FridaY FebruarY 13Th 2026 • issue 650 • onlY £1.50
of unreturned devices, unpaid refunds and small claims court cases as company blames landlord dispute
CUSTOMERS across west Wales have raised concerns about the trading activities of Computer Solutions Wales, alleging unpaid refunds, missing computers and prolonged periods of poor communication.
The Herald has spoken to several individuals who say they handed over laptops or desktop computers for repair or replacement, paid hundreds or in some cases thousands of pounds, and were then left without their property or a refund despite repeated attempts to resolve the matter.
In some cases, those affected say they have pursued the issue through the civil courts.
One customer said he handed over two custom-built desktop PCs for repair on Sunday (Mar 30, 2025) and later paid £710 after being told the work was complete. He says the computers were never returned.
After months of chasing, he took the matter to court. A hearing took place in October 2025, which he says the defendant did not attend. The court ruled in his favour and issued an order in November for the return of the two computers and repayment of £377 in court fees.
He says that deadline has since passed and the computers remain outstanding.
Other customers described similar experiences, including payments for repairs or replacement equipment followed by delays, cancelled appointments and repeated assurances that items would be returned or refunds processed.
Several said they were eventually advised to pursue claims through the small claims court.
One former worker also alleged unpaid wages during a period of employment.
The Herald has seen copies of text messages, payment confirmations and court paperwork relating to some of the complaints.
Companies House records show that Computer Solutions Pembs Ltd, the limited company associated with the business, was dissolved on Tuesday (July 29, 2025) following compulsory strike-off proceedings.
Filings show changes to directors and persons with significant control in the months before dissolution, along
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with a change of registered office address outside Wales.
Under company law, a dissolved limited company cannot trade or enter into new contracts.
Despite this, services continued to be advertised online under the Computer Solutions Wales name, including through a website and social media pages. Some customers told The Herald they believed they were dealing with an active laimited company at the time they made payments.
Archived photographs, marketing material and social media posts seen by The Herald show the Computer Solutions Wales name has been used publicly for several years, including from a high street premises in Pembrokeshire and in promotional material dating back to 2022.
Customers said they understood Computer Solutions Wales to be an established local business operating under the same branding throughout that period.
Dyfed-Powys Police confirmed they had reviewed information provided to them about the complaints.
In correspondence seen by
In a written holding statement, a spokesperson for the business said the issues stemmed from a dispute with a former landlord.
The statement said: “This issue began when Computer Solutions Wales was in dispute with its then landlord over building repair obligations and subsequent rent requirements.
“Since then, the landlord has denied CSW access to the property which contains a number of computers. These computers do not belong to CSW nor the landlord, but to CSW customers.
“CSW does not understand the legal position regarding ‘ownership’ of these computers, and is urgently seeking legal advice as to how the computers can be returned to their rightful owners at the earliest opportunity.
The Pembrokeshire Herald, police said the matters raised did not constitute a criminal investigation and appeared to relate to civil liability and potential consumer protection issues. Complainants were advised to contact Trading Standards and pursue enforcement through the civil courts where appropriate.
COMpany RESpOnSE
Steven Grant, trading as Computer Solutions Wales, was contacted and offered the opportunity to comment. Publication of this article was delayed by one week to allow time for a response.
“CSW fully understands the frustration of its customers, and can reassure them that it is making strenuous efforts to resolve this matter as soon as is possible.”
The Herald asked Mr Grant to clarify several points arising from this explanation, including why customers were not kept informed during the alleged access dispute, how long access to the premises had been restricted, how many customer devices remained at the property, whether customers had been formally notified in writing, and the name of the landlord or managing agent so the circumstances could be independently verified.
He replied that he was travelling and had no further comment beyond the statement already provided.
a dRiVER has admitted causing the deaths of two young pembrokeshire people after his car crossed onto the wrong side of the road and collided with their vehicle.
At Swansea Crown Court, Alexander MacCallum, 28, of Beach Road, Llanreath, pleaded guilty to two counts of causing death by careless driving following the fatal crash on the A477 road.
Katie Worrell, aged 25, from Pembroke, and Adam Muskett, aged 27, from Tenby, were travelling together in a Ford Fiesta when it was struck by MacCallum’s Jaguar during heavy, wet conditions at around 4:00pm on June 13, 2024.
Prosecutor Craig Jones told the court the defendant’s vehicle lost control and drifted across the centre line. The loss of control was described as “momentary”, with standing water on the carriageway believed to have contributed.
The impact proved fatal for both occupants of the Fiesta.
MacCallum accepted responsibility for what happened and expressed remorse for the consequences of his driving.
Judge Huw Rees adjourned sentencing to allow a pre-sentence report to be prepared. He warned the defendant that every option remains
available to the court, including an immediate custodial sentence.
MacCallum was granted bail but disqualified from driving in the interim. He is due to return to court for sentencing on April 2.
Addressing relatives present in the courtroom, Judge Rees said the court recognised the scale of their loss.
The families later paid tribute to the couple.
Katie’s loved ones described her as a devoted daughter, sister
and friend who embraced life, loved travelling and had recently completed a Masters degree. They said she worked hard, cared deeply for others and “loved Adam beyond words”.
Adam’s family said he was a muchloved son and brother who adored Tenby, football and his partner. They said they were left heartbroken by the loss of his “big kind heart and cheeky smile”.
Both families said their lives would never be the same without them.
pOliCE are continuing to investigate the sudden death of an eighty-five-year-old man at a property on hawkstone Road in pembroke dock.
Officers were called to the address earlier this week and enquiries remain ongoing.
Dyfed-Powys Police confirmed the man’s family have been informed and are being supported by specialist officers.
A man in his forties who was arrested in connection with the incident has since been released on conditional bail while further enquiries are carried out.
Residents can expect to see an increased police presence in the area as investigations continue.
The force said anyone with information that could assist officers is urged to make contact quoting reference 212 of February 6.
Information can be provided by emailing 101, or by messaging the force via social media.
Alternatively, people can contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.
a TEEnagER has been charged with attempted murder following an alleged knife attack on a teacher at Milford haven Comprehensive School.
The 15-year-old boy, who cannot be named for legal reasons because of his age, appeared before magistrates at the weekend after the incident at the Pembrokeshire secondary school on Thursday afternoon (Feb 5).
He faces charges of attempted murder, causing grievous bodily harm with intent, and possession of a bladed article on education premises.
Magistrates heard the alleged attack took place shortly after 3:00pm while the teacher was working with the pupil in a classroom. It is claimed the boy used a kitchen knife during the incident.
The female teacher suffered injuries to her head, finger and back and was taken to hospital for treatment.
The defendant spoke only to confirm his name, address and date of birth during the short hearing. Members of his family were present in court.
The case was deemed too serious
COnCERnS have been raised about leadership and staffing at Milford haven Comprehensive School following last week’s alleged stabbing of a teacher on site.
The Herald has been contacted by a member of teaching staff who described the school as “rudderless” in the days after the incident and questioned whether enough senior management support was in place.
The teacher, who asked not to be named, said staff morale had been affected and claimed there had been little direct communication from the headteacher, who has been absent due to injury.
They said: “We teachers are all saying the same thing. The school feels rudderless. This is a time when a leader needs to step up and let us know they’re still in charge and concerned.”
Concerns were also raised about administrative capacity, with the business manager role reportedly unfilled.
A spokesperson for Pembrokeshire County Council confirmed the current arrangements.
The council said headteacher Ms C. A. Morris remains in post but is currently absent, with deputy headteacher Mr Daryl John deputising.
It added that the business manager
position is a matter for the school.
Additional support has been put in place for staff and pupils, including the Education Psychology team on site, access to counselling services and an increased presence from the School Police Liaison Officer throughout the week.
The authority also said the Director of Education is in daily contact with the deputy head.
In terms of oversight, the council confirmed Steven Richards-Downes, Director of Education, has visited the school 35 times and met staff on two occasions. Cllr Guy Woodham, Cabinet Member for Education and Welsh Language, has made eight visits since taking up the role in May 2019.
Last week’s incident saw a 15-yearold male charged grievous bodily harm with intent and possession of a bladed article.
At an initial hearing it was explained that the teacher, who was named as Vicky Williams, has since been discharged from hospital.
The prosecution explained to the court that the boy attacked Williams with a kitchen knife.
The case has been sent to Swansea Crown Court.
to be dealt with at magistrates’ level and has been sent to Swansea Crown Court.
He was remanded into youth detention accommodation.
The teenager is due to appear
Police and education officials have not released further details at this stage
iT WaS the oil tanker incident that blackened our shores and stunned the world. it began as what should have been an unremarkable arrival into the haven, the sort of tanker movement that had taken place hundreds of times before without incident.
Instead, within hours, Pembrokeshire found itself at the centre of one of the worst environmental disasters in British history, with television crews lining the coast, helicopters overhead and beaches turning black with crude oil.
Thirty years ago this month, on February 15, 1996, the oil tanker Sea Empress ran aground at the entrance to Milford Haven while carrying around 130,000 tonnes of North Sea crude bound for the refinery. What followed over the next week transformed a working industrial waterway into the focus of international attention and left scars on communities all along the Pembrokeshire coast.
The Liberian-registered vessel was approaching the Haven against an outgoing tide when strong currents pushed her off course near St Ann’s Head. She struck rocks and tore open her hull, immediately beginning to leak oil. Attempts to refloat the tanker were hampered by worsening weather, and repeated groundings over the following days ripped further holes in the plating, allowing more cargo to escape.
By the time the situation was brought under control, an estimated 72,000 tonnes of oil and heavy fuel had entered the sea, making it Britain’s third-largest oil spill.
The effects were visible within hours. Slicks drifted out on the tide before being carried back onto shore, coating beaches from Tenby and Saundersfoot to Angle and Freshwater West in thick, tar-like crude.
Those who were there still remember the smell first — heavy, chemical and unmistakable — followed by the sight of seabirds struggling in the surf and rocks stained black. Thousands of guillemots, razorbills and other seabirds were found coated in oil, while volunteers and wildlife charities rushed to set up makeshift rescue centres in an attempt to save what they could.
For many residents, those images remain the most distressing memory of the disaster.
Yet alongside the environmental
damage came an extraordinary community response. More than a thousand volunteers joined professional clean-up crews, with farmers, shop workers, students and dockers all turning out to help. Armed with buckets, scrapers and pressure washers, they spent long, cold days scraping oil from rocks by hand while local cafés delivered flasks of tea and community halls became informal coordination centres.
It was exhausting, unpleasant work, but there was a widespread feeling that if the coast was going to be saved, it would be saved by the people who lived there.
The economic impact was immediate and severe. Fishing grounds were closed and shellfish beds contaminated, leading to a voluntary ban that later became legally enforced. Some restrictions lasted well over a year, leaving many fishermen without income. At the same time, tourism businesses faced the prospect of empty rooms and cancelled bookings just weeks before Easter, traditionally one of the county’s busiest periods.
Small guesthouses, cafés and seaside businesses suddenly found themselves fighting for survival.
Clean-up costs eventually exceeded £60 million, rising to more than £100 million when wider economic and environmental damage was taken into account. Compensation schemes helped, but for many families it was a deeply uncertain time.
Out at sea, the salvage effort became a daily spectacle. Tugs worked around the clock to stabilise the crippled tanker while cargo was pumped off into other vessels and dispersants were sprayed onto slicks from aircraft. Locals gathered on the cliffs to watch as crews battled tides and heavy seas, knowing that each shift in the weather could make matters worse.
Only a small percentage of oil was recovered offshore, with much of it ultimately washing ashore to be dealt with by hand.
For weeks, the story dominated national bulletins and front pages. Milford Haven, normally known for its refineries and working harbour, was suddenly mentioned alongside some of the world’s most notorious oil spills. And yet, despite the scale of the disaster, the coast proved remarkably resilient. The lighter crude evaporated more quickly than expected, and wildlife populations began to recover within a few years. By the early 2000s, many seabird colonies and marine habitats had returned to near pre-spill levels.
The legacy, however, went beyond the environment.
Navigation procedures were tightened, escort tug requirements strengthened and emergency response plans overhauled. Doublehulled tankers became standard, and regulators introduced stricter safeguards designed to prevent a repeat of what happened in 1996.
For those who lived through it, the Sea Empress remains a dividing line in local memory. Conversations still refer to events as happening “before the spill” or “after the Empress”, a shorthand that underlines just how significant those weeks were for the county.
Three decades on, there is little physical evidence left along the shoreline, and visitors strolling the beaches today would never guess what once happened here. But the memories remain strong — of blackened sand, of long days clearing oil, and of a community that pulled together when it mattered most.
It was a disaster that placed Pembrokeshire on the world stage for all the wrong reasons. It also showed, at its worst moment, the quiet determination of the people who call this coastline home.
WhilE tug crews battled tides offshore and volunteers scraped oil from the sand, another group faced the disaster day after day in a very different way.
Staff from what is now Natural Resources Wales — then working under predecessor agencies — became the people tasked with measuring the damage.
Counting the birds.
Mapping the oil.
Recording the losses.
And for many of them, the memories are still raw.
Andrea Winterton, now a Marine Services Manager, was a junior conservation officer at the time.
By the morning after the grounding, she found herself inside the Milford Haven Port Authority meeting room, hastily turned into an incident centre.
“There were tables everywhere and people everywhere from different
organisations,” she said. “But there was only one phone line and one fax machine. Half the time I was answering calls that weren’t even meant for us.”
Outside, the tide kept bringing more oil. And more birds.
“There were thousands of dead seabirds. Volunteers and staff were out counting and collecting them. It was incredibly hard work emotionally.”
Jamie Bevan, now a senior officer,
spent weeks walking miles of coastline surveying the damage.
“The first thing that hit you was the smell,” he said. “It was everywhere.”
His job soon included carrying sacks of dead birds from the shore.
“I remember standing knee-deep in oil one day, holding those sacks, and just bursting into tears. You try to harden yourself to it, but sometimes it gets too much.”
Former Environment Officer Lyn
remembers the moment the slick reached Tenby.
“I’ll never forget that morning. Residents were standing on North Beach in tears. It was horrific.”
He later surveyed the spill from a helicopter.
“Flying in and out of every cove along the coast — that’s when you really understood the scale of it.”
Despite the exhaustion, those involved talk about the same thing: camaraderie.
Farmers arrived with tractors and slurry tankers. Rock climbers were lowered down cliffs to reach hidden coves. Volunteers delivered tea and
sandwiches into packed briefing rooms.
“The camaraderie kept us going,” one officer recalled. “You clung to the small moments.”
And in the years that followed came one unexpected outcome.
Recovery.
A decade later, long-term monitoring showed most habitats and wildlife had bounced back.
“Nature had recovered remarkably well,” Andrea said. “It showed that if you act quickly — and give nature time — it can be incredibly resilient.”
Thirty years on, the smell may have faded.
The Japanese tug, the giant Red Ensign — and the Haven skipper who turned the speakers up
aMid the helicopters, oil slicks and heavy weather, one of the most unlikely symbols of defiance during the Sea Empress crisis wasn’t a government ship or an international salvage vessel. It was a little harbour tug.
The Tito Neri, operated by Cory Towage, had been built thousands of miles away in Ehime. Some of the controls were still labelled in Japanese. The manuals weren’t much use.
“You just learned what did what,” old hands joked.
At the helm was Captain Tom Sinclair, a Milford Haven man who knew every tide and rock in Milford Haven.
When the Sea Empress grounded off St Ann’s Head, the Tito Neri suddenly found itself coordinating the harbour’s tug fleet — pushing, towing and holding position as crews fought heavy seas to steady the crippled tanker.
Cold, filthy, round-the-clock work.
So they did what dockside crews do.
They turned the speakers up. As dispersant aircraft droned overhead, Rule Britannia blasted across the water at full volume. First flying. and later spread across the wheelhouse roof was an enormous Red Ensign - far bigger than regulation - laid out flat so it could be seen clearly from the air. Half morale boost, half Haven humour.
But to those watching from the cliffs, it felt like something more. While officials argued ashore, it was the tug crews doing the hard graft.
Thirty years on, people still remember that sound echoing across the Haven — rotors overhead, the smell of oil in the air, and Rule Britannia rolling out from a small Japanese-built tug flying a flag far too big for its deck.
Pure Milford Haven.
Offender had 1,101 unlawful images of children stored on his devices, including 122 Category A images – the most serious classification.
a pEndinE man has been jailed after admitting abducting a teenage girl, supplying her with drugs and keeping more than a thousand
indecent images of children.
Richard Knight, aged 73, from Pendine, Carmarthenshire, was sentenced to three years and nine
months in prison at Swansea Crown Court following what police described as a lengthy and complex investigation.
Officers from Dyfed-Powys Police were alerted in the early hours of Monday, April 11, 2022 after a distressed 15-yearold girl phoned her mother asking to be collected, saying she had taken drugs at Knight’s home.
Police forced entry to the address after receiving no answer and finding concerns for the girl’s safety. Inside, officers discovered a small cannabis grow but no occupants. It later emerged Knight had driven the girl home himself.
He was arrested shortly afterwards on suspicion of drink driving and drug offences. A further search of the property uncovered several types of controlled drugs and a number of digital devices.
During ainterview, the teenager told officers she had agreed to meet Knight but believed he knew her age and that she had not told her mother where she was going. She described being given various drugs, including substances hidden inside fruit pastels. CCTV later showed Knight buying the sweets before collecting her.
Digital forensic analysis revealed 1,101 unlawful images of children stored on his devices, including 122 Category A images – the most serious classification.
Drug experts valued the cannabis grow at between £6,000 and £20,000. Officers also seized six different types of Class A drugs from the address.
gUilTy plEaS bEfORE TRial
Knight was charged with 12 offences including child abduction, possession and making of indecent images of children, and being concerned in the supply of controlled drugs.
He admitted the drug offences in April last year and later pleaded guilty to three counts of making indecent images. Although he initially denied child abduction, he changed his plea immediately before a trial was due to begin at court in January.
Detective Constable Jon Gouldson said: “This was a very serious case involving a man who groomed a young and vulnerable girl for his own satisfaction.
“There is no doubt he knew that taking this 15-year-old into his home without parental permission was wrong.
“Taking or keeping a child under 16 without consent is a crime. There are no grey areas.
“We welcome today’s sentence and remain committed to bringing offenders like this before the courts.”
Support available
Anyone concerned about their own behaviour or thoughts towards children can seek confidential help from the Lucy Faithfull Foundation, which runs the Stop It Now service aimed at preventing abuse before it happens.
a nEyland motorist has been banned from driving after being caught behind the wheel with cocaine in his system.
Magistrates sitting at Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court heard that on the morning of November 1, a police officer on patrol in a marked vehicle spotted a Nissan Juke being driven by Lee Evans, aged 48.
The officer followed the vehicle across the Cleddau Bridge before activating the blue lights and bringing it to a stop on Essex Road, Pembroke Dock.
When spoken to, Evans admitted he was a drug user. A roadside test led to further blood analysis, which revealed 223 micrograms of benzoylecgonine –a cocaine metabolite – in his system. The legal limit is 50.
Evans pleaded guilty to drug-driving.
Defence solicitor Fenn Richards told the court her client had been struggling with his mental health and had taken
cocaine several days earlier.
“He’d been struggling mentally at the time and had taken cocaine a few nights previously,” she said.
“That day, he’d been to the hospital to visit his father who was extremely ill. But if he’d known he was still over the limit, he would not have driven.”
Evans, of Picton Road, Neyland, was disqualified from driving for 12 months.
He was fined £753 and ordered to pay a £301 court surcharge and £85 costs.
anglE lifeboat crew have responded to two emergency shouts this week, including a late-night rescue of three teenagers cut off by the tide.
Volunteers from RNLI Angle Lifeboat Station were first tasked at 6:23pm on Tuesday (Feb 10) to assist in the search for a missing surfer at Broughton Bay, on the Gower.
With Burry Port Lifeboat Station inshore lifeboats also responding and other all-weather lifeboats in the area unavailable, Angle’s crew began mustering for immediate launch.
However, the shout was cancelled before the lifeboat launched after the surfer was located safe and well.
Just two days earlier, at 11:24pm on Monday (Feb 8), the crew had launched to reports of three teenagers stranded between Hakin Point and Conduit Beach after becoming cut off by the incoming tide.
The lifeboat quickly located the group on rocks made slippery and hazardous by heavy rain. Unable to climb to safety, the teenagers were stranded as the tide rose around them.
The crew deployed the station’s inflatable Y-boat, allowing rescuers to reach the casualties and transfer them safely back to the all-weather lifeboat.
They were then brought a short distance into the marina and handed into the care of family members, alongside HM Coastguard Dale Coastguard Rescue Team and police.
With no further assistance required, the crew stood down and the lifeboat was refuelled and made ready for service again by 1:00am.
RNLI volunteers are reminding the public to check tide times and sea conditions before heading onto the coast, particularly during the winter months when weather and visibility can deteriorate quickly.
a haVERfORdWEST man has admitted stalking a woman by sending repeated unwanted emails, putting up posters and contacting third parties about her.
Michael Lockheart, aged 80, of Daisy Lane, appeared before Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on Monday (Feb 9) for sentencing, having previously pleaded guilty to stalking.
The court heard that between July 27 and September 10 last year, Lockheart pursued a course of conduct which amounted to the stalking and harassment against a female.
His behaviour included sending numerous unwanted emails after being told to stop contact, distributing
defamatory posters in public places, and sending malicious correspondence to her GP and the local authority.
Lockheart admitted the offence, contrary to Section 2A of the Protection from Harassment Act 1997.
Sentencing was adjourned to allow a pre-sentence report to be prepared.
He was granted conditional bail with strict restrictions. He must not contact the complainant directly or indirectly, including through third parties or social media, and must not enter any address where she lives.
Lockheart is due back before magistrates for sentence at 10:00am on Monday, March 9.
a TEMplETOn pensioner has appeared before magistrates again after admitting repeatedly using the phone network to cause distress and inconvenience.
Ann Gateley, aged 79, of Chapel Hill Lane, appeared at Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on Monday (Feb 9) for sentencing, having already pleaded guilty to a communications offence.
The court heard that between November 24 and November 26 last year, at Templeton near Narberth, Gateley persistently made use of a public electronic communications network for the purpose of causing annoyance, inconvenience or
needless anxiety to another person.
She admitted the offence, contrary to Section 127 of the Communications Act 2003.
Magistrates adjourned sentencing to a later date and granted conditional bail.
As part of her bail conditions, Gateley must not contact 999 unless there is a genuine emergency.
Gateley is well known to the courts and has appeared on numerous occasions over recent years for similar communications-related matters.
She will return to the magistrates’ court at 10:00am on Tuesday, February 17 for sentencing.
A MAN with no fixed address has been remanded in custody accused of possessing heroin with intent to supply and holding thousands of pounds in suspected criminal cash.
Kieren Jones, aged 28, appeared before Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on Monday (Feb 9).
He is charged with possessing diamorphine, a Class A drug, with intent to supply it to two unknown persons in Carmarthen on Friday (Feb 7), contrary to the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971.
Jones also faces a further allegation under the Proceeds of Crime Act that he acquired, used or possessed criminal property, namely £5,500 in cash, on the same date.
No pleas were entered at the hearing.
Because of the seriousness of the offences, magistrates declined jurisdiction and sent the case to the Crown Court.
Bail was refused on the grounds that Jones was likely to offend, interfere with witnesses and fail to surrender to custody.
He was remanded in custody to appear at Swansea Crown Court, The Law Courts, St Helens Road, Swansea, for a plea and trial preparation hearing at 9:00am on Friday, March 13.
The custody time limit expires on August 10.
a dRUnkEn man smashed his moped through a neighbour’s front door after drinking half a bottle of vodka, a court has heard.
Police were called to an address in Vivian Drive, Hakin, shortly before 10:30pm on September 29 following reports that Delan Gibson was experiencing what callers described as a mental health episode.
Prosecutor Nia James told Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court that Gibson had been “shouting and throwing things around the property” before leaving the area on a white moped.
Officers were unable to locate him at first and left the scene. However, around thirty minutes later, police received a further 999 call reporting that the 24-year-old had returned and crashed the moped into a neighbour’s front door.
During interview, Gibson admitted he had tried to mount a high kerb outside his address.
“He said he needed enough momentum to get over it,” the prosecutor said. “But after drinking half a bottle of vodka, he was so drunk that he missed the kerb. He then over-compensated
by accelerating and crashed into the neighbour’s door, causing £1,430 worth of damage.”
Breathalyser tests later showed 74 micrograms of alcohol in 100 millilitres of breath, more than double the legal limit of 35.
The court heard the neighbour had
already experienced ongoing issues with Gibson’s behaviour over several years.
“The neighbour is very concerned for the safety of her family should he return to the property,” said Ms James. “His behaviour has continued over a four-year period and it has left her
feeling persistently anxious with an overwhelming sense of dread.
“That night she was very, very scared, particularly when the moped drove into her front door.”
Gibson, of Marina View, Vivian Drive, pleaded guilty to drink-driving and causing criminal damage.
Defence solicitor Jess Hill said the incident was not deliberate and her client was deeply remorseful.
“This was not a targeted incident and was not intentional,” she said. “He drove while intoxicated, missed the turning and drove into the front door. He apologised to the homeowner as soon as she came out.”
