Martin Clunes reveals ‘weight of responsibility’ playing Huw Edwards in new TV drama

Actor Martin Clunes has opened up about the “weight of responsibility” that came with portraying disgraced former BBC presenter Huw Edwards in a hard-hitting new TV drama.

Clunes takes on the lead role in Power: The Downfall of Huw Edwards, a two-part series charting the dramatic collapse of the once-trusted broadcaster.

Edwards, who was born in Bridgend and raised in Llangennech near Llanelli, spent decades as one of the most recognisable faces on the BBC.

But Clunes admits stepping into his shoes — so soon after the real-life events — was a daunting prospect.

“It’s not straightforward,” he said, reflecting on taking on the role.

The actor revealed his initial reaction to the script was cautious, given how recent and sensitive the story remains.

“There is a responsibility,” he said, adding that portraying a real person at the centre of such a high-profile scandal required a careful approach.

Rather than attempting a straight impersonation, Clunes said he focused on capturing the essence of Edwards’ on-screen presence.

“I didn’t want to do an impression,” he explained, instead aiming to reflect the calm authority viewers associated with the veteran newsreader.

The drama explores how that trusted public image contrasted with a private life that was beginning to unravel behind the scenes.

Clunes suggested the series goes beyond the headlines, looking at the human story behind the scandal.

“It’s about the person behind it,” he said.

He also acknowledged that the speed of the production adds another layer of pressure, with the events still fresh in the public’s mind.

“People will have their own views,” he noted, as the programme prepares to revisit one of the most talked-about media scandals in recent years.

Despite the subject matter, Clunes indicated the drama avoids sensationalism, focusing instead on telling the story with care.

The casting has already drawn significant attention, with early images showing a striking transformation into the former newsreader.

Best known for long-running roles on British television, Clunes now takes on one of the most high-profile and sensitive parts of his career.

For viewers in Wales, the story is likely to resonate particularly strongly given Edwards’ roots and long-standing presence on national screens.

Power: The Downfall of Huw Edwards will air on 24 March on Channel 5 and its streaming service My5.

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UNCANNY: First look at Martin Clunes as disgraced newsreader Huw Edwards in explosive new trailer

In the chilling new footage, Clunes is seen sporting Edwards’ signature silver hair and somber expression as he portrays the downfall of one of Britain’s most powerful television figures.

The two-part factual drama, titled Power: The Downfall of Huw Edwards, is set to explore the “double life” of the Llanelli-born presenter as it spiralled out of control.

For many in the local area, the fall of Edwards was a particularly bitter blow, given his deep roots in the village of Llangennech, where his father was a prominent figure.

The series is expected to delve into how the man who once championed Welsh culture and history on the world stage became embroiled in a sordid secret life.

Channel 5 has confirmed the production will focus on how Edwards groomed a vulnerable 17-year-old over many months while maintaining his status as the nation’s most-trusted newsreader.

The trailer features a dramatic recreation of the moment Edwards announced the death of Queen Elizabeth II to millions, juxtaposed with his secret online activities.

For Martin Clunes, the role marks a startling and gritty departure from the “cosy” comedy-drama of Doc Martin that made him a household name.

The 64-year-old actor, usually known for his lovable, if grumpy, portrayal of the Portwenn GP, appears almost unrecognisable as the disgraced newsman.

https://twitter.com/channel5_tv/status/2029495395965870151?s=20

Viewers are given a glimpse into the rapid unravelling of his secrets after a national newspaper first reported that a “top BBC star” had paid a teenager for sexual pictures.

The production, which has been a year in the making, is the first major collaboration between Channel 5’s factual and scripted commissioning teams.

It is based on extensive research and first-hand interviews with those at the heart of the scandal, promising an “unflinching” look at the human cost behind the headlines.

The drama will also cover Edwards’ formal resignation from the BBC following medical advice and his subsequent conviction for serious child sexual offences.

