Business

Dŵr Cymru enters new era amid job cuts, controversy and leadership change

Published

3 months ago

September 11, 2025

Incoming CEO faces backlash over Australian record as 500 roles set to go

Dŵr Cymru Welsh Water has appointed Roch Cheroux as its next Chief Executive, with the former Sydney Water boss due to join the company on 6 October 2025. He will take over full leadership in early 2026 following the retirement of long-serving CEO Peter Perry.

Perry, who announced in April that he will step down next spring, has worked in the water industry for over 45 years. His departure comes at a turbulent time for the not-for-profit utility, with widespread concern over environmental failures, rising bills, and now, a major redundancy programme.

500 job losses confirmed

The announcement of up to 500 job losses over the next two years has sparked alarm among trade unions and community leaders. Critics warn that cutting a significant portion of the workforce could weaken essential frontline services such as leak repairs, sewage control, and environmental monitoring—areas where the company has already been under fire.

Unions have described the move as a blow to morale and say it raises serious questions about whether Dŵr Cymru can meet its performance targets while reducing its staff base so drastically.

The timing of the cuts—coinciding with a change in leadership—has only intensified scrutiny. Opposition politicians and campaigners are calling for greater transparency and urging the incoming CEO to set out how he plans to protect service levels amid the restructuring.

Leadership from overseas

Cheroux, a French national, has more than 30 years’ experience in the global water industry. His previous roles include leadership positions at South Australia Water, SUEZ, United Utilities Australia, Tallinn Water, and Bouygues.

Speaking about his new role, he said it was “a real privilege” to join a company with a clear public purpose and a not-for-profit model that prioritises communities. He said Welsh Water’s ambitious investment plans and proposed regulatory reforms made it an exciting time to come on board.

Jane Hanson CBE, Chair of Glas Cymru—which owns Dŵr Cymru—said Cheroux was selected following an international recruitment process involving candidates from Wales, the UK and beyond. She praised his record on customer service and operational delivery, calling him the best candidate to lead the company into its next phase.

Controversy in Australia

Cheroux’s appointment has not been without controversy. During his time at Sydney Water, he was strongly criticised by the Australian Services Union (ASU), which accused him of leading a period of outsourcing, poor worker consultation, and attempts to impose unfavourable changes to employment agreements.

The union also claimed his departure was not voluntary, with some reports suggesting he had been sacked by the board. The company did not publicly confirm the circumstances of his exit.

In Wales, political pressure is growing. The Welsh Liberal Democrats have called on Cheroux to publicly commit to maintaining Dŵr Cymru’s not-for-profit status and rule out any move towards water privatisation.

A company under pressure

Cheroux inherits a utility facing intense public scrutiny. Dŵr Cymru has been criticised for its environmental record, including high volumes of sewage discharges, widespread leaks, and missed performance targets. Executive pay has also been a point of contention, with outgoing CEO Peter Perry receiving £892,000 in total remuneration in 2021.

Campaigners say the new CEO must focus on cleaning up the company’s act—literally and figuratively—and that job cuts should not come at the expense of essential services.

With hundreds of livelihoods on the line, public trust at a low point, and political pressure mounting, the months ahead will be a key test of whether Welsh Water’s new leadership can truly deliver a better future for customers, workers and the environment.

Business

First wind turbine components arrive as LNG project moves ahead

Published

8 hours ago

December 4, 2025

Tom Sinclair

THE FIRST ship carrying major components for Dragon LNG’s new onshore wind turbines docked at Pembroke Port last week, marking the start of physical deliveries for the multi-million-pound renewable energy project.

The Maltese-registered general cargo vessel Peak Bergen berthed at Pembroke Dock on Wednesday 26^th November, bringing tower sections and other heavy components for the three Enercon turbines that will eventually stand on land adjacent to the existing gas terminal at Waterston.

A second vessel, the Irish-flagged Wilson Flex IV, has arrived in Pembroke Port today (Thursday) carrying the giant rotor blades.

The deliveries follow a successful trial convoy on 25 November, when police-escorted low-loader trailers carried dummy loads along the planned route from the port through Pembroke, past Waterloo roundabout and up the A477 to the Dragon LNG site.

Dragon LNG’s Community and Social Performance Officer, Lynette Round, confirmed the latest movements in emails to the Herald.

“The Peak Bergen arrived last week with the first components,” she said. “We are expecting another delivery tomorrow (Thursday) onboard the Wilson Flex IV. This will be blades and is currently showing an ETA of approximately 03:30.”

The £14.3 million project, approved by Welsh Ministers last year, will see three turbines with a combined capacity of up to 13.5 MW erected on company-owned land next to the LNG terminal. Once operational – expected in late 2026 – they will generate enough electricity to power the entire site, significantly reducing its carbon footprint.

The Weather conditions were favourable for the arrival of the Wilson Flex IV, which was tracking south of the Smalls at midnight.

The abnormal-load convoys carrying the components from the port to Waterston are expected to begin early next year, subject to final police and highway approvals.

A community benefit fund linked to the project will provide for residents in nearby Waterston, Llanstadwell and Neyland.

