Community
Ofcom revokes station’s licence
Radio Beca: Ofcom revoke licence
THE WELSH speaking communities of north Pembrokeshire, Carmarthenshire and Ceredigion were dealt a blow this week as media regulator Ofcom revoked a community licence given to a new radio station.
Radio Beca aimed to provide the Welsh speaking communities of west Wales with a service that was both linguistically and culturally specific to their needs and aspirations.
Peak time broadcasting, both workdays and weekends, was to be predominantly Welsh medium so that the indigenous culture of Carmarthenshire, Ceredigion and north Pembrokeshire was made prevalent.
The station was committed to the principle of ‘empowering the Welsh speaking communities of the west of Wales and transform the latent energy of the 155,000 disenfranchised Welsh speakers of the west of Wales into a positive energy that would raise communal ambition and enhance self-sustainability.’
The station also planned to train local people of all ‘social, cultural, linguistic and educational backgrounds’ in the art of radio broadcasting, which would have provided numerous people with an enhanced skill set and vastly increased prospects of employability.
The station was awarded a community radio licence in May 2012, but failed to launch within the two year window stated by the regulator, after delaying its proposed launch in April 2014.
Elinor Williams from Ofcom told S4C’s Newyddion 9 that two further extensions had been granted since this date, and based on this it had decided to withdraw its license.
The station failed to obtain Welsh government grant funding and there was also uncertainty about a permanent home being found for it, whilst there was also concern Radio Beca had only managed to raise £20,000 when it was required to raise £320,000. This is in spite of the fact that the station has recently submitted a bid for £100,000 in grant funding from the Big Lottery Fund.
Director of the station Euros Lewis was disappointed with the regulators decision and said it had taken three years for the station to be able to “stand on its own to feet”.
Mr Lewis said: “Unfortunately, it’s only during the past few months that Radio Beca has been able to raise money through sponsorship and adverts.
“What’s disappointing is that it’s only now that we have been able to put forward a prospectus that shows that Radio Beca can stand on its own two feet.”
Despite the disappointment it is worth noting that this is not necessarily the end for the fledgling station, as there is opportunity to re-apply for a licence in the future, should they put in place the necessary arrangements.
PEMBROKE and District Male Voice Choir shared the stage with the renowned Band of the Welsh Guards during the band’s tour of Wales, delivering a stirring performance at Harri Tudur School hall.
A capacity audience enjoyed the collaboration, with the choir and band uniting for powerful renditions of Welsh classics Cwm Rhondda and Gwaddoloddiad. The Band of the Welsh Guards also performed a medley of traditional Welsh folk tunes and music from the acclaimed film Wicked.
Choir MC Matthew John introduced the evening in his distinctive style, while the choir’s set—featuring newly added pieces Let A New Day Dawn and Tell My Father—was selected by Musical Director Juliet Rossiter. Accompanist William Lambert, a recent addition to the choir, provided support on the keyboard.
The event was co-ordinated by Councillor Aden Brinn, with distinguished guests including Deputy Lord Lieutenant Sharon Lusher, Pembrokeshire County Council Chairman Councillor Steve Alderman, Mayor of Pembroke Councillor Ann Mortesen, Senedd Member Sam Kurtz, and mayors from neighbouring communities.
Proceeds from the evening were donated to the Welsh Guards Charity. A special guest was David Silcox of Haven Self Storage, whose company has sponsored an impressive banner to promote choir concerts.
A moment of silence was observed in memory of the choir’s senior member, Frank Harries, who recently passed away at the age of 95.
The following evening, the choir performed again at Monkton Priory Church, raising funds for the RNLI in another well-attended concert.
ON MONDAY (Mar 11), County Councillor Thomas Baden Tudor, alongside Councillors Randell Izaiah Thomas-Turner and Dani Thomas-Turner from Haverfordwest Town Council, held a joint meeting at the Waldo Lounge.
The gathering provided an opportunity for the councillors to address issues raised by Castle Ward residents and discuss matters of local concern. Councillors were joined by representatives from Welsh Ambulance Services University NHS Trust and Haverfordwest, Fishguard, and St Davids Police, who provided valuable updates on their current and future plans.
Councillor Tudor expressed his gratitude to the services for their insightful contributions, which highlighted ongoing efforts and future projects aimed at improving public services in the area.
SPRING cleaning is in full swing as searches for decluttering peak on March 20, with many households looking to dispose of unwanted furniture and large items. However, new research has revealed that the cost of bulky waste collection varies significantly across Wales.
According to a study by Cardiff-based waste management experts BusinessWaste.co.uk, Ceredigion County Council has the highest bulky waste charges in Wales, with a minimum collection fee of £61. This fee covers up to six items, with an additional charge of £61 for a further six items.
At the other end of the scale, Blaenau Gwent County Borough Council offers the lowest minimum charge at just £6.70.
Where does Pembrokeshire rank?
Pembrokeshire County Council ranks 17th out of 22 Welsh councils in terms of bulky waste charges, making it one of the more affordable options. The council charges £21.30, covering up to ten items per collection—more items than most councils in Wales.
Despite the relatively low cost, Pembrokeshire does not offer any discounts or concessions for those on benefits, pension credits, or other financial support schemes. However, fridge collection is included at no additional cost.
How do other councils compare?
The study ranked the top ten most expensive councils in Wales, with Ceredigion leading, followed by Wrexham (£57.50) and the Isle of Anglesey (£46). At the opposite end, Cardiff has one of the lowest rates (£12.50), while Carmarthenshire sits in 13th place with a charge of £25.
Wales versus the UK
On a national level, Wales has the sixth highest average bulky waste collection charge at £29.84. The South East of England is the most expensive region, with an average charge of £44.81, while Northern Ireland is the cheapest, averaging just £5.97.
Key findings from the report:
- No Welsh councils offer a free collection service.
- Pembrokeshire’s ranking in the UK is 256th out of 382 councils, placing it in the bottom 33% for bulky waste charges.
- Fridge collections are free across all Welsh councils.
- Carmarthenshire ranks 227th in the UK, with a £25 charge covering up to three items.
A spokesperson for BusinessWaste.co.uk said: “Bulky waste collection is a vital service for households looking to dispose of large items responsibly, but the costs vary widely across the UK. While some councils offer reasonable rates, others charge significantly higher fees, which can deter responsible waste disposal.”
For the full report, visit: www.businesswaste.co.uk.
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