Latest news with #CeriDavies
Pembrokeshire Herald
21-05-2025
- Business
- Pembrokeshire Herald
Natural Resources Wales criticised over incident response cuts, closures and tax blunder
NRW accused of risking long-term damage to Welsh environment A SENEDD committee has issued a scathing report on Natural Resources Wales (NRW), accusing the body of failing to uphold its environmental responsibilities and mishandling both public funds and public trust. The report, published this week by the Senedd's Climate Change, Environment and Infrastructure Committee, raises 'grave concern' over NRW's decision to stop responding to so-called low-category incidents—including fly-tipping, minor chemical spills, and low-level water pollution. NRW claims these incidents, which form the bulk of reports to its front-line teams, usually result in no serious environmental harm. The agency says it wants to focus instead on major breaches and preventative work. But the Committee warned that such an approach risks allowing cumulative damage to the Welsh environment. 'We are gravely concerned that Natural Resources Wales is adopting a higher tolerance of risk,' the report states. 'Low-level pollution can still have a damaging impact, especially over time. This change in approach could result in real harm to our natural environment.' Stretched resources, legal obligations The report acknowledges that funding pressures have left NRW 'stretched too thin' to meet its legal duties. However, it insists that consistent enforcement and visible presence across Wales are essential. Visitor centre closures criticised The Committee also condemned NRW's decision to close three key visitor centres—at Bwlch Nant yr Arian, Ynyslas, and Coed y Brenin—without a clear plan to replace services. Although NRW is now seeking commercial partners to take over food and beverage operations at the sites, the report states the closures were 'premature' and have damaged public confidence. 'New proposals should have been developed before the centres were closed,' the report says. 'We urge NRW to publish a clear timetable and communicate transparently with affected communities.' £19 million tax blunder A separate section of the report highlights a serious financial error. NRW's failure to correctly follow IR35 tax rules for contractors led to the Welsh Government being forced to pay £19 million to HMRC. 'This is a serious governance failure,' the Committee said. 'It is highly regrettable that taxpayers' money is being diverted from vital services to pay for such errors.' NRW said it has since overhauled its procedures and used external consultants to avoid a repeat. But the Committee is calling for a full independent review and further reassurances. NRW defends changes In a statement issued on Tuesday (May 20), interim chief executive Ceri Davies defended staff and emphasised ongoing reforms. 'We are not standing still,' she said. 'We're focused on building a more agile and future-ready organisation. Our goal is to make sure every pound we spend delivers maximum environmental value.' NRW confirmed it will prioritise incidents that pose the greatest risk to public health or the environment, with an increasing focus on prevention and compliance. While some visitor centres are now unstaffed, public access to trails, car parks and play areas remains open. NRW says it is working with local businesses and communities to provide replacement services. With Wales facing intensifying threats from climate change, biodiversity loss and pollution, the report concludes that robust and proactive environmental oversight is more vital than ever—and that NRW must urgently rebuild trust and capacity.
