New route announced for Swansea Christmas Parade

The parade begins at 5pm at the Guildhall, where Santa will illuminate the building with a red glow before a fireworks display signals the start of the evening.

Parade route through the city

From the Guildhall, the parade will travel down St Helen’s Road, along the Kingsway, College Street, Castle Street and Caer Street, before finishing on Princess Way.

More than 40 community groups, colourful floats and beloved characters from fairytales and comic books – including Cinderella and Rapunzel – will join the procession. Santa and Mrs Claus will wave from their magical sleigh as the parade makes its way through the city.

Entertainment and lights switch‑on

Live entertainment will take place on two stages: one at the Guildhall and the traditional stage outside the Dragon Hotel, where a new Christmas tree will stand. Santa will ceremoniously switch on Swansea’s Christmas lights before another fireworks display lights up the night sky.

Professional entertainers, fairytale characters and superheroes will be on hand to keep children and adults entertained throughout the evening.

Council leader welcomes new route

Cllr Rob Stewart, Leader of Swansea Council, said:

“The Swansea Christmas Parade is one of the city’s most cherished events – a chance for our communities to come together and celebrate the start of the festive season.

This year’s new route brings exciting opportunities to experience the magic from fresh perspectives and it promises to be a truly unforgettable evening.”

He added that the parade is the perfect opportunity to start Christmas celebrations, alongside visits to Waterfront Winterland with its ice rink and alpine bar, and the Victorian Christmas Market offering artisan gifts and festive treats.

Cllr Stewart said the parade rounds off another strong year of council‑delivered events, including the Wales Airshow, IRONMAN, Swansea Arts Weekend and Croeso.

#CaerStreet #CastleStreet #ChristmasLightSwitchOn #ChristmasLights #ChristmasParade #CollegeStreet #FatherChristmas #Guildhall #Kingsway #PrincessWay #Santa #SantaClaus #StHelensRoad #Swansea #SwanseaChristmasParade #SwanseaCouncil

Swansea’s African Community Centre shines at Welsh Charity Awards

From Zumba classes to food banks, Mojisola’s work earns top honour

Mojisola Olateju was named Volunteer of the Year for her tireless work supporting women and families from Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic backgrounds. She runs women‑only Zumba classes attended by more than 40 women, coordinates a food bank serving over 500 families, and provides weekly childcare so that more than 50 mothers can attend English classes.

Accepting her award, Mojisola explained that her women‑only Zumba sessions are less about fitness goals and more about breaking isolation.

“I let them know that it’s not about losing weight – it’s about coming together, interacting, strengthening our muscles, and taking people away from isolation. We’re able to talk together and be there for each other.”

Young volunteer makes daily journey to welcome newcomers

17‑year‑old David Uche Iyamu, also from the African Community Centre, was runner‑up in the Young Volunteer of the Year category. Despite living 12 miles away, he makes a daily round trip to Swansea to welcome newcomers — often asylum seekers and refugees — with empathy and warmth.

He said:

“Being nominated is an incredible honour. Regardless of the outcome, it’s a win to be recognised among such talented peers.”

A centre at the heart of Swansea’s multicultural story

Founded in 2003 by Mrs Uzo Iwobi OBE, the African Community Centre has grown from a grassroots idea into a registered charity serving communities across Wales. While rooted in supporting African and African Caribbean people, it has become a place where people of all cultures can find a welcome and a listening ear.

The centre runs English classes, youth projects, cultural workshops, volunteering opportunities and even a unique Asylum Seekers Community Transport scheme. It describes itself as “a major force in making Swansea the wonderfully diverse multicultural city which it is today.”

National leaders praise volunteers’ impact

Cabinet Secretary for Social Justice Jane Hutt praised the “extraordinary dedication and impact” of volunteers across Wales, while WCVA Chief Executive Lindsay Cordery‑Bruce described the winners as “the people holding our nation together, with kindness, volunteering, inclusion and unwavering helpfulness.”

