Business

Bus strikes to hit west Wales as pay row deepens

Published

1 month ago

October 25, 2025

Drivers reject “above-inflation” offer – passengers warned of disruption

BUS services across south and west Wales – including routes serving Pembrokeshire, Carmarthenshire, Swansea and Bridgend – are set to be severely disrupted as drivers at First Cymru confirm strike action in a deepening pay dispute.

Unite the Union has announced that industrial action will take place between Wednesday (Oct 30) and Saturday (Nov 2), and again from Wednesday (Nov 5) to Saturday (Nov 8), following the rejection of the company’s latest pay offer.

‘Above-inflation’ offer rejected

Doug Claringbold, Managing Director for First Bus in Cymru, said: “We are disappointed for our customers that the above-inflation pay offer we made to our colleagues, including drivers, has been rejected and that they will now face disruption.

“Throughout this extensive negotiation process, we have listened to Unite the Union member feedback and made a number of offers to try and settle this dispute, to ensure customers who rely on our services are not affected by strike action.

“Unfortunately, rather than work with us to find a resolution, Unite the Union has decided to press ahead with strikes, affecting our customers. Our door remains open to negotiation.”

Mr Claringbold said further details of affected routes would be posted shortly on the First Cymru website.

A previous round of strikes in October was suspended when the company made a new offer. At the time, Mr Claringbold said: “We are pleased that the union has decided to suspend its planned strikes for four days from October 22 while its members consider our new pay offer. We have always committed to working with Unite the Union to try and settle this dispute to avoid unnecessary disruption to customers.”

Union accuses operator of ‘dragging its feet’

Unite, which represents around 350 drivers and engineers at depots in Swansea, Carmarthen and Haverfordwest, has accused First Cymru of “dragging its feet” and refusing to fully back-date pay increases.

Regional officer Richard Thomas said earlier this month that drivers had been left with “no choice but to strike” after years of below-par pay rises.

He said: “First Cymru drivers have had enough of being treated as second-class compared to other bus workers across Wales. They’ve kept services running through COVID, they’ve shown loyalty and professionalism, yet the company still refuses to pay them what they’re worth.”

Unite says that while the company’s pay offer is technically above inflation, it fails to correct long-standing disparities in rates and conditions between depots.

Local impact

First Cymru operates the majority of local bus routes in west Wales, including key commuter and school services between Milford Haven, Haverfordwest, Pembroke Dock, Carmarthen and Swansea.

During strike periods, only a limited emergency timetable is expected to run, with priority likely given to hospital and college routes. Pembrokeshire County Council said it was “monitoring the situation closely” and will publish any school transport updates on its website once confirmed.

Passengers are urged to check the First Cymru website before travelling and to allow extra time for journeys. Rural areas could face the most serious disruption, particularly on early-morning and evening services.

Background

Negotiations between the company and Unite began in late summer. A first wave of strikes in September was called off when a revised offer was made, but subsequent ballots saw members vote overwhelmingly to resume action.

The dispute has shone a light on wider pressures across the Welsh bus sector – including driver shortages, high fuel and insurance costs, and uncertainty following the end of the Welsh Government’s post-COVID support scheme.

First Cymru is part of First Group plc, which operates services across the UK. Unite argues that the parent company has reported strong profits and should “share success fairly with the workforce”.

What happens next

Talks between Unite and First Cymru are continuing, but no agreement has yet been reached. If no settlement is found before the end of the month, buses will remain off the road for a total of eight days, affecting thousands of commuters, students and shoppers across west Wales.

The Herald understands the dispute could escalate further if progress is not made before November.

Passengers are advised to visit firstbus.co.uk for live service information.

Business

Holiday lets allowed to stay at Narberth dairy farm

Published

20 hours ago

December 5, 2025

Bruce Sinclair - Local Democracy Reporter

A CALL for a Pembrokeshire dairy farm to keep two “alternative” holiday pods sited without permission as a way of diversifying in an uncertain industry has been given the go-ahead.

In an application recommended for approval at the December meeting of Pembrokeshire County Council’s planning committee, Vaynor Farm Ltd sought retrospective permission for the siting of two self-catering holiday accommodation pods at The Cart House, Vaynor Farm, Bethesda, near Narberth as part of a farm diversification enterprise.

It was before committee members as it was recommended for delegated conditional approval by senior officers despite being against the development plan.

Previous retrospective schemes, for two self-catering pods along with an application to retain a shepherd hut accommodation pod at another farm, a part of the Vaynor Farm farm enterprise, were refused in 2023 and 2025, the latter due to “an unjustified and harmful impact on the character and appearance of the open countryside”.

Detailing the current application, an officer report for members said the pods: Vaynor Farm Pod within the garden of The Cart House, and The Paddock Pod, on the edge of a small paddock, were constructed off-site and have been transported to their current locations, with external decking, hot tubs, a barbecue area and car parking provided for each pod.

It added: “A business plan has been submitted with the application, which explains that due to uncertainties associated with dairy farming, the applicant has sought to diversify the farm enterprise to incorporate tourism accommodation.

“The application makes the case that the proposed development represents farm diversification. It is acknowledged that the development has resulted in the provision of an alternative type of holiday accommodation for which it has been demonstrated there is a demand, contributing to the diversity and quality of accommodation available within the county and supporting an existing farm business, with consequent economic and social benefits.

“Evidence has been provided that demonstrates the extent to which the pods have provided income which has been used to support the farm business.

“However, officers consider that should planning permission be granted, a [planning obligation] will be necessary to ensure that the accommodation pods continue to support the farm business and are not separated from it at some future point in time.”

Delegated conditional approval limiting the use and occupation of the self-catering accommodation pods to short term holiday use only was moved by Cllr Brian Hall and unanimously backed by committee members.

Business

First wind turbine components arrive as LNG project moves ahead

Published

1 day 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

1 day 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):