WOMEN’S CRICKET: ‘The younger girls would race to get the smallest shirt’ — how south Wales women finally got a kit that fits

Ask Gemma Pugh what it used to be like when the kit bag came out before a match, and the answer tells you everything about what women’s cricket in south Wales has been missing.

“Teenage girls are often so self-conscious about what they look like,” she says. “Until now, we had been using hand-me-downs from men’s teams so when the kit bag came out, the younger girls would be racing to get the kit with the smallest t-shirts that fitted better, as the big, baggy tops were so uncomfortable.”

That changed this season with the formation of Western Steel — a new women’s cricket team combining the talent of Briton Ferry Steel Ladies and Carmarthenshire Ladies, competing in the South Wales Cricket Premier League with a second team in Division One.

Western Steel is the first women’s hardball cricket team in Carmarthenshire and south-west Wales to play in kit designed and made specifically for women — purpose-built clothing from Maiden Cricket, a brand founded by teenage sisters Honor and Cat Black who were frustrated by the same ill-fitting kit their players had endured for years.

Pugh, who co-manages the team, said having kit with their own name on it would change more than just how the players look.

“It seems crazy that we’ve waited this long to have our own kit for women — one that fits properly, has our own name on and will make us all feel a lot more confident and proud to be out on the cricket field,” she said.

The team spans players aged 13 to over 40. One of Western Steel’s bowlers is a fashion designer in her day job, and worked directly with the Maiden team to create a design that reflects the combined squad’s ambition — described as daring, stylish and practical.

Karen Hughes, who has coached Briton Ferry Steel Ladies for eight years and is now co-manager of Western Steel alongside Pugh, said the merger represented a significant moment for women’s cricket in the region.

“The merger of Briton Ferry Steel Ladies and Carmarthenshire Ladies marks an exciting new chapter for women’s cricket in Wales,” she said. “The squad has expanded with several new players joining ahead of the campaign, creating a strong and competitive group for the year ahead.”

The timing is significant. Next month, the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup comes to England and Wales — bringing elite women’s cricket to the doorstep of a region that is only now building its own competitive women’s game. The tournament has already broken records before a ball has been bowled, with ticket sales surpassing 145,000, making it the highest-selling Women’s T20 World Cup in history. Warm-up matches will be held at Cardiff’s Sophia Gardens from 6 to 10 June, giving Welsh fans the chance to see the world’s best players before the main event begins.

Women’s cricket has grown significantly in Wales in recent years, with Cricket Wales expanding the girls’ league structure and the number of teams entering women’s competitions rising steadily. Western Steel’s formation — merging two existing clubs to create a stronger, wider-reaching outfit — is itself a sign of that growth.

Cricket Wales Women’s and Girls’ Lead Carl Holding, who launched the Cricket Wales Girls League and expanded women’s competitions across the country, said Western Steel’s debut was good news for the whole women’s game in Wales.

“Having their own kit, designed specifically for them, ensures they can play, and look, their best, getting into a positive mindset the moment they put it on,” he said.

Pugh hopes the visibility of the team will open a door for girls in the region who might never have considered cricket as a sport for them.

“There is still a lot to do to raise the profile of women’s cricket in Wales but hopefully young girls will watch us play and see that there’s a pathway for them to get into the game and succeed,” she said.

Western Steel’s first team is competing in the South Wales Cricket Premier League this season. Anyone interested in joining can contact the club through Cricket Wales.

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BRITON FERRY: Cannabis factory with up to 120 plants discovered after neighbours tip off police

A cannabis factory containing up to 120 plants has been discovered at a property in Briton Ferry – after local residents tipped off police about suspicious activity.

Officers from South Wales Police obtained an emergency search warrant and forced entry to the property on Middleton Street over the weekend.

The scale of the operation became immediately apparent. South Wales Police said the smell of cannabis could be detected strongly from the street outside before officers had even entered the building.

Inside, officers found between 100 and 120 cannabis plants arranged in a commercial-scale growing operation.