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Swansea magistrates extend closure of vape shops in crackdown on illegal sales

Eight vape shops across Swansea will remain shut for up to three months after magistrates backed council action against the sale of illegal vapes and counterfeit tobacco.

The closures follow Operation Ceecee & Marvel, a three‑day joint operation led by Swansea Council’s Trading Standards with support from South Wales Police, HMRC, Home Office Immigration officers and tobacco detection dogs.

Raids lead to extended closures

Officers targeted 14 shops where earlier test purchases had confirmed illicit sales. Nine were issued with temporary 48‑hour closure notices while the council sought longer orders through the courts. Magistrates have now approved applications to extend the closure of eight shops, while the owner of the ninth has opted to shut down permanently.

The shops ordered to remain closed are:

• Morriston Mini Market, 86 Woodfield Street, Morriston
• Crystal Vapes, 95 High Street, Gorseinon
• World of Vapes, 89 St Teilo Street, Pontarddulais
• Bob Marley Vapes, 75 St Helen’s Road, Swansea city centre
• Asia Vapes, 40 St Helen’s Road, Swansea city centre
• Kubus Vapes, 31b St Helen’s Road, Swansea city centre
• Bob CBD Vapes, 29 Union Street, Swansea city centre
• Snoop Vapes, 71 High Street, Swansea city centre

More Trading Standards news

Stay up to date with the latest investigations, prosecutions and community crackdowns led by Trading Standards teams across Swansea Bay and beyond.

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Illegal goods seized and arrests made

The raids led to the seizure of 971 packs of cigarettes, 970 packets of hand‑rolling tobacco and 2,292 vapes, with a combined retail value of more than £77,000. Five vehicles linked to the shops were also confiscated, and 11 people were arrested in connection with the sales.

Council and police warn of risks

Andrew Williams, Swansea Council’s Cabinet Member for Corporate Services (Performance), said:

“This council is taking the sale of illegal vapes and counterfeit tobacco in Swansea very seriously. Our Trading Standards Team has made this issue a priority… I’m delighted that magistrates have supported our applications to extend the closure of eight shops in the city.”

Inspector Andrew Hedley, South Wales Police, added:

“Counterfeit tobacco and vapes are not only illegal, but they are incredibly dangerous for those who use them. These businesses were all given warnings to stop selling these items but disregarded them. They will now face prosecution for various offences as a result.”

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#AsiaVapes #BobCBDVapes #BobMarleyVapes #Business #CllrAndrewWilliams #counterfeitTobacco #CrystalVapes #Gorseinon #HighStreet #illegalVapes #KubusVapes #Morriston #MorristonMiniMarket #Pontarddulais #retail #SnoopVapes #SouthWalesPolice #StHelensRoad #Swansea #SwanseaCouncil #TradingStandards #UnionStreet #vapeShop #vapeShopClosure #vapes #WoodfieldStreet #WorldOfVapes

Nine Swansea vape shops shut down in major crackdown on illegal sales

Three‑day operation across the city

The closures followed a three‑day enforcement operation led by Swansea Council’s Trading Standards team, supported by South Wales Police, HMRC, Home Office Immigration officers and specialist tobacco sniffer dogs.

Codenamed Operation Ceecee & Marvel, the crackdown targeted 14 shops across the city where earlier test purchases had already confirmed the sale of illicit products.

By the end of the week, nine premises had been shut down, 11 people arrested, and five vehicles linked to the trade seized.

Raids reveal hidden stashes

Among the shops raided was Bob Marley Vapes on St Helen’s Road, whose registered owner was jailed earlier this year for dealing in £100,000 worth of black‑market cigarettes and vapes. Despite that, the store had continued trading.

When officers returned last week, they found rucksacks and bags stuffed with illegal disposable vapes hidden in back rooms. Other shops were found to be using “stash cars” to store contraband, with one vehicle also containing cannabis products.