Pembrokeshire Herald
21-05-2025
- Business
- Pembrokeshire Herald
Call to end ‘wild west' of estate maintenance charges in Wales
NRW accused of risking long-term damage to Welsh environment A SENEDD committee has issued a scathing report on Natural Resources Wales (NRW), accusing the body of failing to uphold its environmental responsibilities and mishandling both public funds and public trust. The report, published this week by the Senedd's Climate Change, Environment and Infrastructure Committee, raises 'grave concern' over NRW's decision to stop responding to so-called low-category incidents—including fly-tipping, minor chemical spills, and low-level water pollution. NRW claims these incidents, which form the bulk of reports to its front-line teams, usually result in no serious environmental harm. The agency says it wants to focus instead on major breaches and preventative work. But the Committee warned that such an approach risks allowing cumulative damage to the Welsh environment. 'We are gravely concerned that Natural Resources Wales is adopting a higher tolerance of risk,' the report states. 'Low-level pollution can still have a damaging impact, especially over time. This change in approach could result in real harm to our natural environment.' Stretched resources, legal obligations The report acknowledges that funding pressures have left NRW 'stretched too thin' to meet its legal duties. However, it insists that consistent enforcement and visible presence across Wales are essential. Visitor centre closures criticised The Committee also condemned NRW's decision to close three key visitor centres—at Bwlch Nant yr Arian, Ynyslas, and Coed y Brenin—without a clear plan to replace services. Although NRW is now seeking commercial partners to take over food and beverage operations at the sites, the report states the closures were 'premature' and have damaged public confidence. 'New proposals should have been developed before the centres were closed,' the report says. 'We urge NRW to publish a clear timetable and communicate transparently with affected communities.' £19 million tax blunder A separate section of the report highlights a serious financial error. NRW's failure to correctly follow IR35 tax rules for contractors led to the Welsh Government being forced to pay £19 million to HMRC. 'This is a serious governance failure,' the Committee said. 'It is highly regrettable that taxpayers' money is being diverted from vital services to pay for such errors.' NRW said it has since overhauled its procedures and used external consultants to avoid a repeat. But the Committee is calling for a full independent review and further reassurances. NRW defends changes In a statement issued on Tuesday (May 20), interim chief executive Ceri Davies defended staff and emphasised ongoing reforms. 'We are not standing still,' she said. 'We're focused on building a more agile and future-ready organisation. Our goal is to make sure every pound we spend delivers maximum environmental value.' NRW confirmed it will prioritise incidents that pose the greatest risk to public health or the environment, with an increasing focus on prevention and compliance. While some visitor centres are now unstaffed, public access to trails, car parks and play areas remains open. NRW says it is working with local businesses and communities to provide replacement services. With Wales facing intensifying threats from climate change, biodiversity loss and pollution, the report concludes that robust and proactive environmental oversight is more vital than ever—and that NRW must urgently rebuild trust and capacity.
North Wales Live
17-05-2025
- General
- North Wales Live
Water quality ratings at 44 North Wales beaches show best and worst for swimming
Record rises in consumer water bills could lead to improvements on Welsh beaches, according to Natural Resources Wales. The environment regulator wants to see better water quality for swimmers and is pressing water companies for a share of the spoils. Many beaches in Wales already meet stringent standards, with 75 out of 110 designated bathing sites rated 'excellent' (68%). However, among the designated bathing beaches in North Wales, this proportion falls to 52%. Some Welsh beaches don't come up to scratch at all. Two have 'poor' ratings – Ogmore-by-Sea in the Vale of Glamorgan and Rhyl Central beach in Denbighshire. Rhyl Central suffers for being next to the mouth of the River Clwyd, where sewerage outfalls and livestock pollution are a constant challenge. NRW has already spent heavily on preventative measures here, such as livestock fencing, and it is now promising further 'targeted action'. Another sub-par beach is Llandudno's North Shore. - the scene of a 12-year battle to restore sand to a foreshore now mostly covered by stones. Its water quality is rated only 'sufficient' - just one grade above Rhyl Central, where a no-swim warning has been issued. Trace amounts of sewage debris and animal faeces are occasionally found on the North Shore, while small amounts of litter are observed regularly. A recurring issue at the prestige resort is 'misconnections' – when waste water pipes from toilets and washing machine are plumbed into surface drains instead of the sewage system. This effluent is then discharged directly to the environment. After years of work with local property owners, NRW believes misconnections no longer threaten bathing water quality. Neither are local farms and campsites thought to be sources of sea pollution. Nevertheless, NRW said it is continuing to work