved for buildings of exceptional interest.

As well as housing council offices and law courts, it is home to the Brangwyn Hall — one of Wales’s finest art deco interiors, which hosts concerts, civic events and, most recently, Swansea Pride.

The hall is also a regular venue for election counts and declarations, including Friday’s Senedd results.

The building was extended twice after its original construction, with a central lawn built over during the later phases.

It has also been used as a film and television set on numerous occasions, with its distinctive clock tower and Portland stone facade lending itself to period productions.

The council said when the leaks were first reported last December that it was committed to rectifying the issue as quickly as possible.

The Guildhall and Brangwyn Hall

All our Guildhall coverage
Our full archive of stories about one of Swansea’s most iconic buildings.

All our Brangwyn Hall coverage
News, events and features from the magnificent art deco hall at the heart of Swansea’s civic life.

Swansea Pride returns on 16 May — with a Lady Gaga tribute headline act
The Guildhall and Brangwyn Hall host one of Swansea’s biggest free events this month.

SWANSEA: From -191 goal difference to promoted — Cwm Albion complete the most remarkable turnaround in Welsh football

The 114-year-old Swansea club secured promotion to Division One of the Swansea Senior League on Saturday with a thumping 6-2 victory over African Community Centre — completing one of the most remarkable turnarounds in grassroots football anywhere in Wales.

The win sparked wild celebrations among players, staff and supporters who had endured some very dark days not so long ago.

In the 2022/23 season, Cwm Albion finished bottom of Division Four with a goal difference of -191.

They lost every single game.

It was as bad as it sounds — and it earned them a rather unwanted distinction.

Specsavers selected them as its “Best Worst Team” — an initiative designed to help the UK’s worst-performing grassroots club turn things around.

The support that followed included mentorship from footballing legend Harry Redknapp, who worked with the squad and helped attract new players to the club.

The transformation began almost immediately. Within a season, Cwm Albion went from a team conceding ten goals a game to one that couldn’t be beaten.

They then reached a cup final for the first time in 26 years — a moment that would have been unthinkable during those bleak days at the bottom of Division Four.

And now, promotion.

Manager Dan Gill said the achievement was hard to take in. “Three seasons ago we couldn’t buy a win, we were conceding games heavily every week,” he said. “To go from that to now being promoted in the Swansea Senior League is unbelievable. Looking back, it doesn’t even feel like the same club anymore.”

Gill said the Specsavers initiative had been the turning point. “We’ve got more players coming in, we’re winning more, scoring more and conceding less,” he said. “I’m so proud of everyone involved.”

He said other clubs had been asking how Cwm Albion kept going during the worst of it. “It just shows how far we’ve come,” he added.

Saturday’s 6-2 win takes them into Division One next season — and nobody who watched them three years ago would have believed it possible.

The Cwm Albion story

Harry Redknapp helps Swansea amateur side deemed UK’s worst performing football team
How the Specsavers Best Worst Team initiative brought Harry Redknapp to Cwm Albion.

Cwm Albion turn from Best Worst Team to unbeaten heroes
The remarkable transformation that followed Specsavers’ involvement.

Former worst team in the UK reach cup final for first time in 26 years
The moment that showed how far Cwm Albion had come.

SWANSEA PRIDE: Get ready to sashay away — the city’s most colourful LGBTQ+ celebration is back on 16 May

Swansea is about to get its glitter on. Swansea Pride returns on Saturday 16 May – and this year’s lineup includes a Lady Gaga tribute headline act, a Y Llais singing sensation, a performer literally called Wayne King, and a host who has been there since the very beginning.

The march sets off from Wind Street at 11am, weaving through the city centre along Oxford Street and St Helen’s Road before arriving at the Guildhall in what has become one of the most joyful processions on Swansea’s annual calendar. Be on Wind Street by 10.45am if you want to be part of it. Individuals and small groups just turn up – groups of ten or more need to register in advance.

From noon until 7pm, the party moves to the Guildhall and the Brangwyn Hall – and it’s completely free. No tickets. No wristbands. Just Pride.

Closing the show is Donna Marie as Lady Gaga – a full tribute experience that promises drama, glamour and more than a few power ballads. Channel your inner Little Monster.

Before the headline act, the stage will be graced by Will Whitehead, Rikki Withers, Justin Drag, Khloe Buttlift, Brooke Darci, Jessica Rarebit, Jordropper and LYWIS – a singing sensation who lit up Welsh language talent show Y Llais.

Then there’s Wayne King – previously seen at the Swansea Grand Theatre’s all-star cabaret – whose name requires no further editorial comment. You either get it or you don’t.

Holding it all together on stage will be a team of hosts including Jamie J Rampage, the face of SwanScene and a featured member of the Pinc List, alongside Swansea drag icons Ruby Slippers, the double act of Tallulah Bandersnatch and Clem Dandy, and Zoe and Benjamin.

Ruby Slippers deserves a special mention – she has hosted every single Swansea Pride since the event returned in 2019, making her as much a part of the day as the Guildhall itself.

Swansea Pride started as a grassroots idea in 2008, when a group of local LGBTQ+ people decided to organise an outdoor event entirely by volunteers. The first event – Pink in the Park – took place at Singleton Park in 2009. After a difficult period that saw events cancelled in 2015 and 2016, Pride bounced back in 2019 with the first ever parade through the city centre. COVID wiped out 2020 and 2021, but it returned in 2022 bigger than ever – and hasn’t looked back.

Today Swansea Pride is a registered charity, entirely community-led and volunteer-run. Every pound raised goes back into the event and the LGBTQ+ community it exists to celebrate.

Last year’s Pride drew huge crowds to the Guildhall, with thousands marching through the city centre. More acts and the full running order are expected on the Swansea Pride website as the day approaches.

Saturday 16 May. Wind Street. 10.45am. Free entry. 🏳️‍🌈

Regionalwahlen in Wales: Labour-Dämmerung unter den schwarzen Hügeln. Für @tazgetroete war ich vor wenigen Tagen in Wales unterwegs. https://taz.de/Regionalwahlen-in-Wales/!6176153 #Wales #PolitikEuropa #Labour #Swansea #gŵyrAbertawe #Großbritannien #Vereinigteskönigreich

BLAENYMAES: ‘He was the light of our lives’ — beloved chihuahua Hugo killed in garden attack on Eagles Place

A Swansea family is grieving the loss of their beloved eight-year-old chihuahua after he was fatally attacked by another dog in the garden of their own home – in an incident that has left neighbours shaken and sparked calls for tougher action on dangerous dogs.

Hugo, who had been due to serve as ring bearer at his owners’ wedding, was killed on Thursday 23 April at the family’s address on Eagles Place in Blaenymaes. Hugo’s dad had returned home from work and let him outside into their private garden as normal, when he discovered a large bulldog-type dog already on the property. The attack happened within minutes.

Hugo’s mam said the family was struggling to come to terms with what happened. “He was a bundle of joy. Not your average chihuahua. He was the light of our lives,” she said. “He absolutely loved adventures – hiking a lot of the Brecon Beacons and mid and south Wales, joining us on bike rides, beach days, you name it. He will be sorely missed by his two St Bernard best friends Herbie and Missy.”

She paid tribute to the neighbours and her father who helped her partner in the immediate aftermath. “My partner is shaking and traumatised from witnessing it all,” she said. “I want to include my sincere thank you to my neighbours and father that day who helped my distraught partner, kept others safe on the street and communicated with the police further. I cannot thank them enough for their support.”

Hugo had become a much-loved figure in the local community, joining his owners at the annual Christmas Parade each year and going everywhere with his mam. The couple had been making plans to take him travelling across Europe, and he was set to play a starring role at their wedding as ring bearer – which had been planned around him and their other family dogs.

South Wales Police confirmed they attended the scene and later executed a warrant, seizing the offending dog under the Dangerous Dogs Act. An investigation is now underway to establish any criminal liability. A police spokesperson said: “Our thoughts are with the family of the victim dog following this traumatic experience for them.”

Hugo’s mam said the person who came to collect the attacking dog did not claim ownership, saying it belonged to a family member who was unaware it had been out roaming. “The dog was loose and my poor partner had to search for the owner,” she said.

