£450k plan to restore Swansea Marina’s Helwick lightship

Swansea Council will ask Cabinet next week to approve funding to repair and restore the Helwick lightship, the red‑and‑white vessel moored in Swansea Marina since the late 1970s. The work would take place at a local dry dock before the ship returns to its berth as part of the city’s maritime heritage.

Historic vessels to be preserved

The Helwick is one of three council‑owned vessels earmarked for protection. The others are the steam tug Canning, built in 1954, and the pilot cutter Olga, dating from 1909.

The council also plans to remove the Seamark, an abandoned vessel left in the marina for more than a decade, which is now considered a pollution risk.

Council says Helwick is “iconic”

Cllr Elliot King, Cabinet Member for Culture, Human Rights and Equality, said:

“The Helwick is such an iconic feature of the marina and has been with us for a long time. We’re really pleased to have come up with a viable proposal that will see the vessel repaired for future generations to enjoy.”

He added that the council had drawn on expertise from historic ship specialists across the UK to shape the plan.

Steam Boat Trust to take on Canning

Talks are under way with the Steam Boat Trust to take on the Canning. The Trust has announced plans to restore the vessel over the next 18 months before potentially moving it to join its preserved fleet in Rochester.

Chris Bannister, Steam Boat Trust, said:

“Our plans involve restoring and revitalising her over the next 18 months at her current location, bringing systems and machinery back to working order.”

National recognition for Helwick and Olga

Both the Helwick and Olga are listed in the National Historic Fleet, which recognises around 200 vessels of pre‑eminent significance.

Hannah Cunliffe, Director of National Historic Ships UK, welcomed the council’s decision:

“We are delighted that Swansea Council has decided to invest in the future of Helwick and that Canning is being considered for acquisition by the Steam Boat Trust.”

What happens next

Cabinet will discuss the proposals next week. If approved, the Helwick will undergo a full condition survey before being restored and returned to the marina. It will remain a static exhibit, not open to the public to board.

The removal of the Seamark is expected to improve the look of the marina and free up berths for other vessels.

Related stories from Swansea Bay News

Cruise passengers help boost city tourism business
German visitors from the MV Hamburg explored Swansea’s museums, markets and parades, highlighting the city’s growing cruise appeal.

Swansea revealed as one of the most cruise holiday obsessed cities in the UK
New research shows Swansea ranks among the UK’s top cities for cruise holiday interest, reflecting strong demand for sea travel.

New Swansea to South West England ferry service consultation opens
Public consultation begins on proposals for a new ferry link between Swansea and the South West of England.

Community volunteers fish out Tawe waste to support river sailings
Local volunteers cleared rubbish from the River Tawe to improve conditions for sailing and community use.

#abandonedVessel #CllrElliottKing #conservation #Helwick #HelwickLightship #historicShips #maritimeHistory #NationalHistoricFleet #NationalHistoricShipsUK #PilotCutter #PilotCutterOlga #Seamark #ships #SteamBoatTrust #SteamTug #SteamTugCanning #Swansea #SwanseaCouncil #SwanseaMarina

Swansea’s iconic Sail Bridge to close for two weeks for £40,000 safety upgrade

The pedestrian and cycle-only bridge, which spans the River Tawe, is having its original non-slip surface replaced for the first time since opening in 2003. Swansea Council says the upgrade will improve safety for the hundreds of walkers and cyclists who use it daily and comes as part of a wider investment in highways infrastructure across the city.

The Sail Bridge is one of Swansea’s most recognisable structures and is frequently used for major sporting events and leisure routes linking the city centre to the SA1 development. Its curved deck and soaring mast have made it a symbol of the city’s waterside regeneration.

The works are part of Swansea Council’s multi-million pound highways investment programme, which includes planned resurfacing across main roads city-wide during 2025/26.

“The Sail Bridge is one of our most popular landmarks and is used regularly by the public,” said Cllr Andrew Stevens, Cabinet Member for Environment and Infrastructure. “The original surface is understandably suffering from wear and tear and we want to make sure it can be used and enjoyed for many years to come.”

