The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DLVA) issued an alert to older drivers on social media.
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The eight defendants were accused of speeding and keeping untaxed vehicles.
Their cases were heard in the magistrates’ courts in Cardiff, Newport, Llanelli, London, Bradford, Teesside, and Carlisle.
Here’s a round-up of the cases.
Rachael Davies, of Evelyn Street in Barry, was fined £660 for keeping an untaxed vehicle.
Davies was also ordered to pay £85 in costs and £57.50 in back duty at Worcester Magistrates’ Court on February 25.
Abdul Mustafa, of Williams Crescent in Barry, was fined £220 for keeping an untaxed vehicle.
Mustafa was also ordered to pay £85 in costs and £2.92 in back duty at Carlisle Magistrates’ Court on February 26.
Kelly Kerslake, 42, of Greenacres in Barry, pleaded guilty to speeding in a 30mph limit.
At Cardiff Magistrates’ Court on February 26, Kerslake was fined £100 and had three points added to her licence. She must also pay a £40 surcharge.
Annie Rebecca Gillard-Lloyd, 32, of Ffordd Penrhyn in Barry, was caught driving an untaxed vehicle.
At Bradford Magistrates’ Court on February 27, Gillard-Lloyd was sentenced to pay a £220 fine, £85 in costs, and £32.50 in back duty.
David Shone James, 46, of Caernarvon Gardens in Barry, was ordered to pay £48.75 in back duty after keeping an untaxed vehicle.
On February 26 at Teesside Magistrates’ Court, James was fined £220 and ordered to pay £85 in costs.
Ryan Kerslake, 31, of Clos Cefni in Barry, admitted speeding in a 40mph limit.
Kerslake was sentenced to pay a £40 fine, £120 in costs, and a £16 surcharge. At Cardiff Magistrates’ Court on February 26, Kerslake had three points added to his licence.
Callam Day, 28, of David Street Barry, has been fined for two offences of keeping untaxed vehicles.
Day was sentenced to pay a £440 fine, £85 in costs and £81.25 in back duty for the first offence at Llanelli Magistrates’ Court on February 26.
The second offence saw Day ordered to pay a fine of £660, £85 in costs, and £110.42 in back duty at Lavender Hill Magistrates’ Court the following day.
Olivia Menna Hawke, of Neptune Road in Barry, must pay a £220 fine after being found to have kept an untaxed vehicle.
Hawke was also sentenced to pay £85 in costs and £32.50 in back duty on February 25 at Newport Magistrates’ Court.
The property at Apartment 107, Courtlands, Hayes Road, Sully, forms part of the Hayes Point coastal development which was formerly a hospital.
This Vale of Glamorgan property is set to be auctioned on April 20, 2026 at midday by Auction House South Wales, according to its listing on Zoopla.
Bids close on April 22, 2026, at midday.
The first-floor flat provides an open plan lounge and diner leading into the kitchen, a double bedroom and a bathroom.
The flat reportedly has shared access to a well-sized communal roof terrace, shared by four flats – two of which have their own balconies.
The building, which benefits from a 24-hour concierge, boasts impressive installations that include a gym, swimming pool, tennis courts, and acres of communal grounds fronting the Bristol Chanel.
Interestingly, the development also includes pétanque.
The apartment comes with an allocated parking space, an advantageous perk for those with vehicles or frequent guests.
The flat is located in the village of Sully, nestled between the towns of Barry and Penarth.
It offers proximity to a number of local amenities, including several restaurants, a primary school, a local shop, and an array of amenities.
Good access is also provided to the A4232/M4 and Cardiff City Centre.
The property is reported to be leasehold, with 979 years remaining on the lease, and a yearly ground rent of £150.
A monthly service charge of £262.90 is also noted, covering water bills, buildings insurance, maintenance of communal areas and facilities, and the 24-hour concierge service.
Viewing of the property is reportedly available through partner agents, David Baker & Co.
Interested bidders can find further details in the legal pack.
The property is also listed on Zoopla.
