DOORSTEP FRAUD: Two charged after people ‘pressured into withdrawing money’ for building work across Neath and Swansea

Two people have been charged with multiple counts of fraud following a string of reports across the Neath and Swansea areas.

South Wales Police said the charges relate to reports of individuals being approached and pressured into withdrawing money for various building and decorating work.

Kelly John, 43, from Merthyr Tydfil, has been charged with six counts of fraud by false representation.

Rennie Price, 53, from Port Tennant in Swansea, has been charged with 11 counts of the same offence.

Both are due to appear at Swansea Magistrates’ Court on Monday morning.

The force said the charges followed numerous reports across the two areas of people being targeted over building and decorating work.

No further details about the alleged offences have been released while the case is before the courts.

South Wales Police used the announcement to renew its warning about fraud, which it said costs billions of pounds across the UK every year.

The force said scams ranged from doorstep approaches of the kind reported in this case — similar in approach to a roof scam that saw builders jailed for defrauding Ystalyfera pensioners out of their life savings — through to sophisticated online fraud.

Officers urged people to stay informed and to look out for elderly or vulnerable relatives and neighbours who may be more likely to be targeted on the doorstep.

Anyone who believes they have been approached or targeted is encouraged to report it to South Wales Police.

Concerns can be reported to South Wales Police by calling 101, or 999 in an emergency. Advice on spotting and avoiding fraud is available on the force’s website.

Related stories from Swansea Bay News

Builders jailed after defrauding Ystalyfera pensioners out of life savings
A doorstep roof scam that spiralled until victims were urged to remortgage their home.

Serial rogue builder jailed again after £400k fraud left homes ‘virtually destroyed’
A Swansea rogue builder handed his third jail term in a decade.

Council fraud team saves £1.1m by clamping down on system abuse and benefits cheats
How Swansea Council’s fraud detection team clawed back more than £1m in six months.

Councillor denies being suspended by Labour, says he quit over Skyline

Joe Hale, who represents St Thomas, announced last week that he was becoming an independent councillor. The move came after Swansea Bay News reported that he had been suspended by the Labour Party over allegations of harassment and malicious communications.

In a statement to Swansea Bay News, Cllr Hale said he had not received any notice of suspension from the Swansea Labour Party, and that he had resigned “due to the destruction of our only green space in our ward, Kilvey Hill.”

That directly contradicts a statement issued by the office of council leader Rob Stewart last week, which said Cllr Hale had been suspended on Thursday 19 February — six days before his video announcement — “following serious allegations of misconduct being received.”

The council leader’s office said the allegations, “specifically related to malicious communications and harassment,” had also been raised with police.

Cllr Hale said he was “absolutely opposed to public money being handed over to profiteers” and questioned why the council should “subsidise a private company via the public purse” given the economic hardship facing many residents.

The council leader’s office previously pushed back on Cllr Hale’s financial claims, saying the points he raised were “ones the council has formally answered via the planning process and / or via numerous questions submitted to the council’s technical officers,” and that “Cllr Hale has not accepted the answers given to him.”

Cllr Hale also addressed claims that he should have raised his objections sooner, saying: “I have from day one and even attempted to get the council to have public meetings in St Thomas. It is a matter of record that I spoke against this at planning.”

The council’s previous statement said records showed Cllr Hale “didn’t take the opportunity to attend cabinet meetings when these matters were discussed despite having the chance to do so.”

He also responded to suggestions that his proximity to the development influenced his position. “The fact that I live in St Thomas has been used as a reason as to why I have objected to Skyline, but we have been told by the planning department that St Thomas will not be affected. Or has something changed?”

The council leader’s office had previously noted that Cllr Hale “has continued to voice his opposition to the scheme which is near to his own property.”

Cllr Hale said he had received “huge support” from residents of St Thomas and Port Tennant since announcing his resignation, as well as from work and trade union colleagues.

Cllr Hale’s statement in full:

First can i express my thanks to the residents of St Thomas and Port tennant for the huge support i have received since i announced my resignation from the Labour Party and can i thank my work colleagues and trade union colleagues for the same support and encoragement.

I have not recieved any form of notice of suspension from the Swansea Labour Party.

I resigned due to the destruction of our only green space in our ward, Kilvey Hill. The designated quiet area lost for ever and only one on the Eastside of Swansea.

I am absolutely opposed to public money being handed over to profiteers — why do we have to subsidise a private company via the public purse? Given the economic hardship many of our community are going through, giving our money to this type of venture is not what we should be doing.

Some have said i should have objected earlier and spoke up sooner. I have from day one and even attempted to get the council to have public meetings in St Thomas. It is a matter of record that i spoke against this at planning.