While the bridge is closed, pedestrians and cyclists are being asked to use alternative crossings via the Tawe bridges or the Trafalgar Bridge, located further along the river.

“The planned upgrade will enable us to replace the non-slip surface and get it back open as soon as possible,” added Cllr Stevens. “All other bridge crossings in the area will be open and accessible and should be used as an alternative while it’s closed.”

Related infrastructure stories from Swansea Bay News

Temporary shuttle service to support Morriston Hospital access during six-week bridge closure
Published July 2025: Council introduces shuttle bus to maintain hospital access while key Morriston bridge undergoes essential works.

Busy Morriston Road bridge to close for six weeks
Published July 2025: Major bridge closure announced as part of Swansea’s ongoing transport infrastructure upgrades.

Council granted £803k to draw up plans for Grade II listed Port Talbot bridge
Published June 2025: Funding secured to develop restoration plans for historic bridge linking key routes in Neath Port Talbot.

Swansea road repairs and resurfacing schemes get £1m boost
Published May 2025: Additional funding announced to accelerate city-wide road maintenance and resurfacing projects.

#bridgeClosure #CllrAndrewStevens #SA1 #SailBridge #Swansea #SwanseaCouncil #SwanseaMarina

Swansea Marina ‘sea bin’ trial aims to help keep marina water clean

The technology is being trialled, thanks to Swansea Council teaming up with environmental charity Keep Wales Tidy.

Sea bins are bucket-shaped devices that rise and fall with the tide, collecting floating litter and debris.

As water is drawn in by a pump, it passes through a catch bag which then traps the waste.

Clean water is pumped back out, while litter and debris are safely contained for proper disposal.

Powered 24 hours a day, the sea bin at Swansea Marina has a capacity of 30 litres to collect waste.

Cllr Cyril Anderson, Swansea Council’s Cabinet Member for Community Services, said: “It would be a lot better if people didn’t irresponsibly drop their rubbish in the first place, but the trial of this sea bin shows we’re continuing to be innovative in all we do to keep our city and waterways as clean as possible.

“We’re delighted to have partnered with Keep Wales Tidy on the introduction of this technology and will continue to explore its effectiveness as part of the ongoing trial.

“Research shows about 80% of marine litter originates from land-based sources, so it’s important we do all we can to protect our marine environment and encourage people to either use bins or take their waste home with them.”

The initiative is being funded by the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.

The council say the sea bin is being regularly monitored to investigate what it collects and to check for any unintended impacts or interactions with wildlife.

#CllrCyrilAnderson #Environment #KeepWalesTidy #litter #SeaBin #Swansea #SwanseaCouncil #SwanseaMarina

Firefighters tackle charity fitness challenge

The Welsh Firefighter Fitness Challenge, which is part of the British Firefighter Challenge series, was organised by Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service (MAWWFRS).

The challenge helps to raise funds for the Fire Fighters Charity, which supports the mental well-being and physical health of all serving and retired members of the UK’s fire family.

The event, which sold out in a record time of 21 minutes, took part, for the third year, at the Dylan Thomas Square, Swansea Marina. The square was once again filled with spectators from start to finish throughout the entire day.

Each contestant was dressed in full structural firefighting kit where they took part in a series of physical challenges designed to test strength, agility, and stamina. There were a total of eight challenges to complete. This consisted of a 50m run, 50m hose carry, Road Traffic Collision (RTC) equipment carry and lift, hammer force, another 50m hose run, hose roll, container carry and finally the dummy drag. The fastest competitor to complete all eight challenges, won the race.

Alongside the firefighter fitness challenges, MAWWFRS hosted a ‘Community Safety Village’ where members of the public were able to access free safety advice and information from our Community Safety Team as well as from a variety of partnership organisations. Some of those that joined us on the day were: South Wales Police, Go Safe, Guide Dogs Cymru, Specsavers Mumbles, Wales and West Utilities, Sadie’s Butterflies, British Red Cross Swansea Bay University Health Board.

Chief Fire Officer Roger Thomas said:

“The Welsh Firefighter Fitness Challenge was a much-anticipated event, and I’m pleased to say despite the wet weather it exceeded expectations! The sense of community spirit was evident throughout the day from the enthusiastic cheers supporting the firefighters taking part in the challenge to the buzz of the Community Safety Village, where partners gathered to provide advice and information to the public.

