The Pembrokeshire Herald 20/06/2025

Teen admits causing serious injury in Newgale campsite crash

A 19-YEAR-OLD has admitted causing serious injury to four people after crashing his car into Newgale Campsite near Haverfordwest.

Jack Hale, of Cuffern View, Simpson Cross, pleaded guilty to causing serious injury by dangerous driving when he appeared before Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court this week.

The incident took place on August 12, 2023, as Hale was driving a Ford Fiesta northbound on the A487 towards Newgale. The court heard that he lost control of the vehicle as he approached the entrance to the campsite.

As a result of the crash, Paul Warburton, Emma Lewis, Daniel Staniforth and Oliver Copeland sustained serious injuries

Due to the gravity of the offence, magistrates declined jurisdiction and committed the case to Swansea Crown Court for sentencing on July 12. Hale was released on unconditional bail and received an interim driving disqualification pending his sentencing.

Pembrokeshire businesses recognised at national rural awards

PEMBROKESHIRE MP Henry Tufnell has praised two local businesses for their contribution to the county’s rural economy, following their recognition at the Countryside Alliance Champions Reception held at Westminster.

Velfrey Vineyard, based near Narberth, and Coterie Leather, which produces hand-crafted leather goods in Pembrokeshire, were both honoured at the annual event, which celebrates outstanding rural businesses from across the UK.

Mr Tufnell said it was “a real privilege” to meet Andy and Fiona from Velfrey Vineyard, along with Tracey from Coterie Leather, and to see their hard work acknowledged on a national platform.

“These are two incredible local businesses – putting Pembrokeshire on the map, and contributing so much to our local economy,” Mr Tufnell said.

Velfrey Vineyard is known for its crisp Welsh sparkling wines, produced from grapes grown on the south-facing slopes of the Lampeter Vale. The vineyard has

Tom

Sinclair editor@herald.email

been steadily gaining national recognition for both the quality of its wines and its commitment to sustainable viticulture.

Coterie Leather, meanwhile, specialises in high-quality leather bags and accessories, all produced locally using traditional methods and ethically sourced materials. The business has built a loyal following for its craftsmanship and sustainable values.

Speaking after the event, Mr Tufnell encouraged residents and visitors alike to support local producers. “If you’re looking for a crisp Welsh wine to enjoy in this sunshine, or a sustainably produced leather bag to pack your summer essentials – you know where to go.”

The Countryside Alliance Awards, often referred to as the “Rural Oscars”, are held annually to celebrate businesses that go the extra mile to support their communities and promote the rural way of life.

Adjourned for plea after hospitalisation

A WOMAN from Aberaeron has had her case adjourned afterbeing unable to attend court due to being in hospital. Elinor Hughes, aged 35, of LletYr Alaw, Oxford Street, ischarged with assaulting David Lee Morgan on Oxford Street, Aberaeron onNovember 23, 2024.She did not enter a plea when the matter was heard atHaverfordwest Magistrates’

Court. The hearing was adjourned at the request ofthe defence, with agreement from both parties, due to Hughes being in hospital.The case will next be heard at Aberystwyth Magistrates’Court on Wednesday, June 25 at 10:00am. The hearing will be for plea, and isscheduled to last approximately 20 minutes.

Monkton man admits harassment

A MAN from Monkton has admitted harassing a woman but has been remanded in custody while two more serious charges are considered by the court.

Gareth Richards, aged 43, of Church Terrace, appeared at Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on Monday (June 16) where he pleaded guilty to harassment without violence. The charge relates to repeated messages, emails and phone calls to Zoe Richards between June 4 and June 15.

He faces two additional charges: intentional strangulation, alleged to have taken place in April 2024, and criminal damage to a vase, globe and TV at a property in Haverfordwest on June 7. Richards was remanded in custody. The court cited the risk of reoffending, the nature of the charges, and concerns over witness interference. The case was adjourned for mention on June 23 and again for trial and sentencing on August 4 at Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court. His custody time limit expires on August 11.

Proud moment: Andy and Fiona from Velfrey Vineyard, and Tracey from Coterie Leather, meet Henry Tufnell MP at the Countryside Alliance Champions Reception (Pic: supplied).

NHS waits rise again despite £120m recovery pledge

WAITING times for NHS treatment in Wales have risen again, with 9,600 people now waiting more than two years for care – a sharp increase of nearly 15% in just one month.

The latest figures, published on Wednesday (June 19), show that twoyear waits are once again climbing after a period of decline, fuelling criticism of the Welsh Government’s handling of the crisis.

Overall, the number of open patient pathways remains high at 789,929 –equivalent to one in four people in Wales still waiting for some form of treatment. Although this total has marginally decreased from March, opposition parties say the system is stagnating.

Welsh Conservative health spokesman James Evans MS said: “Labour is proving in real time that their health strategy is failing abysmally. Progress is in reverse.

“No one should even be waiting over a year for treatment. That’s why the Welsh Conservatives would declare a health emergency, to ensure that resources and the efforts of the whole Government are targeted at reducing these excessive waits.”

The number of patients waiting over two years in Wales dwarfs the equivalent figure in England, which currently stands at 171, despite the English population being over 17 times larger.

Andrew RT Davies MS, Senedd Member for South Wales Central and former Leader of the Welsh Conservatives, said: “People in Wales have lost all confidence in this Welsh Government to get our NHS onto a strong footing.

“Yet again, the worst waits in the Welsh NHS are on the up, frustrating patients and hardworking staff alike.

“The Welsh Government has to shelve its distractions, like their plans to nationalise buses, and get the government on a war-footing to finally bring these waits down.”

Welsh Liberal Democrats Leader

package to bring down waiting lists over the next year, aiming to cut up to 200,000 pathways and eliminate the remaining two-year waits by March 2026.

“This new funding will mean more and faster appointments, tests and treatments over the next 12 months. We’re asking people to do all they can to support the NHS by keeping their appointment and making sure they are fit and ready for treatment,” Mr Miles added.

The Welsh Government says it is also investing in new diagnostic centres, additional theatre capacity, virtual wards, and better coordination between hospitals and GPs.

Cancer care and ambulance pressures

Cancer performance remains below target, with only 60.5% of patients starting treatment within 62 days of first suspicion in April – down from the previous month and short of the 75% target.

Jane Dodds MS said: “The First Minister has failed to deliver on her promise to cut NHS waiting times of over two years to “about 8,000” by spring 2025, there are still over 9,600 pathways waiting more than two years, yet another increase.

“Confidence in the NHS is low, confidence in the Welsh Labour Government is low, and the only thing that isn’t low is the number of people waiting for treatment.

“The Welsh Liberal Democrats are calling on the Welsh Government to clearly demonstrate how the additional funding from the recent spending review will be used and to ensure that money is used to tackle the crisis in social care rather than short-term firefighting.”

Former Health Minister Eluned Morgan, now First Minister, previously pledged to eliminate all two-year waits by March 2023, and then again by March 2024. Neither target has been met.

