News

Bus operators urge Welsh Government to tackle congestion and clarify funding

Published

9 months ago

July 25, 2025

Industry welcomes Senedd report but warns legislation needs detail to succeed

THE BODY representing Welsh bus companies has welcomed a Senedd committee report on proposed new transport legislation — but warned that without clear funding plans and action on congestion, the Welsh Government’s ambitions risk stalling.

The Confederation of Passenger Transport (CPT Cymru), which speaks for operators across Wales, issued a formal response to the Climate Change, Environment, and Infrastructure Committee’s scrutiny of the Buses Services (Wales) Bill.

The draft legislation, introduced earlier this year, aims to give local authorities and Transport for Wales greater control over bus services, with the goal of creating a more integrated, reliable, and affordable public transport system. It proposes a franchising model that would allow councils to determine routes and timetables — similar to recent reforms in Greater Manchester.

The Senedd committee broadly welcomed the Bill but raised concerns over its practical delivery, especially regarding funding, procurement processes, and the capacity of local authorities to implement reforms.

Responding to the report, CPT Cymru Director Aaron Hill said bus operators supported the aims of the legislation but emphasised that significant barriers remain.

“Bus operators welcome the Senedd Committee’s conclusions which echo many of the concerns expressed by the industry,” he said. “We support the Welsh Government’s focus on improving bus services nationwide. But to deliver lasting improvements in public transport, the Government needs to tackle chronic road congestion which is slowing down buses. That means investing in bus priority and in better co-ordination of streetworks.”

Mr Hill said operators were committed to working with both the Welsh Government and Transport for Wales, but stressed the urgent need for greater transparency on how services will be funded and managed under the new system.

“We need a much greater level of detail on funding and the procurement of the future bus network if the Bill is to be a success,” he said.

He added that the reforms must keep passengers at the centre of planning: “As legislation progresses through the Senedd, the Welsh Government must remain focused on customers and on value for money so that every journey in Wales counts.”

The Buses Services (Wales) Bill forms part of a wider transport strategy, aiming to reduce car dependency, lower emissions, and improve access to essential services — particularly in rural and underserved areas.

However, bus operators have warned that unless wider infrastructure issues such as congestion, roadworks, and unreliable journey times are addressed, the reforms risk failing to deliver on their promises.

The Bill is currently moving through the Senedd’s legislative process, with amendments and detailed scrutiny expected over the coming months.

News

Lifeboat launched after pleasure boat suffers engine failure off Tenby

Published

9 hours ago

May 2, 2026

Tom Sinclair

A 21ft PLEASURE boat was towed to safety after suffering engine failure between Lydstep and Giltar.

TENBY’S all-weather lifeboat was requested to launch shortly after 10:00am on Friday (May 1), after the occupants of the vessel reported that they had lost engine power.

The volunteer crew were quickly on the water and arrived at the scene around 10 minutes later.

After speaking with those on board, and with the boat in danger of drifting onto rocks, the crew decided the safest course of action was to tow the vessel back towards Saundersfoot.

Once at Saundersfoot, and with the tide out, the pleasure boat was moored in the bay. Its occupants were then taken ashore using the lifeboat’s Y-boat, where they were met by members of Tenby Coastguard Rescue Team.

The lifeboat returned to station at 11:25am.

Launch photo: Judd Kohler, St Davids Lifeboat Deputy Coxswain.

Charity

Homeless charity plans ‘safe haven’ centre with accommodation and training

Published

9 hours ago

May 2, 2026

Tom Sinclair

A new community project aims to tackle gaps in support for people living on the streets

A NEW community initiative is aiming to provide a “safe haven” for homeless people in west Wales, offering accommodation, training and round-the-clock support.

Safe Haven Homeless CIC has been set up by founder Dave Thomas, who said the idea came after witnessing the struggles faced by people sleeping rough in Carmarthen and Aberystwyth.

He described seeing individuals forced out of temporary camps, including one case where fencing was erected to prevent a homeless person returning to a former site.

