Countryside charity says renewables must be built in the right places

A WELSH countryside charity has backed offshore wind as a major opportunity for Wales, saying it can deliver clean energy, skilled jobs and coastal regeneration without putting unnecessary pressure on rural landscapes.

CPRW, The Welsh Countryside Charity, said comments by Cabinet Minister Adam Price in support of offshore wind marked a positive direction for Wales’ renewable energy future.

The charity said offshore wind offered one of the clearest ways for Wales to meet its future electricity needs while reducing pressure for large-scale onshore developments in sensitive upland areas, peatlands, productive farmland and rural communities.

The issue has become increasingly prominent across Wales as communities respond to major renewable energy proposals, including new-generation wind turbines, pylons, substations and grid infrastructure.

CPRW said it supported the transition to renewable energy, but argued that Wales needed a planned national strategy rather than a system which left rural communities reacting to speculative applications.

The Welsh Government has also identified offshore wind as a key economic opportunity, particularly around ports, supply chains, manufacturing, maintenance, skills and long-term energy infrastructure.

Floating offshore wind in the Celtic Sea is seen as especially important for south west Wales, with Milford Haven and Port Talbot both linked to future green energy and port development.

Dr Jonathan Dean, CPRW energy specialist, said: “Adam Price is making some very encouraging noises. Wales absolutely needs renewable energy, but we also need to be strategic about where it goes.

“Offshore wind has the potential to revitalise the economy in both north and south Wales, with genuine long-term service and support jobs linked to ports, maintenance, skills and supply chains.

“It can deliver clean electricity at the scale Wales needs, without forcing unnecessary trade-offs with our most valued landscapes, upland peat, rare habitats and rural communities.

“This should be the direction of travel for Wales: ambitious, strategic and offshore-led.”

CPRW said Wales must ensure that renewable energy development brings lasting benefit to Welsh communities, rather than simply exporting power and profit elsewhere.

Jonty Colchester, Chair of CPRW, said: “CPRW strongly supports the transition to renewable energy, but it must be planned properly and in the public interest.

“Offshore wind gives Wales a major opportunity to lead: creating skilled jobs, supporting coastal communities and delivering clean energy, while helping to protect the countryside and landscapes that are central to our national identity.

“We welcome the Minister’s comments and urge Welsh Government to put offshore wind, marine energy, grid modernisation and Welsh supply-chain benefit at the heart of a clear national energy strategy.”

The charity said offshore wind should sit alongside marine energy, grid upgrades and stronger community benefit arrangements.

It added that a strategic approach was needed to protect landscapes, nature and rural communities while still delivering the scale of clean power needed for the future.

CPRW, formerly known as the Campaign for the Protection of Rural Wales, has worked for nearly 100 years to protect rural landscapes and promote sustainable development.

New figures show rising employment across Wales while local teams support businesses, young people and the care sector

JOBCENTRE PLUS teams across South-West Wales are stepping up support for both employers and jobseekers as businesses prepare for the busy summer season.

The latest employment figures show that 1.494 million people are now in work across Wales – an increase of 9,000 over the last quarter and 18,000 compared to the same period last year. The Welsh employment rate now stands at 72.3%.

The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) says Jobcentre Work Coaches and Recruitment Consultants are continuing to play a key role in helping people move into employment while supporting businesses struggling to fill vacancies.

Wyn Morris, DWP Recruitment Consultant Manager for South-West Wales, said: “During the busy summer season, Jobcentres remain focused on helping individuals take advantage of seasonal employment opportunities.

“We are working closely with employers to increase the supply of workers across sectors such as tourism, hospitality, retail and events, while also delivering job fairs and targeted initiatives to help young people secure suitable roles.”

He added that Neath Port Talbot had seen a 12 per cent reduction in Universal Credit claimants aged 50 and over, with specialist support continuing for older workers as well as people with disabilities and health conditions.

Focus on care sector recruitment

The care sector remains a major priority, with Jobcentre Plus working alongside organisations including Social Care Wales, Barcud Housing, the Care Society and the NHS to tackle recruitment challenges.

Recent initiatives, including childcare support and the Movement to Work programme, have helped increase the number of candidates entering care roles across Swansea, Neath Port Talbot and West Wales.

One recent recruitment campaign with M&D Care resulted in six candidates being interviewed, with all six offered jobs.

Another success involved a participant on an NHS vocational programme securing a permanent role within Support Services at Morriston Hospital.

The DWP said these outcomes demonstrate the value of tailored support and structured routes into employment.