Emergency departments also remain under pressure, with only 67.1% of patients seen within four hours in May – well below the 95% target. More than 10,000 patients waited over 12 hours, and ambulance response performance remains fragile, with only 50% of red calls – the most serious emergencies – receiving a response within eight minutes.

GOvERNMENT DEfENDS PROGRESS

Health Secretary Jeremy Miles acknowledged the increase in long waits but said this reflected a recurring pattern seen in April across the UK.

“It is disappointing to see the increase in long waits in April after all the progress health boards have made,” he said. “However, this is an annual trend seen in April in Wales and also the other UK nations.”

He announced a £120 million funding

Meanwhile, the Welsh Ambulance Service recorded its busiest May ever, although more than 80% of red calls were answered within 15 minutes, with a median response time still hitting the eight-minute goal.

The median waiting time for treatment across all pathways stands at 22.5 weeks – significantly higher than the 13.3 weeks recorded in England.

SENEDD BATTLELINES DRAWN

With Senedd elections approaching in 2026, health is expected to dominate the campaign. The Conservatives say Labour has failed to deliver on promises and wasted years. Labour says it is dealing with a post-pandemic backlog, rising demand, and a UK-wide recruitment crisis – and insists the worst is behind us.

Whether patients across Wales will feel those improvements any time soon remains to be seen.

Under pressure: Eluned Morgan, First Minister

Tom Sinclair editor@herald.email

Sentence reduced for driver who caused baby’s death

A WOMAN who caused the death of an eight-month-old baby outside Withybush Hospital has had her sentence reduced following an appeal.

Bridget Curtis, aged 71, was originally sentenced to four years in prison in January for causing the death of Mabli Cariad Hall by dangerous driving. Curtis was also disqualified from driving for eight years.

The tragic incident took place on June 21, 2023, when Mabli was struck by a white BMW driven by Curtis, who had been at the hospital attending an outpatient appointment with her daughter.

The court heard that Curtis had stopped the vehicle outside the hospital building. While attempting to help her daughter retrieve a handbag from the back of the car, Curtis inadvertently pressed the accelerator while the car was still running and not in park mode, causing the vehicle to accelerate rapidly to a speed of 29mph.

The car struck Mabli, who was in a pram with her father, Robert Hall, and his brother, Stephen. Mabli was airlifted initially to the University Hospital of Wales in Cardiff before being

transferred to Bristol Royal Hospital for Children, where she died from severe traumatic brain injuries four days later.

During the initial sentencing at Swansea Crown Court, Mabli’s family expressed profound grief, describing life without her as “horrendous.” Her mother, Gwen Hall, poignantly spoke of Mabli as “so bright, so beautiful, so full of love and life.”

Curtis, who had held a clean driving licence for over 50 years and had no previous convictions, appeared via video link from HMP Eastwood Park in Gloucestershire for her appeal. Her barrister, John Dye, argued the incident was the result of a “lapse of

concentration,” describing Curtis as “absolutely devastated.”

On Tuesday, three judges at the Court of Appeal ruled Curtis’ original sentence was “manifestly excessive,” reducing it to three years, with a sevenand-a-half-year driving ban.

In response, Mabli’s family expressed disappointment in the sentence reduction but acknowledged the court’s decision to uphold the custodial sentence.

“We still face a life sentence without her,” they said in a statement. “We again thank everyone who has supported us and helped ensure justice for Mabli Cariad.”

Bridget Curtis leaves court (Pic: BBC)

The car following the accident at Withybush General Hospital, Haverfordwest (Pic: Martin Cavaney/Herald)

Tom Sinclair editor@herald.email

Celtic Holiday Parks in administration as buyer sought

CELTIC HOLIDAY PARKS, the family-run company behind two of Pembrokeshire’s best-known holiday parks, has gone into administration.

The award-winning business operates Noble Court Holiday Park in Narberth and Meadow House Holiday Park in Amroth. Both sites remain open and trading as normal, with all employees retained and bookings unaffected while a buyer is sought.

HIGH COuRT APPOINTMENT

The administration was formalised on 27 May 2025 by the High Court’s Business and Property Court under case number 000020 of 2025.

Joint administrators Alistair Wardell and Richard Lewis of Grant Thornton UK LLP were appointed to oversee the process. Their Cardiff office, based at 3 Callaghan Square, is handling all enquiries.

STATEMENT fROM THE ADMINISTRATORS

A spokesperson for the joint administrators at Grant Thornton said: “Alistair Wardell and Richard Lewis of Grant Thornton UK Advisory & Tax LLP, 3 Callaghan Square, Cardiff CF10 5BT were appointed as joint administrators of Celtic Holiday Parks Limited on 27 May 2025.

“The joint administrators are continuing to trade the company’s business whilst a buyer is sought, and the company’s employees have been retained to support this strategy.

“We confirm that, unless customers are contacted and advised otherwise,

their bookings will go ahead and access to the parks will continue as normal for owners of caravans and lodges.

“Should you be interested in acquiring the company’s business and assets, please contact the joint administrators’ team.”

YEARS Of INvESTMENT AND ACCOLADES

Celtic Holiday Parks was founded in 2003 and led by managing director Huw Pendleton, who has overseen more than £6 million of investment in the parks over recent years.

Both sites offer a range of highquality accommodation, including static caravans, glamping units and luxury lodges with hot tubs. Meadow House also includes an indoor pool, gym, restaurant and access to the Pembrokeshire Coast Path.

The business secured a six-figure loan from HSBC in 2020 under the UK Government’s Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme (CBILS), enabling the development of 54 new holiday units.

In 2022, Mr Pendleton received an industry award for his outstanding contribution to UK tourism, and the company has previously been recognised as Pembrokeshire’s best caravan and camping park.

BuYER INvITED

The Herald understands the administrators are currently in talks with interested parties and invites serious enquiries from potential buyers.

Anyone wishing to express an interest in purchasing the business or its assets is advised to contact the joint administrators without delay.

Tom Sinclair editor@herald.email

Photos: Luxury lodges and views from Meadow House (Images: Celtic Holiday Parks)

The Pendletons received an award for his outstanding contribution to the UK tourism industry

Freeport eyes wind power jobs – but questions remain

A MAJOR offshore wind announcement hailed as a “generational opportunity” by uK ministers has prompted fresh hope — and renewed scepticism — in Pembrokeshire.

The UK Government this week revealed the developers chosen to build vast floating wind farms off the coasts of south Wales and southwest England. The Crown Estate is investing £400 million in supply chain infrastructure, and thousands of jobs are expected across Wales and the south-west.

While the ports of Port Talbot and Bristol were named as key assembly sites, Milford Haven’s Freeport backers say the Pembrokeshire coast must not be overlooked. They argue that the deepwater harbour, renewable skills base, and new freeport status make it an ideal location for marine logistics, fabrication and long-term operations support.

Tom Sawyer, Chief Executive of the Port of Milford Haven, said: “We stand ready to deliver – our port is already geared toward supporting floating wind and marine energy. This

is a real opportunity to anchor new industry here in west Wales.”