with Conwy Council to improve matters. Also considered merely 'sufficient' was Cemaes, Anglesey. Testing found high bacteria loads and monitoring identified the possible source as Afon Meddanen, a tributary of the River Wygyr. As a result, extra fencing has been added to nine riverside farms and more fencing work on the Meddanen was completed earlier this year.. Beach water quality ratings are compiled using four years of testing data. By averaging out the figures over four years, the idea is to give a truer picture for swimmers. At the start of each year, beach waters are checked for obvious signs of pollution, and to ensure any permitted discharges are operating correctly. Ceri Davies, NRW's interim CEO said: 'Much progress is being made, and after securing record levels of investment for the environment from water companies through the price review process, we will be pressing for investment in assets affecting our bathing waters, to safeguard their future health.' Wales now has 112 designated bathing sites – last week, Lisvane and Llanishen reservoirs in Cardiff were added to the list. They join another reservoir used by swimmers, Rhyl's Marine Lake. Poor Rhyl Central, Denbighshire Sufficient Llandudno North Shore, Conwy Cemaes, Anglesey Good Denbighshire Prestatyn Central Rhyl East Marine Lake, Rhyl Kinmel Bay (Sandy Cove) Conwy Abergele (Pensarn) Colwyn Bay Llandudno West Shore Anglesey Llanddona Benllech Traeth Lligwy Trearddur Bay Borth Wen Gwynedd Porth Nefyn Abersoch Criccieth Excellent Conwy Colwyn Bay (Porth Eirias) Penmaenmawr Llanfairfechan Anglesey St David's - Benllech Porth Swtan (Church Bay) Porth Dafarch Silver Bay, Rhoscolyn Rhosneigr Aberffraw Llanddwyn, Newborough Gwynedd Find the weather forecast where you live
South Wales Argus
16-05-2025
- Business
- South Wales Argus
Caerphilly space for businesses and community initiatives
Y Banc, located in the former Barclays Bank on Cardiff Road, will be the new hub for creative programmes and community-driven projects. The opening is part of a wider initiative by Caerphilly County Borough Council to transform disused spaces across the region. The council has been working with Urban Foundry, specialists in repurposing empty spaces for community and business use, for more than a year. They have already successfully revitalised a location on the High Street in Bargoed, allowing small businesses to test-trade, network, and access support through workshops delivered by industry experts. Following the success in Bargoed, the initiative moved to Ffos Caerffili, where a number of workshops were held in one of the retail shipping containers. The sessions were created to meet the needs of local businesses, covering everything from funding advice to TikTok marketing strategies. Cynefin Caerffili CIC, a creative community-led social enterprise working to transform Caerphilly through collective cultural activity, will be the first to move into Y Banc and director Ceri Davies called Y Banc a 'real game-changer for us'. Jamie Pritchard, deputy leader and cabinet member for prosperity, regeneration, and transformation, said: "Putting empty buildings to use in our town centres and offering opportunities for community-driven projects and businesses to flourish is a great mix and brings new opportunities to the high street. "We want this space to be active and full of ideas." Tara Tarapetian, director of Urban Foundry, said: "It's not just about creating a place to work – it's about creating an environment where people feel empowered to grow their ideas. "Confidence in the high street, increased footfall, and supporting local businesses to grow the economy are all big outcomes." The project is funded by the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund and will contribute to long-term regeneration efforts in the county. There are plans to further expand the project. To stay up to date with upcoming events at Y Banc or to find out how to get involved, visit the Cynefin Caerffili website.
South Wales Argus
16-05-2025
- Health
- South Wales Argus
NRW testing water quality at popular swimming spots
This is to ensure the safety of 112 designated bathing waters across Wales. The testing, in line with the Bathing Water Regulations 2013, will continue until September 30. The Welsh Government recently added Lisvane and Llanishen reservoirs in Cardiff to the list of designated sites. Samples from these sites are sent to NRW's laboratory in Swansea, where they are tested for Escherichia coli (E. coli) and intestinal enterococci (IE). These are key indicators of water quality and potential health risks. Ceri Davies, interim chief executive officer for NRW, said: "More people than ever are discovering the joys and health benefits that open water swimming has to offer. "We know how important Wales's bathing waters are to people and we remain firmly committed to ensuring our waters are clean, safe and protected for everyone to enjoy for generations to come." Last year, 98 per cent of Wales's designated bathing waters met stringent environmental standards, with 75 out of 110 sites meeting the 'excellent' criteria. NRW officers also carry out checks at bathing water sites to identify and address any obvious signs of pollution. Ms Davies added: "The vast majority of Wales's coastal bathing waters continue to meet the top standards, which is great news for communities, tourism and the economy. "Improving water quality for the long term remains firmly at the top of our agenda." She said the teams work hard to tackle the sources of pollution.