The fact that i live in St Thomas has been used as a reason as to why i have objected to Skyline, but we have been told by the planning dept that St Thomas will not be effected? Or has something changed?

— Joe Hale, Independent Cllr, St Thomas

First Cymru announces major bus network overhaul across South & West Wales

Bus operator First Cymru is rolling out a comprehensive set of changes to its South and West Wales network from Sunday 31 August 2025, with revised timetables, new routes, and increased service frequencies designed to improve reliability and connectivity across the region.

The updates span Carmarthenshire, Swansea, Neath Port Talbot, Bridgend, and the Vale of Glamorgan, and have been developed in collaboration with local councils — including funding support from Carmarthenshire County Council.

New Services & Route Extensions

• L11 (Llanelli–Kidwelly): A brand-new hourly service via Burry Port and Pembrey, funded by Carmarthenshire County Council.
• 6A (Swansea–Grenfell Park): New weekday service via SA1.
• X1 (Swansea–Bridgend): Now extended to Swansea University’s Singleton Campus with larger double decker buses.
• 39 (Swansea–Tycoch): Will now operate Monday to Friday during college holidays, extending beyond its previous term-time-only schedule.
• 195 & 197 (Llanelli–Carmarthen): Extended to Parc Trostre, with the 197 also serving Ffos Las Estate.
• 69 (Bridgend–Cefn Glas): Now operating via Angel Street and Glan y Parc.
• X2 (Porthcawl–Cardiff): Rerouted through Neville Street and Fitzhamon Embankment, avoiding Westgate Street.

Increased Frequencies

• L3 (Llanelli–Pontarddulais): Now running every 60 minutes.
• 321 (Llantwit Major–Talbot Green): Increased to hourly service.
• 87 (Neath–Margam): Additional trips during college holidays and extended journeys to Dalton Road.

Route Revisions

• L1 & L2: Now serving the new Pentre Awel development.
• 128: Will operate via Cross Hands Business Park.
• 129: Will bypass Pantyffynnon via the A483.
• 84, 81 & 82: Will now terminate at Port Talbot Parkway Station.
• 59 & 83: Interlinked at Pontrhydyfen for seamless travel between Neath and the Afan Valley.

College Services Updated

Services 901–907, connecting various towns to Neath College, will have revised timetables to improve punctuality for the new academic year.

Withdrawals

• 103 (Ammanford–Llandybie): Withdrawn and replaced by services 165 and X13.

Timetable Tweaks Across the Network

In addition to new routes and service extensions, many existing services will see timetable adjustments aimed at improving punctuality and better aligning with passenger demand. These include:

• L1–L7 (Llanelli area): All services revised to improve reliability, with L1 and L2 also rerouted via Pentre Awel.
• 124–129 (Ammanford area): Timetables adjusted for punctuality; 128 and 129 also feature route changes.
• 145–146, 165–166 (Carmarthenshire): Updated schedules, with 166 gaining Saturday trips and replacing some weekday-only journeys.
• 195–197 (Llanelli–Carmarthen): Timetables revised alongside route extensions.
• 6, 29, 34, 39 (Swansea): All revised for punctuality, with service 39 now running during college holidays.
• 56, 59, 81–83, 87 (Neath Port Talbot): Adjustments include extended routes and improved connections, especially between Neath and the Afan Valley.
• 901–907 (Neath College services): Timetables updated to support the new academic year.
• 69, X2 (Bridgend & Cardiff): Revised schedules and rerouted paths to improve access and reduce delays.
• 321 (Vale of Glamorgan): Increased frequency to hourly service.

Local Collaboration

The overhaul reflects extensive collaboration with local authorities and feedback from passengers, aiming to create a more responsive and efficient public transport network.

Plan Ahead

All changes take effect from Sunday 31 August 2025. Passengers are advised to check updated timetables before travelling.

#103 #129 #195 #197 #321 #39 #59 #69 #6A #81 #82 #83 #84 #AfanValley #Ammanford #Bridgend #Bus #CrossHands #featured #FirstCymru #GrenfellPark #GwendraethValley #Kidwelly #L1 #L11 #L2 #L3 #Llanelli #NeathValley #PentreAwel #Pontrhydyfen #PortTalbot #PortTalbotParkway #PortTennant #SingletonCampus #SwanseaUniversity #timetable #X1 #X2

E-bike battery explodes during charging, sparking early morning fire in Port Tennant

Fire crews called to David Williams Terrace after blaze linked to lithium-ion battery

At 3.10am on Thursday 7 August, crews from Swansea Central and Swansea West Fire Stations responded to a blaze at David Williams Terrace in Port Tennant. The fire was caused by a lithium-ion battery charging near the back door of the property.

