The Pembrokeshire Herald 04/07/2025

NHS blood courier killed in motorbike crash

A MOTORCYCLIST delivering urgent NHS blood supplies has died following a collision on the A478 in north Pembrokeshire.

The incident occurred at around 6:25pm on Wednesday (July 2) near Pentregalar, between Glandy Cross and Blaenffos, and involved a red Honda motorcycle operated by Blood Bikes Wales and a white Volkswagen van.

The rider, a man in his 70s, was a volunteer courier for Blood Bikes Wales, a charity which supports the NHS by transporting emergency blood, medical samples, donor milk, and equipment between hospitals across Wales.

He was pronounced dead at the scene. His next of kin have been informed and are being supported by specialist police officers.

Tom Sinclair editor@herald.email

The driver of the van, a 56-yearold man, was arrested at the scene on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving. He remains in police custody.

The road was closed overnight to allow specialist collision investigators to examine the scene and reopened at 6:45am on Thursday (July 3).

Photos from the scene show police accident signs, cones, and cordons in place at a bend in the road, with rolling hills and fields in the background.

Dyfed-Powys Police are appealing for witnesses, particularly anyone who may have dashcam footage from the area around the time of the collision.

Anyone with information is asked

Bailiffs enforcing in Milford Haven as more say they can’t afford council tax

COUNCIL TAX debt in Wales has soared to £263 million, with Pembrokeshire now among the top ten counties for arrears per household. As enforcement agents were attending properties in Milford Haven last month, concerns are growing over the treatment of vulnerable residents.

Figures released by the Welsh Government show that arrears have risen by 139 per cent since before the pandemic. Of the total, £103 million relates to the most recent financial year, with a further £160 million carried forward from previous years.

In Pembrokeshire, the amount of unpaid council tax rose to £8.75 million by the end of March 2025—an increase of £370,000 on the previous year. With around 70,000 chargeable properties in the county, this equates to approximately £125 per household.

Across Wales, Gwynedd has the highest average arrears per household at £373, while Neath Port Talbot has the lowest at £64.

MAgISTRATeS ISSUINg MORe LIABILITY ORdeRS

The Herald understands that magistrates in west Wales have been busy issuing liability orders to local residents who have fallen behind on payments. The lists of names appearing in court each month appear to be getting longer.

A liability order allows the council to pass a case to enforcement agents— commonly referred to as bailiffs—who are then authorised to recover the debt using statutory powers.

WOMAN LefT TeRRIfIed AfTeR BAILIff THReAT

A woman in Milford Haven contacted

The Pembrokeshire Herald in tears after a bailiff from Excel Civil Enforcement Ltd told her he would break into her home if she did not pay £400 immediately.

The woman, who has asked not to be named, said she is currently under the care of the NHS Crisis Team following a recent domestic abuse incident. She offered to pay £150 on Tuesday, when she is next due to receive money, but the offer was allegedly refused.

She has since submitted a safeguarding referral to Pembrokeshire County Council and is receiving support from local services.

ALLegATIONS Of MISRePReSeNTATION

The Herald has seen evidence suggesting that misleading information has been given by enforcement agents operating in the county. In one case, a bailiff told a resident he could enforce a council tax debt by attending a business premises simply because the debtor was a company director. This is not legally correct.

There have also been concerns raised about the application of fees. In one case, a payment of £400 was taken before the resident was told that the enforcement fee had not been added— despite suggestions to the contrary during initial contact.

CALLS fOR A MORe COMPASSIONATe APPROACH

The Welsh Government is currently consulting on proposals to reform the council tax enforcement system, including extending the period before a resident becomes liable for the entire year’s bill from two weeks to two months.

Finance Minister Mark Drakeford said the current enforcement rules were

“too aggressive” and needed to change. A national revaluation of council tax bands—last reviewed in 2003—has also been delayed until 2028.

Council tax remains the largest source of locally raised income for Welsh local authorities. In Pembrokeshire, the council collected around £97 million in 2024–25, but rising arrears have placed increasing reliance on enforcement action.

WHAT ReSIdeNTS SHOULd kNOW

Council tax is a priority debt and cannot be ignored. However, residents are entitled to help and advice. Pembrokeshire County Council offers payment plans and reduction schemes for those on low incomes.

Debt charities including Citizens Advice and StepChange also provide free confidential support.

If a resident is vulnerable—due to health, disability, or mental distress—

they can request that the council pause enforcement and handle the matter directly.

BAILIff RULeS: kNOW YOUR RIgHTS

Bailiffs cannot simply break into a home to collect unpaid council tax. They may only enter through an unlocked door and cannot use force unless they have a court-issued warrant and have previously gained peaceful entry. Even then, strict rules apply.

If no entry has previously been made, bailiffs must not threaten forced entry. Residents who feel intimidated or are misled by enforcement agents should report the matter to the council and the enforcement firm involved.

If you have been treated unfairly by a bailiff in Pembrokeshire, contact us on investigations@herald.email Your information will be treated confidentially.

Image: BBC

Milford Haven woman faces quadruple amputation after medical emergency

A MILfORd HAVeN woman is facing life-changing surgery after a sudden and serious illness left her in intensive care for over a month.

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Tracie, who works night shifts at Tesco in Haverfordwest, was taken to Withybush Hospital’s A&E department by her partner Steve on May 18 after falling severely unwell. Initial scans suggested an abdominal issue, and she was taken into surgery two days later.

But once surgeons began operating, they discovered her abdomen was full of pus, prompting an urgent transfer to the intensive care unit. Over the next few days, Tracie developed sepsis and was placed on dialysis. Despite extensive testing, doctors struggled

to identify the root cause for several weeks.

After 37 days in ICU and while still heavily sedated, further MRI scans revealed the cause: undiagnosed endometriosis. A mass the size of a plum was discovered in her pelvis, alongside a blocked fallopian tube, an ovarian cyst and fluid build-up.

Although Tracie is now awake and able to communicate after having a tracheotomy fitted, the long period of illness and complications from sepsis have caused necrosis in both her hands and feet. Doctors have confirmed that all four limbs will need to be amputated. The exact level of amputation will be determined in the coming weeks, but the reality is that Tracie now faces a long and difficult journey of recovery.

Her sister, Jess, has launched a fundraiser to help cover the mounting costs facing the family. Tracie’s partner Steve was made redundant in March and has been told they will not receive Universal Credit support until December.

“Tracie has always been strong and independent,” Jess said. “She’s now facing a life without her hands and feet, and we want to do everything we can to support her recovery and help her access the prosthetics she’ll need.”

The fundraiser also aims to help cover fuel costs for Steve to travel to Morriston Hospital, where Tracie will undergo amputation surgery, and to provide for the couple’s children during this crisis.

The family had also been in the final stages of becoming foster carers for their granddaughter Bella-Rose. The final hearing was due to take place just days after Tracie’s hospital admission but had to be cancelled due to her emergency surgery.

Steve said: “Not only is Tracie now having to deal with losing her limbs, but she’s also dealing with the emotional impact of losing Bella-Rose. It’s been devastating for all of us.”

Tracie is originally from Carmarthen but has lived in Pembrokeshire for nearly a decade. She currently lives in Hakin, Milford Haven, and previously lived in St Brides.

To support the fundraiser, visit: www. gofundme.com/f/fund-for-dede-tracie

Mother-of-four banned after drug-driving conviction

A MOTHeR-Of-fOUR has been banned from driving after being caught behind the wheel with cannabis in her system.

Kirstin Morant, 39, was stopped by police at around midday on January 16 while driving her Volvo XC90 near the

Corner Piece pub in Treffgarne.

A roadside drug swipe tested positive for cannabis, and further analysis at the police station revealed 4.9 micrograms of Delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) in her blood. The legal limit is 2 micrograms.

Morant, of Garn Las, Fishguard, appeared before Haverfordwest magistrates where she was disqualified from driving for 12 months. She was also fined £120 and ordered to pay £85 in court costs and a £48 victim surcharge.

Tom

Patients removed from NHS waiting lists without warning - Health Board launch probe

A gROWINg number of Pembrokeshire residents say they have been removed from NHS waiting lists without warning, following missed appointments they claim were never communicated to them.

After a call for information published by The Pembrokeshire Herald, more than two dozen patients and family members came forward to describe problems receiving appointment letters, cancelled bookings without notification, and difficulty contacting hospital departments to reschedule or explain absences.

One mother said her eight-yearold daughter, who has a rare genetic condition, was removed from dermatology follow-up after a letter claimed she had missed an appointment.

“We never got that appointment,” she said. “Then the one they did book was cancelled without telling us. We’ve heard nothing since.”

Another parent said her young son, who urgently needs surgery, was removed from a waiting list at Glangwili Hospital after allegedly missing several appointments — none of which the family received.

“We only found out when we turned up for one, and were told it had been cancelled. Now we’re back at square one, needing a fresh referral through the GP.”

In one case, a woman attending a sixweek physio course said she called the hospital three times to explain she was unwell and unable to attend one session — but only reached an answering machine. “A few days later, I got a letter saying I’d been removed from the course for not attending. I never spoke to anyone.”

Tom Sinclair editor@herald.email

NO fIgUReS AVAILABLe

Following a press enquiry from the Herald, Hywel Dda University Health Board confirmed that it follows national guidelines around waiting list management and promised to reinstate any patient wrongly removed — but was unable to say how many patients had been taken off waiting lists in recent years.

The health board said it had received similar feedback from other patients and had now launched a review into the “factors which may lead to late receipt of appointment letters.”

A Freedom of Information request has now been submitted by the Herald to obtain data on the number of patients removed from waiting lists between January 2020 and June 2025.

PHONe CALLS, ANSWeRPHONeS ANd CONfUSION

One of the most common complaints among those who contacted the paper was the difficulty reaching hospital departments by phone — with patients frequently leaving voicemails that were never returned.

A woman from Milford Haven described how her adult daughter, who has a longterm condition, went without dermatology follow-up for over a year. “We rang the secretary, rang Glangwili, left messages — no one ever rang us back. We only got

it sorted because a nurse friend gave us a back-door number.”

Another man said he was moved to the back of the list after missing a telephone consultation — even though the call came an hour before the appointment time and went unanswered. “I later got an apology, but I still lost my place.”

A patient with heart failure said he was told in 2023 he needed an urgent heart scan. “It’s been nearly two years and we still haven’t had that appointment,” his wife told us.

HeALTH BOARd ReSPONSe

In a statement to the Herald, Keith Jones, Hywel Dda University Health Board’s Director of Operational Planning and Performance, said: “We are always sorry to hear when our patients feel that we have not communicated in a timely manner.

“At Hywel Dda we follow strict national guidelines around the management of waiting lists and there are strict protocols in place which relate to the circumstances when patients should be removed from waiting lists.

“We wish to reassure all patients that in circumstances where any patient is inadvertently removed from a waiting list in error, they will be re-instated at the point they were removed and their waiting time will not be compromised.

“We make every effort to send appointment letters in a timely manner and it is part of our procedure to phone a patient should we need to see them at short notice or to cancel appointments.

“We have received feedback from

some patients of incidences where appointment letters have not been received in a timely manner. We are reviewing the factors which may lead to late receipt of appointment letters and will implement any necessary improvements.

“We do offer a digital service called Hywel Dda Post which is a secure online website where patients can access appointment information using a smartphone, tablet, or computer.

“However, we realise this service will not be suitable for everyone and there is no obligation on our patients to take up this service if they prefer to be contacted by letter or phone

“We have recently set up a Regional Digital Inclusion Group and we work collaboratively with other organisations in the area to support patients with digital inclusion.

“We would welcome feedback from patients who have any queries about their appointments. Patients can contact our Patient Support Service by visiting our website, emailing hdhb. patientsupportservices@wales.nhs.uk or calling 0300 0200 159.”

geT IN TOUCH

The Herald is continuing to investigate this issue and will publish further findings once the FOI response is received.

you know has been removed from a hospital waiting list or has experienced communication problems with the NHS, contact the newsroom in confidence by emailing news@herald.email.

Motorcyclist banned after drug driving and licence offences

A MOTORCYCLIST has been banned from the roads after admitting multiple driving offences, including drug-driving, riding without insurance, and breaching licence conditions.

Kameron Hawkridge, 24, was stopped by police while riding his

Yamaha SR on the A4075 at Yerbeston on March 22.

A roadside drug swipe tested positive, and subsequent blood analysis at the police station revealed 7.7 micrograms of Delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol (the active component of cannabis) in his system.

The legal limit is 2 micrograms.

Further checks revealed Hawkridge was riding otherwise than in accordance with his provisional licence. He had failed to display ‘L’ plates and was also uninsured at the time of the offence.

This week, Hawkridge, of

Hazelbeach Road, Waterston, appeared before Haverfordwest magistrates and pleaded guilty to all charges.

He was disqualified from driving for 12 months, fined £120, and ordered to pay £85 in court costs and a £48 victim surcharge.

Port chief meets Prime Minister

Milford Haven’s role in

THe CHIef eXeCUTIVe of the Port of Milford Haven met Prime Minister keir Starmer during the Welsh Labour Conference last week, where the strategic role of Welsh ports in clean energy and trade was firmly on the agenda.

Tom Sawyer, who heads the UK’s leading energy port, joined Ashley Curnow of Associated British Ports to meet the new Prime Minister and discuss how Milford Haven can help deliver key aims of the recently published UK Industrial Strategy.

During his keynote speech, Mr Starmer acknowledged the importance of the Celtic Freeport—which includes Milford Haven and Port Talbot—as central to plans for green energy generation in the Celtic Sea, including the development of floating offshore wind.

Following the meeting, the Port of Milford Haven issued a statement highlighting its national significance. It said: “As the UK’s leading energy Port

UK

energy transition recognised at Welsh Labour Conference

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handling around 30% of the UK’s gas supply, the Port of Milford Haven is a national asset and critical to UK energy security and transition.

“Its position on the west coast of Wales offers deep water and sheltered access to global trade routes, a strategic strength that means the Port is ideally placed to deliver practical results for the UK Industrial Strategy across many of the identified high growth sectors.

“We look forward to working alongside Welsh and UK Government to deliver our vision for Pembroke Port and the wider Milford Haven Waterway as part of the Celtic Freeport.”

The Celtic Freeport is expected to attract significant investment to Wales and support high-skilled jobs through renewables, innovation and maritime development.

Romantic getaway ends in court for drink-driving plumber

caught

wheel.

Police were alerted at around 10:30am on June 15, after a report of a man seen drinking from a can of Strongbow cider in a Saundersfoot car park before driving away in a silver Peugeot.

Officers intercepted the vehicle travelling east on the A40 near the St Clears roundabout. It was being driven by Richard Powell, of Hollinwell Place, Birmingham, with his girlfriend in the passenger seat.

A roadside breath test gave a reading of 99mcg of alcohol in 100ml of breath. Further tests at the police station confirmed a reading of 87mcg. The legal limit is 35mcg.

RePeAT OffeNdeR

The court heard that this is Powell’s third conviction for drink-driving, following previous offences in 2004 and 2009.

“He’d come to Pembrokeshire on a romantic weekend and intended to propose to his girlfriend,” said his solicitor, Mike Kelleher. “But as they prepared to leave, his partner wasn’t feeling well and very foolishly, the defendant offered to drive, as he felt OK.”

dRINkINg ON THe BeACH

Probation officer Catrin Jones told the court that Powell had been drinking heavily during his holiday to celebrate the planned proposal. He drank on the beach that morning as a “farewell to Wales,” believing he was still fit to drive.

Shockingly, he admitted to drinking two pints of Carling before arriving at Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court for Tuesday’s hearing.

“He began drinking at the age of 13 and was alcohol dependent by 35,” said Ms Jones. “He now drinks twice a week, but during binge sessions, which happen roughly once a month, he consumes up to 18 cans of lager. Alcohol is clearly an issue for Mr Powell.”

SeNTeNCINg

Powell pleaded guilty to drink-driving, driving without a valid licence, and driving without insurance.

He was banned from driving for 22 months and sentenced to a 12-month community order, including 20 rehabilitation activity days and a 90-day alcohol abstinence monitoring requirement. He was also ordered to pay a £114 court surcharge and £85 in costs.

Man charged with malicious communication over Facebook posts

A 42-YeAR-OLd Carmarthenshire man has appeared in court charged with sending threatening messages via social media.

Peter Halls, of Ty Cerrig, Bedw Hirion

Farm, appeared before Haverfordwest magistrates on Monday (June 30), accused of causing a message to be sent by public communication network that was grossly offensive or

of an indecent, obscene, or menacing character.

The offence is alleged to have occurred on December 10, 2024, and relates to material posted on Facebook. Halls has been remanded on conditional bail, and the case has been adjourned for further hearings.

A ROMANTIC weekend in Pembrokeshire ended in court for a 43-year-old plumber after he was

drink-driving following a tipoff that he had been swigging cider in a car park before getting behind the

Man banned after drug driving in mother’s car

A NeYLANd motorist has been banned from driving after admitting two separate incidents of drugdriving within the space of a month.

Gareth Power, 32, was first stopped by police in the early hours of March 12 while driving a Nissan Note along Honeyborough Road in Neyland. Blood tests revealed he had 9.1 micrograms of Delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol – the main psychoactive component of cannabis – in his system. The legal limit is 2.

Checks also showed he was driving without third party insurance and without a valid licence.

Just weeks later, Power was stopped again, this time driving through Dartmouth Street in Milford Haven. He again tested positive for cannabis, with 7 micrograms detected in his blood. As before, he had no valid insurance and was not driving in accordance with a licence.

This week, Power, of Frederick Street, Neyland, pleaded guilty to all six charges when he appeared before Haverfordwest magistrates.

Probation officer Catrin Jones told the court: “On both occasions, he had taken his mother’s car to go to the petrol station to buy soft drinks and food. He accepts his behaviour was stupid and understands that someone could have been seriously injured. He is very remorseful.”

Magistrates disqualified Power from driving for 18 months and imposed a 12-month community order, including 20 rehabilitation activity days.

He was also fined £240 and must pay a £114 court surcharge and £85 in prosecution costs.

St Davids lifeboat crew assist cliff fall casualty in multi-agency rescue

AT 4:49pm on Tuesday (July 1), ST dAVIdS RNLI inshore lifeboat was launched following reports of a man who had fallen several metres down a cliff at Porthsele.

The volunteer lifeboat crew launched at 5:04pm and arrived swiftly on scene, where they went ashore to assist with casualty care. They worked alongside HM Coastguard teams from St Davids and Fishguard, including the specialist cliff rescue unit.

The casualty, who had sustained serious injuries, was stabilised and extracted to the field above the cliff before being transferred to hospital by road ambulance.

Following the successful multi-agency operation, the inshore lifeboat was rehoused at 6:44pm.

All at St Davids RNLI extend their best wishes to the casualty for a full and speedy recovery.

Fishing boat rescued after breaking down

ST dAVIdS RNLI launched a major rescue on Wednesday afternoon (July 2) after a fishing vessel with two people on board broke down and began drifting towards rocks north of St davids Head.

The all-weather lifeboat Norah Wortley and her volunteer crew launched at 2:17pm and located the vessel already against rocks approximately one mile north of the headland. Fishguard RNLI’s inshore lifeboat was also requested but was stood down once the St Davids crew arrived on scene. A search and rescue helicopter was also deployed by HM Coastguard.

Upon assessing the situation, the St Davids coxswain decided the safest way to free the stricken vessel was by using a bow tow to pull it clear of the rocks. Once freed, the tow was transferred to the stern, and the fishing boat was towed back towards Porthgain.

Due to shallow water in the harbour preventing the RNLI boat from entering, a local fishing vessel assisted in towing the casualty vessel to its mooring.

Both HM Coastguard St Davids and HM Coastguard Fishguard met the crew

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at the harbour to check on their welfare.

The fishing boat was safely moored and both crew members were unharmed. The lifeboat returned to station at 4:15pm. Mike Phillips, deputy coxswain at St Davids RNLI, said: “It’s not often we have to use both a bow and stern tow on the same rescue, but our training paid off. That training wouldn’t be possible without the generous support of our donors.”

Alpaca farm forced to shut after bird flu outbreak kills flock of chickens

A MUCH-LOVed family-run alpaca farm in Haverfordwest has been forced to close its doors temporarily after an outbreak of bird flu led to the loss of its entire flock of chickens.

Sweet Home Alpaca, which has become one of Pembrokeshire’s most popular attractions since opening in 2020, confirmed the heartbreaking news after seven of its chickens were found dead last week. Tests later confirmed they had contracted avian flu, prompting a mandatory cull of the remaining 113 birds on site.

The closure means all alpaca experiences and public visits have been suspended while the farm works through strict containment and

biosecurity measures.

Owners Angela and Alex FraylingJames, who started the business during the Covid-19 lockdown, have spoken of the emotional toll the outbreak has had. “This week has been one of the most intense and emotional journeys we’ve ever experienced,” Angela said in a public post.

Alongside the loss of their chickens, the couple have had to destroy shop stock, animal feed and a year’s worth of carefully collected alpaca fleece. Regulations also require the farm’s fields to be harrowed before they can reopen – a process that has been delayed due to access restrictions and lack of equipment.

Emergency services respond to welfare concern on Hakin Bridge

eMeRgeNCY SeRVICeS responded to concerns for an individual’s safety on Hakin Bridge in Milford Haven during the early hours of Sunday (June 29).

Dyfed-Powys Police confirmed that

at approximately 12:18am, officers and two fire engines attended the scene amid drizzly weather conditions following reports about a person’s welfare.

The individual was safely transported to hospital to receive medical attention

“We don’t have the machinery to do this ourselves, and no one is allowed on site to help until this step is completed,” Angela explained.

A GoFundMe appeal, set up by a friend, has already raised over £2,000 towards a £5,000 target to help cover ongoing animal care and recovery cost

“We are so grateful to everyone who has supported us during this challenging time,” Angela said. “Your kindness and generosity mean everything. Every penny goes directly

towards the animals’ welfare.”

Despite the setback, the couple remain hopeful about the future and say they plan to rescue more chickens once they are given the go-ahead to reopen.

Sweet Home Alpaca was named TripAdvisor’s Best Tour and Attraction in Pembrokeshire for 2024. The farm’s supporters continue to rally behind it as it works to meet all the requirements laid out by the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA).

Milford Haven man banned after Boxing Day drug-drive stop

A BOXINg dAY stop-check has led to a driving ban for a Milford Haven man after he was found with a cocaine derivative in his system.

Ashley Hunt, 30, was stopped by police at around 9:00am on December 26 while driving a BMW along Milford Road in Johnston. A roadside drug swipe tested positive, and further analysis at the police station revealed 201 micrograms of benzoylecgonine—the main metabolite of cocaine—in his blood. The legal limit is 50 micrograms. Hunt, of Milford Haven, admitted

the offence at Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court this week.

“He was not a drug user at the time and had taken something four days prior,” said his solicitor, Michael Kelleher. “He was totally unaffected by the substance, but it was a major lapse in judgement. He was also on heavy medication and wasn’t thinking clearly. He had no idea he was still over the limit as he felt no effects.”

Magistrates imposed a 12-month driving ban and fined Hunt £120. He was also ordered to pay £85 in court costs and a £48 victim surcharge.

Painter disqualified after overturning car

A PAINTeR and decorator has been banned from the road after flipping his car on the A40 while under the influence of drugs.

Kevin Macdonald, 27, had 22 micrograms of ketamine and 316 micrograms of benzoylecgonine in his blood when officers arrested him on December 4, following a crash near Scleddau.

Haverfordwest magistrates heard this week that Macdonald overturned his Vauxhall Corsa in the early hours after giving a friend a lift.

“He had taken the substances the previous evening and made the foolish decision to drive when asked to help his friend,” said his solicitor, Alaw Harries.

“He lost control of the vehicle due to poor weather conditions and it landed on its roof. Unable to locate his phone to call for help, he walked to his friend’s house instead. He now fully appreciates the risk he created by leaving the vehicle in that condition.”

Macdonald, of Allt y Carne, Goodwick, pleaded guilty to two counts of drug-driving and one count of leaving a vehicle in a dangerous position.

Magistrates imposed a 20-month driving disqualification and handed him a 12-month community order with a mental health treatment requirement and 15 rehabilitation activity days. He was also fined £120 and ordered to pay a £114 victim surcharge and £85 in court costs.

Protest held outside Reform UK AGM in Pembroke Dock

MeMBeRS of Stand Up to Racism West Wales gathered outside the Quins function Room on Tuesday (July 2) to protest the Reform Uk party’s annual general meeting, held at the venue.

The demonstrators held placards reading “Stop Racist Reform UK” and

Tom Sinclair editor@herald.email

“Refugees Welcome” in a peaceful protest that took place on the pavement outside the event. Around a dozen people took part in the action, which organisers say was intended to highlight what they

Man denies rape at South Pembrokeshire Golf Club

A 20-YEAR-OLD man from Pembrokeshire has appeared in court charged with the rape of a woman at South Pembrokeshire golf Club.

