Travis Perkins relocates Swansea branch to larger Llansamlet site with new jobs created

The company has moved from the Cwmdu Industrial Estate on Carmarthen Road to a new three‑acre site on Upper Fforest Way in Llansamlet, opening to customers earlier this week.

Easier access for trades near the M4

The new location sits close to the M4, which the firm says will make it easier for tradespeople to reach jobs across Swansea and the wider region. The move brings all of the company’s services — including its Benchmarx Kitchens showroom and tool and equipment hire — onto one site.

Eight new jobs as part of expansion

Travis Perkins confirmed that its existing Swansea team has transferred to the new branch, with eight additional roles created as part of the relocation.

Regional Director Mackenzie Hallett said the move strengthens the company’s presence in the city.

“We have a proud history of serving our customers in and around Swansea and this latest development takes our offering to the next level.”

Larger stock range and extended facilities

The new branch carries more than 25,000 products, including timber, plasterboard, insulation, bricks, blocks, landscaping materials and decorating supplies. It offers Click & Collect, free delivery and opens from 7am to 5pm Monday to Friday, and 8am to noon on Saturdays.

£2,000 donation to Alzheimer’s Society

As part of the relocation, the company has donated £2,000 to Alzheimer’s Society, its chosen charity.

Hallett said the charity is “close to the hearts” of staff across the business.

Travis Perkins operates more than 550 branches nationwide and is the UK’s largest supplier of building materials to the construction industry.

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Concerns grow over ‘shoddy’ work as CES collapse leaves households in limbo

Nearly 300 jobs were lost when CES, which operated a major base in Llansamlet, ceased trading on 9 January following the UK Government’s decision to scrap the ECO4 funding scheme. The scheme had provided grants for home energy‑efficiency improvements, particularly for low‑income and vulnerable households.

Since the announcement, residents across Swansea and the wider region have contacted Sioned Williams MS, raising concerns about incomplete installations, unresolved faults and poor workmanship carried out by contractors working on behalf of CES.

Households left with no recourse

A BBC report cited a CES spokesperson confirming that the company would not be able to complete repairs or address existing complaints. Many of those affected are believed to be elderly or already living in fuel poverty.

Sioned Williams MS, Plaid Cymru Member of Senedd for South Wales West, said:

“The recent news that Consumer Energy Services has ceased trading has sent shockwaves around the region I represent: initially in terms of the job losses at Llansamlet and the impact on the vital work to reduce fuel poverty in Wales, but now it’s becoming apparent that many have been left suffering from shoddy work at the hands of contractors operating on behalf of CES, with little clue as to how this will be resolved.”

She said constituents had reported homes left in a worse condition than before applying for ECO4 grants, with no clear route for repairs or compensation.

Questions over oversight and funding

Ms Williams said the collapse raised wider concerns about how the ECO4 scheme was overseen and the impact of its removal on efforts to tackle fuel poverty in Wales.

She highlighted reports that CES recorded significant profits in 2024, despite growing complaints from customers about workmanship and unresolved faults.

Sioned Williams MS said:

“Wales has some of the oldest, coldest and leakiest housing stock in Europe, and it’s concerning that this funding stream, which was greater than the Welsh Government’s own Warm Homes Scheme, has been scrapped with no replacement to date.”

She added that the loss of ECO4 funding would have a direct impact on the Welsh Government’s ability to support vulnerable households, particularly during winter.

Impact on Warm Homes programme

Ms Williams has previously questioned Welsh Government ministers about the reliance on ECO‑funded work to supplement the Warm Homes programme. She said the Chancellor’s decision to end ECO4 at the end of March would remove around £150 million a year from energy‑efficiency work in Wales.

Sioned Williams MS said:

“It is imperative that Welsh Government now review the effectiveness of their own Warm Homes programme, because the real fear is that this matter is a serious blow to ensuring warmer and more efficient homes in Wales, right in the middle of a very cold winter.”

Hundreds of workers still seeking answers

CES employed around 295 people across Swansea and Treorchy. Administrators have confirmed the company has ceased trading with immediate effect and will not complete any further work for customers.

The collapse has left both workers and households facing uncertainty, with local representatives calling for urgent clarity on how outstanding issues will be resolved.

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Concern after swan deaths at Fendrod Lake amid avian flu fears

The authority said it has already collected a number of dead birds from the site and will continue to monitor the situation closely.

Residents are being urged not to approach or touch any dead swans they may see. Instead, they should report them directly to Defra via the government’s online service: Report dead wild birds.

🐦 How to report bird flu concerns

Do not touch dead birds
Avian flu can spread through contact — always avoid handling carcasses.

