News

Carmarthenshire residents want inquiry into Senedd reception by Bute

Published

1 year ago

July 12, 2024

CARMARTHENSHIRE Residents Action Group (CRAiG Sir Gâr) has written to the Standards Commissioner of the Senedd demanding an inquiry into Bute Energy’s evening drinks reception in the main public space at the Senedd on Tuesday 9th July.

Bute Energy is engaged in a number of controversial planning applications across Wales on which Welsh Ministers will decide. Carmarthenshire residents have questioned why such a controversial firm engaged in live planning applications was allowed to put on what appeared to be a wine and canapes reception for Senedd Members.

Green Gen Cymru/ Bute Energy is proposing to run at least two pylon chains through Carmarthenshire’s countryside desecrating the historic landscape of the Tywi Valley and villages along the A485. One of these will connect the controversial Nant Mithil windfarm development which is anticpated to go to planning in the next few months.

Havard Hughes, local resident and spokesperson for the Carmarthenshire Residents’ Action Group commented:

“Senedd rules prohibit the hosting of receptions where they are controversial or will result in financial gain. I have therefore written to the Senedd to demand answers on why the controversial firm Bute Energy was allowed to host what appeared to be a drinks reception for Senedd members as planning applications loom for the Nant Mithil windfarm and Bute’s Green GEN Towy-Usk Pylons in Carmarthenshire’s scenic Tywi Valley.

“The Nolan Rules make it clear that those who hold public office should act openly and transparently. How does this fit with a controversial private developer holding a private function in our Parliament so that they can lobby our politicians. Perceptions of transparency and fairness are crucial to maintain support for our democratic processes. We question the appropriateness of such an event during the planning and approval process of a number of controversial schemes.

“Residents are following the money. We have doggedly pursued Carmarthenshire County Council regarding its Dyfed Pension Fund investment in Bute Energy. We are now focusing on what Bute Energy is doing with those funds. This appears to include wining and dining Senedd Members in our own national parliament.

“We have written to The Standards Commissioner demanding further details of what happened at the event and who attended. Bute Energy are telling residents in the Tywi Valley and elsewhere that they cannot afford undergrounding. However, when it comes to hospitality for our elected representatives – money appears to be no object.”

Residents remain concerned and are urging a detailed investigation into the event’s appropriateness.

A Bute Energy spokesperson said on Friday (Jul 12): “CRAiG Sir Gâr’s letter contains several unfounded assertions about the reception.

“The event was held outside public hours and was strictly invite-only.

“Green Gen Cymru worked closely with the Senedd to ensure full compliance with all applicable rules and regulations.”

Bute also clarified that Bute Energy and Green Gen Cymru are not a single entity. In reality, Green Gen Cymru is an independently-governed subsidiary of Bute Energy.

The firm also highlighted that it is Green Gen Cymru that is proposing the distribution network, while Bute Energy is focused on developing a portfolio of energy parks.

News

Flood warnings issued across Wales as heavy rain raises river levels

Published

13 minutes 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.

Flood alerts and warnings across Wales on Thursday (Pic: NRW).

Crime

Jury discharged after failing to reach verdict in historic abuse trial

Published

1 hour ago

December 18, 2025

Rieve Nesbitt-Marr

CPS have a week do decide if they wish to pursue a re-trial, judge confirms

THE JURY has been discharged in the trial of a Milford Haven man accused of historic child sex offences after telling the court it was unable to reach a verdict, even by majority.

Thomas Kirk, aged 50, of Meyler Crescent, Milford Haven, is charged with the oral rape and sexual assault of a child, with the offences alleged to have taken place in Pembrokeshire between 2007 and 2009, when the complainant was aged between thirteen and fifteen. He denies the charges.

On Thursday (Dec 18), the jury returned to Swansea Crown Court and was asked whether it had reached a verdict on either count upon which at least ten jurors were agreed.

The foreman replied: “No.”

Judge Paul Thomas KC then asked whether there was any realistic likelihood that further deliberations would lead to a verdict being reached.

The foreman replied: “No, your honour.”

Judge Thomas KC said that in those circumstances he would discharge the jury and give the prosecution seven days to decide whether it would seek a retrial.

Addressing the jurors, the judge said they should not think they had failed or let anyone down.

“These things happen,” he said. “It’s one of the strengths of the jury system that people hold different views.”

He thanked the jury for their service and wished them a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.

The court heard that the prosecution will now consider its position, with a further hearing expected next week to determine whether a retrial will take place.