However, industry insiders are sounding a note of caution. The Herald understands that some of the jobs originally described as highskilled green roles may instead be lower-wage or short-term posts. Sources close to the development process said training packages had been scaled back and that many specialist components could still be imported from abroad.

“There’s a risk this becomes another case of promises made, but not delivered locally,” said one port engineering source. “We need to see turbine towers being built here, not just components shipped through.”

First Minister Eluned Morgan said she would be “picking up the phone” to companies involved, urging them to maximise Welsh jobs. But questions remain over how many roles will be based in Pembrokeshire — and when.

Despite the upbeat tone from ministers, the floating wind farms are

without which the promised prosperity and job creation will remain out of reach.”

Local sustainability campaigner Andy Middleton also welcomed the announcement, but warned: “This is fantastic news for future generations — but we must hold decision-makers to account. Pembrokeshire can’t afford to be left behind while the big money and the big contracts go east.”

Welsh Liberal Democrat Leader Jane Dodds MS said: “New jobs are always welcome, especially in areas like Port Talbot, but as long as Labour refuse to devolve the Crown Estate to Wales, the money raised from these renewable projects will continue to flow out of Wales and go directly to London instead of directly benefiting Welsh communities.

“I’m also worried that the Government hasn’t done enough to promote a supply chain for wind turbines that benefits Welsh workers, with most of the components for turbines being imported from Germany and Denmark rather than being manufactured here in Wales.”

The Milford Haven Freeport was launched earlier this year, with a mission to create thousands of skilled green jobs. But critics argue that until major manufacturers or anchor tenants commit to west Wales, the full promise of the freeport remains unfulfilled.

not expected to be operational until the early 2030s. That means any serious benefits to the west Wales economy could still be five to ten years away.

The Welsh Conservatives have welcomed Labour’s latest announcement on offshore wind energy but criticised the lack of detail and guarantees surrounding its implementation.

Welsh Conservative Shadow Cabinet Secretary for the Economy and Energy, Samuel Kurtz MS, said: “The Welsh Conservatives have long championed the potential of floating offshore wind in the Celtic Sea. While today’s announcement represents just a small step within a broader strategy first advanced by the previous UK Conservative Government, it is nonetheless a welcome development.

“To truly seize this opportunity and unlock the full economic potential for Wales, it is essential that Welsh ports are placed at the forefront for the assembly, operation, and maintenance of these wind farms. This must be supported by a coordinated effort to ensure a skilled local workforce, and a resilient supply chain are in place,

Meanwhile, the political battle over control of the Crown Estate continues. In Scotland, control of the seabed has been devolved, allowing profits to be reinvested locally. In Wales, the revenue still flows to the Treasury in London — a situation Plaid Cymru and Welsh Labour have both challenged.

Welsh Secretary Jo Stevens said this week’s announcement was “vindication” for keeping control in Westminster. But Pembrokeshire campaigners say it is time for local communities — not just governments — to see meaningful returns.

RENEWABLEuK CYMRu: THIS TECHNOLOGY CAN TRANSfORM WALES’ fORTuNES

Director of RenewableUK Cymru Jessica Hooper said: “We welcome this announcement of the first two large-scale floating wind sites in the Celtic Sea, as this technology has the potential to be transformative for the Welsh economy. Wales is poised to play a leading role in offshore wind. Over the next decade alone, there is up to £32 billion in economic value at stake, a £4.8 billion opportunity for Welsh businesses, alongside more than 3,000 well-paid jobs..

“Despite challenging market conditions, we’re pleased to see a successful outcome for Equinor and Gwynt Glas — a joint venture

Waiting for take-off: Milford Haven Freeport could benefit from offshore wind – but how many jobs will really come to Pembrokeshire? (Pic: Herald)

Tom Sinclair editor@herald.email

between EDF Renewables UK and ESB — marking an important first step in building a much-needed pipeline of projects in the Celtic Sea. To maximise the benefits of this technology and the investment in local facilities and supply chains we need long-term visibility on future leasing rounds and support in the upcoming clean power auction to start building out projects in Welsh waters and across the UK This will provide certainty for developers and investors to scale up new floating wind supply chains and ensure that workers have the right skills to make Wales a world leader in this cuttingedge technology”.

RenewableUK’s Deputy Chief Executive Jane Cooper said: “Awarding leases to the first two sites for floating wind projects in the Celtic Sea marks a significant step forward for this innovative technology which is set to play a major role in the UK’s future clean energy mix. Ports in south Wales and the south west of England have the potential to manufacture and assemble floating turbines, including giant platforms the size of football pitches, creating thousands of highlyskilled jobs. There will also be longterm opportunities in operations and maintenance, supporting local supply chains and providing sustained employment throughout the lifecycle of these projects.”

“But this is just the start – the UK already has one of the largest floating project pipelines in the world, so we have an opportunity to deliver green economic growth at scale. Our analysis shows that by 2050, floating turbines could provide a third of the UK’s offshore wind capacity with 40 gigawatts fully operational – enough to power every home in the country. By then, our research shows that the UK’s floating wind industry could employ 97,000 people, contributing £47 billion to our economy by building and supplying projects here as well as exporting our cutting-edge technology worldwide”.a

AWARD A SIGNIfICANT MILESTONE

The award of two 1.5 GW seabed leases in the Celtic Sea to Equinor and Gwynt Glas is a significant milestone—but it’s just the first step in a much longer process. For Milford Haven, the key takeaway is that the region now has a real opportunity to secure integration-port status— converting the nearby lease into tangible economic benefits.

The Port of Milford Haven, part of the Celtic Freeport, is already eyeing test-phase and commercial-scale roles through its FLOWMIS-backed upgrade of Pembroke Port.

If successful, that would position Milford Haven to host assembly, operations, and servicing of these floating turbines, generating long-term skilled jobs into the 2030s. However,

this hinges on winning a formal role in the supply chain, securing funding, and translating seabed rights into local contracts—an outcome still to be determined.

Jo Stevens: During a PR visit to Pembroke Dock (Pic: Herald)

Police scheme to tackle predators on nights out to be rolled out forcewide

A POLICE operation that uses specially trained officers to spot and disrupt potentially predatory behaviour during nights out is being extended across the Dyfed-Powys Police force area.

Project Vigilant, which was trialled in Carmarthenshire over the Christmas period, involves both plain clothed and uniformed officers working together to identify and intervene where concerning behaviour is observed—before a crime takes place.

Plain clothes officers act as ‘spotters’, trained to recognise signs of sexually predatory or violent conduct. Once such behaviour is identified, uniformed officers nearby are called in to disrupt and, where necessary, take enforcement action.

Following a positive review of the pilot, the project will now be rolled out across Ceredigion, Pembrokeshire and Powys.

Chief Inspector Dominic Jones said: “This was a new project for DyfedPowys Police that we trialled during the busy festive season. It’s an innovative, intelligence-led approach to protecting vulnerable people and preventing harm.

“Everyone should feel safe on a night out. Nobody should have to modify their behaviour to avoid becoming a victim. By targeting those who pose a risk, we can change behaviours and make our

Tom Sinclair editor@herald.email

communities safer.”

