The Pembrokeshire Herald 06/03/2026

Man who threatened to kill police during Milford Haven stand-off avoids jail time

A MILFORD HAVEN man who threatened to kill armed police officers and set his St Peters Road home ablaze during a dramatic incident last autumn has been given a suspended prison sentence at Crown Court.

Robert Adams, represented by Mr Ian Ibrahim, had initially pleaded not guilty when he first appeared before magistrates on November 5 last year. However, he later entered guilty pleas at Crown Court to charges of making threats to kill and threatening to destroy or damage property.

The court heard that on November 3 armed officers were dispatched following a 999 call.

Police Constable Taylor told the court that when officers arrived, Adams was shouting from inside the property.

When instructed to come to the door, Adams replied: “Come in here and we will dance.” He then told officers: “Come in here and you will get killed.”

The situation escalated as Adams lit numerous candles and claimed he had filled his bath with petrol. He also told police he had tampered with gas and electricity supplies. Officers discovered he had filled sinks with white spirits and created makeshift traps using metal objects.

At one point, Adams asked officers if they were “ready to die” and shouted that he was happy to die and “happy to take officers with him”.

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

The court heard there was also a bath filled with what they thought was petrol and a toaster nearby, heightening fears of a potential explosion or fire.

In police interview, Adams prepared a statement denying the allegations, but later changed his plea.

The 46-year-old has no recent offending history, with his last conviction dating back 13 years.

In mitigation, Mr Ibrihim said the strongest factor in his client’s favour was his guilty pleas. He told the court that the offences were linked to a severe relapse of bipolar affective disorder, compounded by several days without sleep.

“There has been a marked improvement in his presentation and personality,” the court heard. Adams is now medicated and said to be stable and remorseful.

“All of this is because of a relapse in his mental health,” his counsel said. He attended school in Milford Haven and later studied at Pembrokeshire College. He has worked in a variety of roles but has been unemployed in recent years and is classed as vulnerable.

Addressing the defendant, the judge said: “Your demeanour, actions and words were erratic. Your threats were significant.

“In my judgment there was serious disruption caused to police and emergency services. You were reckless and out of control.”

Adams was sentenced to 16 months’ imprisonment for threats to kill and 12 months concurrent for

criminal damage, with a further nine months for threats to cause criminal damage. The custodial sentences were suspended for 18 months. He had spent four months in custody on remand prior to sentencing.

Nine deny Class A drugs conspiracy as case set for Crown Court trial

NINE people have denied conspiring to supply Class A drugs into Pembrokeshire following a major police investigation.

The charges relate to the alleged supply of Class A drugs between February and November 2025. The arrests were made as part of a proactive operation led by Dyfed-Powys Police’s Serious and Organised Crime Team, with warrants executed across Carmarthenshire, Pembrokeshire and areas outside the force area.

All nine defendants appeared before Swansea Crown Court, where they entered not guilty pleas.

Those charged are:

• Tommy Lee Jones, 32, of Castle Quarry, Monkton

• Ryan Hare, 27, of Heol Cae Pownd, Cefneithin

• Kalum Haines, 22, of Woodland

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

Park, Neyland

• Leon Haines, 25, of Ashdale Lane, Pembroke

• Zack Fecci, 20, of Hawkstone Road, Pembroke Dock

• Ahmed Al-Farraji, 25, of Topaz Street, Cardiff

• Usman Afsar, 40, of Woodborough Street, Bristol

• Adam Noraddin, 25, of Plas Nanthelyg, Cardiff

• Mili Davies-Blewett, 25, of land adjacent to Pen Rhos, Maesybont, Carmarthenshire

Eight of the defendants were remanded in custody. Davies-Blewett was re-granted bail. They will next appear at Swansea Crown Court on May 18.

Man sentenced after punching convicted paedophile in pub

A HAVERFORDWEST man has been sentenced after punching a convicted paedophile inside a town centre pub.

Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court heard that Michael Harries, aged 40, approached the victim inside the Wetherspoons pub in Haverfordwest in October before punching him twice in the face.

Crown Prosecutor Sian Vaughan told the court that the victim had been in the pub for around nineteen minutes before closing time when the incident occurred.

“The victim was in the pub approximately nineteen minutes before closing time and noticed a male he didn’t know shout at him and call him a paedophile,” she said.

“The defendant then used his fist to punch the victim twice to the face, causing him to fall to the ground.”

Magistrates were shown CCTV footage of the incident along with a photograph of the victim’s injuries. The victim suffered a laceration to his nose and swelling to his left eye.

He attended Withybush General

Hospital following the assault but left after being told he could face a wait of up to seven hours to see a doctor.

Police officers were called to the scene, and the court heard that Harries could be heard repeatedly shouting: “He’s a f****** paedophile. He’s a f****** nonce.”

During the arrest, a female police officer was heard telling Harries to stand still. She could also be heard shouting: “Don’t pinch me… stop pinching me.”

Harries, of Barn Street, Haverfordwest, pleaded guilty to assault by beating and to assaulting an emergency worker. He also admitted failing to attend an initial assessment appointment linked to suspected cocaine use.

Probation officer Julie Norman told magistrates that Harries did not know the victim personally but had acted after hearing information about him.

“He doesn’t personally know the

victim, but he heard some information about him which led to the assault,” she said.

Harries was represented by solicitor Tom Lloyd, who said his client deeply regretted the incident and had taken steps to change his behaviour.

“At that time he was drinking and taking drugs as a coping mechanism to deal with a number of issues, including the breakdown of a longterm relationship,” he said.

“He deeply regrets this very unpleasant incident, but since then he has taken significant steps to address his behaviour.”

Magistrates sentenced Harries to an 18-month community order.

The order requires him to complete 15 rehabilitation activity requirement days, undergo a 120-day alcohol monitoring requirement, and carry out 75 hours of unpaid work.

He was also ordered to pay £500 compensation to the victim, £150 compensation to the police officer, £170 court costs, and a £114 victim surcharge.

Tenby man due in court charged with rape and sexual assault

A TENBY man is due to appear before the court on Tuesday (Mar 3) charged with rape and sexual assault following an alleged incident last year.

Wayne Allen, aged 57, of St Julians Street, Tenby, is listed for a first hearing at 2:00pm.

He faces one count of rape,

contrary to Section 1 of the Sexual Offences Act 2003, relating to an allegation that on May 20, 2024, he intentionally penetrated a woman without her consent and without a reasonable belief that she was consenting.

Allen is also charged with sexual assault, contrary to Section 3 of the

same Act, relating to alleged sexual touching of a woman between May 19 and May 20, 2024.

Rape is an indictable-only offence, meaning the case can only be dealt with at Crown Court, so the case will be sent up.

The Herald will report the outcome after the hearing.

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

A teenage driver sentenced after pedestrian seriously injured

A TEENAGE motorist has been sentenced after causing serious injuries to a pedestrian on a zebra crossing outside McDonald’s in Haverfordwest, just three months after passing his driving test.

CCTV footage shown to Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court this week captured restaurant employee Cameron Davies walking towards the car park zebra crossing after completing an eight-hour shift on July 17. As he began to cross, a white Vauxhall Corsa driven by 17-year-old Jayden Kerrick

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

approached at speed and struck him.

In a victim impact statement read to the court, Cameron Davies described the moment his evening took a devastating turn.

“When I finished my shift at 10:00pm I left the restaurant via the front door,” he said.

“I recall walking towards the crossing. I checked to the right and left to make sure the path was clear, but as

Woman sentenced after being found ‘drooling’ in parked car

A WOMAN has been sentenced after being found “drooling” in a parked car after taking a cocktail of drugs.

Police and ambulance crews were called by a concerned member of the public who reported seeing a man and woman apparently unconscious inside a Suzuki Alto parked in Kilgetty on October 16.

“The male and female appeared to be unconscious and were drooling from their mouths,” Crown Prosecutor Sian Vaughan told Haverfordwest magistrates this week.

“The engine wasn’t running, but the member of the public was concerned that when they roused, they might attempt to drive away.

“She thought it was possible they had taken an overdose.”

When police arrived around 30 minutes later, they found the pair still slumped over in the back seat of the vehicle.

“They were still drooling and appeared unconscious,” continued

I started walking onto the crossing my next recollection was coming round in the back of an ambulance.”

Davies was taken to Withybush General Hospital where doctors treated him for a bleed on the brain after he struck his head on the car park tarmac during the collision. The impact also triggered a seizure, and he continues to receive medication as a result.

The court heard that he continues to suffer a number of ongoing symptoms, including dizziness, poor coordination and flashbacks to the moment his head struck the ground whenever he hears loud banging noises. Investigations into the full extent of his injuries are continuing.

“I’m now back at work but I’m extremely wary every time I approach any crossing,” he said.

“At the time of the incident I was learning to drive, and this was something I was looking forward to. But this has now been put on hold after being told that I’m unable to drive for 12 months as a result of the seizures.”

Jayden Kerrick, now aged 18, of Baring Gould Way, Haverfordwest, pleaded guilty to causing serious injury by careless or inconsiderate driving. He was represented in court by Alaw

Harries.

“His guilty pleas have been made without hesitation and he accepts full responsibility for what happened that night,” she told the court.

“He was just seventeen when this happened, so he was a young and inexperienced driver. He’s deeply devastated that his actions have caused injury to the complainant and he’s asked me to express his unreserved remorse.”

Harries said Kerrick had seen Davies leaving the restaurant.

“But there was a split-second error, and he realises that the consequences are real,” she said.

“He has been replaying the events in his mind ever since and has found the experience extremely distressing. This is not someone with a pattern of offending, but someone who made a serious mistake that night and who has reflected deeply upon it.”

Kerrick, who has no previous convictions, was sentenced to an 18-month community order. During that time he must complete 200 hours of unpaid work.

He was also disqualified from driving for 18 months and ordered to pay a £114 court surcharge and £85 costs.

Ms Vaughan.

“When officers spoke to Elizabeth King, it was obvious she was confused and inconsistent about the events.”

Subsequent drug tests showed that King, 32, of Meadow View, Station Road, St Clears, had several drugs in her system, including cocaine, benzoylecgonine, EME, pregabalin and norcocaine.

King pleaded guilty to being in charge of a vehicle while unfit through drugs.

Representing her in court, solicitor Tom Lloyd told magistrates that the defendant is a recovering heroin addict.

“Despite this addiction, she has managed to remain of previous good character,” he said.

“This is the first time she has appeared before the court.”

King was fined £80 and ordered to pay £85 in court costs and a £32 surcharge. Her driving licence was endorsed with ten penalty points.

Hywel Dda warns of mounting pressure as A&E departments remain packed

HYWEL DDA University

Health Board has warned that its emergency departments remain under “significant pressure,” with particular concern at Withybush Hospital.

In a statement issued on Monday (Mar 2), the Health Board said A&E departments at Withybush, Glangwili and Bronglais hospitals were continuing to experience high demand.

Patients were urged to contact NHS 111 Wales for advice if they are unsure where to seek help, and to use community pharmacies and minor injury units for non life-threatening conditions.

The Health Board said: “Help us to help you get the right care in the right place.”

It added that those with serious or life-threatening emergencies should always call 999.

DELAYED DISCHARGES IMPACTING FLOW

The statement also highlighted pressures caused by delayed discharges, urging families to support relatives who are medically fit to leave hospital but are waiting for homecare or community health support.

Bed-blocking, often linked to shortages in social care packages, is widely acknowledged as a key factor in A&E overcrowding, as patients cannot be moved from emergency departments into inpatient wards.

When wards are full, ambulance handovers slow and patients can face long waits for assessment and treatment.

Tom Sinclair editor@herald.email

WITHYBUSH UNDER PARTICULAR STRAIN

Withybush Hospital in Haverfordwest was singled out as being under “particular” pressure.

There were no signs yet that things were improving today (Tuesday).

The Health Board did not release figures for waiting times, ambulance delays, or bed occupancy rates in its statement.

However, it confirmed that demand remains high across west Wales. Alternative services highlighted

THE PUBLIC WERE REMINDED THAT:

• NHS 111 Wales can provide 24hour advice.

• Option 2 via 111 offers urgent mental health support.

• Community pharmacies can treat a range of common ailments without appointment.

• Minor injury units are available for non life-threatening issues.

The Health Board thanked residents for their support and cooperation during what it described as a challenging period.

Drug raid in Penparcau leads to two charged

POLICE have charged two people following a drugs warrant executed at a property in Penparcau, Aberystwyth.

Officers carried out the warrant under the Misuse of Drugs Act on Friday (Feb 27), as part of an operation targeting the supply of illegal substances in the area.

During a search of the address, police recovered a quantity of Class A drugs, cash and items believed to be linked to drug dealing.

Gareth Farr, aged 45, of no fixed abode, and Chloe Evans, aged 38, of Penparcau, have both been charged with possession with intent to supply Class A drugs.

The pair appeared before Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on Monday (Mar 2), where they were remanded in custody pending further

court proceedings.

Two other individuals arrested in connection with the investigation have been released on bail while enquiries continue.

PC Sturdy, from the Neighbourhood Policing and Prevention Team, said: “This warrant forms part of our continued efforts to disrupt the supply of illegal drugs in our communities. Drug-related activity causes significant harm, and we remain committed to targeting those involved.”

Police are urging anyone with information about suspected drug activity to contact Dyfed-Powys Police, or to report anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or online.

Man fined after vessel collision in Milford Haven

A NEWPORT man has been fined thousands of pounds after admitting a series of harbour safety offences following a vessel collision in Milford Haven.

Nolan Orford, aged 51, Bishton Village, Newport, appeared before Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on Thursday (Mar 5).

The court heard that the offences took place on June 4, 2025, when Orford was navigating a vessel named Andy 02 within the Milford Haven Waterway.

Prosecutors, acting on behalf of the Milford Haven Port Authority, said Orford failed to comply with directions lawfully given by the harbourmaster under the Milford Haven Conservancy Act 1983 and the Milford Haven Byelaws 1984.

The first offence related to the manner in which the vessel was navigated. The court was told that Andy 02 was manoeuvred in such a way that it caused damage, danger or inconvenience to other users of the Haven, resulting in a collision with another vessel.

Orford also admitted failing to report the collision to the harbourmaster immediately after the incident, despite being the master of the vessel and required to do so under harbour regulations.

A further offence concerned an act affecting the safety of navigation in the Haven, after Andy 02 struck a vessel that was on its moorings.

Orford had originally denied the charges but changed his pleas to guilty on February 17.

Magistrates fined him £1,125 for the first offence and a further £1,125 for the

Tom Sinclair editor@herald.email

third offence relating to the safety of navigation.

He was also fined £750 for failing to report the collision.

In addition, Orford was ordered to pay £6,000 in prosecution costs and a £1,200 surcharge to fund victim services.

The court made a collection order and allowed the total amount to be paid at a rate of £100 per month starting from April 2.

The offences were brought under Section 23 of the Milford Haven Conservancy Act 1983 and various Milford Haven Byelaws governing navigation safety within the Haven.

Speaking after the case, the Harbourmaster at the Port of Milford Haven, Mike Ryan said: “We are responsible for ensuring the safe and lawful use of the Waterway. Most users comply with the byelaws and navigational requirements, which exist to protect all who operate on or enjoy the Haven.

“We encourage anyone who is unsure of their responsibilities to consult the guidance available online. Users who do not comply with these byelaws may be subject to legal action.

“This incident is a reminder to everyone using the Waterway of their obligations: to always maintain a proper lookout, to navigate at a safe and appropriate speed, and to take early and decisive action to avoid the risk of

Neighbour nuisance case adjourned after defendant reported unwell

A HAKIN resident accused of repeatedly breaching a community protection notice has had his case adjourned after failing to attend court due to illness.

Tania Evans, of James Street, Hakin, Milford Haven, was due to appear before Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on Thursday (Mar 5).

The defendant, who was not present and is not in custody, faces six charges brought by Pembrokeshire County Council relating to alleged breaches of a community protection notice.

The court heard that the allegations relate to repeated incidents at a property in Hakin between October and December last year.

Evans is accused of failing to comply with the conditions of a community protection notice by allowing excessive noise and disruptive behaviour to occur at the address.

According to the charges, Evans allegedly failed to ensure that loud music, abusive shouting, excessive noise, or

collision.

“And, in the event of any collision or incident, users are legally required to report the matter to the Harbourmaster without delay. We will act, including pursuing prosecution when necessary, to keep everyone safe.”

The Port of Milford Haven is responsible for managing the safe use

of the Milford Haven Waterway within the defined port limits. The Milford Haven Conservancy Act 1983 and the Milford Haven Harbour Byelaws 1984 provide the legal framework for these responsibilities and give the authority power to prosecute those who endanger the safe use of the Waterway.

intimidating behaviour by himself or visitors to the property did not create an unreasonable disturbance for people living nearby.

The alleged breaches are said to have taken place on six occasions: October 28, December 3, December 9, December 23, December 25 and December 31, 2025.

In one of the later incidents, it is further alleged that Evans failed to ensure people at the property did not act in a way likely to cause harassment, alarm or distress in the neighbourhood through amplified music, shouting or intimidation.

Each charge relates to an alleged breach of a community protection notice issued under the Anti-social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014.

Community protection notices are powers used by local authorities and police to tackle persistent anti-social behaviour that has a detrimental effect on the quality of life of those in the locality.

Magistrates were told that the

Reform energy policy raises questions for Milford Haven and Celtic Freeport ambitions

PLANS outlined in Reform UK’s Welsh manifesto have sparked debate over how the party’s energy policies could affect the future of Milford Haven’s rapidly expanding role in the UK’s energy transition.

The party’s manifesto, launched on Thursday (Mar 5), includes proposals to ban new onshore wind farms and largescale solar developments in Wales — a stance which has drawn criticism from the renewable energy industry.

RenewableUK Cymru warned that such policies could undermine investment in the country’s growing clean energy sector, potentially affecting thousands of jobs and billions of pounds of planned investment.

FREEPORT AND FLOATING WIND AMBITIONS

The issue is particularly relevant for Pembrokeshire, where Milford Haven sits at the heart of the Celtic Freeport, a major economic initiative designed to transform the area into a hub for green energy and advanced manufacturing.

Central to those plans is the development of floating offshore wind farms in the Celtic Sea, with ports such as Milford Haven expected to play a key role in assembling, servicing and

supporting large turbine installations.

Industry leaders believe the Celtic Sea wind projects could bring tens of billions of pounds of investment into Wales over the coming decades, alongside thousands of jobs in engineering, manufacturing and port services.

Supporters say the Freeport could position Pembrokeshire as one of the UK’s most important centres for the renewable energy supply chain.

RENEWABLE INDUSTRY RESPONSE

Responding to Reform’s manifesto, RenewableUK Cymru director Jess Hooper said restricting renewable energy projects would be a mistake at a time when Wales has major opportunities in the sector.

She said: “Homegrown renewable energy has been a shield, not a burden. Investing in a renewable energy system is a sensible and pragmatic choice for billpayers.

“The manifesto commitment to ban new onshore wind and solar would only lead to higher bills, weaker energy security, and Wales would miss out on the huge opportunity to secure new jobs and investment.”

The organisation estimates that Wales could secure £10bn of business investment and create around 8,000 jobs through renewable energy projects if development continues at scale.

OFFSHORE WIND NOT DIRECTLY TARGETED

However, Reform’s manifesto does not propose banning offshore wind developments, which form the core of the

Celtic Sea plans.

Floating wind projects are widely expected to be developed far out to sea, using specialised turbines anchored to floating platforms.

As a result, analysts say the Freeport strategy centred on offshore wind could still move forward even if onshore wind and solar projects were restricted.

ENERGY DEBATE INTENSIFIES

Reform argues its policies are designed to protect rural landscapes and reduce energy costs by shifting the focus away from what it describes as “subsidyheavy” renewable schemes.

The party says Wales should prioritise reliable and affordable energy sources while ensuring the country benefits economically from its natural resources.

But critics say limiting renewable development could weaken investor confidence and slow the growth of Wales’ emerging clean energy sector.

Pembrokeshire at the centre of the debate

With Milford Haven already home to the UK’s largest LNG terminals and now positioning itself as a centre for offshore wind development, Pembrokeshire finds itself at the centre of a growing political debate about the future of Wales’ energy system.

As the Senedd election campaign gathers pace ahead of polling day on Thursday (May 7), the question of how Wales balances energy security, environmental policy and economic growth is likely to remain a key issue — particularly in communities like Milford Haven where the stakes are especially high.

Tom Sinclair editor@herald.email

War stops Qatar gas: Milford Haven LNG supplies disrupted

ENERGY bills in the UK could rise sharply after Qatar halted liquefied natural gas (LNG) production following military strikes linked to the escalating Iran conflict — a move that has sent shockwaves through global markets and carries direct implications for gas supplies connected to Milford Haven. Qatar is responsible for around a fifth of global LNG production. Its sudden shutdown has already driven wholesale gas prices higher, raising the risk that British households could once again face spiralling energy costs if disruption continues.

Tom Sinclair editor@herald.email

Although there is currently no indication of an immediate physical shortage, analysts warn that price volatility could intensify rapidly if production remains offline.

MILFORD HAVEN LINK

Milford Haven is one of Britain’s most critical gas gateways. The port houses two LNG import terminals feeding directly

into the national grid.

The larger South Hook terminal was originally developed to receive Qatari gas and is majority owned by QatarEnergy. The second facility, Dragon LNG, is jointly owned by Shell and Vitol and imports cargoes from a range of global suppliers, including the United States.

While South Hook now receives LNG from multiple sources and global trading “swap” arrangements mean Qatari gas is often redirected to Asia while alternative supplies are sent to Europe, experts say a halt in Qatari production tightens the entire global system.

When one of the world’s largest exporters stops producing, fewer cargoes are available worldwide. That increases competition between buyers and pushes prices up — regardless of where individual ships originate.

WHY BILLS COULD RISE

In a high-price global market, LNG cargoes flow to whichever region is willing to pay the most.

Companies such as Shell and Vitol operate internationally and can redirect shipments to higher-priced destinations rather than bringing them into the UK. Owning import infrastructure provides flexibility, but it does not guarantee that Britain receives priority supply.

If global prices spike, the UK must compete with Europe and Asia to secure cargoes — a dynamic seen during the Ukraine energy crisis, when European nations were forced to bid aggressively to avoid shortages.

Britain’s relatively low gas storage capacity makes it particularly sensitive to global price swings.

RISK OF DEEPER SUPPLY SHOCK

Experts speaking to The Herald this evening said that if disruption continues for as long as a week, Qatar may be forced to shut down its liquefaction “trains” — the vast industrial processing units that super-cool natural gas into liquid form for export.

LNG facilities can only continue operating while storage tanks and shipping capacity remain available. If exports stay blocked and storage fills, production must be cut or halted altogether.

Industry sources warn that shutting trains is technically complex and cannot be reversed quickly. Any prolonged closure would significantly reduce global supply and drive prices higher. The moment the trains shut, analysts say the situation shifts from a temporary disruption to a full-scale energy market shock.

ENERGY SECURITY UNDER SCRUTINY

Although the UK continues to receive gas from domestic North Sea production, Norwegian pipelines and other LNG exporters, Qatar’s shutdown represents a major removal of volume from the global market.

The longer the disruption continues, the greater the likelihood that wholesale costs will feed through into household bills — particularly ahead of the winter heating season.

For Pembrokeshire, the situation underlines the global importance of Milford Haven’s energy infrastructure — and how geopolitical conflict thousands of miles away can directly influence local industry and national energy costs.

Future of school destroyed by fire hangs in the balance

THE CLOCK is ticking on the future of Manorbier Church in Wales VC School as Pembrokeshire County Council debates a decision that could lead to the school’s permanent closure.

Dozens of parents, residents and campaigners gathered outside County Hall in Haverfordwest ahead of today’s meeting (Thursday, March 5), in a lastditch effort to halt the proposed closure. Their placards read “Save our school” and “Rural schools matter”.