Cameron Purdy, of no fixed abode, is accused of carrying out the assault on February 16, 2023.

Purdy appeared before Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court this week and denied the charge.

Due to the seriousness of the allegation, magistrates declined jurisdiction and the case was sent to Swansea Crown Court, where a trial is scheduled to begin on August 1.

Purdy was released on unconditional bail.

Teen caught filming himself driving at 85mph on Pembrokeshire road

A TEENAGE driver who filmed himself reaching speeds of 85mph while overtaking vehicles on a busy Pembrokeshire road has admitted a string of motoring offences.

Zack Fecci-Baldry, 19, was seen driving his Audi TT along the A478 on November 30, 2024, recording video footage on his mobile phone as he drove dangerously.

“He was holding his mobile in his right hand, and during the video, the Audi can be seen overtaking three vehicles and crossing the central road markings,” Crown Prosecutor Linda Baker told

Haverfordwest magistrates this week.

“After avoiding a traffic island, he pulled back out to overtake more vehicles and was reaching speeds of up to 85 miles an hour.”

Fecci-Baldry, of Hawkstone Road, Pembroke Dock, pleaded guilty to dangerous driving, driving without a licence, and driving without insurance.

Magistrates adjourned sentencing until July 15 to allow a probation report to be prepared. An interim driving disqualification was imposed, and FecciBaldry was released on unconditional bail.

The protest was organised locally and promoted through Stand Up to Racism

networks across the region. No arrests or disturbances were reported.

Reform UK has not publicly commented.

claim is Reform UK’s “divisive and hostile rhetoric.”

Pembrokeshire campaigners join ‘Red Line for Palestine’ protest at Senedd

dOZeNS of campaigners from Pembrokeshire joined demonstrators at the Senedd in Cardiff Bay on Tuesday (July 1) for a powerful protest calling for justice for Palestine and an end to Uk support for Israel’s military campaign in gaza.

The protest, titled “Red Line for Palestine”, saw participants from across Wales forming a human chain draped in red fabric to symbolise the bloodshed in Gaza. Activists wore red clothing and held placards reading “From Cymru to Palestine – We Are the Red Line” and “Stop Arming Israel”, echoing calls for a ceasefire and an arms embargo.

Among those attending were members of Solidarity with Palestine Pembrokeshire, who brought their own banner and placards. Protester Marj Hawkins, who travelled from Pembrokeshire, said:

“We stood shoulder to shoulder with others from across Wales, sending a message that we will not be silent while our government continues to support the slaughter in Gaza. This was an act of solidarity – and a reminder that Welsh voices will not be ignored.”

The event was supported by dozens

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of trade unions, peace groups, and campaign organisations, whose logos were displayed on flyers distributed ahead of the protest. A large march is

Man sentenced for using stolen bank card

A HAVeRfORdWeST man has been sentenced after making five purchases with a stolen bank card at a local convenience store.

Ry Williams, 33, was caught on CCTV entering the Premier store at around 7:00pm on December 27, 2024, where he used a Halifax bank card to make five separate transactions.

The court heard that the card’s owner had lost his wallet in Market Street earlier that day and was later alerted by a series of bank notifications showing the card had been used in the Premier store.

“CCTV clearly showed the defendant making the transactions,” Crown Prosecutor Linda Baker told Haverfordwest magistrates this week.

“He used the card to purchase several items totalling £58.40.”

Williams, of Furzy Park, Haverfordwest, was identified from the footage and later admitted both theft and dishonestly making a false representation by using the stolen card.

“This was not a premeditated act,” said his solicitor, Jess Hill. “He found the card and the temptation got the better of him. He made purchases he couldn’t usually afford, and it was also around Christmas time, which can be particularly difficult.”

Magistrates fined Williams £80 and ordered him to pay £58.40 in compensation to the cardholder, £85 in court costs, and a £64 victim surcharge.

also being organised in Aberystwyth later this month, continuing the theme of the Red Line campaign, which links Welsh communities with the plight of Palestinians.

The Red Line protest at the Senedd follows mounting criticism of UK arms exports to Israel and concerns over civilian casualties in the ongoing conflict. Organisers said the demonstration was timed to coincide

with renewed international pressure on Western governments to demand a ceasefire and accountability.

A leaflet distributed at the protest listed companies operating in Wales that are accused of supplying weapons or components used by the Israeli military. The campaign urges the Welsh Government to take a stand and calls on local communities to help end the “complicity in genocide.”

Dock man jailed after threatening to stab children at activity centre

LeSS than a week after his release from prison, a Pembroke dock man is back behind bars after threatening to stab children during an outdoor

activity session at Llanion Cove.

Michael Carruthers, 33, was seen standing inside a toilet cubicle with his trousers around his ankles, shouting

threats towards children who were taking part in a supervised session at the popular outdoor facility.

“This is a man who was released from prison last week and was given a tent to stay in, as there was no appropriate accommodation available,” said his solicitor, Tom Lloyd, during Carruthers’ appearance at Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court.

“This is the sort of ‘support’ he’s receiving—despite being extremely vulnerable, having a traumatic background, substance misuse issues, and multiple health problems.”

The court heard that at around 2:00pm on Monday (June 30), police received a 999 call from concerned members of the public reporting Carruthers’ behaviour at the activity centre in Pembroke Dock.

“A member of the public believed he was going to be assaulted by the defendant, who was threatening to stab children while standing in a toilet with the door open and his trousers around

his ankles,” said Crown Prosecutor Linda Baker. “He was aggressive and frightening.”

As the prosecution outlined the events, Carruthers interrupted from the dock, shouting: “I’m not listening to stuff like this. This is absolute s***.”

His solicitor said Carruthers was at “an extremely low point” in his life.

“He was released from prison with enormous problems, and all he was given was a tent. What chance did he have?” said Mr Lloyd.

“It’s not surprising that he returned to alcohol, and in that context this offence occurred. He’s now in one of the worst places mentally he’s ever been, and he actively wants to return to prison.

“But next time he is released, he must receive the proper support he so clearly needs.”

Carruthers was sentenced to 17 weeks in custody. He was also ordered to pay a £154 court surcharge and £85 in prosecution costs.

Five accused of knocking woman unconscious after funeral gathering

fIVe Pembrokeshire residents have appeared before magistrates jointly accused of assaulting a woman and knocking her unconscious following a funeral in Pembroke town centre.

Samantha Birch, 49, Emma Birch, 27, Chloe Birch, 26, Daisy Bianchy, 36, and Sam James, 25, are all charged with assaulting Tonicha Jones during an incident alleged to have taken place outside the Castle Inn on July 6, 2024.

Haverfordwest magistrates heard this week that Ms Jones had attended the Castle Inn after a funeral earlier that day.

“The victim accidentally knocked over a drink that had been placed on another table, and all five defendants

were angry with her,” said Crown Prosecutor Linda Baker. “She went outside and was assaulted by all five defendants.”

The Crown alleges Ms Jones was knocked unconscious during the assault and sustained bruising, lacerations, and cuts.

Samantha and Emma Birch indicated guilty pleas, whereas the other defendants have not yet entered any a plea.

After reviewing CCTV footage of the alleged incident, magistrates declined jurisdiction and committed the case to Swansea Crown Court for trial on August 1.

All five defendants were granted unconditional bail.

Haverfordwest man denies assaults and criminal damage

committing three assaults and damaging his former partner’s front

door during a series of incidents on the night of June 27.

Benjamin Petite, 30, of Princess Royal Way, is accused of assaulting a woman on two separate occasions by beating, assaulting a man causing actual bodily harm, and damaging a glass panel on a front door belonging to the woman.

The court heard the alleged events unfolded after Petite encountered his ex-partner while she was out for the evening.

“His former partner had gone out for the evening and when he saw her, he called her a slag, slapped her causing no injury, and then grabbed her by her arm causing bruising,” Crown Prosecutor Linda Baker told Haverfordwest magistrates this week.

“She got a taxi home, but once again

the defendant appeared, and assaulted her by punching and kicking her on the floor.”

Petite denies all four charges.

His solicitor, Tom Lloyd, told the court: “The relationship between the defendant and his partner has broken down as a result of her infidelity with his best friend.”

Despite a request from the prosecution for remand, magistrates granted Petite conditional bail pending trial at Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on August 1.

Bail conditions include residing and sleeping at his address in Princess Royal Way, having no contact—direct or indirect—with his former partner, observing a daily doorstep curfew between 7:00pm and 6:00am, and not entering Trafalgar Road, Haverfordwest.

Redhill High School celebrates official opening of new teaching block

RedHILL HIgH SCHOOL marked a major milestone on friday (June 27) with the official opening of its brand-new teaching block, a state-of-the-art facility designed to support the school’s continued growth and ambition.

The plaque unveiling was led by His Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant of Dyfed, Miss Sara Edwards, who addressed an audience of students, staff, school directors, and invited guests during a celebratory event on the school grounds.

The new building, which includes modern classrooms, specialist science and IT spaces, and a range of environmentally friendly features, will significantly enhance learning opportunities for current and future generations of Redhill students.

Miss Edwards was joined by Dr Chris Martin OBE DL, Deputy Lieutenant of Dyfed, and two key figures in the development of the new block—Mr Neil Griffiths of WB Griffiths & Sons Ltd, and Mr William Silverstone of Silverstone Green Energy Ltd. Both men, who are also parents of Redhill pupils, were instrumental in realising the vision for the new facility.

Redhill directors in attendance included Headteacher Alun Millington, Ed and Laura Tomp, Bethan Millington, Meryl Lovegrove, and Peter Lovegrove. The board played an active role in overseeing the construction process and ensuring the highest standards were met throughout.

Guests were treated to a musical performance by students Eva Corr (piano) and Lucy John (voice), whose emotive rendition of Quiet from Matilda the Musical earned warm applause.

Redhill students and staff who use it for many years to come.”

Speaking at the event, Miss Edwards praised the school’s achievements and the collaboration that brought the project to fruition:

“I hope that the new facility will further inspire and enable all the

Headteacher and Director Alun Millington added: “This new building is a testament to the success of our school and the support of our parents and students. It enhances our facilities and, most importantly, reflects our commitment to excellence and our

aspirations for the future.”

The celebration concluded with guided tours of the new block and refreshments, giving guests the opportunity to explore the inspiring and forward-thinking learning environment that Redhill High School continues to cultivate.

Plaque unveiling – (L–R) Dr Chris Martin OBE DL, Deputy Lieutenant of Dyfed; Alun Millington, Headteacher; Miss Sara Edwards, Lord-Lieutenant of Dyfed; Laura Tomp and Ed Tomp, New extension – shows the completed block.

Students – (Back row, L–R) Alun Millington, Miss Sara Edwards, Chris Martin, Ed Tomp; (Front row) Eva Corr and Lucy John Tom Sinclair editor@herald.email

Pembroke traffic chaos sparks public outrage

MAJOR traffic disruption in Pembroke caused by temporary traffic lights installed for road works at Bush Hill (A4139) has sparked widespread public outrage, with residents and local businesses expressing frustration and anger at severe delays.

Traffic lights installed by Wales & West Utilities at the junction have reportedly allowed only minimal vehicles through at a time, leading to significant tailbacks and lengthy delays throughout Monday.

Jonathan Grimes, County Councillor for Pembroke St Mary South & Monkton, expressed deep concern about the disruption, stating he had spoken directly to Wales & West Utilities and was liaising with Pembrokeshire County Council (PCC).

Residents voiced their frustration online, highlighting journeys normally taking ten minutes were lasting up to an hour and a half. Local business owner Peter Chesmore described the situation as a “damn disgrace,” saying it took him 45 minutes to make a short journey to work. Chesmore further demanded night-time works to reduce disruption or financial compensation for affected businesses through rate relief.

School runs were particularly affected, with Anne Braithwaite noting she was 40 minutes late picking up her grandson

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from nursery. Commuters like Amanda Jane Mcknight and Margaret Powell shared similar stories of extensive delays, suggesting traffic management should mirror arrangements made during Pembroke Fair, using alternative routes or two-way systems to ease congestion.

Concerns were also raised about emergency service accessibility, with locals noting a potential risk if ambulances or fire engines needed rapid passage through the area.

Residents including Virginia Billing described feeling “imprisoned” in Monkton due to continuous traffic disruptions in recent months, further exacerbating frustration and calls for urgent action.

Councillor Grimes acknowledged a failure in initial traffic management, revealing traffic signals had not been adequately manned initially by Wales & West Utilities. He confirmed that PCC had intervened to address the issues.

The Pembrokeshire Herald has contacted Wales & West Utilities and Pembrokeshire County Council for further comment on the ongoing traffic management plans and the expected duration of the disruption.

Tourist’s rescue coordinated by Milford Haven Coastguard

A MAJOR rescue operation involving Milford Haven Coastguard was launched after a tourist was swept away by a rapidly outgoing tide near Barry Island on Saturday (Jun 21).

Barry Dock RNLI volunteers responded swiftly, launching their inshore lifeboat following reports of a swimmer struggling in waters off Nells Point. Upon arrival, they found the Coastguard rescue helicopter,

Rescue 187, already in the process of winching the casualty from the sea.

Milford Haven Coastguard coordinated the multi-agency rescue operation, maintaining crucial communications with both the helicopter crew and RNLI volunteers. Due to low fuel, the helicopter crew handed over the casualty, who was showing signs of hypothermia and severe distress, to the lifeboat team.

Barry Dock RNLI crew members

provided immediate medical attention, administering oxygen and wrapping the casualty in blankets and a survival bag to combat the effects of coldwater exposure.

Andy Gavan, Coxswain at Barry Dock Lifeboat Station, praised the coordinated effort involving Milford Haven Coastguard, saying: “This was multi-agency cooperation at its very best, with Milford Haven Coastguard, the helicopter team, and our RNLI

volunteers all working seamlessly together to deliver rapid, effective care.”

He added: “Incidents like these highlight the importance of training and preparedness in saving lives. I’m extremely proud of everyone’s quick thinking and professionalism.”

After receiving initial emergency care, the casualty was safely transported to hospital for further medical evaluation.

Images: Barry Dock RNLI

MP welcomes PIP U-turn but warns disabled residents still face hardship

PeMBROkeSHIRe MP Henry Tuffnell has welcomed a dramatic government U-turn on plans to cut Personal Independence Payment (PIP), but warned that many vulnerable residents in his constituency could still lose out under wider welfare reforms.

The Labour MP was among dozens who signed an amendment aimed at blocking the bill in its original form. Ministers have since abandoned key elements of the proposal, including controversial changes to PIP assessments and the Work Capability Assessment, following weeks of mounting pressure from campaigners and MPs across the political divide.

LOCAL IMPACT

Mr Tuffnell said the legislation, as originally drafted, would have disproportionately affected disabled and unwell people in Pembrokeshire.

“I signed an amendment to block the bill in its original form as I felt it was being rushed through and risked impacting vulnerable people in Pembrokeshire,” he told The Herald.

“In our county, we have seen a sharp rise in PIP claims, especially among 16–24-year-olds who are struggling with anxiety and depression. One in five working-age people in Pembrokeshire is now on Universal Credit. This is more

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than a statistic — it’s a clear signal that our support systems are under pressure and people need help, not cuts.”

While he welcomed the government’s decision to step back from its most controversial proposals, Mr Tuffnell said reforms to Universal Credit still posed a threat to those unable to work.

CHARITY CONCeRNS

Leading disability charities share those concerns. James Taylor, executive director at Scope, said that while halting the PIP changes was welcome, the remaining bill would still “strip thousands of pounds in support from disabled people.”

“Our analysis shows disabled households will face nearly £15,000 a year in extra costs by 2030,” Mr Taylor said. “Under these changes, more than 700,000 future Universal Credit health claimants would receive on average £3,000 less support each year than claimants do now.”

The MS Society also voiced alarm. Charlotte Gill, head of campaigns, said: “We’re relieved the government is dropping some of its most catastrophic plans, but pushing through cuts to those unable to work is unfair and cruel.”

A STeP fORWARd, BUT NOT eNOUgH

The government has pledged to invest £2 billion in employment support for disabled people and to enshrine a new “right to try” — allowing people to attempt work without losing benefits if it doesn’t succeed.

Mr Tuffnell described the investment as “generational” but said reform of the welfare state must go hand-in-hand with creating opportunities for decent, wellpaid work.

“Transforming the welfare state is not enough on its own,” he said. “We need secure jobs that pay a living wage. We need public services that can support people before they reach crisis point.

“I’m a Labour MP because I believe in social justice. If you genuinely need support, the state should be there for you. If you can work, you should have the opportunity to — not be punished for trying.”

POLITICAL fALLOUT CONTINUeS

Despite the concessions, the bill passed its second reading on Tuesday (July 1) by 335 votes to 260. Forty-nine Labour MPs voted against the bill, with many more voicing unease about the government’s approach.

Liz Kendall, the Work and Pensions Secretary, defended the legislation, insisting it would still drive people into work and deliver savings. She declined to resign amid accusations of a “shambolic” process and multiple U-turns.

Mr Tuffnell said he would continue to speak up as the bill progresses through Parliament.

“I will always put Pembrokeshire first,” he said. “I will always speak out and advocate for my constituents, and I will continue to do so at every opportunity.”

Pembrokeshire DJ seriously injured in quad bike accident

A POPULAR Pembrokeshire dJ, kai Roberts, is currently in a coma after suffering a serious head injury during a quad bike accident in Zanté on Sunday (June 29).

Kai, experienced a seizure and brain haemorrhage following the accident. He remains in critical condition, receiving emergency medical treatment in a Greek hospital.

The DJ had spent June performing in Zanté, where he secured notable gigs supporting renowned international artists. He had been due to return to Pembrokeshire on Tuesday (July 1).

In response to the tragic incident, Kai’s family has travelled to Greece to be with him during his ongoing medical crisis. With the family facing substantial travel and accommodation expenses, alongside lost earnings, Pure West Radio is organising

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a fundraising event set for Saturday, July 26. This special fundraiser will span multiple venues across Pembrokeshire, aiming to raise crucial financial support.

A spokesperson from Pure West Radio, where Kai is DJ said: “Our entire team, along with the wider nightlife community across Pembrokeshire, stands united with Kai and his family.

“We are all praying for his full and speedy recovery.

“A GoFundMe page will soon be launched to further support Kai and his family.

“Updates on Kai’s condition and details of the fundraising activities will continue to be shared by Pure West Radio.”

Mother-of-two banned for second

drug-driving offence

Young engineer banned from driving after cannabis found in system

A YOUNg apprentice electrical engineer has been banned from driving just weeks after completing his education, following a positive roadside drug swipe.

Leon Morris, 20, was stopped by police at around 5:00pm on Sunday, January 26, after an off-duty officer reported seeing his BMW 1 Series being driven at speed along the A40.

When spoken to by officers, Morris admitted to having smoked cannabis the night before.

“He’d consumed the cannabis 19 hours before being stopped, so in no way was he unfit to drive,” his solicitor, Michael Kelleher, told Haverfordwest magistrates this week.

Mr Kelleher added that Morris had

only recently completed his training as an electrical engineer, and the mandatory driving ban now puts his future career prospects in jeopardy.

“It’s now uncertain what the future holds, as being disqualified from driving is going to present him with considerable problems,” he said.

A roadside drug swipe returned a positive result, and subsequent blood tests revealed Morris had 4.1 micrograms of Delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) in his system—the legal limit is 2 micrograms.

Morris, of Marshall Road, Monkton, was disqualified from driving for 12 months. He was also fined £120 and ordered to pay £85 in court costs and a £48 victim surcharge.

A MOTHeR-Of-TWO who used cannabis in an attempt to selfmedicate her anxiety and depression has been banned from driving after being caught behind the wheel while more than twice the legal drug-drive limit.

Courtney Downing, 22, was stopped by police at around 9:00pm on December 28 as she drove her Renault Clio through Pill Road in Milford Haven.

Although she initially told officers she had not taken any drugs, a roadside test proved positive. Subsequent blood tests showed she had 4.1 micrograms of Delta9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) in her system. The legal limit is 2.

Haverfordwest magistrates heard that this was Downing’s second drug-driving conviction in ten years.

“This is an extremely vulnerable woman who suffers with anxiety, depression, ADHD, and significant issues with sleep,” said her solicitor, Tom Lloyd. “She used cannabis to help with her problems.”

Downing, of Boundary View, Pembroke Dock, pleaded guilty to the drug-driving charge.

She was disqualified from driving for three years. Magistrates also fined her £120 and ordered her to pay £85 in court costs and a £48 victim surcharge.

Two to face crown court trial over Milford Haven drug supply charges

TWO Milford Haven residents are to stand trial at Swansea Crown Court after being accused of supplying significant quantities of cocaine and cannabis resin from a property in the town.

Liam Thomas, 25, and Keira Jones, 20, are jointly charged with possession of 26.9 grams of cocaine and 1,112.5 grams of cannabis resin with intent to supply.

The alleged offences took place at The Light House, Stratford Road, Milford Haven, on April 12, 2024. The pair also

face a further charge of possessing criminal property – namely cash totalling £11,097.89.

Thomas, of The Light House, Stratford Road, and Jones, of Milton Crescent, appeared before Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court this week, where they both pleaded not guilty.

Due to the seriousness of the charges, magistrates declined jurisdiction and the case was sent to Swansea Crown Court. The trial is set to begin on August 1. Both defendants were granted unconditional bail.

woman sentenced for assaulting emergency worker

A 40-YEAR-OLD woman from Haverfordwest has been sentenced to a Community Order after admitting to assaulting a police officer.

Rebecca Hughes, of Princess Royal Way, appeared before magistrates in Haverfordwest on Monday (June 30), where she indicated a guilty plea to one count of assaulting an emergency worker — namely a police constable — during an incident on June 28.

She was originally also charged with

a second offence of common assault by beating, but that charge was withdrawn by the Crown Prosecution Service. The court imposed a Community Order, which will remain in force for twelve months, until June 29, 2026.

Teens explore town’s past in heritage-themed treasure hunt

A HeRITAge treasure hunt with a difference saw dozens of young people take to the streets of Haverfordwest last week, discovering local landmarks and hidden stories while building stronger connections with their community.

Organised by Anti-Social Behaviour Youth Worker Taylor Trueman, the Haverfordwest Heritage Hunt was aimed at engaging young people who might not typically attend traditional youth clubs. The event proved a hit with 34 participants, offering a fun, inclusive and educational experience.

Support came from staff and volunteers at The Edge Youth Centre, who played a vital role in helping deliver the day-long activity.

Haverfordwest – many visiting these places for the first time,” said Taylor. “Of those who took part, 80% said they learned something new, and 76% reported feeling more connected to their town. This shows the powerful impact that heritage-based learning can have on a young person’s sense of belonging and identity.”

Feedback from the teenagers included comments such as: “I’ve walked past some of these places before but never knew what they were. Now I feel like I know my town better,” and “Going to the museum was my favourite bit. I didn’t think I’d be into it, but it was very interesting.”

explored our displays and picked their favourite artefacts. I’m sure they learned a lot from their visit.”

Haverfordwest Town Museum opened exclusively for the event, offering hands-on engagement and donating prizes for the treasure hunters.

Cllr Simon Hancock, who is also the museum’s curator, said: “The museum was delighted to participate in the Heritage Hunt. Dozens of young people

Morrisons’ Community Champion donated refreshments for the event, and local county councillor David Bryan also attended with his family to show support.

Steve Lewis, Community Youth Worker at The Edge Youth Centre, said: “It was a fun way for young people to get

out and explore their town while learning about its history. Projects like this help build stronger connections between young people and their community.”

The Heritage Hunt is part of a wider strategy to reduce anti-social behaviour by offering positive, structured activities that foster a sense of pride and inclusion—helping to ensure young people feel invested in the place they live.

Plans for temporary modular homes to tackle homelessness

A dISUSed school site in Haverfordwest could be transformed into temporary modular homes to help tackle rising homelessness across Pembrokeshire.

Senior councillors are set to consider proposals next week that would see up to 30 units developed

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at the former school site on Augustine Way. The scheme would aim to provide short-term accommodation for local people facing homelessness, as well as easing pressure on the council’s

housing stock.

The plans also include options for accessible or wheelchair-friendly units and temporary housing for tenants displaced by urgent refurbishment works on council properties.

According to Pembrokeshire County Council, demand for one-bedroom

accommodation remains high, with over 2,000 people currently on the waiting list. Single-person households continue to make up the majority of homelessness cases in the county.

At present, the council relies heavily on local B&Bs and hostels to meet its statutory housing obligations, which comes at a significant financial cost. If approved, the new development could be supported by Welsh Government funding under a scheme designed to make use of ‘meanwhile sites’—land awaiting longer-term use.