Ben Frow, Chief Content Officer at Channel 5, described the series as an “important and shocking story” about a man in a position of power who betrayed the public’s trust.

The series is directed by BAFTA-winner Michael Samuels and written by Mark Burt, with the production team gaining exclusive access to the investigation that led to Edwards’ downfall.

Power: The Downfall of Huw Edwards is expected to air later this year, with the trailer already sparking intense debate on social media about the “nuanced and complex” portrayal of the disgraced star.

Political battle erupts as Llanelli Rural Council approves 8% council tax rise – bringing three-year increase to 47%

The decision will affect residents across communities outside Llanelli town centre, including Llwynhendy, Pemberton, Five Roads, Bynea, Dafen, Felinfoel, Swiss Valley, and Glyn.

Opposition councillors from Plaid Cymru and Independent groups condemned the decision, warning it will place a further burden on households during the ongoing cost of living crisis, following an “eye-watering” 32% increase last year.

But Council Leader Cllr Rob Evans hit back, claiming the opposition councillors themselves were responsible for driving up the precept by insisting on ward-specific projects – and accused them of hypocrisy for criticising allowances while earning approximately £20,000 per year as County Councillors.

Cllr Alex Evans, Leader of the Opposition, said the decision shows “the administration is out of touch with the priorities of ordinary residents.”

“People are already struggling to get by. Forcing them to pay almost 50% more in council tax than just three years ago is just not on — that is why we had to vote against the proposed budget tonight. Residents are being asked to pay more while council leaders spend on luxuries,” he said.

Opposition councillors also criticised continued spending on councillor attendance payments, along with a leased car and chauffeur to escort the Chair of Council to events. An optional attendance payment allows councillors to claim £15 for each meeting they attend, with several meetings lasting less than 10 minutes in 2025, and the shortest lasting only three minutes.

“Opposition councillors and residents will rightly question the judgement and priorities of Labour councillors after refusing to scrap attendance payments and return the leased car,” Cllr Evans added.

Opposition councillors contrasted the move with neighbouring Llanelli Town Council which voted to freeze its tax.

The council has since moved from being Labour-run to a new Independent administration and has committed to scrapping councillor payments.

Cllr Sharen Davies, Independent member who also voted against the budget, challenged the administration’s claim that the tax rise was driven in part by the Canolfan Llwynhendy project.

“This development has been funded largely through grants and partner support. It should not be used as a smokescreen to justify excessive tax rises. Llwynhendy residents deserve investment and improvements in our community,” she said.

“This tax hike is completely unacceptable and will put serious financial pressure on our residents. Labour must rethink this further tax increase and start cutting back on unnecessary luxuries.”

However, Council Leader Cllr Rob Evans strongly rejected the criticism, pointing out that the Council’s administration is a coalition of Labour, Independent, and Plaid Cymru members – not a solely Labour-led authority.

He said the current Council has inherited a significant backlog of issues from the previous administration’s “lack of foresight” when adopting numerous new projects and asset transfers.

Cllr Evans explained that last year’s 32% increase was driven by unavoidable commitments, including £107,000 required in the Llwynhendy/Pemberton Ward to complete the new Canolfan Llwynhendy build and to fund unexpected drainage works at Gwili Fields in Cllr Sharen Davies’s ward, recruitment of additional staff to support growing community facilities, and replacement of a grounds maintenance vehicle.

He said this year’s 8% rise primarily reflects investment in Plaid Cymru and Independent wards, including £40,000 for refurbishing a play area for the Five Roads/Glyn Ward – Cllr Alex Evans’s ward – and further investment in Canolfan Llwynhendy.

“It is important to note that had Councillors Alex Evans and Sharen Davies not insisted on these additional ward-specific projects, this year’s rise would have been closer to the general cost of living and would have eased financial pressure on local households. For a Band D property, the increase equates to 28 pence per week,” Cllr Evans said.

