Swansea leads Wales with rollout of life-saving bleed control kits

Kits designed to save lives before paramedics arrive

The kits, which contain military-grade emergency medical supplies, are designed to help members of the public treat traumatic injuries before emergency services reach the scene.

They are now available in high-footfall locations including city and town centres, community hubs, council buildings, leisure centres, and all 14 of Swansea’s comprehensive schools.

Each CBC kit includes a tourniquet, haemostatic gauze, fox chest seal, traumafix dressing, gloves, foil blanket, and bilingual instruction card — all packed for rapid use in emergencies such as road accidents, workplace injuries, dog bites, or knife wounds.

Community-led initiative backed by council funding

The rollout was spearheaded by Melanie James, last year’s High Sheriff of West Glamorgan, who partnered with Heartbeat Trust UK to build the network.

Swansea Council has funded 100 of the kits and previously contributed nearly £200,000 to establish a city-wide defibrillator network — making Swansea the UK’s first “Defib-friendly City” with more than 650 defibrillators now in place.

Many of the new bleed control kits have been co-located with defibrillators to make them easy to find and access.

“You never want them used — but they save lives”

Melanie James said:

“I’m very grateful for the incredible support we’ve received from Swansea Council, our councillors, local businesses and private individuals. These kits have a universal application and contain clever supplies that will and do save lives.”

She added that free community training is available to help residents feel confident using the kits if needed.

Council praises partnership

Council Leader Rob Stewart said:

“I’m very grateful to Melanie and to Heartbeat Trust UK for all they are doing in making Swansea a safer place for everyone. The expansion of this scheme means more residents and visitors will have access to life-saving equipment when it is needed most.”

Related Coverage

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#CllrRobStewart #CriticalBleedControlKit #DefibFriendlyCity #defibrillators #HighSheriffOfWestGlamorgan #MelanieJames #Swansea #SwanseaCouncil

New free ‘Shopper Hopper’ shuttle bus launches in Swansea city centre

Shopper Hopper to run weekdays between rail station, market and bus station

Swansea Council says the new “Shopper Hopper” will operate Monday to Friday from 9am to 4.30pm, offering a continuous loop between High Street railway station, Whitewalls (Swansea Market), and Wellington Street outside the bus station.

The 15-seat minibus is wheelchair accessible and includes space for shopping trolleys and mobility equipment. No booking or timetable is required — passengers can simply wait at designated stops and hop on when the bus arrives.

Council says service will support footfall and accessibility

Council leader Rob Stewart said the service was designed to make city centre travel easier:

“The Shopper Hopper is a simple idea that’ll make it easier than ever to get around the city centre, connecting shoppers and visitors to the shops, cafés and businesses they want to visit.

We know that lots of people come to the city centre using the main bus station and the railway station. Some of those visiting may have mobility issues or need a little extra help to get around.

Now we’ve just opened Y Storfa, the hopper will be yet another option to choose that’ll help visitors to get to the new central library and all the other services on offer there.”

Cabinet member Andrew Stevens said the initiative makes better use of the council’s existing minibus fleet:

“We already have a fleet of minibuses that provide essential transport services, providing transport to day care centres as well as schools and colleges.

The aim of this new free service is to make better use of these vehicles and put them to good use — and hopefully encourage more people to come into the city centre.

We know that lots of people come to the city centre using the main bus station and the railway station. Some of those visiting may have mobility issues or need a little extra help to get around, so the Shopper Hopper is designed with them in mind.”

Route and timings

The Shopper Hopper completes a full loop every 45 minutes, with key pick-up times including:

• 9:00am from High Street railway station
• 10:45am and 2:45pm from Wellington Street (bus station)
• 4:15pm from Whitewalls (Swansea Market), terminating at the railway station by 4:30pm

Stops are located at:

• High Street Station (Railway Station)
• Whitewalls (City Centre / Swansea Market)
• Wellington Street (Outside the Bus Station)

The Shopper Hopper is separate from Swansea Council’s seasonal free bus initiative, which offers free travel across selected city routes on weekends in the run-up to Christmas. That scheme, designed to support festive shopping and events, runs alongside the council’s wider efforts to boost city centre footfall during the holiday period.

Service details and contact

The service is currently free of charge and will run year-round. Swansea Council says demand will be monitored and additional buses may be added if needed.

