GORSEINON: More than 130 cannabis plants seized after South Wales Police raid Danybryn Road address

South Wales Police officers raided an address on Danybryn Road in Gorseinon on Tuesday after receiving a report about suspected cannabis cultivation.

Inside, they found a cannabis farm containing in excess of 130 plants. The plants have since been seized and destroyed.

Officers also discovered that the electricity supply at the property had been tampered with — a common feature of cannabis cultivation operations, which require significant power to run the lighting, heating and ventilation systems needed to keep plants growing.

National Grid attended the address to assess the risk and make the property safe. South Wales Police said the tampered supply had posed a risk not only to the address itself but to neighbouring properties.

Enquiries are ongoing, with assistance from crime scene investigators, to identify a possible suspect. No arrests have been announced at this stage.

The find came less than 24 hours after the initial report was received — a turnaround officers from the Swansea and Neath Port Talbot team highlighted as an example of how quickly community intelligence can be acted upon.

It is the latest in a string of cannabis farm discoveries across the region in recent weeks. Just days ago, a man was jailed after police uncovered a 539-plant cannabis farm in a Swansea Uplands property — with the suspect found hiding in a cupboard when officers arrived at the address.

A cannabis factory containing up to 120 plants was also dismantled in Briton Ferry after neighbours tipped off police — another case where community intelligence led directly and quickly to a raid. As with the Gorseinon discovery, electricity at the Briton Ferry address had also been interfered with.

The problem is not confined to residential properties. Officers previously discovered a secret cannabis factory inside the former Marks and Spencer building in Neath town centre, where an industrial-scale growing operation had been set up. One man was arrested following that raid.

The Neath discovery highlighted how abandoned commercial premises — which may go uninspected for long periods — can also be targeted by those looking to set up growing operations away from public view.

The electricity tampering found at the Danybryn Road address is a particular concern for authorities. Bypassed electricity meters and illegally rewired supplies can cause fires and pose serious risks to neighbouring properties — often without the knowledge of nearby residents.

Police have previously warned landlords across the region to be vigilant after a cannabis factory was found inside a rented Sandfields property, leaving the owner facing significant repair costs after the factory was discovered.

Officers urged property owners to carry out regular inspections and to look out for signs including blacked-out windows, unusual smells, condensation and high electricity use — all of which can indicate a cannabis cultivation operation inside a property.

The frequency of finds across the region reflects a broader pattern of sustained enforcement activity by South Wales Police against cannabis cultivation, with community tip-offs proving a consistent and effective source of intelligence.

Anyone who suspects cannabis cultivation is taking place in their neighbourhood can report it anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111, or contact South Wales Police on 101.

More on cannabis farms in south Wales

Man found hiding in cupboard jailed after police uncover 539-plant cannabis farm in Uplands
One of the largest recent finds in Swansea — and the suspect was discovered in a cupboard.

Cannabis factory with up to 120 plants discovered in Briton Ferry after neighbours tip off police
Another community tip-off that led directly and quickly to a raid and seizure.

Neath cops bust secret cannabis factory in abandoned M&S
An industrial-scale operation discovered in an empty town centre building.

Police warn landlords after cannabis factory found in Swansea rental home
What property owners need to know — and the signs to look out for.

#Cannabis #CannabisFarm #Gorseinon #SouthWalesPolice

Gorseinon Hospital bosses make personal pledge to councillors: ‘We are not closing this hospital’

Chair Jan Williams and Chief Executive Abi Harris attended a meeting at the hospital itself to face councillors directly, following months of worry sparked by the temporary transfer of inpatient beds to Singleton Hospital and the appearance of metal security plates on the West Ward windows.

The beds were moved to Singleton in October last year over patient safety concerns, and were supposed to return by 31 March. That deadline has now been pushed back to 30 September — because, the health board says, the safety work wasn’t finished in time to bring patients back safely.

The security plates caused particular alarm in the community. The health board says they were put up after thieves broke into a disused bungalow at the back of the hospital and stole copper piping. South Wales Police were called, and a person was subsequently arrested and charged. The plates will come down, the health board says, once window latches are secured and security cameras are installed.