Inside, councillors sat debating the school’s future, which has served the community of Manorbier since January, 1877.

The council report outlines the results of a statutory consultation on a proposal to discontinue the school altogether. Councillors must now decide whether to proceed with the closure process, abandon the proposal, or significantly change the plan and consult again.

FIRE AND TEMPORARY CLASSROOMS

Manorbier School has been operating from Jameston Community Hall since the fire destroyed large parts of the original building in October, 2022.

The historic school building was already considered to be in poor condition before the blaze, according to the council report. Ownership of the building lies with the St Davids Diocesan Board of Finance.

Council officers argue that closing the school could represent better value for money, noting that nearby schools have spare capacity and that maintaining or rebuilding the facility may not be financially viable.

If councillors authorise the next stage, the Director of Education will publish a statutory notice proposing the discontinuation of the school, triggering a further 28-day objection period before

sarah.jane.absalom@herald.email

a final decision is made.

STRONG OPPOSITION FROM COMMUNITY

The consultation process revealed overwhelming opposition to the closure proposal.

A total of 252 responses were submitted, with more than ninety per cent opposing the plan to discontinue the school. A petition has also been submitted, signed by more than 1,500 people.

Many respondents described Manorbier as a small, nurturing school particularly suited to pupils who need additional support. Others warned that closure would damage the community and reduce the attractiveness of the

area for young families.

Campaigners have also questioned the council’s financial arguments and believe insurance money from the fire should be used to rebuild the school.

Concerns were also raised about transport, with parents warning that narrow roads and longer journeys to alternative schools could create safety issues and undermine efforts to encourage sustainable travel.

However, a smaller number of respondents supported the proposal, arguing that pupils could benefit from larger schools with broader extracurricular opportunities and wider friendship groups.

JOBS ALSO AT RISK

If the closure eventually goes ahead, staff positions at the school could be at risk of redundancy, although the council

says efforts would be made to redeploy employees wherever possible.

Council officers maintain that discontinuing the school would provide a more sustainable model for education provision in the area, taking into account the condition of the buildings, available school places and overall value for money.

For parents protesting outside County Hall, however, the issue is about far more than finances.

They say losing the school would mean the loss of a vital community asset and could change the character of the village for generations to come.

The council is expected to decide whether to proceed with the statutory notice in the coming weeks. If it does, the final decision on the future of Manorbier School will return to councillors later this year after the objection period has concluded.

Police investigating nightclub assault in Saundersfoot

POLICE are appealing for information following a serious assault at a nightclub in Saundersfoot which left two people with significant facial injuries.

Officers from Dyfed-Powys Police are investigating reports of grievous bodily harm and actual bodily harm at Sands Nightclub. The incident is believed to have taken place in the early hours of Sunday, February 8, 2026.

Two people suffered serious facial injuries during the incident.

Police say several lines of enquiry have already been carried out and officers are now keen to identify and speak with the individuals pictured,

as they may have information that could assist the investigation.

Anyone who recognises the people shown, or believes they may be one of the individuals, is asked to contact police.

Information can be provided online at: https://www.dyfed-powys. police.uk/contact/af/contact-us-beta/ contact-us/

Alternatively, email 101@dyfedpowys.police.uk or call 101.

Information can also be passed anonymously to Crimestoppers by calling 0800 555111 or visiting crimestoppers-uk.org.

Quote reference: 26000106343.

Sarah Jane Absalom

Drink-driver caught after leaving pub in Scleddau

A COURT has heard how a 21-year-old motorist drove a short distance to his home after drinking Guinness at his local pub.

Calls were made to police shortly after 10:00pm on February 10 reporting that Keelan Evans had been seen leaving the pub, revving the engine of his Ford Fiesta and driving along the A40 at Scleddau at excessive speed.

“The caller also informed officers that Evans had been seen drinking Guinness throughout the evening,” Crown Prosecutor Sian Vaughan told Haverfordwest magistrates this week.

When officers arrived, they carried out a roadside breath test which proved positive. Further breathalyser tests showed Evans had 40 micrograms of alcohol in 100 millilitres of breath, exceeding the legal limit of 35.

Evans, 21, of Cefn Coed, Dwrbach, Fishguard, pleaded guilty to drink-

driving. He was represented in court by solicitor Fenn Richards.

“The defendant had been at work, he went to the pub which was a fiveminute drive from where he lives, and he made the foolish decision to drive home,” said Ms Richards.

“He had drunk only a small amount of alcohol which is reflected in the low reading, and he’s absolutely devastated to be here today.”

Ms Richards added that as a result of the offence Evans had been forced to give up his job as an agricultural contractor.

“He was thought of very highly by his employer and is hoping to return to this type of work once his driving ban has been served,” she said.

Evans, who has no previous convictions, was disqualified from driving for 12 months. He was fined £120 and ordered to pay £85 in court costs and a £48 surcharge.

Hubberston man admits stealing £32 of food from Milford Haven store

A HUBBERSTON man has admitted stealing food items valued at £32 from the Food Warehouse in Milford Haven.

Police received reports on August 3 that a man had removed items totalling £32.50 from the store before leaving without making payment. None of the items were recovered.

Lee Perry, 38, of St Davids Close, Hubberston, appeared before Haverfordwest magistrates this week,

where he pleaded guilty to theft.

The court heard that Perry is currently subject to a community order for previous offences and has been responding well to the conditions imposed.

Magistrates granted him a 12-month conditional discharge for the latest offence. He was also ordered to pay £32.50 in compensation to the Food Warehouse and a £26 court surcharge.

£500,000 share offer launch to revive Milford Haven lido

A major £500,000 fund-raising drive has been launched to salvage Milford Haven’s 50-metre outdoor swimming pool.

Following a five-year consultation initiative to bring the modern outdoor swimming facility back to the town, the Milford Haven Lido Park Society is now

poised to launch a community share offer later this Spring,

Chairman Michael Allen said the project had recently seen a breakthrough after what many viewed as a period of inactivity.

facility capable of attracting visitors and boosting tourism.

“It’s not easy,” Mr Allen admitted, “but other lidos across the UK have done it.”

Future funding could come from organisations such as the National Lottery Heritage Fund, government programmes and major charitable donations.

Summer heating and cold water swimming

The proposed pool would be heated during the summer months using a ground-source heat pump, but not during the winter. This would allow the site to support the growing cold-water swimming community.

“Heated swimming pools are a national challenge because of energy costs,” Mr Allen explained.

The plans also include a smaller heated rehabilitation pool, which would operate all year round.

“We’ve been working on this for nearly five years,” Michael Allen told The Pembrokeshire Herald. “There have been many unkept promises around the site in the past, but we’ve been quietly working with the council to advance the community asset transfer.”

The group hopes to transform the site into a major community and tourism facility centred around a 50-metre outdoor pool, alongside an infant paddling pool and splash play area.

COMMUNITY INVESTMENT DRIVE

The society is preparing to launch a community share offer in April, and aims to raise £500,000.

Residents and supporters will be able to invest from £100 upwards, which is a funding model already applied successfully ithroughout Pembrokeshire to support community shops, farms and chapels.

Mr Allen said the offer would be regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority, ensuring a secure framework for investors.

“We want to raise half a million pounds to show Pembrokeshire County Council we have the capability to manage the site,” he said.

The funding will help the society secure control of the site through a Community Asset Transfer (CAT). However, Mr Allen acknowledged there was no guarantee the transfer would be approved.

A LONG-TERM VISION

If successful, the society estimates it will ultimately require around £20 million to transform the site into a year-round

The project has also secured support through a Perthyne grant, administered by Bryn Teg Consulting, to explore using the existing building as a Welsh-language community hub.

The facility would operate as a café open to all, but run primarily through the Welsh language with the help of volunteers from local groups including Hwb Aberdaugleddau and Caffi Pal (Friends Café).

Mr Allen said the project had recently secured cross-party backing from local politicians, including local MP Henry Tufnell. Sennedd Member, Paul Davies, Cris Tomos Chris and Scott Thorley. Support has also been expressed locally by town councillors and community organisations including Milford Youth Matters and the VC Gallery.

The society stresses the pool will not rely on town or county council funding, but will operate as a community-owned asset.

Michael Allen went on to say that the number of new lido projects opening across Britain has increased significantly in recent years.

“The opening of lidos is accelerating,” he said. “That means creating a credible business plan is far easier now because there are successful examples to follow.”

Historically, the original pool used water from the Cleddau Estuary, which was then returned to the river, however Mr Allen said that ensuring the project meets environmental regulations remains one of the project’s most complex elements.

“By law the water cannot cause any harm to the environment,” he said.

Despite the challenges ahead, the society remains determined to bring outdoor swimming back to Milford Haven.

“There will be no visual eyesores,” he added. “We want this to be something the whole community can be proud of.”

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

Senedd approves new Auditor General for Wales

WELSH Senedd memebrs have approved the nomination of Catherine Mealing-Jones for Crown appointment as the new Auditor General for Wales.

The role is an essential, independent role in Welsh public life which ensures that public bodies manage their finances with efficiency and transparency to the highest standards of governance.

A public servant with over 30 years’ experience in public service including Director of Growth at the UK Space Agency and Chief Executive of the Bannau Brycheiniog National Park Authority, Catherine is also a Chartered Public Finance Accountant.

“It’s an honour to be nominated as the new Auditor General for Wales and to have the opportunity to build on the great work of Adrian Crompton during his time in the role,” Catherine MealingJones told The Pembrokeshire Herald.

“Public services across Wales are facing real and growing pressures, so

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

addressing them requires sustainable long-term solutions and fresh approaches to ensure that all the people of Wales continue to receive the services they rely on.

“My priority will be to work closely with public sector partners to support their efforts to deliver for communities, maximise value for public money, and strengthen public trust through the highest standards of decision-making, transparency and accountability.”

“On behalf of the Finance Committee, I’m delighted to see Catherine appointed to this important role,” commented Peredur Owen Griffiths.

“She has shown a deep commitment to public service throughout her distinguished career, and has demonstrated the key attributes

required of this position.

“The panel and the Committee were impressed with her experience and integrity, and feel she is very wellequipped to continue and develop the

critical work undertaken by the Wales Audit Office.”Catherine is expected to take up the post in July, when the current Auditor General, Adrian Crompton, stands down from office.

Chinese intelligence probe reaches Dyfed-Powys Police area

THREE men have been arrested in Wales and London on suspicion of assisting Chinese intelligence services in the United Kingdom.

The arrests were made on Wednesday (Mar 4) as part of a counter-terrorism policing investigation being carried out under the National Security Act 2023, the Metropolitan Police confirmed.

Two of the suspects were detained in Wales, while a third man was arrested in London.

Police said the men are aged 39, 43 and 68.

The 43-year-old was arrested at an address in Pontyclun, while the 68-yearold was detained in Powys. A 39-year-old man was arrested in London.

SHOCKING LINKS TO WESTMINSTER

The Guardian has reported that one of the men arrested is the partner of a sitting Labour MP, while another is said

to be the partner of a former Labour MP. Police have not confirmed the identities of the suspects.

Officers also carried out searches at a number of properties linked to the suspects, including addresses in Cardiff and East Kilbride in Scotland, as part of the ongoing investigation.

The Metropolitan Police said the arrests relate to suspected offences involving assisting a foreign intelligence service, believed to be connected to China.

In a statement, police emphasised that the operation is being handled by Counter Terrorism Policing, which is responsible for national security investigations in the UK.

SUSPECTS IN POLICE STATIONS

Officers confirmed the suspects remain in custody while enquiries continue.

Police also reassured the public that

there is no immediate danger.

A spokesperson for the Metropolitan Police said: “There is no imminent or direct threat to the public.”

The National Security Act, introduced

in 2023, created new offences designed to combat espionage, foreign interference and covert activity by hostile states operating in the UK. The investigation is continuing.

Carer banned after drugdriving in Milford Haven

A TENBY carer has lost her driving licence after being caught drugdriving in Milford Haven.

Samantha Jones, 40, was stopped by police on the afternoon of November 23 as officers carried out routine vehicle checks on Robert Street, Milford Haven.

After providing a positive roadside drugs swipe, Jones was asked to give a blood sample. Analysis later showed she had 2.3 micrograms of Delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) in her system. The legal limit is 2 micrograms.

Jones appeared before Haverfordwest magistrates this week where she pleaded guilty to the offence.

She was represented by solicitor

Fenn Richards, who told the court the defendant had used cannabis for several years to help her sleep.

“She’s tried other medications but they haven’t worked,” said Ms Richards.

“She had taken cannabis the night before and didn’t think she would still be over the limit. But this has been a bit of a wake-up call for her, and since the incident she’s reduced her intake and wants to completely stay away from it.”

Jones, of Heywood Court, Tenby, was fined £346 and ordered to pay a £138 court surcharge and £85 in costs. She was disqualified from driving for 12 months.

Threats to sister on social media

A PEMBROKE DOCK man has been sentenced after threatening to throw a grenade at his sister and hack her head off with a sword.

Haverfordwest magistrates heard this week that Charles Bianchy, 37, became angry after believing his mother was giving money to his sister but not to him.

“He felt he wasn’t being afforded the same luxury and began sending his sister communications on social media,” Crown Prosecutor Sian Vaughan told the court.

“His social media posts made threats towards his sister, stating he would smash her head on a kerb, use it for target practice and throw a grenade at her. He also said he would hack her head off with a sword, and called her a nonce and a c***.”

Ms Vaughan said the defendant’s sister, Daisy Bianchy, urged him to remove the posts and warned that she would contact the police if he refused.

In a victim impact statement read to the court, Daisy Bianchy said she believed the incident had been a wakeup call for her brother.

“I think this has given him a bit of a scare,” she said. “He was saying all these things, but you can’t make such unpleasant comments in public these days.”

Bianchy, of Pembroke Street, Pembroke Dock, pleaded guilty to sending communications threatening death or serious harm.

He was represented by solicitor Michael Kelleher, who told the court the defendant suffers from paranoid schizophrenia and experiences hallucinations, anxiety and episodes of psychosis.

“He certainly didn’t intend to carry out any of these threats, as throwing a grenade is something you can only do if you’re in the army,” said Mr Kelleher. “He’s deeply remorseful for what he did.”

Magistrates fined Bianchy £120 and ordered him to pay a £114 court surcharge and £85 in costs. An 18-month restraining order was also imposed preventing him from contacting his sister.

Fraudsters posing as police officers

AN INCREASING number of reports have been received of criminals impersonating police officers in an attempt to trick victims into handing over cash or bank cards — either directly or via a courier.

The fraudsters use sophisticated and convincing tactics to gain trust. They may already have basic personal information, such as a victim’s name and address, which can often be easily obtained online, making the call appear legitimate.

Rebecca Williams, Fraud Safeguarding Officer, said: “These criminals are extremely convincing and may even suggest that the victim dials 999 to verify their identity. However, they remain on the line and do not disconnect the call, meaning when the victim attempts to ring the police, they are still speaking to the fraudster.

“We strongly advise anyone who receives a suspicious call to use a different phone — such as a mobile — to verify the caller’s identity, or to contact a trusted friend or family member before taking any action.

“If you have received a call

Luke Sinclair Luke@herald.email

like this, or have been persuaded to send money, please do not feel embarrassed or ashamed. These criminals use coercive and manipulative tactics to exploit trust and create panic.

“Dyfed-Powys Police are here to support you. We are continuing to assist victims who have lost tens of thousands of pounds through this scam.”

Police have issued a clear reminder that officers will never:

• Ask you to withdraw cash, send money or hand over your bank cards

• Send a courier to collect cash, bank cards or valuables from your home

• Contact you unexpectedly and request that you withdraw money as part of an investigation

Anyone who receives a suspicious call is urged to hang up immediately and report it to police or Action Fraud.

Reform launches Welsh manifesto as Farage rallies supporters

AS a 22-year-old reporter from west Wales, I did not expect to be one of the few journalists in the room — and to be the youngest them — at Reform UK’s Welsh manifesto launch in Newport on Thursday.

But as Nigel Farage walked into the International Convention Centre to loud applause from supporters who had paid £5 to attend, the press seats quickly filled with around thirty reporters waiting to question him and the party’s Welsh leader, Dan Thomas.

What followed was part campaign rally, part policy launch — and a clear

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

attempt by Reform to put immigration at the centre of the upcoming Senedd election campaign.

When the opportunity for questions came, I asked the one issue that immediately raised eyebrows in the room.

Wales does not control immigration that power sits firmly with Westminster and the UK Border Force — so what could a Reform Welsh Government realistically do?

Dan Thomas did not shy away from the constitutional reality.

“You’re quite right, we don’t control immigration,” he said.

“The UK Government and border forces are meant to be doing that and they’re not. We understand that.”

But he said a Reform-led Welsh Government would still take action by removing what he described as “pull factors” created by Welsh Government policy.

He singled out the Welsh Government’s Nation of Sanctuary programme — introduced in 2019 to support refugees and asylum seekers already placed in Wales by the Home Office.

“Our position is clear,” he said.

“We would end the Nation of Sanctuary policy immediately and we would halt the housing of illegal immigrants and asylum seekers in Wales in whatever form we can — whether that’s hotels or local authority arrangements.

“If that means legislative changes or challenging Westminster directly, then so be it.”

Nigel Farage later reinforced the message during his closing remarks, telling supporters immigration had become a defining political issue.

“The public are really angry and they want action on this,” he said.

“We’ve heard it all before from governments — ‘stop the boats’, ‘smash the gangs’, ‘if you come illegally you’ll be deported’ — but the problem continues.”

The event briefly turned chaotic when a heckler began shouting during Farage’s speech in an attempt to drown him out.

Security staff quickly stepped in and escorted the protester out of the hall.

As the doors closed behind him, many in the crowd clapped before Farage calmly resumed his speech.

Beyond immigration, Reform used the event to outline a wider programme for Wales.

Among the pledges were scrapping Wales’ default 20mph speed limit, prioritising long-term residents for social housing, and reviving plans for an M4 relief road around Newport.

But the tension at the heart of the debate remains clear.

Immigration policy is controlled by Westminster, not the Senedd. Any attempt by a Welsh Government to block asylum accommodation or refuse cooperation with the Home Office would almost certainly trigger legal and constitutional battles.

Supporters of the Nation of Sanctuary policy say it reflects humanitarian values and helps refugees already placed in Wales integrate into communities and employment.

Critics argue it sends the wrong signal at a time when migration remains one of the UK’s most divisive political issues.

From the press seats in Newport, it was clear Reform is betting that frustration with Westminster — and Cardiff Bay — will resonate with voters. For communities in west Wales, where housing shortages and pressure on public services are often discussed alongside asylum placements, the issue is likely to feature heavily during the campaign.

And for one young reporter who travelled from west Wales to cover the launch, it was a reminder that sometimes the most important moment at a political event is simply getting the chance to ask the question.

Herald journalist: Rieve Nesbitt Marr

Huge knowledge gap over who runs Wales, major poll reveals

A NEW poll has revealed widespread public confusion about Welsh devolution ahead of the Senedd election in May, with many voters unsure which level of government is responsible for key decisions affecting their daily lives.

Researchers at Cardiff University found that large numbers of people in Wales struggle to identify whether policy responsibilities sit with the Welsh Government, Westminster, or local councils.

The survey, conducted with YouGov and based on responses from 1,544 adults in Wales between February 12 and February 25, suggests that gaps in public understanding remain more than twenty-five years after devolution began.

Academics involved in the study say the findings raise concerns about democratic accountability as voters prepare to choose the next Welsh Government.

Professor Stephen Cushion, from Cardiff University’s School of Journalism, Media and Culture, said confusion about policing stood out as one of the most significant knowledge gaps.

“Almost seven in ten respondents could not correctly identify who is responsible for policing,” he said.

“Nearly half assumed it was devolved to the Welsh Government when it is actually controlled by Westminster.”

The research also found that a significant minority of voters remain

unsure about the status of major devolved services.

Around thirty percent of respondents did not know that health and education are run by the Welsh Government – two of the most visible policy areas in Wales.

Professor Cushion said such misunderstandings could affect how voters judge political performance.

“During an election period these gaps matter for democratic accountability because people need to make well-informed decisions about who is responsible for running Wales over the next few years,” he added.

Knowledge of devolved powers

The survey found varying levels of awareness about who controls different policy areas.

Knowledge was weakest around social care delivery, where 81% of respondents either answered incorrectly or said they did not know that local councils hold responsibility.

Policing also showed high levels of confusion, with 69% of people either incorrect or unsure about the role of the UK Government.

Broadcasting was another area where many people were unclear, with 58% unable to correctly identify Westminster as responsible.

By comparison, understanding was stronger in some of the most visible areas of devolved policy.

Seven in ten respondents correctly identified the Welsh Government as responsible for education, while

identified the closed-list proportional system that will replace the current arrangement.

Eighteen percent believed the system would be First Past the Post, while 13% thought the Additional Member System would still be used.

Four percent chose the Single Transferable Vote system, while a majority of respondents – 58% – said they did not know.

MEDIA CONSUMPTION

Researchers also examined how people in Wales consume political news.

The study found that UK-wide media outlets remain the main source of information for many people. Fortysix percent said they rely mostly on UK-wide news, compared with just 10% who mainly use Wales-produced news.

Thirty-four percent said they use both equally.

69% recognised its role in health and social care. Transport was also widely associated with the Welsh Government, with 65% answering correctly.

Immigration was the area where the UK Government was most clearly recognised as responsible, with 71% identifying Westminster.

RECOGNITION OF PARTY LEADERS

The poll also examined how well voters recognise Welsh political leaders.

First Minister Eluned Morgan was recognised by 62% of respondents, while Plaid Cymru leader Rhun ap Iorwerth was known by 47%.

Recognition of other leaders was significantly lower. Welsh Conservative leader Darren Millar was recognised by 21% of respondents, while Welsh Liberal Democrat leader Jane Dodds was known by 18%.

Wales Green Party leader Anthony Slaughter was recognised by just 4%.

In contrast, Reform UK leader Nigel Farage was recognised by 94% of respondents. Dan Thomas, the party’s leader in Wales, was known by 10%.

Understanding the new Senedd voting system

The survey also found limited understanding of the new voting system that will be used at the next Senedd election.

Only 7% of respondents correctly

Online news consumption followed a similar pattern, with 53% mainly using UK-wide websites and 14% relying mostly on Welsh-produced outlets.

When asked to evaluate coverage of Welsh politics, 46% of respondents said UK-wide media do a bad job reporting on the subject, while 28% said they do a good job and 26% were unsure.

Professor Cushion said the findings highlighted the importance of clear reporting about devolved powers.

“The survey underlines the importance of robust reporting that clearly distinguishes between the responsibilities of Wales and Westminster,” he said.

“Clearer signposting of devolved and reserved powers would help voters understand which level of government is responsible for the policies affecting them.”

ABOUT THE SURVEY

The survey was conducted online by YouGov Plc. A total of 1,544 adults aged 16 and over in Wales took part between February 12 and February 25, 2026.

The results were weighted to be representative of the Welsh population.

The research was funded by the Welsh Government through Creative Wales, with analysis supported by the Arts and Humanities Research Council’s project Enhancing the Impartiality of Political News.

No asylum seekers housed in west Wales hotels

WEST Wales currently has no asylum seekers being housed in hotels, according to the latest figures published by the Home Office.

Data released up to December 31, 2025 shows that 30,657 people were being accommodated temporarily in hotels across the UK while awaiting decisions on their asylum claims. The figure represents the lowest level recorded for 18 months.

However, the statistics confirm that none of those individuals are being housed in hotels in any of the five counties that make up west Wales. Hotels across Carmarthenshire, Ceredigion and Pembrokeshire are all recorded as accommodating zero asylum seekers.