For more information, passengers can call 01792 522980 or visit the council’s website: swansea.gov.uk/shopperhopper

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Council promises “dazzling” Fire and Ice Festival in Swansea city centre

Ice and fire promised for city streets

According to Swansea Council, visitors will be able to follow a trail of ice sculptures, step inside a giant snow globe on Portland Street, and try interactive ice carving. Fire and ice shows are scheduled for St David’s Place, with fire performers lighting up Oxford Street. Families are told to expect roaming snowmen and characters from Disney’s Frozen, while the “Caroler’s Cabin” will host choirs and musicians.

Ice trail clues and performance timings released

A promotional map published by Swansea Council shows nine ice sculptures will be hidden across the city centre, each linked to a festive clue. Locations include Princess Way, Oxford Street, the Quadrant, Wind Street, and Castle Square.

Interactive ice carving is scheduled for Portland Street between 11:30am and 3:30pm, while a giant snow globe will be open from 10am to 5pm.

Fire and Ice shows are planned for St David’s Place at 1:30pm, 3pm and 4:30pm, with additional fire performances on Oxford Street at 12pm, 2pm and 3:30pm.

Trail maps will be available at Swansea Market, Costa Coffee branches, and the new central library at Y Storfa.

Music line‑up released by organisers

The council has published a full programme of performers, ranging from community choirs to swing bands, with sets scheduled across Saturday and Sunday. Maps for the ice trail will be available at Swansea Market, Costa Coffee branches on Whitewalls and Oxford Street, and the new central library at the Y Storfa development.

Festival part of wider Christmas programme

Council leader Rob Stewart said the festival was part of efforts to make this “the best Swansea Christmas ever,” following the return of the city’s Christmas Parade. Other attractions promoted by the council include the Christmas Market on Oxford Street and Portland Street until December 22, Mistletoe and Markets on December 13–14, and Waterfront Winterland at Museum Park until January 4.

More Christmas stories from Swansea Bay News

Free bus travel returns for Christmas Parade weekend
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Free buses return to Swansea for Christmas
Shoppers and families can travel across the city at no cost on selected dates this December.

Victorian Fayre and Parade kick off festive season
Swansea’s Christmas starts with a new Victorian Fayre, Winter Wonderland and Santa switching on the lights.

Together at Christmas returns to Brangwyn Hall
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Browse all Christmas coverage
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#castleSquare #christmas #fireAndIceShows #frozen #iceCarving #iceSculpting #iceSculpture #oxfordStreet #portlandStreet #princessWay #quadrantShoppingCentre #stDavidsPlace #swansea #swanseaCouncil #swanseaQuadrant #windStreet

Free buses return to Swansea for Christmas

Free rides across the city

Swansea Council has confirmed that journeys starting and finishing within the city will be free on selected dates throughout December.

The scheme covers the weekends before Christmas, plus extra days right up to New Year’s Eve.

Free Bus Travel Dates

• December 6 and 7
• December 13 and 14
• December 20 and 21
• December 22, 23 and Christmas Eve
• December 27, 28, 29, 30 and 31

Journeys must start and finish within Swansea to qualify for free travel.

“Here for you this winter”

Council Leader Rob Stewart said the initiative was designed to ease the burden on families at a costly time of year.

“Christmas can be an expensive time of year and we’re hoping everyone will take advantage of this great offer,” he said.

Cllr Stewart added:

“This is the fifth Christmas period that we have provided free transport for families in Swansea. We’re the only council in Wales that offers this kind of free bus service and I’m proud that once again this winter Swansea will be doing all it can to support our residents as part of our #HereForYouThisWinter campaign.”

Since the scheme began, more than a million free journeys have been taken, with families saving an estimated £20 per trip.

Swansea at Christmas

Christmas Parade lights up city
Thousands turned out for Swansea’s annual festive parade and lights switch‑on.

Christmas Market opens
Festive stalls return to the city centre with food, gifts and seasonal cheer.

Winter Wonderland returns
Ice rink, rides and festive fun back at Museum Park for the holiday season.

Boost for businesses and families

The council leader said the offer was not just about encouraging shoppers into the city centre.

“This is also about giving the public the chance to travel all across Swansea, whether it’s to visit family members or just enjoy what Swansea has to offer.”

