News
Arriva Trains Wales pulls out of Welsh rail franchise bid
THE COMPANY which runs most of Wales’ rail network has pulled out of the contest to continue running it from next year.
Arriva Trains Wales has told the transport authority in Wales it will withdraw from the bidding process and has said it is “no longer participating in the Wales and Borders competition”, adding it had “not been an easy decision”.
Transport for Wales said it was “not uncommon” for bidders for major projects to withdraw.
General Secretary Mick Cash said: “This decision by Arriva to abandon their operations in Wales exposes the whole flakey and opportunist nature of the rail franchising process. They appear to have pulled out because they can’t make enough money which is extraordinary.
“This news presents a golden opportunity for the Welsh to take back control of their railways through public ownership and that opportunity should be seized with both hands.”
Arriva Trains Wales’ parent company Arriva said it “had been proud” providing rail transport in Wales for almost 14 years.
A spokesman said: “We will continue to work constructively with TfW to help make the next franchise a success and build upon the legacy that Arriva has built with Arriva Trains Wales,” said an Arriva statement. We remain fully committed to delivering for our customers.”
Tom Joyner, managing director of Arriva Trains Wales said: “We have been notified that Arriva Group have withdrawn from the bidding process for the next Wales and Borders franchise.
A spokesman for Transport for Wales added: “We would like to thank the company for their support and positive attitude since the procurement started and we will continue to work closely with the company to ensure that existing staff and customers are central to our transition planning over the next 12 months.
“With final tenders due later this year, we have three companies with world-class credentials each putting their own, distinct cases for how they will deliver the ambitious objectives we set, with the goal of delivering a step change in rail services for passengers across Wales and the Borders.”
The remaining bidders are Keolis-Amey, Hong Kong-based MTR Corporation, and the Abellio Group, which operates bus and rail networks across Europe and is the international arm of the Dutch national rail operator.
The new franchise is due to start in late 2018.
News
Pembrokeshire tree surgeon ‘hits a nerve’ after derogatory remarks about his mother
A NARBERTH pub dispute left a local tree surgeon with a suspended sentence after he reacted to offensive comments made about his mother.
The incident unfolded on October 18 at The Dragon Inn, Narberth, where Ashley Williams, 34, allegedly retaliated after fellow pub-goer Paul Deary made provocative remarks about his mother. Both men had been drinking when, around 10:00pm, Deary reportedly launched into derogatory comments about engaging with Williams’ mother, according to Williams’ solicitor, Tom Lloyd.
“Out of nowhere, the complainant directed significant and completely inappropriate comments at the defendant,” said Mr. Lloyd.
In response, Williams, of Stoneyford Farm, Narberth, confronted Deary, pushing him backward and causing him to hit his head against a wall. The impact left Deary with a serious head wound requiring 45 stitches, which will leave a permanent scar, as confirmed by Crown Prosecutor Sian Vaughan.
In a victim impact statement, Deary expressed feeling “unsafe in my hometown” following the altercation and shared that he has since resorted to “sofa surfing” to avoid returning home.
The court also heard that Deary’s mobile phone and necklace were damaged in the confrontation.
Williams, who pleaded guilty to causing actual bodily harm, was represented by Mr. Lloyd, who highlighted the provocatory nature of Deary’s comments. “It wasn’t his intention to inflict such injury,” said Mr. Lloyd. “However, it’s crucial to consider the degree of provocation.”
Probation officer Julie Norman informed the court that Williams had consumed around eight pints after finishing work that evening. “Those comments hit a nerve. Had he not been drinking, he’d likely have walked away,” she said.
Williams was handed a 26-week custodial sentence, suspended for 12 months, and ordered to pay £500 in compensation to Deary, including £200 for the damage to his mobile phone and necklace. He must also pay a £154 court surcharge and £85 in costs. Additionally, he is required to complete ten rehabilitation activity days and will be fitted with an alcohol monitoring tag for 120 days.
Business
Stena announces redundancy plan amid uncertainty for Pembrokeshire
FREIGHT carrier and ferry operator Stena Line, which runs services between Fishguard and Rosslare, has announced plans to cut up to 80 staff members following an internal review.
Uncertainty looms over whether any of these redundancies will impact staff operating our local ferry services.
