News

Potholes across Wales fixed and prevented with local government fund

Published

9 months ago

June 26, 2025

LOCAL roads across Wales are being fixed as work begins as a result of a scheme which is unlocking up to £120m for local councils

The Cabinet Secretary for Transport and North Wales Ken Skates today visited one of the first roads to benefit, the A548 in Conwy County between Abergele and Llangernyw.

The local government borrowing initiative provides an extra £10m of revenue funding to local councils to enable them to unlock an additional £120m over two years of capital funding to accelerate the process of fixing our local roads and pavements.

The funding boost will see an extra 600km of the local road network resurfaced this financial year. Roads that are most in need of repairs will be renewed, with over 200,000 thousand potholes fixed and prevented, and pavements repaired in local authorities across Wales.

The scheme has been designed in close partnership with the Welsh Local Government Association (WLGA).

All 22 local authories have been awarded funding to help them unlock the funding to fix roads on their networks across Wales. Work has already started in some local authorities and this will fix thousands of potholes and prevent hundreds of thousands in future years.

In Conwy County the work on the A548 means approximately 14km of resurfacing which will fix and prevent approximately 4000 potholes. Part of the road has already been completed as part of the scheme, making it one of the first to benefit.

Ken Skates said: “Fixing our roads is a priority for this government. Not only are we providing an extra £25m to fix and prevent potholes on our strategic road network, but we are also supporting local authorities to fix local roads.

“This will deliver a real difference to communities across Wales, fixing problems now and making our roads more resilient for the future. I look forward to seeing more and more local roads fixed over the next months.”

Cllr Goronwy Edwards, Conwy’s Cabinet Member for Infrastructure, Transport and Facilities, said: “We welcome this funding from Welsh Government to improve the condition of our roads. Our road network is the Council’s largest and most valuable asset and is really important to our residents. Alongside £2M of Council investment, it means we will be spending over £6M this year on road resurfacing – to repair existing potholes and surface treatments to reduce new potholes forming.”

Business

Wolfscastle spa earns prestigious AA recognition

Published

9 minutes ago

March 21, 2026

Tom Sinclair

WOLFSCASTLE COUNTRY HOTEL and Spa in Pembrokeshire is celebrating national recognition after its luxury spa was included in the prestigious AA Recommended Spa Awards.

The accolade highlights the hotel’s commitment to delivering high-quality wellbeing experiences, exceptional service, and first-class facilities.

The AA Recommended Spa status is awarded to venues that provide an outstanding guest experience, combining professional expertise, premium treatments, and a relaxing environment. The recognition places Wolfscastle among a select group of leading spa destinations across the UK.

Grace, Levi and Bethan, full-time spa therapists at the award-winning Wolfscastle Spa.
Hot stone massage in the Wolfscastle Country Hotel & Spa treatment room.

The spa, which has been open for nine years, has established itself as one of Pembrokeshire’s top wellness destinations, welcoming both hotel guests and day visitors seeking relaxation in a tranquil countryside setting.

Facilities include hydrotherapy experiences, thermal suites, and dedicated relaxation areas, alongside a wide range of luxury treatments designed to help guests unwind and recharge.

Bethan, Spa Manager at Wolfscastle Country Hotel & Spa, said: “We’re absolutely delighted to be recognised by the AA as a Recommended Spa. The team here work really hard to make sure every guest feels relaxed, welcomed and properly looked after from the moment they arrive.

“To receive this recognition is very special for us and reflects the care and effort our therapists put into every treatment.”

The award further strengthens the hotel’s reputation as one of West Wales’ leading hospitality destinations, offering award-winning dining, boutique accommodation, and premium wellness experiences.

Guests can enjoy spa days, overnight breaks, and tailored treatments throughout the year.

For more information or to book, visit www.wolfscastle.com.

The hotel is also marking a significant milestone this year, with owner Andrew Stirling celebrating 50 years at the helm.

Crime

Four deny murder of Caerphilly teenager

Published

3 hours ago

March 21, 2026

Tom Sinclair

FOUR people have pleaded not guilty to the murder of a 17-year-old boy.

Ricardo Elliot, aged 27, Connor Palfrey, aged 24, Elexi Manny, aged 24, and Georgie Mears, aged 18, appeared before Merthyr Tydfil Crown Court on Friday (March 20), where each denied killing Tristan Shae Kerr.

Emergency services were called to a property in Abertridwr, Caerphilly, at around 5:45pm on Wednesday (Feb 5) following reports that a teenage boy had suffered serious injuries. Despite efforts, Tristan was pronounced dead at the scene.

The court heard that the teenager is alleged to have been attacked with a so-called “zombie knife” measuring approximately nine to ten inches in length.

During the hearing, the four defendants spoke only to confirm their personal details and enter their pleas.

A trial is due to begin on August 3 and is expected to last around six weeks. A further pre-trial review has been scheduled for July 24.

All four defendants were remanded in custody.

Paying tribute after his death, Tristan’s family described him as a “deeply loved son, grandson, nephew, cousin and friend.”

They said he was quick-witted, with a love for motorbikes and adventure, adding that he had a natural energy that lit up every room and drew people towards him.

Crime

Broad Haven man remanded in custody over sexual harm prevention order breach

Published

22 hours ago

March 20, 2026

Court Reporter

Defendant admitted using Xbox without informing police as required under court order

ANTHONY COOMBES, aged 26, of Sand Banks, Broad Haven, appeared before Llanelli Magistrates’ Court on Thursday (Mar 20) charged with breaching a sexual harm prevention order.

The court heard that between February 26 and March 19, 2026, at Haverfordwest, Coombes repeatedly breached the order by using an Xbox device without informing police within three days, as required.

The offences relate to a sexual harm prevention order imposed at Swansea Crown Court on October 20, 2021.

Coombes indicated guilty pleas to the offences at the first hearing.

Magistrates committed the case to Swansea Crown Court for sentence.

He was remanded in custody ahead of the next hearing, which is due to take place at 9:00am on Friday, April 3, at Swansea Crown Court.

The court refused bail on the grounds that he was likely to offend, citing the nature and seriousness of the offences and his previous record and character.

A pre-sentence report was ordered.