FERRY FARCE? Doubts grow over Swansea crossing as ‘fairy story’ jibe lands

The proposed Bristol Channel crossing – linking Swansea with south-west England – has been talked up as a game-changer for travel and jobs.

But cracks are starting to show.

At a tense council meeting this week, opposition councillor Stuart Rice questioned whether the scheme was realistic at all, asking leader Rob Stewart if it was “more of a fairy story than a ferry story”.

The comments come just days after a new report suggested the idea had a “compelling” economic case and overwhelming public backing, with strong support recorded for a Swansea-based service.

The proposal centres on a high-speed, low-emission ferry capable of carrying hundreds of passengers and vehicles across the Bristol Channel – with backers claiming it could slash journey times and ease pressure on major roads.

But despite the optimism, key details remain missing.

No ports have been confirmed.

No vessel has been designed.

And no firm agreements are in place with partners across the water.

Even Swansea Council has admitted in responses seen by reporters that no formal discussions have taken place with councils in Devon or Somerset in recent years.

That raises serious questions about how close – or how far – the plan really is.

Cllr Stewart defended the project, insisting it was worth exploring.

“I don’t think there is anything really to knock on this one,” he said, arguing journey times could be cut dramatically and that Swansea’s appeal would draw visitors.

He also stressed the ferry would not just be about passengers – but freight too, boosting its viability.

But others are not convinced.

Liberal Democrat group leader Chris Holley backed the idea in principle but warned there were practical issues – including whether vessels could even dock close to the city centre.

He pointed to past problems with ferry schemes, including vessels being unable to pass through Swansea’s lock gates.

Meanwhile, concerns have also been raised that passengers could simply drive straight out of the city via the M4 – limiting the economic boost locally.

Adding to the uncertainty, the report behind the plans admits major hurdles remain.

These include dealing with the Bristol Channel’s extreme tidal range, designing specialist vessels, and building the necessary port infrastructure.

And in a new twist, Burry Port has quietly emerged as a potential landing site – despite there being no detail yet on how a ferry could operate from a harbour known for having one of the highest tidal ranges in the world.

Now, Carmarthenshire Council has confirmed it has not been involved in any talks.

Director Ainsley Williams said: “There have been no discussions on specific proposals relating directly to Carmarthenshire at this time.

“We remain open to further discussions should any formal proposals come forward.”

That lack of engagement will raise eyebrows given the scale of what’s being suggested.

Elsewhere, questions remain about where the ferry would land in England, with Ilfracombe already ruled out and larger ports like Bideford mentioned as alternatives.

For now, the ferry remains firmly in the “idea” stage.

And while supporters point to potential benefits like cutting congestion on the M4 and M5 and boosting tourism, critics say the fundamentals are still missing.

For people across Swansea Bay, it leaves a simple question.

Is this the start of a bold new transport link – or just another grand plan that never leaves the drawing board?

What do you think – ferry future or fairy tale?

M&S ROW: Council leader accuses Senedd candidate of using job losses for ‘deplorable’ election campaign

Swansea Council Leader Rob Stewart has hit back at political opponents over the closure of the city’s M&S store, calling it “deplorable” that a Senedd candidate is using the potential loss of 90 local jobs for his election campaign.

The blistering attack comes in response to criticism from Liberal Democrat Senedd candidate Sam Bennett and Swansea Lib Dem leader Cllr Chris Holley, who yesterday questioned the council’s regeneration priorities in the wake of the M&S closure announcement.

In a statement, the Labour leader launched a full-throated defence of his administration’s record while attacking the previous Liberal Democrat-led council.

“It’s deplorable that Cllr Sam Bennett is using the closure of the store with the potential loss of 90 local jobs to try and further his Senedd election campaign,” Cllr Stewart said.

The attack is politically charged, as both men are candidates in the new Gŵyr Abertawe Senedd constituency for the 2026 election. Cllr Stewart is ranked second on the Welsh Labour list, while Cllr Bennett is the lead candidate for the Welsh Liberal Democrats.

