Siambr · Peter Fox
Written questions
14 written questions on record from the Seventh Senedd on, newest first. Page 1 of 1.
WQ100935 · Tabled · Answered
Will the Cabinet Minister outline the reasoning for the current lane closure on the A465 between Gilwern and Abergavenny?
Answered by Deputy Minister for Transport
The eastbound lane closure on the A465 between Gilwern and Abergavenny is required to enable Welsh Water to undertake emergency repairs to a burst water main.
The length of the closure reflects Welsh Water’s safety requirements. Our South Wales Trunk Road Agent is discussing whether the closure can be shortened and, if this can be achieved safely, it will be reduced over the weekend of 17th and 18th October.
Welsh Water currently expects to complete the emergency works and remove the lane closure by Friday 23 October.
WQ100812 · Tabled · Answered
Will the Cabinet Minister provide the number of incidents on the A465 between Gilwern and Brynmawr requiring attendance by the emergency services in the last two years, broken down by year and incident type where possible?
Answered by Deputy Minister for Transport
This question is a request for recorded information and has been passed for FoI response.
WQ100676 · Tabled · Answered
Will the Welsh Government confirm whether the anticipated introduction of Transport for Wales services between Swansea and Bristol will result in additional calls at stations in Monmouthshire, such as the Severn Tunnel Junction, and if so, which stations are expected to benefit?
Answered by Deputy Minister for Transport
TfW is currently awaiting approval of the access rights for these services from the Office of Rail and Road (ORR). The Bristol services are included in the planned December 2026 timetable, and TfW has commenced training and assurance work in anticipation of commencing the services in December 2026.
TfW has already provisioned rolling stock for the Bristol service in its plans and there is no impact to planned service frequency or capacity on the Marches line.
All services will include stops at both Newport and Severn Tunnel Junction meaning this service will provide an increase in both capacity and service frequency to these stations.
WQ100675 · Tabled · Answered
Will the Welsh Government confirm whether the introduction of Transport for Wales services between Swansea and Bristol will require a reduction in the number, frequency or capacity of services operating on the Marches line, and if so, what reductions are anticipated?
Answered by Deputy Minister for Transport
TfW is currently awaiting approval of the access rights for these services from the Office of Rail and Road (ORR). The Bristol services are included in the planned December 2026 timetable, and TfW has commenced training and assurance work in anticipation of commencing the services in December 2026.
TfW has already provisioned rolling stock for the Bristol service in its plans and there is no impact to planned service frequency or capacity on the Marches line.
All services will include stops at both Newport and Severn Tunnel Junction meaning this service will provide an increase in both capacity and service frequency to these stations.
WQ100663 · Tabled · Answered
When does the Welsh Government expect direct Transport for Wales passenger services between Swansea and Bristol to commence, following the recent testing of TfW services at Bristol Temple Meads?
Answered by Deputy Minister for Transport
TfW is currently awaiting approval of the access rights for these services from the Office of Rail and Road (ORR). The Bristol services are included in the planned December 2026 timetable, and TfW has commenced training and assurance work in anticipation of commencing the services in December 2026.
TfW has already provisioned rolling stock for the Bristol service in its plans and there is no impact to planned service frequency or capacity on the Marches line.
All services will include stops at both Newport and Severn Tunnel Junction meaning this service will provide an increase in both capacity and service frequency to these stations.
WQ100662 · Tabled · Answered
When is Butetown railway station expected to open to passengers and will a full timetable or a limited parliamentary service be operating upon its opening?
Answered by Deputy Minister for Transport
Whilst much of the work on Butetown station is now complete, there will not be capacity for all services to stop at the station until work to introduce new signalling and bring the second line into use is complete around mid-2027. In the meantime, it is planned to introduce a limited service at Butetown station to build up operational experience. This is planned to start from mid-December this year.
WQ100525 · Tabled · Answered
Will the Cabinet Minister detail what access provisions will be made for residents impacted by the forthcoming overnight road closures on the A465 between the Hardwick Interchange and Pontrilas?
Answered by Deputy Minister for Transport
Temporary Traffic Regulation Orders (TTROs) are typically made for a period of up to 18 months, during which authorised works may commence and be undertaken. Publication of the TTRO does not confirm a start date for the works.
