SWANSEA: Man found hiding in cupboard jailed after police uncover 539-plant cannabis farm in Uplands

A man has been jailed after he was found hiding in a cupboard when police raided a cannabis farm in the Uplands area of Swansea.

Antonjo Kodheli, 42, of no fixed abode, was discovered inside the property on Bryn Y Môr Crescent when officers conducted a search of the address.

A total of 539 plants were found growing across eight rooms in the property.

Kodheli pleaded guilty to being concerned in the production of a controlled drug of Class B and was sentenced to eight months in prison.

A video released by South Wales Police shows the moment officers discovered Kodheli concealed in the cupboard during the raid.

https://youtu.be/AYQK1iz1Hqk?si=3XxY04f33H3jqfCF

Sergeant Luke Tucker said it was “incredibly disappointing” to continue finding properties in Swansea being used for illegal drug cultivation.

“Antonjo Kodheli is the latest in a long line of people who have found that entering the illegal drug trade is not all it cracked up to be,” he said. “While some may argue that there are more dangerous drugs, the money generated by cannabis farms is very commonly then funnelled towards even more serious criminal activity, and that is why we will always take action.”

UPLANDS: Swansea’s beloved Truffle restaurant put up for sale as owners step back after nine years to focus on family

One of Swansea’s most-loved independent restaurants has been put up for sale — with the couple who built it from scratch saying the time has come to hand it on to new owners and focus on their young family.

Truffle, on King Edwards Road in Uplands, has been run by chef Jonathan Cox and front-of-house manager Jodie Barlow-Haynes since 2017. Over nine years, the pair have built the restaurant into one of the city’s most respected independent eateries, with a 4.8-star rating across major review platforms and a loyal customer base that returns again and again.

Known for its French, Welsh and contemporary influences, Truffle has earned a reputation for freshly made dishes using locally sourced ingredients. The fully licensed restaurant also operates a popular bring-your-own drinks policy — a combination that has helped it carve out a distinctive identity in a competitive market.

Jonathan and Jodie said in a joint statement: “Truffle has been our passion for many years. We are incredibly proud of how the business has grown, with loyal customers who return time and again, and the reputation we’ve built for our service and quality food.”

They added: “We will be sad to leave our successful business but have decided to make a lifestyle change to be able to spend more quality time with our young family. We hope the next owners will take Truffle forward into its next exciting chapter.”

The restaurant is being marketed as a leasehold sale with an asking price of £75,000 by specialist business property adviser Christie & Co, which describes it as “an attractive and profitable restaurant in a popular part of the city.”

Graeme Clifford, the business agent handling the sale, said there were plenty of opportunities for a new owner to build on what Jonathan and Jodie have created. “There are plenty of opportunities for a new owner to expand the business including broadening the food offer, introducing more covers, and extending the opening hours,” he said, adding that the site could suit new entrants, experienced restaurateurs or small multi-site operators.

The sale comes at a difficult time for the hospitality sector across the region. In recent months, Swansea Bay News has reported on a series of restaurant closures, including the much-loved Gorseinon restaurant that shut after years of loyal custom, and two Llanelli restaurants closing on the same day. It is also not the first time an Uplands restaurant has come onto the market in recent years.

Truffle’s owners are at pains to point out that this is not a closure — the restaurant remains open and is continuing to trade while a buyer is sought.

For those interested in taking on the business, full details are available through Christie & Co at christie.com.

Uplands has long been one of Swansea’s most vibrant food and culture neighbourhoods, home to a mix of independent restaurants, cafes, bars and the weekly Uplands Market. The area’s loyal community of regulars and strong footfall make it one of the city’s most attractive locations for independent hospitality businesses.

Truffle’s sale represents the end of an era for many regulars — but also an opportunity for a new operator to take on a restaurant with strong foundations, a proven reputation and an established and loyal following.

Related stories from Swansea Bay News

Heartbreak for diners as popular Gorseinon restaurant closes its doors
One of a series of recent restaurant closures across the region.