Report sightings
Use the official Defra service to report dead swans, geese, or other wild birds: gov.uk/guidance/report-dead-wild-birds.

Stay vigilant
Watch for unusual bird deaths in your area and alert authorities promptly.

Follow council updates
Local councils and Natural Resources Wales provide guidance and issue alerts when risks increase.

Protect domestic flocks
Keep poultry and pet birds away from wild waterfowl and follow biosecurity advice.

A council spokesperson said:

“We have had reports in recent days of a number of deaths of swans at Fendrod Lake, potentially due to avian flu. If you see a dead swan, please don’t approach or touch it. Instead report it to Defra. We have collected a number of dead swans and will continue to monitor the issue.”

The warning comes after recent confirmed cases of bird flu elsewhere in South West Wales. Earlier this month, Carmarthenshire Council confirmed an outbreak in the Pontyberem area, while Pembrokeshire Council officers visited homes near Milford Haven following a separate case.

Natural Resources Wales and local councils continue to advise the public to remain vigilant, avoid contact with sick or dead birds, and follow official guidance to reduce the risk of spreading the disease.

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#avianFlu #avianInfluenza #birdFlu #birds #deadSwans #defra #enterprisePark #fendrodLake #llansamlet #reportDeadWildBirds #swans #swansea #swanseaCouncil

Tesco launches Swansea toy drive for Mr X Christmas Appeal

Local stores join long‑running appeal

Two Tesco Extra stores in Llansamlet and Pontardulais Road, Fforestfach have set up collection points for the Mr X Christmas Appeal, which has been running in Swansea for more than six decades.

Donations of new, unwrapped toys can be made in store until 15 December, with gifts distributed to children across Swansea and Neath Port Talbot through nearly 150 childcare agencies.

66 years of festive giving

The Mr X Appeal was founded in the late 1950s by Swansea businessman Tom Bravin, who kept his identity secret for decades while anonymously delivering thousands of presents to children. His identity was revealed after his death in 2016, but the appeal continues in his name, now in its 66th year.

Organisers say the tradition has become a cornerstone of the city’s festive season, ensuring that children who might otherwise go without receive a gift at Christmas.

Community voices

Trevor Evans, Community Champion at Tesco Pontardulais Road Extra in Fforestfach, said the response from local shoppers is always strong:

“This year’s toy donation campaign is a fantastic way for customers to help local families in need and ensure children in our community have something to open on Christmas Day.”

Catherine Hill, Store Manager at Tesco Llansamlet Extra, added:

“We have been supporting the Mr X Appeal for several years. We have an amazing response at this store and provide lots of children with gifts thanks to the generosity of our customers.”

Wider support

More than 800 Tesco Extra stores across the UK are taking part in the toy drive. Last year, customers donated 125,000 toys, with organisers hoping to beat that figure in 2025.

#charity #christmas #christmasGift #communityChampion #fforestfach #llansamlet #mrXAppeal #tesco #tescoExtra #tomBravin #toyDonation #toys

Tata Steel fined £1.5 million over fatal Port Talbot incident

Tata Steel has been fined £1.5 million following the death of contractor Justin Day, who was fatally crushed while working at the company’s Port Talbot steelworks in South Wales.

The incident occurred on 25 September 2019, when Mr Day, a 44-year-old father-of-three and grandfather from Llansamlet, Swansea, was called to assist with a hydraulic leak on a large conveyor system. Although power had been isolated to part of the machinery, other sections remained live. As Mr Day climbed into the system, sensors triggered movement in a live section, causing a beam to crush him. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) found that Tata Steel had failed to properly isolate and guard the conveyor system, and had not taken sufficient steps to manage the safety of the ongoing work. The company pleaded guilty to breaching Sections 2(1) and 3(1) of the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974.

At Swansea Crown Court on 31 July, Tata Steel was fined £1.5 million and ordered to pay £26,318.67 in costs.

HSE inspector Gethyn Jones said: “Justin Day’s death could so easily have been prevented. A much-loved family man is not here because of failures in health and safety basics.”

Mr Day’s wife, Zoe, delivered a powerful victim impact statement that underscored the devastating personal toll. “Since losing Justin I am not the same person I was,” she said. “I have struggled since that day – mentally, I am lost and don’t know where I’m going with life. It’s shattered my whole world.”

She described their 23-year relationship as inseparable: “We did everything together. I can’t put into words how much this has affected me. I am a shadow of my former self and from the day of the incident, my world fell apart.”