Encouraging greener travel

Cabinet Member for Environment and Infrastructure Andrew Stevens said the scheme also aims to get more people onto public transport.

“One of the main aims has been to encourage more people to use public transport in Swansea,” he explained.

“We know lots of people travel by car and may not have been on a bus previously. This free bus offer is a great way of introducing more people to public transport and reduce the number of cars on our roads.”

Cllr Stevens added:

“It’s important we support public transport operators in Swansea and do what we can to increase passenger numbers.”

Fifth year of festive travel

This is the fifth year Swansea Council has offered free festive bus travel, making it the only authority in Wales to run such a scheme.

With strike action by First Cymru staff now called off, the council says it hopes residents will seize the chance to save money, support local businesses, and cut congestion on the roads.

First Cymru Strike Coverage

Bus strike called off
Industrial action by First Cymru drivers suspended, paving the way for festive free travel.

Strike dates announced
Drivers had planned walkouts across South West Wales, sparking travel disruption fears.

Strike enters second week
Passengers faced cancellations and delays as industrial action continued.

#adventureTravel #christmas #cllrRobStewart #firstCymru #freeBus #hereforyouthiswinter #southWalesTransport #swansea #swanseaCouncil

Festive spirit set to shine as Together at Christmas returns to Brangwyn Hall

The free celebration, now in its ninth year, runs from noon to 3pm and includes a two‑course Christmas dinner, live entertainment and more wrap‑around support than ever before.

Visitors will be able to access food and clothing banks, free haircuts, pet care advice and products, children’s books, hygiene supplies and health services. Organisers say the event is open to anyone who feels lonely, isolated or in need of festive cheer, as well as those at risk of homelessness.

Free mini‑buses will run to and from Brangwyn Hall, departing at 11.30am from the Glynn Vivian Art Gallery, Caer Las at the top of the Strand, and the parking area by Swansea Mobility Hire at the Quadrant.

Community effort

Together at Christmas is jointly staged by Swansea Council and JR Events and Catering, with support from local partners, businesses and volunteers who give their time and resources freely.

Council Leader Rob Stewart said the event reflects Swansea’s community spirit: “Together at Christmas is about making sure no one feels forgotten during the festive season. It’s a wonderful example of the generosity of local businesses and volunteers who make this day possible, not least our good friends at JR Events and Catering who always pull out all the stops to make it a huge success.”

Together at Christmas — event details

Date and time:
Tuesday 9 December, 12pm to 3pm

Location:
Brangwyn Hall, Swansea

Open invitation to anyone feeling lonely, isolated or in need of festive cheer

Free two-course Christmas dinner, entertainment, food and clothing banks, haircuts, pet care advice, hygiene products, children’s books and more

Free mini-buses depart at 11.30am from Glynn Vivian Art Gallery, Caer Las (top of the Strand), and Swansea Mobility Hire (Quadrant)

Swansea Council and JR Events and Catering, with support from local partners and volunteers

He added that the event forms part of the council’s wider #HereForYouThisWinter campaign, which includes support for emergency food providers, funding for Swansea Spaces, more than 100 grants for community activities, free bus travel in the run‑up to Christmas and New Year, and targeted help for vulnerable families through the councillor voucher scheme.

A day of kindness

Jessica Rice, Director of JR Events and Catering, said: “We’re proud to host this special day again. Christmas is about kindness and togetherness, and we’re delighted to play a part in creating a memorable experience for those who need it most.

“There is an open invitation and we want people to leave not just with full bellies but with full hearts. It’s completely free of charge. There’s a two‑course meal, a foodbank, wellness banks, and even vaccinations and health advice as part of the big wrap‑around of support too.”

Related stories from Swansea Bay News

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Y Storfa opens in Swansea city centre as council services move from Civic

The facility is part of the authority’s £1bn regeneration programme and brings together a range of services under one roof, including the city’s Central Library, Housing Options, Housing Support, and the West Glamorgan Archive Service. Careers Wales, Citizens Advice Swansea Neath Port Talbot, and Swansea University’s South Wales Miners’ Library also have bases there.

Council leader Rob Stewart described Y Storfa as “a great city centre space for the people of Swansea to access services they use day in day out,” adding that it would “make the city centre an even better place to visit.”

