Welsh Government will nationalise local rail services after a disastrous collapse in passenger numbers due to the coronavirus restrictions. After awarding the Wales and Borders rail franchise to Keolis and Amey two years ago the services have struggled and are now uneconomic and without Welsh Government intervention they would have collapsed. The take over will become effective … [Read more...]
Ford Bridgend plant closure and its Welsh legacy
Ford Bridgend Engine Plant closes down today after 40 years but its legacy is being set out for the future. Ford has been part of Bridgend and a major contributor to the Welsh economy and automotive industry for over 40 years so the full impact of the company’s decision to leave the town will be felt throughout the local economy and community for a long time to come, said Ken Skates MS, Minister … [Read more...]
Welsh Government pledge £74M for “greener” transport
Greener buses, trains and motor vehicles will be encouraged and utilised as part of a £74M Welsh Government fund. It also plans to spend money on making infrastructure more resilient to bad weather and encourage public transport, cycling and walking as well as creating a North Wales Metro network. The 2020-21 budget is the first since the declaration of a climate emergency in Wales. Spending … [Read more...]
New plan to energise Welsh automotive sector
A new plan to energise the automotive industry and help it meet future challenges is being developed by the Welsh Government. Economy Minister Ken Skates will outline the new plan at an Automotive Summit at Hensol Castle later today and hours before the Welsh sector's annual networking dinner, where the keynote speaker will be Aston Martin CEO Dr Andy Palmer on the eve of opening the car maker's … [Read more...]
Aston Martin St Athan officially opens next month
Wales newest car plant for Aston Martin will be officially opened on friday 6 December. This week it hosted the European exclusive unveiling of the DBX SUV which goes into production at St Athan and Economy Minister Ken Skates said, “Seeing the company deliver its first vehicle out of Wales is a very proud moment for Aston Martin and for Wales. In 2016 Aston Martin announced it had selected St … [Read more...]
Welsh Government says further delay to major road
Conservative AMs have criticised Welsh Government over another A465 completion date delay. A critical section of the Heads of the Valleys Road will be delayed until n late 2020. Commenting on the announcement that the completion date for widening part of the Heads of the Valleys Road A465 has been pushed back for the second time this year, Russell George AM said, “Another delay means more … [Read more...]
Wales transport links will suffer without Brexit deal
Almost immediately a no deal Brexit could cause severe disruption to the transport network and connected services within Wales. Ken Skates, Minister for Economy and Transport said, “We are already seeing this impact as we have to make decisions on the assumption that we will crash out of the EU without a deal at the end of October. “Whilst emergency works cannot be discounted if necessary, … [Read more...]
Wales’ Minister talks up new auto investment plan
Talks are "ongoing" to bring a new automotive company to Bridgend, where Ford will end engine production in a year's time, Wales Economy Minister Ken Skates has told radio listeners. WheelsWithinWales broke news of the initial plans last November to attract Ineos Automotive to Brocastle Industrial Estate and this spring Welsh Government said they were spending £10M of EU and UK funding to create … [Read more...]
Metro plan risks hitting Brexit buffer
The South Wales Metro multi-million-pound project faces being derailed if the UK leaves the European Union without a deal, warn the Welsh Government. Economy Secretary Ken Skates said Welsh Government officials are seeking clarity on what happens to necessary land transfers being managed by UK Government as part of the process. South Wales Metro project will see a revitalised rail and bus … [Read more...]
Minister meets the motor industry in Wales
Wales Economy Minister Ken Skates met key players from the automotive industry affected by the recent Honda announcement to discuss how Welsh Government can best support the industry as they navigate challenges associated with Brexit and rapidly changing technologies. With Honda’s decision to close its Swindon facility affecting some 2,000 supply jobs in Wales, and other manufacturers such as … [Read more...]