‘Worst he’s seen in 33 years’ – Council appeals for witnesses after 70 trees vandalised in Swansea park

The council has described the damage as the worst example of tree vandalism a staff member has seen in 33 years of service. The issue has been reported to South Wales Police and the council is urging anyone with information to come forward.

Almost all the new trees planted in the much-loved community park over the last 15 years have been attacked. Parks staff discovered last week that the trees had been hacked at with a knife or small bladed tool, with the bark stripped away by pulling.

Among the damaged trees were cherry trees donated to Swansea by the Japanese consulate in Wales.

Cyril Anderson, Cabinet Member for Community Services at Swansea Council, condemned the attack, calling it an “insult to the local community.”

“Someone will know who did this and I’d urge them to come forward and report it to police. They can do it anonymously if they want,” he said.

“The extent of the damage to so many trees would have taken a long time with a concerted effort, going tree to tree both sides of the paths and off into the centre of muddy fields. Cherry trees donated to Swansea by the Japanese consulate in Wales were not spared. It’s just very shaming.”

He added:

“This kind of damage is shocking and an insult to the local community that’s seen these trees grow and thrive.”

Parc Llewelyn recently celebrated the opening of an upgraded play area, making it a popular destination for families in the area.

Anyone with information is asked to report it to the police, quoting crime reference number 2600037943.

Swansea named Wales’ top‑performing city for recycling as households hit 72% rate

Swansea has climbed to third place nationally for 2024/25, with residents recycling more than 76,000 tonnes of waste over the year — from food scraps and garden cuttings to glass, plastics and old electricals.

Households drive record recycling levels

The council says the rise is down to people using the city’s kerbside collections and recycling centres in huge numbers.

More than 14,000 tonnes of food waste were collected, along with just over 12,000 tonnes of paper. Garden waste accounted for nearly 12,000 tonnes, while glass made up 6,500 tonnes and metal 3,500 tonnes.

Plastic recycling also continued to grow, with around 5,000 tonnes put out through the pink‑bag collections.

Alongside kerbside services, the city’s five recycling centres handled thousands of tonnes of extra material — including 1,200 tonnes of waste electricals, almost 400 tonnes of textiles and five tonnes of batteries.

‘The days of black bags are long behind us’

Cllr Cyril Anderson, Cabinet Member for Community Services, said residents deserved credit for helping Swansea reach its latest milestone.

“Residents have really played their part, making the most of the wide range of kerbside recycling services we have developed,” he said.

“We have come a long way in terms of kerbside recycling services and the varied opportunities for households to dispose of lots of different waste. The days of putting everything in a black bag are long behind us for the majority of households.”

Reusable kit planned to cut single‑use bags

The council says its next step is to reduce the number of single‑use plastic bags used for recycling cans, paper and glass. Plans are being drawn up to roll out reusable containers similar to those already used for food waste and plastics — a move the authority says will also save money.

Recycling

Latest recycling stories
Updates on kerbside collections, waste changes and how Swansea is improving its recycling rates.

Fancy being paid to work on Swansea’s beaches and parks this summer? Council launches hunt for seasonal staff

The authority is recruiting a new wave of seasonal staff to help keep the city looking picture‑perfect through the busy summer months, when thousands of residents and visitors flock to Swansea’s beaches, parks and beauty spots.

Four Seasonal Floral Decorations Operatives and thirteen Seasonal Cleansing Operatives are up for grabs, offering the chance to spend the warmer months working across Swansea Bay’s coast and countryside as part of the teams that keep the city blooming and spotless.

‘Our seasonal staff make an enormous difference’

Cllr Cyril Anderson, Cabinet Member for Environment and Neighbourhood Services, said the roles are vital to the way the city looks and feels during its busiest season.

“Every summer, our seasonal staff make an enormous contribution to the way Swansea looks and feels,” he said. “Their work helps keep our streets clean, our parks vibrant and our floral displays thriving. These roles are ideal for people who enjoy practical outdoor work and want to take pride in helping their community look its very best.”

Flower power and frontline cleaning

Floral operatives will help install, water and maintain the city’s much‑loved summer displays — from hanging baskets to park borders — ensuring Swansea bursts with colour right through the season.

Cleansing operatives will take on frontline duties including litter picking, sweeping, emptying bins and supporting the wider clean‑up effort during peak visitor periods.

Both roles offer competitive pay, the chance to work as part of friendly, hardworking teams, and the opportunity to gain hands‑on experience in one of the council’s busiest services.

