Llyr Powell criticises Labour and Plaid Cymru after report claims Wales has Britain’s worst charger coverage by road miles

A REFORM UK candidate has accused Labour and Plaid Cymru of pursuing an “EV fantasy” after new research claimed Wales has the worst public electric vehicle charger coverage in Britain by road miles.

Llyr Powell said the figures showed motorists were being pushed towards electric vehicles before the basic infrastructure was in place.

The research, published by the TaxPayers’ Alliance, claimed Wales had one public EV charger for every 3.69 miles of road as of March 2026. It also estimated that meeting Welsh Government charging targets for 2030 could cost around £133m.

Mr Powell said: “Labour and Plaid have signed Wales up to unrealistic targets without putting the groundwork in place. Now ordinary taxpayers are being handed the bill for their failure.

“This is what happens when ideology comes before practicality. Drivers are being pushed toward electric vehicles, yet the infrastructure simply isn’t there. It’s reckless and it’s unfair.”

The Welsh Government’s electric vehicle charging strategy previously set out an ambition for Wales to have between 30,000 and 55,000 fast chargers by 2030, as well as thousands of rapid chargers.

But Reform UK says rural communities and working families risk being hit hardest by gaps in the charging network, particularly in areas where public transport is limited and car use remains essential.

Mr Powell added: “People across Wales are already struggling with the cost of living. Labour and Plaid should be honest about the true cost of these policies instead of forcing through expensive, unworkable plans.”

Reform UK is calling for a reassessment of the current EV strategy, with a greater focus on affordability, realistic timescales and infrastructure that works for rural as well as urban Wales.

OVER 50 young actors will take to the Torch Theatre stage this summer for a new version of the classic Robin Hood tale.

Robin Hood: The Legend of the Black Knight will be performed by members of Torch Youth Theatre across three nights in July, promising adventure, excitement and a few unexpected twists.

The production will feature the familiar ingredients of the much-loved story, with Robin Hood robbing from the rich to give to the poor, the Sheriff of Nottingham causing trouble, and Maid Marian presented as a spirited heroine.

Director Tim Howe said: “All the elements of the story we know and love will be there. Robin Hood robs from the rich and gives to the poor, the Sheriff of Nottingham is up to no good, and Maid Marian is exactly the feisty heroine we all need.

“But it wouldn’t be a Torch Youth Theatre production without some things you won’t be expecting, and we can’t wait to share those surprises with you.”

Youth theatre success

The show follows the record-breaking success of Sycamore Gap and forms part of a busy year of activity for young people at the Torch.

Torch Youth Theatre provides weekly sessions during school term time for young people aged seven to 18. All members are able to take part in the summer production, with no auditions required.

Tim added: “We provide weekly sessions during school term time for young people aged seven to 18, all of whom are able to take part in the summer production – there are no auditions – and booking is now open.

“We also offer activity in the summer when young people can join us for a full week of workshops and rehearsals to create a production which is shared in our studio for their families and friends. So there’s loads of ways to join in with us.”

The Torch Youth Theatre’s sessions and productions aim to develop young people’s theatrical skills while also giving them a space to find their voice, build confidence and learn more about themselves and each other.

Robin Hood: The Legend of the Black Knight will be performed at the Torch Theatre on Monday, July 20, Tuesday, July 21 and Wednesday, July 22 at 6:30pm.

Tickets cost £10, or £8 for concessions, and are available from torchtheatre.co.uk or the Box Office on 01646 695267.

EMERGENCY SERVICS were called to a major overnight fire in Haverfordwest which led to residents being urged to remain indoors as smoke spread across the area.

Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service said crews from Haverfordwest and Milford Haven stations were dispatched to Snowdrop Lane at 11:19pm on Monday (Apr 27).

The blaze involved a two-storey derelict commercial property, understood to have previously been used as a secondhand electrical shop. Firefighters worked for several hours to bring the incident under control, finally leaving the scene shortly after 2:00am on Tuesday morning.

At the height of the incident, multiple appliances were in attendance, including a turntable ladder used as a water tower and a water bowser to maintain supply. Crews deployed hose reel jets and 45mm jets to tackle the flames.

Smoke from the fire spread across neighbouring streets, prompting Dyfed-Powys Police to advise residents to stay indoors and keep windows and doors closed. Officers also carried out door-to-door enquiries in the surrounding area.

No injuries have been reported.

By Tuesday morning, traffic in and around the town centre was heavily affected, with congestion reported on the A40 near Cartlett, Narberth Road and the Withybush roundabout. Traffic was also slow on the A487, Freemens Way and routes approaching Merlins Bridge as drivers diverted away from the area.

The building has been completely destroyed, and a fire investigation is now due to take place to establish the cause.

Police have confirmed that roads in the area have since reopened, although officers remain at the scene while enquiries continue.