On the Chairperson’s car, he said the Council continues to maintain a car and driver because the Chair must represent the Council at numerous civic events across the community, and not all Chairpersons are able to drive. “This support ensures the Chair can fulfil the role effectively and inclusively,” he added.

Regarding councillor allowances, Cllr Evans said Llanelli Rural Council is one of the largest and most ambitious town and community councils in Wales, and as a result, councillors face increasing demand on their time to meet governance and regulatory requirements.

“The role is no longer entirely voluntary in practice. Members dedicate substantial time to reading agendas, reports, and background papers, in addition to attending meetings. The meeting allowance ensures councillors are not out of pocket for fulfilling their duties,” he said.

He added:

“It must also be acknowledged that the councillors quoted in the opposition press release are themselves County Councillors. County Councillors receive a basic salary of approximately £20,000 per year, and for context this is more than the rural council’s entire budget.”

The council’s administration said it remains committed to transparency, responsible financial management, and ensuring that all communities within the Council area benefit from sustained investment and high quality services.

Wife and lover jailed for 19 years each after plotting to murder her husband in armed caravan ambush

Michelle Mills and Geraint Berry, both 46, were sentenced after a jury found them guilty of conspiracy to murder Christopher Mills, Michelle’s husband of ten years. The case exposed months of planning, chilling discussions about how to kill him, and a final ambush that only failed because the victim fought back.

A plot to clear the way for an affair

The court heard that Mills and Berry had been in a secret relationship for several months and were desperate to remove Mr Mills from their lives. Detectives uncovered messages showing the pair discussing a range of ways to kill him, from poisoning him in his sleep to staging a shooting or causing his car to explode. The intention, police said, was to make his death look like a suicide so they could continue their relationship without suspicion.

Two failed attempts before the caravan attack

Investigators found that the pair had already made two aborted attempts to attack Mr Mills in late August 2024. Berry injured his knee during one of the failed raids, but the planning continued. Messages between the pair showed Mills encouraging Berry and reassuring him that she would make sure her husband was vulnerable when the time came.

The night the plot came to life

The final attempt took place on 20 September 2024 at a caravan in Cenarth, Ceredigion, where Mills and her husband were staying. Mills encouraged Mr Mills to drink so he would fall asleep, while Berry messaged her moments before he and a second man, Steven Thomas, burst into the caravan wearing masks and carrying imitation firearms.

Despite being beaten, Mr Mills fought back and managed to raise the alarm. Armed officers, dog units and the police helicopter were deployed, and Berry and Thomas were found hiding in nearby undergrowth. Mills herself dialled 999, pretending to be an innocent bystander with no idea why her husband had been targeted.

A fake suicide note and a web of lies

When officers searched Berry and Thomas, they found gas masks, imitation firearms and a typed suicide note purporting to be from Mr Mills. Detectives said this discovery changed the entire direction of the investigation, revealing that the attack was not a random burglary but a planned killing.

Mills continued to deny any involvement, insisting she had no idea why her husband had been attacked. But digital forensic work quickly linked her to Berry and exposed the affair, along with months of messages discussing how to kill her husband. Officers said she never once tried to stop the plot — her only concern was not being caught.

“Cold and calculated” – detective condemns pair’s lack of remorse

Detective Inspector Sam Gregory said the case had been one of the most disturbing his team had dealt with, describing Mills and Berry as “cold and calculated individuals” who had shown “no remorse for the devastation they caused.”

He said the dramatic twists of the case should not distract from the reality that Christopher Mills’ life was genuinely at risk.

DI Gregory said:

“It is easy to get carried away by the dramatic details in this case, with its many twists and turns, and to forget that there is a victim behind the sensational headlines and lurid media stories.”

He added that the betrayal at the heart of the plot was almost as shocking as the violence itself.

“Mr Mills’ life was truly at risk, and the person he should have been able to trust the most was behind the plans to harm him.”