The use of hotels for asylum accommodation became a major national political issue in recent years, with protests taking place outside some sites across the UK.

Labour has pledged to end the use of asylum hotels by the end of the current Parliament, which would be 2029, if not sooner.

Plans previously existed to house asylum seekers in west Wales. The Home Office withdrew proposals to accommodate up to 241 people at the Stradey Park Hotel in Carmarthenshire in October 2023 after protests outside the site led to arrests. Dyfed-Powys Police issued an appeal for “calm and co-operation” following what they described as a concerning escalation in behaviour.

The hotel, which had been intended to house families awaiting asylum decisions, subsequently closed, resulting in the loss of 95 jobs, including

between 240 and 250 men, mainly from countries including Iraq, Iran and Syria.

50 full-time and 45 part-time roles, and the cancellation of events.

West Wales has also previously hosted asylum accommodation at Penally military training camp near Tenby. The site was used between 2020 and spring 2021 to house

Both the Welsh Government and Pembrokeshire County Council argued the camp was unsuitable, with inspectors describing conditions as run down. The facility was later closed, residents were relocated elsewhere, and the site was returned to the Ministry of Defence.

Nationally, the number of asylum seekers in hotels peaked at 56,018 at the end of September 2023 under the Conservative government. It later fell to 29,561 by the end of June 2024, just before the general election.

The latest figures show numbers at the end of December were 15% lower than the previous quarter, when 36,273 people were recorded as staying in hotel accommodation.

School lockdown lifted after telephone threat

PUPILS and staff at Maesydderwen Comprehensive School in Ystradgynlais were released safely on Monday afternoon (Mar 2) after a lockdown was implemented following a reported telephone threat.

Dyfed-Powys Police confirmed officers were called to the school earlier in the day and worked with staff to ensure the safety of everyone on site. As a precaution, the school activated its lockdown procedure while enquiries were carried out.

Police said there were no reports of injuries and that all pupils and staff were safe and secure throughout the incident.

Officers remain at the scene while “diligent enquiries” into the threat continue. At this stage, no arrests have been made, and police have confirmed there is no evidence of any ongoing risk to pupils or staff.

Reassurance patrols will take place in the coming days to support pupils, staff,

parents and the wider community. Parents and guardians will continue to receive updates directly through

the school messaging app, including confirmation on whether the school will open as normal on Tuesday.

Maesydderwen Comprehensive School is located in Ystradgynlais, Powys, and is served by Dyfed-Powys Police.

Cover image: Asylum Seekers at Penally MOD Camp in 2020

Tom Sinclair editor@herald.email

Hotel at centre of asylum housing row closes with immediate effect

THE STRADEY PARK HOTEL in Llanelli has closed with immediate effect, less than two years after controversial plans to house asylum seekers there were scrapped following months of protests.

The four-star hotel reopened in 2024 after the Home Office abandoned proposals to accommodate up to 241 asylum seekers at the site in 2023. The plans sparked 100 days of demonstrations, a makeshift protest camp outside the entrance, and a major

policing operation.

Councillor Stephen Williams said staff were left in tears after being told the hotel would shut immediately.

He visited the hotel on Monday evening and said residents had been asked to leave.

“Local staff have been kicked in the teeth by a business or organisation which is based out of the town, which has led to this,” he said.

“To see them there in tears yesterday was really heart-breaking.”

BBC Wales has contacted the hotel and its owners for comment.

The hotel had been due to house 241 asylum seekers under Home Office plans announced in 2023. The proposals prompted significant local opposition, with Carmarthenshire County Council, the Dyfed-Powys Police and Crime Commissioner, and Hywel Dda University Health Board raising concerns at the time.

Protests began in July 2023 and escalated over the summer. Large

rocks were placed across the entrance, a protest camp was established, and fires were reported near the site. Around 40 arrests were made between mid-August and early October.

In October 2023, the Home Office confirmed the plans had been dropped, saying it was working to reduce the “unacceptable use of hotels” by moving asylum seekers into alternative, cheaper accommodation.

The hotel later underwent renovations and reopened to the public in 2024. At the time, management said it intended to rehire staff and resume trading as soon as possible.

It later emerged that the policing operation linked to the protests cost Dyfed-Powys Police more than £1 million.

Sean Rees, leader of Llanelli Town Council, described the hotel as an “important part of Llanelli’s economy and identity”.

“This abrupt closure will cause significant financial and personal anxiety for those employees and their families, and they must now be our priority,” he said.

He added that he had written to the leader of Carmarthenshire County Council to ensure affected staff receive clear information about redundancy rights and access to benefits, retraining and possible redeployment.

Councillor Williams said the town was now in “shock and dismay” at the sudden closure.

Complaint over Fishguard DVPO court report rejected by IPSO

THE INDEPENDENT PRESS STANDARDS ORGANISATION has rejected a complaint made against The Pembrokeshire Herald over its reporting of a Domestic Violence Protection Order hearing.

The complaint related to an article headlined “Dorset man stopped at Fishguard ferry given domestic violence order,” which was published on February 2, 2026.

The complainant alleged the report breached Clause 1 (Accuracy) of the Editors’ Code of Practice, claiming the article gave readers the misleading impression that he had a proven history of domestic violence and criminal behaviour.

However, after reviewing the complaint, IPSO’s Complaints Team concluded that the article did not raise a possible breach of the Editors’ Code.

In its decision, the regulator noted that newspapers are responsible for accurately reporting what is said in court proceedings, rather than verifying the accuracy of statements made during those hearings.

IPSO said the complainant did not dispute that the allegations referenced in the article had been raised during the court hearing.

The regulator also noted that the report made clear the nature of a Domestic Violence Protection Order, explaining that it is a civil safeguarding measure and does not amount to a criminal conviction.

On that basis, IPSO concluded that the article was not misleading and that there were no grounds to investigate a breach of the Code.

The complainant has seven days to request that the decision be reviewed by IPSO’s Complaints Committee.

Councillors to debate motion calling for Welsh Government intervention over Withybush surgery

A MOTION urging the Welsh Government to step in over plans to remove emergency general surgery from Withybush Hospital will be debated at the next full meeting of Pembrokeshire County Council.

The Notice of Motion, submitted by Cllr Di Clements on behalf of the Welsh Conservative group, calls on ministers to use their powers under the NHS (Wales) Act 2006 to intervene in Hywel Dda University Health Board’s decision and reverse the changes immediately.

Councillors argue that removing emergency surgery risks undermining the long-term sustainability of Withybush Hospital’s accident and emergency department and could pose serious risks to residents in a rural county with long travel times to alternative hospitals.

In a supporting statement, the group said Pembrokeshire had experienced “continual downgrading” of services over a number of years and warned the latest decision could be life-threatening for patients needing urgent operations.

They also raised concerns about ambulance pressures, increased travel times to Glangwili Hospital, and the potential impact of seasonal traffic and road disruptions on emergency journeys

out of the county.

The motion further questions figures previously cited by First Minister Eluned Morgan regarding the number of patients affected, claiming health board data suggests around nine cases per week could be impacted rather than five.

Councillors warned that fewer opportunities for surgeons to operate locally could lead to difficulties retaining senior medical staff, potentially placing A&E provision at risk in the future.

While acknowledging that Pembrokeshire County Council does not control NHS services, the motion states that the county’s 60 councillors represent around 120,000 residents who rely on hospital care.

If approved, the proposal would see council leader Cllr Jon Harvey asked to write to the First Minister demanding that the Welsh Government forces the health board to reverse its decision and commits to no further downgrading of services at Withybush.

The debate comes amid growing public concern, with a Senedd petition opposing the changes attracting thousands of signatures.

The council meeting is scheduled for Thursday (Mar 5).

Pembrokeshire sisters continue to save lives at sea courtesy of RNLI

PEMBROKESHIRE sisters and RNLI Beach Lifeguards Alice and Daisy Davies are returning to the coast to save lives at sea in 2026, as the charity prepares to celebrate its female team members on International Women’s Day, March 8.

Alice and Daisy Davies are both RNLI beach lifeguards, with Alice based in Pembrokeshire and Daisy on the Ceredigion coast. As a result, the sisters cover beaches extending from Broad Haven North to Borth.

‘Growing up around the sea where we were always surfing, swimming and playing in the waves, it was never a question of whether we would want to become RNLI lifeguards,” said Alice, 17. “It was something we’d always aspired to do from a very young age.’

Since the RNLI lifeguarding service was first rolled out in Wales in 2008, the teams have seen a large and sustained increase of female representation over the years.

‘It’s so great to see such a strong female representation within the lifeguard teams across Wales,” continued Daisy, 19.

“We’re a close-knit group and our bond always deepens through the season on the beaches.

‘We value teamwork and equality and there’s something powerful about looking down the line and seeing a team of strong women who are just as confident and capable as their male counterparts.’

Alice continued: “The female senior beach lifeguards in the team are our role models, as we’re entering lifeguarding for the first time.

‘They inspire us to follow in their footsteps, they confidently lead shifts and they make difficult decisions under pressure and take control in extremely challenging situations. And this shows that the strength and leadership in this role aren’t defined by gender.”

Following in her older sister Daisy’s footsteps, Alice had her first season on the beaches last year.

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

‘Daisy had already experienced all the elements of the lifeguarding role –things like team bonding, the physical demands and the responsibility of keeping people safe. But it also meant she was able to support me with honest advice and reassurance, which really helped me build my confidence early on.

‘Obviously I felt the natural nerves of starting a new job and wanted to make sure I could meet the standards, but all the encouragement and constant support from the other girls and the wider team really helped me settle and grow into the role.”

Sharing a job has also proved a source of great fun for the sisters.

“At the end of the day, when we’re eating dinner back home, we catch up on our days’ work and what we’ve been up to,” said Alice.

“We are also quite competitive with one another, but I guess that’s healthy competition, because it pushes us both to train harder and constantly improve.”

With an inspired and supportive network of women in the RNLI lifeguarding world, the teams are able to showcase to other younger girls spending time at the beach with their families and friends, that beach lifeguarding is a fantastic opportunity to get involved in.

“To anyone thinking about joining the RNLI, give it a go,” concluded Alice.

“It’s such a great charity to be a part of, you learn so many skills, meet new people and are opened to lots of opportunities. There is a fantastic, friendly community within our lifeguard team, with a kind, supportive group of women waiting to welcome you.”

This was endorsed by Pembrokeshire’s long-standing senior North Pembrokeshire beach lifeguard Margot Lawrence, 24.

‘It’s so positive to see more and more women like Daisy and Alice

continuing to join our lifeguarding teams,” she said.

“ I feel we have such a strong female community within the RNLI and I look forward to seeing the future development of our skilled team as we continue to save lives at sea.’

This year the RNLI is celebrating 25 years of lifeguards keeping our

beaches safer. Since then, their patrols have expanded to over 230 beaches around the UK and the Channel Islands where they have saved the lives of more than 2,000 people and helped many thousands more.

To find out more visit: visit: https:// www.rnli.org/.

House prices up but experts warn Iran crisis could hit market

HOUSE prices across the UK increased by one per cent over the past year, according to the latest figures from Nationwide, but experts have warned that global tensions could quickly undermine the fragile recovery.

The building society’s House Price Index showed prices rose by 0.3% month-on-month, with the average UK property now costing £273,176, up from £270,873 in January.

Nationwide said the figures suggested a modest recovery following uncertainty towards the end of 2025, with improved affordability and easier access to credit supporting buyer activity.

Robert Gardner, Nationwide’s Chief Economist said: “This reinforces the view of a modest recovery after a dip at the end of 2025, most likely reflecting uncertainty around potential property tax changes ahead of the Budget.”

He added that housing market transactions during 2025 were ten per cent higher than in 2024, with firsttime buyer mortgage completions up 18% year-on-year and home mover activity rising 15%.

However, property experts warned that geopolitical developments, including recent US strikes on Iran, could disrupt progress if oil prices rise sharply.

Babek Ismayil, CEO of homebuying platform OneDome said events in the Middle East could prove inflationary and delay anticipated interest rate cuts.

“It’s currently a very fluid situation,”

rise sharply.”

he said.

Mortgage advisers also warned that rising inflation could push borrowing costs higher again.

Shaun Sturgess, director of Swansea-based Sturgess Mortgage Solutions said: “The recovery in the property market could be derailed quite quickly if oil prices continue to

He added that expectations inflation would soon return to target were now under threat, potentially delaying Bank of England rate cuts.

Andrew Montlake, CEO at Coreco, said markets had been pricing in reductions this year but that outlook had changed.

“The UK economy and property market, which so desperately needs a rate cut or two, may now have to

wait longer,” he said.

Experts said mortgage brokers would be closely monitoring financial markets in the coming days, particularly swap rates, which influence fixed mortgage pricing.

Despite the uncertainty, some advisers noted shifts within the market, with first-time buyers increasingly targeting larger homes while landlords purchase flats at reduced prices.

Town council meets officials over Fishguard traffic and crossing concerns

with transport officials to address pedestrian safety and longstanding traffic congestion problems in the area. The first meeting took place with

the South Wales Trunk Road Agency (SWTRA) in central Fishguard, where councillors reviewed existing pedestrian crossings and explored options for additional crossing points.

A second meeting was held in Lower Town Fishguard involving local representatives including Paul Davies MS and Ben Lake MP, alongside SWTRA and Welsh Government officials. Discussions focused on ongoing congestion and safety concerns on the narrow route through Lower Town and across the bridge.

The timing of the visit highlighted the issue, with the meeting reportedly delayed after a lorry became stuck in the area.

The Town Council said the discussions were productive, with Welsh Government representatives confirming that new traffic monitoring cameras will be introduced. The cameras are intended to gather

detailed data on the length and width of vehicles travelling through the route.

Officials are also considering the possible introduction of priority access arrangements on the bridge as part of efforts to improve traffic flow and safety.

The long-discussed possibility of a separate pedestrian footbridge remains under consideration. However, the Town Council acknowledged that the proposal faces significant challenges, including flooding risks, environmental constraints, planning issues and costs.

Councillors shared findings from a recent local survey during the meeting and said they hope to collect pedestrian footfall data on the bridge, which will also be provided to Welsh Government to support future decision-making.

Tom Sinclair editor@herald.email

FISHGUARD and Goodwick Town Council has held two site meetings

Tom Sinclair editor@herald.email

Vote.wales: Information website launched to give people voting confidence

A BRAND new voter information website, vote.wales, has been launched today (2 March) by the Electoral Management Board for Wales, part of the Democracy and Boundary Commission Cymru.

Vote.wales is the first website of its kind in Wales and tells people everything they need to know about the election, including advice about voting, information about the Senedd, and a postcode search function to provide tailored local information.

The website holds information about who can register to vote, how voting works in polling stations, as well as postal and proxy voting, and what accessibility support people can expect when they go to vote.

A postcode search function on vote. wales allows voters to see which of Wales’ 16 new constituencies they will be voting in, as well as telling them where their local polling station is located.

Once nominations have closed, the website will also inform voters which political parties and independent candidates are standing in their area.

The website explains how the Senedd works and what it does, highlighting which policy areas are devolved to the Senedd and which remain the responsibility of the UK Parliament. It also sets out the difference between the Senedd and the Welsh Government.

Further developments are expected in the coming weeks. In a first for Welsh elections, voters will soon be able to access detailed accessibility information

about their local polling station. Political parties and independent candidates will also be able to publish their election leaflets on the platform, so voters can see not only who is standing but what they stand for.

Following the election, vote.wales will publish the full election results.

Commenting on the launch, Shereen Williams MBE OStJ, Chief Executive of the Democracy and Boundary Commission Cymru, said:

“An important election is coming on 7 May, and vote.wales is the place to go to find out all about it.

“We know that people across Wales

are looking forward to making their voices heard at this election, but many people don’t feel they have all the information they need before they go and vote.

“If you have questions about this election, then head to vote.wales. Voting confidence starts here.”

Education cuts spark political row after council sets budget

INDEPENDENT councillors have criticised Pembrokeshire County Council’s newly agreed 2026/27 budget, warning that £2m of cuts to education could lead to the loss of around 50 teaching and support posts.

The Independent Group says it opposed the budget because now is not the time to implement what Cabinet has described as “efficiency savings”, particularly after three Pembrokeshire schools were recently placed into special measures with safeguarding concerns identified.

Group members said they had contacted teaching unions and received what they described as a clear response that education funding should not be reduced in the current climate.

PUBLIC SERVICE PRESSURES RAISED

The councillors also highlighted what they say are growing pressures on frontline council services, including Contact Centre response times and staffing shortages.

Following the budget meeting, Cllr

Huw Murphy reported witnessing a member of the public at County Hall attempting to pay rent, only to find the payment counter closed because of staffing issues. As reception does not accept cash payments, the individual — who had travelled from North Pembrokeshire — was unable to complete the transaction.

The Independent Group believes some of the council’s projected £4m underspend, or its £2m contingency allocation, should instead be used to protect education funding and strengthen front-desk and Contact Centre staffing to improve public access to services.

POLITICAL TENSIONS OVER VOTE

The budget passed with support

from councillors across the chamber who were present, with one abstention.

Independent members have criticised what they describe as a lack of meaningful political opposition, arguing that councillors from multiple parties ultimately supported Cabinet proposals.

They also noted the absence of several Conservative councillors during what is widely regarded as the most important council meeting of the year, including Conservative Group Chief Whip Aled Thomas and councillors David Howlett and Jonathan Grimes.

ACCOUNTABILITY PLEDGE

The Independent Group says it will continue to scrutinise council decisions and press for improvements, particularly where safeguarding concerns have been identified in recent Estyn inspections.

They say they remain committed to representing Pembrokeshire residents independently of party political influence while holding decision-makers to account for the impact of the 2026/27 budget.

Tom Sinclair editor@herald.email

Welsh pride HMS Dragon will sail to shield Cyprus base

WALES’ Red Dragon will head into a potential flashpoint in the eastern Mediterranean.

The HMS Dragon has been deployed by the Royal Navy to waters around Cyprus to strengthen air defences following a drone strike on the British base at RAF Akrotiri.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer confirmed the move as part of a wider effort to protect British personnel and assets in the region amid rising tensions in the Middle East.

ADVANCED AIR DEFENCE ROLE

HMS Dragon is one of the Royal Navy’s six Type 45 destroyers — regarded as among the most capable air defence warships in the world.

Equipped with the Sea Viper missile system and advanced radar, the vessel is designed to:

• Track and intercept hostile aircraft

• Destroy incoming missiles

• Counter drone threats

• Provide protective cover for allied forces

The deployment is understood to be focused on safeguarding UK interests, including RAF Akrotiri, one of Britain’s two Sovereign Base Areas on the island.

A WELSH SYMBOL AT SEA

Although a UK warship, HMS Dragon carries a strong Welsh

Tom

Sinclair editor@herald.email

identity. Her crest bears the Red Dragon of Wales, and she has longstanding links with Welsh communities.

Commissioned in 2012, she has previously visited Cardiff and is often referred to as having a “Welsh heart”

within the fleet.

With tensions escalating across the region, the presence of a Type 45 destroyer signals a serious defensive posture by the UK Government.

WHAT HAPPENS NExT?

Defence analysts say such deployments are intended as both

protection and deterrence — ensuring that British bases and personnel are shielded from further drone or missile attacks.

For Wales, the sight of the Red Dragon sailing toward a volatile theatre of operations will be a source of pride — and a reminder that Welsh symbols continue to play a role on the global stage.

Swan causes stir on Pembroke Main Street

MOTORISTS and pedestrians in Pembroke were left doing a double take this morning after a swan decided to take a stroll along Main Street — briefly bringing traffic to a halt.

Photos shared with The Herald show the bird calmly wandering in the road, at one point sitting down on the

Tom Sinclair editor@herald.email

carriageway as cars waited patiently around it. Concerned members of the public were seen nearby keeping an eye on the swan and helping ensure it stayed safe.

The unexpected visitor was

later spotted near a local church, apparently unharmed, after its town centre adventure.

Swans are protected under UK law, and while encounters like this are uncommon in busy streets, they do occasionally wander away from nearby waterways, particularly during nesting season or when searching for

new territory. If you spotted the swan this morning, send your photos to The Herald.

Thankyou to the volunteers Tinker’s Hill Bird sanctuary who assisted in getting the swan back to the Mill Pond.

Tenby RNLI receives charity boost from swimmers and sailors

TENBY lifeboat volunteers have received a welcome fundraising boost after being presented with donations from two local organisations this week.

Crew members were invited to the Imperial Hotel to accept a cheque for £1,100 from Tenby Sea Swimming Association, with the money raised through the town’s popular Boxing Day Swim — an event that has supported the lifeboat for many years.

The charity support did not stop there, as the station was also presented with a further £400 donation from Tenby Sailing Club. The funds were raised during the club’s regular quiz nights.

RNLI representatives said they were extremely grateful for the continued generosity of local groups and supporters, adding that donations such as these play a vital role in helping crews continue their lifesaving work.

Cheque presentation: Tenby RNLI volunteers receive donations from Tenby Sea Swimming Association and Tenby Sailing Club at the Imperial Hotel (Pic: Gareth Davies Photography Tenby).

Rail fares frozen in Wales for 12 months from St Davids Day

RAIL fares on Transport for Wales services will be frozen for the next twelve months from St David’s Day (March 1), the Welsh Government has confirmed.

First Minister Eluned Morgan said holding prices at current levels would give passengers “certainty” during the ongoing cost-of-living pressures.

The freeze will apply to advance single tickets, return tickets and “tap-in, tap-out” pay-as-you-go fares currently used across parts of south Wales, with plans to expand the system across the wider network.

Some passengers welcomed the decision, saying rising travel costs have made train journeys increasingly difficult to afford, particularly compared with driving.

The announcement follows a separate decision by the UK Government to freeze rail fares in England for the first time in three decades.

However, opposition parties in Wales said the move does not address what they describe as long-term underinvestment in the rail network.

Mayor honours Tenby Long Course Weekend charity runners

PARTICIPANTS who took part in the Mayor’s Challenge during last year’s Long Course Weekend have been honoured at a special celebration reception in Tenby.

The event was hosted by the Mayor of Tenby, Cllr Dai Morgan, alongside organisers Matthew Evans and Scott Powell, to thank those who completed either the 5K or 10K races in support of their chosen charities.

During the evening, commemorative medals were presented to runners who raised funds for a range of good causes including Sandy Bear Children’s Bereavement Charity, Wales Air Ambulance, St David’s Hospice, Ysgol Greenhill, Tenby Sea Cadets, The Old Chapel, and the Mayor’s charities for the year.

Through their collective efforts, participants raised almost £2,500 for charity.

The reception celebrated not only the sporting achievement but also the strong community spirit behind the fundraising effort, with organisers praising everyone who took part.

NRW invites feedback on draft decision to issue Withyhedge landfill permit variation

NATURAL RESOURCES

WALES (NRW) is seeking public feedback after reaching a draft decision to approve changes to the environmental permit for the Withyhedge Landfill site in Pembrokeshire.

Following what it described as a detailed technical assessment, NRW said it is “minded to” grant a permit variation requested by the site operator, Resources Management UK Ltd. The variation would amend the environmental permit that controls how the site operates (permit number EPR/MP3330WP, application reference PAN-025929).

A four-week public consultation has now opened and will run until Thursday, March 26, 2026. NRW said all responses will be considered before any final decision is made.

The operator is proposing several changes, including alterations to the final shape of the land once the landfill is capped, updates to monitoring and management arrangements for groundwater, surface water and leachate, and the addition of up to 50,000 tonnes of waste soils for

Tom Sinclair editor@herald.email

restoration purposes under a new waste recovery activity.

The application also includes consolidation and modernisation of the permit, including a review of existing improvement and preoperational conditions.

NRW said it considers the proposed changes acceptable and believes

they could help ensure the site operates without causing harm to the environment or nearby communities.

