News
Pensioners to stage Senedd protest over winter fuel cuts

Wales only devolved nation not offering extra support
PENSIONERS from across Wales will descend on the Senedd on Tuesday (Feb 4) to protest against the UK government’s decision to slash the winter fuel allowance for all but the poorest pensioners—and the Welsh Government’s failure to step in with additional support.
The demonstration, set to take place at 11:30am outside the Senedd in Cardiff Bay, will coincide with a debate on the draft Welsh budget for 2025/26.
A survey of more than 500 retired Unite members in Wales has revealed the devastating impact of the cuts. Over seven in 10 (71%) have reduced their heating, nearly half (41%) have cut down on baths and showers, and more than one in five (21%) have reduced the number of hot meals they eat. In total, 20% say their health has deteriorated as a result of these cutbacks.
The figures for Wales are worse than those recorded across the UK (see notes to editors).
“Shivering indoors”
Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: “Pensioners in Wales are suffering massively from the brutal cut to the winter fuel allowance. They are shivering indoors, going without baths, or cutting out meals. Pensioners should be able to live with dignity after a lifetime of work.
“Instead of picking the pockets of pensioners, the UK and Welsh governments should be giving them the support they need and deserve.”
Unite has calculated that it would cost the Welsh Government £140 million to fully restore the winter fuel allowance for all 560,000 pensioners in Wales who have lost out. Alternatively, a scheme similar to those introduced in Northern Ireland and Scotland—where affected pensioners will receive £100—would cost £56 million.
“A failure to act will not be forgiven”
Unite Welsh secretary Peter Hughes said: “Pensioners in Wales are needlessly suffering. The Welsh Government has got to step up to the plate and provide vitally needed help to the elderly in this country.
“A failure to act will be long remembered and unlikely to be forgiven.”
Last year, Unite applied for a judicial review challenging the UK government’s decision to cut winter fuel payments. The union is currently awaiting a court decision on whether the challenge will proceed.
Dereck Roberts, Unite retired members’ representative in Wales, added: “Pensioners from Conwy to Caerphilly are travelling to the Senedd to demand support from their government. These are ordinary people who have worked all their lives, only to find vital support taken away in their moment of need.
“We all want to see the Labour government in Wales step up and support us through winter. That means money, not empty rhetoric.”
Entertainment
Welsh crime thriller filmed in Pembroke Dock set for BBC debut

A NEW Welsh crime thriller, The One That Got Away—previously shown on S4C as Cleddau—is set to premiere on BBC One Wales and BBC Four later this month.
The gripping six-part series, featuring an all-Welsh cast, will debut on BBC One Wales at 9:10pm on Tuesday, February 25. A double-bill of the first two episodes will air on BBC Four on St David’s Day, March 1, with all episodes available on BBC iPlayer.
The series stars Elen Rhys (The Mallorca Files, Craith/Hidden) as DI Ffion Lloyd, who is forced to team up with her former lover, DS Rick Sheldon, played by Richard Harrington (Y Gwyll/Hinterland), to investigate the murder of a nurse in a Welsh seaside town.
Written by Catherine Tregenna (Law & Order UK, Lewis, DCI Banks) and directed by Sion Ifan (Y Goleudy), the drama explores the unresolved past between the two detectives while a disturbing murder case unfolds. The killing shakes the small community, raising doubts about a historic conviction and suggesting the terrifying possibility of a copycat at large.
Actor Elen Rhys, who returned to Wales to film the series, said: “Coming home to Wales to film was a joy—immersing myself in everything Welsh. The talented, close-knit crew worked together so well, making it a truly lovely and extraordinary experience. I felt so lucky.”
The series promises a gripping mix of psychological depth, crime investigation, and the emotional entanglements of its lead characters, set against the atmospheric backdrop of Pembrokeshire.
Community
Plans submitted for disability-friendly bridge at Tenby train station

TENBY railway station could soon see a new accessible footbridge, with Network Rail submitting plans to the National Park for the installation of an ‘Access for All’ bridge at the Grade-II-listed Victorian station.
The proposal aims to improve accessibility, providing an unobstructed route from at least one station entrance to all platforms via the new footbridge. A supporting statement from Network Rail explains that the scheme is designed to ensure step-free access between platforms, replacing the current barrow crossing, which is not suitable for those with mobility issues.
A Network Rail spokesperson said: “At Tenby Station, there is currently no obstacle-free accessible route between platforms 1 and 2. The existing barrow crossing does not provide suitable step-free access, and the proposed footbridge will address this issue.”
The plans, which include associated works to integrate the bridge with the historic station infrastructure, are now under consideration by the National Park authority. If approved, the scheme will mark a significant improvement in accessibility for passengers at the popular seaside station.
Crime
Shoplifting concerns spread to Narberth as High Street pharmacy issues warning

BUSINESSES in Narberth are facing mounting challenges as concerns over shoplifting spread beyond Tenby. Narberth High Street Pharmacy has issued a stark warning to local traders after a suspected theft incident, urging vigilance among businesses and the public.
In a statement posted online, the pharmacy said: “Warning to Narberth High Street. Another case of suspected theft. Please watch the video carefully. Items were not left behind after inspecting the shelves. It is extremely difficult for businesses to remain viable when this sort of thing happens.”
The pharmacy, which remains open seven days a week, highlighted the growing difficulties in maintaining a presence in the town due to ongoing retail crime.
Rising shoplifting across Pembrokeshire
The incident in Narberth follows widespread national coverage of shoplifting issues in Tenby, where local businesses have reported thousands of pounds in losses due to theft. The situation has drawn attention to a concerning trend across Pembrokeshire, where independent shops and pharmacies—already struggling with rising costs—are finding it increasingly difficult to operate.
According to the latest crime data, shoplifting offences have been rising in Wales, mirroring a nationwide trend. The Office for National Statistics reported a 23% increase in retail thefts across England and Wales in the past year. In Dyfed-Powys, shoplifting cases have surged by 12%, with many small businesses feeling the pressure.
Call for action
Narberth traders are now calling for more proactive policing and stronger deterrents to tackle the issue. While CCTV and security measures have been introduced by some businesses, many feel they are left to handle the problem themselves, with limited police resources available.
The pharmacy urged the community to assist in identifying the individual involved in the latest suspected theft, stating:
“If anyone has any info on this individual, please share so we can follow up with the police.”
With the problem now affecting multiple towns in Pembrokeshire, there is growing pressure for authorities to implement stronger measures to support businesses and protect livelihoods.
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