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Green energy or greed energy? Protesters confront Plaid Cymru conference

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RURAL Welsh residents staged a demonstration outside Plaid Cymru’s conference in Swansea on Saturday (Oct 12) to protest against what they describe as the “industrialisation of the Welsh countryside”.

The protest was led by the Carmarthenshire Residents Action Group (CRAiG Sir Gâr) and joined by campaigners from Llandovery, Llandeilo, Lampeter, Brechfa, Ceredigion, Caerphilly and other parts of Wales.

The action followed a call made during CRAiG’s public meeting in Pumsaint on September 13, where residents urged direct action to make their concerns heard by political parties ahead of the next Senedd election.

‘A once-in-a-generation election’

Havard Hughes, spokesman for CRAiG Sir Gâr, said: “Campaigners came to Plaid’s Swansea conference because, according to opinion polls, Plaid may form the next Welsh Government.

“In this once-in-a-generation ‘change’ election, we want to make it clear that the industrialisation of the countryside will be a key issue.

“The people of rural Wales — the Bro Gymraeg — are not intrinsically opposed to renewables. However, the gargantuan plans for mega turbines and vast renewable power stations would change our countryside forever.

“The proposed wind industrial zone in north Carmarthenshire is wider than Greater London, running almost the full width of the county and into Pembrokeshire. Tourism and farming would be devastated.”

He added: “Many traditional Plaid voters have begun to lose faith in the party of Gwynfor Evans to block the exploitation of Wales. The party of Tryweryn seems to have forgotten its roots. When Plaid opposed the drowning of Capel Celyn, they didn’t invest council pension funds in the Liverpool Corporation, nor nominate one of its advisers to the House of Lords.

“We had a great reception from rank-and-file Plaid members, and some even joined the protest. Sadly, Plaid Cymru’s leadership seems more on the side of the speculators than the voters. Over the next few months, as we head towards the 2026 elections, we plan to change their minds.”

‘We must not repeat the mistakes of coal’

Brechfa campaigner Mari Mitchell said: “I was happy to be part of the demonstration against ‘greed energy’ outside the Brangwyn Hall on Saturday. I have voted Plaid Cymru since the glory days of Gwynfor Evans, but I am concerned that if the party wins next May, it might follow Labour’s example of selling our country to outside developers of debatable renewable energy projects.

“This could open the door for Reform — a terrifying prospect, as they have promised to scrap green policies altogether. Reform has no track record in government, just as Bute GreenGen have no experience developing energy parks or pylon chains.

“I would beg our potential leaders to listen to Lianne Wood’s words: we must learn from our history and not repeat the mistakes of the coal industry. The wealth of Wales lies not just in money, but in its people and environment.”

‘Our landscape is our livelihood’

Katie Rees, chair of Llandeilo Business Forum and a Llandeilo town councillor, said: “Tourism is absolutely crucial to so many businesses in Llandeilo. That’s why people in the Tywi Valley are opposed to this huge industrialisation of our landscape.

“We have a tourism and farming economy and want to see the beautiful Tywi Valley preserved for future generations. More and more people are slowly becoming aware of these monstrous proposals. The people of Wales need to wake up to what our representatives are doing in our name — and our representatives need to start listening to local people.”

 

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Land Rover swallowed by tide at popular Welsh beach

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A LAND ROVER Discovery has been lost to the sea at Abersoch after becoming stranded on the resort’s Main Beach.

The vehicle, worth tens of thousands of pounds, was spotted by early morning dog walkers on the sand at the Gwynedd coastal village before being completely covered by the incoming tide at around 10:00am.

Stranded on sand

Images circulating on social media showed the 4×4 marooned on the beach, with some locals initially questioning whether the pictures were genuine.

However, witnesses later confirmed the incident, with one RIB owner reporting: “People are paddleboarding over its roof!”

It is believed the vehicle may have become stuck while being used to recover a boat trailer or jet ski.

‘Not the first’

Locals said the incident was a familiar sight at the popular seaside resort, where vehicles have previously become trapped by soft sand and fast-moving tides.

One man wrote: “Not the first and it won’t be the last.”

