#walesnews — Public Fediverse posts

Welsh Government Assumes Partial Control Over Youth Justice

The Welsh government now controls some youth justice money. This change helps young people stay out of jail. Find out what this means for Wales today.

#walesnews, #youthjustice, #welshgovernment, #cardiff, #ukpolitics

https://newsletter.tf/welsh-government-youth-justice-control-2026/

The Welsh government has received new funding powers for youth crime prevention. This is a big step compared to the old system where only the UK government was in charge.

#walesnews, #youthjustice, #welshgovernment, #cardiff, #ukpolitics
https://newsletter.tf/welsh-government-youth-justice-control-2026/

https://www.europesays.com/videos/14089/ Takeover of Cardiff Rugby by Ospreys owners falls through | ITV Cymru Wales #Crime #immigration #itv #ItvNews #ITVNewsInFull #MerthyrTydfil #SeneddElection #SouthWalesPolice #Wales #WalesNews #WelshPolitics

https://www.europesays.com/videos/11586/ Warning of ‘national crisis’ in Wales’ care sector #aberaeron #CARDIFF #CardiffCity #CoastAndCountry #dementia #itv #ItvNews #ITVNewsInFull #LiveMusic #LiveMusicVenues #SeneddElection #Wales #WalesFootball #WalesNews #WalesRugby #WelshMusic #WelshPolitics

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

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

Founder Huw Owen said the impact was immediate.

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

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

Inevitable’ price hikes

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

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

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

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

Supply chaos and soaring prices

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

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

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

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

Government under pressure

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

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

rom hauliers to households

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

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

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“HEATING CRISIS HITTING US HARD”: Carmarthenshire families ‘forced to pay triple’ as oil reliance laid bare

The figures have sparked calls for urgent action from independent Senedd candidate Carl Peters-Bond, who warned families are being left with “no choice but to absorb soaring prices.”

Villages among worst hit in Wales

Data highlighted by the BBC shows just how exposed parts of the county are:

• 69% of households in Llannon, Cross Hands and Pen-y-groes rely on oil
• 65% in Abergwili, Llanegwad and Carmel
• 41% in Llanddarog, Llangyndeyrn and Ferryside

Across Wales, around 7% of homes depend on oil — but that figure jumps dramatically in rural areas like Carmarthenshire.

Bills double — and supplies dry up

The warning comes as families across Wales report being left without heating or forced to pay sky-high prices.

In one case reported by the BBC, a family saw a £323 oil order cancelled — only to be forced to pay £750 elsewhere.

Meanwhile, a man in Garnant said his annual bill could soar from £1,000 to £3,000, adding: “The heating has gone off… I’m basically having to dress up and keep moving.”

“People have no choice”

Peters-Bond said the crisis is already biting in Carmarthenshire:

“This crisis is hitting Carmarthenshire directly. When two-thirds of households in some communities rely on oil, people have no choice but to absorb soaring prices.”

He said funding announced by the UK Government must be targeted at rural areas first.

£3.8m for Wales — but who gets it?

The UK Government has unveiled a £53 million support package for households hit by rising oil prices — with £3.8 million allocated to Wales.

But Peters-Bond warned the money must not get lost in bureaucracy:

“The UK Government has released funding — now the Welsh Government must make sure every penny of that £3.8m reaches the rural households who need it most.”

“Competition won’t fix this”

While industry bodies have welcomed a review into oil pricing, Peters-Bond said that won’t help families stuck off the gas grid:

“Rural families aren’t choosing oil because it’s cheap — they’re choosing it because they’ve been left without options. Competition only works when people can switch.”

Calls for urgent action

He is now calling for:

• Emergency financial support for oil-dependent households
• A major retrofit programme to help homes switch to cheaper, greener heating
• A long-term plan to reduce reliance on volatile oil markets

Global crisis hitting local homes

The surge in prices has been linked to rising global oil costs amid conflict in the Middle East — with experts warning the situation could worsen heading into winter.

And for many in rural Carmarthenshire, the message is clear: without urgent help, the coming months could be even tougher.

“You can’t copy-and-paste urban policies onto rural Wales,” Peters-Bond added.
“Carmarthenshire needs solutions designed for Carmarthenshire.”