The modular homes would be developed in phases over two years and would include on-site support for residents. The council says the approach is based on successful similar projects in other parts of Wales.

A smaller, eight-pod modular housing site in Hubberston has been in use for several years and is described as a key part of the council’s wider investment in new housing.

“There is an ongoing need to provide suitable temporary accommodation for people faced with homelessness while supporting them to find a permanent home,” said Councillor Michelle Bateman, Cabinet Member for Housing.

The proposal will be discussed by the Cabinet on Monday, 7 July at 10:00am. The meeting will be broadcast live via webcast.

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Thousands plunge into the sea as Long Course Weekend begins

TeNBY’S famous Long Course Weekend got off to a dramatic start on friday evening (June 27) as hundreds of wetsuit-clad swimmers surged into North Bay for the opening long-distance sea swim.

The mass start at 7:00pm brought scenes of organised chaos as athletes of all abilities battled the tide and chop, many still close to the shore as spectators cheered them on from the beach and clifftops. The swim is the first of three major endurance events taking place across the weekend in Pembrokeshire.

Saturday sees the return of The Wales Sportive, with more than 3,000 cyclists set to tackle routes of 40, 70, 100 and 112 miles through the stunning but challenging roads of South Pembrokeshire. On Sunday, the weekend concludes with the full and half marathons through Tenby and surrounding countryside, attracting runners from across the UK and beyond.

This year’s event, as always, blends elite competition with local spirit—complete with cheering crowds, fireworks, and the famously colourful backdrop of Tenby’s harbour.

The Long Course Weekend has grown into one of Wales’ most iconic sporting events, showcasing not only athletic grit but also the beauty and hospitality of Pembrokeshire. Businesses, cafes and hotels across the town reported a buzzing atmosphere as athletes and supporters flooded into the town.

Thousands of cyclists hit Pembrokeshire roads

THe STReeTS and scenic routes of South Pembrokeshire were alive with colour and energy on Saturday (June 28) as over 3,000 cyclists took on the second stage of the 2025 Long Course Weekend – The Wales Sportive.

Riders departed from Tenby in staggered waves from early morning, choosing distances of 40, 70, 100 or the full 112-mile route, each taking them through breathtaking—and at times brutal—Pembrokeshire landscapes.

The course, famed for its hills, coastal climbs and supportive roadside crowds, winds through Narberth, Saundersfoot, Angle, Lamphey, Freshwater West, Stackpole and Carew, with thousands of locals turning out to

offer encouragement, music, flags and even jelly babies.

The spirit of the event is a unique blend of elite athleticism and grassroots support—with everyone from Ironman veterans to charity cyclists pedalling side by side.

Despite a few patches of drizzle early on, the weather held fair throughout the day, and organisers praised both riders and volunteers for creating a festivallike atmosphere across the county.

The Sportive is the second of three events making up Tenby’s world-famous Long Course Weekend. It follows Friday evening’s sea swim, and sets the stage for Sunday’s finale: a full and half marathon challenge through Tenby’s streets and nearby countryside.

Tenby marathon scenes captured as Long Course Weekend concludes

The final day of the 2025 Long Course Weekend saw thousands of athletes take to the streets of Tenby and the surrounding countryside for the Wales Marathon and Half Marathon on Sunday (June 29).

Starting from Salterns Car Park at 10:00am, runners tackled the challenging 26.2-mile route through South Pembrokeshire, cheered on by spectators lining the course.

Gareth Davies Photography was on

hand to capture the spirit, sweat and smiles as athletes crossed the finish line, completing a weekend of endurance that also featured open water swimming and cycling events.

Llandeilo Antiques &Vintage Fair has a shining reputation

THe Antiques and Vintage fair held in the centre of Llandeilo, in the Civic Hall, always produces some interesting and sought after items .The displays found at this popular fair are both eye catching and full of interest.The next fair on Saturday 5 th July promises to be no exception, with a huge amount of choice of antiques and vintage ,at affordable prices.

The fair can be located in the heart of Llandeilo, close to the main car park. Here you will find a bustling, vibrant Fair with lots of antiques and vintage to whet your appetite. The fair now includes a vintage element with a touch of retro and some impressive outside stands.

Being a Welsh Fair it is understandable that there should be a good selection of Welsh items on offer. Whether it’s an original Welsh watercolour or oil painting or a piece of Welsh pottery or examples of Welsh textiles, visitors will be surprised by the variety on offer.

One area of collecting that is now affordable , is the collecting of welsh copper lustre. Jugs These humble milk jugs have become far more assessable for someone starting up a collection. There is a wealth of jugs to choose from ,at reasonable prices.They have always been popular with welsh families.

The Welsh farming communities have always had a love for their Welsh dressers so as to show off collections of welsh china.Many milk jugs , would hung from the shelves .Among these collections would be the humble copper lustre jug.These jugs , because of their iridescent glaze , would be shining brightly with the light of the open fire or by candle light.The copper lustre glaze making it stand out from the rest of the jugs.

Copper lustre pottery has been a known favourite amongst the Welsh for over 150 years and has a history dating back to the early 19th century, particularly in England. While the technique of lustre decoration has much older roots, originating in the Middle East around the 9th century.

The popularity of this lustre finish then spread throughout the Islamic world, influencing pottery in Spain, Italy, and later, England. It was particularly popular in the 19th century, with Staffordshire and Sunderland potteries .

The technique spread to al-Andalus (Islamic Spain), with Málaga becoming a center for gold and copper lustreware, Italian potters also adopted the technique, producing ruby-red or golden-yellow lustres .

Copper lustre pottery was produced in various English potteries, including Staffordshire, Leeds, Sunderland and Welsh potteries , from the late 18th century onwards.

Sunderland was particularly known for its pink and coppery hues, often featuring transfer-printed scenes of ships, pastoral landscapes, and sentimental sayings.

Copper lustre jugs,mugs, sugar bowls and teapots had a widespread use on everyday earthenware and especially for jugs, became popular during the Industrial Revolution.

The 19th century saw a surge in copper lustreware production, particularly in these Staffordshire and Sunderland potteries. They often produced pieces for everyday use, decorated with bands, floral patterns, or transfer printed.

English copper lustre was often produced for commercial markets, with some pieces being exported to North America. Beginning in the 1840s, English potters started to ship ironstone, decorated with copper lustre bands or simple motifs, made exclusively for the North American market. A popular motif was the ‘Tea Leaf’ pattern on ironstone. Lustreware’s production peak occurred in the mid-19thcentury and then waned .

Potters experimented with different metallic salts to achieve various lustre effects, including silver lustre (with platinum chloride) and mother-of-pearl lustre (with bismuth nitrate).

Welsh copper lustre pottery, known for its distinctive metallic sheen, has a rich history rooted in the 19th century, with its popularity peaking in the Llanelli

region. While pottery production in Wales dates back to the late 18th century, the copper lustre technique gained prominence later, with pieces often featuring transfer-printed scenes or bands of color.

Pottery production begins in Swansea, influenced by Wedgwood.

The Cambrian Pottery in Swansea and the Nantgarw porcelain works are notable for their contributions and some pieces are highly sought after.

Inspired by Wedgwood’s lustreware, copper lustre becomes a popular decorative technique in Wales, particularly in the Llanelli

This technique, using copper compounds to create a metallic sheen, was applied to various forms, including jugs, teapots, and tableware.

Llanelli’s South Wales Pottery became a significant producer of copper lustreware, especially jugs with transferprinted scenes.

Welsh copper lustre often featured detailed transfer-printed scenes or bands of color alongside the metallic glaze.

Authentic Welsh copper lustre pieces, especially from Llanelli, are highly sought after by collectors.

The rise of silver electroplating led to a decline in the production of overall lustreware, including copper lustre.

While overall lustreware declined, other lustre techniques continued to be explored, such as those by William de Morgan.With rise of the aesthetic movement in the late 19 th century ,he revived the lustre effect in his art pottery range

Reginald Crathern at Creigiau Pottery successfully revived the Welsh copper lustre tradition in the 20th century. Creigiau Pottery was a Welsh pottery studio established in 1947 by Reg and Jean Southcliffe, initially as the Southcliffe Ceramic Company, and later renamed Creigiau Pottery in 1948. They were known for their domestic

tableware, particularly their copper lustreware and a unique Welsh Pie Dragon pie funnel. Creigiau Pottery specialized in reproducing antique copper lustreware, particularly jugs and coffee sets.

Their products were exported worldwide until the late 1970s when the pottery closed. The pottery was a popular stop for tourists.

The Llandeilo fair has a rich cross section of antiques and vintage on display, from jewellery,watches, books, ephemera, militaria , post cards and vintage clothes and accessories. There will also be collections of glass and up cycled and pre loved furniture, plus interior design pieces . gardinalia , and in addition , there will be several outside stands to add to the diversity. I’m sure visitors will not be disappointed with the selection on offer at this popular fair.

Homemade refreshments will be available and doors open at 10 am until 4pm.Admission is £2 and dogs are welcome at this busy fair

Welsh Water urges customers to conserve water

DŴR CYMRU Welsh Water has urged customers across Wales to use water responsibly following the driest and warmest spring on record, which has left reservoirs worryingly low.

The water provider warned that a combination of high temperatures, extended periods of sunshine, and exceptionally low rainfall has created significant pressure on water supplies, with reservoirs falling below the expected seasonal levels.

In an appeal to customers, Dŵr Cymru advised people to “use the water you need but avoid wasting it,” emphasising

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the importance of conserving water to maintain a sustainable supply and safeguard environmental resources.

However, the company is facing its own criticism amid ongoing concerns over leaks within its network. Currently, Welsh Water says it is repairing around 700 leaks per week, highlighting the persistent challenge of water wastage within its own infrastructure

Dŵr Cymru confirmed: “Our teams are working hard to detect and fix leakages to reduce the amount of water

lost. We have also increased water production at our treatment works, moving water around the system to maintain levels where demand is highest. Additionally, we are tankering water to areas experiencing particularly high demand and continuing to upgrade our pipe network.”

Despite these measures, recent media reports have questioned the efficiency of the provider’s response, with some residents across Wales voicing frustration over perceived delays in addressing leaks and burst pipes.

Welsh Water added practical advice for businesses, recommending regular checks for leaks in plumbing and

irrigation systems, immediate repairs for dripping taps, and investment in water-efficient equipment. Such measures, the company argues, will not only mitigate water shortages but could also significantly reduce costs and environmental impact.

Further water-saving advice and resources for businesses and residents are available on Welsh Water’s website: business.dwrcymru.com/ water-efficiency and dwrcymru.com/en/ drought.

Kit Wilson, Director of Customer and Developer Services, said: “Working together is the best way we can protect drinking water supplies during these challenging conditions.”

Tom

Saundersfoot pirate-themed boat bar refusal expected

PLANS for a pirate-themed bar at a Pembrokeshire seaside village family venue built in part to reflect its coal heritage are expected to be refused next week.

In an application recommended for refusal at the July 9 meeting of Pembrokeshire Coast National Park’s development management committee, Jonathan Thomas of ‘Schooner’ seeks permission for a change of use of the Coastal Schooner interpretation centre, Saundersfoot Harbour to a rum-themed bar.

The application is before committee members rather than being decided by planning officers as it was called in by a member of the authority.

The schooner – a prominent feature on the village’s National Events Deck –was built to showcase Saundersfoot’s maritime heritage and is part of the £10m Wales Coastal Centre project.

The building is a replica of a traditional coastal schooner vessel which operated from the harbour during the coal mining era to transport coal from Saundersfoot.

The interpretation centre closed in October 2024, and it is proposed the rum bar would be open 11am-11pm.

The plans to site the pirate and rum-themed bar with the terrace on the boat have angered villagers already infuriated at unsuccessful attempts to make the project commercially viable.

Saundersfoot Community Council and Saundersfoot South county councillor Chris Williams have voiced their objections to the plans.

Bruce Sinclair Local Democracy Reporter

Councillor Williams has previously said: “My principal concern now lies with the proposed change of use.

“I strongly believe that if this had been the original application, it would never have been approved in this location.

“To allow such a transformation through a change of use application undermines the original planning process and sets a concerning precedent.

“It’s disappointing that in the past few years, nothing has ever proved viable at the schooner. I just wish there had been

dad wins £258,000 dream

Tom Sinclair editor@herald.email

run to find competition organisers BOTB waiting outside his house with the supercar parked just around the corner.

as the bar will include a small-scale rum distillery and will focus on the Martine history associated with rum and tell the tales of local pirates.

“The Schooner operated as an interpretation centre and high ropes offer for a year from October 2023 to October 2024. However, it has proved not to be a viable option to run the Schooner as an interpretation centre alone and an additional use is sought to maintain the interpretation element of the Schooner.

“The High Ropes offer proved to be an unviable option to retain going forward.

“The proposal seeks to change the use to a mixed-use interpretation centre and bar, following the model of the Rum Story in Whitehaven Harbour on a smaller scale.”

the school

more interaction with the community, because I feel that residents should be at the heart of all developments in the village.

“The pursuit of commercial viability must not come at the cost of appropriateness and respect for the site’s character as a busy working harbour.”

Saundersfoot Community Council objected to the scheme on the basis, saying the proposal as a rum bar “raises concerns in this location and is considered to be at odds with the current family venue and heritage elements”.

A supporting statement accompanying the application says: “The maritime theme will be maintained

and

cash prize

It adds: “The proposal will allow for the Schooner to be maintained and be freely open to the public thus protecting and enhancing the community facilities to meet the needs of local people and visitors alike.

“The proposal would also sustain the future of the interpretation element of the Schooner which in turn will protect and enhance the harbour, which is one of the key attractions in Pembrokeshire.”

An officer report recommending refusal said the scheme is considered to fall outside the seaside village’s defined retail area and the impact on the amenity of the area and especially nearby residential dwellings.

It is recommended to refuse the scheme on those grounds.

in surprise doorstep reveal

“Ahhh, no way… I can’t believe it’s finally happened,” said a visibly emotional Matt as the moment began to sink in. “It feels like a dream. I told my dad one day I’d win, and he said I’d have grey hair before that would happen. Well, I’m not quite grey yet!”

Matt has been a loyal BOTB player for years and described the win as “incredible” – admitting it hasn’t quite sunk in yet.

‘Nervous, anxious, relieved’

“During the surprise I felt a mixture of nervousness, anxiety and relief,” he said. “It was such an amazing experience. I was so desperate to win the top prize. The last thing I won was a bottle of wine about 20 years ago.”

The Lamborghini Urus SE – worth £208,000 – is a plug-in hybrid super SUV praised for its speed, advanced driving modes, and cutting-edge features.

Jumping into the driver’s seat, Matt revved the engine and grinned: “That sounds naughty!”

But the surprises didn’t end there. The BOTB team opened the boot to

reveal £50,000 in cash tucked inside.

“That should do me for a while,” said Matt, who now plans to take the cash alternative to support his family. Helping family and securing a future

“I want to help my brother’s young family – it’ll give them a proper start in life. It just feels like the right thing to do,” he said. “I also plan to upgrade my car and put down a deposit on a house, as I’m still living with my dad.”

BOTB presenter Christian Williams, who led the surprise, said: “This is our biggest ever Dream Car Competition prize – and Matt’s a worthy winner. He’s been playing a long time and it clearly meant so much to him. The Lamborghini Urus SE is one of the most exciting cars in the world right now.”

Founded in 1999, BOTB has now given away over £99 million in prizes, including cars, holidays, cash, and tech through its Dream Car and Instant Win competitions.

To see Matt’s reaction and more winners, visit www.botb.com.

Milk Matters wins prestigious breastfeeding support award

MILk MATTeRS Haverfordwest has won the prestigious 2025 Pamela Lacey Award, recognising the group’s exceptional support for breastfeeding mothers in Pembrokeshire.

Founded after the COVID-19 pandemic by a dedicated team of volunteers led by Laura, a trained breastfeeding supporter, Milk Matters quickly identified a significant need within the community. The group provides accessible, compassionate, woman-towoman support to mothers navigating the challenges of breastfeeding.

Laura was inspired by her experiences at a local NHS breastfeeding group, where she saw how effective peer support was in helping mothers cope physically, emotionally, and socially. Determined to keep this valuable service alive, Laura started informal breastfeeding sessions, often accompanied by her two young children. She soon became affectionately known locally as the “Boob Lady” due to her approachable manner and evidence-based guidance.

Tom Sinclair editor@herald.email

As demand increased, Milk Matters established a permanent home in the welcoming “cwtch” room at Scolton Manor Country Park’s café. The group employs a holistic approach, combining

practical education, emotional support, and social interaction, reinforced by strong partnerships with local healthcare providers.

Now in its fourth successful year,

Milk Matters has grown to include seven trained breastfeeding volunteers: Elisha, Fiona, Rachel, Kathryn, Kinga, Sarah, and Laura. Despite balancing their roles as volunteers with family commitments, each member offers empathetic, knowledgeable, and inclusive support to families across Haverfordwest and beyond.

Milk Matters also maintains active collaboration with healthcare providers, midwives, health visitors, IBCLCs, and the local Infant Feeding Coordinator, regularly appearing in hospital discharge information provided to new parents.

Alongside regular weekly meetings, the group hosts annual events such as World Breastfeeding Week and community celebrations. Future plans include offering antenatal sessions aligned with the Baby Friendly Initiative’s Theory of Change, focusing on maternal wellbeing and peerinformed education.

Milk Matters has proven itself to be much more than just a support service—it is a nurturing community that embraces the realities of motherhood, providing local women with essential support, empowerment, and a genuine sense of belonging.

Manor Wildlife Park welcomes four critically endangered moon bears

fOUR Asian black bears, also known as moon bears, have today (27 June) arrived in Wales for the very first time — ahead of their new chapter at Manor Wildlife Park, Tenby.

The species is critically endangered due to a combination of habitat loss, poaching and illegal wildlife trade — with more than 10,000* moon bears estimated to still be held in bile farms in Asia alone.

But thanks to conservation efforts, Martha, Irene, Gigi (eleven) and Coco (nine) will now call the Moon Forest at Manor Wildlife Park home — complete with bear-shaped swimming pool; enormous climbing frames and hammocks; and plenty of hiding places.

What’s more, in a world first, two tunnels have been built linking the bears and tigers’ enclosures — allowing the species to swap into each other’s domains for enrichment purposes, in future.

Anna Ryder Richardson, owner of Manor Wildlife Park, said: “We are beyond thrilled to welcome our newest residents — four magnificent moon bears — to the park.

between 65 and 90 kilograms, with a life expectancy of up to 25 years. And whilst there are no immediate plans to breed from the bears, the wildlife park may be advised to do so in future, by the wider breeding programme they are a part of.

Matt Hunt, CEO of Free the Bears — the charity which has helped rescue and rehabilitate over 1,000 of the world’s most vulnerable bears — added: “Free the Bears works with communities, schools and organisations across Asia to change attitudes and raise awareness of the wildlife trade. We also work with government, law enforcement agencies and other charities to create and implement a framework to combat wildlife traders.

“Despite each country facing a unique set of challenges and issues to overcome, and combined with the conservation efforts of wildlife parks like Anna’s, we will continually strive to achieve our mission of protecting, preserving and enriching the lives of bears throughout the world.”

“These charismatic creatures, with their striking crescent-shaped chest markings and playful personalities, have already stolen the hearts of our team. We can’t wait for visitors to meet them in due course, and learn more about their journey and the vital work being done to protect the species in the wild.

the public about endangered wildlife and support global conservation efforts. And with further new arrivals also anticipated in our tiger and red panda enclosures very soon, we have a very busy and exciting summer ahead!”

“Their arrival marks an exciting new chapter in our mission to educate

Asian black bears are native to 18 countries, including Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Cambodia, China, India and Japan, and are known for their distinct V-shaped chest marking and white patch on their chin.

Adult females typically weigh

Later this year, Anna plans to host a teddy bear’s picnic event at Manor Wildlife Park, with all funds raised to go towards Free the Bears’ essential work.

Tickets for Manor Wildlife Park can be purchased via the website. To stay up to date with the bears’ progress in the meantime, follow Manor Wildlife Park on Facebook and Instagram.

Defibrillator donated to Portfield at Pennar Pre-school

A def IBRILLATOR has been donated to Portfield at Pennar Preschool thanks to the generosity of the Pembroke and Pembroke d ock Lions Club.

The official handover took place on Monday (June 23), with representatives from the Lions Club joined by members of the Friends of Portfield School to present the equipment to the pre-school manager.

The life-saving device is seen as a vital addition to the setting,

which supports children with special needs. Staff and supporters say the defibrillator will provide essential protection in the event of a medical emergency.

A spokesperson for the Friends of Portfield School said the staff and families were “extremely grateful” to the Lions for funding the equipment.

“The defibrillator is a huge contribution to the safety and wellbeing of Portfield’s special children and dedicated staff,” they said.

Tom Sinclair editor@herald.email

Community called to action at HaverHub Forum

HAVeRfORdWeST residents are invited to a vibrant community gathering this Thursday (July 3) to continue the momentum of revitalising their town.

HaverHub’s “Ideas into Action” meeting is scheduled from 6:00pm to 8:00pm at the HaverHub Depot, promising an informal yet impactful evening aimed at turning ideas into reality.

The gathering marks the third public meeting of the Town Action Forum, each session uniquely designed to encourage community participation in various projects. Areas of interest range from festivals, town greening, and railway improvements, to heritage conservation and waste management.

Tom

Sinclair editor@herald.email

Previous meetings have already sparked significant local enthusiasm and action, with dedicated groups coming together to tackle specific challenges. Photos from earlier forums highlight diverse participation, from group discussions around improving town spaces to hands-on efforts, such as the dedicated Haverfoodfest team’s successful clean-up initiatives. Thursday’s session offers a relaxed atmosphere for residents to mingle, share updates, and discover upcoming initiatives needing support. Attendees can also enjoy an open bar, further encouraging a sociable environment

where ideas and conversations can flow freely.

Organisers emphasise that all voices are crucial and welcome, with opportunities available for anyone to contribute advice, volunteer, or propose new projects.

Those wishing to attend are encouraged to RSVP by email at action@haverfordwest.org.uk, though all are welcome on the day. More information and updates can be found at haverfordwest.org.uk.

SMOKE

“Smoke” on Apple TV+ opens as a brooding crimepsychological thriller from Dennis Lehane, reuniting him with Taron Egerton after “Black Bird,” and pairing Egerton’s haunted arson investigator with Jurnee Smollett’s determined detective in a moody Pacific Northwest town. The show pulls from the podcast Firebug, weaving dual narratives around two serial fire-starters— one explosive and visceral, the other quiet and insidious—which provides a compelling tension between outward violence and internal breakdown.

Egerton is magnetic as Dave Gudsen, a former firefighter whose marriage and psyche have been scarred by a devastating blaze, while Smollett offers depth and cold precision as Michelle Calderone, whose own trauma gives her case hard edges and emotional resonance. The supporting cast elevates the material: Ntare Guma Mbaho Mwine’s portrayal of the lonely fry-cook arsonist Freddy is quietly chilling, and Greg Kinnear makes the most of a brief but memorable role as the fire-chief. Even John Leguizamo pops up later with energy and unexpected flair.

From its first scenes—the flaming potato chip displays and milk-jug firebombs in suburban dark—to its Thom Yorke–scored ambience, “Smoke” is a slow-burn experience. It relies on mood, atmosphere, and psychological reflection instead of rapid-fire thrills. The visuals are beautifully grim, and the voiceoverpunctuated tone recalls both Mare of Easttown and Breaking Bad. But this atmosphere is doubleedged: viewers craving action may feel the pacing meanders during the early hours, and the stylistic flourishes sometimes lean into cliché or pretentious territory.

Plot momentum accelerates around episode two, though, when a major twist upends our view of Gudsen—suddenly he’s not just the haunted investigator, he’s implicated as a perpetrator himself. That pivot injects fresh urgency and danger, reshaping what seemed like a classic cop drama into a taut cat-and-mouse game between two charismatic leads.

Thematically, “Smoke” probes how trauma shapes obsession, the seductive power of fire, and the thin line between hunter

and hunted—a line the show suggests leading characters might cross. The performances are consistently strong, buoyed by Lehane’s scripting and the direction of seasoned talent. But by the time the later episodes unfold, it sometimes stumbles— leaning on procedural tropes or narrative tricks that undercut its earlier promise.

If you’re the type of viewer who’s patient with tone-driven storytelling and psychological depth, “Smoke” starts off slow but rewards that patience with a compelling shift and excellent acting. But if you’re after an adrenaline-driven thriller, its deliberate pace and occasional quirks in storytelling style may ultimately frustrate. Did the world need another arson drama? That depends—but it’s hard to deny how the fire is lit, both in its literal blaze and in the moral ambiguity that pulses beneath.