The court heard Gibson has since stopped drinking and engaged with the Dyfed Drug and Alcohol Service.
After considering a probation report, magistrates imposed a 12-month community order. He must complete 15 rehabilitation activity days, 80 hours of unpaid work and a 90-day alcohol monitoring requirement.
He was also ordered to pay £1,430 compensation, a £114 court surcharge and £85 costs, and was banned from driving for 17 months.
a MilfORd haVEn pub landlord has admitted supplying cocaine and cannabis but denied a series of further drugs and cash-related offences during a Crown Court hearing in Swansea.
Daniel Booth appeared at Swansea Crown Court at 11:00am on Wednesday (Feb 11) for a plea and trial preparation hearing before His Honour Judge Paul Thomas KC.
Booth, the licensee of The Vibe on Charles Street, faced an indictment containing seven counts covering a two-year period.
He pleaded guilty to being concerned in the supply of cocaine, a Class A drug, between January 3, 2024 and January 6, 2026.
He also admitted being concerned in the supply of cannabis, a Class B drug, over the same period, and pleaded guilty to simple possession of cannabis found at his address.
However, Booth denied possessing cannabis with intent to supply, denied possessing cocaine with intent to supply, denied simple possession of cocaine relating to December 30, 2025, and denied possessing criminal property, namely £1,682.95 in cash alleged to be the proceeds of crime.
Defence counsel indicated a written basis of plea would be served on the prosecution. Judge Thomas directed the Crown to consider the pleas within seven days.
The court heard that if the pleas are accepted, the matter will proceed
Rieve
Nesbitt-Marr rieve.nesbitt-marr@herald.email
directly to sentencing. If not, a trial will be listed, likely within the next six months.
Booth was remanded in custody pending the next hearing. The Herald previously reported that police allege cocaine was discovered concealed inside the air filter of a van linked to Booth, along
with cash seized at the time of his arrest, and small quantities of drugs located during a search of his home. The case is due to return to Swansea Crown Court next week for further directions.
a TEEnagER from pembroke dock has been remanded in custody after admitting trespassing on the railway line and obstructing a train in haverfordwest.
Jaylene Bamford, aged 18, appeared before magistrates sitting at Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court via video link from prison, where she pleaded guilty to the offence.
The court heard Bamford, of Britannia Drive, Pembroke Dock, was arrested on January 14 after being found on the tracks at Haverfordwest railway station in the Cartlett area.
Prosecutors said she had trespassed onto the railway line and obstructed an engine, bringing it to a halt.Magistrates remanded Bamford in custody ahead of sentencing to allow a full probation report to be prepared.
She is due to be sentenced at Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on February 16.
a WOMan has told a court her life was “turned upside down” by a campaign of harassment from her former partner which left her too frightened to feel safe in her own home.
In a victim impact statement read to magistrates at Haverfordwest
Magistrates’ Court, she said almost every aspect of her daily life had been affected.
“Almost every aspect of my life has been disrupted,” she said.
“His actions have left me feeling constantly unsafe and vulnerable, particularly late at night, and my home
is no longer the safe haven it should be.
“Making that 999 call left me feeling ashamed, even though I knew it was the right action in the circumstances.”
The court heard that during the emergency call on May 15, the woman could be heard whispering to the operator because her ex-partner, Gary Thomas, was outside her home in Freystrop.
Prosecutor Nia James said: “Just before 10:30pm Gary Thomas knocked on her door and the female saw a shadow looking in through the window.
“She can be heard speaking quietly because he was outside banging on the door. She felt scared that he could hear her making that call to the police.”
The harassment began on May 8, the day after the couple’s relationship, described to the court as “toxic”, came to an end.
Thomas repeatedly contacted her by phone and text. On one evening alone, between 10:00pm and 11:30pm, she received 22 missed calls. On May 15 he messaged to say he was coming to collect his belongings, knocked on the door at 10:18pm and continued sending messages for around 20 minutes.
Despite being asked to stop, he continued to contact her via text and WhatsApp, including messages saying: “I always love you and think about you” and “Can you come and speak to me please?”
“The female has had to make considerable changes to her lifestyle,” said Ms James. “Initially she felt so unsafe she went to stay with her family and has now had to take increased security precautions. But even with these steps, she continues to experience heightened anxiety.
“He showed no consideration or thought towards her, and this has added to her emotional strain.”
Thomas, aged 40, of Foley Way, Haverfordwest, pleaded guilty to harassment without violence.
Defence solicitor Tom Lloyd said the incidents were limited and that his client was remorseful.
“He turned up at the address on a very limited number of occasions and the offences don’t include a particularly high volume of phone calls,” he said.
“There was no threat of violence, no intimidation, and this isn’t something that was sustained. He’s expressed genuine remorse. He’s never been before the courts and this was a completely isolated incident.”
Magistrates fined Thomas £2,700 and ordered him to pay a £1,180 surcharge and £85 costs, bringing the total to £3,865.
A restraining order was also imposed, banning him from contacting the victim, visiting her address or entering any data relating to her on any electronic device.
a MOTORiST has told magistrates he ended up over the drug-drive limit after unknowingly eating food containing cannabis at a party.
Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court heard that on October 25, Kerne Spiralson, aged 32, attended a gathering at an undisclosed location in north Pembrokeshire where he helped himself to a selection of food.
However, the court was told that one of the items had been prepared with cannabis, something Spiralson said he was unaware of at the time.
Later that evening, as he drove his Mazda 3 home along the Llanfyrnach–Tegryn road, he was stopped by police and subjected to a roadside drugs test.
The swipe test proved positive
and subsequent analysis showed he had 7.8 micrograms of Delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) in his system. The legal limit is 2 micrograms.
Spiralson, of Pencraig, Llandysul, pleaded guilty to drug-driving.
Defence solicitor Fenn Richards told magistrates that because the cannabis had been consumed unknowingly within food, the case involved special circumstances which may allow the court to consider avoiding the mandatory driving disqualification.
Magistrates adjourned the case for sentencing, which will take place on March 26.
Spiralson was released on unconditional bail.
a haVERfORdWEST woman has admitted stealing goods from two supermarkets in separate shoplifting incidents.
Asa Wandelt, aged 37, of Harrier Road, appeared before Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on Monday (Feb 9)
charged with two counts of theft.
Magistrates heard that on Monday (Jan 6) she stole a television worth £99 from Tesco in Haverfordwest.
Two days later, on Wednesday (Jan 8), she stole alcohol valued at £20.97 from Lidl.
Wandelt pleaded guilty to both offences at the first hearing.
The court adjourned the case for sentencing to allow probation to prepare a pre-sentence report.
She was granted conditional bail but banned from entering Morrisons, Tesco and Lidl stores in Haverfordwest. She must also cooperate with probation officers during the preparation of the report.
Wandelt is due back before the magistrates for sentence at 10:00am on Monday, March 9.
plaid CyMRU’S new councillor for fishguard, elected following the death of Jordan Ryan has promised to “take over the mantle” of the late councillor
A byelection was declared following the death of Cllr Jordan Ryan, a former Labour councillor who later became and unaffiliated independent member.
In a seven-way battle for the Fishguard North-East ward the results declared on February 10 were: Caleb Charles Churchill, Welsh Liberal Democrats, 135; Paul Stephen Howe,
Welsh Labour, 83; Peter Martin John, commonly known as Peter John, Reform UK, 95; Brian Andrew Murphy, commonly known as Brian Murphy, Welsh Conservative Party, 69; Teresa Ruth Tannahill, commonly known as Teresa Tannahill, Independent, 79; Adrian John Adrian Tyrrell , commonly known as Adrian Tyrrell, Independent, 35; and William Cuthbert Linton Shaw, commonly known as Billy Shaw, Plaid
Cymru – The Party of Wales 253.
Cllr Shaw’s election will see Plaid now having three county councillors in Pembrokeshire.
The-now Cllr Shaw said: “Thank you to the residents of Fishguard North East for electing me to represent them as their county councillor.
“I take over the mantle after the passing of the previous incumbent, Jordan Ryan, whose passing shocked us all. He was an excellent ambassador for Fishguard and I hope to do his memory proud. Now the hard work begins.”
Liberal Democrat candidate Caleb Churchill, who finished second, said: “Fishguard saw one of its highest turnouts to date, and not only in Fishguard: it was also one of the highest turnouts across Pembrokeshire in some time. That level of engagement is something we can all be proud of.
“I’m incredibly proud of the hard work my colleagues and I put into this campaign, and grateful for the support, encouragement, and conversations along the way. I also wish to make a special thanks to my agent throughout this campaign, Thomas Hughes.
“As a first-time candidate, Tom has guided me through this journey and been incredibly patient and supportive – and I’m proud to call him my friend.
Most of all, I want to thank my wonderful wife, and amazing little girl, for their patience, support, and understanding throughout the campaign, I couldn’t have done it without them.”
Cllr Jordan, Fishguard’s youngest-
ever mayor, who “cared deeply about politics, social justice and equality,” died last November.
Fishguard North East ward member since 2022, Cllr Jordan Ryan was one of 10 Labour Party members on the county council, before announcing his resignation in late September, saying there is a need to build a new socialist party as Labour is failing to challenge “the forces of the far right on the march”.
Since leaving the Labour group, Cllr Ryan had sat as an unaffiliated member, offering to be “a critical friend of the current administration”.
Paying tribute to Cllr Jordan last year, Council Leader Cllr Jon Harvey said: “Jordan was a man of values and principles who was extremely proud to represent his constituents of the Fishguard North East ward.
“His passionate and thoughtful contributions to council meetings will be sorely missed by every member, no matter their political colours.”
Perhaps the last words should go to the late Cllr Ryan, who said his politics followed the Christian teaching of “feed the poor, heal the sick, love thy neighbour and share the wealth”.
In his call for a new socialism, he quoted poet Percy Blythe Shelly’s work The Masque of Anarchy, a response to the 1810 Peterloo massacre.
“Rise like lions after slumber, in unvanquishable number, shake your chains to earth like dew, which in sleep had fallen on you, ye are many – they are few.”
a 56-yEaR-Old woman from Marloes has admitted drink-driving after being found almost three times over the legal limit while behind the wheel of her pickup truck.
Magistrates sitting at Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court heard that Elizabeth Miles had been seen driving her Isuzu vehicle down a cul-de-sac in Yorkshire at around 6:00pm on December 10.
Prosecutor Nia James said there were footpaths on both sides of the road and residents quickly became concerned about her behaviour.
“A lady who lived in the street noticed the defendant’s car blocking the front of her house,” she told the court.
“She went up to the defendant to ask if she was ok, and the defendant replied no, she was ‘b*******’ and was driving back to Wales.”
After smelling alcohol coming from inside the vehicle, the witness returned home and contacted police.
While on the phone, she could see Miles continuing to manoeuvre the pickup backwards and forwards before mounting the kerb. Officers asked the caller to try to remove the keys for safety reasons.
“Elizabeth Miles handed the keys over without question,” said Ms James. “But it was obvious she was having difficulty seeing her phone.”
When officers arrived, they found an empty wine bottle in the vehicle’s footwell. Miles was described as extremely unsteady on her feet, with slurred speech.
Miles, of East End, Marloes, pleaded guilty to drink-driving.
Her barrister, Caitlin Jones KC, told magistrates that earlier that day Miles had been visiting her mother at a care home near Hull and had not intended to attempt the full journey back to Wales.
“She planned to stop at a service station hotel,” she said. “She’s deeply ashamed and embarrassed to come
before you today, and is grateful nobody was hurt. She understands the outcome could have been much worse.”
a MOTORiST who admitted taking cocaine to try to ease ongoing leg pain has been banned from driving after being caught over the drug-drive limit in pembrokeshire.
Richard Smith, aged 41, was stopped by police on the night of October 6 while driving his Skoda Enyaq along Pope Hill in Johnston.
Officers carried out a roadside drugs test which proved positive. Smith was arrested and taken to the police station, where blood analysis later revealed 236 micrograms of benzoylecgonine – a cocaine metabolite – in his system. The legal limit is 50.
Smith pleaded guilty to drug-driving when he appeared before magistrates at Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court.
Defence solicitor Fenn Richards said
her client had travelled to Milford Haven to support a family member.
“His nephew had been having a hard time with depression, so he came down to spend some time with him,” she said.
“But the defendant had recently suffered a car accident and had run out of painkillers while he was in the area. He turned to cocaine to help relieve his pain.”
The court heard Smith had taken the drug around five days before driving and had not realised it could remain detectable in his system for that length of time.
Magistrates disqualified Smith, of Walnut Way, Southborough, Tunbridge Wells, from driving for 14 months.
He was fined £120 and ordered to pay £85 costs and a £48 surcharge.
a Man has been sentenced after police discovered a revolver and ammunition at his property despite him not holding a firearms certificate.
Magistrates sitting at Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court heard that officers attended Nicholas Anderson’s address on suspicion he was involved in drug supply.
During a search of an upstairs bedroom, they found a .320 calibre double-action revolver along with three bullets.
Prosecutor Nia James told the court that Anderson, aged 36, later claimed during interview that the weapon no longer worked and was obsolete.
“But when it was recovered, officers could see the spring had been taken out but could be adapted to become fully operational once again,” she said.
The court heard the revolver
measured 15.6cm in length, with a 7.9cm barrel.
“It had component parts of a firearm and is subsequently a prohibited weapon,” Ms James added.
Anderson, who is currently serving a custodial sentence for an unrelated drug conviction, pleaded guilty to possessing a firearm without a certificate.
Defence solicitor Alaw Harries said there was no suggestion the weapon had ever been used in criminal activity.
“There is no evidence to suggest the gun has ever been used in any crime,” she said.
“It was obtained prior to changes in the law and the defendant believed it was completely non-functioning. As far as he was concerned, he thought it was incapable of ever working again.”
Anderson, who is of no fixed address, was fined £40 and ordered to pay £85 costs and a £16 surcharge.
ThiRTEEn volunteer crew members at Royal national lifeboat institution’s angle lifeboat Station have successfully completed a demanding week of assessments, marking the culmination of months of training and preparation.
The pass-outs strengthen the station’s operational capability and ensure the all-weather lifeboat remains fully crewed and ready to respond to emergencies across the Milford Haven Waterway and the wider Pembrokeshire coast.
Three crew members – Anthony Thomas, Gareth Thomas and Nathen Houston – qualified as All-weather Lifeboat (ALB) Navigators after completing a four-hour practical and theory assessment. Their test covered a range of search and rescue scenarios, including simulated taskings, radar work, position fixing and traditional paper chart navigation – all skills vital during poor visibility and challenging sea conditions.
A further ten volunteers – Phil Jones, Tom Meehan, Nick Gale, Rob Davies, Finn Frost, James Findlay, Allen Price, Seymore Phillips, Graham Booth and Matt Nicholas – passed their Tier 2 ALB Crew assessments.
The qualification tests every aspect of lifeboat operations, from man overboard recovery and towing to mooring, berthing, helming and anchoring. Candidates were put through their paces by an RNLI assessor in realistic scenarios designed to mirror live shouts.
Station representatives said the results reflect the commitment and professionalism of the volunteer crew,
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many of whom balance training with full-time jobs and family life.
The latest qualifications come as the Angle crew continue to play a
crucial role in rescues around Milford Haven and the south Pembrokeshire coastline, one of the busiest and most complex maritime areas in Wales.
A spokesperson said the achievements “demonstrate the dedication of our volunteers and the continued strength of lifeboat operations from the town of Milford Haven.”
With 13 newly qualified crew now ready to serve, the station is better equipped than ever to respond when the pager sounds.
A PEMBROKE DOCK man has been sentenced after tapping on his neighbour’s window with a knife before later breaching a court order by contacting a woman he was banned from approaching.
Magistrates sitting at Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court heard that shortly after 7:00pm on January 14, Adam Evans heard his neighbour, Sam Wilkins, knocking on the window of his Bethel Road home with a knife.
Prosecutor Nia James said the incident caused immediate alarm.
“This made Adam Evans feel extremely worried,” she told the court. In a victim impact statement, Mr Evans described the strain the situation has placed on him and his family.
“The defendant is so unpredictable and his behaviour makes me feel very defensive,” he said.
“I feel I need to protect my family at any given moment.”
The court heard that later the same evening Wilkins breached an existing two-year community order, imposed in April 2025, which prohibited him from contacting a particular woman.
“He contacted her by calling her mobile on two separate occasions,” said Ms James. “He told her he was experiencing a particularly stressful time and said he was deeply sorry that he had failed his family.”
In her own statement, the woman said the unwanted contact had severely affected her wellbeing.“The breach has made me feel awful, miserable and sad,” she said. “I want to move on from my past, but it gets harder and harder.
“Sam needs help, but he still poses a threat to me and I’m very worried about what he might do. I’m on tenterhooks, worrying about what he may do next, and it’s ruining my peace of mind.”
Wilkins, aged 43, of Bethel Road, Pembroke Dock, pleaded guilty to
using threatening words or behaviour likely to cause alarm or distress and to breaching his community order.
After considering a probation report, magistrates imposed an 18-month community order. He must complete
25 rehabilitation activity requirement days to address substance misuse and comply with a 120-day alcohol abstinence requirement.
Wilkins was also ordered to pay a £114 court surcharge and £85 costs.
a nEyland councillor has called for traffic calming measures in the town where “a terrible tragedy” was avoided by “sheer good luck” after a car recently hit a house wall, the fifth such incident in less than a decade.
At the most recent meeting of Neyland Town Council, residents expressed their concerns at vehicle speeds in a part of the town.
Town council member, and county councillor, Simon Hancock said: “They came to express their concern at speeding cars losing control on the corner where Honeyborough Road leads into Kensington Road. On Sunday afternoon a speeding car mounted the pavement and smashed into the wall of No 43 coming to rest in the middle of the road. Emergency services were on the scene.”
He said images of the incident and its aftermath were shared on social media and to the council.
Following that, Cllr Simon Hancock, who is also the county council’s presiding member, said: “I am extremely concerned by some drivers travelling at excessive speeds at this bend. This is the fifth serious incident in nine years where cars have collided with houses in the terrace.
“Any pedestrians on the pavement at the time could have been killed or seriously injured. I have written to the chief executive, leader and cabinet member [of Pembrokeshire County Council] insisting on road traffic calming measures at this location.
A Pembrokeshire County Council spokesperson said: “We are liaising with the police over the incident to determine the cause of the accident before considering what measures the Highway Authority may take.”
a 51-yEaR-Old motorist has been disqualified from driving after being caught with both cocaine and its metabolite in his system while travelling along the a477.
Magistrates sitting at Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court heard that Paul Andrew was stopped by police on the afternoon of November 2 as he drove a silver Ford Transit near Kilgetty.
Checks showed the vehicle was uninsured. Further blood analysis revealed Andrew had 240 micrograms of benzoylecgonine in his system, as well as 13 micrograms of cocaine. The legal limits are 50 and 10 respectively.
Andrew, of Bramble Cottage, Stepaside, pleaded guilty to both drug-
driving offences when he appeared before the court. He chose to represent himself.
In mitigation, he told magistrates he had been struggling with his circumstances at the time.
“I’d been living in a van and was in a bad state,” he said. “So in many ways this has helped me to sort myself out. I’ve now joined a church in Tenby and have started working with the Dyfed Drugs and Alcohol Service, so things are starting to look a lot better.”
Andrew was disqualified from driving for 12 months. He was fined £120 and ordered to pay £85 costs and a £48 surcharge.
a SEniOR Welsh Conservative has called for the Welsh government’s “nation of Sanctuary” policy to be scrapped after an afghan asylum seeker was convicted of abducting and raping a 12-year-old girl.
Andrew RT Davies, leader of the Welsh Conservatives in the Senedd, said the case highlighted what he described as the “dangers” of the current approach to asylum and migration in Wales.
Ahmad Mulakhil, who arrived in the UK by small boat from France in March 2025, was convicted of the attack just four months later.
The case, reported nationally this week, has prompted renewed political debate over the Welsh Government’s stance on supporting asylum seekers and refugees.
Mr Davies said: “This appalling case demonstrates the dangers of importing violent criminals into Britain.
“Plaid Cymru and Labour’s decision to make Wales a Nation of Sanctuary for asylum seekers is a pull factor, encouraging more people to enter our country illegally.
“I reiterate my calls for this dangerous policy to be scrapped.”
The comments directly target
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the Welsh Government’s “Nation of Sanctuary” plan, launched in 2019, which aims to make Wales a welcoming place for refugees and people seeking asylum, with support for housing, education and integration.
The Welsh Government has previously defended the policy, saying it reflects “Welsh values of compassion and fairness,” and stressing that responsibility for border security lies with the UK Government.
Meanwhile, the UK Government has introduced tougher measures aimed at reducing small-boat crossings and speeding up removals of those with no right to remain.
The latest case is likely to intensify scrutiny of how asylum accommodation and safeguarding are managed across Wales.
For many residents, the debate now centres on how to balance humanitarian support with public safety and confidence in the system.
As Mr Davies’ intervention shows, the political argument over Wales’s role
faMiliES across pembrokeshire are being invited to enjoy an afternoon of music, stories and traditional festivities when a colourful half-term celebration of Welsh culture comes to Narberth next week.
The community-focused event, taking place on Wednesday (Feb 18), promises a relaxed and welcoming day out, with hands-on workshops, live entertainment and plenty of opportunities for people to drop in and take part at their own pace.
Organisers say the aim is to create a warm, inclusive atmosphere where all ages can explore Welsh heritage through creativity, craft and food.
At the heart of the programme is the Dewi Sant Promenade Parade, a lively procession through the town featuring traditional music and some of Wales’ best-loved folklore characters, including a dragon and the Mari Lwyd. The parade will be accompanied by music from Reel Rebels, encouraging families to join the celebration as it winds through the streets.
Elsewhere, adults can try their hand at a calming weaving workshop with artist Daisy Buckle at SPAN Arts, while younger visitors can enjoy storytelling and craft activities led by Hedydd Hughes and Luci Saunders at the Narberth Scout Hut.
The day will finish with a traditional family Twmpath, complete with live
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music, dancing, cawl and Welsh cakes, offering a sociable close to the festivities and a taste of classic Welsh hospitality.
Organisers say the event has been designed to be accessible and affordable, welcoming both local residents and visitors looking for a lowcost half-term activity.
Event highlights include:
• • Adults’ weaving workshop with Daisy Buckle at SPAN Arts
• • Children’s storytelling and craft session at Narberth Scout Hut
• • Dewi Sant promenade parade with music, dragon and Mari Lwyd
• • Family Twmpath with cawl and Welsh cakes
Event details:
Date: Wednesday (Feb 18)
Locations: Narberth Scout Hut and SPAN Arts, Narberth
Time: 1:30pm to 5:00pm
Pricing: Pay what you can, from £3
Booking: span-arts.org.uk
Accessibility enquiries: info@ spanarts.org
a nEWpORT man is due to return to court later this month in connection with an alleged collision involving a vessel in Milford haven.
Nolan Orford, of Bishton Village, Newport, appeared before Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court charged with three offences relating to the navigation of a vessel within the harbour.
The court heard that the charges arise from an incident on June 4, 2025, involving a vessel named ‘Andy 02’. It is alleged that the vessel was navigated in a manner or at a speed that caused damage, danger or inconvenience to other harbour users, and that it collided with another vessel.
Mr Orford is also accused of failing to report the collision to the harbourmaster and of carrying out an act said to have injuriously affected the safety of navigation within the harbour.
Three charges relate to navigation of vessel in Milford Haven
A NEWPORT man is due to return to court later this month in connection with an alleged collision involving a vessel in Milford Haven.
Nolan Orford, of Bishton Village, Newport, appeared before Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court charged with three offences relating to the navigation of a vessel within the harbour.
The court heard that the charges arise from an incident on June 4, 2025, involving a vessel named ‘Andy 02’. It is alleged that the vessel was navigated in a manner or at a speed that caused damage, danger or inconvenience to other harbour users, and that it collided with another vessel.
Mr Orford is also accused of failing to report the collision to the harbourmaster and of carrying out an act said to have injuriously affected the safety of navigation within the harbour.
Mr Orford pleaded not guilty to the charges. Magistrates adjourned
the case until February 17 for a case management hearing, which the defendant is required to attend.
COMMUniTy pharmacies across Wales are being forced to sell some medicines at a loss because of an outdated nhS funding system that no longer reflects real-world costs, owners have warned.
Under current rules, pharmacists must dispense prescriptions at prices set nationally, even when those prices are lower than what they paid wholesalers — leaving them out of pocket on everyday items such as aspirin.
The situation has led to mounting debts, emergency loans and, in some cases, owners remortgaging their homes simply to keep their doors open.
Figures from the National Pharmacy Association suggest four in ten Welsh pharmacies were not profitable last year, with many described as “clinging on by their fingertips”.
Unlike normal retailers, pharmacies cannot set their own prices or refuse to stock products.
They are contracted to the NHS through the Welsh Government’s Community Pharmacy Contractual Framework, which fixes reimbursement rates for prescription medicines.
But wholesalers’ prices have risen sharply due to inflation, supply shortages and higher manufacturing costs.
That means the maths often no longer adds up.
In one example shared by pharmacists, a packet of 75mg aspirin costs £3.75 to buy but is reimbursed at just £3.05 — a loss of 70p each time it is dispensed.