Speaking after the meeting, Jan Williams and Abi Harris said: “We have a number of services delivered from the hospital which are looking for additional space to ensure they can see as many patients as possible — including the pacemaker and heart failure clinics. We are supporting those services to make use of the space freed up in the ward area on a temporary basis.”

They also revealed that pacemaker and heart failure clinics are looking to expand into the space freed up by the ward closure on a temporary basis — a sign, the health board says, of the building’s continued use rather than a wind-down.

Gorseinon Hospital continues to operate a long list of services that are completely unaffected by the bed transfer. These include musculoskeletal physiotherapy, respiratory and cardiology clinics including the Heart Failure Clinic for patients across the whole of Swansea Bay, phlebotomy, district nursing, school nursing, health visiting, Parkinson’s nurses, occupational therapy, speech and language therapy and community bladder and bowel health teams.

The health board says the longer-term future of the hospital will be decided through its wider clinical services review — Transforming for the Future — which looks at how all services can best be delivered. Hospital bosses added that a series of public listening events is planned, starting in Gorseinon, to give local people a say in what happens next.

Related stories from Swansea Bay News

Health board insists Gorseinon Hospital will not close as councillors press case for inpatient services
The previous round of assurances — and the pressure that prompted them.

Health board confirms temporary transfer of Gorseinon Hospital inpatient beds to Singleton
How it started — and what the health board said when the beds were first moved.

Health board considers moving all inpatient beds from Gorseinon Hospital to Singleton
The story from the very beginning.

#Gorseinon #GorseinonHospital #SouthWalesPolice #SwanseaBayUniversityHealthBoard

GORSEINON: New college building takes shape as £20m campus overhaul hits key milestone

The £20.6 million transformation of Gower College Swansea’s Gorseinon Campus has reached a landmark stage, with the new building now fully enclosed and interior work progressing rapidly towards a summer 2026 opening.

The project, which is being delivered by lead contractor Kier Construction and backed by the Welsh Government’s Sustainable Communities for Learning Programme, was first revealed to residents living near the campus before a formal planning submission was made. It has now pushed through an “incredibly busy winter period” despite heavy rainfall causing delays across the construction industry more broadly.

The structural frame of the new two-storey building is now complete and the roof installation is finished. Crucially, the building has been made watertight — the point at which interior fitting-out can begin in earnest.

Inside, plastering and cabling are both under way. The new classrooms are nearing completion and ceiling installation is now in progress. Outside, cladding works are moving quickly and scaffolding is being stripped away in preparation for the installation of the final brick-slip facade that will give the new building its finished appearance.

The landscaping around the building is also taking shape. A new seating area has been installed, plans are progressing for an outdoor teaching space, and paving works for the main college entrance are currently under way.

When the new block opens, students at Gorseinon will gain access to state-of-the-art science laboratories, refurbished and upgraded classrooms, new examination rooms, and dedicated socialising and study spaces. Enhanced learner support rooms — designed with improved visibility and accessibility in mind — are also part of the scheme.

The redevelopment goes beyond the new building itself. Kier has also carried out improvement works on existing campus buildings, with some refurbished classrooms already reopened as upgraded science labs, and the student support and union office having been given a significant overhaul.

Paul Kift, who was appointed Principal of Gower College Swansea last year, said the project would deliver lasting benefits for students. “This major redevelopment will expand capacity and create fully accessible, inclusive and future-focused spaces for every learner,” he said. “The project will elevate the learner experience and support the sustainable growth of the College through modern, inspiring facilities and smarter campus infrastructure.”

Ian Rees, Regional Director for Kier Construction Western & Wales, said reaching the watertight stage marked a turning point for the build. “Reaching the watertight stage is a significant milestone for the project and means we can now push ahead, bringing the inside of the new building to life,” he said.

Rees added that sustainability had been central to the design from the outset. “The new extension has been designed to achieve net zero carbon in operation through using high levels of insulation, efficient electric heating, and a large rooftop solar panel array,” he said. “These elements support the College’s ambition for a modern, sustainable campus.”

The rooftop solar array is a notable feature of the scheme. The panels, which will cover a substantial portion of the new building’s roof, are intended to significantly reduce the campus’s reliance on grid electricity once the facility is operational.

