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Cardiff Airport boss resigns amid criticism of Welsh Government direction

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THE CHIEF EXECUTIVE of Cardiff Airport, Spencer Birns, has stepped down from his role, sparking fresh criticism over the Welsh Government’s management of the publicly-owned site.

Mr Birns, who took on the role in 2020 after serving as the airport’s commercial director, has overseen a challenging period marked by the COVID-19 pandemic and a slow recovery in passenger numbers. Despite efforts to revive the airport’s fortunes, services and airline partnerships have struggled to return to pre-pandemic levels.

Airport boss Spencer Birns has quit his post (Image: File)

The airport, which was purchased by the Welsh Government in 2013 for £52 million, has continued to rely on public funding to stay afloat. Passenger numbers remain well below expectations, and several carriers have either scaled back operations or withdrawn entirely.

Reacting to Mr Birns’ resignation, Andrew RT Davies MS, Member of the Senedd for South Wales Central and former Leader of the Welsh Conservatives, said the move amounted to a “vote of no confidence” in the airport’s current ownership and direction.

Mr Davies said: “The chief executive leaving the pitch is a vote of no confidence in Welsh Government’s ownership of Cardiff Airport. Spencer Birns has always done his best at Cardiff Airport, where facilities are second to none, but the lack of direction from Welsh Government has led to a non-return of airlines and a brutal decline in passenger numbers.

“If we’re going to see this key economic asset gain real strength, we need to see a change of ownership, and better direction so talented people like Mr Birns aren’t walking away.”

Cardiff Airport has not yet named a successor or given details on the timeline for Mr Birns’ departure. A spokesperson for the airport said the search for new leadership would begin immediately, and paid tribute to Mr Birns’ service.

The Welsh Government has defended its stewardship of the airport in the past, citing the pandemic’s unprecedented impact on global aviation. However, critics argue that the airport has lacked a coherent long-term strategy and failed to attract sustainable commercial interest.

Mr Birns’ resignation comes at a time when the future of the airport remains under intense scrutiny, with calls growing louder for either privatisation or a new management structure.

Commenting, Welsh Conservative Shadow Cabinet Secretary for Transport and Infrastructure, Peter Fox MS, said:“This is the latest in a long line of setbacks for an airport that has continued to limp along due to intervention from the Labour Government.

“Cardiff Airport is a financial burden on the Labour Welsh Government and Welsh taxpayers, with hundreds of millions of pounds already spent on a failing service and another £205 million planned over the next 10 years. Labour must finally do the right thing and sell the airport to the private sector.

“Welsh Ministers lack the expertise to manage an airport. That is why the private sector, with the experience and knowledge needed, is better placed to ensure the airport not only survives but thrives.”

 

Business

205-unit storage site at Pembrokeshire farm submitted to planners

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A CALL to allow a Pembrokeshire farm to keep a storage facility for more than 200 caravans, boats, cars and farm machines as a form of diversification has been submitted to county planners.

In an application to Pembrokeshire County Council, Mr & Mrs Davies, through agent A.D Architectural Design Consultants Ltd, seek retrospective permission for a farm diversification scheme to accommodate the storage of caravans, boats, cars and farm machinery in four of eight agricultural sheds and on hard-standing concrete courtyards at Froghall Farm, Spittal.

The works were completed back in 2019.

A supporting statement accompanying the application said: “At present, four of the eight shed structures on the site form part of the caravan and boat storage scheme, with additional touring caravans stored externally on the concrete courtyards.”

It said the storage provision was split as follows: Shed 1 – farm workshop, and 30 caravans, motorhomes, boats & cars; shed 2 – 16 caravans; shed 3 – 28 caravans, motorhomes, boats & cars – 28; shed 8 – cubicle shed, 11 units of farm machines, motorhomes & caravans; courtyard storage of 120 touring caravans, for an overall storage of 205 units.

The statement added: “It would take place in an accessible location, would incorporate sustainable transport and accessibility principles and would not result in a detrimental impact on highway safety or in traffic exceeding the capacity of the highway network; access road is a no-through road with no increase in traffic due to the nature of development.