She said she had been raising concerns about the address the dog came from with both the police and the council, but felt action had been too slow. “The address the dog came from has heavy activity which I’ve reported to the police and council,” she said. “I have been emailing our housing officer and received unsatisfactory replies, some limited to ‘thank you for the email’ regarding serious matters. I find this disgusting.”

She confirmed she intended to take the matter further once she had recovered from the immediate trauma. “I am going to be following it up with MPs to call for tighter restrictions and harsher punishments for those unable to control their dogs,” she said. “The council need to have swifter action. He should have been able to be safe and free within his own private property.”

Multiple neighbours had to come outside to help her partner bring the situation under control on the day of the attack. The owner raised concerns that the attacking dog had entered neighbouring properties before reaching their garden, and said the incident had heightened fears in the community. “There are children, infants and other pets on the street,” she said. “I am deeply concerned about the safety of other pets and children in the area if dogs are able to roam and access private properties in this way.”

South Wales Police are continuing their investigation. Anyone with information about the incident is asked to contact South Wales Police by calling 101.

Related stories from Swansea Bay News

Police investigate increased Penlan and Blaen-y-Maes antisocial behaviour
Our previous coverage of community safety concerns in the Blaenymaes area.

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.

SWANSEA: Council trials on-street electric vehicle charging to help drivers without driveways

Swansea residents who park on the street are taking part in a pioneering trial that allows them to charge their electric vehicles outside their own homes – without creating a hazard for pedestrians walking past.

Swansea Council has teamed up with electric vehicle charging company Kerbo Charge to test an innovative solution for the growing number of EV owners who don’t have off-street parking. Ten households across the city have been selected to take part – following an open invitation to residents to register their interest last year – and have already had charging equipment installed at their properties.

The system works by cutting a shallow channel into the footway outside a resident’s home. A charging cable can then be fed from the home charger through the channel and across the pavement to the vehicle parked at the roadside – without leaving a cable lying across the pavement that could trip passers-by.

Stuart Davies, Swansea Council’s Head of Transport and Highways, said the trial was a response to the rapid growth of electric and hybrid vehicles on Welsh roads. “With the popularity of electric and hybrid vehicles increasing year on year, we know that we need to look at innovative new ways to enable all electric car owners to easily charge their cars,” he said.

He acknowledged that while many Swansea residents with driveways can already charge at home, those without off-street parking have been left relying on public charging points. “Residents that do not have a driveway or off-street parking at their homes have to rely on public charging points,” he said.

The council has expanded its public charging network in recent years, adding fast-charging points at council-owned car parks and on-street locations across the city to complement the wider commercial EV charging network. But the Kerbo Charge trial aims to go further – giving residents without driveways the same convenience as those who can charge at home overnight.

Davies said the trial would allow the council to assess whether the system could be rolled out more widely. “This trial will give us the opportunity to work with residents and Kerbo Charge and test this method of on-street charging to see the potential benefits and see if it is something we can develop further in the future,” he said.

Kerbo Charge has developed the channel solution specifically to address one of the biggest barriers to EV adoption in urban areas – the lack of home charging for the significant proportion of households without off-street parking.

The trial is being funded by the Welsh Government with support from Transport for Wales, as part of Wales’s wider push to support the transition to electric vehicles.

Swansea is not the only Welsh council exploring new approaches to EV charging infrastructure, but the Kerbo Charge technology represents one of the more inventive solutions to the pavement cable problem that has long made kerbside charging difficult to implement safely.

Households across the city were invited to register their interest in the trial in advance, with ten selected to participate in the first phase.

The council said it would evaluate the results of the trial before deciding whether to expand the scheme. Anyone interested in taking part in future phases can register their interest with Swansea Council directly.

Related stories from Swansea Bay News

On-street electric vehicle charging to be trialled in Swansea
Our previous coverage of the original announcement of this trial.

Two new super-fast EV charging hubs open near Swansea and the M4
The latest additions to the public EV charging network across the Swansea area.

Electric boost: EV chargepoints in Wales grow by 25.7% in a year
The rapid expansion of Wales’s public charging network.

EV repair postcode lottery leaves huge gaps across south west Wales
The challenges still facing EV drivers in rural and semi-rural areas.

Recharge with a view: Rhossili named one of the UK’s most Instagrammable EV charging points
A lighter side to the EV story – Gower’s charging point makes national headlines.

GOWERTON: Persimmon’s Fairwood Terrace plans dealt massive blow as Welsh Government orders full environmental assessment

Campaigners fighting Persimmon Homes’ proposed 216-home development at Fairwood Terrace in Gowerton have won a landmark ruling after a Welsh Government planning inspector ordered the scheme to undergo a full Environmental Impact Assessment – directly accepting their argument that the developer cannot treat each planning application in the area as if the others do not exist.

The ruling, issued by Planning and Environment Decisions Wales (PEDW), reverses previous decisions on the Fairwood Terrace site and represents a significant setback for Persimmon Homes, which had been appealing Swansea Council‘s 2024 refusal of the scheme on traffic grounds. The inspector has ruled that the 216-home proposal cannot be looked at in isolation – it must be assessed alongside the wider strategic allocation, including a 460-home site and a 600-home scheme also promoted by Persimmon in the same corridor.

Save Gowerton from Gridlock, the community group led by Carl Jones which has fought the development for years, described the ruling as incredible news. The group said the inspector’s acceptance of what they call the “salami-slicing” argument – the practice of breaking a large strategic site into separate applications to avoid cumulative scrutiny – was a “massive victory.”

The ruling also found there was “insufficient certainty” that pollution and nutrient levels in the Burry Inlet could be mitigated, triggering what campaigners describe as the precautionary principle – meaning the law now demands the highest level of environmental scrutiny before any decision can be made.

Persimmon Homes now have 21 days to decide their next move. They can accept the ruling and commission the full Environmental Impact Assessment – a process expected to take between six and twelve months and involving expensive, large-scale environmental studies covering traffic, flood risk, pollution and ecological impact. Alternatively, if they refuse to provide the required report, the inspector can effectively dismiss the appeal entirely.

Save Gowerton from Gridlock say they have already contacted PEDW to ensure the group is formally consulted on the scoping of the new studies, giving them the opportunity to ensure that every traffic bottleneck and flood risk is included in the environmental workload.

The Fairwood Terrace site has been at the centre of one of Swansea’s most fiercely contested planning disputes. Plans were first drawn up in 2022, when Persimmon proposed around 230 homes on land between the River Llan and the railway line beside Gowerton station. The scheme also included a new station forecourt with a potential park-and-ride, a bus-only link eastward toward Waunarlwydd, upgraded traffic lights at Fairwood Terrace’s junction with Victoria Road, and a walking and cycling connection through to the neighbouring development site.

The proposal attracted nearly 900 objection letters and a 300-signature petition from residents who feared it would overwhelm already-congested junctions, increase flood risk and damage the character of the village. Swansea Council rejected the scheme on traffic grounds in 2024, despite planning officers advising that refusal would be difficult to defend at appeal. Persimmon subsequently appealed to the Welsh Government, and the case has been with PEDW ever since.

The Fairwood Terrace story so far

December 2022 – Persimmon first drew up plans for 230 homes at Fairwood Terrace, beside Gowerton station, as part of the Waunarlwydd North LDP allocation.

2024 – Swansea Council refused the application on traffic grounds despite officer support for approval, after nearly 900 objection letters and a 300-signature petition from local residents.

October 2025 – Persimmon unveiled a separate 600-home scheme south of the A484, directly opposite Bellway’s Parc Mawr development in Penllergaer, designed to link via an active travel route into Fairwood Terrace – raising fears of a continuous ribbon of housing along the entire A484 corridor.

April 2026 – Barratt and David Wilson Homes submitted a planning application for 430 homes on the Fforestfach/Waunarlwydd site – part of the same wider 716-home strategic allocation – further intensifying pressure on the corridor.

April 2026 – Welsh Government inspector rules the 216-home appeal must undergo a full Environmental Impact Assessment, accepting the “salami-slicing” argument. Persimmon now have 21 days to decide whether to commission the studies or walk away.