Gower College Swansea’s Gorseinon Campus is one of the college’s main sites, serving thousands of students across Swansea and the surrounding area each year. The college operates across six campuses in total, with Gorseinon one of its largest and most established bases.

The Gorseinon redevelopment forms part of the Welsh Government’s broader investment in further education infrastructure through the Sustainable Communities for Learning Programme, which funds capital projects at schools and colleges across Wales.

The college has not yet confirmed which specific courses will be housed in the new facilities, but science provision is clearly a major focus given the prominence of new laboratory space in both the new build and the refurbished existing buildings.

Completion is expected in summer 2026, with students and staff anticipated to begin using the new facilities from the start of the following academic year.

Related stories from Swansea Bay News

Gower College Swansea appoints former student Paul Kift as new Principal
The college’s new Principal — who first attended as a student at the Gorseinon Campus — takes the reins as the redevelopment gathers pace.

College to consult residents on Gorseinon campus expansion plans ahead of formal planning submission
How the project began — the college’s early engagement with the local community before plans were formally submitted.

RUN FOR MORGAN: Emotional Gorseinon 10K set to honour little boy who touched a nation
The community spirit that makes Gorseinon tick — a town also home to one of Swansea’s major further education campuses.

#campusRedevelopment #construction #education #Gorseinon #GorseinonCampus #GorseinonCollege #GowerCollegeSwansea #KierConstruction #SustainableCommunitiesForLearningProgramme

RUN FOR MORGAN: Emotional Gorseinon 10K set to honour little boy who touched a nation

The Gorseinon 10K and 2K Fun Run returns on April 12, raising vital funds for Morgan’s Army — the charity founded in memory of Morgan Ridler, who tragically died from cancer aged just three.

Morgan’s story moved thousands across Wales, with tributes pouring in from rugby stars, TV presenters and communities far beyond his hometown. His legacy now lives on through the charity set up by his family — supporting children with cancer and families facing unimaginable challenges.

And now, that legacy will take centre stage on the streets of Gorseinon.

Jessica crosses the finish line with a smile as crowds cheer on runners at the Gorseinon 10K.

More than 800 runners are expected to take part in this year’s event — but organisers say it’s about far more than a race.

“This event means everything to us,” said Morgan’s mum and charity founder Natalie Ridler.

“It’s about remembering Morgan and other children taken too soon… and showing families they are not alone.”

From emotional tributes to powerful moments of remembrance, the day promises to be one of the most moving community events of the year.

Abi celebrates at the finish line after completing the Gorseinon 10K in front of a packed crowd.Male runner wearing a white vest and race number 44 breaks through the finish tape at the end of a road race, with spectators watching.Young runners William and Jac cross the finish line together in a heartwarming moment during the family-friendly event.Supporters line the route with handmade signs to cheer on participants at the Gorseinon 10K.

Funds raised will go directly towards Morgan’s Army’s work supporting families dealing with childhood cancer — providing practical, emotional and financial help — as well as helping Tŷ Hafan deliver vital care to children with life-limiting conditions.

The event itself has grown rapidly into a major date in the local calendar.

Alongside the 10K race, a 2K fun run will open the event up to families, children and all abilities — ensuring everyone can be part of something special.

A packed race village, live atmosphere and huge local turnout are all expected — turning the town into a sea of colour, noise and emotion.

Backed by headline sponsor Brisco Williams and supported by partners including Sinclair Group UK, the event has become a powerful show of what community spirit can achieve.

But at its core, one message stands above all.

Every step, every cheer and every finish line crossed is for Morgan — and for the families still facing the fight he never got the chance to finish.

The Gorseinon 10K & 2K Fun Run takes place on April 12 — with entries filling fast.

#10kRun #2kFunRun #BriscoGorseinon10k #Charity #Gorseinon #MorganRidler #MorgansArmy #sport

Heartbreak for diners as popular Gorseinon restaurant closes its doors

The devastating news was shared by the Seager family on Facebook, citing “mounting financial pressures” for the heartbreaking decision.

Their post read: “Unfortunately, due to mounting financial pressures, we have made the heartbreaking decision to close our doors at present here at No1 High Street. We thank you all for your messages of support & will keep you informed.”

This latest closure comes hot on the heels of their Llanelli restaurant, “Y Bryngwyn,” which shut down just two months ago, leaving many customers heartbroken.