Multiply that across hundreds of packs a month and dozens of other
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medicines, and small losses quickly turn into thousands of pounds.
One west Wales pharmacy owner told The Herald: “You wouldn’t run a corner shop selling bread for less than you paid for it. But that’s effectively what we’re told to do every day.”
‘aVERaging OUT’ nO lOngER WORkS
The government’s model assumes that losses on some drugs will be balanced by profits on others.
But pharmacists say that system — once workable — has broken down.
Generic medicines that previously provided modest margins are now also rising in price, while reimbursement rates lag weeks or months behind market costs.
At the same time, running costs have surged.
Energy bills, staff wages, National Insurance contributions, fuel for deliveries and regulatory costs have all increased, while core NHS funding has remained largely flat in real terms for nearly a decade.
Owners say they are now busier than ever too, as GP surgeries redirect patients to pharmacies for minor ailments, vaccinations and clinical advice — work that takes time and staff but often brings little additional income.
The result is growing financial pressure.
Some pharmacists report taking out short-term loans just to cover monthly payroll, while others have dipped into
pensions or personal savings.
Across the UK, hundreds of community pharmacies have closed in recent years, with rural and small-town chemists particularly vulnerable.
Health campaigners warn that if closures continue, patients could lose easy access to prescriptions, advice and walk-in care — pushing more pressure back onto already stretched GP practices and hospitals.
The Welsh Government says it recognises pharmacies are an essential part of primary care and points to increased investment, including additional stability payments and grants for premises improvements.
A spokesperson said reimbursement prices are set using supplier data and that “while some medicines may be
reimbursed below cost on occasions, this is offset by the profits pharmacies make on most of the medicines they dispense”.
But pharmacists argue that assumption no longer reflects reality.
a SiMplE qUESTiOn
At the heart of the row is a basic principle.
If the NHS commissions a service, pharmacists say, it should at least cover the cost of providing it.
As one owner put it: “No business can survive by selling stock at a loss and hoping it balances out. Eventually the numbers catch up with you.”
Unless the funding formula changes, many fear more local chemists could disappear from Welsh high streets — and with them one of the most accessible parts of the health service.
a haVERfORdWEST mother has been sentenced after drinking heavily while left in sole charge of her two-year-old child.
The woman, who cannot be named for legal reasons in order to protect the identity of the child, appeared before magistrates at Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court.
The court heard officers were called to her home on the night of March 12, 2025, following concerns about the amount of alcohol she had consumed while caring for the toddler.
Prosecutor Nia James said police received reports that she had been drinking into the early hours.
“Officers were told she had consumed nine cans of lager and two cans of gin and tonic,” she said.
“And this was happening while she was caring for her two-year-old child.”
When officers arrived at the property, they found it in complete darkness. Despite repeated knocking, kicking and using a baton on the door for around 30 minutes, there was no response.
“Inside, they could hear a childlike voice which led them to believe the child was alone,” said Ms James. “Officers tried to gain access to save life or limb.”
Police eventually forced entry by breaking the lock with a hammer.
Once inside, they called out to
the defendant and found her in bed, unresponsive at first.
“They were initially concerned for her welfare and began checking for signs of life,” the prosecutor said.
“She smelled strongly of alcohol but became responsive, although she struggled to answer simple questions.”
The two-year-old child was found alone in another room. The court heard the youngster appeared unfazed by the police presence.
During interview, the woman told officers she believed she would have woken if the child had cried.
The child is now in the care of social services.
The defendant pleaded guilty to causing neglect, abandonment and ill treatment of a child likely to cause unnecessary suffering.
Magistrates imposed an 18-month community order. She must complete 15 rehabilitation activity requirement days, carry out 120 hours of unpaid work and undertake a 19-day alcohol monitoring programme. She was also ordered to pay a £114 court surcharge and £85 costs.
When passing sentence, the presiding magistrate asked: “Do you love your child? If you do, do you think this is a good way to proceed? You really need to make more of an effort.”
A NEW tax on long-vacant plots of land could be introduced in Wales in a bid to force stalled housing sites back into use and speed up housebuilding, ministers have confirmed.
The Welsh Government and the UK government are preparing a joint consultation on devolving powers that would allow Wales to create a vacant land tax targeting sites that have planning permission but remain undeveloped.
Ministers say the move is aimed squarely at discouraging “land banking” — where land is bought and held in the hope its value will rise, rather than being built on — a practice they argue is worsening the housing shortage.
Research commissioned by the Welsh Government previously identified 456 “stalled” sites across Wales, including 376 earmarked for homes, that have failed to progress.
Finance secretary Mark Drakeford said the proposals were about behaviour, not revenue.
“This is not about raising money but changing behaviour and getting more houses built,” he said. “A tax on land that has been designated for development but has not yet been developed could
encourage building within expected timescales.”
The powers would first need to be transferred from Westminster before any levy could be introduced by the Senedd Cymru.
At Westminster, Welsh Secretary Jo Stevens told MPs the change would have a “positive and tangible” impact.
She said: “There are pockets of land being held for ever and ever and we need to bring them back into use.”
Officials have indicated the consultation will be launched soon, though it is not expected before the next Senedd election.
Any new tax would require approval from both Houses of Parliament and the Senedd before coming into force.
The plans come as housing supply remains a major political battleground ahead of the election, with Plaid Cymru and other opposition parties pressing Labour to go further on devolution and
regeneration powers.
First Minister Eluned Morgan has previously called for additional powers and funding from Prime Minister Keir Starmer, saying Wales needs more tools to tackle housing and infrastructure challenges.
Plaid Cymru has welcomed the consultation, though it argues Wales should also gain control over areas such as rail and the Crown Estate.
Stevens rejected calls to devolve the Crown Estate, warning it could disrupt investment and delay offshore energy projects.
OppOSiTiOn SCEpTiCiSM
Welsh Conservatives questioned whether the proposals would deliver real change.
Shadow finance spokesman Sam Rowlands said ministers must provide clear data and timescales.
“If this is truly about building more homes rather than raising revenue, ministers should be upfront with the Welsh public about the impact,” he said. “Warm words are not enough.”
Ministers insist the aim is to encourage regeneration, prevent dereliction and unlock brownfield land for affordable homes — particularly in towns where unused plots have remained empty for years.
If approved, Wales would join a growing number of governments looking at fiscal measures to push developers to build sooner rather than later. The proposal is not new. The Welsh Government first identified a vacant land tax as a priority back in 2018, when ministers began formally requesting powers from Westminster to introduce it. Research published by Senedd Cymru shows those discussions dragged on for years, with talks repeatedly stalling as the UK Treasury sought further evidence and clarification, leaving the plans effectively at an impasse. At one stage ministers said six years had passed with little progress. The latest joint consultation therefore marks the first real movement in nearly a decade — and could finally unlock a policy long promised as a way to bring derelict and unused sites back into productive use across Wales.
a nEyland resident has been fined thousands of pounds after repeatedly failing to comply with a community protection notice, haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court heard.
Beryl John, 75, of Gothic Road, Neyland, Milford Haven, was convicted in his absence on Thursday (Feb 5) of breaching a community protection notice on multiple occasions.
The court heard that on November 8, 10, 13, 23 and 29, 2025, John failed to ensure that persistent and continuous music played at an excessive volume from his property
did not create a detrimental effect on the quality of life of those living nearby.
The offences were committed despite a community protection notice having previously been issued. Magistrates found the breaches proved in absence.
For the first offence, John was fined £1,000. John was also ordered to pay a £400 victim services surcharge and £1,000 in prosecution costs. No separate penalties were imposed for the remaining offences.
A collection order was made, with the total balance of £2,400 to be paid by March 5.
a WEST WalES charity that delivers blood, medication and urgent medical supplies for the nhS has received a welcome funding boost thanks to the generosity of local driving examiners and instructors.
Blood Bikes Wales has thanked the West Wales Driving Examiners for raising money through a festive Christmas Jumper Day, with additional contributions from Approved Driving Instructors and staff from the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency.
The fundraising effort has resulted in a sizeable donation that the charity says will go directly towards keeping its volunteer-run service on the road.
Blood Bikes Wales provides a free out-of-hours courier service for the NHS, transporting blood, samples, donor breast milk, medication and other urgent items between hospitals and healthcare sites. The service helps reduce costs for the health service while ensuring patients receive time-critical treatment as quickly as possible.
Mark, the charity’s West Area Representative, accepted the cheque on behalf of the organisation at a
small presentation outside the local driving test centre.
A spokesperson for Blood Bikes Wales said the support would “go a long way in helping us continue supporting NHS services and patients across the region”.
They added: “We’re truly grateful for the generosity and community spirit shown by the West Wales Driving Examiners, local ADIs and DVSA staff. Every donation helps keep our bikes fuelled, maintained and ready to respond when the NHS calls.”
The group added a light-hearted note about the day, joking that while there may not have been an official “pass mark” for festive knitwear, the examiners would certainly have earned top marks.
Blood Bikes Wales is powered entirely by volunteers, who give up their time to carry out thousands of deliveries each year, often late at night and in poor weather conditions.
Anyone interested in supporting the charity, either through donations or volunteering, can find more information on the Blood Bikes Wales website.
sent to Crown Court over heroin supply and £5,500 cash
A MAN with no fixed address has been remanded in custody accused of possessing heroin with intent to supply and holding thousands of pounds in suspected criminal cash.
Kieren Jones, aged 28, appeared before Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on Monday (Feb 9).
He is charged with possessing diamorphine, a Class A drug, with intent to supply it to two unknown persons in Carmarthen on Friday (Feb 7), contrary to the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971.
Jones also faces a further allegation under the Proceeds of Crime Act that he acquired, used or possessed criminal property, namely £5,500 in cash, on the
same date.
No pleas were entered at the hearing.
Because of the seriousness of the offences, magistrates declined jurisdiction and sent the case to the Crown Court.
Bail was refused on the grounds that Jones was likely to offend, interfere with witnesses and fail to surrender to custody.
He was remanded in custody to appear at Swansea Crown Court, The Law Courts, St Helens Road, Swansea, for a plea and trial preparation hearing at 9:00am on Friday, March 13.
The custody time limit expires on August 10.
dECiSiOnS on the future of nine frontline hospital services across west Wales will be made later this month when hywel dda University health board holds a special two-day board meeting.
and cutting waiting times for diagnosis and treatment.
More than 4,000 people responded to a public consultation on the plans. Feedback was gathered through questionnaires, public meetings, staff sessions and discussions with stakeholder groups.
An independent consultation report compiled by Opinion Research Services will form part of the evidence considered by Board members. It will sit alongside updated data on workforce pressures, estate condition, clinical standards and how services link together across hospitals.
All documents to be considered by the Board have now been published online ahead of the meeting.
alTERnaTiVE idEaS aSSESSEd
Board’s original proposals.
Board members will assess whether each option is clinically sustainable, deliverable, accessible to patients, aligned with the Health Board’s long-term strategy and financially viable. They will also decide whether further engagement or evidence is needed before any final changes are introduced.
Some changes, if approved, could be phased in over time.
Dr Neil Wooding, Chair of the Health Board, said: “At our meeting next week, the Board will carefully consider the consultation feedback alongside the latest clinical evidence, workforce insights, updated impact assessments and the alternative options that were put forward during the consultation.
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The Extraordinary Board will meet on Wednesday (Feb 18) and Thursday (Feb 19) to determine the next steps for critical care, dermatology, emergency general surgery, endoscopy, ophthalmology, orthopaedics, stroke, radiology and urology services.
During the consultation, communities also submitted 190 alternative proposals. Each idea was tested against “hurdle criteria” to check whether it was safe, practical and capable of delivery before being taken forward.
Health chiefs say the proposed changes are aimed at tackling staffing shortages, improving clinical standards
Of those, 22 met the criteria and have been developed into full options. These will be considered alongside the Health
“Our responsibility is to consider the full range of evidence and ensure we make decisions that ensure that our services are sustainable for the future. No decisions have been made ahead of the Board. We are committed to a thorough and transparent process, ensuring each option and alternative options are considered in the round, and focused on improving services for the people who rely on them.”
ThREE climbers have been rescued after falling into the sea at St govan’s head, following a major multi-agency emergency response along the south pembrokeshire coast.
The alarm was raised at around 4:00pm on Thursday, prompting a largescale search and rescue operation involving coastguard teams, helicopters and the Angle RNLI lifeboat.
A spokesperson for HM Coastguard said: “HM Coastguard are responding to an incident involving three climbers at St Govans Head in Pembrokeshire on 12 February.
“First alerted at around 4pm, Coastguard rescue teams from Fishguard, St Govans and Tenby have
been sent alongside an HM Coastguard helicopter, an Irish Coastguard helicopter, Wales Air Ambulance and an RNLI lifeboat from Angle.”
Multiple helicopters were seen operating over the cliffs and sea during the evening, with the lifeboat also deployed offshore.
BBC Radio Wales reported in its 8:30am Breakfast bulletin on Friday that all three casualties were successfully rescued.
Their conditions have not yet been confirmed.
Dyfed-Powys Police also attended the incident.
Updates to follow if further information is released.
ThREE men have appeared before haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on Thursday (Feb 5) after illegally fishing for cockles from a closed cockle bed at the Three Rivers Cockle fishery.
The court heard that Richard William Edwards, 44, of Fernhill Road, Gorseinon, Swansea, admitted fishing for or taking cockles from a closed bed on May 21, 2025. The prohibition was in force under the Cockle Fishing Management and Permitting (Specified Area) (Wales) Order 2024.
Magistrates fined Mr Edwards £1,000 and ordered him to pay a £400 victim services surcharge and £400 in prosecution costs. A collection order was made, with payment due by March 5. His guilty plea was taken into account when sentence was imposed.
Brogan Morgan Phillips, 19, of Harddfan, Bryn, Llanelli, also pleaded guilty to fishing for cockles from the same closed bed on May 21, 2025. For that offence, he was fined £2,000 and
ordered to pay a £1,200 victim services surcharge and £1,000 in prosecution costs.
The court also heard that Mr Phillips admitted a further offence at the same location on June 5, 2025. For that offence, magistrates imposed an additional fine of £1,000. A collection order was made, with a total outstanding balance of £5,200 to be paid by instalments.
Ethan Jay Thomas, 19, of Station Road, Bynea, Llanelli, pleaded guilty to fishing for cockles from the closed bed on May 21, 2025. Sentencing for that offence was adjourned.
Mr Thomas denied a second charge relating to an alleged offence on June 5, 2025. That matter was adjourned until March 19, when the case will return to Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court for trial. Sentencing in relation to the offence already admitted will also be considered at that hearing.
a SaUndERSfOOd food business has been fined after failing to display its food hygiene rating as required by law, haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court heard.
Mustafa Baksi, the operator of Argosy Fish and Chips, was convicted in absence of failing to display a valid food hygiene rating sticker at the premises.
The court heard that between September 4 and September 10, 2025, the required food hygiene rating was not seen displayed at the business in the location and manner prescribed. The offence was committed without reasonable excuse.
Magistrates found the matter proved in absence. Mr Baksi was fined £200 and ordered to pay a £80 victim services surcharge and £1,000 in prosecution costs.
A collection order was made, with the outstanding balance to be paid by March 5.
a nEW alliance bringing together community groups, trade unions, faith leaders and campaigners from across west Wales is set to launch in Haverfordwest next month.
The West Wales branch of the Together Alliance will officially begin with a public meeting at 7:00pm on Wednesday (Feb 18) at Haverfordwest Mosque, Cherry Grove.
Organisers say the event will unite local politicians, farmers, artists, antiracist organisations and faith groups in response to what they describe as growing “voices of division” in national and local politics.
In a statement, the alliance said: “Those who preach division are becoming more confident. Their false promises seize on very real economic problems and scapegoat migrants, Muslims and refugees.
“But we can change things together. The voices of unity can grow stronger. Strength lies in solidarity and working together for hope, not despair.”
The group aims to build cooperation between communities and challenge racism and extremism through grassroots organising. It says hundreds of organisations and individuals nationwide have already
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signed up.
The Haverfordwest launch forms part of a wider mobilisation ahead of a major national demonstration planned for London on March 28. Several high-profile supporters have also backed the campaign, including comedian and campaigner Lenny Henry, who said: “We stand for love over hate, hope over fear and unity over division. We’re coming together against racism.”
is no world that I want to live in where discrimination is acceptable for anything.”
Organisers say anyone interested in promoting inclusion, equality and community solidarity is welcome to attend.
lOCal Senedd Member paul davies has welcomed the decision taken by pembrokeshire County Council’s Cabinet to pause its proposed road-realignment scheme in newgale.
Newgale was hit hard by flooding following storms in early 2014 storms, and later by Storm Dennis in 2020.
In 2014 it even saw a visit by thethen Prime Minister David Cameron following the storms.
A public consultation – through agent AtkinsRéalis – was launched last year ahead of a formal council application to Pembrokeshire Coast National Park for Phase 1 of the Newgale Coastal Adaptation Project, which would see the development of a new inland section of road with bridge over Brandy Brook some 2.3km inland, to replace the coastal section of A487 at Newgale that will be closed.
Varied claims have been made about the cost of this scheme, from £20m upwards, some even saying it could cost as much as £60m, with millions spent on consultation fees to date.
An alternative, cheaper, scheme had been proposed by STUN – Stand Up for Newgale, proposing a section of the shingle bank at Newgale be realigned 10-12 metres seaward leaving an overwash barrier between it and the A487 to capture any pebbles and sea water.
At the February meeting of
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Pembrokeshire County Council’s Cabinet, in a report presented by Residents’ Services Cllr Rhys Sinnett, members received an update on the scheme, which included options of a formal submission, abandoning it, and the favoured option of putting it on hold for a period of between 18 and 24 months.
The option recommended, and later backed by members, was: “Acknowledge
that the scheme is required to be delivered, in light of climate change, the work undertaken to date and the results of the WG Roads Review and Pre Application Consultation. “However, taking into account the current financial climate and the immediate risk to the A487; pause the scheme prior to submitting planning application, and review the position in the next 18- 24 months.”
It also recommended maintain surveys of the scheme “with a view of future progression of the scheme to
planning application as the scheme is required in the long term,” along with reviewing “options available for short term improvements, including passing places and signage, to the division route implemented during road closures as a result of storm/ flooding impacts at Newgale through the Regional Transport Plan Funding,” and to “continue to review external funding options to support the delivery of the construction phase of the project”.
Mr Davies, who has supported the alternative proposals, said he was pleased that the Cabinet had halted its plans and urged the authority to give full consideration to the alternative community-led scheme.
Mr Davies said: “Coastal erosion in Newgale has been a longstanding issue, and it’s crucial that any response is both effective and proportionate. The community has developed its own Newgale Beach Access and Shingle Bank Realignment Scheme which offers a less invasive approach that would significantly reduce costs for the council and local taxpayers.”
“Pembrokeshire County Council’s Cabinet is right to stop its own scheme from going ahead and I now urge the Council to consider the community’s proposal, which strikes a far better balance between environmental protection, financial responsibility and the needs of local residents.”
COUNCIL tax in Pembrokeshire is expected to rise by 4.6 per cent, in proposals backed by senior councillors today.
At the February 9 meeting of Pembrokeshire County Council’s Cabinet, in a report presented by Cabinet member for finance, Cllr Alistair Cameron, members considered options for setting the 2026/27 council budget; a council tax increase of 4.6 per cent, which equates to an increase of £75.99 for the council part of the overall council tax bill for the average Band D property, and 7.5 per cent, for an increase of £123.90.
Cllr Cameron, seconded by Cllr Rhys Sinnett, recommended members back the lower 4.6 per cent level.
Last year, Pembrokeshire’s council tax increased by 9.35 per cent, lower than a Cabinet recommendation of 9.85 per cent.
The overall council tax bill is made up of the county council element, the largest part, the Dyfed-Powys Police precept, and individual town or community council elements.
Speaking at the meeting, Cllr Cameron said the council’s funding gap had now increased by just over £1m for 2026-27, to £14.7m.
His report added the most significant cost pressure for the 2026-27 budget “continues to be within social care, with a projected total increase in pressure of £12m for 2026-27 representing 42 per cent of the total council service pressures for 2026-27”.
It added: “The funding gap of £14.7m, will need to be bridged through a combination of budget savings, increases in council tax, use of council tax premiums and use of reserves.
“The lower the Band D council tax increase, the higher the budget savings requirement will be, with the
consequential adverse impact on the provision of council services,” with each per cent increase in council tax generating £0.908m income for the council.
Cllr Cameron said the proposed budget included funding for “front-line services” such as school improvement support, building maintenance, and highways maintenance support.
Where possible, discretionary fees and charges have been budgeted to increase by 3.8 per cent.
The lower 4.6 per cent council tax increase was supported by Leader Cllr Jon Harvey, who said: “Clearly we don’t want to put up council tax if we can clearly avoid that; the target was to keep the council tax rise at the lowest possible level we could do.”
He said the recent increase in the Welsh Government settlement for Welsh councils had “given a bit of leeway,” and the proposal would keep the council from having to make drastic ‘red-level’ budget savings, along with more funding for general services.
Members unanimously backed the 4.6 per cent increase.
Other recommendations backed by Cabinet include determining recommended future draft council tax levels, as part of the medium-term financial plan of five per cent for 2027’28 and 7.5 per cent for 2028-’29.
The final decision on the council tax increase for the forthcoming financial year will be made by full council, the Cabinet decision taking the form of a recommendation, with the budget meeting currently listed for February 20.
COUnCil is inviting local residents to put themselves forward for two vacant councillor seats, with positions currently available in the prendergast and priory wards.
The vacancies will be filled by cooption after no election was called when the casual vacancies were previously advertised.
The Town Council area is divided into five wards – Castle, Garth, Portfield, Prendergast and Priory –and is responsible for managing a range of local facilities and services including recreational play and leisure areas, a sports changing facility and two cemeteries.
Council representatives say they are looking for people who are willing to commit time and energy to serving the community and helping shape
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decisions that affect the town.
Applicants should be practical, good communicators and able to work as part of a team. No previous council experience is required.
Co-opted councillors take part in meetings, help oversee local projects and represent the interests of residents in their ward.
The closing date for applications is February 27, 2026.
Anyone interested in applying, or wishing to have an informal discussion about the role, can contact the Town Clerk by emailing townclerk@ haverfordwesttown.co.uk.
Further information is available at: www.haverfordwest-tc.gov.uk
Unanimous jury hears harrowing medical evidence during trial at Swansea Crown Court
a WEST WalES man has been found guilty of killing his fivemonth-old son after subjecting him to what medical experts described as violent shaking that caused catastrophic brain and eye injuries.
Thomas Morgan was convicted unanimously by a jury following a trial into the death of baby Jensen-Lee, who suffered fatal injuries at the family home on Saturday (Mar 30, 2024).
The court heard that after the injuries were inflicted, Morgan did not immediately call emergency services. Instead, he contacted his partner, despite later telling the court that his phone was not working properly.
Jurors were told this delay was significant when considering his actions in the crucial minutes after the baby became unresponsive.
Giving evidence on Thursday (Feb 6), Morgan told the court: “He was limp, I thought it was normal.”
Describing the moments after picking up his son, he said: “I scooped sick out of his mouth. I remember graphic bits, the same way I have nightmares, but I don’t remember what I did.”
Asked directly how hard he had shaken the child, Morgan replied: “I can’t remember how much force I used. I was in a total state of panic. I couldn’t describe it. I never intended to harm him.”
Rieve Nesbitt-Marr rieve.nesbitt-marr@herald.email
Prosecutor Caroline Rees KC challenged his account, suggesting the force used must have been extreme given the scale of the injuries later uncovered.
Medical specialists gave evidence that the baby’s injuries could not have
been caused accidentally or by normal handling.
Dr Stavros, Head of Paediatric Neurology, told the jury there was no sign of an impact injury to the head but confirmed extensive internal damage consistent with violent shaking.
He said Jensen-Lee had acute subdural haemorrhages across multiple areas of the brain as well as
bleeding along the spine.
The consultant described the findings as highly abnormal and severe.
In one stark moment, he told jurors that if someone were seen shaking a child with that level of force in public, “we would run over to stop it.”
A children’s eye specialist, Mr Abduls from a Birmingham teaching hospital, described what he called catastrophic eye trauma.
The retinal bleeding and tearing was so extensive that he said he could not tell which images belonged to the left or right eye, with photographs labelled simply “Eye A” and “Eye B”.
Jurors heard that such injuries are strongly associated with violent acceleration and deceleration forces.
Morgan was arrested ten days after the incident. When detained, he told officers: “I don’t know what injuries — he was my boy, I tried to help him.”
During closing speeches, the defence urged jurors to remain objective.
Counsel said: “We all have JensenLee at the forefront of our minds. It’s difficult to think of a more emotive case than this. Consider this case with your heads, not your hearts.”
After deliberating, the jury returned a unanimous guilty verdict.
There were audible cries from the public gallery as the decision was delivered, where members of JensenLee’s family had attended throughout the trial.
Morgan is due to be sentenced on Wednesday (Feb 25).
a £1,000 grant from nacro is set to strengthen grassroots support for neurodivergent children, young people and adults across Carmarthenshire.
CANDO (Carmarthen Aberystwyth Neurodiverse Outreach Group) has secured the funding through the Connecting Carmarthenshire Preventative Service, enabling the volunteer-led organisation to expand its practical, person-centred work with local families.