South Wales Police are urging for anyone who witnessed a car hitting a bike on Fford Y Milleniwm in Barry on Saturday, February 21, at around 1.50pm to come forward.
They say that the rider of the bike suffered serious injuries.
Anyone with dashcam footage or who witnessed the incident are asked to contact the force, quoting reference 2600057245
South Wales Police can be contacted through their website, or by calling 101 – they say that 999 should always be called in an emergency.
Alternatively, those with information can contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.
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Skybus confirmed it has also ceased all flights between Cornwall and London as there has been a “significant drop in new passenger bookings” since the February announcement regarding “planned closure” of the Public Service Obligation (PSO) air route.
The flight schedule from Newquay Airport to London Gatwick was a PSO obligation funded by Cornwall Council and the Department for Transport, and had been in action since November 2025.
It was due to be pulled on May 31, but has ended earlier than planned, ITV reports.
Best and Worst Airlines in the UK 2025
Skybus managing director Jonathan Hinkles commented: “The huge rise in the global cost of fuel following the conflict in the Gulf, coupled with a significant drop in new passenger bookings since mid-February’s announcement of the planned closure of the PSO air route, forms an insurmountable barrier to the service continuing through April and May.
“At a time of great economic uncertainty and steps being taken to conserve energy worldwide, it is neither environmentally nor economically sound for us to continue flying with vastly reduced passenger numbers.”
Following the update, Hinkles also “extend sincere thanks” to passengers, Skybus team members, as well as local stakeholders.
He continued: “We would like to extend our sincere thanks to all those who have supported us – whether as passengers, as local stakeholders or as team members delivering service to our customers – through our recent months of Cornwall-London air service provision.”
The last flight from Newquay Airport to London Gatwick operated on Thursday (April 2) and all passengers who have had upcoming journeys cancelled will be refunded, according to the airline.
Skybus said: “In view of circumstances beyond our control, Skybus has advised Cornwall Council that services will now cease at an earlier date.
“The final services in each direction will take place on Thursday, 2 April 2026.
“We are therefore contacting all customers with bookings throughout April and May to advise that flights will no longer take place as planned.”
Other Skybus UK destinations include Isles of Scilly, Exeter and Land’s End.
On its website, the airline details about its history: “For over 40 years, Skybus has proudly connected the Isles of Scilly to the mainland – delivering a reliable, friendly service that passengers know and trust.
Items You Can’t Take in Hand Luggage
“Skybus is more than just an airline; it’s an integral part of the community.
“Founded on 9th August 1984, by the Isles of Scilly Steamship Group, Skybus began with a single 8-seat Britten-Norman Islander aircraft offering charter flights.
“Just three years later in 1987 we introduced a scheduled services and we’ve been growing ever since.
“From those early days, our fleet has expanded to include 5 DHC Twin Otters, 3 Britten-Norman Islanders, and an ATR-72 aircraft, carrying thousands of passengers each year.
“We’ve been flying from Newquay and Exeter for over three decades and are proud to be Cornwall Airport Newquay’s longest-serving airline.”
Regarding its London Gatwick to Newquay route, Skybus said its travellers could “enjoy the same warm welcome and exceptional service that has defined Skybus for four decades”.
Newsquest has contacted Skybus for comment.
UK travel companies that have closed down in 2026 (so far)
Many UK travel company have faced difficulty in 2026 so far, with the likes of Edinburgh-based EcoJet Airlines entering liquidation.
Meanwhile, four other UK travel companies have also ceased trading this year, resulting in the cancellation of flights and holiday packages to destinations around the world, such as:
- Regen Central Ltd
- Gold Crest Holidays
- Asiara UK Ltd
- Simply Florida Travel Ltd
Have you been affected by any recent travel disruption due to cancelled flights or companies shutting down? Let us know in the comments below.
An amber weather warning for wind came into place for parts of northern England, Scotland and Wales earlier on Saturday, and the Met Office has now said the storm will “continue to deepen” in the coming days.