So here’s the deal: stick with it for the first two episodes— once the central reveal kicks in, “Smoke” transforms from an atmospheric procedural into something more intense and worthwhile.

SUPERMAN

JAMeS gUNN’S Superman bursts onto the screen not as an origin tale but as a fresh, fully formed journey into the heart of what defines a hero. david Corenswet shines as Clark kent, striking a rare balance between alien power and human vulnerability. He’s a Superman who doesn’t simply save the day—he wrestles with it, grappling with his kryptonian strength in a world that questions authority. Clark’s struggle feels deeply personal, as he learns to reconcile his sense of justice with the weight of public expectation and political scrutiny.

Opposite him is Rachel Brosnahan’s charismatic Lois Lane, portrayed not just as a love interest but as a force in her own right— fierce, intelligent, and morally uncompromising. Nicholas Hoult’s Lex Luthor offers a compelling counterpoint: a sharp, driven figure whose brilliance and obsession make him a credible—and deeply human—villain. The tension between Superman’s idealism and Luthor’s pragmatism forms the emotional core of the story, setting up a clash of ideology as much as of fists.

The supporting cast fills the world with vibrant energy: Nathan fillion delivers a charismatic, brash green Lantern in guy gardner, edi gathegi brings soulful depth to Mister Terrific, and Isabela Merced’s Hawkgirl emerges as a grounded yet fierce ally. Anthony Carrigan’s Metamorpho adds a tragic, elemental edge, and even krypto the Superdog steals scenes with playful charm. These characters don’t just crowd the screen—they create a bustling, living dC Universe, making this feel less like a solo mission and more like the launch of something expansive.

Visually, Superman revels in cinematic joy. Scenes of flight are electrifying—full of speed, wonder, and pure exhilaration—so much so that fans say watching this in IMAX is essential to feel the full impact. There’s a freshness to the tone that feels like a return to the Silver Age: a sense of wonder, humor, and adventure woven into the heroics.

early audience reactions reflect this mix. Some have called it “damn beautiful” and

praised its earnest, heartfelt tone, noting it feels miles away from the darker, grittier Superman of Snyder’s era. Others, however, warn it might divide viewers. Some comic-book purists will likely rise to its homage to All-Star Superman and for All Seasons, while those expecting a more somber, brooding take may find its lighter moments jarring and its pacing brisk. One insider even likened it to Rocky Balboa—a story about resilience and the fight to get back up, rather than a showcase of invincibility.

At its core, gunn’s Superman is about heroism rooted in humanity. Clark isn’t perfect; he’s learning, questioning, and growing. He inspires not by being a god, but by choosing to stand tall in spite of doubt and fear.

As the film slams into cinemas on July 11, what awaits is not merely a spectacle, but a Superman who feels real, relatable, and deeply felt—a hero for our times. Whether that vision lights the sky for everyone remains to be seen, but there’s no doubt that this Superman soars on its own terms.

Tech and Taff

AI CAN QUOTe eMINeM. I

CAN’T eVeN QUOTe MAX BOYCe

THeRe’S a line in an old Max Boyce song I once tried to use in a lecture about data mining. Just one line, nine words. Nothing obscene. Nothing libellous. And certainly nothing that was going to threaten the sales of Live at Treorchy

Did I get permission? No. Did I use it anyway? Also no — because a colleague (the sort who reports you for boiling an egg in the kettle) reminded me it was “protected by copyright.” Fair enough, I thought. Them’s the rules. Rules made when photocopying was new and the biggest threat to music was someone taping Top of the Pops.

NOW fAST fORWARD TO 2025.

An AI bot, trained on every line Max Boyce ever sang — and every book, poem, pub quiz, Reddit post and sheepdog trial report ever written — is free to remix that same line into a digital masterpiece called “Cwm Rhondda GPT Funk (Remastered)” and no one bats an eyelid. Not a penny to Max. Not even a thank you in the training data footnotes.

THIS, APPAReNTLY, IS fAIR USe.

So just to be clear: if I quote a line from Bloodbuzz Ohio in my memoir, I get told to cough up £800 and possibly write to The National’s manager with my cap in hand. But if I’m a trillion-dollar company in San Francisco hoovering up the entire internet for breakfast, I can spit out new content “in the style of” Eminem or Shirley Bassey or Merched y Wawr, and somehow

that’s not copyright infringement at all?

IT’S NOT ABOUT CReATIVITY IT’S ABOUT CLOUT.

AI firms say they’re just like us. That they’re “learning,” like we learn. But that’s a bit like saying a combine harvester is doing the same job as a farmer because they both go through a field. One’s absorbing. The other’s obliterating.

Look, I don’t mind technology. I’ve got a phone that unlocks with my face and a kettle that tells me when it’s boiled. But there’s a difference between useful tools and parasitic platforms. And when the laws of copyright end up applying more strictly to Barry from Bargoed than to a robot lawyer from OpenAI, you’ve got to wonder what culture we’re actually protecting.

I’ll end with a quote I’m definitely allowed to use, because I just made it up:

“If AI’s so clever, let it write its own songs – without mine.”

Milford Haven Carnival promises family fun this Saturday

THe MILfORd HAVeN CARNIVAL is back, with Milford Haven Round Table bringing the fun to Milford Waterfront this Saturday (July 5), promising a spectacular day of family-friendly entertainment.

The festivities will kick off at midday, beginning with a colourful parade of creatively decorated floats. The procession will start at Waterloo Square and travel along Hakin Bridge, Hamilton Terrace, and Charles Street, before arriving at Milford Waterfront.

Visitors can enjoy live music from local bands, explore a variety of food

and drinks stalls, and browse through a selection of vendors offering fantastic finds. The carnival atmosphere will continue with a funfair and plenty of entertainment suitable for all ages.

Keep an eye on Milford Haven Round Table’s Facebook page for the latest updates, and don’t miss out on everything else happening at Milford Waterfront this summer!

The event will conclude with prizegiving for the best floats and costumes at approximately 4:30pm at the main stage located at Milford Waterfront.

Tony Hawk’s pro skater 3+4

DROPPING back into the arcade-style mania of the early 2000s, Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3 + 4 feels like strapping in for a time capsule ride—but one that’s been supercharged for the modern era. Iron Galaxy has clearly absorbed the lessons from the flawless 1+2 remaster and applied them with both reverence and flair. Skating across revamped classics like Foundry, Alcatraz, Suburbia, and Airport feels instantly familiar, yet sharper thanks to enhanced graphics, 4K resolution, and moody lighting that gives each level fresh life. The gritty atmosphere of Suburbia, the amusement park nostalgia of Waterpark, and the gritty elegance of Foundry now shine with breathtaking detail.

Mechanically, the game nails the original’s legendary flow— and then amplifies it. Movement feels sleek and responsive: combos snap together smoothly, skitching and grind extensions work as advertised, and the two-minute session structure returns—even in levels originally built around free-form mission mode, giving everything a unified rhythm. Iron Galaxy didn’t just port old tricks; they threaded upgrades throughout. THPS4’s extended mechanics and quality-of-life tweaks are baked

into THPS3 levels, and new custom goals plus Create-a-Park options expand creativity. The inclusion of Photo Mode and streamer-friendly presets shows thoughtful acknowledgment of how today’s players share their runs.

The roster bridges nostalgia and modernity, with OG skaters like Tony Hawk, Bob Burnquist, Rodney Mullen, and Bam Margera alongside current icons like Olympic skater Rayssa Leal. Guest appearances pull off a fun stunt: Doom Slayer returns as an exclusive in the Digital Deluxe Edition, and Michelangelo from TMNT will grace the sewers in a surprise crossover. The soundtrack, roaring with punk, metal, and hip-hop anthems from the originals, also welcomes a few fresh tracks that harmonize with the old-school vibe without overshadowing it.

Graphically, the game hits that sweet spot of polished nostalgia—the animations preserve the classic “robotic” charm while looking brilliantly modern. A few early minor bugs popped up in preview builds, but the general consensus is that launch day stability will be strong. Motion-sickness has been a concern for some players,

HOROSCOPES

ARIES It’s hard to convince people you don’t know well that you mean what you say, even if you’ve said it (and meant it) a thousand times before, and all those others can vouch for you. The first time a new person hears it from you and then sees you keep the promise you’ve made, that’s what really counts. For now, don’t worry if someone you want to impress isn’t quite ready to be impressed.

TAURUS

Some news comes your way that you may not know quite what to do with. It likely puts you in the position of making a sudden decision, so be ready. There are several factors underlying the situation, but the last person on earth you’d ever think of should probably be first on your list of suspects. If you need to make your choice based on your instincts, your intuition guides you through it nicely provided you listen!

GEMINI

When something fails to go as it should with an authority figure, it’s too easy to blame it on them. Aren’t they just there to irritate, aggravate, and annoy you anyway? You know better, though. To some, being in charge isn’t just their job, it’s their life’s work. To others, being in charge is the way they give back to the community. You may be working with someone who wants you to work with them on that project.

CANCER

You’re currently wrapped up in making some kind of relationship work. Platonic, romantic or professional, it really doesn’t matter. You want to make and keep a promise and be sure that the promise or pledge that’s been made in return was given with equally honest intentions. There’s only one thing to take into consideration, and that’s time. Wait, watch, and see. It’s one of the things you do best!

LEO You’re much fonder of making things public, regardless of the issues, than of keeping them a secret. Still, every now and then it’s absolutely essential to let things out in the right way, and this is one of those times. The good news is that someone has been working behind the scenes for you without you having any inkling that anything was going on.

VIRGO

Someone you’ve been close with for a long time, someone who’s always acted like a good friend and nothing more, has recently had a lot more than friendship in mind. In fact, they’ve probably had these feelings for as long as you’ve known each other. It’s hard to get your mind around it, but if you think about all the little signals you’ve been ignoring, you should see it. You know what to do now.

LIBRA

Relationships are what you’re best at, so when someone you know shakes things up in a big way by doing something that’s totally out of character, it leaves you wondering who they really are and what they’re really doing. That’s no fun, but it’s happening now, and you have to call on every bit of your normally uncanny intuition to get through it.

SCORPIO

but built-in accessibility settings (including adjust-able timers and camera tweaks) show the team is listening.

Socially, the game stands out with eight-player online cross-play across all platforms, plus cross-platform park sharing. Pre-order access to a Foundry demo has already whetted appetites, and the hype feels justified: this is clearly more than just remastering nostalgia, it’s celebrating a golden era of skateboarding games with respect and with substantial meat on the bones.

At $49.99, this dual-pack is priced aggressively compared to full-price flagship titles, reflecting both its remaster nature and its punchy, replayable format. If you’ve ever caught yourself daydreaming about landing a perfect 10-million-point combo, or if you’re new to the genre and crave that exhilarating, risk-reward arcade rush, Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3 + 4 is shaping up to be the skate fix we’ve been craving. Come July 11, whether you’re a returning pro or a fresh recruit, this collection may just reignite your love for pushing combos to their limits and hitting that perfect line—just as it did over two decades ago.

You have to go for it in a big way today. Ask for that promotion or pursue that new client with all the persuasive zeal you can muster, which is a lot! Your enthusiasm may be so infectious that you inadvertently inspire a group of supporters who are swept away by your can-do spirit. Still, it’s important to sort out who’s genuinely loyal.

SAGITTARIUS

Family or not, your people have always struck you as being a bit on the loony side. Still, they’re close, so you’ve been patient and working the smiles, nods, and shrugs whenever you’re questioned. Of course there’s a certain type of brilliance that goes along with that kind of eccentricity. Expect it to show up soon and for you to find yourself wondering if you may have been lucky enough to have inherited it.

CAPRICORN

Public displays of affection just aren’t your style Occasionally, a tear or grin you weren’t expecting might slip by you unnoticed. By you, that is. The rest of the world pretends not to see, but they’re amazed and astounded. The good news is that you’re feeling so good right now that you don’t care who sees. While you’re at it, why not let it all out and get it over with?

AQUARIUS

Just when you thought you were done informing the world how exactly it should be run, you’ve discovered that certain key elements just aren’t cooperating. You may be up for a few days of instructing them in the right way to go about their business, and you should rally if it means convincing them to toss their loyalties aside for the moment. For now, just do

wiTh eddie The game guru

Pembrokeshire artists set to shine at Torch Theatre exhibition

SeVeN Pembrokeshire-based artists are preparing to showcase their life drawings and oil paintings at the Torch Theatre’s Joanna field gallery this July.

Following the success of their previous exhibition, the group, all students with Learning Pembrokeshire, will present their latest works in the eagerly anticipated ‘Punctum 2’ exhibition.

Artists Jess Cook, Paul King, Jamie Miall, Terry Smith, Richard Thomas, John Walters, and Aline Whitaker, members of the Pembrokeshire Community Art Group, will display over 40 pieces, including abstracts, landscapes, portraits, and figurative works.

Artist Paul King said: “We all

Tom Sinclair editor@herald.email

enjoyed the first exhibition at the Torch, and during a recent visit, Artistic Director Chesley Gillard complimented our previous exhibition, sharing how positively it was received. He invited us back, and we jumped at the chance.”

He continued: “Painting is very much solitary work, yet it’s a unique way of communicating something meaningful—even if we’re not entirely sure what that is or who it’s for. We’re not primarily aiming to sell our art; we simply enjoy creating, working together, and seeing our work exhibited.”

Laura Phillips, Lifelong Learning Co-ordinator at Learning Pembrokeshire, expressed her delight at the continued partnership with the Torch Theatre, highlighting the benefits of showcasing local talent.

She said: “Having our learners’ artwork exhibited in such a respected space is inspiring. We hope it encourages more local people to explore their creativity through art. Our tutor, Mark Deane, has provided extraordinary support to students, helping them unlock impressive talents. Everyone involved should feel proud of what they’ve accomplished.”

The ‘Punctum 2’ exhibition is open throughout July during Box Office opening hours. For further details, visit torchtheatre.co.uk or call the Box Office on 01646 695267.

Busy weekend of rescues for RNLI lifeguards on north Pembrokeshire coast

RNLI lifeguards in north Pembrokeshire carried out multiple rescues over the weekend (June 28–29) as warm weather and strong surf led to dangerous conditions in the sea. Across beaches including Whitesands and Newgale, five people were rescued and a further seven assisted after becoming caught in rip currents—most outside the designated lifeguarded zones. At Whitesands, lifeguard Cai Owen spotted a young surfer struggling in a rip current at the southern end of the beach. The surfer had come off their board and was attempting to swim directly to shore. Cai entered the water, advised them to get back on the board and paddle parallel

to the beach, helping them escape the current. The surfer was safely washed ashore and redirected to the flagged area. Later, two swimmers drifted out of the red and yellow flags into a strong rip. Senior lifeguard Jake Rogers attempted to whistle them back in while lifeguard Tom David prepared for a water rescue. Both swimmers lost their footing and began to go under the surface. Tom reached them on a rescue board, with Jake assisting moments later. One casualty had swallowed seawater and was advised to attend hospital as a precaution.

At Newgale Beach, senior lifeguard George Morgan rescued a swimmer struggling outside the red and yellow flags. George helped them to a nearby

sandbank before they returned safely to shore. Shortly after, George spotted a surfer caught in a rip while patrolling on the Rescue Water Craft (RWC). The surfer was brought back to shore on the rescue sled.

Lifeguard Isaac Hadri-Khoussa also carried out two rescues at Newgale. First, he helped a swimmer back through dumping waves. Then he assisted a group of five surfers stuck in a rip current outside the flagged zone. Four followed his verbal instructions to reach safety; the fifth, initially reluctant, eventually accepted help and was brought to shore on Isaac’s rescue board.

Elsewhere, lifeguard Geraint Campbell responded to a bodyboarder caught 100 metres from the flags. Driving an all-terrain vehicle (ATV) to reach the scene quickly, he entered the water with a rescue tube and towed the casualty back to safety.

Stuart Penfold, Lead Lifeguard Supervisor for North Pembrokeshire, said: “This weekend highlights why it’s vital to visit a lifeguarded beach and stay within the flagged areas.

Every person rescued was outside of the patrolled zones.

Rip currents are powerful and can be deceptive. We mark the safest parts of the beach for a reason. Red flags and windbreaks are used to identify danger zones.”

He added: “If you see anyone in trouble, alert a lifeguard. If you’re on a non-lifeguarded beach, call 999 or 112 and ask for the Coastguard.”

• RNLI safety advice if caught in a rip current:

• Don’t swim against it—this will tire you out.

• If possible, wade rather than swim.

• Swim parallel to the shore to escape the current, then head back in.

• Always raise your hand and shout for help.

With warm weather set to continue, the RNLI is urging everyone heading to the coast to choose lifeguarded beaches and follow safety advice.

a Pembrokeshire PersPectiVe by editor tom sinclair

Why Israel has lost the hearts and minds of the masses

WHeN Bob Vylan shouted “death to the Idf” on the Pyramid Stage at glastonbury, it triggered the expected fury from the powers that be. The BBC have pulled the performance from Iplayer. Politicians from across the spectrum condemned it as hate speech. even the festival itself

welsh

labour

distanced from the moment. But out in the digital world – on TikTok, Twitter, Instagram – something else happened.

The chant was cheered.

Clips were shared by millions. Comment sections brimmed with “finally someone said it.” The establishment

recoiled in horror. The public – or at least a large and vocal part of it – nodded in grim agreement.

This divide isn’t just about one angry lyric. It’s about who has the moral high ground, and who is perceived to have lost it. Increasingly, it’s not Israel.

In the aftermath of October 7, when Hamas carried out atrocities inside Israel, global sympathy rightly flowed towards the victims. But that sympathy has not been sustained. What followed – months of relentless airstrikes, mass displacement, starvation, and systematic destruction in Gaza – has shattered any notion that Israel’s response was measured or proportionate.

Now, even the UN and major human rights groups are warning that the destruction may meet the threshold for genocide. And while officials mince their words, ordinary people don’t. They’ve seen the videos: children shot dead while reaching for flour, bodies riddled with bullets near aid trucks, ambulances bombed, mass graves discovered near hospitals. No talking point about Hamas tunnels or precision airstrikes can obscure those truths.

This is not just a war. It is a campaign of erasure – of families, of homes, of an entire people’s hope for the future. When journalists speak of 37,000 dead and counting, it’s not abstract. It’s the face of a child whose only crime was being born in Gaza.

In that context, Bob Vylan’s words – crass though they were – reflected a deep and growing anger. Not hatred of Jews. Not blind rage. But fury at a military force that has turned aid lines into kill zones. At a global order that funds it. And at a media and political class that, for too long, looked the other way.

Yes, chanting “Death to the IDF” is incendiary. It invites scrutiny, and perhaps rightly so. But it did not erupt in a vacuum. It came from a world watching a horror unfold in real time –and hearing nothing but silence from those in charge.

In war, the victors write the history. But in this war, it seems the people are writing their own narrative. Israel may still hold the military upper hand. But on the battlefield of hearts and minds, it is already losing

Why Starmer’s struggles in Wales could spell trouble for Labour nationally

keIR STARMeR’S weekend appearance at the Welsh Labour Conference in Llandudno was always going to be a balancing act. With the Senedd elections less than a year away and Labour polling alarmingly low, Starmer had to both inspire the party faithful and defend his government’s record. Predictably, he reverted to Labour classics: the minimum wage hike, improved workers’ rights, and a record increase in Welsh funding. These lines drew polite applause— but beneath the surface, discomfort remains palpable.Firstly, Starmer’s recent welfare U-turn loomed large. He addressed it directly, framing welfare reform as a necessary “moral imperative” while carefully promising to handle it “in a Labour way.” Yet, delegates were left uncertain about what precisely this means in practice. Starmer’s cautious language highlights how difficult it is for Labour to maintain traditional support while also appealing to centrist voters wary of increased spending. The second problem was on clear display: the evident tension between Starmer and First Minister Eluned

Morgan. Morgan’s “Red Welsh Way” campaign, pushing a distinctly assertive Welsh Labour identity, starkly contrasts Starmer’s safer, Westminster-focused messaging. Morgan has repeatedly called out decisions from Westminster she believes harm Wales, notably around welfare and winter fuel allowances. Her public defiance and demand for more devolved powers amplify internal divisions within Labour, reinforcing the perception of a party unsure of its direction.

Most worrying for Labour, however, is its dwindling support in Wales. Recent polls suggest Labour faces the unthinkable: a third-place finish behind Plaid Cymru and a resurgent Reform UK. For a party that has governed Wales continuously for nearly three decades, this would represent not just electoral defeat but an existential crisis.

Morgan’s response has been to frame the upcoming elections as a pivotal “moment of reckoning,” attempting to rally voters by warning against Reform UK’s proposals to overhaul the NHS into a privatised model. Yet, with Wales already enduring some of the worst health outcomes in the UK, Labour’s

familiar tactic of invoking NHS fears might now fall flat. Many voters see the current system as failing under Labour stewardship.

These pressures have further fractured relationships between Labour MPs at Westminster and Members of the Senedd in Cardiff. Anonymous briefings branding Cardiff colleagues as “idiots” and “naïve” underline how fragile internal unity has become. Starmer’s current approach—warning of a coalition chaos involving Plaid, Reform, and the Conservatives—might stir momentary unease, but Labour’s longstanding dominance in Wales means voters might not fear change as much as Labour hopes.

Ultimately, Starmer’s struggles in Wales reflect broader difficulties for Labour nationally: uncertainty over identity, internal divisions, and a disconnect with traditional voter bases. Without a clear, unified approach, Labour risks losing not only its Welsh stronghold but also credibility nationwide. Starmer’s cautious pragmatism alone might no longer be enough to secure Labour’s future.

PUMPING UP THE JAM

LAST weekend, the supposedly great and allegedly good of the Labour Party in Wales met in Llandudno.

It was the last “Welsh Labour” conference before the next Senedd election and, if the polls are correct, the branch office’s last shindig before it loses its position as the largest party in the Welsh Parliament.

On the night before the conference opened, Party members gathered for a “rave” to celebrate their coming together and their achievements over the last twenty-six years and counting.

And what achievements they are.

There is the triumph of the Welsh NHS... nope, sorry. Then there is Wales’s thriving education system... nope, not that one. Badger will find one in a minute... oh, he forgot the positively uplifting way that Labour in Wales has addressed the long-term issues of underemployment, unemployment, and child poverty... no? Not even that

Well, never mind, there’s the Spaffing Millions on Bike Lanes for the MiddleClass Urban Commuter and the Wellbeing of Future Tokenism and Pointless Bureaucracy Acts. And, of course, the commitment to climate change and carbon reduction policies that led to the closure of Port Talbot steelworks and which, by happy accident, is devastating rural communities and the food industry. An economic trifecta!

It is, Badger thinks we can all agree, the sort of record best celebrated by the First Minister doing The Birdie Dance in North Wales.

There was even a photo of Eluned Morgan pumping up the jam and partying like it was 1999. Badger attaches it here for your entertainment.

What follows is not Badger’s observation, but he wholly endorses it:

“The Welsh ruling elite have gathered in Llandudno and spent last night raving as if they’re doing a great job.

“Hundreds of thousands of Welsh people are rotting on NHS waiting lists, worrying about the future of their PIP payments and continuing to make painful financial decisions to get by.

“What have they got to celebrate? The Labour Welsh government is failing in almost every area it has control over. I might be a killjoy, but to rave like this is arrogant, out-of-touch and insulting.

“If they were doing a good job, that’s fine, but they’re not. Wales is a disaster zone, and our leaders are raving, spending the rest of the weekend telling each other that they’re doing a brilliant job and how dangerous it would be if the Welsh people were to, God forbid, vote for anyone else.”

That nails it stone dead.

He’s not sure what the band played as The Titanic sank, but he’s pretty certain it wasn’t Kylie Minogue’s “I’m Spinning Around”.

And the press releases and speeches, readers. They have to be read to be believed. Some people cut and pasted those speeches as though they were real news stories instead of self-serving publicity. The content of those speeches and press releases was delusional. Announcing re-hashed funding as though it was new (another announcement of old funding for Port Talbot to shore up Labour’s dwindling support in South Wales) was not the worst of it. The last time Badger saw bullshit stacked that high was just before the legendary Great Turd Tsunami that obliterated Liz Truss.

Sir Keef turned up. He warned of a coalition between the Conservatives, Reform, and Plaid Cymru after next May’s elections. He claimed such a coalition would cause a “return to the chaos and division of the last decade”. As opposed, Badger supposes, to the enduring success of what would, by then, be twenty-seven years of Labour success. Poor Keef. No

matter how hard he tries to polish the turd, he draws attention to shit stuck to him.

As things stand, Welsh politics is at what Badger likes to think of as a “Dr Pepper” moment. So bereft of ideas, direction, and connection to reality is Labour in Wales, “What’s the worst that could happen?”