The force received training from Thames Valley Police, where Project Vigilant was first developed. Officers were taught how potential predators may attempt to isolate individuals from their

friends or use other concerning tactics. Once identified, uniformed colleagues can then make their presence known and potentially prevent a crime from occurring.

CI Jones added: “Evidence from other forces shows that deploying visible officers alone often results in offenders moving elsewhere. What sets Project Vigilant apart is the use

of plain clothes officers to discreetly spot suspicious behaviour, with backup ready to intervene. So far, there is no evidence that this simply displaces the problem.”

While the initiative is focused on reducing sexual and violent offences, the pilot also led to the detection of other crimes. In one case, officers safeguarded a vulnerable woman who had become separated from her friends. On another occasion, a man was arrested for drink driving and possession of ketamine after being spotted driving erratically.

Dyfed-Powys Police officers who took part in the scheme praised its effectiveness. One said: “The training on what behaviours to watch for was really beneficial. That one interaction— asking the right question at the right time—could stop a sexual assault.”

The pilot was funded by the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner under the Serious Violence Duty. Police and Crime Commissioner Dafydd Llywelyn said: “I’m proud to have supported this project. It’s a proactive approach that ensures officers are in the right place at the right time to prevent harm. The rollout of Project Vigilant across all four divisions reflects DyfedPowys Police’s clear commitment to public safety.”

Rosemarket man avoids jail after breaching court order and stalking victim

A ROSEMARKET man has avoided a prison sentence after repeatedly breaching a court-imposed nonmolestation order and stalking one of the protected individuals.

PHILLIP SOLOMON, 35, of West Street, Rosemarket, contacted two women between March 28 and May 17, 2025, despite an order made by Haverfordwest Family Court forbidding both direct and indirect contact.

He appeared before Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court this week, where he admitted two charges of breaching the non-molestation order, as well as a further charge of stalking one of the women during the same period, causing her fear, alarm and distress.

“He sent a birthday card and a present, and made numerous telephone calls, text messages and gestures,” Crown Prosecutor Sian Vaughan told the court. “This caused her serious concern.”

A victim impact statement read in court described the profound effect Solomon’s behaviour had on the woman’s life.

“Every aspect of my life has changed as a result of the last few months,” she said. “I feel anxious about day-to-day aspects like leaving

my house, fearing he may be there. I’m constantly checking mirrors and my surroundings. Days out that should be enjoyable have become difficult.”She said she had changed both her work and social routines due to fears she was being followed.

Defending Solomon, solicitor Alaw Harries said her client had not fully appreciated that sending a birthday card would breach the terms of the order.

“He understands the impact and he’s extremely sorry to be here today,” she said. “There are clearly issues that need to be addressed and he is keen to work with probation to deal with these.”

Magistrates imposed an 18-month community order, requiring Solomon to complete 25 rehabilitation activity requirement (RAR) days and 100 hours of unpaid work. He must also pay a £114 court surcharge and £170 in prosecution costs.

A two-year restraining order was imposed, banning Solomon from contacting either victim directly or indirectly, except through a solicitor or social services. He is also prohibited from entering their addresses or storing any data about them on any electronic device.

Council begins settlement-by-settlement review of 20mph limits

PEMBROKESHIRE COuNTY

COuNCIL has begun a comprehensive review of 20mph speed limits across the county, following a wave of public concern and a major listening exercise.

The review follows the Welsh Government’s controversial rollout of a default 20mph speed limit in built-up areas last September—a policy that has drawn criticism from residents, businesses and community groups, particularly in rural parts of the county.

The council is now inviting

residents to suggest specific roads where the reduced speed limit may not be appropriate. Councillor Rhys Sinnett, Cabinet Member for Residents’ Services, confirmed that a settlement-by-settlement approach is being adopted to ensure each area is considered on its own merits.

“Where a speed limit review has been proposed, we will engage directly with local residents before

Neyland man to appear in court facing child sexual offence charges

A NEYLAND man is due to appear in court this week charged with a series of serious child sexual offences alleged to have taken place over a tenmonth period.

JAMIE DAVIES, aged 46, of Springfield Avenue, Neyland, is set to appear at Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday (June 17) at for a first hearing.

He faces a total of eleven charges under the Protection of Children Act 1978 and the Sexual Offences Act 2003.

The charges include three counts of making indecent images of children between January 28, 2021, and November 4, 2021.

The prosecution alleges that Davies made a total of 20 indecent images— seven of Category A, ten of Category B, and three of Category C—at his home address. Some of these were reportedly accessible on his device or devices, while others were found in inaccessible formats.

In addition, Davies is charged with three counts of engaging in sexual communication with a child.

It is alleged that the defendant sent sexually motivated messages to girls

under the age of 16, with the intention of encouraging sexual responses.

More seriously, Davies also faces charges of causing or inciting girls to engage in sexual activity, including with children aged under 13.

Two charges relate to acts involving penetration, which are indictable-only offences and carry significantly higher penalties if convicted.

Prosecutors say that the communications and alleged offences all took place at Davies’ address in Springfield Avenue, Neyland.

The offences are alleged to have occurred over a prolonged period, suggesting a sustained course of behaviour.

Due to the nature of the charges, the identities of the complainants are protected under Section 1 of the Sexual Offences (Amendment) Act 1992.

The case is likely to be referred to the Crown Court given the seriousness of the allegations, particularly those involving sexual activity with children under 13.

The Herald will be present in court on Tuesday to report on the outcome of the first hearing.

may be delivering improvements in road safety. Police figures show a 28% reduction in casualties on 20mph and 30mph roads across Wales since the policy came into effect. In Pembrokeshire, the number of casualties has fallen from 125 to 89 over the same period.

However, residents across the county have raised concerns about the appropriateness of a one-sizefits-all approach, particularly in rural or distributor roads where pedestrian activity is low and visibility is high.

In addition to the review, the council has reported a number of 20mph signs being vandalised or removed since the limits were introduced. The cost of replacing damaged signs in Pembrokeshire has now exceeded £4,000.

Despite these incidents, the council has confirmed that 20mph limits remain fully enforceable.

moving to wider consultation and any formal changes,” said Cllr Sinnett.

The Herald understands that the council intends to complete the first phase of reviews during the current financial year, with formal Traffic Regulation Orders to follow where needed.

While public opinion remains divided, early data suggests the policy

The current round of community feedback is open throughout June, and the council is encouraging submissions via email. Local views will help determine which roads or settlements should be prioritised for potential adjustment.

The Herald will provide updates as reviews progress and decisions are made on changes to individual roads across the county.

Tom Sinclair editor@herald.email

Benches destroyed in act of vandalism at Hubberston Park

HuBBERSTON PARK volunteers say they are “gutted” after picnic benches recently installed at the skate park were torn apart in a shocking act of vandalism.

Photos taken at the scene show custom-made timber benches, worth £250 each, smashed into pieces. One has been completely destroyed, while another has been left badly damaged. Litter and debris surrounded the wreckage.

