News

M4 relief road cancelled after cost estimates rise to over £2 billion

Published

6 years ago

June 5, 2019

THE WELSH Government has ditched plans to build an M4 relief road.

After years of planning, a lengthy public inquiry, and extensive controversy both about the delays in making a decision and the potential environmental impact of the new road, First Minister Mark Drakeford announced his widely anticipated decision to cancel the project in a statement issued on Tuesday, June 4.

The M4 relief road was a marquee project for the Welsh Government; however, internal Labour politics slowed down progress towards a decision with the result that former First Minister Carwyn Jones passed the buck for the final decision to his successor. Mr Jones favoured the scheme, while Mr Drakeford was more equivocal about its prospects.

Originally proposed in 1991, the scheme was dropped by the Welsh Government in 2009 on grounds of cost (then an estimated £1bn) before being revived in 2011. The project secured UK Treasury support in 2013 and was approved by the then-Welsh Government Transport Minister Edwina Hart in 2014, with a completion date of 2022.

Since 2014, the road lingered in development hell through a raft of consultations and a public inquiry.

M4 decision: Drakeford slated for dither and delay

The First Minister’s decision to cancel the scheme raises questions about the huge amount of public money and government manpower expended on it. His principal objection is the same as that which led to the original scheme’s cancellation in 2009: money, or the Welsh Government lack of it/unwillingness to spend it.

Friends of the Earth Cymru director Haf Elgar said: “This is great news for Wales and the planet.

“As well as costing Welsh taxpayers over £2 billion pounds, this devastating road would have ploughed through the unique, wildlife-rich Gwent Levels, pumped more climate-wrecking emissions into our atmosphere, and ultimately caused even more congestion and air pollution.

“This decision is a testament to the untiring efforts of local residents who have opposed this plan over decades and is a clear signal that the Welsh Government is taking its climate emergency declaration and commitment to future generations seriously.”

Ian Price, CBI Wales Director, said: “This is a dark day for the Welsh economy. After decades of deliberation and over £40m spent, no problem has been solved today. Congestion and road pollution around Newport can only increase. Economic growth will be stifled, confidence in the region will weaken and the cost of an eventual relief road will rise

“Today’s announcement is a short-term measure that regrettably solves nothing and sends the message that Wales is not open for business.

“As the Welsh Government said at the public inquiry, the black route would emit less carbon emissions than the current road and the whole project would be carbon neutral by 2070. The wider south Wales region around Cardiff and Newport constitute only 4% of Welsh carbon emissions in total. That figure will now likely rise at a higher rate than if the black route had been built.”

On his Facebook page, Stephen Crabb MP said: “They’ve bottled it. The Welsh First Minister’s decision not to give the M4 relief road the green light is short sighted and will be deeply frustrating for number of commuters, businesses and tourists.

“I’ve spoken to numerous Pembrokeshire businesses, from hauliers to tourism operators, who are all fully aware the damage the congestion around Newport does for our local economy. One Pembrokeshire haulage firm alone runs 40 lorries each way through the M4 bottle neck each day, with drivers calling it a ‘no go’ area between 7.30am and 10am in the morning and from 4pm to 6.30pm in the afternoon.

“This decision even contradicts the independent public enquiry led by a planning inspector which backed the project. This is a failure of devolution as the Welsh Assembly was supposed to help projects such as this get off the ground.

“I recently held a debate in Parliament about the importance of this project for the wider Welsh economy, so it is very disappointing that Mark Drakeford has dropped it especially as this issue has dragged on for nearly 30 years.”

Full in-depth coverage in The Herald this Friday

Entertainment

River-themed lanterns light up Cardigan in spectacular parade

Published

38 mins ago

December 19, 2024

Tom Sinclair

THOUSANDS of people flocked to Cardigan on Monday (Dec 18) for the much-anticipated Giant Lantern Parade, hosted by Small World Theatre. Originally scheduled for Dec 6, the event was postponed due to Storm Darragh but proved to be a dazzling highlight of the festive season in Ceredigion.

The parade, inspired by the River Teifi, received financial support from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund as part of the Cynnal y Cardi Community Fund, administered by Ceredigion County Council. The festivities drew crowds from near and far, with Cardigan’s mayor, Cllr Olwen Davies, among those in attendance.

Leading the procession were the vibrant beats of Pembrokeshire-based Samba Doc and stunning giant feature lanterns. The parade snaked through the town and down to the quayside, where thousands of spectators enjoyed the spectacle. Larger-than-life lantern creatures crafted by pupils of Ysgol Uwchradd Aberteifi and pyramid lantern displays created by pupils from Ysgol Gynradd Aberteifi, Ysgol Llechryd, Cardigan youth groups, and the public added to the event’s charm.

This year, Cardigan is also hosting a Festival of Light, offering a series of festive attractions. In addition to the Lantern Parade, Small World Theatre has curated a Light Trail that runs from 4:30pm to 9:00pm daily, showcasing illuminated lanterns on buildings, creative light displays, and artworks throughout the town. Local independent cafes, shops, and galleries have joined in the festive spirit, decorating their windows to welcome visitors until Christmas.

Cllr Clive Davies expressed his excitement about the festivities:
“We’re delighted to have so many brilliant events happening in Cardigan, and the Giant Lantern Parade is exceptional. Congratulations to Small World Theatre and the community.”

Ann Shrobree, Director of Small World Theatre, thanked everyone involved:
“Thanks to everyone who helped—Ceredigion County Council, Cardigan Town Council, marshals from Cardigan Show and Barley Saturday Committees, Cardigan Castle, and our brilliant volunteers and first aiders. Samba Doc, fire juggling performers, and so many more came together to create a very special event for all.”