He also criticised his Lib Dem counterpart, stating, “It’s also disappointing to see Cllr Holley doesn’t have confidence in Swansea, or its traders and businesses.”

Cllr Stewart claimed his opponents “have not openly supported any of the developments in Swansea delivered over the last 11 years” and are “critics of the £1.3bn city deal.”

He also revealed that M&S has not given up on the city, stating, “M&S are actively looking for a different location in Swansea and have acknowledged the positive impact the regeneration is having.”

He then turned his fire on the record of the previous Liberal Democrat administration, which was led by Cllr Holley for much of its tenure, and controlled Swansea Council from 2004-2012.

“The Lib Dems introduced the disastrous bendy bus, continually dug up the Kingsway and introduced the mad road system, and absolutely failed to invest and support local businesses to grow,” he said.

“They have no ambition for Swansea.”

Politicians demand action as M&S closure sparks row over council “vanity projects”

Liberal Democrats have accused Swansea Council‘s Labour leadership of making “ridiculous” assurances about the impact of multimillion-pound regeneration schemes, pointing to recent claims that the new library would drive footfall to M&S.

Meanwhile, Plaid Cymru’s Sioned Williams MS has written to the Welsh Government demanding support for the 92 staff facing redundancy, describing the closure as a “sickeningly familiar story” of high streets losing historic stores.

The political fallout comes just days after M&S confirmed it will shut its Oxford Street store later this year, ending nearly a century of trading in the city centre.

Welsh Liberal Democrat lead Senedd candidate Cllr Sam Bennett said: “Time and time again the Labour Council Leader has assured us that the massive city centre projects would be the saving of the high street, and this announcement raises big questions.

“At the most recent Council meeting the Leader went as far to say how people were celebrating that the move of the library meant they could now go to M&S, this now sounds ridiculous.”

Cllr Chris Holley, Leader of the Opposition on Swansea Council and Welsh Lib Dem Group Leader, went further, claiming the council had privately assured them M&S would remain once the Yr Storfa development opened.

“We have continually asked and been told that Labour’s vanity projects would be the saving of our high street, and even been told in a meeting M&S would stay once Yr Storfa had opened,” he said.

“This is deeply embarrassing for Labour, and is a tragedy for the city centre workers and shoppers as the Swansea high street takes another blow.”

The Liberal Democrats say they have long called for cheaper and easier parking to encourage city centre use, alongside reforms to business rates and VAT cuts to support high street retailers.

Torsten Bell, Labour MP for Swansea West, struck a more conciliatory tone, expressing “deep disappointment” at the closure and focusing on the impact on staff and customers.

“This decision will be a blow to the many loyal customers who regularly use the store, and for the dedicated employees, some who have worked for M&S over many years,” Mr Bell said.

“They need to be shown the dignity and respect they deserve, while it’s vital they are treated fairly during this difficult time. I have already contacted Senior M&S Managers, with a meeting arranged for next Friday to discuss this further.”

Mr Bell noted the closure comes “at a time when the City Centre has seen huge regeneration at key sites and more top retailers showing confidence in Swansea.”

Sioned Williams MS, Plaid Cymru Member of the Senedd for South Wales West, drew parallels with M&S’s departure from Neath in May 2024, saying the closures represent more than just job losses.

“As with Marks and Spencer’s departure from Neath in May 2024, this is more than losing a job or losing a shop, it’s losing a piece of local history,” she said.

“The Oxford Street store is an important part of many people’s lives, not least for the 92 who work there currently. During its 100 year presence in Swansea, there will have been people who have given their working lives to this store and loyal customers who have helped build this company’s multimillion pound profits.”

Ms Williams said she had written to the Welsh Government asking what support will be offered to staff, and will be writing to M&S to urge them to retain a full-line store in the area.

“I’m glad to see the company not ruling out maintaining a presence in Swansea, but that location should be in the city centre, and not out of town,” she added.

The closure announcement has raised questions about the effectiveness of Swansea Council’s regeneration strategy, which has seen millions of pounds invested in projects including the Copr Bay arena, the new library and museum complex, and the ongoing Yr Storfa development.

