Public meeting called as fight to save the Ospreys intensifies

Swansea Council Leader Rob Stewart and Swansea West MP Torsten Bell will host the meeting at the Guildhall at 6.30pm on Wednesday 4 February, bringing together supporters, former players and community figures who want to keep men’s professional rugby in the city.

The move comes as anger continues to build over the WRU’s plans to cut the number of elite teams from four to three — a proposal widely believed to put the Ospreys most at risk. The meeting is being billed as a chance for supporters to hear the latest developments, discuss next steps and show the strength of feeling across Swansea Bay.

Torsten Bell said the Ospreys had been treated with “zero respect” by the WRU in recent weeks.

“The Ospreys matter to our city, to our communities, and to loyal supporters who deserve to be treated with more than the zero respect that the WRU have shown them,” he said. “At this uncertain moment, it’s vital that we come together, share information, and show that the whole region stands united behind its team.”

Council leader Rob Stewart said the fight was about far more than sport.

“This is about more than rugby – it’s about pride, community and the future of professional sport in our city,” he said. “We want to make sure the voices of supporters and local leaders are heard loud and clear.”

The meeting is open to supporters, community representatives and anyone concerned about the Ospreys’ future. Those planning to attend have been asked to RSVP via [email protected].

The announcement marks the latest escalation in a crisis that has already seen senior players, MPs, actors, councillors and supporters’ groups unite in opposition to the WRU’s direction. With a petition now gathering signatures across Wales and political pressure mounting, campaigners say the public meeting is another chance to show the union the strength of local resolve.

Related stories from Swansea Bay News

Supporters’ groups from three regions unite to launch petition
Official supporters’ groups from Ospreys, Scarlets and Cardiff joined forces to oppose the WRU’s restructure plans.

Alun Wyn Jones warns WRU plan would leave a ‘rugby black hole’
The former Wales captain cautioned that cutting the Ospreys would devastate rugby across Swansea Bay.

Swansea Council unites in dramatic show of support
Councillors backed the region amid growing fears over its future.

MPs accuse WRU of ‘stitch‑up’ as pressure intensifies
Swansea MPs criticised the WRU’s handling of the restructuring process.

Michael Sheen urges WRU to rethink Ospreys future
The actor added his voice to calls for the WRU to change course.

Swansea Council blasts WRU as Ospreys face being ‘wiped out’
The council warned the region was at risk in the proposed shake‑up.

Hype for the Future 70E: Essex County, Vermont

https://novatopflex.wordpress.com/2026/01/09/hype-for-the-future-70e-essex-county-vermont/

Historic Meeting in London [1914 September 4]
Bain News Service
1 negative : glass ; 5 x 7 in. or smaller. | Photograph shows a meeting at the Guildhall in London on September 4, 1914, during which Prime Minister Herbert Henry Asquith encouraged military recruitment for World War I. (Source: Flickr Commons project, 2011)

Herbert Henry Asquith, 1st Earl of Oxford and Asquith, generally known as H. H. Asquith, was a British statesman and Liberal politician who was Prime Minister of the United Kingdom from 1908 to 1916. He was the last prime minister from the Liberal Party to command a majority government, and the most recent Liberal to have served as Leader of the Opposition. He played a major role in the design and passage of major liberal legislation and a reduction of the power of the House of Lords. In August 1914 Asquith took the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland and the British Empire into the First World War. During 1915 his government was vigorously attacked for a shortage of munitions and the failure of the Gallipoli Campaign. He formed a coalition government with other parties, but failed to satisfy critics, was forced to resign in December 1916 and never regained power. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/H._H._Asquith
London is the capital and largest city of both England and the United Kingdom, with a population of 9.1 million people in 2024. Its wider metropolitan area is the largest in Western Europe, with a population of 15.1 million. London stands on the River Thames in southeast England, at the head of a 50-mile (80 km) tidal estuary down to the North Sea, and has been a major settlement for nearly 2,000 years. Its ancient core and financial centre, the City of London, was founded by the Romans as Londinium and has retained its medieval boundaries. The City of Westminster, to the west of the City of London, has been the centuries-long host of the national government and parliament. London grew rapidly in the 19th century, becoming the world's largest city at the time. Since the 19th century the name "London" has referred to the metropolis around the City of London, historically split between the counties of Middlesex, Essex, Surrey, Kent and Hertfordshire, which since 1965 has largely comprised the administrative area of Greater London, governed by 33 local authorities and the Greater London Authority.

#London #Guildhall #WorldWarI #HerbertHenryAsquith #HistoricMeeting #Recruitment #WorldWar #news #photography
https://www.loc.gov/item/2014703484/

Work to start on new skate plaza at Victoria Park as £2.8m wheeled sports investment rolls out

A city‑centre hub for skaters and riders

The scheme will replace the park’s existing skate ramp with a modern plaza‑style design, giving skateboarders, BMXers and scooter riders a purpose‑built space in the heart of the city. Swansea Council expects to appoint a contractor shortly, with the project scheduled for completion by the end of March.