The detective said the pair had never accepted responsibility for what they had done.

“Despite their not guilty pleas, and claims that the plots to kill Mr Mills were just fabrications, the evidence showed that Mills and Berry’s conspiracy was very real and that there had been multiple attempts to bring their plots to fruition.”

He said the investigation had revealed a level of planning and persistence that left officers in no doubt about the pair’s intentions.

“I believe both Mills and Berry are cold and calculated individuals, who have shown no remorse for their actions despite the devastation they have caused.”

Sentences handed down

Mills and Berry were each jailed for 19 years for conspiracy to murder. Thomas, who had earlier admitted possessing a firearm with intent to cause fear of violence, was sentenced to 12 months — time already served on remand.

DI Gregory said he hoped the sentencing would allow Mr Mills to begin rebuilding his life after what he described as an “unimaginable” ordeal.

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Pair guilty of conspiracy to murder after armed caravan attack

A woman and her lover have been convicted of conspiracy to murder following a violent attack on a caravan in Cenarth, Ceredigion.

Michelle Mills, 46, of Llangennech, Llanelli, and Geraint Berry, 46, of Clydach, were found guilty at Swansea Crown Court after a two‑week trial. The court heard the pair had plotted to kill Mills’ husband, Christopher Mills, so they could continue their affair.

A third defendant, Steven Thomas, 47, also of Clydach, was cleared of conspiracy to murder but had earlier admitted possessing a firearm with intent to cause fear of violence.

Armed raid on caravan

The case centred on events on 20 September 2024, when two masked men armed with guns forced their way into Mr Mills’ caravan. Despite being badly beaten, he managed to fight them off and raise the alarm.

Mills herself dialled 999, claiming two unknown men had attacked her husband. Armed officers, dog units and the police helicopter were deployed, and Berry and Thomas were soon found hiding in nearby undergrowth. Officers recovered gas masks and a fake suicide note addressed to Mills, purporting to have been written by her husband.

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Affair uncovered

Detectives quickly established that Mills and Berry had been in a secret relationship for around three months. Digital forensic work uncovered a series of messages between them discussing ways to kill Mr Mills, including poisoning him with sleeping tablets, arranging a shooting, or causing his car to explode.

In one exchange, Berry told Mills he was meeting “boys” to plan what to do with her husband. She replied: “Yes, lovely, thank you.” The only concern she expressed was that they should not get caught.

The pair had made two aborted attempts to attack Mr Mills in late August before the September raid. On the night of the attack, Mills encouraged her husband to drink so he would fall asleep, while Berry messaged her moments before bursting into the caravan.

After the failed assault, Mills texted Berry: “Police have been called get away, delete all communications … please on both phones … I love you.”

Police response

Detective Inspector Sam Gregory of Dyfed‑Powys Police said digital evidence was crucial in proving the conspiracy.

“The communication between Mills and Berry made it clear that since the end of June 2024, the pair had embarked on a secret relationship. In a short period of time, Berry, encouraged by Mills, became increasingly occupied by hostile thoughts about her husband, and the pair had communicated a number of ways in which they could kill him.”

DI Gregory added that the discovery of gas masks and a fake suicide note showed the pair intended to stage Mr Mills’ death as a suicide.

Verdicts and sentencing

Mills was arrested shortly after the attack and told officers: “I’m going to prison for this, aren’t I?”

Following the trial, Mills and Berry were convicted of conspiracy to murder. Thomas was acquitted of that charge but will be sentenced for the firearms offence.

DI Gregory said:

“While this case has all the makings of a TV drama, at the heart of it was a very real conspiracy to take someone’s life. Mills and Berry had plotted not one, not two, but three attempts to take Mr Mills’ life, and I have no doubt they would have continued had they not been caught that night.”

All three defendants will be sentenced on 19 December 2025.