The event helped raise vital funds and awareness for The Firefighter Charity. I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to everyone who participated and contributed to making the Welsh Firefighter Challenge such a great success.”

#FirefighterCharityChallenge #Marina #MAWWFRS #MidAndWestWalesFireAndRescueService #Swansea #SwanseaMarina

New sensors a ‘life-saver’ for water safety aids

Swansea Council say waterside vandals are stealing rescue aids or needlessly throwing them in the water in areas including Swansea Marina and the River Tawe.

Now, pioneering new electronic sensors are being put in place to help keep the aids at their posts and alert the council’s Water Safety Team when one goes missing or is disturbed.

The move comes as the team begins its summer-long campaign to encourage people to go safe in the water – and to avoid it completely if they’ve been drinking alcohol.

Andrew Stevens, Swansea Council’s Cabinet Member for Environment and Infrastructure, urged residents to continue to report missing water safety aids and anyone they spot tampering with them to the police.

He said: “It’s a criminal offence to tamper with rescue aids and we check CCTV to see if we can identify those responsible. Any evidence will be immediately forwarded to the police for prosecution.

“Our water safety team inspects our network of water safety aids every fortnight and replace missing aids within 24 hours of them being reported missing.

“We’ve already fitted sensors at a number of locations around the city and we’re looking to do more in the coming months when more supplies of sensors come in. But the best thing anyone can do is leave the safety aids where they are except for when they’re needed.

“Vandalism of these devices is a criminal offence for a reason. It’s not a victimless crime and puts people’s lives at risk. The new sensors will help save lives by alerting our teams when a safety aid goes missing.”

Andrew Suter, Swansea Council’s Water Safety manager said the water safety team has a rigorous approach to checking rescue aids in the Marina area and along the Tawe to help keep people safe.

He said the council has joined with other emergency services to promote the summer-long Respect the Water campaign.

Mr Suter said: “Around 140 people lose their lives to drowning around our coasts each year and it’s one of the main causes of death among young adults.

“Going near the sea, swimming in a river or a lake or reservoir is especially risky if you’ve had a drink and you misunderstand the conditions you’re getting into.

“During the warmer summer months thousands of people visit our beaches, over Bank Holidays, especially when there’s an extended period of warm weather and sunshine.

“That’s why we have worked in close partnership with expert lifeguards at the Royal National Lifeguard Institution for a number of years to ensure our beaches are covered at the busiest time.”

#RiverTawe #Swansea #SwanseaMarina #vandalism #WaterSafety

Swansea MPs host packed public meeting as 200 residents confront “shocking” property firm 

On Thursday 10 April, more than 200 residents from across Swansea turned out to Swansea Guildhall to raise grievances with senior company figures. FirstPort manages several housing developments in Swansea, including in the Marina, Sketty and Murton.  

Residents spoke of spiralling costs, unanswered emails, and essential work not being carried out directly. They reported financial stress, serious anxiety and even concerns for their safety as a result of the company’s mismanagement. Examples raised included ‘urgent’ roofing repairs left incomplete for over a year, communal spaces left without fire alarms, and faulty front doors left broken for nearly two years.

FirstPort committed to meet with aggrieved residents after Mr Bell confronted Managing Director Martin King about their treatment in Parliament at the start of the year. 

By the end of the meeting, senior FirstPort representatives agreed that the company’s performance had not been satisfactory and claimed changes were being made. Labour MPs are coordinating to monitor progress.  

Mr Bell and Ms Antoniazzi have urged anyone else affected by FirstPort’s conduct to get in touch with their offices at torsten.bell.mp@parliament.uk and tonia.antoniazzi.mp@parliament.uk.    

Torsten Bell MP said: “Residents sent a clear message to FirstPort: they’ve had enough of soaring bills and shoddy service, which have caused real distress.

“I’m very pleased to have made this meeting happen for Swansea residents, because it was about time the company came face to face with the people it has failed.  

“FirstPort acknowledged its poor performance and claimed changes are being made. But promises alone aren’t enough, so I’ll keep fighting on this issue until we see real change.