Two much-loved Llanelli restaurants close on the same day as customers share heartbreak
Further closures in the hospitality sector across the region.

Iconic Swansea breakfast venue Uplands Diner put up for sale
Another Uplands institution that has previously come onto the market.

Uplands Market highlighted in new pedestrian pound report
The wider story of Uplands as one of Swansea’s most vibrant independent food and culture destinations.

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Uplands man jailed just two days after car theft

A Swansea man has been sentenced to 12 weeks in prison just two days after being arrested for breaking into a car and stealing items.

Darren Williams, 54, from Uplands, targeted a vehicle on a lane off Walter Road on March 23, according to South Wales Police. CCTV footage shows him smashing the front passenger window before returning an hour later to attempt another break-in.

Officers were able to match Williams to the CCTV images, arresting him shortly afterwards. Police say he was found in possession of items taken from the vehicle.

Williams pleaded guilty to theft from a motor vehicle and criminal damage to property at Swansea Magistrates’ Court.

PC Luke Morgan, speaking on behalf of South Wales Police, said the case demonstrated the force’s “zero-tolerance approach to thefts from motor vehicles.”

He added that thieves like Williams make “the good, law-abiding people of Swansea fearful that their vehicle could be targeted at any time.”

The speed of the arrest and sentencing has been described as unusually quick. Police released CCTV and bodycam footage of both the theft and the arrest, showing Williams’ brazen behaviour:

https://youtu.be/BF1YPdJaYBY?si=cbxbS2bvAGV49hdG

Residents in Uplands have been reminded to remain vigilant and report suspicious behaviour, particularly around parked cars. Police also encourage the community to use security measures such as alarms and steering locks to prevent theft.

This is not the first case of quick sentencing in the Swansea area; police say they have increasingly been cracking down on opportunistic thefts, aiming to deter repeat offenders.

The incident has sparked discussion among local residents about car security and the need for stronger community awareness. Some have praised the rapid response, noting that catching thieves quickly can help restore confidence in neighbourhood safety.

Police say Williams’ sentencing highlights how law enforcement in Swansea are acting swiftly against crimes that threaten the local community. Officers say the case serves as a warning that theft from vehicles will be pursued promptly and rigorously.

CCTV and bodycam footage from the arrest is being used to help educate the public about vehicle crime and the importance of reporting suspicious activity.

Swansea salon named national finalist for Best Salon Team and Extension Specialist

Dolly Rocks Hair & Beauty has been shortlisted for both Best Salon Team of the Year and Hair Extension Specialist of the Year, a significant achievement given the hundreds of entries from across the UK.

The salon, which was previously based in Uplands where it also enjoyed national awards success, moved to a larger premises in Gorseinon three years ago. It has since built a strong reputation for its specialist hair extension services, advanced colouring techniques, and luxury salon experience.

Salon owner Jodie Lloyd, who has over 14 years of experience in the industry, said the national recognition reflects the passion and hard work of her entire team.

“Being named finalists on a national level is such an incredible achievement for our team,” she said.

“We have worked so hard to build Dolly Rocks into a luxury salon experience where clients can access high-quality hair, beauty and aesthetic treatments all under one roof.

“To be recognised for both our team and our hair extension expertise means so much to us.”

The salon is also a professional partner with leading hair extension brand Beauty Works, further highlighting their commitment to industry excellence.

The UK Hair and Beauty Awards recognise outstanding professionals and businesses across the country who demonstrate exceptional skill, innovation, and dedication to client experience.

This latest recognition adds to the salon’s growing list of achievements, which includes being in the running to be named best in Wales in previous years. The nominations place Dolly Rocks among the most accomplished salons in the UK, while continuing to bring national attention to Swansea’s thriving beauty industry.

The winners of The UK Hair and Beauty Awards 2026 will be announced later this year.