The benches were part of ongoing efforts to improve the park using voluntary donations, grants, and fundraising.

Lauren, a local volunteer with the Hubberston Community Association, said: “These benches were expensive and built to order to give families somewhere to sit and enjoy the park. We’re devastated. I’ve been told the names of those responsible and I’m disappointed — and shocked — because we know their families.”

She confirmed that due to cost, the benches and bins damaged in recent months — some burned and others stolen — will not be replaced. “We simply can’t afford to keep replacing things that get destroyed within months,” she added.

outdated equipment. The project, costing £135,840, will feature an Inclusive Castle, roundabout, bouldering cube, swing set, and coloured safety surfacing — all based on community votes held during last summer’s Funday.

The new park has been designed to ensure accessibility for children with additional learning needs, including Freya, a wheelchair user who lives near the park and whose story inspired the push for inclusive play.

But with funding still short and more vandalism taking place, volunteers say morale is low. “We’re trying so hard to make this a safe, inclusive space for everyone — but incidents like this make it really hard,” Lauren said.

Community service workers visit once a month to help with maintenance, but a small group of volunteers manage the rest of the park, including litter picking and general upkeep.

Residents are now being urged to support the ongoing fundraising drive via GoFundMe, and anyone who can spare time to help is asked to get in touch via the park’s Facebook page.

Driver banned after swerving car led to public calls to police

CALLS from concerned members of the public about a car being erratically driven through Neyland led to a drinkdriving ban for a Llanstadwell man who was found to be more than three times over the legal limit.

Mervyn Jenkins, aged 47, was arrested at around 8:00pm on May 23 after police stopped his vehicle on Church Road, Llanstadwell.

“The officers had followed the vehicle and seen it swerving across the carriageway and shuddering, as if it had sustained significant damage,”

Crown Prosecutor Sian Vaughan told Haverfordwest magistrates this week.

When Jenkins exited the vehicle, he was unsteady on his feet. A breath test conducted at the police station showed he had 114 micrograms of alcohol in 100 millilitres of breath – the legal limit is 35.

In a probation interview, Jenkins told officer Catrin Jones he had consumed approximately ten pints of lager at a pub in Milford Haven before making the reckless decision to drive home.

“The event is all a bit hazy to him and he doesn’t know why he chose to get

behind the wheel,” said Ms Jones.

“He described his behaviour as stupid and realises the risk he posed to others. The only fortunate thing is that nobody was hurt.”

The court heard that Jenkins, who works for a local steel fabrication company, regularly drinks up to twelve pints on Friday and Saturday nights while visiting local pubs.

“He drinks to excess but now acknowledges he needs support to reduce his intake,” added Ms Jones.

Jenkins, of Hazelbank, Llanstadwell,

pleaded guilty to drink-driving and chose to represent himself in court.

“I’m ashamed of myself,” he said in mitigation.

Magistrates disqualified him from driving for 28 months and imposed a 12-month community order, requiring him to complete ten rehabilitation activity days and engage with the Dyfed Drug and Alcohol Service. He must also complete a 90-day alcohol abstinence monitoring programme.

He was ordered to pay a £114 court surcharge and £85 in costs.

Charges of extreme pornography and indecent images of children

A HAvERfORDWEST man is due to appear in court on Tuesday (June 17) charged with a series of serious offences involving extreme pornography and indecent images of children.

DEAN PELLINGTON, aged 31, of Back Lane, is facing four charges at Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court, where he is listed for a first hearing at 2:00pm.

Pellington is accused of possessing 48 extreme pornographic images between January 19 and May 30, 2024.

The images are said to portray, in a highly explicit and realistic manner, a person performing oral sex with a live horse. Prosecutors allege the material was “grossly offensive, disgusting or otherwise of an obscene character,” and that a reasonable person would believe both the person and the animal depicted were real.

The charge is brought under sections 63 and 67 of the Criminal Justice and Immigration Act 2008. The offence

carries a maximum penalty of 12 months’ imprisonment and/or an unlimited fine.

In addition, Pellington faces three separate counts of making indecent images of children, all said to have occurred between September 16, 2023, and May 30, 2024, also in Haverfordwest. These include:

• Three images classified as Category C

• Three images classified as Category B

• Two images classified as Category A — the most serious category

These charges fall under the Protection of Children Act 1978. Each carries a maximum sentence of six months’ imprisonment and/or an unlimited fine if dealt with in the magistrates’ court.

The Herald will be present at the hearing and will report further once proceedings are underway.

The incident comes just weeks after the community shared exciting 3D designs for a brand-new inclusive junior play area, which will replace broken and

Universal Credit and PIP Reform Bill sparks national outcry

A NEW welfare reform bill introduced by the uK Government has triggered fierce criticism from charities, disabled rights groups, and MPs, who warn that the proposed changes could push hundreds of thousands into poverty.

The Universal Credit and Personal Independence Payment (PIP) Reform Bill, tabled in Parliament this week, is being called the most significant welfare cut since 2015. The bill proposes sweeping changes to how disability benefits are assessed and allocated—reforms the government claims are necessary for sustainability, but which campaigners say amount to a rollback of vital support.

Helen Barnard, Director of Policy at the Trussell Trust, said the bill “does almost nothing to ease the concerns of hundreds of thousands of disabled people who fear that their social security support will be ripped from them. In fact, this bill will push nearly half a million more people into severe hardship and towards the doors of food banks.”

WHAT THE BILL PROPOSES

Among the most contentious elements of the bill are:

• Stricter eligibility criteria for PIP, potentially removing or reducing support for up to 800,000 claimants.

• A reduction in the Universal Credit health element, from £97 to £50 per week for new claimants, frozen until 2029.

• Cuts to Carer’s Allowance which could see around 150,000 carers lose up to £4,200 annually.

• Three-month transition protections, and special exemptions for terminally ill or severely disabled people— measures many say are too limited.

Charities argue that these changes will disproportionately affect people with mental health conditions, fluctuating conditions, and those who rely on informal care.

EvIDENCE Of RISING NEED

The Trussell Trust, which operates a network of food banks across the UK, reports that three in four people referred to their services are disabled or live with someone who is. The charity has directly linked failed benefit assessments to increased food bank use. Their

data shows that for every 100 failed PIP reassessments, approximately 93 additional food parcels are handed out. Furthermore, almost half of all Universal Credit recipients report running out of food monthly, and over a million skip meals regularly due to inadequate support. The cost to public services of hunger and hardship is already estimated at £13.7 billion per year.

POLITICAL fALLOuT

The bill has also sparked a political storm. Labour MPs are reportedly preparing a significant backbench rebellion, despite the party leadership instructing them to abstain from voting.

Shadow Work and Pensions Secretary Alison McGovern has called for the government to publish a full impact assessment before moving forward.

Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner has warned that the proposals could remove up to £4,300 annually in support for around 1.2 million disabled people.

The Institute for Fiscal Studies (IFS) has also raised alarm, estimating that around 600,000 people could lose £2,400 per year as the reforms link UC health payments more closely to PIP entitlement.