Residents are being encouraged to provide feedback on issues such as emissions, potential health impacts, environmental risks and how waste is managed at the site.

However, NRW stressed that certain matters fall outside its remit and cannot be considered as part of the consultation. These include planning issues handled by the local

authority, such as the site’s location, traffic levels, visual impact, land use, access arrangements and operating hours.

Huwel Manley, Head of South West at Natural Resources Wales, said: “We know the community has a longstanding interest in what happens at Withyhedge Landfill, and we take that responsibility seriously.

“Given the history of the site and the concerns people have previously raised, we promised to take an approach that goes further than our usual consultation process for a permit variation.

“Being ‘minded to’ issue this variation means our specialists are satisfied the operator can meet the required standards, but before we make any final decision we want to hear from the people who live and work nearby. We encourage anyone with an interest in the site to take part in the consultation.”

Details of the draft decision and information on how to submit comments are available via NRW’s Consultation and Engagement Hub.

Top UK soul band confirmed at Ascona Child of Wales awards

of the UK’s most successful soul and acid jazz bands – The Brand New Heavies – will be performing at this year’s Ascona Group Child of Wales Awards.

They will be headlining the red carpet-style evening on October 2 at the Swansea Building Society Arena, with sponsors firmly on board for its milestone fifth year.

The announcement comes at a time when a number of live events across

Sarah Jane

sarah.jane.absalom@herald.email

the UK are facing cancellation due to sponsorship shortfalls, making the continued growth of the Welsh awards even more significant.

Rising to prominence in the 1990s with hits including Midnight at the Oasis, Dream On Dreamer and Never Stop, The Brand New Heavies have sold millions of records worldwide

and remain one of Britain’s most recognisable live soul acts. But their influence extends well beyond their own releases. Grammy-winning producer Mark Ronson has credited the band with shaping his early musical direction, describing their impact on his career as transformative.

BBC TV presenter Gethin Jones will be returning for the fifth time as host of the annual black-tie awards, which recognise the remarkable achievements and courage of children and young people from across Wales.

He will be joined by 700 guests, including winners and their families, sponsors, celebrities, sporting stars, influencers and members of the media, who will hear the winners’ stories and see The Brand New Heavies perform.

Founder and organiser Blanche Sainsbury said, “Reaching our fifth year feels incredibly special and to have sold every table so far in advance, while welcoming The Brand New Heavies to help us celebrate, is both humbling and heartwarming.

“What began as a vision to recognise extraordinary young people has grown into something woven into the fabric of Welsh business and community life and we’re deeply grateful to our sponsors, many of whom have supported us since the beginning, and to the new

businesses joining us this year.

“At a time when events across the UK are facing uncertainty, the continued backing we receive here in Wales speaks volumes about the commitment to celebrating and investing in our young people.”

Headline sponsor Ascona Group returns for 2026, alongside a strong line-up of corporate partners including Azets, BDP Wales, Blue Tiger, Bluestone Wales, Browne Jacobson, Cariad Occasions, Castell Howell, CJCH Solicitors, Gower College, Green Hat Consulting, JCP Solicitors, LBS Building Merchants, Lunar 3D, Owens Group, Route Media, Simply Elegant, Sinclair Group, Swansea Building Society, Swansea City FC, Team Wales, Thomas Carroll, Trade Centre Wales, Ultra Evo Group and Westacres. The awards choir will once again be led by Mark Jermin.

Nominations for the 2026 awards opened in January and organisers say they have already received powerful and inspiring stories from across Wales. The nominations window remains open until June 30, and members of the public are encouraged to put forward someone they believe deserves recognition.To nominate, visit: Nominate | Child of Wales Awards.

One

Absalom

The alternative view By Mike Dello

WHEN Donald Trump sent a huge armada of military force into the Middle East a few weeks ago, there was never really any question that it might remain unused. He claimed Iran was not cooperating with talks over its capability to produce nuclear weapons. Then, in the early hours of Saturday morning, the United States struck.

The prime objective was quickly achieved as Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, was reportedly killed in a dramatic coup by the US. Very swiftly, states that have supported Washington in the past were targeted by Iran, including the UAE and Bahrain.

Our so-called Defence Secretary, John Healey, spent much of the weekend squirming and avoiding questions about the UK’s involvement. The traditional “special relationship” between the US and UK appears strained for now, with Trump accusing Sir Keir Starmer of doing nothing. The Prime Minister reportedly refused to allow the US to use the base at Diego Garcia. Trump went on to say the UK had been uncooperative, although future presidents and prime ministers may yet restore harmony between the two nations.

Wall-to-wall news coverage has followed, but in summary Trump appears to be pushing for regime change. While no decent human being will mourn the death of the head of a brutal clerical regime, regime change in Iran cannot simply be achieved by Trump telling the Iranian people: “It’s yours to take.”

Gas and oil prices are likely to soar if key shipping lanes become blocked. That gives some people a convenient opportunity to thank Ed milliband in his bid to destroy North Sea oil reserves. He may be fine, but the rest of us will be left to suffer.

I write this on Tuesday — goodness knows what the situation will be by Friday. In the world of Donald Trump, anything is possible in a very short space of time.

Turning to domestic politics, Reform had been riding high in the polls. Labour and the Conservatives appeared to be on the ropes, and Starmer had blocked local favourite Andy Burnham, who some in the cabinet felt threatened his leadership. So what could possibly go wrong in Reform’s first real test?

Well, the unthinkable happened. In the by-election last week in

Gorton and Denton, the Greens pushed Reform into the long grass with a 4,000-vote majority. Labour came third and the Conservatives even lost their deposit.

Reform quickly offered excuses, with “family voting” among the explanations. But what were the real reasons for their failure?

In my view, Reform may have peaked too soon and believed their own polling numbers. Many Labour voters disillusioned with Starmer’s struggling government could not bring themselves to vote Reform and instead opted for the Greens. Meanwhile, some Conservative voters disgusted with Reform’s recruitment of former Tory figures may have stayed at home or voted Green in protest.

Nigel Farage does himself no favours when he criticises the Conservatives while welcoming so many of their leading figures into Reform. Those politicians effectively betray their voters, who suddenly find themselves represented by a Reform MP without a by-electio.

The end result is that Hannah Spencer, a plumber with policies including legalising drugs, open borders, quitting NATO and an electric-only future, won the seat — and Reform still managed to lose to that platform.

Labour will now likely lurch back

to the left in an attempt to match the Greens. Watch their supposedly tough stance on migration — championed by Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood — melt away as they sense that some of the Muslim vote they traditionally rely on has shifted Green.

Reform will get another opportunity in the local elections in May. It will be interesting to see how they fare, but I would be surprised if the mood shifts dramatically. Only time will tell.

I was watching Leeds United v Manchester City last Saturday when the ball went out of play around the 23-minute mark and the referee stopped the game to allow Muslim players from City to take a water break during Ramadan. Leeds supporters quite rightly booed. Much like the now-abandoned practice of taking the knee, many fans go to football to escape politics and religion, not to be dragged into it.

Meanwhile, Hillary Clinton appeared before a congressional inquiry into Jeffrey Epstein and stated she never knew or met the disgraced financier. When asked why Epstein’s close associate, Ghislaine Maxwell, attended her daughter’s wedding, she claimed Maxwell had simply been the guest of another friend. Her husband and former president Bill denies all knowledge

of Epstein’s activities, despite being photographed relaxing in a hot tub on Epstein’s island with girls who just happened to be there.

Elsewhere, Pakistani and Afghan troops have clashed after Pakistan retaliated against Taliban activities inside its territory. Afghan authorities claim civilians have been targeted in Kabul. It appears that the so-called Muslim brotherhood does not always live in harmony, as we are seeing across the Middle East.

Closer to home, the more extreme elements of the Free Palestine movement were busy over the weekend daubing red paint over a statue of Sir Winston Churchill — a man who helped save cultures like theirs from the Nazis. In my view they should receive five years of hard labour for vandalising such a monument. Deport those here illegally while we’re at it — though the ECHR would no doubt have something to say about that.

And finally, a fishy story. Mackerel is causing waves after Waitrose became the first supermarket to remove all mackerel products — including tins — from its shelves in a bid to protect declining fish stocks. Around 230,000 tonnes were caught in 2024, and the move will particularly affect Scottish fishermen. They will certainly hope the policy doesn’t catch on to other species.

Increasing number of LGBTQ+ households fostering in Wales

THE NUMBER of LGBTQ+ households fostering children in Wales has risen significantly, according to new figures released this week.

There are currently 56 LGBTQ+ fostering households across Wales, representing an increase of around 30 per cent compared with 2024.

To mark LGBTQ+ Adoption and Fostering Week, which begins on Monday (Mar 2), Foster Wales Pembrokeshire is encouraging LGBTQ+ people to consider fostering and making enquiries about how they could help change children’s lives in 2026.

Fostering is open to both couples and single people, and organisations say LGBTQ+ carers often bring valuable personal life experience to supporting children and young people in care.

Pembrokeshire Fostering Team Manager Oliver Mathias said: “We know that children and young people thrive when they are cared for by adults who are open-minded, compassionate, and

able to value who they are. At Foster Wales, we are proud to welcome carers from the LGBTQ+ community and from all cultures, faiths, family structures, and

walks of life.

“We are committed to respecting and celebrating diversity, and to ensuring that everyone who comes forward to

foster is treated with dignity, fairness, and respect. What matters most to us is not who you are or who you love, but your ability to provide a safe, nurturing, and accepting home where children can feel valued and belong.”

Suzanne Griffiths, Director of the National Adoption Service for Wales and Foster Wales, said foster carers play a vital role in providing stability and security for vulnerable children.

“Foster carers make an extraordinary difference to children and young people every day by offering stability, understanding and a safe place to thrive,” she said.

“With so many children currently in need of loving homes, we would strongly encourage anyone considering fostering or adoption to come forward and start a conversation with their local team today.”

More information about fostering is available at fosterwales.gov.wales, while adoption information can be found at adoptcymru.com.

Life-changing ‘support into work’ funding announced for South West Wales

Thousands of people with disabilities and health conditions across South West Wales are set to receive personalised support to secure employment, thanks to a major expansion of specialist employment support.

New funding worth up to £14.4 million is being delivered to South West Wales as part of the Connect to Work programme, which helps break down barriers to opportunity. This comes as part of the Government’s £3.5 billion Get Britain Working package — the biggest investment in employment support for a generation — unlocking work and boosting living standards as part of the Plan for Change.

The announcement was made on Thursday, March 5, by the Department for Work and Pensions.

South West Wales will now receive up to £14.4 million to support up to 3,850 disabled people, people with health conditions and those with complex barriers to work with tailored employment support to find good, secure employment. This forms part of

a total programme investment of over £950 million across England and Wales.

The Minister for Employment, The Rt Hon Dame Diana Johnson said: “The government believes in the potential of every person in every part of the UK. That’s why I’m delighted to confirm funding for South West Wales.

“For too long, too many people have been written off and left behind. But Connect to Work changes that by giving people real, tailored support to move into good jobs and out of poverty. That’s what spreading opportunity means in practice.”

The programme’s support is designed to fit around the individual where participants can meet their employment adviser wherever they feel most comfortable. It also provides intensive, personalised help including individual coaching from employment specialists, job matching services, and ongoing support for both participants and employers.

The Secretary of State for Wales, Jo Stevens, said: “Providing targeted help for people to get into work means

a more financially stable future and a better quality of life for many.

“The tailored support offered by Connect to Work services in Wales

will ensure anyone who can work is supported to get the right job for them, helping them achieve their goals.”

Martyn Butler dies aged 71 months after Haverfordwest visit

A LEADING figure in the UK’s response to the HIV/AIDS crisis has died aged 71 — just months after attending a plaque unveiling ceremony in Haverfordwest honouring his close friend Terry Higgins.

Martyn Butler, who helped establish the Terrence Higgins Trust in 1982 following Higgins’ death from an AIDSrelated illness, died on Friday (Feb 21). He had remained active in awareness work for more than four decades and was widely recognised for his contribution to public health campaigning.

The Terrence Higgins Trust confirmed his death, paying tribute to his lifelong commitment to supporting people living with HIV and improving sexual health education across the UK.

Butler’s connection to Pembrokeshire was particularly strong. Terry Higgins, after whom the charity is named, grew up in Haverfordwest and attended Tasker Milward School. Higgins is widely recognised as one of the first people in the UK known to have died from AIDSrelated complications in 1982.

Last year, Butler travelled to Haverfordwest to attend the unveiling of a blue plaque commemorating Higgins’ life. The ceremony marked an important moment in recognising both Higgins’ story and the wider history of the HIV/AIDS epidemic, which claimed thousands of lives in the UK during the 1980s and 1990s.

Friends and colleagues described Butler as a tireless advocate who helped shape the national response to the emerging AIDS crisis at a time when

fear, stigma and misinformation were widespread.

In the early days of the epidemic, Butler famously used his own home telephone number as part of one of the UK’s first AIDS helplines, offering advice and support to people who had nowhere else to turn.

Over the decades that followed, the Terrence Higgins Trust grew into the country’s leading HIV and sexual health charity, providing testing services, education programmes, support networks and national campaigning.

Butler was appointed an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) in 2022 in recognition of his services to people affected by HIV.

Tributes have been paid from across the UK health and charity sectors, with colleagues describing him as compassionate, determined and instrumental in changing public attitudes towards HIV.

His death comes at a time when medical advances mean people living with HIV can now expect near-normal life expectancy with treatment — a transformation many campaigners say would not have been possible without the groundwork laid by early activists such as Butler.

Local figures who met him during the Haverfordwest plaque unveiling said he remained passionate about ensuring the stories of those affected by HIV — including Terry Higgins — were remembered by future generations.

Funeral arrangements have not yet been publicly announced.

Village school closure approved despite community campaign

CARMARTHENSHIRE County Council has approved plans to close Ysgol Llansteffan, despite a sustained campaign by parents and community supporters to keep the village school open.

The decision was confirmed at a council meeting held today (Wednesday, March 4).

Under the plans, Ysgol Llansteffan will close on August 31, 2026, with pupils transferring to Ysgol Llangain from September 1. The existing catchment area currently served by Ysgol Llansteffan will also be absorbed into the Ysgol Llangain catchment.

Tom Sinclair editor@herald.email

Parents and guardians will still be able to apply for places at other schools in Carmarthenshire through the council’s usual admissions process.

The school was identified for closure under Carmarthenshire County Council’s Modernising Education Programme, approved by Cabinet on November 18, 2024. Officials cited extremely low pupil numbers, a high number of surplus places, and financial pressures including a projected deficit budget.

Council leaders also noted that many children living within the school’s catchment area already attend other schools, limiting demand for provision in the village.

Cabinet Member for Education Cllr Glynog Davies said the decision had been difficult.

“The decision to close Ysgol Llansteffan is difficult for everyone involved and it is with sadness that this has been agreed,” he said.

“Following a robust process, the discontinuation of Ysgol Llansteffan will enable the school to combine with Ysgol Llangain to provide safer staffing,

the wider sharing of the Welsh language among pupils and a more sustainable rural community.”

CAMPAIGNERS’ CONCERNS

The decision follows months of opposition from parents and campaigners who argued the case for closure was flawed.

The school’s Parent Teacher Association, supported by Welsh language campaigners, had urged councillors to delay the decision, saying important evidence remained unresolved. Campaigners also raised concerns about the language impact assessment used to support the closure proposal.

Parents argued that pupil numbers had recently increased and that projections used by the council were outdated. They said the school roll had risen earlier this year, challenging claims that numbers would remain extremely low.

During the consultation process, the council received more than 200 responses, with the majority opposing the closure. Residents raised concerns about transport arrangements, the potential impact on pupils’ wellbeing, and the effect on the wider village community if the school were lost.

Supporters of the school also argued that small rural schools play an important role in maintaining Welsh language use and community life, warning that once the village school is lost it would be unlikely to reopen.

Despite these objections, councillors ultimately approved the proposal, meaning Ysgol Llansteffan will close at the end of the summer term.

NEU Cymru publishes manifesto to save education in Wales

NATIONAL EDUCATION UNION

CYMRU has published a new manifesto outlining its vision to “Save Education in Wales” ahead of the Senedd elections in May.

The union says the document is designed to help political parties ensure their policies reflect the needs of the education workforce and learners across Wales.

Launching the manifesto, Nicola Fitzpatrick, Wales Secretary of the National Education Union, said education must be at the heart of the next Welsh Government’s priorities.

“NEU Cymru members are clear that education must be a priority for the next Welsh Government. May’s election is important — this is our chance to vote for education in Wales,” she said.

She identified funding, workforce trust and tackling child poverty as key issues.

“Funding is clearly a priority for

NEU Cymru, along with trusting the workforce and ending child poverty.

The next Welsh Government needs to invest in education to ensure that we are supporting the next generation. But we can’t be complacent,” she added.

The union also set out areas it believes must be protected, including opposition to academisation.

“There are parts of the education system that we need to protect — no academisatiaon of schools, for example, because in Wales children are the priority, not private interests. Free school meals for all our primary school children must be protected. And our Welsh values are important too — protecting diversity, equality and inclusion.”

The manifesto sets out a series of policy proposals aimed at strengthening public education in Wales as parties prepare their campaigns for May’s vote.

First dolphin killed by grey seal recorded in Welsh waters

THE FIRST suspected case of a grey seal killing a common dolphin in Welsh waters has been recorded on a Pembrokeshire beach.

Marine investigators believe an adult female short-beaked common dolphin found stranded at Newgale Beach may have been attacked by a small group of grey seals operating between west Wales and the south-west coast of England.

The discovery marks a significant development in what researchers say is growing evidence that some male grey seals are preying on a wider range of marine mammals than previously understood.

CORKSCREW INJURIES IDENTIFIED

The dolphin, measuring around six feet in length, suffered severe “corkscrew” injuries — distinctive spiral tearing of blubber and tissue — which are consistent with previous confirmed

Sinclair editor@herald.email

grey seal attacks on harbour porpoises.

Mat Westfield, Wales strandings co-ordinator for Marine Environmental Monitoring, said similar incidents had recently been investigated in north Devon.

He said: “It’s the first recorded case in Wales. Because it’s so close geographically to Devon, we suspect it may involve a small number of individual grey seals operating in that area.”

Bite marks were identified on the dolphin’s pectoral fins and around the torn blubber edges — patterns marine pathologists associate with grey seal predation.

The carcass has been sent for further examination. Full laboratory results could take up to six months, with tests expected to determine whether the dolphin had any pre-existing illness or injury.

BEHAVIOUR LINKED TO ADULT MALES

Dr Izzy Langley, of the Sea Mammal Research Unit at the University of St Andrews, said evidence suggests the behaviour is limited to certain adult male grey seals rather than the wider population.

Grey seals are typically fish-eaters, feeding on sand eels, cod, herring and squid. However, over the past decade researchers have documented attacks on harbour porpoises and even other seal species.

Dr Langley said there was no clear evidence that dolphins targeted in such incidents were already sick or weakened.

She explained that researchers believe the attacks may involve ambush tactics from below, catching dolphins unaware while they forage.

“We’ve always found it difficult to understand how grey seals could kill a healthy dolphin,” she said. “It suggests this may not be an evolved predator-prey relationship, but behaviour developed by individual animals.”

Every confirmed case so far has involved adult male grey seals, leading

scientists to suspect the behaviour may be learned rather than instinctive.

RARE BUT SIGNIFICANT

Grey seals are common along the Pembrokeshire coastline and are a familiar sight around Ramsey Island, Skomer and the Marloes peninsula.

While attacks on harbour porpoises have been recorded previously in Welsh waters, this is believed to be the first suspected fatal attack on a common

dolphin.

Marine experts stress that such incidents remain rare and do not represent widespread predatory behaviour across the grey seal population.

However, the case is likely to prompt further monitoring of strandings along the west Wales coast as researchers seek to understand whether this represents an isolated event — or the emergence of a new behavioural pattern.

Tom

St David’s Day parade brings colour and celebration to Haverfordwest

HAVERFORDWEST town centre was a hive of activity today (Friday, Feb 27) as hundreds of children from schools across Pembrokeshire took part in a special St David’s Day celebration.

The popular parade, organised by the Pembrokeshire Language Forum, returned to the county town once again, with smiles all round from participants and spectators who lined the streets to watch.

Children paraded down High Street, through Bridge Street and along Quay Street, led by Samba Doc, before gathering at Picton Playing Fields for songs and dancing during an open-air jamboree with entertainer Tomos Tanllyd.

Pembrokeshire County Council Leader Cllr Jon Harvey said: “St David’s Day is always a special occasion in Pembrokeshire, and it was wonderful to see so many young people coming together to celebrate our language, culture and national identity.”

Cabinet Member for Education and the Welsh Language, Cllr Guy Woodham added: “The annual St David’s Day parade is a shining example of what schools in Pembrokeshire do to celebrate the Welsh language and culture, and they are certainly enthusiastic about it.”

Council Vice Chairman and Champion for the Welsh Language

and Children and Young People, Cllr Delme Harries said: “It was fantastic to see such enthusiasm from pupils across the county, proudly celebrating St David’s Day.”

Local member Cllr Tom Tudor also praised the event, adding: “It really was a great celebration of

St David’s Day and a highlight for Haverfordwest.

Welsh Language Development Officer Catrin Phillips said the event continues to grow each year.

She said: “The St David’s Day parade, organised by the Pembrokeshire Language Forum, is

always a highlight of the year and it’s wonderful to bring schools together to celebrate Welsh language and culture in such a joyful way.

“It has been especially encouraging to see new schools joining us this year, helping the event continue to grow.”

Ysgol bro Preseli

Pennar community school

Pennar community school

st Francis catholic Primary school

ysgol gynradd Aberteifi

ysgol gynradd Aberteifi

cosheston Vc school

Ysgol bro ingli

Ysgol casmael

Ysgol brynconin

Ysgol maenclochog

neyland community school)

Treating mum the Pembrokeshire way this Mother’s Day

MOTHER’s DAY is one of those special moments in the year when families across Pembrokeshire pause and say thank you to the women who have shaped their lives. While flowers and chocolates are always appreciated, the best gifts are often the simplest ones: time, thought and a day spent together in the beautiful county we are lucky to call home.

Pembrokeshire is full of places where you can treat your mother to a memorable day, whether she enjoys fresh sea air, good food, history, or simply a relaxing afternoon with family.

For many families, Mother’s Day begins with breakfast in bed. A cup of tea, some toast, maybe a croissant or pancakes, and a handmade card from children or grandchildren can start the day perfectly. It doesn’t have to be complicated. The gesture itself often means more than anything bought in a shop. Once the morning begins properly, Pembrokeshire offers endless possibilities for a day out. If your mother enjoys nature and fresh air, a walk along the Pembrokeshire Coast Path is one of the most rewarding experiences you can give her. Even a gentle stroll along places like Saundersfoot harbour, Tenby’s

South Beach, or around the peaceful surroundings of Stackpole and the Bosherston Lily Ponds can make for a wonderful outing. The sea views, wildlife and fresh coastal breeze are enough to lift anyone’s spirits.

For mothers who prefer something a little more relaxed, a visit to one of Pembrokeshire’s many cafés or restaurants can make the day feel special. Tenby, Narberth and Milford Haven all have excellent places for lunch or afternoon tea. A traditional Sunday roast is a popular choice on Mother’s Day, and many local pubs and restaurants put on special menus for the occasion. Booking ahead is always wise, as these places can fill up quickly.

If your mother enjoys history and culture, Pembrokeshire also has plenty to offer. Carew Castle, Pembroke Castle and St Davids Cathedral are all beautiful locations where families can spend a few hours exploring. Walking around castle walls or wandering through cathedral grounds creates a sense of occasion and often sparks interesting conversations about the past.

Shopping can also be part of the day. Narberth, with its independent shops and colourful streets, is perfect for browsing. Many mothers enjoy simply wandering through small boutiques, gift shops and bakeries, picking up something unique along the way.

