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Calls grow for water industry overhaul after Welsh Water faces £44.7m fine

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THE WELSH LIB DEMS have called for a complete overhaul of the water industry following news that Dŵr Cymru Welsh Water is set to pay a proposed £44.7m fine after regulators found serious breaches in its operations.

The penalty has been proposed by water regulator Ofwat, which said its investigation uncovered “serious and unacceptable” failures in the company’s sewage and network services.

Responding to the announcement, Jane Dodds, leader of the Welsh Liberal Democrats, said the situation highlighted long-standing problems within the water industry.

She said: “Communities across Wales are sick of hearing apologies whilst raw sewage continues to pollute our rivers.”

Dodds added that enforcement against water companies had been too weak for decades, allowing environmental problems to persist.

“For decades, there has been far too little enforcement when water companies have failed,” she said. “That is why the Welsh Liberal Democrats have led the calls over the last several years for Ofwat to be replaced with a tough new Welsh regulator with real powers to prevent sewage dumping and hold polluters properly to account, alongside a ban on executive bonuses.”

Welsh Conservative Shadow Cabinet Secretary for Climate Change and the Environment, Janet Finch-Saunders MS said: “Dŵr Cymru customers will be frustrated to see bills rising while Ofwat has now found serious and unacceptable failures in how the company has operated and maintained its sewage network.

“This £44.7 million enforcement package raises a fundamental question for customers across Wales: what exactly are they paying for? Dŵr Cymru’s bill increases were supposed to deliver improved infrastructure and reduce sewage discharges, yet Wales continues to experience some of the worst pollution incidents in the UK.

“With Wales experiencing far higher levels of sewage discharges than England, the continued inaction from both Dŵr Cymru and the Labour Welsh Government is compromising our waterways and failing communities who rightly expect better.”

The proposed fine follows an investigation by Ofwat into Welsh Water’s handling of sewage and wider network services. The regulator said the breaches were serious enough to warrant significant financial penalties.

The Liberal Democrats say the case demonstrates the need for stronger oversight and reforms to the current regulatory system governing water companies in Wales.

Environmental campaigners have long warned that sewage discharges are harming rivers and coastal waters across Wales, while critics argue that stronger enforcement and regulation are needed to prevent further pollution incidents.

A Welsh Water spokesperson said: “We accept the findings of Ofwat’s investigation and apologise for where we have fallen short of the standards that our customers and regulators rightly expect from us.

“We have started a major transformation programme across the company, including within our wastewater services, focused on improving performance, strengthening operational oversight and accelerating investment to deliver better outcomes for rivers and coastal waters.

“The investigation has considered both historic and more recent compliance, and we accept that improvements are needed. We have already taken steps to strengthen our governance, oversight and compliance arrangements as part of a wider transformation programme across the business.

“We have also agreed a £44.7 million redress package with Ofwat which will direct funding towards environmental improvements and actions to reduce the impact of storm overflows.

“As part of this package, nearly £40.6 million will fund additional work to reduce spills from specific storm overflows and tackle groundwater entering the sewer network — a major cause of frequent spills. This will include targeted investment at priority sites as well as investigations and improvement work on parts of the sewer network to reduce infiltration.

“A further £4.1 million will be invested to help improve river water quality in extremely sensitive catchments. This will include establishing a new £1 million Cymuned Natur Fund to support community groups and charities across our operating area that are working to protect and enhance the natural environment.

“These actions are in addition to the £4.2 billion we are investing between 2025 and 2030, including £2.5 billion dedicated to environmental improvements — with £889 million specifically targeted at improving storm overflows.”

Ofwat’s findings and the proposed penalty are expected to intensify the ongoing political debate over how water services should be regulated and managed in Wales.

 

Community

Doorstep warning issued after reports of suspicious callers in Pembrokeshire

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Residents in Haverfordwest and St Davids urged to watch out for vulnerable neighbours after social media alerts

A WARNING has been issued to residents in parts of Pembrokeshire after separate social media reports of suspicious doorstep callers in both Haverfordwest and St Davids.

In Haverfordwest one resident said a man called at his home at around 6:10pm on Tuesday (Apr 14), claiming he was an ex-convict from South Shields selling cheap household goods in an effort to get his life back on track.

The Merlins Bridge resident said the man claimed there was a wider team operating in the area in a similar way. He reported that the caller then knocked at several more homes along Venns Close before heading towards Greenhill Drive and the roundabout.

The man was described as wearing black waterproof trousers and a royal blue waterproof coat, with dark medium-length hair and no hat. He was also said to be carrying a large holdall, possibly containing items for sale.

In a separate post circulating online, residents in St Davids were also warned to be cautious after reports of men wearing backpacks and baseball caps going door-to-door.

The post claimed police had been in the area several times during the day looking for the individuals. Residents were urged to keep doors locked and to contact police if they saw anything suspicious.

While none of the claims have been independently verified by The Herald, the reports have prompted calls for people to remain vigilant, secure doors, gates and vehicles, and check in on elderly or vulnerable neighbours.

Residents suggested the activity may be linked to so-called “Nottingham Knockers”, a term often used to describe cold callers selling goods door-to-door, sometimes amid concerns that vulnerable households may be targeted.

He said he had reported the Haverfordwest incident to Dyfed-Powys Police via the force’s website. The reference number given was CDS-76190-26-6300-002.

Anyone who sees suspicious behaviour is advised to report it to Dyfed-Powys Police.

