Swansea’s blue bag plastics trial extended – 70 tonnes collected so far

Around 20,000 households across the city have been stuffing crisp packets, bread bags and biscuit wrappers into special blue bags for kerbside pick‑up. The trial, launched in spring, was designed to see if residents would embrace recycling the trickiest plastics that usually end up in black bags.

They did. Within weeks, Swansea Bay News reported more than five tonnes had already been collected. Now the total has soared past 70 tonnes, with the material recycled into new products like bags for life and bin liners.

“A great success story”

Cabinet Member Cyril Anderson said:

“The trial so far has been a really great success story. Residents have got on board with it and have quickly seen the value in using the recycling service and reducing the amount of household waste they put in the black bag. Our plan is to continue the trial into the new year and give residents in the trial areas the opportunity to use the blue bags until June.”

Where it runs

The scheme covers a mix of areas across Swansea – from Blaenymaes, Fforestfach and Penlan to Clydach, Hafod and Townhill – chosen to test how different housing types use the service. Residents outside the trial can still recycle soft plastics at supermarket collection points.

What goes in the bag

Accepted items include crisp packets, bread bags, cereal liners, pet food bags, magazine wrapping and multipack rings. Residents are asked to rinse items and tie bags securely with a double knot.

Items such as cling film, polystyrene, cleaning product pouches and blister packs are not accepted and should go in black bags.

What’s next

The Welsh Government is collating data from Swansea’s trial to help decide how similar schemes could be rolled out across other towns and cities. For now, Swansea households in the pilot areas can keep filling their blue bags until 30 June 2026.

Related stories from Swansea Bay News

Council to trial soft plastic kerbside recycling scheme in Swansea
Swansea Council launched the pilot scheme in April, inviting 20,000 households to recycle soft plastics at the kerbside.

Swansea residents embrace new soft plastics recycling trial with over five tonnes already collected
Early figures showed strong uptake, with residents quickly filling blue bags and more than five tonnes collected within weeks.

Plans revealed to change kerbside recycling in Swansea
Wider proposals to reshape recycling collections across the city, including how soft plastics could fit into future services.

Fresh images reveal major revamp planned for Bryn Tawe

What’s proposed

Design documents released this month reveal how Bryn Tawe could be reshaped as part of Swansea Council’s multi‑million pound schools improvement programme.

At the heart of the scheme is a new detached teaching block to the north of the site. The building would provide modern classrooms, specialist provision for pupils with additional learning needs, and a dedicated sixth form centre.

The school’s entrance would be remodelled with a new reception, while circulation routes across the campus are redesigned to ease congestion. Parking would be expanded for both the school and neighbouring Penlan Leisure Centre, reflecting the site’s role as a community hub.

Sports facilities are also in line for a major upgrade, with the existing multi‑use games area replaced by a floodlit pitch. Landscaping across the grounds would be refreshed, creating new social spaces for pupils.

Why now

The Design and Access Statement highlights rising demand for Welsh‑medium education in Swansea, with Bryn Tawe expected to need space for hundreds more pupils in the coming years. The new block would provide capacity for up to 248 additional places.

Council chiefs say the redevelopment is part of the national Sustainable Communities for Learning programme, backed by Welsh Government funding, which aims to deliver modern, energy‑efficient schools across Wales.

Civic voices

Council Leader Rob Stewart has previously described the wider programme as “a major step forward for education in Swansea,” stressing that investment in modern facilities is vital to give pupils the best start in life.

Local politicians have also pointed to the civic impact of Bryn Tawe’s plans, with improved access and upgraded sports facilities expected to benefit both pupils and the wider community.

Next steps

The proposals are currently out for public consultation, with responses invited until mid‑January. A full planning application is expected to follow.

If approved, Bryn Tawe’s redevelopment would join other major school projects already moving forward across Swansea — part of a multi‑million pound investment designed to future‑proof education in the city.

Related stories from Swansea Bay News

Multi-million pound Swansea school improvement project set for step forward
Council confirmed Bryn Tawe was among schools earmarked for investment in 2024.

More than 500 pupils to move into new Swansea school next week
Ysgol Gynradd Gymraeg Tirdeunaw opened its £11.5m new build for Welsh-medium learners.

