The Pembrokeshire Herald 06/02/2026

Man guilty of threatening to kill Herald editor

13-minute abuse call followed Facebook contact – defendant warned over behaviour in court

A PEMBROKE man has been found guilty of threatening to kill the editor of the Pembrokeshire Herald during a prolonged and abusive phone call, and of a racially aggravated public order offence committed when police arrested him.

Anthony Jones, 34, of Castle Quarry, Long Mains, Monkton, was convicted of both charges following a trial at Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on Monday (Feb 2).

Magistrates heard the threats followed publication of an online Herald article about fly grazing and loose horses on roads in the Monkton area of Pembroke — a story raised with the newspaper by local county councillor Jonathan Grimes.

FAcEBOOK APPROAcH BEFORE cAll

Editor Tom Sinclair told the court he was first contacted via Facebook Messenger by a profile operating under the name “Excellence Cleaning”.

The account claimed to have information about the horses’ ownership and repeatedly asked for a direct phone number.

Mr Sinclair said he initially offered the office landline but was pressed for his mobile number instead.

Within minutes of providing it, he received a call from a withheld number at around 5:52pm.

Police later traced that number to Jones.

“On A diFFEREnt lEvEl”

Mr Sinclair told the court the call lasted around 13 minutes and consisted of sustained verbal abuse and threats.

He said the caller repeatedly swore

Rieve Nesbitt-Marr rieve.nesbitt-marr@herald.email

at him, demanded that the Facebook article be removed, and made threats of death towards him. The caller also mentioned Cllr Grimes and threatened him as well.

Giving evidence, Mr Sinclair said: “I often receive complaints and quite aggressive calls as part of the job, but this was on a different level.”

He said he believed the threats were genuine and intended to intimidate.

After the call ended, he consulted colleague Bruce Sinclair and Cllr Grimes before contacting police.

Screenshots of the Facebook messages and the mobile phone call log were later provided to officers as evidence.

Sinclair said in evidence that he sat in his car, parked outside his house

for several hours that night, keeping watch to protect his family.

“I did not take the decision to give evidence today lightly, it is because I believe that it is important that the news can be printed without fear or favour, and that journalists should not have to be bullied or threatened for just doing their jobs.”

cOuRtROOM OutBuRst

Jones did not give evidence in his own defence.

His solicitor told the court he accepted making the call but denied that the contents were threatening.

While Mr Sinclair was giving evidence, Jones shouted from the dock, calling him a liar. Magistrates immediately warned him about his behaviour.

After the guilty verdicts were delivered, the chairman of the bench told Jones he was lucky not to face

a separate contempt of court charge because of his conduct during the hearing.

ARREst incidEnt

The court also heard that when officers attended to arrest Jones in connection with the threats, he used threatening and abusive language towards a police officer, PC Stuart Gray. That offence was found to be racially aggravated and to have caused harassment, alarm and distress.

sEntEncing PEnding

Jones was found guilty on both counts.

He was released on conditional bail and will return to court later this month for sentencing, once presentencing reports are completed.

Arrest made after Carmarthen park stabbing investigation

An ARREst has been made following last week’s stabbing in carmarthen that triggered a major police search and public appeal. Dyfed-Powys Police confirmed the development on Monday after officers spent several days carrying out extensive searches around Carmarthen Park and surrounding areas.

The force had been trying to locate 57-year-old James McKenna in connection with an attempted murder after a woman was attacked inside the

Tom Sinclair editor@herald.email

park on Thursday afternoon.

Detective Chief Superintendent Ross Evans said: “We would like to thank the media and our communities for assisting our investigation so far.”

The incident happened shortly after 4:00pm on Thursday when a woman was injured inside the park and managed to escape through the Picton Terrace entrance to raise the alarm.

Emergency services, including the Welsh Ambulance Service, attended and the victim was taken to hospital with stab wounds. Police have since confirmed she is expected to make a full recovery.

Over the weekend, officers carried out forensic examinations and systematic searches of the park, nearby allotments, wooded areas and along the River Towy. Specialist teams, including dog handlers and drone pilots, were deployed as part of the operation.

A knife believed to have been used in the attack and a rucksack were recovered during the searches. Police have not yet released further details about the arrest or any charges. Officers previously thanked local residents for their patience during road closures and visible policing in the area, and say enquiries remain ongoing.

Anyone with information is still urged to contact police on 101 or anonymously via Crimestoppers.

Doctor struck off after sexual misconduct findings

Tribunal history reveals medic was removed in 2012 for dishonesty before being allowed back to practise

A DOCTOR accused of sexually harassing junior colleagues while working at Withybush Hospital had previously been struck off the medical register for lying about his qualifications, the Herald can reveal.

Dr Velmurugan Kuppuswamy is currently at the centre of fitness-topractise proceedings after allegations he made sexually inappropriate comments and subjected two female doctors to unwanted physical contact during his time as a locum consultant in Haverfordwest.

But records show this is not the first time his conduct has come before regulators.

In 2012, an independent tribunal found he had been dishonest during an application and interview for a postgraduate cardiology training post at an NHS deanery in England.

The panel heard he falsely claimed to have submitted a Doctor of Medicine thesis, said he was a member of the Royal College of Physicians and stated he had passed a practical clinical skills assessment.

He initially admitted misleading information before later retracting parts of his account. The tribunal concluded he had “maintained his dishonest accounts” and had wrongly accused a witness of giving misleading evidence.

He was erased from the register and returned to India, where he later worked in a cardiac hospital.

In 2020, he applied to be restored to the UK medical register.

The General Medical Council investigated and opposed the

Tom Sinclair editor@herald.email

application, arguing his expressions of remorse had come years late and raising concerns about a lack of independent evidence regarding his work overseas, as well as the absence of relevant ethics training.

However, an independent Medical Practitioners Tribunal at the Medical Practitioners Tribunal Service accepted his assurances that he had changed. His evidence was described as “compelling, heartfelt and genuine”, and the panel decided a well-informed member of the public would not be concerned about his return to practise.

His name was restored to the register.

Shortly afterwards, he began working shifts as a locum consultant at Withybush Hospital, which is run by Hywel Dda University Health Board.

Within months, fresh allegations emerged.

A tribunal has heard claims that between August and September 2021 he hugged junior colleagues without consent, touched their backs and waists, squeezed their wrists and arms and made sexually suggestive remarks at a staff social event.

On two occasions, he is alleged to have gripped one doctor so tightly it caused pain and ignored her requests to stop. He is also accused of staring at female colleagues, following groups of women around the venue, making comments about their bodies and placing a hand high on one doctor’s

thigh.

Further allegations relate to behaviour at work, including sitting extremely close to a colleague, draping an arm behind her on a sofa and grabbing her arm while whispering comments.

According to the charges, his conduct created “an intimidating, hostile, degrading, humiliating or offensive environment” and amounted to a sexually motivated abuse of his senior position.

Dr Kuppuswamy denies wrongdoing.

Following the investigation, the case was referred to a tribunal by the General Medical Council. The decision on his fitness to practise was made independently by a Medical Practitioners Tribunal at the Medical Practitioners Tribunal Service.

The tribunal determined his behaviour amounted to serious professional misconduct and ordered that he be erased from the medical register.

Asked whether the doctor remains employed, the health board said it does not comment on individual staffing matters.

Medical director Mark Henwood said: “We have robust policies and procedures in place to ensure the safety of both staff and patients in our care and we take seriously our responsibility for their wellbeing. We are committed to providing a safe, supportive environment where patients and staff can be confident that best practice is being followed at all times.”

Teacher injured and teenager arrested after weapons scare at Milford Haven school

Lockdown

triggered as pupil allegedly attacks staff member with weapon – boy, 15, held on suspicion

A tEAcHER was injured and a 15-year-old boy arrested on suspicion of attempted murder after an assault involving a weapon at Milford Haven school on thursday afternoon (Feb 5).

Police were called to the school at around 3:20pm following reports that a pupil had assaulted a member of staff while brandishing a weapon on the premises.

An immediate lockdown was put in place across the campus, with doors secured and pupils and staff told to remain inside classrooms and offices while emergency services dealt with the situation.

Most pupils had already gone home at the end of the school day, but a number were still on site for after-school clubs and activities.

Several marked vehicles from DyfedPowys Police attended and officers remained at the scene into the evening while enquiries continued.

Police confirmed the injured teacher’s wounds are not believed to be stab injuries and that they are receiving medical treatment.

Superintendent Chris Neve said: “We can confirm police are at Milford Haven Comprehensive School, following a report of the assault of a teacher by a pupil brandishing a weapon at the school at approximately 3.20pm.

“The teacher’s injury is not a stab injury. A lockdown was implemented but has now been lifted. The teacher is receiving medical treatment for their injuries.

“All pupils at the location are safe, and most have gone home. Officers remain at the school.

“A 15-year-old boy has been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder and is currently in police custody.”

Parents told The Herald they were alerted shortly after 3:00pm through school messages and social media. Some described staff and pupils being kept inside rooms as a precautionary safety measure.

Several parents said communication from the school was clear and timely, helping to reassure families while procedures were in place.

In a further statement, police added: “Police attended an incident at Milford Haven Comprehensive School today at 3:20pm, following a report of the assault of a teacher by a pupil at the school. A lock down was implemented but has now been lifted. All pupils at the location are safe, and most have left the school. Police officers remain at the site. Any planned after-school events have been cancelled this evening.”

There have been no reports of injuries to pupils.

Tom Sinclair editor@herald.email

scHOOl AlREAdy undER sPEciAl MEAsuREs

The assault comes only weeks after the school was placed into special measures by Estyn, as previously reported by The Herald.

Inspectors identified concerns including standards, leadership and the pace of improvement, with the school and the council required to implement an urgent action plan and accept additional oversight.

At the time, Pembrokeshire County Council said it was working closely with leaders to strengthen support for pupils and staff and drive improvements across the site.

There is no indication that Thursday’s assault is directly connected to the inspection outcome. However, the incident is likely to heighten focus on safeguarding, behaviour management and the level of support available within the school community.

lOcKdOwns And PREcAutiOnARy REsPOnsEs RARE But nOt unPREcEdEntEd

SERIOUS incidents requiring lockdown procedures in Pembrokeshire and neighbouring counties remain uncommon, but schools across west Wales have faced a small number of precautionary responses in recent years.

Most have involved reports of suspicious behaviour, fights or concerns about potential weapons, with schools acting quickly to secure buildings while police assess the risk.

Education leaders say lockdowns are now standard safeguarding practice and are designed to protect pupils and staff rather than indicate confirmed danger.

of attempted murder

In several recent cases locally, schools have temporarily restricted movement or kept pupils indoors following reports made to staff, with police later confirming there was no ongoing threat.

Headteachers are increasingly trained to use “lockdown” or “stay put” procedures in the same way as fire drills — as a precaution while facts are established.

Teaching unions and councils have previously stressed that serious violence inside schools is still extremely rare, but say clear procedures help prevent panic and ensure pupils remain safe.

Police also routinely work with schools on prevention, including liaison officers, safeguarding talks and education around weapons and youth violence.

Thursday’s incident at Milford Haven is therefore likely to be treated as an isolated criminal matter rather than a wider threat to other schools.

However, it will inevitably prompt renewed discussion around behaviour, support services and safety measures for staff and pupils across the region.

Political leaders and unions react to Milford Haven school assault

POliticAl leaders and teaching unions across wales have spoken out following thursday’s assault on a teacher at Milford Haven school, which led to a lockdown, a major police response and the arrest of a 15-yearold boy on suspicion of attempted murder.

The First Minister Eluned Morgan said she was “deeply concerned” by the incident and stressed that violence had no place in Welsh schools.

Her comments come just days after she visited the Milford Haven campus following the school being placed into special measures by Estyn, where she met leaders to discuss improvement plans and support arrangements.

She said her thoughts were with the injured teacher, their family and the wider school community, and praised the swift response of staff and emergency services.

Local MP Henry Tufnell, who represents Carmarthen West and South Pembrokeshire, described the incident as deeply upsetting for what he called a close-knit community.

He said he was thinking of the teacher and pupils affected and thanked DyfedPowys Police and ambulance crews for their professionalism.

Meanwhile Senedd Member Samuel Kurtz said: “Deeply concerning news

across the water in Milford Haven.

“Sadly, violence in our schools is becoming all too common, and thanks must go to the emergency services for their timely response. Thoughts are with the injured teacher, their family and the wider school community.”

Leader of the Welsh Conservatives

Andrew RT Davies said teachers must feel safe at work and called for continued support for school staff.

tEAcHing uniOns AlsO REsPOndEd.

NASUWT said teachers “deserve to feel safe in their workplace” and that

any violence against staff must be taken seriously, while National Education Union said schools must remain safe spaces for both pupils and staff and urged continued focus on safeguarding and behaviour

support.

All said support would be offered to the Milford Haven school community in the days ahead as police investigations continue.

Appeal delayed again as Crown Court seeks guidance

A HAKin man’s appeal against a conviction for driving without insurance has been delayed after a judge granted prosecutors additional time to review updated legal guidance.

without insurance.

The case relates to an incident on January 18, 2023, when he drove a Vauxhall Zafira along Hammond Avenue, Haverfordwest.

The matter has already followed an unusual procedural history. Taylor initially pleaded not guilty in the magistrates’ court but later changed his plea during the original trial. Questions were subsequently raised over whether that plea had been “equivocal”, leading the case to be reopened under Section 142 of the Magistrates’ Courts Act 1980 and reheard in full.

to review Wilkinson’s Road Traffic Offences (32nd Edition), the leading legal reference text used by courts in motoring cases.

Addressing the court, the judge said the matter may still require further consideration, adding: “The court still might want to reconsider the sentence even if the insurance company is right. It does look as if different insurance companies do things in different ways.” He added: “It is not in fact void, but it is voidable.”

Seventy-six-year-old Niall Taylor, of Haven Drive, appeared at Swansea Crown Court on Tuesday (Jan 13) for a mention hearing in his case.

Taylor has accepted the finding that he drove otherwise than in accordance with a licence, but is challenging the separate conviction for using a vehicle

Following a trial of the facts, magistrates found him guilty and imposed sentence in December. Taylor has since lodged an appeal focused solely on the insurance offence.

During Tuesday’s hearing, His Honour Judge Walters granted the Crown Prosecution Service 28 days

Taylor maintains that a valid insurance policy was in force at the time of driving and argues that, in law, thirdparty cover cannot simply be cancelled because of an administrative licensing issue.

The appeal is due to return to Swansea Crown Court on March 27, when further legal argument is expected.

Former Wales rugby star admits Christmas Day drink-driving offence

FORMER wales back row

Jonathan thomas has admitted driving through Pembroke town centre on christmas day when he was almost twice over the drinkdrive limit.

This week Haverfordwest magistrates heard that Thomas, 43, was stopped by officers as he drove his Mercedes CLA 220 along The Green, Pembroke, at around 5pm on Christmas Day.

“The officers were very concerned at the manner of his driving, as the car was being driven erratically and was swerving to the other side of the road,” said Crown Prosecutor Sian

Sarah Jane Absalom sarah.jane.absalom@herald.email

Vaughan.

“When Jonathan Thomas got out of the car, the officers could see that he was having difficulty standing and was unsteady on his feet.”

Subsequent breathalyser tests showed Thomas had 62 mcg of alcohol in his system, the legal limit being 35.

Thomas, who has no previous convictions, pleaded guilty to the drinkdrive charge and was represented in court by solicitor Jess Hill.

“He has family in the area and

had travelled to spend time with them on Christmas Day,” she told the magistrates. “He’s very remorseful for his actions and hugely regrets his decision that day.”

Jess Hill concluded by saying that Thomas is currently “between jobs and living off his savings”.

Thomas, who gave his address as Main Road, Bredon, was disqualified from driving for a total of 18 months.

“The length of your disqualification reflects the fact that you were more than a little bit over the limit,” commented the presiding magistrates when imposing sentence.

He was fined £120 and ordered

to pay £85 costs and a £48 court surcharge.

The former Wales back row left his role as Swansea RFC head coach at the beginning of December 2025 as a result of ongoing health concerns. He was forced to retire from playing in 2015 on medical advice after being diagnosed with epilepsy and is one of the 390 former rugby union players currently taking part in a concussion lawsuit against the sport’s authorities.

“Long-standing issues linked to the head trauma have caused me some concern recently and it has been impossible for me to give the role everything it needs,” he said in a previous interview with the BBC.

His rugby career started out with Pembroke RFC juniors before moving to Swansea RFC, which he captained when he was 19. He then joined the Ospreys where, over a tenyear period, he won four league titles and an Anglo-Welsh Cup. He was the youngest player to captain the Ospreys and, at the time of leaving, was the joint highest appearance holder, together with Andrew Bishop, on 188 appearances.

His international career saw him play for Wales at Under-16, Youth, Under-19, Under-21 and Sevens levels. He made his senior international debut against Australia in 2003, featured at the 2007 Rugby World Cup and was part of two Six Nations Grand Slam-winning sides in 2005 and 2008. Between 2004 and 2011, Thomas was included in every Wales Six Nations squad. In his appearances for Wales, he scored seven tries.

Pembroke man accused of child sex offences sent to Swansea Crown Court

A PEMBROKE man has been sent to the crown court after indicating he intends to plead guilty to a series of serious child sex offences.

David Lewis, aged 42, of Ashdale Lane, appeared before Llanelli Magistrates’ Court on Thursday (Jan 30).

Lewis indicated guilty pleas to attempting to engage in sexual communication with a child and attempting to cause or incite a female child under 13 to engage in sexual activity. A further charge of attempting to cause a child under 13 to engage in sexual activity was also put to him. The offences relate to online and electronic communication.

Magistrates said the case was too serious to be dealt with at their level and committed Lewis to Swansea Crown Court for sentence. He was granted conditional bail ahead of his next court appearance.

Valentine’s Day farewell for much-loved scaffolding firm boss Community to gather for Jozef Polak’s funeral after sudden death in Cyprus

tHE PEMBROKEsHiRE community will come together on valentine’s day to say a final goodbye to much-loved scaffolding firm boss Jozef Mcleod Polak, who died suddenly while abroad.

Jozef, aged 41, of Johnston, passed away unexpectedly in Cyprus on January 14, leaving family, friends and colleagues devastated by the loss. Well known through his business,

JP Scaffolding, and his long-standing support for local causes and sport, he was widely described as a warmhearted, larger-than-life character who would help anyone without hesitation.

Tributes poured in within hours of the news breaking.

“My best mate… taken too soon,” wrote Adam Rogers. Timothy Jones

added: “Sad news. RIP mate,” while Gareth Williams said: “RIP Joe thoughts with all the family.”

Others spoke of his humour and generosity. Ginge Davies said: “Rip JP truly a great guy… a complete nutter with a heart of gold… he was such a good laugh.”

Friends who had known him since childhood remembered a polite and kind young man. Simon Narbett said: “Spent many weekends around our house as a kid in Johnston… always very polite and well mannered boy, nice family too. RIP Jozef.”

The sense of shock was clear across social media, with many saying the news was hard to believe.

Jozef was also a long-standing supporter of The Pembrokeshire Herald, advertising regularly and remaining a valued customer for more than a decade. The Herald team worked with him on a number of stories over the years, including coverage linked to the collapse of Mustang Marine which affected several local contractors

At Johnston Football Club, where he was a familiar and trusted figure, tributes described him as a “club legend”.

The club said his connection

stretched back years through family sponsorship before he stepped up his own involvement around 2012 — a period that saw Johnston enjoy one of the most successful spells in its history, including lifting the West Wales Cup.

His backing was practical as well as financial. Over the years he helped provide more than 20 senior kits, along with junior and minis kits, balls, training gear and tracksuits. He also stepped in to help with maintenance work around the ground.

“We never had to ask twice,” the club said, adding that in recent years it became routine to call him whenever something needed sorting. “He’d simply ask, ‘How much do you want?’” Family and friends will now gather to pay their respects at Parc Gwyn Crematorium, Narberth, on Saturday, February 14 at 1:00pm.

Family flowers only are requested. Donations in Jozef’s memory may be made to NSPCC, supporting the charity’s work protecting children.

For many in Johnston, his passing leaves a gap that will be hard to fill — a familiar face, a generous supporter, and, as one friend put it simply, “one of the good ones.”

Angle RNLI launch to stricken yacht

AnglE Rnli lifeboat volunteers carried out a dramatic rescue after responding to a broken Pan Pan call from a 28ft yacht in severe conditions, with winds gusting to 42 knots and waves reaching up to six metres.

At 10:56am on Tuesday (Feb 3), the crew were already afloat on a navigation pass-out exercise in Dale Roads when they overheard the distress transmission from a yacht west of Skokholm Island. Moments later, HM Coastguard tasked the lifeboat to respond while further information was gathered.

While making best speed to the scene, the crew were told the yacht, carrying one person, had suffered engine failure, blown out its sail and was taking on water from an unknown source.

The casualty vessel was located around three miles west of the island. After assessing the situation, the crew decided conditions were too dangerous to place a lifeboat volunteer aboard, and the safest option was to establish a tow.

With a south-easterly gale and a very rough sea state, the tow was rigged and the yacht began a slow passage towards Milford Haven.

However, shortly after the tow commenced, a large wave threw the skipper overboard. Although tethered

to the yacht by his safety harness, he was dragged alongside the vessel in the heavy swell.

The lifeboat crew immediately released the tow and began recovery operations. With the towline fouling access on one side and the casualty trapped on the other, a crew member was eventually placed aboard the yacht over its bow. The skipper’s harness was cut, allowing him to drift clear, before he was safely recovered from the water by the lifeboat.

With the priority now the sailor’s welfare, and the risks of reestablishing the tow judged too great, the crew member was brought back aboard and the lifeboat returned to harbour.

On arrival, volunteers from the Dale Coastguard Rescue Team assisted with casualty care and gathered the necessary details.

The lifeboat was stood down and made ready for further service by 2:30pm.

The station also thanked the The Lord Nelson Hotel for accommodating the sailor at short notice.

A spokesperson for Angle RNLI said the incident highlighted both the speed at which conditions can deteriorate at sea and the importance of safety equipment such as harnesses and tethers.

Tom Sinclair editor@herald.email

Princess of Wales praised for ‘skill’ during local wool mill and factory visit

Royal tour shines spotlight on west Wales textile heritage and local jobs

cAtHERinE, Princess of wales was told “she’s got the skill” after trying her hand at traditional textile work during a visit to west wales on tuesday (Feb 3).

The royal spent the day meeting staff and apprentices at two well-known manufacturers – Melin Tregwynt in Pembrokeshire and Hiut Denim in Cardigan – highlighting the region’s longstanding reputation for craftsmanship and small-scale, high-quality production.

stitcHing And MEnding At HistORic Mill

At Melin Tregwynt, a family-run woollen mill that now operates as an employee-owned trust, the princess was guided through each stage of production, from weaving to finishing.

In the quality control room she was invited to mend a blanket using a needle

and thread, carefully repairing the fabric under the watchful eye of experienced staff.

Paula Harding, who has worked at the mill for more than a decade, praised her technique, saying: “She did it right –and she didn’t go through the other side. That’s skill. She’s got the skill.”

Laughing, the princess told workers:

“You make it look so easy,” adding that the craft was clearly “a labour of love”.

She asked questions about the history of the business, which has produced Welsh-designed blankets and throws for more than a century, and spoke with several generations of the same families who have worked at the mill.

‘MAdE in wAlEs’ dEniM

The royal also stopped to greet Barney, the factory’s English cocker spaniel, drawing smiles from staff.

MEEting wEll-wisHERs

The company now focuses on smallbatch, premium denim and employs skilled cutters and machinists locally.

During a tour of the factory floor, the princess tried cutting out a pair of jeans and helped stitch a “Made in Wales” label onto a finished pair that staff said would be presented to the Prince of Wales.

“HE will lOvE tHOsE,” sHE REPliEd

She joked that there was “no pressure” when handed the cutting tools and said she enjoys making clothes herself, admitting the most adventurous project she had attempted was sewing a pair of pyjamas.

Crowds gathered outside both sites to catch a glimpse of the visitor, with the princess spending time chatting with families and children before moving on.

The visit forms part of ongoing efforts by the royal household to showcase traditional industries and skilled manufacturing across the UK, with west Wales’ textile sector recognised as a key part of the region’s heritage and economy.

For workers at both businesses, the message was simple: the spotlight on locally made products and homegrown skills was just as important as the royal presence itself.

Later, the princess travelled to Hiut Denim, the Cardigan-based firm credited with bringing jeans manufacturing back to the town after large factories closed in the early 2000s.

Tom Sinclair editor@herald.email

Pembs women conquer Atlantic in epic 3,000-mile row

PEMBROKEsHiRE’s all-female rowing crew Merched y Mor have completed one of the hardest endurance challenges on the planet after crossing the Atlantic Ocean in just over fifty days.

Denise Leonard, Helen Heaton, Liz Collyer and Heledd Williams arrived at Nelson’s Dockyard in Antigua on Monday (Feb 2) after rowing roughly 3,000 miles from La Gomera in the Canary Islands as part of the World’s Toughest Row.

Their official crossing time was 50 days, 14 hours and 43 minutes.

The team becomes the first allWales female crew ever to finish the transatlantic race, joining a small global community of ocean rowers

Tom Sinclair editor@herald.email

who have successfully crossed the Atlantic under human power alone. Organisers frequently note that fewer people have completed the crossing than have travelled into space.

liFE At sEA

For seven weeks, the four women lived aboard their boat Cariad, rowing in pairs around the clock in two-hour shifts, day and night.

They battled steep Atlantic swells, equipment issues and relentless fatigue, with waves reported at up to twenty feet. Temperatures swung

from chilly nights to intense daytime heat, while flying fish, salt sores and sleep deprivation became part of daily life.

There were no days off. Christmas, New Year and birthdays were marked mid-ocean.

Communication with home was limited to satellite messages and brief calls, making morale and teamwork critical.

The crew said their strategy was simple: break the challenge into small pieces.

“We just took one day at a time and looked after each other,” they said after stepping ashore. “Kindness and teamwork got us through.”

MOntHs OF PREPARAtiOn

The race, widely described as the world’s toughest endurance row, demands far more than fitness.

Teams must be fully self-sufficient, carrying their own food, water makers, safety gear and navigation equipment. Crews train for months in open water, learning survival skills, first aid, and how to repair equipment at sea.