Shops closed during the operation included:

• Bob Marley Vapes, Asia Vapes and Kubus Vapes (St Helen’s Road)
• World of Vapes (Pontarddulais)
• Crystal Vapes (Gorseinon)
• Morriston Mini Market and Monsoon Vapes (Morriston)
• Snoop Vapes and Bob CBD Vapes (city centre)

Thousands of products seized

In total, officers confiscated:

• 971 packs of cigarettes (counterfeit value £4,855; retail value £15,000)
• 970 packets of hand‑rolling tobacco (counterfeit value £19,500; retail value £39,000)
• 2,292 vapes (estimated value £23,000)

All seized products will now be destroyed. Two of the shops have already been ordered by magistrates to remain closed for up to three months, with further hearings due next week.

Council: “Strong message to businesses”

Councillor Andrew Williams, Cabinet Member for Corporate Services (Performance), said:

“Our Trading Standards Team has made this issue a priority and has been able to gather large amounts of intelligence in terms of which shops in the city have previously been selling illegal goods to consumers, including children.

The latest operation has been very successful in our efforts to disrupt this type of trade and hopefully it will send out a very strong message to other businesses in the city — that they have a duty to ensure they are trading legally and not putting consumers at risk.”

Police: “Dangerous and linked to organised crime”

Inspector Andrew Hedley of South Wales Police added:

“Counterfeit tobacco and vapes are not only illegal, but they are incredibly dangerous for those who use them. Counterfeit cigarettes are unregulated, dangerous and fund serious organised crime. The vapes seized do not comply with UK safety standards and can pose a risk to consumers’ health.

These businesses were all given warnings to stop selling these items but disregarded them. They will now face prosecution for various offences as a result.”

Community impact

The raids drew crowds on St Helen’s Road, where locals watched as officers carried out searches and seized goods. For residents, the operation was a visible sign of action against a black market that has been openly trading in parts of the city.

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#BobCBDVapes #BobMarleyVapes #CllrAndrewWilliams #counterfeitCigarettes #counterfeitTobacco #Gorseinon #illegalVapes #KubusVapes #Morriston #MorristonMiniMarket #Pontarddulais #SnoopVapes #SouthWalesPolice #StHelensRoad #Swansea #SwanseaCityCentre #SwanseaCouncil #TradingStandards #vapes #WorldOfVapes

Two men in hospital and three arrested after disturbance on St Helen’s Road

South Wales Police said they were called to St Helen’s Road, Sandfields, at around 10.15pm (24 September).

Arrests

A 25‑year‑old man from Sandfields, a 23‑year‑old man from Waun Wen, and a 19‑year‑old man from Barry have all been arrested on suspicion of Section 18 assault and affray. They remain in custody.

Victims

Two men were taken to hospital with stab wounds. Police say both are in a stable condition.

Scene and disruption

A police cordon remained in place on Thursday morning, with officers warning of traffic disruption. The closure affects the first section of Richardson Street, where it meets St Helen’s Road, and extends around the pavement outside Madbuns Milkshakes and Mocktails.

Police statement

A South Wales Police spokesperson said:

“An investigation into this incident is currently ongoing. A scene is being held in the area alongside an increased police presence which may cause traffic disruption. Please avoid the area if you can.”

Appeal

Anyone who witnessed the incident, or who has mobile phone or dashcam footage, is asked to contact police quoting reference 2500307012.

Information can also be given anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

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Woman jailed after family return home to find her in their kitchen and flat ransacked

Lorraine Merriman, 46, had broken into the flat on St Helen’s Road on the evening of July 20. The family, who had been out with their young child, came back to discover smashed items, food taken from the kitchen, clothes pulled from drawers and toys scattered across the floor.

The damage was so extensive they were unable to stay in the property that night.

After spotting Merriman inside, the family left immediately and called police. Officers arrived and arrested her on suspicion of burglary.

Prosecutor Dean Pulling told Swansea Crown Court that Merriman smelled strongly of alcohol and “had trouble standing up”. During the journey to custody she became “highly abusive” towards the arresting officers, calling one “a dirty, noncey P**”, “a dirty little P***”, and a “black b******”.