DISABLED vOICES

Disabled People Against Cuts (DPAC), a grassroots campaign group, has called the legislation “immoral and devastating,” and organised national protests under the banner #WelfareNotWarfare. The Disability Benefits Consortium, which includes charities like Scope, Parkinson’s UK, and Mind, says the bill could particularly harm people with less visible or fluctuating conditions.

GOvERNMENT RESPONSE

The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) maintains the bill is about targeting support more effectively. A spokesperson said the government was “committed to protecting the most vulnerable” and pointed to the inclusion of transition periods and exceptions for the terminally ill.

However, critics argue the lack of a

published impact assessment makes it impossible to evaluate who will be affected and how deeply. As of now, no official analysis has been released.

WHAT HAPPENS NExT

The bill is due to be debated in Parliament in the coming weeks. Campaigners are urging the public to contact their MPs and demand a halt until a full impact assessment is available. If passed, the changes could come into force from early 2026.

THE STAKES

With over 1.2 million people facing potential reductions or complete loss of disability-related support, this bill marks a turning point in the UK’s social security policy. Critics warn that it risks entrenching poverty and hunger, and undermining the government’s own promises on growth, dignity, and reducing reliance on emergency food provision.

As debate intensifies, one thing is clear: the country is on the brink of a major shift in how it treats its most vulnerable citizens.

Husband sentenced after smashing up rented home during row

A 50-YEAR-OLD man has appeared before magistrates in custody after damaging his rented property during an argument with his wife.

Police were called to Sussex Row, Llanion Park, on the morning of June 16 following a report that Michael Sudberry had “smashed the place up”. A window and a cupboard were found damaged,

with repairs estimated at around £1,050.

Two female officers attended, but when Sudberry was restrained, he broke free and was later apprehended.

Appearing before Haverfordwest magistrates this week, Sudberry pleaded guilty to causing criminal damage and obstructing police officers.

Probation officer Catrin Jones said

Sudberry and his wife had been in a relationship for 20 years and that the victim had been struggling with her mental health.

“She accused the defendant of monitoring her and threw something at the television. He retaliated and lost his temper,” said Ms Jones.

“He wishes he could have kept it

together. He recognises the victim felt fearful but didn’t intend to harm her.”

Sudberry was sentenced to a 24-month Community Order with 20 rehabilitation activity requirement days and 150 hours of unpaid work. He must pay £1,000 in compensation to his landlady, £85 court costs, and a £114 surcharge.

Tom Sinclair editor@herald.email

Councillor accused of conflict of interest over planning vote

A fORMAL investigation is now under way into a senior Pembrokeshire councillor who cast the deciding vote to block a rival wedding and events venue from having its outdoor dining area approved.

Cllr Guy Woodham, Chair of Pembrokeshire County Council’s Planning Delegation Panel, has been referred to the Public Services Ombudsman for Wales following a complaint from Lee Bridges, the manager of Imperial Hall Limited, based on Hamilton Terrace in Milford Haven.

Bridges claims that Cllr Woodham breached the Members’ Code of Conduct by failing to declare relevant interests in two nearby venues — both of which operate in the same commercial space as the Imperial. These include:

• The Pill Social Centre, where Cllr Woodham is listed as Treasurer. The venue markets itself as a community hub offering weddings, parties, and live events.

• The Torch Theatre, where Cllr Woodham is Senior Manager –Business. The venue includes a licensed bar and offers private hire for functions and entertainment.

The complaint alleges that these roles constitute a personal and potentially prejudicial interest, which should have been declared prior to voting on planning application 24/0740/PA, submitted by Imperial Hall for retrospective permission to retain an upgraded outdoor dining space.

The vote on whether the application should proceed to the full Planning Committee was tied — and Cllr Woodham used his casting vote to prevent it from being heard by councillors. The application was later refused by officers on 4 June.

When asked whether Cllr Woodham had declared any interest in the matter, Pembrokeshire County Council confirmed:

“It is the responsibility of individual members to determine whether they have an interest that requires declaration under the Code of Conduct. In this case, no such declaration was made by Cllr Woodham.”

The Council added that where concerns about such matters arise, they are for the Ombudsman to consider independently.

Planning officers refused the application on the basis of the wall’s visual impact on the Grade II listed building, overlooking concerns, and the absence of a Green Infrastructure Statement.

But the decision has sparked outcry from the business community and local residents, who say the improved outdoor space is a positive visual and functional upgrade to what had previously been an overgrown area. The application was supported by Milford Haven Town Council, but never reached a public hearing.

A PLANNING PROCESS CLOuDED BY CONfuSION

The Herald has also learned that the process was further complicated when the Welsh Government initially objected to the development, mistakenly believing that the wall encroached on the A4076 trunk road pavement, which it owns and manages.

Lee Bridges said he was contacted directly and issued formal documents alleging that part of the development had been built on public land.

“I told the council I was nearly broke, as I was at that time” said Bridges. “We’d just come out of Covid, I’d spent everything

Dog mess excuse nearly lands man in jail

A PEMBROKESHIRE man awaiting sentence for drug offences came close to being remanded in custody after breaking his bail conditions—allegedly in an effort to clear up dog mess from a shared lawn.

John Phillips, 36, of Pen Puffin, Steynton, previously pleaded guilty to possessing drugs with intent to supply and was awaiting sentencing at Crown Court on June 27. He had been placed on strict bail conditions, including a nightly curfew.

However, on June 10, Phillips breached the curfew on ten separate occasions. Despite the number of incidents, the total time he spent outside his property amounted to just over 18 minutes.

Haverfordwest magistrates heard this week that the breaches stemmed from a domestic mishap.

improving the venue, and my solicitor was adamant we hadn’t encroached. I told them: ‘Take me to court if you think you’ve got a case.’”

In the end, the Welsh Government quietly dropped the issue, and it became clear that no paving slabs had been disturbed — and that the footway was now wider than before, once the overgrown hedge had been removed.

Bridges told The Herald that council officers had previously suggested that once the land ownership issue was resolved, planning permission should not be a problem. That assumption proved incorrect.

“We simply want to be treated fairly,” he added. “This decision has cost our business. We were told there would be no objections, and we’ve been left with the sense that there are dfferent rules for different people.”

Under the Members’ Code of

Conduct for Wales, councillors must declare any interests where they are an officer, committee member, or trustee of a body that could be affected by a council decision. If the interest is deemed prejudicial, they are expected to withdraw from the meeting and not participate in the vote.

The Ombudsman will now investigate whether Cllr Woodham’s involvement — given his roles at the Pill Social Centre and Torch Theatre — constituted a failure to comply with the Code.

When contacted by The Pembrokeshire Herald, Cllr Woodham said he was unable to provide a statement while the matter is under investigation by the Public Services Ombudsman for Wales.

The applicant, Lee Bridges and Guy Woodham are both community councillors, sitting on Milford Haven Town Council.

Lorry driver assaulted doormen

just weeks into community order

“His dog escaped from the house and did what dogs do on the lawn that he shares with his neighbour,” said defence solicitor Michael Kelleher. “So the defendant had to go out, get the dog, and collect what had happened, as he didn’t want his neighbour to walk in the mess.”