The Seager family has been a staple of the South Wales dining scene for years, known for their popular steakhouses.

The Gorseinon venue, which opened in 2018, represented a significant £600,000 investment, transforming the former Riverside Inn pub into a bustling steakhouse.

Now, only their “The Grillhouse” restaurant in Waunarlwydd remains open, leaving the future of the family business hanging in the balance.

The double blow to the Seager empire highlights the ongoing challenges faced by the hospitality industry in the region.

Related stories from Swansea Bay News

Two much‑loved Llanelli restaurants close on the same day
A double blow for the town’s food scene as two long‑standing favourites shut their doors.

Greggs opens new larger Swansea city centre shop
A rare expansion story as a major regeneration scheme brings a bigger unit to Oxford Street.

Award‑winning Paternoster Farm restaurant to close
The acclaimed venue says ongoing uncertainty has made trading impossible.

CAMRA warns Welsh pubs still face closure
Campaigners say new support won’t be enough to stop more venues shutting.

Welsh Government announces new rates relief for pubs and restaurants
Ministers respond after growing pressure over the widening gap with England.

#Business #Closure #foodDrink #Gorseinon #hospitality #Llanelli #restaurant #restaurantClosure #Seagers #Swansea #YBryngwyn

Swansea opticians practice holds 40th anniversary celebration

Charles Richards, director at Bater & Stout in Woodfield Street, Morriston, was joined by the original founders of the practice, Lindsay and Louise Bater, at a special event on Tuesday, 3 March, to mark the important milestone. 

Originally located in Clase Road, the couple took over from Philip Rees in 1986 and re-opened the practice as Bater Opticians following a complete refurbishment. 

Later, a first-floor extension was added to accommodate a glazing laboratory, allowing the practice to offer same-day service for glasses. The couple went on to own three further practices, occasionally in partnership, at Singleton Hospital, Gorseinon and Pontarddulais, and in 1996, moved from the Clase Road premises to the current location in Woodfield Street.

In 2013, Tony Stout bought the business from the Baters and rebranded the branch as Bater & Stout Opticians, with the other practices also changing hands.

Lindsay and Louise Bater retired in 2019 and in 2020, the now-director Charles Richards joined Bater & Stout Opticians as a Dispensing Optician, working alongside Tony. 

Charles, who had worked in Boots Opticians for 15 years, said:

“When Tony interviewed me for the job, he asked me if I’d ever considered owning my own business. I had managed practices before but owning one seemed like a different kettle of fish.”

Charles was given first refusal when Tony decided to sell the business in 2023 shortly before retiring, with Charles taking on the business with his wife Sian, an optometrist. 

“Having your own business really gives you a reason to get up in the morning, knowing you are helping people. Sian and I work well together, although we don’t see much of each other through the day as I’m on the shop floor and she’s in the consulting rooms conducting eye examinations.

“These days we are seeing a number of independent practices closing their doors when people retire because finding someone to take it on as a going concern can be difficult, so we were keen to make sure Bater & Stout continued.” 

After 40 years, Bater & Stout continues to look after patients across Swansea, Neath, Port Talbot and beyond, with loyal patients travelling from as far afield as Canada, London and Pembrokeshire.

Charles added: “We are a real community here – we are known for offering affordable care to the local community and we have seen generations of patients come through the door. We have a good solid core of patients who have continued to support the practice through its past iterations because of the level of care provided.

“We have patients living away at university who return for sight tests, glasses and contact lenses with regularity. We’ve even had patients return from overseas for their check-ups.

“It’s also great to still see the original founders, Lindsay and Louise, as they are now our patients.”

As to the future, Charles said: “We have just opened a third consulting room as the business is growing quite rapidly through word of mouth. We are looking forward to welcoming new generations of patients and carrying on the legacy of Bater & Stout.”

Bater & Stout’s celebration event included Prosecco, cake and raffle, along with exclusive offers on a range of luxury brands.

For more details visit https://www.baterandstoutopticians.co.uk

#BaterStoutOpticians #Gorseinon #Morriston #Optician

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.

Dolly Rocks owner Jodie Lloyd, who has over 14 years of experience in the hair and beauty industry. (Image: Dolly Rocks Hair & Beauty)The Dolly Rocks salon floor, which moved to a larger Gorseinon premises last year. (Image: Dolly Rocks Hair & Beauty)

“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.