For Merched y Mor, much of that preparation happened along the Pembrokeshire coast, building strength and sea confidence in conditions not unlike the Atlantic’s winter swells.

Each member came with a different personal motivation, from

setting an example to their children and grandchildren to proving that age and background are no barriers to big ambitions.

Before departure, Denise Leonard said she wanted to show “that if you take a chance and are brave enough to try, extraordinary things are possible.”

wARM wElcOME in AntiguA

Their final approach into Antigua was emotional, with families waiting on the quayside.

After weeks without physical contact, the first hugs brought tears from both crew and supporters.

“It didn’t feel real until we saw them,” the team said. “Those first hugs were just the best.”

ROwing FOR gOOd cAusEs

The challenge was not just personal.

The crew are raising funds for

several charities close to their hearts, including the RNLI, Sea Trust Wales, Action for Children and Popham Kidney Support. Proceeds from sponsorship and the planned sale of their boat will be shared between the causes.

A PROud MOMEnt FOR PEMBROKEsHiRE

Back home, messages of congratulations poured in from across

the county, with supporters tracking the boat’s progress online throughout the crossing.

Their achievement places Pembrokeshire firmly on the international endurance-sport map and offers an inspiring story of resilience, teamwork and determination.

After fifty days alone with the ocean, Merched y Mor have returned not just as finishers, but as recordmakers — proof that a small Welsh crew can take on the Atlantic and win.

Haverfordwest Cartlett chocolate factory call to planners

A cAll for the retrospective conversion of office space previously connected to a Pembrokeshire car hire business to a chocolate factory, a beauty salon and a laundrette has been submitted to county planners

In an application to Pembrokeshire County Council, Mr M Williams, through agent Preseli Planning Ltd, sought retrospective permission for the subdivision of an office on land off Scotchwell Cottage, Cartlett, Haverfordwest into three units forming a chocolate manufacturing, a beauty salon, and a launderette, along with associated works.

A supporting statement said planning history at the site saw a 2018 application for the refurbishment of an existing office building and a change of use from oil depot offices to a hire car office and car/van storage yard, approved back in 2019.

For the chocolate manufacturing by ‘Pembrokeshire Chocolate company,’ as part of the latest scheme it said: “The operation comprises of manufacturing of handmade bespoke flavoured chocolate bars. Historically there was an element of counter sales but this has now ceased. The business sales comprise of online orders and the delivery of produce to local stockist. There are no counter sales from the premises.”

Bruce Sinclair Local Democracy Reporter

It said the beauty salon “offers treatments, nail services and hairdressing,” operating “on an appointment only basis, with the hairdresser element also offering a mobile service”. It said the third unit of the building functions as a commercial laundrette and ironing services known as ‘West Coast Laundry,’ which “predominantly provides services to holiday cottages, hotels and care

homes”.

The statement added: “Beyond the unchanged access the site has parking provision for at least 12 vehicles and a turning area. The building now forms three units which employ two persons per unit. The 12 parking spaces, therefore, provide sufficient provision for staff.

“In terms of visiting members of the public the beauty salon operates on an appointment only basis and based on its small scale can only accommodate two customers at any one time. Therefore, ample parking provision exists to visitors.

“With regard to the chocolate manufacturing and commercial laundrette service these enterprises do not attract visitors but do attract the dropping off laundry and delivery of associated inputs. Drop off and collections associated with the laundry services tend to fall in line with holiday accommodation changeover days, for example Tuesday drop off and collections on the Thursday.

Sex offender who vanished after release jailed after walking into police station

A REgistEREd sex offender who sparked a nationwide police hunt after disappearing on release from prison has been jailed after walking into a Pembrokeshire police station and handing himself in.

Christopher Spelman, aged 66 and of no fixed address, had been missing since July last year after refusing to comply with strict legal requirements to register his whereabouts with police.

Instead, officers were told he intended to buy a tent and live “off grid”.

The disappearance triggered an extensive search led by Lancashire Police, supported by forces across the UK. Public appeals were issued and the case was highlighted on Crimewatch in a bid to trace him.

Police believed Spelman was moving between campsites and travelling by public transport, with links to several parts of England and Wales including Merseyside, Manchester, Devon, Cornwall, Dorset, Hampshire and Wiltshire.

The search ended unexpectedly

on January 3 when Spelman walked into Haverfordwest Police Station and surrendered himself. He was arrested at the front desk. It is not known how long he had been in Pembrokeshire before handing himself in.

liFEtiME REgistRAtiOn

Swansea Crown Court heard that Spelman had previously been jailed for seven years in 2014 for sexually assaulting a girl under the age of 14.

That conviction placed him on the sex offenders register for life, requiring him to notify police of his address and report any changes within three days.

Prosecutor Brian Simpson told the court that after his most recent release from a Dorset prison on July 4, 2025, Spelman made it clear he would not provide an address, immediately putting himself in breach of the law. When he failed to contact officers, a formal manhunt began.

The court also heard this was not the first time he had vanished. Following

an earlier release in 2016, he similarly failed to register and remained at large for around five years before being located.

‘Unusual case’ Defence barrister Andrew Evans described the matter as “unusual”, telling the court that Spelman disputes his original conviction and has long expressed a desire to live outside society.

However, he said the defendant had now accepted that, regardless of his personal views, he remained bound by a court order and must comply with it.

Evans added that Spelman had asked the court to impose a custodial

sentence to allow time for proper accommodation and supervision to be arranged for his eventual release.

Sentencing, Judge Geraint Walters said there were signs Spelman wished to change but warned that any future breaches would lead to longer prison terms.

Spelman, who has 11 previous convictions covering 29 offences, pleaded guilty to failing to comply with the notification requirements. With credit for his guilty plea, he was jailed for ten months. He will serve up to half that time in custody before being released on licence.

Person taken to hospital following car accident near Milford Haven

POlicE were called at 9.15pm on tuesday (Feb 3) following reports of a road traffic collision on the A4076 between Johnston and steynton.

A blue Audi A3 left the carriageway and travelled onto the grass verge at the side of the road.

Emergency services attended the scene and the male driver was taken to hospital for treatment. The extent of his injuries has not been confirmed.

The road was temporarily closed while the vehicle was recovered and the area made safe.

It reopened at 10.55pm.

Mandelson scandal engulfs Starmer

• PM knew of Mandeleson’s friendship with convicted paedophile • Mandelson’s

• Police investigation underway

it took three goes for Kemi Badenoch to get a direct answer to her question, but when the Prime Minister finally brought himself to answer it, what remained of his authority almost visibly evaporated.

At PMQs on Wednesday, February 4, the Conservative leader homed in on the vetting process behind Peter Mandelson’s appointment as the UK’s ambassador to Washington. That was widely predicted. Equally predictable were Keir Starmer’s attempts to wriggle off the hook.

Realising that disclosure of the vetting process was inevitable, the PM finally confirmed that when he appointed Mandelson, he knew that the former Cabinet Minister’s friendship with billionaire paedophile Jeffrey Epstein endured after the latter’s conviction of child sex offences in 2008.

A packed Commons took a collective intake of breath.

Whatever the Prime Minister hoped to achieve by saying that Mandelson had lied repeatedly when questioned about his relationship with the disgraced financier was swept away by the truth. When Number Ten pressed ahead with Mandelson’s appointment to the UK’s most important diplomatic post, those appointing him - and who pushed for his appointment - knew, beyond doubt, that Mandelson’s relationship with Epstein was close and enduring. And they knew that Mandelson had consorted with someone who pleaded guilty to offences involving procuring children for sex even after his conviction, imprisonment, and release.

While appointing Mandelson to the Washington post was a risk, the Government’s appointment of such a tainted figure to such a sensitive role

Jon Coles jon.coles@herald.email

raises serious questions about the PM’s judgment and that of his political advisors.

As MP after MP rose to speak, common themes emerged. MPs condemned Starmer’s choice of Peter Mandelson as, at best, cavalier. Conservative MPs said the appointment showed the PM’s disregard for the security services’ warnings. Backbench Labour MPs highlighted that Mandelson’s appointment smacked of a heartless and feckless attitude towards Epstein’s victims.

When the PM removed Mandelson as ambassador, the Government claimed it did so in light of revelations about the Labour peer’s ongoing association with Epstein after 2008. That claim lay in tatters after the PM’s answer to Kemi Badenoch.

It is worth remembering, however, that while Mandelson’s connection with Epstein, which incidentally included him receiving around £75,000 from the financier, was politically inept and crassly insensitive to Epstein’s victims, that was neither the worst nor most politically damaging of the revelations.

During the 2008 financial crisis, the global banking system was effectively bailed out by taxpayers worldwide after banks gambled on investments in bad debt. The UK, the world’s leading financial services market, was battered by the storm, and the Treasury propped up UK banks threatened with insolvency.

When it emerged that the taxpayer was bailing out banks for their own folly, pressure grew to ensure that banks and bankers paid their share of the pain they caused. The Cabinet proposed a 50%

tax on bankers’ bonuses, and US banks campaigned against it. Papers from the Epstein file released last weekend suggest that, while Business Secretary in Gordon Brown’s Cabinet, Mandelson briefed Epstein on confidential Cabinet discussions about the tax.

One email, referring to the head of a US bank, suggests that Mandelson briefed or indirectly advised others against the UK’s interests. The relevant email shows Mandelson telling Epstein that a US banker should “slightly threaten” then-Chancellor Alistair Darling about the proposed tax.

Labour MP Emily Thornberry was not alone in describing Mandelson’s actions as “treachery”.

It also appears that Mandeleson tipped off Epstein about the 2010 General Election’s progress and outcome, including telling the financier about

“treachery”

the progress of interparty negotiations and that Gordon Brown was to step down as PM hours before the public announcement. While that superficially appears as gossip, the information was market-sensitive and gave Epstein an edge over others with investments in the UK or UK companies worldwide.

As a comparison, the “shorting” of Sterling after the 2016 Referendum closed and the announcement of the result also netted currency speculators tens of millions of pounds. With inside information, Epstein and those he shared Mandelson’s information with could have netted a similar bonanza. And whether they did or not is immaterial.

The Metropolitan’s investigation into whether Mandelson committed a criminal offence leaves Keir Starmer in a quandary. The Met has warned against releasing documents that could be relevant to its investigation. That means that it is difficult for the PM to release documents that might reveal the extent of Mandelson’s lies during the vetting process. While a committee of MPs, the Intelligence & Security Committee, will see all the documents and decide on what can be released, that is unlikely to satisfy public prurience and MPs’ concerns.

Peter Mandelson’s long and controversial career in public life is over. The question that now remains is whether he has brought down the Prime Minister who appointed him US ambassador in the first place. With Labour tanking in the polls, internally divided, its leader deeply unpopular with the public, a weakened Chancellor and seemingly rudderless economic policy, a looming by-election in Manchester, and elections in Scotland and Wales fast approaching, if the crunch hasn’t arrived, it isn’t far away.

Builder wins court case against his solicitor — but still hasn’t seen a penny years later

Retired builder won over £130k from Milford Haven form Price and Kelway in 2022 for negligence, but is still waiting to be paid due to ongoing divorce

A nOw-REtiREd Pembrokeshire

builder who won a six-figure professional negligence case against his former solicitors says he has still not received any of the money — almost four years after the court ruled decisively in his favour.

David Norman Barrett secured judgment in 2022 after a judge found that failures by the law firm Price & Kelway had caused him to lose the opportunity to pursue a potentially valuable claim against HSBC and HSBC Life.

The court ordered that damages, interest and costs totalling £130,820 be paid. Permission to appeal was refused.

Yet Mr Barrett says the legal victory has brought him no closure — because he has yet to see a single pound.

The court ruled that Price and Kelway Solicitor’s inaction caused a loss of chance for a builder to settle a legal dispute with his bank, HSBC.

A clEAR win On PAPER

The negligence case arose from a failed property development at Ludchurch, near Narberth, where Mr Barrett borrowed money from HSBC in 2007 to purchase land and build two houses.

He later alleged that the bank departed from an agreed funding model, draining development funds prematurely and leaving the project financially unviable. He also claimed that associated life insurance policies were mis-sold.

After years of dispute with the bank — including an unresolved complaint to the Financial Ombudsman Service — Mr Barrett instructed Price & Kelway. He did this after hearing a radio advert for the solicitor’s firm on Radio Pembrokeshire. On November 7, 2012 Mr Barrett had a meeting with Mr Gareth Lewis, a partner in the firm.

“After that date and paying the a large amount in legal fees, progress was slow”, Mr Barrett said.

He added: “I gave Mr Lewis lots of paperwork, but work was not done in a timely fashion”

Proceedings against HSBC were eventually issued too late and struck out as time-barred, court documents show.

In 2022, the court found that the solicitors had failed to properly advise on limitation deadlines and that this negligence caused Mr Barrett a “loss of chance” to pursue or settle his claims.

Damages were assessed at £42,000, with statutory interest and costs bringing the total award to £130,820.

Sinclair editor@herald.email

Money paid — but not released Documents seen by The Herald show that following the conclusion of the case, a portion of the judgment money — £34,405.49 after fees and disbursements — was paid into the client account of Mr Barrett’s own solicitors, Red Kite Law LLP.

However, correspondence confirms that the funds have not been released due to an ongoing divorce between Mr Barrett and his wife, Dianne Carol Barrett, who was also named as a joint claimant in the negligence proceedings.

Red Kite Law has stated in writing that it cannot distribute the money without agreement from both parties, or a court order determining entitlement. The firm has also made clear that it cannot hold client money indefinitely and may ultimately be required to pay the funds back into court if the dispute remains unresolved.

‘tHis wAs BusinEss MOnEy’

Mr Barrett strongly disputes that the judgment award forms part of the matrimonial assets.

He told The Herald that the negligence case related entirely to his work as a self-employed builder and property developer, and that the damages awarded were compensation for business losses.

“This money didn’t arise from our marriage,” he said.

“It arose from my business. I was a sole trader. The claim was about my development project and professional advice I received as a builder.

“It wasn’t family savings or joint income. It was compensation for business losses.”

Mr Barrett says the stress and financial pressure of the prolonged litigation played a significant role in the breakdown of his marriage.

yEARs OF FinAnciAl stRAin

Earlier cost breakdowns from the case show that Mr Barrett personally paid more than £16,000 over several years to fund the negligence action, alongside significant unpaid disbursements incurred as the case progressed.

He says the litigation drained his finances long before judgment was handed down and left him struggling even after he technically “won”.

Now reliant on his pension and benefits, he says the continued freezing of the remaining funds has left him in financial limbo.

A lEgAl dEAdlOcK

Where competing claims exist over money held in a solicitor’s client account, firms can find themselves acting as stakeholders.

Under professional rules, solicitors

may retain funds until entitlement is resolved by agreement or court order, to avoid the risk of releasing money to the wrong party.

Red Kite Law has stated that it cannot advise either Mr Barrett or his wife on the dispute due to a conflict of interest, and has suggested options including a restricted joint account or transfer to a neutral third party — proposals which, to date, have not resolved the deadlock.

PERsOnAl cOst

Beyond the legal arguments, Mr Barrett says the personal toll has been severe.

“The case broke us,” he said.

“And even after winning, I’m still fighting — this time just to get what the court already awarded.”

nO AllEgAtiOn OF wROngdOing

The Herald stresses that no finding of wrongdoing has been made against Red Kite Law LLP.

The firm has not been accused of acting unlawfully, and the dispute centres on how the judgment award should be classified and distributed in light of ongoing matrimonial proceedings.

The case raises wider questions about whether winning in court always delivers justice — and how long successful litigants can be left waiting for payment when personal and legal systems collide.

Tom

Port security fears grow after naval sabotage arrests in Germany

cOncERns about the security of major European ports have intensified after two men were arrested over an alleged attempt to sabotage german naval vessels at the Port of Hamburg.

Eurojust, the EU’s crime agency, said the suspects are believed to have deliberately interfered with ships by disabling safety switches, removing fuel tank caps, puncturing water lines and dumping more than twenty kilograms of abrasive gravel into an engine system.

Officials warned that, had the damage gone undetected, it could have caused serious mechanical failure, delayed deployments and endangered German Navy operations.

The suspects, port workers aged thirty-seven and fifty-four, were arrested in Germany and Greece following coordinated raids. Homes in several countries were searched as part of the investigation.

While Germany has not formally blamed Moscow, the arrests come amid growing fears of Kremlin-linked disruption activity across Europe since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

Recent incidents have included damaged undersea cables in the Baltic and suspicious drone activity around airports and military facilities.

Security analysts say ports — especially those handling military or energy assets — are increasingly viewed as soft targets.

The developments have clear relevance for west Wales, home to the Milford Haven waterway and the Port of Milford Haven — one of the UK’s most strategically important energy hubs.

The Haven handles a significant share of Britain’s liquefied natural gas imports and hosts major oil and gas infrastructure, alongside commercial and fishing traffic. Any disruption could have national consequences for energy supply as well as local jobs.

Maritime security experts say the Hamburg case highlights how insider access can pose risks.The suspects there reportedly worked at the port itself, allowing them proximity to vessels and systems without raising immediate suspicion.

That has prompted calls for tighter background checks, improved

surveillance and stronger reporting procedures at critical UK ports.

A senior maritime security consultant told The Herald: “The biggest threat is often not dramatic attacks but low-level interference — someone loosening fittings, contaminating fuel, damaging cables. Small acts can cause very expensive and dangerous failures.

“Energy and naval ports are now considered critical infrastructure and must be protected accordingly.”

A spokesperson at the Port of Milford Haven, said: “Security across the Waterway is made up of physical measures, procedures, information-sharing, and intelligence work. These activities are coordinated

across all facilities to maintain an effective, intelligence-led approach to security.

“Both land-based and marine teams contribute, including commercial operators and government agencies. Each organisation uses its own vetting processes, all of which follow national standards, regulations, and best practice.”

uK vigilAncE

Across the UK, ports already operate under the International Ship and Port Facility Security Code, which requires controlled access zones, patrols and monitoring.

However, the scale and complexity of sites such as Milford Haven mean constant vigilance is needed.

Industry sources say collaboration between harbour authorities, police and counter-terrorism teams has increased in recent years, particularly following the war in Ukraine.

A Port of Milford Haven spokesperson previously said security measures are regularly reviewed and updated to “protect people, vessels and infrastructure”.

Police have not indicated any specific threat locally.

Nevertheless, the Hamburg arrests serve as a reminder that sabotage attempts are no longer theoretical.

For communities around the Haven — where tankers, refineries and supply chains underpin the local economy — the message is simple: what happens in European ports today could easily have implications at home tomorrow.

Tom Sinclair editor@herald.email

Johnston man remanded in custody over knife and assault charges

A JOHnstOn man has been remanded in custody after appearing in court accused of threatening a male with a knife and carrying out a violent assault.

Kenneth Mathias, 42, of Old School Lane, Johnston, appeared before Haverfordwest magistrates.

“The parties were socialising, but comments were made and one of the complainants slapped the defendant gently to the face,” Crown Prosecutor Sian Vaughan said.

“Kenneth Mathias then carried out a sustained attack, punching the complainant nine or ten times to the head.”

The court heard that when another male attempted to intervene, Mathias

placed him in a chokehold, causing breathing difficulties.“A knife was then drawn and held close to the complainant’s neck,” Ms Vaughan added.

Mathias, represented by solicitor Alaw Harries, denied wrongdoing and claimed he had acted in self-defence

He faces multiple charges including assault, criminal damage, theft, intentional strangulation, threatening with an offensive weapon, harassment causing fear of violence, and intent to cause grievous bodily harm.

Magistrates declined jurisdiction and, following an application by the Crown, Mathias was remanded in custody. He will next appear at Swansea Crown Court on March 6.

Pensioner admits causing serious injury in collision

A PEnsiOnER has been given an interim driving ban after admitting causing serious injury by careless driving.

Hedley Williams, 80, was driving on the A477 in July 2025 when his Honda collided with a vehicle driven by Peter Watson.

“As a result of the collision, Mr Watson sustained serious injuries and

spent a month in hospital,” the court heard.

Williams, of Maesteg Road, Cwmfelin, pleaded guilty to causing serious injury by careless or inconsiderate driving.

Sentencing was adjourned until February 24 to allow an updated victim impact statement to be obtained. Williams was released on unconditional bail.

More rape and sexual assault survivors to get right to challenge dropped cases

New review scheme to be rolled out across CPS Cymru-Wales following successful pilot

suRvivORs of rape and serious sexual assault in wales will soon have stronger rights to challenge decisions to drop their cases, as the uK government expands a new review scheme aimed at rebuilding trust in the justice system.

The move was announced by the Solicitor General, Ellie Reeves, who confirmed the Victims’ Right to Review scheme will be extended to further Crown Prosecution Service areas — including Crown Prosecution Service Cymru-Wales from April.

The change means that when prosecutors decide there is no longer a realistic prospect of conviction in rape or serious sexual offence cases, victims will be able to request that the decision is reconsidered by a different prosecutor before proceedings are formally halted.

Currently, while victims can ask for a review, it cannot alter the final outcome.

Tom Sinclair editor@herald.email

The new process allows cases to continue if fresh assessment finds sufficient evidence.

The expansion follows what ministers described as “positive feedback” from an earlier pilot scheme.

The roll-out will begin with CPS North West in January, followed by Yorkshire and Humberside in February, before reaching Wales in the spring.

Dame Nia Griffith, MP for Llanelli and a long-standing campaigner on violence against women and girls, welcomed the announcement.

She said: “Violence against women and girls is rightly being treated as a national emergency. A key part of the government’s strategy is ensuring victims in Llanelli and elsewhere are given better support to help rebuild trust

in the criminal justice system.

“Keeping women and girls safe needs action as well as words. This change puts more power into the hands of victims when they bravely come forward.”

Reeves said rape and sexual assault offences cause “long-lasting physical and emotional trauma” and stressed that survivors “deserve confidence that their voices have truly been heard”.

She added: “This government is committed to halving violence against women and girls. Expanding the Victims’ Right to Review will increase routes to justice and ensure victims are treated with fairness and dignity.”

Siobhan Blake, the national CPS lead for rape and serious sexual offences, said survivors often feel distressed at the prospect of their abuser never facing justice.

She said: “Our specialist prosecutors

usually get it right first time, but when we don’t — and a case that could have continued is stopped — an apology alone can never feel like justice.

“Victims who have taken part so far have told us that simply having this option makes a positive difference.”

The measures form part of the UK Government’s wider Violence Against Women and Girls strategy, which aims to halve such offences over the next decade through prevention, tougher enforcement and improved victim support.

Under the new system in Wales, cases that are initially discontinued could be revived if an independent prosecutor concludes there is sufficient evidence to proceed.

Ministers say the aim is to give survivors greater confidence that every possible avenue to justice has been explored.

Two-year ban for motorist caught with three drugs in system

A PEnnAR motorist has been banned from the roads for two years after being caught behind the wheel with three illegal drugs in her system.

Stacey Wootton, 29, was stopped by police on September 2 as she drove her Volkswagen Golf through Amphion Court, Pembroke Dock.

“The officers’ attention was drawn to a defective light on her vehicle,” Crown Prosecutor Sian Vaughan told Haverfordwest magistrates.

After a roadside drug swipe proved positive, further blood tests showed Wootton had 130 micrograms of cocaine in her system, along with 800

micrograms of the cocaine metabolite benzoylecgonine and 2.4 micrograms of Delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol. The legal limits are 10, 50 and 2 respectively.

The court was told that Wootton, of Military Road, Pennar, Pembroke Dock, has no previous convictions.

After pleading guilty to three charges of drug-driving, her solicitor Mike Kelleher said she had since “taken steps to improve her lot”.

After considering a probation report, magistrates disqualified Wootton from driving for 24 months. She was fined £240 and ordered to pay a £96 surcharge and £85 costs.

Nia Griffith, MP

Man spared jail after admitting child abuse image offences

A 23-yEAR-Old Pembrokeshire man has avoided immediate custody after admitting making and possessing indecent images of children, including extreme bestiality material.

Ryan Beale, aged 23, appeared at Swansea Crown Court for sentencing this week.

At his first hearing, before magistrates on December 31, he entered guilty pleas and being granted conditional bail.

The court heard the case followed an intelligence-led police investigation linking Beale to a Dropbox account suspected of storing illegal material. Officers executed a warrant at his home on December 18.

During his arrest, Beale told officers: “I don’t use Dropbox,” claiming his email and Google accounts had been compromised.

However, police seized his mobile phone and computer equipment. A forensic examination found the email address connected to the Dropbox account stored on his device. Although the account had also been accessed from overseas locations, including Nigeria, investigators were satisfied it was controlled by Beale and linked to a larger cloud storage account containing significant volumes of illegal content.

Officers discovered 120 Category A images, 36 Category B images and 29 Category C images.

Category A represents the most

serious level of abuse.

The material included extreme and disturbing bestiality content. Further Category C images were also located within the Dropbox account.

Two identified victims depicted in the images were girls aged nine and eleven.

Beale initially denied the allegations but later admitted the offences.

Passing sentence, at Swansea Crown Court on Tuesday (Feb 3) the His Honour Geraint Walters said: “This was not an innocent pastime. Every time an adult views that image, a child is still being abused.”

He added that an early guilty plea had spared Beale immediate custody but warned the offences would have lifelong consequences.

“The public have no time for anybody doing this,” the judge said. “If you’re doing this, the police will find out. They didn’t knock on your door randomly — they knew what they were looking for.”

Beale was sentenced to eight months’ imprisonment, suspended for two years. He must complete 20 days of rehabilitation activity and pay £300 in prosecution costs.

The court also imposed a Sexual Harm Prevention Order, ordered the forfeiture and destruction of his electronic devices, and placed him on the Sex Offenders Register for ten years.

“If you keep yourself out of trouble, you won’t have to serve that custodial sentence,” the judge told him.

Woman fined for missing drug follow-up appointment

A PEMBROKE woman has been fined after failing to attend a required follow-up drug assessment.

Nicole Davis, 37, was asked to attend an appointment in Haverfordwest on October 23 but failed to do so.

Appearing before magistrates, Davis pleaded guilty to failing to attend.

Her solicitor Jess Hill said this was Davis’s first time before the courts and she had misunderstood the requirement. Davis, of Olivers View, Pembroke, was fined £80 and ordered to pay £85 costs and a £32 surcharge.

