Connect with us
Advertisement
Advertisement

News

Bus services to return to public control across Wales

Published

on

BUS services in Wales are set for their biggest transformation in a generation after the Senedd today passed a landmark Bill bringing routes back under public control.

The Bus Services (Wales) Bill will overhaul the way local bus networks are planned and delivered, giving the public sector far greater influence over how services run in both rural and urban communities. Ministers say the reforms will put passengers first by creating a network that is reliable, affordable and easier to navigate.

Working alongside local authorities, Corporate Joint Committees, bus operators, unions and the public, the Welsh Government and Transport for Wales will use local knowledge to design services that better reflect community needs. The long-term ambition is a fully integrated system offering one network, one timetable and one ticket across the whole of Wales.

The Bill also aims to tackle social isolation, cut transport emissions and lay the foundations for a modern, joined-up public transport system with simpler timetables and better access.

Cabinet Secretary for Transport and North Wales, Ken Skates, described the Bill’s approval as a “historic day” for Welsh public transport.

“This is a Bill that will transform the way bus services are delivered here in Wales, putting people and communities first with reliable, affordable and easy-to-use joined-up services,” he said.

“I understand this is a big change for the industry and will take time to implement across Wales, but the change is long overdue, and I’m excited about what we can deliver for the people of Wales by working in collaboration.”

The Welsh Government plans to introduce the reforms in phases:

  • South West Wales – 2027
  • North Wales – 2028
  • South East Wales – 2029
  • Mid Wales – 2030

The legislation marks a major step toward creating a fairer, greener and more connected transport system for Wales.

 

Local Government

Major improvement works completed at Fleming Crescent

Published

on

NEW roofs, structural upgrades and solar panels have been installed across three residential blocks at Fleming Crescent as part of a major housing improvement scheme.

Pembrokeshire County Council said the project has delivered safer, warmer and more energy-efficient homes for residents, with the full replacement of roofs serving 54 flats.

The works also included structural improvements designed to support the long-term performance of the buildings, alongside the installation of solar panels to help improve energy efficiency, reduce carbon emissions and lower energy costs for tenants.

The council received a funding contribution from the Welsh Government through the Optimised Retrofit Programme, which supports energy-efficiency improvements alongside wider investment works.

The scheme was completed on schedule, with W B Griffiths & Son Ltd appointed as the main contractor.

Cabinet Member for Housing, Cllr Michelle Bateman said: “Delivering a project of this scale on schedule is a significant achievement.

“The new roofs and external upgrades will help reduce future maintenance issues and improve the long-term resilience of the buildings, while the solar panels form an important part of our wider decarbonisation programme.

“By working closely with W B Griffiths & Son Ltd, we have delivered high-quality improvements that will benefit tenants both now and in the future.

“Pembrokeshire County Council continues to invest in housing improvements across the county, ensuring homes remain safe, modern, energy efficient and fit for the future.”

The project has also received national recognition after being shortlisted for a Constructing Excellence in Wales Award.

Neil Griffiths, Managing Director of W B Griffiths & Son Ltd, said: “We are proud to have delivered this important project at Fleming Crescent to a high standard and within the agreed timescales.

“The combination of full roof replacement and solar panel installation will provide long-term value, improve the performance of the buildings and support better outcomes for residents.

“It has been a pleasure to work in partnership with Pembrokeshire County Council on this scheme.”

 

Continue Reading

News

Tenby lifeboat tows yacht to safety after skipper falls ill near Caldey

Published

on

A YACHT was towed back to Tenby after its skipper became unwell off Caldey Island.

Tenby’s all-weather lifeboat was requested to launch at 1:40pm on Monday (Jun 15), after the coastguard received a call from the occupants of a yacht reporting that the skipper had become ill around one mile south of Caldey Island.

The volunteer crew quickly made their way to the vessel, which had three people and a dog on board.

Once alongside, the lifeboat crew discovered that the skipper was suffering badly from seasickness and that the other two people on board were unable to sail the yacht themselves.

After a full assessment by the coxswain, it was decided that the safest course of action was to tow the yacht back to Tenby. The vessel was drifting with the tide towards Caldey Island and was also considered a potential navigational hazard to other boats.

Two lifeboat crew members were placed aboard the yacht to help set up the tow and to monitor the unwell skipper during the journey back.

After a tow of around an hour, the yacht was placed on the lifeboat mooring in the calmer waters of North Bay.

The lifeboat then returned to station, arriving back at 3:15pm.

 

Continue Reading

Entertainment

Waverley marks 79th anniversary with Pembrokeshire sailings

Published

on

THE WORLD’S last seagoing paddle steamer will return to Pembrokeshire this week as Waverley marks the 79th anniversary of her maiden voyage.

The historic vessel will sail from Milford Haven and Tenby on Tuesday (Jun 16), with trips including a daytime cruise around Skokholm, Skomer, St Brides Bay and Ramsey Island from 11:30am to 4:30pm.

There will also be an evening sailing from Milford Haven at 5:00pm, travelling to St Govan’s Head, Caldey Island and along the Pembrokeshire coast, returning at 9:50pm.

Passengers can also join Waverley at Tenby, with sailings to Milford Haven and an evening cruise around Caldey Island and the coast.

On Wednesday (Jun 17), Waverley will make her only Fishguard visit of 2026, with an evening cruise to St David’s Head, passing Strumble Head Lighthouse, from 6:15pm to 9:15pm.

Tickets are available through Waverley Excursions.

 

Continue Reading

Business1 day ago

Celtic Freeport five-year plan puts Milford Haven at centre of green energy future

Strategy promises investment, skilled jobs and new supply chains, but major barriers remain over grid connections, planning and delivery THE...

Education1 day ago

Closure of Ysgol Clydau approved after emotional council debate

COUNCILLORS WARNED RURAL COMMUNITIES WILL REMEMBER DECISION PEMBROKESHIRE councillors have voted to close Ysgol Clydau following an emotional debate over...

Education1 day ago

Manorbier school closure process to continue after narrow council vote

Questions remain over insurance, rebuilding costs and possible legal action by Diocese PEMBROKESHIRE councillors have voted to press ahead with...

Community1 day ago

The father, son and daughter lifeguard trio saving lives in Pembrokeshire

A FATHER, son and daughter are preparing to help keep beachgoers safe on the Pembrokeshire coast this summer as part...

Community2 days ago

Beating of the Bounds brings music, boats and tradition to Haverfordwest

CENTURIES-OLD CEREMONY DRAWS FAMILIES TO THE RIVERSIDE HAVERFORDWEST’S historic Beating of the Bounds returned on Sunday (Jun 14), with boats,...

Community2 days ago

Milford Haven School pupil praised after stepping in during real-life emergency

A YEAR 11 pupil at Milford Haven School has been praised after putting his first aid training into action to...

Community2 days ago

River festival brings crowds to Haverfordwest

A CELEBRATION of the River Cleddau brought crowds into Haverfordwest on Saturday (June 13) as the town’s River Festival returned...

Charity2 days ago

Voices at the Castle hailed as unforgettable night after weather setback

Russell Watson headlines spectacular charity concert at Pembroke Castle A SPECTACULAR evening of live music at Pembroke Castle has been...

Local Government3 days ago

Council admits 74 rights of way complaints remain unresolved

Key post vacant since February as walker raises safety concerns over paths near Llanteg and Amroth PEMBROKESHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL has...

Education4 days ago

Diocese threatens legal action as Manorbier school closure battle intensifies

Church says council could face judicial review over fire-hit school A BITTER row over the future of Manorbier Church in...

Popular This Week