The backdrop to the dispute is a proposed continuous ribbon of housing stretching from Penllergaer through Gorseinon, Waunarlwydd and Gowerton along the A484. Persimmon’s separate 600-home scheme sits directly opposite Bellway’s Parc Mawr development in Penllergaer, designed to connect via an active travel route westward into Fairwood Terrace. Further along the same wider 716-home strategic allocation, Barratt and David Wilson Homes have now submitted a full planning application for 430 homes at Fforestfach.

If all the schemes along the corridor proceed, close to 3,000 new homes would be built in a continuous stretch – an amount campaigners say amounts to a new town stitched together along the A484. Today’s ruling that the Fairwood Terrace appeal must be assessed alongside those neighbouring sites is precisely the argument Save Gowerton from Gridlock has been making since the campaign began.

In February, Cllr Dai Jenkins told residents the fight was far from over as the appeal process stretched weeks beyond its original timetable. Jenkins had been pressing PEDW and Natural Resources Wales not to grant further extensions to Persimmon while the developer still owed information on nutrient neutrality and flood risk, and had called for a face-to-face hearing rather than a virtual process.

Today’s ruling vindicates that position. The inspector has accepted that the cumulative impact of the Fairwood Terrace scheme alongside the 460-home and 600-home sites must be formally assessed, and that the environmental uncertainty around the Burry Inlet is too significant to be set aside.

Carl Jones said the group had not yet won the war but had won a “massive battle.” He added that campaigners would continue to monitor the 21-day window closely and push for full consultation rights over whatever environmental studies Persimmon choose to commission, to ensure that every traffic pinchpoint, flood risk and pollution concern is properly included in the scope.

The decision is likely to be studied closely by communities facing similar large-scale planning applications across Swansea and the wider region, where cumulative development pressure along key arterial routes has been a recurring flashpoint.

More updates will follow as the 21-day deadline approaches.

Related stories from Swansea Bay News

Gowerton housing row: ‘We’re still fighting’ says councillor as Fairwood Terrace appeal enters decisive phase
Cllr Dai Jenkins’ February update as Persimmon faced pressure to provide nutrient neutrality and flood risk information.

Continuous ribbon of housing could stretch from Penllergaer to Gowerton as new 600-home scheme unveiled
How Persimmon’s linked schemes could create close to 3,000 homes along the A484 corridor.

Fforestfach: Planning application put in for major housing development
Barratt and David Wilson Homes’ 430-home application on the wider Waunarlwydd North strategic allocation.

Plans drawn up for 230-home development near Gowerton train station
Where it all started – Persimmon’s original 2022 proposals for the Fairwood Terrace site.

Hutchinson Thomas Solicitors expands team in Swansea and Neath

The appointments reflect continued growth at the firm and an ongoing focus on developing talent to meet client demand across both individual and business services.

In the Dispute Resolution team, Adam Mahoney has recently qualified as a Solicitor, while Aimee Richards joins the department as a new Solicitor, further increasing capacity in this busy area of practice.

Chantelle Ware has qualified into the firm’s Childcare team, supporting clients on a range of sensitive and complex matters.

Stan Burgess-Brown joins as a Solicitor working across Employment and Corporate Commercial, enhancing the firm’s offering to businesses and employers.

Meanwhile, Amber Jenkins is due to qualify as a Solicitor on 1 July, moving from her role as a Trainee Solicitor into the Property team, marking an important step in her career progression within the firm.

Hutchinson Thomas Solicitors was the first in Wales to achieve the Law Society’s mark of excellence, and both the firm and many of its lawyers are recognised year after year in the Legal 500 as leaders in their field.

Peter Morgan, Partner at Hutchinson Thomas Solicitors, said:

“These appointments reflect the steady growth we are seeing across the firm and our commitment to investing in people. It’s important to us that we continue to develop talent internally while also bringing in new expertise to support our clients.”

With a reputation for excellence and a deep understanding of the local business landscape in South Wales, Hutchinson Thomas offers a wide range of legal services to individuals and businesses, with a strong emphasis on practical “clear thinking” advice and client care.

While substance remains at the heart of its approach, the firm’s state-of-the-art offices in Swansea and Neath provide a first-class environment for delivering legal services and ensuring clients receive the standard of care and professionalism they expect.

A new Mediterranean restaurant is opening in Swansea Marina named after the owner’s mum

Juan Hernandez said his mum Loli taught him to cook. He is opening Loli’s Mediterranean on June 30 Inside Loli’s Mediterranean in Swansea Marina(Image: Loli’s Mediterranean) A beautiful new Mediterranean…
#dining #cooking #diet #food #MediterraneanIngredient #Mediterranean #Swansea
https://www.diningandcooking.com/2616202/a-new-mediterranean-restaurant-is-opening-in-swansea-marina-named-after-the-owners-mum/

#Tasmania #DolphinSands on #bushfire watch.

#TasmaniaFireService has issued a Watch & Act, urging residents to monitor conditions as they are changing.

"There is a fire at McNeills Road, #Swansea. The fire is travelling East towards Dolphin Sands”.

People in the affected area have been told: "The fire is expected to be difficult to control. Embers, smoke, and ash may threaten you and your home before the main fire. It may become difficult to see and breathe."

https://www.abc.net.au/news/2026-04-26/tasmania-bushfire-alert-for-dolphin-sands-area/106607904

#Tasmania #DolphinSands on #bushfire watch.

#TasmaniaFireService has issued a Watch & Act, urging residents to monitor conditions as they are changing.

"There is a fire at McNeills Road, #Swansea. The fire is travelling East towards Dolphin Sands”.

People in the affected area have been told: "The fire is expected to be difficult to control. Embers, smoke, and ash may threaten you and your home before the main fire. It may become difficult to see and breathe."

https://www.abc.net.au/news/2026-04-26/tasmania-bushfire-alert-for-dolphin-sands-area/106607904

#Tasmania #DolphinSands on #bushfire watch.

#TasmaniaFireService has issued a Watch & Act, urging residents to monitor conditions as they are changing.

"There is a fire at McNeills Road, #Swansea. The fire is travelling East towards Dolphin Sands”.

People in the affected area have been told: "The fire is expected to be difficult to control. Embers, smoke, and ash may threaten you and your home before the main fire. It may become difficult to see and breathe."

https://www.abc.net.au/news/2026-04-26/tasmania-bushfire-alert-for-dolphin-sands-area/106607904

#Tasmania #DolphinSands on #bushfire watch.

#TasmaniaFireService has issued a Watch & Act, urging residents to monitor conditions as they are changing.

"There is a fire at McNeills Road, #Swansea. The fire is travelling East towards Dolphin Sands”.

People in the affected area have been told: "The fire is expected to be difficult to control. Embers, smoke, and ash may threaten you and your home before the main fire. It may become difficult to see and breathe."

https://www.abc.net.au/news/2026-04-26/tasmania-bushfire-alert-for-dolphin-sands-area/106607904

#Tasmania #DolphinSands on #bushfire watch.

#TasmaniaFireService has issued a Watch & Act, urging residents to monitor conditions as they are changing.

"There is a fire at McNeills Road, #Swansea. The fire is travelling East towards Dolphin Sands”.

People in the affected area have been told: "The fire is expected to be difficult to control. Embers, smoke, and ash may threaten you and your home before the main fire. It may become difficult to see and breathe."

https://www.abc.net.au/news/2026-04-26/tasmania-bushfire-alert-for-dolphin-sands-area/106607904

https://www.europesays.com/videos/13205/ Inside the Welsh art gallery that’s restoring old masters | Coast & Country | ITV Cymru Wales #Art #artgallery #artwork #blackmountain #blackmountains #blackmountainscollege #coast #coastandcountry #country #farm #farmanimals #farming #farmlife #gallery #glynnvivian #hamishauskerry #hannahthomas #itv #ItvNews #ITVNewsInFull #itvwales #jamiesfarm #mountains #peat #peatland #rural #rurallife #ruthdodsworth #swansea #Wales

https://www.europesays.com/uk/907534/ The most sought after primary schools in Swansea revealed #Britain #Education #GreatBritain #Swansea #SwanseaCouncil #UK #UnitedKingdom #Wales #WalesSchools

SWANSEA: Brangwyn Hall named one of the UK’s top 10 micro wedding venues

Swansea’s Brangwyn Hall has been named one of the UK’s top ten most popular venues for micro weddings — the only Welsh venue to make a national ranking dominated by London locations.

