News

Labour and Plaid criticised over £1.2m anti-racism ‘metaverse’ project

Published

3 months ago

February 24, 2026

Figures revealed in Senedd questions as political row intensifies ahead of election

THE WELSH GOVERNMENT has come under political pressure after it emerged that more than £1.2m has been spent developing an anti-racism “virtual world” educational platform for colleges across Wales.

The figures were confirmed in response to written Senedd questions from Conservative MS Natasha Asghar, with ministers stating that £1,204,326.55 has been invested in the project since 2022 as part of a wider further education anti-racism curriculum programme.

***Critical of the immersive platform: Natasha Asghar MS***

The immersive platform — commonly referred to as the “metaverse” — was developed by further education colleges led by Cardiff and Vale College. Ministers say it has been used across all Welsh colleges as part of teaching designed to support understanding of racism, inequality and inclusion.

Responsibility for ongoing funding decisions now sits with Medr, the Commission for Tertiary Education and Research, which oversees tertiary education funding in Wales.

Political criticism

The spending has been criticised by the Welsh Conservatives, who argue public money should instead be directed toward frontline services.

Natasha Asghar MS, the Conservative Shadow Cabinet Secretary for Education, said: “Spending over £1.2 million of taxpayers’ money on Labour and Plaid’s anti-racist metaverse is a complete waste of taxpayers’ money.

“At a time when waiting lists are spiralling, A&E performance is worsening and our school standards are slipping, this represents another example of Labour and Plaid Cymru prioritising ideology over frontline services.

“People across Wales want money spent on health, schools and social care, not on virtual worlds that do nothing to tackle the real-world challenges facing families and communities.”

Government position

The Welsh Government has previously said the project forms part of its Anti-Racist Wales Action Plan, which aims to make Wales an anti-racist nation by 2030.

When the curriculum initiative was launched, ministers described inclusive education as a key part of improving opportunities for learners and tackling inequality across society.

Officials have also confirmed that since 2024 responsibility for funding decisions has moved to Medr, reflecting wider changes to how tertiary education is managed in Wales.

Questions remain

While ministers say the resource has been used across the further education sector, it is not yet clear how frequently the platform is accessed by students, what evaluation has been carried out into its effectiveness, or how the funding was allocated between development, technology and teaching materials.

Opposition politicians are expected to continue raising questions about value for money as further details emerge.

Political analysis

The row comes at a sensitive political moment, with Senedd elections scheduled for May and all parties seeking to draw dividing lines over public spending priorities.

For the Conservatives, the issue fits a broader campaign narrative focused on government waste, public services under pressure and concerns about what they describe as “ideological” policies.

For Labour and Plaid Cymru, however, the project sits within a long-term policy commitment to equality and inclusion in education, which both parties argue is central to improving outcomes for disadvantaged communities.

Whether the issue gains wider traction with voters may depend less on the educational content itself and more on public perceptions of spending priorities during a period of financial pressure on health services, local government and household budgets.

If the controversy escalates — particularly if questions emerge about procurement, usage levels or measurable outcomes — it could become a more prominent issue during the election campaign.

For now, it remains a developing political dispute rooted in Senedd scrutiny rather than a major parliamentary confrontation, but one that highlights the contrasting visions parties are presenting to Welsh voters ahead of polling day.

(Cover image: Stock photo)

Community

Milford Athletic FC youngsters to tackle Preseli mountain in fundraiser for new equipment

Published

8 hours ago

May 27, 2026

Cerys Lafferty

YOUTH players, families and volunteers from Milford Athletic FC are set to take on a sponsored mountain trek next month in a bid to raise funds for new football equipment and improvements at the growing community club.

The club will host its “Team Trek” fundraiser on June 28, with participants climbing the 1.2-mile route to the trig point at Foel Eryr in the Preseli Mountains.

Organisers hope to raise £800 to help improve training sessions and ensure matches can continue to be delivered in line with Football Association of Wales guidelines.

Funds raised will go towards purchasing new footballs, cones, posts and other training materials, as well as maintaining and replacing existing equipment. Club representatives said even essential items such as the club’s lawnmower are in need of upgrading.

A spokesperson for the club said Milford Athletic FC is committed to providing “fun grassroots football” for children and families in the community, adding that the fundraiser would help create a sustainable future for the club as it continues to grow.