Stena CEO Paul Grant shared the news in an email to employees on Monday, citing a need to “future proof the company.” He explained that an internal assessment revealed the company’s current organisational structure as “too big and expensive” compared to its revenue.
The decision comes amid rising costs and increased competition in the freight and travel sectors.
According to Mr. Grant, “Cost pressure due to higher inflation has led to our customers having less money to spend, and with the introduction of the European Emission Trading Scheme (ETS), increasing our prices, we see a decline in volumes for both travel and freight.” Additionally, disappointing sales during the summer season and unmet market growth expectations for 2024 contributed to the restructuring.
The program, designed to strengthen Stena’s long-term business viability, includes a reduction of costs, prioritization of investments, and staff cuts that will primarily impact support functions and consultants. The workforce will be reduced by 80 positions by early 2025, along with 30 consultants also set to leave the company. Discussions with unions and work councils are expected to last several months, with all affected staff to be informed of their status by January 31, 2025.
In response to this announcement, the Transport Salaried Staffs’ Association (TSSA) has demanded a meeting with Stena Line to clarify the impact of these cuts, particularly on their members.
TSSA General Secretary Maryam Eslamdoust expressed disappointment over the handling of the announcement, stating: “Our members are shocked by this news and outraged that Stena has chosen to sidestep established industrial relations processes. Stena must meet with us urgently to clarify who is at risk and address the potential impacts on our members.”
The layoffs are part of a broader restructuring effort aimed at securing Stena Line’s future amid sustainability challenges. CEO Niclas Mårtensson acknowledged the difficult decision, stating, “Stena Line has been a successful company over the past few years; however, we need to ensure a lower cost base to be able to future proof the company. With 40 vessels in Europe and the Mediterranean, we have significant sustainability challenges ahead of us, and this program will enable us to make necessary investments for the future.”
The TSSA’s letter to Stena reiterates the union’s commitment to supporting affected employees and calls for an immediate discussion to clarify the situation, especially for staff at Fishguard who may be impacted.
News
UK government to appoint first Wales Crown Estate Commissioner
FOR the first time, the UK government will appoint a Crown Estate Commissioner dedicated to advising on matters in Wales, further integrating Welsh interests in board-level decisions. This move supports existing efforts to ensure that Wales benefits from the push for clean energy, following an agreement facilitated by the Welsh Secretary.
An amendment to the Crown Estate Bill, with cross-party backing from Labour, Plaid Cymru, Liberal Democrats, and crossbenchers, will be accepted at today’s Lords Report Stage (Nov 5). This change mandates the appointment of a Wales-specific Commissioner through the Public Appointments process, with input from the Welsh Government. The appointee will bear “an additional responsibility” to represent Welsh conditions and interests, amplifying Wales’s voice within the Crown Estate.
Welsh Secretary Jo Stevens has collaborated with the Treasury, The Crown Estate, House of Lords members, and the Welsh Government to secure this legislative advancement. The Crown Estate, instrumental in drawing international investment to Wales, supports projects like Floating Offshore Wind in the Celtic Sea, which promises cleaner energy and job creation.
The introduction of a Wales-specific Commissioner strengthens The Crown Estate’s mission to serve the entire UK while averting potential market fragmentation and protecting international investor confidence critical to the net-zero transition.
In a related effort, Great British Energy, the government’s new public energy firm, recently partnered with The Crown Estate to expedite renewable energy advancements. This initiative could attract up to £60bn in private investment, boosting the UK’s journey toward energy independence.
Welsh Secretary Jo Stevens stated: “This is a landmark step toward ensuring that Welsh prosperity is at the heart of the government’s mission to become a clean energy superpower. Our nation stands to benefit hugely from investment in floating offshore wind, and we now have the representation we need to help seize that moment. This demonstrates how Wales benefits directly from its two governments working together, and I’m grateful to Lord Livermore, The Crown Estate, and others for helping to make this happen.”
Sir Robin Budenberg CBE, Chair of The Crown Estate, said: “In seeking to increase the number of Commissioners from eight to twelve, The Crown Estate welcomes the opportunity now presented by this amendment to bring even more direct knowledge and understanding of the areas in which we operate and further strengthen our ability to deliver benefit to the whole of the UK.”
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