Of course, Mother’s Day is not

about spending money. Often the most meaningful thing you can do is simply spend time together. Visiting your mother for a chat over tea, helping with small jobs around the house, or bringing the family together for a meal can mean far more than any expensive present.

For families whose mothers live further away, a phone call or video call can also make a big difference. Hearing from children and grandchildren reminds mothers that they are appreciated, even when distance separates them.

It is also worth remembering that Mother’s Day can be emotional for some people. For those whose mothers are no longer with them, the day can be a time for reflection and remembrance. Visiting a favourite place, looking through old photographs, or simply sharing stories with family can honour those memories. At its heart, Mother’s Day is about gratitude. Mothers spend years caring, supporting and guiding their families, often putting others first. Taking a day to recognise that love and effort is something worth doing.

In Pembrokeshire, with its stunning coastline, welcoming communities and excellent food, it is easy to create a day that feels special. Whether it is a coastal walk, a Sunday lunch, or simply sitting together watching the tide roll in, the best gift you can give your mother is your time. And in the end, that is what she will remember most.

BADGER AND THE REALMS OF FANTASY

IT’s all gone Pete Tong (as all the young hep cats say, these days)! And it’s all Badger’s fault.

Not long ago, Badger told you that staying positive is important because situations generally improve over time. He also advised that seeking perfect happiness as the ultimate goal is not worthwhile; instead, finding contentment in small daily pleasures is more important.

Since then, the world has hurtled into chaos. The Green Intifada won a by-election. Eluned Morgan is still First Minister. MasterChef: The Professionals is back. There’s been a minor contretemps in the Middle East that threatens to plunge the world into postindustrial anarchy (a key Green Party policy). For all of which, Badger can only apologise. He should’ve remembered that, while things were generally still middling to less depressing than usual, there was always the possibility of them descending into a condition best described as “gopping”.

Things could only be worse if Robert Jenrick. Not, please note, “if Robert Jenrick did what”, but if Robert Jenrick did not exist other than as an Agent Smith-like manifestation of The Matrix. Having seen events in Manchester last week, Badger expects the chameleon-like Mr J to don a kefiyeh and proclaim his unending attachment to environmentalism and antisemitism.

However, all of that was overshadowed by the big news that Hywel Dda UHB is to revolutionise healthcare in Pembrokeshire by ending it.

Badger knows that might be slightly old hat, but he invites you, readers, to pause and please bear with him.

When she dropped Labour’s manifesto like a particularly weighty turd down the political pan earlier this week, that lovable scamp Baroness Morgan of Ely announced another plan to build a new hospital to serve Carmarthenshire (and maybe bits of Pembrokeshire and Ceredigion, but don’t count on it). Needless to say, the announcement did not include any details about where the money will come from. Doubtless, that great partnership between Labour in Westminster and whoever might be the Welsh Government after May 7, will ensure the money flows like

sewage onto Poppitt Sands. Unless Westminster guarantees the funds, you can count on them never materialising. As it didn’t for the last superhospital plan.

Badger wants to point out a key sentiment expressed by Milady’s soonto-be-departed Health Minister, Jeremy Miles, when pressed about the Board’s proposals.

On February 25, the Welsh Government’s Mr Miles told Pembrokeshire MS Sam Kurtz that the decision to strip services from Withybush Hospital was “stabilisation” of healthcare services. That he did so with barely-concealed annoyance at being asked about his portfolio’s responsibilities is neither here nor there. Or would be if he didn’t treat Pembrokeshire’s voters with contempt.

Remember that word, readers: “stabilisation”.

One of the factors repeatedly cited in the consultation (not a referendum) conducted by Hywel Dda UHB was the need to end medium- to long-term uncertainty about which services would be provided where. That uncertainty originated not only from the stripping away of critical services from clinical units and centralising them elsewhere (Carmarthen), but also from not knowing

where and when a new hospital would arrive, necessitating another bout of upheaval.

Now, only a few days after Labour’s Health Minister said, “It’s stablisation. Anyway, I Can’t be arsed. Nothing to do with me. I’m off in May, anyway, so yahboo sucks to you,” the First Minister pledged that a new hospital would be built in West Wales (Carmarthenadjacent) creating uncertainty all over again. The pledge, contained in an undeliverable manifesto by a Party that won’t be in a position to deliver it, will necessitate at least three more consultations, costing the cashstrapped Health Board another sevenfigure sum to deliver. One on the reconfiguration of hospital services, one on the location of a new hospital, and a further consultation on the future of local clinical services. And all of that will happen in a vacuum in which recruitment will stall, and yet more hoops will need to be jumped through by the Board to secure penny-one of any funding.

That’s not joined-up government, readers. It’s not even vaguely connected thinking. It’s puff, stuff, and nonsense.

It goes without saying that the majority of public opinion rejects the idea that stabilising the Welsh NHS

involves leaving one of Wales’s largest tourist destinations, ports, and major energy hubs without a fully functioning general hospital. And, as ever, Labour wants all of the credit for promising a new hospital, and none of the brickbats that arrive as things go the shape of a pear and controversy arises (both will happen).

But that’s not the most stupefying thing that the Baroness of All of Our Hearts announced. No, readers. Not by a long chalk. That accolade goes to: “Improving access to hospital transport and ensuring all health boards develop a Transport Plan, including plans for public transport, car parking and active travel.”

Health boards to provide a transport strategy. Can you imagine it, readers? Considering the bland and ludicrous banalities that masquerade as reassurances in the Health Board’s strategy for Carmarthen - Centre of Our Universe, the Health Board is no more equipped to draw up a transport strategy than Badger is to win Miss World. Additionally, providing a Harrier Jump Jet to every patient who needs to travel 50 miles to an 8 in the morning appointment, when there are no buses, no trains, and no other available transport, would be prohibitively expensive.

That is the sort of thinking that makes perfect sense in metropolitan areas, but it simply does not map onto the realities of rural life. As for “active travel”, Badger can’t help but wonder how long it would take Lizzie from Angle to get to Prince Philip Llanelli for orthopaedic treatment using only her walking frame. And wait for the Commissioner for Future Generations to get involved; Badger can’t help but wonder how close using Zeppelins as carbon-friendly patient transport is to their agenda.

This is an election year, readers. Every Party will stay stupid things while grubbing for votes from the bottom of the barrel. Every Party will promise things that bear more relation to the imagination than to reality.

However, readers, if you want to visit the delusional depths of fantasy (and at the time of writing), Labour is leading the way into the enchanted forest.

High Sheriff raises funds for lifesaving air ambulance after rescuing her son

THE HIGH Sheriff of Dyfed has spent her year in office raising thousands of pounds for the Wales Air Ambulance charity — a cause close to her heart after the lifesaving service once came to the aid of her own son.

Ann Jones, who has lived in the village of Llandewi Brefi in Ceredigion for forty years, chose to champion the charity during her term, highlighting the vital role it plays in supporting rural communities.

Speaking about her decision, she said the service was particularly important in remote areas such as the foothills of the Cambrian Mountains.

She said: “There are two reasons why I wanted to support the Wales Air Ambulance during my year as High Sheriff.

“Firstly, we are at the foothills of the Cambrian Mountains. As you can imagine it is quite a remote area. It is beautiful, but the road network is dreadful.

“When someone falls critically ill, or there is a serious road accident, the air ambulance is a lifeline for our community.”

The second reason, she explained, is personal.

“Many years ago, my son was riding a horse when he was knocked unconscious,” she said.

“The air ambulance came to his aid. Thankfully there was no serious damage and he made a complete recovery. As a family, we’ve never forgotten that.”

Wales Air Ambulance is a consultantled service which takes hospital-standard treatments directly to patients at the scene of emergencies. If required, crews can also transfer patients directly to the most appropriate hospital for their illness or injury.

The service operates through a partnership between the charity and the NHS. While highly skilled consultants and critical care practitioners are supplied by the Emergency Medical Retrieval and Transfer Service (EMRTS), the charity itself relies on public donations to raise the £13 million needed each year to keep helicopters flying and rapid response vehicles on the road.

This advanced critical care capability allows crews to administer anaesthesia, deliver blood transfusions and even carry out minor surgical procedures at the scene.

During her year in office, Ann visited the charity’s headquarters in Dafen near Llanelli.

“It was fascinating to meet Rory the pilot and Tony who is an Operational Support Assistant,” she said.

“They took the time to explain what they do. What struck me was how calm and professional they were. The alarm could have gone off at any minute, and it was reassuring to see they were ready and able to respond.”

Ann described her year as High Sheriff

as “memorable”, with the visit to the air ambulance base providing the “icing on the cake”.

Her term began with a declaration service at her local chapel on Tuesday (Mar 25, 2025).

Since then, a series of fundraising events has been organised to support the charity, including a special evening at the Tyglyn Hotel near Aberaeron organised by Chelsea Flower Show gold medal winner Donald Morgan.

The evening featured entertainment from local group Mishmash and attracted strong community support.

One of the highlights was a festive tractor run in December which saw around forty-five decorated tractors take part.

“There were Christmas trees on the roofs of the tractors and lights everywhere,” she said.

“People were incredibly creative and created themes. Pickup trucks also joined in so families — including elderly residents — could take part.”

Children were also invited to decorate their own ride-on toys, bikes and miniature tractors for the event.

An auction featuring twenty-five lots was held alongside the run, while refreshments were provided by Café Dewi, a voluntary café run by the local Women’s Institute.

Despite the village’s small size, the event raised £7,200.

“It’s incredible really that on a Sunday

before Christmas, when money is short for many people, the community gave so generously,” Ann said.

In total, Ann expects to raise more than £12,000 for the charity before the end of her term.

“I have relied on friends, family and local businesses for support — both financially and practically,” she said.

“It just shows how generous the people of Cardiganshire are.”

Her final fundraising event will be a fashion show at the Falcondale Hotel in Lampeter.

Bell, Wales Air Ambulance Regional Fundraising Coordinator, praised the High Sheriff’s efforts.

“What an incredible year,” she said.

“The High Sheriff of Dyfed has championed Wales Air Ambulance throughout her term in office and we are hugely grateful for her support.

“We would also like to thank everyone who supported the High Sheriff’s fundraising activities — every pound raised helps save lives.”

Emily

Emily Bell, Wales Air Ambulance Regional Fundraising Coordinator and Ann Jones, High Sheriff of Dyfed 2025-2026

gaming

Marathon is a landmark first-person shooter that stands as a fascinating snapshot of 1990s PC gaming ambition, blending fast-paced combat with an unexpectedly rich narrative depth. Developed by Bungie long before the studio became synonymous with sprawling online shooters, the game feels both raw and remarkably forward-thinking. At its core, Marathon delivers tight, maze-like level design that emphasizes exploration as much as firefights, encouraging players to navigate complex corridors, manage scarce resources, and slowly piece together a larger mystery. What truly sets it apart from many of its contemporaries is its storytelling approach: rather than relying on cinematic cutscenes, it unfolds through computer terminals scattered throughout the environment, where fragmented logs, AI transmissions, and subtle world-building details create a layered science fiction narrative about rogue artificial intelligences, alien

threats, and the instability of human authority in space.

When viewed alongside Destiny, the connective tissue between Bungie’s past and future becomes strikingly clear. The cryptic tone, the fascination with powerful, morally ambiguous AI-like entities, and the sense of piecing together lore from scattered text entries all echo strongly in Destiny’s Grimoire cards and environmental storytelling. Marathon’s terminals function almost like a primitive version of Destiny’s lore tabs, rewarding players who are willing to pause the action and immerse themselves in dense, sometimes unreliable narration. Even thematically, the idea of ancient forces, lost civilizations, and entities operating beyond full human understanding feels like a conceptual ancestor to Destiny’s cosmic mythology.

At the same time, the differences highlight how much design philosophy evolved. Marathon is claustrophobic and isolating, built around solitary exploration and intricate,

sometimes disorienting level layouts that can leave players feeling genuinely lost. Destiny, by contrast, is expansive and communal, structured around shared spaces, cooperative strikes, and live-service progression systems. Combat in Marathon is deliberate and occasionally punishing, with limited ammunition and health forcing careful engagement, whereas Destiny emphasizes fluid movement, abilitydriven combat loops, and the constant chase for better loot. Where Marathon’s weapons feel grounded and utilitarian, Destiny’s arsenal leans into spectacle and power fantasy.

Yet despite these contrasts, playing Marathon today reveals how many of Bungie’s core instincts were already present: a commitment to tight shooting mechanics, a love of mysterious sci-fi lore, and a willingness to let players uncover story at their own pace rather than delivering it in straightforward exposition. Though its visuals and interface undeniably show their age, there is a distinct charm in its spritebased enemies and textured corridors, and the design philosophy behind its levels reveals a desire to challenge players intellectually as well as reflexively. Marathon is more than a historical curiosity; it is the foundation of ideas that would eventually blossom into Destiny’s universe, and experiencing it now feels like uncovering the origin story of a studio’s enduring fascination with myth, mystery, and the spaces between humanity and the unknown.

wiTh eddie The game gUrU

Danny Dyer returns to the kind of gritty, morally tangled territory that suits him best in One Last Deal, a lean, streetwise thriller that feels both familiar and freshly selfaware. Set against a rainslicked London backdrop of backroom bargains and fragile loyalties, the film follows a small-time fixer staring down the twin pressures of age and obsolescence as he attempts to pull off a final job that promises security but threatens to cost him what little stability he has left. Dyer plays the role with a weathered charisma, balancing swagger and vulnerability in a way that acknowledges his long association with hard-edged characters while allowing flickers of doubt and regret to seep through the cracks. There’s a livedin quality to his performance; every glare and muttered aside suggests a man who has spent decades navigating blurred lines between loyalty and selfpreservation.

The film wisely leans into this persona rather than resisting it, using Dyer’s natural intensity as an anchor while surrounding him with a supporting cast that adds texture and tension. The dialogue snaps with coarse humour and understated menace, and while some plot

beats follow well-trodden genre paths—double-crosses, shifting allegiances, the inevitable tightening of the net—the pacing keeps things taut enough that predictability rarely dulls the impact. Visually, it trades glossy spectacle for a grounded, almost claustrophobic realism, favouring cramped interiors and shadowy streets that mirror the protagonist’s narrowing options. What elevates the story beyond a standard crime caper is its undercurrent of melancholy; this isn’t just about money or pride, but about relevance, legacy, and the fear of being left behind in a world that no longer plays by the old rules.

If there’s a flaw, it’s that the film occasionally leans too heavily on brooding silences

where sharper character development might have deepened the emotional stakes, and a few secondary players feel more functional than fully formed. Still, when it matters most, the central performance carries the weight. Dyer brings a surprising tenderness to key moments, particularly in scenes that hint at the personal costs of a life spent cutting corners. By the time the final act unfolds, the tension feels earned rather than manufactured, culminating in a resolution that resists easy catharsis in favour of something more bittersweet. In the end, the film stands as a solid, character-driven crime drama that plays to its lead’s strengths while offering just enough introspection to suggest there’s more beneath the bravado than meets the eye.

CliCk to

Tech and Taff

Professor Barrie Davies, Cardiff University

RIGHT then, butt, pull up a chair and let old Professor Barrie Davies explain what’s going on in the strange world of technology this week. Because honestly, if you thought your phone was spying on you before, wait until you hear about the latest gadget craze.

You see, the big tech company Meta, run by the ever-enthusiastic hoodie enthusiast Mark Zuckerberg, has been pushing these fancy smart spectacles called Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses.

Now the idea is clever enough, mind. You stick them on your face, and they use artificial intelligence to help you understand the world around you. Translate a sign, answer questions about what you’re looking at, maybe even help someone with poor eyesight navigate a street.

LOVELY BIT OF KIT, IN THEORY.

But — and this is a very big butt, as we say in Cardiff — it turns out the technology might be a little bit more… observant than people realised.

According to reports, when users record videos with the glasses and send them to Meta’s AI systems, some of that footage can end up being reviewed by real humans. Not robots. Actual people. Workers whose job it is to train the AI by looking at images and labelling what’s in them.

And where are these poor souls doing this noble work? Well, thousands of miles away in Nairobi, working for a dataprocessing firm called Sama.

NOW HERE’S WHERE IT GETS PROPERLY AWKWARD, BUTT

Some of the videos reportedly reviewed include people doing extremely private things. We’re talking living rooms, bedrooms, bathrooms… and in a few cases things that really should stay between consenting adults and the bedroom door.

One worker apparently summed it up rather bluntly: they said they see everything — from ordinary homes to naked bodies. Achafi.

Naturally, this has caught the attention of the UK’s privacy

watchdog, the Information Commissioner’s Office, which is now asking Meta some fairly pointed questions about how all this data is being handled.

Because under UK law, if a gadget is collecting personal data — especially video — the company behind it has to be crystal clear about what’s happening with that information.

Meta says it does take privacy seriously. They say most content stays on the user’s device unless people choose to share it with the AI. They also say any data used to improve the system is filtered first sometimes blurring faces to protect identities.

But according to workers who spoke to journalists, those filters don’t always work perfectly.

Now from a technology perspective, this whole situation is actually a classic problem in artificial intelligence.

AI systems are clever, but they’re not magic. To learn how to recognise the world, they need vast quantities of labelled data. Humans still have to check that the machine understands what it’s seeing.

In other words, someone somewhere has to look at the pictures.

And when the pictures come from glasses people are wearing on their faces all day long… well… you can imagine the variety of scenes that might appear.

It also raises a bigger question, mind.

Wearable tech is booming. Smart watches, body cameras, AI glasses — all of them quietly collecting information about the world around us. And the line between “useful tool” and “constant surveillance” is getting thinner than a Cardiff rugby winger after pre-season training.

So the lesson this week, butt, is simple.

If you ever see someone wearing AI glasses, remember: they might be asking the computer what building they’re looking at.

Or they might accidentally be recording the entire room.

Either way, best behave yourself.

Because somewhere, possibly in Nairobi, there might be a very tired data annotator watching it all and thinking: “Blimey. Humans are strange creatures.”

Youth theatre production supported by Pembrokeshire

Coast National Park Authority

A POWERFUL new youth theatre production inspired by the shocking felling of the iconic Sycamore Gap tree is taking to the stage at Milford Haven’s Torch Theatre this week, with support from the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority.

The famous tree, which stood beside Hadrian’s Wall in Northumberland, made headlines worldwide in 2023 after it was illegally cut down, sparking outrage across the UK and beyond. That reallife event now forms the backdrop to Torch Youth Theatre’s spring production, which explores themes of community, responsibility and environmental connection.

Young performers from across Pembrokeshire will bring the story to life, combining humour with more serious reflections on friendship, conflict and the pressures facing young people today.

Tim Howe, Senior Manager for Youth and Community at the Torch Theatre said: “We are thrilled to partner with the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority on this production. Their support is invaluable, and we cannot wait to see our young actors blossom on stage. Anyone familiar with the Torch Theatre Youth Theatre knows we exist to celebrate young people and the incredible things they are capable of.

“Youth Theatre is about so much more than the final performance; it’s a safe space for difficult conversations. We’ve tackled topics like toxic relationships and the reach of online influencers head-on, and seeing our cast transform these real-world challenges into art has been a massive boost for their confidence and mental health. But don’t be deceived — it isn’t all heavy. There are moments of genuine humour throughout. After all, young people know better than anyone exactly when the only thing left to do is laugh.”

The National Park Authority said it was proud to support the production, describing the original Sycamore Gap tree as a symbol shared across the

UK’s protected landscapes.

Marie Parkin, Head of Marketing and Communications at the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority said:

“As an organisation we were deeply saddened by the felling of the Sycamore Gap tree. For generations, it stood not only as an iconic feature of Northumberland National Park, but as a powerful symbol within the wider family of UK National Parks of the beauty, history and shared heritage that bind our protected landscapes together.

“The public response to its felling demonstrated the strength of feeling people have for these treasured landscapes and the vital role they play in supporting mental health, cultural identity and community connection.

“The Youth Theatre production is a fantastic way of raising awareness and understanding of our National Parks and the issues surrounding the felling of the Sycamore Gap tree, and we’re delighted to be supporting the show.

“We very much look forward to joining Youth Theatre members in the coming months to plant a sapling of the Sycamore Gap tree in the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park — a powerful sign of hope, resilience and our shared commitment to nurturing the next generation’s connection to nature.”

As the story unfolds on stage, audiences are invited to consider questions of accountability and truth, as tensions rise, friendships are tested and long-held grudges emerge. Will the police uncover what happened first, or will members of the Eco-club get there ahead of them?

Torch Youth Theatre presents Al Smith’s Sycamore Gap this February as part of the National Theatre’s NT Connections programme.

Sycamore Gap runs at the Torch Theatre from Wednesday (Feb 25) to Friday (Feb 27), 2026. Tickets are £10 (£8 concessions). For more information visit www.torchtheatre.co.uk or call the Box Office on (01646) 695267.

HOROSCOPES

Siren’s Kiss is a lush, atmospheric romantic fantasy that leans heavily into mood and emotion, delivering a story that feels both intimate and mythic in scope. Set against a windswept coastal backdrop, the film follows a guarded protagonist who finds their carefully constructed world unraveling after a chance encounter with a mysterious stranger whose presence seems almost otherworldly. From the outset, the film commits to its tone: longing glances linger a second too long, the score swells with aching strings, and the sea itself becomes a character— restless, seductive, and faintly dangerous.

What works best is the film’s sense of immersion. The cinematography captures shifting tides and twilight skies in a way that mirrors the emotional push and pull at the heart of the story. There’s a dreamlike quality to

many of the scenes, blurring the line between reality and folklore, which reinforces the central theme of surrendering to desire versus clinging to safety. The romantic chemistry carries much of the narrative weight; even when the dialogue dips into familiar territory, the performances ground the story in believable vulnerability. Small gestures—a hesitant touch, a conflicted look—often say more than the script does.

That said, the film occasionally struggles with pacing. Its commitment to atmosphere sometimes comes at the expense of momentum, and viewers looking for a tightly plotted fantasy may find the middle act meanders. The mythology underpinning the story is intriguing but lightly sketched, hinting at deeper lore without fully exploring it. For some, this ambiguity will feel poetic and intentional; for others, it may read as underdeveloped world-building.

Emotionally, however, the film lands its core message effectively. It explores themes of identity, transformation, and the fear of being truly seen by another person. The metaphor of the “siren’s kiss” works on multiple levels—romantic, destructive, and liberating—inviting viewers to consider whether love is something that rescues us or something that demands we risk everything. By the final scenes, the story embraces its romanticism wholeheartedly, offering a conclusion that feels earned if not entirely surprising.

Overall, Siren’s Kiss is less about plot twists and more about feeling—about the intoxicating pull of connection and the vulnerability that comes with it. It may not reinvent the genre, but it delivers a visually evocative and emotionally sincere experience that will resonate most with viewers who appreciate slowburn romance wrapped in a touch of mythic allure.

go out of your way to invade anyone’s privacy, but keep your wits about you and your information detector set to high. If you uncover someone’s secrets today, keep them to yourself until you know what you should do with them.

CANCER Interesting and positive energy will be circling all around you today, and these good vibes will put you in a good frame of mind to deal with some surprising news from a friend. If your reaction is negative, resist the urge to sound the alarm right away. Respect the choices your friend is making, and wait a while to see how things proceed before you voice your concerns. You run the risk of coming off as judgmental, or as seeming to think that you know better than everyone else.

LEO When you’re making a tough decision, use equal parts old-fashioned research and instinct. Facts and feelings are an unbeatable combination that will steer you right every time. Even if the decision you need to make today is a fairly simple one, approach it as if your whole life were riding on it. What should you order for lunch? Consider your wallet and look at prices. Then listen to your inner cravings and look for what will fulfill them.