Uplands councillors join Liberal Democrats as former party leader hits back

Councillors Sandra Joy and Allan Jeffery, who were elected as Uplands Party candidates in 2022 before becoming Independents last year, have now joined the Liberal Democrats. The party announced the move as a boost ahead of the Senedd elections in May, saying it strengthens their position in Swansea.

Welsh Liberal Democrat Leader Jane Dodds MS welcomed the pair, stating: “Sandra and Allan are exactly the kind of councillors communities want representing them. Rooted in their area, working hard for residents and not afraid to speak up when something was not right.”

She added that with services stretched and communities feeling taken for granted, “Only the Liberal Democrats can beat Labour, stop Reform and deliver for Swansea.”

Councillor Sandra Joy said joining the Liberal Democrats felt like the right step, stating that she and Allan Jeffery were “still the same people who would speak their minds and fight for Uplands every day, but now as part of a growing team ready to take the city in a better direction.”

However, the move has been strongly criticised by Uplands Party leader, Cllr Peter May, who provided additional context on the defections.

In a statement to Swansea Bay News, Cllr May pointed out this was the councillors’ second defection. He also revealed that Cllr Sandra Joy had moved out of the Uplands Ward to Sketty in June 2025, making her ineligible to continue as an Uplands Party councillor.

“She is seeking to run in Sketty ward in the council elections in 2027 which is presently held by the Liberal Democrats,” Cllr May said.

He also highlighted Cllr Allan Jeffery’s past electoral performance. “Allan Jeffery ran unsuccessfully in the Uplands ward as a Liberal Democrat in 2017. He polled 366 votes and finished 12th out of 18 candidates,” Cllr May stated.

“In 2022 he ran as an Uplands Party candidate and was successfully elected securing 1641 votes and finished 4th out of the 4 elected councillors. If he is running as a returning Liberal Democrat in 2027, I look forward to the contest.”

The Liberal Democrats now hold 13 of the 75 seats on Swansea Council.

Swansea’s road repair blitz ramps up as new resurfacing crews hit the streets

The council says an additional £300,000 has been pumped into the programme, allowing teams to tackle more potholes, worn‑out stretches and weather‑damaged routes after weeks of cold, wet conditions.

Fresh resurfacing lined up across the city

A series of busy roads are now earmarked for work in the coming weeks, including key routes in Clydach, Morriston, Fforestfach, Llansamlet, Clase, Bishopston and Uplands.

Locations scheduled for repairs include:

• Ynyspenllwch Road, Clydach (Ffordd Cwmtawe to Clydach)
• Lone Road, Clydach
• Llanllienwen Road, Morriston
• A48, Morriston (J46 to Bryntywod entrance)
• Carmarthen Road, Fforestfach (Ffordd Cynore to Swansea Road)
• Nantong Way, Llansamlet (outside Royal Mail)
• Rheidol Avenue, Clase
• Bishopston Road, Bishopston
• Maes y Gwernen Road and Drive, Cwmrhydyceirw
• Uplands Crescent

The council says full resurfacing has already been completed at a number of high‑traffic spots, including the Peniel Green Road motorway junction.

‘We’re using every resource we’ve got’

Cllr Andrew Stevens, Cabinet Member for Environment and Infrastructure, said crews were working flat out to keep up with demand.

“We are using all of our resources to tackle as many of the highway repair requests as possible,” he said.

“Full resurfacing work is being completed at key traffic spots including the motorway junction at Peniel Green Road. Our small resurfacing teams are also out tackling large areas of road that have been impacted by the recent cold and wet weather.”

Part of a wider £300k pothole and resurfacing blitz

The council says the latest work forms part of the £300,000 pothole and resurfacing blitz announced earlier this winter. According to the authority’s early‑February update, teams filled around 960 potholes in January, with repairs running at “around 100 a day” during the coldest weeks. The same update confirmed that full resurfacing had recently been completed on Peniel Green Road at the M4 junction, along with sections of Frampton Road, Carmarthen Road and Ffynone Road in Uplands.