Man caught in hotel sting after trying to meet girl, 13

A lAugHARnE man who turned up at a carmarthenshire hotel believing he was meeting a thirteenyear-old girl instead found himself confronted by paedophile hunters and later sentenced at swansea crown court.

William John Williams, fifty-nine, had been communicating online with what he thought was a schoolgirl. The profile was in fact a decoy set up by a vigilante group.

When he arrived at the Travelodge

St Clears for a pre-arranged meeting, members of the group were waiting and contacted police, handing over screenshots of his messages.

Prosecutor Matt Murphy told the court that Williams first made contact with the fake Facebook profile in October 2021. The supposed age of thirteen was made clear from the outset.

Despite this, the defendant sent repeated sexual messages, spoke about masturbating, requested

photographs and told the “girl” on several occasions that his penis was erect. He also sent topless photographs of himself.

The court heard Williams urged the account holder to delete the messages, acknowledging he knew he should not be sending them because of her age.

sEcOnd FAKE PROFilE

Members of the group later created another false account, posing as a businesswoman from Swansea, and arranged a date with Williams at the hotel in St Clears. They then liaised with another group to attend the rendezvous.

When Williams arrived, he was challenged and police were called.

During interview he answered “no comment”. In a later interview in February 2023, he claimed he did not believe the child was real and said he thought he was exposing scammers.

The court rejected that explanation.

Williams, of Orchard Park, Laugharne, pleaded guilty to attempting to engage in sexual

communication with a child. He had no previous convictions.

Defence barrister Ian Ibrahim said more than four years had passed since the offending and highlighted delays of more than two years between arrest and court proceedings. He said the defendant, formerly employed in hospitality and construction, was now in poor health and had lost his good character.

intERnEt ‘unsAFE FOR cHildREn’

Sentencing, Judge Catherine Richards told Williams it was the actions of “grown men like you” that made the internet feel unsafe for children and caused parents and carers real concern.

After credit for his guilty plea, Williams was sentenced to twelve months’ imprisonment, suspended for twelve months, and ordered to complete a rehabilitation programme. He was also placed on the sex offenders register for ten years and made subject to a Sexual Harm Prevention Order for the same period.

Welsh mother sent indecent image of daughter to convicted sex offender

Woman handed suspended sentence after sending photos of primary school child to known paedophile she was “in a relationship” with

A wElsH mother has avoided immediate prison after admitting she sent indecent photographs of her young daughter to a convicted paedophile she described as being “in a relationship” with.

The woman, aged in her 30s, was sentenced at Cardiff Crown Court after pleading guilty to making and distributing an indecent image of a child.

The case emerged when West Mercia Police recovered images from a known sex offender’s device during an unrelated investigation. Officers identified that several of the images had been sent by the child’s mother and passed the intelligence to South Wales Police.

Eight photographs of the primary school-aged girl had been shared. One image, described in court as Category C, showed the child halfnaked on a sofa.

When officers arrived at the family home to arrest her, the defendant was overheard telling her children: “Mummy has been in conversation with a silly man who had got her into trouble.”

During interview, the court heard she struggled to explain her behaviour. She told police her relationship with her partner at the time had broken down and she had felt “lost”, adding that she had “enjoyed the attention”

Tom Sinclair editor@herald.email

from the man.

Sentencing, His Honour Paul Thomas KC described the offending as a “terrible breach of trust”.

He said sending such an image to a man she knew was a paedophile who wanted it for sexual gratification was “wholly beyond most people’s comprehension”.

The judge added it was fortunate her “pandering” to the offender had been uncovered before matters escalated further.

While acknowledging that any punishment would “pale into insignificance” compared with the lifelong consequences for the family, he said the offence crossed a serious threshold.

The woman, who cannot be named for legal reasons in order to protect the identity of her daughter, has no previous convictions. The court was told her children are no longer in her care.

Defence counsel said she had been tearful and remorseful, telling solicitors she had “ruined her life”. A psychiatric assessment diagnosed her with complex post-traumatic stress disorder.

She was handed a 16-month prison

sentence, suspended for two years.

The court also imposed:

• 150 hours of unpaid work

• Completion of a rehabilitation programme

• Registration as a sex offender for ten years

• A Sexual Harm Prevention Order for ten years

Child protection specialists say the case underlines the risks of online relationships and the importance of reporting concerns early, particularly where vulnerable adults may be targeted by known offenders.

If you are worried about a child’s safety, contact police on 101 or report concerns anonymously via Crimestoppers.

WG announces clean water plan

ON TUESDAY, February 3, the Welsh Government published its plans to create a new water regulator for Wales.

The proposals respond to the findings of the Independent Water Commission, established jointly by the Welsh Government and UK Government and published in July 2025.

The proposals include creating a new, dedicated Welsh economic regulator for water, supported by new legislation and a new regulatory framework.

Speaking at a Dŵr Cymru site at Lisvane and Llanishen reservoirs to launch the Green Paper, the Deputy First Minister, Huw Irranca-Davies, said: “Our ambition is clear and bold: clean and thriving rivers, safe and high-quality drinking water, fair and affordable services, and modern infrastructure ready for the future.”

“We will strengthen accountability, rebuild trust and create a system that is simpler, stronger and more transparent.”

On the same day, a Labour Party press release claimed the new regulator would tackle water pollution in Pembrokeshire and drew attention to the First Minister’s support for it. However, the new regulator will have no investigatory powers of its own. Instead, it will depend on Natural Resources Wales to provide it with evidence that would enable it to pursue water companies.

At the same time, the Labour Party press release said that Labour would introduce a Clean Water Bill following May’s election.

The announcement raises several questions about the announcement’s timing.

Baroness Morgan and her

cut in NRW’s already overstretched budget or where the money to fund it will come from.

predecessors have been at pains to defend NRW over questions about its capacity to investigate and prosecute those who pollute Wales’s coastal waters and inland waterways. In response to repeated questioning from Conservative and Plaid Cymru Senedd Members over recent years, Labour ministers have repeatedly claimed they have confidence in NRW and that the body has sufficient money and resources to carry out its role.

The announcement that the Welsh Government intends to create a new body from scratch, with its own staff, statutory obligations, and enforcement powers, inevitably suggests that Labour ministers and First Ministers were not as confident in NRW as they claimed when asked about it. In addition, the announcement of plans for a new regulator does not disclose whether its creation will lead to a

There is little doubt that regulation of the water industry is outdated and overly complex. However, adding another layer of bureaucracy could diminish whatever benefits streamlining the legal framework governing it might deliver.

In the Senedd on Wednesday, Conservative Shadow Minister Janet Finch-Saunders asked Huw IrrancaDavies about the timing of the Welsh Government’s announcement about a new regulator.

He ducked the question but went on to issue a statement suggesting that whatever a new regulator did, much of it was already underway.

The Deputy First Minister said: “We don’t need to wait for the outcomes of the Green Paper, or new legislation, to get on with fixing the problems with the infrastructure, the levels of customer satisfaction, the leakage, and so on.

“The pressure is on both of our water companies to perform for the customers who have seen over the last year and now are going to see those bigger bills landing. Now, that does deliver £6 billion investment, so we absolutely need to see that being delivered—not waiting, but, in this price period, actually investing in the priorities that will stop those combined sewer overflows polluting the river, stop the sewage outfalls, and right across the piece as well.”

The Conservative position has previously been clear: NRW isn’t working and needs to be broken up and replaced. In particular, the Conservatives have focused on the need for a separate and independent water regulator with both investigative and enforcement powers, and the resources to fulfil those responsibilities. Whatever the next Welsh Government decides to do with the proposals, Tuesday’s announcement does not meet that aim.

Angle RNLI assist medical incident in Neyland

cREw from Angle Rnli were called into action yesterday afternoon after being diverted from a training exercise to assist with a medical emergency at neyland slipway.

The all-weather lifeboat was afloat on an extended navigation exercise when the request for assistance came in at 2:44pm. At the time, the crew were operating off Milford Shelf and immediately made best speed towards Neyland.

On arrival, the lifeboat’s inflatable Y-boat was launched, allowing casualty care-trained volunteers to reach the shore quickly. Crew members assessed

the casualty and provided immediate assistance while coordinating with emergency services.

Working alongside Dale Coastguard Rescue Team and the Welsh Ambulance Service, the volunteers helped safely extract the casualty from the slipway and transfer them for further treatment.

Once the incident was concluded, the lifeboat was stood down and returned to station, where it was cleaned, refuelled and readied for service again by 4:30pm.

A spokesperson said the call-out highlighted how quickly routine training can turn into a real-life rescue, with crews ready to respond at a moment’s notice.

Jon Coles jon.coles@herald.email

Testing the waters: Huw Irranca-Davies announces a new regulator

Provisional licence holder admits drink-driving through town centre

A PROvisiOnAl licence holder has admitted drink-driving through Haverfordwest town centre while uninsured and driving alone.

Kian Kelly, 20, was stopped by police in the early hours of January 11 as he drove a Nissan Juke along Clay Lane.

Checks showed Kelly was driving without insurance and without a supervising driver. A breath test later revealed he had 43 micrograms of alcohol in his breath, exceeding the

legal limit of 35.

Kelly, of Hill Street, Haverfordwest, pleaded guilty to drink-driving, driving without insurance and driving otherwise than in accordance with a licence.

His solicitor Alaw Harries said there were no aggravating factors and that Kelly “deeply regrets his actions”.

Magistrates disqualified him from driving for 14 months. He was fined £120 and ordered to pay £85 costs and a £48 surcharge.

Disqualified fisherman caught driving BMW

A PEMBROKESHIRE fisherman has appeared before magistrates after being caught driving while disqualified.

David Morgan, 42, was stopped by police on December 29 while driving a BMW on the A413 at Penally.

Officers established that Morgan was uninsured and already serving a 16-month driving ban following a drugdriving conviction.

His solicitor Mike Kelleher told the court that Morgan had driven after receiving distressing news about a

close family member.

“He went out to clear his head and made a dreadful decision,” he said.

Mr Kelleher added that Morgan’s son is confined to a wheelchair and his wife does not drive, meaning a further ban would cause hardship.

Magistrates chose not to impose a further disqualification. Morgan was fined £500 and ordered to pay a £200 surcharge and £85 costs. His licence was endorsed with six penalty points.

Extra unpaid work after breaching court order

A MilFORd HAvEn man has been ordered to complete extra unpaid work after breaching the terms of a community order.

Peter Jones, aged 33, of Precelly Place, appeared before Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on Monday (Feb 2). He admitted failing to attend scheduled

unpaid work and a probation appointment earlier this month.

Magistrates varied the order, imposing an additional 10 hours of unpaid work. Jones was also ordered to pay £60 in court costs.

The court heard the original community order followed an earlier conviction.

Shoplifting down in Wales on paper – but local retailers say reality feels different

POlicE statistics suggest shoplifting is falling across wales – but retailers in Pembrokeshire have told the Herald the problem remains persistent, under-reported and, in some cases, worse than ever.

Figures from the Office for National Statistics show a 10% decrease in police-recorded shoplifting across Wales in the year to September. In the Dyfed-Powys Police area, which covers Pembrokeshire, recorded offences fell by 20%.

The numbers were welcomed this week by retail union Usdaw, which said the drop offered “hope” that government action on retail crime was starting to have an effect.

However, several local traders said the official figures do not reflect what they are seeing on the ground.

One Milford Haven shopkeeper, who asked not to be named, told The Herald: “We don’t always report it now. You’d spend half your day on the phone. Sometimes it’s easier just to write it off. But it’s happening all the time.”

Another said theft had become “a daily nuisance”, adding that repeat offenders often returned within days.

undER-REPORting cOncERns

The gap between statistics and experience may be explained by the way crimes are recorded.

Police figures only count incidents

Tom Sinclair editor@herald.email

that are reported and logged.

Retailers say many low-value thefts go unreported due to time pressures, lack of confidence that action will follow, and the administrative burden of statements and CCTV downloads.

Usdaw’s own survey of nearly 9,500 shop workers found that more than three-quarters had experienced verbal abuse, while over half had been threatened – with many incidents linked to theft.

FORMER OFFEndER sPEAKs Out

The Herald also spoke to a man from Milford Haven who was recently released from prison after serving time for repeated theft offences.

He said he had spent more than two years funding a drug habit by shoplifting across Pembrokeshire and in Cardiff.

According to his account, it was possible to steal goods worth up to £1,000 a day and sell them on, and he was “rarely stopped”.

“Most of the time you just walk out,” he claimed. “Even if staff catch you, they don’t always call police. It’s not worth their time.”

He said he had been detained around 50 times during what he described as hundreds of incidents, but only about ten led to police involvement and just four resulted in court.

While his experience is anecdotal, it echoes the frustrations voiced by local businesses who believe many thefts never make it into official statistics.

gOvERnMEnt cRAcKdOwn

The issue has also been raised in Parliament.

Pembrokeshire MP Henry Tufnell has previously said he has spoken to local shop owners about the impact of retail crime and has welcomed government measures aimed at

strengthening enforcement.

Labour has pledged tougher action on shoplifting, including ending the widely criticised £200 threshold that many retailers felt led to low-value thefts being deprioritised, alongside promises of more visible neighbourhood policing.

Retailers say any extra support would be welcome – but many believe rebuilding confidence that crimes will be taken seriously is key.

As one trader put it: “The stats might say it’s down. But if you’re running a small shop and losing stock every week, it doesn’t feel like it.”

Dorset man stopped at Fishguard ferry given domestic violence order

A dORsEt man was stopped by police at Fishguard Harbour while attempting to travel to ireland and has now been made subject to a domestic violence Protection Order.

Nathaniel Cruickshank, aged 22, of Gillingham, appeared before Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on Monday (Feb 2).

The court heard he had travelled to Pembrokeshire on January 30 and was intercepted at the ferry port while planning to board a sailing to Ireland with his partner, prompting police intervention.

Magistrates were told Cruickshank has a lengthy history of domestic violence and abusive behaviour, with officers having attended 13 separate incidents involving him.

Prosecutors outlined a number of previous allegations, including an incident in which he punched his mother in the

face and another where he smashed a family television with a guitar after being refused money.

The court also heard that on January 29 a protected person attended their GP surgery expressing fear of him, triggering safeguarding measures.

Police subsequently served a Domestic Violence Protection Notice, and Cruickshank was later arrested at Fishguard.

Magistrates granted a 28-day Domestic Violence Protection Order preventing him from threatening or using violence, making any direct or indirect contact with the protected person, or returning to her address.

Issuing a warning in court, magistrates told him any breach would have serious consequences.

Cruickshank was ordered to pay £284 in costs to Dyfed-Powys Police.

Tributes paid to Pembroke Dock former Mayor Pamela George

it is with great sadness that the Pembroke dock community mourns the passing of councillor Pamela george.

Pamela, affectionately known as Pam, dedicated many years to public service, passionately representing her constituents and contributing to the life of the town. She also served as Mayor, where her commitment to the community was widely recognised and appreciated.

“Pam was incredibly passionate in her role as Councillor and Mayor, and she will be sorely missed,” said a spokesperson from Pembroke Dock Town Council. “Her dedication to the town and its residents was remarkable, and her legacy will live on in the many projects and initiatives she

supported.”

During her tenure, Pam was involved in numerous community groups and local committees, playing an active role in initiatives such as the Pater Hall Community Trust and Friends of Memorial Park. She was known for her warm personality, steadfast dedication, and willingness to champion causes that benefited the town and its people.

Councillors, colleagues, and residents alike have expressed their condolences, praising her tireless work and commitment to Pembroke Dock.

A book of condolences has been opened at Pembroke Dock Town Council for residents wishing to pay their respects.

Woman admits breaching community order

A PEMBROKE dOcK woman has admitted breaching the terms of a community order.

Shannon Charge, aged 30, of Pater Court, appeared before Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on Monday (Feb 2). She admitted failing to attend a scheduled probation appointment and a drug dependency appointment.

Magistrates revoked the existing community order and ordered her to pay £60 in court costs.

The court heard the order related to earlier offences, for which she had been made subject to rehabilitation and drug treatment requirements. A further review hearing is listed for March 2.

Saundersfoot Froghall Yard traveller site refused again

PlAns for a new ‘traveller site’ on the outskirts of a Pembrokeshire village, which was previously refused by the national park has again been turned down, but there may be a further application.

Last May, members of Pembrokeshire Coast National Park’s development management committee refused a scheme for the creation of a traveller site of one static caravan, one touring caravan, day/utility room and ecological

enhancements (partly retrospective) on land at Froghall Yard, Moreton Lane, Saundersfoot.

The authority has served an enforcement notice on the site, which requires its return to its previous condition.

Nearly 300 people had signed a petition against the scheme and the objection to the application by David ‘Dai’ Evans of Pontypool, through agents Hayston Developments & Planning Ltd,

was also shared by Saundersfoot’s community council.

A supporting statement accompanying the application stated the applicant belongs to a long-standing Romany Gypsy family, currently at an overcrowded Traveller site in Pontypool.

It said Mr Evans and family have stayed in a touring caravan at the Saundersfoot site during the summer months since the late 1980s; Mr Evans purchased the site in 2023, clearing and

refurbishing it.

The application was refused on the grounds it was considered to result in unacceptable landscape impacts, a lack of information on whether the proposal will unacceptably disturb species and habitats, and it would introduce caravan development in an area of the National Park without landscape capacity.

A resubmitted application, aimed at addressing previous concerns, was recommended for refusal on similar grounds to previously at the January 28 meeting of Pembrokeshire Coast National Park’s development management committee.

Saundersfoot Community Council unanimously objected to the latest plans and 48 objections covering a wide range of concerns were received.

At the start of the January meeting, local member Cllr Chris Williams, said he had received a phone call saying the applicant was not actually a member of the gypsy traveller community; members later hearing legal advice the authority was not in a position to determine that.

Helen Williams, objecting on behalf of neighbours, said the current submission “differed little from the original application,” saying there had been “a significant removal of scrub and woodland” from the site and “a devastating impact,” with a loss of previously sighted wildlife.

A further speaker, Lynne Garnett of the Travelling Ahead Community Planning Project , which provides planning advice and support to Gypsy and Traveller families, said a lack of local authority site left members of the community “no alternative other than to buy their own land to develop such sites”.

She said prejudice faced was “enormous,” adding there was “hate campaign” in objections to this scheme that was “vitriolic, disrespectful and deeply concerning”.

Agent Andrew Vaughan-Harries disputed previously raised concerns about the amount of land cleared without permission, saying much of that had been done prior to his client purchasing the land, his work clearing up “a mess”.

He said that, in the event of a fresh planning application, the third time it would come before committee, substantial tree planting would be included.

While initial proposals for a site visit were again mooted, a recommendation of following the officer recommendation of refusal was proposed by Cllr Di Clements, with one voice of opposition, Cllr Maureen Bowen, who proposed approval.

The recommendation of refusal was backed by 13 members, with one against and two abstentions.

Two arrested after high-value shoplifting incident in Kilgetty

twO men have been arrested on suspicion of shoplifting following a rapid police response to a reported high-value theft at a supermarket in Kilgetty.

Dyfed-Powys Police said officers were called to the Co-op store at around 3.35pm on Wednesday (Jan 28), after a report that a large quantity of alcohol and other items had been stolen.

Using information provided by the caller, Roads Policing Unit officers worked closely with control room staff to identify a vehicle believed to be involved. Several patrol cars were deployed, and the vehicle was located a short time later travelling east.

Police said the safety of all those involved was treated as a priority,

with specialist Tactical Pursuit and Containment (TPAC) advice obtained while officers maintained constant observation of the vehicle.

The car was brought to a safe stop on a back road approaching Hendy, involving three Roads Policing Unit vehicles. No injuries or damage were reported.

Following roadside checks, two men — aged 67 and 46 — were arrested on suspicion of theft from a shop.

Both remain in police custody while enquiries continue.

Police said the swift response helped prevent further offending and demonstrated the effectiveness of specialist roads policing officers acting on real-time intelligence.

Disqualified HGV driver charged after dangerous A40 incident

A disQuAliFiEd driver has been charged after an Hgv was reportedly driven erratically along the A40 between narberth and st clears in the early hours of thursday (Jan 29).

Dyfed-Powys Police confirmed that 22-year-old Tajinder Singh, of Tudor Road, Southall, has been charged with driving whilst disqualified and using a motor vehicle on a road without insurance.

He was remanded in custody to appear at Llanelli Magistrates’ Court today (Friday, Jan 30).

The incident began when an off-duty

police officer reported seeing the heavy goods vehicle being driven on the wrong side of the carriageway on multiple occasions, raising serious concerns for the safety of other road users.

Roads Policing Unit officers carried out immediate checks and traced the vehicle travelling eastbound along the A48 between Carmarthen and Cross Hands.

Specialist Tactical Pursuit and Containment (TPAC) tactics were authorised, with support requested from South Wales Police and the National Police Air Service due to the scale of the

risk and the vehicle’s route.

The lorry was kept under constant observation as it continued along the A48 and onto the M4 before eventually stopping at an industrial estate in the Fforestfach area of Swansea.

Officers detained the driver at the scene. The vehicle was seized under

A

officers will continue

action against dangerous driving.

Anyone with concerns about unsafe or reckless driving is urged to report it to police.

Section 165A of the Road Traffic Act.

spokesperson for Dyfed-Powys Police said

to take

Investment prospectus Pembrokeshire at heart of £20bn clean energy drive

Haven Waterway set to become major hub for wind, hydrogen and port jobs as Wales launches investment prospectus

PEMBROKEsHiRE could be in line for billions of pounds of new energy investment after a major national strategy identified Wales’ ports and heavy industry heartlands as key to unlocking more than £20bn in clean infrastructure projects over the next decade.

A new Clean Energy Investment Prospectus published this week by Net Zero Industry Wales sets out a pipeline of “investible” projects across offshore wind, hydrogen, industrial decarbonisation, ports and data centres — with the Haven Waterway widely seen as one of the most attractive locations in the country.

Industry experts say Milford Haven and Pembroke Dock already have the deep-water access, grid connections and industrial land needed to host the next generation of energy schemes.

The Herald understands that several projects linked to floating offshore wind assembly, hydrogen production and port upgrades are being explored locally as part of the wider push.

JOBs

And cOntRActs

The Prospectus acts as what organisers call a “one-stop shop” for global investors, bringing together sites, policy support and funding routes.

For Pembrokeshire, that could mean:

• port expansion and quay strengthening

• turbine assembly and maintenance bases

• Marine engineering and fabrication work

• hydrogen and low-carbon fuel plants

• construction and long-term skilled jobs

Floating wind alone is expected to create thousands of roles across Wales during construction and operations, with much of the heavy lifting likely to happen in west coast ports.

With the Celtic Sea tipped to become one of Europe’s largest floating wind zones, Pembrokeshire’s existing energy infrastructure gives it a head start.

MAJOR PlAyERs AlREAdy ciRcling

Recent Welsh Government announcements linked to the programme include commitments and interest from global firms such as RWE, Eni, and Vantage Data Centres.

Support is also available through bodies including the Development Bank

for Wales, aimed at helping projects move quickly from planning to delivery.

Ben Burggraaf, chief executive of Net Zero Industry Wales, said Wales offered “a unique combination of natural competitive advantages and industrial capability”.

He added: “We have significant clean energy resources, a strong industrial base, and a large and diverse pipeline of projects backed by credible organisations and skilled people — giving investors both scale and opportunity to make a

real difference.”

gOvERnMEnt BAcKing

Wales’ Cabinet Secretary for Economy, Energy and Planning, Rebecca Evans, said the country was “primed to capitalise on the UK’s clean energy revolution”.

She said: “By working together with developers and stakeholders we can boost our economy and achieve our renewable energy targets for Wales.”

wHy PEMBROKEsHiRE Fits tHE Bill

Energy analysts say few places in the UK combine:

• two LNG terminals

• deep-water shipping access

• heavy industry and engineering skills

• available dockside land

• existing power connections

All of which are already present around the Haven.

That makes the area particularly attractive for assembling massive floating wind structures and servicing turbines once operational.

Local businesses — from steel fabricators to haulage firms and electricians — could benefit from supplychain work if even a fraction of the promised investment lands in the county.

lOng-tERM iMPAct

While the £20bn figure covers the whole of Wales, insiders say west Wales stands to gain disproportionately because large-scale energy schemes simply cannot be built inland.

For Pembrokeshire, the Prospectus signals that the Haven Waterway’s future may be as a green energy powerhouse rather than a traditional fossil fuel hub.

If realised, it could reshape the county’s economy for a generation.

Community exhibition showcases ateb customers’ creativity at Torch Theatre

A nEw pop-up exhibition celebrating local history, identity and creativity is set to open at the torch theatre in Milford Haven, showcasing artwork created by customers and partners of ateb Housing Association.

The free exhibition brings together a year’s worth of creative work produced through the Wales REACH project, which encourages participants to explore Pembrokeshire’s heritage while building

Tom Sinclair editor@herald.email

confidence, skills and social connections.

Through workshops, visits and shared activities, residents have developed a varied collection of personal and community-focused pieces reflecting their own experiences and the stories of the county.

Among the featured works is

Museum in a Bag, a reflective look at identity and self; REACH for the Landsker Line, which examines Pembrokeshire’s cultural divide through Norman castles and the Welsh language; and REACH Back in Time, a textile sculpture inspired by the history of Milford Haven.

An interactive scroll will also be on display, inviting visitors to add their own memories and reflections,

alongside an oral history recorded by an ateb customer and disability rights advocate, offering a powerful first-hand account of life and resilience.

Organisers say the project has had clear benefits beyond the artwork itself.

Rex, an ateb customer who took part, said: “I have enjoyed the planned sessions – being able to get out and about and take part in the activities where possible. I also enjoyed the social aspect, mixing with other residents, sharing our local knowledge of the area and learning new facts.”

Another participant, Joan, added: “It has revived my school-level love of history. I am loving all the given work with interest.”

Project Officer Anne Kerr-Hughes said she had seen noticeable improvements in wellbeing and confidence.

She said: “We’ve noticed so many positive changes – from people trying new things and learning new skills to gaining the confidence to travel independently. One lovely outcome has been more residents using the local bus service after trips to the archives in Haverfordwest. It’s been heart-warming to see.”

The Wales REACH project has been supported by funding from The National Lottery Heritage Fund, with partners including Open University in Wales, Amgueddfa Cymru and People’s Collection Wales.

The exhibition runs from Tuesday, February 10 to Saturday, February 14, with visitors welcome to drop in during opening hours.

