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Senedd reveals estimated £4.22m costs of expanding debating chamber

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WORK to expand the Senedd’s debating chamber to accommodate more politicians will cost the public purse an estimated £4.22m – up nearly 30% on an initial estimate.

Construction work on the Siambr began this year with the Welsh Parliament set to expand from 60 to 96 members at the next election in May 2026.

The Senedd commission earlier estimated the total costs of chamber-related works at £3.25m, according to its response to a freedom of information (FoI) request in May 2025.

Now, the commission – which is the corporate body responsible for the Senedd estate and support services – has confirmed the refurbishment will cost taxpayers nearer £4.22m.

During today’s (September 24) questions to the commission, James Evans asked for an update on the costs of the new chamber and expected timelines for completing the work.

Elin Jones, the speaker or Llywydd, was confident Senedd members would return to the new Siambr following the spring half term in late February.

Ms Jones said: “The latest estimate for the full costs of the works is £4.22m. This cost will be fully funded from the Senedd reform budget for this current year.”

Mr Evans, who represents Brecon and Radnorshire, responded: “I’m totally against Senedd expansion and the spending of that £4.22m as you’ve outlined.”

The Conservative added: “It’s important if we are spending that money that we are making sure Welsh businesses are benefiting from the work that is being done and we’re using Welsh materials, so that money is being reinvested back into our economy.”

Ms Jones said all public tendering work was clear about the commission’s preference for Welsh companies and materials. She confirmed the main contractor is Welsh.

Politicians have moved to Siambr Hywel in Tŷ Hywel, the red-brick building linked to the Senedd by glass walkways, while work is ongoing to accommodate 36 more members.

Senedd members moved back into Siambr Hywel – where the then-National Assembly for Wales met from 1999 to 2006 – in April 2025.

The work includes removing the back wall to make more space, replacing the back corridor with small lobbies and removing steps to make the Siambr more accessible. Desks will be installed for 96 members – with a refit of circulation, lighting and audio-visual systems.

The second and third floors of Tŷ Hywel are also being reconfigured to create more offices.

Over the summer, in response to a separate FoI request, the Senedd commission committed to publishing an itemised list of the spending on refurbishment in autumn 2025.

 

Community

Free naloxone training session announced for Pembroke Dock

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A FREE life-saving training session is set to take place in Pembroke Dock next month, giving people the skills to respond to suspected drug overdoses.

RM Training and Security Solutions has confirmed it will host a naloxone (Naxoline) training course at The Cricketers in Pembroke Dock on Tuesday (June 9) from 2:00pm to 4:00pm.

The session is being delivered in partnership with the Dyfed Drug and Alcohol Service (DDAS) and is open to anyone, including security staff, venue teams, event workers and members of the public.

Organisers say the training is designed to be quick, practical and accessible, equipping attendees with the knowledge and confidence to act in an emergency.

Those taking part will learn how to recognise the signs of an overdose, what to do in a critical situation, how to safely administer naloxone, and gain an understanding of basic harm reduction.

Naloxone is a medication used to reverse the effects of opioid overdoses and can be administered via a nasal spray.

RM Training and Security Solutions said the session forms part of a wider effort to improve safety across communities, particularly in nightlife and public-facing environments.

Places are limited, and early booking is advised. Those interested can book via the company’s website or contact the organisers directly for more information.

Photo caption:

Life-saving skills: Free naloxone training will be held at The Cricketers in Pembroke Dock on Tuesday (June 9).

 

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Community

Security firm meets councillors over town safety concerns

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A MEETING has been held at Haverfordwest Town Council offices to discuss community safety and security concerns in the town.

Councillor Randell Izaiah Thomas-Turner welcomed RM Training and Security Solutions for what he described as a “productive and forward-thinking” discussion.

He was joined by Deputy Mayor-elect Cllr Adam Benson Davis and the Sheriff of Haverfordwest, Cllr Dani Thomas-Turner, for the meeting with Ryan Mayne and Matthew Davis of RM Training and Security Solutions.

The discussion focused on concerns facing the community, including public safety, anti-social behaviour and the need for practical partnership working to help support residents, businesses and visitors.

Cllr Thomas-Turner said the meeting was open and honest, with all parties keen to look at constructive ways of improving safety and confidence in the town.

Further discussions are expected as councillors continue to explore possible community-led solutions.

Photo caption:

Town safety talks: Councillors met with representatives of RM Training and Security Solutions at Haverfordwest Town Council offices.

 

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Community

Port invests almost £500,000 in Pembrokeshire communities

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YOUNG people, water safety projects and environmental schemes across Pembrokeshire benefited from almost half a million pounds of support from the Port of Milford Haven during 2025.

The Port said its investment reflected another year of commitment to strengthening local communities, building confidence among young people, improving access to the Milford Haven Waterway and supporting environmental resilience across the county.

Its community support focused on three main themes: a safe, inclusive and enjoyable Waterway; a skilled and confident community, with a particular focus on young people; and a sustainable and resilient environment.

Water safety projects delivered with Windswept, Paddle West and Blue Horizons CIC helped more people access the Waterway safely, including skills sessions and boat trips for people of all abilities and backgrounds.

The Port also supported Tenby Surf Life Saving Club and Porthmawr Surf Life Saving Club, helping provide training and safety equipment for volunteers carrying out lifesaving work.

Youth support

long-standing partnerships also remained central to the Port’s community investment.

Its continued work with Milford Youth Matters supported initiatives including Under the Bridge and the Winter Warmers scheme, providing safe and warm spaces for young people during the colder months.

Support for Megan’s Starr Foundation funded more than 300 hours of counselling for young people, helping improve mental health and wellbeing.

The Port also worked with Pembrokeshire County Council and Milford Haven Town Council to help keep a vital library resource open.

Support continued for the Torch Theatre, which delivered opportunities for young people outside traditional academic or sporting settings and won an award in 2025.

In partnership with the SPARC Alliance, the Port also helped encourage young women to explore careers in STEM, with 172 girls enrolled in the programme.

Environmental work

The Port said it remained proud to support the Pembrokeshire Marine SAC Officer post, recognising the importance of protecting and sharing the county’s special marine environment.

It also highlighted its role with the Milford Haven Waterway Environment Surveillance Group, which has monitored the Waterway’s habitats and wildlife for more than thirty years.

The Port has also supported Cymbrogi Futures in delivering the Tomorrow’s Changemakers Hackathon programme for schools across Pembrokeshire.

Anna Malloy, Communications and Marketing Director at the Port of Milford Haven, said: “Our community investments are some of the most rewarding ways we support people across Pembrokeshire.

“Every year we see incredible dedication from local groups working to make our communities safer, more inclusive, and more inspiring, especially for young people.

“We are particularly proud that in 2026 the fund will be focusing further on supporting projects that help young people gain skills and grow in confidence.

“Our investment in people today helps create a stronger, more inclusive and ambitious generation tomorrow.”

The Port of Milford Haven is the UK’s top energy port and Wales’ busiest port, handling around 20% of Britain’s seaborne trade in oil and gas. It also owns and operates Pembroke Port and Milford Waterfront.

Photo caption: Water safety projects delivered with Windswept, Paddle West and Blue Horizons CIC helped more people access the Waterway safely.

 

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