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Reform candidate says Wales cannot afford ‘EV fantasy’

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Llyr Powell criticises Labour and Plaid Cymru after report claims Wales has Britain’s worst charger coverage by road miles

A REFORM UK candidate has accused Labour and Plaid Cymru of pursuing an “EV fantasy” after new research claimed Wales has the worst public electric vehicle charger coverage in Britain by road miles.

Llyr Powell said the figures showed motorists were being pushed towards electric vehicles before the basic infrastructure was in place.

The research, published by the TaxPayers’ Alliance, claimed Wales had one public EV charger for every 3.69 miles of road as of March 2026. It also estimated that meeting Welsh Government charging targets for 2030 could cost around £133m.

Mr Powell said: “Labour and Plaid have signed Wales up to unrealistic targets without putting the groundwork in place. Now ordinary taxpayers are being handed the bill for their failure.

“This is what happens when ideology comes before practicality. Drivers are being pushed toward electric vehicles, yet the infrastructure simply isn’t there. It’s reckless and it’s unfair.”

The Welsh Government’s electric vehicle charging strategy previously set out an ambition for Wales to have between 30,000 and 55,000 fast chargers by 2030, as well as thousands of rapid chargers.

But Reform UK says rural communities and working families risk being hit hardest by gaps in the charging network, particularly in areas where public transport is limited and car use remains essential.

Mr Powell added: “People across Wales are already struggling with the cost of living. Labour and Plaid should be honest about the true cost of these policies instead of forcing through expensive, unworkable plans.”

Reform UK is calling for a reassessment of the current EV strategy, with a greater focus on affordability, realistic timescales and infrastructure that works for rural as well as urban Wales.

 

Local Government

Cllr Thomas Tudor welcomes new Riverside transport interchange

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CLLR THOMAS TUDOR has welcomed progress on the new Glan-yr-Afon Riverside Public Transport Interchange in Haverfordwest, saying the development will help support the future regeneration of the county town.

Cllr Tudor, who represents the Castle Ward, visited the site with Pembrokeshire County Council officers and said he was optimistic about the role the interchange could play in making Haverfordwest a more attractive place to live, work, visit and invest in.

He said: “As county councillor for the Castle Ward, it was very pleasing to visit the Glan-yr-Afon Riverside Public Transport Interchange and see the progress being made.

“I believe the interchange will help Haverfordwest become a more multi-functional town centre, supporting residents, businesses, visitors and public transport users.

“It has the potential to contribute to a thriving commercial and residential location, with a stronger sense of place and a more vibrant community. I am very optimistic about the future development of Haverfordwest as the county town of Pembrokeshire.”

The new development includes parking over three floors, bus bays, disabled and parent-and-child spaces, EV charging points, motorcycle bays, cycle hoops, a taxi rank with EV infrastructure, public toilets, a Changing Places facility, indoor waiting areas, customer information screens, lifts, stairwells, and secure office space for council staff and police use.

Caption:

Cllr Thomas Tudor at the Glan-yr-Afon Riverside Public Transport Interchange in Haverfordwest.

 

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Charity

Busy Saturday for VC Gallery as veterans, families and pupils rally behind charity

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Community spirit shines across Haverfordwest with museum displays, breakfasts, workshops and school sleep-out

THE VC GALLERY enjoyed one of its busiest Saturdays of the year as staff, volunteers, veterans and supporters spread across Haverfordwest for a packed day of community events.

From military artefacts at Pembrokeshire College to a riverside art exhibition, a veterans’ breakfast and a charity sleep-out involving local pupils, the veteran-led charity was at the centre of activity across the county town.

At Pembrokeshire College, the charity’s popular “Speak to a Veteran” initiative proved a success, with the VC mobile museum drawing attention from students and visitors alike. A range of military artefacts on display sparked conversations and helped veterans share stories and experiences with members of the public.

Meanwhile, the Pembrokeshire Veterans Breakfast at Waldo Lounge saw the VC minibus deployed to help bring people together, with staff at the restaurant praised for making attendees feel welcome.

The charity thanked Myles for driving and Gareth for helping organise the event.

On the riverside in Haverfordwest, the VC Gallery showcased artwork at its new gallery space, where RAF veteran Mark hosted members of the public throughout the day.

Back at Waldo Lounge, Charles, Donna, Phil, Rose, Lucy, Nia and the wider VC team kept busy with duck sales and jewellery workshops as families gathered for the afternoon activities. Pembrokeshire’s Armed Forces Liaison Officer, Hayley, was also among those lending support.

As day turned to night, pupils from Haverfordwest High VC School took part in a sponsored sleep-out to raise money for the charity, hearing first-hand about homelessness from veteran Pete.

The event saw pupils spending the night outdoors alongside former military personnel to better understand the realities faced by some ex-service men and women.

The day also included the Waldo duck race on the river, helping round off what the charity described as “an amazing community” effort.

Photo caption: Busy day: VC Gallery teams, veterans and supporters took part in events across Haverfordwest on Saturday, including museum displays, breakfasts, workshops and a charity sleep-out (Pic: VC Gallery).

 

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Community

Milford Haven Golf Club honours Armed Forces community at charity golf day

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Mayor presents prizes as funds raised set to support cadets and veterans

MILFORD HAVEN GOLF CLUB has raised money for local armed forces causes after holding its annual Armed Forces Charity Golf Day on Friday (Jun 12).

The event, organised in support of the armed forces community, saw golfers come together for a day of competition and fundraising, with proceeds set to benefit local military-linked organisations.

Milford Haven Golf Club thanked the Mayor of Milford Haven, Mark Woodward, for attending the presentation ceremony and handing out prizes to participants following the tournament.

Money raised during the event will be shared between local Cadet Corps groups and the Milford Haven Veterans Fund, helping to support young people involved in cadet training and veterans in the community.

Organisers said the annual event continues to be an important date in the club’s calendar, bringing together members, supporters and veterans while raising funds for worthwhile causes linked to the armed forces.

A photograph released following the event showed prize winners and organisers alongside Mayor Mark Woodward during the presentation at the golf club.

Photo caption:

Charity golf day: Prize winners pictured with Milford Haven Mayor Mark Woodward at Milford Haven Golf Club’s Armed Forces Charity Golf Day on Friday (Pic: Milford Haven Golf Club).

 

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