Nobody was present at the property when officers arrived.

South Wales Police also said that electrical wiring at the property had been tampered with.

The force said the illegal modification posed a significant danger – not only to the property itself but to neighbouring homes on Middleton Street.

Illicit cannabis farms frequently involve bypassed electricity meters and unauthorised rewiring, which can cause fires and put residents in surrounding properties at serious risk.

South Wales Police said: “Upon entry, they were greeted with between 100 and 120 cannabis plants forming a grow which could be smelled strongly from the street. Electrical wiring had also been tampered with, posing a danger to the property and neighbouring properties.”

The cannabis factory was dismantled by officers and all plants seized.

South Wales Police confirmed an investigation is currently ongoing.

The discovery followed a tip-off from the local community. South Wales Police said officers had acted “upon information from the local community” when obtaining the emergency warrant.

It is not the first time officers have uncovered a large-scale cannabis operation in the area.

Police previously raided a secret cannabis factory hidden inside an abandoned Marks & Spencer store in Neath, while two men were jailed after a cannabis factory was discovered in Swansea.

South Wales Police has also warned landlords specifically about the risk of cannabis factories being established in rental properties without their knowledge.

Anyone with information about suspected drug activity in their area can contact South Wales Police on 101, or report it anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. Information can also be submitted online at south-wales.police.uk.

Port Talbot motorists set to face 12 months of roadworks as underground electricity network upgraded

National Grid has confirmed that work to install new underground electricity cables between the existing substations in Briton Ferry and Ynys Street will begin on Monday 9 March.

The energy company has warned the project is expected to take between nine and 12 months to complete, depending on ground conditions.

Work will be carried out in sections along the route, starting at the Ynys Street end. National Grid says it will use a ‘rolling road system’ to try and minimise disruption, meaning only short sections of the route will be affected at any one time.

However, the company has admitted that residents and businesses within affected sections may be asked to move their vehicles and avoid parking in specific areas for limited periods. Those impacted will receive advance communication, it said.

It follows previous work by National Grid in the Port Talbot area to supply power for Tata Steel’s new electric arc furnace.

Despite the long period of works, National Grid claims the project is vital to improve the reliability of power supplies for homes and businesses.

Ffion Owen, a specialist at National Grid, admitted the work could be disruptive, stating:

“This is vital reinforcement work to ensure the electricity network in Port Talbot can continue to support homes and businesses now and in the future. While we know roadworks can be disruptive, this investment will help improve the reliability of the network in the local area and reduce the risk of future outages.

“We would like to thank residents, businesses and road users for their patience while this essential work is carried out.”

National Grid said it would work closely with the local authority throughout the project.

Neath Port Talbot crushes fly-tippers’ vehicles as crackdown intensifies

New figures released by the Welsh Government and Fly-tipping Action Wales reveal that whilst fly-tipping incidents have risen nationally by 14.7 per cent, Neath Port Talbot has maintained its strong enforcement record, seizing and crushing vehicles belonging to offenders caught dumping waste illegally.

Recent prosecutions include Richard Darren Barwell, whose vehicle was seized and crushed after an investigation found he had dumped house renovation waste at two locations in Briton Ferry.

The council’s tough approach comes as Wales recorded over 48,000 fly-tipping incidents last year — around 133 every day — with household waste accounting for 71 per cent of all illegal dumps. Nationally, more than 1,500 fines were issued alongside 69 successful prosecutions.

Cllr Scott Jones, Cabinet Member for Streetscene, said seizing and crushing vehicles sends a powerful message to would-be offenders.

“Seizing and crushing vehicles is an effective way of sending a strong message to fly-tippers that we take the crime extremely seriously,” Cllr Jones said.

“This Council is using a variety of methods – including surveillance cameras – to proactively catch the culprits who are blighting our environment. Anyone who fly-tips risks an unlimited fine and a prison sentence of up to five years.”

The council’s commitment to strengthening enforcement has been backed by a dedicated Welsh Government grant to support camera-based projects aimed at catching offenders in the act.