Entry is free and open to all.

Milford Haven community mourns loss of dedicated volunteer Robert Duncan

MilFORd HAvEn has been left saddened by the death of Robert duncan, a well-known and muchrespected community figure who devoted decades of his life to voluntary service.

Milford Haven Town Council said it was “so sorry to learn of the passing” of Mr Duncan, describing him as a dear friend to many and a man whose generosity touched countless lives.

Mr Duncan served as Chairman of the Milford Haven branch of the Royal British Legion and was widely recognised for his tireless work supporting veterans and local causes. Alongside his wife Carol, he received a Citizens’ Award in 2016 in recognition of their years of voluntary service to the town.

The couple also fostered children for many years, opening their home to young people in need and providing stability and care to families across the area.

Beyond his work with the Legion,

Mr Duncan was involved with the local R.A.O.B. lodge and Milford Haven Museum, contributing time and energy to preserve the town’s history and strengthen community life.

In a statement, the Town Council said:

“Robert was a wonderful family man and a most dedicated public servant. So many of us will have stories of his generosity and community activities that we would like to share. Thank you for everything, Robert. We will truly miss you.”

Councillors added that his quiet commitment and willingness to help others made him a familiar and trusted figure across Milford Haven.

Sympathies have been extended to Carol and the wider family, as well as friends and colleagues who worked alongside him over the years.

Those who knew him say his legacy will live on in the many lives he helped shape and the strong sense of community he worked so hard to build.

Robert Duncan and his wife Carol receive a Citizens’ Award in 2016 alongside the Mayor of Milford Haven (Pic: Milford Haven Town Council).

Councillor meets chief constable to address concerns

Tom Sinclair editor@herald.email

cOunty cOuncillOR Jonathan grimes has met with the new chief constable of dyfed-Powys Police to discuss crime, antisocial behaviour and wider community issues affecting residents in Pembroke and Monkton.

and Protection Team, meeting the councillor in Monkton for what were described as open and constructive talks.

As part of the visit, they also spoke with Monkton Priory Community Primary School headteacher Dylan Lawrence and Danny Nash from Pembrokeshire County Council Housing Services to gather views from education and housing professionals.

Discussions covered a range of issues raised by residents, including domestic abuse, drug and alcohol misuse, antisocial behaviour and environmental concerns such as littering, dog fouling and dangerous or inconsiderate driving.

Cllr Grimes acknowledged recent police successes, particularly in tackling drug-related activity, but said enforcement alone would not solve the area’s challenges.

He said closer cooperation between the police, council services, schools and the wider community would be needed to deliver longerterm improvements.

The Chief Constable, Ifan Charles, attended alongside officers from the Pembroke Neighbourhood Policing

Cllr Grimes, who represents Pembroke St Mary South and Monkton, said the meeting followed his invitation for senior police leaders to visit the area and hear first-hand about local concerns.

The councillor added that he plans to encourage residents to form a local community group in the coming weeks, aimed at developing practical solutions and strengthening partnership working across the area.

Wales launches plan to become ‘Carer Aware’ nation

tHE wElsH gOvERnMEnt has unveiled plans to make wales a “carer Aware” nation, with a new public consultation launched today (Monday, Feb 2) aimed at improving recognition and support for the country’s thousands of unpaid carers.

Ministers say the move is designed to ensure people who look after relatives, friends or neighbours are identified earlier and treated as partners in decisions about the care of their loved ones.

A draft National Strategy for Unpaid Carers has been developed with input from hundreds of carers and representative groups across Wales. It sets out eight key priorities, including better recognition of carers’ roles, improved access to respite and short breaks, stronger wellbeing support, and measures to prevent young carers from carrying too much responsibility.

Under the proposals, carers of all ages and backgrounds — including disabled carers and those in minority

Tom Sinclair editor@herald.email

communities — would be able to access clear, local information and help when they need it.

Officials say earlier identification is critical, so carers can receive advice,

financial guidance and emotional support from the start of their caring journey, rather than only at crisis point.

The strategy also stresses the need for sufficient alternative care arrangements to allow carers time to rest and protect their own health.

Dawn Bowden, Minister for

Children and Social Care, said many carers do not even see themselves as carers.

“Too often, unpaid carers go unrecognised – even by themselves. They’re simply ‘looking after mum’ or ‘helping out a friend’, but caring can have a profound impact on people’s finances, careers, health and wellbeing,” she said.

“We want Wales to be a place where carers are identified early, where they know their rights, and where they’re treated as partners for the person they care for.

“This consultation is important in shaping a strategy which takes into full account how carers feel and how they’re supported. I’d encourage everyone with an interest to provide their views.”

The consultation is open now and runs until April 13, with responses helping to shape the final strategy and future support services across Wales. People can take part online via the Welsh Government website.

Lottery boost for HMS Erebus exhibition in Pembroke Dock

tHE PEMBROKE dOcK HERitAgE

cEntRE has secured £57,015 from the national lottery Heritage Fund to create a major new exhibition celebrating the extraordinary story of HMs Erebus, one of the most famous exploration vessels ever built in wales.

The exhibition, titled HMS Erebus: From Dockyard to Discovery, will open to the public on Monday 8 June 2026, marking exactly 200 years since the ship was launched at Pembroke Dock’s Royal Dockyard.

Constructed in 1826 by local shipwrights, Erebus stands as a powerful symbol of the town’s maritime heritage and the exceptional craftsmanship that once made Pembroke Dock a centre of naval excellence. From its origins in a small Welsh dockyard, the vessel went on to play a central role in some of the most significant expeditions of the nineteenth century.

She later served on the pioneering Ross Antarctic expedition before joining Sir John Franklin’s ill-fated Arctic voyage, where both ships and crew were lost. The dramatic rediscovery of the wreck beneath Arctic waters in 2014 reignited global interest in one of exploration’s greatest mysteries.

For the first time, rare artefacts recovered from the wreck — on loan from the Royal Navy Museum — will be displayed to the British public, offering visitors a direct and tangible connection to life on board and the harsh realities of polar exploration.

The new exhibition will also place Erebus within the wider story of the Georgian dockyard community that built her, highlighting Pembroke Dock’s role in Britain’s naval expansion and the skilled workforce that shaped its history.

Visitors can expect bilingual interpretation, digital interactives, an immersive Arctic diorama with a scale model of the ship, and dramatic underwater footage of the wreck site provided by Parks Canada. The displays will also link historic exploration with modern conversations about climate change and the fragility of polar environments.

Community engagement is central to the project. Local schools will help coproduce elements of the exhibition, while oral histories and shared memories will ensure the story reflects both the past and the present community.

Andrew White, Director of The National Lottery Heritage Fund –Wales, said: “This project will help

people better understand Pembroke Dock’s vital role in maritime history while creating new opportunities for communities to engage with their heritage in meaningful and inspiring ways. Thanks to National Lottery players, this exhibition will bring an internationally significant story back to the place where it began, ensuring it is shared with future generations.”

John Evans, Patron of Pembroke Dock Heritage Centre, said: “We are thrilled to receive this support. Thanks

to National Lottery players, we can preserve and celebrate a story of national and international importance, while re-establishing Pembroke Dock as a place of discovery, craftsmanship and exploration. By reconnecting HMS Erebus with the community that built her, we hope to inspire pride, learning and long-term cultural and economic benefit for the town.”

HMS Erebus: From Dockyard to Discovery opens on Monday 8 June 2026.

Author

By AlSmith

As valentine’s day arrives in Pembrokeshire, there is something about the county’s rugged coastline, quiet lanes and close-knit communities that makes romance feel a little more genuine. love here is rarely about grand gestures or extravagant displays. instead, it’s found in thoughtful moments, shared experiences and the beauty of the landscape that surrounds us.

Flowers remain one of the most enduring symbols of valentine’s Day, and local florists across Pembrokeshire are once again helping people express their feelings through carefully chosen blooms.

Buds In Bloom is a firm favourite for many, known for its eye-catching arrangements and attention to detail. whether it’s a traditional bouquet of red roses or a softer mix of seasonal flowers, a bunch from a local florist often says far more than words alone.

Another trusted name is Alison at the Flower garden, where customers appreciate the warm welcome as much as the flowers themselves. With a wide selection of arrangements, plants and thoughtful extras, the shop offers something for every kind of valentine’s celebration. supporting local florists not only ensures quality and freshness, but also helps keep Pembrokeshire’s town centres thriving.

For those looking beyond flowers, handmade and locally produced gifts continue to grow in popularity. cariad crafts has long been associated with creativity and care, celebrating

Spoil the one

the value of thoughtful, handcrafted items. whether it’s a small keepsake, a decorative piece or something made with love, handmade gifts often feel more personal and meaningful than anything mass-produced. valentine’s day in Pembrokeshire doesn’t have to come with a high price tag, however. some of the most memorable ways to spend the day are completely free and just as special. A walk along the Pembrokeshire coast Path offers endless opportunities for quiet conversation, shared laughter and breathtaking views. winter light on the sea can be just as romantic as a summer sunset, especially when enjoyed together.

Beaches such as Barafundle Bay, Marloes sands, Freshwater west or newgale provide the perfect backdrop for a peaceful stroll or a moment of reflection. For those who enjoy history, wandering through st davids, exploring the cathedral grounds or discovering hidden chapels and ancient sites along the coast can make for a meaningful and unhurried valentine’s experience.

As evening falls, Pembrokeshire’s famously dark skies offer a chance to slow down and look upwards. stargazing together, wrapped up against the cold with a hot drink, is a simple pleasure that costs nothing but time. it’s often these quiet, shared moments that stay in the memory long after valentine’s day has passed. At home, small gestures can be just as powerful. cooking a favourite meal together, writing a handwritten

one you love!

note, or revisiting a place that holds special meaning can turn an ordinary day into something truly memorable. love doesn’t need to be loud or expensive to be real. in Pembrokeshire, valentine’s day is a celebration not only of romance, but of place, community and connection. whether you’re

supporting local florists like Buds in Bloom and Alison at the Flower garden, choosing a handmade gift inspired by cariad crafts, or simply enjoying the county’s natural beauty together, this is a day that reminds us that love is often found in the simplest of moments.

The alternative view By Mike Dello

A TRAGIC and horrific news item to start this week – a story so personal to one family, but also a story that shows successive governments compromising the very safety of British citizens.

In October 2024, twenty-sevenyear-old Rhiannon Whyte had just finished her shift at a so-called asylum hotel. The mum of a fouryear-old child had completed work at around eleven pm and began the short walk to catch her train home. Little did she know that Sudanese migrant Deng Majek, a hotel resident who had been giving her eerie looks all evening, followed her out with a thirst for blood.

He proceeded to launch a senseless attack, stabbing this poor, innocent soul twenty-nine times with a screwdriver before buying alcohol

Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, alias Tommy Robinson, a far-right extremist, attending the funeral while no politician had reached out to her. Rhiannon’s grandmother has since died of a broken heart, and the little boy, now six, will be brought up by Rhiannon’s sisters. He goes to bed every night clutching a teddy with his mum’s image sewn into it.

Starmer insists quitting the ECHR is not on the agenda. He says he wants to clear hotels of asylum seekers, some of whom have committed other crimes. The absurdity of that is simple: wherever they go, they are still at liberty to roam free. Is it any wonder parties like Reform are rising in the polls?

A final word came from the heartbroken and courageous Mrs Whyte, who concluded: “I wonder if Starmer had gone to China if that was his daughter.”

All the rest of us hope that, despite the fact this devil is in the minority, there must be a radical change. A government’s first priority should always be protecting its own people.

Once again the world holds its breath as an armada of military hardware heads towards Iran, led by the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln, which has over seventy fighter aircraft on board. This is the latest, and possibly final, warning from President Trump that regime change could be imminent following the slaughter of over thirty thousand protesters at the hands of Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. As usual with Trump, all goes quiet for a while before he springs into action. We wait and see what happens next.

In other news, after five hundred years, the new Archbishop of Canterbury is Dame Sarah Mullally, the first female to hold the post. She replaces Justin Welby as the 106th Archbishop. She supports samesex marriages and appears to be a more radical leader in these troubled times for the Protestant wing of Christianity.

and celebrating wildly back at the hotel. He was picked up five hours later. Meanwhile, Rhiannon died from her awful injuries three days later.

Last week this baying monster, who had been refused entry by several nations before we welcomed him in, was caged for twenty-nine years at Wolverhampton Crown Court. After fourteen nightmare months, Rhiannon’s mum, Chervonne, finally broke her silence. In a frank and emotional interview on GB News, she tried to hold back her emotions. She described Keir Starmer as having blood on his hands given the open-door policy the UK gives the likes of Majek. She went on to say asylum seekers should be turned back. She spoke of the controversial

Sir Keir, who seems to travel more than Gulliver, was in China last week. He arrived with a delegation of over sixty and paid homage to Chinese leader Xi Jinping. William Shakespeare would have been proud as it ended “much ado about nothing”. The Prime Minister hailed China stopping spare parts for asylum dinghy engines as a triumph, when on eBay alone there are tens of thousands of engines easily obtainable. He was thrown a few crumbs, such as a reduced whisky levy and some minor deals – a low price for Xi Jinping to pay, as he has all but secured his dangerous superembassy in London. China hinted that no visa would be required for stays of up to thirty days, which sent Sir Keir into raptures.

The Prime Minister was also asked about British journalist Jimmy Lai, who dared to question the communist regime and is now in his fifth year in solitary confinement in Hong Kong. Sir Keir skirted around it while hailing the trip a success. He even found time to stop off in Japan on the way home. I often wonder how he can look so Churchill-like abroad yet turn into Mr Bean back in the UK.

Lord Mandelson has quit the Labour Party as the Epstein files, now running into the millions, continue to throw up controversy, including a picture of former Prince Andrew with a twenty-six-year-old Russian woman. This whole Epstein saga will surely keep the media busy for months.

As I write, a nervy seven-day truce has broken out in Ukraine as its beleaguered people endure power cuts while temperatures plummet to minus twenty-seven. Once again Trump appears to be spreading his involvement across the world very thinly while people on the ground continue to suffer, with this wretched conflict now in its fourth year.

Back with Labour and Starmer, disgraced former deputy Angela Rayner, who he sacked over dodgy stamp duty avoidance, is gradually coming back to haunt him. She has reportedly raised a million pounds to mount a leadership challenge, described menacingly as her being “on manoeuvres”.

And finally, remember the Encyclopaedia Britannica? It has just published its latest world atlas for children and, incredibly, has removed the state of Israel and replaced it with Palestine – the woke brigade now reaching out to kids, no doubt.

Vincent Davies raises £13,682 for air ambulance charity

Independent Haverfordwest store backs lifesaving crews with year of community fundraising

A wEst wAlEs department store has raised more than thirteen thousand pounds for a lifesaving emergency service after a packed year of community fundraising.

Staff at Vincent Davies Department Store collected £13,682 for the Wales Air Ambulance Charity, after voting the organisation their Charity of the Year for 2025.

The independent retailer organised events throughout the year, including an Easter bingo, bake sales, quizzes, raffles, staff sales, Christmas jumper days and a festive wreath-making workshop. Charity jam jars placed in Café Vincent also helped gather steady donations from customers.

One of the most popular attractions was the store’s charity singing penguin trio, which drew smiles from shoppers of all ages and boosted collections.

Sarah John, Joint Managing Director at Vincent Davies, said: “Raising £13,682 for the Wales Air Ambulance Charity is something we are extremely proud of at Vincent Davies Department Store. As a director, it’s wonderful to see our community come together to support a charity that makes such a lifesaving difference.”

The air ambulance is consultantled, delivering hospital-level treatment directly at the scene of serious incidents and, when needed, transferring patients straight to the most appropriate specialist hospital. Working in partnership with the

Tom Sinclair editor@herald.email

NHS through the Emergency Medical Retrieval and Transfer Service, crews can provide advanced critical care including anaesthesia, blood transfusions and even minor surgical procedures before reaching hospital.

Operating across the whole of Wales, its teams travel the length and breadth of the country by helicopter and rapid response vehicle to reach patients quickly in both rural and urban areas.

This is not the first time the Haverfordwest store has backed the cause. In 2016, staff previously raised £5,831 when the charity was also chosen as their beneficiary.

Mike May, the charity’s West Wales Regional Fundraising Manager, said: “We are so grateful to Vincent Davies Department Store for raising an incredible amount for our charity. Throughout the year they put on a variety of different events and what a successful fundraising year it was.

“The charity needs to raise £13 million every year to keep our helicopters in the air and our rapid response vehicles on the road. By raising £13,682, the staff and customers have played an important part in saving lives across Wales.”

The store says it will announce its Charity of the Year for 2026 in the coming weeks.

New parking rules spark concern at Dew Street site

REsidEnts in Haverfordwest’s upper town say new parking rules behind the former county library on dew street risk excluding older and less tech-savvy drivers, as concerns grow over both rising permit prices and the uncertain future of the prominent community building.

The car park is owned by Ateb Group, which allowed free public use over Christmas. However, signs installed this week state that drivers must pay either by phone or online.

Campaigners say both options effectively require a smartphone or internet access, leaving some motorists without a practical way to pay.

Mike Daffern, acting secretary of the Dew Street Campaign, told The Herald: “Realistically these are the same method. Both depend on a phone. For many older people, or anyone without mobile data, that simply isn’t accessible.

“Government guidance says there should be more than one way to pay. Most car parks still offer cash or card. We feel this discriminates against some of the very people who rely most on town centre parking.”

PERMit PRicEs QuEstiOnEd

Residents also say they were previously informed that Ateb intended to mirror the charging structure used by Pembrokeshire County Council.

They expected this would reduce the cost of residential permits. Instead, several have reported being quoted figures more than four times higher than equivalent council permits, alongside what they describe as a 30 per cent rise on last year.

One nearby resident, who did not wish to be named, said: “We were told it would be in line with the council. When the price came through it was nowhere near. For some households it just isn’t affordable.”

The Herald has approached Ateb for clarification on its pricing structure and the choice of payment systems.

Building lEFt in liMBO

Beyond parking, frustration is

mounting about the long-term future of the former library itself.

Planning permission to refurbish the site was granted in 2023, but residents say little visible progress has been made. There is speculation the housing association may instead base operations in Milford Haven following the closure of Meyler House.

Campaigners argue that if the building is no longer required for offices, alternative community uses should be explored rather than allowing further deterioration

A petition signed by ninety-five locals has been submitted to Cadw requesting the structure be considered for listing.

The request is backed by Royal Commission on the Ancient and Historical Monuments of Wales and The Twentieth Century Society, both of which recognise its architectural significance as an example of late 20th-century civic design. The building also features in Simon Phipps’ book Brutal Wales / Cymru Friwtalaidd, which celebrates modernist architecture across Wales.

Mr Daffern said: “It’s part of Haverfordwest’s story. Even people who don’t love the look of it accept it’s an important public building. Leaving it empty helps no one.”

tEMPORARy ARRAngEMEnt

Public use of the car park may only ever be short-term. The 3.5-acre site, including the former library, was sold by the council for £250,000 in 2022.

A consultation held in early 2024 on potential redevelopment proposals drew criticism, with some residents describing suggested housing plans as “cut-price” and out of keeping with the conservation area surrounding the historic upper town. No formal planning application has yet been submitted.

Residents say clearer communication is needed on both the future of the land and day-to-day parking arrangements.

Mr Daffern added: “People understand the site will change one day. But while it’s open, it should be fair and accessible. All we’re asking for is common sense and proper engagement with the community.”

Murals legacy honoured at Town Hall

MRs JEAnnE lEwis and her daughter were guests of honour at a special presentation at Pembroke town Hall on tuesday to mark the 20th anniversary of the historic murals installed inside the building.

Two handcrafted benches, gifted by Pembroke Town Council, were presented in appreciation of the artwork created by Jeanne and her late husband, George Lewis, whose striking panels have become a defining feature of the Hall over the past two decades.

The murals, which vividly depict scenes from Pembroke’s past, have long drawn praise from residents and visitors alike for their scale, colour and intricate storytelling.

The Mayor of Pembroke, Gareth Jones, joined councillors and volunteers from Pembroke Museum to present Mrs Lewis with a Certificate of

Appreciation and a bouquet of flowers in recognition of the couple’s lasting artistic legacy.

Councillor Jones said the town was “extremely fortunate and deeply privileged” to house the collection.

He added: “People often walk into the Town Hall and simply stop to look.

The detail and the history captured in these murals are remarkable. They give visitors a real sense of Pembroke’s story and reflect the dedication and talent Jeanne and George brought to the project.”

Twenty years on, the artwork continues to enrich the civic building, ensuring the Lewis family’s contribution remains at the heart of the town’s heritage.

Pension fund divestment debate set for March 5

A PEtitiOn calling for Pembrokeshire’s public sector pension fund to divest from companies linked to israel will be debated by councillors next month.

The proposal has been scheduled for discussion at a meeting of Pembrokeshire County Council’s Full Council on Wednesday (Mar 5).

More than 500 people signed the e-petition, triggering a formal debate under the council’s petitions scheme.

Campaigners are asking the authority to press the Dyfed Pension Fund to withdraw investments from firms alleged to be “complicit with Israel’s genocide of Gaza”, arguing that public money should not be invested in businesses connected to conflict or alleged human rights abuses.

However, critics say foreign policy matters fall outside local government’s remit and warn that divestment could reduce investment flexibility or affect long-term returns for pension holders.

Sharon Ross, a freelance writer who contacted The Herald ahead of the debate, said councils should prioritise local services.

She said: “Local issues where councillors can make a real difference – roads, schools and healthcare – risk being pushed aside for international politics.

“Excluding an entire country from investment portfolios could reduce diversification and potentially lower returns without achieving meaningful change overseas.”

Council pension schemes operate under fiduciary duties requiring investments to act in the best financial interests of members.

The council has confirmed the item will go directly to Full Council for debate and that no officer report will accompany the discussion.

Agendas are expected to be published on the council’s website in the week before the meeting.

Tom Sinclair editor@herald.email

Cilgerran Church in Wales school petition to be heard

A PEtitiOn opposing proposed changes for a north Pembrokeshire school is to be heard by councillors later this week.

At last May’s meeting, Pembrokeshire County Council considered a report of the School Modernisation Working Group which outlined the findings of a review of education provision in the Preseli area.

A later July meeting backed a general consultation to discontinue Cilgerran Church in Wales Voluntary Controlled School, and to establish it as a 3-11 community school.

“In particular, the review considered the extent of surplus school places in the area, set against a significant decline in the pupil population,” the council in its consultation has said.

The consultation closed on January 30.

Hundreds have opposed the proposed changes, with a petition, on the council’s own website opposing the changes recently closing after gaining 391 signatures.

Any petition of more than 100 signatures triggers a debate at one of the council’s scrutiny committees,

in the case of Cilgerran that debate taking place at Pembrokeshire County Council’s February 5 schools and learning overview and scrutiny committee.

The Cilgerran e-petition, created by Louise Williams, raised concerns including the school could become part of a federation, a loss of permanent

head teacher on site, a shared head teacher would have to oversee several schools, loss of funding control and the ability to maintain the school’s current healthy and stable funding, and a loss of commitment to the church, in turn could impact on the school’s and pupils values, beliefs and cultural beliefs.

It said: “Ysgol Cilgerran VC school has strong links with the Church community in Cilgerran and we believe this will have a negative impact on the

children who attend the school, the community of Cilgerran and the links between the two.

“We are proud of our school ethos and values which are strengthened by our links with the church. The school has close and strong relationships with our Church in Wales federation governors one of which is also our safeguarding governor.

“Our Church Federation governors work closely with the school and are regular visitors to the school and the children. They provide vital support and guidance to the school and have a positive impact on the Children’s education. We believe these links will be weakened by this proposal to remove our VC status and we believe this is an un-necessary action.”

The proposals for Cilgerran are part of a wide range of potential education changes in the county.

Two petitions, opposing the potential closures of Manorbier and Ysgol Clydau schools, were recently heard at full council and a further petition opposing the potential closure of Stepaside School has recently been launched, which has generated enough support to be heard at a future council meeting.

Barclays raises mortgage rates by up to 0.15% in fresh blow to borrowers

HOMEOwnERs and buyers have been dealt another setback after Barclays became the latest high street lender to increase mortgage rates, pushing up fixed deals by as much as 0.15%.

The move follows similar rises from HSBC and Nationwide Building Society, signalling a broader shift across the market after months of gradually falling prices.

Barclays confirmed that residential purchase and remortgage products will both increase.

Among the changes, its five-year fixed remortgage deal at 60% loan-to-value (LTV) rises from 4.00% to 4.15%. The product requires a minimum £50,000 loan and allows borrowing up to £2 million.

Purchase-only deals are also affected. A five-year fixed rate at 60% LTV with an £899 fee climbs from 3.79% to 3.90%, while a two-year fixed deal increases from 3.77% to 3.85%.

Industry experts say the rises reflect growing funding costs and cooling expectations of imminent interest rate cuts.

Jonathan Alvarez Herrera, mortgage consultant at Ayla Mortgages said: “Barclays’ decision to increase mortgage rates is a clear sign that the recent downward momentum in pricing has stalled. Borrowers had been seeing improvements in recent months, but this

repricing shows lenders are reacting to higher costs and changing market expectations.

“Barclays is not acting alone. HSBC and Nationwide have already moved, which suggests this is a market-wide correction rather than an isolated decision.

“With swap rates edging higher, lenders are rebuilding margins. Markets also expect the Bank of England to remain cautious, meaning rate cuts could be slower than previously hoped.”

Mortgage brokers pointed to rising SONIA swap rates and inflation ticking up to 3.4% in December, from 3.2% the month before, as key drivers behind the increases.

The changes may frustrate buyers hoping that 2026 would bring cheaper borrowing costs, particularly first-time purchasers and households coming off fixed deals agreed during the low-rate period.

With several major lenders now moving in the same direction, brokers warn others could follow if funding costs remain elevated.

Bruce Sinclair Local Democracy Reporter

Mini golf attraction to be built on historic Saundersfoot harbour ship

PlAns for a mini-golf tourist attraction on part of a Pembrokeshire seaside village heritage family venue have been approved, with relief expressed at the proposal after a previous ‘pirate’ rum bar scheme was refused.

In an application recommended for approval at the January 28 meeting of Pembrokeshire Coast National Park’s development management committee, Lowri Silver sought permission for a change of use of the ground floor area of Saundersfoot Harbour’s Coastal Schooner to an indoor nine-hole mini golf tourist attraction.