Operating under the message “We see your future whatever the past”, CANDO supports people who often struggle to access the right help, feel heard, or find stability in everyday life. The new funding will increase capacity, provide resources for inclusive sessions, and improve access to early support for those who might otherwise slip through the net.
The group works closely with individuals and families to reduce barriers and build confidence — whether through education guidance, wellbeing support, advocacy, or help navigating local services. Leaders say the grant will allow them to respond more quickly to growing demand and
keep sessions welcoming, accessible and consistent.
A CANDO spokesperson said: “This grant is amazing news for our community. Neurodivergent people can face extra pressures — from isolation and anxiety to difficulties being understood in education and services. This support will help us reach more people, provide practical help, and keep showing up for those who need someone on their side.”
Nacro’s wider mission mirrors that approach. The charity works across education, housing, justice, health and wellbeing, providing tailored support to help people build independence and move forward. Alongside frontline services, it also campaigns to remove systemic barriers and give disadvantaged people a stronger voice.
For CANDO, that bigger picture is felt locally. Families often face complicated pathways, long waits and fragmented services, and need clear guidance and community-based help that understands neurodiversity. By intervening early — before challenges escalate — the group believes it can improve mental health, education
outcomes and overall wellbeing.
The £1,000 grant will fund additional outreach, materials and practical resources, helping more people feel safer, more confident and better equipped to move forward.
CANDO added: “We’re proud to work alongside Nacro’s vision of a society where everyone has the chance to succeed. This funding will do real good — right here in Carmarthen and beyond — and we’re grateful for the belief it shows in our community.”
Author
By AlSmith
as Valentine’s day arrives in pembrokeshire, there is something about the county’s rugged coastline, quiet lanes and close-knit communities that makes romance feel a little more genuine. love here is rarely about grand gestures or extravagant displays. Instead, it’s found in thoughtful moments, shared experiences and the beauty of the landscape that surrounds us.
flowers remain one of the most enduring symbols of Valentine’s Day, and local florists across pembrokeshire are once again helping people express their feelings through carefully chosen blooms.
Buds In Bloom is a firm favourite for many, known for its eye-catching arrangements and attention to detail. Whether it’s a traditional bouquet of red roses or a softer mix of seasonal flowers, a bunch from a local florist often says far more than words alone. another trusted name is alison at The flower garden, where customers appreciate the warm welcome as much as the flowers themselves. With a wide selection of arrangements, plants and thoughtful extras, the shop offers something for every kind of Valentine’s celebration. Supporting local florists not only ensures quality and freshness, but also helps keep pembrokeshire’s town centres thriving.
For those looking beyond flowers, handmade and locally produced gifts continue to grow in popularity. Cariad Crafts has long been associated with creativity and care, celebrating
the value of thoughtful, handcrafted items. Whether it’s a small keepsake, a decorative piece or something made with love, handmade gifts often feel more personal and meaningful than anything mass-produced. Valentine’s day in pembrokeshire doesn’t have to come with a high price tag, however. Some of the most memorable ways to spend the day are completely free and just as special. a walk along the pembrokeshire Coast path offers endless opportunities for quiet conversation, shared laughter and breathtaking views. Winter light on the sea can be just as romantic as a summer sunset, especially when enjoyed together.
beaches such as barafundle bay, Marloes Sands, freshwater West or newgale provide the perfect backdrop for a peaceful stroll or a moment of reflection. For those who enjoy history, wandering through St davids, exploring the cathedral grounds or discovering hidden chapels and ancient sites along the coast can make for a meaningful and unhurried Valentine’s experience.
as evening falls, pembrokeshire’s famously dark skies offer a chance to slow down and look upwards. Stargazing together, wrapped up against the cold with a hot drink, is a simple pleasure that costs nothing but time. it’s often these quiet, shared moments that stay in the memory long after Valentine’s day has passed. at home, small gestures can be just as powerful. Cooking a favourite meal together, writing a handwritten
note, or revisiting a place that holds special meaning can turn an ordinary day into something truly memorable. love doesn’t need to be loud or expensive to be real. in pembrokeshire, Valentine’s day is a celebration not only of romance, but of place, community and connection. Whether you’re
supporting local florists like Buds in bloom and alison at The flower garden, choosing a handmade gift inspired by Cariad Crafts, or simply enjoying the county’s natural beauty together, this is a day that reminds us that love is often found in the simplest of moments.
lET’S rewind to July 2024. The Tories were in disarray. Rishi Sunak – remember him? – was the lacklustre prime Minister who clearly no longer wanted to govern.
The ill-timed general election that year saw Labour sweep to power with a huge overall majority. They arrived with Sir Keir at the helm, promising transparency, clarity and an end to what they described as fourteen years of sleaze. “A time for change” was Starmer’s clarion call.
Within three weeks he had shafted pensioners, then moved on to hit small farmers, while prices, unemployment
and inflation soared under the watch of an increasingly embattled Chancellor, Rachel Reeves. So far we have seen sixteen U-turns in a vain attempt to win back the electorate, to no avail, as his popularity has plummeted at breathtaking speed.
You would think all that was bad enough. But a runaway train was already hurtling down the track in the form of Lord Peter Mandelson, whom Sir Keir had appointed ambassador to the United States.
His association with disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein exposed what looks like a rat’s nest. It has now been
accusations are proven, it borders on betrayal.
Starmer’s election guru, Morgan McSweeney, fell on his sword last weekend in what looked like an act of dubious chivalry. As I write on Monday night, Scottish Secretary Anas Sarwar is among the few calling for Starmer’s head, while the Parliamentary Labour Party has issued the dreaded vote of confidence. It seems the Prime Minister is clinging to a slippery rock while the sharks circle.
It is increasingly clear that Sir Keir no longer runs the country. He appears to be fighting simply to save himself. For voters, that is a poor return indeed. Is it any wonder people have lost faith in politics?
Starmer’s much-publicised trip to China has also borne sour fruit. He claims to have pressed for the release of British journalist Jimmy Lai, who has already spent five years in a Hong Kong jail simply for writing articles the authorities disliked. Rather than freeing him, the regime has handed the 76-year-old a further 20 years.
It is a stark reminder that, for all its modern gloss, China remains an authoritarian state. Yet we are apparently expected to welcome a vast new Chinese “super-embassy” in London without worrying about the security risks. Answers on a postcard, please.
More bad news for the former Prince Andrew too. The Palace has broken its silence on his sordid affairs, and King Charles has said Buckingham Palace will support police in any investigation. One wonders what their late mother would make of it all.
revealed that Mandelson supplied Epstein with sensitive financial emails gleaned from government sources, sending some within minutes. Last week Starmer finally axed him, but the move has raised more questions than answers. Just how close was that relationship?
Cast your mind back to Partygate, when Boris Johnson held gatherings during Covid. Starmer and Labour attacked him relentlessly, day after day. Johnson was wrong, but he pressed on in the race to deliver a life-saving vaccine. This Epstein affair, however, feels far darker. If the
Meanwhile, this winter has brought rainfall on a scale not seen since records began. Parts of Wales and the south-west of England endured forty consecutive days of rain, causing millions of pounds in damage and flooding some families out of their homes more than once. Yet, incredibly, hosepipe bans were only recently lifted in parts of Kent and Sussex. You couldn’t make it up.
And finally, a word on the Winter Olympics in northern Italy. I can only imagine a couple of bored Scots back in 1540 deciding to invent a sport: “Let’s slide a lump of granite across a frozen lake and chase after it with a sweeping brush.”
Fast forward to 1924 and it became an Olympic event called curling. I don’t quite get it myself, but it’s hugely popular — and I felt compelled to find out where it all began.
a gROUp of students from haverfordwest high School have been recognised on the national stage after winning a prestigious award at the Wales final of the The King’s Trust and TK Maxx Awards.
The students scooped the JD Foundation Community Impact Award during a ceremony held on Monday, January 19, at voco St Davids Cardiff, celebrating their efforts to transform a vandalised and neglected subway into a bright, welcoming mural for the community.
The project was delivered through the Achieve programme run locally by Pembrokeshire Youth Service, giving pupils a more hands-on, practical approach to learning outside the traditional classroom.
REClaiMing a nEglECTEd SpaCE
The group identified the graffiticovered underpass, used daily on their walk to school, as somewhere that left a poor impression of the town.
Ffion, one of the students, said: “The subway was really unwelcoming and gave people a negative impression of the town. We wanted to reclaim the space and turn it into something positive.”
Working together, the pupils applied for funding, secured sponsorship from local businesses and organised school fundraising events. They also partnered with local artist Lloyd Griffiths to design and paint a colourful mural celebrating wellbeing, identity and pride in Haverfordwest.
The artwork even features their daily emotional “check-in” system – a tool they used throughout the programme to support each other’s mental health.
bUilding COnfidEnCE and SkillS
Many of the young people involved had faced barriers in mainstream education, including social and emotional challenges or caring responsibilities at home. Several were at risk of leaving school with few qualifications.
Through the Achieve programme, they say they found a more supportive environment where they could develop confidence and practical skills.
Lateesha said: “We were really pushed outside of our comfort zone throughout the project, which helped us discover confidence in ourselves and just how much we’re capable of.”
The students developed teamwork, communication, fundraising and public speaking skills while delivering a lasting improvement to their neighbourhood.
Ffion added: “This project is our
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legacy. We’ve created something lasting that represents who we are and where we come from. It’s amazing what a cup of tea and a conversation can result in.”
Aaron Probert, JD Foundation Manager, presented the award on the night.
He said: “It is an honour to present this very special group of young people with the Community Impact Award. The way you have worked together to benefit your community is truly inspiring and the impact you have had is clear to see.”
The win now puts the Haverfordwest students in the running for a national King’s Trust Award, with finalists invited to a celebration event in May at London’s Royal Albert Hall.
The King’s Trust supports young people aged eleven to thirty with skills, training and opportunities, with three in four participants moving into work, education or training.
For these Pembrokeshire pupils, their award-winning mural is already proof of what can happen when young people are given the chance – and the support – to make a difference close to home.
ChaRiTiES, volunteers and community groups from across pembrokeshire gathered at bluestone national park Resort on friday (feb 6) to celebrate the growing impact of the bluestone foundation, which has raised tens of thousands of pounds for local causes.
Around eighty guests attended the event, held inside the resort’s Serendome, marking two years of focused community support through the foundation.
Supporters, staff and representatives from partner organisations came together to share success stories and highlight how funding has helped projects tackling environmental issues, wellbeing and social inclusion across the county.
Speakers included Marten Lewis, Chair of the foundation, alongside Mike Slack from Get The Boys a Lift, Barry John of the VC Gallery and Ellen Petts from FRAME, each outlining the difference local backing has made to their work.
Founded in 2010, the Bluestone Foundation was created to channel support from the resort into
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environmental, economic and social initiatives across Pembrokeshire. It works in partnership with Pembrokeshire Association for Voluntary Services to distribute grants and strengthen grassroots organisations.In 2025 alone, more than £60,000 was raised and invested into local projects.
Groups supported range from environmental organisations including Sea Trust Wales, BlueGreen Cymru and Greener Growth CIC, to wellbeing initiatives such as ASD Family Help, Get the Boys a Lift and the No Shame Foundation. Creative and heritage groups including Little Grebe Creative CIC, Pater Hall Community Trust, Milford Haven Community Society, Urdd Gobaith Cymru and the VC Gallery have also benefited.
Organisers said the event was an opportunity not only to reflect on achievements so far, but to strengthen partnerships and encourage further community involvement.
More information about the Bluestone Foundation is available via Bluestone Wales’ website.
SWiMMERS plunged into the freezing waters at West angle bay on new year’s day to raise thousands of pounds for local hospice care, as the annual angle dip returned with one of its most successful events yet.
The 2026 dip raised £2,694.36 for the Paul Sartori Foundation, helping fund free hospice-at-home services for families across the county.
Crowds gathered along the sands at West Angle Bay to cheer on participants, with a mix of seasoned dippers and first-timers taking to the sea in fancy dress and wetsuits for the traditional New Year challenge. Despite the icy conditions, spirits remained high, with supporters lining the beach to clap, shout encouragement and donate.
Organisers said the event once again highlighted the strong community support behind the charity and its work.
A number of local businesses and groups helped make the day possible, including Wavecrest Café, The Hibernia Inn, KJ Prints, Cwtch Laser Designs, Communic8, Axon, Pembrokeshire Paddlers, and a team of volunteers from the foundation.
Every penny raised will go
towards providing practical and emotional support for people living with life-limiting illness. The charity offers hands-on nursing care, equipment hire, complementary therapies, advance care planning and bereavement support, enabling patients to remain at home with loved ones at the end of life.
Joanne Lutwyche, Event and Fundraising Officer for the Paul Sartori Foundation and founder of the Angle New Year’s Day Dip, said: “This year’s dip was absolutely brilliant. The energy on the beach, the support from the community and the bravery of every single dipper made this one of our best years yet.
“I am so grateful to everyone who turns up, volunteers, donates and shouts encouragement from the sidelines. Events like this have a direct impact on our clinical team, allowing them to continue providing essential care to people with lifelimiting illness in their own homes. I could not be prouder of what our community achieved together.”
For details of upcoming events or to volunteer, visit the Paul Sartori Foundation website or email rosiefaye@paulsartori.org.
faMiliES across Wales are being encouraged to rediscover history on their doorstep this february half term, with more than 130 historic sites offering affordable days out.
Cadw, the Welsh Government’s historic environment service, says its castles, abbeys and ancient monuments provide low-cost options for families looking to get out of the house without breaking the bank.
From dramatic medieval fortresses to Roman remains and peaceful abbey ruins, many locations are within easy reach of local communities, making them ideal for a short day trip.
Nearby highlights include Caerphilly Castle, Caernarfon Castle, Raglan Castle, and the Caerleon Roman Baths, each offering a mix of history, open space and hands-on activities.
New visitor research carried out by Cadw shows strong satisfaction among guests. More than 85 per cent rated their visit as good, while nearly two in five said their experience was better than expected.
Families are being encouraged to bring picnics, book tickets online in advance and consider membership options to keep costs down, particularly for repeat visits over school holidays.
Several sites now include improved
interpretation and interactive elements aimed at younger visitors.
At Caerphilly Castle, recent restoration work has recreated parts of the medieval interior, allowing visitors to step inside spaces such as the Great Hall and gatehouse to see how the fortress would have looked in the thirteenth century.
Meanwhile, children visiting Caerleon can take part in a daily Roman Baths trail where they can touch, smell and explore objects linked to life in Roman Britain.
Cadw says winter can be one of the best times to visit, with fewer crowds and dramatic seasonal scenery.
Places such as Tintern Abbey, Chepstow Castle, Criccieth Castle, and Valle Crucis Abbey offer peaceful walks alongside striking historic backdrops.
With sites spread across the country, most families will have a Cadw monument within a short drive.
Membership options provide unlimited entry throughout the year, with children admitted free with adult members, alongside shop discounts and reciprocal offers at other UK attractions.
Further details on opening times, events and tickets are available at the Cadw website.
MEMbERS of Milford haven Town Council joined residents and staff at Milford haven library on Tuesday morning for a community coffee event celebrating local support for the town’s library service.
The gathering was organised by the library to thank the Town Council and the wider community for their continued backing.
The Mayor, Cllr William Elliott, attended alongside Deputy Mayor Cllr Mark Woodward and fellow town councillors, meeting residents over tea and coffee and speaking with library staff about the role the service plays locally.
Councillors said the event provided a relaxed opportunity to engage directly with the public and hear how the library is supporting people of all ages, from families and young readers to older residents who use the space socially.
A spokesperson for the council said the morning was “a wonderful turnout” and a chance to strengthen ties between the council, library staff and the community.
They added: “It was great to talk with residents and see first-hand how valued the library is. Thank you to the team for their warm hospitality.”
Pembrokeshire’s libraries continue to host regular community activities, groups and events aimed at tackling isolation and providing welcoming public spaces across the county.
COMMUniTy groups across north pembrokeshire are being encouraged to apply for monthly funding as Cwm arian Renewable Energy continues its programme of small grants aimed at strengthening local life.
The community energy organisation is offering £200 every month to support grassroots projects, with the funding open to clubs, charities, volunteer groups and informal community initiatives. Since the scheme launched in April 2022, the fund has supported a wide range of activities, from youth sport and schools to cultural events
and wellbeing projects.
The grants are deliberately flexible, allowing groups to decide what their communities need most rather than fitting strict criteria. Money can be used for hall hire, equipment, refreshments, transport, training costs or materials, helping even the smallest organisations get ideas off the ground.
In Hermon, funding has supported the popular Warm Rooms project, providing hot meals, company and a welcoming space for older residents during the colder months.
Organisers say the grant has helped tackle isolation while giving people
somewhere safe and social to meet.
In Crymych, football and rugby clubs have used the donations to run training sessions, organise matches and purchase kit, giving young people regular opportunities to stay active, develop skills and build confidence. Elsewhere, cultural groups and local festivals have used the support to stage workshops, performances and events that bring residents together.
A spokesperson for Cwm Arian said the aim is to keep the process simple and accessible.
They said: “These donations are about helping local people do what
they already do best. A relatively small amount of money can make a big difference to a village group or volunteer project. We want to support activities that strengthen communities and improve everyday life.”
Best known locally for its renewable energy and sustainability work, Cwm Arian says reinvesting income back into the community is central to its mission.
Groups with an idea that benefits people in Pembrokeshire are invited to apply, with guidance and application details available through the Cwm Arian website.
a COMMUniTy donation will help spruce up a popular summer book trailer at Stackpole quay after members of the pembrokeshire national Trust association handed over more than one thousand pounds to support the project.
The Pembrokeshire National Trust Association presented a cheque for £1,095 to the National Trust at Stackpole Quay this weekend.
The cheque was formally given to Rhian Sula, General Manager for the charity’s Pembrokeshire and Carmarthen Bay portfolio, by association chairman Jane Mason during a National Trust information coffee morning at the Stackpole Centre.
Trust present a more professional, welcoming and brand-aligned offer, and potentially grow donation income.”
The Pembrokeshire National Trust Association runs a programme of talks, visits and guided walks in support of local Trust properties. Membership of the National Trust is not required to join the association. Annual membership costs £5 for individuals and £8 for couples.
Last year alone, the trailer raised more than £1,500.
Jane Mason said the association had originally funded the purchase
The money will be used to refurbish the well-known secondhand book trailer which operates at the quay during the summer months. The trailer allows visitors to pick up a holiday read while making a donation, with proceeds supporting local conservation and access projects.
of the trailer several years ago and wanted to build on its success.
“Our new donation from members’ support will improve the trailer with updated imagery and design,” she said. “This will help the National
At its AGM in November, the group announced £3,000 in additional donations for local projects, including replacement willow hurdles at Tudor Merchants House, footpath improvements at Little Milford, and a new bench, tree planting and path works at Southwood.
With the latest contribution towards the book trailer, the association’s donations for the current financial year now exceed £4,000.
nO fORMal application for pembrokeshire council proposals for a £40m-plus road realignment scheme at flood-hit newgale will be made for at least a year-and-ahalf following a decision by senior councillors.
Newgale was hit hard by flooding following storms in early 2014 storms, and later by Storm Dennis in 2020.
In 2014 it even saw a visit by thethen Prime Minister David Cameron following the storms.
A public consultation – through agent AtkinsRéalis – was launched last year ahead of a formal council application to Pembrokeshire Coast National Park for Phase 1 of the Newgale Coastal Adaptation Project, which would see the development of a new inland section of road with bridge over Brandy Brook some 2.3km inland, to replace the coastal section of A487 at Newgale that will be closed.
Varied claims have been made about the cost of this scheme, from £20m upwards, some even saying it could cost as much as £60m, with millions spent on consultation fees to date.
An alternative, cheaper, scheme had been proposed by STUN – Stand Up for Newgale, proposing a section of the shingle bank at Newgale be realigned 10-12 metres seaward leaving an over-wash barrier between it and the A487 to capture any pebbles and sea water.
In a report heard at the February 9 meeting of Pembrokeshire County Council’s Cabinet, presented by Residents’ Services Cllr Rhys Sinnett, members received an update on the scheme, which included a formal submission, abandoning it, and the favoured option of putting it on hold for a period of between 18 and 24 months.
The option recommended: “Acknowledge that the scheme is required to be delivered, in light of climate change, the work undertaken to date and the results of the WG Roads Review and Pre Application Consultation.
“However, taking into account the current financial climate and the immediate risk to the A487; pause the scheme prior to submitting planning application, and review the position in the next 18- 24 months.”
It also recommended maintain surveys of the scheme “with a view of future progression of the scheme to planning application as the scheme is required in the long term,” along with reviewing “options available for
short term improvements, including passing places and signage, to the division route implemented during road closures as a result of storm/ flooding impacts at Newgale through the Regional Transport Plan Funding,” and to “continue to review external funding options to support the delivery of the construction phase
of the project”
Cllr Michelle Bateman said the proposal “strikes the right balance” on what will be a long-term issue, and was “the best way forward at the current time”.
Leader Cllr Jon Harvey said it was “the right call to make at this particular time,” stressing there may
be a change in Welsh Government’s priorities after May’s elections.
Members, by eight votes to one, backed the recommendation; a lone voice was Cllr Jacob Williams, who said he was “pleased the scheme is being parked,” adding the “unaffordable” proposal was unlikely to change in 18 months’ time.
COMMUniTiES across Wales are being promised a stake in what ministers describe as the largest public investment in locally owned energy projects in british history, with up to £1 billion earmarked for solar panels, battery storage and small-scale renewable schemes.
The funding, announced this week by Great British Energy and the UK Government, forms part of a new “Local Power Plan” aimed at helping councils, schools, clubs and community groups generate and sell their own electricity.
Ministers say the approach will cut bills, create income streams and keep profits local rather than flowing to major energy companies.
However, while the headline figure is eye-catching, details about how much money will reach Wales — and how quickly — remain limited.
WElSh pROJECTS alREady baCkEd
The government says nearly £9.5 million has already been allocated to projects in Wales over the past year, delivered with the Welsh Government. Examples include rooftop solar on schools in Wrexham and Newport, and a new installation at Big Pit National Coal Museum in Pontypool, which is estimated to save more than £280,000 in energy costs over its lifetime.
A further scheme at a highways depot in Neath is projected to save
the local authority around £910,000.
Energy Secretary Ed Miliband said the plan would “transfer wealth and power back to communities”, while Wales Secretary Jo Stevens described it as a way for towns and villages to “take
charge of their own energy supplies”.
big aMbiTiOn — bUT fUnding SpREad Thin
Despite the rhetoric, the £1bn pot is UK-wide and expected to support more than 1,000 projects across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.
If split evenly, that would average around £1m per scheme — though ministers say grants and loans will vary and some funding will be reserved for advice and capability building rather than construction.
Community energy groups have long argued that red tape, grid connections and upfront costs are bigger barriers than ambition.
There are also questions over whether smaller volunteer-led organisations will have the technical expertise to compete for funds against better-resourced councils and developers.
Industry bodies broadly welcomed the move but stopped short of calling it transformational without clearer timelines.
If delivered effectively, the model could allow:
• village halls and sports clubs to reduce running costs
• schools to generate income from spare electricity
• councils to cut energy bills on public buildings
• residents to buy shares in local renewables
Supporters say that keeps money circulating in the local economy rather than leaving the area.
The announcement follows other energy developments affecting Wales, including backing for offshore wind in the Celtic Sea such as the Erebus Floating Offshore Wind Farm off Pembrokeshire.
WaiTing fOR ThE
For now, communities are being invited to register interest via Great British Energy, with grant schemes expected to launch later this year.
Whether the plan proves to be a genuine shift in ownership or simply another competitive funding round will depend on how accessible the money is — and how much of it ultimately reaches places like Pembrokeshire rather than being absorbed at national level.
Local groups considering bids will be watching closely.
By AlSmith
RESidEnT EVil Requiem feels like a bold and haunting promise of everything longtime fans have hoped the series could become again, blending survival horror roots with modern ambition in a way that feels both nostalgic and refreshingly new. from what has been revealed so far, the game appears to embrace atmosphere as its greatest weapon, surrounding players with dense shadows, unsettling sound design, and environments that seem to breathe with menace. Every corridor, abandoned room, and flickering light suggests danger, creating a constant sense of vulnerability that recalls the franchise’s earliest and most beloved entries while still pushing forward with contemporary design sensibilities. The visual presentation is striking, with detailed character models, realistic lighting, and environmental storytelling that conveys dread without relying on excessive spectacle. Rather than overwhelming players with nonstop action, Resident Evil Requiem seems determined to let fear grow slowly, using silence, isolation, and uncertainty as tools to keep tension high.
The narrative direction also appears more emotionally grounded than in some past installments, focusing on personal loss, moral ambiguity, and the psychological toll of
surviving in a world shaped by biological catastrophe. Early impressions suggest that the story will place players in morally complex situations, where choices feel heavy and consequences linger long after a scene ends. This approach gives the horror more weight, making it feel less like a series of shocking moments and more like a sustained, unsettling journey. Characters are presented with greater depth and vulnerability, inviting players to connect with their struggles while never allowing them to feel truly safe. This balance between emotional investment and constant threat is where Requiem seems poised to excel.