#awards #dollyRocksHairBeauty #Gorseinon #HairAndBeauty #localBusiness #Swansea #Uplands

Gorseinon man jailed for 19 years for murder of five-month-old baby Jensen-Lee

Thomas Morgan, 29, was sentenced at Swansea Crown Court today after a jury unanimously found him guilty earlier this month of murdering the defenceless baby at a home on Players Avenue, Clydach, on 30 March 2024.

Jensen-Lee died the following day in his mother’s arms after life support was withdrawn at the University Hospital of Wales in Cardiff.

Morgan was also convicted of one count of grievous bodily harm with intent.

Baby Jensen‑Lee Dougal, pictured in a family photo. His loved ones described him as a happy, smiling little boy.
(Image: Family handout)

In a powerful victim impact statement read to the court, Jensen-Lee’s mother Jordan said her life has been “permanently changed” by overwhelming grief, trauma and emotional pain.

“Jensen-Lee was just five months old when his life was taken. He was completely innocent and entirely dependent on the adults around him to keep him safe,” Jordan said.

“I never had the chance to hear Jensen-Lee say he loved me. I will never hear him call me ‘mammy’. I will never see him take his first steps, speak his first words, start school, or grow into the person he was meant to be. Those moments were not just lost – they were taken.

“Due to what Thomas Morgan did, I have also received a life sentence, but mine is one of grief.

“Jensen-Lee will never be forgotten. I love you, Jensen-Lee.”

The court heard during the four-week trial that Morgan had been alone with Jensen-Lee whilst the baby’s mother was at work when he subjected the infant to violent shaking that left him with catastrophic brain injuries, multiple fractures and internal bleeding.

Hours before the attack, Morgan had been embroiled in a foul-mouthed, 90-minute text row with an ex-girlfriend — messages so abusive he sent them even whilst driving with the sleeping baby in the back seat.

Prosecutors said Morgan was “full of rage” when he attacked Jensen-Lee. Medical experts told the jury the injuries were among the worst they had ever seen and could not be explained by choking, rough play or resuscitation attempts. They were consistent only with violent shaking.

Jurors were shown what prosecutors called “horrific and unforgettable” CCTV of Morgan carrying a limp Jensen-Lee out of the house. Neighbours rushed to help, performing CPR whilst waiting for paramedics.

Emergency crews managed to briefly restore a pulse before the baby was rushed to hospital, but despite the efforts of medical teams, Jensen-Lee died the following day.

Morgan claimed the baby had choked on sick and that he shook him “gently” in panic. He also claimed he couldn’t call 999 because of a broken phone speaker.

But prosecutor Caroline Rees KC said Morgan had “spun a web of lies and deceit” to cover up what he had done.

Detective Chief Inspector Lianne Rees from South Wales Police said the sentencing brings justice for the terrible crime.

“With today’s sentencing, we finally have justice for the terrible crime carried out by Thomas Morgan upon a defenceless baby boy,” DCI Rees said.

“Thomas Morgan may now finally and rightfully be going to prison, but this will do little to alleviate the grief experienced by Jensen-Lee’s family, and especially his mother Jordan, who placed her trust into her then-partner Thomas Morgan to take care of Jensen-Lee, only to experience the ultimate betrayal.

“I want to pay tribute to the members of the public, first responders and everyone involved in the desperate efforts to save Jensen-Lee’s life, when faced with the most unimaginable and tragic circumstances back in March 2024. I also want to acknowledge the incredible dignity and strength shown by Jensen-Lee’s family throughout this painful journey.

“Lastly, I would like to thank the investigation team, Crown Prosecution Service and Prosecution Counsel for their continued hard work throughout what has been a very difficult investigation and trial.”

Morgan, of Penyrheol Road, Gorseinon, showed no emotion in the dock when the verdicts were delivered on 10 February. Cries rang out from the public gallery as the jury foreman announced the unanimous guilty verdicts.

Judge Mrs Justice Stacey thanked the jury for their service in what she called “the saddest of all cases”, and praised the neighbours and medical staff who fought to save the baby.

