ABERGWYNFI: Man admits weapons stash after major incident saw homes evacuated

Maximin Carter, 51, from Neath Port Talbot, pleaded guilty at Swansea Crown Court to a string of offences following the dramatic scenes in Abergwynfi last month.

Police were called to a property on Commercial Street on February 14 amid concerns he was attempting to make an explosive.

As previously reported by Swansea Bay News, the incident led to homes being evacuated and a major emergency response in the village, with residents told to leave for their safety.

Officers later discovered what they described as a “significant” cache of weapons at the address.

Carter has now admitted possessing an air rifle, a samurai sword, a knuckle duster and four telescopic truncheons.

He pleaded guilty to possessing a banned weapon under the Firearms Act 1968, along with six counts of possessing offensive weapons.

The 51-year-old has been remanded in custody and is currently being held at Swansea Prison.

He is due to be sentenced at Swansea Crown Court on April 7.

The case follows the major incident that unfolded in Abergwynfi, which Swansea Bay News covered live as police cordons were put in place and residents were evacuated.

We also reported how a man later appeared in court charged in connection with the discovery of weapons at the property.

The latest development confirms the scale of the weapons haul that triggered the emergency response and disruption for the local community.

PRICE SHOCK: Iran conflict to hit YOUR pockets! Window and door prices set to SOAR this summer

While petrol prices and energy bills have dominated the headlines, a hidden cost is quietly building in the supply chain, set to hit local pockets hard. This latest blow comes as families and businesses in our region are already grappling with rising costs, from Llanelli hauliers struggling with fuel prices to Carmarthenshire families facing a heating crisis.

Experts warn that uPVC windows and doors, a common choice for many, are made partly from petroleum-derived chemicals. With oil prices surging by over 40% since the conflict began, these costs are set to filter down to consumers.

Antony Heath, Development Director of Glevum Windows, revealed the grim forecast: “There’s a hidden consumer cost building quietly in the supply chain that hasn’t been picked up yet.”

He explained that a four-month lag means the full impact of rising oil prices on construction costs won’t be felt until summer, just as many families are looking to upgrade their homes.

This comes at a time when rising energy bills are making home upgrades, particularly to improve insulation, more urgent than ever.

Brent crude oil has been holding above $100 a barrel, a staggering 40% increase since the conflict erupted on February 28th. The Strait of Hormuz, a vital shipping route, remains largely closed to commercial traffic.

According to Lloyd’s List Intelligence, only 90 tankers have passed through the strait in the last 20 days, compared to a normal rate of around 120 vessels daily.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer admitted on Monday that reopening the strait is “not a simple task,” with the UK working with allies on a collective plan.

The government’s official economic forecaster, the OBR, has already warned that if oil and gas prices remain high, UK inflation could hit 3% by the end of the year – a full percentage point above the government’s target.

For a typical semi-detached home, a full uPVC window installation currently costs between £4,000 and £6,000. With oil prices having surged by over 50% in just three weeks, and the Strait of Hormuz effectively shut, homeowners could see these figures rise significantly before the end of summer.

This means that delaying those crucial home improvements could end up costing you hundreds, if not thousands, more.

The timing of these price rises is particularly sharp for homeowners with older glazing. Around 18% of a home’s heat is lost through windows, and upgrading to energy-efficient double glazing can save up to £395 a year on bills.

This comes as Cornwall Insight forecasts the energy price cap will rise to £1,827 in July, an 11% increase from the current April level of £1,641.

Antony Heath, Development Director of Gloucestershire-based Glevum Windows, reiterated the industry’s concerns:

“The connection between oil prices and window costs isn’t something most people think about, but nearly half the raw material in a uPVC frame comes from petroleum. What we’re seeing in global markets right now will feed through to quotes. Homeowners who are already thinking about new windows would be wise to move sooner rather than later.”