“There won’t be a constant stream/flow of traffic as the site’s used for storage. Our client offers a towing service to sites in and around Pembrokeshire, which is used by 45 per cent of their customers, who are unable or prefer not to tow themselves. This gives our client control over the flow of traffic.”

The application will be considered by county planners at a later date.

 

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Business

Wolfscastle spa earns prestigious AA recognition

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WOLFSCASTLE COUNTRY HOTEL and Spa in Pembrokeshire is celebrating national recognition after its luxury spa was included in the prestigious AA Recommended Spa Awards.

The accolade highlights the hotel’s commitment to delivering high-quality wellbeing experiences, exceptional service, and first-class facilities.

The AA Recommended Spa status is awarded to venues that provide an outstanding guest experience, combining professional expertise, premium treatments, and a relaxing environment. The recognition places Wolfscastle among a select group of leading spa destinations across the UK.

Grace, Levi and Bethan, full-time spa therapists at the award-winning Wolfscastle Spa.
Hot stone massage in the Wolfscastle Country Hotel & Spa treatment room.

The spa, which has been open for nine years, has established itself as one of Pembrokeshire’s top wellness destinations, welcoming both hotel guests and day visitors seeking relaxation in a tranquil countryside setting.

Facilities include hydrotherapy experiences, thermal suites, and dedicated relaxation areas, alongside a wide range of luxury treatments designed to help guests unwind and recharge.

Bethan, Spa Manager at Wolfscastle Country Hotel & Spa, said: “We’re absolutely delighted to be recognised by the AA as a Recommended Spa. The team here work really hard to make sure every guest feels relaxed, welcomed and properly looked after from the moment they arrive.

“To receive this recognition is very special for us and reflects the care and effort our therapists put into every treatment.”

The award further strengthens the hotel’s reputation as one of West Wales’ leading hospitality destinations, offering award-winning dining, boutique accommodation, and premium wellness experiences.

Guests can enjoy spa days, overnight breaks, and tailored treatments throughout the year.

For more information or to book, visit www.wolfscastle.com.

The hotel is also marking a significant milestone this year, with owner Andrew Stirling celebrating 50 years at the helm.

 

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Business

Pembroke South Quay boat shed expansion plans submitted

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A PADDLEBOARDING and canoeing company’s call for an extension to a boat shed at Pembroke’s South Quay, below its historic castle, has been submitted to county planners.

In an application to Pembrokeshire County Council, G Booth of Paddle West CIC, through agent James Dwyer Associates, seeks permission for an extension to the stone-built boathouse, adjacent to the cliff on South Quay fronting the Mill Pond, Pembroke.

A supporting statement says: “It is intended to erect a single storey ‘lean-to’ building, or ‘shed’ for the storage of boats, such as canoes and kayaks, and related equipment, on a vacant space adjacent to the existing stone-built boathouse.”

It adds: “The boathouse and the intended adjacent boat storage shed is located, as is to be expected, in close proximity to water, the Mill Pond. The Mill Pond is the main area of activity for Paddle West, a Community Interest Company, providing boating activities, kayaking, canoeing and paddle boarding, frequently for young people and families.”

It goes on to say: “It is intended that the structure would be lightweight, erected on the exiting hard standing. The ‘shed’ would be used for the storage of boats and related equipment.”

With regard to the historic setting, it adds: “Although the stone-built boathouse appears not to be listed, it is recognised that the walls above are listed and together they are a piece.

“Accordingly, through form and external materials proposed, timber cladding and profile sheet roofing, the aim is to ensure that the structure would be subservient and muted and not detract or compete with the visual aesthetic of the boathouse or historic walls. In effect the addition would blend into the background.”

The application will be considered by county planners at a later date.

The boathouse is sited near to the new Henry Tudor Centre in South Quay, which is due to open in Spring 2027.

The centre, expected to receive around 30,000 visitors a year, will tell the story of Henry Tudor, son of Pembroke, his Welsh ancestry and his impact on our national story, Welsh culture and our wider British heritage.

The restored derelict South Quay buildings will also house a new library and community café, and a healthcare, social services and supported employment facility in the adjoining premises.

 

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