A FORMER Dyfed-Powys Police CCTV operator appeared at Llanelli Magistrates’ Court today (March 5) charged with controlling and coercive behaviour, as well as offences under the Data Protection Act and Computer Misuse Act.

Russell Hasler, who was arrested in 2023 by the force’s Professional Standards Department, had worked as a CCTV operator since 2019. He resigned while under investigation for alleged offences committed between 2020 and 2022.

Following today’s hearing, Hasler was bailed to appear at Swansea Crown Court on April 4, 2025.

WALES OFFICE Minister Dame Nia Griffith has reinforced Wales’s pivotal role in the UK’s clean energy future during a trade mission to Copenhagen this week, meeting with Danish companies and potential investors.

The three-day visit came just a week after a landmark £600 million investment in Welsh green energy projects was announced. The deal, involving Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners, Bute Energy, and Green GEN Cymru, will support the development of new onshore wind farms across Wales—expected to create up to 2,000 jobs.

Dame Nia’s visit underscored the strong collaboration between Wales and Denmark in renewable energy, with Danish firms already investing in offshore wind projects off the North Wales coast and supplying turbines for onshore and offshore developments across Wales.

Currently, Denmark generates 50% of its electricity from wind and solar power, aligning with the UK Government’s ambition to become a global clean energy superpower. A key initiative in this mission is the development of floating offshore wind in the Celtic Sea, a project being led in partnership with the Welsh Government and industry stakeholders. This cutting-edge technology, which involves placing wind turbines on floating platforms to optimize wind conditions, could create up to 5,300 jobs and contribute £1.4 billion to the UK economy.

During her visit, Minister Griffith engaged in high-level discussions to strengthen cooperation on clean energy and attract investment. Her itinerary included meetings with leading Danish institutions and companies, strategic discussions on renewable energy projects, and participation in St. David’s Day events promoting Wales as a hub for clean energy innovation.

Dame Nia Griffith, Wales Office Minister, said: “There are tremendous opportunities for partners and investors in Denmark to work with us to boost the clean energy sector in Wales.

“I am determined to ensure we achieve our clean energy mission, which will bring energy security, lower energy bills, create good jobs, and protect future generations from the costs of climate change.”

Tim Morris, Head of Communications for Associated British Ports, added:
“Ports in Wales and Denmark share the ambition to play a foundational role in enabling the energy transition.

“It was great to meet with other port operators and key stakeholders from both countries to exchange insights. ABP has strong links with Danish organisations such as Ørsted and the Port of Esbjerg, and we look forward to deepening these relationships.”

The visit showcased Wales’s potential as a leader in renewable energy, particularly in floating offshore wind, and laid the groundwork for future collaborations and investments that will drive economic growth and sustainability.

THE CLOSURE of Oakwood Theme Park has sent shockwaves through the Welsh tourism industry, with fears mounting that it signals the start of a wider crisis for hospitality and tourism businesses across the country.

With over 20% of Pembrokeshire’s workforce employed in tourism and hospitality, the park’s sudden closure will not only impact its employees but have wider economic repercussions. Local businesses, from hotels and B&Bs to restaurants and attractions, are expected to feel the effects as visitor numbers decline.

A combination of decisions by both the Welsh and UK governments has led to mounting pressure on the sector. Increases in National Insurance, council tax premiums, the introduction of a 182-day minimum occupancy rule for holiday lets, and the proposed Welsh visitor levy (commonly referred to as a ‘tourist tax’) are all adding strain on businesses already struggling with rising costs.

Despite these concerns, First Minister Mark Drakeford MS recently denied in a Senedd finance committee evidence session that these policies were having a cumulative impact on tourism. However, industry leaders and local businesses argue otherwise, warning that the sector cannot withstand so many policy changes without long-term damage.

Tourism is worth an estimated £3.8 billion to the Welsh economy annually, providing employment in many areas where alternative job opportunities are scarce. Without sustainable policies that support the sector, local communities could see an exodus of workers forced to leave in search of employment elsewhere.

A spokesperson for the industry commented: “It is surely becoming obvious that a single sector cannot swallow so many changes without there being a cumulative – and wide-ranging – effect which will filter out to the whole economy. Many parts of Wales are reliant on tourism, and without it, communities will struggle to survive.”

Local MP Henry Tufnell also voiced his concerns about the closure, stating: “The closure of Oakwood Theme Park is incredibly disappointing news for Pembrokeshire. For over 30 years, it has been a much-loved attraction, bringing enjoyment to families across Wales and beyond, as well as supporting local jobs and the tourism industry.

My first thoughts are with the staff who have lost their jobs. This will be an extremely difficult time for them, and I urge Aspro Parks to provide as much support as possible.

Oakwood has been an iconic part of Pembrokeshire’s visitor economy, drawing tourists, creating employment, and contributing to local businesses that have relied on its success. Its closure will undoubtedly be felt across the community, and we must now focus on what comes next for the site and the people affected. The last thing Pembrokeshire needs is a derelict site that is sat empty for years.

I will be speaking with stakeholders to understand the full impact of this decision and what can be done to support those affected. If you need assistance, please do get in touch with my office.”

With Oakwood’s closure described as “just the tip of the iceberg,” concerns are growing that more tourism businesses across Wales could soon follow suit unless urgent action is taken to protect the industry.