Further updates will be issued by Dragon LNG as the Port of Milford Haven as the delivery programme continues.

Photo: Martin Cavaney

Business

Cardiff Airport announces special Air France flights for Six Nations

Published

12 hours ago

December 4, 2025

Tom Sinclair

Direct services to Paris-Charles de Gaulle launched to cater for Welsh supporters, French fans and couples planning a Valentine’s getaway

CARDIFF AIRPORT and Air France have unveiled a series of special direct flights between Cardiff (CWL) and Paris-Charles de Gaulle (CDG) scheduled for February 2026.

Timed to coincide with two major dates — the Wales v France Six Nations clash on Saturday 15 February and Valentine’s weekend — the flights are designed to offer supporters and holidaymakers an easy link between the two capitals.

For travelling French rugby fans, the services provide a straightforward route into Wales ahead of match day at the Principality Stadium, when Cardiff will once again be transformed by the colour, noise and passion that accompanies one of the tournament’s most eagerly awaited fixtures.

For Welsh passengers, the additional flights offer a seamless escape to Paris for Valentine’s Day, as well as opportunities for short breaks and onward travel via Air France’s wider global network.

Cardiff Airport CEO Jon Bridge said: “We’re thrilled to offer direct flights to such a vibrant and exciting city for Valentine’s weekend. Cardiff Airport is expanding its reach and giving customers fantastic travel options. We’ve listened to passenger demand and are delighted to make this opportunity possible. There is more to come from Cardiff.”

Tickets are already on sale via the Air France website and through travel agents.

Special flight schedule

Paris (CDG) → Cardiff (CWL):

13 February 2026: AF4148 departs 17:00 (arrives 17:30)
14 February 2026: AF4148 departs 14:00 (arrives 14:30)
15 February 2026: AF4148 departs 08:00 (arrives 08:30)
15 February 2026: AF4150 departs 19:40 (arrives 20:10)
16 February 2026: AF4148 departs 08:00 (arrives 08:30)
16 February 2026: AF4150 departs 16:30 (arrives 17:00)

Cardiff (CWL) → Paris (CDG):

13 February 2026: AF4149 departs 18:20 (arrives 20:50)
14 February 2026: AF4149 departs 15:20 (arrives 17:50)
15 February 2026: AF4149 departs 09:20 (arrives 11:50)
15 February 2026: AF4151 departs 21:00 (arrives 23:30)
16 February 2026: AF4149 departs 09:20 (arrives 11:50)
16 February 2026: AF4151 departs 17:50 (arrives 20:20)

Business

Cwm Deri Vineyard Martletwy holiday lets plans deferred

Published

20 hours ago

December 4, 2025

Bruce Sinclair - Local Democracy Reporter

CALLS to convert a former vineyard restaurant in rural Pembrokeshire which had been recommended for refusal has been given a breathing space by planners.

In an application recommended for refusal at the December meeting of Pembrokeshire County Council’s planning committee, Barry Cadogan sought permission for a farm diversification and expansion of an existing holiday operation through the conversion of the redundant former Cwm Deri vineyard production base and restaurant to three holiday lets at Oaklea, Martletwy.

It was recommended for refusal on the grounds of the open countryside location being contrary to planning policy and there was no evidence submitted that the application would not increase foul flows and that nutrient neutrality in the Pembrokeshire Marine SAC would be achieved within this catchment.

An officer report said that, while the scheme was suggested as a form of farm diversification, no detail had been provided in the form of a business case.

Speaking at the meeting, agent Andrew Vaughan-Harries of Hayston Developments & Planning Ltd, after the committee had enjoyed a seasonal break for mince pies, said of the recommendation for refusal: “I’m a bit grumpy over this one; the client has done everything right, he has talked with the authority and it’s not in retrospect but has had a negative report from your officers.”

He said the former Cwm Deri vineyard had been a very successful business, with a shop and a restaurant catering for ‘100 covers’ before it closed two three years ago when the original owner relocated to Carmarthenshire.

He said Mr Cadogan then bought the site, farming over 36 acres and running a small campsite of 20 spaces, but didn’t wish to run a café or a wine shop; arguing the “beautiful kitchen” and facilities would easily convert to holiday let use.

He said a “common sense approach” showed a septic tank that could cope with a restaurant of “100 covers” could cope with three holiday lets, describing the nitrates issue as “a red herring”.

He suggested a deferral for further information to be provided by the applicant, adding: “This is a big, missed opportunity if we just kick this out today, there’s a building sitting there not creating any jobs.”

On the ‘open countryside’ argument, he said that while many viewed Martletwy as “a little bit in the sticks” there was already permission for the campsite, and the restaurant, and the Bluestone holiday park and the Wild Lakes water park were roughly a mile or so away.

He said converting the former restaurant would “be an asset to bring it over to tourism,” adding: “We don’t all want to stay in Tenby or the Ty Hotel in Milford Haven.”

While Cllr Nick Neuman felt the nutrients issue could be overcome, Cllr Michael Williams warned the application was “clearly outside policy,” recommending it be refused.

A counter-proposal, by Cllr Tony Wilcox, called for a site visit before any decision was made, the application returning to a future committee; members voting seven to three in favour of that.