One of the new cameras will be installed at the site of the authority’s recently unveiled community mural in Melin, created in collaboration with Fly-tipping Action Wales, celebrity artist Nathan Wyburn and Year 5 pupils from Ysgol Melin.

The striking mural, which features piercing green eyes and the bilingual warning “No fly tipping — don’t waste our future,” was designed by the pupils themselves as a creative response to the problem blighting their community.

Neath Port Talbot has achieved significant success in tackling fly-tipping, recording a 26 per cent reduction in incidents this year — one of the largest decreases across all Welsh local authorities.

The council prosecutes large-scale, repeat or commercial fly-tipping, as well as the dumping of hazardous waste, whilst issuing fixed penalty notices for smaller-scale offences including littering, minor fly-tipping and failing to check a waste carrier’s licence.

Heidi Pawlin, Programme Manager for Fly-tipping Action Wales, said the problem damages communities and costs taxpayers millions.

“Fly-tipping damages our environment, costs taxpayers millions, and undermines communities,” Ms Pawlin said.

“Help keep your local community clean – if you’re paying someone to take your waste away, always check they have a waste carrier’s licence with Natural Resources Wales.”

Householders who fail to check whether their waste carrier is properly licensed face a fixed penalty of £300, or a fine of up to £5,000 and a criminal record if the case goes to a Magistrates Court.

The penalties for fly-tipping itself are even more severe, with offenders facing unlimited fines and prison sentences of up to five years.

Residents can check whether a waste carrier is registered by visiting naturalresources.wales/CheckWasteLicence or calling 0300 065 3000.

The Welsh Government figures show that 71 per cent of fly-tipping incidents involve household waste, highlighting the importance of householders taking responsibility for ensuring their rubbish is disposed of legally.

Fly-tipping Action Wales is a Welsh Government-sponsored initiative established in 2007 to tackle illegal dumping. The all-Wales partnership includes more than 50 organisations, including the 22 Welsh local authorities, Natural Resources Wales, Keep Wales Tidy, the three National Park Authorities, Network Rail, Dŵr Cymru Welsh Water, the Fire Service and all four Welsh police forces.

Briton Ferry homes hit by two-foot flood waves as amber alert turns real

Street turns to river as cars plough through

Briton Ferry residents woke to scenes of devastation on Monday morning (15 December) as torrential rain overwhelmed drains and turned Pant Yr Heol into a flood zone.

Photos shared by local councillors show water gushing from manholes, cars half-submerged, and emergency crews responding near a flooded railway bridge. One image shows a fire engine parked under the bridge with lights flashing, while another captures water bursting from a drain as cones struggle to contain the flow.

A third shows a residential street under water, with flood levels reaching doorsteps and traffic lights reflected in the rising tide.

“Waves were two feet high”

Daniel Popp, a resident of Pant Yr Heol, said drivers made the flooding worse by ignoring pleas to avoid the street.

Daniel Popp said:

“People are so inconsiderate — even after pleading with them not to go through the water they completely ignored myself and others and made things two times worse for people on the street.

It was worse when the cars were coming through — the waves coming off it were about two feet high.”

Daniel said the road hadn’t flooded in around three years, but used to flood regularly during heavy rain.

Amber warning remains in force

The Met Office’s Amber warning for rain remains in place until 9pm tonight, covering Neath Port Talbot, Swansea, Carmarthenshire, Bridgend, Cardiff, Pembrokeshire and 10 other counties.

Natural Resources Wales has warned of a “severe risk to life” in parts of South Wales, urging residents to prepare for further flooding as rivers swell and surface water builds.

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#amberFloodAlert #BritonFerry #BritonFerryFlooding #featured #floodAlerts #flooding #PantYrHeol

Council crushes Llanelli man’s truck after dumping household debris in two Briton Ferry lanes

Richard Darren Barwell, 55, of Ropewalk Road, pleaded guilty at Swansea Magistrates’ Court on 30 October 2025 to two offences under Section 33(5) of the Environmental Protection Act 1990.

