News

Sweeping reforms announced for Welsh fire services following scandal

Published

2 years ago

March 11, 2024

IN A MOVE aimed at overhauling the troubled fire services in Wales, Deputy Minister for Social Partnership, Hannah Blythyn, announced a comprehensive reform plan for Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service and North Wales Fire and Rescue Service on Monday, 11 March 2024. This declaration comes on the heels of a distressing report by Fenella Morris KC, which uncovered a range of malpractices within the South Wales Fire and Rescue Service, including severe misconduct among staff, a toxic workplace environment, and widespread management failings.

Reacting to the damning revelations, Blythyn took decisive action last month, appointing four commissioners to assume control over the beleaguered South Wales service. The Deputy Minister has now turned her attention to the two other fire and rescue services operating in Wales, following engagements with their chief fire officers and chairpersons. These discussions, centred around the Morris report and its recommendations, aimed at ensuring a transformation in the workplace culture and values of the services.

Both fire and rescue services are now embarking on ambitious programmes to overhaul their organisational cultures. These initiatives are a response to a variety of inputs, including staff surveys, an investigative report by ITV News, findings from His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire and Rescue Services, and the Morris report itself. Examples of existing good practices were highlighted, such as North Wales’ approach of assigning a dedicated support officer to every fire station and Mid and West Wales’ policy allowing employees to freely raise concerns with any level of management.

Despite these measures, the Deputy Minister continues to receive complaints from both current and former employees about issues ranging from bullying and sexual harassment to bias in promotion processes. These ongoing concerns underscore the urgent need for a cultural and managerial revamp within the services.

As part of the reform strategy, both Mid and West Wales and North Wales fire and rescue services have committed to an independent review. This assessment will evaluate the current state of affairs in relation to the Morris report’s findings and other relevant studies, with a focus on workplace culture, employee satisfaction, and diversity. The review is expected to produce a publicly available report by autumn 2024, excluding any details that could reveal individual identities.

The Deputy Minister pledged to keep members informed of the progress, underlining the government’s dedication to restoring public confidence and ensuring a safe, respectful work environment for all staff.

Chief Fire Officer Roger Thomas said: “We welcome Welsh Government’s decision to accept our proposal to review how we are progressing on our cultural journey.

“A robust cultural audit, undertaken by an external company, has already taken place at Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service and as a result, through the formation of a Culture and Inclusion Board and Working Group, an action plan to make wide-ranging enhancements to our Service is underway, a process which has been welcomed by Welsh Government.

“As well as focussing on the outcomes of our own cultural audit, this exercise pays cognisance to similar reports published by other Fire and Rescue Services, as well as His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire and Rescue Services in England Spotlight report, recognising there are significant learning opportunities within their recommendations.

“We are committed to working closely with Welsh Government and North Wales Fire and Rescue Service on the review process – a collaborative approach which will ensure a comprehensive and unbiased assessment of our progress.

“The Service has a zero-tolerance policy on any form of misogyny, racism, bullying or inappropriate behaviour and we place great emphasis on ensuring our staff feel supported in the workplace, providing several routes should they feel they need to share any concerns.

“I want to show appreciation for the continuous hard work and dedication of our staff, as well as reassure the public that we will handle this process with integrity, honesty and transparency.”

Community

Milford paddling pool could close after rowdy adults seen throwing glass bottles

Published

5 minutes ago

May 25, 2026

Tom Sinclair

MILFORD HAVEN TOWN COUNCIL has warned that the town’s paddling pool could be drained and closed if anti-social behaviour continues.

The warning follows an incident today in which rowdy adults were reportedly drinking alcohol from glass bottles inside the pool enclosure and throwing a glass bottle around.

The council also said people were seen smoking cannabis just outside the gate.

In a statement, Milford Haven Town Council said the behaviour was “highly dangerous, irresponsible and inconsiderate” and “cannot and will not be tolerated”.

The council warned: “If this sort of behaviour continues we will have no choice but to consider draining and closing the pool.”

The paddling pool is run voluntarily by a dedicated group of councillors for the benefit of local families and visitors.

The council is now urging people to act responsibly so the facility can remain open and be enjoyed safely by everyone.

Business

WestJet’s first Toronto flight lands at Cardiff Airport

Published

9 minutes ago

May 25, 2026

Tom Sinclair

New seasonal service restores direct link between Wales and Canada after nearly 20 years

CARDIFF AIRPORT has welcomed the first WestJet flight from Toronto, marking the return of a direct air link between Wales and Canada for the first time in almost 20 years.