Once at the police station, she threatened to bite an officer before spitting on the arm of a female constable.

The court heard Merriman had 16 previous offences, including theft and criminal damage, and was already serving a two-year community order imposed in October 2024 for battery.

In interview, she answered “no comment” to all questions.

Defending, Dan Griffiths said his client “remembers absolutely nothing about what she did, which is probably a good thing given her appalling behaviour”. He added: “She describes herself as disgusted. In the circumstances the only thing she can do is offer an apology to the family concerned and the officers who arrested her, in particular the officer she abused.”

Recorder Simon Stephenson told Merriman her actions were so serious that only an immediate prison sentence was appropriate.

Merriman, of Clas y Bedw, Waunarlwydd, had previously admitted burglary with intent to cause criminal damage, a racially aggravated public order offence, and assaulting a police constable. She was jailed for 27 months.

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Man jailed for threatening to stab another man at a Swansea pizza takeaway with a pair of scissors

Gavin Morris, 36, of no fixed abode, was sentenced to 27 months in jail on 15 May at Swansea Crown Court after pleading guilty to threatening a person with a blade or sharply pointed article in a public place.

This followed an incident at around 11.30pm on April 16 2025, where Morris was in a pizza takeaway restaurant on St Helen’s Road in Swansea when he began harassing customers. Morris was then approached by the victim who told him to leave.

Morris was described as being drunk, stumbling and slurring as he left the shop, before inviting the victim outside to fight. He then reached into his jacket pocket and produced a pair of scissors, before threatening to stab the victim.

The victim called 999, causing Morris to leave the shop. Morris entered a few other shops along the street, leaving the scissors on the counter in one of them, before being arrested in the street.

Investigating officer PC Joshua Carter from South Wales Police said: “Morris posed a significant threat to the victim and people in the area that evening. He was drunk and dangerous, and I’m pleased to see the sentence handed down to him.”

#knifeCrime #SouthWalesPolice #StHelensRoad #Swansea

Shop raided for selling illegal vapes and cigarettes – just yards from council offices

Peshawa Zada, owner of Bob Marley Vapes, St Helen’s Road, has pleaded guilty to a number of offences relating to the sale of unlawful vapes, counterfeit cigarettes and fraud, and is due to be sentenced in April.

Mr Zada, 23 of St Helen’s Road, had repeated visits by Trading Standards, dating back to March 2023, where officers were concerned with continued sales of the illegal vape products and complaints they were being sold to children under the age of 18.

In the UK, disposable vapes cannot be sold with more than 2ml of liquid. Visits to the Swansea-based shop, established vapes were being sold with 10ml of liquid and were seized by the Council.

During the latest visit in March, trading standards officers discovered a number of concealed storage areas at the rear of the shop and in the ceiling which contained illegal vapes, along with counterfeit cigarettes.

The shop owner was arrested and charged with seven offences. He has since pleaded guilty at Swansea Magistrates and has been remanded in custody until sentencing next month.

David Hopkins, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Corporate Service and Performance, said: “Shop owners selling illegal products with age restrictions, to underage children, are not only breaking the law, but they are also displaying a complete lack of awareness about the consequences, the sale of these products can cause to young people.

“Our trading standards team has continued the excellent work it has already done in recent years, to stamp out the sale of these potentially harmful products, that are getting into the hands of young children.”

In 2024, the Council led an operation with police (Operation Thor) to seize illegal vapes from a large storage facility in London, seizing more than 120,000 illegal vapes with a street value of £1.5million.

Cllr Hopkins, said: “The operation was a great success in terms of stemming the flow of illegal vapes into Swansea. Sadly, we know that shops in the city are still attempting to sell these illegal goods such as vapes and counterfeit cigarettes.

“We will continue to target these stores and keep consumers safe.”

(Lead image: Google maps)

#Business #CounterfeitGoods #illegalCigarettes #illegalVapes #StHelensRoad #Swansea #SwanseaCouncil #TradingStandards