Related stories from Swansea Bay News

Police warn oil‑heated homes to secure supplies
Officers urge vigilance after a rise in thefts from outdoor tanks.

Most home insurance covers loss of domestic oil
New analysis shows 90% of policies include protection for stolen fuel.

Homeowners urged to check oil tanks
Environmental experts warn leaks can cause costly, avoidable pollution.

FAIRIES LAND IN SWANSEA: Magical statue unveiled at station to bring Gower legend to life

The eye-catching installation, unveiled by Great Western Railway (GWR), brings to life the legendary Faeries of Pennard Castle — a haunting tale rooted deep in Gower folklore.

From Gower legend to city centre spectacle

The striking sculpture shows a winged faery perched among bright yellow flowers — a nod to the ancient story of how magical beings punished a cruel lord by burying his lands beneath sand dunes near Pennard.

Now, that legend has been transported from the windswept Gower coast straight into the heart of Swansea, as part of a wider campaign to get families exploring the stories behind the region.

GWR says the move is about turning everyday journeys into adventures — encouraging passengers to step off the train and discover the landscapes behind Wales’ most famous myths.

“Step into the stories”

The Swansea statue is part of a wider rollout linked to a new book, The Line to Legend Land, which retells traditional tales from across Wales and the South West.

A spokesperson for GWR said the aim is to “bring legends to life” and inspire a new generation to connect with the places around them.

And Swansea’s faery isn’t alone.

A giant red dragon has also appeared at Cardiff Central railway station — representing the iconic national symbol of Wales.

Boost for Swansea footfall?

The installation could also prove a boost for the city centre, with the station acting as a gateway for visitors heading to Swansea and the Gower.

With its mix of local heritage, family appeal and Instagram-ready visuals, the statue is already drawing attention from passers-by and travellers alike.

More than just a statue

The campaign is also supporting a children’s charity founded by author Michael Morpurgo, with hundreds of books being distributed to schools across the rail network.

But for Swansea, the focus is firmly local — shining a spotlight on one of Gower’s most enduring legends and putting it right in front of thousands of commuters every day.

And if GWR gets its way, this could be just the start — with more people swapping routine journeys for myth-filled adventures across South Wales.

Inside Swansea’s deadly new zoo exhibit where venom could help cure cancer

Plantasia Tropical Zoo has unveiled its latest exhibit, Vital Venoms and Practical Poisons, bringing some of the animal kingdom’s most feared creatures face-to-face with the public.

But behind the fangs, stings and toxins lies something far more surprising — scientists are now studying these species in the fight against cancer, diabetes and chronic pain.

From fear to frontline science

The new exhibit features eight venomous and poisonous species — each with a story that goes far beyond their bite.

Among them is Lucy the beaded lizard, one of only two venomous lizards in the world. Her venom is already being explored in research into type 2 diabetes.

Brightly coloured poison dart frogs — famous for their toxic skin — are helping inspire powerful new painkillers, while fire-bellied toads are being studied for compounds linked to breast and prostate cancer treatments.

Visitors can also come face-to-face with:

• A mangrove snake, whose venom could play a role in colon cancer research
• A Brazilian salmon pink bird-eating tarantula, linked to chronic pain studies
• An Asian forest scorpion that glows under UV light
• And even assassin bugs, whose venom is being used to develop eco-friendly insecticides

‘Look closer and be amazed’

Zoo bosses say the aim is to turn fear into fascination — and show how nature’s most dangerous creatures could hold the key to future medicine.

Paul Sheppard, Attraction Manager at Plantasia, said the exhibit is designed to get people thinking differently.

He said: “We’ve taken a familiar part of the zoo and turned it into something completely different.

“This new area invites visitors to look closer, ask questions and discover just how clever nature can be.”

A bold new chapter for the city centre attraction

The exhibit is part of a wider expansion at Plantasia, which has been growing its offering with immersive experiences including its dinosaur-themed Giants of the Past and large-scale escape room challenges.

Cllr Elliott King, Swansea Council cabinet member, said the latest addition is another boost for the popular attraction.

