News

Bottle return scheme for Wales to start in 2027 — but without glass refunds

Published

8 months ago

July 16, 2025

WALES will now launch its long-awaited bottle and can return scheme in step with the rest of the UK on 1 October 2027 — but despite earlier promises, there will be no refunds for glass bottles at the start.

The Welsh Government has confirmed it will no longer go it alone with a separate scheme, after previously threatening to break away over Westminster’s refusal to include glass. Instead, ministers have agreed to match the UK-wide approach and will implement the scheme alongside England, Scotland and Northern Ireland.

Under the new system, a small deposit will be added to drinks sold in plastic or metal containers, which shoppers can reclaim when they return the empties. Glass bottles, however, will be collected but won’t carry a refundable deposit — at least not at first.

Deputy First Minister Huw Irranca-Davies said the change in position followed “clear feedback from industry” that running a separate scheme in Wales would cause extra costs and confusion. The move has drawn criticism from some quarters, with Plaid Cymru’s Llyr Gruffydd calling it a “U-turn” and accusing ministers of trying to have it both ways.

The Welsh Government insists glass remains “within scope” of the scheme, but officials say a “grace period” will apply before any deposit is charged, giving businesses time to adjust labelling and distribution systems. No timeline has been set for when that grace period will end.

Industry groups have welcomed the decision to align with the rest of the UK for plastic and metal containers, but have criticised the inclusion of glass at all — warning it could add unnecessary complexity and cost without delivering the full environmental benefits intended.

Plaid Cymru’s Mr Gruffydd said the government had offered a confusing message: “Only a few weeks ago we were told glass would be included from the start, with no compromise. Now they’ve clearly shifted position. It feels like they’re trying to ride two horses.”

Welsh Conservative MS Janet Finch-Saunders also criticised the Labour government’s handling of the scheme, saying its “disjointed” approach reflected a long-running desire to diverge from Westminster for the sake of it.

Despite the political wrangling, the scheme is now set for a firm UK-wide launch date of 1 October 2027. In Wales, the first phase will focus on plastic and metal containers, with a wider rollout to follow — including trials to expand reuse.

Entertainment

Action-packed Easter fun set for Carew Castle

Published

1 minute ago

March 23, 2026

Tom Sinclair

A HOST of family-friendly adventures will bring Carew Castle to life this Easter, with a packed programme of events running from Saturday (Mar 28) to Sunday (Apr 19).

Set against the dramatic tidal reach and managed by the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority, the historic castle will once again become a hub of activity, offering everything from treasure hunts and medieval weapon displays to science workshops and live storytelling.

Egg hunts and medieval action

A brand-new Great Golden Egg Hunt will challenge children to explore the castle’s winding passageways and hidden corners in search of clues. Running daily from 10:00am to 4:00pm throughout the school holidays, the activity costs £2.50 per child in addition to normal admission.

Young visitors can also step back in time with Hands-On: Weapons and Armour sessions, held daily between 10:30am and 11:30am from Monday (Mar 30) to Sunday (Apr 12). Children will have the chance to handle replica weapons, try on armour, and experience medieval combat demonstrations at no extra cost.

The popular Find the Key! treasure hunt also returns, beginning at 3:00pm from the gatehouse. Running on selected days between Monday (Mar 30) and Sunday (Apr 12), the challenge invites children to track down the correct key to unlock a treasure chest.

Magic, stories and science

Creative youngsters can enjoy Magical Makes with Whimsical Wildlings on Tuesday (Apr 14), Wednesday (Apr 15) and Thursday (Apr 16), with drop-in craft sessions held in the castle’s undercroft from 10:30am to 2:00pm.

Meanwhile, Storymaster’s Quests: Tower of Doooooom! will take place on selected dates in early April, offering an interactive multimedia adventure created by author and games designer Oliver McNeil. The audience will shape the fate of their own hero in a tale filled with dragons, traps and treasure.

Hands-on learning continues with Wild Science sessions, featuring activities such as marine exploration, fossil hunting, owl pellet investigations and beginner bird walks.

Trebuchet returns

One of the highlights of the programme will be the launch of the castle’s giant trebuchet on Tuesday (Mar 31) and Tuesday (Apr 7) at 2:30pm, as the medieval siege engine is brought roaring back into action.

Daisy Hughes, Manager at Carew Castle, said: “Carew is an extraordinary place at any time of year, but Easter gives us the opportunity to really showcase everything it has to offer. The Weapons and Armour sessions in particular are always a favourite – there’s nothing quite like seeing a child’s face when they first lift a medieval sword.”

For full event details, visit the castle’s website.

Crime

Armed police attend knife-related incident in Fishguard street

Published

6 minutes ago

March 23, 2026

Tom Sinclair

ARMED police were deployed to a residential street in Fishguard this evening following reports of a teenage boy with a knife.

The incident happened in the Dan y Bryn area on Sunday evening (Mar 23).

Armed police negotiated with the suspect, persuading him to hand over the weapon. He was subsequently detained, handcuffed, and taken away in an ambulance.

The situation was brought under control without any reported injuries.

There is currently no official statement from police, and the Herald has contacted Dyfed-Powys Police for further information.

News

Control of £547m Local Growth Fund returns to Wales

Published

20 minutes ago

March 23, 2026

Tom Sinclair

CONTROL of a £547m Local Growth Fund has been returned to the Welsh Government, with ministers setting out plans to use the money to boost the nation’s economy over the next three years.

During a visit to Ebbw Vale on Friday (Mar 20), First Minister Eluned Morgan is expected to outline details of a new Investment Plan, endorsed by both the Welsh and UK governments. The plan sets out how funding will be allocated across priority areas and within Wales’ four economic regions.

The fund will focus on three key areas: supporting productive and competitive businesses, improving skills and helping people into work, and investing in infrastructure.

Ministers say the programme is designed to empower regional decision-making while targeting areas with the greatest economic need. The aim is to increase productivity, support business growth and create better-paid jobs across Wales.

Funding will be distributed based on tailored regional plans, reflecting local strengths and opportunities, including sectors such as advanced manufacturing and clean energy.

The First Minister, Eluned Morgan said: “I’m really pleased decisions on this post-EU funding, which is so important in supporting regional and local economic growth in Wales, are being returned to the Welsh Government.

“We want to use all the levers we have to stimulate economic growth, especially in parts of Wales where economic inactivity and unemployment are higher and wages are lower.”

The Cabinet Secretary for Economy, Energy and Planning, Rebecca Evans added: “The Local Growth Fund for Wales will help create and secure jobs in key industries, providing exciting opportunities for people to develop high-quality, long-term careers.

“We will work with local government and other partners to ensure the fund is used effectively to create jobs, unlock growth and deliver for Wales.”

Secretary of State for Wales, Jo Stevens said: “This transformational funding will create jobs, boost productivity and support economic growth across all parts of Wales.

“Decisions about how funding is used in Wales are best made in Wales, and this agreement delivers our commitment to return control of post-EU funding to Wales.

“It is another example of the UK and Welsh governments working together to deliver for our communities.”