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.

Last July, an application by Jonathan Thomas of ‘Schooner’ for a piratethemed bar at the site was refused at the national park development management committee.

That rum bar scheme had raised concerns from the community council, saying it was “considered to be at odds

with the current family venue and heritage elements”.

An officer report recommending refusal said that scheme was 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.

At that meeting, Cllr Alec Cormack, one of the local county councillors, and member of the community council, called for a more family-friendly scheme for the site.

A supporting statement accompanying the new mini golf application says: “The maritime theme will be maintained as the attraction will maintain many of the existing interpretation information and the maritime theme. The Schooner operated as an interpretation centre and high ropes offer for a year from October 2023 to October 2024.

“It has been open through the summer of 2025 on Tuesday and weekends. 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 and to offer an all-weather attraction for

local people and residents alike.”

The latest proposal was “strongly supported by Saundersfoot Community Council, particularly regarding the provision of an indoor family attraction; this was a unanimous decision,” a report for committee members recommending approval said.

It added: “The proposed works will apart from planters, be fully contained within the existing structure and provide an indoor facility for residents and visitors, which is considered to enhance the visitor economy of the area, not just through the tourist season but also outside of the peak season, with the facility being an indoor facility with scope for all year-round operation.”

At the January meeting, approval was moved by Dr Rosetta Plummer, who was seconded by Cllr Simon Hancock, Dr Plummer expressed her relief at the application before members compared with what was previously proposed.

Fellow committee member Dr Madeleine Havard said: “I’m really pleased the hard-won interpretation centre is being retained; Saundersfoot has really done a great job in promoting this site, to have a family friendly attraction indoors in Pembrokeshire that has got information about the heritage as well certainly means a great deal to people.”

The application was unanimously backed by committee members

Bruce Sinclair Local Democracy Reporter

The National Botanic Garden of Wales Antiques Fair and Vintage Market features Nostalgic vintage toys

Exciting news that the much loved national Botanic garden of wales Antiques Fair and vintage market is returning to the gardens sa328Hn on saturday 7 th and sunday 8th February with the same quality antiques, vintage and retro to be discovered at this popular fair.

The fairs uniqueness is down to its stunning setting. The wonderful array of the rare plants housed in the Glasshouse , make a perfect natural setting and backdrop, to the stands displaying in the World famous Glasshouse . The setting is both eye catching and memorable.

So fans of classic antiques and vintage should make their way to the various Garden venues – including the Great Glasshouse - for displays of Welsh art and pottery, quality jewellery and outstanding militaria collections.Step next door to Principality House which is now known as Ty Melyn and discover displays of quality Welsh textiles,a superb array of books, jewellery , silver and militaria, plus artwork and vintage delights.

The recently transformed Theatre Botanica will be exhibiting old favourites such as silverware and collection of Moorcroft, Lorna Bailey, Beswick and Doulton , art and treen plus collections of quality welsh furniture and textiles and quality jewellery.There will be folk art, stick chairs and French brocante. The Gallery room is also a welcome addition and will be show casing Welsh furniture and textiles and French brocante and some beautifully curated stands. The Apothecary will also be used as a go to venue , for some more vintage , militaria and ephemera Millennium Courtyard will be filled with a Vintage market , housing smaller marquees displaying vintage toys,clothing, retro and upcycled furniture .

Nostalgia often leads many people to seek out a cherished toy from their childhood and as a result ,vintage toys have been an area of collecting that has seen an increasingly popular market. We want that doll or teddy we use to cuddle, back in our arms or that model car that use to give us endless pleasure or the chopper bike that was green envy of the street. I have fond memories of being fascinated

by my older brother’s mechanical steam engine that would whir and puff out steam. I would stand mesmerised by the its moving parts and how it would suddenly come to life. I was lucky to recently acquire a similar steam roller manufactured by Mamod in the early 60’s . It will be taking pride of place at the fair.

This Mamod steam roller is a classic model from the renowned British manufacturer, Mamod.

Mamod steam roller engines were classic British live steam toys, powered by heating water with fuel (originally methylated spirits, later solid tablets or gel) to create steam, which drives a piston and cylinder, mimicking real steam rollers with forward/reverse motion and realistic sounds, though the company ceased production in 2024 due to rising costs and fuel regulations, making older models collectible. Key models like the SR1Aand TE1A feature metal construction, steering, and a belt-driven flywheel, requiring water and fuel under adult supervision.

Mamod was a toy manufacturer that was based in Britain that specialized in producing live steamModels.

The Mamod company was founded in Birmingham in 1937 by Geoffrey Malins. The name “Mamod” is a combination of “Malins Models.” Initially, the company manufactured stationary steam engines, which were originally sold under the ‘Hobbies’ brand.

Between the end of World War One until around 1934/35, Hobbies Ltd. were selling steam engines made by Geoffrey Bowman, along with a range of HobbiesBowman boats. When the business failed to make as much money as Bowman had hoped,he decided to branch out into other engineering interests. Hobbies needed another source of supply, and struck up an agreement with anotherengineer called Geoffrey Malins, who had a background in marine engineering, and was already supplying the company with brass propellers.

Malins had had a variety of engineering

jobs, (like Bowman) enjoyed being selfemployed, and had set up a workshop in his garden shed and started somewhat ambitiously calling his business G.M. Patents Co.

After a meeting at the 1935 British Industries Fair, Malins was commissioned to produce small engines for Hobbies broadly similar to their previous “Bowman”produced range, manufacturing the stationary steam engines SE.1, SE.2, SE.3 and SE.4, and a marine engine for fitting to boats, the ME.1.

All of the new Malins stationary engines had Meccano-style bases. Understanding that there was also a significant market for selling the engines direct rather than just through Hobbies, Malins renamed the company Malins (Engineering) Ltd. ... which was less catchy, but left the door open for other possible manufacturing projects. Subsequently, Malins introduced the brand name Mamod.

Over time, Mamod expanded its range to include models of road rollers,

traction engines, steam wagons, steam locomotives and other steam-powered road vehicles. These models were primarily intended for the toy market and were designed to be user-friendly and operate at low boiler pressures for safety, although they were not precise scale models.

In the 1960s Meccano Ltd decided that they wanted to once again offer a stationary steam engine for powering Meccano models themselves, and contracted Mamod to make their new, unimaginatively-titled Meccano Steam Engine between 1965 and 1979. Mamod also started selling an updated solid-fuelburning version, the SP 3.

Mamod engines are now fired with safe, convenient Mamod solid fuel. All are fitted with a safety valve and are supplied with a safety valve and are supplied complete with filler funnel, fuel, (except in certain export countries), burner tray and full operating instructions. Boiler and steam fittings are all made from high quality brass and copper.

Sadly the Mamod company ceased trading in2024. However there is a keen collectors market for these models and there is a site where you can even purchase spare parts . The Mamod steam engine will be one of many vintage toys on display at the fair , from Steiff bears to die cast cars, to clockwork toys and dolls.

The National Botanic Garden of Wales fair has had a reputation for showcasing Welsh areas of collecting including Welsh pottery, welsh blankets,Welsh art and furniture. Again not to disappoint , there will be an amazing display of period Welsh oak furniture . From Welsh child’s chairs,milking stools to much larger pieces including dressers and cupboards. Richard Bebb’s collection of Welsh artists is impressive and a stand not to be missed.

The weekend of antiques, is set to be a busy one .The success of the fair has

been mainly down to the diversity and quality of the antiques on display in the splendid setting of the Garden.

A well known local potter from Carmarthen will be returning to the National Botanic Garden of Wales Antiques Fair with his stunning collection. He is renowned for his colourful and beautifully glazed pottery and exhibits all over the country.Jonathan trained in Stoke-on -Trent and after graduating in 1983 received a commission to design some work for the famous and highly collected Moorcroft. After establishing his ceramic career in the Potteries, he moved down to Carmarthen in South Wales in 1996 setting up a studio near the village of Peniel. Tubelining and lustreware on a floral theme has always been a feature of Jonathan’s work but he has also been busy developing his own glazes to produce the dramatic lustre effects that are a characteristic of his work. Jonathan’s ceramics can be seen in galleries and high end shows as well as on his website. Yo will find his display in the Gallery room near the shop.

The fair also has a rich cross section of antiques and vintage on display, from jewellery,watches, buttons ,books and silver , including ephemera, militaria and vintage clothes and accessories. There will also be collections of art glass and up cycled and pre loved furniture, plus interior design pieces including French brocante. I’m sure visitors will not be disappointed with the selection on offer at this popular fair.

Nestling into the Carmarthenshire countryside ,on the outskirts of Carmarthen and just 15 minutes away from the end of the M4, it’s conveniently situated.

The fair opens at 10am and closes at 4.00pm

Admission is £12 for a weekend ticket allowing you to enjoy 2 full days at the Antiques fair , plus a further 5 days admission to the Garden. The tickets last

for 7 days which is very good value.

*You can now buy your tickets on line from the NBGW website ahead of the fair and you then will be fast tracked through the entrance.*

Dogs are now welcome over the

Antiques weekend except in the Glass House.

For more information contact Derwen Fairs 07790293367 or follow on FB,Twitter and Instagram

Cleddau at heart of major water reforms as ministers promise ‘fundamental reset’

cOMMunitiEs along the River cleddau could see tighter controls on pollution and stronger oversight of water companies after ministers unveiled what they describe as a once-in-a-generation shake-up of how wales’ water system is run.

The Welsh Government this week published a Green Paper promising cleaner rivers, tougher enforcement and a new Welsh economic regulator dedicated solely to the water sector.

Deputy First Minister Huw Irranca-Davies said it was time for a “fundamental reset” to rebuild public trust, warning that ageing infrastructure, climate pressures and growing concern about water quality meant the current system was no longer fit for purpose.

For Pembrokeshire residents, those words land close to home.

lOcAl FRustRAtiOn gROwing

From Haverfordwest down to Milford Haven, the Cleddau is both a working waterway and a natural asset, supporting wildlife, leisure users, anglers and tourism businesses.

But in recent years there have been repeated complaints about sewage overflows, murky water after heavy rain and nutrient pollution washing in from across the catchment.

Storm discharges and wastewater treatment are the responsibility of Dŵr Cymru Welsh Water, while environmental enforcement sits with national regulators. Many locals say

neither has acted quickly enough when problems arise.

Residents and river users have told The Herald they feel the estuary is “worse than it used to be”, particularly after periods of wet weather when combined sewer overflows can activate.

Concerns range from the impact on fish stocks and birds to whether the water is safe for paddleboarding, sailing and wild swimming.

wHAt

MinistERs ARE PROPOsing

The consultation sets out plans to:

• create a new Welsh regulator focused on water

• strengthen monitoring and

enforcement

• drive investment in ageing pipes and treatment works

• improve transparency and accountability

• support long-term environmental protection

Since 2022, the government says it has invested more than £56 million tackling water quality through enforcement, monitoring and naturebased solutions. A further £5 million has been earmarked next year specifically for river and coastal improvements.

Ministers say the changes should make it easier to fine or sanction poor performance and force faster upgrades where infrastructure is failing.

Any decline in water quality has knock-on effects not just for nature but for jobs and the local economy.

Campaigners argue that without tougher oversight and sustained investment, the river risks long-term damage.

cOnsultAtiOn OPEn

The Green Paper is now out for public consultation, with ministers inviting views from residents, businesses and community groups.

For many in Pembrokeshire, this may be a rare chance to push for specific improvements on their doorstep — from fewer sewage discharges to better monitoring of agricultural runoff and clearer reporting when incidents occur.

If the promised “reset” is to mean anything locally, it will be judged on one thing: whether the Cleddau actually gets cleaner.

The consultation is open on the Welsh Government website, and submissions can be made by individuals as well as organisations.

Brown froth can be seen on the banks of the Western Cleddau (Pic: Supplied)

A First Milk discharge pipe into the Western Cleddau at a spot known as Fortune’s Frolic on 16 June 2023 (Pic: Supplied)

Tom Sinclair editor@herald.email

By AlSmith

gaming

yakuza Kiwami 3 & dark ties stands as one of the most ambitious entries in the longrunning yakuza saga, melding a lovingly rebuilt classic with a fresh, bold new story that together feel greater than the sum of their parts. At its heart, Kiwami 3 is a full-blooded reimagining of yakuza 3, modernising the 2009 original with crisp visuals, expanded narrative scenes, and combat that blends the weighty brawling fans adore with fresh technical polish. walking the sun-drenched streets of Okinawa and the neon sprawl of Kamurocho never looked better, and the game’s side content—whether you’re tending to the children at Morning glory orphanage, fishing, cooking, or just indulging in the familiar array of minigames—feels both nostalgic and reborn with newfound energy. combat, too, strikes an exciting balance: Kiryu’s “dragon of dojima: Kiwami” style delivers satisfying, hardhitting blows with a legendary punch, while the Ryukyu style opens up a nimble, weaponsbased dance across the battlefield that adds texture to every encounter, and a surprising new team battle mode brings a playful and chaotic energy to the streets that helps break up the central narrative beautifully. Kiryu’s story of sacrifice and loyalty resonates throughout, buoyed by strong pacing and emotional beats that

feel richer than ever thanks to the added cutscenes and character interactions that deepen the stakes.

Then there’s Dark Ties, a revelation that transforms what could have been a straightforward remake into a two-pronged narrative experience. Playing as Yoshitaka Mine, a once-successful entrepreneur plunged into the grim heart of the underworld, gives the Yakuza universe a darker and more introspective edge. Mine’s combat is sharp and visceral, centring on stylish boxing and his explosive Dark Awakening mode that lets him unleash his ruthless side in bone-crushing combos, and the inclusion of Hell’s Arena injects fresh adrenaline into the package with its brutal rulebased fights that test your skills in chaotic, memorable ways. The contrast between Kiryu’s noble struggle to protect the things he holds dear and Mine’s desperate search for belonging underscores the thematic depth of the whole release, making Dark Ties feel less like an addon and more like a necessary companion that enriches both sides of the story.

What makes this release especially compelling is how seamlessly it blends these two perspectives into one cohesive experience. Players can jump between Kiryu’s righteous path and Mine’s descent into darkness, and the duality of their journeys highlights how far the

series has come in storytelling and design. There are flashes of genius in the way side activities, emotional sub-stories, and combat mechanics all interlock to create moments that surprise and delight, even if some players have noted the odd graphical hiccup in early builds that the developers pledged to address before launch. The cutscenes throughout both stories impress with cinematic flair, occasionally blurring the line between game and fully realised drama, and the overall production values make this feel like a celebration of two decades of Yakuza storytelling.

Even for newcomers, Kiwami 3 & Dark Ties offers an accessible entry point into the franchise: familiar beats from past games are woven into narratives that stand on their own, and the backbone of honour, conflict and family at the series’ core remains as powerful as ever. Longtime fans will no doubt revel in the love letter to this corner of the Yakuza world, while newer players are given a sprawling, emotional introduction to what makes these games special. In the end, Yakuza Kiwami 3 & Dark Ties isn’t just a remake or a spin-off; it’s a testament to how evolving gameplay, layered storytelling, and engaging characters can redefine what a remake can be, delivering both nostalgia and innovation in one unforgettable package that stands tall in the franchise’s impressive lineup.

wiTh eddie The game guru

THE Strangers: Chapter 3 looks poised to close its trilogy with a grim confidence that understands exactly why this franchise still unsettles audiences. Rather than chasing bigger set pieces or overexplaining its mythology, the film appears to double down on what has always made The Strangers effective: a suffocating sense of inevitability, cruelty without catharsis, and violence that feels disturbingly plausible. Chapter 3 leans heavily into atmosphere, favoring long stretches of silence, shadowy frames, and the unnerving feeling that danger is already present long before it announces itself. The

masked antagonists remain frightening not because of who they are, but because of how little the film wants us to know about them, reinforcing the idea that meaning and motive are luxuries the victims will never be granted.

What makes this installment feel particularly sharp is its commitment to emotional exhaustion. The characters aren’t written as horror archetypes waiting to be picked off, but as people already worn down by fear and loss, which gives even quiet moments a lingering dread.

The film’s pacing is deliberately restrained, allowing tension

to accumulate slowly, then releasing it in sudden, brutal bursts that refuse to linger for comfort. Violence is quick, ugly, and often unresolved, leaving behind the same hollow aftermath that defines the series’ bleak worldview.

As a conclusion, Chapter 3 seems less interested in tying neat bows than in reaffirming the franchise’s central thesis: sometimes there is no reason, no lesson, and no escape. If it succeeds, it won’t be because it reinvents the genre, but because it stays brutally faithful to the cold, nihilistic horror that made The Strangers so hard to shake in the first place.

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Whe

N AI sTops WAITING To B e Told

AlRigHt Butt.

You know how AI’s been behaving itself the last few years? Polite. Helpful. Like a sixth-former on work experience. You ask it something, it answers. You tell it what to do, it does it. Nice and obedient. Lovely. Well… that’s ending. Because 2026 looks like the year AI stops waiting to be told and starts taking the initiative. And that’s slightly terrifying, if I’m honest.

FROM HElPER tO wORKMAtE

Up until now, AI’s basically been a fancy calculator with manners. “Write me an email.” “Summarise this report.” “Design a poster.” Click. Done. Diolch very much. You’re still the boss. But the new stuff — what the boffins are calling “agentic AI” — doesn’t just answer questions. It plans. It reasons. It gets on with things by itself. Which is where I start reaching for another coffee. Because instead of saying:

“Write a poster for our event” you can now say: “Sort the event out.” And off it goes. Designs the graphics. Writes the posts. Books the adverts. Emails everyone. Tracks who replies. Changes the plan if it’s not working. All without you poking it every five minutes. That’s not a chatbot anymore. That’s basically Dave from the office. Only it doesn’t steal your milk.

wHy nOw tHEn?

Two big changes.

First, these models have got better at thinking in steps instead of just guessing the next word like a predictive text on steroids. Second, they can plug straight into real software — emails, spreadsheets, booking systems, websites. So they don’t just talk about the job.

They actually do the job. It’s the difference between someone saying “you should move that

sofa”… and someone grabbing the other end and lifting.

wHy tHis MAttERs in PEMBROKEsHiRE (nOt cAliFORniA)

Here’s the bit people miss. This isn’t just Silicon Valley nonsense for lads in hoodies. This could be massive for places like ours. Small teams. Tiny budgets. Everyone doing three jobs already. Imagine:

A newsroom bot drafting stories from press releases and court lists

A sales system chasing invoices so you don’t have to A B&B answering bookings at 3am A farmer getting alerts on prices and weather automatically Suddenly one person’s doing the work of three. Not because they’re superhuman. Because the computer’s doing the boring bits. For rural Wales, that’s not “innovation”. That’s survival.

tHE AwKwARd Bit (tHERE’s AlwAys OnE)

But and it’s a big but, mun when AI makes a mistake now, it’s not just a typo. If it writes one dodgy sentence, fine. If it emails 5,000 people the wrong thing or books the wrong date… you’re having a very bad Tuesday. So you still need a human in charge. Common sense. A bit of supervision. Someone to say “hang on, butt, what are you doing there?” Otherwise you’ve just hired a very fast idiot. And we’ve all worked with one of those. So what do we do? Don’t panic Don’t hand it the keys either. Treat it like an eager apprentice. Let it draft the first go. Let it handle the boring admin. Let it organise the faff. But you keep the steering wheel. The Taff take Every few years tech people shout “this changes everything”. Usually it doesn’t. This one might though.

Because the day computers stop waiting for instructions and start taking initiative… that’s when work properly shifts. Less clicking. Less paperwork. Less nonsense. More actual thinking. And if it saves me answering emails at half ten at night? Alright then.

I’m listening.

One Night in Dublin returns to the Torch with a brand-new show

new production

Tickets are already selling fast for the feel-good celebration of Irish music, which promises two hours of songs, stories and plenty of craic.

Backed by an award-winning fivepiece band, Muldoon leads audiences through a packed set of sing-along favourites including Galway Girl, Tell Me Ma, The Irish Rover, Dirty Old Town, Whiskey in the Jar, The Wild Rover and The Galway Shawl, along with many more well-loved classics.

The show recreates the atmosphere of a bustling Dublin pub, complete with fiddle, whistle, guitars, banjo, bodhrán, accordion and driving drums, transporting the audience straight into “Murphy’s Tavern” for an unforgettable night of live entertainment.

Fans can also expect hits from Irish legends including The Pogues, The Saw Doctors, The Dubliners, The Fureys, Flogging Molly and Dropkick Murphys.

One Night in Dublin comes to the Torch Theatre on Thursday, March 26 at 7:30pm.

Tickets cost £26.50. Visit the theatre website or call the Box Office on (01646) 695267 to book.

OnE nigHt in duBlin is heading back to the stage at the torch theatre with a lively

fronted by renowned irish singer danny Muldoon.

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wonder Man arrives on d isney+ as a quietly confident curveball in Marvel’s everexpanding catalogue, and the longer it unfolds, the clearer it becomes that this is a show far more interested in people than powers. c entered on s imon w illiams, a struggling actor whose career is stuck in neutral long before superhuman abilities enter the picture, the series leans into a wry, almost melancholic exploration of ambition, relevance, and selfworth, using the trappings of a superhero story as a framing device rather than the main attraction. yahya Abdul-Mateen ii delivers a performance that feels deliberately understated, allowing s imon’s insecurity, frustration, and occasional ego to surface naturally, which makes his eventual transformation feel earned rather than bombastic. t he decision to set much of the show within Hollywood itself proves inspired, as wonder Man skewers the entertainment industry with a sharp but affectionate eye, poking fun at superhero franchises, celebrity culture, and the absurdity of reinvention while still acknowledging why people chase fame in the first place.

One of the show’s greatest strengths is its relationship dynamics, particularly the unexpected pairing of Simon with Trevor Slattery. Ben

Kingsley is clearly having a blast returning to the role, but what could have easily become comic relief only is instead given surprising emotional weight, turning Trevor into a kind of eccentric mentor figure whose own brushes with fame and infamy mirror Simon’s anxieties. Their chemistry provides much of the show’s humor and heart, grounding the series even when the narrative veers into more surreal or meta territory. The writing smartly balances satire and sincerity, allowing scenes to linger on awkward conversations, failed auditions, and small personal victories, which makes the moments of action or spectacle stand out precisely because they’re used sparingly. Rather than escalating toward a traditional end-of-the-world scenario, the stakes remain personal, focusing on whether Simon can reconcile who he wants to be with who he actually is, both on and off screen.

Visually, the series avoids

the glossy excess that sometimes plagues Marvel projects, opting instead for a more restrained, almost indie sensibility that suits its themes. The pacing may feel deliberately slow to viewers expecting constant momentum, but that measured approach gives the characters room to breathe and reinforces the show’s reflective tone. While not every subplot lands with equal impact, and some episodes feel more like character studies than narrative drivers, the cumulative effect is a series that feels thoughtful, self-aware, and refreshingly unconcerned with formula. By the time the season reaches its conclusion, Wonder Man has quietly redefined what a Marvel series can look like, offering a story about identity, failure, and reinvention that happens to involve superpowers rather than being defined by them. It may not be the loudest or most action-packed entry in the MCU, but it is one of its most human, and that’s precisely what makes it resonate.

In addition to never expecting this particular person to go out of their way to do something for you, they won’t want any credit for doing it. They may even try to make their gesture anonymous. Don’t make a big deal of it, but subtly let them know you know.

VIRGO

Do more. This is a very simple call to action that might make you feel a little defensive, but you should pay attention to it. It’s not that you’re lazy, it’s that you aren’t fully aware of your capabilities right now. And the only surefire way to comprehend the limit to your abilities is to run headfirst into it. So do more today: more studying, more writing, more talking, more exercise. Balance is important, but don’t limit yourself. Keep going until you can’t go any more at all.

LIBRA

Life has you moving faster than a speeding bullet lately, hasn’t it? You’ve barely had time to catch your breath between leaping tall buildings and making quick wardrobe changes in telephone booths. The world has got to be saved sometimes, absolutely, and you’re often really the only one out there for the job. Today, though, go ahead and take a rest. There will be villains to tackle tomorrow.

SCORPIO

Put it into words. Whether it’s a new business plan, idea for a new project, or a declaration of love, you can and should verbalize it today. That might mean writing, it might mean speaking, heck, it could mean a whole multimedia presentation. The important thing is that you don’t leave this latest inspiration unsaid. Nobody can read your mind!

SAGITTARIUS

Maybe you feel like sleeping late, getting up slowly, cooking a big batch of pancakes, and doing a whole lot of nothing at all this morning. Go for it! You’ve been working really hard lately, and you’ve accomplished a whole heck of a lot. You have more than earned a morning off. Take a personal day and enjoy a leisurely breakfast.

CAPRICORN

Whether you’re a novelist, reporter, or proposal writer, you’re used to working with words. Ditto if you’re a soccer coach, teacher, or store manager. After all, without words you couldn’t verbalize your ideas, and nobody would be able to do what they’re supposed to do. Revel in your ability to make sense of the world and describe it to others. The people you’re talking to will appreciate it.

AQUARIUS

If you started something a while back, it’s

BAdGeR ANd The RIGhT To dIsAGRee

“I DO NOT agree with you, but you have the right to your opinion.”

Those, readers, are words you will seldom, if ever, find on any topic which provokes even the mildest of reactions.

And people do have the right to have an opinion. The only relevant issue is whether, in expressing an opinion, the person making it either breaks a law or encourages someone else to do so.

That is the law in virtually every Western democracy. In some, such as the United States of America, the right to speak freely is enshrined in the Constitution. The right to free speech, even in the USA, is not absolute. The same constraints apply to the commission of, or the incitement to, illegal acts by those who comment, give a speech, or post on social media.

If you think about it, that makes sense. The right to protection under the law should not, must not, extend to those who advocate for raping children or murdering others, for example. Even free speech absolutists acknowledge that there are limits to the expression of a fervently held belief in paederasty or indiscriminate killing.

Take lovable racist scamp Tommy Ten Names and his ragtag band of white supremacists and football hooligans. Salt of the earth, they are, readers: white, hard, and bad for your health. Stephen Yaxley-Whatever and his fan club have the absolute private right to hate foreigners. Within the limits of criminal law on incitement, they have the right to express those views and to support them through public protest. Ironically, Article 10 of the European Convention on Human Rights, the provision that so many want to abandon, protects their rights in a way that English Common Law and Statute Law never did. That does not mean they have - ironically - carte blanche to torch mosques, synagogues, or commit other violent acts in furtherance of their racism.

