News

£2 billion Heads of the Valleys road finally opens

Published

9 months ago

June 12, 2025

Welsh Government hails infrastructure milestone, but critics question cost and delays

THE FINAL section of the A465 Heads of the Valleys road officially opened on Wednesday (June 11), completing a £2 billion upgrade scheme that has spanned more than two decades.

Welsh Government ministers described the project—one of the UK’s most complex and ambitious road upgrades—as a “landmark achievement” that will boost safety, job opportunities and regional connectivity across South Wales.

The latest section, between Dowlais and Hirwaun, cost around £1.4 billion. In total, the scheme has widened more than 17 kilometres of road into dual carriageway, constructed 32 bridges, 38 culverts and 28 retaining walls, and added 14 kilometres of active travel paths.

Over the course of the project, the Welsh Government says it has created 2,200 jobs, with nearly half going to local people from disadvantaged or long-term unemployed backgrounds. Around £400 million has been invested into the local supply chain, and 120,000 trees have been planted as part of environmental restoration work.

Minister for Climate Change, Julie James MS, said: “This investment will deliver safer, faster and more reliable journeys, support the economy, and improve the quality of life for communities throughout the Valleys.”

However, the project has not been without controversy.

Welsh Conservative Shadow Cabinet Secretary for Transport and Infrastructure, Sam Rowlands MS, welcomed the road’s completion but heavily criticised the time and cost involved.

“For the sake of long-suffering residents and businesses, there must be a huge measure of relief that this project is finally completed,” he said.

“But the project has taken far too long, cost far too much, and it’s clear that important lessons need to be learned. With the M4 relief road originally estimated to cost nearly half the amount, the Welsh public will rightly question whether this was the right priority.”

Audit Wales, in a detailed report last year, noted that earlier sections of the project, including the Gilwern to Brynmawr stretch, came in 46 per cent over budget. While praising improvements in road safety and the establishment of a construction training academy, the watchdog highlighted ongoing contractual disputes and said key lessons must be applied to future schemes.

Local reaction has also been mixed. While businesses welcomed the improved infrastructure, some residents expressed concern over the scale of disruption and questioned the overall value for money.

Rhys Davies, a haulier from Merthyr, said: “It’s been years of cones and delays, but we’re glad it’s done. It’ll make a difference to our fuel bills and journey times.”

Others remained sceptical. “This road has taken up most of my adult life. It’s a relief, but it’s also a reminder of how long and costly things take to get done in Wales,” said one resident from Hirwaun.

The Herald understands that a full review of the project’s final costs and outcomes is expected later this year.

Crime

Broad Haven man remanded in custody over sexual harm prevention order breach

Published

10 hours ago

March 20, 2026

Court Reporter

Defendant admitted using Xbox without informing police as required under court order

ANTHONY COOMBES, aged 26, of Sand Banks, Broad Haven, appeared before Llanelli Magistrates’ Court on Thursday (Mar 20) charged with breaching a sexual harm prevention order.

The court heard that between February 26 and March 19, 2026, at Haverfordwest, Coombes repeatedly breached the order by using an Xbox device without informing police within three days, as required.

The offences relate to a sexual harm prevention order imposed at Swansea Crown Court on October 20, 2021.

Coombes indicated guilty pleas to the offences at the first hearing.

Magistrates committed the case to Swansea Crown Court for sentence.

He was remanded in custody ahead of the next hearing, which is due to take place at 9:00am on Friday, April 3, at Swansea Crown Court.

The court refused bail on the grounds that he was likely to offend, citing the nature and seriousness of the offences and his previous record and character.

A pre-sentence report was ordered.

News

Man arrested after suspected drugs-related death in Haverfordwest

Published

10 hours ago

March 20, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Police say death not suspicious as 46-year-old arrested over alleged Class A drug supply

A MAN has died following a medical emergency at a property in Haverfordwest, police have confirmed.

Emergency services were called at 3:18pm on Wednesday (March 18) after a report of a medical incident.

A man was pronounced dead at the scene.

Dyfed-Powys Police said the man’s next of kin have been informed and are being supported by officers.

The death is not being treated as suspicious at this time.

However, police confirmed that a man, aged 46, was arrested on suspicion of being concerned in the supply of Class A drugs.

He has since been released under investigation while enquiries continue.

No further details about the deceased have been formally released.

Crime

Illegal dog breeders ordered to pay over £129,000 after council probe

Published

11 hours ago

March 20, 2026

Tom Sinclair

FOUR people from Mynyddygarreg, Kidwelly, have been ordered to pay more than £129,000 following a successful prosecution for illegal dog breeding.

At Swansea Crown Court on Tuesday (Mar 10), before His Honour Judge Thomas KC, Stacey May June Edwards, Peter John Edwards, Sian Eleri Thomas and David Malcolm James Thomas, all of Sea Breeze, Mynyddygarreg, pleaded guilty to offences under the Breeding of Dogs (Wales) Regulations 2014.

The court imposed confiscation orders totalling £129,873.41 under the Proceeds of Crime Act across the four defendants. They were also ordered to pay £8,000 in costs, while each defendant received a £2,000 fine.

The investigation began in April 2021 after Carmarthenshire County Council’s Animal Health team received an enquiry from Peter Edwards about obtaining a dog breeding licence. Although licensing guidance was provided and a partial application was submitted in February 2022, this was later withdrawn.

In March 2024, the council received a complaint that puppies were being advertised for sale without the required licence. Officers subsequently contacted online advertising platforms and issued data requests to assess the scale of activity.

Analysis of records from Pets4Homes, Freeads and Gumtree revealed multiple litters being advertised by members of the same household.

Correspondence under the Police and Criminal Evidence Act confirmed that up to 25 dogs were kept at the property, including between 16 and 19 breeding females.

While some defendants claimed joint ownership of the dogs, others attempted to minimise their involvement.

The Herald understands that numerous puppy advertisements were posted between July 2020 and April 2025, demonstrating a sustained pattern of unlicensed breeding.

Carmarthenshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Climate Change, Decarbonisation and Sustainability, Cllr Aled Vaughan Owen, said: “This case demonstrates the council’s firm stance against unlicensed and illegal dog breeding.

“These regulations are in place to protect animal welfare and ensure that breeding activities are subject to proper oversight. The scale of activity uncovered at this property was entirely unacceptable, and we welcome the court’s decision to issue significant confiscation orders under POCA.”

He added: “We urge anyone with concerns about illegal dog breeding to report it. Our Animal Health officers will continue to investigate thoroughly and take action against those who disregard the law.”

Residents are reminded that anyone breeding and selling dogs must comply with licensing regulations designed to protect both animal welfare and consumers.