The project has been funded in part by the Welsh Government’s Transforming Towns programme, with construction led by Kier. Ian Rees, regional director for Kier Construction Western & Wales, said the company was “incredibly proud to see Y Storfa open its doors to the public, providing a vital community space right at the heart of the city centre.”

Wendy Williams of Careers Wales said the move would make it easier for residents to access free careers advice in a central location, while Caroline Newman of Citizens Advice Swansea Neath Port Talbot said the relocation would “improve accessibility and create opportunities for collaboration.”

Services available at Y Storfa

• 📚 Swansea Central Library
• 🏠 Housing Options and Housing Support services
• 📜 West Glamorgan Archive Service
• 🎓 Swansea University’s South Wales Miners’ Library
• 💼 Careers Wales advice centre
• ⚖️ Citizens Advice Swansea Neath Port Talbot
• Other council services relocated from the Civic Centre

Note: Registration offices and bereavement services remain at the Civic Centre until further notice.

The opening means there is now no public access via the front doors of Swansea Civic Centre. Council services previously based there have transferred to Y Storfa, although registration offices and bereavement services will continue to operate from the Civic until further notice.

The council says redevelopment plans for the Civic Centre are still being worked on and will be announced once finalised.

#archives #bhs #careersWales #centralLibrary #citizensAdvice #civicCentre #featured #housingOptions #housingSupport #library #oxfordStreet #princessWay #swansea #swanseaCouncil #swanseaUniversityMinersLibrary #westGlamorganArchiveService2 #yStorfa

Cwmbwrla Roundabout closed again as floodwaters rise under amber weather warning

Cwmbwrla Roundabout has been closed once again due to flooding, as South West Wales braces for heavy rain under an amber weather warning issued by the Met Office.

Swansea Council confirmed the closure early Monday morning, citing rising water levels on the road surface around the roundabout.

“We have closed the roundabout as a precaution and to prevent motorists from attempting to drive through and get into trouble,” the council said in a social media post. “We will continue to monitor during the day and reopen as soon as water levels have reduced.”

The closure comes just days after the Met Office upgraded its warning for the region, with forecasters predicting widespread disruption from persistent rainfall. Read our full weather warning coverage.

A recurring issue

Cwmbwrla Roundabout has faced repeated closures over the past year, with residents and councillors raising concerns about drainage and infrastructure failures.

Previous flooding incidents have been linked to a collapsed culvert, not surface drains — a distinction confirmed by the council following earlier clean-up operations.

The nearby Cwmfelin Social Club, which sat on the edge of a giant sinkhole for two years, was recently demolished — part of wider efforts to stabilise the area.

Related stories from Swansea Bay News

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#amberWeatherWarning #collapsedCulvert #cwmbwrla #cwmbwrlaFlooding #cwmbwrlaRoundabout #cwmfelinSocialClub #flooding #swanseaCouncil #weatherWarning

Concern after swan deaths at Fendrod Lake amid avian flu fears

The authority said it has already collected a number of dead birds from the site and will continue to monitor the situation closely.

Residents are being urged not to approach or touch any dead swans they may see. Instead, they should report them directly to Defra via the government’s online service: Report dead wild birds.

🐦 How to report bird flu concerns

Do not touch dead birds
Avian flu can spread through contact — always avoid handling carcasses.

Report sightings
Use the official Defra service to report dead swans, geese, or other wild birds: gov.uk/guidance/report-dead-wild-birds.

Stay vigilant
Watch for unusual bird deaths in your area and alert authorities promptly.

Follow council updates
Local councils and Natural Resources Wales provide guidance and issue alerts when risks increase.

Protect domestic flocks
Keep poultry and pet birds away from wild waterfowl and follow biosecurity advice.

A council spokesperson said:

“We have had reports in recent days of a number of deaths of swans at Fendrod Lake, potentially due to avian flu. If you see a dead swan, please don’t approach or touch it. Instead report it to Defra. We have collected a number of dead swans and will continue to monitor the issue.”

The warning comes after recent confirmed cases of bird flu elsewhere in South West Wales. Earlier this month, Carmarthenshire Council confirmed an outbreak in the Pontyberem area, while Pembrokeshire Council officers visited homes near Milford Haven following a separate case.

Natural Resources Wales and local councils continue to advise the public to remain vigilant, avoid contact with sick or dead birds, and follow official guidance to reduce the risk of spreading the disease.