The results are in! A-Level students find out how they’ve done
Local schools celebrated exam success, highlighting the importance of investment in education facilities.

#ALN #featured #newSchool #Penlan #PlanningPermission #sixthForm #Swansea #SwanseaCouncil #WelshMediumEducation #YsgolGyfunBrynTawe

Swansea dealer jailed for seven years after heroin and cocaine haul

Plea change seals prison term

Christopher Smith, 52, was first found with a stash of cocaine in 2022. In March this year, officers discovered heroin in his possession.

Smith initially denied the cocaine charge but changed his plea to guilty on 21 July. He had already admitted possession with intent to supply heroin in April, as well as earlier guilty pleas to possession of cannabis and carrying an offensive weapon — a knuckleduster — in public.

The judge handed him a total sentence of seven years and six months behind bars.

Suspended sentence for accomplice

Meanwhile, Magda Osinska, 30, also from Penlan, was given a suspended sentence of 22 months, suspended for two years, after pleading guilty to possession with intent to supply cocaine.

“Purely motivated by financial gain”

PC Jonathan Ryan said:

“Christopher Smith and Magda Osinska were clearly very involved with the distribution of Class A and B drugs onto our communities’ streets.

They became involved purely motivated by financial gain. They did not care for the damage these drugs would do to the communities and to those who ended up taking them.

They deserve their time in prison.”

Related stories from Swansea Bay News

Nine members of Swansea drug gang and three of their customers jailed
Twelve men sentenced after flooding Brynmill and surrounding areas with Class A drugs.

Swansea crime gang jailed for cocaine supply
Seven men handed more than 58 years in prison for conspiracy to supply cocaine.

Three Swansea drug dealers jailed for dealing cocaine
Trio convicted over organised gang activity in Swansea’s drug trade.

Swansea man linked to transatlantic yacht cocaine plot as crime group jailed
Crime group convicted over plan to smuggle cocaine via sailing race route.

Two Gorseinon gang members jailed for cocaine dealing
Men sentenced after investigation into Swansea-based organised crime group.

#Cannabis #cocaine #drugConviction #drugDealer #drugs #knuckleduster #Penlan #SouthWalesPolice #Swansea

Fire crews tackle tumble dryer blaze in Penlan

Fire crews from Swansea Central and Morriston were called at 12.27am on Monday, November 10, after a tumble dryer was reported to be well alight in an outbuilding on Llangorse Road.

Using a hose reel jet, firefighters quickly brought the blaze under control before deploying a thermal imaging camera to check for hotspots and a positive pressure ventilation fan to clear smoke. Crews left the scene just over an hour later, at 1.34am, and visited neighbouring properties to hand out home fire safety advice.

Inside the outbuilding, the charred remains of the tumble dryer stood among blackened walls and smoke‑stained debris — a stark reminder of how quickly everyday household appliances can become a serious fire hazard.

There were no reports of any injuries or anyone being taken to hospital.

Fire service warning

Following the incident, Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service reminded householders of the dangers posed by tumble dryers and other white goods.

A spokesperson said:

“We urge people never to leave appliances unattended — don’t turn your tumble dryer on before you leave the house or go to bed. Tumble dryers contain powerful motors with fast‑moving parts that get very hot.

Don’t overload your machine, don’t put in items that have soaked up flammable liquids, and don’t ignore warning signs such as a burning smell or clothes that feel unusually hot at the end of a cycle.”

#fire #houseFire #MidAndWestWalesFireAndRescueService #Penlan #Swansea #tumbleDryer #tumbleDryerFire

Making a splash: Swansea swim school wins gold accreditation from Swim Wales

The charitable and not‑for‑profit trust, which manages 29 leisure centres across Wales, was awarded the highest quality mark available for delivering the Learn to Swim Wales programme. The Gold Accreditation recognises excellence in governance, sustainability and effectiveness in swimming education, going beyond basic industry standards and safeguarding guidelines.

A milestone for Swansea

Freedom Leisure manages Swansea’s leisure centres on behalf of the city council and currently supports around 4,000 swimmers through its Learn to Swim programme. The scheme is delivered by a highly skilled team of teachers, offering lessons to both children and adults.