They said the aim is to ensure children from “all walks of life” feel welcomed and supported, with access to high-quality training sessions and matchday experiences.

Players, friends and supporters are all expected to take part in the trek through the Preseli hills later this summer.

Business

Cambrian Hotel restoration to breathe new life into Aberystwyth landmark

Published

9 hours ago

May 27, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Historic building will be brought back into use with support from Welsh Government town centre funding

A HISTORIC Aberystwyth hotel is set to be restored and brought back into wider use as part of a major town centre regeneration scheme.

The Cambrian Hotel, on the corner of Alexandra Road and Union Street, opposite Aberystwyth railway station, is one of the latest projects to benefit from the Welsh Government’s Transforming Towns Programme.

The funding is being delivered through the Growing Mid Wales Partnership, with Ceredigion County Council working alongside Powys County Council to support regeneration in key towns across the region.

Aberystwyth is one of six priority towns in Ceredigion included in the programme, along with Aberaeron, Cardigan, Lampeter, Llandysul and Tregaron.

The Cambrian Hotel dates back to before 1867 and originally operated as a coaching inn. It has also been known historically as the Commercial Inn and the Commercial Vaults.

Although the building is not statutorily listed, it lies within the Aberystwyth Town Conservation Area and is recognised for its local architectural and cultural importance.

Its distinctive features include a half-timbered frontage, decorative roof details, traditional sash and casement windows, and surviving internal period features such as joinery and coved ceilings.

In recent years, the upper floors of the building have fallen out of use as traditional hotel accommodation became less viable. The business has continued to operate as a ground-floor bar and restaurant.

The Transforming Towns Placemaking Grant will now support the restoration and conversion of the vacant upper floors into high-quality, self-contained accommodation units.

The work will be carried out sensitively, with original features repaired and retained where possible, alongside modern improvements to comfort, energy efficiency and sustainability.

Planned improvements include insulation to external walls and roof areas, upgrades to sash windows using discreet sealing systems, roof-mounted solar panels, and secure cycle storage in line with Welsh Government active travel guidance.

Council officials say the scheme will improve the appearance of a key gateway into Aberystwyth, support the local visitor economy, and help secure a sustainable future for an important historic building.

Paul Davies, Senior Architectural Technician at DB3 Architecture, and owner Jayne Fisher said: “This would not have been possible without the support provided through the Transforming Towns Programme.

“Through the scheme’s support, it was possible to deliver the work to a high standard using local craftsmen who applied their skills to carry out a range of sensitive repair works, which is something the building deserved.”

Councillor Clive Davies, Ceredigion Cabinet Member for Economy, Regeneration and Carbon Management, said the project showed how the programme could help bring historic buildings back into meaningful use.

He said: “Investment through the Transforming Towns Programme is playing a vital role in strengthening our town centres, and the regeneration of the Cambrian Hotel is a prime example of how this funding can bring historic buildings back into meaningful use.

“This project will safeguard a key landmark, provide high-quality accommodation, and support the local visitor economy.

“I would encourage other businesses and property owners to explore the opportunities available through the programme.”

Further information about the Transforming Towns Grant Programme is available by emailing [email protected].

Crime

Steynton motorist banned after drink-drive collision

Published

9 hours ago

May 27, 2026

Court Reporter

Driver was seen swerving through Milford Haven before hitting traffic barrier

A STEYNTON motorist has lost his licence after being caught driving through Milford Haven while over the drink-drive limit.

Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court heard this week that at around 2:00am on Saturday (May 10), police received a call from ambulance staff who were concerned about the manner in which a white Kia was being driven in the Milford Haven area.

The vehicle had been seen swerving across the road.

Officers located the Kia as it entered Milford Haven and watched it turn right into Thornton Road, where it collided with a traffic barrier.

The driver identified himself as Jordan Wootton. As officers approached the vehicle, they could smell intoxicants. Wootton was also heard slurring his words, while an open bottle of alcohol was seen inside the vehicle.

Wootton, 28, of Conway Drive, Steynton, was arrested. Subsequent breath tests gave a lowest reading of 59mcg of alcohol in 100ml of breath. The legal limit is 35mcg.

He pleaded guilty to drink-driving.

Wootton was fined £430 and ordered to pay a £180 surcharge and £85 costs. He was disqualified from driving for 16 months.