The court heard that on 10 August 2024, large quantities of household debris — including timber, bathroom fittings, carpets, and building rubble — were found dumped in a lane between Gower Street and Tucker Street, and again later that day at Wharf Road.

Among the items were internal doors, a cream bath and sink with a seashell-like pattern, bags of rubble, loft insulation, a broken toilet, and a Carmarthenshire Council recycling bag.

Neath Port Talbot Council’s Waste Enforcement Officers traced the fly-tipping to a black Ford tipper van seen at both locations. Mr Barwell was found to be insured to drive the vehicle, making him liable under the law even if he did not personally deposit the waste.

The van was seized and later crushed after being deemed unfit for the road.

Mr Barwell was ordered to pay £1,516 in costs, a £114 victim surcharge, and complete 100 hours of unpaid work.

“A serious environmental crime”

Councillor Scott Jones, Cabinet Member for Streetscene, praised the council’s enforcement team:

“This kind of fly-tipping is a serious environmental crime and can be very distressing for the communities where waste is unlawfully deposited. I want to praise our Waste Enforcement Officers who worked hard to bring about this prosecution. It sends out the message that those who fly-tip, and in so doing damage our communities, will be brought before the courts.”

#britonFerry #cllrScottJones #flyTipping2 #flytipping #flytippingProsecution #llanelli #neathPortTalbotCouncil #wasteEnforcement

Local volunteer groups in Briton Ferry and Glyncorrwg honoured with King’s Award

Friends of Jersey Park in Briton Ferry and Noddfa Community Centre in Glyncorrwg are among just five Welsh recipients this year, standing alongside 231 groups across the UK. The award celebrates the impact of volunteers who give their time to strengthen communities, improve wellbeing and preserve local places.

Friends of Jersey Park, Briton Ferry

Jersey Park has long been a green heart of Briton Ferry, and the Friends group has worked tirelessly to keep it that way. Volunteers organise events, raise funds, and involve residents in improving the park’s environment. Their efforts promote health and wellbeing through open‑air activities, while also building a stronger sense of community.

The recognition has been warmly welcomed locally. Trustee Gareth Rice said:

“As a trustee of The Friends of Jersey Park, I am incredibly proud to share this news. Our volunteer group has been honoured with an award from His Majesty King Charles III — one of only 231 awards across the entire United Kingdom in 2025.

“This distinction is equivalent to an MBE, placing our local volunteers among the nation’s most outstanding community champions. It is proof that when a community comes together, it can achieve something truly remarkable.”

Fellow Trustee, John Beck added:

“The Friends of Jersey Park are honoured to receive this award from King Charles. Some 231 awards were made across the whole of the United Kingdom for 2025. This award is equivalent to an MBE, and we are very proud to receive it.”

Noddfa Community Centre, Glyncorrwg

Noddfa has been serving Glyncorrwg since 1976, run day‑to‑day by a volunteer executive committee. The centre is a hub for social wellbeing, offering room hire for community activities, a nursery school, and even a community church. It hosts initiatives like Codi’r To, a regeneration project through music, and provides space for programmes such as Gwaith Gwynedd, which helps people into work.

Volunteers at Noddfa Community Centre said the award was a proud moment for the whole community:

“We’re absolutely thrilled to share some amazing news! Noddfa Community Centre has been awarded The King’s Award for Voluntary Service — the highest honour a local voluntary group can receive in the UK, and the equivalent of an MBE.

“This incredible recognition celebrates the outstanding dedication, compassion, and hard work of our volunteers who give their time, energy, and hearts to support our community.

“We want to say a huge thank you to every single one of our volunteers — you make everything we do possible. And a special thank you to Jennifer Morris who nominated us for this prestigious award — your support means the world to us! We’re so proud to be part of such a caring and committed community.”