The tragedy unfolded while the family was waiting for Mr Day to arrive at his youngest son’s school rugby match — a sport he passionately supported. “Justin’s passion was rugby – he loved coaching and watching our boys play. He was their biggest fan,” Zoe said. “I never imagined I’d be receiving the news that he had been crushed to death at work.”

Judge Geraint Walters offered condolences to the family, acknowledging the profound loss: “It’s perfectly plain that Mr Day was a family man, who has left many people bereft to have lost someone so precious. No fine I impose today can alleviate the suffering of those who have lost a loved one, no fine I impose today can restore life.”

Mr Day would have turned 50 this year.

Construction of a new electric arc furnace at the Port Talbot site began earlier this month — a stark reminder of the evolving landscape at the UK’s largest steelworks, and the lives that have shaped its history.

#HealthAndSafetyExecutive #HSE #industry #Llansamlet #PortTalbot #TataSteel

Swansea pair jailed after vehicle theft and Rhymney arrest

A man and woman from Swansea have been sentenced after stealing a vehicle and driving it to Rhymney, Caerphilly, where they were intercepted by police.

Bobbie Kittle, 35, of Townhill, and Anthony Williams, 42, of Llansamlet, broke into a property on Argyle Street, Swansea, at around 2:30am on 9 June, stealing a set of car keys. CCTV footage captured the pair entering the victim’s vehicle and driving away.

The vehicle was later stopped on Upper High Street, Rhymney, following coordinated efforts between South Wales Police, Gwent Police, and aerial support from the National Police Air Service (NPAS).

Detective Inspector Stuart Prendiville, South Wales Police, said:

“This was an example of excellent partnership working between South Wales Police, Gwent and NPAS. After receiving the report of the burglary, NPAS located the vehicle in Rhymney and guided officers in to stop the vehicle and arrest the two occupants. A thorough investigation by Swansea CID has resulted in both Anthony Williams and Bobbie Kittle being rightly jailed.”

At Swansea Crown Court, Kittle was sentenced to 24 months in prison after pleading guilty to burglary and aggravated taking without consent (TWOC). Williams, who was driving the stolen vehicle, received a 42-month sentence after admitting to burglary, TWOC, dangerous driving, driving while disqualified, and driving without insurance.

Observers in court noted a surreal moment as the pair exchanged heart-shaped hand gestures toward each other before being led away by security.

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#burglary #dangerousDriving #drivingWhileDisqualified #Llansamlet #SouthWalesPolice #stolenCar #Townhill #TWOC #vehicleTheft

Waunarlwydd man jailed after knifepoint burglary

38-year-old Larry Black was one of two masked men who entered a property on Heol Pentyla in Llansamlet, brandishing a hammer and knives.

The men bound their victims with cable ties and demanded gold and money in the terrifying ordeal, but only got away with a set of keys and £500 after Black was bitten on the leg by one of the family’s dogs.

During interview following Black’s arrest later in March, he admitted his involvement in the incident, and he pleaded guilty to robbery in April.

Black has previous convictions for battery, shoplifting, drugs, and twelve separate house burglaries. He had been out of prison for a matter of weeks when he committed the Llansamlet robbery.

Black was handed an extended 13-year prison sentence at Swansea Crown Court. He has yet to reveal the identity of his accomplice.

Detective Sergeant Jonathan Holding from South Wales Police said: “Larry Black is a dangerous criminal who is all too happy to brandish knives and other weapons as a means of intimidating his victims.

“The thuggish behaviour of Black and his accomplice left a family terrified for their safety inside their own home. By not providing the name of his associate, Larry has proven that he is incapable of doing the right thing.

“There has been no remorse shown for his actions. Therefore, Larry Black will lose years of his life in prison.”

#burglary #knifeCrime #Llansamlet #SouthWalesPolice #Swansea #Waunarlwydd

National law firm opens new regional headquarters in Swansea

Law firm, Flint Bishop says its new Swansea office will serve as a key operational hub for its debt recovery services, with a strategic focus on developing a full-service commercial law offering in South Wales.

The expansion comes at the same time as the law firm announced the strategic acquisition of Rebel Energy Supply’s Collections & Recoveries team, following the renewable energy supplier’s entry into formal Administration on 1 April 2025.

The move will see 25 former Rebel Energy employees join Flint Bishop on 12 May 2025, coinciding with the launch of the firm’s new regional office in Swansea.

This expansion brings the firm’s total headcount to 338.

Rebel Energy, which provided renewable energy to approximately 90,000 customers, ceased trading earlier this month. The company’s collapse prompted Ofgem to initiate its Supplier of Last Resort (SoLR) process, transferring customer accounts to British Gas. Flint Bishop say they acted swiftly, engaging in discussions within hours of the Administration announcement to offer employment opportunities to affected staff.

