News

Swansea Council hopes sports ground will be new Ospreys home

Published

2 years ago

May 23, 2024

SWANSEA CITY COUNCIL says it would like the city’s St Helen’s sports ground to become the new home of top-flight rugby region The Ospreys.

The Ospreys are looking for a new home, having stated that they no longer plan to play at the Swansea.com Stadium after the 2024-25 season.

A proposal for a new operating model at St Helen’s – currently run by the council – would see it redeveloped as a location for regional and community sport.

The council would want any approved plan to accommodate the successful relocation of Swansea Cricket Club in a manner agreed by them and others.

Council leader Rob Stewart said: “St Helen’s needs to be upgraded to offer a modern sports experience, and the Ospreys need a new home and a plan for long-term sustainability.

“We’re prepared to work on the current Ospreys proposal for St Helen’s to become a modern rugby stadium, helping the region to make their home there and remain in Swansea.

“We’re doing all we can to support the Ospreys to stay in Swansea, while also working with all of our sporting stakeholders to provide top-class facilities for them.

“We’ve discussed the option with the Ospreys. We’re already discussing key matters in a positive manner with current St Helen’s residents Swansea CC and Swansea RFC.

“Ongoing discussions to enable these potential changes include implications, timescales and funding to develop improved cricket facilities nearby.”

The St Helen’s proposal would involve agreements with the Ospreys to accommodate other uses. The neighbouring recreation ground does not feature in the current proposal.

St Helen’s would become a rugby stadium for a range of users, including a home for regional rugby, and facilities for community sport. It would be developed in a phased manner over a number of years, increasing capacity, developing facilities and improving the experience of users and visitors.

The proposal would allow rugby use, including – as now – by Swansea RFC and Swansea University. The sports ground would be made available for use by local community groups and schools.

Cricket teams would be offered upgraded facilities nearby, with details and timings to be agreed by key stakeholders.

A report outlining the proposal was presented to the council’s cabinet by cabinet member for investment, regeneration, events and tourism Robert Francis Davies on May 16.

He said: “We want to work with the Ospreys to improve St Helen’s as a key sporting facility to the benefit of first-class regional rugby and as community sports venue for the city.

“Swansea is a sporting city and we want an active and healthy Swansea with a thriving local economy and infrastructure. This plan would help that.

“The proposal is to develop and enhance St Helen’s as a sports facility over the coming years through a long-term partnership with The Ospreys.

“We’re committed to working in partnership with others to ensure the development and delivery of sport in Swansea at community, student and elite levels.”

St Helen’s has a rich history and has played host to high level sport over the decades.

Current activity there includes home games of Swansea RFC in rugby union’s Welsh Premiership and Swansea Cricket Club home games in the top fight of South Wales cricket.

However, without increased future investment, the council would need to consider other arrangements.

Cllr Francis-Davies said: “The St Helen’s proposal – which would see us work within council budgets at this time of great financial challenge – is to secure investment and revitalise the venue, retaining first class regional rugby close to the city centre.

“We’re talking with Swansea CC about helping them relocate to an alternative facility suitable for their games in the top division of the South Wales Premier Cricket League.

“We’re eager to work to a timeframe agreed by stakeholders and in line with the proposals.”

Meanwhile Bridgend County Borough Council said it can confirm that talks are ongoing with the Ospreys about the team potentially relocating to the Dunraven Brewery Field from the 2025/26 season onwards.

Earlier this year, the Ospreys announced plans to relocate to a new stadium and their search has now been narrowed down to the Dunraven Brewery Field in Bridgend and St Helens in Swansea.

The move would represent a boost to the local economy by offering many mutual benefits to both the Ospreys and the county borough as a whole.

Bridgend County Borough has been part of the Ospreys region since 2004 and has played host to the team on a number of occasions, including this season’s derby clash against Cardiff Rugby and the memorable European Challenge Cup win over Sale Sharks.

Cllr Neelo Farr, Cabinet Member for Regeneration, Economic Development and Housing, said: “We are fully supportive of the Ospreys’ plans to potentially relocate to Bridgend County Borough and we are looking forward to further talks as we continue to discuss the many mutual benefits of any such move, including the massive economic boost that it would bring to the entire area.

“The Dunraven Brewery Field would offer the Ospreys a unique opportunity to base themselves in the heart of a town centre, with Bridgend being perfectly placed on the M4 corridor and having lots of public transport options with nearby train and bus stations.

“The Ospreys already have lots of strong community links throughout the county borough and it’s fantastic that many of their current players are from Bridgend and started their rugby journeys by playing for our local teams.”

Ospreys CEO, Lance Bradley said: “I am happy to share that we have narrowed down our decision to two fantastic grounds, each offering unique opportunities, and we are confident that either choice would be more than suitable as the Ospreys new home.

“It’s been a pleasure working with both the City and County of Swansea Council and Bridgend County Borough Council to get to this point. Both councils have really come to the party and been more than accommodating in our requests, and open to working together to ensure our new stadium is not just a suitable top-flight rugby stadium but offers further opportunities to enrich the local community.

“I look forward to being able to share our preferred option in the coming weeks and working in partnership with the relevant Council to ensure our new home becomes the hub of the community.”