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#armedPolice #caravan #caravanMurder #Cenarth #Ceredigion #Clydach #conspiracyToMurder #DyfedPowysPolice #fakeSuicideNote #featured #firearms #forensics #gasMasks #Llangennech #murder

Llanelli mayor blasts WRU over Scarlets future as town rallies behind ‘Save Our Scarlets’ march

‘Clueless’ leadership

Councillor Andrew Bragoli, a lifelong Scarlets supporter who describes the late Phil Bennett as his “idol and hero”, accused the WRU of being “clueless” and failing both the regions and grassroots clubs.

“They have mismanaged regional rugby in Wales in general. They haven’t helped the grassroots teams like Furnace, Trimsaran, Felinfoel, Llangennech, Tumble and Tenby,” he said.

“The WRU haven’t looked after the regions – Scarlets, Ospreys, Cardiff and the Dragons – so the national team is now suffering. We don’t want to see any region disappear.”

Cllr Bragoli said the union had been “narrow‑sighted”, relying on the success of the national side while neglecting the pathway from community rugby into the professional game.

Call for English league switch

The mayor suggested the best way forward would be for the Scarlets, Ospreys and Cardiff to join the English league system, with the Dragons remaining in the United Rugby Championship.

“Nothing in Welsh rugby has the passion of Scarlets versus Ospreys. We must both survive. And derby games against Bristol, Bath and Gloucester would boost attendances and bring atmosphere and rivalry with travelling fans,” said Cllr Bragoli, who has attended more than 1,000 Scarlets matches.

March to Parc y Scarlets

He urged local people to join the Save Our Scarlets march this Saturday, ahead of the home game against Munster. The march will leave Sandy Water Park at 1pm, led by Scarlets heritage director Rupert Moon, and will pass through Llanelli town centre before arriving at Parc y Scarlets.

The town council has also commissioned buses to bring local choirs to the stadium, with renditions of Sospan Fach and Yma O Hyd planned as part of a festival‑style build‑up.

Council united

Fellow councillor Shaun Greaney said:

“We cannot allow the demise of the Scarlets. It would be an act of cultural and sporting vandalism on a near criminal scale. Our area cannot afford the economic decimation the loss of 400 plus jobs would mean.”

Town council leader David Darkin confirmed the council had written to the WRU in the “strongest terms” and voted unanimously to back the campaign.

“Our position reflects the love the town has for the Scarlets. The region is part of our very identity,” he said.

Petition gathers pace

Nearly 5,500 people have signed an online petition calling for the WRU to safeguard the Scarlets’ future. The petition describes the club as “a cornerstone of our community, a symbol of local pride, and a source of inspiration for young athletes”.

It highlights Sport Wales figures estimating rugby contributes more than £200 million a year to the Welsh economy and supports over 4,000 jobs, with the Scarlets playing a key role in that ecosystem.

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#CllrAndrewBragoli #DavidDarkin #Felinfoel #Furnace #grassrootsRugby #Llanelli #Llangennech #MayorOfLlanelli #ParcYScarlets #Rugby #RupertMoon #Scarlets #SospanFach #Tenby #Trimsaran #Tumble #WRU #YmaOHyd

Reform UK wins Llangennech by-election, securing second seat on Carmarthenshire County Council

The party celebrated the result with a jubilant post on its Llanelli campaign page:

“Reform Wales is on the march! Carmelo Colasanto – Reform UK – Llangennech. We did it, we did it! We WON! Team effort, thank you each and everyone for your support, across Llangennech & the Bryn, Llanelli and beyond! Love it!”

Carmelo Colasanto secured 694 votes, ahead of Plaid Cymru’s Richard Talog Jones (489) and Labour’s Jordan Sargent (380). The by-election was triggered by the death of long-serving Labour councillor Gary Jones, who had previously won the seat with 981 votes in 2022.

The result follows Reform’s breakthrough in Lliedi earlier this year, where Michelle May Beer won a landslide victory. With two seats now taken from Labour in the Llanelli area within three months, Reform’s momentum in Carmarthenshire is becoming increasingly difficult for opponents to ignore.