National recognition

Minister for Civil Society Stephanie Peacock said the awards highlight the extraordinary contribution of volunteers:

“These awards celebrate the extraordinary volunteers who are the lifeblood of communities across Wales. Day in, day out, they give their time, energy and compassion to transform lives and strengthen the places we call home.”

KAVS Chair Sir Martyn Lewis CBE added:

“The King’s Award for Voluntary Service is the UK’s top award for groups of remarkable citizens transforming many aspects of life in their local communities. For over two decades these annual awards have shown the people of our country at their very best.”

Looking ahead

Nominations for the 2026 King’s Award for Voluntary Service are now open, with applications closing on 1 December 2025. Any group of three or more volunteers, active for at least three years, can be put forward.

#britonFerry #communityAwardsWales #friendsOfJerseyParkBritonFerry #glyncorrwg #jerseyPark #kavs #kingsAwardForVoluntaryServiceWales #noddfaCommunityCentre #noddfaCommunityCentreCaerau #volunteeringSouthWales

Briton Ferry man jailed for sexual offences against schoolgirls

Swansea Crown Court heard that between June and December last year, Rio Thomas used the Snapchat messaging app to send explicit videos of himself to several schoolgirls, along with sexual messages. Some of the communications contained highly disturbing references.

When victims blocked him, he set up new accounts to continue making contact.

Police arrested Thomas in Briton Ferry on 14 December. As he was being escorted to a waiting van, he asked officers to remove his handcuffs so he could put on a jacket, before attempting to flee. A search, including the use of a drone, located him in Gethin Street around two hours later.

Investigators were able to link the accounts used in the offending to Thomas and addresses connected to him, including his grandmother’s home in Maesteg.

Thomas, of Glanymor Street, pleaded guilty to causing a child to watch a sexual act, engaging in sexual activity in the presence of a child, engaging in sexual communications with a child, and escaping lawful custody. Four further counts of sexual communication with a child were taken into consideration.

The court was told he began using cannabis in early adolescence and later cocaine, spending long periods isolated in his bedroom. A pre‑sentence report concluded he poses a high risk of harm to children and would require a structured plan for supervision upon release.

Judge Geraint Walters imposed a sentence of 28 months’ detention. Thomas will be on the sex offenders register for 10 years and is subject to a Sexual Harm Prevention Order for the same period.

#BritonFerry #ChildAbuse #Maesteg #sexualAbuse #Snapchat #SouthWalesPolice

Community picnic cancelled due to council’s ‘bureaucratic obstacle course’

A community picnic has due to take place at Jersey Park in Briton Ferry has been cancelled, with organisers saying council bureaucracy has reluctantly forced them into the decision.

It is the second community event in Neath Port Talbot that has been cancelled this week, following the announcement from Aberavon Beach Fest on Wednesday.

Writing on social media, picnic organisers said: “We’re sad to announce that the Great Get Together Picnic planned for 21st June in Jersey Park has been cancelled.

“What began as a simple idea—to bring neighbours together for a relaxed, friendly picnic—turned into a bureaucratic obstacle course involving public liability insurance (£5 million minimum), site plans, risk assessments, and counterterrorism training.

“Unfortunately, as a completely unfunded, grassroots community effort, we simply can’t meet those requirements.

“We wanted to build connection, not an events management career.

“We wanted to share food, not draw up security protocols.

Apparently, even a flask and a sandwich can now qualify as a full-scale “event” in need of formal permissions.

“We remain committed to building community—but clearly we’ll need to think of ways that don’t require a clipboard, a policy manual, and a hard hat.

“Thanks to everyone who offered to help or was planning to come—we’re just as disappointed as you are.”

Neath Port Talbot Council meanwhile insist the decision to cancel is down to the organisers and they have offered their support.

A spokesperson for the council said: “We are in contact with the picnic organiser to provide them with support. The organiser has unfortunately made the decision to cancel the event however we are on hand to provide advice should they wish the event to proceed.”

#BritonFerry #JerseyPark #NeathPortTalbotCouncil #Picnic