The Grade I listed hall, part of Swansea’s Guildhall complex and licensed for civil ceremonies, tied for ninth place in a ranking compiled by luxury chauffeur service SIXT ride.

The company analysed TikTok searches, Instagram posts and Google searches to identify the venues generating most buzz among couples planning intimate weddings in 2026.

Brangwyn Hall scored 19.8 out of 100, level with Sheffield Town Hall, based on 5,200 TikTok searches, 1,000 Instagram posts and 8,100 Google searches in the past year. The top spot went to Chelsea Old Town Hall in London, which scored 86.8 — a reflection of the capital’s dominance of the micro wedding scene, with four of the top five venues located in London.

The ranking reflects a growing national trend towards smaller, more intimate weddings. Searches for “how much is a registry office wedding UK” have grown 1,200% in the past year, while searches for “registry office wedding package” are up 967%.

The trend has been driven partly by high-profile celebrity weddings including that of singer Charli XCX and Made in Chelsea stars Sophie Habboo and Jamie Laing.

Brangwyn Hall is one of Wales’ most distinctive event venues — and one with a history that goes well beyond weddings. Built as part of Swansea’s Guildhall and opened in 1934, the hall was originally designed to house the British Empire Panels: sixteen large paintings by artist Sir Frank Brangwyn, commissioned in 1924 for the Royal Gallery of the House of Lords to commemorate the First World War.

The House of Lords rejected them — reportedly because they were considered too colourful and spirited — and Swansea Council acquired them instead. The panels now line the walls of the hall, making it one of the most visually striking wedding backdrops in Wales.

The venue offers spaces ranging from the intimate Lord Mayor’s Room to the grand main hall, with capacity for between 20 and 500 guests.

The Guildhall complex has also served as a backdrop for some major screen productions. The building’s imposing neoclassical exterior and Art Deco interior have made it a favourite with film and TV producers.

Most notably, the complex featured in the Netflix blockbuster Havoc, starring Tom Hardy and Forest Whitaker, which used both the Guildhall exterior and the Brangwyn Hall interior for key scenes. Described as the largest feature film ever shot entirely in Wales, Havoc transformed the building into an American police precinct. The Guildhall has also featured in the BBC’s Sherlock and multiple episodes of Doctor Who.

The hall’s profile as a wedding venue may be about to grow further. Swansea’s register office is currently housed at the Civic Centre on the waterfront — one of the last council services still operating from the brutalist building.

The Civic Centre is earmarked for a major redevelopment as a new City Waterfront district with apartments, an aquarium and a lido. It is understood that as the Civic Centre moves closer to redevelopment, the register office could relocate to the Guildhall complex — which would make the Grade I listed building the official home of Swansea’s civil ceremonies as well as one of the city’s most sought-after wedding venues.

The full top ten, according to SIXT ride’s analysis, is: Chelsea Old Town Hall, The Old Marylebone Town Hall, Islington Town Hall, Manchester Town Hall, Hackney Town Hall, Cheltenham Town Hall, Oxford Town Hall, Orleans House Gallery in Twickenham, and jointly in ninth place, Sheffield Town Hall and Brangwyn Hall.

Related stories from Swansea Bay News

Flats, aquarium and lido: Swansea’s Civic Centre plans move closer as cabinet gives green light
The redevelopment plans that could see the register office leave the Civic Centre.

Y Storfa opens in Swansea city centre as council services move from Civic
The register office is one of the last services still operating from the Civic Centre.

Swansea Bay’s best businesses scoop top gongs at packed Brangwyn Hall awards
One of many major events the venue hosts each year.

SWANSEA: MP calls emergency public meeting on social media ban for under-16s — and says the issue tops his postbag

Swansea West MP Torsten Bell has called an emergency public meeting to discuss whether children under 16 should be banned from social media, as the UK Government’s landmark consultation on protecting young people online enters its final weeks.

The meeting will be held from 7pm to 8.30pm on Thursday 14 May at Swansea’s Guildhall, and is open to parents, children and community members from across the city. Those wishing to attend have been asked to reserve a seat by emailing [email protected] with their name and postcode, as significant interest is expected.

The event will be one of the last opportunities for people in Swansea to feed into the national debate before the UK Government’s consultation closes on Friday 26 May. Attendees can expect to hear from community leaders, campaigners and teachers, and will have the chance to share their own experiences and concerns about children’s online safety.

The social media ban debate has generated more correspondence to Bell’s office than any other policy issue since the start of 2026, with nearly a quarter of all policy-related letters and emails focusing on the subject — a striking measure of how deeply the issue is resonating with families across Swansea West.

Bell said: “As a father to young children, I am deeply concerned about the impact of social media and delighted that the UK Government is taking the issue so seriously. Many of us know how much we’d have missed out on as a teenager if the time and attention sink of social media had got in the way.”

He added: “No issue is more important than the safety of our children. As the consensus grows that more needs to be done, I’m hosting this meeting to make sure people in Swansea have their voice heard and are at the forefront of shaping what happens next.”

The Government’s consultation — which has dedicated versions for young people and for parents and carers — is exploring a range of potential measures beyond an outright ban. These include whether platforms should be forced to switch off addictive features such as infinite scrolling and autoplay, and whether mandatory overnight curfews on social media use could help children get better sleep.

The idea of an Australia-style ban on under-16s using social media has attracted growing cross-party support at Westminster. As Swansea Bay News has previously reported, more than 60 Labour MPs — including Gower’s Tonia Antoniazzi and Mid and South Pembrokeshire’s Henry Tufnell — have already backed calls for such a ban.

In Llanelli, Dame Nia Griffith has urged families to respond to the consultation, saying she would personally support a ban but that any legislation would need to be carefully thought through and enforceable. She described the issue as one of the defining challenges facing parents today.

The concerns are not abstract. In Bridgend, one school warned pupils could face expulsion over abusive TikTok posts. And experts have cautioned that many parents remain completely unaware of the hidden meanings behind popular emojis routinely used by young people to discuss drugs, self-harm and other sensitive topics in plain sight.

Research published on Safer Internet Day earlier this year found that half of parents in Britain had never had a single conversation with their child about harmful online content — even though most 11-year-olds now own a smartphone. The findings helped galvanise support for tougher government action.

The consultation is exploring not just whether to ban under-16s from social media entirely, but a broader package of protections. Among the measures under consideration are requirements for platforms to make safety settings more prominent, limits on the data companies can collect from young users, and stronger age verification requirements.

Whether any measures ultimately become law will depend in part on the responses gathered during the consultation period — which is why Bell’s meeting at the Guildhall on 14 May represents a genuine opportunity for Swansea residents to influence the outcome, not just observe it.

For Bell, who has spoken openly about his concerns as a parent, the issue cuts through the usual political divides. The volume of correspondence his office has received suggests many of his constituents feel the same way — and that the question of when, and whether, to hand a child a smartphone has become one of the most contested parenting decisions of the current generation.

The UK Government’s consultation is open to all at gov.uk and closes on 26 May. Those wishing to attend Bell’s Guildhall meeting on 14 May should email [email protected] with their name and postcode to reserve a place.

Related stories from Swansea Bay News

Should under-16s be banned from social media? Llanelli MP’s urgent plea as parents warned of kids’ secret online lives
Dame Nia Griffith MP urges Llanelli families to have their say on the UK Government’s landmark consultation.

Tonia Antoniazzi and Henry Tufnell among 60 Labour MPs to back call for banning social media for under-16s
Growing cross-party support at Westminster for an Australia-style social media ban for children.

Half of parents have never spoken to their kids about harmful content as calls grow to ban social media for under-16s
Stark findings published on Safer Internet Day as the debate over children’s online safety intensifies.

Bridgend school warns pupils could face expulsion over abusive TikTok posts
One local school’s response to the growing problem of harmful social media content among young people.

#SilentSunday 3
We are about to head off in a westerly direction to go and see #MontyDon at the #Swansea arena, talking about his new book and all sorts of other deep and meaningful soliloquies.

We do love some quality #Montague on a sunny afternoon.

#MontyDonsBritishGardens

SWANSEA: Community champion sought to help shape how £20 million is spent on Gateway Communities regeneration

Community leaders in Swansea are being urged to apply for a new independent role that will sit at the heart of one of the most significant regeneration programmes the city has seen in years.