VIRGO

Mapping the course of your day could be difficult. Everything could be changing constantly, and you won’t be able to count on other people to keep their commitments (although any flakiness won’t be their fault). The surprising thing is all this unpredictability is going to keep you happily on your toes. This isn’t a day to count on your normal routine. Last-minute cancellations, rescheduling, and absences will require that you think on your feet and use your sharp critical eye.

LIBRA

Get ready to have some of your daily routine disrupted, but you shouldn’t let yourself get frustrated. Quite the contrary! The little fires that erupt throughout your day will offer you some great opportunities to show what you’re really made of. It has been a long time since you’ve been tested to this extent, and you could really use the exercise. It’s nice to have a long period of calm, but you need to push yourself every once in a while.

SCORPIO

A blast from the past has some big plans in store for you. This person just might offer the missing links between you and several opportunities, including greater wealth and even romance. Keep an eye out for unfamiliar phone numbers or email addresses, because everything isn’t exactly what you assume it is. Sometimes relationships or other types of connections are circular. They come back to where they started to make things complete.

SAGITTARIUS

It can be hard to accept things as they are. There is such a strong feeling deep inside of you that wishes things were different, but things are what they are, and you shouldn’tt waste any more time trying to make someone change they way they feel. If you can move past this today, you’ll feel freer sooner. Your independence is of key importance now, and you’re going to want to be unencumbered by emotional drama. Relish this imperfect situation. It is a gift.

CAPRICORN

You don’t have to be a poet, songwriter, or novelist to know how to be creative with your words. Creative writing potential is a gift everyone has and everyone should develop. Today, try to do the unexpected in your written words. Throw a rhyming scheme into your emails, achieve a lot of alliteration in an agenda, and see what happens if you begin a memo with “once upon a time.” It might seem silly, but creativity is supposed to be fun!

AQUARIUS

Money issues will be swirling around you all day, and it won’t be clear until late in the day whether you’ll end up over or under

CliCk to

By editor tom sinclair

OpiniOn: HOw a Middle east war cOuld Hit wales tHrOugH MilfOrd Haven faster tHan we tHink

FOR many people in Wales, the escalating war in the Middle East may feel distant - something unfolding thousands of miles away on television screens.

But the reality is far closer to home.

Through the Port of Milford Haven - one of the UK’s most important energy hubs - the conflict between the United States, Israel and Iran could begin affecting Welsh households far faster than many people realise.

Milford Haven is often described as the UK’s energy capital, and for good reason. The waterway hosts the South Hook and Dragon LNG

terminals, the Valero oil refinery and the Pembroke Power Station. Together they handle vast imports of liquefied natural gas and refined fuels that help power millions of homes and businesses across Britain.

In total, the port processes an estimated 20 to 25 percent of the UK’s energy supply, making it a strategic asset not just for Pembrokeshire, but for the entire country.

That strategic importance also makes it vulnerable to global shocks.

The current crisis began on February 28 when the United States and Israel launched coordinated strikes on Iranian military and

nuclear targets. Multiple international reports state that the attacks killed Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and several senior officials, triggering a leadership crisis inside the country.

Iran has responded with missile and drone attacks against Israeli cities, US bases across the Gulf, and targets in allied states including Qatar, Bahrain and Kuwait.

The conflict is rapidly spreading across the region. Hezbollah has intensified attacks from Lebanon, militias aligned with Iran have targeted US forces in Iraq, and shipping routes across the Gulf are increasingly under threat.

Perhaps most significantly for the global economy, Iran has declared the Strait of Hormuz closed and warned that vessels attempting to pass through it could be attacked.

That narrow waterway between Iran and Oman carries roughly onefifth of the world’s oil supply.

Any prolonged disruption could have enormous consequences.

For Wales, the consequences could arrive quickly.

Much of the liquefied natural gas imported through Milford Haven comes from producers in the Middle East and the wider Gulf region.

Tankers carrying LNG from Qatar and other suppliers typically pass through or near the Strait of Hormuz before reaching Europe.

If shipping traffic is disrupted or insurers refuse to cover tankers travelling through a war zone, deliveries could slow dramatically.

Even if supplies continue, the cost of transporting fuel is likely to surge.

Energy markets react rapidly to geopolitical shocks. Oil prices have already climbed since the conflict began, and further disruption could push them significantly higher.

That would translate directly into higher petrol prices, rising heating bills and increased costs for industries that depend heavily on fuel.

The UK’s energy system operates with relatively limited reserves.

While strategic oil stockpiles exist, the country relies heavily on continuous imports. Since production

in the North Sea has declined over recent decades, Britain has become increasingly dependent on global supply chains.

That makes ports like Milford Haven critical nodes in the system.

If deliveries are delayed for weeks rather than days, the knock-on effects could spread quickly through the economy.

Manufacturing, agriculture and transport are all highly sensitive to fuel prices. Even short-term supply shocks can ripple across supply chains and push up inflation.

There are also wider concerns.

Strategic infrastructure such as energy ports has become an increasing focus for hybrid threats, including cyber-attacks and sabotage.

As geopolitical tensions rise, analysts warn that critical energy facilities across Europe could become targets for disruption.

Milford Haven’s concentration of energy infrastructure — while economically valuable — also makes it strategically significant.

At the same time, the crisis highlights the UK’s continuing dependence on imported fossil fuels.

Projects aimed at transforming the Milford Haven energy cluster, including hydrogen production and carbon capture initiatives, are intended to reduce that dependence over the coming decades. Offshore wind developments in the Celtic Sea could also play a major role.

But those changes will take time.

For now, the war in the Middle East serves as a stark reminder of how closely Wales is tied to global energy markets.

What happens thousands of miles away in the Persian Gulf can quickly affect fuel prices in Pembrokeshire.

If the conflict continues to escalate, the effects may reach Welsh households far sooner than many people expect.

A century of the same old squawk

GATHER round, my feathery friends and landlubbers alike, because old Stephen Seagull has been perched on the railings down Milford Docks again, watching the humans flap about politics like gulls fighting over a chip.

And let me tell you – swark! – the humans have got very short memories.

Every few years they start squawking about immigrants again, as if the whole business has just blown in on the tide for the very first time. But from my perch above the trawlers and oil tankers, I’ve seen enough seasons come and go to know this: the arguments are older than the rust on the dockside cranes.

Now the Home Secretary wants to make it harder for immigrants to settle in Britain – stretching the time it takes to get permanent status from five years to ten. Refugees could be waiting even longer, maybe twenty years before they’re properly allowed to stay.

Swark! Sounds dramatic, doesn’t it?

But here’s the thing the humans keep forgetting. They’ve done this before.

Way back in the 1920s – before the big LNG tankers, before the ferries, before even my great-great-grandgull was nicking chips outside Martha’s Vineyard – there was another Home Secretary tightening the rules in exactly the same way.

Back then the targets were Jewish refugees fleeing persecution in Europe. Politicians and newspapers accused them of not fitting in, of being “unBritish”, of taking jobs and housing.

Swark! Sound familiar?

A century later the language has changed a bit, but the tune is much the same. Now the suspicion is aimed at Muslims or migrants in general. The claims are similar too: they don’t assimilate, they threaten “British values”, they’re somehow responsible for shortages of jobs or homes.

From where I’m sitting on the harbour wall, it looks like the humans are stuck flying in circles.

And if there’s one thing old Stephen Seagull knows about humans, it’s this: they love blaming outsiders when things

get rough.

Take Milford Haven. Ships come here from all over the world. LNG tankers from Qatar. Oil cargoes from America. Sailors speaking languages from every corner of the planet.

Swark! If the docks worked the way some politicians talk, half the harbour would be empty.

Trade, travel and people moving around the world – that’s how ports have always worked. Without it, the gulls would be picking scraps off an empty quay.

Of course, humans argue that politics today is different. Social media shouts louder. News channels squawk 24 hours a day. But the pattern is the same as it ever was: headlines stirring

fear, politicians chasing votes, and minorities getting blamed.

Even down here by the docks, I hear the chatter drifting up from the cafés and pubs.

“Too many migrants.”

“They don’t integrate.”

“They’re the reason things aren’t working.”

Swark! Funny how it’s always someone else’s fault.

The truth is, history shows where that kind of thinking can lead. In the 1930s newspapers were cheering on extremist movements and stirring up suspicion about minorities. It took pressure from businesses and ordinary people to pull the country back from the edge.

So perhaps the lesson from old Stephen Seagull is this.

Before humans start screeching about outsiders again, they might want to remember that these same arguments have been circling for more than a hundred years. Different targets, same old squawk.

And down here on Milford Haven docks, where ships from every corner of the globe glide past the gulls every day, it’s pretty obvious that the world has always been bigger than the fears humans invent.

Now if you’ll excuse me – swark! – someone’s dropped a bag of chips outside the marina café, and Stephen Seagull has urgent business to attend to.

Dogs Trust is just two adoptions away from a full Welsh breakfast

CALLING all breakfast lovers! Dogs Trust Cardiff is looking for forever homes for the remaining two members of a group of dogs affectionately given breakfast-themed names by the charity. These gorgeous dogs are hoping to find experienced dog owners with a hunger in their hearts to help them navigate life in the big, wide world. Handed over to the charity as part of a large group of nine dogs, seven-month-old Beans and one-year-old Ketchup are the last two breakfast-themed English Spaniel-German Shepherd Crosses looking for their forever homes.

With their friends, Hashbrown, Mushroom, Egg, Scramble, Kipper, Toast and Porridge all

finding their forever homes, these two pooches are hoping to complete the full Welsh breakfast by finding loving adopters.

Beans and Ketchup are both a bit nervous and need more experience of the outside world, strangers and life with other animals, so they are looking for calm, patient homes with experienced owners. They need people who can give them the space to come out of their shell, adapt to new environments at their own pace, experience sights and sounds they may be unfamiliar with, and slowly adjust to life in a forever home.

Kim Davies, Manager at Dogs Trust Cardiff, said, “As their breakfast-themed friends have found their forever homes, we’re now looking for experienced,

loving owners for Beans and Ketchup.

“They may be new to many everyday experiences, but with their love of treats and enthusiasm for learning when they feel safe and confident, in time, they will come out of their shell and flourish. Adopters who give them the chance to settle at their own pace will be rewarded with a devoted companion who brings lots of love and fun.

“We might be missing the cockles and laverbread, but let’s serve up a full Welsh breakfast by finding two adopters with a real appetite to help these lovely pooches discover what life can be like as a ‘normal’ dog in the big wide world.”

Although Beans and Ketchup have slightly different rehoming

needs, they are both looking for adopters who will take the time to visit Dogs Trust Cardiff, get to know them and build a bond before heading home.

Both dogs would benefit from living with a confident canine companion who, pending a successful meeting at the rehoming centre, can help them settle in and act as a positive role model in their new home.

Dogs Trust Cardiff is open to the public five days a week, and you don’t need an appointment to visit, see dogs looking for homes, get advice or apply to adopt.

To find out more about Beans, Ketchup and the other dogs available for rehoming, visit www.dogstrust.org.uk/cardiff.

College learners visit Welsh fisheries patrol vessel

PEMBROKESHIRE

COLLEGE pre-cadetship learners were given a behindthe-scenes insight into maritime operations during a visit aboard the Welsh Government fisheries patrol vessel Rhodri Morgan.

The group toured the

working ship, exploring the bridge, upper deck and engine spaces while learning about navigation, onboard systems and the engineering required to operate safely at sea.

The visit provided handson experience of life on a professional vessel and

highlighted the role maritime engineers play in supporting operations offshore.

The Rhodri Morgan is used to patrol Welsh waters, enforce fisheries legislation, support sustainable fishing practices and protect the marine environment. College

staff said seeing the vessel’s work first-hand helped learners understand the responsibility and teamwork involved in modern maritime careers.

Thanks were also given to crew members who hosted the visit and provided the tour.

Farmer warms up for Rome Marathon in fund-raising bid for Parkinson’s UK

A retired Pembrokeshire farmer is lacing up his trainers for one of the world’s most iconic marathons, inspired by his family and driven by a cause close to his heart.

On March 22, Steve Ford, 68, will take on the Rome Marathon when he will be running alongside his daughter and sonin-law in what has become a remarkable family endeavour.

Since beginning his training in May 2025, Steve has clocked an extraordinary amount of miles for a first-time marathon runner. He has covered a staggering 726 miles and has logged no fewer than 130 hours of running. This includes 34,524 feet of elevation which is more than the height of Mount Everest.

Now, with less than three weeks to go, Steve has just completed one of his longest training runs to date.

He is running in aid of Parkinson’s UK, which is a cause close to his family’s heart, having been personally touched by the condition. To date, he has raised over £4,100, and his family are immensely proud of everything he has achieved. Parkinson’s is a complex, progressive brain condition affecting more than 153,000 people in the UK. With over 40 symptoms, ranging from tremor and paain to anxiety and depression, and no cure, the need for research and support has never been greater. Someone in the UK is diagnosed every 20 minutes,

and by 2050, the number of people living with Parkinson’s worldwide is expected to double to 25 million. Parkinson’s UK funds vital research into new treatments and provides lifechanging support services for those affected. To support Steve and donate to Parkinson’s UK, visit: https://events.parkinsons.org. uk/fundraisers/stephenford/ overseas-runs-2026

Farmers still in the dark as SFS launches today

FARMERS across Wales are facing continued uncertainty after the Welsh Government confirmed that full details of two key elements of the Sustainable Farming Scheme (SFS) will not be available when the application window opens on Monday (Mar 2).

Officials have acknowledged that further information on the Optional and Collaborative actions — two of the scheme’s core layers — will be published “in due course”, with applications for many of these measures not expected to open until later this year.

While some actions, including organic maintenance and woodland creation, will proceed independently of SFS participation, significant parts of the scheme remain incomplete as farmers are being asked to begin the application process.

The situation has prompted concern within the sector, with farm businesses warning that uncertainty over the scheme’s full scope makes forward planning difficult at a time when margins are already under pressure.

Commenting on the launch, Welsh Conservative Shadow Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs, Samuel

Kurtz MS said: “It is unacceptable that, as the Sustainable Farming Scheme application window opens, two of its core components — Optional and Collaborative — are still not fully designed. After years of consultation, farmers are being asked to commit to a scheme where significant elements remain undefined or delayed until later in the year.

“Farm businesses cannot plan on the basis of ‘further detail in due course’. Decisions about land use, investment and cashflow require clarity from day one. This last-minute uncertainty reflects a clear lack of foresight from the Welsh Labour Government.

“Farmers were promised stability and certainty. Instead, they are being given ambiguity and a rolling timetable. That is not good enough for an industry that needs confidence, not confusion.”

The Sustainable Farming Scheme is intended to replace the EU-era Basic Payment Scheme and form the backbone of agricultural support in Wales, linking public funding to environmental and land management outcomes.

The Welsh Government has been approached for comment.

Excitement over new Welsh Sheep Village at this year’s Royal Welsh Show

THE ROYAL WELSH Agricultural Society (RWAS) and the National Sheep Association (NSA) are collaborating to launch a new Welsh Sheep Village at this year’s Royal Welsh Show.

Located on the site of the former NSA Pavilion, the village will celebrate the Welsh sheep industry’s importance. Including trade stands and educational activities, it’s designed to showcase innovation and good practice to farmers, whilst helping the wider public understanding of sheep farming and the vital role it plays in shaping our landscape and heritage.

Called Cynefin – Welsh for “habitat” or “place of belonging” – the village will reflect the deep connection between land, sheep farming, and community in Wales.

RWAS chief executive, Aled Rhys Jones, said: “Sheep farming and the generations of

farmers who have worked the land have shaped our Welsh landscape. We are delighted to be working closely with the NSA to introduce this exciting new concept which celebrates our rich farming history.

“The sheep section already covers almost four acres of our showground, so it’s evidently a major part of the Royal Welsh Show. We host one of the largest and most diverse collection of sheep breeds of any show in the world and have world-class shearing and wool handling competitions.

“The new Sheep Village, alongside the Meirion Shearing Centre, the exhibition halls and the sheep ring, will further elevate the industry’s status.”

Phil Stocker, NSA chief executive, added:“Cynefin, the sheep village, is a new concept that gives NSA and RWAS an opportunity to introduce a fresh approach on how we profile sheep farming at the Royal

THIS week marks a seismic moment for Welsh agriculture as the Single Application Form (SAF) window opens. Farmers seeking direct support in 2026 have from now until 15th May to decide whether to enter the new Sustainable Farming Scheme (SFS) or remain in the current Basic Payment Scheme, which will be paid at a reduced rate of 60% this year.

remain about the new Scheme and its practical implications for farm businesses across Wales.

Welsh Show.

“One of the most valuable things we can do for the industry is to play our part in explaining and showcasing sheep farming to the public and celebrate the great innovation and technology that we use.

“We have a great industry which is far more progressive than many realise and our approach to producing food and fibre works well alongside managing our landscape, providing for nature and maintaining rural communities and economies.

“If we can do more to showcase this, then our new partnership venture at the Royal Welsh Show will be worthwhile.”

The popular NSA Bar and Restaurant will also form part of the new village, together with a new open air courtyard offering a welcoming space for farmers and showgoers to meet and relax.

The journey to this point has been lengthy and, at times, challenging. Since the initial ‘Brexit and Our Land’ consultation in 2018, the Farmers’ Union of Wales has committed significant time and resources to lobbying, negotiating and constructively challenging the Welsh Government. Our focus throughout has been to secure a workable post-Brexit funding framework that safeguards the viability of Wales’ family farms while maintaining sustainable food production and environmental stewardship.

As we have consistently stated since last summer, the Scheme is not perfect. While progress has been made over recent years - including securing exemptions for tenants, removal of the unworkable 10% tree cover rule and reducing the number of Universal Actions from 17 to 12, concerns continue. From our discussions with members and during our SFS roadshow last autumn - which attracted more than 1,200 farmers - it is clear that questions and uncertainties

That is why the Farmers’ Union of Wales has repeatedly advised that, following publication of the full SFS rules, every farm business must carefully assess how the scheme’s requirements and payment rates align with its own needs, priorities and long-term viability.

The FUW is here to support its members during this period of transition, and before making any commitment, we also encourage farmers to make full use of the support tools available, including the Welsh Government’s Ready Reckoner and the mapping resources on RPW Online. These tools provide vital information on land classifications such as habitat woodland, designated sites and historic features - all of which could influence individual eligibility and payment outcomes.

Here at the FUW we recognise the scale of change involved. While the new regulations and requirements present challenges, we remain committed to supporting our members and the wider farming sector throughout this period of transition. We will continue to provide guidance, press for clarity where needed and engage constructively with the Welsh Government to ensure that the Scheme evolves in a way that is fair, practical and sustainable for the farming families at the heart of rural Wales.

TElectric Volvo EX30 SUV wins Good Design® Award 2025

THE Volvo Ex30 has added another prestigious award to its long list of accolades, as Volvo Cars’ small fully electric SUV has been awarded the prestigious Good Design® Award 2025. As one of the company’s most popular models, the Ex30 combines stylish Scandinavian design with a special emphasis on sustainability principles. The Ex30 has the lowest carbon footprint of any fully electric Volvo and is packed with recycled and natural materials, making it a winner of the Good Design Award in the Transportation category.

The Good Design Awards are among the world’s oldest and most respected design accolades, and recognise excellence in design, innovation and sustainability.

Established in 1950 by the Chicago Athenaeum: Museum of Architecture and Design, the awards are an annual

celebration of products that combine aesthetic quality, functionality and social responsibility.

“We are honoured to see our small electric SUV recognised by the jury,” said Rekha Meena, Head of CMF Design at Volvo Cars. “The EX30 is designed to be our most sustainable car to date, without compromising on the premium experience and safety that our customers expect. Small yet mighty, the EX30’s smart Scandinavian design projects confidence, maturity and versatility, while making it instantly recognisable as a Volvo.”

AN INSTANT CLASSIC

Revealed to the world in the summer of 2023, the EX30 has become an instant classic. Volvo Cars’ first small SUV immediately became a bestseller, expanding the company’s appeal to new

customer groups and further growing its fully electric portfolio.

With a range of up to 475km and exciting driving dynamics, Volvo Cars has sold close to 200,000 EX30s so far. Recently, Volvo Cars announced a number of updates to the EX30.

Tasked with creating a car that combines a premium experience, an accessible price point and high sustainability performance, Volvo Cars designers had to rethink everything with the EX30. The guiding principle was how to do more with less; to try and get more than one use out of as many components as possible, thereby reducing the materials needed.

This allowed designers to help reduce the carbon impact of EX30, increase interior space for roominess and comfort, and reduce costs. The result is an electric car with classic Volvo principles around design, safety and sustainability, accessible to

a wide array of customers.

While the EX30 is smaller than any other Volvo car, it retains the confidence, maturity and Scandinavian simplicity of its larger siblings.

To maximise interior space and versatility, the EX30 has proportions to match. The wheels are pushed to the corners, with short and equal overhangs, which creates a long wheelbase and a visually planted stance. It also has qualities that attract customers to SUVs in the first place: versatility, a high seating position and a robust look.

The Good Design® Award 2025 is only the latest feather in the EX30’s cap. In recent years, the EX30 has won dozens of major awards, including World Urban Car 2024; The Sun Car of the Year 2023; Red Dot Best of the Best Award 2024; Car Design Award 2024; and Top Gear Magazine Eco Warrior of the Year 2023.

1.2

YOUR LOCAL EV SPECIALISTS IN WEST WALES

At EV Wales, electric vehicles aren't just part of our business – they are our passion. As dedicated EV specialists, we provide a level of in-depth expertise in sales, service, and repair that goes beyond what a main dealer can offer. Are you looking to buy your first EV and need honest, real-world advice from people who drive them every day? Or are you an owner searching for expert, economical repair solutions that make sense? We are your trusted local partners. We believe in making electric driving simple, affordable, and exciting for everyone. For a better way to buy and maintain your EV, speak to the experts who live and breathe them.

Cadillac Escalade, GMC Yukon, and Chevrolet Silverado now officially available to UK buyers through GM Specialty Vehicles

GM Specialty Vehicles has officially launched in the UK. For the first time, buyers in the UK can order some of General Motors’ most desirable and powerful vehicles direct from the manufacturer. The move sees premium models such as the Cadillac Escalade-V, GMC Yukon Denali, and Chevrolet Silverado available to UK customers with full UK homologation and comprehensive warranty, financing, aftersales, and service support.

Jean-Pierre Diernaz, Managing Director GM Europe: “We’re excited to be working with Clive Sutton to bring to UK customers our iconic North America vehicles. We’ve selected incredible vehicles from our global brands – Cadillac, GMC and Chevrolet – through a dedicated GM facility in North West London and the nationwide network of retailers that is set to follow.”

For UK fans of the biggest, most luxurious, and highest-performing GM vehicles, the launch represents the most accessible route yet with a full retailer experience. Vehicles will be supplied directly by GM and delivered either via Clive Sutton’s new London premises, or through the wider retailer network as it is established.

Each of the UK-market models includes a comprehensive three-year, unlimited-mileage warranty with two further years’ cover as an optional extra. UK customers can place orders immediately via the GM Specialty Vehicles website – GMSV.uk – or through retailers as they come online.

Clive Sutton, Founder and CEO:

“This is an exciting moment for UK customers who have long admired GM’s premium and performance lineup. For the first time, buyers in the UK can view vehicles such as luxurious Cadillac Escalade and

GMC Yukon Denali SUVs, or US favourite pickup trucks including the popular Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra – with, warranty, finance, UK homologation, and nationwide servicing. We are delighted to be the first GM Specialty Vehicles franchise

in the UK and to lead development of the nationwide network.”