The council said an extra team had been brought in to “speed up and increase the number of repairs”, with more resurfacing schemes scheduled across the city in the coming weeks as the winter programme continues.

£37m proposed for highways and transport

The council’s proposed budget for 20206/27 is due to be discussed by the council’s cabinet on 19 February. This includes a new Economic Growth Fund which according to the council would include an extra £3m for resurfacing and potholes, taking next year’s roads budget to more than £12m within a wider £37m allocation for highways and transport.

Swansea’s Secret Traitor revealed as real‑life lifesaver who helped woman escape abuse and sex work

Fiona, 62, who was unmasked as the series’ first ever Secret Traitor, worked for Swansea Council as a Local Area Coordinator covering the Brynmill and Uplands area. Her role involved supporting people facing isolation, crisis or vulnerability — and one case in particular has resurfaced following her TV fame.

A chance meeting that changed a life

According to a Swansea Council case study published in 2018, Fiona first met a young woman known as Alice on a bench overlooking the lake at Brynmill Park. The pair had been introduced by a mutual acquaintance who believed Fiona could help.

Alice, then 25, was bright and articulate but struggling with isolation, low confidence and a violent relationship. During one of their regular “talk and walk” meetings in local parks and along the promenade, she disclosed that she had become trapped in sex work.

The council says Fiona spent months getting to know her, helping her identify her strengths and goals, and supporting her to imagine “what a good life looked like”.

A Swansea Council case study said:

“Fiona came into my life when I thought nobody could help me. I felt so ashamed and just didn’t want to go on. I’ll always be grateful for the time she spent with me and thank her from the bottom of my heart.”

Fiona introduced Alice to a Domestic Abuse Support worker, took her to the One Stop Shop in the city centre, and encouraged her to explore voluntary work and education.

By the end of 2018, Alice had left her abusive partner, stopped sex work and enrolled in college. The council says the pair remained in contact.

Fiona’s philosophy: ‘Walk alongside people’

The council’s profile of Fiona paints a picture of a community worker who believed in simple, human connection — often starting with a coffee and a walk.

A Swansea Council case study quoted Fiona saying:

“Sometimes going for a coffee with someone you don’t know — having the warmth and genuine interest from another person — can help you to see options.”

She described her role as “walking alongside people” as they rebuilt confidence, reconnected with their community and worked towards the life they wanted.

Councillor Mark Child, Cabinet Member for Health and Wellbeing at the time, called Alice’s story “one of the most moving” examples of the Local Area Coordinator scheme.

From council worker to TV favourite

Fiona’s off‑screen work stands in stark contrast to her on‑screen persona as the red‑cloaked Secret Traitor — a twist that made her one of the most memorable players of the series.

Her dramatic confrontation with fellow Traitor Rachel Duffy and subsequent banishment drew huge attention, with more than seven million viewers watching the episode.

But Fiona has insisted the show was “just a bit of fun” compared with the real‑life challenges she faced supporting vulnerable people across Swansea.

She is now retiring from the council after working full‑time since she was 16, but says she will continue volunteering in the community, including with Swansea’s growing Men’s Sheds network.

A brush with police over a ‘burner phone’

Fiona also revealed on the BBC’s Uncloaked aftershow that she was once approached by police after innocently asking a shop for a “burner phone” — having been advised to set up a separate mobile for social media after filming.

The Independent reported that officers later approached her to check the request, leaving the studio audience in stitches when she recounted the mix‑up.

‘You can change somebody’s life by reaching out’

Reflecting on Alice’s story, Fiona told national media she was proud of the young woman’s progress but emphasised that the credit belonged to her.

Fiona Hughes said:

“The lady is very settled now. She has children and is an amazing woman. It’s not my story to tell, but it’s important to remember so many people feel very vulnerable and isolated, but you can change somebody’s life by reaching out.”