Mr Thomas said: “We spoke to people who simply couldn’t access help because they had no fixed address or internet access. That was a real eye-opener.”

Research carried out by the group found that while a number of organisations provide advice and outreach support, there is a lack of safe, stable accommodation offering a full package of services.

The Herald understands that demand for housing remains high, with waiting lists for social housing stretching to around two years in some cases, particularly for those not in priority groups.

The project aims to address this by purchasing a property with land to create a multi-use support centre.

Plans include a main building with communal living areas, a kitchen, counselling rooms, IT facilities and training spaces, alongside outdoor accommodation such as bell tents and log cabins.

The site would also include recreational and work-based facilities, including a workshop, greenhouse, gym and fishing lake, designed to support wellbeing and provide opportunities for skills development.

Mr Thomas said the centre would be staffed 24 hours a day to ensure continuous support, addressing a gap where many services only operate during office hours.

The initiative also aims to become partly self-sustaining, with income generated through a small campsite, training activities and partnerships with external organisations.

Support networks are already being developed, including links with counsellors, charities and local businesses willing to offer employment opportunities to those using the service.

The organisation is being run by a team of directors alongside Mr Thomas, and is also building connections with other community projects in the region.

Mr Thomas added: “We believe this is a new and dynamic way to support homeless people. It’s about giving them not just a place to stay, but real support to rebuild their lives.”

Business

Ty Bert Caribbean Kitchen brings taste of the Caribbean to Newport

Published

13 hours ago

May 2, 2026

Tom Sinclair

A NEW café has opened in Newport, Pembrokeshire, bringing Caribbean flavours to the seaside town — with affordable bed and breakfast accommodation also planned for the near future.

Ty Bert Caribbean Kitchen has opened in the former youth hostel at the old school on Lower St Mary Street.

The venture is being run by Newport local Roberta James, who hopes to reopen the building’s five bedrooms as budget accommodation as soon as possible.

The café, which opened earlier this month, serves Caribbean dishes including jerk chicken, barbecue pork belly and goat curry, alongside more traditional options such as baked potatoes, tea, coffee, hot chocolate, cold drinks and cake.

Roberta said the idea began after she responded to a Facebook post by Newport Town Council asking what the hostel, which had been closed since Covid, could be used for.

Soon afterwards, she was putting together a business plan and submitting it to Pembrokeshire County Council, drawing on her family’s background in catering and hospitality.

“I wanted to bring it back as a hostel but also have a place for the community and somewhere to use for events and groups,” she said.

The Caribbean theme was inspired by a holiday to Antigua.

Roberta said: “I am a foodie and I loved the food there. It was simple and flavoursome.”

She is recreating those flavours with the help of her friend Jason, who is from the Caribbean.

Box meals are available to eat in or take away, with protein mains served with rice, potato, coleslaw and salad for £12.95.

“The menu is perfect for families or for people that like a bit of spice and something a bit different,” Roberta said.

Customers have already been taking meals down to the beach or Parrog, while those eating in can use the downstairs café seating or a large family-friendly room upstairs, complete with big tables and board games.

Roberta said: “The response has been really good. We have had a lot of the locals coming in. They have been really supportive.

“During the Easter holidays we had tourists coming in. They really enjoyed having something different and reasonably priced.”

Ty Bert Caribbean Kitchen is currently open from Friday to Monday, from 12:00pm to 8:00pm, with plans to open on Thursdays later in the season. Diners are also welcome to bring a bottle with their meal.

Roberta said she hopes to open the hostel as soon as possible. Painting parties have already been held to freshen up the two dormitory rooms, two double rooms and one family room.

She is now waiting for Pembrokeshire County Council, which is leasing the property to her, to repair the boiler.

Roberta said transforming the former hostel into boutique budget accommodation, while creating the café, had been a real community effort, with friends and local businesses pitching in.

“There have been lots of lovely people in the community offering to help,” she said. “They want us to succeed, which is really nice.”

More information is available on the Ty Bert Facebook page.