The position — Independent Chair of the Neighbourhood Board — will provide strategic leadership over how £20 million of Pride in Place funding is invested in Swansea’s Gateway Communities. The area covers a cluster of neighbourhoods north of Swansea railway station, including Brynmelyn, Waun Wen, North Hill, Dyfatty and Hafod — communities that have long been identified as among the most overlooked in the city despite being passed through daily by thousands of commuters and visitors.

The Chair’s role will be to act as a champion for those communities, ensuring the Neighbourhood Board is genuinely community-led, inclusive and rooted in local needs rather than top-down priorities. The money can be used on a wide range of projects — from saving threatened pubs or libraries and improving community safety, to revitalising local high streets or restoring green spaces.

Swansea West MP Torsten Bell, who secured the funding through the Pride in Place programme, is calling on community leaders to put themselves forward.

Bell said: “The Pride in Place scheme is all about handing power back to people — this role is a fantastic opportunity for a community champion to have a lasting impact, working with a Swansea neighbourhood whose residents have too often felt overlooked.”

He added: “I fought for this funding because it gives us the chance to show that no part of Swansea can be written off. If you care deeply about these neighbourhoods and want to help make that vision a reality, I would strongly encourage you to apply.”

The Pride in Place scheme is part of a wider £214 million investment across south west Wales, designed to give communities a direct say in tackling long-standing problems in their areas. The Swansea allocation is one of the largest individual awards in the region and is intended to be spent over a decade, with decisions made in phases as priorities are identified.

Bell has previously set out his own vision for how the money should be used, but has been clear that the decisions must ultimately be driven by residents — not politicians or officials. The Independent Chair role is central to that ambition, providing a community-rooted voice at the top of the board rather than a council or government appointee.

The area covered by the funding has been in the spotlight in recent months for a range of reasons. South Wales Police has been running a targeted crackdown on crime and anti-social behaviour in Dyfatty, which has already produced significant early results — with crime falling 12% and anti-social behaviour down 69%. The regeneration investment offers a longer-term complement to that enforcement work, addressing the underlying conditions that can fuel deprivation and disorder.

The Neighbourhood Board will be responsible for overseeing how the money is prioritised and spent, and the Independent Chair will play a key role in making sure that process is transparent, community-led and genuinely responsive to the needs of residents in the affected areas.

Full details of the role and the application process are available on the Swansea Council website at swansea.gov.uk/prideinplacechair.

Related stories from Swansea Bay News

Swansea neighbourhood handed £20m boost as MP urges residents to shape decade of investment
The announcement of the Pride in Place funding for Swansea’s Gateway Communities.

Opinion: Torsten Bell MP — how Swansea should spend its Pride in Place funding
The MP sets out his priorities for the decade-long regeneration investment.

Crime down 12% and anti-social behaviour down 69% as Dyfatty crackdown delivers early results
South Wales Police’s targeted enforcement in the same area is already showing significant results.

South West Wales to share in £214m Pride in Place investment for local projects
The wider regional context for the funding that is now being put to work in Swansea.

Family’s tribute to ‘unassuming’ Welsh student found stabbed to death in garden https://www.allforgardening.com/1713932/familys-tribute-to-unassuming-welsh-student-found-stabbed-to-death-in-garden/ #crime #garden #people #Swansea

‘I told them she was nine months pregnant and she might die’ — Swansea mum gives birth in A&E during cardiac emergency

Alanna Rooke was almost 40 weeks pregnant when she suffered a seizure at her home in Mount Pleasant, Swansea. Her husband Simon called 999 but, fearing she couldn’t wait for an ambulance, drove her straight to Morriston himself.

When she arrived at the emergency department, Alanna was found to be experiencing supraventricular tachycardia — a condition that causes the heart to beat dangerously fast. Her heart was beating at over 200 times a minute, more than twice the normal rate, while her oxygen levels had plummeted to just 80%, well below the safe threshold.

Simon described the terrifying journey to hospital. “I called 999 and probably lost my cool a little bit. I was asked if I could take her pulse but she was shaking so much I couldn’t,” he said. “I told them she was nine months pregnant and she might die. She was on the floor being sick. I was thinking ‘this can’t be happening?’”

Two midwives were urgently summoned from Neath Port Talbot Hospital to assist the ED team. It quickly became clear that Alanna was not only critically ill — she was also in labour.

Community midwife Amanda Morgan described the moment they realised the full scale of what they were dealing with. “She was very clammy and disorientated and she was acutely unwell,” she said. “We were concerned she would arrest because the heart is under the most strain when the mother is in labour.”

Despite the extraordinary circumstances, baby Franklyn arrived safely, weighing a healthy 8lb 2oz. Community midwife manager Claire Itzstein, who helped deliver him, said it was one of the most challenging situations she had encountered in years of practice. “It was very surreal to be delivering a baby next to a defibrillator,” she said. “We were definitely out of our comfort zone.”

Alanna was treated for the SVT during and after the birth. She says she has no doubt she owes her life to the staff who cared for her. “I didn’t realise how bad I was until I was seen by the doctors,” she said. “I don’t think I would be here without them or the midwives. They were all so professional.”

Babies have not been routinely born at Morriston Hospital for more than 30 years — maternity services moved to Singleton Hospital in 1991. Since then there have been just two unexpected births at Morriston since 2014, with the last one also taking place in the ED eight years ago.

Franklyn was later transferred to the neonatal intensive care unit at Singleton Hospital, where he spent six days before being allowed home with his relieved family.

Director of Midwifery Kathryn Greaves said the birth was a testament to the teamwork between ED and maternity staff. “I will be forever grateful of how the ED staff allowed us to take over and support this wonderful family,” she said. “It made my day to be beside Claire and Amanda who were incredible.”

Alanna has said she had no history of serious heart problems before the episode. “I’d never had any issues with my heart before, apart from the odd palpitation I put down to exercise,” she said. “I blacked out in the car so I don’t remember much, but I was sick and in pain in the house, and my chest was tight.”

More from Swansea Bay News

More health and care news
The latest stories from across the Swansea Bay health board area.

SWANSEA: Maritime Quarter flats evacuated after fire fills properties with smoke

Smoke filled a flats complex in Swansea as a fire prompted an evacuation of the property. Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service attended Burrows Chambers in the Maritime Quarter of Swansea on Saturday morning.

The building was evacuated and the fire service spent just over an over at the scene bringing it under control using four hose reel jets among other specialist equipment.

It is unknown what the cause of the fire was.

A spokesman for the fire service said:

“At 7.44am on Saturday, April 11, Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service crews from Swansea Central, Swansea West, Port Talbot and Morriston fire stations were called to an incident at Maritime Quarter in Swansea.

“The crews responded to a fire within a ground floor flat. Crews utilised four breathing apparatus sets, four hose reel jets and four thermal imaging cameras to extinguish the fire.

“All occupants from the building were evacuated, with smoke affecting some neighbouring flats. Crews left the scene at 8.50am.”

Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service has said it is “committed to delivering the best possible service for communities.”

“If you live in mid and west Wales, we offer the opportunity to have a Safe and Well Visit in your home. They are completely free and available to everyone. Visit here to see the full list of our Fire Stations and the area we cover.

“A Safe and Well Visit includes all the contents of the home fire safety checks but will also include other safety messages that may be relevant to the people living in the property.

“The five main additional topics will cover smoking cessation, home security, falls prevention, scamming awareness, and tackling loneliness and isolation.

“For more information and to book a free Safe and Well visit, please visit here or call 0800 169 1234.”

[Lead image: Mid and West Wales Fire & Rescue Service]

Swansea City plan huge fan zone for more than 1,700 fans — with self-pour beer taps, a big screen and a bierkeller vibe

The club has lodged a pre-application planning inquiry with Swansea Council for the development, which would sit behind the South Stand on land that currently serves as little more than a service road. The reference number is 2026/0561/PRE.

And the ambition is serious. Plans drawn up by AFL Architects show a covered structure roughly 40 metres long, with rows of food and drink kiosks, a raised viewing gallery with self-pour beer taps, a stage, a large screen and bierkeller-style bench seating. Capacity at ground floor level would be around 1,166 — rising to more than 1,766 with a full upper mezzanine added above the kiosks.