Applications now open

The deadline for applications is 24 February 2026, with full details available on the Swansea Council website.

Seasonal Floral Decorations Operative (x4): https://www.swansea.gov.uk/article/42915/Seasonal-Floral-Decorations-Operative-X-4-closing-date-240226

Seasonal Cleansing Operative (x13): https://www.swansea.gov.uk/article/42919/Seasonal-Cleansing-Operative-X-13-closing-date-240226

Millions of plastic bags to be scrapped as Swansea recycling shake‑up approved

According to the council, the shake‑up will see residents given new reusable containers, including a hard‑plastic caddy for glass and cans and a resealable sack for paper and card. The authority says the changes are designed to reduce waste, improve recycling performance and support Swansea in continuing to meet the Welsh Government’s statutory 70% recycling target.

The council also says it intends to scrap the current £2.50 charge for garden waste sacks, with new bags to be provided free of charge in future.

Officials describe the measures as part of an “intermediate programme” ahead of a longer‑term Waste Strategy, which they say will be developed later.

A trial collecting soft plastics from around 20% of homes will continue, with the council stating it will seek Welsh Government funding for upgrades at its Baling Plant to allow the service to expand city‑wide.

Cabinet members have also approved further trials of kerbside collections for small electrical items and textiles. The council says this is intended to reduce fire risks from discarded batteries and increase recycling opportunities for residents.

The long‑running Keep Recycling Out policy will be refreshed, with the council pointing to recent analysis showing that around half of black‑bag waste could be recycled if separated correctly. A similar update to the “no recyclables in black bags” rule at Household Waste Recycling Centres has also been agreed.

Cllr Cyril Anderson, Cabinet Member for Community, said:

“Overall, most residents are doing a great job by using our kerbside recycling collection service. Many are recycling as much as they can and this is why we continue to meet the Welsh Government recycling target of 70%.”

But he said too many households are still placing the majority of their waste in black bags instead of separating it for recycling.

Cllr Cyril Anderson said:

“We know there are households who need to do more instead of placing the majority of their household waste in black bags. That is why we are looking at our own service and looking at ways to make it easier for residents, better for the environment and better value for money.”

He said the council will develop a longer‑term Waste Strategy in future, but argued that the short‑term measures approved this week will help Swansea remain one of Wales’ best‑performing recycling authorities.

Cllr Cyril Anderson added:

“In the short term, we are looking at a number of things that can be introduced that I hope will keep Swansea as one of the best performing councils in Wales in terms of recycling.”

The council says the rollout of the new reusable containers is expected to begin in early 2026, alongside wider work to prepare for changes to national waste legislation and future infrastructure needs.

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Swansea households set for major recycling shake‑up as council plans new containers and free garden waste sacks

A new report heading to Swansea Council’s Cabinet reveals plans to ditch the 10 million single‑use green sacks currently used every year for glass, cans, paper and card. In their place, households would receive hard plastic caddies for glass and cans, along with a resealable sack for paper and card — a move the council says will make recycling easier and cut down on waste.

If approved, the changes could start appearing on streets as early as May.

The report also confirms the council wants to scrap the £2.50 charge for garden waste sacks, making them free for residents in future — a move likely to prove popular ahead of the summer gardening season.

Behind the scenes, the council is also looking at expanding what can be collected from the kerbside. A trial of soft plastics recycling is already underway, covering around 20% of Swansea homes. But to roll it out city‑wide, upgrades are needed at the council’s Baling Plant, and funding bids have been submitted to the Welsh Government.

Other materials could soon join the list too, including small electricals and textiles. The council says this would help tackle the growing problem of items like vapes, which contain batteries and can spark fires when dumped in black bags.

The push comes as the council continues its “Keep recycling out” campaign, after sample checks found some black bags still contain up to 50% recyclable waste.

Cabinet Member for Community Cyril Anderson said most residents are doing their bit — but others need to step up.

“Overall, residents are doing a great job by using our kerbside recycling collection service. Many are recycling as much as they can and this is why we continue to meet the Welsh Government recycling target of 70%.

We also know there are households who need to do more instead of placing the majority of their household waste in black bags.”

He said the council’s focus is now on making the system easier, greener and better value.

“That is why we are looking at our own service and looking at ways to make it easier for residents, better for the environment and better value for money.

There is a need to develop our longer‑term Waste Strategy and that will happen in the future. In the short term, we are looking at a number of things that can be introduced that I hope will keep Swansea as one of the best performing councils in Wales in terms of recycling.”