Gameplay appears to strike a careful balance between classic resource management and modern fluidity. Ammunition, healing items, and safe spaces are once again treated as precious commodities, encouraging thoughtful exploration and strategic decision-making rather than reckless combat. Encounters are designed to feel dangerous and unpredictable, reinforcing the idea that survival is never guaranteed. At the same time, movement and controls look smoother and more responsive, ensuring that tension comes from intelligent design rather than frustration. Puzzlesolving also seems to play a more meaningful role, with environmental challenges that feel organically connected to the setting instead of functioning as
artificial obstacles.
What truly sets Resident Evil Requiem apart, however, is its apparent commitment to atmosphere over excess. Instead of relying heavily on explosive set pieces or constant enemy waves, the game seems content to let dread simmer. Subtle audio cues, distant footsteps, distorted whispers, and sudden shifts in lighting all work together to create an experience that feels persistently uneasy. Horror here is not just about what appears on screen, but about what might appear at any moment. This restrained approach suggests a deep confidence in the game’s design and a respect for players who appreciate slow-burning fear.
If the final release lives up to its promise, Resident Evil Requiem could represent one of the franchise’s strongest entries in years, uniting oldschool survival horror principles with modern storytelling and technical polish. It looks ready to challenge players not only with terrifying creatures and limited resources, but with emotional and psychological pressure that lingers long after the controller is set down. More than just another sequel, it feels like a carefully crafted tribute to the series’ legacy and a bold step toward its future, offering an experience that is tense, thoughtful, and deeply unsettling in all the right ways.
gOOd luck, have fun, don’t die arrives with the kind of title that immediately signals its intentions: playful, ironic, and quietly profound. On the surface, it sounds like a gamer’s farewell or a casual goodbye tossed into a group chat, but beneath that lightness lies a film that thoughtfully explores how people navigate uncertainty, connection, and meaning in a hyperconnected world. The movie blends humor and vulnerability with surprising confidence, creating an experience that feels both contemporary and timeless.
Set against the backdrop of online communities and real-world pressures, the story follows a group of young adults whose lives intersect through digital spaces and chance encounters. What begins as a familiar coming-ofage setup quickly evolves into something more reflective. The film doesn’t rush to define its characters by labels or tropes; instead, it allows them to unfold naturally, revealing insecurities, ambitions, and quiet fears in ways that feel authentic. Their conversations, often casual and unguarded, carry an emotional weight that lingers long after the screen fades to black.
The performances are a major strength. Each actor brings a grounded sincerity to
their role, making even the most understated moments resonate. There is a refreshing absence of melodrama here. Rather than forcing emotional climaxes, the film trusts its audience to recognize significance in small gestures, hesitant pauses, and half-finished sentences. This restraint gives the story a realism that many similar films struggle to achieve.
Visually, Good Luck, Have Fun, Don’t Die balances intimacy with atmosphere. Soft lighting, carefully framed interiors, and subtly expressive camerawork create a sense of closeness, as if the viewer is quietly sharing space with the characters. The editing flows smoothly, mirroring the rhythm of real life, where moments of intensity and mundanity exist side by side. The soundtrack complements this tone, blending understated melodies with ambient sounds that enhance the film’s emotional texture without overwhelming it.
What truly sets the film apart is its thematic depth. At its core, it reflects on how people cope with uncertainty in an era defined by constant comparison, fleeting attention, and digital personas. It questions what it means to be “successful,” “happy,” or “fulfilled” when so much of life is curated for display. Yet it never feels cynical. Instead, the film offers a gentle optimism, suggesting that meaning is often
found in imperfect relationships, shared struggles, and the courage to keep going despite not having all the answers.
The script is sharp and observant, filled with dialogue that feels lived-in rather than written. Humor emerges naturally from character interactions, providing warmth and levity without undermining the film’s emotional stakes. There are moments that invite laughter and others that invite quiet reflection, and the balance between the two is handled with remarkable finesse.
By the time the credits roll, Good Luck, Have Fun, Don’t Die leaves behind a lingering sense of introspection. It doesn’t try to resolve every conflict neatly or offer easy conclusions. Instead, it embraces ambiguity, much like life itself. The film feels less like a statement and more like a conversation—one that continues in the viewer’s mind long after leaving the theater.
In the end, this is a thoughtful, emotionally resonant film that speaks to a generation shaped by both connectivity and isolation. With its sincere performances, subtle craftsmanship, and quietly powerful message, Good Luck, Have Fun, Don’t Die stands out as a moving reflection on modern life and the fragile, beautiful act of simply trying to live it well.
NOW then butt, pull up a chair and stick the kettle on, because this week’s tech nonsense comes with a proper grown-up label on it.
You know the one.
“Are you over eighteen?” Click.
Job done.
Well, apparently not anymore.
The big news is that Ofcom has slapped an eye-watering £800,000 fine on a porn outfit called Kick Online Entertainment for not bothering to check whether kids were sneaking onto its sites.
Eight hundred grand, mun. That’s not a parking ticket outside Tesco. That’s “sell the second yacht” money.
And fair play, you can see their point.
For years the internet’s age checks have been about as watertight as a chip wrapper in the rain.
“Type your date of birth.”
Right then – 1 January 1901. Sorted. I’m apparently 125 and still browsing.
Even my nan could beat that system, and she still calls Wi-Fi “the wireless”.
Under the Online Safety Act, adult sites are now supposed to use “highly effective” checks. Not just a pinky promise. Proper verification. Documents. Cards. Third-party tech. Something with a bit of backbone.
Kick didn’t bother between July and December last year. Ofcom noticed. Bang. Fine.
And they didn’t just get a slap –they also copped another £30,000 for ignoring emails.
Which, as every student in Cardiff knows, is exactly what happens when you ghost the lecturer.
But here’s where it gets spicy, like a curry in Swansea at 2am.
Across the pond, message board 4chan has basically said:
“Cheers for the fine, love… but we’re not paying.”
Their lawyer reckons UK rules don’t mean a thing in America and reckons Ofcom can jog on and argue it in a US court.
It’s like watching two blokes outside a rugby club:
“You owe me money.”
“Do I heck. Come and take it then.”
International tech law, see, isn’t neat and tidy. It’s more like trying to referee kids playing football on the beach. Everyone’s arguing, no one agrees where the lines are, and somebody’s dog’s run off with the ball.
Still, here’s the bit that matters locally, mind.
For once, this isn’t just politicians flapping.
If you’ve got kids or grandkids, you know how quick they are with phones. Faster than me finding the “skip ads” button. If adult content is one tap away, that’s not “parenting problem” territory – that’s platform responsibility.
We regulate pubs, shops, bookies.
You can’t wander into Bargain Booze at fourteen and buy a crate of Strongbow.
So why should the internet get a free pass?
Tech firms love shouting about “freedom” when the rules show up, but they’re happy enough taking UK traffic and UK money. Can’t have it both ways, bach.
If you’re doing business here, play by the rules here. Simple as.
Mind you, don’t expect perfection.
Some of these age-check systems are clunky as an old Windows Vista laptop. Upload your ID, take a selfie, blink twice, sacrifice a goat…
By the time you’re done, you’ve forgotten what you logged on for.
But that’s the growing pains of a safer internet, isn’t it? A bit annoying, but better than pretending kids won’t find this stuff.
So this week’s lesson from Tech ’n’ Taff?
The Wild West days of the web are ending.
Sheriff Ofcom’s riding into town with a big badge and an even bigger invoice.
And somewhere in an office, a tech boss is muttering:
“Achafi… should’ve just put the age check in, boyo.”
WalES is marking apprenticeship Week Wales 2026 with claims of record progress on jobs and training – but legal leaders say one profession is still being left out.
The Welsh government says more than 100,000 apprenticeships have now been delivered during the current Senedd term, a milestone ministers describe as transforming routes into work for thousands of people across construction, engineering, health, energy and creative industries.
Events are taking place throughout the week to showcase apprentices and employers, with colleges, businesses and job centres highlighting success stories and new opportunities for school leavers and career-changers alike.
However, the Law Society of England and Wales says Wales risks falling behind in one crucial area – access to legal apprenticeships.
Legal gap raised
While many sectors now offer clear apprenticeship pathways up to degree level, the Society says aspiring solicitors in Wales have fewer advanced training options than their counterparts in England.
In particular, it has called for the introduction of Level 7 solicitor apprenticeships in Wales, which would allow trainees to qualify while earning, rather than having to fund lengthy university and postgraduate study or move across the border for opportunities.
The body argues that without those routes, talented young people –especially from lower-income or rural communities – may be priced out of legal careers altogether.
It says the issue is not just about
jobs, but about access to justice, with fewer locally trained lawyers potentially affecting high street firms and community legal services.
MORE Than a CElEbRaTiOn
Apprenticeship Week Wales, running from February 9 to 15, is intended to promote vocational training as an equal alternative to university.
Supporters say apprenticeships help businesses fill skills gaps while allowing learners to earn a wage and avoid student debt.
Colleges across west Wales are using the week to spotlight programmes in marine engineering, hospitality, construction and health and social care, with employers reporting improved retention and productivity from “grow your own” talent.
But campaigners say the legal sector highlights a wider question: whether all professions are keeping pace with the apprenticeship model.
Local opportunity
For communities like Pembrokeshire and Carmarthenshire, where young people often leave the area for work or study, expanding higher-level apprenticeships could mean more skilled jobs staying local.
Education leaders say stronger vocational routes could help retain talent and support small and mediumsized businesses struggling to recruit.
As the week’s celebrations continue, the message from legal leaders is clear: apprenticeships are working – but only if every profession is included.
Without broader access, they warn, Wales risks creating opportunity in some careers while quietly closing doors in others.
Netflix’s Lead Children is a quietly powerful series that blends emotional depth with social realism, creating a story that feels both intimate and universal. from the opening episode, the show establishes a tone that is reflective and grounded, drawing viewers into the lives of its young protagonists as they navigate a world shaped by responsibility, pressure, and limited choices. Rather than relying on dramatic spectacle, the series builds its impact through subtle storytelling, carefully developed characters, and moments of raw honesty that linger long after each episode ends.
At the heart of the show is its portrayal of childhood not as a time of carefree innocence, but as a complex stage where maturity is often forced too early. The central characters carry burdens that feel far heavier than their age should allow, and the performances bring this reality to life with remarkable
authenticity. Each actor delivers a nuanced portrayal that avoids exaggeration, allowing emotions such as fear, hope, frustration, and resilience to emerge naturally. This sincerity makes their struggles feel real and relatable, even for viewers whose lives may be very different.
The writing is one of the series’ greatest strengths, striking a careful balance between tenderness and realism. Dialogue feels natural and purposeful, never slipping into melodrama, while the pacing allows important moments to breathe. The show takes its time to explore relationships between siblings, friends, and guardians, revealing how love and conflict often coexist in difficult circumstances. These interactions form the emotional backbone of the narrative and give the story its lasting impact.
Visually, Lead Children adopts a restrained and thoughtful style that complements its themes. Muted colours and
simple compositions reflect the characters’ everyday environments, reinforcing the sense of realism. The cinematography often lingers on small details and quiet moments, reminding viewers that meaning is often found in the ordinary. Combined with a subtle and effective soundtrack, the atmosphere remains immersive without ever feeling overwhelming.
What truly sets the series apart is its refusal to offer easy answers. Instead of presenting clear heroes and villains, Lead Children explores the moral complexity of its world with empathy and honesty. It acknowledges systemic problems and personal failures while still allowing space for hope and growth. This balanced perspective encourages viewers to reflect rather than simply judge, making the experience both emotionally engaging and intellectually meaningful.
Overall, Lead Children is a thoughtful and moving series that succeeds through its sincerity, strong performances, and careful storytelling. It captures the fragile line between childhood and adulthood with sensitivity, offering a portrait of young lives shaped by circumstance yet driven by resilience. By the time the final episode ends, the characters feel less like fictional creations and more like people whose stories matter, leaving a lasting impression that resonates well beyond the screen.
internal touchstone, the place you go when you want to see how things are going, how you are feeling, and whether or not the path you’ve chosen is the right one, is more of a muscle than a rock. It’s thump, thump, thumping away,
VIRGO
Do more. This is a very simple call to action that might make you feel a little defensive, but you should pay attention to it. It’s not that you’re lazy, it’s that you aren’t fully aware of your capabilities right now. And the only surefire way to comprehend the limit to your abilities is to run headfirst into it. So do more today: more studying, more writing, more talking, more exercise. Balance is important, but don’t limit yourself. Keep going until you can’t go any more at all.
LIBRA
Life has you moving faster than a speeding bullet lately, hasn’t it? You’ve barely had time to catch your breath between leaping tall buildings and making quick wardrobe changes in telephone booths. The world has got to be saved sometimes, absolutely, and you’re often really the only one out there for the job. Today, though, go ahead and take a rest. There will be villains to tackle tomorrow.
SCORPIO
Put it into words. Whether it’s a new business plan, idea for a new project, or a declaration of love, you can and should verbalize it today. That might mean writing, it might mean speaking, heck, it could mean a whole multimedia presentation. The important thing is that you don’t leave this latest inspiration unsaid. Nobody can read your mind!
SAGITTARIUS
Maybe you feel like sleeping late, getting up slowly, cooking a big batch of pancakes, and doing a whole lot of nothing at all this morning. Go for it! You’ve been working really hard lately, and you’ve accomplished a whole heck of a lot. You have more than earned a morning off. Take a personal day and enjoy a leisurely breakfast.
CAPRICORN
Whether you’re a novelist, reporter, or proposal writer, you’re used to working with words. Ditto if you’re a soccer coach, teacher, or store manager. After all, without words you couldn’t verbalize your ideas, and nobody would be able to do what they’re supposed to do. Revel in your ability to make sense of the world and describe it to others. The people you’re talking to will appreciate it.
AQUARIUS
If you started something a while back, it’s
STUdEnTS! What rapscallions they are, readers.
This week, Reform UK desperately (deliberately?) manufactured a story about a small student society at Bangor University.
The facts are this: two Reform MPs asked the Debating Society (a student organisation) to host them. The Society declined. Had the Debating Society said, “No thanks, we’re fully booked for swivel-eyed loons,” that might have been the end of it. However, the Society’s Committee decided to find a high hobby-horse and declaim that Reform UK were not welcome because Reform UK is a party of beastly types who propose policies and have attitudes that the Society finds objectionable“phobics” and “isms”, and the like.
Reform UK pounced on the students’ inability to cope with viewpoints they reject because they’re, ahem, “triggering”. The Society’s decision and - more likely - its ludicrously worded social media post regarding it, in turn, triggered Reform.
It’s a truism that politicians are the most delicate of flowers, and Reform UK politicians are more delicate than most. Wherever Reform UK MPs, councillors, and major shareholders look for outrage, they find it. Honestly, readers, a Reform UK politician could be offended by their own shadow. Not that Badger’s suggesting there’s an obvious reason for that.
Never mind that the students’ Debating Society is a membership body affiliated to the Students’ Union but not under its control, and nothing to do with the University as an institution. No, readers, heaven forbid that individuals should join together in a membership organisation, especially those old enough to vote. It is unreasonable and wrong that such an organisation should make decisions or adopt, let’s call them, “policies” based on the decisions of those members.
You wouldn’t catch Reform UK acting like that. No, sirree Bob! Imagine what Nigel Farage would say if Tommy Robinson sent him a nice brick through his window, asking to address Reform UK’s annual conference. Our Nige would welcome him with open arms. It would show maturity, responsiveness, and a commitment to genuinely free
speech to allow the renowned thuggish racist bigot to wave his Union Jack undercrackers in front of Reform UK’s diverse and welcoming membership.
Yeah. Right. The chances of that are as high as Jeremy Corbyn getting an invite to become Prime Minister of Israel.
However, the transparent opportunism and hypocrisy of Reform UK didn’t stop some of its dimmer and more credulous haemorrhoids from demanding that Bangor University have its public funding cut altogether.
Dan Thomas, the former Conservative council leader who was recently announced as Reform’s leader in Wales, has evidently outsourced his intelligence, with the same result as when he outsourced the London Borough of Barnet’s pension provision. A large loss due to fraud.
Mr Thomas declared that a Reform government in Wales would legislate to prevent student societies from not inviting people they didn’t ask to address them in the first place. Or something like that. Even if a Dan Thomas-led Reform Government in Cardiff Bay signed the current Higher Education provisions regarding free speech into Welsh law, and even if he adopted the as-yet-unenacted parts regarding civil penalties of the same act at the same time, it would make
no bloody difference to a small student society in North Wales.
In a close second place was LauraAnne Jones, MS. Ms Jones was renowned for being crackers before she joined Reform UK. Absent a supporting party infrastructure to prevent her from soiling herself in public, Laura-Anne’s verbal diarrhoea was in full flow in the Senedd this Tuesday.
Reading aloud from words she plainly hadn’t managed to cobble together, the MS claimed that a membership society refusing to invite Reform representatives to address them “set a dangerous precedent”. She wanted a statement from the Minister to explain what he was doing to protect Reform UK’s politicians from opinions and viewpoints they did not like (or something like that). She was ever so cross about the UNIVERSITY’s behaviour.
Eh?
Laura-Anne Jones went to University. She studied Politics. She was a member of the Conservative Party from the age of sixteen until last year.
Now, readers, Badger doesn’t know how things were done at the University of Plymouth during the late 1990s. Still, he can almost guarantee that any attempt by the University of Plymouth to tell Conservative students who they
must invite to address them would have resulted in a scandal of national proportions.
And damned right, too. After all, it is surely uncontroversial that it is not the universities’ role to tell students what to think, how to associate with one another, or how to conduct the business of the membership organisations they belong to or have founded. Where a student society acts unlawfully or illegally, as the Debating Society DID NOT, responsibility for its actions rests with the society’s executive and membership.
While he’s confident that neither Mr Thomas nor Ms Jones would acknowledge it, the right to freedom of speech under the European Convention on Human Rights, as incorporated into UK law, is protected. What they appear to propose is that universities should have vicarious liability for what adults do when they join a club over which the university has no control, whether direct or otherwise, and then choose to exercise their freedom of speech in ways Reform finds objectionable.
Badger has often heard Reform politicians pledge to cut bureaucracy and ensure that British citizens (all British citizens) have the right to live their lives as they see fit. None of this nanny state nonsense. No nursmaiding. You have to stand on your own two feet and get on with life as you want to live it. Reform, its more bonkers supporters insist, is a party that believes in freedom. Based on this week, the reality of a Reform government would be very different.
This week’s storm in a teacup, stirred by Reform, reveals two things. Firstly, if Reform intends to legislate every time one of its politicians is upset by a social media post, any economic boom would be down to a 100-fold increase in the number of prisons in the UK. Secondly, beneath Reform’s blokey, fag-smoking, beer-swilling facade lurks old-fashioned authoritarianism and intolerance for dissent.
Some might welcome that. You, reader, might welcome it. You’re entitled, as adults, to your opinion and to express it amongst your friends, or other members of whichever political party, union, or voluntary organisation you belong to.
Unless Reform objects, of course.
by editor tom Sinclair
in pOliTiCS, mistakes rarely bring down a prime minister. handling does.
In the space of twenty-four hours Sir Keir Starmer has lost both his chief of staff and his director of communications. Two of the most senior figures in Downing Street have walked away at the very moment the government most needed steadiness and control.
This is not a policy crisis. It is a handling crisis, and handling, fair or not, often matters more than reality.
The original issue, the appointment of Peter Mandelson as US ambassador despite his long-
documented association with Jeffrey Epstein, should have been a short-lived Westminster row. A judgement call that some supported for his experience and others opposed on reputational grounds. The sort of story that fills a day’s headlines and then fades.
Instead it has lingered and grown, turning a questionable decision into a rolling argument about judgement at the top of government.The reason is simple. The Prime Minister did not take ownership quickly enough.
This could have been finished in half a minute. Step outside Number 10, face the cameras, and say clearly that the decision was his, that on reflection it was the wrong call, and that the government was moving on. Voters tend to forgive honesty.
They do not forgive hesitation.
Instead there was silence, followed by briefings and then resignations from close aides apparently taking responsibility. That convinces no one. Everyone understands that
decisions of this scale come from the Prime Minister. Watching staff fall on their swords simply makes a leader look weak and defensive.
That is how a small political problem becomes a story about loss of control.
The irony is that Starmer is probably doing exactly what many people said they wanted after years of chaos. He governs cautiously. He focuses on the books. He tries to fix systems rather than chase headlines. It is careful, technocratic politics.
But careful management is almost invisible.
The public does not see departmental reforms or balanced spreadsheets. They see confidence, clarity and momentum. When they instead see confusion and senior figures quitting, they conclude that something is going wrong, whether it is or not.
Meanwhile Nigel Farage and Reform UK offer little detail but communicate relentlessly. Their message is simple and easy to repeat. The country is broken and they will fix it. That alone is enough to dominate the conversation, even without a fully worked-out plan.
It is not competence that cuts through. It is clarity.
That is where the real danger lies for Starmer.
Prime ministers are rarely removed because of one bad decision. They fall
TO the people of pembrokeshire, our readers, contributors and supporters, thank you.
Thank you to everyone who challenged misinformation, shared accurate reporting, and refused to let smears dressed up as “news” take hold in our community.
Over recent months, The Pembrokeshire Herald has faced repeated attempts to undermine and discredit our journalism. An anonymous Facebook page, presenting itself as a news outlet, published personal attacks, distortions and unverified claims aimed at me and this newspaper. It was not journalism. It was harassment.
What happened next matters most.
Local residents saw through it. Charity workers, volunteers and ordinary members of the public spoke up. They challenged the language, questioned the conduct, and made clear that Pembrokeshire expects better.
Within days, the page disappeared. That did not happen because of threats or pressure. It happened because the community rejected it.
This has not been an isolated incident. It follows official council posts that labelled accurate reporting as “bullying”, abusive comments left unchecked on public pages, personal slurs from public officials, and even threats serious enough to result
in a criminal conviction. There have also been attempts to misuse private communications and present legitimate scrutiny as personal vendetta.
Let me be clear.
The Pembrokeshire Herald will not be intimidated and it will not be silenced.
We report because local democracy depends on scrutiny. Taxpayers deserve transparency. When those in positions of authority avoid accountability, it is the job of the local press to ask questions.
Our reporting is evidence-based and in the public interest. Where mistakes occur, we correct them openly. Where defamatory attacks cross the line, we respond through lawful channels, as any citizen is entitled to do.
That is not conflict. It is responsible journalism.
To everyone who has supported us by reading, sharing, sending information or simply standing up for facts, thank you. Independent local media survives because of you.
In 2026 we will continue to expand our reporting, deepen investigations, and give a voice to communities across the county.
We stand for truth. We stand for accountability. And we will keep doing our job.
Tom Sinclair Editor
when their own MPs start to doubt that they can win the next election. Once that doubt takes hold, confidence drains quickly. Backbenchers get nervous. Donors start asking questions. Quiet conversations begin about alternatives.
Two senior resignations in a day do not just look messy. They suggest that the centre is not holding. If upcoming local elections or by-elections go badly, that doubt will harden.
If Labour MPs begin to believe that Starmer cannot sell a story to the country, that perception alone could end his premiership, regardless of how responsibly he is governing.
The harsh truth is that you can quietly repair a nation and still lose office if nobody notices.
In modern politics, communication is not decoration. It is survival. Right now, that is exactly what Downing Street appears to have lost.
i WaS halfway through a perfectly good chip outside the docks this week — prime specimen, still warm, bit of vinegar on it, lovely — when the radio through the harbourmaster’s window started going on about Westminster again. Crisis. Rows. Leaks. Ministers circling each other like gulls round a bin bag. Squaaawk.
Same old story.
And there, right in the middle of it, was Keir Starmer, looking less like the captain of the ship and more like a bloke who’d dropped the map overboard.
Now, I’m only a seagull. I don’t do
think tanks or reshuffles or whatever it is humans call it when they swap chairs and pretend it’s progress. But I do know this: when the wind shifts on the Haven, you don’t argue about it — you turn into it. Otherwise you end up backwards in the mud by Neyland, feathers everywhere, dignity gone. Squawk.
From up on the warehouse roof you can see it plain as day. People aren’t asking for miracles. They’re asking for stuff to work.
Houses they can afford. Bills that don’t bite. Jobs that aren’t all apps and passwords and “computer says no”. Instead, what they get is politicians
talking like instruction manuals.
No one wants that.
If I ran things — heaven help you — I’d start by flinging open every window and letting the stink out. Any funny business, any backroom whispering, any mate-of-a-mate nonsense — out it goes. Sunlight fixes most things. Same as when a kipper turns. Leave it hidden and it only gets worse.
Then I’d stop the clever speeches and just tell folk straight. Dock talk. Market talk. Pub talk. “Here’s the mess. Here’s how we fix it.” Done. Humans trust plain speaking. We gulls certainly do. If you squawk, squawk honest.
Squaaawk!
And for the love of all things salty, build something.
Anything.
Crane in the sky. Bricks going up. Rail lines stretching north. New kit being made in proper factories again. Places like Milford Haven were built on noise and graft, not policy documents. When people see diggers and hard hats, they feel like tomorrow might actually happen.
Right now it just feels like waiting for the next bill.