For homeowners across South Wales considering new windows or doors, industry experts offer crucial advice:

• Get quotes now, not later: With a four-month lag, current installer prices may not yet reflect the spike. Locking in a quote now could save hundreds.
• Prioritise the worst-performing rooms first: North-facing rooms and single-glazed frames lose the most heat and will offer the biggest return on investment.•Check your window rating: Windows are rated A++ to E for energy efficiency. Anything rated C or below may not meet current building regulations and is likely costing you more on bills.
• Don’t overlook doors: A poorly insulated front or back door can account for significant heat loss, and uPVC doors are subject to the same raw material pressures as windows.
• Ask about lead times: Fabricators are already reporting supply chain pressures. Even if prices hold short-term, delays in installation are increasingly likely.

I’m coming back to #pontypridd - tickets here

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#wales #southwales #poetry #bookshops

PORT TALBOT: Government vows to “do whatever it takes” to protect steel jobs — but critics warn over end of traditional steelmaking

A major new Steel Strategy has been unveiled during a visit to Port Talbot, with ministers promising tougher trade rules, billions in investment and a push to increase the amount of steel made in Britain.

At the centre of the plan is a target for 50% of all steel used in the UK to be made domestically — up from around 30% — with the Government saying Welsh producers are expected to play a major role.

That includes Tata Steel operations in Port Talbot, Llanelli, Shotton and Newport, as well as 7Steel in Cardiff.

The UK Government says it will also crack down on cheap imports.

From July, steel import quotas would be cut by 60%, with anything above those limits facing a 50% tariff.

Ministers argue the move will stop British steel being undercut — a long-standing complaint from workers and industry leaders in South Wales.

But the strategy has already sparked debate about what kind of steel industry the UK is actually protecting.

While ministers are backing domestic production, the plans also confirm a continued shift away from traditional blast furnaces towards electric arc furnaces, like the one being built in Port Talbot.

These use recycled scrap metal rather than raw materials — a move the Government says is key to cutting emissions and modernising the industry.

However, critics warn that transition could come at a cost.

They argue electric arc furnaces cannot always produce the same specialist grades of steel needed for defence and major infrastructure, raising concerns about long-term capability.

There are also fears the UK could become more reliant on imported materials — even as ministers move to restrict finished steel imports.

Peter Kyle, Business and Trade Secretary, said steelmaking was “vital” to the UK’s future.

He said: “Making steel in the UK is vital for national security, critical infrastructure and the wider economy.

“With this strategy we are closing the decades-long chapter of destructive de-industrialisation and committing instead to strengthening and sustaining Britain as a steel-making nation.”

The Government says the strategy is backed by major investment, including £5.8 billion through the National Wealth Fund for priority industries such as steel.

That builds on more than £600 million already committed to Port Talbot, alongside plans to unlock up to £2.5 billion in further funding during this Parliament.

Jo Stevens, Secretary of State for Wales, said the plans showed ministers were standing firmly behind Welsh industry.

She said: “The UK Government is standing up for Welsh steelmaking and showing that we will do whatever it takes to boost domestic steel production and protect the thousands of steelmaking jobs in our communities.

“Welsh steel is expected to account for half of future UK steelmaking… Welsh steelmaking now has a secure and bright future.”

The strategy also includes measures to lower energy costs, prioritise UK-made steel in public projects and strengthen links with sectors like offshore wind, defence and infrastructure.

A new working group will also look at securing long-term supplies of scrap metal — a key part of the shift towards electric arc production.

The move comes after years of uncertainty for the industry, with global competition, rising costs and the transition to greener production putting pressure on steelmaking communities across South Wales.

Ministers insist imports will still play a role, but say the new rules are designed to strike a balance between protecting domestic producers and maintaining supply.

However, with the industry undergoing one of its biggest transformations in decades, questions remain over whether the strategy will truly secure the long-term future of steelmaking in Wales — or simply reshape it.

Related stories from Swansea Bay News

One year on: resilience after blast furnace closure
Council leaders reflect on a turbulent year for the steel town.

Work begins on Port Talbot electric arc furnace
A major step in the steelworks’ transition to new technology.

Farage promises “reindustrialisation of Wales”
A headline‑grabbing pledge to revive coal and steel sparks debate.