Chief Executive Officer Ivan Horsfall Turner said the award was a proud moment:

“We are delighted to have been Gold Accredited by Swim Wales for our Learn to Swim programme and extremely proud to be the first leisure operator in Wales to have achieved this accolade.”

He added that the partnership with Swim Wales helps provide children and adults with confidence in the water, particularly important in coastal areas such as Swansea.

Recognition from Swim Wales

Swim Wales Chief Executive Officer Fergus Feeney praised the achievement:

“This distinction demonstrates a sustained commitment to excellence in swimming education, ensuring that children and adults across Swansea have access to the highest standard of opportunities to acquire a vital life skill.”

Learn to Swim Manager Hanna Guise added that Freedom Leisure had shown “just how committed they are to providing their learners with the highest quality learn to swim offer,” setting a benchmark for other providers.

Local impact

Cllr Andrew Stevens, Cabinet Member for Environment & Infrastructure, said the award reflected the quality and dedication of the team:

“It’s reassuring to know that our leisure centres – run on behalf of the council by Freedom Leisure – are providing such high‑quality tuition that is recognised nationally.”

He added that the recognition highlighted the strength of the partnership between Swansea Council and Freedom Leisure, delivering opportunities that benefit residents of all ages.

#CllrAndrewStevens #FreedomLeisure #LearnToSwimWales #LeisureCentre #Penlan #PenlanLeisureCentre #Swansea #SwanseaCouncil #SwanseaLeisureCentres #SwimWales #swimming

Blaenymaes man charged after drugs and cash seized in police raid

South Wales Police said officers from the Penlan Neighbourhood Policing Team, supported by the Special Constabulary and the Territorial Support Team, executed a search warrant at an address in Woodford Road, Blaenymaes, on Friday 3 October.

During the operation, officers recovered significant amounts of Class A controlled drugs and cash. Several off‑road motorcycles were also seized as part of the investigation.

Andrew Clarke, 35, from Blaenymaes, has been charged with possession with intent to supply cocaine and possession of criminal property. He has been remanded into custody.

Three other individuals who were arrested at the scene remain under investigation.

Police have released an image showing a number of off‑road bikes propped against a garden wall and driveway gate at the property.

Related stories from Swansea Bay News

Swansea cannabis dealer jailed for harassing ex and witness intimidation
A dealer who harassed his former partner and intimidated a witness has been jailed after police uncovered his cannabis operation.

Mayhill man jailed for Class A drug supply
Ricky O’Connor, 33, was sentenced to 30 months after police seized cocaine, cash and weapons during a raid at his home.

Birmingham men jailed after dealing Class A drugs in Swansea
Ayaz Hussain and Asam Bashir were jailed for more than seven years each after being caught supplying heroin and crack cocaine in Swansea.

Swansea man linked to transatlantic yacht cocaine plot as crime group jailed
A Swansea man was among those sentenced after a crime group was caught smuggling cocaine across the Atlantic by yacht.

#arrests #BlaenYMaes #Blaenymaes #cocaine #custody #drugsRaid #offRoadBikes #Penlan #SouthWalesPolice #Swansea #WoodfordRoad

Swansea delivery driver jailed for 20 years for raping young girls

Abdul Kadir, 54, of Crwys Terrace, Penlan, admitted three counts of rape of a child under 13 and four counts of sexual assault of a child under 13. The offences took place between October 2024 and January 2025.

Swansea Crown Court heard Kadir abused the girls on multiple occasions in the prayer room of his house. Prosecutors said he began by kissing and touching them before progressing to rape.

Threats to silence victims

The court was told Kadir used “cruel threats” to ensure the girls’ silence, warning one that if she told anyone she would end up in a brothel, and telling another she would no longer be able to wear her hijab or eat halal food.

The abuse came to light when the victims disclosed what had happened and police were alerted. Forensic evidence, including semen matching Kadir’s DNA on the children’s clothing, supported their accounts.

Statements from foster carers and a social worker described the “overwhelming psychological and emotional trauma” caused. The girls now suffer panic attacks, nightmares and flashbacks, and have been left fearful of all men.