You might wish the racists would go away and keep themselves to themselves, as their ancestors’ families did. However, there is a counter proposition to consider regarding the actions of so-called “progressive” groups like Just Stop Oil and Palestine Action. Whether they are motivated by

the most altruistic of beliefs is neither here nor there. Those expressing racist opinions can be motivated, on their own terms, as acting in good faith. Breaking the law, as supporters of Just Stop Oil and Palestine Action did, attracts penalties. Just because the person who smashed a police constable in the back with a sledgehammer came from a nice family and is a well-meaning sort is not a defence at law. Similarly, criminal damage is an offence whether or not you espouse the bizarre belief that nature would approve of your actions.

Tommy the Racist and the Toytown Eco-Trots have more in common than either would like to admit. The most prominent factor uniting them is the belief that they are beyond the law because they pursue selfdefined ‘moral’ missions in which they absolutely believe (or say they believe). Badger has a small bet with himself that both sides will be offended by that connection. Good. The right to free speech is also the right to offend (and to be offended)

Within the limits of the law, the right to disagree and to express that disagreement is fundamental to a

functioning democracy. Everyone has the right to HOLD any opinion they want. Everyone has the right to disagree with anyone else (or everyone else, for that matter). However, if they have the opinion that acting upon those beliefs somehow exempts them from the legal consequences of doing so, they are mistaken.

Let’s be clear, calling for others to burn down hotels and other accommodation containing asylum seekers is a criminal act of extreme folly. So is setting off pyrotechnics and smoke bombs in a factory’s evacuation area where people are gathered.

That said, once you draw a limit on the right to exercise free thought and speech, the control of what people can think, say or write is only a question of degree. The laws constraining an individual’s right to free speech fall when they attempt to impose a belief or set of beliefs through the manipulation of language. Trying to turn the tide of language by fiat or indoctrination will never work.

Academic trends, mostly but not exclusively imported from the USA, have so infected public discourse that the fabric of language has become a

legal battleground. It cannot be the case that an individual’s right to identify as whatever they like forces someone to deny the evidence of their own eyes. It is undoubtedly polite to address people by the names and designations they prefer. Badger always makes that effort, and he encourages you to do the same. However, to dictate to women that they must share singlesex spaces with biological men in possession of male genitalia and then victimise women who object is pseudoscientific drivel.

For all the Badger cares, this newspaper’s editor could rock up to work tomorrow in a frock and declare that henceforth he wanted to be known as Cynthia. That is his right. However, if he arrived at the local swimming baths and tried to change into a bikini in the women’s changing rooms, Badger would support the women who objected to his presence. And for reasons that far transcend good taste. Tragically, in our beloved leader’s case, the latter would only encourage him.

On a more serious note, parse this, readers: a male rapes a young woman; between charge and trial, he starts taking female hormones and presenting himself as female; he is sentenced for the offence of rape. And then committed to a women’s prison. You have to be a special sort of moron to imagine that makes sense. Like Nicola Sturgeon and the SNP, for example.

The state has become adrift from the reality of the vast majority of its citizens’ lives and the language they use to navigate them. We are many months on from the decisive Supreme Court judgement in the For Women Scotland case. Yet this government has not published the statutory guidance resulting from it. The Minister for Equalities and Women, Bridget Phillipson, is too frightened of a “progressive” backlash and of offending the deeply embedded rights industry to do so.

You, readers, can agree or disagree with Badger. However, Bridget Phillipson is in the same position as PayPal Patriot Tommy and the Ruperts and Finulas, who hate Jews. Reality has intervened.

By EDITOR TOM SInCLAIR

ThE MandElson scandal shows whaT voTErs alrEady know: ThE sysTEM is riggEd

tHERE is something fundamentally broken about a country where a disgraced politician can resign from Parliament in shame one day and still wake up the next morning addressed as “lord” for life.

Only in Britain could that pass for normal.

Out here in the real world, people lose their jobs for far less. Make a mistake at work and you’re gone. Miss a few payments and the bank is on the phone. Fall foul of the law and the consequences are swift and unforgiving.

Yet inside Westminster, titles, privileges and old connections seem to act like a safety net, catching the political class every time they fall.

The case of Peter Mandelson is just the latest example.

After emails emerged linking him to Jeffrey Epstein and the sharing of sensitive government information, he stepped down from the House of

Lords and quit the Labour Party. By any normal standard, that would be the end of a public career.

But HERE’s tHE ABsuRd Bit.

Even after all that, he still keeps the title.

Still “Lord Mandelson”.

Because stripping a peerage isn’t automatic. It reportedly takes fresh legislation and direct pressure from the Prime Minister - currently Keir Starmer - to make it happen.

Think about that for a moment.

In a modern democracy, removing honours from a disgraced politician depends on personal intervention from the man at the top.

That isn’t accountability. That’s feudalism with Wi-Fi. A club, not a chamber The problem isn’t just one scandal or one man. It’s the system that allows it.

The House of Lords is supposed to scrutinise laws and hold the

business owner in Pembrokeshire struggling with rates, or a nurse waiting years for a proper pay rise.

twO sEts OF RulEs

People aren’t debating constitutional theory down the pub. They’re asking a much simpler question.

Why do they play by different rules?

Because that’s exactly how it feels. When ordinary people get things wrong, the system comes down hard. When politicians do, the establishment quietly closes ranks, issues a statement, and moves on. A resignation here. A short suspension there. Then back to business as usual.

It’s no wonder trust in politics is on the floor. You can’t lecture the public about standards while protecting your own mates at the same time.

tiME FOR sOMEtHing BEttER

government to account. Yet it is unelected, largely unaccountable and packed with former ministers, party donors, political insiders and the occasional hereditary title-holder.

If someone proposed it today, it would be laughed out of the room.

Ordinary people have to stand for election and face the voters if they want influence.

If you’re well connected, you get appointed for life.

Some peers undoubtedly work hard. But the structure sends a message that politics isn’t public service — it’s membership of a private club. And like most clubs, it looks after its own.

We regularly hear of peers earning money from consultancies, lobbying firms and outside interests while helping shape the very laws that affect the rest of us. Others barely turn up at all, yet still keep the title, the status and the access.

Try explaining that to a small

If we built Parliament today, nobody in their right mind would design an unelected second chamber filled by political favour. We’d elect it.

wE’d liMit tERMs.

We’d ban second jobs and lobbying conflicts. And if someone disgraced themselves, they’d lose the lot — title included. No special treatment. No lifetime perks. No soft landings.

Just cOnsEQuEncEs.

The Mandelson affair isn’t shocking because it’s unusual.

It’s shocking because it’s normal. And until this antique, patronagebased system is replaced with something genuinely democratic, voters will keep coming to the same conclusion. The game is rigged. Because a chamber the public never chose will never truly serve the public. In the end, it will always serve itself.

Stephen Seagull: The day the humans changed flocks

sKwARK… and you thought only birds migrated

Alright, listen up, humans.

Stephen Seagull here, reporting from me usual command post on the rusted railing by the fish dock, one foot on a bollard, the other guarding a suspicious-looking sausage roll some tourist dropped.

And while you lot think we gulls are the scavengers, let me tell you something — nobody scavenges quite like voters when they get fed up.

I’ve been watching your politics again.

Shouldn’t, really. Bad for the digestion. But it’s like a car crash outside Tesco — you can’t help gawping.

This week I read about hundreds and hundreds of you packing into a

school hall in London for the Green Party. Six hundred of you, apparently. Six hundred! For a council campaign that ain’t even happening yet.

That’s not a meeting. That’s a migration.

And don’t try telling me it’s about policy or leaders or whatever you call it. I know flock behaviour when I see it. I’ve built a career on it. The moment one trawler stops throwing fish, we’re off. Whole sky full of wings. Gone. No speeches. No loyalty. Just: “Right then, who’s feeding us next?”

tHAt’s ExActly wHAt yOu’RE dOing.

Labour used to be the big trawler. Reliable. Always scraps over the side. Now half of you are staring at an empty

deck wondering where it all went. So you’re flapping off somewhere greener.

Skwark. Literally greener.It ain’t love. It’s hunger.

From me perch down Milford Haven Docks, it looks obvious. You humans pretend it’s ideology, but it’s mostly just vibes and disappointment. Same as us. If the chips stop landing, we don’t hold a committee meeting. We relocate.

Simple.

And I can’t even blame you. Every day I hear it drifting up from the quay. Blokes moaning about bills. Young ’uns saying they’ll never afford a house. Councils sticking up fancy flats nobody local can touch. Lots of talk. Not much help. All feathers, no fish.

You start feeling peckish enough, you’ll follow anyone holding a bucket. That’s what this Green surge is. Not a revolution. Not a great awakening. Just thousands of people going: “Well, this lot haven’t fed us, let’s try that lot.”

clAssic dOcKsidE lOgic.

Mind, here’s the bit you lot forget — and take it from a bird who’s been conned by many a chip wrapper — new bait still smells like bait after a while. Every party looks shiny till it’s been rained on for a season. Give it time and you’ll be grumbling about them an’ all.

I’ve seen more political cycles than you’ve had hot dinners. Tories, Labour, Lib Dems, now Greens. Same story every time. Big promises, big crowds, lots of excitement… then eventually someone’s standing there with an empty tray going “sorry folks, nothing left”.

Then off you go again.

Another flock. Another colour. Same old squabble.

Still, I will say this: at least you’re moving.

tHAt’s nEw.

For years you just sulked. Now you’re actually turning up, knocking doors, joining things. It’s messy, noisy, chaotic… but alive. Bit like a proper gull fight over a pasty. Better than sitting still pretending everything’s fine.

sO MAyBE tHAt’s HEAltHy.

Just don’t kid yourselves it’s destiny or history or whatever grand words you use.

It’s just nature.

Same as us.

Feed the flock and they stay. Stop feeding them and — skwark — you’re talking to yourself.

Right. Enough politics. Some fella by the marina’s opened a packet of chips and he looks distracted.

Democracy can wait.

Priorities, humans.

— Stephen Seagull

British Garden Centres guide on how to love and support British wildlife during the coldest months

As temperatures drop and natural food sources become scarce, the team at the uK’s largest familyrun garden centre group, British garden centres, is calling on gardeners to help wildlife through winter, as native species face tough conditions during the coldest season. with wildlife populations under pressure from habitat loss and climate change, even small gardens can become important winter refuges, and simple changes can make a real difference to survival rates. Here, we show the small steps you can take this winter to make sure your outdoor space is a haven for garden visitors.

wHy wintER is sO HARd FOR wildliFE

During winter, three things become scarce for British wildlife: food, water, and shelter. As natural food disappears, water freezes, and traditional habitats decline, gardens play a bigger role in supporting native species.

Garden birds can lose up to 10% of their body weight overnight just staying warm, making regular food supplies vital. Hedgehog numbers have dropped by half over twenty years as they struggle to find insects. Ladybirds, bumblebees, and solitary bees need safe places to shelter until spring arrives, so these next few weeks can be a harsh time for our garden visitors.

suPPORting gARdEn BiRds

While bird feeding is rewarding, being consistent matters especially during the colder months. Once birds find a reliable food source, they depend on it throughout winter. You can support our feathered friends by offering different food types for different species, such as sunflower hearts for robins, finches, and tits, unsalted peanuts for woodpeckers and nuthatches, high-energy suet balls and fat cakes for mealworms for robins and wrens, and niger seeds for goldfinches.

Feeders should be placed at different heights, away from where cats might hide,

and cleaned regularly to stop diseases from spreading. Some birds prefer feeding on the ground, blackbirds and thrushes like food scattered on lawns or in ground feeders. Fresh water is equally important for birds need it for drinking and keeping their feathers clean. Check water dishes daily to break ice and top up supplies when needed. You can stop the water from freezing by placing a small ball in the dish or bird bath, as the movement will stop the water from freezing in cold snaps.

HEdgEHOgs

With hedgehog numbers

falling fast, there are many ways to help this beloved species through winter and help them navigate their way through the cold weeks. Hedgehogs like to roam, so by cutting 10-12cm holes at the bottom of fences to create “hedgehog highways”, they can move between gardens searching for food and mates. Put out meat-based cat or dog food, or hedgehog food, at dusk for them to graze on. Always check log piles, compost heaps, and bonfires, as hedgehogs often hibernate in these spots. Hedgehog houses tucked under shrubs or against fences provide safe hibernation sites from predators. You can also leave areas of the garden

a bit wild with piles of leaves and logs where hedgehogs can shelter safely through the coldest months.

insEcts

It’s not just birds and hedgehogs to consider in winter; you also need to think about the smaller creatures that keep gardens healthy. Ladybirds, solitary bees, hoverflies, and lacewings all need safe places to spend the cold and dark days. Hollow plant stems left standing become perfect winter homes, so resist cutting back all perennials until spring, so they provide shelter for these types of wildlife.

Industry insight helps marine cadets chart career course

studEnts training for careers at sea were given a first-hand look at life in the maritime industry after a leading shipping professional visited Pembrokeshire college to share his experience of operations on the Milford Haven waterway.

Toby Forester, from Williams Shipping, met with the College’s Enhanced Marine Engineering Pre-Cadets to explain how commercial shipping, marine services and logistics work together to keep one of the UK’s busiest energy ports moving.

Learners heard about the wide range of activity taking place daily on the estuary,

including vessel movements, specialist support craft, safety management and the coordination required to operate safely and efficiently in a working port environment.

Staff said the session gave students valuable real-world context, helping them understand how the engineering skills they develop in workshops and classrooms directly translate into careers within the maritime and energy sectors.

The visit forms part of the College’s wider effort to strengthen links between education and industry, ensuring young people are exposed to employers and career pathways while still in training.

College representatives said experiences like this help build confidence and ambition among learners considering technical roles at sea or ashore.

They thanked Williams Shipping and Mr Forester for supporting the next generation of marine engineers and helping inspire future talent in Pembrokeshire’s coastal economy.

Photo caption: Marine engineering pre-cadets at Pembrokeshire College welcomed an industry talk from Williams Shipping about operations on the Milford Haven Waterway (Pic: Supplied).

Celebrating nature recovery through Cysylltu Natur 25×25

A cElEBRAtiOn event was held on saturday, January 24 in cwm gwaun to mark the achievements of Pembrokeshire coast national Park Authority’s cysylltu natur 25×25 project, bringing together volunteers, farmers and staff involved in delivering nature restoration across north Pembrokeshire.

The landscape-scale project was funded by the Welsh Government through the Nature Networks Programme, delivered by the Heritage Fund. The Programme aims to strengthen ecological connectivity and resilience by restoring habitats

at scale.

Those attending the event heard about the wide range of conservation activity delivered through the project across the north of the National Park. This has included practical works to restore grazing to Rhos pasture to benefit marsh fritillary butterflies and southern damselflies, specialist work to conserve rare lichens, volunteer chough, dormouse and harvest mouse monitoring, safeguarding greater horseshoe bat hibernation sites, and targeted action to tackle invasive species threatening important sites.

Volunteers, farmers, land

managers and contractors played a vital role in the success of the project, contributing local knowledge, practical skills and ongoing commitment to caring for Pembrokeshire’s unique landscapes and wildlife in the long term.

Mary Chadwick, Conservation Officer for Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority, said: “Cysylltu Natur 25×25 has shown what can be achieved when farmers, volunteers and conservation specialists work together with a shared aim.

“From monitoring some of our most elusive species

to restoring and protecting habitats, the dedication of everyone involved has made a real difference for nature across the National Park.”

Although the Cysylltu Natur 25×25 project is now coming to an end, the important work it has supported will continue. Building on its successes, Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority will carry this momentum forward through the next phase of nature recovery work under NNF4 Cysylltiadau Naturiol / Naturally Connected, ensuring ongoing protection and enhancement of habitats for future generations.

EIDCymru reaches a major milestone

tHE electronic sheep, goat and deer movement system for wales, Eidcymru is marking its ten-year anniversary with major developments coming this year.

EIDCymru provides the farming

industry in Wales with a modern and robust electronic movement reporting system, which would aid a quick and effective response in any disease outbreak. It also enables keepers to report movements efficiently and

contribute to the development of modern and professional agricultural businesses. For consumers, it is a system that exists to ensure full traceability and reassurance whilst supporting Welsh Lamb’s PGI status.

Since its launch in January 2016, 2.2 million official movements which equate to 97.5 million sheep, have been reported to EIDCymru by farmers, livestock markets, collection centers and abattoirs in Wales, as well as 45,000 goats and 2,700 deer.

EIDCymru Lead Gwion Aeron said:

“In the ten years since EIDCymru was established, our team in Aberystwyth is proud to have developed and delivered an efficient and useful service to the farming industry in Wales. We have worked hard to ensure that the online platform is intuitive and accessible and provides quick access to our range of useful services. We were pleased that 80% of those who completed their inventory in December 2025 have an online EIDCymru account and actively use it.

“As we move forward, we are excited to be able to provide additional services with the introduction of cattle movement and registration reporting onto EIDCymru later this year. This will make life easier for livestock keepers in Wales who will be able to manage and register all movements in one place. We look forward to working with the industry over the coming months to ensure a smooth and seamless transition.”

FUW Breakfast Week cooks up over £21,000 for charity

tHE Farmers’ union of wales (Fuw) are celebrating another successful Farmhouse Breakfast week. the 23 breakfast events held across wales this January raised more than £21,000 for charities and local causes, including £17,000 for the wales Air Ambulance charity.

The Farmhouse Breakfast Week once again brought together FUW members, rural communities, politicians and stakeholders to enjoy a hearty breakfast, while engaging in discussions on key farming issues with FUW staff and officials, and raising funds for charitable causes.

Events were hosted across Wales, showcasing the very best of Welsh produce. Attendees enjoyed locally sourced bacon, sausages, eggs and dairy products generously donated by a range of businesses across the country. This highlights the strength and sustainability of Wales’ food and farming sector.

As part of the week, a breakfast was held at the Norwegian Church in Cardiff Bay. The event was sponsored by Samuel Kurtz MS and attended by numerous

Senedd Members and key stakeholders. Deputy First Minister and Cabinet Secretary for Climate Change and Rural Affairs, Huw Irranca-Davies MS, delivered the keynote address. The Cardiff breakfast also provided an important platform to highlight the FUW’s key manifesto demands ahead of the forthcoming Senedd election.

Reflecting on the success of the week, FUW President Ian Rickman said: “Our Farmhouse Breakfast Week continues to be a tremendous success, and I would like to thank our staff, members, volunteers and supporters who helped deliver such positive events across Wales.

“I would also like to thank the many local businesses who generously donated produce. Thanks to their support, we have raised an incredible sum, including £17,000 for the Wales Air Ambulance, a charity that provides a vital, lifesaving service to communities across Wales.

“The week is about more than fundraising - it brings people together, showcases the very best of Welsh food, and provides a valuable opportunity

February marks the start of ‘Februdairy’ – a month-long campaign that offers an opportunity to celebrate our dairy sector, the families and communities behind it, and the high-quality produce that continues to come from our farms.

This year, however, the campaign comes at a particularly challenging time. Dairy farmers across Wales are facing heightened volatility and uncertainty, driven by a sharp fall in milk prices over recent months. While production costs remain high, the value of milk at the farm gate has dropped dramatically, leaving many producers in an increasingly untenable position.

to highlight the key issues and priorities facing Welsh farming families.”

Dr Sue Barnes, Wales Air Ambulance Charity Chief Executive, said: “We are extremely grateful to the FUW and its members for once again raising a significant amount of money which will benefit not only our Charity but other important local causes too.

“This is the third Farmhouse Breakfast Week we have been fortunate to be a beneficiary of, after Farmers’ Union of Wales President Ian Rickman nominated us as his chosen Charity for 2023-26.

“This year we will mark our 25th anniversary and during that time we have supported agricultural communities across Wales and will continue to do so, not just for the here and now, but for our future generations. Our commitment and connection to rural Wales is, and always will be, incredibly strong.

“We give thanks for the invaluable contribution that the farming community makes to Welsh society, as well as the quality produce that is enjoyed here in Wales and around the world.”

between 39 and 44 pence per litre. This means that many Welsh dairy farms are currently producing milk at a significant loss, with the typical business likely losing thousands of pounds each month simply to keep operating.

These are predominantly familyrun farms that have invested heavily in new infrastructure in recent years – not only to improve efficiency and animal welfare, but also to comply with evolving regulatory requirements. Reductions in milk prices of this scale will severely impact the ability of these businesses to meet their financial commitments and make repayments as planned.

To better understand the scale of the challenge, the Farmers’ Union of Wales recently launched a consultation with our Animal Health and Dairy Committee members to capture the real-world impacts of falling dairy prices. Initial responses paint a stark picture. On average, respondents report that the price they receive for their milk has fallen from around 42 pence per litre in September 2025 to around 34.4 pence per litre by December 2025 –a drop of over 7.6 pence per litre in just three months - with the trend continuing into 2026.

While the figures and realities will vary from farm to farm, it does paint a worrying picture. A previous Kite Consulting report estimated average dairy production costs at

This situation is not sustainable. Over recent months, FUW has consistently raised these concerns with the Welsh Government, making it clear that without meaningful action to address market volatility and strengthen the position of dairy producers within the supply chain, many dairy farms in Wales may struggle to see out the coming months.

That is why FebruDairy matters more than ever. It is a chance to recognise the vital role dairy farmers play; not only as food producers, but as key employers and contributors to local economies. It is also an opportunity for consumers, retailers and policymakers alike to reflect on the true value of Welsh dairy produce and the people behind it.

TVolkswagen Passat: Professional Driver Estate Car of the Year

tHE volkswagen Passat

is the Professional driver Estate car of the year. the accolade was announced at the annual Professional driver Qsi (Quality, service, innovation) Awards evening in Brighton.

The Professional Driver Car of the Year awards are the UK’s biggest reader-judged car awards and regarded among the most rigorous in Britain’s automotive industry.

A 100-strong judging panel comprising heads of private hire firms, experienced chauffeurs and journalists joins Professional Driver readers to put more than 40 cars through their paces. Everything from driving to interior space and passenger comfort gets scrutinised in real-world conditions and scored to decide the winners in six categories.

The Volkswagen Passat’s victory in the estate car class adds to an astonishing run

of eight awards over the past 12 months from What Car?, the Caravan and Motorhome Club and the Camping and Caravanning Club. They

praised the car in particular for its space, comfort, safety and towing capabilities when handing out their awards.

Estate cars are especially

popular among private hire operators because of the luggage space they offer for jobs such as airport runs.

Mark Bursa, Editor of Professional Driver, said: “The Passat is one of the roomiest estate cars available, with very good rear legroom and space for several suitcases. Its plugin hybrid powertrain is ideal for longer journeys, and for the many private hire drivers who don’t have access to home charging.”

Professional Driver is the one of UK’s leading publications for people who earn their living from driving. Its monthly magazine and digital platforms provide extensive news and indepth analysis for the private hire, taxi and chauffeur sectors, as well as for fleet operators large and small.

See the Volkswagen. co.uk website for more details about the multi-award-winning Volkswagen Passat.

BYD SEAL U DM-i wins 2026 Private Hire Car of the Year award

Professional driver magazine has named the Byd sEAl u dM-i its Private Hire car of the year for 2026

It means that BYD takes back-to-back wins in the category, with the SEAL U DMi’s victory coming 12 months after the SEAL scooped the prize in 2025. The awards, voted for by readers of Professional Driver magazine, emphasised BYD’s appeal among private hire drivers; the SEALION 7 ranked just behind the SEAL U DM-i in second place overall, while last year’s winner, the SEAL, finished fourth.

The Professional Driver Awards are among the most rigorous in the automotive industry. There are six categories in total, and a oneday judging event is held in August with an invited audience of Professional Driver readers who test and score more than 50 cars on the day. The awards were announced at the Professional Driver Awards dinner at the Brighton Metropole Hotel on January 29, 2026.

Speaking of the SEAL U DM-i’s victory, Steve Beattie, Deputy Country Manager for BYD UK, said:

“I’d like to thank Professional Driver magazine and all of the readers and testers who named the SEAL U DM-i the Private Hire Car of the Year for 2026. The SEAL U DM-i was Britain’s best-selling PHEV in 2025, and

winning this award shows how loved it is by professionals and retail customers alike. To take the overall prize is brilliant in itself, but to take three of the top four spots overall shows just how much appeal the BYD range of New Energy Vehicles has in the private hire market.”

Professional Driver Editor Mark Bursa said:

“BYD’s impact in the market has been remarkable, and the cars are certainly hitting the spot for our readers, who are looking for an eco-friendly combination of practicality and affordability. It’s interesting that they’ve gone for a plug-in hybrid this year rather than an EV. SEAL U is ideal for longer journeys, and appeals to the many private hire drivers who don’t have access to home charging.”

The SEAL U’s Super Hybrid with DM technology combines BYD’s Xiaoyun 1.5-litre petrol engine combined with an electric motor and a battery capacity of up to 26.6kWh - enough for an electric-only range of 78 miles.

About the Professional Driver Car of the Year Awards

The Professional Driver Car of the Year Awards, now in their 15th year, are the UK’s biggest reader-judged car awards. Every shortlisted car is delivered to our venue for evaluation by more than 100 judges, comprising invited heads of leading chauffeur and private hire firms, experienced chauffeurs, as well as carefully chosen motoring editors and journalists.

This year, more than 40 vehicles were available for the

judges to test on the day, giving them a rare chance to evaluate competing products back-toback, in real-world conditions.

Cars are tested on a circular road route, taking in urban roads and dual-carriageways. Then the cars are given a full walkround - judges and examine systems such as the sat-nav as well as the vital boot space – we even provide test luggage for comparison purposes.

The judges are asked to drive as many of the cars as possible, and have to ride in the back of the cars – so they experience the cars from the customer’s point of view. Then each judge completes a twopage questionnaire, allocating points out of 10 for various features of the cars.

At the end of the day, the scores are totalled for each car and divided by the number of test drives to which that car was subjected, giving an overall average score.

“This thorough and comprehensive process means we’re as certain as we can be that we’ve got a fair resultand we know how and why the results have been achieved,” said Professional Driver editor Mark Bursa.

Professional Driver magazine, launched in 2009, is the monthly publication for the UK private hire, chauffeur and taxi industry.