Locals will get their first look at the plans during a public meeting in the park on Tuesday, November 11, where designers from Curve Studio will explain the project. A follow‑up session at the Guildhall will then set out how the wider £2.8m investment in wheeled sports is taking shape across Swansea.

Investment reaching across Swansea

The Victoria Park project is just one part of a city‑wide programme. Updated designs will also be unveiled for a BMX‑focused track at Gowerton’s Elba sports complex and an upgraded skatepark at Ynystawe.

Council officers say the goal is simple: to ensure that in most parts of Swansea, no one will have to travel more than two miles to reach a new or improved wheeled sports facility.

Other schemes are already moving forward. Contracts are about to be awarded for improvements at Mynydd Newydd in Penlan and the Phoenix Centre in Townhill, while major upgrades have already been completed at Coed Bach in Pontarddulais and Melin Mynach in Gorseinon.

Plans are also in the pipeline for a small cycling facility in Blaenymaes, a new pump track in Bishopston, refurbishment of the existing pump track at Clyne Valley, and a junior pump track in Gorseinon. More sites are expected to be announced soon.

Council: “We’re investing heavily”

Cllr Andrew Stevens, Cabinet Member for Environment and Infrastructure, said: “We understand how popular skateboarding, BMXing and other wheeled sports are in Swansea.

This is why we’re investing so heavily in new or improved facilities right across the city for the benefit of our young people and wheeled sports enthusiasts of all ages.

The meetings planned for next week will give people an update on where we are with the overall investment as we continue to work closely alongside experts at Curve Studio to deliver the kind of high‑quality facilities that meets people’s needs and aspirations.”

Backed by multiple partners

The £2.8m programme is being funded through a mix of council budgets, ward member contributions, the community investment fund, support from community and town councils, and Welsh Government active travel grants.

Related articles

• Upgraded neighbourhood skate park reopens in Gorseinon – Major improvements have given local skaters a refreshed community facility.
• Work complete at Pontarddulais skatepark – A popular site has been transformed as part of Swansea’s wheeled sports investment.
• Plans to be revealed for Gowerton BMX track and improved Ynystawe skatepark – Designs set to be shared with the public following consultation.
• Community council asks for views on Mumbles skatepark – Residents invited to shape the future of a key local facility.

#BMX #CurveStudio #Guildhall #SkatePark #skatePlaza #Skateboarding #Swansea #SwanseaCouncil #VictoriaPark

New route announced for Swansea Christmas Parade

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

Parade route through the city

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

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

Entertainment and lights switch‑on

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

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

Council leader welcomes new route

Cllr Rob Stewart, Leader of Swansea Council, said:

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

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

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

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

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

Family of Morriston blast victim say ‘massive mistakes’ led to loss of key evidence

Brian Lyn Davies, 68, died when his end‑terrace home on Clydach Road was destroyed in the early hours of 13 March 2023. The blast sent debris across the street, damaged neighbouring properties and forced dozens of people to evacuate.

At Swansea Guildhall this week, his son Ricky Davies told the jury:

“As a family we feel massive mistakes have been made and we have been massively let down by the authorities losing evidence.

We hope that harsh lessons have been learned and others don’t have to endure the heartache we have had to face.”

Rubble removed before examination

The inquest heard that in the hours after the explosion, Swansea Council staff operating a JCB removed rubble from the site as part of efforts to locate Mr Davies, who was unaccounted for at the time.

Around 60 tonnes of debris from 159 Clydach Road — described in court as “potential evidence” — was taken to a baling plant at a recycling centre and not preserved for forensic examination.

A gas pipe excavated at the scene was later found to be fractured in several places, with the largest crack measuring between four and eight millimetres. A central question for the jury is whether those cracks existed before the explosion or were caused during excavation.

Expert evidence on gas leak

Stephen Critchlow, from the Health and Safety Executive’s science division, told the inquest he had initial reservations about attending after seeing news footage showing the scene had been “significantly compromised”.

When he did visit, he said:

“I was able to see straight away the road had effectively been cleared of debris from the explosion. My opinion was most of the debris on scene was from the attached 157 neighbouring property, and that materials from 159 had been cleared from the scene.”

On the fractured gas main, he said:

“There is a leaking gas main as a matter of fact. It is close to the house, as a matter of fact, and a leaking gas main outside a house is a common cause of explosion.

I absolutely would not rule out the gas main being causal… but I can’t say any stronger than that, simply because we can’t rule out a gas leak existing in the house already, because that evidence has been lost.”

Mr Critchlow said a gas meter and cooker seized from the property were “gas tight” and the boiler had “no significant leak”.

Gas network denies fault

Harry Lambert, representing Wales & West Utilities, told the hearing the police had “absolute” responsibility for gathering evidence at the scene and said:

“The evidence is compromised and incomplete. There is no evidence at all that the mains were the cause of the gas explosion.”