Morgan was cleared of two further GBH charges relating to older rib fractures.

#Clydach #featured #Gorseinon #murder #sentencing #SouthWalesPolice #SwanseaCrownCourt

Three men sentenced after trying to steal railway track in Neath claiming it was on ‘unowned’ land

David Hanford, 58, of Brownhills, Gorseinon, Robert Lewis, 64, of Y Fron, Cefneithin, and Ryan John, 43, of Llys Caernedi, Carmarthen, all appeared at Swansea Crown Court where they admitted attempted theft.

Hanford and Lewis were each sentenced to nine months’ imprisonment, suspended for two years, ordered to undertake rehabilitation activity and pay £500 in compensation. John received four months and two weeks’ imprisonment, suspended for two years, and must also undertake rehabilitation activity, carry out unpaid work, and pay £500 in compensation.

The court heard that at around 8.30am on 3 October 2022, a member of the public noticed a van and a group of men in high-vis vests on the line in the Bryn Golwg area in Clyne, Neath.

He initially thought nothing of it as the line was “mothballed” – a term used in railway engineering to refer to track that is not in use at the time but still requires maintenance and could be brought back into service on short notice.

When the men had left at the end of the day, he decided to take a closer look and noticed there had been cuts to the track. Concerned, he informed Network Rail.

Railway track that was cut and stacked by the three men attempting to steal it from the mothballed line in Clyne, Neath. Image: British Transport Police

The following morning the same men were back again, going back and forth between the track and the van. British Transport Police (BTP) were called, and officers attended a short time later.

They ordered the men to stop what they were doing and provide their industry-specific identity cards proving they were allowed to work on the railway, which they were all unable to do.

Hanford claimed he and the other men were running a company and stated that the land was not owned by anyone and that the group were intending to remove the “abandoned” track and scrap the metal so the land could be used for other things.

He produced an authentic Land Registry document to try to support his claim.

However, after calling the Land Registry and noticing cuts to the track, officers seized the men’s equipment, took all of their details and told them they would all be invited to police interview on suspicion of attempted theft.

A protracted investigation was launched, involving a number of specialist Network Rail surveyors and track managers, the Land Registry and the Crown Prosecution Service.

Officers established that Hanford and Lewis had been involved in a number of similar incidents in previous years, where they would look for what they deemed as “abandoned” railway lines and make requests to the Land Registry for index map searches.

Nearly all the railway network was acquired in the 19th century by Network Rail’s predecessors in title and much of it remains unregistered.

The group tried to use the technicality of the land’s description as “unregistered estate” to their advantage as meaning nobody owned it and it was therefore theirs to do what they liked with.

As officers were preparing for voluntary interviews with the group in September 2023, they returned to the same area of track. They were spotted by another member of the public who was aware of the theft attempt from the previous year and called police.

BTP officers arrived a short time later and the group again claimed the line was abandoned and disused, admitting that they had cut the track the previous year and had returned to dispose of it. They were again arrested on suspicion of theft and taken into custody.

Close-up showing where the railway track was cut in Neath. The three men claimed the line was abandoned and on unowned land. Image: British Transport Police

The total cost of the damage caused to the track was estimated at almost £46,000.

They were all charged in April 2024.

BTP Police Constable Kay Calderwood who led the investigation said:

“This has been a lengthy, complex and honestly quite bizarre investigation. As part of the ploy the group had created a bogus company, but it was not registered with Companies House and had no health and safety plans or insurance. They tried to dress professionally so they could carry out the work unimpeded but were disrupted both times by concerned members of the public.

“The evidence we gathered meant the CPS presented Hanford, Lewis and John with land registry records and deeds dating back to the 1850s, yet they repeatedly insisted that the certificate they had meant the land was in their view abandoned and that meant they could do whatever they wanted.

“Most concerningly, the group had no idea about the line they were damaging. They didn’t know when the last test train had run on the track, therefore they’d have been entirely unaware of potentially derailing a train if they had been successful in their efforts.

“This should serve as a significant warning to anyone else who thinks they can trespass and try to steal railway track.”

BTP Chief Inspector Joseph Gorman, lead for railway disruption, said:

“This conviction sends a clear message that dangerous, costly, and disruptive crimes such as track theft will not be tolerated. Attempting to steal metal from the railway network or from depots can pose a serious risk of harm to the offender, and the costs incurred by the railway operator are passed on to the average commuter.”

