News

Rail centre must not repeat ‘Circuit of Wales’ failure, Senedd told

Published

4 months ago

February 24, 2026

Concerns raised over public spending as £70m project faces uncertain future

A MAJOR rail testing project in south Wales must not be allowed to repeat the mistakes of the failed Circuit of Wales development, a senior Conservative politician has warned.

South Wales Central MS Andrew RT Davies raised concerns during Senedd proceedings on Tuesday (Feb 24) about the proposed Global Centre of Rail Excellence (GCRE), a multi-million-pound rail innovation and testing facility planned for the Dulais Valley.

Mr Davies said ministers needed to ensure the project delivered results after significant public funding had already been committed, warning taxpayers across Wales could ultimately bear the cost if it failed.

***GRCE: Andrew RT Davies raised concerns during Senedd proceedings on Tuesday***

He pointed to the Circuit of Wales motorsport project near Ebbw Vale, which collapsed after consuming millions of pounds of investment, as a cautionary example.

Speaking in the chamber, Mr Davies said: “Senedd ministers have a poor track record wasting money.

“Under Plaid Cymru separatists and Labour, costs always soar out of control.

“The Global Centre of Rail Excellence is an exciting prospect – it must not go the same way as the failed Circuit of Wales.”

He told members that around £70 million of public funding had already been invested but that the site remained largely undeveloped when he visited in the autumn.

Mr Davies also warned that a future government could face a requirement to secure around £330 million to make the project viable, raising concerns about long-term affordability and delivery.

Responding, First Minister Eluned Morgan defended the Welsh Government’s investment in rail infrastructure, highlighting improvements to the South Wales Valleys lines and new rolling stock.

She said the Global Centre of Rail Excellence represented a “major strategic opportunity” for the Dulais Valley and confirmed both the Welsh and UK governments had committed funding, with private sector investment also being pursued.

The First Minister added that a final investment decision would ultimately be taken by the next government following the Senedd elections.

The project has been promoted as a flagship regeneration scheme aimed at creating jobs and boosting Wales’ rail sector, although questions remain about funding and delivery timelines.

News

Pendine cliff fall victim recovering after major emergency response

Published

13 minutes ago

June 10, 2026

Tom Sinclair

A 22-YEAR-OLD man who suffered serious injuries after falling from cliffs overlooking Pendine Beach is recovering well following emergency surgery.

The man was visiting Pendine with friends on a weekend break when the incident happened on Saturday afternoon. Emergency services were called to the scene after he fell from a cliff edge above the beach, sustaining significant chest, facial and pelvic injuries.

A major multi-agency response was launched involving the Welsh Ambulance Service, HM Coastguard, Dyfed-Powys Police and the Wales Air Ambulance. Personnel from Pendine Community Council also assisted at the scene.

After receiving emergency treatment, the casualty was airlifted to Cardiff for specialist hospital care, where he underwent surgery.

An update released with the consent of the injured man and his family confirmed that he is now recovering well.

The young man, his family and friends have expressed their gratitude to everyone involved in the rescue effort, treatment and ongoing care.

Special thanks were paid to local resident Michaela Dance, an Emergency Nurse Practitioner, who was first on the scene and provided immediate assistance before emergency crews arrived.

The family said they were extremely thankful for the professionalism, skill and compassion shown by all emergency service personnel and those who helped during the incident.

Despite the seriousness of the injuries sustained, the outcome has been positive, with family and friends acknowledging that the situation could have been far worse.

Pictured are the injured man’s friends with Michaela Dance, presenting her with a gift as a token of their appreciation for the assistance she provided following the incident.

News

Hakin motorist banned after driving 14 times over drug limit

Published

16 hours ago

June 9, 2026

Sarah-Jane Absalom

A HAKIN motorist has been banned from driving for three years after being caught behind the wheel with cocaine and benzoylecgonine in his system.

Mark Briskham, 53, of Waterloo Square, Wellington Road, Hakin, was stopped by police on January 5 as he drove a Ford Kuga along Steynton Road, near Milford Haven.

Blood tests carried out at the police station showed he had 800mcg of benzoylecgonine in his system. The legal limit is 50mcg.

He also had 64mcg of cocaine in his system. The legal limit is 10mcg.

Briskham pleaded guilty to two drug-driving charges when he appeared before Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court this week.

Magistrates disqualified him from driving for three years, taking into account a previous drug-drive conviction from 2020.

He was also fined £120 and ordered to pay £85 costs and a £48 surcharge.cr

Crime

Begelly man remanded over alleged May Day assault

Published

16 hours ago

June 9, 2026

Sarah-Jane Absalom

A PEMBROKESHIRE man has been remanded in custody following an alleged May Day assault against a woman in Begelly.

Tomas Baker, 34, of Ty Dee, New Road, Begelly, is accused of assaulting the woman, causing actual bodily harm, at an undisclosed location in Begelly on May 1.

Baker appeared before Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court this week by video link from Swansea Prison.

He pleaded not guilty to the charge.

His trial will take place at Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on June 22.