I’ve watched young families walk the marina counting pennies, watched shops shut, watched lads who should be apprenticing stacking shelves instead. Meanwhile London argues about optics.
Optics!
Try telling that to someone whose rent’s just gone up again.
Squawk-squawk.
And another thing it’s the little pecks that drive you mad. Subscriptions you can’t cancel. Phone contracts that trap you. Parking charges that appear out of nowhere like a sneaky tern. Fix the small stuff and people breathe easier. Life shouldn’t feel like you’re being nibbled to death.
Mostly though, it’s about looking like you mean it.
Seagulls don’t half-fly. We commit. Wings out, straight into the gale. Messy, noisy, feathers everywhere but we get there.
Starmer’s got the numbers. Got the time. Got the space. From what I can see, he just needs the nerve.
Because a big majority is like a big tide. Waste it and you’re stranded. Use it and you sail.
Simple as that.
Anyway, enough politics.
There’s a tourist down by the slipway unwrapping a pasty and looking distracted.
Public service calls.
Squaaawk.
SinglETOnS across Wales are being told they may already have the perfect wingman sitting at home on the sofa –their cat.
Relationship psychologist and dating coach Jo Hemmings says feline companions can offer more than cuddles, claiming cat lovers often have an unexpected edge when it comes to romance.
Speaking ahead of Valentine’s Day, Jo said being open about your pet can help break the ice on dates.
“A liking for cats can create an instant bond and gives you something genuine to talk about,” she explained. “When people speak about their cat, their face lights up. That warmth and affection is attractive. Just don’t overdo it.”
The team at Cats Protection Cat Centre agree – and say there are plenty of cats locally hoping to find their own perfect match.
Among them is five-year-old Leonard, a striking long-haired cat with a gentle nature.
Centre staff say Leonard can be a little shy at first, but once he gains confidence he loves attention, lap time and plenty of fuss. He also enjoys being groomed to keep his coat in top condition. Although he has not yet explored the outdoors, carers believe he could enjoy outside access with a gradual introduction.
Leonard would prefer to be
the only pet in the home, soaking up all the affection for himself.
Changing STEREOTypES
New figures suggest the old “cat lady” stereotype is fading fast. A survey of more than 10,000 people for Cats Protection’s Cats And Their Stats report found nearly as many men (23%) as women (24%) now name cats as
their pet of choice.
Jo says cats can even boost online dating profiles.
“In the often soulless world of online dating, a photo with your cat adds emotional depth,” she said. “Cats require empathy, patience and understanding. Subconsciously, that signals emotional intelligence and kindness.”
Daniel Warren-Cummings,
Cats Protection’s Central Behaviour Officer and a proud cat dad himself, added a note of perspective.
“We all love showing off our cats, but they’re not trophies –they’re companions who rely on us for care,” he said. “For many people, a quiet night on the sofa with a film and a purring cat is perfect. They’re there for us every day.”
pUpilS at St Oswald’s Va primary School welcomed a visit from local Senedd member Samuel kurtz on Monday (feb 2), as children put questions to him about how Wales is governed.
Years five and six pupils
took part in an interactive session where the Senedd Cymru member explained the role of the Welsh Parliament, how laws are made, and how elected representatives support local residents.
He outlined what a Member
of the Senedd does day-today, how decisions affecting communities are taken, and why taking part in democracy is important.
The pupils were then given the chance to quiz him directly, raising questions about politics,
local issues and how young people can make their voices heard. Staff said the children showed strong interest and came well prepared.
Speaking afterwards, Mr Kurtz said: “It was a real pleasure to visit St Oswald’s and see such enthusiasm and curiosity from the pupils.
“Understanding how democracy works and how decisions are made is important, and it is encouraging to see young people taking an interest in how their community and country are run.
“I was particularly impressed by the quality of the questions, which showed they had clearly done their research.”
Teachers described the visit as a valuable opportunity to bring lessons about citizenship and Welsh democracy to life.
The school visit forms part of Mr Kurtz’s ongoing programme of meeting with schools, community groups and residents across Carmarthen West and South Pembrokeshire.
pROpOSalS for a pembrokeshire Church in Wales school is to be discontinued are “fundamentally flawed,” in part due to land ownership issues, councillors heard.
At last May’s meeting, Pembrokeshire County Council considered a report of the School Modernisation Working Group which outlined the findings of a review of education provision in the Preseli area.
A later July meeting backed a general consultation to discontinue Cilgerran Church in Wales Voluntary Controlled School, and to establish it as a 3-11 community school.
“In particular, the review
considered the extent of surplus school places in the area, set against a significant decline in the pupil population,” the council in its consultation has said.
The consultation closed on January 30.
Hundreds have opposed the proposed changes, with a petition, on the council’s own website opposing the changes recently closing after gaining 391 signatures.
Any petition of more than 100 signatures triggers a debate at a council scrutiny committee, in the case of Cilgerran that debate taking place at the February 5 schools and learning overview and scrutiny committee.
The Cilgerran e-petition,
created by Louise Williams, said of the proposed changes: “Ysgol Cilgerran VC school has strong links with the Church community in Cilgerran and we believe this [change] will have a negative impact on the children who attend the school, the community of Cilgerran and the links between the two.
“We are proud of our school ethos and values which are strengthened by our links with the church. The school has close and strong relationships with our Church in Wales federation governors one of which is also our safeguarding governor.
“Our Church Federation governors work closely with the school and are regular visitors to the school and the children. They provide vital support and guidance to the school and have a positive impact on the children’s education. We believe these links will be weakened by this proposal to remove our VC status and we believe this is an un-necessary action.” Speaking at the meeting, vice-chair of the school governors Gary Fieldhouse said the loss of the Church in Wales status would be “a profound mistake,” the school’s association with the church “not symbolic but fundamental,” with “a sense of belonging” that would
not be the same if it lost that link and would “change the essence of what we are”.
He said the were issues of land ownership, and the “thriving” school, in a strong financial position with no deficit, was likely to benefit in terms of numbers when a new housing estate in the village was built.
Reverend John Cecil said the proposals were “fundamentally flawed,” with the school’s land legally in trust as a Church of Wales school, and change “essentially creating a new school with no premises to occupy”.
Cabinet member for education Cllr Guy Woodham repeated assurances he had given when petitions for other schools in the county, which are facing potential closures, saying final reports on the school’s future would be “as balanced as possible”.
“I’m happy to give that assurance again; to present in a fair way so councillors can make an informed decision.”
Members heard that legal conversations connected with that issue were ongoing, agreeing to note the petition.
A report on the final proposals will be brought to a future council meeting.
a WElSh college farm is successfully lambing tripletbearing ewes outdoors on exposed hill ground after introducing genetic performance recording to strengthen maternal traits and flock resilience.
At Coleg Cambria Llysfasi, near Ruthin, a flock of 120 pure Welsh Mountain ewes grazes land rising between 1,000 and 1,300 feet above sea level, where winter conditions can be harsh and only the hardiest sheep thrive.
Since joining the Farming Connect Welsh Sheep Genetics Programme in 2023, the farm has used Estimated Breeding Values (EBVs) to target improvements in maternal ability, growth rates and overall performance. Although genetic gains are often gradual, staff say results are already clear just three years into the scheme.
Historically, ewes carrying triplets were lambed indoors, adding labour and cost. Now, improved maternal strength means they can lamb outside with minimal intervention.
“The ewes are holding their body condition better, we haven’t had any problems lambing them outdoors and they keep their lambs very well,” said shepherd Alun Jones. “We’re seeing fewer losses and far less hands-on work. In the 2025 season we only assisted two ewes out of 120.”
The wider system runs 600
ewes, including Welsh Mountains crossed with Abertex to produce mule ewe lambs, and mules crossed with Beltex or Texel rams for finishing lamb production. Plans to phase out the Welsh Mountain breed were reversed after recognising its value for hardiness and mothering ability in upland conditions.
Performance recording began in autumn 2023 with tissue samples, body condition scoring and regular weighing to create a reliable data baseline.
“Before, we were judging by eye,” said Mr Jones. “Now we’ve got hard evidence to guide decisions.”
By identifying and removing the bottom 20 per cent of
performers, the flock’s overall index has risen from £13 to £16.24 — a significant lift in commercial potential.
Lambs are currently creepfed and sold from November to January at 38–42kg liveweight, with a longer-term aim to finish earlier and reduce concentrate use.
Farm manager Dewi Jones said the data has also changed how they buy rams.
“When you’re at a sale and you’ve got the indexes in front of you, you can draw a red line through the animals that don’t stack up. Type still matters, but figures matter just as much. Data gives you confidence in your choices.”
Some home-bred ram lambs are now matching the performance of sale-topping sires, creating opportunities to retain or market their own breeding stock.
Mr Jones believes the sheep sector could benefit from taking a more data-driven approach, similar to dairying.
“If we don’t measure, we can’t improve. Recording takes time, but the rewards are there. It’s about working smarter and building a more resilient flock for the future.”
Shepherd Alun Jones with Welsh Mountain ewes at Llysfasi. Performance recording and weighing form a key part of the improvement programme.
fUW insurance Services
ltd, Wales’ leading specialist agricultural insurance broker, hosted its fourth annual Sales Conference at the Trefeddian Hotel in Aberdyfi, Gwynedd, on Wednesday 28 January 2026.
The event brought together FUW Insurance Services Account Executives and staff from across Wales, alongside more than 15 insurer partners, providing a valuable opportunity to engage, network and discuss the latest developments, challenges and innovations within the insurance sector.
Kindly sponsored by leading specialist motor insurer, ERS, the conference featured a full programme of presentations and discussions throughout the day, including sponsored insurer partner sessions with ERS, iFarm, Intact, MSIG and GEO. These sessions showcased new and evolving products, underwriting approaches and sector insights, highlighting the strong collaborative relationships between FUW Insurance Services and its insurer partners.
As part of the day, insurer partners were given an in-depth presentation on the current prospects for Welsh agriculture, delivered by Farmers’ Union of Wales Head of Policy, Gareth Parry, and Head of Communications, Aled Morgan Hughes. Their insights
on the brand new Sustainable Farming Scheme provided insurer partners with valuable context on the political, economic and practical challenges facing Welsh farmers, reinforcing the importance of providing specialist and tailored insurance solutions for the sector.
The conference also included a speed-dating style session between insurer partners and FUW Insurance Services Account Executives, designed to strengthen existing relationships, encourage open dialogue and ensure a shared understanding of customer
needs across Wales. A dinner to close the conference was kindly sponsored by Intact insurance.
Commenting following the event, FUW Insurance Services Operations Director, Karen Royles, said: “We were delighted to host our fourth annual Sales Conference and to see it prove such a success. This was a new venue for us but we witnessed the same high level of enthusiasm, collaboration and shared insight between our Account Executives and insurer partners that continues to underpin the strength of our business.
“Events like this are invaluable in helping us build strong relationships, share knowledge and ensure we continue to develop products and services that meet the needs of our clients. I would like to thank all of our insurer partners, sponsors and the Trefeddian Hotel for their support and for playing such an important role in making the day a terrific success once again.
“2026 is set to be a challenging, yet exciting year for FUW Insurance Services, and it was great to kick it off on such a positive note.”
nfU Cymru has teamed up with renowned chef bryn Williams and his porth Eirias restaurant team for a ‘Celebration of Welsh beef’ event championing Wales’ suckler cow herds.
The event, held at Bryn Williams’ restaurant on the Colwyn Bay Promenade on Friday 6th February, saw NFU Cymru launch its new Welsh Suckler Beef Production: Addressing Decline and Securing a Sustainable Future report. Developed by NFU Cymru’s Livestock and Less Favoured Area (LFA) boards, the document examines the outlook for Welsh suckler beef production and makes several recommendations to safeguard the sector’s future, along with the multiple economic, environmental, social and cultural benefits it delivers.
Suckler cow herds – kept for the production of beef - have been an iconic fixture of Welsh farming and Wales’ landscapes for centuries. Often reared in Wales’ Less Favoured Areaswhere the range of crops that can be grown can be more limited - - these cattle are central to habitat management, delivering biodiversity benefits and reducing wildfire risk, while also turning grass and natural rainfall into high quality, nutrient dense protein.
Wales is home to 6,000 suckler cow herds which contribute £390m to the economy, around 18.6% of agricultural output. However, the number of suckler herds has fallen by
nearly 40% from 10,816 in 2004 to 6,595 in 2023. . Production costs are high and margins are severely challenged without support. Suckler businesses are also faced with the significant risk posed by bovine TB and must operate against a heavily regulated backdrop, which carries sizeable costs and places further disproportionate strain on small family farms. But despite the challenges, demand for Welsh beef remains high and UK beef imports continue to increase.
NFU Cymru’s Welsh Suckler Beef Production: Addressing Decline and Securing a Sustainable Future report makes recommendations to help the industry seize these opportunities. This includes the next Welsh Government introducing a targeted suckler herd support package to halt decline and rebuild critical mass. In line with NFU Cymru’s call for an independent review of the regulatory burden on farmers, a wider review is needed to ensure policy and regulation measures proactively support the suckler beef sector and supply chain.
The union states that the next Welsh Government should commit to a ring-fenced, £500m+ annual budget for Welsh farming, with at least 70% going to the universal layer of the Sustainable Farming Scheme (SFS) for stability.
The Friday 6th February event hosted by Bryn Williams at Porth Eirias gathered representatives from across the Welsh supply
chain, as well as politicians and some of the farmer case studies featured in the report. Attendees enjoyed a bespoke menu celebrating Welsh beef, showcasing the high-quality taste, texture and versatility of pedigree Welsh Black beef. The audience then heard from Llanuwchllyn farmer Rhodri Jones, who supplies Welsh Black cattle to Bryn’s restaurants. He discussed the importance of suckler cow herds to his upland farm, both in terms of heritage and habitat management. Host Bryn Williams also spoke about the importance of provenance, emphasising the popularity of locally sourced food with diners, and highlighted the high eating quality of PGI Welsh Beef.
NFU Cymru Livestock Board Chairman Rob Lewis said: “Suckler cows are an intrinsic part of Welsh livestock farming and form an important part of our culture and heritage. These herds have been integral to shaping and managing our landscapes over generations and played a vital role for our rural economy, too.
“There is no getting away from the fact that the number of suckler cows in Wales – and across Britain – is in long term decline. But the fact that demand both at home and abroad remains high means that there are plenty of reasons for optimism. Wales’ rich natural resources, including our temperate climate and high levels of rainfall, together with the exemplary husbandry skills of our farmers, put the sector in a strong position for sustainable beef production going forward, particularly in the context of the predicted challenges to food production systems elsewhere. With focussed support, fit-forpurpose policies and a regulatory backdrop that works with these businesses, Wales’ suckler herd can continue to be a success story for our environment, economy and culture for many years to come.
“We must thank Bryn Williams and his team for a memorable afternoon that has been a fantastic spectacle in showcasing the outstanding product that Wales’ farmers bring to the table. It’s been great to be joined today by representatives from across Wales’ supply chain who are all united in working together to seize the opportunities before us and write a positive next chapter for our national suckler herd.”
ThiS week marks the farm Safety foundation’s Mind your head campaign, an important initiative that shines a light on the emotional and mental health challenges facing farmers across the Uk
Welsh farmers are rightly renowned for the care and attention they give to their livestock, crops and machinery. However, this week serves as a timely reminder that we must also take care of ourselves and our own wellbeing. Looking after a farm is demanding; looking after the person behind it is just as vital.
The scale of the challenge facing the sector was recently highlighted by new research from the Farm Safety Foundation (Yellow Wellies), which shows that UK farmers’ mental wellbeing has fallen to its lowest level in four years. Latest figures from the Office for National Statistics show that 47 suicides were registered in England and Wales among those working in farming and agriculture during 2024 alone.
The research also revealed that mental wellbeing among farmers over the age of 40 has reached a four-year low, with those aged 61 and over experiencing the sharpest declineparticularly concerning, as this age group has historically been viewed as one of the most resilient. Overall, the wellbeing of farmers
surveyed across the UK continues to lag behind that of the general population.
The causes of poor mental health within the farming community can vary from farm to farm. However, it is crucial to recognise that the very nature of agriculture often leaves farmers more vulnerable to mental health pressures. Long working hours, isolation, financial strain, extreme weather events and a growing number of external pressures all take their toll.
With so many changes and challenges facing the sector, Mind Your Head week reminds us not only to look after our own wellbeing, but also to check in on friends, family and neighbours. Despite the uncertainty many farmers are facing, help is available, and sharing concerns - whether through a conversation or by seeking professional support - can be a powerful first step forward.
• Support is available through the following organisations:
• DPJ Foundation: 0800 587 4262
• Tir Dewi: 0800 121 4722
• FCN: 03000 111 999
• RABI: 0800 188 4444
No one should feel they have to face these challenges alone. Taking time to talk, listen and support one another could make all the difference.
ThE nissan lEaf has again been named the Uk’s most reliable used electric car, following a comprehensive study of electric vehicle (EV) repairs across the country.
The analysis by Warranty Solutions Group took in a sample of 1,000 real-world repair claims paid by the company on EV warranties issued between January and December 2025. The resulting data highlights significant differences in both fault rates and repair costs across the UK’s most popular electric models – offering valuable insights for drivers and dealers alike.
The Nissan LEAF topped the reliability rankings with an impressively low claim rate of just 1.52 per cent, making it a reassuring choice for EV buyers seeking peace of mind.
James Taylor, managing director of Nissan GB, said: “This survey uses feedback from real-world customers about the reliability of their cars, and it shows consistently strong performance from the Nissan LEAF.
“For customers new to this technology and perhaps considering an electric vehicle purchase for the first time, knowing it is going to be reliable is very reassuring. We know
our customers love LEAF, so it’s great to see this reflected in this reliability survey too.”
The ground-breaking Nissan LEAF was first launched in the UK in 2011, with UK production starting in Sunderland in 2013. The second-generation model, featuring more technology and increased range, arrived in 2018. This means there’s plenty of choice of used
models for customers, making it an accessible route into EV ownership.
Meanwhile, the all-new model – feauring a range of up 386 miles on a single charge –arrives in Nissan showrooms across the UK imminently.
Proudly built in Britain, the new car also qualifies for the full Electric Car Grant discount of £3,750.
Martin Binnee, Operations Director of Warranty Solutions Group comments: “The LEAF’s long-established electric drivetrain, straightforward engineering and proven track record for durability have all contributed to its standout reliability, continuing to translate into dependable ownership and fewer faults.”
Warranty Solutions Group (WSG) is the UK’s fastestgrowing warranty and aftersales specialist, providing bespoke warranty, insurance and data solutions for dealer groups, independent dealers and OEMs.
Martin added: “While some EVs are proving extremely reliable, when faults do occur the cost of repair can be significant - particularly for premium models and vehicles with advanced electrical and thermal systems.”
“For consumers, this means looking beyond fuel savings and factoring repair severity into the total cost of ownership. For dealers and warranty providers, it reinforces why EVspecific warranty cover is no longer optional, but essential to protect customers and maintain confidence as electric adoption continues to grow.”
1.2
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.
haWORT h a UTO b O dy has cemented its reputation as one of the region’s most dependable vehicle repair centres after being officially accredited as a Which? Trusted Trader - a distinction reserved for businesses that consistently demonstrate outstanding workmanship, transparent practices, and excellent customer service.
The family-run bodyshop, which has built a loyal customer base through years of precision repairs and a personable, customer-first approach, underwent a thorough and independent assessment before being granted the accreditation. The process examined not only technical skill and repair standards, but also business procedures, complaint resolution systems, and verified customer feedback.
Which?’s Trusted Trader scheme is widely regarded as one of the UK’s most robust consumer endorsement programmes, with successful applicants required to meet a strict code of conduct and agree to ongoing monitoring. Only a small proportion of businesses achieve the status, placing Haworth Autobody among a select group of traders nationwide
who have met the organisation’s exacting criteria.
Owner Bobby Haworth said the recognition was a proud moment for the business and its staff.
“We’ve always believed that doing the job properly, being upfront with customers, and standing by our work is the only way to operate,” he said. “To have that approach independently recognised by Which?
Haworth Autobody can expect clear communication throughout the repair process, detailed and honest estimates, and work carried out to a consistently high standard. The workshop handles a wide range of services, including accident repairs, paintwork restoration, and cosmetic bodywork, with an emphasis on quality and attention to detail.
means a great deal to us, and it gives customers extra confidence when they choose us.”
For motorists, the accreditation provides added peace of mind at a time when trust and transparency in vehicle repairs are more important than ever. Customers using
The business says the endorsement is not a finishing line but a foundation for future growth. Haworth Autobody plans to continue investing in staff training, modern equipment, and service development to ensure standards remain high as the business evolves. The team also hopes the Which? Trusted Trader approval will help strengthen relationships with both new customers and long-standing clients across the region.
With consumer confidence increasingly tied to independent verification and proven reliability, Haworth Autobody’s latest achievement marks a significant milestone, reinforcing its standing as a trusted name in local vehicle repair..
ThE final signoff for plans for a heifer accommodation building and associated works at one of pembrokeshire’s largest dairy farms, with a milking herd of 2,000 cows, have been given the go-ahead.
In an application backed by councillors at the December meeting of Pembrokeshire County Council’s planning committee, Hugh James of Langdon Mill Farms Ltd sought permission for a 160-metre-long heifer accommodation building, a slurry separation/dewatering building and associated yard areas at 1,215-hectare Langdon Mill Farm, near Jeffreyston, Kilgetty.
A supporting statement through agent Reading Agricultural Consultants said:
“The holding currently has a milking herd of approximately 2,000 cows, which are housed indoors for the majority of the year, with dry cows and heifers grazed outdoors when weather and soil conditions permit.
“There has been significant investment in buildings and infrastructure at the farm over the last decade in respect of cattle accommodation, slurry storage, milking facilities, Anaerobic Digestion (AD) plant, feed storage. Recently a calf and weaned calf accommodation buildings were approved by Pembrokeshire County Council with construction almost complete.
own replacements to improve genetics and to minimise the ongoing threat of bovine tuberculosis (bTB).”
“The unit is efficient, achieving yields of more than 10,000 litres/ cow/year, with cows being milked three times/day in the 60-point rotary parlour. Langdon Mill Farm currently directly employs 21 full-time, and three part-time staff. Of these, four live on site in the two dwellings opposite the farm, with the remaining staff living in the locality.”
It added: “Although the unit has previously purchased heifers to aid expansion, the farm now breeds most of its
It said the proposed building would be used by heifers between the ages of 7-22 months, the siting “directly influenced by the adjacent calf and weaned calf buildings, with livestock being moved from one building to the next as they get older”.
Member unanimously supported the recommendation of approval, giving delegated powers to the interim head of planning to approve the application following the final
approval of a habitats regulations assessment.
An officer report published yesterday, February 5, said Natural Resources Wales confirmed it had received the assessment, and, “in consideration of the mitigation measures detailed and on the understanding there is no increase in stock, they agree with the LPA’s conclusion that an adverse effect upon the integrity of the SAC [Special Areas of Conservation] sites can be ruled out”.
Formal delegated approval has now been granted by officers.
a nEW report by the british business bank and Economic intelligence Wales shows that while most Welsh SMEs remain financially stable, many continue to face barriers to accessing finance and are less likely than their counterparts in other devolved nations to seek funding for future growth.
The Wales SME Access to Finance Report 2026 has found that 66% of Welsh SMEs are currently using external finance, and eight in ten (80%) report a positive cash flow position. Despite this, 19% of smaller Welsh businesses reported
experiencing barriers to accessing finance, the highest proportion among the devolved nations.
The report also highlights a more cautious outlook among Welsh SMEs when it comes to future investment.
Just 17% of Welsh businesses expect to require additional finance over the next year, compared with 42% in Northern Ireland and 47% in
Scotland. While 62% of Welsh SMEs that anticipate needing finance say they are confident about securing it, overall demand for funding remains lower than elsewhere in the UK.
Regional variations within Wales are also evident. SMEs based in North Wales and South West Wales were more likely to report barriers to finance (both 21%), while South West Wales businesses were least likely to feel confident about securing additional funding. At the same time, SMEs in South East Wales were most likely to report a finance requirement above £250,000, reflecting differing growth profiles across regions.
The findings underline the importance of a diverse and accessible finance ecosystem to support business investment, innovation and growth across all parts of Wales.
Susan Nightingale, Director UK Network, British Business Bank, said: “Welsh businesses continue to show resilience and confidence, with most reporting positive cash flow and steady growth expectations. Yet, clear regional and structural differences remain in access to finance, particularly for smaller businesses and sole traders. With Wales recording the highest share of smaller businesses experiencing barriers to finance among the devolved nations, it is vital that all businesses, wherever they are in the country, have the knowledge, confidence and support to secure the right finance for them. This will be key to unlocking sustainable growth across every part of Wales.”
Giles Thorley, Chief Executive of the Development Bank of Wales, said: “This year’s Wales SME Access to Finance Report shows a mixed picture. It’s encouraging to see many Welsh SMEs reporting strong cash flow, yet concerning that confidence and demand continue to lag behind other UK nations. If we want our businesses to innovate, invest and grow, closing that gap must remain a priority.
“Improving access to finance isn’t something any one organisation can solve alone, but the Development Bank of Wales will continue to play a vital role in supporting SMEs, working alongside partners across the wider finance ecosystem to help businesses invest, innovate and grow.”