Related stories from Swansea Bay News

Bird flu confirmed in Pontyberem area
Carmarthenshire Council confirmed an outbreak earlier this month, with restrictions put in place locally.

Council officers visiting homes near Milford Haven
Pembrokeshire Council teams carried out precautionary visits following a confirmed case of avian flu.

#avianFlu #avianInfluenza #birdFlu #birds #deadSwans #defra #enterprisePark #fendrodLake #llansamlet #reportDeadWildBirds #swans #swansea #swanseaCouncil

Council investigates possible mine link to Brynymor Crescent sinkhole

Correspondence shared by Uplands councillor Peter May reveals that mining records show a historic mine feature located approximately 100–150 metres north of the collapse site. The council is now contacting the Coal Authority for detailed plans and considering a full geotechnical survey to check for other voids in the area.

Void under road larger than first thought

The latest update follows a site meeting between council officers and Dŵr Cymru, where a void of at least 8 metres in length or depth was discovered beneath the road surface.

According to the council’s internal note, the void is not linked to a previous water leak but may have caused the leak that was repaired last week. The ground remains unstable, and Heras fencing has been installed to prevent access.

A camera survey is scheduled for tomorrow morning to assess the full extent of the damage.

Road closure and safety measures

Brynymor Crescent remains closed, and a full diversion route is being arranged. The void is located around 10 metres from the nearest properties, and while there is currently no immediate risk to residents, the council says it will know more once survey results are available.

Cllr May has been sharing updates via social media and said he would continue to keep residents informed as investigations progress.

Related stories from Swansea Bay News

Sinkhole forces road closure in Swansea’s Bryn‑y‑Mor Road
Initial report on the sudden collapse and emergency closure of the busy Uplands street.

Brynymor Road sinkhole larger than expected says councillor
Follow‑up coverage as Cllr Peter May warned the void was more extensive than first thought.

#brynymorCrescent #brynymorRoad #coalAuthority #mineWorks #peterMay #roadClosure #sinkhole #swanseaCouncil #swanseaSinkhole #uplands

Swansea restaurants fined after serving unsafe meals to allergy sufferers

Three Swansea restaurants have been fined thousands of pounds after investigations revealed they had served meals containing undeclared allergens to customers who had specifically warned staff about their allergies.

Trading Standards officers from Swansea Council carried out undercover sampling and inspections at Saporito Pizza and Grill House on Gower Road in Killay, Indian Street Kitchen on Walter Road in Swansea city centre, and Joyato Sushi and Grill on Salubrious Passage, off Wind Street in the city centre. In each case, staff gave false assurances about food safety, but laboratory analysis later confirmed the presence of allergens including gluten, milk and egg.

At Swansea Magistrates’ Court, all three owners admitted offences under the General Food Regulations 2004 and the Food Safety Act 1990, including placing unsafe food on the market and falsely describing menu items.

The penalties varied, but all were significant. The owner of Saporito Pizza and Grill House, Seckin Bulutoglu, was ordered to pay more than £2,000 in fines, surcharges and costs. At Indian Street Kitchen, Muminul Uddin faced a bill of over £2,300. The heaviest penalty was handed to Yanrui Yi, who runs Joyato Sushi and Grill, with fines and costs totalling close to £9,500.

Council officers said the breaches included mislabelled menu items, poor allergen management systems, and a lack of staff training.

Council: “No excuses”

Cllr Andrew Williams, Cabinet Member for Corporate Service (Performance), said the cases showed how dangerous poor allergen practices can be.

“These cases highlight the potentially fatal consequences of failing to manage allergens and provide accurate information to customers,” he said.

“All the businesses involved have no excuses, having received significant advice about staff training and the dangers associated with allergens.

“Swansea Council is committed to protecting public health and will not hesitate to take enforcement action against businesses that put consumers at risk.”

Warning to businesses and customers

The council is urging all food businesses to ensure staff are properly trained and that allergen information is accurate and up to date. Consumers are also advised to ask about allergens and, if in doubt, walk away.

#allergens #cllrAndrewWilliams #featured #foodDrink #foodSafety #gowerRoad #killay #restaurant #salubriousPassage #swansea #swanseaCityCentre #swanseaCouncil #walterRoad #windStreet