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Haworth Autobody Earns 'Which? Trusted Trader' Approval

Family-run bodyshop recognised for high standards of workmanship and customer care

HAw OR t H A utOBO dy has cemented its reputation as one of the region’s most dependable vehicle repair centres after being officially accredited as a w hich? trusted trader - a distinction reserved for businesses that consistently demonstrate outstanding workmanship, transparent practices, and excellent customer service.

The family-run bodyshop, which has built a loyal customer base through years of precision repairs and a personable, customer-first approach, underwent a thorough and independent assessment before being granted the accreditation. The process examined not only technical skill and repair standards, but also business procedures, complaint resolution systems, and verified customer feedback.

Which?’s Trusted Trader scheme is widely regarded as one of the UK’s most robust consumer endorsement programmes, with successful applicants required to meet a strict code of conduct and agree to ongoing monitoring. Only a small proportion of businesses achieve the status, placing Haworth Autobody among a select group of traders nationwide

who have met the organisation’s exacting criteria.

Owner Bobby Haworth said the recognition was a proud moment for the business and its staff.

“We’ve always believed that doing the job properly, being upfront with customers, and standing by our work is the only way to operate,” he said. “To have that approach independently recognised by Which?

Haworth Autobody can expect clear communication throughout the repair process, detailed and honest estimates, and work carried out to a consistently high standard. The workshop handles a wide range of services, including accident repairs, paintwork restoration, and cosmetic bodywork, with an emphasis on quality and attention to detail.

means a great deal to us, and it gives customers extra confidence when they choose us.”

For motorists, the accreditation provides added peace of mind at a time when trust and transparency in vehicle repairs are more important than ever. Customers using

The business says the endorsement is not a finishing line but a foundation for future growth. Haworth Autobody plans to continue investing in staff training, modern equipment, and service development to ensure standards remain high as the business evolves. The team also hopes the Which? Trusted Trader approval will help strengthen relationships with both new customers and long-standing clients across the region.

With consumer confidence increasingly tied to independent verification and proven reliability, Haworth Autobody’s latest achievement marks a significant milestone, reinforcing its standing as a trusted name in local vehicle repair..

Cardiff airport investment under fire

tHE FutuRE of cardiff Airport’s long-haul ambitions has been thrown back into the spotlight after welsh ministers admitted they have not personally met Qatar Airways executives — despite the airline once operating the airport’s flagship international route and benefiting from a publicly funded marketing partnership.

The admission has prompted fresh questions over whether taxpayers are getting value for the almost £400 million of public money that has been invested in the airport since it was bought by the Welsh Government in 2013.

South Wales Central Conservative MS Andrew RT Davies said the lack of direct engagement was “unacceptable”, arguing that ministers had failed to prioritise restoring one of Wales’ most important global connections.

In written questions to Economy Minister Rebecca Evans and Transport Minister Ken Skates, he asked how many times they had met Qatar Airways since August 2024.

Both confirmed they had not held any meetings.

Ms Evans said commercial negotiations are led by the airport’s executive team and added she would “very much welcome” the route’s return when the time is right.

Mr Skates said responsibility for the airport sits outside his portfolio and declined to comment further while discussions are ongoing.

FlAgsHiP

ROutE

Qatar Airways launched daily flights between Cardiff and Doha in 2018 to considerable fanfare.

At the time, ministers described the service as “transformational”, linking Wales directly to one of the world’s biggest aviation hubs

and providing one-stop access to more than 150 destinations across Asia, Australia, Africa and the Middle East.

Business groups said the route would make Wales more attractive to inward investors and exporters, while tourism chiefs hoped it would bring higher-spending international visitors.

To promote the link, the Welsh Government entered into a twoyear marketing partnership with the airline, understood to be worth around £1 million, aimed at raising Wales’ profile overseas and encouraging travel through Cardiff.

The agreement funded joint advertising and promotional campaigns in international markets.

However, the route operated for less than two years before being suspended at the start of the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020.

While Qatar Airways has since restored flights to other UK airports including Heathrow, Manchester and Birmingham, Cardiff remains the only former UK destination where services have not resumed.

Press event celebrating two

vAluE FOR MOnEy QuEstiOns

The situation has reignited debate over whether the public investment delivered lasting benefits.

Critics say the combination of direct airport funding and marketing support should have secured a more sustainable presence from a global carrier.

They question whether the advertising partnership represented value for money if the route ultimately disappeared and has yet to return.

For some observers, the absence of Qatar has become a yardstick for judging the success of government ownership.

After more than a decade and hundreds of millions of pounds in loans and support, they argue, Wales should be seeing stronger international connectivity rather than retreat.

Supporters counter that the pandemic severely disrupted aviation worldwide and that rebuilding routes takes time, particularly for smaller regional airports.

They also note that commercial airline negotiations are typically handled by airport management rather than ministers.

PAssEngER REcOvERy

Cardiff Airport was purchased by the Welsh Government for £52m to prevent its closure and safeguard jobs.

Since then it has required repeated financial support packages to maintain operations and invest in infrastructure.

Passenger numbers remain below pre-pandemic levels, and the airport continues to compete with Bristol, which offers a far wider range of routes and attracts many Welsh travellers across the border.

Industry analysts say longhaul services such as Doha are especially important because they connect regions directly to global markets without relying on London hubs.

Without them, airports risk being seen as secondary or feeder operations.

POliticAl PREssuRE

Mr Davies said the government needed to show greater urgency.

“Senedd ministers have ploughed almost £400 million into Cardiff Airport since they bought it – yet they haven’t even bothered to meet with a major airline to re-establish a crucial international link,” he said.

“When that level of public money is involved, people expect leadership.

“Getting flights back should be a priority.”

The Welsh Government maintains it remains supportive of restoring the route and says talks with Qatar Airways are continuing through airport executives.

But for many travellers and businesses, the key question remains simple: after years of investment and promises, when will Wales once again have a direct long-haul link to the world?

Until Qatar — or another global carrier — returns, critics say, that question will continue to hang over Cardiff Airport’s future.

years of Qatar flying from Cardiff to Doha in 2019

Andrew RT Davies is asking awkward questions about spending on Cardiff Airport

Croeso awards return to celebrate Pembrokeshire’s tourism stars

tHE cElEBRAtiOn of Pembrokeshire’s tourism and hospitality sector is officially underway as the visit Pembrokeshire croeso Awards return for 2026 after a two-year break.

The prestigious awards, designed to recognise businesses that go above and beyond to deliver exceptional visitor experiences, are back with what organisers describe as “fresh energy and renewed ambition”.

This year’s ceremony will be hosted by Welsh sporting legend Colin Jackson CBE, the Olympic silver medallist and former world champion hurdler, who will act as compère for the evening.

The awards will take place on Thursday (Oct 29), bringing together leading hotels, attractions, restaurants and tourism operators from across the county for a night of celebration and recognition.

Seventeen categories are open for entry, including Best Hotel, Best Place to Eat, Accessible & Inclusive Tourism Award and Rising Star, highlighting both established operators and emerging talent within the industry.

Organisers say the event is not only about rewarding excellence, but also about developing the next generation of hospitality professionals.

At the heart of this year’s ceremony is a partnership between Pembrokeshire College and the Celtic Collection. Students will gain hands-on experience in staging a live, large-scale event, working alongside front-of-house teams and industry specialists to plan and deliver the

evening.

The collaboration aims to give young people practical skills while supporting the long-term future of the county’s tourism sector.

Emma Thornton, Chief Executive of Visit Pembrokeshire, said: “We are very excited to be launching our 2026 Croeso Awards building on our 2024 event through working in partnership with Pembrokeshire College and the Celtic Collection.

“We’ve taken the deliberate step to launch three months earlier than in previous years. By doing so we hope this will encourage more entries, making it much easier for businesses and organisations to submit entries well ahead of the busy spring and summer season.

“If you haven’t entered the Croeso Awards before, please make this the year that you do.”

Applications are now open via the

Croeso Awards pages on the Visit Pembrokeshire website and close on Monday (March 31). The shortlist will be announced on July 1.

Support sessions to help businesses complete applications will be held every Wednesday throughout February at the Bridge Innovation Centre in Pembroke Dock.

Tickets and a limited number of sponsorship opportunities are also available.

Welsh business confidence falls sharply in January

B usin E ss confidence in wales fell by twenty points in January, according to the latest Business Barometer from l loyds Bank, amid weakening optimism about both trading conditions and the wider economy.

The headline confidence figure for Wales dropped to 32%, down from 52% in December 2025. Firms’ confidence in their own trading prospects fell even more steeply,

down thirty points to 38%, while optimism about the wider economy declined by eight points to 27%.

Despite the downturn in sentiment, Welsh businesses reported stronger hiring intentions. A net balance of 44% of firms said they expect to increase staff numbers over the next twelve months, up twenty-four points on the previous month.

Looking ahead, businesses in Wales identified their main priorities for growth over the next six months as developing new products or services (43%), investing in staff training and skills (40%), and introducing new technology (33%).

The Business Barometer surveys around 1,200 businesses across the UK each month and has been running since 2002, providing early indicators of regional and national economic trends.

Across the UK as a whole, business confidence slipped by three points in January to 44%. While firms’ confidence in their own trading prospects increased by seven points to 59%, optimism about the wider economy fell sharply, down fourteen points to 28%.

London recorded the highest confidence level of any UK nation or region at 68%, followed by Northern Ireland at 66% and the West Midlands at 65%.

sE ctOR P ictu RE

Retail confidence edged up slightly in January, rising by two points to 49%. Confidence in the service sector increased by one point to 42%, marking the first rise since the summer. Construction confidence, however, fell back after a particularly strong improvement in

December.

Nathan Morgan, area director for Wales at Lloyds, said the figures reflected ongoing economic pressures but highlighted some positive signals.

“Business confidence has reduced this month, reflecting wider economic headwinds,” he said. “However, hiring intentions are up sharply, with Welsh businesses planning to invest in people at scale, showing a real commitment to growth despite the challenges.”

Hann-Ju Ho, senior economist at Lloyds Commercial Banking, said firms were entering the year with confidence in their own trading prospects, even as concerns about the broader economy persisted.

“The first rise in confidence in the services sector in seven months is encouraging, given the sector’s central role in supporting UK economic activity,” she said.

‘Parking fine or miss my appointment’ say patients pressure mounts at hospitals

PAtiEnts across west wales are describing a health service under such strain that some say they now expect to be penalised simply for trying to access care.

At Glangwili Hospital, stories of patients sleeping on chairs for days due to a lack of beds have been accompanied by growing frustration over issues that begin long before anyone reaches a ward — including parking, access, and the sheer difficulty of getting through the hospital doors.

One disabled patient said they had resigned themselves to receiving a £25 parking fine in order to attend hospital appointments.

“I now accept I will be fined,” they said. “Parking is impossible, but it’s that or miss my appointment. I am too disabled to park miles away and the disabled spaces are always full.”

Others have described spending days in A&E or side

rooms, unable to lie down, while waiting for a bed to become available. One patient admitted on New Year’s Day with pneumonia said they slept in a chair for four nights without a pillow or blanket before being moved, only to later discover they also had flu and should have been isolated sooner.

Across social media and in correspondence with the Herald, patients and families repeatedly stress that frontline NHS staff are not to blame — instead pointing to a system that they say is buckling under years of structural strain.

Glangwili, the largest hospital managed by Hywel Dda University Health Board, serves Carmarthenshire and is home to the county’s only accident and emergency department following the closure of A&E at Prince Philip Hospital. That closure, along with reductions in services elsewhere, is frequently cited by patients as a turning point.

Several people said the loss of local A&E and cottage hospitals has forced more patients into already stretched units, increasing ambulance reliance and long-distance travel — particularly difficult in a largely rural region.

Further west, uncertainty over services at Withybush Hospital continues to fuel anxiety, especially given the scale of reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete (RAAC) identified across the site.

Hywel Dda has acknowledged that almost 90% of Withybush is affected by RAAC, while Glangwili itself is the oldest acute hospital in Wales. The health board says more than £50 million has been spent on the two hospitals in recent years, largely to address critical safety and infrastructure risks rather than expand capacity.

Patients, however, question where that money is felt on the ground.

Some have criticised NHS procurement and management structures, while others point to social care as the missing piece. Repeated comments highlight the lack of care packages and closed care homes, which many believe are leaving medically fit patients unable to be discharged — effectively blocking beds and creating bottlenecks throughout the system.

“There’s nowhere for people to go,” one reader said. “Until social care is sorted, nothing will change.”

Concerns have also been raised about staff morale, with some alleging bullying cultures and burnout contributing to recruitment and retention problems. Again, blame is consistently directed upward rather than at nurses, doctors or porters.

Behind it all looms the longpromised new ‘super hospital’ for Carmarthenshire — first discussed in 2006 and formally launched in 2018. Eight years on, construction has yet to begin, and public confidence in the project is fading.

While Hywel Dda and the Welsh Government insist improvements are under way — including additional funding to expand capacity at Glangwili and improvements to patient experience — many patients say their reality feels far removed from official assurances.

For those attending appointments, sleeping in chairs, or weighing up a parking fine against missing care, the crisis is no longer abstract.

“It’s not politics,” one patient said. “It’s whether you get treated — and how.”

Nurses warn of pay and burnout crisis as new report exposes pressures in Wales

A nEw national report has laid bare the growing pressures facing nurses and midwives in wales, with concerns over pay, burnout and lack of professional development threatening the long-term future of the workforce.

The findings, published by the Nursing and Midwifery Council in its Spotlight on Nursing and Midwifery 2025 report, show that while many nurses remain deeply committed to their roles, large numbers feel undervalued, overstretched and reluctant to recommend the profession to others.

Responding to the report, Royal College of Nursing Wales said the data should act as a wake-up call for government and health boards.

Professor Sandy Harding, Associate Director of Nursing, Policy and Professional Development at RCN Wales, said:

“We welcome the determination and commitment shown by our existing nurses in Wales, with more than half surveyed saying they are satisfied with their day-to-day work and motivated by making a difference to people’s lives. However, the findings also present a stark reflection of the poor health of nursing in Wales.

“Too many nurses are not recommending the profession to others, are struggling and are facing abuse and discrimination in the workplace.”

PAy FAlling BEHind

REsPOnsiBility

One of the most pressing concerns raised in the report is pay.

Nursing leaders say salaries have failed to keep pace with the growing complexity of the job, heavier caseloads and the rising cost of living, leaving many staff feeling undervalued and financially squeezed.

For some, the pressure is forcing difficult decisions about staying in the profession or reducing hours.

RCN Wales argues that without meaningful improvements to pay, recruitment and retention will continue to suffer, placing further strain on already stretched hospital wards, community services and care settings.

tRAining And cAREER PROgREssiOn gAPs

The report also highlights inconsistent access to continuing professional development, with many nurses struggling to secure protected time or funding for further training.

According to the union, this not only limits career progression but risks undermining patient care in the long term.

Harding said: “Access to protected time and funding for continuing professional development remains inconsistent, undermining both career progression and the sustainability of the workforce.

“RCN Wales believes this is unacceptable and we will continue to

support nurses and fight for fair pay, meaningful investment in professional development and better working conditions across Wales.”

cOMMitMEnt REMAins stROng

Despite the challenges, the report does note strong dedication among nursing staff.

More than half of those surveyed said they were satisfied with their dayto-day work and remained motivated by the difference they make to patients’ lives.

Health leaders say that commitment is a strength the NHS in Wales cannot afford to lose.

With around 35,000 members in Wales, the Royal College of Nursing says it will continue pressing ministers to address what it describes as a “workforce crisis” before it deepens further.

The union is calling for fairer pay settlements, safer staffing levels and guaranteed investment in training to ensure nursing remains an attractive and sustainable career.

Mandelson quits Labour over Epstein controversy

lORd MAndlEsOn has resigned his membership of the labour Party, saying he does not want to cause “further embarrassment” following renewed controversy over his past links to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.

The former cabinet minister and one-time UK ambassador to the United States confirmed his decision in a letter to Labour’s general secretary after fresh documents released by the US Department of Justice appeared to reference him in connection with Epstein’s

finances.

The files suggest that three payments of $25,000 — totalling $75,000, about £55,000 at today’s exchange rates — were allegedly made to Peter Mandelson in 2003 and 2004.

Lord Mandelson said he had

“no record or recollection” of the transactions and believes the allegations may be false, but intends to investigate the matter himself.

In his resignation letter, he wrote that he felt “regretful and sorry” to be linked again to what he described as the “understandable furore” surrounding Epstein.

He added that stepping down from party membership was the responsible course of action while he reviewed the claims.

“I do not wish to cause further embarrassment to the Labour Party,” he said. “I have dedicated my life to the values and success of the party and believe I am acting in its best interests.”

AMBAssAdOR ROlE EndEd

Lord Mandelson had been appointed the UK’s ambassador to Washington by Prime Minister Keir Starmer in December 2024.

However, he was removed from the post last year after earlier revelations about his past friendship and contact with Epstein, including emails showing communication after the financier’s 2008 conviction.

The latest release of files has also included photographs said to show Lord Mandelson alongside an unidentified woman. He said he could not place the location or circumstances of the images.

There is no suggestion that appearing in the documents or photographs indicates criminal wrongdoing.

‘dEEP REgREt’

Earlier this weekend, Lord Mandelson reiterated his regret for ever having known Epstein and apologised “unequivocally” to the women and girls who suffered abuse.

“I want to repeat my apology to the women and girls whose voices should have been heard long before now,” he said.

Epstein died in prison in 2019 while awaiting trial on sex trafficking charges, but investigations into his network of associates continue to generate political fallout on both sides of the Atlantic.

Labour has not yet issued a detailed statement beyond confirming it had received Lord Mandelson’s resignation.

Policing powers stay with Westminster as devolution debate reignites in Wales

tHE uK gOvERnMEnt has ruled out handing control of policing and criminal justice to wales, triggering fresh political debate over whether the senedd should ever take responsibility for law and order.

South Wales Central Conservative MS Andrew RT Davies said ministers were “right” to block further devolution, warning that separating Welsh forces from England would weaken efforts to tackle organised and cross-border crime.

His comments follow an exchange in the House of Commons, where Liz Saville-Roberts pressed the Home

Secretary on transferring powers to Cardiff Bay. The Government confirmed it does not believe policing and criminal justice should be devolved.

“Must REFlEct tHE REAlity On tHE gROund”

Mr Davies said proposals from Plaid Cymru and other devolution campaigners ignore how crime and communities operate in practice.

“The Senedd must not be put in charge of policing,” he said.

“Senedd ministers have an

appalling track record on law and order. As senior police officers say, reforms must reflect the reality that many Welsh communities look east towards England far more than they do to other parts of Wales.”

Senior officers have echoed that concern.

Amanda Blackman, Chief Constable of North Wales Police, recently said her force area is “very much connected from a criminality perspective” to Merseyside and Cheshire.

“Our population move, if you like, is more east to west, west to east than it is north to south,” she said, pointing to the daily flow of commuters, shoppers and offenders across the border.

lOng-Running cOnstitutiOnAl ARguMEnt

Wales currently has four territorial forces – Dyfed-Powys, South Wales, Gwent and North Wales – but funding, legislation, prisons and the courts all remain under Westminster control.

Supporters of devolution argue this creates a “jagged” system, where services like health, housing and education are run by the Senedd but justice is not.

Plaid Cymru has repeatedly called for Wales to follow Scotland and Northern Ireland, both of which run their own justice systems.

They say decisions made in Cardiff could better reflect Welsh priorities, invest more in prevention, and link policing with mental health, youth services and social care.A Plaid source said: “Communities in Wales should not have to rely on London to decide how their streets are policed. Justice should

sit alongside the other services that deal with the causes of crime.”

cOst And cOMPlExity cOncERns

But critics warn that splitting away from England could come at a high price.

Establishing a separate legal and prison system would mean new administrative structures, courts oversight, inspection bodies and funding arrangements.

There are also practical questions around serious organised crime, counter-terrorism and specialist units that currently operate across England and Wales.

Former policing leaders have previously cautioned that criminals do not respect borders, and intelligencesharing could become more complicated if systems diverge.

For rural areas such as Mid and West Wales, including Pembrokeshire, officers often work closely with English counterparts on drugs, county lines and cross-border burglary gangs.

littlE APPEtitE FOR cHAngE –FOR nOw

With the current Government making clear it has no plans to devolve the powers, the issue appears unlikely to change in the short term.

However, with constitutional reform regularly debated ahead of future elections, policing remains a live political question.

For now, responsibility for law and order stays firmly with Westminster – but the argument over who should control Wales’ justice system looks set to continue.

Pembrokeshire MSs Meet Conservative Leader in Cardiff Bay

PEMBROKEsHiRE conservative Members of the senedd were among those meeting Opposition leader Kemi Badenoch in cardiff Bay on Friday, as political parties increase campaigning ahead of the senedd elections.

Samuel Kurtz MS, Welsh Conservatives Group Chair, welcomed Ms Badenoch alongside Darren Millar MS and Conservative colleagues during her visit to the Senedd. Discussions focused on the party’s priorities for Wales, the economy, and the future of the United Kingdom.

With fewer than 100 days to go until polling day on May 7, the Welsh

Conservatives said the visit formed part of their preparations for the election, with a focus on their “Fix Wales” campaign message.

Mr Kurtz, who is standing as a Conservative candidate for the new Ceredigion and Pembrokeshire constituency, was joined by fellow candidates Paul Davies MS, Claire George and Brian Murphy.

Following the Cardiff Bay visit, Mr Kurtz returned to Pembrokeshire to hold a public advice surgery at Lamphey Hall, where residents raised local issues and concerns despite heavy rain.

The Senedd election will take place on May 7.

W ITH ANDREW LYE

2,200 people have signed the petition on the Pembrokeshire county council (Pcc) website calling for it to create and enact a clean Rivers Policy to restore the River cleddau to good health after decades of neglect and degredation.

The petition states the Cleddau rivers and estuary are the worst (and worsening) polluted Special Area of Conservation (SAC) designated rivers in Wales; worse even than the Wye and the Usk (NRW Water Assessment Report 2024), and considerably worse than the neighbouring Towy and Teifi.

The petition has now closed. No doubt councillors will debate it in coming weeks.

However, this coincides with a report of over 800 pages from Natural Resources Wales (NRW) that last week warns that the Welsh environment has “polluted rivers, failing soils ..... and collapsing wildlife.”

NRW is required by law to publish a report every 5 years, on the state of Wales’ natural resources. It investigates detail of air and water quality, soil health, the resilience of ecosystems and people’s access to green space.

It must not be forgotten that Labour has been in Government at the Senedd since May 1999.

The Welsh Government has said it would lead efforts to “restore nature, tackle pollution and build resilience to climate change.”

All the signs are that Wales will not be led by Labour after this May’s Senedd elections. The NRW’s damning report exposes what our environment is like after 27 years of Labour in charge.

But PCC must also take its share of the blame for not doing more to highlight the

issues with the Cleddau.

In the NRW report, rivers, streams and lakes are of particular concern. There has been no improvement with the resilience of freshwater ecosystems since the 2020 report.

Salmon are expected to disappear completely from some Welsh rivers by 2030 and only 40% of water bodies in Wales are classed as being in good condition.

Semi-natural grassland continues to be lost. Pollution continues and climate change intensifies pressures on the environment.

At sea, half of species and habitats assessed in marine protected areas were in such an unfavourable condition that house building has been bought to a halt along parts of the Welsh coast.

In Pembrokeshire, house building has been brought to a near-standstill across large parts of the county, particularly impacting areas draining into the Milford Haven waterway and other marine SACs.

Approximately 75% of the county is affected since mid-2025, due to NRW’s guidance requiring strict nutrient neutrality to combat high levels of nitrogen. Developers are now required to prove that new nutrient-sensitive developments do not add to excess nitrate levels in marine SACs, as required by NRW regulations.

Over 2,000 homes across West Wales were at a standstill by early 2026, with many in Pembrokeshire. A taskforce was set up to try and unlock the deadlock.

This report should be a wakeup call to our Senedd members and our councillors and officers at County Hall, before it’s too late.

If you have any issues or comments, please contact me at andrew.lye@pembslibdems.wales

Welsh Lib Dems urge ministers to rethink rates relief for struggling pubs and cafés

tHE wElsH liBERAl dEMOcRAts have urged the welsh government to review its business rates policy, warning that scaling back support for pubs and hospitality risks further closures across towns and villages.

Party leader Jane Dodds, who represents Mid and West Wales in the Senedd Cymru, said ministers should act quickly to protect local venues after additional support for pubs and music venues was announced for England by the UK Government.

The measures announced by the Chancellor do not automatically apply in Wales, leaving uncertainty over whether similar help will be introduced here.

Hospitality businesses across Pembrokeshire and Carmarthenshire have already reported rising energy bills, higher wage costs and reduced footfall since the pandemic.

From April, current business rates relief is expected to be reduced, a move the Liberal

Democrats say could place Welsh firms at a disadvantage compared with competitors over the border.

Dodds said that pubs, cafés and restaurants form “the heart of our communities” and warned that withdrawing relief now would be “a serious mistake”.

She told the Senedd that support “cannot stop at pubs alone” and should extend to the wider hospitality sector, including restaurants and family venues that rely heavily on seasonal trade and tourism.

“When questioned, the First Minister said she needed to examine the details of the English package before committing to anything similar for Wales,” Dodds said.

“Without urgent action, we risk losing viable, well-loved businesses that communities simply cannot afford to lose.”

The party is also calling for UK-wide action, including a temporary reduction in VAT for hospitality and tourism, funded by a windfall tax on large banks.

However, Welsh

Government sources have previously argued that decisions on rates relief must be balanced against pressures on public finances, with ministers required to prioritise health, education and other frontline services within a fixed budget. They have said any additional support would need to be affordable and targeted.

Industry bodies have echoed concerns about the challenges facing the sector. Trade groups say many independent pubs and cafés continue to operate on tight margins, particularly in rural areas where they serve as community hubs as well as businesses.

Local operators say clarity is now key, with decisions on staffing, stock and opening hours often planned months in advance.

With the next financial year approaching, hospitality owners will be watching closely to see whether Wales mirrors England’s support – or leaves businesses to absorb the extra costs alone.

First Minister criticised after ‘Netflix’ comment on struggling high streets

PuBs, cafés and restaurants across wales will receive extra business rates relief — but ministers are facing criticism after comments suggesting people staying home watching netflix are partly to blame for struggling high streets.