Young people finding work

Supporting young people into sustainable employment remains a key focus.

One success story is Carlos, 18, who began claiming Universal Credit after leaving school in February and was unsure about his future career path.

Working closely with Jobcentre staff, he developed a CV, improved his interview skills and took part in the Movement to Work programme.

He later secured a permanent 30-hour-a-week position with A.F. Blakemore in Llantrisant.

Carlos said: “This experience really helped me understand the world of work. The support I received gave me the confidence and motivation I needed to secure a job. I’m very grateful for everything the Jobcentre has done for me.”

Lindsey Beasley, DWP Recruitment Consultant for Llantrisant, said personalised support can make a significant difference to young people’s prospects.

“When young people receive personalised support, they build confidence, develop skills and take meaningful steps into employment,” she said.

Transport concerns raised in Fishguard

Employment barriers in Pembrokeshire were also discussed during a recent meeting involving representatives from Fishguard and Goodwick Town Council, tourism businesses and local Senedd Member Kerry Ferguson.

A lack of public transport was identified as a significant obstacle for many jobseekers, particularly those under 25.

Discussions also explored the possibility of creating community-based facilities, including youth hubs, to support skills development and employment opportunities.

Partners attending the meeting pledged to strengthen engagement with local employers, particularly small and medium-sized businesses, and encourage more work experience opportunities.

£1.5 billion investment for young people

The Government has announced more than £1.5 billion of funding over the next three years to help young people aged 16 to 24 gain employment, education or training opportunities.

This includes £820 million for the Youth Guarantee and £725 million through the Growth and Skills Levy.

The Youth Guarantee aims to ensure every young person has access to work, training or education opportunities, helping them develop the skills needed for long-term employment.

Sian Davies, Recruitment Consultant Manager for South-West Wales, said employers could benefit from financial support when recruiting young people.

“Employers can access funding through two main routes: a six-month wage subsidy via the Youth Guarantee or a £3,000 job grant,” she said.

“Eligibility depends on the length of time a young person has been out of work.”

National picture

Commenting on the latest employment figures, Work and Pensions Secretary Pat McFadden said there were now 400,000 more people in work across the UK than a year ago.

He said the Government’s employment reforms and investment programmes were designed to create opportunities for young people while supporting disabled people and others facing barriers to work.

The DWP says Jobcentres will continue working with employers and community partners throughout the summer to help fill vacancies and support economic growth across Wales.

Ten more defendants dealt with after disorder following deaths of two teenagers

EMOTIONAL scenes broke out at Cardiff Crown Court as another ten defendants were sentenced over the Ely riot which followed the deaths of teenagers Kyrees Sullivan and Harvey Evans.

The boys, aged 16 and 15, died in May 2023 when an e-bike crashed in the Ely area of Cardiff. Their deaths led to a night of serious disorder, with police attacked, vehicles set alight and missiles thrown in the street.

On Thursday (June 18), Judge Tracey Lloyd-Clarke had to warn the public gallery after gasps, tears and shouted comments during the hearing.

Seven men were jailed for their roles in the violence.

Zayne Farrugia, 26, from Caerau, received the longest sentence of the day at six years. The court heard he joined the front line of the confrontation and threw a number of missiles at police.

Jordan Webster, 30, from Ely, was jailed for five years and seven months. He threw stones and helped move debris into the road as officers tried to bring the disorder under control.

Jamie Bateman, 27, from Caerau, was sentenced to five years and nine months after the court heard he threw missiles and encouraged others to use broken paving slabs during the riot.

Liam Williams, 21, from Rumney, was jailed for four years and three months after bringing fuel and aerosol cans to the scene, which were later used by others to feed a fire.

Jamie Jones, 25, from Llanrumney, was sentenced to five years and two months, while Jayden Westcott, 21, from Ely, received the same term. James Chappell, 31, from Barry, was jailed for four years and four months.

Three women, who were all teenagers at the time of the riot, avoided immediate prison sentences.

Lianna Tucker, 20, from Ely, Jasmine Smith, 21, from Heath, and Jumana Fouad, 19, from Ely, were each handed 24-month community orders with rehabilitation requirements.

The court was told that rumours about the crash had spread quickly on the night, fuelling anger in the crowd. What began as a gathering of upset residents developed into hours of violence, with officers pelted with objects including bricks, bottles, tiles and other debris.

Ten defendants were sentenced on Wednesday, and the hearings are continuing, with 30 people due to be sentenced in total.