17 major UK high street brands that have shut stores in 2025 so far
#highstreet
Swansea magistrates extend closure of vape shops in crackdown on illegal sales
Eight vape shops across Swansea will remain shut for up to three months after magistrates backed council action against the sale of illegal vapes and counterfeit tobacco.
The closures follow Operation Ceecee & Marvel, a three‑day joint operation led by Swansea Council’s Trading Standards with support from South Wales Police, HMRC, Home Office Immigration officers and tobacco detection dogs.
Raids lead to extended closures
Officers targeted 14 shops where earlier test purchases had confirmed illicit sales. Nine were issued with temporary 48‑hour closure notices while the council sought longer orders through the courts. Magistrates have now approved applications to extend the closure of eight shops, while the owner of the ninth has opted to shut down permanently.
The shops ordered to remain closed are:
- Morriston Mini Market, 86 Woodfield Street, Morriston
- Crystal Vapes, 95 High Street, Gorseinon
- World of Vapes, 89 St Teilo Street, Pontarddulais
- Bob Marley Vapes, 75 St Helen’s Road, Swansea city centre
- Asia Vapes, 40 St Helen’s Road, Swansea city centre
- Kubus Vapes, 31b St Helen’s Road, Swansea city centre
- Bob CBD Vapes, 29 Union Street, Swansea city centre
- Snoop Vapes, 71 High Street, Swansea city centre
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Illegal goods seized and arrests made
The raids led to the seizure of 971 packs of cigarettes, 970 packets of hand‑rolling tobacco and 2,292 vapes, with a combined retail value of more than £77,000. Five vehicles linked to the shops were also confiscated, and 11 people were arrested in connection with the sales.
Council and police warn of risks
Andrew Williams, Swansea Council’s Cabinet Member for Corporate Services (Performance), said:
“This council is taking the sale of illegal vapes and counterfeit tobacco in Swansea very seriously. Our Trading Standards Team has made this issue a priority… I’m delighted that magistrates have supported our applications to extend the closure of eight shops in the city.”
Inspector Andrew Hedley, South Wales Police, added:
“Counterfeit tobacco and vapes are not only illegal, but they are incredibly dangerous for those who use them. These businesses were all given warnings to stop selling these items but disregarded them. They will now face prosecution for various offences as a result.”
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#AsiaVapes #BobCBDVapes #BobMarleyVapes #Business #CllrAndrewWilliams #counterfeitTobacco #CrystalVapes #Gorseinon #HighStreet #illegalVapes #KubusVapes #Morriston #MorristonMiniMarket #Pontarddulais #retail #SnoopVapes #SouthWalesPolice #StHelensRoad #Swansea #SwanseaCouncil #TradingStandards #UnionStreet #vapeShop #vapeShopClosure #vapes #WoodfieldStreet #WorldOfVapes
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Housing services set to join Y Storfa community hub in city centre
The move will see both services join a growing list of community-focused organisations based at Y Storfa, the council’s flagship hub currently taking shape in the former BHS unit on Oxford Street.
Services to remain open during transition
The council has confirmed that Housing Options and Housing Support will continue operating from their current High Street base until the relocation takes place. Once the move is complete, both services will be available at Y Storfa without interruption.
Cllr Andrea Williams, Swansea Council’s Joint Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Service Transformation, said the new hub would offer a more accessible and joined-up experience for residents.
“The Y Storfa development on Oxford Street will be a modern, accessible hub that brings a range of community services together under one roof in the heart of Swansea,” she said.
“It’s been designed to make it easier for residents to get the help they need, all in one convenient location.”
An opening date for Y Storfa — and the final day of operations at the High Street office — will be confirmed in the coming weeks.
Supporting residents at risk of homelessness
The Housing Options service focuses on preventing homelessness wherever possible. It offers advice and practical support to help people remain in their homes or find suitable alternative accommodation.
The Housing Support service provides free, housing-related support to anyone aged 16 and over living in Swansea. This includes help with budgeting, benefits, rent arrears, setting up home, accessing education or work, and addressing issues such as domestic abuse or substance misuse.
Y Storfa under construction on Oxford Street. The new community hub is being developed on the site of the former British Home Stores building.(Image: Swansea Council)
Part of a wider regeneration
Y Storfa is one of several major projects forming part of Swansea’s £1bn city centre regeneration. The hub will also house Swansea Central Library, the West Glamorgan Archive Service, Citizens Advice, Careers Wales, and the council’s customer contact centre.
The development is supported by the Welsh Government’s Transforming Towns programme and aims to bring services together in a central, accessible location close to public transport, cycle routes and parking.
For more information about the Y Storfa scheme and the services relocating there, visit www.swansea.gov.uk/ystorfa.
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