By-election Results: Llangennech

County Council

• Reform 🏴 – 694
• Plaid Cymru – 489
• Labour – 380
• Liberal Democrats – 26
• Conservative – 14
• Gwlad – 6

Community Council

• Reform 🏴 – 663
• Plaid Cymru – 513
• Labour – 388
• Liberal Democrats – 27
• Gwlad – 7

Labour vote collapses, Plaid falls short

Turnout stood at 39.37%, considered relatively strong for a local contest. Plaid Cymru campaigned heavily in the ward — historically a stronghold for the party — but the haemorrhaging of Labour votes proved decisive.

Cllr Alun Lenny, Plaid Cymru cabinet member for resources, said:

“It’s a very disappointing result for Plaid Cymru, but it’s absolutely devastating for Labour. We lost 100 votes from the last council election in 2022, but Labour lost 600.”

The result reflects a broader trend seen across South West Wales, where Reform UK has consistently outperformed expectations in recent polling. Labour has made modest gains in some areas, but continues to struggle in key wards where Reform is consolidating support.

Senedd implications and rising pressure

The Llangennech result has sparked concern among Plaid Cymru strategists ahead of the 2026 Senedd elections. The party is aiming to win three seats in the newly formed Sir Gar super-seat, a target seen as critical to returning former leader Adam Price, who is currently third on the regional list.

Former MP Jonathan Edwards warned that Reform’s success in Llanelli could make that goal increasingly difficult:

“To win the election nationally, three seats in Sir Gar would be useful. A return of only two seats could be nationally significant. All the momentum, even west of the Loughor, seems to be with a populist right-wing British nationalism.”

Reform’s rise — with one notable exception

While Reform UK continues to gain ground across South West Wales, the party’s performance in Baglan last month stood out — not for success, but for its absence. Labour comfortably held the seat, with Reform slipping to third place.

The party’s candidate, John Bamsey, was notably absent from the count — reportedly on a foreign holiday during polling day. The lack of local engagement was widely criticised and may have contributed to the poor showing.

By contrast, Reform’s victories in Lliedi and now Llangennech have been marked by active campaigning and strong voter turnout. The Baglan result is increasingly seen as an outlier, rather than a sign of waning support.

Critics of Reform UK continue to question the party’s long-term stability and leadership.

Cllr Lenny added:

“Reform are on a roll at the moment, but it’s a party built around one man, Nigel Farage. We’ve already seen signs of tension in Reform, and I expect there will be more. Sooner or later it will unravel as people find out more about what they stand for and as they observe the chaos in the English councils they now run, including one led by a teenager.”

With growing pressure on Labour and Plaid Cymru to respond, and Reform UK continuing to attract disaffected voters, the political landscape in South West Wales is shifting — and fast.

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• Adam Price positioned third on regional list for 2026

#CarmarthenshireCouncil #CarmeloColasanto #CllrAlunLenny #featured #Llanelli #Llangennech #MichelleBeer #PlaidCymru #ReformUK

Tributes paid to Llangennech councillor and former steelworker who died after cancer battle

Trade Unionist and former steelworker, Gary had represented the Llangennech ward of Carmarthenshire County Council since 2017.

Writing on social media, his family announced Gary’s passing, saying they will miss the “kindest, gentlest, most modest and generous man that ever was”.

“Gary Robert Jones, husband, father, uncle, campaigner and socialist passed away on Tuesday 27th May 2025 at Prince Philip Hospital, Llanelli.

“Gary had been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer some 3 years ago, but had continued to live a full and active life until quite recently.

“He leaves his wife of 40 years Cara, daughters Molly and Rowen, sister Dawn, brother David, son-in-law Matt.

“Gary was raised in Beaufort, Gwent and on leaving school followed his father Bob into the steelworks at Ebbw Vale, as a tin plater.