The Ospreys will remain at the Swansea.com Stadium for the 24/25 season, using this time for initial redevelopments to ensure the selected stadium is fit for purpose for the following 25/26 season.

Further updates regarding stadium selection will be shared by the Ospreys in due course.

Community

Wales launches plan to become ‘Carer Aware’ nation

Published

2 hours ago

February 2, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Consultation invites unpaid carers across the country to shape new national strategy

THE WELSH GOVERNMENT has unveiled plans to make Wales a “Carer Aware” nation, with a new public consultation launched today (Monday, Feb 2) aimed at improving recognition and support for the country’s thousands of unpaid carers.

Ministers say the move is designed to ensure people who look after relatives, friends or neighbours are identified earlier and treated as partners in decisions about the care of their loved ones.

A draft National Strategy for Unpaid Carers has been developed with input from hundreds of carers and representative groups across Wales. It sets out eight key priorities, including better recognition of carers’ roles, improved access to respite and short breaks, stronger wellbeing support, and measures to prevent young carers from carrying too much responsibility.

Under the proposals, carers of all ages and backgrounds — including disabled carers and those in minority communities — would be able to access clear, local information and help when they need it.

Officials say earlier identification is critical, so carers can receive advice, financial guidance and emotional support from the start of their caring journey, rather than only at crisis point.

The strategy also stresses the need for sufficient alternative care arrangements to allow carers time to rest and protect their own health.

Dawn Bowden, Minister for Children and Social Care, said many carers do not even see themselves as carers.

“Too often, unpaid carers go unrecognised – even by themselves. They’re simply ‘looking after mum’ or ‘helping out a friend’, but caring can have a profound impact on people’s finances, careers, health and wellbeing,” she said.

“We want Wales to be a place where carers are identified early, where they know their rights, and where they’re treated as partners for the person they care for.

“This consultation is important in shaping a strategy which takes into full account how carers feel and how they’re supported. I’d encourage everyone with an interest to provide their views.”

The consultation is open now and runs until April 13, with responses helping to shape the final strategy and future support services across Wales.

People can take part online via the Welsh Government website.

News

Bus services reform becomes law across Wales

Published

2 hours ago

February 2, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Landmark legislation gives public sector greater control as rollout set to begin in southwest Wales in 2027

LOCAL bus services across Wales are set for their biggest overhaul in decades after new legislation formally became law this week.

The Bus Services (Wales) Bill received Royal Assent on Monday (Feb 2), with the Welsh Government saying the changes will transform how routes are planned and delivered, putting passengers and communities ahead of profit-led timetables.

The legislation was sealed at a ceremony in Cardiff by First Minister Eluned Morgan, marking what ministers describe as a “historic day” for public transport.

The law gives the public sector a stronger role in shaping bus networks, allowing services to be designed around local needs in both rural and urban areas. Instead of relying solely on commercial operators deciding routes, councils and regional bodies will be able to coordinate and plan services more directly.

The Transport for Wales will work alongside local authorities, Corporate Joint Committees, bus companies, unions and residents to redesign networks using local knowledge.

Buses remain a vital link for many communities, particularly in rural parts of west Wales where alternatives are limited. They connect people to jobs, schools, hospitals and town centres.

Eluned Morgan said: “This is a historic day for public transport in Wales – it sends out a clear message that we are committed to improving the bus system and delivering better, more reliable services for the people of Wales.

“Buses are lifelines for many communities across Wales connecting people to jobs, health services, education and friends, and I’m excited to see the improvements that are coming.”

Cabinet Secretary for Transport and North Wales, Ken Skates, said the changes marked “the beginning of a new era”.

He added: “These changes won’t be seen overnight, it’s going to take time, but we are working closely with the industry and local authorities to plan and deliver bus services to meet the needs of passengers today and for generations to come.”

The rollout will be phased, starting in southwest Wales in 2027, followed by north Wales in 2028, southeast Wales in 2029 and mid Wales in 2030.

Ministers say the aim is to deliver more reliable timetables, better coverage and services that reflect what communities actually need – rather than what is most commercially viable.

Community

Flood alert issued for Pembrokeshire coast this evening

Published

3 hours ago

February 2, 2026

Luke Sinclair

Pembrokeshire residents are being urged to prepare for possible flooding along the coastline between St Dogmaels, Cardigan and Amroth, after Natural Resources Wales issued a Flood Alert.

The alert warns that rising water levels could pose a risk to homes, vehicles and livestock, and advises people to take precautions now. Authorities are reminding residents to follow their flood plans, check on family, friends and pets, and ensure essential items and documents are protected.

Residents are also advised to keep mobile phones charged, know how to turn off electricity, gas and water supplies, and prepare a small emergency bag with items such as medication, warm clothing, baby and pet care essentials, and insurance documents. Vehicles, livestock and equipment should be moved from areas likely to flood if possible.

Safety warnings are clear: do not drive or walk through floodwater. Just 30 cm (1 foot) of water can carry a car away, and 15 cm can knock a person off their feet.

For more information, residents can visit Natural Resources Wales – Flood Warnings, check river and sea levels online, or contact Floodline on 0345 988 1188 (quick dial 503013). Updates are also available via @NatResWales on social media.