The club’s own brief for the project doesn’t pull its punches about why it’s needed. It notes that 72% of fans arrive more than an hour before kick-off but currently have a poor experience — with narrow concourses, slow serving times and toilets opposite the food stands. Many supporters simply head elsewhere to spend their money before games. The new fan zone is designed to change all of that, with the brief explicitly calling for frictionless self-service technology and an Instagram “wow moment” at the entrance. Indicative visuals show a sweeping club mural running the full length of the building’s exterior.

The club wants it open for the start of the 2026/27 season.

There are some physical constraints on what can be built. A public footpath and mature trees to the west must be kept, an operational electricity substation limits the northern end, and a steep embankment restricts the east side. The architects say all of these have been worked into the design.

A second phase is also being talked about. The area beyond the fan zone could eventually house a football museum, community event space or premium food and drink venue — giving the stadium a reason for people to visit on non-matchday days too.

It all fits with the vision Snoop Dogg laid out when he became a minority investor in the club last summer. The rapper told Swansea Bay News he wanted to make Swansea “the Vegas of Wales” over the next decade — transforming the stadium into a destination, not just a matchday venue. A fan zone of this scale, with live entertainment, big screens and a self-service bar, is exactly what that would need.

The financial case for it is also pretty clear. Swansea City’s most recent accounts show the club made a £21.6 million loss last season, with owners having to pump in £21 million just to keep things running. Turnover was £22.3 million against costs of £51.3 million. Getting fans to spend more money at the ground — which the brief specifically targets — would help close that gap and reduce the owners’ reliance on writing cheques to keep the lights on.

This is a pre-application inquiry, which is the first step in the planning process rather than a full application. Swansea City Football Club has been approached for comment.

Related stories from Swansea Bay News

‘I ain’t playing’: Snoop Dogg reveals ten-year plan to make Swansea the ‘Vegas of Wales’
The rap legend’s vision for the club — and how a major fan zone fits into the bigger picture.

£21.6m loss as owners pump in £21m to keep club afloat
The financial backdrop — and why growing matchday revenue matters so much to Swansea’s future.

SWANSEA: Swansea bus builder that shed 17 jobs after tax bill collapse is rescued — and sacked workers are being offered their jobs back

A Swansea company that builds minibuses has been rescued after collapsing when the taxman came knocking — with the new owners promising to take back many of the workers who lost their jobs in the process.

Ilesbus UK, which converted and supplied minibuses from a site in Swansea, folded into administration in March after HM Revenue and Customs filed a petition to wind it up over an unpaid tax bill. Seventeen members of staff were made redundant before administrators could step in. Five more kept their jobs while a buyer was found.

That buyer — Yorkshire-based Minicoach World — completed its takeover on 7 April, and says it has already been back in touch with a number of those who were let go, offering them their positions back.

It is a significant turnaround for a company that had been reporting turnover of more than £19 million a year as recently as 2024, but was quietly racking up serious losses behind the scenes. Its last set of accounts — for the year to May 2024 — showed a loss of nearly £1.25 million. The company owed more than £7 million in debts due within that period, leaving it with net liabilities of over £300,000. Directors described that year as “very difficult” but insisted the business would return to profit.

That did not happen. HMRC had been given formal notice of a winding-up intention as far back as January — though the company remained active on social media until this month.

Ilesbus UK was founded by Swansea brothers Creighton and Gary Johns, who had previously run Swansea Coachworks, along with Turkish business partners Ilker and Esra Yildirim, who built the vehicles at their factory in Turkey. The company had been selling those vehicles in the UK since 2018. Last year it had moved into a new 20,000-square-foot base after relocating from near Bridgend, and was reportedly doing well — making its collapse all the more sudden.

Former director Creighton Johns said the moment the redundancies had to be made was gut-wrenching. “It was with great sadness that on Friday 20 March we made 17 staff members redundant,” he said. “Myself and Gary, along with five staff members, are working with the administration to ensure the safety of the company assets.”

For customers who had already paid deposits on vehicles they were waiting to receive, the new owners have offered reassurance — saying they will honour every outstanding order. Each customer will be contacted individually with an update on when they can expect delivery.

The new owners, Andrew Garratt and Kevin Procter of Minicoach World, say they moved fast deliberately. “We are pleased to have been able to rescue Ilesbus UK, preserve and reinstate jobs for the majority of the team, and pick up the operations to continue service for customers,” they said.

The Swansea site itself is not guaranteed to survive — Minicoach World has the option to buy the lease on the building but has not yet committed to doing so. Whatever is left over after the sale will be auctioned off by the administrators.

The administrators have warned that those owed money by the company — suppliers, contractors and others — are unlikely to see any of it back. Only employees and certain priority creditors typically receive payment when a business fails with debts of this scale.

Huw Powell, of Cardiff-based restructuring firm BTG, who handled the administration, said the speed of the sale had been the priority. “We are particularly glad that this has saved the jobs of the remaining five employees while providing the opportunity for production to recommence,” he said.

Related stories from Swansea Bay News

Wales bus overhaul becomes law as Swansea region first in line for 2027 shake-up
Major changes to how buses are run across Wales are now on the statute books.

Tower Transit acquires South Wales Transport ahead of Welsh bus franchising
Another major shake-up in the South Wales public transport sector.

Security fears over Carmarthenshire’s Yutong buses as UK launches probe
Concerns raised over Chinese-made buses used across the region.

Swansea motor giant hits 100 — from single garage to UK powerhouse
The story of one of Swansea’s most successful automotive businesses.

https://www.europesays.com/uk/875051/ The restaurants, shops and school breakfast club with the worst food hygiene ratings in Wales #Britain #Cardiff #Education #GreatBritain #Health #Newport #NorthWales #Pubs #Restaurants #Swansea #UK #UnitedKingdom #Wales #WalesSchools

#bike #swansea #criticalmass

FERRY FARCE? Doubts grow over Swansea crossing as ‘fairy story’ jibe lands

The proposed Bristol Channel crossing – linking Swansea with south-west England – has been talked up as a game-changer for travel and jobs.

But cracks are starting to show.

At a tense council meeting this week, opposition councillor Stuart Rice questioned whether the scheme was realistic at all, asking leader Rob Stewart if it was “more of a fairy story than a ferry story”.

The comments come just days after a new report suggested the idea had a “compelling” economic case and overwhelming public backing, with strong support recorded for a Swansea-based service.

The proposal centres on a high-speed, low-emission ferry capable of carrying hundreds of passengers and vehicles across the Bristol Channel – with backers claiming it could slash journey times and ease pressure on major roads.

But despite the optimism, key details remain missing.

No ports have been confirmed.

No vessel has been designed.

And no firm agreements are in place with partners across the water.

Even Swansea Council has admitted in responses seen by reporters that no formal discussions have taken place with councils in Devon or Somerset in recent years.

That raises serious questions about how close – or how far – the plan really is.

Cllr Stewart defended the project, insisting it was worth exploring.

“I don’t think there is anything really to knock on this one,” he said, arguing journey times could be cut dramatically and that Swansea’s appeal would draw visitors.

He also stressed the ferry would not just be about passengers – but freight too, boosting its viability.

But others are not convinced.

Liberal Democrat group leader Chris Holley backed the idea in principle but warned there were practical issues – including whether vessels could even dock close to the city centre.

He pointed to past problems with ferry schemes, including vessels being unable to pass through Swansea’s lock gates.

Meanwhile, concerns have also been raised that passengers could simply drive straight out of the city via the M4 – limiting the economic boost locally.

Adding to the uncertainty, the report behind the plans admits major hurdles remain.

These include dealing with the Bristol Channel’s extreme tidal range, designing specialist vessels, and building the necessary port infrastructure.

And in a new twist, Burry Port has quietly emerged as a potential landing site – despite there being no detail yet on how a ferry could operate from a harbour known for having one of the highest tidal ranges in the world.

Now, Carmarthenshire Council has confirmed it has not been involved in any talks.

Director Ainsley Williams said: “There have been no discussions on specific proposals relating directly to Carmarthenshire at this time.

“We remain open to further discussions should any formal proposals come forward.”

That lack of engagement will raise eyebrows given the scale of what’s being suggested.

