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Welsh Government announces update on Building Safety Programme

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JULIE JAMES, Minister for Climate Change, has detailed progress in the ongoing Welsh Building Safety Programme. The programme, a collaboration with Plaid Cymru, aims to overhaul the current building safety regime and tackle fire safety in buildings over 11 metres.

The forthcoming Building Safety (Wales) Bill, set to be introduced within this Senedd term, promises a new era of building safety covering multi-occupied residential buildings, surpassing the scope of the Building Safety Act 2022 implemented in England. This bill will ensure all multi-occupied residential buildings in Wales with two or more units are included, setting a new standard for building safety and management.

In the wake of the Grenfell tragedy, the need for clear accountability has been underscored. The Welsh Government’s bill will establish a robust regulatory system, defining clear responsibilities for building owners and managers, and introducing statutory duties for “duty-holders” of residential buildings.

Efforts are underway to closely involve leaseholders and tenants in the formation of this new regime, ensuring their voices are central to the programme’s development. The Welsh Government plans to entrust local authorities with the regulation of the occupation phase, leveraging their extensive experience in regulatory oversight and resident engagement.

The initiative includes an economic analysis by Adroit Economics Ltd to assess the cost and resource implications for local authorities. This comprehensive approach aims to support a smooth transition to the new regime, with an emphasis on bolstering local authority capabilities through recruitment and training initiatives for building control inspectors.

The first phase of the Design and Construction transition plan is nearing completion, marking a pivotal moment with the opening of registration for Building Inspectors and Building Control Approvers in Wales. This step is part of a broader effort to tighten controls in the building control profession and improve transparency and accountability.

In addition to regulatory reforms, the Welsh Government is actively addressing fire safety in existing buildings, with an ambitious programme to rectify fire safety concerns beyond external cladding, embracing internal issues as well. Progress is being made, with several major developers already signing up to the government’s contract, although some delays have been encountered.

The programme extends support to smaller developers and is proactive in ensuring that buildings without a clear developer or those with developers that have ceased operations receive the necessary assistance for fire safety improvements.

To date, significant strides have been made with 37 buildings completed and 86 more in progress. The Welsh Government is also taking steps to assist leaseholders facing challenges with selling or remortgaging their homes due to building safety concerns.

Looking ahead, the establishment of a Joint Inspection Team for Building Safety in Wales is on the horizon, aiming to enhance the safety of multi-occupied residential buildings through additional inspections and advice.

Minister Julie James encourages stakeholders and affected parties to engage with the Welsh Government’s Building Safety Programme, highlighting the government’s commitment to ensuring the safety and security of residents in Wales.

 

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Local rugby talent Osian Williams selected for Wales Under-20 clash with England

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A FORMER Haverfordwest Blues junior has earned international honours after being selected to represent Wales Under-20 rugby union team in their fixture against England.

Osian Williams, who began his rugby journey at Haverfordwest Rugby Football Club, will pull on the red jersey this evening in what marks a proud milestone for both the player and the Pembrokeshire club that helped develop his talent.

Club members said the call-up reflects years of hard work, commitment and steady progress through the ranks, with Williams recognised locally for his determination and performances on the pitch from a young age.

A spokesperson for Haverfordwest RFC said the whole club is “incredibly proud” to see one of their own step onto the international stage.

They added that it is always special to watch former junior players progress to represent their country, describing Williams’ selection as “fully deserved” and an inspiration to the next generation coming through the Blues’ youth setup.

The match against England provides a stern test for the young Welsh side, but for Williams and his family it is also a moment to savour after years of dedication to the sport.

Friends, coaches and former teammates are expected to be cheering him on from Pembrokeshire as he makes his mark in Welsh colours.

Photo caption:

Osian Williams has been selected to play for Wales Under-20s against England (Pic: Supplied).

 

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Crime

Man arrested for murder following death of pensioner in Pembroke Dock

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Officers called to Hawkstone Road property as investigation continues and residents urged to come forward

DYFED-POWYS POLICE officers have launched a murder investigation following the sudden death of an eighty-five-year-old man at a property in Hawkstone Road, Pembroke Dock.

Emergency services were called at approximately 1:30pm today (Friday, Feb 6).

Officers attended the scene and enquiries are ongoing to establish the full circumstances of the death.

A man in his forties has been arrested on suspicion of murder and remains in police custody.

Residents can expect to see an increased police presence in the area while the investigation continues.

Anyone with information that could assist officers is urged to come forward.

Information can be provided online, by 101.

Quote reference: 212 of February 6.

Alternatively, reports can be made anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555111 or via their website.

 

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Education

Second west Wales school placed in lockdown within days

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Precautionary measures activated at Ysgol Brynteg after morning disturbance outside gates

CARMARTHENSHIRE pupils were kept inside classrooms after a precautionary lockdown was triggered at Ysgol Brynteg on Friday morning (Feb 6), marking the second west Wales secondary school to enter lockdown in the same week.

Police were called shortly after 9:00am following reports of a verbal altercation outside the school grounds.

Officers from Dyfed-Powys Police attended and the Llanelli school activated its safeguarding procedures while the situation was assessed.

No weapons were reported, no injuries have been confirmed and there have been no arrests at this stage. The incident is understood to have involved a dispute outside the site rather than inside the school itself.

Pupils remained indoors under staff supervision while officers made checks. Once police were satisfied there was no ongoing risk, the lockdown was lifted and lessons continued as normal.

A spokesperson said the measure was purely precautionary.

The incident comes just days after armed officers were deployed to Milford Haven School following a serious assault on a teacher, prompting a temporary closure and widespread concern among parents.

While the circumstances in Llanelli were far less severe, the two events occurring so close together have heightened anxiety among families across west Wales.

Schools routinely use lockdown procedures when there is any uncertainty or potential threat nearby, even if the risk later proves minimal. The approach is designed to err on the side of caution and protect pupils while emergency services investigate.

Parents were informed that Brynteg was safe and operating normally once the situation had been resolved.

There is currently no indication that pupils inside the school were directly involved in the disturbance.

The Herald understands enquiries are ongoing.

Both incidents underline how quickly everyday school days can be disrupted, and how safeguarding responses are increasingly becoming part of standard practice across Welsh schools.

Anyone with information about the Llanelli incident is asked to contact police.

 

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