“This is more than about one housing company: it’s about a system that needs reform. That’s why I’m doing everything I can to support the UK and Welsh Labour governments to end a leasehold system that leaves too many at the mercy of companies like FirstPort.” 

Tonia Antoniazzi MP for Gower said:  “I want to thank the FirstPort residents who took the time to attend this evening’s meeting, including those who spoke so honestly and bravely about their experiences. Tonight was a powerful display of unity from a community that’s had enough of being ignored. It’s clear that FirstPort has, so far, fallen far short of providing the level of service residents rightly expect. I hope they take this meeting as the wake-up call it should be, and as a chance to reset the relationship by taking real action to address the concerns that were raised. I’ll continue standing with residents until meaningful change is delivered.”

Stan Steadman, a resident of a property managed by FirstPort who spoke at the meeting, said: “It’s shocking. Roof repairs weren’t carried out for over a year after they were identified as urgent, and we are still yet to be assured that these were done to a satisfactory standard. It took them almost 18 months to replace a faulty front door, despite concerns about the security of the building. We have not had a Development Manager for 9 months but are still being charged for this person and his/her service and accommodation.” 

In response to Mr Steadman’s concern’s, FirstPort Group confirmed to Swansea Bay News that residents will not be charged for a Development Manager if there is no one in place at the development whilst there is an open vacancy.

A spokesperson for the FirstPort Group said: “We appreciate the opportunity to collectively hear from residents and we are committed to addressing every concern raised. We will continue a constructive dialogue with both residents and MPs, taking steps to ensure we meet the expectations of the community.

“Our Operations Director has been meeting with residents again this morning (Friday 11th April) and our team will be visiting developments across the area to ensure every issue is heard and acted upon. We look forward to providing further updates as we make continued progress.”

#FirstPort #Murton #Property #propertyManagement #Sketty #SwanseaMarina #ToniaAntoniazziMP #TorstenBell

Seabin installed at Swansea Marina to tackle marine litter.

This innovative technology is designed to remove floating litter and debris, improving the cleanliness of the marina waters while helping safeguard the wider environment.

The Seabin is a bucket-shaped device that rises and falls with the tide, collecting floating litter and debris. As water is drawn in by a pump, it passes through a catch bag, trapping the waste.

Clean water is then pumped back out, while litter and debris are safely contained for proper disposal. Powered 24 hours a day, the Seabin has a capacity of 30 litres to collect waste, which will reduce the impacts of litter across the local area.

The Seabin will be monitored over a trial period to investigate what it collects, and to check for any unintended impacts or interactions with wildlife. Any litter data that is collected could be used to complement existing evidence to support new initiatives like a Deposit Return Scheme for Wales.

Cyril Anderson, Cabinet Member for Community Services, said:

“The Seabin will be a really eye-catching, innovative and environment-friendly to capture litter and debris in the Marina.

“It’s helping us go the extra mile to help keep this vital attraction and community spic and span and we’re really pleased to be working with Keep Wales Tidy on this important initiative.

“Of course it would be much better if people didn’t drop litter in the first place. But the Seabin will help us protect the Marina environment and support our efforts to keep the litter problem under control.”

Phil Budd, Keep Wales Tidy’s Project Officer for Swansea, commented:

“We are proud to be part of this exciting project. The Seabin will play a key role in helping to reduce the litter that impacts our local waterways and the wider marine environment.

“This partnership with Swansea Council marks an important step forward in our shared mission to protect Swansea’s waters from litter and debris.”

Angharad James, Keep Wales Tidy’s Policy and Research Officer, commented:

“It is really exciting to see the Seabin in action at the marina! With 80% of marine litter originating from land-based sources, we hope the Seabin will prove to be an innovative tool in our fight against marine pollution.

“Not only will it cleanse the water, but we hope the trial will raise awareness about litter movements and its lasting impacts on our environment and wildlife”.

The Seabin initiative is funded by the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund. Keep Wales Tidy are working alongside Swansea Council to eradicate litter and waste.

[Lead image: Swansea Council]

#Seabin #SwanseaCouncil #SwanseaMarina