The amber alert warns flying debris could lead to “injuries or danger to life”.
Amber warning of wind affecting North West England https://t.co/WX14tVENWl pic.twitter.com/JvJNhlyIAW
— Met Office – NW England (@metofficeNWEng) April 4, 2026
But do you have to work during such a storm? Well, Neha Thethi, head of employment at Lime Solicitors , previously answered some of the most frequently asked questions concerning serious storms.
Your rights during a storm
Does my employer have to pay me if I can’t get to work
Neha said: “Whether employees get paid on days when they cannot make it into the office will largely depend on their contract of employment. Many employers will have a ‘bad weather policy’, so it is always worth checking your contract. However, on a general note, employers do not have to pay employees who are unable to get into work, subject to their contract.
“Employees are expected to make reasonable efforts to attend work despite any severe transport disruption or road closures. However, it is usually best practice to be flexible in these circumstances by allowing employees to request the time off as annual leave or to work from home.
“With the help of technology and working adjustments made during the coronavirus pandemic, many employees should be able to work from home. However, it is important to remember your employer should not force you to attempt the journey if there are legitimate concerns for your safety.”
My workplace has closed for the day – do I still get paid?
“If your employer has closed the office because it is inaccessible, they should usually still pay employees for that day. Withholding pay when employees are unable to work through no fault of their own could be considered as an unauthorised deduction from wages,” continued Neha.
“In those circumstances, employees may be able to bring a claim against their employer. However, it should be noted that some employment contracts contain a temporary ‘lay-off’ clause. If this is the case, employers can refuse to give the full amount of pay to employees to a limited time.”
Can you take time off work if your child’s school is closed
“Schools are often closed when there is bad weather, forcing many employees to stay at home to look after their children. If a school was closed at short notice, this would constitute an emergency relating to a dependant, in which case, you would be entitled to take time off as dependency leave.
“This type of leave does not have to be paid. Your employer cannot refuse you dependency leave if you have no other choice, and you cannot be disciplined or sacked for taking the time off.”
Barry Island Pleasure Park has begun to make improvements to their site on the seafront, starting with the addition of some new rides.
The park is already chock-a-block with rollercoasters and rides for the entire family, with the mammoth Aerospace dominating the skyline across the Island.
Standing at 65 meters tall and spinning at 75mph, this ride offers the adrenaline junkies and thrill seekers among us a reason to venture down to Whitmore Bay.
As the only one in the UK, this ride has become synonymous with the park.
Now, the Danters are looking to build on the reputation this ride brings.
Families with youngsters who ventured down to the park during the half term holidays may have noticed a new ride for those who prefer something a little slower paced. The brand-new Caterpillar Coaster is a small family coaster that gives families a chance to join in the fun and introduce the white-knuckle rollercoasters of tomorrow to their first adrenaline experience.
The addition of some new rides, like a new bumper car ride, has been delayed by the War in Ukraine, as steel prices rise rapidly and the production of computer parts in the area was halted – two of the main components that keep parks like this running. But its better late than never as these delayed rides begin to make their appearance on the Island.
“We’re trying to take it from one level to the next the best we can,” Harry Danter told the Barry and District News, “We just want to make a good day out and experience for the people.”
This family-owned park is dedicated to providing the best experience possible for the thousands of customers that come through their gates each summer and with free entry and new rides coming in thick and fast, the park has never looked so inviting.
They tease that their biggest improvement yet will come before the end of this year, with announcements to be made soon.
Now they have begun to provide the ultimate experience for thrill seekers of all ages, Barry Island Pleasure Park has its sights set on becoming the number one seaside attraction in the UK – and they’re arguably well on their way.
This is a republished version of an article that first appeared on the Barry and District News in February 2026.
From Abersoch (North Wales) and Dirleton (Scotland) to Virginia Water (Surrey), the Daily Mail has come up with a list of the poshest villages in Britain.
Introducing the list, the news outlet said: “From quaint village schools with high-speed links to Oxbridge to thatched cottages and chichi high streets, some villages in Britain are unmistakably upper class.
