News

Controversial Fracking spreads UK wide

Published

11 years ago

September 9, 2014

$fracking$ GOVERNMENT legislation early last month decided to push ahead with fracking plans throughout the UK, despite overwhelming opposition. Many areas of England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland will be affected by these changes. Fracking, also known as hydraulic fracking, is the process of drilling down into the earth with hydraulics, before forcing a mixture of water, sand and chemicals into the rock at a high pressure, thereby releasing the gas inside.

Fracking is viewed as important because it allows the country access to natural gasses, which are generally sparse and, from the UK’s perspective, require reliance on other nations to provide. The process of fracking is performed on a large scale and is designed to help the country become more self-sufficient; however fracking is not without its issues and controversies. There is a slew of environmental and potential health issues linked with fracking.

The process uses huge amounts of water that must be transported to the sites at huge environmental cost. Additionally there is also the worrying problem of toxic chemicals that are used contaminating the water at the site, which will then spread further afield and affect the population of surrounding towns and cities. Furthermore the process of fracking has been known to cause minor earthquakes, such as the one that hit Blackpool in 2011.

These are some of the primary concerns championed by anti-fracking factions across the UK, however, recently the UK government in its infinite wisdom decided to implement fracking UK wide, which means Wales will also be affected. Indeed, more than half of the Welsh population could find themselves affected by the decision to utilize shale gas drilling in the country.

There have been efforts to prevent fracking from taking place in certain of the country’s areas of natural beauty, and The National Trust has called for a ban on shale gas fracking in national parks and areas of outstanding natural beauty, including the county’s own Pembrokeshire National Park. However, it appears ministers have decreed that fracking will be allowed in national parks across the UK under “exceptional circumstances”, which presumably means if there is an abundance of shale gas beneath them. Another issue surrounding the UK fracking influx is the fact that it is yet to produce public benefit as expected.

Attempts to follow in the footsteps of our trans-Atlantic cousins have yet to yield the kind of results that people were hoping for. Instead of using this as a cautionary tale and writing the process off as an experiment that seemed like a good idea but was flawed in theory, the government, undeterred, is pushing through even more forcefully now. Perhaps this is an attempt to save face, or perhaps the powers-that-be think that if they cast their nets far and wide they’re bound to catch a lot of fish. On a more practical level, the main problem with fracking from a national perspective is surely that once again the government is overlooking the importance of investment in renewable energy, instead choosing to focus its efforts and reliance on fossil fuels.

Crime

Bail revoked for teenager charged with rape following Sands Nightclub allegation

Published

15 minutes ago

December 18, 2025

Rieve Nesbitt-Marr

A TEENAGER charged with rape following an alleged incident at a Saundersfoot nightclub has been remanded into custody after bail was revoked at Swansea Crown Court.

Joshua Probert, aged eighteen, is accused of raping a woman at Sands Nightclub in the seaside village during the early hours of Sunday (Dec 14).

The complainant is entitled to lifelong anonymity and no details that could identify her can be reported.

Probert was initially granted bail by Llanelli Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday. However, on Thursday afternoon (Dec 18) the Crown Prosecution Service applied for a special hearing at Swansea Crown Court, arguing that the earlier bail decision had been made without all relevant information being available.

The hearing was presided over by Paul Thomas KC. After considering new material put before the court, the judge ruled that there was a risk of reoffending.

There was also discussion that the defendant was at risk in the community due to alleged threatening phone calls against him.

Bail was therefore revoked and Probert was remanded into custody.

The defendant appeared in court supported by members of his family, including his mother, stepfather and father.

Much of the detail discussed during the hearing cannot be reported for legal reasons.

Probert is due to return to court in four weeks’ time as proceedings continue.

News

Welsh Government outlines new rights for homeowners facing estate management charges

Published

2 hours ago

December 18, 2025

Tom Sinclair

HOMEOWNERS living on privately managed estates in Wales are set to gain new legal protections under changes being introduced as part of the Leasehold and Freehold Reform Act 2024, the Welsh Government has said.

In a written statement published on Thursday (Dec 18), the Cabinet Secretary for Housing and Local Government, Jayne Bryant MS, provided an update on how the legislation will be implemented in Wales, with a particular focus on estate management charges paid by freehold homeowners.

Until now, homeowners on privately managed estates have often faced unclear or high bills for maintenance and services, with limited ability to obtain information or challenge costs. Once fully implemented, Part 5 of the Act is intended to address those concerns.

New powers for homeowners

Under the reforms, homeowners will be given the right to challenge the reasonableness of estate management charges for the first time. Estate managers will also be required to provide clearer information about the services being paid for through those charges.

In cases where estate management has failed, homeowners will be able to apply to a tribunal for a substitute manager to be appointed. The Act will also require estate managers to publish details of any administration charges in advance, where payment is expected.

Jayne Bryant said the changes would bring “significant new rights and protections” for homeowners affected by estate management fees.

Welsh and UK consultations

Responsibility for introducing the necessary secondary legislation is shared between the Welsh and UK Governments. While many of the powers rest with UK Ministers, Welsh Ministers are responsible for rules relating to the publication of administration charges in Wales.

The Welsh Government has confirmed it is working alongside UK counterparts to ensure both consultations are launched at the same time, allowing homeowners and stakeholders to consider the full set of proposals together.

Homeowners are being encouraged to respond to both the Welsh Government consultation on administration charges and the UK Government consultation on the wider estate management regime.

The consultations are now open and form part of the process to bring the new protections into force.

News

Flood warnings issued across Wales as heavy rain raises river levels

Published

2 hours ago

December 18, 2025

Tom Sinclair

FLOOD warnings and alerts have been issued across large parts of Wales as persistent heavy rain causes river levels to rise, with parts of the country facing an increased risk of flooding on Thursday (Dec 18).

Natural Resources Wales (NRW) has confirmed that four flood warnings are currently in place, meaning immediate action is required, while a further 16 flood alerts have been issued where flooding is possible.

A yellow weather warning for rain has been issued by the Met Office, covering much of Wales from 10:00am on Thursday until 7:00pm, with disruption expected in some areas.

NRW said the warnings follow prolonged wet weather, with further heavy rainfall forecast to move across the country during the day.

The Met Office said: “An area of heavy rain will move northeast across the warning area during Thursday morning and afternoon before clearing to the east through the evening.

“Given recent very wet weather, there is potential for some disruption to travel and possible flooding.

“Much of the warning area will see 15–25mm of rain but some places could see 40–50mm, with the highest totals falling over high ground of south Wales.”

Forecasters have also warned that strong winds could worsen conditions, particularly along the coast.

“There is a chance of 60–70mph gusts along the exposed south coast, and perhaps 40–50mph some way inland,” the Met Office added.

Flood warnings in force

NRW has confirmed flood warnings are currently active at the following locations:

River Towy at Carmarthen Quay, Carmarthen
River Ritec at Tenby
River Towy affecting isolated properties between Llandeilo and Abergwili
River Rhyd Hir at Riverside Terrace, Pwllheli

Residents in these areas are being urged to take immediate action to protect property and personal safety.

Flood alerts issued

In addition, flood alerts — meaning flooding is possible — have been issued for the Lower Severn catchment in Powys, along with other areas shown on NRW’s live flood monitoring maps.

NRW is advising people to remain vigilant, avoid flooded roads and footpaths, and keep up to date with the latest forecasts and warnings.

The Herald understands that river levels will continue to be closely monitored throughout the day as rainfall moves through Wales.

Members of the public can check the latest flood warnings and alerts on the Natural Resources Wales website or by signing up for flood alerts direct to their phone.