Neighbour’s account

Earlier in the week, the inquest heard from Claire Bennett, who lived next door at 157 Clydach Road. She said she had smelled gas at the rear of her property for about a fortnight before the blast, which she believed was coming from a nearby address in Field Close.

The jury has now heard all the evidence. The inquest has been adjourned until Monday 15 September, when proceedings will resume.

Related stories from Swansea Bay News

Inquest hears neighbour smelt gas weeks before fatal Morriston blast
Jury told of gas smell behind neighbouring property in the fortnight before explosion which killed Brian Lyn Davies.

Morriston house explosion: Man named as Brian Davies
Tributes paid to 68‑year‑old after Clydach Road home destroyed in blast that damaged neighbouring properties.

#ClydachRoad #coroner #Gas #gasExplosion #gasLeak #Guildhall #inquest #Morriston #Swansea #WalesAndWestUtilities

Inquest hears neighbour smelt gas weeks before fatal Morriston blast

Brian Davies, 68, died when his end‑terrace home on Clydach Road was obliterated in the early hours of 13 March last year. The explosion sent debris across the street and into neighbouring gardens, damaged multiple properties and forced dozens of people to evacuate.

At Swansea Guildhall on Monday, the inquest heard from Claire Bennett, who lived next door to Mr Davies. She described a “really strong” smell of gas at the rear of her property for about a fortnight before the incident, which she assumed was linked to building work nearby.

On the morning of the blast, Ms Bennett had returned from the school run and was sitting in her lounge when she heard what she thought was a car crash.

“Things went dark and I lost a couple of seconds and came to. The house was filled with debris and the ceiling and walls had fallen in,” she said.

She recalled a man’s voice reassuring her as he pulled rubble away to free her from the sofa. Her son Ethan was also caught up in the explosion, and both have since received therapy for post‑traumatic stress.

“For about a year‑and‑a‑half from the moment I open my eyes in the morning until I go to bed at night, I thought I was going to die,” she told the inquest.

The inquest was shown CCTV of postman Jonathan Roberts driving past Mr Davies’ home at the moment of the blast, his van instantly engulfed in dust and debris.

Evidence was also read from the property’s owner, Jeffery White, who said no major works had been carried out in the year before the incident, and from a gas engineer who inspected the home in May 2022 and reported no smell of gas at that time.

Mr Davies, a grandfather‑of‑three and self‑employed builder, had rented the property for around four years. His son Ricky described him as “always in good spirits” with many friends and a love of fitness.

A community still feeling the impact

The March 2023 explosion prompted a major emergency response, with police, fire, ambulance and utility crews on scene for days. A major incident was declared, nearby roads were closed, and a community support hub was set up at Morriston Library.

Residents rallied to help those displaced, with fundraising appeals launched and neighbouring streets offering shelter, clothing and food. Gas pipe replacement work in the area was later brought forward.

Wales & West Utilities, which maintains the gas network, is represented at the inquest alongside the Health and Safety Executive.

The hearing is expected to last a week, examining both how Mr Davies died and the circumstances leading up to the explosion.

Related stories from Swansea Bay News

Major incident declared after gas explosion in Morriston
Emergency services respond after blast destroys home and damages neighbouring properties.

Man who died following explosion in Morriston named
Tributes paid to 68‑year‑old Brian Davies after fatal blast.

Council worker Keith praised for bravery after Morriston explosion rescue
Local authority employee hailed for pulling neighbour from debris.

Community praised for response to Morriston explosion
Residents rally to support those affected by the incident.

Morriston gas pipe replacement work brought forward in wake of home explosion incident
Utility company accelerates infrastructure upgrades following tragedy.

#ClydachRoad #coroner #featured #Gas #gasExplosion #Guildhall #HealthAndSafetyExecutive #HSE #inquest #Morriston #Swansea #WalesAndWestUtilities

Swansea pensioner’s death after falling on an escalator in WH Smith a tragic accident

A woman tragically lost her life after a fall on an escalator at a shopping centre caused catastrophic bleeding.

The inquest, held at Swansea’s Guildhall yesterday, heard that retired administrator Ms Harris, who lived on Miers Street in St Thomas, died from external bleeding caused by traumatic lacerations to her right leg.

Her bleeding was reportedly exacerbated by two common medications she was taking, apixaban and aspirin. 

No faults were found with the escalator or its surrounding environment. Senior coroner Aled Gruffydd returned a conclusion of accidental death.

[Lead image: John Myers]

#AccidentalDeath #Guildhall #SouthWalesPolice #WHSmith

Don't fuck with the architect!

"Many have wondered about the four pillars in the centre of the Corn Market, for they do not actually support the ceiling. Rumour has it that the council were concerned that the unsupported floor of the chamber may collapse, but Sir Christopher Wren, to prove a point, left the additional columns short of the ceiling."

https://www.thamesweb.co.uk/windsor/guildhall/guildhall01.htm

#Architecture #Windsor #Guildhall