Judge: “Depths and depravity”

Sentencing, Judge Geraint Walters told Kadir he had used the girls as “sexual slaves” and caused “unspeakable mental and physical harm”.

“Rarely do the facts reveal such depths and depravity,” he said. “You have caused irreparable harm and effectively handed them a life sentence from which they will never escape.”

The judge said the fact much of the abuse happened in a room designated for prayer “almost makes it more unspeakable” and noted Kadir had shown “not a hint of remorse”.

Kadir was sentenced as an offender of particular concern to 19 years in custody plus a 12‑month licence period. He will be on the sex offenders register for life and is subject to an indefinite sexual harm prevention order.

Police: “Depraved individual”

Detective Constable Angharad Sanders, of South Wales Police, said:

“Abdul Kadir is a depraved individual who subjected two children to some of the most horrific sexual crimes imaginable. It is impossible to imagine the level of lasting impact that Kadir’s actions will have upon the children and their life going forward. We are so pleased that he will no longer be on the streets to pose a threat to children for years to come.”

Police urged survivors of sexual abuse to seek support, whether or not they feel ready to report to police. Information and details of support services are available via the South Wales Police website.

Related stories from Swansea Bay News

Crynant man jailed for child sex offences after grooming schoolgirl
Offender sentenced after admitting sexual offences against a schoolgirl he groomed online.

Baglan man jailed after indecently exposing himself in public
Scott Thomas, 50, sentenced to 26 weeks for flashing at passers‑by in Aberavon.

Vile paedophile who shared images of young girls being raped avoids prison after police delays
Judge cites investigation delays in decision not to impose immediate custody.

Briton Ferry man jailed for sexual offences against schoolgirls
Rio Thomas, 19, detained for more than two years for a series of sexual offences involving underage girls.

#ChildAbuse #Penlan #rape #SouthWalesPolice #Swansea

Late-night blaze at Penlan communications mast prompts evacuations and emergency response

Emergency services were called to Heol Gwyrosydd in Penlan late on Thursday night after a fire broke out at a local communications mast, prompting the evacuation of nearby homes and the activation of Swansea’s emergency planning teams.

Crews from Swansea Central and Morriston Fire Stations responded to the incident at 11.40pm on Thursday, July 24. According to the Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service, “Crews responded to a fire involving one communications tower. Crews utilised two carbon dioxide extinguishers, one main jet, one hose reel jet and small gear to extinguish the fire.”

As a precaution, four nearby properties were evacuated while the incident was ongoing. “Crews worked closely with the Swansea Emergency Planning Team who established a facility at a local community centre to provide shelter and refreshments to evacuated residents,” the service added.

A spokesperson for South Wales Police said: “Officers attended following a report of a fire at 11.40pm on Thursday, July 24. The fire service extinguished the fire shortly after – it is not believed to be suspicious.”

The National Grid isolated the mast’s power supply and a communications engineer attended the scene. South Wales Police closed the road during the incident. Fire crews left the scene at 2.54am on Friday, July 25.

A spokesperson for Swansea Council’s Emergency Planning Team said: “Eleven residents from four properties, including young children and elderly people, were evacuated from their homes as a precaution around 12.45am while the Fire Service dealt with the blaze.

“They had nowhere to go so a team from the council was quickly on hand to open up South Penlan Community Centre. Residents were provided with refreshments and thankfully all were able to return home safely about two hours later.”

Related stories from the fire service

Rooftop cat rescue in Brynmill
Swansea firefighters scale three-storey home to save feline using specialist equipment — and cat treats. Read more »

Culture change consultants appointed
Fire service responds to damning review with external advisors to address workplace discrimination and reform. Read more »

Worms Head blaze deemed accidental
Rhossili hotel thanks public for emotional support as fire crews confirm cause and owners pledge to rebuild. Read more »

Charity fitness challenge
Crews across South West Wales join forces for mental health fundraiser featuring endurance and teamwork. Read more »

#5G #communicationsMastFire #communityCentre #emergencyServices #evacuation #fireResponse #HeolGwyrosydd #July24Fire #localIncident #MidAndWestWalesFireAndRescueService #Penlan #SouthWalesPolice #Swansea #SwanseaCouncil #SwanseaNews

RSPCA Cymru appeals for information after injured dog found in Swansea

RSPCA Cymru has launched an urgent appeal for information after a severely injured dog was found collapsed on the old racecourse between Brynhyfryd and Penlan in Swansea.

