Ken Skates says Labour group will hold Plaid Cymru government to account

WELSH Labour’s interim leader Ken Skates MS has unveiled the party’s new Senedd spokesperson team following the recent Welsh Parliament election.

Mr Skates said the group would focus on holding the Welsh Government to account and pushing for “practical results” for people across Wales.

The Clwyd South MS will serve as interim leader of Welsh Labour and spokesperson for Health, Care and National Security.

Jayne Bryant MS has been named spokesperson for Housing, Communities, Public and Preventative Health, while Mike Hedges MS will cover Culture, Sport, Local Government and Legislation.

Vikki Howells MS has been appointed Chief Whip and spokesperson for Environment, Farming, Energy and Transport. Her brief will also include planning.

Lynne Neagle MS will serve as Business Manager and spokesperson for Children, Education and Lifelong Learning.

Shav Taj MS has been named spokesperson for Employment, Equalities and Economic Transformation, including social partnership.

Huw Thomas MS will cover Finance, Democracy, Citizenship and the Welsh Language, with Regional and City Deals also falling within his portfolio.

Welsh Labour said Sarah Murphy MS’s portfolio will be announced when she returns from maternity leave.

A Welsh Labour spokesperson said the group would draw on “extensive experience with fresh energy and ideas” as it begins its work in the new Senedd term.

Photo caption:

Welsh Labour’s new Senedd spokesperson team in Cardiff Bay. Photo: Ewan Taylor-Donaldson.

STRATA Florida Abbey and Laugharne Castle will host family events as part of Cadw’s May half-term programme.

FAMILIES in West Wales are being encouraged to explore historic sites on their doorstep this May half-term, with events planned at Strata Florida Abbey and Laugharne Castle.

Cadw’s programme runs from Saturday, May 23 to Sunday, May 31, with activities across Wales aimed at bringing history to life for children and families.

At Strata Florida Abbey, near Pontrhydfendigaid, a craft fayre will take place on Sunday, May 24, from 11:00am to 3:00pm, featuring local arts, crafts and produce, alongside family-friendly activities and guided tours.

Laugharne Castle will host Rainbow Gecko Bubbleman on Saturday, May 30 and Sunday, May 31, from 11:00am to 4:00pm. Bubbleman and the Bubble Faerie will perform giant bubble displays, bubble animals and frozen creations, with visitors able to join in and learn tricks.

Other West Wales events include a Children’s Activity Day at Strata Florida Abbey and HMS Wales Naval Living History at Laugharne Castle.

Kate Roberts, Chief Executive of Cadw said: “May half term is the perfect chance for families to get out and explore the incredible history on their doorstep in Wales.

“This year’s programme has been designed to be hands-on, engaging and genuinely fun, giving visitors of all ages the chance to connect our nation’s past and spend quality time together outdoors.”

Cadw said membership includes free event entry and unlimited access to more than 130 historic places across Wales, with children going free with any adult membership.

New Charles Street base brings windows and doors firm closer to Pembrokeshire customers

THE MAYOR OF MILFORD HAVEN has officially opened a new showroom for Sapphire Windows & Doors in the town centre.

The company welcomed visitors to its new base at 61 Charles Street on Monday (May 18), with Mayor Mark Woodward attending the opening.

Sapphire Windows & Doors, established in 1989, supplies and installs windows, doors and glazing products across South and West Wales.

The new Milford Haven showroom has been opened following growing demand from customers in Pembrokeshire, many of whom had previously travelled to the company’s Ammanford showroom.

The Charles Street premises will allow customers to view products in person, compare colours and finishes, try different styles, and speak directly with the Sapphire team.

Products on display include uPVC windows, composite and aluminium entrance doors, aluminium sliding and bifold systems, and internal and external Crittall-style aluminium and steel doors.

Shaun Matthews, Director of Sapphire Windows & Doors said: “We are incredibly excited to open our new Milford Haven showroom and welcome both returning and new customers through the doors.

“We have already received such a lovely welcome on Charles Street, and we are looking forward to becoming part of the local community.

“When people are investing in new windows and doors, it is important they feel confident in what they are choosing. The showroom gives customers the opportunity to properly see the products, explore the options available, try them for themselves and receive clear, honest advice from our team.”

The company manufactures its own uPVC products in-house at its factory in Ammanford, while installations are carried out by directly employed fitting teams.

Sapphire says it offers free, no-obligation quotes and takes a no-pressure approach to sales.

Every installation is backed by a ten-year guarantee and a FENSA insurance-backed warranty.

The new showroom is now open at 61 Charles Street, Milford Haven, SA73 1SA.

For more information visit sapphirewindows.info.