The inaugural service from Toronto Pearson International Airport landed at Cardiff on Saturday (May 23), officially launching a new transatlantic route between South Wales and North America.

Passengers on the first arrival were greeted with a traditional water cannon salute, while Penarth choir Criw Canu welcomed the crew and customers with Welsh songs at the aircraft steps.

The new route will operate four times a week using WestJet’s Boeing 737-8 MAX aircraft. Cardiff Airport said the service would open up new opportunities for tourism, business, investment and cultural links between Wales and Canada.

Toronto Pearson is also a major hub, offering onward connections to more than 100 destinations across Canada and the United States, including Calgary, Halifax, Vancouver and Florida.

Cabinet Minister for Enterprise, Connectivity and Energy, Adam Price MS, attended the launch alongside guests including Vale of Glamorgan Council leader Cllr Lis Burnett, Lord-Lieutenant of South Glamorgan Morfudd Meredith, Ontario’s Agent-General in London Sophia Arvanitis, Visit Wales and aviation industry partners.

Mr Price said: “WestJet’s inaugural flight from Cardiff to Toronto is a powerful signal to the world that our nation is open for business.

“Direct transatlantic connectivity like this is exactly what Welsh businesses need to reach new markets, attract investment and grow and it reinforces our ambition to make Wales one of the best-connected economies in the UK.

“Cardiff Airport is a vital piece of our economic infrastructure, and today’s milestone is something to celebrate.”

Jon Bridge, Chief Executive Officer of Cardiff Airport, described the launch as a landmark moment for the airport and for Wales.

He said: “The arrival of WestJet’s direct service gives customers easier access to Toronto and onward destinations across North America. It firmly strengthens Cardiff Airport’s position as the international gateway for Wales.

“We are proud to welcome WestJet and excited about the long-term potential of this partnership.”

Chris White-DeVries, WestJet Senior Manager Hub Strategy and Airport Affairs, said the route was an important addition to the airline’s transatlantic network.

He said: “WestJet’s new seasonal offering makes it easier for more people to discover everything South Wales and Canada have to offer, while staying closely connected to friends, family and business opportunities.

“Cardiff plays an important role in our growing transatlantic network, and we are proud to offer our guests from Wales more convenient access to Canada.”

The Cardiff to Toronto service departs Cardiff at 11:35am on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays.

Toronto to Cardiff flights depart at 10:10pm on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays.

Community

Choir to sing at ten bandstands in one day for Alzheimer’s charity

Published

14 minutes ago

May 25, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Côr Meibion De Cymru will begin its South Wales challenge at Milford Haven before finishing in Cardiff

A WELSH male voice choir will sing at ten bandstands in one day as part of an ambitious charity challenge across South Wales.

Côr Meibion De Cymru, the South Wales Male Choir, will begin its Ten Bandstands Challenge at The Rath in Milford Haven at 7:00am on Sunday, May 31.

The choir will then travel east, performing short concerts at Tenby, Carmarthen, Kidwelly, Llandeilo, Neath, Barry Island, Penarth and Newport before finishing at Victoria Park in Cardiff at around 8:00pm.

The event is being held in aid of Alzheimer’s Society Cymru, with organisers aiming to raise £5,000.

The choir says the challenge is intended to create a “red wave of singing” across South Wales, while celebrating the Welsh male voice choir tradition and showing that it remains a powerful part of Welsh cultural life.

The full schedule is:

Milford Haven, The Rath: 7:00am to 7:20am
Tenby, Castle Hill: 8:25am to 8:45am
Carmarthen, Carmarthen Park: 9:55am to 10:15am
Kidwelly, Parc Y Bocs: 11:00am to 11:20am
Llandeilo, Penlan Park: 12:30pm to 1:00pm
Neath, Victoria Gardens: 2:00pm to 2:20pm
Barry Island, Friars Road: 3:55pm to 4:20pm
Penarth, Windsor Gardens: 5:10pm to 5:30pm
Newport, Belle Vue Park: 6:35pm to 6:55pm
Cardiff, Victoria Park: 7:50pm to 8:10pm

Organisers say timings may vary slightly depending on traffic on the day.

The challenge is being promoted as a celebration of music, community and Welsh identity, while raising money for a cause that affects families across Wales.

More information and donations are available through the choir’s JustGiving campaign.