News

Welsh Government outlines progress on flood resilience plans

Published

3 months ago

March 25, 2026

THE WELSH GOVERNMENT has provided an update on its response to recommendations made by the National Infrastructure Commission for Wales (NICW) on improving flood resilience by 2050.

Deputy First Minister and Climate Change Secretary Huw Irranca-Davies said flooding and coastal erosion remain among the most immediate threats facing communities across Wales due to climate change.

He said the Government’s approach is guided by its national flood strategy, climate adaptation plans, and the Well-being of Future Generations Act, with a focus on reducing risk and strengthening long-term resilience.

The update outlines progress since commitments were made in April 2025, with ministers confirming that much of the work will continue into the next Senedd term due to the scale of the challenge.

Investment and long-term planning

The Welsh Government says it is maintaining record levels of investment in flood and coastal erosion management, alongside expanding natural flood management schemes and working more closely with Natural Resources Wales, councils and local communities.

Plans for wider reform of water governance are also under consideration, with a public consultation currently open until April 7. Any major structural changes are expected to be decided by the next Senedd.

Ministers also confirmed they are working towards a longer-term flood resilience strategy beyond 2030, aimed at creating a more integrated national approach.

Catchment approach and community support

A key focus is the development of catchment-based strategies, with pilot work underway on the River Taff. Similar collaborative schemes in areas such as the Wye and Usk are already being used to reduce flood risk while delivering environmental benefits.

The Government says improving community resilience remains a priority, with work ongoing alongside the National Flood Forum to better support communities before, during and after flooding.

Officials are also exploring new roles, including so-called “agents of change”, to strengthen engagement with vulnerable groups.

Funding challenges remain

More than £5 million has been committed to natural flood management projects in 2026–27, but ministers acknowledge public funding alone will not be enough.

Work is underway to attract private and partnership investment, including from infrastructure providers and insurers, alongside the development of a new sustainable finance framework.

While multi-year funding is seen as beneficial, the Government said annual budget cycles remain a barrier, though more flexible funding arrangements are being explored.

Skills, education and property protection

Efforts are also being made to strengthen the workforce, including new placements for students in local authorities, with further expansion planned.

Property-level flood protection will continue to be delivered by councils and Natural Resources Wales, with additional support for high-risk households under review.

The Welsh Government said the update demonstrates “clear progress” but acknowledged that long-term adaptation will require continued partnership working and sustained investment.

Crime

Carmarthen man admits takeaway burglaries

Published

3 hours ago

June 27, 2026

Court Reporter

Phillip Roberts stole cash from USA Chicken and returned the following day with intent to steal

A CARMARTHEN man has admitted a string of burglaries at the same takeaway business on consecutive days.

Phillip Roberts, 44, of Brewery Road, Carmarthen, appeared before Llanelli Magistrates’ Court after pleading guilty to three offences connected to USA Chicken on Blue Street.

The court heard that on June 4, Roberts entered the premises as a trespasser and stole a tip jar containing cash. He also admitted a second burglary at the same business on the same date, during which £50 cash was stolen.

A further offence took place on June 5, when Roberts entered USA Chicken as a trespasser with intent to steal.

Magistrates adjourned sentence for the preparation of a pre-sentence report. The report will consider all sentencing options, including possible committal to the Crown Court.

Roberts was granted conditional bail. He must not enter USA Chicken, Blue Street, and must not contact Mustafa Baksi, either directly or indirectly.

He is due to return to Llanelli Magistrates’ Court on July 1 for sentence.

Health

Welsh Ambulance Service urges public to ‘choose wisely’ as pressures continue

Published

4 hours ago

June 27, 2026

Tom Sinclair

THE WELSH AMBULANCE SERVICE has issued a fresh appeal to the public following the declaration of a critical incident on Friday (June 26), as exceptionally high demand continues to place pressure on crews across Wales.

In a social media post published today (Saturday, June 27), the Trust warned that hot weather is contributing to a rise in ambulance call-outs, including incidents involving heat-related illness, falls, breathing difficulties and existing medical conditions worsened by the heat.

The message comes less than 24 hours after the service declared a critical incident amid unprecedented demand, with ambulance resources stretched across Wales.

The Trust is urging people to call 999 only for serious or life-threatening emergencies, contact NHS 111 Wales for urgent health advice, and use local pharmacies for minor illnesses and ailments.

It said choosing the right service can help ambulance crews reach the sickest patients more quickly while pressures remain high.

Crime

Six arrested after immigration raids at Florentino’s restaurants

Published

5 hours ago

June 27, 2026

Tom Sinclair

SIX people have been arrested following Immigration Enforcement raids at Florentino’s Italian restaurants in Tenby and Carmarthen.

Officers visited the Tenby branch in St Julian’s Street on June 18, where two Romanian nationals were identified as allegedly having no right to work in the UK. Both were arrested on suspicion of illegal working.

The Tenby operation followed an earlier raid at Florentino’s in Carmarthen in February, where four workers — two Romanian nationals, a Bangladeshi national and a Mongolian national — were also arrested on suspicion of illegal working.

The Herald previously reported in March that the Carmarthen restaurant had been linked to a major HMRC case, after Claudio Cernat Ltd, formerly trading as Florentino’s on Jacksons Lane, was listed over a £278,000 deliberate tax underpayment and a further £186,000 penalty.

Immigration officials say inquiries are now under way to establish who may be liable for employing the individuals. Employers found to have breached illegal working rules can face civil penalties of up to £60,000 per worker.

One of the Tenby workers has already returned, while the other is in the process of returning. Of the Carmarthen workers, two have returned, one was placed on immigration bail and another was de-arrested with a warning.

Immigration Enforcement Lead for Wales, Richard Johnson, said: “I want to thank my officers who showed the highest levels of professionalism under challenging circumstances on these operations.

“Immigration Enforcement teams in Wales continue to work round the clock to ensure businesses play by the rules and those with no right to be in the UK are tracked down and returned at the earliest opportunity.”

The Home Office says illegal working enforcement has increased significantly since July 2024, with raids and arrests rising across the UK and Wales.

No finding has yet been made against the restaurant operators in relation to the latest arrests.

Florentino’s has been approached for comment.