All now available to order, with deliveries starting this spring, the core GM Specialty Vehicles line-up includes:

• Cadillac: Escalade, Escalade ESV, Escalade-V

• GMC: Yukon Denali, Sierra 1500 Denali, Sierra 1500 AT4

• Chevrolet: Tahoe, Suburban, Silverado

With the rollout of a nationwide dealer network, customers will enjoy transparent pricing, nationwide GM-approved servicing, finance options, and the choice to commission a bespoke build or purchase from available stock. Retailers will also offer accessory packages, paint protection film, specialist finishes, paint treatments, tracker and security installations, and part-exchange services.

The initial phase of the UK launch centres on GM’s most in-demand large SUVs, all of which are available to order now through Sutton London (020 7483 6500) and via GMSV.uk.

Pembroke Power Station marks 10,000th turbine start

PEMBROKE POWER STATION has reached a major operational milestone after recording the 10,000th start of its combined cycle gas turbine (CCGT) units — underlining the plant’s continuing role in keeping the UK electricity system stable as renewable energy increases.

The RWE-owned power station, which opened in 2011, was originally designed to run almost continuously. However, as wind and solar generation have grown, the facility now operates far more flexibly, starting and stopping units to respond to changes in electricity

demand and renewable output.

All five generating units now operate across multi-shift patterns, helping to balance the grid when renewable supply drops or when rapid increases in power are required.

Engineers at the site have also significantly improved performance over time. Startup times have been reduced from around 70 minutes to just 41 minutes, allowing the station to respond more quickly to fluctuations in supply and demand. The units have also completed multiple major maintenance cycles while maintaining high reliability, including during the Covid-19

pandemic.

Gas-fired power remains a key part of Britain’s energy mix, providing what industry experts describe as “firm and flexible” generation capacity. While renewable sources are expected to supply the majority of electricity in the future, gas stations continue to provide backup and stability when renewable output is low or unpredictable.

Roland Long, RWE Pembroke Power Station Manager, said: “Reaching 10,000 unit starts is a proud moment for everyone at Pembroke. It highlights not just our operational capability

but the vital contribution that flexible gas generation makes to the UK’s energy system.

“As the grid becomes increasingly driven by renewables, our ability to start quickly and run when needed ensures security of supply and reinforces Pembroke’s role as a dependable partner in the nation’s energy transition.”

The milestone reinforces the ongoing importance of flexible gas generation in supporting homes and businesses across the UK with secure and reliable electricity, particularly as the country continues to move towards lower-carbon energy sources.

Little Haven garden shed holiday let appeal dismissed

AN APPEAL against a national park refusal of a scheme to convert a garden shed to a holiday let at a Pembrokeshire seaside village with the highest rates of second homes and holiday lets in the county has been dismissed.

Last April, in an application before Pembrokeshire Coast National Park, Shabnam Banihashem of 19a Wesley Road, Little Haven sought permission to convert a rear garden shed, already replace with a summerhouse, to holiday

let accommodation.

Local community council

The Havens had objected to the scheme, saying it has concerns over parking and highway access arrangements, and concerns about impact on Highway traffic safety-related matters.

An officer report recommending refusal said: “The Authority has concerns in connection with the proposal due

to the impact upon the residential amenity of the host dwelling, and its immediate neighbours, the impact upon the character of the Little Haven Conservation Area due to the potential for additional traffic, and due to the proposed summerhouse being unsuitable in terms of size for the use of holiday letting.”

The application was refused on grounds including “introducing a significantly greater level of noise and disturbance than the current situation, to the detriment of the residential amenity of neighbouring properties,” and impact on the conservation area.

Since that refusal, the applicant appealed the decision with Planning and Environment Decisions Wales (PEDW); a site visit by the inspector taking place on January 28 of this year.

The main areas covered in the appeal were the effect of the proposal on the living conditions of neighbouring occupiers and future

occupiers of the proposal, with regard to noise and privacy, and the character of the Little Haven Conservation Area, the inspector’s report said.

In dismissing the appeal, she said: “I have found the proposal would be acceptable with regard to its effect on the Conservation Area.

“However, this is outweighed by the harm that would be caused to the living conditions of the occupiers of the host dwelling, as well as occupiers of the proposal, with regard to privacy.”

A previous national park report, based on the second homes council tax premium payable to Pembrokeshire County Council, has said nearly two-thirds of properties in Little Haven are either second homes or holiday lets. At the time of the 2023 report, the highest rates of seconds homes or holiday lets in the national park were: Nolton Haven 60 per cent, and Little Haven 62.96 per cent.

Bruce Sinclair Local Democracy Reporter

Templeton Pembrokeshire fuel business home for security call

A CALL for a home to provide security for a well-established Pembrokeshire fuel distribution business and a proposed museum, which has hopes of developing further business units, has been submitted to county planners.

In an application to Pembrokeshire County Council, Dan Thomas, of KP Thomas & Son, through agent Cynllunio RW Planning Ltd, seeks permission for the erection of dwelling for management of on-site enterprises and associated works at The Fuel Depot, Templeton

A supporting statement says family-run K P Thomas and Son, situated on a site close to a former airfield and former nuclear bunker, has

Bruce Sinclair Local Democracy Reporter

been operating for 39 years and has “grown into a major local employer, currently providing work for 32 staff,” supplying “over 45,000 customers annually and distributes 30 million litres of fuel, 8,000 tonnes of LPG gas and 500 tonnes of coal every year,” and was “formally designated as an essential key service provider during the Covid-19 pandemic”.

A statement from Dan Thomas said he had moved some 15 minutes away to Narberth when he became a homeowner some five years ago, but “it quickly became clear that this arrangement was not workable due to

the urgent and unpredictable nature of our operations”.

He said any detailed several incidents on-site which required an immediate on-site response, “the travel time from Narberth frequently caused delays, operational disruptions, and increased environmental risks”.

He said even living in nearby Templeton could cause difficulties for any emergency call-outs, which often occur in the early hours; the 24-7 business handling fuel distribution and transport logistics throughout Pembrokeshire and beyond, with his own working hours often running from 5am to as late as 8pm.

“Consequently, I had no choice but to relocate to the family home

adjacent to the depot to ensure the continued safe and efficient operation of the business. This remains a temporary measure, and a permanent on-site dwelling is therefore essential to ensure long-term operational efficiency, safety, and compliance.”

He added: “As part of our fuel distribution operations, we regularly receive bulk fuel deliveries overnight. In the event of a spill, leak, or fault, an immediate response is vital to prevent environmental contamination and ensure public safety. Currently, if such an incident were to occur, I would need to travel from my home to the site before taking any action.”

As well as the existing facilities, it is hoped to construct several leasable commercial units on the site, with prospective tenants wanting permanent on-site security and immediate site supervision, Mr Thomas said.

His statement also says his grandfather “had begun developing a museum as a business but unfortunately passed away before its completion,” adding: “The value of the museum content alone, excluding the building, which includes a kitchen and café facility, was appraised at just over £12.5 million.”

He finished: “The proposed on-site dwelling is not a matter of convenience but one of operational necessity, safety, and environmental protection.” The application will be considered by county planners at a later date.

Crymych golf simulator, play space and wellness centre call

A CALL for approval for the use of Crymych industrial units as a golf simulator, child’s play space and a wellness centre offering a sauna, ice baths, and oxygen therapy has been submitted to county planners.

In an application to Pembrokeshire County Council, Mr and Mrs Evans, through agent Preseli Planning Ltd, seek a partly retrospective permission for the erection of commercial building containing three individual business units, at a former vacant storage yard

at Parc Gwynfryn, Crymych.

A supporting statement says:

“The building provides three sperate business spaces, two of the units are occupied, one as a golf simulator (7B 2) a second is occupied by a child’s role play and play space (7B 4) and the central unit (7B 3) is currently unoccupied, proposed to be let as a

wellness centre.”

The site owners and applicants, Mr and Mrs Evans, are also the operators of the golf simulator enterprise and the original developers of the industrial estate, the statement says.

“The aim of the application is to regularise the existing building and existing and proposed uses. The building was substantially complete May 2025 and first occupied June 2025. Unit 7B2 is occupied by a golf simulator whereby users book slots online and self-serve.

“Unit 7B3 is currently unoccupied but would be occupied by wellness centre once planning permission is granted, consisting of sauna, ice baths, cryotherapy room, oxygen therapy etc. Unit 7B4 is occupied by a new enterprise which offers indoor roleplay space for children, Byd Bach.”

It adds: “In terms of the golf simulator, this is owner managed and the sites proximity to their main office within the site makes managing and attending the unit convenient and enables multiple businesses to be managed by the same

members of staff.

“In terms of Byd Bach, this is operated by a local couple who also manage other premises in Crymych, amongst other employment. The site’s proximity to Crymych is therefore important and these arrangements are only successful given that the site is well-related to Crymych.

“The offering would not disrupt existing comparable provision, the closest facility of this kind being in St Clears, well beyond the catchment of this facility.

“The third unit is not yet occupied but would be operated by a local spinal injury sufferer, and athlete, who would benefit from the facilities themselves and offer therapy for others.”

Citing a recently-approved change on use of a building on the industrial site itself to a Hair and Beauty Salon, it said it was considered the development would not have a significant detrimental effect on the overall supply of business units or land in Pembrokeshire or Crymych. The application will be considered by county planners at a later date.

Bruce Sinclair Local Democracy Reporter

Welsh Labour launches Senedd campaign with £4bn hospital pledge

WELSH LABOUR leader

Eluned Morgan has launched her party’s Senedd election campaign with a headline pledge to invest £4bn in new hospitals, as the party faces growing political competition ahead of the May vote.

Speaking to party members and candidates in Newport on Monday (Mar 2), Morgan set out five central pledges focused on the cost of living, jobs, the NHS, the environment, and social fairness, presenting what she described as a long-term plan for Wales.

The announcement comes at a politically sensitive time, with health services widely expected to be a defining issue in the election and opposition parties seeking to capitalise on public dissatisfaction with NHS

waiting times and performance.

MAJOR NHS INVESTMENT PROMISE

At the centre of Labour’s campaign is a proposed £4bn Hospitals for the Future Fund, which would modernise parts of Wales’ ageing NHS estate over the next decade.

The funding would include replacing the University Hospital of Wales in Cardiff, redeveloping Wrexham Maelor Hospital, and supporting a new hospital development in West Wales.

Eluned Morgan said: “The NHS is not just a service. It’s a promise. And we need to renew that promise. Not with slogans, but with the biggest investment programme in our history.”

She said the programme would ensure hospitals were “fit for modern medicine” while improving working conditions for staff and patient access.

MENTAL HEALTH AND ACCESS REFORM

Alongside capital investment, Labour also announced plans to expand same-day mental health services across Wales through an “open access” model, building on the NHS 111 press 2 system.

Demonstrator projects would be rolled out across all health boards, with the Welsh Government claiming Wales could become the first country to offer such a model nationwide.

FIVE CAMPAIGN PLEDGES

Morgan outlined five key priorities:

• Tackling the cost of living, including a £2 bus fare cap and expanded childcare

• Jobs for the future through renewable energy and retraining guarantees

• A new NHS deal including hospital investment and women’s health initiatives

• Environmental protection including river clean-ups and tackling fly-tipping

• A fairer society with homelessness action, pay rises for low-paid workers, and improved schools

POLITICAL DIVIDING LINES

The Labour leader used her speech to draw sharp contrasts with rival parties, criticising Reform UK as offering “rage” without solutions and accusing Plaid Cymru of lacking detail behind policy proposals.

“We are seeing a politics that is louder than it is wise,” she said. “Plaid always has a complaint. Welsh Labour has the plan.”

ELECTION CONTExT

Labour has governed Wales since devolution began in 1999, but the upcoming election is widely expected to be more competitive than previous contests, with polling suggesting a fragmented political landscape and growing support for challenger parties. Health services, cost-ofliving pressures and economic confidence are expected to dominate the campaign in the coming months.

Davies and Kurtz attack ‘fantasy hospital’ pledge for west Wales

SENEDD Members Paul Davies and Samuel Kurtz have launched a fresh attack on Welsh Labour’s renewed pledge to deliver a new regional hospital for west Wales, branding the proposal a “desperate pre-election distraction” from mounting pressures on frontline services.

The intervention follows comments from First Minister Eluned Morgan, who indicated that plans for a new hospital serving west Wales would be progressed ahead of the Senedd election in May.

The concept of a new regional hospital has circulated for decades. Potential sites have previously been explored, but the project was effectively

paused by Hywel Dda University Health Board, with delivery widely understood to be many years away due to financial and economic constraints.

Davies and Kurtz argue that communities in Pembrokeshire and Ceredigion cannot afford to wait while uncertainty continues over services at Withybush Hospital and Bronglais Hospital.

Paul Davies MS said: “People in Pembrokeshire and Ceredigion do not need vague long-term aspirations. They need certainty and investment now. Services are being centralised and downgraded while we are told to wait for something that is neither fully planned nor properly funded.

“Instead of chasing headlines,

the Welsh Government should focus on safeguarding and strengthening services at Withybush Hospital and Bronglais Hospital. The message from our communities is clear: invest in the hospitals we have so people can access the care they need closer to home.”

The two MSs contend that immediate capital and workforce investment in existing facilities is the only credible way to guarantee patient safety, reduce excessive travel times for rural residents, and provide sustainable healthcare across west Wales.

They are calling on the Welsh Government to publish a fully costed and deliverable plan to protect core services at Withybush and Bronglais,

rather than relying on what they describe as “recycled promises that never materialise.”

Samuel Kurtz MS added: “Just ahead of a Senedd election, the First Minister dusts off a decades-old plan and tries to sell it to local voters who can see straight through this empty promise.

“When 10,000 local people sign a petition demanding the Welsh Government intervene on Withybush, and all they can do is issue a press release about a plan that may not happen for another decade, it shows Labour are not serious about supporting the communities of west Wales.”

Government response

The Welsh Government maintains that long-term transformation of NHS services is necessary to secure sustainable healthcare provision across rural Wales. Ministers have argued that ageing hospital estates, recruitment pressures and increasing demand require modern infrastructure and strategic planning.

Labour has pledged significant capital investment in NHS facilities as part of its wider health strategy and says any future regional hospital would form part of a long-term programme designed to improve clinical resilience and patient outcomes.

The debate over the future configuration of hospital services in west Wales has intensified in recent years, particularly around emergency and specialist provision, with campaigners arguing that protecting local access must remain the priority.

Davies and Kurtz said confidence in local healthcare will continue to erode unless immediate, visible investment is made in frontline services at Withybush and Bronglais.

The Welsh Government and Hywel Dda University Health Board have been approached for further comment.

Emergency call to protect Withybush Hospital by local councillors

AN EMERGENCY call for Pembrokeshire’s council to take greater action in safeguarding the future of Withybush hospital is to be heard next week.

At the full council meeting of March 5, an emergency notice of motion by the council’s 11-strong Conservative Party group will demand that the Welsh Government immediately reverses the decision to cease emergency general surgery at Withybush Hospital.

Last year, Hywel Dda University Health Board consulted with its communities on options for change in critical care, dermatology, emergency general surgery, endoscopy, ophthalmology, orthopaedics, stroke, radiology and urology.

It said its Clinical Services Plan focuses on nine healthcare services that are “fragile and in need of change”.

The proposed changes included an option for Withybush patients needing specialist critical care being transferred to Glangwili.

At a recent two-day meeting, the board, amongst its many other decisions, backed changes into emergency general surgery which will see no emergency general surgery operations taking place at Withybush, but a strengthening of the same-day emergency care (SDEC).

A petition against the plans already has more than 4,000 signatures and has met an angry response from local politicians and campaigners.

At the March council meeting, the Conservative council group, led by Cllr Di Clements, will say: “The Welsh Government has powers of intervention in Sections 26-28 of the NHS (Wales Act) 2006 which enables it to intervene

in decisions made by a health board, in this case the Hywel Dda University Health Board.”

It says that Pembrokeshire residents “have seen continual downgrading of services over the years, and this has been detrimental to all residents,” adding: “We believe this recent decision is life threatening to those who need emergency surgery and a matter of resident’s safety.

“Every hour lost, on average, survival rates decrease by four per cent. Those who live furthest west and north will be affected the most.”

The group adds: “We are concerned especially that this has the huge potential to affect A&E provision. With limited opportunity for doctors to operate we are concerned that our county hospital will be left with few or no senior surgeons and A&E will be forced to close.”

The group has also questioned the accuracy of figures quoted by the First Minister Eluned Morgan on the number of affected patients, saying: “HDUHB own figures for the changes to emergency surgery put the number at nine per week, not five.”

The group has said it “acknowledges that Pembrokeshire County Council has no control over health services in the county, but the 60 county councillors represent approximately 120,000 people who at some point may need hospital services”.

Group leader Cllr Di Clements said: “I am certain the whole county will support our aim to prevent any more downgrading of services at Withybush.

“We are treated like second class citizens, and it is just not good enough.”

Welsh Conservatives launch ‘Fix Wales’ manifesto ahead of Senedd election

THE WELSH CONSERVATIVES

have launched their manifesto for the 2026 Senedd election, promising tax cuts, major road investment and what the party says will be a fresh start for Wales after more than two decades of Labour-led government.

Party leader Darren Millar unveiled the manifesto, titled “Fix Wales”, earlier this week, setting out the Conservatives’ proposals for government if they win power in the Senedd election on Thursday (May 7).

The party says the plan is focused on economic growth, lower taxes and improvements to public services including the NHS.

TAx CUTS AND COST OF LIVING

One of the headline pledges in the manifesto is a proposed one-penny cut in the basic rate of income tax in Wales.

The Conservatives say the move would help ease pressure on household finances and boost economic growth.

The manifesto also promises to introduce a five per cent cap on council tax increases, with any higher rises requiring a public referendum.

Business rates reform and measures aimed at supporting small businesses also feature prominently in the party’s economic plans.

Road projects and infrastructure

Transport investment forms another key part of the manifesto.

The Welsh Conservatives say they would move forward with plans to build an M4 relief road around Newport, a longdebated project which was cancelled by the Welsh Government in 2019.

The party also says it would invest in improving major routes across Wales and prioritise infrastructure projects designed to support economic growth.

HOUSING AND HOME OWNERSHIP

The manifesto also includes plans aimed at increasing home ownership.

Conservatives say they would restore the Right to Buy scheme in Wales, allowing council tenants to purchase their homes.

The party also proposes scrapping Welsh stamp duty on main homes, which it argues would help more people onto the property ladder.

NHS AND PUBLIC SERVICES

Healthcare remains a major focus of the election campaign.

The Conservatives say their plans would aim to reduce NHS waiting times and improve access to healthcare services across Wales.

They have also pledged to invest in hospital infrastructure and strengthen

TIME TO FIx WALES’

Speaking at the launch, Welsh Conservative leader Darren Millar said the manifesto offered a clear alternative after what he described as years of underperformance by the Welsh Government.

He said: “After more than 25 years of Labour running Wales, too many public services are struggling and people feel that the country is being held back.

“Our plan will ut taxes, boost growth and deliver the change Wales needs.”

ELECTION BATTLE INTENSIFIES

The manifesto launch comes as political parties across Wales ramp up campaigning ahead of the Senedd election in May.

Labour has governed Wales since the creation of the Senedd in 1999, but opposition parties hope growing dissatisfaction with public services and the cost of living could reshape the political landscape.

With Plaid Cymru, the Conservatives and Reform UK all seeking to challenge Labour’s dominance, the election is expected to be one of the most closely contested since devolution began.

Plaid Cymru launches manifesto promising ‘new direction’ for Wales

PLAID CYMRU has launched its manifesto for the 2026 Senedd election, setting out a programme the party says would deliver a “new direction” for Wales after more than two decades of Labour-led government.

Party leader Rhun ap Iorwerth unveiled the manifesto earlier this week, outlining proposals focused on strengthening public services, boosting the Welsh economy and increasing powers for Wales.

The launch marks a key moment in the campaign ahead of the Senedd election on Thursday (May 7), with Plaid positioning itself as a credible alternative government.

HEALTH AND PUBLIC SERVICES

Improving the NHS in Wales is one of the central themes of Plaid Cymru’s manifesto.

The party says it would prioritise reducing waiting times and invest in expanding the healthcare workforce.

Plaid also wants to strengthen community healthcare services and improve access to treatment in rural areas.

The party argues that long waiting

lists and growing pressure on hospitals show the need for major reform of the Welsh health service.

ECONOMIC PLANS

The manifesto sets out a range of economic proposals aimed at supporting Welsh businesses and creating new jobs.

Plaid Cymru says it would focus on developing green industries and renewable energy projects while also strengthening local supply chains.

The party also proposes measures designed to help small businesses and boost economic development in rural communities.

HOUSING AND COMMUNITIES

Housing affordability is another major focus.

Plaid says it would expand the supply of affordable homes and introduce stronger measures to address housing shortages in many parts of Wales.

The party has also repeated its calls for greater control over housing policy and planning decisions in order to better respond to local needs.

Welsh language and powers for Wales

The manifesto also places strong emphasis on protecting and promoting the Welsh language.

Plaid Cymru says it would introduce policies designed to increase the number of Welsh speakers and strengthen the use of Welsh in public services and education

The party has also reaffirmed its longstanding support for greater powers for Wales, arguing that decisions affecting Wales should increasingly be made within the country.

‘A GOVERNMENT READY TO LEAD’

Speaking at the launch, Plaid Cymru leader Rhun ap Iorwerth said the manifesto demonstrated that the party was ready to take responsibility for governing Wales.

He said: “This manifesto offers a clear plan to build a stronger, fairer Wales.

“For too long Wales has been held back by a lack of ambition and a failure to deliver real change.

“Plaid Cymru is ready to provide the leadership Wales needs.”

Election campaign intensifies

The manifesto launch comes as campaigning intensifies ahead of the May election.

Labour has governed Wales since the creation of the Senedd in 1999, but opposition parties hope voter dissatisfaction with public services and the cost of living could reshape the political landscape.

With Plaid Cymru, the Conservatives and Reform UK all seeking to challenge Labour’s dominance, the election is expected to be one of the most competitive since devolution began.

digital systems within the health service.

POSITIVELY LIBERAL

W ITH ANDREW LYE

inspired plans for an ICE-style force will only bring chaos and disorder to Britain’s streets. Not the order and control our immigration system needs”, said Max Wilkinson MP, the Liberal Democrat Home Affairs Spokesperson, in response to comments made by a Reform spokesperson.

Max Wilkinson added, “It’s nonsense to claim that ripping up the European Convention on Human Rights – a largely British creation –will bring more control. It will undermine the cooperation we need to tackle the problem and deprive British people of hard-won rights and freedoms too.

“Far from rescuing the economy or making us safer, Reform’s plans are a serious threat to Britain’s economy and to our NHS, police and other key public services.”

Meanwhile, the Welsh Liberal Democrats have renewed their call for a UKEU Customs Union after a major new economic study found that Brexit has reduced UK GDP by between 6% and 8% by 2025.

The research by leading economists Nicholas Bloom, Philip Bunn, Paul Mizen, Pawel Smietanka and Gregory Thwaites conclude that the impact of leaving the EU has been large, persistent and cumulative.

Compared to similar advanced economies, the UK has suffered significantly weaker growth since the 2016 referendum.

Business investment is now 12–18% lower than it would otherwise have been, employment is 3–4% lower, and productivity has fallen by around 3–4%.

The economists note that while early forecasts anticipated economic costs, the long-term impact has been deeper and more drawn out than many predicted.

The Welsh Liberal Democrats say the findings

Reform launches Welsh manifes to promising ‘real change’ ahead of Senedd election

confirm what businesses across Wales have been reporting for years: that leaving the Single Market and Customs Union has created costly red tape, weakened trade links and undermined investment.

With Wales particularly reliant on manufacturing, agriculture, food exports and small exporters, the Party argues that restoring closer trading ties with the EU is essential to support jobs and growth.

The Welsh Liberal Democrats are calling on the UK Labour Government to negotiate a new Customs Union with the European Union to reduce trade barriers, support exporters and provide long-term certainty for businesses.