The occupants managed to extinguish most of the flames before firefighters arrived. Crews ventilated the property, made the scene safe, and administered first aid.

Battery Charging Safety Tips

✅ Charge batteries only while you’re awake and alert
If a fire starts, you need to be able to respond quickly.

✅ Never leave batteries charging overnight or unattended
Fires can start silently and spread fast.

✅ Keep chargers and battery packs uncovered
Covering them can lead to overheating and fire.

🔗 More advice: MAWWFRS Fire Safety for E-Bikes and E-Scooters

Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service said the incident shows how quickly battery fires can escalate — and how simple precautions can prevent disaster.

A spokesperson for the service said: “Charging batteries while you’re asleep or away from home can be extremely dangerous. In this case, the fire was contained thanks to closed internal doors — a simple action that made a big difference.”

Related stories from Swansea Bay News

Fire crews tackle Port Tennant house blaze sparked by candle
Another recent fire in the same area highlights the importance of fire safety in the home.

#batteryFire #eBike #fire #houseFire #lithiumIonBattery #MidAndWestWalesFireAndRescueService #PortTennant

Swansea man jailed for breaching domestic violence order as police mark 100th DVPO of the year

54-year-old Dean Fitzgerald, of David Williams Terrace, Port Tennant, was sentenced to 21 days in prison after grabbing and threatening his ex-partner in the street — a direct breach of the DVPO issued against him.

The incident coincides with the 100th DVPO issued by South Wales Police in 2025, underscoring the force’s commitment to protecting victims through civil orders when criminal charges may not yet be possible.

Fitzgerald’s history of abuse includes an earlier conviction for an assault in Ipswich in November 2023. That case was heard at Swansea Magistrates’ Court on July 25, 2024, where he admitted to attacking a woman and possessing cannabis, a Class B drug.

He received a two-year community order, was instructed to complete a 35-day Building Better Relationships programme, and must undergo drug testing for 12 months. He was also fined £120, with additional costs of £85 and a £114 victim surcharge.

What is a DVPO?

A Domestic Violence Prevention Order is a civil order granted by a magistrates’ court, typically following a Domestic Violence Protection Notice issued by police. It can prevent a perpetrator from contacting or approaching a victim for up to 28 days, giving survivors time and space to seek support.

DVPOs are often used when there’s insufficient evidence to press criminal charges but a clear need to protect the victim. Breaching a DVPO is a criminal offence and can result in imprisonment.

Support for survivors

South Wales Police emphasised the importance of reporting domestic abuse, acknowledging how difficult it can be for survivors to come forward. Domestic abuse can affect anyone — regardless of age, gender, ethnicity, sexuality or background — and includes physical, sexual, psychological and financial abuse, as well as stalking and intimidation.

Victims are urged to report abuse via:

• 📞 101 for non-emergencies
• 📞 999 if someone is in immediate danger
• 🕵️‍♀️ Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111
• 🌐 Online reporting via South Wales Police

PC John Curry, speaking on behalf of South Wales Police, said:

“Any form of domestic violence or abuse is absolutely unacceptable and will not be tolerated by South Wales Police. We continue to work to combat domestic violence and to bring its perpetrators to justice.”

#assault #domesticAbuse #domesticViolence #DomesticViolencePreventionOrder #DVPO #PortTennant #SouthWalesPolice #threats

Fire crews tackle Port Tennant house blaze sparked by candle

Firefighters were called to a serious blaze in Port Tennant on Sunday night after a candle sparked a fire inside a domestic property.

Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service (MAWWFRS) responded at 10.33pm on 3 August, with crews from Swansea Central, Swansea West and Port Talbot attending a two-storey semi-detached house.

The fire, which broke out in a first-floor bedroom, was described by crews as “well developed” on arrival. Bystanders outside the property feared someone may still be inside, prompting firefighters wearing breathing apparatus to enter and carry out a full search.

Crews used six breathing apparatus sets, two hose reel jets, thermal imaging cameras and an extension ladder to bring the fire under control. Fortunately, no casualties were found inside the property.

A joint response was led by MAWWFRS and South Wales Police, who helped manage the scene and secure the area.

Following the extinguishment of the blaze, fire investigators confirmed the cause was accidental — the result of an unattended candle left burning inside the property.

MAWWFRS said they strongly discourage the use of candles and urged residents to follow basic safety precautions if they choose to use them.

“Candles are an open flame and can cause devastation if left unattended or placed near flammable materials,” the service said.

Advice includes never leaving lit candles unattended, keeping flames away from children and pets, placing them on stable, heat-resistant surfaces and fully extinguishing before leaving a room.

Stay safe with candles at home

Always place candles on stable, heat-resistant surfaces — never on plastic or near soft furnishings.

