Politics

Calls to reduce women’s public transport safety fears

Published

2 years ago

March 18, 2024

THE SENEDD backed a call for legislative change following concerns that twice as many women as men do not use public transport out of fear for their safety.

Delyth Jewell outlined proposals for a public transport safety bill on monitoring and upgrading street lighting at bus stops, railway stations and the surrounding streets.

Plaid Cymru’s deputy leader said her bill would streamline the process for reporting abuse and provide for a review of the safety training offered to people working on public transport.

She advocated introducing a radical legal requirement on public transport providers to ensure passengers get to their destination, or a place of safety, after dark.

Ms Jewell stressed the importance of ensuring public transport is accessible for all, backing Guide Dogs Cymru’s calls on audio announcements, tactile wayfinding and step-free access.

She said: “This bill is about democratising public spaces, making sure those spaces meant for all of us aren’t out of bounds for people because society makes them more vulnerable.

“And it is about society. There is nothing about being a woman or being disabled or being gay or having any other characteristic that intrinsically sets us apart as being vulnerable.

“It’s the actions of others that make us more vulnerable or, in the case of disabled people, it’s about the choices we make as a society.”

Ms Jewell, who is Plaid Cymru’s shadow transport minister, raised the case of a constituent left stranded at Cardiff Queen Street after the time of the last train home was changed.

The South Wales East MS said: “She was abandoned and the station staff refused to help her; they said it wasn’t their problem. Her story didn’t end in a nightmare. Others will. This bill would seek to stop those nightmares happening.”

Natasha Asghar, the Tories’ shadow minister, backed the proposed legislation’s overarching aims, saying the safety of public transport has been a great concern.

Ms Asghar, who also represents South Wales East, told the chamber: “Public transportation should be reliable, it should be efficient and it should, most importantly, be secure.”

But she questioned the practical implementation of a duty to ensure passengers get to their destination, or a place of safety, after dark.

Sioned Williams, a Plaid Cymru MS for South Wales West, warned public transport is the fourth most common public setting for incidents of sexual harassment.

She said: “In Wales, 12% of women say they feel ‘very unsafe’ using public transport, which is not the case among men. Twice as many women as men say they don’t use public transport because they fear for their safety.”

Replying to the debate on March 12, Lee Waters, on behalf of the Welsh Government, said: “I’m not convinced that legislation is the right way to deal with this but deal with it we must.”

He told MSs there is undoubtedly a gendered element to the critically important debate.

Mr Waters added: “I was reminded of the famous Margaret Atwood comment that men are afraid that women will laugh at them; women are afraid that men will kill them.

“And I think that’s a sobering thought for men in particular to understand because that is often not something men instinctively do understand.”

Mr Waters, who last week announced he is likely to leave his post as deputy minister under the next first minister, stressed the need to work together on a practical way forward.

MSs agreed to note the proposal – with 32 for, none against and 13 abstaining.

Business

Pembroke South Quay boat shed expansion plans submitted

Published

8 hours ago

March 21, 2026

Bruce Sinclair - Local Democracy Reporter

A PADDLEBOARDING and canoeing company’s call for an extension to a boat shed at Pembroke’s South Quay, below its historic castle, has been submitted to county planners.

In an application to Pembrokeshire County Council, G Booth of Paddle West CIC, through agent James Dwyer Associates, seeks permission for an extension to the stone-built boathouse, adjacent to the cliff on South Quay fronting the Mill Pond, Pembroke.

A supporting statement says: “It is intended to erect a single storey ‘lean-to’ building, or ‘shed’ for the storage of boats, such as canoes and kayaks, and related equipment, on a vacant space adjacent to the existing stone-built boathouse.”

It adds: “The boathouse and the intended adjacent boat storage shed is located, as is to be expected, in close proximity to water, the Mill Pond. The Mill Pond is the main area of activity for Paddle West, a Community Interest Company, providing boating activities, kayaking, canoeing and paddle boarding, frequently for young people and families.”

It goes on to say: “It is intended that the structure would be lightweight, erected on the exiting hard standing. The ‘shed’ would be used for the storage of boats and related equipment.”