The long‑term Waste Strategy was paused last year while the council dealt with day‑to‑day operational issues, but the new interim plans are expected to shape how Swansea handles household waste for years to come.

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Council sets out plan to keep new-look Mumbles Prom clean and welcoming

Targeted cleaning after public concerns

The prom, which reopened in July following a multi‑million pound sea defence and improvement project, has been regularly maintained by cleansing teams. But after reports of stones spilling from planting areas and staining beneath new benches, the council has carried out additional targeted cleaning.

Cabinet member for community services Cyril Anderson said:

“It’s important we keep the area safe and attractive for everyone. Stones from the beautiful planting areas on the prom have spilled onto the walkway itself. There’s staining in areas such as underneath new benches; people are spilling drinks, food and other products. We’ve undertaken additional cleaning, specifically in those areas – and the results have been encouraging.”

Specialist equipment proves effective

Council cleansing teams recently focused on the new sea defence wall and seating areas, using mechanical brush machines with specialist attachments to tackle stubborn stains. The work was carried out despite high footfall from pedestrians and cyclists, and drew positive feedback from visitors who praised the improved appearance.

Scheduled work plan in development

Council leader Rob Stewart said the authority is now drawing up a scheduled work plan to ensure the prom remains clean and welcoming.

“Our team has completed jetting work and we’re now drawing up a scheduled work plan to keep the prom as clean as possible. We’ll continue to monitor the area and factor similar operations into our ongoing cleansing programme,” he said.

Prom project designed for the long term

The Mumbles Prom reopened this summer after a major project that strengthened sea defences to protect the community from storms and the effects of climate change for decades to come. The scheme also included improvements to the look and feel of the seafront, designed to make it more attractive for local people and visitors.

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#cleansing #CleansingOperative #CllrCyrilAnderson #CllrRobStewart #Mumbles #MumblesPromenade #pavementStains #Swansea #SwanseaCouncil

Two new councillors join Swansea Council Cabinet in reshuffle

Councillors Rebecca Fogarty and Andrew Williams will share the new post of Corporate Services following a mini‑reshuffle prompted by the temporary absence of long‑serving Cabinet Member Robert Francis‑Davies, who is taking leave due to ill‑health.

Job share approach

Council leader Rob Stewart said the move reflected Swansea’s commitment to flexible leadership and resilience.

“We all want to wish Cllr Francis‑Davies a speedy recovery during his temporary leave of absence.

In the meantime, I want to welcome Cllr Fogarty and Cllr Williams to their new roles. By introducing a second job share post, we are embracing new ways of working that support Cabinet Members and ensure we remain resilient and responsive to the needs of our residents,” he said.

It is the second job share arrangement within the Cabinet. The first, covering Community Services and Support, has been jointly held by councillors Cyril Anderson and Hayley Gwilliam for several years.

Portfolios divided

Under the new structure:

• Cllr Fogarty will oversee the mayoralty, civic functions and commercial services, among other duties.
• Cllr Williams will take responsibility for performance, including planning, public protection, performance monitoring, customer services and licensing.

Other Cabinet members will also see their portfolios adjusted:

• Joint Deputy Leader Cllr David Hopkins, Cabinet Member for Delivery, will add parks, sports development and inward investment to his existing responsibilities for health and safety and building control.
• Joint Deputy Leader Cllr Andrea Williams, Cabinet Member for Service Transformation, will now also oversee residential inward investment and strategic housing delivery.
• Council Leader Rob Stewart will work alongside Cllr Hopkins and Cllr Elliott King, Cabinet Member for Culture, Human Rights and Equalities, on tourism and regeneration, areas previously led by Cllr Francis‑Davies.
• Cllr Andrew Stevens, Cabinet Member for Environment and Infrastructure, will take on EV infrastructure and sports development, while also working with the Leader and Cllr Hopkins on community regeneration and suburban centres.

Focus on residents

Cllr Stewart said the reshaped Cabinet would ensure continuity and focus.

“Swansea Council is always here for the people of our city. We’ve re‑shaped the Cabinet and brought two new members on board to make sure we remain focussed on our residents’ priorities, delivering the services that touch their lives every day.”