Flint Bishop say that many of the people joining from Rebel Energy bring prior experience from the outsourced debt collection industry, particularly in working with vulnerable customers.

Qamer Ghafoor, Chief Executive at Flint Bishop, commented: “This strategic acquisition not only strengthens our capabilities within Litigation and Debt Services but also reinforces our commitment to supporting talent and investing in long-term growth. Welcoming this experienced team at a time of considerable employment uncertainty reflects the resilience and agility we’ve built as a business.”

“As we continue to expand our national footprint, Flint Bishop remains committed to continuous improvement, innovation, and delivering exceptional service for our clients, whilst creating meaningful opportunities for our colleagues and the communities we serve.”​

#Business #FlintBishop #law #Llansamlet #Swansea

Swansea supermarket workers raise £5,500 for guide dog charity

After a year of dedicated fundraising efforts both in-store and within the local community, staff at the Llansamlet Tesco store proudly presented a giant cheque to the charity on Sunday.

The charity is close to the hearts of many at the store, with several colleagues having a personal connection with guide dogs and the training of guide dog puppies. The amount raised also meant staff had the opportunity to name two dogs currently completing their guide dog training, with the names ‘Teddy’ and ‘Wyn’ being chosen.

Ryan Pontefract, Tesco’s Llansamlet store Community Champion, said, “We raised £5,500 over the course of 2024 through collections in store and other events like tombolas and car boot sales.

“One of the biggest reasons we decided to raise money for The Guide Dogs for the Blind Association is that I have an eye condition that could eventually lead me to becoming partially sighted or fully blind. We also decided to name one of the dogs Wyn as one our shift leaders’ grandmothers is a former guide dog trainer.”

Ruth Evans, Community Fundraising Relationship Manager for The Guide Dogs for the Blind Association, said: “The staff at Tesco in Llansamlet have done incredibly well to raise £5,500. This amazing amount is enough to cover six birthing kits for a guide dog mum, 40 starter kits for a new guide dog partnership or 110 visits to the vet for a guide dog check-up.

“Our volunteers enjoy coming along to bucket collections in the store and shoppers love meeting our dogs and puppies. They always make time for a chat and give so generously. This money will ensure that we can continue to change the lives of people with sight loss in the Swansea area.”

(Lead image: Tesco)

#Charity #GuideDogs #Llansamlet #Swansea #Tesco

Major repair schemes announced for damaged Swansea roads

The council say its funding is spread across a number of different highway improvement programmes, including large resurfacing schemes (LRS), small resurfacing schemes (SRS) – where teams tackle smaller road defects. The money also helps fund the pothole repair scheme.

A number of large schemes have been planned for January and February along major routes throughout Swansea.

The first schemes to get underway include Valley Way in Llansamlet, between the junction of Fendrod Way and the junction at Ferryboat Close. Resurfacing will also take place along Swansea Road at the junction of Hospital Road in Garngoch.

Other schemes set to be completed include a section of Carmarthen Road at the junction with Ravenhill Road and King’s Head Road, Bethel Road and Frederick Place in Llansamlet between the junctions with Peniel Green Road and Trallwn Road, Ceri Road in Townhill and Lime Street in Gorseinon.

Andrew Stevens, Cabinet Member for Environment and Infrastructure, said: “Our highway maintenance teams are starting off the new year just as busy as they were in 2024. A number of major highway improvement schemes are planned for completion during the next few months.

“All the schemes have been planned in relation to ongoing highways inspections we carry out to assess which roads are most in need of repair and upgrading.

“As always, our crews aim to complete the schemes with as little disruption as possible for motorists.”

The council say their pothole crews are also dealing with a high volume of calls from the public, who have reported faults to the Council’s 48hr pothole repair service.

Since April 2024, the council say its pothole teams have filled more than 4,500 defects, with the majority repaired within its 48hr pledge.

Cllr Stevens, added: “The public has played a huge part by reporting potholes to the Council. We can’t be expected to know where every pothole is in the city and many defects can occur overnight if road surfaces become brittle.

“I’m very pleased with our response to the information the public are giving us and I’m confident we are doing all we can to ensure roads are maintained to the highest level possible.”

(Lead image: Swansea Council)

#Garngoch #Gorseinon #Llansamlet #potholes #resurfacing #roadResurfacing #Swansea #SwanseaCouncil #Townhill

The Shed at the Pavilion in Llansamlet is one of 12 finalists from around the UK in the hunt for £5,000 in Selco Builders Warehouse’s Community Heroes competition, which attracted nearly 2,000 entries.