You can bet many voters are thinking that.

Now, Badger doesn’t believe that Labour will do as badly as predicted, and Plaid and Reform won’t do as well.

It is worth remembering that Reform does not have a leader in Wales, and its electoral success in England’s local elections has been followed by chaos. Reform’s track record of selecting individuals with questionable backgrounds as candidates, coupled with a lack of political experience, suggests that any Senedd group under the Reform label will likely disintegrate. Certainly, the culture shock of actually having to do something instead of holding forth in the saloon bar, on Twitter, or at the 19th hole could prove terminal for many.

If the Welsh Conservatives get their dancing shoes on soon and up

their ground game, they could exceed expectations. But they have very little time and must emphasise the Welsh aspect of Welsh conservatism.

Badger reckons that, with 96 seats in play and a new electoral system, Labour will lose votes to Reform and Plaid, while the Conservatives will lose votes to Reform.

It is more likely than not that Plaid will be the largest party in the next Welsh Parliament, but with no more seats than Labour has in a Welsh Parliament of sixty seats. To form a government, Plaid will need at least one other party to get into bed with it.

That is a significant problem for Plaid. While Labour members would likely support a coalition between their MSs and Plaid, the Labour machine (especially its MPs and apparatchiks) - and a good number of Labour MSs - would be very reluctant to do so.

Baroness Morgan’s message of hope to Welsh voters was a tired variation of “always keep tight hold of nurse, for fear of finding something worse.”

Meanwhile, her boss Jo Stevens’s message was even more disingenuous: “Plaid and Reform are divisive nationalists determined to rip our country apart.

“One with no plan to pay for the NHS, another with plans to sell it off to the highest bidder.

“They will destroy the work we have done to create thousands of jobs in renewable energy, in advanced manufacturing, in defence.

“They will stop our free prescriptions and halt the progress made on waiting lists.”

What thousands of jobs? Where? Those jobs exist in the imagination of Labour ministers at both ends of the M4; they don’t account for the tens of thousands of jobs that Labour in Wales has destroyed through its pursuit of nonsensical, tokenistic, wasteful policies.

As for “the progress made on waiting lists”, which party has run the Welsh NHS for the last quarter of a century and created those waiting lists through crass mismanagement and planning failures?

What amazes Badger about Labour in Wales is the sheer nerve of its leaders.

No apologies for screwing up education, the NHS, poverty, child poverty, the Welsh economy, rural industry, tourism, small businesses, roads, transport, planning, local government, and social care. And now it’s back to “Things Can Only Get Better”. Yeah. Right.

Labour excels in one thing: incompetent government in Wales.

The BBC flaps, Channel 4 soars

Our feathered columnist smells the stench of editorial cowardice over Portland Place

I dON’T know if you saw gaza: doctors Under Attack on Channel 4 this week – but I did. And as I watched doctors work through rubble and blood, I thought of the well-heeled humans at the BBC, clutching their pearls and fidgeting nervously in editorial meetings. Then I thought of something else: the absolute state of British journalism.

This was a BBC film. Commissioned, crafted, fact-checked, and then... buried. First they delayed it for months on the grounds that another, unrelated film had to be reviewed first. Which makes about as much sense as me refusing to eat a chip until I’ve pecked over a completely different chip, on a different beach.

But then came the real kicker: they canned it entirely. Didn’t even offer

a proper explanation – just muttered something about “the perception of partiality.” That’s right. The perception. Not actual bias. Not any mistake in the journalism. Just the fear that someone, somewhere, might think they were taking sides.

And so a devastating documentary, produced by one of the UK’s most respected teams, about medics trying to save children in a warzone, was spiked. For PR reasons. Because the BBC, like a pigeon with performance anxiety, is terrified of upsetting the wrong kind of people.

Of course, more than 100 BBC journalists saw through the nonsense and signed a letter – anonymously, because that’s what you have to do when your newsroom feels more like a ministry than

a media organisation. They called the decision “political”. I’d call it cowardly. They said it was made at the very top. No surprise there.

Some of them tried to raise concerns internally. But the BBC leadership doesn’t listen to its own staff, just like it doesn’t listen to viewers, or facts, or the sound of its own reputation shrivelling like a beached jellyfish.

I know what you’re thinking: surely this is new? No. This has been rotting for a while. Back in November 2023, just eight BBC journalists dared to raise the alarm publicly. A year later, it was over a hundred – still anonymous, still scared. And if you’re wondering why journalists at our public broadcaster are so terrified of speaking the truth about Gaza, the answer is simple: speak up, and you’re off the story. You’re biased. You’re done.

What’s ironic – if you can still laugh – is that this orgy of risk-aversion has produced the very thing it feared. Because if the BBC’s idea of balance is airing one narrative and muzzling another, then congratulations: you’ve become what you feared. The perception of bias has become actual bias.

Take a recent report from the Centre

for Media Monitoring. It found the BBC interviewed more than twice as many Israelis as Palestinians in the year following October 7. It failed to cover key international legal rulings. It stripped out vital context. It told half a story and called it balance. That’s not journalism. That’s choreography.

I used to think the BBC was cautious. Now I think it’s gutless. And nowhere is that clearer than in its Gaza coverage – where editorial caution has become editorial complicity.

Meanwhile, Channel 4 – the supposedly edgy cousin no one quite trusts with the car keys – just quietly aired the thing. No fuss. No scandal. Just honest, vital reporting. Funny, that.

The BBC likes to say it listens. But it didn’t listen to its journalists. It didn’t listen to viewers. And it certainly didn’t listen to the evidence. What it did was flinch. And so here we are, July 2025, and Britain’s public broadcaster – once a global standard-bearer for courage and clarity – is scared of a documentary about doctors.

Stephen Seagull, signing off. Still watching from above. Still ashamed to be sharing the airspace.

RSPCA issues pet safety advice as amber heat alert returns

THe RSPCA has issued vital guidance for pet owners as england braces for another heatwave, urging vigilance to ensure animals remain safe and comfortable.

The advice follows an amber heat alert announced by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), effective from midday today (June 27) until 6pm on Tuesday (July 1). Areas affected include the East Midlands, South East, South West, East of England, and London, with yellow heat warnings in place for Yorkshire, Humber, and the West Midlands.

Extreme temperatures pose serious risks to pets, wildlife, and farm animals, prompting the charity to release essential safety tips.

Carrie Stones, RSPCA Campaign Manager, said: “While many people enjoy hot

weather, it can be extremely challenging for animals. Pet owners should take extra steps to ensure their pets remain cool and hydrated.”

The charity also urges people to assist wildlife by providing water bowls in gardens and community spaces for birds, foxes, and other animals.

Key RSPCA recommendations for pet owners during heatwaves include:

• Offering pets constant access to fresh drinking water and shaded areas.

• Creating frozen treats for dogs, such as ice cubes and frozen Kongs.

• Using pet-safe sun cream to protect pets from sunburn.

• Wrapping ice packs or frozen water bottles in towels for animals to lie on.

• Regularly checking small

animals and poultry for signs of flystrike.

• Keeping fish tanks out of direct sunlight and ensuring snake enclosures are secure.

• Supervising dogs around water activities such as paddling pools or garden hoses.

• Enrolling in the RSPCA’s online ‘Cool Dog Summer’ workshops for more detailed advice.

In addition, the charity has highlighted actions everyone can take to protect wildlife:

• Leaving fresh drinking water accessible in outdoor spaces.

• Using caution with gardening equipment, such as lawnmowers and strimmers, to avoid harming hidden animals.

• Inspecting bonfire piles thoroughly before lighting, as they often shelter wildlife.

• Maintaining pond water levels to support aquatic life during hot spells.

Recent figures from the Royal Veterinary College indicate that cases of heatstroke in dogs due to being left in vehicles nearly doubled from 6.3% (2016-2018) to 11.2% (2022-2023).

“Summer should be enjoyable for all animals,” Ms Stones added. “By following simple precautions, we can prevent unnecessary suffering and ensure pets and wildlife stay safe.”

Support the RSPCA’s Summer Cruelty Appeal by visiting: rspca.org.uk/ endcruelty.

Redhill Prep School chess stars achieve national acclaim

RedHILL PReP

SCHOOL’S chess team from Haverfordwest has gained national recognition as one of the Uk’s leading primary school teams, following their exceptional performance at the British Primary Schools Chess Championship.

The school’s chess squad, known as the Redhill Knights, clinched an impressive eighth place in the national finals. This followed their earlier success, winning gold at the Bristol qualifying event and securing silver medals at two consecutive Welsh Championships.

Headteacher Adrian Thomas commended the pupils for their dedication, stating: “We are extremely proud of our chess players, the Redhill Knights. Their hard work and determination have truly paid dividends.”

Mr Thomas added: “We remain committed

to encouraging chess participation through our regular tournaments. Securing eighth place nationally is a

remarkable accomplishment for our small school.”

Support grants boost education for service children in Wales

SCHOOLS across Wales can now apply for grants of up to £3,000 from Supporting Service Children in education (SSCe) Cymru, aimed at providing targeted practical support for children from Armed forces families.

Currently assisting over 2,000 children throughout Wales, the SSCE Cymru

programme has been awarded £270,000 in funding from the Welsh Government. This financial backing addresses the distinct educational challenges faced by service children, including frequent relocations, disrupted friendships, and concerns regarding parents serving on active duty. Grants can fund initiatives

such as dedicated school clubs, teacher training materials to improve understanding of service children’s experiences, and structured transition support, such as buddy schemes for pupils moving to new schools.

Marking Armed Forces Day on June 28, Bridgend County Borough Council, supported by SSCE Cymru, successfully hosted the Bridgend Forces Festival at the Bridgend Army Reserve Centre (160 Company REME HQ). The event spanned two days and involved 182 pupils from 20 schools, including 125 service children.

Participants engaged in a variety of activities, including arts and crafts, sports challenges, and teambuilding exercises designed to encourage connections among service children and their peers.

A pupil from Pencoed Primary School highlighted the event’s positive impact, saying: “Moving so often has had a big impact on me. I’ve had to take extra time making friends, which can be tough. Meeting other military children has helped me see I’m not alone and that there’s support available.”

Wellbeing Officer and Service Children’s Champion at Pencoed Primary, Kaye King, added: “Events like this deliver tremendous benefits.

Allowing children to meet others in similar situations and share their stories is crucial.

Our school’s Armed Forces Friendly Schools Cymru status, together with the SSCE Cymru network, greatly enhances our understanding and ability to support our service children.”

Speaking on Armed Forces Day, Cabinet Secretary for Education Lynne Neagle emphasised: “It is essential that all children receive a high-quality education and enjoy their school experience. Service children face unique challenges, and that is why SSCE Cymru funding is vital.

I am delighted to see the innovative projects and strong community fostered by this support.”

Managed by the Welsh Local Government Association (WLGA), SSCE Cymru is currently working with stakeholders to broaden the Welsh Government’s definition of a service child in education, enabling more children to benefit from tailored educational support.

Team members Huw Holliday, David John, Emily

Thomas-Ward, and Percy Harrod represented Redhill Prep School in the highly competitive event.

Major development plans submitted at Pembrokeshire dairy fair

PLANS for a heifer accommodation building and associated works at one of Pembrokeshire’s largest dairy farms, with a milking herd of 2,000 cows, have been submitted.

In an application to Pembrokeshire County Council, Hugh James of Langdon Mill Farms Ltd seeks permission for a 160-metre-long heifer accommodation building, a slurry separation/dewatering building and associated yard areas at Langdon Mill Farm, near Jeffreyston, Kilgetty.

A supporting statement through agent Reading Agricultural Consultants says:

“The holding currently has a milking herd of approximately 2,000 cows, which are housed indoors for the majority of the year, with dry cows and heifers grazed outdoors when weather and soil conditions permit.

“There has been significant investment in buildings and infrastructure at the farm over the last decade in respect of cattle accommodation, slurry storage, milking facilities, Anaerobic Digestion (AD) plant, feed storage. Recently a calf and weaned calf accommodation buildings were approved by Pembrokeshire County Council with construction almost complete.

“The unit is efficient, achieving yields of more than 10,000 litres/ cow/year, with cows being milked three times/day in the 60-point rotary parlour. Langdon Mill Farm currently directly employs 21 full-time, and three part-time staff. Of these, four live on site in the two dwellings opposite the farm, with the remaining staff living in the locality.”

It adds: “Although the unit has previously purchased heifers to aid expansion, the farm now breeds most of its own replacements to improve genetics and to minimise the ongoing threat of bovine tuberculosis (bTB).

“Following the completion

of the calf and weaned calf accommodation buildings, the farm will be rearing all of the cattle under seven months at Langdon Mill Farm, before being transported off site to be reared at three farms in the local area. At 22-months the incalf heifers are brought back to the maternity building to calve and then are introduced into the milking herd.”

It says the proposed building would be used by heifers between the ages of 7-22 months.

It adds: “The siting of the proposed heifer building is directly influenced by the adjacent calf and weaned calf buildings, with livestock being moved from one building to the next as they get older. By positioning the buildings next to each other, it will be possible to move livestock between the buildings without the need for vehicular transportation.”

It stresses: “Although large, the scale of the buildings is not unusual compared to those constructed on modern dairy units, and similar to those already found at the farm. As such it is considered that the proposed buildings are in scale with the existing farm unit.”

The application will be considered by county planners at a later date.

RSPCA welcomes government’s renewed animal welfare commitment

THe RSPCA has warmly welcomed new commitments outlined by the Uk government in its refreshed Trade Strategy, published on Thursday (June 26), aimed at safeguarding animal welfare standards while maximising international trade opportunities post-Brexit.

The strategy, announced by ministers, explicitly pledges not to compromise on food standards and indicates the government’s readiness to use trade measures, including potential import bans, to uphold high animal welfare benchmarks.

The animal welfare charity has consistently cautioned against any trade deals that could introduce lower welfare products—such as eggs from battery-caged hens, pork produced in sow stall systems, chlorine-washed chicken, or hormone-treated beef—into the UK market. Such imports, illegal under current UK law, could potentially undercut British farmers committed to higher standards.

David Bowles, Head of Public Affairs at the RSPCA, described the strategy as “great news for animals,” adding: “Ensuring the highest standards of animal welfare is essential for maintaining a world-class agri-food and drink sector in the UK. This clear commitment suggests the government is genuinely serious about not compromising our higher animal welfare standards.”

The refreshed strategy promises scrutiny over international production methods, especially controversial practices like sow stalls for pregnant pigs and battery cages for hens. The government stated it would actively use its regulatory powers to safeguard UK animal health, welfare, and environmental protections.

Bowles continued: “While free trade remains important, without robust safeguards there’s always a risk the UK could inadvertently allow imports from

producers employing standards far below our own. These latest commitments will hopefully protect British consumers from lower-quality animal products and support domestic farmers who adhere to higher welfare practices.”

The RSPCA is now urging the government to further capitalise on this positive momentum by introducing mandatory method-of-production food labelling for both domestic and imported animal products. A recent consultation by the government showed

overwhelming public support, with 99% of individuals and 69% of organisations endorsing clearer food labelling.

“Following this renewed commitment to higher domestic animal welfare standards,” Bowles concluded, “it is vital the government introduces mandatory labelling. Clear information on packaging would enable consumers to make informed choices, better understanding the origins and welfare conditions of the animals behind their food.”

Farmers and fishing communities stage major protest at Welsh Labour Conference

HUNdRedS of farmers, fishermen, and hauliers took to the promenade in Llandudno on Sunday to protest against Welsh and Uk government policies they say are driving rural industries to breaking point.

The protest coincided with Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s speech at the Welsh Labour Conference. Farm vehicles, tractors, banners, and even a fishing boat offshore carried messages criticising government policies on inheritance tax, livestock disease management, fishing regulations, and environmental restrictions.

Farmers expressed frustration with escalating costs linked to managing diseases like bovine tuberculosis (TB) and recent bluetongue restrictions,

significantly impacting livestock trade. One protester described the distressing incident of having to cull nine heavily pregnant cows in a single day due to TB infection from badgers, calling for urgent government action to cull or vaccinate badgers.

Donna Maria, another protester, voiced concerns about the high cost of mandatory sheep vaccinations and the steep expenses farmers face transporting livestock across the Wales-England border due to differing regulations. Each sheep vaccination reportedly costs farmers £70, placing further financial strain on already struggling farms.

Alan Hughes, a farmer from the Shropshire-Powys border, highlighted broader economic pressures: “We are forced into taking second jobs to subsidise

THIS week marks the first anniversary of Labour’s 2024 Uk general election victory. While global tensions remain, domestic policy has been dominated by three contentious government measures that have sparked public and backbench unrest.

farming. Supermarket prices keep rising, yet our income falls due to EU trade deal impacts. Beef prices dropped £1 a kilo last month alone—that’s a sixth of its value.”

Protest organiser Liam Payne from Swansea emphasised longstanding grievances: “Sixteen months ago, we protested at the Senedd over TB testing, NVZ zones, and now we have additional burdens with inheritance tax and bluetongue restrictions.” He warned bluetongue measures would severely limit farmers’ ability to import livestock, risking genetic diversity and farm viability.

Fisheries representatives joined the protest, highlighting concerns about government fishing quotas, regulations, and policies affecting their livelihoods. Banners carried slogans such as “No Farmers, No Food, No Future,” “Our Shores, Our Fish, Our Heritage,” and “Shellfish ‘Sole’less Starmer,” underscoring the perception that Labour policies fail to support rural communities effectively.

Participants stressed their actions were not merely political but an existential fight to preserve Welsh agriculture, fishing traditions, and protect their families’ futures. The protest is the latest in a series targeting political conferences and government leaders, highlighting the urgency felt within rural Welsh communities.

Initially, the government’s plan to scrap the universal Winter Fuel Payment caused significant concern. However, following considerable pressure, they’ve subsequently conducted a 75% u-turn, restoring the payment for most pensioners.

Similarly, proposed changes to welfare benefits, specifically Universal Credit and Personal Independence Payment (PIP), faced a major backbench rebellion. As a result, these reforms were significantly watered down last week - again buckling under public and political pressure.

However, the agricultural sector continues to grapple with the most contentious issue: drastic changes to Agricultural Property Relief (APR). Despite the Prime Minister’s earlier insistence that a “vast majority” of Welsh farmers would remain unaffected, analysis from the Farmers’ Union of Wales (FUW) suggests up to 48% of Basic Payment Scheme (BPS) recipients in Wales could be subject to the new inheritance tax proposals. If this reform remains unchanged the consequences for farmers, rural communities, and food production in Wales could be devastating.

Since these proposals first

emerged, the FUW has consistently stood shoulder-to-shoulder with the sector, urging the government to reconsider this illconceived policy. However, despite the industry’s dire warnings and growing unease among many of the government’s own backbenchers, these appeals appear to have fallen on deaf ears. With the April 2026 implementation deadline now rapidly approaching, the mounting strain and uncertainty facing Welsh farmers is reaching critical levels, threatening their livelihoods and the very fabric of rural communities.

As the FUW has consistently argued, the aim is not to scrap the policy entirely, but to secure targeted adjustments that prevent hardworking family farms from being crippled by these changes. Rather than an approach comparable to a sledgehammer cracking a nut, the FUW has sought the opportunity to design a policy with HM Treasury that genuinely works for family businesses and effectively closes the existing loopholes that allow non-farming investors to benefit disproportionately.

The old saying goes, “things come in threes.” Having buckled to public and political pressure and made adjustments on both the Winter Fuel Payment and broader welfare benefit reform, the government has shown it can listen and adapt. Now is the time to apply that same pragmatic approach and revisit the changes to APR before irreversible damage is inflicted upon a sector vital to Wales and the wider UK.

Ahead of its time since 1965:

Audi celebrates 60 years of innovation in design

Audi is celebrating the 60th anniversary of the rebirth of its brand name, and at a special event in the Rioja region of northern Spain, is turning the spotlight on the extraordinarily innovative and influential design and engineering which have defined it across those six decades.

The celebration features a host of driveable milestone models from the Audi UK heritage fleet to highlight the flair, foresight and precision characterising Audi design through the years. In addition to firm favourites such as the Ur-quattro, TT and R8, there will be appearances by key models from the contemporary Audi fleet, including the RS e-tron GT and the A6 Sportback e-tron.

“Design has always been a fundamental pillar of the Audi brand and core to our Vorsprung durch Technik ethos,” commented Audi exterior designer Gary Telaak. “From the original Ur-quattro, through to the timeless TT coupe and recently launched A6 Sportback e-tron, Audi’s hallmark design cues and attention to detail are visible throughout. The next chapter in Audi design will remain faithful to the past.”

The Audi name was restored to its rightful place in the vanguard of automotive development at the 1965 Frankfurt Motor Show, where a Saloon simply referred to as ‘The Audi’ made its debut. The Audi was a visually similar but technically more advanced update of the F102, an already progressive model produced by DKW, one of four brands that joined forces to create Auto Union GmbH, each of which is represented by an interlocking ring in the now world-renowned insignia.

“Since its re-emergence in the Sixties Audi has firmly established a reputation for design that imaginatively looks to the future but always stands the test of time,” commented Audi UK Director José Miguel Aparicio. “We’re immensely lucky to be the custodians of cherished examples of many of the defining models that forged that enviable reputation on our Audi UK heritage fleet, and to have them with us in the Rioja region. The home of spectacularly innovative structures like the Guggenheim Museum and the Hotel Marques de Riscal, designed by legendary architect Frank O. Gehry, is

a perfect setting in which to celebrate them and mark this important anniversary.”

Inspired by a Latin translation

The newcomer’s name wasn’t plucked out of thin air – it was originally coined in 1909 by August Horch, whose Horch Motor Vehicle Works also went on to become one of the four Auto Union manufacturers. Horch had broken away from the company he founded and created a new one, which he cleverly named by simply using the Latin translation of his surname – “Horch” means “Listen!” and, in Latin, “Audi!”.

Audi subsequently became another member of the Auto Union quartet (the fourth constituent being Wanderer), but it faded into obscurity in 1940, when production of the Audi 920 ended. After remaining dormant for a quarter of a century, the name quickly regained a firm foothold in the market when the 1965 ‘Audi’ received an enthusiastic public reception, and went on to spawn a family of cars, including Audi 60, 75, 80 and super 90 models, whose names were determined by their power outputs. These included two-door and four-door saloon body styles, and also a Variant estate, a particularly well preserved example of which is one of the stars of the Audi UK heritage fleet.

Even then, the future of the Audi brand was in doubt - Volkswagen

fleet. These include:

The Ur-quattro (1981 10-valve example) – Credited not only with revolutionising top-level rallying but also genuinely advancing road car dynamics, the Ur quattro still delivers incredible visual impact. Its tuneful 2.1-litre five-cylinder 10-valve engine, originally adopted from the Audi 200 and uprated with a KKK turbocharger bestowing extraordinary performance, continues to form the technical basis for the unit used by today’s mighty 400PS RS 3 models.

AG had taken ownership of Auto Union GmbH in the midSixties and planned to limit the company’s activities solely to the development of Volkswagen models. Thankfully, Auto Union Technical Director Ludwig Kraus had other ideas – in secret, he developed a new model for the marque and managed to present it to Volkswagen management when they paid a routine visit to the Ingolstadt plant.

The prototype was the seminal 1968 Audi 100, one of the founding fathers of the Audi model portfolio, and, in 1972 GL form, another key member of the Audi UK heritage fleet.

Targeting the premium sector

The Audi 100’s role was pivotal on several levels. It was the first model developed and manufactured completely independently by Audi; it helped to secure a more premium, upmarket positioning for the brand; and its comparatively streamlined body resulted in a lower drag coefficient than rivals, giving an early indication of a commitment to optimal aerodynamics that continues to this day.

The expressiveness, ingenuity and vision that have become synonymous with Audi design were certainly evident in the early years, but they emphatically shine through in the modernday milestone models that also play starring roles in the Audi UK

The TT Coupé (1999 225PS example) – Remaining remarkably faithful to the original, game-changing look of the 1995 concept car penned in California by Freeman Thomas, the stunning geometric lines of the TT have immortalised it as a genuine icon of automotive design. Romulus Rost was responsible for the interior, which with its beautiful, machined aluminium detailing was also a masterpiece that redefined customer expectations in the sports car class and elsewhere.

The R8 (2007 V8 and 2018 V10 RWS examples) – The R8’s boldly beautiful lines were closely based on the 2003 Le Mans quattro concept. It started its series production life with a naturally aspirated 4.2-litre V8, linked to quattro drive via a pleasingly tactile short-shift gearbox with a beautiful stainless steel open gear lever gate. V10 quattro versions followed, and then in 2018 the R8 V10 RWS (Rear Wheel Series) became the first ever roadgoing R8 to channel its considerable power solely to the rear wheels. Stephan Winkelmann, Audi Sport’s CEO at the time, described the RWS as being specifically ‘made for purists’, and it was delivered to a total of 999 of these discerning drivers worldwide.