With regard to the historic setting, it adds: “Although the stone-built boathouse appears not to be listed, it is recognised that the walls above are listed and together they are a piece.

“Accordingly, through form and external materials proposed, timber cladding and profile sheet roofing, the aim is to ensure that the structure would be subservient and muted and not detract or compete with the visual aesthetic of the boathouse or historic walls. In effect the addition would blend into the background.”

The application will be considered by county planners at a later date.

The boathouse is sited near to the new Henry Tudor Centre in South Quay, which is due to open in Spring 2027.

The centre, expected to receive around 30,000 visitors a year, will tell the story of Henry Tudor, son of Pembroke, his Welsh ancestry and his impact on our national story, Welsh culture and our wider British heritage.

The restored derelict South Quay buildings will also house a new library and community café, and a healthcare, social services and supported employment facility in the adjoining premises.

Community

First person of colour to be elected mayor of Haverfordwest

Published

9 hours ago

March 21, 2026

Bruce Sinclair - Local Democracy Reporter

A PEMBROKESHIRE town council will soon have its first-ever person of colour as mayor, and its youngest mayor in a century.

Haverfordwest Town Councillor Randell Iziah Thomas-Turner, aged 37, is to become mayor this May.

Cllr Turner said: “Tonight [March 19], I had the honour of accepting the nomination as mayor-elect — a moment that will forever stay with me.

“In doing so, I am humbled to be making history as the first mayor of colour in Haverfordwest and the youngest mayor in a century. This is not just my achievement, it belongs to every person who believes in progress, representation, and the power of community. This is a new chapter for our town — one built on unity, opportunity, and hope.

“My mayor-making will take place this May, and I cannot wait to officially step into the role and begin serving the people of Haverfordwest with pride, passion, and purpose. Haverfordwest is the best in the West — and together, we are just getting started.

“Diversity is not a challenge to overcome, but a strength to embrace. When people from different backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives come together with respect and openness, we unlock new ideas, stronger solutions, and deeper understanding.”

It’s a double celebration for the Thomas-Turner family.

Wife, and fellow town councillor, Dani, has been voted as sheriff of the town for the second-year-running, the first woman to serve as sheriff for two consecutive years.

“The coming civic year will be one to watch as my husband Councillor Randell Izaiah Thomas-Turner is becoming the first mayor of colour in Haverfordwest’s history,” said Cllr Dani Thomas-Turner, adding: “It’s going to be a year of history and memory making for sure.”

Business

Pembrokeshire hospitality rates relief scheme backed

Published

10 hours ago

March 21, 2026

Bruce Sinclair - Local Democracy Reporter

A WELSH Government-funded scheme to provide rates relief for hospitality businesses has been backed by senior Pembrokeshire councillors.

A report for members of Pembrokeshire County Council’s Cabinet at their March meeting said: “Welsh Government has introduced the Food and Drink Hospitality Rates Relief, this relief is aimed at eligible businesses in Wales in the food and drink hospitality sector for example, pubs, restaurants, cafes, bars and live music venues.

“The aim of the relief is to support eligible businesses to manage continued cost pressures. The relief will apply to all eligible occupied properties by offering a discount of 15 per cent on non-domestic rate bills for the period April 1 to March 31, 2027. The relief is capped at £110,000 per business across Wales.

“As this is a temporary measure, Welsh Government is providing the relief by reimbursing local authorities that use their discretionary relief powers under Section 47 of the Local Government Finance Act 1988.”

It concluded: “The food and drink hospitality rates relief 2026-27 requires the local authority to adopt a discretionary scheme [as outlined] and in accordance with the criteria and conditions specified in the guidance issued by Welsh Government.

“It is proposed that Cabinet resolve to adopt [the scheme] which can be applied to administer the relief. Welsh Government will reimburse local authorities for the relief provided in line with their guidance via a grant under section 31 of the Local Government Act 2003.”

Members backed the recommendation.

All eligible businesses must apply for this relief by the March 31, 2027, and an application form will be available on the council’s website from the April 1.

The maximum cash value of the rates relief allowed, across all properties in Wales occupied by the same business should not exceed £110,000. Businesses claiming the relief must declare that the amount being claimed does not exceed those limits.