He said: “It’s great that Plantasia has this fantastic new exhibit… I highly recommend a visit.”

More than just a day out

As well as giving visitors a close-up look at some of the world’s most misunderstood animals, the zoo says the exhibit plays a key role in its conservation and education work.

The long-term plan even includes adding a critically endangered species and contributing to international breeding programmes.

And while the creatures inside may look intimidating, the message is clear — they could be helping to save lives.

EASTER OPENING: Final stretch of Tywi Valley Path set to welcome walkers and cyclists

Carmarthenshire County Council has confirmed the final stretch of the Tywi Valley Path — linking Carmarthen to Llandeilo — will be ready for the public within weeks.

The last section of the 13-mile route, between Abergwili and Ffairfach, marks the completion of the flagship project.

Landmark bridges complete final phase

The final phase includes two major new bridges crossing the River Tywi and River Cothi — described as a key milestone in delivering the scheme.

Once open, the route will provide a continuous, traffic-free path for walkers, cyclists and families travelling through the Tywi Valley.

Scenic route through historic heart of Wales

The path runs through some of Carmarthenshire’s most picturesque countryside, offering views of landmarks including Paxton’s Tower, Dryslwyn Castle and Dinefwr Castle.

Visitors will also be able to explore nearby attractions such as National Botanic Garden of Wales and Aberglasney Gardens, along with independent food stops and cafés along the route.

Boost for tourism and local economy

Council leaders say the completed path will help bring more visitors to the area while supporting local businesses.

Cllr Hazel Evans said the scheme was a “once in a generation project” that connects communities while showcasing the valley’s natural beauty and heritage.

Cllr Edward Thomas added that completing the bridges provides “a stunning new way to experience the county” while supporting active travel and tourism.

Years in the making

The full opening follows years of development, including major funding backing and the phased rollout of different sections of the route.

When complete, the Tywi Valley Path will stretch from Carmarthen to Llandeilo, offering a safe and accessible route for residents and visitors alike.

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Swansea motor giant hits 100 – from single garage to UK powerhouse

Day’s Motor Group, launched in 1926 by Charles Edward Manton Day on St Helen’s Road, has gone from a small Singer dealership to a major player employing more than 500 people across the UK.

And this week, the milestone was marked with a visit from Swansea Council leader Rob Stewart, who met with the Day family and staff to celebrate a century of success.

From those humble beginnings, the company struck up a long-standing partnership with Ford in 1934 — a relationship that still plays a central role in the business today.

Now in its fourth generation of family ownership, the firm is led by chairman Graham Day, alongside director Jill Day and CEO Russell Day.

Speaking during the visit, Russell Day said reaching the 100-year mark was a proud moment not just for the family — but for everyone who has been part of the company’s journey.

“This is an incredible milestone for our family and for the whole Day’s team,” he said.

“Our growth over the past century wouldn’t have been possible without the loyalty of our customers and the dedication of our colleagues.

“Swansea has always been at the heart of our story, and we’re proud to keep investing here while continuing to grow across the UK.”

He added that the anniversary isn’t just about looking back — but pushing forward.

“This milestone isn’t just about the past — it’s about the next chapter. We’re committed to investing in new technology, new skills and sustainable mobility right here in the region.”

Over the decades, the business has expanded far beyond its original site, now operating more than 14 locations and representing major global brands including Ford, Peugeot, IVECO, Chery and Geely.

It has also developed a number of successful divisions, including Day’s Fleet, Day’s Rental and Day’s Finance — helping cement its position as one of Wales’s leading automotive groups.

Cllr Stewart praised the company as a shining example of Swansea success.

“Day’s Motor Group is a fantastic local success story,” he said.

“From its beginnings in Swansea a century ago to becoming one of Wales’s leading dealer groups, it shows what can be achieved through hard work, innovation and a real commitment to the community.

“It also proves Swansea is a place where businesses can grow, invest and create jobs — and that’s exactly what we want to see.”

The company has picked up a string of national awards over the years, including being named AM Best Dealership in the UK twice, alongside recognition from Motability and Investors in People.

And as it enters its second century, the message from the Day family is clear — Swansea remains firmly at the heart of everything they do.