Another joked: “The tide comes in. Who knew?”

Others described it as the start of the “silly season”, when coastal mishaps increase as visitor numbers rise.

Expensive mistake

New Land Rover Discovery models can cost around £80,000, while Discovery Sport models start from about £55,000.

Commenters suggested the vehicle’s off-road reputation may have given the driver false confidence.

One wrote: “It probably gave him a sense of security that it can go anywhere — we all know it can’t.”

Recovery expected

As the tide began to recede, boat owners reported the outline of the vehicle starting to reappear beneath the water.

Recovery was expected to require a beach tractor, but seawater damage means the Land Rover is likely to be written off.

One local said: “Very sad to see that something went wrong. You see many cars go into the sea to retrieve boat trailers, and you know that car will be rotten very soon afterwards.

“There’s a reason why old tractors are used.”

Despite the flood of “can’t park there” jokes and “Chelsea tractor” comments online, many said they felt sorry for the owner, who now faces what one person called a “very expensive weekend.”

 

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Cllr marks 10th blood donation and urges others to give blood

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A PEMBROKESHIRE councillor has urged more people to become blood donors after receiving his 10-unit donation badge from the Welsh Blood Service.

Cllr Thomas Tudor said he was pleased to receive the recognition and encouraged anyone who is able to donate to come forward.

He said: “If you can give blood, please do so.”

The Welsh Blood Service says hospitals in Wales need around 350 blood donations every day to support patients in need.

A single donation can help up to three patients, as blood can be separated into different components and used in different ways to help people recover.

The service is calling for donors from all backgrounds, including first-time donors and those who have given blood before, to help maintain supplies for hospitals across Wales.

Giving blood is described as quick, simple and safe, and remains one of the most important ways members of the public can help save lives.

Anyone wishing to find out more can contact the Welsh Blood Service on 0800 252 266, Monday to Friday from 8:00am to 7:00pm, or Saturday from 9:00am to 1:00pm. They can also email [email protected].

Caption:

Cllr Thomas Tudor giving blood after receiving his 10-unit donation badge from the Welsh Blood Service.

 

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Welsh Labour manifesto pledge: Direct London train for Milford Haven

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WELSH LABOUR has unveiled a pledge to deliver a direct rail service between Milford Haven and London – a move that would transform connectivity for communities across Pembrokeshire.

This commitment builds on £50 million of UK Labour investment to upgrade rail services to Milford Haven.

Work is already underway, in partnership between the Welsh Labour Government and Pembrokeshire County Council, led by Council Labour Leader Paul Miller, to transform Milford Haven railway station into a modern Public Transport Interchange – delivering smoother, better connected and more accessible journeys.

Together, these upgrades will pave the way for direct London services to call at Milford Haven, alongside an hourly service and vital level crossing safety improvements delivered by the UK Labour Government.

First Minister Eluned Morgan said: “This pledge sits alongside a record commitment to rail in Wales – up to £14 billion of investment, new stations and a transformed Metro. But this is about more than just a rail line.

It’s about opening Pembrokeshire up – bringing more people to one of the most beautiful parts of Wales, strengthening our tourism sector and creating new opportunities for local businesses to grow.

“And as we do that, we’re doing it the right way – backing a greener economy, making it easier for people to travel sustainably, and ensuring that growth benefits our communities. This is how we build a stronger future for West Wales – with better connections, more opportunity and an economy that works with our environment, not against it.”

Welsh Labour candidate for Ceredigion Penfro, Marc Tierney added: “A direct train to London from Milford would be a game changer for our communities – boosting tourism, supporting local businesses and making it easier for people to live and work here.

“The work underway to transform Milford Haven station into a modern transport hub, alongside plans for an hourly service, shows what Welsh Labour can deliver when we work in partnership with local authorities – investing in the infrastructure our communities deserve. With new funding from the UK Labour Government and a strong partnership in place, we can now go further.

“Welsh Labour is delivering the investment and the ambition needed to ensure West Wales is at the forefront of modern, connected and accessible transport.”

The pledge forms part of Welsh Labour’s wider plan to modernise public transport, strengthen regional connectivity and ensure no part of Wales is left behind.

 

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