The tireless pursuit of innovation in design, engineering and technology that helped to shape Audi’s icons is also of course at the heart of the very latest model lines, and nowhere more so than in the stars of the fast-growing all-electric portfolio. It can be seen and felt everywhere in flagships such as the elegant RS e-tron GT and the A6 Sportback e-tron, which with a drag coefficient of just 0.21 has the distinction of being the most aerodynamic model in Audi history.

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New e-POWER in British-built Qashqai is a game-changing technology

Nearly a decade after its global debut, Nissan is launching the next generation of its unique e-POWeR technology on the British-built Qashqai crossover.

Comprehensively re-engineered for even better fuel efficiency, lower emissions and elevated refinement and set for production in Sunderland, New e-POWER will further smooth the transition from fuel towards zero emissions.

First launched in the region four years ago, e-POWER was developed to deliver an electric-drive experience without the need to plug in - combining the smooth, effortless acceleration and refinement of an EV with the everyday convenience of traditional combustion power.

The range and convenience of diesel, with the refinement and responsiveness of an EV

At the heart of e-POWER is a unique principle which delivers real customer benefits: the petrol engine is used only to generate electricity which is distributed directly to the electric motor to drive the wheels, as well as to charge the battery if needed.

Unlike traditional hybrids, there is no complicated gearbox and coupling to combine petrol power and electric energy to drive the wheels, meaning response is instant and the drive is always smooth, just like an EV. And like an EV, the regenerative braking system on e-POWER converts kinetic energy into electrical energy, fed back into the battery.

New e-POWER takes this concept and elevates it further to deliver a best-in-class balance of performance, EV-like refinement and real-world fuel efficiency - but with the range and flexibility of a traditional combustion engine vehicle.

New e-POWER brings major improvements across every key area:

Fuel consumption: reduced to 62mpg (WLTP) – best-in-segment figures, equating to a potential range of 745 miles

CO2 emissions lowered from 116g/km to 102g/km a 12% reduction compared with the current iteration

Cabin noise: reduced by up to 5.6dB compared to previous generation –offering EV-like refinement

+10kW boost in Sport Modedelivering a more responsive and engaging drive

Comprehensive engine changes

At the core of New e-POWER is a newly-developed 5-in-1 modular powertrain unit, which integrates the electric motor, generator, inverter, reducer and increaser into a compact and lighter package. Combined with improvements to engine calibration and sound insulation, the system reduces both noise and vibration under load. Overall, power is up by 11kW, at a maximum of 151kW. The battery capacity is unchanged at 2.1 kWh.

Despite having a similar three cylinder 1.5-litre turbo configuration as the out-going version, the engine is all-new and is now dedicated to its application in e-POWER. It adopts Nissan’s proprietary STARC combustion concept, which has lifted thermal efficiency to 42% - an exceptionally high level - by stabilising in-cylinder combustion, which enables the engine to operate more quietly and effectively at lower speeds. A new, larger turbo has been fitted which also brings efficiency gains, allowing a 200rpm reduction in engine speeds during highway driving, contributing to the lower overall noise level.

The variable compression ratio technology found on the previous version has been rendered redundant by the other changes to the engine.

Additional engine efficiency has been generated by the change to 0W16 lubricating oil, reducing internal friction. Customers will also appreciate the new, longer service intervals which have been extended from 9,000 miles to 12,000 miles.

The net outcome of all the changes is that Qashqai equipped with New e-POWER achieves 16% better fuel economy in real-world conditions, and 14% improvement in highway fuel consumption versus the current generation.

David Moss, Senior Vice President, Region Research & Development, Nissan AMIEO, said “This new version of e-POWER reflects everything we’ve learned from developing electric motor drive systems for Europe. We’ve analysed what worked in our previous generations, what appealed most to customers, and re-engineered the system to deliver maximum efficiency, lower emissions and a quieter, more refined drive - all with the same performance as a diesel. We are proud

that New e-POWER now offers bestin-class fuel efficiency and emissions.”

With a theoretical range of 745 miles on a full tank, New e-POWER goes further than many traditional plug-in hybrids - without the need for a charging cable or waiting for a full charge.

A smarter step towards electric

For many drivers, moving to a fully electric vehicle still comes with questions - about charging, range, infrastructure, and habit change. That’s where e-POWER comes in.

With its fully electric motor drive and no plug-in requirement, new e-POWER offers a clear, confident step into electrified driving - combining the smoothness and instant response of an EV, with the familiar range and convenience of an ICE. It delivers the experience of electric, without the perceived challenges and common misconceptions that can still hold some drivers back from switching to fully electric.

And because the engine never powers the wheels, the driving feel is entirely electric, with no gear shifts, no power lag, and minimal engine noise at low speeds. Yet, unlike a battery electric vehicle, refuelling takes place at any petrol station.

By removing the complexity of change, e-POWER acts as a true transition technology - giving customers the benefits of electric mobility with none of the friction. It’s built for drivers who want something better, but not something unfamiliar.

Clíodhna Lyons, Region Vice President, Product & Services Planning, Nissan AMIEO, added “This generation of e-POWER is the result of combining our customer insights with Nissan’s vision for electrified powertrains. It takes further the promise of e-POWER by delivering much better

efficiency without any compromise on performance. Best fuel efficiency and range – even on the highway – with a pleasant, refined, everyday EV driving. And all that, without changing the way we are used to live with a traditional vehicle. More than ever, it represents a seamless transition for our customers towards full EV and a key pillar of our electrification strategy.

New e-POWER comes to bestselling Qashqai from September 2025

The Qashqai will also benefit from enhanced connected technology features – including Google built-in infotainment, which provides access to Google Maps, Assistant, and the Play Store. New features include voice commands via Google Assistant, access to additional apps through Google Play, weather forecasts at planned destinations, and Nissan Trip Stories – allowing customers to easily record and share their favourite journeys via the NissanConnect Services app.

Additional technology improvements include increased driving intelligence with enhanced ProPILOT driver assistance features such as improved multi-lane autonomous drive interfaces for better traffic monitoring and awareness of surrounding environment.

Meanwhile, new e-POWER customers can expect lower total cost of ownership (TCO) thanks to service intervals which have been extended from 9,000 to 12,000 miles.

The latest Qashqai equipped with new e-POWER, which is built at Nissan’s state-of-the-art factory in Sunderland, UK will be available in European markets from September 2025. Rollout across Africa and Oceania will follow in the months ahead.

New giant wind turbine planned for Pembrokeshire countryside

fReSH plans for a replacement wind turbine in north Pembrokeshire have been submitted after a previous scheme which saw local council objections and concerns by the Met Office was withdrawn.

In an application to Pembrokeshire County Council, Surrey-based Constantine Wind Energy Limited, which manages some 200 turbines throughout Great Britain, had initially sought permission for a 102-metre-high wind turbine at Sarnau Farm, near Trelech.

The application would replace an existing 45-metre-high turbine, granted permission in 2014.

In a supporting statement, Wilmslow-based agent Axis PED Limited said any visual impact would be “outweighed by the beneficial contribution the replacement turbine would make in the transition away from fossil fuels and the ability to meet UK Net Zero targets in line with the Government’s commitments”.

Local community council Clydau strongly objected to the first proposal, raising concerns including the size is more than double that existing, and potential visual and noise impacts.

The Met Office raised concerns about the impact on the nearby Crug-y-Grollwyn weather radar, just over four kilometres away, saying: “Wind turbines have been shown to have detrimental effects on the performance of Met

Bruce Sinclair Local Democracy Reporter

Office weather radars. These effects include the blocking of radar data in the vicinity of the turbines and the creation of false ‘clutter’ returns which can imitate or obscure real precipitation signals.”

After the previous scheme was withdrawn, the applicants have now submitted plans for a smaller turbine, some 64 metres in height.

A supporting statement through the agent said the applicant had met with the local

community council to discuss the latest scheme, the council raising concerns including landscape and visual impacts.

It says the new proposal would more than double the amount of power produced by the existing turbine, enough to support an estimated 305 average households’ energy usage.

It also says the MoD did not object to the previous scheme, suggesting the smaller application would also attract no objection.

It added: “The MET Office did object to the previous application for the 102m tip height turbine, however this lower turbine would not be greater than 310 AOD [Aerosol

Optical Depth], which meets their operational requirements for the location of the wind turbine.

“Whilst the applicant has not formally consulted with any other the key aviation stakeholders, the proposed height would not exceed parameters set out by the Civil Aviation Authority, it is considered based on the applicant’s experience with other turbines of a similar height that there would be no risk to aircraft or radar, which will be confirmed during statutory consultation with stakeholders during determination.”

The application will be considered by county planners at a later date.

Pembrokeshire dockyard set to become green energy hub

A 15 MegAWATT green hydrogen fuel production facility scheme at a Pembrokeshire dockyard has been given the go-ahead by county planners.

In an application to Pembrokeshire County Council, green energy specialists Haush Ltd sought permission for the facility, including electrolysers, compressors, a substation, and associated infrastructure, at Gate 4, Pembroke Dockyard, The Dockyard, Pembroke Dock. Green hydrogen is produced

Bruce Sinclair Local Democracy Reporter

from water, in an electrolysing process using electricity obtained from renewable sources, in this case through an 11kV substation supplied by renewable electricity via the national grid.

A supporting statement through agent Locogen Consulting Ltd, a specialist Renewable Energy Consultancy based in Edinburgh, said: “Haush’s vision is to address

one of the biggest challenges of our time – decarbonising the transportation and construction industries. Their innovative solution lies in working in partnership with communities to produce Green Hydrogen, a clean and renewable energy vector that can significantly reduce carbon emissions.”

It added: “The applicant has sought to identify opportunities to produce and supply Green Hydrogen across the UK to areas where it is most needed.

The site was considered suitable for the proposed development, as it would align with the ambition for Pembroke Dock Marine to transition to a world-class centre for marine energy and engineering, focussed on the low carbon energy sector.

“The applicant’s ambition to deliver the proposed development, which would produce clean energy from

Hydrogen, aligns with the aspiration and vision for Pembroke Dock Marine.”

It says there would be up to six HGV movements to and from the site per day when operational, with “each taking approximately five hours to fill to capacity, resulting in a low turnaround of vehicles to and from the site”.

On safety issues, it said: “The site would utilise rigorous safety measures, alongside the applicant adopting a production strategy that further reduces the risk profile.

“Most notably, there will be no fixed onsite storage of Hydrogen. Instead, Hydrogen will be produced and compressed on-demand and will be transported immediately offsite using operated tubetrailers owned by the applicant.”

The application was conditionally approved by planners.

Hibernia Inn ordered to take down decking built for safety reasons

AN APPeAL against a national park refusal of decking at a Pembrokeshire seaside village pub, installed for safety reasons after a child had near miss with a vehicle, has been dismissed.

Last year, Kath Lunn, of the Hibernia Inn, Angle, sought retrospective planning permission from Pembrokeshire Coast National Park to keep wooden decking installed at the front of the pub that April.

The application was submitted after a national park enforcement investigation.

The proposal – in the village’s conservation area – was supported by Angle Community Council, and two letters in support of the scheme, on highway safety grounds, were also received.

Kath Lunn, in her application said the decking was erected following a near miss with a child on the adjoining road earlier this year.

“There has always been bench seating there with umbrellas, but earlier this season there was a very close miss when a diner’s child ran into the road and was almost knocked down. We felt it our duty of care to the customers to make the area safe.

“We considered a brick wall but thought this decking would be more aesthetically pleasing being made of natural wood. We did extend out a little further than we wanted to, to avoid cars parking and causing an obstruction in the roadway as we have experienced this in the past.”

Concerns were raised about the design by the park’s building

Bruce Sinclair Local Democracy Reporter

conservation officer, who said: “The works clearly neither preserve the character or appearance of the conservation area, especially the latter.

“I am aware of the problems facing village pubs and the need to provide improved facilities – and the pub is clearly vital to the community.

“There is potential here for an alternative scheme whereby the front

garden is enclosed by a traditional wall and the tables and chairs provided within a nicely landscaped frontage. That would be a gain from the original open tarmac area and hopefully would provide a viable option.”

An officer report for park planners recommended refusal on the grounds of the impact it would have on Angle’s Conservation Area.

An appeal against the decision was later lodged with the Planning and Environment Decisions Wales (PEDW).

While the Inspector noted a number

of the modern exceptions, the street scene close to the appeal property “is largely characterised by a significant proportion of historic buildings, the frontages of which are almost entirely free from any sizeable modern alterations and additions”.

The Inspector’s report added the decking area “appears as on overly prominent, modern addition which partially obscures the traditional appearance of the Hibernia Inn and appears incongruous when viewed in context with the more traditional, unaltered built form nearby”.

On other matters, the Inspector noted the owner’s difficulty in attracting people to the pub’s rear garden in good weather and the limited visibility for drivers, but said: “I have nothing to contest the limited number of anecdotal incidents referred to by the appellant and interested parties.

“However, I also have no cogent evidence to suggest that such incidents have occurred regularly, that the previous situation at the appeal property posed a significant risk to highway safety or that the appellant’s desire to provide a safe environment for customers and their children could not be achieved by other, less harmful alternatives.”

The Inspector noted the owner’s willingness to discuss alternative approaches, along with the suggestion from the Conservation Officer that a traditional wall may be more appropriate, adding: “However, such alternatives are not before me in this appeal and as such, I make no comment on them.”

Major Pembrokeshire holiday park could be set for redevelopment

PLANS to redevelop a Pembrokeshire caravan site to create “a notably higher quality” facility with a move towards static ‘vans which will actually see less pitches are expected to be approved next month.

In an application recommended for approval at the July 9 Pembrokeshire Coast National Park development management committee, Hean Castle Estate seeks permission for the redevelopment and extension of the existing Rowston Holiday Park, New Hedges, near Tenby.

Alongside Rowston, Hean Castle Estate owns and manages land and property locally including nearby Scar

Farm Holiday Park and Coppet Hall Beach Centre, as well as agricultural, forestry and residential properties.

The proposals will see the actual number of holiday accommodation pitches at Rowston decrease from 225 to 187, “while making significant environmental enhancements to landscaping, visual effects, biodiversity and the highway network,” the applicants say.

A supporting statement through agent Lichfields says: “Substantial investment will be made by Hean Castle

Estate that will result in the removal of dense and visually prominent caravans in linear layouts which will be replaced with lower density, relaxed layouts of muted colours that are embedded within extensive new native tree and hedgerow planting.

“The shift to create a notably higher quality caravan park will attract new and repeat visitors across most of the year, reinforcing the tourist accommodation offer in the National Park, in line with the objectives of the Local Development Plan.”

The proposed development includes the removal of the remaining existing bases, and installation of new bases for the siting of 172 static caravans across the existing holiday park and proposed extension area, with 95 bases in the existing park and 77 in the extension area, 15 touring pitch bases in the existing park, the demolition of former laundrette and diner buildings, demolition of two agricultural buildings, the conversion of a barn to manager accommodation, the creation of 273 parking spaces, and other works.

A petition with 29 signatures has opposed the development, raising concerns including the size of the extension, potential noise and

disruption, a loss of rural identity for the village, and fears it would lead to caravan sites encircling the village.

Support has been received from a local councillor, saying it would improve the existing park, support local business, and “will strike a balance between economic benefit, environmental consideration and community support”.

An officer report recommending approval says: “The proposed amendments to the existing holiday park aspect seeks to replace the tourer / tent site with static caravans.

“This would result in a reduction from a total of 225 holiday units down to 172 static caravans spread out around the site area and 15 touring caravans which would be re-located to the southwest corner of the site near to the service access.

“Whilst there would be an overall reduction in pitch numbers to 187, there would be an increase in the number of static caravans from 133 to 172, which by their nature are larger and more permanent than touring / motorhome units. There is also a new manager dwelling which will add new foul drainage to the proposed scheme.”

The application is recommended for approval with a long string of conditions.

Bruce Sinclair Local Democracy Reporter

ThEarly years team wins prestigious partnership award

THe eARLY YeARS integration Team has been honoured as the West Wales Regional Partnership Board (RPB) Team of the Year, recognising their exceptional collaborative work supporting families and young children in the gwendraeth Valley, Carmarthenshire.

This prestigious accolade highlights outstanding excellence in partnership working and acknowledges the team’s significant and measurable impact on local families’ lives.

Operating as a multi-agency initiative, the Early Years Integration Team brings together midwives, health visitors, and Carmarthenshire County Council family support workers. Their combined efforts are funded by the Regional Integration Fund through the West Wales RPB.

Tina Taylor, Project Lead for the Early Years Integration Team, expressed her pride, saying:

“We are absolutely delighted

to receive this award. It’s a testament to the dedication and passion of every member of our team. We work tirelessly to ensure families in our community get the support they need, when they need it most.”

Currently, the team supports around 1,100 families, including approximately 250 pregnant women and 1,200 children aged

between zero and five years. Their comprehensive services include targeted one-to-one inhome support for vulnerable families, referral-based closed groups, and accessible open drop-in sessions.

Their wide-ranging work addresses critical areas such as early intervention, family wellbeing, tackling childhood

obesity, promoting school readiness, mental health support, support for children with Additional Learning Needs (ALN), Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Neurodevelopmental disorders (ND), and community building.

The ultimate goal is to empower families, guiding them through supportive interventions until they achieve independence and no longer require external assistance.

Dr Ardiana Gjini, Director of Public Health, commended the team’s impactful contribution:

“A child’s first 1,000 days are critical in shaping their future. The Early Years Integration Team’s work with parents and communities is vital in giving every child the best possible start in life.

This award highlights the power of integrated, community-based support and demonstrates the significant positive change achievable through genuine partnership working.”

Welsh Government confirms eligibility for COVID-19 vaccinations

THe WeLSH gOVeRNMeNT has confirmed who will be eligible for COVId-19 vaccinations in autumn 2025 and spring 2026, following new advice from the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI).

In a written statement issued on Friday (June 27), Cabinet Secretary for Health and Social Care, Jeremy Miles MS, announced that Wales will adopt the JCVI’s recommendations, which mark a continued transition towards a more targeted vaccination programme.

The changes reflect the UK’s strong levels of population immunity built up over the past four and a half years. As a result, eligibility for the autumn 2025 programme will be more limited

than in previous years and closely aligned with the current spring programme.

WHO IS eLIgIBLe?

A single COVID-19 booster dose will be offered to the following groups during autumn 2025 and spring 2026:

Residents in older adult care homes

All adults aged 75 and over People aged six months to 64 years who are in a clinical risk group, as defined in the immunosuppression sections of tables three and four of the COVID-19 chapter in the Green Book

The programme will continue to focus on protecting those most at risk of serious illness, including

older adults and people who are immunosuppressed.

NHS Wales is now preparing for the rollout of the autumn programme. The

JCVI will continue to review the situation and make further recommendations as needed to ensure public health needs are met.

Lung cancer screening programme to launch for Welsh smokers

SMOkeRS and former smokers aged 55 to 74 across Wales will be offered lung cancer screenings from 2027, the Welsh Government has confirmed.

The phased rollout of this initiative will begin with invitations being sent initially to the oldest eligible individuals.

Public Health Wales (PHW) stated the programme could significantly improve early detection rates, particularly benefiting areas with higher levels of deprivation, where lung cancer mortality is notably elevated.

A successful pilot programme conducted in the Cwm Taf Morgannwg health board region screened 600 individuals, diagnosing 12 lung cancer cases, with two-thirds identified at an early and more treatable stage.

Heather Lewis from PHW emphasised the importance of early detection, saying: “Lung cancer is often diagnosed too late, but screening allows earlier detection when the condition is easier to treat, helping people live longer, healthier lives.”

Health Secretary Jeremy Miles described the screening initiative as Wales’ fourth population-based cancer screening programme. Mobile CT scanners will be utilised, and the programme will include support for smoking cessation.

Miles added: “We will implement this programme in three phases, allowing

the NHS to scale up its capacity. The full programme will cost around £13 million annually and will also include protocols for detecting conditions like COPD.”

Approximately 340,000 people in Wales smoked cigarettes as of 2022, representing 14.1% of the population,

according to the Office for National Statistics (ONS).

England plans to fully implement a similar lung cancer screening programme by 2029.

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death in Wales, primarily affecting older adults, with smoking

being the main cause. Early diagnosis significantly increases survival chances.

Common symptoms of lung cancer include persistent cough, coughing up blood, breathlessness, unexplained tiredness, weight loss, and pain when breathing or coughing.

Welsh Government pledges faster support for neurodivergent children

THe Welsh government has announced major progress in reducing waiting times for neurodevelopmental assessments in children—and set ambitious new targets for the coming year.

In a written statement, Minister for Mental Health and Wellbeing Sarah Murphy MS said the government had eliminated all four-year waiting times across Wales, following the rollout of a £3m programme in early 2025. Between January and March this year, an additional 2,166 assessments were carried out across the country.

“This is a significant milestone,” said Ms Murphy. “But I remain acutely aware of the ongoing challenges faced by families with children who are still waiting too long. Reducing waiting times remains a key priority.”

To build on this progress, the Minister has announced that £5.6m will be allocated in 2025-26—part of a wider £13.7m commitment to the Neurodivergence Improvement Programme through to 2027. The new funding will focus specifically on eliminating all three-year waits by March 2026, though some health boards are expected to go further and faster.

The statement also outlined the Welsh Government’s intention to support those health boards that are already demonstrating strong progress. These include boards that have reformed

their assessment pathways and shown measurable reductions in delays.

Key developments over the past year have included:

Completion of the final phase of evaluating the Autism Code of Practice

Initial consultation on the new Neurodivergence Code of Practice

A national service transformation design event

A £3m waiting time reduction plan for children’s assessments

The Welsh Government says it will continue to work closely with the NHS Executive to improve data collection, enforce national standards, and ensure consistency across Wales. Regional Partnership Boards will also play a greater role in delivering integrated services.

The government’s National

Neurodivergence Team will remain at the heart of these reforms, helping raise awareness and improve services such as the Integrated Autism Service.

“I will continue to keep Members updated as we work to ensure that neurodivergent children and families across Wales receive the support they need, when they need it,” the Minister added.

Welsh Labour Conference concludes with major policy announcements

THe WeLSH LABOUR

CONfeReNCe concluded in Llandudno today (Sunday, June 29) following two days of significant policy announcements and key pledges from senior Labour figures.

Key takeaways from the conference included a strong emphasis on innovation, community regeneration, and substantial healthcare reform.

First Minister Eluned Morgan

revealed plans to establish an ambitious AI Growth Zone in Wales. Supported by a £2.5 million investment and a pioneering new Department for Artificial Intelligence, this initiative is designed to position Wales at the forefront of ethical AI technology and development, particularly within public services.

Morgan also announced the creation of a new £5 million Tidy Towns Fund aimed at

rejuvenating local communities.

The fund will enhance public spaces, improving the quality of life in cities, towns, and villages across Wales.

Healthcare was a major focus, with Health and Social Care Secretary Jeremy Miles introducing several transformative health initiatives. These include a national lung cancer screening programme, the first of its kind in Wales, targeting high-risk individuals aged 55 to 74.

In a groundbreaking move, Miles also committed to transforming mental health services, promising same-day, open-access support across the country within three years.

Wales will thus become the first nation globally to implement such comprehensive mental healthcare access.

Miles further pledged a £5.6 million investment to eliminate lengthy waiting times for children’s assessments of neurodevelopmental conditions, including autism and ADHD, aiming to clear current three-year waiting lists by March 2026.

Additionally, the government plans to establish accredited regional centres for endometriosis care,

accompanied by a network of women’s health hubs in community settings. A new endometriosis treatment pill will also become available on the NHS in Wales.

Jo Stevens, Secretary of State for Wales, announced a major economic boost for Port Talbot and the surrounding region through a new £11.78 million Economic Growth and Investment Fund. This initiative, backed by the UK Labour Government (£6.78 million) and Tata Steel UK (£5 million), aims to foster high-quality job creation and attract sustainable investment, reinforcing the local economy.

Concluding the conference, First Minister Morgan underscored the power of collaboration between the Welsh and UK Labour Governments, stating: “There’s a lot more to do, and I’m excited about what we can achieve together.”

Jo Stevens reiterated Labour’s commitment to supporting Welsh workers, stating: “We said we would back the steelworkers of Port Talbot, their families, and businesses dependent on Tata Steel, and we have delivered on that promise.”

Welsh Government suggests monthly collection of black bin bags

THe WeLSH gOVeRNMeNT

has recommended that household black bin bag waste should be collected only once every three to four weeks.

