Swansea is heating up with drama! Local MP Carolyn Harris is absolutely fuming after politicians from Carmarthenshire stepped in to challenge the planned revamp of St Helen’s, home to the Ospreys. Earlier this week, Swansea Council’s planning committee gave the green light for this historic ground’s makeover, aiming for an end-of-year move. However, Carmarthenshire figures, including Plaid Cymru and Labour MPs, have raised their voices, fearing it could harm regional rugby at Parc y Scarlets. They’re urging the Welsh Government to intervene.
Harris, not one to mince words, slammed their actions as “absolutely astounding” and labelled the intervention as “not appropriate”. She expressed outrage over this move by her colleagues, especially since she wasn’t forewarned. “I’m incandescent that anyone thinks it’s okay to interfere in the workings of a region that isn’t theirs,” she said. Her passionate rebuke reflects deep-seated frustration over what she sees as an overreach into matters that should remain local.
Meanwhile, Ospreys Chief Lance Bradley seems unfazed, highlighting the positive impact a redeveloped St Helen’s could have, not just on rugby but for the community at large. He downplayed concerns, pointing out that the historic ground is set for respectful restoration, promising benefits for Swansea RFC, Swansea University, and the wider community. The Ospreys emphasise that this move has been in the works for over a year, making the timing of these objections particularly surprising.
All eyes are on how this political scrum will unfold, but one thing’s for sure: this saga has everyone talking! 🏉🔥