 

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Crime

Romino’s licence revoked after illegal workers found and fire risks exposed

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Takeaway in Cardigan ordered to shut by 11:00pm after council hearing backed by immigration officials, police and fire service

A TAKEAWAY in Cardigan has lost its premises licence after repeated enforcement visits uncovered illegal working and serious fire safety failings.

Ceredigion County Council’s Licensing Sub Committee decided to revoke the premises licence for Romino’s Pizza and Kebab following a hearing held on Monday, April 7.

The review was brought by Home Office Immigration Enforcement and supported by Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service and Dyfed-Powys Police.

During four separate visits to the business, officers found a total of eight people said to be working illegally at the premises.

Fire safety inspectors also identified a number of serious breaches, leading to prohibition notices being issued because of the risks posed to staff, customers and the wider public.

The committee concluded that revoking the licence was proportionate and necessary in order to uphold the licensing objectives, in particular the prevention of crime and disorder and the protection of public safety.

As a result of the decision, the business will now be required to close at 11:00pm unless an appeal is lodged.

A spokesperson for Ceredigion County Council said: “We welcome the Licensing Sub Committee’s decision to revoke the Premises Licence for Romino’s in Cardigan. This reflects the seriousness of the issues identified and the clear risks posed.”

The action follows earlier enforcement steps taken in March.

On March 5, immigration officers visited the premises and found two Turkish men allegedly working there illegally. A closure notice was issued at once, preventing access to the site and stopping any work from taking place.

The Home Office said that on three previous visits, a further six people had been found working illegally at the same business. Those responsible were handed fines totalling £135,000.

An illegal working compliance order was later granted at Llanelli Magistrates’ Court on March 6. Such orders place strict conditions on a business, including requirements to carry out right-to-work checks and permit ongoing inspections.

Although the takeaway later reopened, the Home Office pressed ahead with its application for a licence review on the grounds of preventing crime and disorder.

A spokesperson said illegal working harms lawful businesses, drives down wages and can be linked to organised immigration crime.

 

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Business

Sauna Uno brings coastal wellness experience to West Wales

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Bespoke mobile sauna offers sea views, cold-water immersion and private group bookings along the Pembrokeshire coast

A UNIQUE mobile sauna experience is bringing a fresh take on relaxation and wellbeing to the West Wales coast, combining traditional heat therapy with sea air, cold-water immersion and some of the region’s most dramatic views.

Sauna Uno is a custom-built mobile sauna designed to offer guests the benefits of a Nordic-style sauna experience in a striking coastal setting. Operating from selected locations in West Wales, it allows visitors to step from the warmth of a wood-fired sauna into the open air, with the option of a cold plunge or sea swim as part of the ritual.

Set against the backdrop of beaches, cliffs and Atlantic skies, the experience is built around contrast — intense heat followed by cold water, shared conversation followed by quiet reflection, and the comfort of the sauna against the raw beauty of the Pembrokeshire coastline.

Designed for comfort

Inside, Sauna Uno has been carefully designed to create a welcoming and practical space for both individuals and groups. The sauna includes a spacious seating area, large viewing windows, heated changing facilities, and a selection of herbal teas, cold water and natural essential oils to enhance the experience.

The aim is to combine the health benefits of sauna use with the calming effect of the coastal environment, creating something that feels both restorative and memorable.

Its owners say the concept is about more than simply getting warm.

Sauna Uno is intended to offer people the chance to slow down, reconnect with nature and enjoy a moment of calm in a busy world — whether that is after a sea swim, as part of a wellness session, or simply as a social experience with friends.

Popular for groups and private hire

The mobile sauna has proved especially popular for group bookings, with enough space for friends, families and small parties to enjoy the experience together.

Bookings are regularly made for birthdays, private gatherings, group wellness sessions and retreat-style coastal days out. The setting, combined with the shared nature of the sauna experience, has made it an increasingly attractive alternative to more traditional celebrations.

To encourage group celebrations, Sauna Uno is currently offering a ten per cent discount on birthday group bookings.

That offer is expected to appeal to those looking for something a little different — an occasion centred on wellbeing, the outdoors and spending quality time together rather than the usual restaurant or nightlife options.

A growing wellness trend

Sauna culture has grown in popularity across the UK in recent years, with more people turning to heat therapy, cold-water immersion and outdoor wellness experiences as a way to support both physical and mental health.

Regular sauna use is commonly linked to improved circulation, muscle recovery, reduced tension and stress relief. Many enthusiasts also say the combination of heat and cold helps improve mental clarity, resilience and overall wellbeing.

At coastal sites, that effect can be heightened by the surrounding landscape, fresh air and sea views, turning a sauna session into a more immersive experience.

Visitors to Sauna Uno have praised the quality of the heat, the design of the sauna and the peaceful atmosphere created by the coastal locations. Sunset sessions and winter bookings have proved particularly popular, with many describing the combination of hot sauna and cold sea air as both invigorating and deeply calming.

Making the most of the coast

By operating as a mobile unit, Sauna Uno is able to make use of carefully chosen coastal spots across West Wales, bringing the experience closer to the sea and giving guests access to some of the area’s most scenic locations.

For many, that sense of place is what sets it apart.

Rather than being tucked away indoors, Sauna Uno makes the natural environment part of the experience itself — offering a way to enjoy the coast in all seasons, whether under clear skies, in the golden light of sunset, or with wild weather rolling in off the Atlantic.

With interest continuing to grow and weekend sessions often booked in advance, organisers are encouraging people to plan ahead for private hire, birthday bookings and group visits.

For bookings and enquiries, their Facebook page can also be found by searching Sauna Uno.

 

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