News

Gareth Davies MS presses First Minister over Royal Alexandra Hospital plans

Published

3 months ago

January 13, 2026

Questions raised over funding, scale and timing of long-delayed development

Gareth Davies MS questioned the First Minister in the Senedd today {Jan 13} over the future delivery of the Royal Alexandra Hospital development in Rhyl, following the recent granting of planning permission by Denbighshire County Council but with no confirmed funding commitment from the Welsh Government.

The issue was raised after Welsh Labour North Wales MS Carolyn Thomas asked the First Minister to make a statement on the development. Mr Davies used a supplementary question to highlight concerns over the lengthy delays surrounding the project and what he described as a sudden increase in political attention from Welsh Labour representatives ahead of an election.

Mr Davies criticised what he said had been years of silence from North Wales Labour Senedd members on the Royal Alexandra Hospital, followed by what he described as a “resurrection” of the plans in recent months. He argued that the proposals had been significantly scaled back from the original plans announced in 2013 and suggested the development was now being used for political purposes rather than properly addressing the healthcare needs of the region.

During his contribution, Mr Davies pressed the First Minister to confirm whether construction would begin early this year, as suggested by the Health Board, and whether the Welsh Government would commit to delivering the hospital to the original specifications set out in 2013. He said those specifications were necessary to adequately relieve pressure on Glan Clwyd Hospital.

Responding, First Minister Eluned Morgan criticised previous UK Conservative Governments and the current Welsh Conservative Senedd Group, referring to what she described as “fantasy economics – wanting to build these huge places.” She said Wales had been “deprived for years of capital funding” by previous UK Governments.

The First Minister also stated that “the people of Rhyl want to see this community hospital” and said she hoped to see progress under a Labour government. However, she did not provide a commitment that construction would begin early this year, nor did she offer assurances that the hospital would be built to the original, larger specifications.

Commenting after the exchange, Gareth Davies MS said the First Minister had failed to provide clarity on the future of the project.

He said: “After deflecting and shifting the blame, the First Minister still refused to give a straight answer on whether construction will begin this year, leaving many local people feeling they’ve heard it all before.

“Planning permission is only the first step, and after more than a decade of delays there are real concerns, the Welsh Government has dusted off scaled-down plans to use as political capital before the election, without committing the funding needed to actually build the hospital.

“The reduced plans fall well short of what was promised to North Denbighshire and will not adequately ease pressure on Glan Clwyd Hospital, so the Welsh Government must stop moving the goalposts, commit to an early start, and deliver a fit-for-purpose hospital rather than a watered-down version of what was promised over a decade ago.”

Crime

Alleged pay TV fraud case due before Haverfordwest magistrates

Published

2 minutes ago

April 20, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Milford Haven man faces three Fraud Act charges linked to apps, electronic data and adapted Amazon Fire TV sticks

A MILFORD HAVEN man is due to appear before Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday (Apr 21) charged with three offences under the Fraud Act 2006.

Michael David Barrow, 48, of Priory Road, Milford Haven, is listed to appear before magistrates in connection with allegations relating to software and devices said to have enabled unlawful access to pay television content.

According to the court list, it is alleged that between October 19, 2019 and February 22, 2024, at Haverfordwest and elsewhere in Pembrokeshire, Barrow made applications, known as apps, and/or other electronic data which enabled access to pay television content without appropriate payment being made to those entitled to it.

He is further accused of supplying applications, apps and/or other electronic data intended to be used to commit, or assist in the commission of, fraud.

A third charge alleges that he supplied Amazon Fire TV Sticks which, when adapted, enabled access to pay television content without appropriate payment being made to the rights holders, intending them to be used to commit, or assist in the commission of, fraud.

All three charges are brought under Section 7 of the Fraud Act 2006.

Community

Tributes paid to teenager killed in Ceredigion crash

Published

2 hours ago

April 20, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Family say 19-year-old Lee Barber will be remembered for his kindness, strength and positive attitude

THE FAMILY of a 19-year-old man who died in a road traffic collision in Ceredigion last month have paid tribute to him.

Lee Barber, from Aberaeron, died after the vehicle he was travelling in was involved in a collision on the A482 between Lampeter and Ciliau Aeron on Tuesday, March 24.

In a statement released through Dyfed-Powys Police, his family said: “There are no words that can describe the pain we are feeling as a family. The loss of our son, Lee, has devastated us and has deeply affected the whole community.

“Lee was a loving son who lived life to the fullest. He will be remembered for his kindness, his strength, and his positive attitude. He had a way of bringing people together and made a lasting impact on everyone who knew him.

“We want to take this opportunity to thank everyone in the local community and further afield for the overwhelming support we have received. The messages, stories, memories, and photos that have been shared with us mean more than words can say.

“Our boy Lee will live on forever in our hearts and minds. We now kindly ask for privacy as we take time to grieve.”

Police confirmed the collision happened on the A482 between Lampeter and Ciliau Aeron and that Lee died at the scene.

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Community

Pembrokeshire Chess Club welcomes AI opponent on historic visit

Published

3 hours ago

April 20, 2026

Cerys Lafferty

PEMBROKSHIRE’S thriving chess community witnessed a unique blend of tradition and technology last week, as Pembrokeshire Chess Club hosted a special guest: “Rook to D2” – an AI-powered chess robot from the Welsh Chess Union.

The visit marked the first stop of the robot’s tour across Wales, making it a historic moment for the county. Club members, both young and old, gathered at Kensington Court in Steynton to experience the future of chess firsthand.

Excitement filled the room as the club’s President officially opened proceedings by making the first move against the robotic challenger. From that moment on, it was “game on,” with 15 junior players eagerly taking turns to test their skills. Several adult members also joined in, creating a lively and inclusive atmosphere.

The evening proved especially memorable for the club’s younger players, who relished the chance to play against cutting-edge technology. Their enthusiasm was matched by club officials, including the Chairman and President, who welcomed the opportunity to introduce innovation into the local chess scene.

Club representatives described the atmosphere as “amazing,” highlighting how advancements in technology are enhancing traditional games like chess and inspiring a new generation of players.

Pembrokeshire Chess Club continues to meet weekly at Kensington Court, Steynton. Junior sessions are held every Tuesday from 5:30pm to 6:30pm, followed by sessions for more experienced juniors and adults. The club prides itself on being family-friendly and inclusive, catering to all abilities – from casual players seeking a friendly game to those aiming to compete in league and tournament chess.

Following its successful debut in Pembrokeshire, the AI chess robot is expected to visit other clubs across Wales in the coming weeks, bringing the same sense of excitement and innovation to chess communities nationwide.