The Welsh Government has announced a 15% business rates discount for around 4,400 hospitality businesses in 202627, backed by up to £8 million in funding.

Announcing the package, Welsh Government Finance Secretary Mark Drakeford said: “Pubs, restaurants, cafés, bars, and live music venues are at the heart of communities across Wales. We know they

are facing real pressures, from rising costs to changing consumer habits.

“This additional support will help around 4,400 businesses as they adapt to these challenges.”

The announcement came hours after Eluned Morgan suggested in Senedd discussions that changing lifestyles — including more time spent at home on streaming services — were contributing to falling footfall in town centres.

The remarks prompted political backlash.

Leader of the Welsh Liberal Democrats, Jane Dodds, said: “People are not willingly choosing Netflix over the high street. They are being forced

indoors because prices keep rising and wages are not.

“Blaming people for staying at home is an insult to business owners who are working longer hours just to survive.”

Industry groups say the problem runs deeper than consumer behaviour.

The Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA) welcomed the discount but warned it would not prevent closures.

Chris Charters, CAMRA Wales director, said: “15% off for a year is only the start. It won’t fix the unfair business rates system our pubs are being crushed by.

“Welsh publicans need a permanent solution, or doors will continue to close.”

Across Pembrokeshire, traders have repeatedly told The Herald that rising energy bills, wage pressures and rates — rather than a lack of willingness to go out — are keeping customers away.

Several town centres have seen growing numbers of empty units over the past year, with independent shops and hospitality venues reporting reduced footfall outside the main tourist season.

While ministers say the relief balances support with tight public finances, business groups are calling for wider and longer-term reform.

Further debate on rates changes is expected later this year.

BLUE VIEW with Brian Murphy

Only a few days left until the polls open on tuesday 10th February for the by-election in Fishguard north-East and the results will be known soon after the polls close.

During the campaign residents and businesses made it clear to me that the burdens placed on people by Pembrokeshire County Council through council tax are too much.

In the last 3 years a Band D property has risen by £481, which is almost 30%.

I don’t see anyone who has had a 30% increase in income over the same period. And what did we get for our money? An “instagrammable” bridge at a cost of £5.7million! is it any wonder that people are staying at home and not supporting pubs and other hospitality businesses. However, Eluned Morgan seems to think all the pubs across Wales which are closing is our fault for not using them. What I have been told is people want to use them but have no money.

It is Welsh Labour, propped up by Plaid Cymru and the Lib Dems who have controlled business rates and council taxes in Wales for 26 years. Businesses have to put up prices to pay all the extra costs that has been imposed on them, and residents need to find cash to pay their council tax. That is why people are watching Netflix at home and not going to the cinema. And this week Labour with their bed fellows Plaid Cymru voted for a 30% increase in the

minimum unit pricing for alcohol from 50p to 65p. They are destroying the hospitality industry.

It is only the Welsh Conservatives who are supporting the economy with policies to reduce council tax, scrap Welsh stamp duty, cut income tax and get rid of business rates for small businesses. This is how to get people into pubs, restaurants and cinemas, which will provide employment in towns and cities across Wales.

As a councillor I do not want any more money from you than what is absolutely necessary. And the same goes for my Conservative colleagues in the Senedd. More money is wasted on vanity projects and non-devolved matters than is received by increasing taxes. It was the Conservatives who opposed the extra 36 politicians at the cost of approximately £12million every year. And another £55million on the Nation of Sanctuary. Immigration matters are dealt with by Westminster, so why does the Labour / Plaid coalition think it is ok to spend our money on this?

I am standing as a proud Conservative who wants to give the best services to residents and business, which give value for money. I want to give people the opportunity to go to the pub, restaurant and cinema and not worry that they can’t afford it. That is why I am standing as the Conservative candidate for Fishguard North-East on Tuesday 10th February.

SEND YOUR LETTERS TO: THE EDITOR, 11 HAMILTON TERRACE, MILFORD HAVEN, PEMBROKESHIRE, SA73 3AL

EMAIL US AT: editor@herald.email

Pic Ture oF The week!

MARY’S MEALS

dEAR siR,

i joined Mary’s Meals as a volunteer in May 2025, having always wanted to support a charity but believing, as a busy third-year university student with a part-time job, that i simply didn’t have the time. then something changed.

In April, my mother told me about Mary’s Meals after hearing about the charity during Mass. She said it felt like something meant for me. Looking back, I’m so grateful she encouraged me to get involved.

I soon discovered an international school-feeding charity with a simple but powerful mission: to provide a daily meal in a place of education for children living in some of the world’s poorest communities. After reading Give by founder Magnus MacFarlane-Barrow, I felt truly called to volunteer.

Like many students, I worried that giving my time would mean falling behind. Instead, I learned the opposite. The time I give isn’t lost — it’s transformed.

Church talks help fill empty bowls. Fundraising helps children stay in school. Volunteering doesn’t just change lives overseas; it changes your own.

Helping Mary’s Meals has given me purpose. Even a few hours can make a difference. As someone who once benefited from opportunities many children can only dream of, I feel a responsibility to give something back.

eople often ask, “What do you get from volunteering?” For me, the answer is simple: everything. You meet inspiring people, gain confidence and skills, and become part of something much bigger than yourself. Most importantly, you help ensure that a child doesn’t have to learn on an empty stomach.

Student life can be exhausting — late nights, deadlines and early starts — but if we can spare just a little time for others, we can help change the future for children who need it most. Seeing photos of the smiling faces you’ve helped support is a feeling that’s hard to put into words.

If you’ve ever thought about volunteering, I encourage you to take that first step. It might just change your life too.

To find out more, visit marysmeals.org.uk.

Alessandra cavaliere

WE CAN DO BETTER

dEAR siR,

Engl A nd’s social structure has long been shaped by hierarchy. From the feudal system imposed after 1066, society was divided rigidly between monarch, aristocrat, peer, commoner and serf, with power and privilege concentrated at the top and opportunity restricted for everyone else.

Although we like to think those days are long behind us, the structure of modern Britain still bears uncomfortable similarities. In 2026, we remain governed not only by 650 elected MPs, but also by around 800–900 unelected peers and 90-plus hereditary aristocrats in the House of Lords. That is hardly the clean, fully representative democracy we claim to be.

History shows how deeply entrenched these inequalities were. Political elites once defended slavery across

the British Empire, treating human beings as property. It took the reforming spirit of the nineteenth century, led in part by Liberals, to abolish slavery in 1833 — and even then, compensation was paid to slave owners rather than the enslaved. That legacy should remind us how slowly power yields to justice. Today, wealth still exerts disproportionate influence over politics. Billionaires, corporate donors and powerful interests are able to shape policy in ways ordinary citizens cannot. When vast money combines with weak safeguards, democracy risks becoming theatre rather than reality.

If Britain is truly to call itself a democracy, we must demand better: stronger legal protections, greater accountability, and institutions that serve people rather than privilege. A society should be judged by how it treats its most vulnerable, especially children and families who depend on collective care and compassion. We can — and should — do better than a system that too often protects the powerful first.

yours faithfully, c n westerman

Mary’s Meals volunteer

Milford Haven sunset by Berty Barret

death notices

F RANCES J OAN R IDLEY

M R s Frances Joan Ridley passed away peacefully surrounded by her loving children in Australia on January 4th 2026.

A funeral service to celebrate her life will be held at St Teilo’s Roman Catholic Church, Tenby on Thursday 19th February 2026 at 10.00am.

Frances will be deeply missed by all that knew and loved her.

All further enquiries may be made to John Roberts & Son, Funeral Directors, 51, Bush Street, Pembroke Dock, Tel. 01646 683115.

D AVID J OHN H ENTON G EORGE

tHE death occurred peacefully at withybush Hospital on Monday 19th January of Mr d avid g eorge of Buttermilk l ane, Pembroke. He was 82 and will be greatly missed by all his family and many friends and colleagues.

The funeral will take place on Thursday 12th February with a service at St. John’s Church, Pembroke Dock at 2.00.pm followed by interment at Llanion Cemetery.

Family flowers only please.

All further enquiries may be made to John Roberts & Son, Funeral Directors, 51, Bush Street, Pembroke Dock, Tel. 01646 683115, who are carrying out the arrangements.

E LI z ABETH M ARY M AYHEW

Eliz ABE t H passed away peacefully at withybush Hospital on s unday 25th January, aged 83.

Elizabeth is survived by her six children, Therasa and husband Christopher, Martyn and wife Debbie, Janice, Nigel and wife Beverely, Malcolm and Phillip and his wife Rachael.Sister to Roland and wife Val. Grand Children, Ian, Janine, Christopher, Sarah, Sharon-Louise, Dylan, Natasha, Gareth, Robert, Nigel, Jenna, Nathan, Liam, Martin, Rachel, Sinead and Lisa. Also, GreatGrandmother to 16.

She will be missed greatly by all her family and friends.

The funeral service will take

place on Friday 13th February at 10.45am at Parc Gwyn Crematorium, Narberth. Following the service light refreshments will be served at the 3 Crowns in Hubberston.

Family flowers only.

All enquiries to Tom Newing & Son Ltd, Funeral Directors, Milford Haven. Telephone 01646 693180.

MR. JOHN WILLIAM JAMES JOHNSTON

P EA c EF ully at Fairfield n ursing Home on tuesday 27th January 2026, John william James, aged 73 years, of c onnacht way, Pembroke d ock and formerly of Hundleton.

Beloved son of the late Grace and Bill.

Dearly loved brother to Joyce and Jill and brother-in-law to Geoff.

Cherished Uncle and friend to many.

Funeral Service will be held on Thursday 26th Feb 2026 at Monkton Priory Church at 1.30pm prior to cremation at Parc Gwyn Crematorium, Narberth at 3.15pm.

Family flowers only, with donations in memory of John, for Parkinsons UK, which may be sent c/o E. C. Thomas

and Son, Zoar Chapel Funeral Home, Llanteg, Narberth SA67 8QH (01834) 831876 and 21 Main Street, Pembroke SA71 4JS (01646) 682680 or via www.ecthomasandson.co.uk

S IMON F ISHER H IATT

tHE death occurred peacefully at withybush Hospital on n ew year’s d ay of Mr. s imon Hiatt of Market s treet, Pembroke d ock.

He was 78 and had not enjoyed good health recently.

The funeral will take place on Friday 13th. February with a service at Parc Gwyn Crematorium at 12.15. pm where friends please meet.

Family flowers only please but if desired, donations in lieu in memory of Simon may be made to Cancer Research UK.

All further enquiries may be made to John Roberts & Son, Funeral Directors, 51, Bush Street, Pembroke Dock, Tel. 01646 683115, who are carrying out the arrangements.

J EAN H ARRIS

t he death occurred peacefully at Park House c ourt on wednesday 21st January of Mrs. Jean Harris,

formerly of Merlin’s c ross, Pembroke.

Devoted wife of the late Glyn, she was 85 and will be sadly missed by all her loving family.

The funeral will take place on Monday 16th February with a service at St. Mary’s Church, Pembroke at 2.00pm followed by cremation at Parc Gwyn Crematorium at 3.15.pm.

Family flowers only please but if desired, donations in lieu in memory of Jean may be made to The Alzheimer’s Society.

All further enquiries may be made to John Roberts & Son, Funeral Directors, 51, Bush Street, Pembroke Dock, Tel. 01646 683115, who are carrying out the arrangements.

J ENNIFER M ARGARET T HOMAS

tHE death occurred suddenly but peacefully at t he u niversity Hospital of wales, c ardiff on s aturday 17th. January of Mrs. Jennifer t homas of g atehouse view, Pembroke. s he was 62.

The funeral will take place on Tuesday 17th. February with a service at Monkton Priory Church at 11.30.am followed by cremation at Parc Gwyn Crematorium at 1.00.pm.

Family flowers only please but if desired, donations in lieu in memory of Jenny may be made to The Neuro High Care Unit and ITU at The University Hospital.

All further enquiries may be made to John Roberts & Son, Funeral Directors, 51, Bush Street, Pembroke Dock, Tel. 01646 683115, who are carrying out the arrangements.

G ARETH D AVID H UGHES

d i E d peacefully at withybush Hospital on 14th January following a long illness.

Family funeral on Friday 27th February at Parc Gwyn Crematorium, Narberth, followed by a joint interment with Anne at St Mary’s Church, Newport, at a date to be determined later this year.

Family flowers only please, but donations to British Heart Foundation or The Paul Sartori Foundation.

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TOspreys future questioned as Senedd hears fears over regional rugby cuts

cOncERns over the future of one of wales’ four professional rugby regions were raised in the senedd this week, as calls grew for greater transparency over proposals that could put the Ospreys at risk.

Speaking in the debating chamber on Tuesday (Feb 3), Sioned Williams, Plaid Cymru Member of the Senedd for South Wales West, urged the Welsh Government to press the Welsh Rugby Union to publish a full social, economic and community impact assessment before any decision is taken to reduce the number of professional teams.

The move follows reports that one region could be cut as part of ongoing restructuring talks within Welsh professional rugby, with the Ospreys widely understood to be among those most at risk.

cAlls FOR iMPAct AssEssMEnt

Addressing ministers in the Senedd Cymru, Ms Williams asked what discussions had taken place between government and the WRU about the wider consequences of such a decision.

She questioned what steps would be taken to prevent “lasting damage” to communities in Swansea, Neath Port Talbot and Bridgend, and whether

ministers would require the union to publish a detailed assessment covering social, economic and regeneration impacts.

Ms Williams told members that the issue went beyond elite sport.

“From schools to cafes, from community rugby clubs to local councils, there is a deep concern about the wider impact of removing a professional rugby team that underpins participation pathways, local pride and regional identity,” she said.

She also warned that uncertainty over the region’s future could jeopardise redevelopment plans for St Helen’s Ground in Swansea, arguing that the loss of a professional side would weaken the city’s sporting and economic profile.

gOvERnMEnt REsPOnsE

Responding on behalf of ministers, Jane Hutt said the matter ultimately rested with the WRU.

“This is a matter for the WRU, of course,” she told the chamber.

The response drew criticism from Ms Williams, who later described it as disappointing and said the Government could not “wash their hands” of the issue given public investment in professional rugby and commitments to regeneration and well-being.

While the Welsh Government has provided funding to support professional rugby in recent years, the WRU operates as an independent governing body and makes its own decisions about the structure of the regional game.

Supporters of that position argue that sporting and commercial decisions must remain with the union, particularly as Welsh rugby continues to face financial pressures, falling attendances and the need to ensure long-term sustainability.

However, critics say the potential removal of a region would have knock-on effects far beyond the pitch, affecting jobs, grassroots participation and local businesses linked to matchdays.

Commenting, Welsh Conservative Shadow Cabinet Secretary for Culture, Tourism and Sport, Gareth Davies MS, said: “If these reports are true, this is a deeply sad day for Welsh rugby. The Ospreys are Wales’ most successful professional rugby team, and by casting them aside the WRU is showing a shocking lack of ambition and a complete disregard for both Ospreys supporters and Welsh rugby fans.

“My thoughts are with the Ospreys’ players, coaches,

employees and supporters. This will be extremely distressing news, and the WRU must ensure that staff are properly supported through any transition process.

“It is embarrassing that the WRU has lacked the backbone to be open about its plans, allowing this information to be leaked to the media. The WRU already faces a monumental task in rebuilding trust with supporters, and the manner in which this decision appears to have been handled will only make that challenge even harder.”

cOMMunity cOncERns

The Ospreys have been a central part of the rugby landscape in South West Wales for more than two decades, producing international players and drawing supporters from across Swansea, Neath Port Talbot and Bridgend.

Local campaigners say any reduction in the professional footprint risks weakening youth development pathways and reducing opportunities for young players.

With talks ongoing, no formal decision has yet been announced.

But the debate in the Senedd signals that any move to cut a region is likely to face political as well as sporting scrutiny in the months ahead.

wRu AutOnOMy

Great Britain is not known as a winter sports powerhouse. With no ice tracks, a legacy defined by eddie the eagle and an average of just 13 days of snow a year, expectations have traditionally been modest.

But whisper it quietly — the next three weeks could challenge that perception.

The Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics get under way on Friday, and Team GB arrive in Italy with genuine medal credentials. The squad includes world champions, X Games gold medallists and consistent World Cup podium performers, prompting UK Sport to suggest as many as eight medals could be within reach.

Britain’s best Winter Olympic return remains five medals, achieved at both Sochi 2014 and Pyeongchang 2018. Yet confidence is notably higher this time, fuelled by sustained success across multiple disciplines and a depth of talent rarely seen before.

That optimism, however, is tempered by recent memory. At Beijing 2022, Team GB left with just two curling medals after a campaign marked by upsets and nearmisses, prompting soul-searching within the programme.

Four years on, the landscape looks different — and the results back it up.

Welsh hopes

Team GB’s bobsleigh squad features Welsh athletes who are compelling stories in their own right. Adele Nicoll, from Welshpool, makes her Olympic debut in both the monobob and two -woman

bobsleigh events for Great Britain, having risen rapidly through the ranks after first trying the sport in 2020 and winning medals on the European Cup and World Cup circuits.

Alongside Nicoll in the two -woman sled is Ashleigh Nelson, a former sprint international who switched to bobsleigh and will compete in her first Winter Olympics. Kya Placide, another young Welsh talent, completes the women’s winter squad as a travelling reserve, having competed with Nicoll in World Cup and European Cup races.

The bobsleigh programme as a whole is gaining momentum, with Team GB fielding competitive crews in both men’s and women’s events, and there’s genuine potential for strong performances in Italy.

Wales will without a doubt get behind them as they carve out their place on winter’s biggest stage — not only representing Britain but carrying the Dragon’s spirit with them on the ice.

Sport: Women’s Monobob (individual): Sunday 15 February 2026 — Heats 1 & 2 (morning) • Monday 16 February 2026 — Heats 3 & 4 (evening). These are the races where Adele Nicoll competes on her own in the monobob, making Olympic history as Team GB’s entrant.

Sport: Women’s two‑Woman Bobsleigh (with ashleigh nelson): Friday 20 February 2026 — Heats 1 & 2 (evening) • Saturday 21 February 2026 — Heats 3 & 4 (evening) Nicoll and Nelson will race together as the British two-woman crew across these sessions.

Weston

Sport: Skeleton

Key achievements: Weston is a two-time world champion and won three successive overall World Cup titles

between 2023 and 2026. He won five of seven World Cup golds this season, picking up silver behind team-mate Wyatt in the other two.

Sport: Freestyle skiing (halfpipe)

Key achievements:  The current halfpipe world champion, Atkin has achieved three podium finishes from three starts on the World Cup circuit this season, including a gold. She also won gold at the recent X Games.

Charlotte

Bankes

Sport: Snowboarding (snowboard cross)

Key achievements: Bankes was crowned world champion in 2021 and won the mixed team title two years later with British team-mate Huw Nightingale. Bankes has twice won the Crystal Globe – overall World Cup title

– and finished second in the standings in 2024 and 2025, the latter season curtailed by a broken collarbone. She won her first race since returning from injury in January.

Mia

Brookes

Sport: Snowboarding (big air, slopestyle)

Key achievements:  In 2023 Brookes became the youngest world champion in snowboarding history at the age of 16 with slopestyle gold. She has won backto-back big air Crystal Globes and won World Cup gold in December, as well as slopestyle gold and big air bronze at the recent X Games.

Kirsty Muir

Sport: Freestyle skiing (big air, slopestyle)

Key achievements: Muir is a twotime World Cup gold medallist, having won slopestyle gold in Tignes last season and the big air title in Secret Garden, China, in November. At the recent X Games in Aspen she won slopestyle gold and big air silver.

Matt

Zoe atkin

What six Nations rivals make

tHE six nations kicked off last night, and wales enter the tournament facing challenges both on and off the field.

The team has lost every match in the past two Championships and are widely tipped to claim a third successive Wooden Spoon. Their current streak stands at 11 consecutive Six Nations defeats, with the last victory coming against Italy in Rome in March 2023. At home, Wales have not won a Six Nations match since beating Scotland in February 2022.

Across all internationals, Wales have lost 21 of their last 23 matches. The 2025 season brought particularly painful home defeats, including record losses to England, Argentina, and South Africa, with the hosts humbled 73-0.

With expectations at an all-time low, we look at how Wales’ Six Nations rivals view the team as head coach Steve Tandy prepares for his first tournament in charge.

Wales open their campaign against England at Twickenham’s Allianz Stadium on Saturday, 7 February. The two sides are in markedly different

positions, with England on an 11-game winning streak, including a 68-14 triumph over Wales in Cardiff last March.

England head coach Steve Borthwick, however, insists that history will count for little on the day.

“Every single England v Wales game I have been involved in – whether playing, coaching, or watching – has been fiercely competitive and full of passion,” said Borthwick. “The intensity is enormous, and we expect nothing less this time. Wales have many talented and athletic players, so it will be a proper test.”

England hooker Jamie George described Wales under Tandy as something of an unknown tactical challenge but anticipated the familiar emotional intensity.

“We do not know exactly what to expect with a new coaching team,” said George. “What we do know is that any Wales side will bring huge pride, passion, and a physical, confrontational approach.”

Tandy spent six years as defence coach under Gregor Townsend with Scotland before returning home to take the Welsh job.

make of struggling Wales

“It is great that Steve has had the opportunity to coach his own country,” Townsend said. “We miss him, and it was an emotional moment when we told the players after the match against Samoa in November.”

Townsend believes Tandy’s influence will be positive for Wales.

“He has embraced the role with Welsh pride while working to build a new group of players,” he said. “I remember when he joined us, he was brilliant at that.”

The former colleagues will now meet as rivals when Scotland visit the Principality Stadium on 21 February. Scotland’s 2024 win in Cardiff marked their first away Six Nations victory there in 22 years.

“There are some fantastic venues in this tournament, but Cardiff always seems to give the home side an extra advantage,” Townsend added. “The supporters’ passion and the stadium’s layout make it incredibly noisy and energising.”

F RANC e VI s IT C AR d IFF AFT e R eNG l AN d TRI p

France, led by captain Antoine Dupont, crushed Wales 43-0 in the opening game of the 2025 Championship on their way to winning the title. Les Bleus arrive in Cardiff for the second round on Sunday, 15 February, following a home opener against Ireland.

“It is probably my favourite stadium outside of France,” said Dupont. “The atmosphere is incredible, and the home fans make it very loud. It is always special to play there.”

Dupont will face Wales scrum-half Tomos Williams, who has impressed for Gloucester and is Wales’ second-most capped player behind returning prop Tomas Francis.

“I have played against him several times; he is a very good player and a key man for Wales,” said Dupont. “He is performing well in the Premiership, so it will be a strong contest again.”

I R el AN d AN d I TA ly C lose WA les’ CAM pAIGN

Wales travel to Dublin for a Friday night clash with Ireland on 6 March. Ireland coach Andy Farrell had only selected two Welsh players during his tenure with the British and Irish Lions in the series win over Australia: Ospreys flanker Jac Morgan and Gloucester scrum-half Williams, the latter injured before the series began.

Wales finish the tournament against Italy in Cardiff on 14 March. The Azzurri are chasing a third successive win over Wales, having also claimed victories in Cardiff in the previous two Championships and celebrating a notable win over Australia in November 2025.

“It is true that Italy has had some good results in recent years,” said Italy coach Gonzalo Quesada. “I am aware of the crisis in Wales and the challenges within their clubs, but I also know how much pride they will bring to the Six Nations. A strong performance would help during this transition.”

Quesada highlighted the difference in facilities between Italy and the other five nations.

“Wales have incredible facilities and conditions to prepare with,” he said. “We are the only federation without our own rugby training centre. It is not an excuse, just a fact. We aim to compete against Wales as we do against every other side.”

WA les’ 2026 sI x N ATI o N s F I x T u R es

Saturday, 7 February: England v Wales, 16:40 GMT, Allianz Stadium, Twickenham

Sunday, 15 February: Wales v France, 15:10 GMT, Principality Stadium, Cardiff

Saturday, 21 February: Wales v Scotland, 16:40 GMT, Principality Stadium, Cardiff

Friday, 6 March: Ireland v Wales, 20:10 GMT, Aviva Stadium, Dublin

Saturday, 14 March: Wales v Italy, 16:40 GMT, Principality Stadium, Cardiff

Cymru in talks with Ghana over pre-World Cup friendly

cyMRu are in discussions over a possible pre-world cup friendly against ghana, one of England’s group opponents at this summer’s tournament.

The Dragons’ World Cup destiny will be decided next month, with Craig Bellamy’s side preparing for the playoffs. However, should Cymru secure qualification, plans are already being drawn up for a home send-off match in Cardiff, followed by a final warm-up fixture in the United States.

Football Association of Wales chief executive Noel Mooney confirmed that Ghana are among the nations being considered for a Cardiff City Stadium friendly, potentially featuring high-profile players such as Manchester City’s Antoine Semenyo and Tottenham’s Mohammed Kudus. Cymru would then travel to the US ahead of what would be their tournament opener against co-hosts Canada in Toronto on June 12.

“If we qualify, we’d like to have a proper send-off game at home,” Mooney told the Press Association. “We were quite annoyed we didn’t have one before the 2022 World Cup

because everything came so late in the window.

“Nothing is finalised yet, but we’ve been speaking to Ghana and that’s one we’ll probably explore further.

“We’ve signed a cooperation agreement with the Ghanaian FA recently, mainly around coaching

education. As part of that agreement, we said we’d like to play each other.

They have plenty of very good players and it would be a really interesting challenge for us.”

The FAW marked its 150th anniversary on Monday and remains the third-oldest football association in

the world. Despite that long history, Cymru have faced African opposition only once before, in a friendly against Tunisia in 1998.

Mooney acknowledged the difficulties of arranging friendlies during a pre-World Cup window, particularly with qualification still uncertain.

“Friendlies are a real conundrum in this window because whether you’re going to the World Cup or not has a huge bearing,” he said. “But one of our ideas was to play a team from Africa, with a different style of football.

“Ghana would be a really attractive summer game at Cardiff City Stadium, but it’s not done yet.”

Cymru host Bosnia and Herzegovina in a World Cup play-off semi-final in Cardiff on March 26, with the winners set to face either Italy or Northern Ireland at home five days later for a place at the finals.

Ghana have been drawn in a group alongside England, Croatia and Panama, with the Black Stars due to face Thomas Tuchel’s England side in Foxborough on June 23.

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