Related stories from Swansea Bay News

Swansea’s Secret Traitor Fiona banished after dramatic round table showdown
Fiona’s explosive confrontation with fellow Traitor Rachel made her one of the series’ most talked‑about players.

Traitors icon Paul Gorton says he’d pick Swansea’s Fiona Hughes as Secret Traitor
Former finalist Paul Gorton singled out Fiona as the perfect Secret Traitor long before her dramatic reveal.

Swansea’s Fiona Hughes climbs early predictions as The Traitors series 4 gets underway
Fiona quickly emerged as a fan favourite as early predictions tipped her for a deep run in the game.

Brynmill sinkhole finally filled – again – as road reopens this afternoon

Swansea Council confirmed at 3.20pm today (Friday 19 December) that the road is back open following emergency works.

The authority said crews had been “putting the finishing touches” to the repair earlier in the day, after investigations revealed the latest collapse was linked to the earlier fault that has caused repeated disruption in the area.

A spokesperson said the council’s Highways Team will now consider carrying out a geotechnical survey to determine whether further work is needed along the route to prevent more sinkholes from forming.

The reopening comes after a string of closures, diversions and emergency digs that have turned the Brynmill sinkhole into one of Swansea’s most persistent infrastructure sagas.

Related stories from Swansea Bay News

Brynmill sinkhole saga rumbles on as crews dig deep after second collapse
Engineers were forced back on site after a fresh collapse reopened the long‑running sinkhole drama.

Brynymor Road shuts again just hours after councillors’ photo‑op
A newly repaired section of road collapsed the same day councillors posed for reopening photos.

Brynymor Road reopens after sinkhole drama
The busy Brynmill route reopened following emergency works — but questions remained over the cause.

Sinkhole mystery solved as collapse blamed on old manhole
Investigations pointed to a hidden manhole chamber as the culprit behind the sudden road failure.

Council investigates possible mine link to Brynmor Crescent sinkhole
Historic mine workings were examined as a potential factor in the recurring collapses.

Brynymor Road sinkhole ‘larger than expected’, says councillor
Councillors warned the damage beneath the surface was more extensive than first thought.

Sinkhole forces road closure in Swansea’s Bryn‑y‑Mor Road
The first collapse that triggered months of disruption for residents and drivers.

Brynmill sinkhole saga rumbles on — crews dig deep after second collapse

This morning we revealed how the street had collapsed again, forcing a fresh closure between Westbury Street and Eaton Crescent. Heavy machinery and barriers are now back in place as engineers work to stabilise the site.

From November shock to December drama

The saga began on 22 November, when a sudden collapse forced the closure of Brynymor Road. What at first looked like a small hole quickly grew into a major headache, with councillors warning the damage was larger than expected.

Investigations followed, with engineers probing whether old mine workings beneath the Crescent were to blame. For weeks, the mystery deepened as crews dug into the road surface, trying to uncover the cause.

By mid‑December, the answer finally came: the collapse was traced back to an old manhole chamber hidden beneath the tarmac. With the mystery solved, hopes rose that the road could reopen before Christmas.

On 17 December, councillors gathered for a photo call to mark the reopening, praising the swift repair and celebrating the return of traffic to one of Brynmill’s busiest streets.

Collapse number two

But the celebrations didn’t last long. Within hours, a second sinkhole appeared nearby, plunging the street back into disruption and forcing crews to return with diggers and trucks.

A Swansea Council spokesperson said:

“Our highways maintenance teams are at the site of a second sinkhole on Brynymor Road. We are doing all we can to repair as quickly as possible and reopen the road.”

They added:

“The road is closed between Westbury Street and Eaton Crescent. Brynymor Road between King Edward Road and St Helens Road remains open to motorists who are visiting local businesses in the area. Apologies for any inconvenience this is causing.”

Images from the scene

Photos taken Thursday show crews in high‑vis jackets operating diggers and trucks, excavating the collapsed section and cordoning off the street with barriers. The fresh hole exposes layers of asphalt and soil, as engineers work to stabilise the site.