Commenting, Welsh Liberal Democrat Westminster Spokesperson David Chadwick MP for Brecon, Radnor & Cwm Tawe said:

“This new report makes clear that Brexit has delivered a slow-burn hit to our economy, cutting growth by up to 8% and hammering investment and productivity.

“Across Wales, we see the consequences every day. Farmers face extra paperwork to sell into Europe, small manufacturers struggle with supply chains, and businesses that once traded seamlessly across the Channel are drowning in red tape.

“Wales cannot afford to carry on with weaker growth and lower wages. We need a serious reset in our relationship with the European Union. A new UKEU Customs Union would cut trade barriers, boost confidence and give Welsh businesses the certainty they desperately need.

“The Welsh Liberal Democrats will keep fighting for closer ties with Europe so we can rebuild our economy, protect jobs and deliver the growth our communities deserve.”

If you have any issues or comments, please contact me at andrew.lye@pembslibdems.wales

REFORM UK has launched its Welsh manifesto ahead of the May Senedd election, promising what party leaders describe as an “ambitious but realistic blueprint for change” in Wales.

The manifesto was unveiled on Thursday (Mar 5) at an event in Newport attended by Reform Wales leader Dan Thomas and Reform UK leader Nigel Farage.

The insurgent party is attempting to position itself as a major challenger in the election, with recent polling suggesting a fragmented political landscape in which no party is guaranteed overall control of the Senedd.

KEY POLICY PLEDGES

Among the headline proposals is a pledge to scrap the default 20mph speed limit on residential roads introduced by the Welsh Government, a policy which has generated significant public debate across Wales.

Reform also promises to pursue major road projects including an M4 relief road around Newport and upgrades to the A55 in North Wales.

The party says it would also end the Welsh Government’s “Nation of Sanctuary” refugee policy and stop the use of hotels to house asylum seekers in Welsh communities.

Other proposals include prioritising local residents for social housing, reviewing business rates, and introducing a “tax lock” designed to prevent the introduction of new Welsh taxes.

On council tax, Reform says it would impose a five per cent referendum threshold, meaning larger increases would require public approval.

NHS AND FARMING PROMISES

Healthcare features heavily in the party’s programme, with pledges to cut waiting lists, end the practice of patients being treated in hospital corridors, and invest in digital infrastructure and hospital upgrades.

Reform says it would maintain the NHS as a free public service.

The party has also sought to appeal to rural voters by promising changes to the controversial Sustainable Farming Scheme.

Under its proposals, Reform says it would work with the farming sector to deliver a tenyear Welsh food strategy and reduce regulatory pressure on farmers.

‘PUT WALES FIRST’

Speaking at the launch, Reform Wales leader Dan Thomas said the manifesto offered voters a clear alternative to the current Welsh Government.

“This manifesto is a blueprint for real change here in Wales,” he said.

“These promises put Wales and Welsh communities first, and unlike the pledges put forward by other parties, these are deliverable.

“Armed with this blueprint, we have all the building blocks to end a generation of decline here in Wales.”

Nigel Farage also addressed the event, praising the Welsh team and describing the manifesto as a serious plan for government.

“In a Senedd election campaign that has been characterised by fantasy

economics from the other parties, this document is a serious plan to deliver the real change Wales deserves,” he said.

POLITICAL REACTION

Opposition parties were quick to criticise the plans.

Welsh Labour said the manifesto amounted to “a Tory programme in Reform clothing” and accused the party of making unfunded promises.

A party spokesperson said: “This is a manifesto full of billions in commitments without explaining how they would be paid for.”

Other parties have also raised concerns about Reform’s policies on asylum and social housing, arguing they risk deepening social divisions.

ELECTION BATTLE AHEAD

The launch marks the start of what is expected to be an intense campaign ahead of the Senedd election on May 7.

Labour has governed Wales continuously since devolution began in 1999, but polls suggest the political landscape is becoming increasingly competitive, with Plaid Cymru, the Conservatives and Reform all seeking to capitalise on voter dissatisfaction with the status quo.

Reform hopes its message of tax restraint, infrastructure investment and tighter migration policies will resonate with voters frustrated by rising living costs and public service pressures. Whether the party can translate that message into seats in the Senedd will become clear when voters go to the polls in just over two months.

Tory leader attacks Starmer over defence, welfare and North Sea policy at PMQs

THE LEADER of the Conservative Party, Kemi Badenoch, launched a fierce attack on Prime Minister Keir Starmer during heated exchanges in the House of Commons on Wednesday (Mar 4).

During Prime Minister’s Questions, Badenoch accused the government of prioritising welfare spending over defence investment and warned that Britain was failing to strengthen its military during a period of international instability.

She claimed the government had no credible defence investment plan, telling MPs the Prime Minister “doesn’t know what is going on on any policy” and simply reads prepared statements regardless of the question being asked.

Badenoch said the government’s spending priorities had left the country vulnerable.

“The truth is that because they spent money on welfare there is no defence investment plan,” she said.

“Because there is no defence investment plan

they are not ordering enough missiles.”

The Conservative leader also attacked Labour’s energy policy, accusing the government of undermining the UK’s domestic energy security by restricting new North Sea oil and gas drilling.

She argued that doing so while importing energy from countries such as Norway made little sense during a period of geopolitical tension.

“At a time of geopolitical crisis, does it make sense to kill our oil and gas industry and give up that ready supply of energy?” she asked.

Responding, the Prime Minister defended the government’s approach and said ministers were working with allies and energy companies to safeguard supplies.

Starmer said the UK remained in close contact with international partners and industry leaders amid global instability.

He added that oil and gas would remain part of the UK’s energy mix for many years, but insisted that renewable energy

BLUE VIEW

With Samuel Kurtz MS

I make no apology for once again focusing this column on health services in Pembrokeshire.

Since my election in 2021, health related matters have accounted for more than half of my casework and constituency surgery appointments. Whether it is the struggle to secure a GP appointment or long waits for treatment, healthcare remains the issue raised with me more than any other by local residents.

Pembrokeshire is fortunate to have dedicated and highly skilled staff working across our hospitals, GP surgeries and care homes. Their commitment to patients is clear every single day. Too often, however, they are working within a system that feels reactive rather than proactive, responding to crises as they arise rather than addressing the underlying problems and preventing them from recurring.

to be revived again in a recent Labour election speech announcing funding for three new hospitals across Wales.

It is little wonder that people feel confused and sceptical. Uncertainty makes it harder to recruit and retain staff, and it undermines public confidence in the decisions being made. When legitimate concerns are raised about proposals affecting services such as emergency surgery at Withybush, dismissing them as scaremongering is neither fair nor constructive. Residents deserve openness and honesty about the challenges facing our health service.

was key to improving long-term energy security.

“If the last few days have taught us anything, it is that while we rely on international markets we are vulnerable to these changes,” he told MPs.

“That is why renewable energy, where we have our own independence and security, will take us off those markets.”

The exchanges became increasingly heated as Badenoch continued to criticise the government’s priorities on defence and national security.

She argued that the Prime Minister was “prioritising his job security over our national security.”

Starmer dismissed the criticism, telling the Commons he had spent the week “protecting British lives” and accused the opposition of failing to act in the national interest.

The clash came amid heightened international tensions and growing debate in Westminster about defence spending, energy security and the rising cost of living.

As your local Senedd Member, I regularly raise these concerns with Hywel Dda University Health Board and the Welsh Labour Government, and I continue to put forward constructive suggestions for improvement. Recently, I asked my Facebook followers what question they would most like me to put to the First Minister. The response was overwhelming. People want to know what the future holds for Withybush Hospital.

One of my greatest frustrations, and one shared by many residents, is the continuing lack of clarity and consistency surrounding the hospital’s future. The debate over whether a new hospital serving west Wales should be built has now been running for almost twenty years. During that time, services have been reduced or reconfigured, wards opened and closed, and uncertainty has become the norm for both staff and patients.

At one stage, a consultation identified and costed potential sites on the Pembrokeshire and Carmarthenshire border for a new hospital, alongside proposals for improved public transport infrastructure. Yet over the past 18 months the project appeared to have been quietly shelved, only

My commitment to Withybush is both professional and deeply personal. The hospital has saved the lives of members of my own family, lives that might have been placed at far greater risk had treatment required a much longer journey. Having lived and worked in Pembrokeshire for many years, I know that this sense of loyalty to our local hospital is shared by many others. People here want Withybush not simply to survive, but to thrive and deliver the full range of services it was established to provide.

As we approach the Senedd elections on 7 May, I encourage readers to look carefully at the policies being put forward by all parties. Ask whether those seeking your support have listened to the concerns of Pembrokeshire residents and whether their proposals are credible and deliverable.

For more than a quarter of a century since devolution began, Labour have led the Welsh Government, with the support of Plaid Cymru and the Liberal Democrats. Voters will decide whether the record on healthcare meets their expectations and whether change is needed to secure better outcomes for communities like ours.

Alongside colleagues such as Paul Davies, I remain committed to standing up for Pembrokeshire and protecting the future of Withybush Hospital. We will continue to press for the investment, services and certainty that our community deserves.

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!

FEEDING

EVERY CHILD IS A MORAL

DUTY

DEAR SIR,

THERE are some fundamental truths about human life that are obvious to anyone who reflects on them. One of the clearest is that all human babies, like other mammals, are born completely helpless and entirely dependent on the care and devotion of adults if they are to survive and thrive. Caring for children is not simply a private matter — it is a moral responsibility shared by society as a whole. History shows the consequences when societies abandon compassion and ethical principles. The horrors inflicted on innocent people, including children, during the darkest periods of the twentieth century stand as a permanent warning of what can happen when prejudice, hatred, or ideology override humanity. More recently, political

decisions in the UK — such as policies limiting support for third children in families — have raised serious ethical questions about how we value children and families. Whatever one’s political views, it is difficult to argue that any child should be disadvantaged because of the circumstances of their birth.

For that reason, I welcome efforts by political leaders to address child poverty and ensure that all children have access to food and basic security. Supporting families is not charity; it is an investment in the future of our society.

Every child deserves dignity, nourishment, and opportunity. That should be a principle that unites us, not divides us.

Neville Westerman

DEAR SIR,

HAVING read the recently published Reform Wales

manifesto, I could not help but notice how strikingly familiar much of it appears.

In fact, many of the headline policies look remarkably similar to proposals that have long been championed by the Welsh Conservatives.

Take, for example, the pledge to scrap the default 20mph speed limit introduced by the Welsh Government.

The Conservatives have been campaigning against the policy since its introduction and have repeatedly promised to roll it back. Reform’s position on the issue therefore appears less like a new idea and more like a restatement of an existing Conservative position.

The same could be said of proposals around major road infrastructure. Reform’s commitment to revive the M4 relief road around Newport mirrors a long-standing Conservative proposal that has been central to their criticism of Labour’s transport policy in Wales for years.

There are also clear parallels when it comes to taxation. Reform’s promise to cap council tax increases at

five per cent unless approved by a referendum echoes similar Conservative arguments about limiting tax rises and increasing accountability in local government.

On housing, Reform’s emphasis on prioritising local people for social housing and encouraging greater home ownership again reflects themes that have frequently appeared in Conservative policy discussions in Wales.

Of course, parties are entitled to share similar ideas, and voters will ultimately decide which vision they prefer. But when the policies are placed side by side, it becomes difficult to ignore the extent to which Reform’s programme overlaps with positions already advanced by the Conservatives.

For all the talk of political insurgency and dramatic change, the Reform manifesto reads less like a radical departure and more like a slightly repackaged version of familiar Conservative proposals.

YOURS FAITHFULLY, NIALL MAYNARD

THE REFORM COPYCAT MANIFESTO

Daffodils in Tenby by Paul Davies

CONCERNS OVER REFORM’S PLANS FOR EDUCATION IN WALES

DEAR SIR,

LIKE many parents and people working close to the education system in Wales, I read the recent Reform Wales manifesto with growing concern about what its proposals could mean for our schools.

Education in Wales already faces significant challenges. Teachers are under enormous pressure, classrooms are dealing with increasing levels of additional learning needs, and schools are often expected to provide support for children whose difficulties go far beyond academic learning. Any serious plan for education should begin by recognising those realities. Instead, some of the ideas being suggested appear to move backwards rather than forwards. The proposal to introduce league tables comparing schools risks creating a culture where schools are pitted against one another rather than supported to improve together. Experience elsewhere has

shown that such systems can place even greater pressure on teachers while doing little to address the deeper causes of educational inequality.

Equally troubling is the suggestion that schools are focusing too much on the emotional wellbeing of pupils. Anyone who spends time in a modern classroom knows that many children are dealing with anxiety, family instability and wider social pressures. Ignoring those issues does not make them disappear; it simply makes learning harder.

Schools should absolutely prioritise teaching and learning, but they cannot do that effectively unless pupils feel safe, supported and ready to engage in the classroom.

What Wales needs is sustained investment in teachers, better support for additional learning needs, and policies shaped through genuine engagement with education professionals. Reform’s proposals, as they currently stand, risk undermining that approach.

Education is far too important to become a political experiment.

Johnny Lee

death notices

J UDITH ( N é E R OBERTS ) ‘J UDE ’ STAMP ( N é E R OBERTS )

JUDE passed away at Withybush Hospital on 9th February 2026, aged 51 years.

Much loved Daughter of James & Freda Roberts, beloved Wife of Tom and treasured Mother to Robert & Noah she will be greatly missed by all her family and many friends.

Her funeral service will take place on Saturday 14th March, 12:15pm at Parc Gwyn Crematorium, Narberth.

No flowers by request. Donations in memory of Jude for the Paul Sartori Foundation can made direct online at http://www.paulsartori.org/

All enquiries to Roy Folland & Son Funeral Directors (01437) 763821

W ILLIAM ‘J OHN

G OODWILL’ J OHN DAVIES W ILLIAMS

PEACEFULLY on 22nd February, John of Goodwill, Trefin aged 83 years.

He will be sadly missed by his family and friends.

Funeral service Wednesday 11th March at 2.00pm at Llanrhian Church followed by interment in the Church Cemetery.

Donations, if desired, for the St.Davids RNLI (cheques payable to RNLI Fundraising Branches) c/o W.G.Bernard Mathias & Daughter, 62 New Street, St.Davids, SA62 6SU

M ARGARET F ERRIER

P HILLIPS ( N é E U PHILL )

PASSED Away peacefully at Pembroke Haven Nursing Home on 14th February 2026.

Devoted wife of the late Robert Phillips and a much loved mother, grandmother and great grandmother. She was 90 and will be greatly missed by all her family and many friends.

The funeral will take place on Monday, March 9th at Ss Faith & Tyfei Church, Lamphey at 12 noon followed by a service at Parc Gwyn

Crematorium, Narberth at 1.45pm. If desired, donations in memory of Margaret will be gratefully received in lieu of flowers for ‘Wales Air Ambulance’ or ‘Dementia UK’ via the link below or sent to John Roberts & Son, 51 Bush Street, Pembroke Dock. margaret-phillips-1935-2026. muchloved.com

T ERRENCE ‘‘T ERRY ’’ A. M. J AMES

PASSED away peacefully at Park House Court Tenby Hospital on Monday, 16th February 2026, aged 84.

A celebration of Terry’s life will be held at Parc Gwyn Crematorium on Wednesday, March 11th at 10.45am.

If desired, donations gratefully received in lieu of flowers in memory of Terry for the RNLI (via the link

below or cheques can be made payable to ‘Royal National Lifeboat Institution’ and sent to John Roberts & Son Funeral Directors, 51 Bush Street, Pembroke Dock) terrencejames.muchloved.com

C AROL A NN S MITH

CAROL, of Bulford Close, Johnston passed away peacefully at Withybush Hospital, Haverfordwest on Friday 20th February 2026, aged 82 years.

Beloved wife of John, devoted mother of Debbie and Nikki, cherished mother-in-law of Chris and the late Simon, loving granny of Jonathan, Sophie, William and Chloe and adored sister of Lynn and Fiona.

Carol was loved dearly and will be greatly missed by all who knew her.

The funeral service will take place on Friday 13th March 2026 at 11:00am

at Emmanuel Church, Haverfordwest followed by interment at Milford Haven Cemetery.

Family flowers only.

All enquiries to Tom Newing & Sons Ltd., Milford Haven. Tel: 01646 693180.

PAM V EALL

PEACEFULLY on Thursday 19th February at Withybush Hospital, Pam of Trecwn.

Beloved wife of the late John, loving mother of Nicola and much loved grandmother of Zoe.

Funeral service on Monday 9th March at the Chapel of Rest, Feidr Castell, Fishguard at 2pm followed by interment at Llanfair Nant-y-Gof Cemetery, Trecwn.

Further enquiries to Paul Jenkins & Sons, Fishguard. Tel: 01348 873250.

CARAVANS

CAR PARTS

CARPENTRY

CAMERAS & PHOTOGRAPHY

CLEARANCES

ELECTRICAL

GARDENING

RECLAIMED BUILDING MATERIAL

RUBBISH AND WASTE REMOVAL

PROFESSIONAL CAR WASH

PODIATRY

SCRAP METAL

SHUTTERS & BLINDS

STORAGE TANKS

SOUND LIGHT AND STAGE

TECHNOLOGY AND COMPUTERS

TRAILERS

VEHICLE RECOVERY

WINDOWS

Third in championship for junior Welsh rally driver

SEVENTEEN-YEAR-OLD

Henri Cynwyl from Newcastle Emlyn has finished third overall in the F1000 Junior British Rally Championship after a dramatic doubleheader finale at the Glyn

Memorial Rally in Anglesey. Having led the championship standings for much of the season, Henri went into the final round firmly in contention for the title. A fiercely competitive battle at the sharp end of the

leaderboard ultimately saw him secure third place overall — making him the highest-placed Welsh driver in the popular junior series.

“I had to use a drop score on the first day and managed

a podium finish on the second, which was the final day of the championship,” said Henri. “Getting the top spot just wasn’t to be this time, but I’m still chuffed with third. I’ve learnt so much over the past two years competing at circuits across Wales, England and Scotland.”

Over the past two seasons Henri has worked alongside a number of co-drivers, including Mark Williams, Dylan Davies, Izzie Holman, James Williams, Ben Duke, Geraint Evans and Callum James. More recently he has teamed up with Catrin Price, who will sit alongside him for this year’s tarmac events, and Dilwyn John for gravel rallies.

Behind the scenes, his service crew — Mark Williams and Josh Clark of Castle Motors in Newcastle Emlyn — have played a crucial role in keeping the car in peak condition throughout the campaign.

“There are so many people to thank for making this possible — my family and close friends, my amazing sponsors, co-drivers and service crew,” Henri added. “I’m incredibly grateful to everyone who has supported me. It’s been an amazing journey so far and I can’t wait to start the new chapter in March.”

Henri is coached by James Williams as he prepares for the upcoming season.

South Pembrokeshire Short Mat Bowls Association results

LAST week saw another round of matches in the South Pembrokeshire Short Mat Bowls Association Friendly League, with several strong performances across the division.

St Twynnells recorded a maximum points win with a 10–0 victory over Hundleton, while St Johns beat Cosheston 8–2. Lamphey also secured an 8–2 result against Carew, and Badgers defeated East

Williamston by the same scoreline. Llanteg claimed a narrow 6–4 win over Reynalton.

Kilgetty had the bye.

One catch-up fixture was also played, with St Twynnells beating Kilgetty 8–2. League table after week 19 East Williamston continue to lead the table after 18 matches, having recorded 13 wins and five defeats, with a shot difference of +178 and 122 points.

St Johns sit second having played 17, with 11 wins, one draw and five losses, and 103 points.

Hundleton are third with nine wins, one draw and seven losses from 17 matches, on 91 points.

Reynalton are fourth with seven wins, two draws and eight defeats, and 85 points.

St Twynnells have climbed into fifth place after 16 matches, with eight wins, two draws and six losses, and 83 points.

Carew are sixth with eight wins and nine defeats from 17 games, with 81 points.

Llanteg have played 14 matches, winning seven and losing seven, and sit on 73 points.

Kilgetty are eighth with six wins, one draw and 10 losses from 17 matches, also on 71 points, just ahead of Badgers on shot difference. Badgers have five wins, one draw and 11 defeats.

Cosheston are tenth with five wins, two draws and seven losses from 14 matches, on 62 points.

Lamphey are eleventh with seven wins and nine losses from 16 games, on 60 points.

manderwood Pembrokeshire leagUe

division

Wales name team for Ireland clash

HEAD COACH Steve Tandy has named the Wales team to face Ireland in the fourth round of the 2026 Guinness Six Nations at the Aviva Stadium on Friday, March 6 (kick-off 8:10pm, live on ITV1 and S4C).

There are three changes to the starting XV as Wales prepare to play in their alternate kit for the trip to Dublin.

James Botham is selected at openside flanker for his first start of this year’s Championship. Alex Mann moves to blindside flanker, while Aaron Wainwright continues at No.8.

Dan Edwards starts at fly-half and Ellis Mee is named on the wing,

with both players making their third appearance for Wales in this year’s Six Nations.

Among the replacements, Louie Hennessey is in line to make his senior international debut. Adam Beard and Olly Cracknell provide additional forward cover on the bench.

Tandy said: “There are a couple of enforced changes this week due to injury. Ellis played well in the opening couple of rounds and we feel he deserves another opportunity.

“This week is about building on the performance against Scotland. Going away from home brings a different environment for the group, but our focus is on improving what we did last

clash in Six Nations fourth round

time out.

“I thought the defence against Scotland was much improved and we want to build on that going to Ireland. They are very strong in possession and move the ball well, so we know we’ll need to raise our performance again.”

Speaking about Hennessey’s potential debut, Tandy added: “Louie was unfortunate not to get his opportunity in the autumn but he’s trained extremely well. He had a knock to his hand at the start of the campaign, but the way he has recovered and performed in training has been very impressive. We’re all excited to see him potentially get his chance in Dublin.”

WALES TEAM V IRELAND –GUINNESS SIx NATIONS 2026

Louis Rees-Zammit (Bristol Bears – 38 caps)

Ellis Mee (Scarlets – 6 caps)

Eddie James (Scarlets – 7 caps)

Joe Hawkins (Scarlets – 9 caps)

Josh Adams (Cardiff Rugby –68 caps)

Dan Edwards (Ospreys – 9 caps)

Tomos Williams (Gloucester Rugby – 70 caps)

Rhys Carre (Saracens – 26 caps)

Dewi Lake (Ospreys – 29 caps) captain

Tomas Francis (Provence Rugby – 80 caps)

Dafydd Jenkins (Exeter Chiefs – 29 caps)

Ben Carter (Dragons – 17 caps)

Alex Mann (Cardiff Rugby – 14 caps)

James Botham (Cardiff Rugby –19 caps)

Aaron Wainwright (Dragons –65 caps)

Replacements

Ryan Elias (Scarlets – 46 caps)

Nicky Smith (Leicester Tigers –61 caps)

Archie Griffin (Bath Rugby – 14 caps)

Adam Beard (Montpellier – 63 caps)

Olly Cracknell (Leicester Tigers – 3 caps)

Kieran Hardy (Ospreys – 30 caps)

Jarrod Evans (Harlequins – 16 caps)

Louie Hennessey (Bath Rugby – uncapped)

Wales – 2026 Six Nations results and fixtures

Saturday, Feb 7: England 48–7

Wales – Allianz Stadium, Twickenham Sunday, Feb 15: Wales 12–54

France – Principality Stadium, Cardiff

Saturday, Feb 21: Wales 23–26

Scotland – Principality Stadium, Cardiff

Friday, Mar 6: Ireland v Wales –Aviva Stadium, Dublin (8:10pm) Saturday, Mar 14: Wales v Italy –Principality Stadium, Cardiff (4:40pm)

Third in championship for junior Welsh rally driver • p78