“He was a trade unionist, Labour Party stalwart and loved rugby. Most of all, he was an avid and informed reader, and a collector of military paraphernalia.

“When the Ebbw Vale steelworks was closing the family relocated from their home in Church Street, Ebbw Vale, to a new life at Llangennech and the Trostre steelworks.

“His passion for his new village community became evident with his election as a Labour Councillor to the local Community Council, and he spent a year as chair of the Community Council. He was also a dedicated member of Carmarthenshire as a unitary councillor for Llangennech and Bryn.

“He was an active campaigner and was always seen around the ward on litter picks, problem solving and helping anyone in need.

“His many friends on from Beaufort, Trostre, the Labour Party, Laugharne, Llangennech and across the country will miss the humour and good conversation on a huge range of subjects.

“His constituents will miss his tireless work on their behalf.

“The family will miss the kindest, gentlest, most modest and generous man that ever was.”

Llanelli Labour MS, Lee Waters paid tribute to Gary saying: “Gary Jones was a very good man. Kind and thoughtful, and full of integrity.

“He served his community of Llangennech in a way that reflected his values – it was never about being someone, it was about doing something. He helped people because he cared.

“I know his family will feel his loss the most and they have all my love.

“Diolch Gary, it was a privilege to know you.”

#CarmarthenshireCouncil #Llangennech

Llanelli man fined for illegal fishing

On 21 October 2024, Natural Resources Wales (NRW) says its enforcement officers responded to reports of out-of-season fishing activity on the River Morlais.

Upon arrival, officers found Mark Robert May in possession of fishing equipment on the riverbank. Mr May was informed that the fishing season had ended and that a valid rod licence is legally required to fish.

Mr May refused to provide his name or address and fled the scene. With the support of Dyfed-Powys Police, NRW officers were able to locate and identify him shortly afterwards. His fishing equipment was seized as part of the investigation.

On 11 April 2025, Mr May appeared at Llanelli Magistrates’ Courts and pleaded guilty to fishing without a valid rod licence and failing to provide personal details to officers. He was fined a total of £1,320.40, which included penalties for both offences, a victim surcharge, and prosecution costs.

Jonathan Jones, south west environment team leader, for NRW said:

“Illegal and unlicensed fishing undermines the sustainability of Welsh fisheries and the efforts of responsible anglers who comply with the law. We welcome the court’s decision in this case and hope it sends a strong message that illegal fishing will not be tolerated.

“Rod licensing rules exist to protect fish populations and maintain healthy river ecosystems. Anglers must also observe seasonal fishing restrictions, which are in place to protect vulnerable species during their spawning periods.”

NRW says it’s committed to promoting responsible angling, increasing participation, and ensuring the long-term sustainability of Welsh fish stocks.

Rod licences are essential for the legal and sustainable management of fish stocks in Welsh rivers and stillwaters. They ensure that those fishing are contributing to conservation efforts and respecting the ecosystems they enjoy.

Fishing without a licence or outside permitted seasons can cause long-term damage to fish populations, particularly protected species such as salmon, sewin (sea trout), and brown trout. Even small-scale illegal fishing can impact breeding success and the long-term viability of local fish stocks.

Enforcement staff from NRW carry out regular checks and respond to reports of illegal fishing across Wales. Offenders risk prosecution, fines, and seizure of equipment.

NRW is urging anyone witnessing illegal fishing to report it by calling NRW on 0300 065 3000 or report it online. 

Rod Licence Requirements

• Anyone aged 13 or over must have a valid rod licence to fish in rivers, streams, canals, drains, and stillwater fisheries in Wales and England.
• Children under 13 do not need a licence.
• Anglers aged 13 to 16 require a free junior licence, which must still be registered.
• Licences can be purchased online: buy a fishing rod licence

#illegalFishing #Llanelli #Llangennech #NaturalResourcesWales #NRW