The bull breed female was discovered on Tuesday 8 July in a “very poor condition”, according to Animal Rescue Officer Emma Bowen, who described the scene as “really distressing” for those who found her. The dog was rushed to a vet, where she received immediate care and was diagnosed with a fractured skull and an injury to her left eye.

The cause of the injuries remains unclear. “The vet wasn’t able to confirm if the injuries were the result of a road traffic collision or if they were deliberate,” said Emma. The dog was not microchipped, making it difficult to trace her owner or background.

Despite the severity of her condition, the dog has made a miraculous recovery and is now safe in the care of Swansea Council.

Appeal for witnesses

The RSPCA is urging anyone with first-hand information about what happened to come forward. “We’re hoping we can find out what happened to her,” said Emma. “Anyone who can help is asked to call the RSPCA’s inspectorate appeal line on 0300 123 8018, quoting incident 01569666.”

The charity has also reminded the public that quick action saves lives, and offers guidance on how to report cruelty or neglect via rspca.org.uk/reportcruelty.

Summer cruelty appeal launched

The incident comes as the RSPCA launches its Summer Cruelty Appeal, highlighting how warmer months often bring a spike in animal abuse cases. The campaign urges the public to support frontline rescue teams and donate to help animals in crisis.

“Summer should be a season of joy for animals,” the charity said. “But for thousands, it’s a season of pain, fear and suffering.”

You can support the appeal and learn more at rspca.org.uk/endcruelty.

#animalCruelty #Brynhyfryd #Penlan #RSPCA #Swansea

Swansea man jailed for making false armed robbery allegation

Anthony Dean Merriman, 52, of Eiddwen Road in Penlan, reported to South Wales Police in January 2024 that he had been robbed at knifepoint by Adam Phillips, a man who had previously reported Merriman for assault.

Merriman claimed that Phillips and another man had threatened him with a screwdriver, put the tool in his mouth, and stolen his wallet, medication and keys. He provided officers with the alleged weapon and stated he had washed his face with bleach to remove evidence.

Police launched a major investigation involving forensic work, CCTV checks and interviews. Phillips was arrested and spent 14 hours in custody. However, CCTV later proved he had not left his home on the night of the alleged incident. When questioned again, Merriman maintained his account and claimed to suffer from brain damage affecting his memory — a condition not supported by his medical records.

Merriman was arrested in February 2024 on suspicion of perverting the course of justice, and later pleaded guilty on the day his trial was due to begin.

At Swansea Crown Court, Judge Paul Thomas KC described Merriman’s actions as “malicious lies” intended to smear his friend’s name and waste police time. Judge Thomas said:

“What you did was quite simply wicked. You lied about being the victim of a serious crime and maintained that lie even when confronted with the evidence. You wasted hours of police time and caused an innocent man to be arrested.”

Detective Sergeant Samuel Lewis, South Wales Police, added:

“When a report is demonstrably false, we treat this very seriously. That sort of behaviour cannot be tolerated.”

Police said the investigation consumed at least 45 hours of officer time. Mr Phillips died in April last year, before a victim impact statement could be recorded.

Merriman was sentenced to three years in prison, serving up to half the sentence in custody before being released on licence.

Related stories from Swansea Bay News

South Wales Police say 160 guns surrendered to them during February amnesty
Initiative helps reduce weapon availability and potential harm across the region.

South Wales and Gwent Police roll out facial recognition app to frontline officers amid privacy concerns
New tech aims to support officer safety and efficiency, but civil liberties campaigners raise questions.

Carmarthenshire police officer honoured for heroic rescue from burning car
Officer commended for bravery after pulling man to safety in dramatic roadside incident.

Police offer ninja swords amnesty ahead of August ban
Public urged to surrender dangerous blades as new weapons legislation approaches.

#falseAllegations #Penlan #pervertingTheCourseOfJustice #SouthWalesPolice #Swansea