Economic Intelligence Wales is a unique research collaboration between the Development Bank of Wales, Cardiff Business School, Bangor Business School, the Enterprise Research Centre, and the Office for National Statistics (ONS).
a TUTOR who struggled with depression and anxiety found “life-changing” online support through a free nhS Wales service.
Former maths teacher Iain Messenger had experienced anxiety for decades but said looming retirement and the collapse of his marriage were the final straw.
He called the NHS 111 press 2 mental health service after experiencing crippling panic attacks, low self-esteem and ‘dark thoughts’.
He was signposted to SilverCloud Wales, an online platform offering guided selfhelp programmes for mental health and wellbeing.
Speaking out to coincide with Time to Talk Day – the nation’s biggest mental health conversation – 58-yearold Iain said: “The sense of hopelessness dissipated almost immediately.
“I realised I wasn’t the only one – other people were dealing
with the exact same problems and feelings. I no longer felt alone.”
The former teacher, who lives near Welshpool, decided in 2024 to quit the classroom and focus on private tutoring.
But handing in his notice coincided with a marital breakdown, and he began each day of his final months in work battling panic attacks.
“I was struggling with my close relationships, and basic decision-making always turned into a drama,” Iain explained.
“I felt useless, wandering about not able to focus on anything. I couldn’t even read a book or watch the TV.
“I had some pretty dark thoughts – that I was a disaster, and no use to my family. I was in a real mess.”
Iain said seeking help through 111 press 2 in June last year was a ‘huge’ and ‘humbling’ step.
“It’s a bloke thing – you put on a front and pretend you’re
OK,” he explained. “And I was typical in that regard, I wouldn’t really speak to anybody.
“You feel like the only person in the world who can’t do life, but then when you phone 111 press 2 and they go through the list of questions, it’s instantly relatable. You realise you’re not the first person to be there.”
Iain was referred for counselling but was advised to try SilverCloud while he waited for an appointment.
The platform features online courses based on cognitive behavioural therapy for issues including depression, anxiety, poor sleep and stress.
Access is free to anyone in Wales aged 16 or over, without seeing a GP.
“I was sceptical at first,” Iain admitted. “I just couldn’t see how an online platform was going to work, I thought I needed someone to press the right buttons and fix me.
“But going through the programme, there were
scenarios that described exactly how I was feeling. I identified with so much of what was being said.
“And I was now actively doing something to get well. Just having a plan in place meant I went almost immediately from hopeless to hopeful.”
SilverCloud Wales is managed by NHS Wales’ Online CBT Service, based at Powys Teaching Health Board.
Over 41,000 people have accessed the Wales-wide service since it piloted in Powys in 2018.
As well as programmes for adults, the platform has courses for students and young people, and for parents supporting children and teens with anxiety.
SilverCloud’s three most popular programmes – addressing anxiety and depression – are also available in Welsh.
Online CBT Service project manager Fionnuala Clayton said: “Time to Talk Day reminds us how important it is to speak up when you’re struggling – it’s often the first step to feeling better.
“But we know that isn’t always easy, and that’s where SilverCloud can help. It offers flexible, confidential support you can access straight away, without waiting for a GP appointment. We’re delighted to see the difference it’s made to Iain’s life.”
Iain added: “I’m still using the lessons I picked up through SilverCloud, and they’re becoming more embedded in my thinking.
“I’m grateful – on a daily basis – for the things I learned. It’s been lifechanging.”
Sign up to SilverCloud at: nhswales.silvercloudhealth. com/signup
WiTh waiting lists ever increasing and appointments seemingly booked up forever, more and more people are seeking alternative methods to get the medical care they need. While going private is an option for some, for others, the costs are
simply too high, treatments are not specialised enough, or waiting lists remain lengthy. This is why many people are starting to go abroad for their treatment needs. So, with that in mind, let’s explore why overseas medical care has grown in popularity.
ShORTER WaiT TiMES
In 2024, more than 500,000 Britons chose to get treated abroad to avoid lengthy wait times on the NHS, more than double compared to numbers reported in 2021. With waiting lists continuously on the rise, it’s becoming increasingly difficult for people to get the treatment they need when they need it. The result is more and more people heading overseas to receive the right medical care.
The expense of going private in the UK versus going private abroad is significant. For example a hip replacement in the UK costs around £12,000 to £18,000 privately, but will cost around £1,600 to £5,000 in India. These reduced expenses make medical care more accessible to those on lower incomes, increasing the appeal of overseas medical care.
Specialised treatments or experimental therapies
Some countries have dedicated more time and effort into certain health conditions than others. For example many people seek epilepsy treatment in Germany, thanks to the country’s reputation for advanced investment
into the condition.
Some tests, treatments, and experimental therapies aren’t available in the UK, causing people to venture further afield to make progress with their health.
aCCESS TO infORMaTiOn
Thanks to technology like the internet and social media, it’s now easier than ever to research practices, facilities, and treatment options in different countries. Those who are dubious about going abroad for medical treatment, can now get the reassurance they need to go ahead.
And it’s not just the treatment itself, but the travel and accommodation, too. It’s never been easier to compare prices for airplane tickets, hotels, and transfers, making the entire process straightforward.
WhaT dOES ThE fUTURE Of MEdiCal CaRE lOOk likE?
It’s evident that for Brits, going overseas is becoming increasingly popular. As NHS wait times and private costs increase, the appeal of treatment overbroad will likely continue to rise.
ThE naTiOnal aUTiSTiC SOCiETy CYMRU is urging the next Welsh government to introduce an autism and learning disability bill to prevent autistic people being unnecessarily detained in mental health hospitals, warning the current system is both harmful and costly.
Around 140 autistic people and people with a learning disability from Wales are currently being held in mental health units, despite campaigners saying such settings are unsuitable for most.
Families and advocates report repeated concerns including abuse, overmedication, excessive restraint and solitary confinement.
The charity says many people remain detained for years rather than months, with the average stay approaching five years. Placements are often far from home, leaving relatives facing long journeys to visit loved ones and making it harder to maintain family support.
Campaigners argue that failures in existing laws and weak duties on public bodies mean families struggle to challenge decisions or secure appropriate community care.
The organisation says keeping people in hospital is also significantly more expensive than supporting them locally.
Community support can cost from around £13,000 a year for those living with friends or family, rising to about £80,000 for supported accommodation. By contrast, the average inpatient placement costs about £214,000 per person each year.
Even the most intensive community packages are estimated to be between £130,000 and £200,000 cheaper annually than hospital care.
If the number of people in hospital units were halved, the charity says Wales could save between £9 million and £14 million a year.
However, it argues those savings will not be realised without new legislation to reform how services are planned and delivered.
Through its Stolen Lives campaign, families have shared accounts of relatives who they believe could have remained in the community with the right support, but were instead sectioned when local services broke down.
The charity says hospital should be a last resort, not the default when care systems fail.
It is calling for a dedicated Autism and Learning Disability Act that would:
• strengthen legal rights to support
• improve coordination between
services
• increase accountability when systems fail
James Radcliffe, External Affairs Manager for the charity in Wales, said: “The next Welsh government has the opportunity to end the unnecessary detention of autistic people. Currently existing laws are failing to protect autistic
people.
“Families are unable to challenge services to allow them to bring their loved ones home.
“An Autism and Learning Disability Bill could end this injustice and end this human rights failure. It would strengthen the protections and rights for autistic people and people with a learning disability and it would also save the taxpayer millions.”
ThE gREEn paRTy says new polling suggests it could secure around thirteen percent of the vote at next year’s Senedd Cymru election, a figure the party claims could translate into as many as eleven seats under Wales’ expanded electoral system.
In a press release issued this week, the local branch of the Green Party of England and Wales said recent surveys
showed the party “on target to win eleven seats” when the Senedd grows from sixty to ninety-six members in 2026.
The Herald has checked the claim. A January voting intention poll carried out by YouGov for ITV Cymru Wales and Cardiff University placed the Greens on thirteen percent across Wales.
The same poll put Plaid Cymru ahead on around thirtyseven percent, followed by
Reform UK, with Labour and the Conservatives further behind.
However, political analysts stress that polls are only snapshots of opinion and not predictions of the final result. Support levels can change significantly during a campaign, and smaller parties’ seat totals depend heavily on regional performance and turnout.
Under the new fully proportional “closed list”
system, voters will choose parties rather than individual constituency candidates, with seats allocated to better reflect overall vote share. This change is expected to make it easier for smaller parties to gain representation compared with the current system.
Amy Nicholass, the Greens’ lead candidate in Ceredigion Penfro, said the shift meant voters could “vote for what they truly believe in” without needing to vote tactically.
“It’s important that people understand their vote will count,” she said.
Tomass Jereminovics, second on the regional list, said the party wanted to focus on devolved issues including NHS waiting lists, access to NHS dentists and tackling poverty.
Both candidates are due to attend a People’s Assembly event in Penparcau on Friday (Feb 7).
While the poll suggests growing support, experts caution that translating thirteen percent of the vote into doubledigit seats would depend on how evenly that support is spread across Wales. Final projections are unlikely to become clearer until closer to polling day.
a JOinT business advice surgery will take place later this month after more than one hundred and fifty local firms signed up to an online forum highlighting growing concerns over business rates and rising costs.
The event has been organised by Samuel Kurtz and Paul Davies, who say they were inundated with requests for further help following their
recent virtual session on the business rates system.
More than one hundred and fifty businesses from across Pembrokeshire and west Wales registered for the online forum, raising questions about the Valuation Office Agency revaluation process, how rateable values are calculated and what elements can be challenged.
Both Members of the
Senedd said the scale of engagement showed a clear appetite for practical, one-toone advice.
The in-person surgery, scheduled for February 17, will give business owners the chance to discuss their individual circumstances confidentially and seek tailored guidance directly from their elected representatives.
Samuel Kurtz said the response to the forum demonstrated the pressure many firms are under.
“The response showed just how strong the demand is for clear advice and constructive engagement,” he said. “With more than one hundred and fifty registrations, it was evident that many businesses want the opportunity to explore their own situations in greater depth, and that is exactly what this advice surgery is designed to provide.
“Businesses in west Wales are at a cliff edge. Employers tell us the current business
rates system is placing real strain on high streets at a time when they are already facing rising staffing, energy and supply costs. Policy should encourage investment and growth, not penalise it.”
Paul Davies added that the session would help them build a stronger case with ministers.
“We want to do everything we can to support businesses in Pembrokeshire and this surgery is a valuable opportunity to listen to their specific concerns and make representations on their behalf,” he said.
“Firms are telling us they feel like they are walking a tightrope. Whether it is rates increases, higher overheads or workforce challenges, the strain is clear. Taking realworld evidence directly to the Welsh Government is the best way to push for change.”
Businesses interested in attending are encouraged to contact the pair’s constituency offices to book an appointment.
pRinCE WilliaM will step into one of the most politically sensitive overseas trips of his public life this week as he travels to Saudi arabia at the request of the Uk government.
Unlike recent royal visits to Estonia, Poland or South Africa, this tour carries significant diplomatic weight, placing the Prince of Wales at the centre of a complex balancing act between strengthening economic ties and confronting a deeply controversial human rights record.
Sources close to the Palace say William “didn’t flinch” when asked to go, viewing such duties as part of his responsibility as heir to the throne.
But Saudi Arabia presents challenges unlike almost anywhere else on the royal calendar.
a COUnTRy in TRanSiTiOn
The visit will focus on energy transition and young people, two areas the kingdom is promoting heavily as it attempts to diversify its oil-dependent economy.
In recent years Saudi Arabia has staged major sporting and cultural events, including Formula One races, international film festivals and highprofile entertainment shows. The country will also host the men’s football World Cup in 2034.
Officials argue this signals modernisation and openness.
Critics say it is “sportswashing” — using global events to distract from repression.
Human rights organisations including Amnesty International continue to raise concerns over restrictions on free speech, criminalisation of same-sex relationships and harsh penalties for dissent.
While reforms have allowed women to drive and increased participation in public life, significant legal and social limits remain.
MEETing a COnTROVERSial
Central to the trip will be talks with Mohammed bin Salman, widely known as MBS, the kingdom’s de facto ruler.
The crown prince is credited with pushing economic reforms but remains internationally divisive.
A US intelligence report concluded he approved the 2018 killing of journalist Jamal Khashoggi inside the Saudi consulate in Istanbul — an allegation he denies and Saudi Arabia rejects.
Whether William raises such issues privately is unlikely to be disclosed.
Kensington Palace does not comment on confidential conversations.
However, the prince will be briefed extensively by the Foreign Office and the British Embassy before any meetings.
SOfT pOWER diplOMaCy
Government insiders describe
William as a key diplomatic asset.
One source said the monarchy acts as a “secret weapon”, able to open doors politicians sometimes cannot.
This form of so-called soft power has long been part of the Royal Family’s overseas role — building relationships first, leaving governments to handle the harder negotiations.
Dr Neil Quilliam of Chatham House says Saudi leaders value high-level recognition from Britain.
“Deploying Prince William sends a signal that the UK takes the relationship seriously,” he said.
Energy cooperation and investment are expected to dominate talks, particularly as Britain seeks new partners during the global shift away from fossil fuels.
EChOES Of ThE paST
The visit also reflects longstanding links between the two royal families.
King Charles III has travelled to
Saudi Arabia numerous times over the decades and is said to maintain warm relations with senior figures there.
William is now expected to assume a more prominent global role as he prepares for future kingship.
a dEliCaTE balanCing aCT
For many observers, images of handshakes between William and MBS will be uncomfortable.
Yet world leaders continue to engage with Riyadh, citing its strategic and economic importance.
The prince’s task is unlikely to involve grand statements. Instead, it will be quiet diplomacy — maintaining dialogue while representing British values.
It is a careful, sometimes uneasy role.
But it is one the monarchy has long performed: building bridges in places where politics alone struggles to tread.
nigEl faRagE has been named the most popular politician in britain according to new polling, but voters in Wales are still backing plaid Cymru when it comes to choosing a party for Westminster.
The latest figures released by YouGov show Farage topping the UK’s favourability rankings, placing him ahead of other major party leaders in terms of personal approval.
However, separate Westminster voting intention data for Wales suggests a different political picture.
Plaid Cymru leads the field on 33 per cent, giving the party an elevenpoint advantage over Reform UK,
which stands at 22 per cent.
Labour follows on 19 per cent, with the Conservatives and the Green Party both on 10 per cent. The Liberal Democrats trail on 6 per cent.
The contrast highlights the gap between individual popularity and actual voting intention. While Farage’s personal profile remains strong across the UK, Welsh voters appear to favour a party focused specifically on Welsh interests and devolved powers.
With a general election on the horizon, the numbers suggest Wales may once again chart its own course at the ballot box, despite growing support for Reform UK nationally.
W ITH ANDREW LYE
t the time of writing this article, the future of pM Sir keir Starmer is under the intense spotlight following the revelations that emanate from the Epstein files. So far, Morgan McSweeney and Tim allan have resigned from Starmer’s top team of advisors and pressure is on the pM to resign. Will he be next?
This is in addition to the separate speculation that continues around Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor.
One name the UK media are overlooking is Donald Trump who is apparently named 38,000 times in the Epstein files.
But I don’t intend to dwell on this issue, and I wish Caleb Churchill well for a good result in the Fishguard NE ward for the by-election being held to fill the vacancy on Pembrokeshire County Council on Tuesday 10th February. The result will be known by the time this edition of the Herald is available.
Responding to reports that the European Commissioner for Finance has said that the EU would be “open-minded” about discussing closer trade ties with the UK, including a customs union, Liberal Democrat Treasury Spokesperson, Daisy Cooper MP, said:
“This is a significant moment that the Government simply cannot afford to ignore. For too long, botched Brexit trade barriers have acted as a stranglehold on British businesses, fuelling the cost-of-living crisis and tying our exporters up in unnecessary red tape.”
“Liberal Democrats have been clear that negotiating a new customs union with the EU is the fastest way to jumpstart the UK economy. Parliament voted for it. Government ministers are in favour. And now the
EU has indicated it is open to it. It is high time that Keir Starmer stopped making excuses and finally started working on a proper new trade deal with our European partners.”
In Parliament, Welsh Liberal Democrat MP for Brecon, Radnor & Cwm Tawe, David Chadwick, called on Ministers to urgently strengthen the regulation of parcel delivery companies after raising widespread failures affecting rural communities.
Chadwick highlighted the growing frustration, anxiety and disruption faced by residents across parts of rural Wales.
Constituents reported parcels being marked as delivered when they were not. Items left at farm gates or on main roads, and essential goods delayed for days or weeks before being declared lost.
People found it almost impossible to speak to a real person to resolve problems.
Constituents described repeated problems with courier company Evri, with one constituent saying they had “never received a single Evri parcel on time”, and that many never arrived at all. Others reported paying extra for faster delivery, only to lose both their parcels and their money, before having to spend hours chasing refunds.
Chadwick called for clear, enforceable regulatory standards covering parcel delivery across all areas, including rural Wales. These should include rules on where parcels can be left, accurate and meaningful tracking information, and proper access to human customer service when parcels are delayed, misdelivered or lost. He stressed that companies which repeatedly fail customers must face real consequences, not just guidance or warm words.
If you have any issues or comments, please contact me at andrew.lye@pembslibdems.wales
When anas Sarwar got on his feet in a hastily arranged press conference on Monday this week to declare “The distraction has to end, and the leadership has to change” i could not have been the only one thinking that it was the first act in a coordinated sequence of announcements from other senior Labour figures which would herald the end of the premiership of keir Starmer.
Sarwar’s position is understandable. Labour is sliding in the Scottish polls at only 15% and languishing in third. He knows (as does Eluned Morgan) that the concrete block around his feet is public opinion when it comes to the record of the Labour UK Government of which the Mandelson scandal is only the latest episode. He also knows that if the polls are replicated (as does Eluned Morgan) that he will be the proverbial sacrificial lamb following the election.
Sarwar must have been under the impression that if he stuck his neck over the parapet that others would follow. I know desperate politicians can perform reckless acts, but it is high risk to say the least to wield the knife unless you know the blow will fatally land. As it happened, in an impressive operation considering the 10 Downing Street Chief of Staff
As events have unfolded over recent weeks however I did expect the Labour party to move against the PM for electoral reasons. The problem for the Prime Ministers is Labour’s dismal position in the polls and the role his deep unpopularity plays. Unless those improve there is no way he will lead Labour into the next General Election, which incidentally may come sooner than expected if he is removed from post.
and Head of Communications had both been removed from post over the weekend, the wagons quickly circled around the Prime Minister. Would be pretenders to the crown lined up to pay homage one by one to avoid being publicly smoked out and Mr Sarwar was left completely isolated.
There is a theory advanced by some commentators that Mr Sarwar played a strategic move in the hope of distancing himself from the wider UK party and advancing his Braveheart credentials. I’m not so convinced a resignation call of this nature could work to achieve that aim. The SNP will surely highlight the irrelevance of Mr Sarwar for as long as Mr Starmer remains in office.
At the time of writing the Prime Minister seems safe for now. Unless the imminent disclosure of documents relating to the Mandelson affair indicates that he was fully aware that Mr Mandelson had been offloading government secrets to Jeffrey Epstein at the height of the great financial crash before he appointed him to serve as US Ambassador. From what we know so far, poor judgment in making the appointment, is not a resigning matter.
All eyes will know move to May as the next key moment, not least because of events here in Wales. I suspect that those manoeuvring to remove the Prime Minister would prefer to take the reins after those elections. Any new leader will find themselves in difficulty within months of assuming office if they lead Labour into those elections. Better to keep their powder dry as the Parliamentary Labour Party panics.
I also suspect that those challengers are already endeavouring to discredit their potential rivals. The Health Secretary, Wes Streeting, has been badly damaged this week as the attempted coup is being laid firmly at his feet due to his close association with Mr Sarwar in addition to his other indiscreet manoeuvrings.
If those who seek to dispose of Mr Starmer are waiting until the May elections are out of the way before making their move, then Labour Senedd candidates find themselves playing the role of cannon fodder in the great Westminster game. However, there is a potential glimmer of hope. The Prime Minister must know that his only chance of survival in the long term is a better-thanexpected set of results.
The First Minister has given the Prime Minister her shopping list of demands in her recent speech to the Institute of Government. If the Prime Minister was wise, he would realise that he must give Eluned Morgan and Labour Senedd candidates a fighting chance.
senior Downing Street exits in 24 hours as Anas Sarwar breaks ranks, but ministers insist
pRESSURE continued to mount on keir Starmer today (Monday) after two of his closest advisers resigned within 24 hours and the leader of Scottish labour publicly called on him to step down.
The rapid series of events has fuelled growing speculation about the Prime Minister’s authority inside his own party, with critics describing the situation in Downing Street as chaotic and poorly handled.
Starmer first lost his chief of staff, Morgan McSweeney, who stepped aside after taking responsibility for recommending the controversial appointment of Peter Mandelson as the UK’s ambassador to Washington.
Within hours, his director of communications, Tim Allan, also quit, saying a new team should take charge
of the government’s messaging.
Two departures at that level in a single day are highly unusual and immediately prompted questions in Westminster about stability at the centre of government.
The crisis deepened further when Anas Sarwar broke ranks and urged Starmer to resign, arguing that the ongoing Mandelson controversy was becoming a damaging distraction and risked harming Labour’s prospects, particularly in Scotland.
Sarwar is the most senior Labour figure so far to publicly question the Prime Minister’s position.
a ROW ThaT WOUld nOT gO aWay
The Mandelson appointment
was initially seen as a difficult but containable judgement call. Supporters pointed to his experience and international contacts, while critics raised concerns about his past links to the late financier Jeffrey Epstein.
However, instead of fading, the story has dragged on for days, prompting criticism of how Downing Street has handled the fallout.
Several Labour MPs privately admit the issue is no longer the appointment itself but the perception that the government has been slow and defensive in responding.
One senior backbencher said: “It’s not the decision that hurts you. It’s looking like you’re not in control.”
WhO iS baCking STaRMER
Despite the noise, Starmer still retains public support from much of the Cabinet.
Allies say he remains focused on governing and has no intention of stepping down. Downing Street sources insist he is “getting on with the job” and dismiss talk of an imminent leadership challenge.
Senior ministers have urged colleagues to rally around the Prime Minister rather than fuel instability.
There is currently no formal mechanism under way to remove him, and no obvious successor waiting in the wings.
pOliTiCal RiSk gROWing
Nevertheless, the optics are uncomfortable.
Two senior resignations in quick succession, combined with a public call to quit from within Labour’s own ranks, risk creating the impression of a government losing control of its message.
ThaT pERCEpTiOn MaTTERS
Prime ministers are rarely forced out over a single decision. They fall when their own MPs begin to doubt that they can win the next election.
With Reform UK continuing to dominate headlines with simple, punchy messaging and Labour struggling to explain its record, some backbenchers fear that continued communication missteps could erode confidence further.
fOR nOW, STaRMER REMainS in OffiCE.
But after the past 24 hours, questions about his leadership are no longer confined to the opposition benches.
They are coming from inside his own party.
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EMAIL US AT: editor@herald.email
dEaR SiR,
ThERE has always been one type of woman society seems most uncomfortable with: the intelligent woman.
Not the quiet woman. Not the agreeable woman. Not the one trained to smile and comply. But the woman who thinks, questions, challenges and refuses to shrink herself to make others comfortable.
History shows that women with strong voices are often told to “tone it down”, “be nicer”, or “not make a fuss”. In classrooms, workplaces and even politics, competence in a woman is too often treated as arrogance, while the same qualities in a man are praised as leadership.
An intelligent woman disrupts old assumptions. She asks difficult questions. She spots unfairness. She refuses to accept traditions simply because “that’s how it’s always been”. For systems built on silence and obedience, that kind of clarity can feel threatening. We still send mixed messages. Girls are encouraged to achieve, yet warned not to appear intimidating. Women are told to pursue careers, yet expected
to prioritise everyone else’s ambitions first. They are asked to be confident, but not too confident; ambitious, but not too ambitious.
Consider how often women are told to “smile more”, to soften their opinions, or to seek approval before taking space. How often are men given the same instructions?
Intelligence should never be something anyone feels pressured to hide. A society that discourages women from speaking up doesn’t protect harmony – it simply protects outdated power structures.
The truth is simple: when women are free to think, lead and speak without apology, everyone benefits. Progress depends on it.
Perhaps the problem isn’t that intelligent women are difficult. Perhaps it’s that they refuse to accept limits that should never have existed in the first place.
And that is not something to fear. It is something to welcome.
yumna Zahid ali
dEaR SiR,
i am increasingly concerned by the direction of modern politics, both here in the Uk and abroad. The
people up, not leaving them behind.
C n Westerman
dEaR SiR,
ThERE is no fault in a wealthy man advising a poorer family to think carefully before having more children. That is a matter of personal responsibility.
But when politicians deliberately vote to deny support and nourishment to a third or subsequent child — help that is freely available to every other baby — they cross a moral line. They are no longer preaching prudence; they are punishing children for the circumstances of their birth.
steady drift toward harsher, more exclusionary and nationalist ideologies, often wrapped in the language of “security” or “economic realism”, risks undermining the basic principles of fairness, compassion and social responsibility that should underpin any civilised society.