Government criticised over treatment of steelworkers
Unions and politicians condemn support offered during the transition.

Dramatic video shows final push at Morfa coke plant
Striking footage captures the last days before shutdown.

Swansea motor giant hits 100 – from single garage to UK powerhouse

Day’s Motor Group, launched in 1926 by Charles Edward Manton Day on St Helen’s Road, has gone from a small Singer dealership to a major player employing more than 500 people across the UK.

And this week, the milestone was marked with a visit from Swansea Council leader Rob Stewart, who met with the Day family and staff to celebrate a century of success.

From those humble beginnings, the company struck up a long-standing partnership with Ford in 1934 — a relationship that still plays a central role in the business today.

Now in its fourth generation of family ownership, the firm is led by chairman Graham Day, alongside director Jill Day and CEO Russell Day.

Speaking during the visit, Russell Day said reaching the 100-year mark was a proud moment not just for the family — but for everyone who has been part of the company’s journey.

“This is an incredible milestone for our family and for the whole Day’s team,” he said.

“Our growth over the past century wouldn’t have been possible without the loyalty of our customers and the dedication of our colleagues.

“Swansea has always been at the heart of our story, and we’re proud to keep investing here while continuing to grow across the UK.”

He added that the anniversary isn’t just about looking back — but pushing forward.

“This milestone isn’t just about the past — it’s about the next chapter. We’re committed to investing in new technology, new skills and sustainable mobility right here in the region.”

Over the decades, the business has expanded far beyond its original site, now operating more than 14 locations and representing major global brands including Ford, Peugeot, IVECO, Chery and Geely.

It has also developed a number of successful divisions, including Day’s Fleet, Day’s Rental and Day’s Finance — helping cement its position as one of Wales’s leading automotive groups.

Cllr Stewart praised the company as a shining example of Swansea success.

“Day’s Motor Group is a fantastic local success story,” he said.

“From its beginnings in Swansea a century ago to becoming one of Wales’s leading dealer groups, it shows what can be achieved through hard work, innovation and a real commitment to the community.

“It also proves Swansea is a place where businesses can grow, invest and create jobs — and that’s exactly what we want to see.”

The company has picked up a string of national awards over the years, including being named AM Best Dealership in the UK twice, alongside recognition from Motability and Investors in People.

And as it enters its second century, the message from the Day family is clear — Swansea remains firmly at the heart of everything they do.

Back around 2002 I went on a Scout camp to #southwales, we camped near/within #bannaubrecheiniog / #breconbeacons.
Certainly it was a short drive to a car park/lay-by and we climbed up a scree slope - kinda coming from the back (South) of Corn Du.

This is the only picture I have of the site. To the right and back of this building there was a flat area where we pitched tents, and beyond that a stream.

Behind the photographer was a small bank and a road.

If anyone has any ideas where this might be, I’d be grateful to know so I can revisit it.

I’ve searched for bothies in South Wales and come up with nothing…

💁🏻‍♀️ ICYMI: 🐕🦦 While we see shapes and #colors, scent detection #dogs like Cariad and Neo read a world of invisible trails. A #conservation team uses their 300 million olfactory receptors to find and protect #otters in #SouthWales.

👉 Learn more: https://thekidshouldseethis.com/post/the-detectorists-scent-detection-dogs-otter-conservation?utm_source=mastodon&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=new_content&utm_content=the-detectorists-scent-detection-dogs-otter-conservation

#animals #biology #ecology #ecosystem #england #mustelids #nature #rivers #science #wales #water #tksst #video

🐕🦦 While we see shapes and #colors, scent detection #dogs like Cariad and Neo read a world of invisible trails. A #conservation team uses their 300 million olfactory receptors to find and protect #otters in #SouthWales.

👉 Learn more: https://thekidshouldseethis.com/post/the-detectorists-scent-detection-dogs-otter-conservation?utm_source=mastodon&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=new_content&utm_content=the-detectorists-scent-detection-dogs-otter-conservation

#animals #biology #ecology #ecosystem #england #mustelids #nature #rivers #science #wales #water #tksst #video