M&S has indicated it is considering alternative locations in the Swansea area, but has not confirmed whether any replacement store would be in the city centre or at an out-of-town retail park.

The Oxford Street store, which has traded for nearly 100 years, is expected to close later in 2026, with staff consultations now underway.

Swansea councillors vow to fight for Ospreys as WRU cuts loom

At Swansea Council’s full council meeting on 6 November 2025, members from across the chamber united in opposition to the WRU’s restructuring, warning it risks the future of the Ospreys and undermines rugby in the west.

WRU’s three‑club plan

The WRU has confirmed it intends to reduce the number of professional teams in Wales from four to three, citing financial pressures and the need to concentrate resources. The plan would leave only three regions competing at the top level, with the Ospreys and Scarlets both facing uncertainty over their future. Critics have branded the move “short‑sighted” and “not fit for purpose,” warning it would weaken the game in West Wales and damage pathways for young players.

“The only true region”

Deputy Leader David Hopkins (Labour, Townhill) told councillors the Ospreys are “the only true region” and their contribution to communities and the wider game is “invaluable.” He said the council is already working closely with the club to secure its future.

Opposition leader Chris Holley OBE (Liberal Democrats, Cwmbwrla) agreed, warning that reducing to three regions would be “a backward step” and “doesn’t help us in this region.”

Council leader calls plan “flawed”

Council Leader Rob Stewart (Labour, Morriston) branded the WRU’s plan “flawed in every respect,” stressing the Ospreys are Wales’ most successful region. “We will continue to bat as hard as we can for them to remain,” he said, confirming ongoing dialogue with the union.

St Helen’s redevelopment plans

The debate also touched on the Ospreys’ future home. Cllr Peter May (Uplands Party, Uplands) noted the club had been planning a move to St Helen’s in his ward, describing it as “an exciting time” for the area.

Planning approval for the redevelopment of St Helen’s was granted earlier this year, with proposals including new facilities and improvements to the historic ground. At the time, Rob Stewart welcomed the decision, saying it would “secure the Ospreys’ long‑term future in Swansea and provide a boost for rugby and the city.”

Related stories from Swansea Bay News

Council leader welcomes planning approval for Ospreys’ St Helen’s stadium redevelopment
Planning approval granted for redevelopment of St Helen’s, with council leader Rob Stewart hailing the move as a boost for rugby and the city.

Ospreys facing uncertain future as WRU plans to cut regions
WRU confirms controversial plan to reduce professional teams from four to three, sparking concern for West Wales rugby.

#CllrChrisHolley #CllrDavidHopkins #CllrPeterMay #CllrRobStewart #Ospreys #Rugby #Swansea #SwanseaCouncil #WRU

Swansea residents ‘need a break’ from above inflation council tax increases 

The Liberal Democrat, who led the council between 2004 and 2012, says the ruling Labour group could have reduced the increase to just 3.9% if they had agreed to a proposed amended budget that the opposition group had put forward.

Speaking to Swansea Bay News, Cllr Holley said: “We put forward our amendment to lower the level of council tax from 5.95% to 3.90% to be paid for by taking money the Equalisation Fund which is money that before 2016 was put into the revenue account to pay for services.

“The current administration decided to make up a fund to help pay for the borrowings in the future because of the very large amount of money needed to pay for the city deal and other projects but not for schools.

“I feel the public need a break from the constant increasing amount of council tax above inflation.”

Cllr Rob Stewart, Leader of Swansea Council described the Lib Dem’s proposal as “smoke and mirrors”.

Cllr Stewart said: “We will continue to have one of the lowest council tax rises in Wales – just £1.46 a week for a Band B property. What the Lib Dems suggested was just smoke and not a real cut – and it would cost taxpayers more long term’

“The Chief Finance Officer gave clear advice that council tax rises in future years would need to be higher to compensate for this temporary cut, meaning the Lib Dems would add 2% – 3% to the following years council tax before we even begin – that’s not a deal anyone would want”

(Lead image: Chris Holley)

#CllrChrisHolley #CouncilTax #LibDems #Swansea