In new guidance issued to local councils, officials stated that frequent black waste collections should be discouraged, as this could weaken the effectiveness of recycling services. The advice, published in the Collections Blueprint 2025 document, proposes that households limit their weekly black waste to around 60 litres, equivalent to approximately one standard wheelie bin per month.

The document stresses that increased recycling efforts have significantly reduced the amount of waste requiring disposal, making less frequent collections practical and efficient. It encourages councils to integrate waste management, recycling, reuse, and litter collection to ensure high-quality services at the lowest possible cost.

However, some residents have expressed concerns about the new proposal. Many

worry about potential hygiene issues, unpleasant odours, and an increase in vermin attracted by waste stored for longer periods. Families, particularly those with young children and large households, fear they will struggle to manage with less frequent collections.

Additionally, the guidance advises local authorities to implement systems for weighing black waste collections to gather accurate data. It also recommends strict enforcement of waste limits and clear policies for households needing extra capacity.

Councils in Wales currently vary in their black bin collection schedules, with some already adopting three-week intervals. The Welsh Government guidance also promotes weekly collections for recyclable materials, food waste, and dry recycling, advocating for separate containers to prevent contamination.

Councils are further encouraged to support recycling through repair and

reuse initiatives, aiming for at least an 85% recycling and reuse rate at waste centres. Segregated litter bins and clear signage are also recommended to facilitate public recycling onthe-go.

A Welsh Government spokesperson highlighted

the country’s strong recycling record, ranking second globally. They said the updated guidance aims to boost recycling further, benefiting the environment, the economy, and local authority budgets by reducing the volume of waste requiring expensive disposal methods.

Starmer sets out vision for ‘Wales reborn’ at Labour’s Llandudno conference

keIR STARMeR delivered a speech heavy with symbolism and policy at Welsh Labour’s 2025 conference today—framing his government as the architects of a new era in Wales, while attacking the populist right and Welsh nationalism as threats to the country’s future.

Addressing delegates at Venue Cymru in Llandudno, the Prime Minister promised a “brighter future for Wales”, outlining a programme of investment and reform he said was already reshaping the country less than a year after Labour swept the General Election.

“That’s your victory, Conference,” Starmer told members. “A Wales back in the service of working people. And we’re only just getting started.”

With a confident delivery backed by visually striking footage from the event, Starmer’s speech marks a significant moment for Welsh Labour— not just in rhetoric but in resources.

£5 billion and a “Labour Spending Review”

At the heart of the speech was a commitment to £22.5 billion annually for Wales over the next three years—a significant uplift in block grant funding. Starmer claimed this equates to:

• £5 billion in additional funds,

• 16,500 new jobs,

• Two new Freeports (Celtic Sea and Anglesey),

• Investment zones in Wrexham, Flintshire, Newport, and Cardiff,

• £445 million for railway upgrades, including five new stations,

• £200 million+ annually for local growth funds.

This, Starmer said, was a clear difference from the previous Conservative government:

“A Labour Spending Review, by a Labour Government, making Labour choices.”

In political terms, Starmer is directly contrasting Labour’s fiscal policy with both the austerity of the past and the radical tax-cutting agenda promoted by Reform UK.

Steel, security, and sovereignty

One of the most significant announcements was a firm recommitment to Port Talbot’s green steel transition, including an £80 million transition board and future support through the National Wealth Fund. Starmer contrasted this with Nigel Farage’s recent visit to the site, accusing him of:

“Pretending he’s got a plan to reopen a blast furnace… He’s got no idea what he’s talking about.”

He warned that Reform’s proposals would cancel the electric arc furnace project due to begin within weeks and “throw away 5,000 jobs.”

Alongside green steel, Starmer introduced the idea of a “defence dividend” for Wales. He pledged:

• Investment in 6,000 existing defence jobs in Wales,

• Skilled job creation through technology upgrades,

• The largest military pay rise in 20 years,

• Upgrades to 800 military homes,

• Veterans to be given priority for social housing.

This forms part of a broader strategic message: Labour can deliver security—military, economic and social—where others cannot. Welfare, work, and difficult choices

Starmer also addressed the UK’s welfare system, calling it “broken” and “failing people every day.” He rejected Conservative-style cuts but promised reform that encourages people into work:

“We cannot take away the safety net that vulnerable people rely on –and we won’t. But we also can’t let it become a snare.”

He outlined:

• Millions in mental health support,

• NHS reform to tackle waiting lists,

• Council house-building programmes,

• Enhanced worker rights, including the end of fire-and-rehire.

This part of the speech sought to reclaim the narrative on welfare

and productivity—long a political weakness for Labour—by offering a moral case for reform alongside fairness.

Fighting Reform and Plaid: “Backwards or forwards?”

Starmer reserved some of his sharpest words for Nigel Farage and Reform UK, mocking the party’s economic plans and casting Farage as a self-serving populist:

“A wolf in Wall Street clothing… Reform doesn’t create jobs. They throw them away.”

He warned of a “backroom stitch-up” between Reform, the Conservatives and Plaid Cymru that could plunge Wales back into “chaos and division,” referencing Plaid’s commitment to independence without a roadmap to reunify Wales economically or socially.

This sets up the battleground for 2026’s Senedd election: Labour will frame itself as the only party with national competence, moral clarity, and local delivery.

Praise for Eluned Morgan and post-industrial justice

Starmer praised First Minister Eluned Morgan, calling her “the best person to lead Wales into the future,” and highlighted her lobbying success in securing £118 million for coal tip safety and a fairer mineworkers’ pension scheme.

“We’re doing right by mining communities,” he said. “We’ve righted the historic injustice of mineworkers’ pensions.”

This appeal to Labour’s traditional base—post-industrial, working-class voters in south and north Wales— aims to reconnect with communities that drifted during the Brexit years.

Analysis: Why this speech matters Starmer’s address was not just a laundry list of policy. It was a clear electoral pitch to:

• Disaffected former Labour voters,

• Trade unionists,

• Younger progressives,

• And those fearful of Reform’s rise.

The tone was firm but measured. His attack lines on Farage and Plaid were sharper than usual, signalling that Labour sees a real threat from both directions—nationalism and populism. But he balanced that with optimistic language about jobs, green energy, and opportunity.

Crucially, the message to Wales was not “we hear you”—a common Labour refrain in the past—but “we’ve already delivered, and we will deliver more.”

has been in the news following the decision to increase spending on our armed forces. The end of the Cold War saw successive Uk governments cut spending on defence and our army is now its smallest for 200 years.

With Russia’s War in Ukraine, there seems to be no let up to the ambitions of Putin and with conflicts in the Middle East, the world is a tinder box and the fear is an escalation, that could result in an all out war

Liberal Democrat Leader Ed Davey has launched his vision for a “war-ready Britain” following a visit to Estonia, NATO’s front line with Russia, including a new bonus scheme to attract army recruits and a public awareness campaign to prepare Brits for a possible conflict. Pamphlets would be sent to every British home alongside targeted digital ads. These would outline to British citizens how to prepare for potential major crisesincluding conflict or cyber attacks - that lead to power outages or disruption to essential services. Davey has also called for the awareness campaign to advertise the Army’s recruitment drive and bonus offer to bolster the strength of British armed forces.

The Liberal Democrats’ ‘war readiness’ package includes a new bonus scheme to boost army numbers –putting the British Army in the best possible position to deter a war with Russia. This would involve giving a £10,000, oneoff bonus to non-specialist new recruits who complete training and serve for two years.

W ITH ANDREW LYE

Ed Davey also called for the expansion of current re-joining bonuses to attract former soldiers back to the Army. Former personnel who re-enlist and serve for a minimum of two years would receive a £20,000 bonus. The aim of the bonus schemes would be to urgently increase the number of UK regular soldiers up to 73,000, as called for in the government’s Strategic Defence Review.

Ed Davey said, “Speaking with British troops on the frontline with Russia and our partners in the Estonian military, I’ve seen first hand the incredible work being done to defend NATO’s borders. But it is clear that given the threat of a barbaric Putin and the challenge of an erratic Trump, we need to do more to make Britain war-ready.

“A new bonus scheme is needed to urgently attract new recruits, encourage experienced ex-soldiers back into the Armed Forces and reverse years of shortsighted troop cuts under the Conservatives.”

I may not have served with the armed forces, but I was brought up in a village at the foot of Salisbury Plain, where the army do their training. I was also living in Portsmouth at the time of the Falklands War in 1982 and felt the impact it had on the naval city, especially when HMS Sheffield was sunk by an Argentine exocet missile, killing 20 British men and injuring 24. Today, our navy is a shadow if its former self. War tactics have changed and we have seen the dramatic impact of drones used in the Putin’s War.

As Ed Davey (below) has highlighted, we need to be prepared for all eventualities.

If you have any issues or comments, please contact me at andrew.lye@pembslibdems.wales

FM sets out ‘Red Welsh Way’ at Labour conference amid public challenges

fIRST MINISTeR eluned Morgan used her keynote speech at the Welsh Labour Conference in Llandudno to set out an ambitious vision for the future of Wales, warning of the rising threat from political rivals and highlighting the achievements of Labour governments in Cardiff and Westminster.

Addressing party members on Saturday (June 28), Morgan spoke passionately about her government’s record, from tackling NHS waiting times to investing in schools, childcare, social housing, and AI innovation.

“We lead not by size, but by spirit,” she said, claiming that Wales — under Labour — had consistently “punched above its weight” in values, services, and vision.

A CALL TO ACTION

Setting the tone for what she called a “moment of reckoning,” Morgan urged party members to prepare for a tough fight ahead of next year’s Senedd elections. She warned of the growing challenge from Reform UK, who she described as a “force of division,” and accused Plaid Cymru of voting with the Conservatives against recent Labour spending plans.

“This is not a moment to look away. This is the moment to look forward – a moment of maximum opportunity… and serious threat,” she told delegates.

The First Minister listed a string of Labour-led initiatives:

• A £445 million rail funding boost,

• £118 million for coal tip safety,

• New social homes and schools under construction,

• The reinstatement of the winter fuel allowance,

• And a 60% drop in long NHS waits since November.

She also announced a £2.5 million investment to develop a new AI department within Welsh Government and a forthcoming “AI Growth Zone” aimed at positioning Wales as a global leader in ethical artificial intelligence.

“Handled the right way, AI can help us deliver services that are faster, smarter, and fairer,” she said.

NHS and mental health pledges

Healthcare remained a central theme. Morgan cited personal stories of NHS success and promised Wales would become the “first country in the world” to offer open access to mental health support in the next Senedd term.

She defended the Welsh NHS model, contrasting it with what she claimed Reform UK would bring: “Privatised. Profitdriven. Out of reach for the

people who need it most.”

A gOVeRNMeNT UNdeR PReSSURe

Despite the optimism, the speech came against a backdrop of real challenges. Wales continues to face some of the longest NHS waiting times in the UK, with mental health services under strain and local councils cutting services due to budget pressures.

While Morgan praised “power in partnership” between the two Labour governments, critics argue delivery remains inconsistent and that Labour’s long dominance in Wales risks appearing complacent.

A new £5 million “Tidy Towns Fund” was among the latest pledges, but many voters remain sceptical of announcements after years of austerity, rising costs, and a struggling health and care system.

LOOkINg AHeAd

Morgan ended her speech on a defiant note: “I’m ambitious for Wales – and I know you are too. Not to catch up – but to lead.”

Labour now faces the difficult task of converting conference energy into public trust — and must respond to mounting pressure over service delivery, cost of living concerns, and an increasingly volatile political landscape ahead of the 2026 Senedd election.

ACHIeVeMeNTS ANd INVeSTMeNT

Deputy First Minister pressed over environment bill delay

WALeS’ deputy first Minister Huw Irrancadavies provided “no clear explanation” for a seven-year delay in plugging gaps in environmental law.

Mr Irranca-Davies was questioned about delays introducing the environment bill, which aims to halt and reverse nature loss – with one in six species in Wales now at risk of extinction.

In 2018, Julie James, thenleader of the house or Trefnydd, committed to legislation at the “first opportunity” to address a governance gap left by the UK’s departure from the EU.

The seven-year delay left Wales with the weakest environmental governance structures in western Europe, according to the Wales Environment Link charity.

Alun Davies, a Labour member of the Senedd’s legislation committee, pressed the Deputy First Minister: “The question asks itself, where have you been?”

Mr Irranca-Davies replied: “We haven’t just been standing still on this. We’ve done things here in Wales they have not done in other countries.

“We’ve taken forward the clean air and soundscape legislation… we’ve moved progress on a net-zero target… we’ve responded to the climate and nature emergency… we’ve radically redirected transport investment… so we haven’t stood still.”

“Well, you have,” Mr Davies interjected during the evidence session on June 30. “Because other countries have been doing things like that as well. The idea that no other country’s got a

“There are reasons why we have prioritised other work first… it’s not a capacity issue, it’s prioritisation.”

The former minister warned of complexity inhibiting accountability, saying: “Sometimes the longer the explanation, the more worried somebody gets and I’m becoming a little worried.”

He pointed to complex governance with the Wellbeing of Future Generations Act 2015, “which we were told would do most of this work”, the OEGW and Natural Resources Wales.

He said: “We’ve got so many adjoining pieces of legislation which seek to each tick a particular box but I’m just left thinking: we’re just creating a monster here.”

BLUE VIEW

With Brian Murphy

WHAT an absolute shambles the Uk government is. How any government with a majority of 165 MPs only managed to scrape through the Welfare Reform Bill with 75 votes is unprecedented, with 49 Labour MPs still voting against it. for kier Starmer it is an improvement of the 120 who stated they would vote with the Opposition unless there were substantial changes. However, he can’t be pleased with the whole saga, which is entirely of his own making.

not necessary. Then this week’s changes to welfare reform, after a massive revolt by his own members. His time is limited in government now.

This week also saw the conviction of a 92-year-old man for a rape and murder he committed in 1967. The case was reviewed in 2023, and modern forensic techniques identified a full DNA profile of Ryland Headley, who was subsequently arrested and convicted of the rape and murder of Louisa Dunne.

transport policy is for the birds. It doesn’t answer the question that was asked.”

The bill would establish the Office of Environmental Governance Wales (OEGW), with similar environmental protection bodies set up in Scotland, Northern Ireland and England in 2021.

The Labour backbencher added: “The Welsh Government will have failed to do this in this Senedd by the time this gets on the statute book, so I think we are justified in seeking an explanation… as to why this has taken two Senedds to reach this point.”

Mr Irranca-Davies responded: “There is a question of prioritising but we’re making good on the commitment but I do understand when people say ‘why are you behind?’.”

He told the committee the Welsh Government has learned from experiences in the rest of the UK but Mr Davies responded: “Well that really is scraping the barrel, isn’t it? … None of what you’ve said answers the question of why it’s taken so long.”

Pressing the Deputy First Minister, Mr Davies said: “This is a serious political failure from [the] Welsh Government in terms of the years it’s taken to reach this point. And I think the committee, in all seriousness Deputy First Minister, requires and deserves an explanation.”

He remarked: “It is striking that the government doesn’t have a very clear explanation.”

Mr Irranca-Davies suggested the issue had been deprioritised:

Challenging the Deputy First Minister to write to the committee with an organigram – a chart explaining how everything fits together – Mr Davies said: “I have to say, I haven’t got a clue.”

Mr Irranca-Davies said getting everything on one A4 page would be a challenge, prompting Mike Hedges – who chairs the legislation committee – to suggest: “Well, if you can’t get it on one side of A4 then you need to think more deeply about what you’re trying to achieve.”

In a letter, the Green Alliance warned of a lack of safeguards in the bill on the independence of the OEGW which would be charged with holding public bodies to account.

The Senedd climate committee raised similar concerns during its meeting on June 26, which heard the OEGW would not be fully operational for at least another 18 to 24 months.

Llŷr Gruffydd, the Plaid Cymru chair, asked: “What stops it becoming three or four years?”x

“Us, and also the fact that the work is already ongoing,” Mr Irranca-Davies replied. “I don’t think there will be any desire… to delay in any way, shape or form.”

Senedd Members warned the OEGW could be underfunded because the Welsh bill does not include the phrase “sufficiency of funding” unlike legislation elsewhere in the UK

Mr Irranca-Davies questioned who would determine what sufficiency of funding means as he insisted: “We’re crystal clear that the independence of the OEGW is crucial to its operation.”

He, and his party, constantly remind us that Conservatives were in power for 14 years. By my reckoning it follows that Labour has had 14 years to prepare for power. But what have we had in the one year since the election? Increased unemployment, lowered economic growth, extra taxes for working people, the highest taxpayers in the UK leaving in their droves, whilst the small boats are crossing the Channel in record numbers. On top of that he has made three massive U-tuns in this month alone. Firstly, there was the change of policy relating to the winter fuel payment. Followed closely by the decision to hold a statutory enquiry into the grooming gangs scandal, after saying one was

What this case highlights is the exceptional work the police have taken in securing evidence from the crime scenes in 1967 and storing them correctly for all those years. Here in Pembrokeshire, we had a similar story as John Copper was convicted in 2011 for murders he committed in 1985 and 1989. In the intervening years all the exhibits were stored securely in police premises until they could be re-examined with newer processes, and his conviction was secured.

This is important as it reveals what Police Forces don’t tell us when it comes to closing stations. As is the case in Fishguard where the PCC Dafydd Llywelyn has forced the closure of the local station, despite objections from the community. A point I raised with him is where and how will we store exhibits for major incidents if all the capacity from police buildings is removed. He had no answer. It worries me that we could be allowing serious offenders to escape justice because the PCC wanted to save some money. It is shortsighted and does nothing to reassure the community or protect victims.

Chris Haines ICNN Senedd reporter

Starmer and Reeves back down over benefits reform

A COMBINATION of poor party management, inexplicable decision-making, and genuine anger contributed to the government’s humiliation. equally humiliated were those on the Labour benches who had backed the Bill from the outset, as well as those, like local MP Henry Tufnell, who were mollified by the relatively minor adjustments to the Bill announced the previous weekend.

The former, who remained loyal to the government throughout, were marched up to the top of the hill and then unceremoniously plunged headlong back down it. The latter gave the impression that reducing the number of people who would be plunged into poverty if the Bill had passed from 250,000 to 150,000, and who reaped the benefits of positive publicity for their original “principled stand” against it, look no more than political chancers; in the time-worn phrase, “prepared to wound, but not to strike”.

The surrender to public and political pressure leaves a key part of the government’s financial plans in ruins. The money that will not be saved from the welfare bill must come from somewhere.

Although the government remains

Jon

Coles jon.coles@herald.email

committed to not increasing the rates at which employees pay income tax and national insurance, it has little room for manoeuvre. Something has to give, and the likelihood is that money must now come from tax increases elsewhere, whether on property, investment income, private pensions, or by means-testing welfare payments that are currently universal, for example, the state pension. Unless there is a sudden and dramatic uptick in the UK’s economic performance, those are its only options.

dWP SeCReTARY BLINdSIded

The government’s decision to abandon changes to Personal Independence Payments left Liz Kendall, the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, high and dry. Even as she defended the government’s plans and insisted they would not change, her colleagues carved out a backroom deal to head off a massive rebellion that would have defeated a key plank of Labour’s legislative agenda.

The scale of the government’s

retreat came as a surprise to many MPs. When the Treasury Minister, Stephen Timms, announced the government’s decision to scrap the PIP changes, Labour MPs were taken aback. Many had spent considerable political capital backing the widely and wildly unpopular Bill, leaving them floundering in the face of the government’s surrender.

OMNISHAMBLeS

No matter how one looks at it, the government’s efforts to reform (i.e. cut) welfare benefits have been shambolic from the outset.

Faced with the prospect of a rising welfare benefits bill, the government took action to reduce it. However, it failed to conduct a proper impact assessment, and the admission that the original Bill would have put an additional 250,000 people into poverty suggested that its effects had been poorly thought through. The notion that ill-defined schemes to encourage people into work would soften the blow was demonstrable nonsense. Most of those who would have been affected by the changes to PIP are already in work.

The government’s rhetoric was

also off-target.

By pitching welfare reform as a moral imperative, ministers managed to cast those opposing them, including virtually every disability charity and disabled individuals, as necessarily “immoral”. Welfare reform is a political choice. After being forced to retreat on the Winter Fuel Payment, the impression remains that when the Treasury seeks savings, it targets the poorest and most vulnerable first.

Liz Kendall’s performance at the Dispatch Box in the Commons added to that in a spectacularly ill-judged performance on Monday (July 1). When a Conservative member put it to her that the Bill, as then proposed, would create a two-tier benefits system, her response was little better than “you started it”. As compelling narratives to sell legislation go, it stank out the House.

In fact, the Bill before the Commons before the government’s retreat would have created a threetier disability system. Those in receipt of benefits who were not due for reassessment or assessment would retain their current benefits. Those reassessed or assessed after the Bill became law would face a different regimen. However, those reassessed or assessed under the Bill’s terms

before the government produced its review of the legislation’s impact could appeal their decisions if they met any different criteria set out in the review document.

If that reads like a shambles, that’s because it was a shambles.

CHANge eSSeNTIAL BUT

STARMeR & ReeVeS PICk WRONg fIgHT

That the welfare benefits system (and its associated tax credits infrastructure) needs wholesale reform is uncontroversial in Westminster. The current system is overcomplicated, expensive, and leaves too many trapped in a wilderness where work doesn’t pay enough to displace reliance on benefits.The stark truth is that a greater proportion of the UK’s

CLAIMANTS IN PEMBROKESHIRE

PeRSONAL INdePeNdeNCe PAYMeNT is not an unemployment benefit. It is awarded to workers and those not in work. The payment is intended to provide additional support for the costs and inconveniences of living with a disability. Those disabilities can be visible, for example, in the case of a physical disability, or unseen, for example, where an individual is autistic.

In October last year, 9,646 individuals in Pembrokeshire were receiving Personal Independence Payment (PIP), according to data analysed by RADAR. This figure represents a 54% increase from 6,264 in 2019. There are separate payments for those who are unemployed and classified as long-term sick. The former Incapacity Benefit was rolled into Universal Credit

and is now represented as an additional payment within the overall scheme. That means a person can claim unemployment benefits with a sickness “top-up” if they meet the eligibility criteria.

It is important to disaggregate the number of unemployment benefit claimants from the total number of benefit claimants.

In May 2025, provisional figures state that 2,370 adults in Pembrokeshire received out-of-work benefits. The age ranges with the largest number of claimants were 25-49 and 50plus, accounting for over 1900 of the 2370 claimants. However, that is not the whole story.

Just over 70,000 Pembrokeshire residents are aged between 16 and 64 years old. Around 54,000 of them are classed as “economically active”.

population is on some form of disability or sickness benefit than in any other European country. That means that, even though the UK’s disability and sickness benefits regime is among the most stringent in Europe, its overall cost is extremely high.

The government must surely review the whole infrastructure of benefits payments, consolidate them, and

ensure that benefits are not regarded as a handout. Targeting sickness and disability benefits, despite the rising number of claims, will not be enough on its own. Something more thorough and radical is needed to manage welfare payments more effectively. A further issue that successive governments have failed to address is the pernicious nonsense spread on social media - and in Parliament and the Press - that getting disability benefits is too easy and amounts to a con on the taxpayer. Contrary to populist belief, the rate of benefit fraud, particularly for sickness and disability benefits, is vanishingly small.

The Welfare Reform Bill, before its castration by a frightened Cabinet, pandered to those with ubiquitous prejudices, chips on their shoulders, and (apparently) intimate and specialised knowledge of others’ circumstances and medical histories.

keIR STARMeR ANd RACHeL ReeVeS CAN CARRY THe CAN fOR THAT

The fact remains that the government failed to listen to its own backbenches and the major disability charities, who recognised the harm that cutting benefits would pose. Now the government says it will listen to their concerns and bring forward legislation with an element of co-production. But the damage has already been done.

The number of “economically inactive” individuals is around 16,000. However, that number includes students, those caring for family members, and the early retired. It also includes those classed as on long-term sickness.

Those with long-term sickness who are classified as economically inactive number 3900.

If one examines the number of PIP claimants (just over 9,600) and the number of longterm sick individuals classified as “economically inactive” (neither employed nor actively seeking work), there is a strong disconnection between worklessness and sickness and disability.

And it is there that the government’s welfare reforms fall apart.

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EMAIL US AT: editor@herald.email

Pic Ture oF The week!

Aberaeron COUNCIL TAx ENFORCEMENT IS TOO AGGRESSIVE

deAR SIR,

I was shocked at how quickly my missed council tax payment turned into a nightmare. A few late payments — caused by a change in my wages — led to a summons to court, then a liability order, and before I knew it, bailiffs were knocking at my door.

There was no meaningful attempt to speak to me or offer a payment plan. Just threats, fees, and fear. The debt ballooned with charges I couldn’t afford. I was made to feel like a criminal, not a working parent who hit a temporary setback.