Elsewhere, questions remain about where the ferry would land in England, with Ilfracombe already ruled out and larger ports like Bideford mentioned as alternatives.

For now, the ferry remains firmly in the “idea” stage.

And while supporters point to potential benefits like cutting congestion on the M4 and M5 and boosting tourism, critics say the fundamentals are still missing.

For people across Swansea Bay, it leaves a simple question.

Is this the start of a bold new transport link – or just another grand plan that never leaves the drawing board?

What do you think – ferry future or fairy tale?

DRUG GANG BUSTED: Swansea man jailed as cocaine network smashed in £multi-area operation

A Swansea man has been jailed for his role in a major organised crime gang that pumped drugs into communities across south Wales.

Bradley Williams, 38, from Swansea, was sentenced to five years and nine months in prison after pleading guilty to multiple drug offences.

He was part of a wider network supplying cocaine, cannabis and ketamine across the region — in what police described as a large-scale operation causing “misery and harm” to local communities.

The gang was brought down following a major investigation led by Tarian, the regional organised crime unit for southern Wales.

Major operation targets drug network

The investigation — known as Operation Allegro — targeted a sophisticated drugs network operating across south Wales and into southwest England.

Officers worked alongside Gwent Police and Gloucestershire Constabulary to dismantle the group, which was led by Gloucestershire-based Danny Tomlin.

The gang was responsible for supplying wholesale quantities of Class A drugs, including cocaine, as well as cannabis to a wide customer base.

Their operation stretched into communities across Swansea Bay and beyond.

Swansea link to wider criminal network

Williams played a key role in the network, admitting conspiracy to supply cannabis, offering to supply cocaine and ketamine, and possession of criminal property.

His involvement highlights how organised crime networks often rely on local figures to distribute drugs into towns and communities across the region.

Police say these operations fuel wider issues including addiction, violence and exploitation.

Cannabis factories uncovered

As part of the investigation, officers uncovered two sophisticated cannabis factories hidden inside residential properties.

The sites — located in Blackwood and Trebanog — were being used to produce large quantities of cannabis for distribution.

The discovery underlined the scale and organisation of the gang’s activities.

Early morning raids bring gang down

The network was dismantled following coordinated police raids across multiple locations in July 2025.

Officers executed a series of warrants over two days, arresting those involved and gathering key evidence.

Seven of the nine defendants later admitted their roles before or during trial.

Gang leader handed longest sentence

At Cardiff Crown Court, gang leader Danny Tomlin was jailed for 10 years and 10 months after admitting conspiracy to supply cocaine and cannabis, as well as cultivating cannabis.

Other key members from Newport and Gloucestershire received sentences ranging from several months to six years.

In total, the nine members of the group were handed combined sentences of more than 43 years behind bars.

Police: ‘Misery and harm’ caused to communities

Detective Inspector Vinnie Easton said the group had been driven by profit at the expense of local people.

He said: “This was a large-scale, complex investigation into an organised crime group who sought to profit from the misery and harm they brought to our communities.”

He added that the sentences should reassure the public that action is being taken against drug supply networks.

Impact felt across Swansea Bay

While the gang operated across multiple areas, cases like this highlight the impact organised crime has on communities in Swansea and across the wider region.

Police say tackling drug supply remains a priority, with networks like this often linked to wider criminal activity.

Residents are being urged to report concerns about suspected drug dealing.

Public urged to come forward

Anyone with information about drug supply can contact police via 101 or report anonymously through Crimestoppers.

Officers say intelligence from the public plays a key role in building cases against organised crime groups.

Related stories from Swansea Bay News

Portmead plasterer jailed for drug dealing
Repeat offending highlights ongoing drug supply issues in Swansea communities.

Two men behind “Marcus Line” drugs supply jailed
Another organised operation targeting local users brought down by police.

Two Swansea dealers jailed after topping up drugs hotline
Police uncovered a mobile phone network used to supply cocaine across the city.

Cocaine traffickers jailed after Swansea drug handover intercepted
Specialist officers disrupted another supply chain operating in the region.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Related stories from Swansea Bay News

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

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

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

Gang ran cocaine and cannabis enterprise out of garden centre https://www.allforgardening.com/1675679/gang-ran-cocaine-and-cannabis-enterprise-out-of-garden-centre-2/ #Abertillery #Blackwood #Caldicot #CardiffCrownCourt #courts #crime #drugs #garden #Newport #PantAndDowlais #Porth #Swansea

Gang ran cocaine and cannabis enterprise out of garden centre https://www.allforgardening.com/1675189/gang-ran-cocaine-and-cannabis-enterprise-out-of-garden-centre/ #BradleyWilliams #ChristopherPreston #DannyTomlin #garden #KiloOfCocaine #LouisMaxwell #Newport #Swansea

SWANSEA: New big-top amphitheatre ready for summer shows

The outdoor venue opposite LC Swansea has been transformed with a striking big-top style canopy, new flooring and upgraded seating.

The overhaul is designed to breathe new life into one of Swansea’s best-known public spaces.

And it could mean far more live music, community events and performances returning to the city centre in the months ahead.

The sail-shaped canopy, created by Gower Sail Shades, is the centrepiece of the revamp.

It will provide shelter for performers, audiences and technical equipment — making the venue far more reliable in unpredictable weather.

That means events can go ahead even when conditions aren’t perfect, opening the door to a busier programme throughout the year.

Council bosses say the changes are already attracting attention from visitors heading to nearby attractions, bars and restaurants.

They hope the improved amphitheatre will become a key destination for both locals and tourists.

Councillor Elliott King said:

“This addition will significantly extend the venue’s versatility and usability throughout the year, supporting a wider range of cultural and community events.”

He added that it will help create a “unique outdoor venue in Swansea” capable of drawing in new audiences.

The upgrade also builds on the success of last summer’s Amplitude music event, which brought crowds into the area for a free weekend of live entertainment.

Performers who took part in that event are already said to be keen to return — this time with the added benefit of cover.

As well as the canopy, a series of practical improvements have been made across the site.

These include upgraded seating areas, improved steps and brand new handrails to make the venue safer and more accessible.

A mains power supply has also been installed, making it easier to stage professional performances without the need for temporary setups.

Together, the upgrades are expected to make the amphitheatre far more attractive to event organisers.

Community groups, local performers and touring acts are all expected to benefit.

The council is now encouraging interested groups to come forward and make use of the space.

Officials say it will host a mix of council-run events alongside bookings from external organisers.

The project forms part of wider efforts to strengthen Swansea’s cultural offer and support its creative industries.

It is also aimed at boosting footfall in the city centre and supporting surrounding businesses.

Funding for the upgrade has come from the Welsh Government’s Transforming Towns programme and the Business Wales Brilliant Basics initiative.

Contractors Andrew Scott Ltd worked alongside Gower Sail Shades to deliver the project.

With the work now complete, attention is turning to the summer — and the return of live entertainment.

And with its new look firmly in place, the amphitheatre could soon be back at the heart of Swansea’s events scene.

Amphitheatre revamp: more from Swansea Bay News

Amphitheatre set for dramatic makeover
Plans revealed for a striking new canopy in the city centre.

Work begins on new canopy
Construction gets underway on the major upgrade.

New music festival announced
Revamped venue to host fresh live events.

Who’s Molly to headline Amplitude
Band set to top the bill at free summer festival.

“Forgotten” amphitheatre to be revived
Earlier plans aimed to bring the space back to life.

TV moment as Sir Alan Bates surprises Swansea Horizon scandal victim

Ian Davies, 63, from Swansea, will feature in this week’s episode of Car S.O.S, where he is surprised with a fully restored 1973 Triumph Bonneville motorbike.

Ian was wrongly accused of theft due to faults in the Horizon IT system — losing his job, reputation and financial stability as a result.

Although his name was eventually cleared, the personal toll was devastating, with both his parents and his wife passing away before they could see justice done.

Emotional surprise

The episode sees presenters Tim Shaw and Fuzz Townshend take on their first-ever motorbike restoration to rebuild Ian’s cherished bike.

After suffering a stroke that left him unable to complete the project himself, Ian was nominated by his cousin — leading to one of the show’s most personal transformations.

In a powerful moment, Sir Alan Bates joins the team to help reveal the finished bike.