Cerys Canning, Programme Manager at Network Rail, said:

“This was an extremely dangerous act that put lives at risk and caused significant damage to the railway. Even lines that are not currently in use remain part of the operational railway and can be brought back into service at short notice. Interfering with track in any circumstances is illegal and can have catastrophic consequences.

“The damage caused in this case cost almost £46,000 – money that would otherwise be spent on maintaining and improving the railway for passengers and freight customers.

“Anyone found trespassing or attempting to remove railway assets is committing a serious criminal offence and will be dealt with accordingly. We’re grateful to the members of the public who raised concerns, and we will continue working closely with British Transport Police to protect the railway and keep people safe.”

#BritishTransportPolice #Carmarthen #Cefneithin #Clyne #Gorseinon #mothballedRailway #Neath #NetworkRail #railTheft #scrapMetal

SWANSEA: Council announces £11m investment in play areas and wheeled sports facilities

The investment was highlighted during a visit by Dawn Bowden, Welsh Government Minister for Children and Social Care, to Coed Gwilym Park in Clydach, which has benefited from both schemes.

£8m Play Area Programme Since Pandemic

The council says it has invested around £8 million in creating or refurbishing over 80 community play areas since 2021. The project was supported by an additional £5 million in Welsh Government funding this year to help create inclusive and accessible play spaces, according to the council.

At Coed Gwilym Park, the funding has helped secure a wheelchair seesaw and a wheelchair trampoline, which are currently under construction. A new natural play area and a zipwire are also being added.

Children enjoying the new play equipment at Coed Gwilym Park in Clydach, which has been upgraded as part of Swansea Council’s £8 million play area investment programme. Image: Swansea Council

Welsh Government Minister Dawn Bowden said:

“It was great to visit Coed Gwilym Park and see how the local authority has been listening to the voices of children in developing play spaces. These improvements, supported by Welsh Government funding, will make a real difference to children and their families, providing opportunities to play and be active with friends.”

Welsh Government Minister for Children and Social Care Dawn Bowden (background left) and Swansea Council Cabinet Member for Community Services Cllr Hayley Gwilliam (background right) with local schoolchildren at the upgraded play area at Coed Gwilym Park in Clydach. Image: Swansea Council

Andrew Stevens, Swansea Council’s Cabinet Member for Environment and Infrastructure, said the programme was inspired by the pandemic.

“When we came out of the pandemic, the council made a commitment to modernise community play areas that’s seen more than 80 of them improved over the last five years. It means no child is far from a local, safe place to play outdoors with their friends.”

£3m Wheeled Sports Investment

The council has also announced a £3 million investment to upgrade facilities for BMX, skateboarding, and other wheeled sports.

New plans announced by the council include:

• Coed Gwilym Park, Clydach: Dirt track and jumps
• Coed Bach Park, Pontarddulais: Dirt track
• Morriston Park: Pump track
• Heol Las Park, Birchgrove: Pump track
• Maesteg Park, St Thomas: Pump track
• Ynystawe Park: Skate park
• SA1 Prince of Wales Docks: Pump track
• A new regional skate park (location to be confirmed)

The council says upgrade work has already been completed on a new skatepark at Coed Bach in Pontarddulais and a skatepark at Parc Melin Mynach in Gorseinon.

Cai Bosch, Manager of the West French Skate Shop in Mumbles at Mumbles Skatepark (Image: Rob Kenning)

Cllr Andrew Stevens said:

“We’re determined to make Swansea one of the best places in Wales for wheeled sports, and today’s announcement of further new locations shows the scale of our ambition. Our long-term aim is to create a connected, inclusive and high-quality network of wheeled sports facilities that support healthier lifestyles, youth engagement and stronger communities across Swansea.”

A public forum to discuss the plans will be held at the Guildhall on Wednesday, February 25, from 5pm to 6.30pm, according to the council.

Hayley Gwilliam, Cabinet Member for Community Services, said:

“The feedback we’ve had from children, their families and communities has been tremendous. The investment is one of the largest and most sustained commitments to outdoor play areas of this kind anywhere in the UK.”

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