The TTRO for the A465 between Hardwick Roundabout and Pontrilas has been published to facilitate carriageway coring and investigative works. Detailed information regarding the programme, commencement date and traffic management arrangements has not yet been finalised or published.
Once the programme and traffic management arrangements have been finalised, details will be communicated through the usual stakeholder and public communications channels in advance of any works commencing.
The investigative works will inform any future decisions on potential carriageway resurfacing, which would be subject to the outcome of the investigations and the availability of funding.
WQ100098 · Tabled · Answered
Will the Welsh Government review the condition of road markings on the M4 in both directions between the Coldra Interchange and the M48, and undertake any necessary remedial works to restore faded or missing lines where required to ensure road safety and clear lane delineation?
Answered by Deputy Minister for Transport
The Welsh Government routinely monitors the condition of the motorway and trunk road network, including road markings, through its established inspection and maintenance arrangements. Safety is our first priority, and where inspections identify faded or missing markings which may affect road safety or clear lane delineation, appropriate remedial works are considered and programmed.
Officials will ask the South Wales Trunk Road Agent to review the condition of the road markings on the M4 in both directions between the Coldra Interchange and the M48 as part of these arrangements. Any works identified as necessary will be prioritised and delivered in line with safety requirements, network needs and available maintenance programmes.
WQ100058 · Tabled · Answered
Will the Cabinet Minister set out the latest Welsh Government policy position on Ragwort, specifically what is expected of landowners and local authorities when it comes to control?
Answered by Cabinet Minister for Rural Resilience and Sustainability
Welsh Government has published a Code of Practice to Prevent the Spread of Ragwort. The Code sets out a measured and responsible approach explaining how land managers can assess whether control is needed. It takes account of the potential risks to horses, livestock and forage production, and also the value of common ragwort as a native plant that supports many species of wildlife. The guidance does not seek to eradicate ragwort or to control it indiscriminately.
Common ragwort is listed under the Weeds Act 1959, but its presence on land is not, in itself, an offence. Formal action may be taken only where the Rural Inspectorate for Wales has served a notice requiring action to prevent its spread, and where the occupier has unreasonably failed to comply.
WQ100018 · Tabled · No answer published
What assessment has the Welsh Government made of any risks to Welsh Government-funded housing projects arising from the financial and operational challenges publicly reported by Vistry Group over the last two years?
To be answered by: Cabinet Minister for Local Government, Housing and Planning
WQ100017 · Tabled · No answer published
How many housing developments in receipt of Welsh Government funding currently involve Vistry Group, and what is the total value of those developments?
To be answered by: Cabinet Minister for Local Government, Housing and Planning
WQ100016 · Tabled · No answer published
What assessment has the Welsh Government made of the current status of the affordable housing development in Canton being delivered by Vistry Group for United Welsh, which is receiving Welsh Government social housing grant funding, and whether it remains on schedule and within budget?
To be answered by: Cabinet Minister for Local Government, Housing and Planning
WQ100015 · Tabled · Answered
What safeguards, contractual protections and financial assurance mechanisms are currently required when assessing and appointing contractors for Welsh Government-funded housing developments?
Answered by Cabinet Minister for Local Government, Housing and Planning
The majority of Welsh Government-funded housing developments are delivered through the Social Housing Grant programme, which provides capital funding to local authorities and Registered Social Landlords to support the delivery of affordable homes in Wales.
Contractors working on schemes in receipt of Social Housing Grant funding are appointed by the relevant local authority or Registered Social Landlord. Those organisations are responsible for ensuring that appropriate procurement processes, due diligence, contractual protections and financial assurance arrangements are in place before entering into contracts. This includes satisfying themselves as to contractor capability, financial standing, delivery capacity and compliance with relevant procurement and governance requirements.
Welsh Government’s Social Housing Grant guidance for registered social landlords and local authorities sets out the scheme approval, technical scrutiny, grant payment and post-completion review processes.
WQ99776 · Tabled · Answered
Will the Cabinet Minister provide the reasoning behind the lane closure on the A465 westbound between Clydach and Brynmawr?
Answered by Deputy Minister for Transport
A routine inspection of the Clydach Gorge Viaduct identified a structural defect, so we introduced a lane closure on the westbound A465 to protect the safety of the travelling public. Repair works are progressing, and we will remove the restriction once they are complete.
Official verbatim record: each question and answer as the Record prints it. Answers are signed with a job title, as published.