“One of the most shocking miscarriages of justice”

Tim Shaw said Sir Alan’s involvement was deeply personal.

“Sir Alan has had countless requests since the scandal came to light, but he’s been very clear about stepping back from that world,” he said.

“But when he heard Ian’s story, it clearly struck something much deeper – this was something he felt he had to be part of.”

He added: “What happened with Horizon is one of the most shocking miscarriages of justice in modern British history.

“When you hear what Ian has been through – losing everything, being wrongly accused, and then not having his family there to see his name cleared – it really brings home the human cost.”

A story that shocked the nation

The Horizon scandal saw hundreds of sub-postmasters wrongly prosecuted between 1999 and 2015 due to faults in the IT system.

Sir Alan Bates became a central figure in the fight for justice, later portrayed by Toby Jones in the ITV drama Mr Bates vs The Post Office, which brought the scandal to national attention.

He was recognised in the 2024 King’s Birthday Honours for his services to justice.

When and where to watch

The episode airs on National Geographic on Thursday 26 March at 8pm.

St Helen’s stadium revival plan unveiled as Swansea Council moves ahead amid Ospreys uncertainty

Council leader Rob Stewart said the future of the ground had been held back by unresolved questions around Welsh rugby.

“The future of St Helen’s has been on hold due to ongoing discussions about regional rugby in Wales which are unlikely to end anytime soon,” he said.

“The WRU is not giving us the answers we need to move forward despite our requests, such as how Y11 can own two teams for a long period of time. In light of the impending EGM, I doubt the WRU knows where it is going.”

Moving ahead despite uncertainty

Stewart said Swansea must now act rather than wait for clarity from the Welsh Rugby Union.

“We must break that deadlock in the meantime and find how we can move forward as a city despite the WRU’s lack of answers,” he said.

“We propose to create a new model that strengthens both professional and grassroots rugby across Swansea and the Ospreys region.”

New vision for St Helen’s

The plans would see St Helen’s redeveloped into a modern rugby venue centred on a new all-weather 4G pitch. The surface would be used by the Ospreys for matchdays and weekly team run-outs, while also being opened up to Swansea RFC, schools, clubs and community groups for the rest of the week.

Stewart said the aim is to create a facility that serves both elite sport and the wider community.

“Our joint investment would give the Ospreys a home worthy of professional rugby while opening up this iconic ground to the community like never before.”

Under the proposed model, the council would fund key community-focused upgrades including the pitch and floodlights, while the Ospreys would deliver professional-level improvements such as a new stand, fan zone and broadcast facilities.

Focus on grassroots rugby

The proposals also include a significant expansion of community rugby activity, with the Ospreys expected to deliver club nights, school sessions, open training events and coaching development opportunities.

“For the first time in many years, children and young people will have access to a safe, modern, central facility — whatever the weather,” Stewart said.

“This model strengthens the player pathway by linking clubs, schools, colleges and the Ospreys Academy.”

A new Swansea Rugby Community Board is also proposed to help ensure the redevelopment delivers long-term benefits for local people, while former Wales captain Alun Wyn Jones has agreed to work with the council on the project.

Ospreys return in sight

The Ospreys say they have been working with the council for months on the proposals and believe the plan could allow them to return to Swansea as early as next season while expanding their community work.

Stewart added: “This continues our support for the Ospreys remaining as a professional rugby region based in Swansea.”

Decision within days

The proposals are due to be considered by the council’s cabinet this week, with work potentially starting in April if approved.

The council has also confirmed its legal action over the WRU’s proposed Y11 deal is continuing — underlining the wider uncertainty surrounding the future of Welsh rugby.

Ospreys crisis: key stories

Swansea unites as Ospreys crisis deepens
Councillors back the region amid growing fears over its future.

Council takes legal action over WRU deal
High Court move aims to block a plan that could end the Ospreys.

‘Smoking gun’ minutes revealed
Documents fuel claims the region’s future was already decided.

WRU sets date for crunch showdown
Emergency meeting could shape the future of Welsh rugby.

Alun Wyn Jones warns of ‘rugby black hole’
Legend speaks out over fears for the region’s future.

WRU boss quits before key vote
Leadership turmoil adds to growing pressure on the union.

DYFATTY CRIME CRACKDOWN: Major police operation targets Swansea hotspot

The Dyfatty Clear Hold Build project is now underway, targeting long-standing issues linked to serious organised crime, anti-social behaviour and community safety concerns in the area around High Street North and nearby tower blocks.

Led by South Wales Police alongside the city council and other agencies, the operation is being described as a “long overdue” intervention for residents.

‘Long overdue’ action

Chief Superintendent Stephen Jones said the first phase will focus on removing criminal influence and protecting vulnerable people.

He said many residents have been forced to live with the impact of organised crime for years — despite having no connection to it themselves.

“This work is long overdue for the people who live in Dyfatty,” he said.

Three-phase plan to transform the area

The scheme follows the national Clear Hold Build model — a strategy backed by the Home Office.

• Clear phase: A year-long police-led crackdown targeting offenders and disrupting criminal networks
• Hold phase: Stabilising the area and preventing gangs from returning
• Build phase: Long-term investment to tackle the root causes of crime

Officials say the aim is not just arrests — but lasting change.

Millions pledged to ‘transform’ Dyfatty

Council leader Rob Stewart said the project will work alongside a separate regeneration programme expected to bring up to £20 million into the area over the next decade.

He said the combined efforts would help “clean up and stabilise” Dyfatty while supporting long-term improvements.

The initiative is being coordinated through the Swansea Public Services Board, which includes partners such as Swansea Bay University Health Board and Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service.

Community at the heart of the plan

Chair of the board, Andrea Harrington, said the project would focus on listening to residents and working with local communities to deliver change.

She described Dyfatty as a diverse area facing a range of challenges — but said partners were committed to creating a safer, stronger neighbourhood.

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Dyfatty flats set for major upgrade
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CCTV upgrade at problem tower blocks
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High-rise flats evacuated after major damage
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High Street revival plans gather pace
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Free bus rides return for Easter as Swansea families urged to “leave the car at home”

Council leader Rob Stewart confirmed the scheme will run across eight days during the school holidays, starting from March 28.

The move follows previous schemes that have already seen more than one million free journeys taken in Swansea.

£450,000 set aside

The council has earmarked £450,000 from this year’s budget to fund not just the Easter offer – but free buses again in the summer and Christmas holidays too.

That means families could continue to benefit from the scheme throughout the year.

Save up to £20 a trip

Rob Stewart said the initiative is designed to ease the pressure on household budgets during what can be an expensive time.

He said families could save up to £20 per trip, encouraging people to ditch the car and spend that money elsewhere instead.

Cllr Stewart said: “Since we launched the offer people have enjoyed more than 1m free bus rides.

“Easter can be an expensive time for everyone but we’re committed to ensuring families in Swansea can save a bit of money on travel costs, leave the car at home and save their petrol money to spend on other things, saving up to £20 a time for family of four.

“The city centre is a great shopping destination in itself for people wanting to take a free trip. But it is also about giving the public the chance to travel all across Swansea, whether it’s to visit family members or just enjoy to what Swansea has to offer.”

Cutting traffic and boosting buses

Cabinet member Andrew Stevens said the scheme also aims to get more people onto public transport.

He added that many residents still rely on cars – and the free travel offer is a chance to get them trying buses for the first time, while also helping reduce congestion on local roads.

“It’s important we support public transport operators in Swansea and do what we can to increase passenger numbers.” Cllr Stevens said.

When are buses free?

Free travel will be available on:

• Saturday 28 March
• Sunday 29 March
• Friday 3 April (Good Friday)
• Saturday 4 April
• Sunday 5 April (Easter Sunday)
• Monday 6 April (Easter Monday)
• Saturday 11 April
• Sunday 12 April 

Back again after popular demand

The Easter scheme builds on previous free bus initiatives covered by Swansea Bay News, which proved hugely popular with residents looking to cut costs and explore the city without worrying about fares.

With another school holiday around the corner, council bosses are now hoping even more people will jump on board.

More transport stories from Swansea Bay News

“Five years of promises” – calls to restart St Clears station project
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Fuel fears grow as rationing plans emerge
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Swansea motor giant hits 100
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NCP enters administration putting Swansea car parks at risk
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