Mr Kelleher added that Phillips made several attempts to contact the electronic tagging company to explain the curfew breaches, but received no response.

Phillips appeared before magistrates in custody on June 17 and admitted breaching his bail conditions. After hearing the mitigation, magistrates allowed him to be released on the same conditions.

“But if you come here again, it might be a different outcome,” warned the presiding magistrate.

WEEKS after being placed on a court Community Order, a Pembrokeshire lorry driver has found himself back in court after assaulting two Wetherspoons doormen who asked him to leave the premises.

CCTV footage shown to Haverfordwest magistrates this week showed Simon Roblin, 50, lashing out at the doormen in the early hours of May 26.

“When the doormen asked him to leave, the defendant reached over and tried to grab the glasses off one of their faces,” said Crown Prosecutor Sian Vaughan.

“He then grabbed another doorman around the neck, kicking, punching and generally assaulting both parties.”

Roblin’s actions caused damage to both doormen’s uniforms, including a shirt worn by Jonathan Wilson and a waistcoat, jacket and trousers, worth £95, belonging to Byron Thomas Jenkins.

The offences were committed just three months after Roblin was placed on

a 12-month community order for assault causing actual bodily harm.

“It’s disappointing that he’s here again today as he’s been making good progress,” said probation officer Julie Norman.

She said the defendant had spent the afternoon drinking in several pubs around Haverfordwest and had only a vague recollection of the night’s events. Roblin, of St Davids Close, Hubberston, Milford Haven, pleaded guilty to two counts of assault by beating and two counts of criminal damage. His solicitor, Liam Francis, said Roblin was deeply remorseful.

“He has no excuses for his actions,” he said. “He’s embarrassed and ashamed. He’s taken full responsibility.”

Roblin was placed on a new 12-month Community Order, including a 90-day alcohol abstinence monitoring programme and ten rehabilitation activity requirement days. He must pay £100 compensation to each doorman, £85 costs, and a £114 surcharge.

Tom Sinclair editor@herald.email

Casting vote: Cllr Guy Woodham

Locked up for Autism: Thousands detained under mental health law

IN SECuRE hospitals across England and Wales, more than 2,000 people with autism or learning disabilities remain locked away under mental health laws — despite never committing a crime.

Many are detained under the Mental Health Act 1983, often after being taken by police during a mental health crisis. The vast majority have no mental illness diagnosis. Some are teenagers. A few have been there for decades.

“It’s a human rights scandal,” said Dan Scorer of Mencap. “They’re being institutionalised because society hasn’t built the support they need.”

Autism is not a mental illness. It is widely recognised that for most autistic people, care in an inpatient unit is rarely helpful – in fact, it can be deeply damaging.

The average length of stay is around 4.6 years.

The overwhelming majority (92%) of autistic people and people with a learning disability who are detained in hospitals are put there using the Mental Health Act of 1983.

A NEED fOR uRGENT REfORM

For years, the National Autistic Society and tens of thousands of campaigners have called for changes to mental health law.

Reform has been promised, and a bill is making its way through Parliament. However, the government will not commit to funding the reforms the legislation will enact. Even then, campaigners say the law change will not end the scandal of detention.

In April, Denise Cavanagh from Hook, a founder of the Stolen Lives campaign, told BBC Wales that she believed people would still be detained via other laws, including the Mental Capacity Act.

She added: “People with learning disabilities often end up in hospitals because there’s a breakdown in housing and community care, and it’s the only place they can go.

“So, if that community care isn’t there, there is nowhere for them to go and they’ll still be detained.”

And even though health is devolved to Wales, the Welsh Government is relying on a Westminster bill to improve how people with learning disabilities and autism are supported during a crisis.

“THEY CAME WITH HANDCuffS”

Michelle, from Wiltshire, recounts the day her autistic daughter was detained after a meltdown in a supermarket.

“She was 23. She was overwhelmed. She panicked. That’s all. But the police came and took her away. That was three years ago. She hasn’t been home since.”

Michelle’s story is one of many.

Jon Coles jon.coles@herald.email

Some families describe wards where patients are sedated, isolated, and cut off from loved ones.

Bethany – whose surname cannot be published – was locked in a hospital room in Northampton as a teenager. Her only access to the outside world was through a tiny hatch in the door.

Her father, Jeremy, said he could only see his daughter through a plastic screen or through the six-inch hatch.

“It was cruel. It was torture for my daughter,” he said.

“It broke her human rights, her right to family life, her right to freedom from degrading treatment.”

Even now, several years on from Jeremy’s interview on Radio Four regarding Bethany’s treatment, little has changed. In fact, the data shows a worrying trend towards increased detention of those with mental illness or specific learning difficulties.

NO WAY OuT

Official NHS data reveals the extent of the crisis:

Over 52,000 people were detained under the Mental Health Act in April 2024 — the highest figure in five years.

Over 2,000 of those are autistic or have a learning disability.

As of May 2025, 2,025 autistic people and people with a learning disability are in mental health hospitals in England. Of these, 1,455 (72%) are autistic.

There are 240 under-18s in inpatient units who are autistic or have a learning disability. Of these, 230 (96%) are autistic.

The number of autistic people

without a learning disability detained in mental health hospitals has increased by 141% since 2015.

This is the most up-to-date record of how many autistic people and people with a learning disability are currently in mental health hospitals in England.

Despite some progress moving people with a learning disability out of hospitals and into the community, the number of autistic people detained has increased. In 2015, autistic people made up 38% of the total number in hospitals, now it is 72%.

Around 60% of learning disability or autism inpatients have no mental illness diagnosis.

Detained patients are often placed in “out-of-area” units, sometimes hundreds of miles from home.

Toni Dymond, an autistic woman, was detained for over 20 years in psychiatric care without a criminal charge.

“She was isolated, broken,” said her brother in a statement. “It wasn’t treatment. It was abandonment.”

34,685 people were detained by police under Section 136 of the Mental Health Act in 2022–23.

Over 60% were transported in police vehicles, not ambulances.

Autistic woman and author of the memoir Unbroken, Alexis Quinn, spent three years “locked inside” various mental health hospitals, including Assessment and Treatment Units (ATU).

She says: “I was detained under the Mental Health Act and remained so for most of my stay. The Mental Health Act is a piece of legislation which provides a legal framework to detain people when they are mentally ill and require treatment to get better. The interesting thing about a treatment order for an autistic person

is that autism is not a mental health condition.

“Whilst mental illnesses, such as depression and anxiety, can be treated, for autistic people, this has to be done in a way that reflects their needs and understands autism.

“When I was detained under the Mental Health Act, I felt like this was because of behaviour relating to my autism, not because I was mentally ill; the whole process lacked any understanding of the difference between autism and mental illness.”