We hear talk about the cost-of-living crisis, but some councils seem more interested in outsourcing debt to private enforcement agents than helping people get back on track.

The law needs to change. Enforcement should start with support, not intimidation.

Name withheld Haverfordwest

SHAMEFUL BEHAVIOUR AT THE SENEDD

deAR SIR,

Those involved in the so-called ‘Red Line for Palestine’ protest at the Senedd should be ashamed of themselves.

To wave banners and chant slogans while aligning themselves with a movement that has openly supported or excused the actions of Hamas — a group that carried out one of the most brutal terrorist attacks in modern history on October 7 — is a moral failure. Whatever your view of the Israel-Gaza conflict, there is no justification for public demonstrations that effectively ignore, minimise, or justify the murder, rape, and abduction of innocent civilians.

Worse still, these protests took place at our Welsh

Parliament — a place that represents all citizens of Wales, regardless of ethnicity or background. For many Jewish people in Wales, scenes like this are not a statement of peace or solidarity with civilians, but a reminder that their trauma is being denied or erased in the public square.

If campaigners want to call for peace, let them do so in a way that condemns all acts of terrorism and violence, not just the ones that fit their narrative.

Tom Jones

IMPROVEMENTS TO T5 WELCOME, BUT MORE NEEDED

deAR SIR,

As a regular user of the T5 bus between Aberystwyth and Haverfordwest, I want to welcome the news that additional services and new vehicles are being introduced. It’s encouraging to see

Transport for Wales finally respond to the concerns of those of us who rely on this vital route.

For years we’ve put up with limited timetables, overcrowded buses, and unreliable connections. The changes recently announced — especially the promise of more frequent services — are a step in the right direction.

But let’s not pretend the job is done. Many rural communities still have no Sunday service at all, and connections to hospitals or college timetables don’t always match up. I’d also like to see real engagement with passengers about what is still lacking not just headline improvements for PR purposes

We need a proper rural transport strategy for West Wales. For some of us, the bus isn’t a lifestyle choice — it’s the only way to get to work, school or medical appointments.

Linda Rees

St DaviDS CatheDral at SunSet by JaSon DavieS PhotograPhy

death notices

G ILLIAN G REY M C G ARRY

gILLIe passed away suddenly, yet peacefully at Withybush Hospital on the 15th of June aged 72 years.

Dearly loved wife to John, she will be greatly missed by all her family and many, many friends.

Her funeral service will take place on Monday 7th July 1.45pm at Parc Gwyn Crematorium, Narberth.

Family flowers only, donations, if desired for the Paul Sartori Foundation can be made online at www.paulsartori. org, forwarded to Paul Sartori House, Winch Lane, Haverfordwest, SA61 1RP or via the donation box on the day.

All enquiries to Roy Folland & Son Funeral Directors (01437) 763821.

J EAN R OSALINE M AY J ENKINS

JeAN, of Haven Road, Haverfordwest passed away peacefully after a short illness on Thursday 19th June 2025, aged 88 years.

Beloved partner of the late Ronnie Tozer, devoted mother of Ian, Kathryn and Susanne, cherished gran of Jamie, Kelly, Sarah, Victoria, Jessica, and Charlotte and a loving great-gran of Ryan, Betsie, Eden and Faith.

Jean was loved dearly and will be greatly missed by all who knew her.

The funeral service will take place on Monday 14th July 2025 at 11:30am at Parc Gwyn Crematorium, Narberth. Family flowers only. Donations

in lieu for Breast Cancer UK can be made at www.breastcanceruk.org.uk/ get-involved/ make-a-donation/ All enquiries to Tom Newing & Sons Ltd., Milford Haven. Tel: 01646 693180

M AUREEN H UNT

PeACefULLY on Sunday 25th May at Withybush Hospital, Maureen of Newport.

Beloved wife of the late Rod and a loving sister, mother, grandmother and great grandmother.

Funeral service on Friday 11th July at St Mary’s Church, Newport at 11am.

Family flowers only.

Donations in lieu if desired, made payable to ‘Paul Sartori Foundation’ c/o Paul Jenkins & Sons Funeral Directors, Feidr Castell, Fishguard, SA65 9BB. Tel - 01348 873250.

E LEANOR R OTHWELL

eLeANOR passed away peacefully at Withybush Hospital on the 11th of June aged 97 years.

Dearly loved wife to the late Eric, with whom she taught ballroom dancing in Pembrokeshire for many years, she will be greatly missed by all who knew her.

Her funeral service will take place on Thursday 10th July at 1.45pm Parc Gwyn Crematorium, Narberth.

Family flowers only, donations, if desired, for the Paul Sartori Foundation can be made via www.paulsartori.org or sent directly to Paul Sartori House,

Winch Lane, Haverfordwest, SA61 1RP.

All enquiries to Roy Folland & Son Funeral Directors (01437) 763821.

J UNE E LI z ABETH C OLLEY

PASSed away peacefully on 19th. June at Bush House Care Home, Pembroke, aged 84 years.

Loving wife of the late John, devoted Mother, Grandmother and GreatGrandmother.

Her funeral service will take place at Parc Gwyn Crematorium, Narberth on Tuesday 8th. July at 2.30.pm.

Family flowers only please. Donations if desired for Parkinson’s UK in June’s memory may be sent to John Roberts & Son, Funeral Directors, 51, Bush Street, Pembroke Dock, SA72 6AN, Tel. 01646 683115.

F REDERICK W ILLOUGHBY WOODWARD

PeACefULLY on the 21st June 2025 at Torestin Nursing Home, Tiers Cross, formerly of Broad Haven and Solva. Funeral to be held on Friday 11th July 2025, service at Parc Gwyn Crematorium, Narberth at 10.00am, to be followed by light refreshments at The Bush Robeston Wathen.

Family flowers only please, donations in lieu if so desired, may be made directly to Cancer Research UK.

Further enquiries to Tom Newing and Sons Ltd, Funeral Directors, Dartmouth Street, Milford Haven, SA73 2AN Tel 01646 693180

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UEFA WOMEN’S EURO 2025

Cymru set for historic Euro debut

PeMBROkeSHIRe and the rest of Wales will be on the edge of their seats this weekend as Cymru’s women prepare to step onto the biggest stage in their history—the UefA Women’s Euro 2025.

On Saturday, 5 July, at 5pm BST, the national side will kick off their first-ever major tournament appearance with a daunting but thrilling test against former champions, the Netherlands, in Lucerne, Switzerland. But for this squad—built on grit, heart and undeniable talent—being the underdog is nothing new. In fact, they thrive on it.

A Journey Fuelled by Belief

This campaign is more than a moment—it’s a movement. After years of heartbreak and near-misses, Wales have made the leap from hopefuls to historymakers under the leadership of manager Rhian Wilkinson. The squad she’s assembled is a perfect blend of seasoned warriors and rising stars, each carrying not just the hopes of a team, but of a nation long waiting to see its women shine on the international stage.

Wilkinson didn’t just announce the squad. She summoned it—from the summit of Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon), no less.

“Something is impossible until it isn’t,” she said. The symbolism wasn’t lost: this team is climbing together, against the odds, toward something unforgettable.

The Women to Watch

Leading the charge is Haverfordwest’s

midfield engine Angharad James, captain and centurion, whose leadership on and off the pitch anchors the squad. At her side is Jess Fishlock, the 38-year-old playmaker and Cymru’s all-time top scorer with 47 goals. If there’s a heartbeat to this squad, it’s her.

Then there’s Sophie Ingle, a story of resilience. Despite not playing since September due to injury, her determination and presence earned her a well-deserved spot back in the squad.

Between the sticks is Olivia Clark, just 23 and already with 30 caps. Her journey from working in McDonald’s to starring in the Women’s Super League is a tale of hard work and belief. She brings that same confidence into Saturday’s match, stating, “We’re used to this pressure and being the underdog… I think we can really thrive.”

Fans can also look forward to bright talents like Carrie Jones, who scored in the play-off win over Ireland, and Safia Middleton-Patel, who shone as player of the match in a Nations League clash with Sweden. These younger players bring flair and fire to a team already rich in spirit.

An Uphill Battle Worth Climbing Cymru find themselves in what is arguably the tournament’s “group of death,” alongside England, France and Saturday’s opponents, the Netherlands. The Dutch come with pedigree, having won the tournament in 2017, and boast stars like Vivianne Miedema and Lieke Martens.

But Cymru are undeterred. More than 2,000 members of the “Red Wall” will be in

CYMRU FIXTURES

SATURdAY 5 JULY

Cymru vs Netherlands

18:00 CEST (17:00 BST) at Allmend Stadion, Lucerne - (BBC)

WedNeSdAY 9 JULY

France vs Cymru

19:00 CEST (18:00 BST) at Arena St Gallen (ITV)

SUNdAY 13 JULY

England vs Wales

20:00 BST (21:00 CEST) at Arena St Gallen (ITV)

Every match in the UK will be shown either on BBC or ITV, with the final available on both channels. There will be live coverage of 16 matches on BBC One, BBC Two and iPlayer

Lucerne to lend their voices to the cause, and back home, from Tenby pubs to family living rooms in Haverfordwest, eyes will be glued to the action.

This match marks not just a game, but a generational milestone. Since 2021, women’s football participation in Wales has soared by 45%. Equal pay with the men’s side is in place. And record-breaking crowds have turned out to watch the women in red. Saturday’s match is a reward for all that growth—and a launchpad for even more.

Not Just Here to Compete—Here to Win

Despite their underdog status, the ambition in the Welsh camp is clear.

“We’re not here just to make up the numbers,” said forward Elise Hughes. “We want to win matches and go deep into the tournament.”

With a strong showing in warm-up fixtures—drawing with Sweden and battling Italy closely—there’s every reason to believe Cymru can defy expectations. The players believe it. The staff believe it. And West Wales certainly believes it too.

Cymru am byth—Cymru forever

When the whistle blows in Lucerne on Saturday, it won’t just signal the start of a football match. It will mark the beginning of a new era for Welsh football—one written by women who’ve fought every inch for this moment.

Whatever the result, they’ve already made us proud. But don’t be surprised if they make us believe in miracles, too.

Cymru’S all-time top scorer Jess Fishlock

Wales set sights on ending record losing streak

WALeS departed for Japan last week, seeking to halt a recordbreaking run of international defeats during their two-Test tour against the Brave Blossoms.

Under the stewardship of interim head coach Matt Sherratt, the Welsh side will face Eddie Jones’ Japan in Kitakyushu on Saturday, 5 July, with the second encounter set for Kobe the following weekend.

The trip comes on the heels of a dire spell for Welsh rugby, which hit a nadir in March when they were dismantled 68-14 by England in Cardiff—marking a 17th consecutive Test defeat, the longest losing streak ever recorded by a Tier One nation. That run has seen Wales plummet to 12th in the world rankings, their lowest position to date. Japan sit one place below.

With a first international win since October 2023 now the urgent objective, Wales will have nine days to acclimatise and prepare following their arrival in Japan on Thursday. The squad, featuring a mix of fresh faces and seasoned internationals, is aiming to deliver a much-needed lift to Welsh rugby’s increasingly turbulent landscape.

Lake Leads Revamped Squad Featuring Six Debutants

Hooker Dewi Lake has been handed the captaincy in the absence of Jac Morgan, who is currently touring with the British and Irish Lions in Australia alongside scrum-half Tomos Williams. Lake will lead a 33-man squad that includes six uncapped players.

Cardiff skipper Liam Belcher, Dragons prop Chris Coleman, Ospreys trio Garyn Phillips, Keelan Giles and Reuben Morgan-Williams, as well as Scarlets back Macs Page, all make the trip to Japan as potential debutants.

Returning to the fold after missing the Six Nations through injury are Dragons lock Ben Carter, Scarlets flyhalf Sam Costelow, and Bath tighthead Archie Griffin. There are also recalls for Kieran Hardy, Alex Mann, Josh Macleod, James Ratti, Johnny Williams and Cameron Winnett.

Providing vital experience will be seasoned campaigners such as centurion Taulupe Faletau, Josh Adams, Nicky Smith, Aaron Wainwright and Elliot Dee—the only survivors from the squad that featured at the 2019 World Cup in Japan.

Several familiar names miss out due to injury, rest or non-selection, including Dafydd Jenkins, Adam Beard, Will Rowlands, Henry Thomas, Gareth Anscombe, Nick Tompkins and Morgan Morse.

Sherratt Takes the Reins Amid Coaching Transition

Wales remain without a permanent successor to Warren Gatland, who stepped down following this year’s Six Nations defeat to Italy. Cardiff coach Matt Sherratt was initially drafted in to lead the final three games of that tournament and has since been retained as caretaker for the summer tour.

Sherratt’s backroom team includes his Cardiff defence coach Gethin Jenkins, while Harlequins duo Danny

Wilson and Adam Jones have joined on a temporary basis to oversee the forwards and scrum respectively. Gloucester’s Rhys Thomas has been added as assistant forwards coach.

Leigh Halfpenny, the former Wales full-back, has also joined the coaching group in a newly defined “skills coach” role, with an emphasis on kicking duties—responsibilities previously held by Neil Jenkins for nearly two decades.

Notably absent from the tour are Jonathan Humphreys, Mike Forshaw, Alex King and Rob Howley, who were all part of Gatland’s previous coaching setup.

A Chance to Reset Against Familiar Foes

Wales have historically dominated their match-ups with Japan, winning 13 of their 14 encounters since 1973. Japan’s only victory came in 2013—a 23-8 win in Tokyo, masterminded by none other than Eddie Jones, now in his second spell in charge of the Cherry Blossoms.

Jones returned to lead Japan following their disappointing World Cup campaign in 2023, during which his Australia side was knocked out at the group stage, including a heavy 40-6 defeat to Wales in Lyon.

Since his re-appointment, Japan have registered four wins from 11 matches and suffered heavy defeats to rugby heavyweights New Zealand, France and England. They haven’t played since November 2024 but will warm up with a match against the Māori All Blacks in Tokyo on Saturday, 28

Japan v Wales Mikuni World Stadium, Kitakyushu

Saturday 5th July 2025

Kick-off: 6:00am BST (2:00pm local)

Japan v Wales Noevir Stadium, Kobe

Saturday 12th July 2025

Kick-off: 6:50am BST (2:50pm local)

COVERAGE ACROSS BBC WALES

June.

Jones has named a 37-man training squad for the summer, which includes 16 uncapped players. One standout is university student Jingo Takenoshita, while veteran Michael Leitch—who has earned 87 caps and played in four World Cups—remains the most experienced figure in the camp.

Jones has suggested the searing heat and humidity of Kitakyushu and Kobe could hand his side a competitive edge, though Wales have taken steps to counter this by training in a heat chamber at their Vale of Glamorgan base ahead of departure.

Wales Squad for Japan Tour

forwards: Nicky Smith, Gareth Thomas, Garyn Phillips, Keiron Assiratti, Chris Coleman, Archie Griffin, Dewi Lake (capt), Liam Belcher, Elliot Dee, Ben Carter, Teddy Williams, Freddie Thomas, James Ratti, Taine Plumtree, Aaron Wainwright, Alex Mann, Taulupe Faletau, Tommy Reffell, Josh Macleod.

Backs: Kieran Hardy, Reuben Morgan-Williams, Rhodri Williams, Sam Costelow, Dan Edwards, Ben Thomas, Johnny Williams, Joe Roberts, Macs Page, Josh Adams, Tom Rogers, Blair Murray, Keelan Giles, Cameron Winnett.

With the pressure mounting and a nation of fans desperate for change, Wales will hope this tour signals the beginning of a new chapter—one that finally puts their long run of defeats behind them.

Wales Summer Internationals 2025

Ironman Pro lands in Wales for the first time

Thousands expected to line the route for globally-broadcast triathlon showcasing the gower, Mumbles and Marina

FOR the first time in history, the IRONMAN Pro Series will arrive on Welsh soil, with Swansea set to host some of the world’s top endurance athletes on Sunday, 13 July.

The IRONMAN 70.3 Swansea will

see nearly 60 professional triathletes compete along a course that captures the best of south-west Wales—from the heart of the city to the clifftops of the Gower, with a challenging sea swim, rural bike loop, and vibrant Marina finish line.

Local supporters are expected to turn out in force as GBR athletes Nikki Bartlett, Kat Matthews, and defending

Swansea champion Harry Palmer go head-to-head with international contenders for $50,000 USD in prize money and vital Pro Series points.

The race will also be a major moment for Welsh sport on the international stage, with live global broadcasts beamed to fans across North America, Europe, and beyond via Outside TV, ESPN and DAZN. It’s a major boost for the region’s visibility—offering a platform to showcase Wales’ natural beauty, sporting pedigree and warm hospitality.

Local stars and international champions descend on Swansea

The women’s pro field features Kat Matthews, the 2024 IRONMAN Pro Series Champion, as well as current series leader Anne Reischmann (Germany). Reigning Swansea winner Nikki Bartlett—a familiar name in Welsh racing—will be donning bib number one.

Meanwhile, the men’s race includes Harry Palmer, back to defend his crown on home turf, alongside Danish powerhouse Magnus Ditlev, who was runner-up at the 2024 IRONMAN World Championship. Fellow British hopefuls include Iestyn Harrett, a name familiar to Welsh triathlon fans, and Sam Dickinson.

Also lining up are Welsh athletes and rising hopefuls, as well as amateurs from across Wales, including Pembrokeshire, Carmarthenshire and Powys, who’ll take part in the age-group competition on the same course.

The course: Coastal beauty meets urban spectacle

The event begins with a 1.2-mile swim from Prince of Wales Dock through Swansea Bay, before athletes cycle 56 miles through Mumbles and out across the rural Gower peninsula, offering stunning coastal views and narrow country lanes.

The final 13.1-mile run passes key landmarks like Swansea Arena and heads back along the bay to the cheering crowds at Swansea Marina—a now-iconic finish line backdrop.

This event will not only offer world championship qualification slots but also provide a major tourism boost to the region. Hotels are fully booked, and local businesses are preparing for one of the busiest weekends of the summer.

Big weekend for Welsh sport

In addition to the professional race, more than 2,500 amateur competitors are expected to take part, many of them Welsh athletes competing for personal bests and community pride.

With the race expected to draw thousands of spectators and visitors, it’s a massive moment for the Welsh sporting calendar. Swansea Council and local partners including the Welsh Government and Visit Wales have supported the event to ensure it runs smoothly and delivers long-term economic benefits.

For full professional start lists, travel advice, and event details visit: www. ironman.com/races/im703-swansea

Coach praised for inspiring Pembroke Dock girls’ football team

A LOCAL football coach has been praised by parents for his dedication in creating and growing a girls-only football team in Pembroke dock.

Michael Jarvis, who volunteers with Pennar Robins Football Club, founded The Pink Robins in October 2022. The team began as a single age group, but has rapidly expanded thanks to growing interest and strong community support.

As they look ahead to the 2025/2026 season, The Pink Robins will now field under-12s and under-13s teams, and are actively recruiting players for a new under-7s side. The team, which is part of the wider Pennar Robins setup, has provided a platform for local girls to develop their football skills and confidence in a safe, supportive environment.

In a joint statement, parents of the players said: “We want to collectively thank Mike for the time, dedication and encouragement he has shown our daughters. He not only provides a safe and inclusive environment on the pitch,

but off it too.”

Since its launch, the initiative has been credited with giving girls in the area more opportunities to play sport and be part of a structured team from an early age—something that historically hasn’t always been easily accessible for girls in grassroots football. Weekly training sessions, match experience, and the chance to grow in a team setting have already made a visible impact on player development and community engagement.

The Pink Robins’ success also comes at a time of growing momentum for women’s football across Wales. The national women’s team will make history by appearing at their first-ever UEFA Women’s Euro tournament in 2025. That achievement has sparked increased visibility and interest in the women’s game at all levels. Football clubs across the country have reported a rise in girls’ participation, and local efforts like The Pink Robins are part of that positive change.

With more role models in the spotlight and wider media coverage of women’s football, many young players are now seeing the sport as something they can actively pursue. National figures have highlighted that youth interest in football has spiked following Wales’ qualification, with grassroots teams playing a key role in offering accessible, inclusive environments for girls to get involved.

Initiatives like The Pink Robins not only offer a pathway into the game, but help nurture valuable life skills such as teamwork, perseverance, and confidence. Volunteers like Michael Jarvis are ensuring that no young girl in Pembroke Dock needs to look far to find a place to belong, compete, and grow.

“Thank you, Mike — from all of us at The Pink Robins,” the parents added.

Cresselly take top spot after dramatic Week 10 action

CReSSeLLY climbed to the summit of division 1 in the Thomas Carroll Pembroke County Cricket League after beating Neyland by five wickets. Charlie Arthur shone with both bat and ball, taking four wickets for just 17 runs and scoring 32 to seal the victory.

Meanwhile, previous leaders Carew slipped after a narrow defeat at the hands of Lawrenny. Despite Shaun Whitfield’s solid all-round performance (35 runs, 3-39), Carew’s 135 was narrowly chased down by Lawrenny, who reached their target with just two wickets remaining.

In an exciting finish, Herbrandston edged Saundersfoot by one wicket in a thrilling encounter, Morgan Britton (67 not out) and Charlie Malloy (78) ensuring their side successfully chased

down 197 in the final moments of the match.

Elsewhere, Haverfordwest inflicted a heavy defeat on struggling Llangwm, winning by a massive 202-run margin thanks to impressive batting from Dan Field (73), Rhys Sewell (60), and Chris Phillips (51 not out).

In Division 2, Hook produced an emphatic performance, scoring 265-4 against Burton II, winning comfortably by 174 runs, while St Ishmaels continued their strong form, beating Llanrhian convincingly by 94 runs.

In Division 3, leaders Fishguard secured another win, comfortably overcoming Haverfordwest II by nine wickets, and Pembroke Dock stayed close behind with a seven-wicket victory against Lamphey.

Thomas carroll Pembrokeshire league Table

RESULTS:

28/06/2025

Lawrenny (136-8) beat Carew (135) by 2 wkts

Llangwm (94) lost to Haverfordwest (296-7) by 202 runs

Neyland (58) lost to Cresselly (59-5) by 5 wkts

Saundersfoot (197) lost to Herbrandston (198-9) by 1 wkt

Whitland (204-6) beat Burton (202-6) by 4 wkts

Burton II (91) lost to Hook (265-4) by 174 runs

Carew II (132) lost to Llechryd (172-9) by 40 runs

Cresselly II (198-9) beat Narberth (195-9) by 1 wkt

Johnston (140) lost to Pembroke (172-8) by 32 runs

St Ishmaels (188-7) beat Llanrhian (94) by 94 runs

Haverfordwest II (115) lost to Fishguard (119-1) by 9 wkts

Hook II (220-6) beat Hundleton (180-9) by 40 runs

Kilgetty (207-6) beat Neyland II (89) by 118 runs

Laugharne (184-4) beat Stackpole (179-7) by 6 wkts

Pembroke Dock (73-3) beat Lamphey (70) by 7 wkts

Carew III (169) beat Haverfordwest III (159) by 10 runs

Crymych (85) lost to Saundersfoot II (106) by 21 runs

Llanrhian II (84) lost to St Ishmaels II (131) by 47 runs

Narberth II (47) lost to Lawrenny II (50-1) by 9 wkts

Pembroke II (223-1) beat Llangwm II (222-3) by 9 wkts

Haverfordwest IV (141) lost to Cresselly III (179-3) by 38 runs

Herbrandston II (101-0) beat Neyland III (100) by 10 wkts

Hundleton II (79) lost to Whitland II (168-6) by 89 runs

Llechryd II (242-1) beat Pembroke Dock II (128) by 114 runs

Lamphey II (140-9) beat H’west-Cresselly (74) by 66 runs

Pembroke III (164-7) beat Kilgetty II (33) by 131 runs

Whitland III (47) lost to Llechryd III (156-5) by 109 runs

FIxTURES: 05/07/2025

Burton v Cresselly

Carew v Whitland

Haverfordwest v Saundersfoot

Herbrandston v Neyland

Lawrenny v Llangwm

Cresselly II v Johnston

Hook v Carew II

Llanrhian v Llechryd

Narberth v St Ishmaels

Pembroke v Burton II

Fishguard v Laugharne

Hundleton v Lamphey

Kilgetty v Haverfordwest II

Neyland II v Hook II

Stackpole v Pembroke Dock

Carew III v Pembroke II

Haverfordwest III v Crymych

Llangwm II v Llanrhian II

Saundersfoot II v Lawrenny II

St Ishmaels II v Narberth II

Llechryd II v Whitland II

Neyland III v Hundleton II

Pembroke Dock II v Herbrandston II

H’west-Cresselly v Whitland III

Lamphey II v Pembroke III

Llechryd III v Kilgetty II