Britain’s 29 poshest villages revealed: From beautiful green spaces to low crime rates, good schools and cosy pubs, an expert reveals the places you should move to – and exactly how much it’ll cost https://t.co/gWrn4UGhMh
— Mail+ (@DailyMailUK) April 10, 2025
“It’s little wonder, then, that these smart locations are such a pull for those with deep enough pockets.”
The Daily Mail continued: “So to help you get slice of the good life, we’ve spoken to estate agents, scoped out the award-winners and trawled through guides to round up of some of the UK’s poshest villages.”
Britain’s poshest villages
The poshest villages in Britain, according to the Daily Mail, are:
- Roundhay (West Yorkshire)
- Dirleton (Scotland)
- Chipping Norton (Cotswolds)
- Scarcroft (West Yorkshire)
- Newtown Linford (Leicestershire)
- Haigh (Greater Manchester)
- Bishopthorpe (North Yorkshire)
- Abersoch (Wales)
- Solva (Wales)
- Shalbourne (Wiltshire)
- Beaulieu (Hampshire)
- Elie (Scotland)
- Warkworth (Northumberland)
- Brancepeth (County Durham)
- Ombersley (Worcestershire)
- Virginia Water (Surrey)
- Hightown (Merseyside)
- Great Missenden (Buckinghamshire)
- Sunningdale (Berkshire)
- Kingham (Cotswolds)
- Biddestone (Wiltshire)
- Shipton Moyne (Cotswolds)
- Beckington (Somerset)
- Caldy (Merseyside)
- Llandough (Wales)
- West Kilbride (Scotland)
- Studland (Dorset)
- Barrington (Cambridgeshire)
- Barston (West Midlands)
RECOMMENDED READING:
Why Llandough is among the poshest villages in Britain
Llandough was one of three Welsh villages, along with Solva and Abersoch, to be named among the poshest in Britain.
The Daily Mail said: “With its picturesque settings and exclusive residential homes, this village is a favoured Welsh retreat for those looking to enjoy the rural charm while still being close to the urban amenities of nearby Cardiff, says Liam Gretton.”
Houses in the south Wales village, located near Cardiff, range in price from £300,000 for modest homes to £1.5 million for more luxurious properties.
This is a republished version of an article that first appeared on the South Wales Argus in April 2025
No, we haven’t jetted off to sunnier climes but instead are minutes from Carmarthen staying in the grand and luxurious Ty Penbryn.
The house in Llangynor sleeps 24 and is a modern interpretation of the original Georgian property that stood in this spot lived in by Sir Lewis Morris.
The new Ty Penbryn retains the original charm of the former manor house and had recreated and reused its original features.
However, it benefits from the modern conveniences of insulation and underfloor heating. Not to mention a cinema, swimming pool and leisure suite, games room music room and outdoor playpark.
Current owners Ben and Hannah bought the property in 2021.
Together they have transformed the property into a fun and family-friendly holiday let, perfect for large family gatherings and corporate events.
Hannah is studying interior design and has applied her creative and quirky touch to the Georgian wing of the house.
Furniture has been sourced from local antique dealers and second-hand markets and each room is decorated in its own unique way; one in deepest blue with gold accents and peacock lamps, another in painted stripes with an Indian carved four poster bed and mirrored furniture.
At the top of the gallery is a stained-glass chandelier shipped in from the States with twelve illuminated parrots, a nod to Sir Lewis Morris’ collection of taxidermy birds in the original Ty Penbryn.
In the name of family fun, the entrance hall below the gallery can be used as a dance floor, with a discreetly installed disco ball, juke box and karaoke machine, sitting alongside suits of armour.
The walls of the house are adorned with a mixture of reproduction and original art from different schools and styles.
The light is luscious spilling in from double aspect windows that look out onto manicured lawns and gardens that spill into fields right down to the River Towy.
The accommodation consists of a Victorian wing, Georgian wing and an adapted annex with wet room and wheelchair access.
