News

New schemes to help refugees and people from Ukraine integrate into Wales

Published

4 years ago

May 9, 2022

A NEW Welcome Ticket will provide refugees and people from Ukraine with free bus travel and they will also receive free entry to Cadw sites across Wales.

The two schemes, which are announced this week, underline Wales’ commitment to be a Nation of Sanctuary to people fleeing conflict and abuse around the world.

The Welcome Ticket, which will be available to refugees and people arriving from Ukraine, will cover the majority of bus services running in Wales and builds on the free six-month rail travel pilot, which was announced a few weeks ago.

It provides all eligible people free, unlimited travel on local bus services, including those operating into England where the journey starts or finishes in Wales. The Welcome Ticket scheme will run for six months ending on 30 September 2022

Deputy Minister for Climate Change Lee Waters said:

“This free bus scheme – called Welcome Ticket – will be available to all refugees who are already here or are arriving in Wales and will allow unlimited free travel on the majority of local bus services across Wales and those operating to England, if they start or finish in Wales.

“This is a major step forward in ensuring refugees and people from Ukraine can travel freely across Wales – it will help them to integrate into Wales and make a positive contribution to our nation.

“I want to pay tribute to all those bus companies across Wales for taking part in this scheme – it demonstrates their commitment to making Wales a real nation of sanctuary.”

The Welcome Ticket is a voluntary scheme in which bus companies across Wales can choose to take part in. People will need to show evidence of their eligibility for the scheme, which maybe their passport, visa or biometric residence permit when boarding. They will then be given a Welcome Ticket by the bus driver.

Cadw have also announced their scheme to offer free individual or family entry to all Cadw sites for refugees and those seeking sanctuary in Wales. Visitors to Cadw sites who are refugees, asylum seekers or people from Ukraine will need to show appropriate documentation from the Home Office.

Deputy Minister for Arts and Sport Dawn Bowden said:

“I’m delighted to see Cadw playing its part in showing what being a Nation of Sanctuary means.

“This offer will be in place until 25 October, ensuring all those who come to Wales seeking sanctuary will have the opportunity to view and visit Welsh cultural and heritage sites across the country free of charge.”

Minister for Social Justice Jane Hutt said:

“We’ve made great strides in delivering on our promise to be a Nation of Sanctuary in Wales. These announcements show this commitment in action.

“Being a Nation of Sanctuary means welcoming people to Wales and providing them with help and support to settle into their lives in Wales. We’re very proud we can extend these fantastic schemes to people from Ukraine.”

“We firmly believe the skills, experience and resilience of refugees and asylum seekers are an asset to Wales – that’s why we’re proud to extend the welcome and support their ambitions to thrive in Wales. This is what being a Nation of Sanctuary is all about.

“We want to ensure that these individuals are supported to rebuild their lives and make a full contribution to Welsh society.”

Crime

Carmarthen man denies coercive control allegations

Published

14 minutes ago

March 20, 2026

Court Reporter

Defendant remanded in custody ahead of further hearing

A CARMARTHEN man has denied allegations of controlling and coercive behaviour towards his partner during a prolonged period of alleged abuse.

Mark Hanson, aged 51, of no fixed abode but previously linked to Llangunnor Road, Llangunnor, Carmarthen, appeared before Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court for a further case management hearing on Wednesday (Mar 19).

The court heard that Hanson is accused of engaging in controlling or coercive behaviour in an intimate relationship, contrary to Section 76 of the Serious Crime Act 2015.

It is alleged that between January 1, 2024 and March 12, 2026, at Stackpole, Hanson repeatedly or continuously subjected a female to threats of violence. Prosecutors say the pair were partners at the time, and that the behaviour had a serious effect on the complainant, which Hanson either knew or ought to have known.

Hanson entered a not guilty plea to the charge on March 13.

The court was told that he has been remanded in custody ahead of the next hearing, with magistrates citing concerns that he may commit further offences, including causing injury or fear of injury to a person connected to the case.

Additional information presented to the court indicated that Hanson is currently serving a custodial sentence of two months for breaching a Domestic Violence Protection Order.

The case was adjourned for a further case management hearing, which is scheduled to take place at Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on Monday (Mar 23) at 10:00am. The hearing is expected to be conducted via video link and is listed for a duration of 20 minutes.

Magistrates Mr A Allison, Mrs J Morris and Mr D England presided over the hearing. The prosecution was led by Sian Vaughan, with Hanson represented by Alaw Harries of DGJ Solicitors.

News

Pembrokeshire’s Muslims gather to celebrate Eid al-Fitr as Ramadan ends

Published

21 minutes ago

March 20, 2026

Tom Sinclair

MUSLIMS across Pembrokeshire are marking the end of Ramadan with celebrations for Eid al-Fitr, one of the most important festivals in the Islamic calendar.

Members of the local Muslim community gathered once again at the Hamad Bin Khalifa Islamic Centre in Milford Haven on Thursday morning (Mar 20) to pray, share food, and celebrate together following a month of fasting from dawn to sunset.

Eid al-Fitr begins with special morning prayers, before families and friends come together to enjoy meals, exchange gifts, and spend time with loved ones. It is also a time for charity, reflection, and strengthening community ties.

Local businesses, many run by members of the Muslim community, often close or operate reduced hours during the celebrations, as families take time to mark the occasion.

Herald Editor Tom Sinclair, who previously attended Eid celebrations at the centre, said: “It is always a privilege to be invited to such a warm and welcoming event.

“The sense of community is clear to see, and after a month of fasting, it is a real moment of joy for everyone involved.

“Eid Mubarak to all those celebrating across Pembrokeshire.”

What is Eid al-Fitr?

Eid al-Fitr marks the end of Ramadan, the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, during which Muslims fast during daylight hours as an act of worship and self-discipline.

The festival is a time of celebration and generosity. People wear new or their best clothes, visit family and friends, and often give to charity to ensure that everyone can take part in the festivities.

Across the world, Eid is celebrated in different ways, but the message remains the same: unity, gratitude, and goodwill.

Crime

Youth, 15, admits assault on police officer in Milford Haven

Published

35 minutes ago

March 20, 2026

Court Reporter

A 15-YEAR-OLD has admitted assaulting a police officer during an incident in Milford Haven.

Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court heard that the offence took place on Saturday (Mar 1), when the youth assaulted Police Constable 573 Evans.

The defendant appeared before magistrates on Wednesday (Mar 19), where a guilty plea to common assault was entered.

The court granted unconditional bail and adjourned the case for sentencing.

The youth is due to appear again at Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on Thursday (Apr 2) at 10:00am for sentencing. The hearing is expected to last around 30 minutes.

Under Section 49 of the Children and Young Persons Act 1933, the youth cannot be identified.