In my view, forms of politics that prioritise wealth accumulation above human wellbeing, or that divide people by race, background or nationality, cannot offer a sustainable moral foundation for the future. An economic system that measures success only by profit while neglecting duty, service and care for the vulnerable ultimately weakens the very communities it claims to strengthen.
Institutions such as the United Nations were created in the hope that nations could work together for peace, cooperation and shared responsibility. Those ideals — justice, mercy and mutual obligation — seem more important now than ever, yet they are too often dismissed as naïve or impractical.
If we abandon those values, we risk becoming a more divided, harsher and less humane society. Surely progress should mean lifting
When I was young, the Second World War had just cost forty million lives. It was fought, in part, to defeat a Right-wing ideology that dehumanised certain groups and treated some lives as less worthy than others. We said “never again” to the idea that the innocent should suffer because of who they are or where they were born. Every adult alive today was once a helpless baby, dependent on the care of others. Even Hitler survived infancy because someone fed and protected him. Yet he later preached hatred and exclusion for others. History should have taught us where that thinking leads.
After the war, nations came together to build institutions like the United Nations in the hope of replacing division and cruelty with cooperation and humanity. That spirit seems far removed from modern politics when we are prepared to balance the books on the backs of children.
There is nothing ethical about a system that deliberately withholds food, warmth and security from some babies while granting it to others. A civilised society protects all children
— it does not rank them.
For that reason, I find myself, perhaps unexpectedly, admiring Keir Starmer for challenging such policies. Compassion in government should not be controversial; it should be the bare minimum.
As the old saying goes: you’re a better man than I am, Gunga Din.
C n WESTERMan
dEaR SiR,
ThiS pancake day, many Uk shoppers may be surprised to learn that around an estimated 7.4 million* egg-laying hens still spend their lives in cramped cages. While battery cages were banned in 2012, many were simply replaced by socalled ‘enriched cages’ which give each hen around the same space as the size of a large pancake**.
The good news is we know people want better for hens, with 85%*** of UK adults saying it’s important that farmed animals are reared to higher welfare standards. And there has been great
progress - 83% of eggs produced in the UK**** are now from cage-free hens.
So this Pancake Day, please help keep up the momentum by choosing eggs with the RSPCA Assured label. This means your eggs have come from a farm meeting more than 700 higher welfare standards, and where hens are free to move, stretch their wings, perch and forage, whether they’re kept indoors or out.
By looking for the RSPCA Assured label, you’re not just supporting higher welfare farming today, you’re also helping to consign eggs from caged hens to the past - for good.
You can also show your support by filling out the RSPCA’s quick and simple online form to urge the Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (DEFRA) to ban all cages for laying hens. It takes just one minute to complete at https://www.rspca.org. uk/getinvolved/campaign/farmcages
If you want to see more higher welfare food choices in your local shop, you can ask your supermarket on the RSPCA Assured website at www.rspcaassured.org.uk/ask-yoursupermarket
allan pEaRSOn
faRMing and TEChniCal EngagEMEnT ManagER, RSpCa
J E an passed away peacefully at p rince p hilip h ospital on 22nd January aged 82 years.
Much loved, she will be greatly missed by all her family and friends.
The Funeral Service and Interment will take place on Wednesday 18th February 1pm at St. Mary Magdalene Churchyard, Wiston.
Donations in memory of Jean for Stroke Association can be made via www.donate.stroke.org.uk.
All enquiries to Roy Folland & Son Funeral Directors (01437) 763821.
Th E death occurred at East p ark Care Centre, Jeffreyston on Monday 2nd f ebruary 2026 of Mrs. b arbara Joan Eynon, aged 93 years, formerly of Sycamore Street, p embroke d ock.
A much-loved Aunt to John and Jo Treasured great Aunt to Dafydd, Catrin and Huw and great, great Aunt to Frank and Maria.
The funeral service will take place on Wednesday 25th February 2026 at Parc Gwyn Crematorium, Narberth at 11:30am.
There will be family flowers only with donations in lieu if desired for Prostate Cymru c/o E. C. Thomas and Son Funeral Directors, 21 Main Street, Pembroke SA71 4JS (01646) 682680 and Zoar Chapel Funeral Home, Llanteg, Narberth SA67 8QH (01834) 831876 or via www.ecthomasandson.co.uk Please kindly make cheques payable to E.C. Thomas & Son.
pE a CE f U lly at Withybush h ospital on f riday 23rd January, Eirlys of g reenway f arm, Rosebush.
Loving wife of Hywel.
Funeral service on Wednesday 18th February at Parc Gwyn Crematorium, Narberth at 10:45am. No flowers by request.
Donations if desired, made payable to ‘Fishguard Health Centre’
c/o Paul Jenkins & Sons Funeral Directors, Feidr Castell, Fishguard, SA65 9BB. Tel: 01348 873250.
pE a CE f U lly at Withybush h ospital on Sunday 18th January 2026 Colin Martin Thomas of Tiers Cross aged 90 years.
Beloved husband of Doris, much loved father and father in law of Andrew, Janet and Steven, loving bampy to all his grandchildren and great grandchildren.
The funeral service will take place on Friday 13th February, 11:30am at Tiers Cross United Reformed Church followed by interment at Tiers Cross Cemetery.
Family flowers only.
Donations in lieu, if desired, made payable to the Wales Air Ambulance may be sent c/o Mrs Mary Smith, Bolton Hill House, Old Hakin Road, Haverfordwest, SA62 3EW.
Further enquiries to F. G. Rees & Sons, Haverfordwest. Tel: 01437 764418.
iT i S with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Mr d avid h enderson at p ark h ouse Court n ursing h ome on 26th January, aged 87
David will be sadly missed by his wife Pat, family and friends
A private funeral will take place at Parc Gwyn Crematorium, Narberth on Friday, 27th February and will be followed by a memorial service at St. Mary’s Church, Tenby at 1pm
There will be family flowers only with donations in memory of David made payable to Paul Sartori Foundation c/o Funeral Directors Messrs W & M J Rossiter & Sons Ltd The Old Rectory, The Norton, Tenby, SA70 8AB or via www.rossitersfunerals.co.uk
O f b roadfield, Crawley (formally of p embroke d ock), died peacefully on 31st January 2026 aged 90, and is now re-united with her daughter Sheila.
Margaret was dearly loved and will be deeply missed by her husband William, children Marie, Sarah, Paul, David and Michael, as well as all her other family and friends.
A funeral service will be held on Friday 20th February 2026 at 15:00 at the Surrey and Sussex Crematorium, St Richards Chapel, Crawley.
Family flowers only.
Donations in memory of Margaret can be made to the Cornwall Air Ambulance Trust, care of Ballad and Shortall Funeral Directors, 10 Haslett Avenue West, Crawley, West Sussex, RH10 1HS.
J O hn Thomas Evans, formerly of b ryn Coed, p las- yf ron, f ishguard, passed away peacefully on the 27th January, aged 92. h e was a much loved member of the local community. h is funeral will take place at Wealden Crematorium, h oram Road, Horam, Heathfield, Sussex T n 21 0 fx on the 27th f ebruary at 3pm.
A celebration in memory of John will be held in Fishguard in April, details to be confirmed.
Family flowers only, donations in lieu to Goodwick Brass Band and/or Ty Hafan Children’s Hospice. Please see relevant websites for details.
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MagiC MOnday’ may have come and gone without reward, but Team gb’s hunt for a first medal at the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics is far from over.
A week in, it has been a familiar story of agonisingly fine margins for the British contingent. What had been billed as a potentially historic Games for a talented squad has instead begun with a succession of near misses.
Monday, in particular, proved bruising.
Scottish mixed doubles curling pair Bruce Mouat and Jennifer Dodds — among the pre-Games favourites — won eight of their nine roundrobin matches before falling to eventual gold medallists Sweden in the semi-finals. It was an unwelcome echo of their fourth-place finish in Beijing four years ago.
“It hurts the same as four years ago really,” Dodds told The Times after the match. “I don’t want to ugly cry so I’m just going to stop there.
“I’m seeing all the messages and it is so heartwarming to know the whole country is behind you.”
Earlier in the day, fellow Scot Kirsty Muir missed out on bronze in the freestyle slopestyle by a razor-thin 0.41 points.
“I’ll be proud of myself in a minute, but I’m in a bit of a hole right now,” she told TNT Sports.
Then, on Monday evening, snowboarder Mia Brookes fell just short of landing a trick that would have secured not only a place on the podium but a slice of snowboarding history.
A case of the Mondays — but reasons for hope
Despite the early drama, there is perspective to be had. Milano Cortina 2026 is still in its infancy and, as every athlete knows, opportunities come round again quickly at the Winter Games.
Britain may not have a reputation for unbridled optimism, yet there is ample reason to believe the medals will come.
Neither Muir nor Brookes played it safe in pursuit of the podium. Brookes, in particular, opted for ambition over security, attempting a backside 1620 — a trick mastered by only one other competitor in the field, gold medallist Kokomo Murase.
“I could have done a 14 and come fourth or third, but I also could have done the 16, and landed it and won,” she said in a statement published by Team GB.
“If I’d have landed it, I would have been the second woman to do it. It’s
really special. For women snowboarding, it would have been insane.”
Both athletes have further chances ahead in their preferred disciplines. Muir’s freeski big air qualification begins on Saturday (14 February), while Brookes — fresh from her X Games slopestyle triumph last month — competes in Olympic qualification on 16 February.
There s strength in depth elsewhere too. Snowboard cross specialist Charlotte Bankes arrives in excellent form, while Zoe Atkin enters the freeski halfpipe as reigning world champion.
The curlers, meanwhile, must regroup swiftly. Mouat returns to the ice on Wednesday (11 February) to lead the men’s team, silver medallists in 2022, into their opening preliminary round match. Dodds is the sole remaining member of the women’s rink that claimed gold four years ago; their title defence begins on Thursday
(12 February).
In figure skating, history beckons. Lilah Fear and Lewis Gibson are bidding to become Britain’s first Olympic medallists in the discipline since Jayne Torvill and Christopher Dean secured bronze at Lillehammer in 1994. They sit fourth heading into Wednesday evening’s showdown, behind France’s Laurence Fournier Beaudry and Guillaume Cizeron, the United States’ Madison Chock and Evan Bates, and Canada’s Piper Gilles and Paul Poirier.
Skeleton, too, offers genuine promise. Between them, Matt Weston and Marcus Wyatt have won all seven World Cup races this season. Britain’s women have reached the Olympic podium at every Winter Games since 2002, and Tabitha Stoecker has made an encouraging start on the Milano Cortina track, posting the fastest time in two practice sessions.
Eve Muirhead, Britain’s four-time Olympic gold medallist and now chef de mission, has urged calm.
“I think we always speak about winter sports and how it comes down to absolutely nothing, and I think the last couple of days has been a prime example of that,” she told The Times.
“It’s been millimetres, milliseconds but, you know what, I’m really kind of positive; we’ve got a long way to go. We are only on day four, and there’s a lot of great events to come.”
For now, the medal column remains blank. But the margins are fine — and the Games are young.
CaRMaRThEn West and South pembrokeshire MS Samuel kurtz has celebrated another Welsh victory after the Senedd rugby team defeated their counterparts from Westminster in the annual Rygbi Senedd Cymru fixture.
Posting after the match, Mr Kurtz said the Welsh side had once again come out on top against the combined Commons and Lords team, extending what is believed to be an unbeaten run stretching back well over a decade.
The friendly but fiercely contested match, played each year between Members of the Senedd and parliamentarians from London, has become a staple of the political calendar, raising money for charity while promoting cross-party camaraderie through sport.
Although he did not lace up his boots this time, Mr Kurtz was among those on the touchline backing the home side.
He said: “The annual Rygbi Senedd Cymru fixture versus the Commons &
Lords saw us Welsh victorious yet again, which could well see our undefeated streak extended to 15 games. While the boots didn’t make it onto my feet this year, it was still good to support and sing the anthem.”
The match typically brings together politicians from across party lines, with rivalries set aside for eighty minutes of rugby and fundraising. Previous fixtures have been used to support a range of good causes, including community and
health charities.
Supporters say the event showcases the strong sporting culture within Welsh politics and provides a rare chance for elected representatives to connect with each other – and the public – outside the debating chamber.
With another win under their belts, the Senedd side’s long unbeaten streak continues, adding bragging rights over their Westminster opponents for yet another year.
TO rugby supporters, barry John was simply ‘The king’. To gwalia United’s anna powell, he was the Welsh grandfather who used to play rugby.
Powell was born and raised in Australia but has now returned “home” to Wales as she pursues her ambition of playing football in the Women’s Super League (WSL).
Growing up in Fremantle, near Perth, the 20-year-old listened to family tales about her grandfather’s glittering rugby career. Yet since crossing the globe to join Gwalia last month, she says she is discovering new layers to the legacy of the former Wales fly-half, who died in 2024 and is widely regarded as one of the finest players the sport has produced.
“My mum would tell us stories about him. When we were young we’d be like, ‘Yeah, OK, that seems pretty cool’,” Powell said.
“But over here I’ve been blown away by the legacy he has. It’s almost like he’s still with us in a way, because his name keeps coming up.
“I was saying to mum, ‘I am shocked’. She said, ‘I told you so’, and I said, ‘Yeah, you were right!’”
Powell is the daughter of Lucy, one of John’s four children, and Meirion, who is from Caerphilly and emigrated to Australia in 2003. The family regularly returned to Wales to visit relatives, with Powell recalling how her “dadcu” – the Welsh word for grandfather – was someone who “didn’t stress about anything”.
“I have many memories with him,” she said. “But the memories
I have aren’t of the rugby legend Barry John. He was dadcu to all of us.
“He’d throw sweets at us in his flat overlooking Llandaff Fields. He’d tell stories. He was so calm, relaxed and funny.”
When Powell was asked to complete a school project on a family member, John was the obvious subject. She rang him to ask about his career, which included spells with Llanelli, Cardiff, Wales and the British and Irish Lions.
“He was so animated – he’d bring up the matches and I could visualise everything. He was such a great storyteller,” she said.
“You could tell he had so much pride in Wales, but he’d never say, ‘I did this, I was so amazing’. He praised everyone else.
“He’d talk about how great it was to play with [Sir] Gareth [Edwards] and JPR [Williams]. It was always about the joy of playing, rather than what he personally achieved.”
quinnell’s hand in the move to Wales
Rugby was briefly discussed as a possible path, but Powell has been devoted to football since joining her local side, Fremantle City, around a decade ago.
She spent two years playing college football in Texas before making the move to Britain, a step that came about partly through the family’s strong rugby connections.
Her great-uncle is Derek Quinnell, John’s brother-in-law and former team-mate. Quinnell’s sons, Scott and Craig – both former
Wales internationals – are Powell’s first cousins once removed.
With Powell keen to continue her football career in Wales, Craig Quinnell contacted Trystan Bevan, the former Cardiff Blues head of performance who is now general manager at Gwalia. Within days, Powell had agreed a deal until the end of the season, with the option of a further year.
She is currently living with her grandmother, Janet – John’s widow – and her uncle, as she looks to establish herself in the National League Southern Premier Division, the third tier of the English women’s football pyramid.
“I feel so grateful and blessed to be over here, to enjoy all of Wales and to be with my extended family in what is my original home, I guess you could call it,” Powell said.
Her academic studies are on hold as the midfielder, who can also play in attack, focuses on “working hard for Gwalia”.
Powell’s long-term ambitions are clear: to reach the WSL and to play international football. But should that opportunity arise, would her allegiance lie with Australia or Wales?
“I love my country back home, but I also love Wales and the fact that I am Welsh,” she said.
“Whether I had a famous granddad who played rugby or not, it’s the people, the life and the history of Wales. It’s so wonderful to know I’m part of that.
“Whether it’s Australia or Wales, either would be an amazing opportunity.”
aS dEJECTEd Welsh supporters filed out of Twickenham on Saturday night, there was little they did not already know from Wales’ 48-7 Six nations thrashing by England.
Welsh rugby is in turmoil and appears to be drifting further off course. Few would have expected anything other than an England victory at the Allianz Stadium, and Steve Borthwick’s side duly delivered, running in seven tries with ruthless efficiency.
England have now won 12 Tests in a row. Wales, by stark contrast, have lost their past 12 Six Nations matches, a record run stretching back to March 2023. These are two nations travelling in opposite directions, and at pace.
What cannot be questioned is Wales’ commitment. The emotion on display afterwards underlined just how deeply the players felt the defeat. Wing Josh Adams was close to tears, while captain Dewi Lake spoke candidly of letting both themselves and the nation down.
It is a painful but increasingly familiar story for Wales’ players and supporters, with precious little evidence of recovery or renewed optimism.
Wales have delivered some grim performances during a sequence of 22 defeats in their past 24 Tests since the end of 2023, but this opening 40 minutes against England was among the worst.
By half-time they trailed 29-0, equalling their heaviest deficit at the interval — a mark previously set against France in 1998.
“We want to be positive about this
young Wales team,” former fly-half Dan Biggar told ITV. “There’s a new coaching group and staff, but the level of performance in that first half was nowhere near international standard.”
For Biggar, it was the manner of the display rather than the final scoreline that was most concerning.
“We’re not saying Wales should be beating England or France because they are much better sides, but there is a performance expectation when you pull on that red jersey,” he said.
“When you come to places like Twickenham, the performance level has to be far better. There’s a way to lose, and Wales fell well short of that in the first half.”
Former scrum-half Richie Rees echoed those sentiments on the Scrum V podcast.
“We didn’t fire a shot,” he said. “We didn’t put our imprint on the game and that’s what they’ll be frustrated about.”
At the heart of Wales’ collapse was the ill-discipline that has already become a defining feature of Matt Tandy’s tenure.
Four yellow cards were shown against England. Lake and prop Nicky Smith were sin-binned within a minute of each other in the first half, before centre Ben Thomas and flanker Taine Plumtree followed them to the sidelines after the break, leaving Wales reduced to 13 players on two occasions.
“Playing England with 15 men is hard enough, let alone spending 20 minutes with 13,” said Tandy.
“We’re not a good enough team to have those big lapses. We have
to be more accurate and I’m bitterly disappointed.”
Wales conceded 10 penalties in the opening 21 minutes and 16 in total — their worst disciplinary return in a Test since giving away 18 against Ireland in 2009.
Across Tandy’s first five matches in charge, Wales have now conceded 65 penalties, collected 10 yellow cards and one red. While the pressure from England was relentless, Rees believes some infringements were avoidable.
“You cannot play international rugby and concede that many penalties,” he said.
“That ill-discipline is something they can control. There was a variety in the type of penalties conceded and that’s something they have to improve.”
This was always going to be a punishing introduction to life as an international head coach for Tandy, but his first Six Nations match ended in devastation.
Since taking over a struggling side, Wales have conceded 34 tries and 248 points in his opening five games — statistics that will sting the former Scotland defence coach.
“I knew when we took the job it wasn’t going to click overnight,” said Tandy.
“We know where we are and it’s part of the journey, but even though we’re 11th in the world, we expect more of ourselves.”
One area where Tandy could benefit from greater backing is his coaching setup. At present, only Matt Sherratt (attack) and Danny Wilson (forwards) are permanent members of staff.
Tandy is inexperienced at Test level, while Sherratt has been involved in international rugby for less than a year.
Temporary appointments Duncan Jones (scrum), Rhys Patchell (kicking) and Dan Lydiate (defence) were reintroduced for a second campaign following last autumn.
Jones has since been forced to leave camp after suffering a freak but serious training injury, while Patchell and Lydiate are learning on the job having only recently retired from playing.
Another heavy defeat has again exposed deep divisions over how Welsh rugby should attempt to pull itself out of crisis.
Off the field, players are grappling with major uncertainty as the Welsh Rugby Union threatens to cut a professional men’s side, with the Ospreys’ status as a top-tier team under serious threat.
After another chastening display, calls have resurfaced for the WRU hierarchy to resign, while others argue the result only reinforces the need for radical reform.
WRU board member and former Wales centre Jamie Roberts explained the governing body’s position.
“It’s a challenging time — there are performance and financial problems facing the game in Wales,” Roberts told ITV.
“We made the decision in what we believe are the best interests of Welsh rugby to move to three teams. We want to see Welsh rugby thriving again, with clubs and the national side winning.
“There are complexities in how you get there and it’s difficult for fans with the uncertainty, but we believe we’re making the right decisions for the medium to long term.”
Lake refused to cite off-field instability as an excuse for the England debacle, but Rees believes the backdrop cannot be ignored.
“When people have certainty, you have a starting point — and we don’t have that at the moment,” said Rees.
“Players, coaches and supporters don’t know where they stand. No matter how much you try to park things, there is a knock-on effect.”
SnOOp dOgg is poised to make his first appearance at Swansea.com Stadium later this month as Swansea City prepare to host preston north End in the Championship.
The American rap icon, who became a minority co-owner of the Swans in July 2025 as part of a high-profile investment group that includes former Real Madrid star Luka Modrić and US lifestyle legend Martha Stewart, will be in south Wales for the clash on Tuesday 24 February, with kick-off at 7.45pm.
Swansea City confirmed that Snoop, real name Calvin Broadus, will appear pitchside before the match to help lead a pre-match fan display, as well as spending time in the community during his visit. The 54-year-old has spoken of his long-standing affection for the club and said he “cannot wait to finally make [his] first visit to Swansea City”.
His arrival comes at a fascinating moment for Welsh football. Across the country at Wrexham AFC, Hollywood stars Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney have turned a once modest club into one of the most talked-about
outfits outside the Premier League, guiding the Red Dragons back to the Championship after three successive promotions under their stewardship.
The high-profile celebrity involvement at both clubs has sparked talk of a new rivalry taking shape between Swansea and Wrexham — a Championship “Welsh derby” fuelled as much by global media attention
as by geography. While traditionalists might scoff at the idea of a rivalry born in the boardrooms of Hollywood and the studios of US rap, the narrative has captivated supporters and pundits alike.
Earlier last season, Swansea even used a playful twist Wrexham co-owner Ryan Reynolds’s socialmedia humour when unveiling their
new kit with Snoop at the forefront, posting “Dogg included” in response to Reynolds’s earlier launch post — a cheeky exchange that underlined the burgeoning off-pitch storylines between the two Welsh sides.
Snoop himself has said the roar of the SA1 crowd — particularly during Swansea’s televised match against Wrexham last December — was audible even from across the Atlantic, and he is eager to experience the “under the lights” atmosphere first-hand.
While some may argue that any genuine rivalry between the clubs is still in its infancy, the intersection of celebrity culture and Championship football is undeniably adding fresh intrigue to fixtures involving Wales’s most talked-about teams this season.
With the Swans pushing for further Championship success and Wrexham eyeing even loftier ambitions under their Hollywood backers, those storylines are likely to evolve long after Snoop Dogg touches down in Swansea this February.
an agREEMEnT, securing the ironman international triathlon competition in pembrokeshire for up to the next five years has been backed despite concerns it can be a “massive pain” for some residents.
Since 2011, the annual Ironman event, based in Tenby, sees road closures and parking restrictions to many parts of the south of the county as thousands of athletes compete in a gruelling 2.3-mile swim, 112-mile bike ride, and 26.2-mile run.
The event has grown into a major fixture on the international triathlon calendar, attracting athletes and spectators from across the world and, enhancing Pembrokeshire’s profile.
A report for members of Pembrokeshire County Council’s Cabinet, presented by Cabinet Member for Residents’ Services Cllr Rhys Sinnett at its February 9 meeting said: “The current Host Agreement with Ironman Wales for the event in Pembrokeshire is due to expire this year, with the 2026 event being the final event delivered under the existing arrangements.
“Ironman has submitted Heads of Terms proposing a new Host Agreement covering the period 2027 to 2029, including an option for a two-year extension subject to mutual agreement. Members are being asked to consider whether the Authority should enter into a new Host Agreement with Ironman for the period outlined above.”
It said a 2025 economic impact assessment, supplied by Ironman indicated athlete, spectator, supplier and Ironman expenditure for the event totalling just over £7.3million, the event
involving 3,000 Ironman athletes and 2,000 Ironkids participants.“Although there is no independent data, it is recognised and noted that the event does attract additional athlete training days and visits outside the event weekend, resulting in additional spend and economic benefit to the county, this would be additional above the economic impact assessment data, supporting the extension of tourism into the ‘shoulder’ season in September,” the report added.
Speaking at the meeting, Cabinet
member Cllr Tessa Hodgson, whose Lamphey ward is included in the cycling part of the triathlon, said she had difficulty supporting the proposal, saying: “These events cause a huge amount of disruption in mine and other wards in the south of the county.”
She said there was a need to strike a balance between those who viewed the events as “a massive pain in the arse” and those benefitting, with small businesses that had to close for the duration as they were cut off from customers.
“The event is fantastic and does showcase the county but I’m looking for more balance and empathy for those
affected; it’s about striking a balance and I’m not sure the balance is right at the moment.”
The report for members concluded: “Having reviewed the event provision against feedback received and overall benefits received to the county, it is recommended that the new Host agreement should be entered into and PCC continue to support the provision of Ironman Wales Pembrokeshire.”
Members supported the recommendation to enter into the Host Agreement for 2027-2029, with the option to extend for a further two years for 2030-2031, with seven members in favour and two against.