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#CllrAndreaWilliams #CllrAndrewStevens #CllrAndrewWilliams #CllrCyrilAnderson #CllrDavidHopkins #CllrElliottKing #CllrHayleyGwilliam #CllrRebeccaFogarty #CllrRobStewart #CllrRobertFrancisDavies #Swansea #SwanseaCouncil #SwanseaCouncilCabinet

Council steps up beach cleaning as litter concerns mount

Swansea Council has brought in a team of 13 seasonal beach cleaners to deal with growing litter issues along the city’s coastline as visitor numbers rise over the summer months.

The move comes as part of a wider effort to keep beaches, parks, and public toilets clean—something the Council says already costs around £6.5 million annually.

Cllr Cyril Anderson said the extra staff are there to support existing teams but stressed the responsibility shouldn’t fall entirely on the Council.

“All we’re asking is that visitors use common sense. If bins are full, don’t just dump your rubbish—take it home.”

Public toilets in busy beach locations are being cleaned regularly, but misuse remains a concern.

“It only takes one person to ruin it for everyone else,” he said.

Of particular worry are discarded disposable barbecues, which can retain heat for hours if buried in sand and have caused serious injuries in recent years. The Council has installed 15 clearly marked red bins on popular beaches to safely dispose of BBQs.

Beyond litter patrols, seasonal staff are also maintaining Changing Places accessible toilet facilities and clearing sand and weeds from footpaths and roads.

With several of Swansea’s beaches holding Blue Flag status, the Council says keeping them clean is vital to sustaining tourism and public safety.

➡️ Learn more about Swansea’s beaches: swansea.gov.uk/beaches ➡️ Explore local parks and green spaces: swansea.gov.uk/parks

#beachCleaners #beaches #BlueFlag #CllrCyrilAnderson #disposableBbq #litter #Parks #Swansea #SwanseaCouncil

Swansea Council trials smart bin sensors to improve rural waste collection

Swansea Council has begun trialling smart bin sensors in remote communities as part of a pilot scheme aimed at reducing unnecessary journeys and keeping streets cleaner. The sensors, which use low-power wireless technology, alert cleansing staff when bins are full — allowing teams to prioritise locations that need attention and avoid visiting those that don’t.

Cllr Cyril Anderson, Cabinet Member for Community Services, said: “The sensors are a win-win all round. For residents there’s less chance of them finding unsightly overflowing bins, and for staff it means their time can be focussed on tackling bin and litter problems where they’re most needed. It’s early days because we’re still piloting the scheme, but it’s looking very promising.”

The system uses LoRaWAN (Low Power Wide Area Network) technology to transmit data from battery-powered sensors, which can last up to eight years. The pilot is focused on rural locations such as Gower and Port Eynon, where bin usage varies significantly depending on weather and seasonal tourism.

Stuart Willingale, Cleansing Strategy Team Leader, said: “Some of our bins are sited in fairly remote locations in places like Gower, which are a considerable distance away from where our staff are based. The data tells us when our Cleansing Teams need to visit a location to empty a bin — or when not to. This saves us time our teams can better use in other locations and tackling other cleansing issues. It also reduces our environmental impact of driving to a location only to be met with an empty bin.”

The pilot is being supported by Welsh Government funding, and early results suggest the system could help reduce fuel use, improve response times, and cut down on overflowing bins — especially in areas with fluctuating visitor numbers.

#binSensors #CllrCyrilAnderson #Gower #IoT #litter #litterBin #LoraWan #PortEynon #sensors #Swansea #SwanseaCouncil

Swansea residents embrace new soft plastics recycling trial with over five tonnes already collected

Run by Swansea Council, the scheme allows around 20,000 households to recycle plastic bags and wrapping directly from home, including items such as crisp packets, bread bags and frozen food packaging. Until now, recycling these materials was only possible by taking them to designated supermarket drop-off points.

The trial is operating in 15 communities where household waste is collected on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, and will continue until December 2025.

“So far, it’s estimated that more than five tonnes of plastic bags and wrapping have been collected from homes within the trial areas,” the Council confirmed in a recent update.

Cllr Cyril Anderson, Cabinet Member for Community, said: “Swansea is currently performing very well in terms of recycling, with the majority of residents making use of all the kerbside recycling collection services provided by the Council. We know there’s an appetite for residents to recycle more of their household waste, particularly soft plastic items like carrier bags, which currently get put in black bags.

“The trial will allow the Council to understand how plastic bags and wrapping can be included in existing kerbside recycling collections for all households in the future.”

Residents participating in the trial are encouraged to use blue recycling bags designated for soft plastics.

#CllrCyrilAnderson #kerbsideCollection #Recycling #softPlastic #Swansea #SwanseaCouncil