Local Government

Swansea Council denies turning down £50m airport investment

Published

3 months ago

December 16, 2025

Whistle-blower raised safety and funding questions as council insists no formal offer was made

SWANSEA COUNCIL l has denied claims that it turned down a £50m investment proposal for Swansea Airport, insisting it has not been formally approached by anyone other than the Swansea Airport Stakeholders Alliance (SASA) with a detailed offer.

The clarification comes after concerns were raised with the Herald by a whistleblower, who alleged biased treatment in favour of SASA, questioned operational standards at the airport, and suggested taxpayers may be indirectly funding its operation.

In a statement, a Swansea Council spokesperson said Cabinet had agreed to grant a long-term lease to SASA following a report outlining options for the site after a period of interim arrangements.

The spokesperson said the decision built on progress made since July last year, when SASA took temporary control of the airport after the previous operator surrendered its lease, allowing the site to remain open.

Council outlines reasons for lease decision

According to the council, since taking over, SASA has reinstated the airport’s Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) aerodrome licence following a successful audit, improved operational standards and compliance, introduced new amenities including a café, and attracted interest from businesses looking to relocate to the site.

SASA will be offered a lease on commercial terms, subject to independent valuation, with the council stating this will ensure best consideration as landlord.

“The airport had faced an uncertain future before we began working with SASA to put in place a management plan,” the spokesperson said.

Cabinet was told that pursuing alternative options would have required taking the site to market and reapplying for a CAA licence, which could have led to disruption and uncertainty.

Investment and taxpayer funding claims denied

Addressing claims that a £50m investment offer had been ignored, the council said: “We’ve not been formally approached by anyone other than SASA with any detailed offers for the operation of the airport.”

The spokesperson added that the council operates an “open door policy” and any interested party can request a meeting to discuss investment opportunities at any time.

The council also rejected suggestions that taxpayers are subsidising the airport, stating: “We plan to offer no financial support as part of any future agreement. The lease will be on commercial terms; all occupational costs will be an obligation of SASA.”

Safety and environmental concerns

The whistleblower also raised concerns about fire cover, staffing, and an alleged environmental incident involving firefighting foam entering drains.

In response, the council said the airport is a licensed facility and operational matters fall under the responsibility of the licensee and the CAA as the regulatory body. Officers had sight of the recent “positive CAA audit” which led to the reinstatement of the licence.

The council added that its officers had not been asked to investigate any recent environmental incidents.

Background to lease decision

The council’s decision follows a turbulent period for Swansea Airport after the previous operator surrendered its lease in 2024, placing the site’s future and Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) licence at risk.

In July last year, the Swansea Airport Stakeholders Alliance (SASA) stepped in on an interim basis to keep the airport open, with the CAA licence later reinstated following a successful audit.

Since then, the council says SASA has introduced a café, tightened operational standards, rebuilt confidence within the flying community and attracted interest from businesses looking to relocate to the site.

Cabinet approved the move to grant a long-term lease earlier this month, with council leader Rob Stewart previously saying that taking the airport back to market would have required a fresh CAA licence application, potentially leading to disruption and uncertainty.

Under the proposal, SASA will be offered a lease on commercial terms, subject to independent valuation, allowing it to invest in infrastructure while the council retains its role as landlord.

Ongoing scrutiny

The council said it remains committed to supporting aviation in Swansea while ensuring compliance with statutory requirements and best value principles.

The Herald understands that concerns continue to be raised by some within the local aviation community, and the situation will be kept under review.

Community

First person of colour to be elected mayor of Haverfordwest

Published

2 hours ago

March 21, 2026

Bruce Sinclair - Local Democracy Reporter

A PEMBROKESHIRE town council will soon have its first-ever person of colour as mayor, and its youngest mayor in a century.

Haverfordwest Town Councillor Randell Iziah Thomas-Turner, aged 37, is to become mayor this May.

Cllr Turner said: “Tonight [March 19], I had the honour of accepting the nomination as mayor-elect — a moment that will forever stay with me.

“In doing so, I am humbled to be making history as the first mayor of colour in Haverfordwest and the youngest mayor in a century. This is not just my achievement, it belongs to every person who believes in progress, representation, and the power of community. This is a new chapter for our town — one built on unity, opportunity, and hope.

“My mayor-making will take place this May, and I cannot wait to officially step into the role and begin serving the people of Haverfordwest with pride, passion, and purpose. Haverfordwest is the best in the West — and together, we are just getting started.

“Diversity is not a challenge to overcome, but a strength to embrace. When people from different backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives come together with respect and openness, we unlock new ideas, stronger solutions, and deeper understanding.”

It’s a double celebration for the Thomas-Turner family.

Wife, and fellow town councillor, Dani, has been voted as sheriff of the town for the second-year-running, the first woman to serve as sheriff for two consecutive years.

“The coming civic year will be one to watch as my husband Councillor Randell Izaiah Thomas-Turner is becoming the first mayor of colour in Haverfordwest’s history,” said Cllr Dani Thomas-Turner, adding: “It’s going to be a year of history and memory making for sure.”

Business

Pembrokeshire hospitality rates relief scheme backed

Published

3 hours ago

March 21, 2026

Bruce Sinclair - Local Democracy Reporter

A WELSH Government-funded scheme to provide rates relief for hospitality businesses has been backed by senior Pembrokeshire councillors.

A report for members of Pembrokeshire County Council’s Cabinet at their March meeting said: “Welsh Government has introduced the Food and Drink Hospitality Rates Relief, this relief is aimed at eligible businesses in Wales in the food and drink hospitality sector for example, pubs, restaurants, cafes, bars and live music venues.

“The aim of the relief is to support eligible businesses to manage continued cost pressures. The relief will apply to all eligible occupied properties by offering a discount of 15 per cent on non-domestic rate bills for the period April 1 to March 31, 2027. The relief is capped at £110,000 per business across Wales.

“As this is a temporary measure, Welsh Government is providing the relief by reimbursing local authorities that use their discretionary relief powers under Section 47 of the Local Government Finance Act 1988.”

It concluded: “The food and drink hospitality rates relief 2026-27 requires the local authority to adopt a discretionary scheme [as outlined] and in accordance with the criteria and conditions specified in the guidance issued by Welsh Government.

“It is proposed that Cabinet resolve to adopt [the scheme] which can be applied to administer the relief. Welsh Government will reimburse local authorities for the relief provided in line with their guidance via a grant under section 31 of the Local Government Act 2003.”

Members backed the recommendation.

All eligible businesses must apply for this relief by the March 31, 2027, and an application form will be available on the council’s website from the April 1.

The maximum cash value of the rates relief allowed, across all properties in Wales occupied by the same business should not exceed £110,000. Businesses claiming the relief must declare that the amount being claimed does not exceed those limits.

Local Government

New mayor-elect announced for Haverfordwest

Published

19 hours ago

March 20, 2026

Tom Sinclair

HAVERFORDWEST TOWN COUNCIL has confirmed its new Mayor-Elect, with Councillor Randell Thomas-Turner set to take on the role later this year.

In a statement, he said he was “honoured” to accept the nomination, describing it as a moment that will stay with him forever.

He also highlighted the significance of the appointment, saying he is set to become the town’s first mayor of colour and the youngest in a century.

The councillor said the role represents more than a personal achievement, adding that it reflects “progress, representation, and the power of community.”

His official mayor-making ceremony is expected to take place in May.

The Mayor-Elect said: “Haverfordwest is the best in the West – and together, we are just getting started.”