Keep flames away from curtains, furniture, children and pets. Use proper holders and avoid draughts.

Never leave candles unattended. Extinguish fully before leaving a room or going to sleep.

Use a snuffer or spoon to put out candles — blowing them out can spread sparks and hot wax.

Leave space between candles. At least 10cm apart to prevent flaring or overheating.

Install and test smoke alarms regularly. Practise your escape route with everyone in your home.

More safety tips available via MAWWFRS Candle Safety Guide.

#candle #fire #houseFire #MidAndWestWalesFireAndRescueService #PortTennant #Swansea

Swansea waterways revival takes step forward with new feasibility study

The New Destinations report, published by the Swansea Community Boat Trust, outlines plans for a 35-mile blue/green corridor stretching from Clydach to Port Tennant, linking the River Tawe with the Swansea Canal, Tennant Canal, and Neath Canal.

The study was supported by the university’s Centre for Heritage Research and Training (CHART) and funded by MEDR – the Commission for Tertiary Education and Research. It explores how regenerating lost canals and navigable stretches of the Tawe could unlock benefits ranging from tourism and active travel to climate resilience and flood mitigation.

Dr Alex Langlands, Associate Professor and CHART co-director, said:

“This report proposes a bold and ambitious plan mapped against the need for climate adaptation, green-space provision and economic regeneration. More than anything, it represents a forward-looking ambition that has at its heart the wellbeing of future generations.”

The Trust’s vision includes new waterways connecting the Prince of Wales Dock to the Tennant Canal, shaded canal paths lined with trees, and opportunities for walking, cycling, kayaking and paddleboarding. The project could be delivered in phases as funding becomes available.

John Davies, a long-standing waterways volunteer and driving force behind the initiative, said:

“If it receives the backing of Swansea Council, New Destinations will create a massive new visitor destination based firmly on our city’s proud industrial heritage.”

The report also highlights the potential to enhance the Wales Coastal Path and improve access to Swansea Waterfront, while reconnecting communities across the valley.

#CentreForHeritageResearchAndTraining #DrAlexLanglands #PortTennant #PrinceOfWalesDock #RiverTawe #Swansea #SwanseaCommunityBoatTrust #SwanseaUniversity #TennantCanal

Two Swansea men sentenced to 25 and 26 years prison for £100m cocaine sea smuggling bid

Four drug smugglers have been sentenced over a plot to smuggle more than a ton of cocaine on a fishing boat off the coast of Cornwall, after a National Crime Agency investigation.

The crime group members were found with more than a ton of the Class A drug on board their boat, the Lily Lola, in September last year.

Michael Kelly, 45, and Jake Marchant, 27, pleaded guilty before trial.

Jon Williams, 46, of Windmill Terrace, St Thomas, Swansea, and Patrick Godfrey, 31, of Danygraig Road, Port Tennant, Swansea, were convicted after a trial in March of smuggling the £100m haul.

Shortly after 2pm on 13 September, the Border Force cutter HMC Valiant was on patrol off the north coast of Cornwall and deployed a RHIB (rigid hulled inflatable boat) to intercept the Lily Lola.

Williams, the captain and who had bought the boat for around £140,000 two months earlier, was at the helm. Marchant, of no fixed abode, was next to him. Kelly, of Portway, Manchester, was in the accommodation area and Godfrey was asleep in a deck chair.

The Lily Lola was taken into a secure port and the seized substances, which were divided into bales, removed and tested showing them to be high purity cocaine.

An electronic device that had been on board the Lily Lola was downloaded and some messages were recovered. These demonstrated the boat receiving instructions and co-ordinates from a third party.

Also, Godfrey’s phone showed he sent a message to someone saying ‘delete everything u see and not show anybody’. His phone also made the internet search ‘how long does it take a ship to leave peru to uk’.

A tracker was found in the drugs haul which NCA investigators established was linked to a user in South America

Williams, Godfrey and Marchant made no comment in interview and Kelly claimed he was on a fishing trip. But faced with the evidence against them, Kelly and Marchant pleaded guilty at Truro Crown Court on 15 October.

Today the men returned to court.

Williams was sentenced to 26 years; Godfrey to 25 years; Marchant to 18 years and Kelly 21 years.

NCA branch commander Derek Evans said: “The NCA works around the clock to fight the threat of Class A drugs which wreck people’s lives and devastate our communities.

“Working with Border Force and the Joint Maritime Security Centre, we prevented a huge haul of cocaine from hitting the streets of the UK and wider Europe and ensured organised criminals are deprived of the significant profits they would have gained had these drugs made it into the country.”

#cocaine #drugs #featured #NationalCrimeAgency #NCA #PortTennant #StThomas #Swansea