We are in a cosy ensuite twin room in the Victorian wing, decorated in off white with dark accents, a hint of tasselled chintz and a couple of Monet repros. Here we enjoy perfectly comfortable beds squishy pillows, a TV, ceiling fan and a short trip to the kitchen and dining areas.
Sitting in the room in the spring sunlight, birdsong fills the air and there is a real feeling of peace and tranquillity, despite our proximity to the centre of Carmarthen; we are close enough to walk into the centre and near to the train station but it feels like we have got away from it all.
The original Ty Penbryn became derelict after its roof blew off in a storm in the 1950s.
The builder who rebuilt it recreated the grand entrance way and gallery, using Welsh Oak and exactly replicating the detailing on the staircase.
The original wood, marble and slate fireplaces were remade at two thirds of their original size.
Elsewhere original features were salvaged where possible; there are original boards on the dining room floor, ceiling mouldings in the library and animal bells when you come in.
Ben and Hannah have added all the bells and whistles to the property, giving consideration to what a large family or group would enjoy here.
They have created a second floor in the property, going into the attic to make a cinema room with tiered seating in proper comfy sofas and a super-sized screen. There’s also an office tucked under the eaves if you do have to work while on holiday.
The other addition that they have made to the property is the leisure wing, housing a pool, jacuzzi, a sauna and a steam room as well as heated loungers. Above the changing rooms there is a mezzanine floor with comfy seating, a soft play corner, a large TV and a ping pong table.
The house caters well for children as well as adults, possibly because Ben and Hannah have a little one of their own. There are coat pegs at child height, a soft play in the leisure suite, all manner of pool toys and inflatables, colourful ukeleles in the music room and little mouse stickers in communal areas for kids to find and assemble a mystery word.
Outside there is a small children’s play park and a multi sports pitch that can be floodlit at night as well as a barbeque, pizza oven and enormous outside seating area.
Ty Penbryn is looked after by Finest Retreats who run a concierge service and can arrange bespoke experiences such as murder mystery evenings, wine tastings with a local vineyard and catering.
In the evening, we dine on tender steak topped with picked mushrooms, broccoli and dauphinoise potatoes, laid on by local bespoke catering company Strawberry Shortcake.
Between the main and dessert, we learn a murder has taken place just down the road from the manor.
We find out that Lady Virginia’s husband had been murdered in the grounds of Carmarthen Castle; she is one of the suspects along with her good friend Victor and the local GP.
During a delicious dessert and coffee, we try and solve the murder, questioning each suspect, expertly played and improvised by actors from Welsh murder mystery company Dying to Meet You.
I won’t tell you who dunnit but can reveal that I was one of only three in our party to guess correctly.
The murder mystery made dinner into a diverting experience, broke the ice among our group of strangers and lasted for exactly the right amount of time.
After this we end up in the music room with new friend Jo singing Britpop on the guitar, before retiring to the movie theatre for a bit of late-night viewing.
The next morning, I am up bright and early in the spring sunshine and have a swim before breakfast. Happiness is an empty swimming pool with sunshine glistening in the depths and plenty of space and time to plod up and down.
Appetite worked up, I sit down to a sumptuous breakfast spread, again by Strawberry Shortcake, before soaking up said spring sunshine on a superbly comfortable sun lounger.
Later we stroll down the Roman road into Carmarthen to drink coffee and boba tea on sunny squares.
The afternoon is spent in the pool, jacuzzi, sauna and steam room and after a spectacular sunset we head to the cinema for some 90s movie nostalgia.
A quick swim before breakfast the following day and it’s time to head home, rested, replenished and ready for more.
Ty Penbryn costs from £5,688 per week. If you grab your 23 closest friends and split the costs, that is a bargainous £237 for the week.
Even split between five families or booked for a party or corporate event, Ty Pembryn is the perfect place for a week of luxurious living as lord or lady of the manor.
For more information visit finestretreats.co.uk/rentals/house-llangunnor-ty-penbryn, linked above.