This year’s Lantern Parade has cemented its place as a cherished tradition, lighting up Cardigan and spreading festive joy across the community.

Business

Pembrokeshire care home group hit by £150,000 budget blow

Published

54 mins ago

December 19, 2024

Tom Sinclair

A COMPANY with six care homes in Pembrokeshire has revealed it is facing a £150,000 financial hit due to controversial Budget measures.

The hikes in National Insurance contributions, combined with an increase in the Real Living Wage, are set to cause “12 months of instability,” according to Mike Davies, managing director of Sunset West Care Homes’ holding company, Dale Roads Group Ltd.

The group operates six care homes, including Langton Hall Residential Home in Fishguard, Pen-Coed Residential Home in Saundersfoot, and Woodfield Nursing Residential Home in Narberth. Other homes in the group are Woodland Lodge Residential Home in Tenby, Torestin Care Home in Tiers Cross near Haverfordwest, and Pembroke Haven in Pembroke Dock.

Mr Davies warned that struggling care homes may need to ask families to help cover the cost of care for their loved ones.

He is supporting a new campaign launched by Care Forum Wales (CFW), which calls for social care to receive an NHS-style exemption from National Insurance increases or emergency financial support to prevent care homes and domiciliary care providers from going bust.

Save Social Care campaign

CFW chair Mario Kreft MBE is leading the Save Social Care, Save the NHS campaign, highlighting the issue in letters to Welsh MPs, Senedd members, First Minister Eluned Morgan, and Health Minister Jeremy Miles. Similar letters have also been sent to Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Chancellor Rachel Reeves.

The campaign, supported by the Five Nations Group, warns that third-sector providers, including charities and hospices, face serious risks due to the Budget measures.

Mr Davies shared these concerns, stating that Sunset West Care Homes is looking at an additional bill of more than £130,000 just to cover National Insurance increases. Additionally, the group expects to incur an extra £18,000 annually to cover Statutory Sick Pay costs.

With 169 registered beds across the group, Mr Davies said further financial strain from wage increases could push care homes to the brink unless additional funding is provided by the Welsh and UK governments.

He said: “Operating during Covid stretched staff resources to their limits. Now, with these additional Budget costs, we are facing a snapshot of the challenges ahead.

“If costs remain as projected, we anticipate an extra £130,000 for National Insurance contributions alone. This doesn’t even account for the wage increases yet.”

“Uncharted territory”

Mr Davies warned that the social care sector in Pembrokeshire could face instability, with smaller operators struggling to survive.

He said: “We’ve already seen care home closures, and the likelihood is that smaller operators will find it even more difficult going forward. We are relying on additional funding to meet these new costs.

“Eighty per cent of our occupancy in the county comes from local authority placements. If there’s a shortfall, families might need to provide additional voluntary contributions.”

National funding crisis

CFW has calculated that the care sector in Wales faces a £150 million funding gap due to Budget measures, including a 1.2% rise in employer National Insurance contributions, a cut to the Secondary Threshold to £5,000, and a 5% increase in the Real Living Wage to £12.60.

Mario Kreft MBE said: “It represents a 37% increase in employer NIC for a member of staff earning £25,000 a year. This is effectively a tax on publicly funded care and on working people, which will ultimately impact families.”

Mr Davies echoed these concerns, adding: “We’ve discussed funding issues with local authorities, but they don’t have the money either. It’s going to have to come from the Welsh Government and Westminster.”

Pictured: Sunset West Care Homes group managing director Mike Davies says Budget measures will hit care homes hard (Pic: Sunset/Herald)

Community

Tips for coping with Mental Health challenges this Christmas

Published

2 hours ago

December 19, 2024

Tom Sinclair

CHRISTMAS is often hailed as the “most wonderful time of the year,” but for many, it can bring stress, loneliness, or financial strain, impacting mental health in various ways. Mind Cymru has shared advice to help those struggling during the festive season.

Why Christmas Can Be Challenging

The holiday season can feel overwhelming for numerous reasons:

Stress and Expectations: The pressure to celebrate while managing personal challenges.
Difficult Memories: Reflecting on the past or worrying about the new year.
Financial Strain: Rising costs can make the season harder to navigate.

Sue O’ Leary, Director of Mind Cymru, explains:
“Christmas is a time to celebrate, but it can also magnify feelings—sometimes in a challenging way. It’s important to remember it’s okay to feel this way, and there is support available.”

Tips for Coping

Looking After Yourself

Be patient with yourself—it’s normal to find Christmas difficult.
Set boundaries and say no to unhelpful activities.
Take time out to focus on non-Christmas-related things.
Remember: the season won’t last forever.

Talking to Others

Let people know if you’re struggling and how they can help.
Access online communities like Mind’s Side by Side for support.
Communicate your preferences for festive activities.

Managing Relationships

Plan responses to uncomfortable questions in advance.
Agree on budgets or schedules beforehand to ease tensions.
Create distance if you’re with people you’d rather avoid.

Planning Ahead

Prepare items that help you feel comfortable, especially in unfamiliar settings.
Avoid triggering places or activities if possible.
Make a list of services with their Christmas opening hours.
Ensure you have enough medication to last through the holidays.
Plan something enjoyable for after Christmas to look forward to.

Where to Find Support

If you’re struggling, help is available:

Mind Helplines: Visit Mind Helplines (closed on Christmas Day, Boxing Day, and New Year’s Day).
Side by Side Online Community: Available 24/7 at Side by Side.
Samaritans: Call 116 123 (freephone). The Welsh language line is open 7pm–11pm daily.
SHOUT Crisis Text Service: Text SHOUT to 85258, available 24/7.
Coping with Money Worries: Visit the Mind website for advice.