A public vote is open until November 30 to decide this year’s champion, while there is also £1,000 up for grabs for the runner-up.

Votes can be cast at https://www.selcobw.com/info/selco-community-heroes

All 12 finalists selected by judges over the course of the last six months have already won £500 worth of building materials from Selco, which has a branch in Llansamlet on Upper Fforest Way.

The Shed is part of a health and wellbeing movement aimed at alleviating loneliness.

The group was given the use of the former OAP pavilion in Birchgrove but it has taken a lot of hard work to get it into a useable condition.

https://youtu.be/9KZ26H7jkDA

Peter Harris, who heads up The Shed at the Pavilion, said £5,000 would make a big difference to the work the group does in the local community.

He said: “Our ethos is to bring people together to combat loneliness and poor mental health. It has gone very well and now we want to push on to the next level.

“Our plan is to build a 30 square metre shed for woodworking, which would allow more people to get involved in craftwork and meet new people in the process.

“We are very grateful to Selco for what they have given us already. Now we’re asking for the public’s support to secure an amount of money that would make a tremendous difference.”

Simon Humpage, Head of Multi-Channel Marketing at Selco, said:

“Our Community Heroes campaign has once again captured the country’s imagination with nearly 2,000 good causes getting involved.

“We have already supported a dozen monthly winners with £6,000 worth of product and we’re excited to head into the next stage of the competition.

“We’ve had some amazing entries so The Shed at the Pavilion has done exceptionally well to make it this far. The prize money would make a huge difference to the work they do in the local area.”

With hundreds of trade brands always in stock, Selco’s branches are firmly focused on helping tradespeople complete their jobs as quickly and effectively as possible.

As well as offering trade services, Selco also has a strong digital presence including Click & Deliver and Click & Collect services and an app – as well as a ‘Dial & Deliver’ telephone service – to make life as convenient as possible for tradespeople.

For more information on Selco visit www.selcobw.com

https://swanseabaynews.com/2024/11/07/swansea-charity-in-running-for-competition-windfall/

#Llansamlet #SelcoBuilders #TheShedAtThePavilion

Swansea Council has invested more than £100k in supporting new and existing groups and this year, 22 Men’s Sheds in the network successfully applied for funding.

Four years ago the number of sheds in Swansea was in single figures. Among those to launch this year is the Llansamlet Men’s Shed.

The group has taken over the former OAP Pavilion in Birchgrove at a peppercorn lease from the council and has received financial support towards the on-going refurbishment of the building.

Thanks to the hard work of volunteers and donations from local businesses and partners there is a new kitchen, the main hall has been brought back into use and a workshop is being added at the rear.

Going forward there are plans for growing beds outside to produce fruit and vegetables for the local foodbank and improved parking at the entrance.

Shed Chairman Peter Harris said:

“I used to drive lorries and was aware of Men’s Sheds in other areas so every now and then I’d go and have a look at them and see what they were doing.

“Starting one here was something I’d been looking to do for a few years and getting this up and running means a lot to me.

“I’m overwhelmed with the support we are getting from the council and the support of the local councillors has been amazing.”

Each Monday there is a sewing and knitting group that is proving popular with the women members.

Around 25 to 30 people attend between noon and 3pm on Tuesdays for tea, cake, biscuits and a chat as well as the occasional guest speaker.

Once the workshop has been kitted out Mr Harris said opening hours will increase and the aim is for the pavilion to be in use every week day and not just for members but for other local groups needing a home as well.

Marcia Ashton said: “It’s been a great thing for people in this area especially if they are on their own and looking for company and friendship. Everyone is welcome.

“I think after Covid a lot of things stopped and never got going again so to have this, to encourage people out of the house, it’s important.”

Swansea Council Leader Rob Stewart, and Cabinet Member for Wellbeing Alyson Anthony, recently visited the Llansamlet Men’s Shed to meet the volunteers.

Cllr Stewart said: “I’m very proud that through the council support that’s been made available in recent years the network in Swansea has more than doubled.

“Men’s Sheds have a very positive impact on health, well-being and in reducing social isolation of both men and women and the council’s ongoing commitment to them is just part of our support to local initiatives that make a difference to people’s lives every day.”

Cllr Anthony added: “It’s great to see the growing popularity of the Llansamlet Men’s Sheds and to hear about the exciting plans they have for the future.

“The volunteers are doing a fantastic job and I’m pleased we’ve been able to play our part to get this group up and running and playing such an important role in the local community.”

https://swanseabaynews.com/2024/10/17/network-of-citys-mens-sheds-doubles-in-swansea/

#Llansamlet #MenSShed