CHANGE PROMISED, BuT NO MONEY ON THE TABLE

The Mental Health Bill, which is currently going through Parliament, will stop people with a learning disability and autistic people from being detained for treatment. However, the government have said that this change to the law will not be enforced until there is sufficient community support. That means the law will not come into effect until there are enough resources to support its operation. There is no commitment to provide that funding.

The Challenging Behaviour Foundation, a national charity, wants a clear plan, co-produced with people with lived experience, families, and those working within the different parts of the system, setting out what steps will be taken to develop this support and accompanied by the resources to make it happen.

The National Autistic Society says: “We are calling on the government to urgently publish a comprehensive and fully-costed plan for how it intends to build this support.”

So far, that call has been met with silence.

Call for climate emergency rethink backed by councillors

A CALL to bring greater transparency and democratic accountability to Pembrokeshire County Council’s 2019 decision to declare a climate emergency has received support from councillors.

The original declaration was made in May 2019, following a notice of motion by Cllr Joshua Beynon. He urged the council to back the global consensus that climate change poses a serious risk to future generations, and to take “bold, decisive action” to confront what he called “truly catastrophic” climate change.

The council voted to commit to becoming a zero-carbon local authority by 2030.

OPPOSITION vOICES

Not all members were supportive at the time. Cllr Mike Stoddart described the motion as “virtue signalling on stilts”, arguing that individual lifestyle choices— such as limiting travel and growing vegetables—were more meaningful.

“The idea that we can decarbonise the economy by 2030 is for people with fairies in the garden,” he said at the time. He also warned that radical decarbonisation efforts risk disproportionately harming the poorest in society.

NEW MOTION TABLED

At the May 2025 full council meeting, Cllr Stoddart submitted a new notice of motion calling for a politically balanced working group to review the 2019 climate emergency declaration.

His motion cited ongoing turbulence in

global financial markets, the UK’s public finance challenges, a projected funding gap at Pembrokeshire County Council, and the UK Government’s softening of green transition policies—including delays to EV targets and heat pump mandates— as justification for a re-evaluation.

The proposed seven-member group would assess:

• The effect of the emergency declaration on council tax levels, and whether this conflicts with antipoverty policies;

• The cost of decarbonising council housing and any impact on the ability to build new homes;

• The actual contribution of the council’s decarbonisation efforts to reducing global temperature risks;

• Any other adverse impacts on residents’ wellbeing.

SCRuTINY AND STALLED REPORTS

Cllr Stoddart’s motion was referred to the council’s corporate overview and scrutiny committee in June. There, he pointed out that a previous motion by Cllr Aaron Carey had promised bi-annual reports on the costs of reaching net zero— but those assessments, he claimed, have not been provided.

“By my reckoning, three of these sixmonthly anniversaries have now passed without any cost-benefit analyses being made available,” said Cllr Stoddart. “We need to inject a degree of transparency and democratic accountability into the authority’s net zero deliberations.”

He added: “The UK is responsible

Whitland man’s repeat shoplifting

A MAN from Whitland has received a suspended prison sentence after admitting stealing alcohol from the same store on two consecutive days.

Dylan Newton, aged 27, of Fron Hill, appeared at Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on Monday (June 16) where he pleaded guilty to stealing two bottles of brandy worth £41.90 from the Co-op in Gooses Lane, Pembroke on June 13, and returning the next day to steal a bottle of whisky worth £22.50.

Newton was sentenced to eight weeks in prison, suspended for 18 months. The court noted the offences were committed while he was already subject to a court order, and described the repeat offending as serious enough to merit custody. However, the sentence was suspended due to what the court described as “a

realistic prospect of rehabilitation,” citing stability in Newton’s accommodation, relationship and employment.

Additional orders included:

• A 9-month alcohol treatment programme

• A 12-month mental health treatment plan under Dr Cormac Duffy

• A rehabilitation requirement of up to 10 days

• A ban from entering the Co-op store in Gooses Lane for 18 months

• £64.40 in compensation and £85 in prosecution costs

The sentence was reduced from 12 weeks to 8 weeks due to the guilty pleas.

Dock man denies driving while disqualified

A MAN from Pembroke Dock has denied driving while disqualified and without insurance.

we need to look at; ultimately, can we afford it?”

for just under one per cent of global CO2 emissions, and Pembrokeshire’s population is roughly one five-hundredth of that. If PCC ceased to exist, it would make no difference whatsoever to the Earth’s climate.”

CAuTIOuS SuPPORT

Cllr Huw Murphy backed the proposal, saying: “I think it’s something

Deputy Leader Cllr Paul Miller said there was “no objection” to forming a working group, and that the cost data was already available—it just needed to be compiled.

All members of the scrutiny committee, except Cllr Beynon, agreed to recommend to full council the reinstatement of the Net Zero Working Group to review the contents of the notice of motion and, subject to that review, to consider the future of the Net Zero Action Plan.

Jailed for driving while disqualified

A MAN from Milford Haven has been jailed after admitting to driving while disqualified and uninsured.

Lee Lock, aged 37, of Coombs Road, appeared at Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court and pleaded guilty to driving a VW Golf on the grounds of Withybush Hospital, Haverfordwest, on March 18 while disqualified.

He was also found to have no valid

insurance for the vehicle.

Lock was sentenced to eight weeks in prison and disqualified from driving for 15 months. The custodial sentence was imposed due to the seriousness of the offence, which was committed soon after a previous disqualification. He was also ordered to pay £85 in prosecution costs. No separate penalty was issued for the insurance offence.

Remanded over serious assault

A WOMAN from Milford Haven has been remanded in custody after appearing at Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court charged with wounding a man with intent.

51 of the Crime and Disorder Act 1998.

Jones pleaded not guilty to both charges. He was granted unconditional bail ahead of a trial scheduled for August 11 at 12:00pm at Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court.

Jake Jones, aged 24, of Highway House, Ferry Terrace, appeared at Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on Monday (June 16) accused of driving a Ford Ranger on St John’s Road, Pembroke Dock, on April 2 without a valid licence or insurance.

Amy Woolston, aged 21, of Milford House, Dartmouth Street, is accused of unlawfully and maliciously wounding Paul Gurney with intent to cause grievous bodily harm during an incident in Haverfordwest on June 13.

She did not enter a plea and was remanded in custody under Section

Woolston’s case was sent to Swansea Crown Court for a plea and trial preparation hearing on July 18 at 9:00am. The court noted the seriousness of the charge and the potential risk of interference with witnesses as grounds for remanding her in custody. Her custody time limit is currently set to expire on December 15, 2025.

Bruce Sinclair Local Democracy Reporter

Wales Wildfire Board urges public to be ‘Wildfire Wise’

THE WALES WILDfIRE BOARD is urging people across the country to play their part in protecting the environment as wildfire incidents soar across the nation.

Between March and May 2025, Fire and Rescue Services across Wales responded to a 407% increase in wildfires compared to the same period last year. In response, the Board is reminding everyone to be #WildfireWise and take simple steps to prevent these devastating blazes during the warmer months.

Andrew Wright, Chair of the Wales Wildfire Board, said: “As the seasons change and warmer weather returns, it’s the perfect time to enjoy the outdoors — from camping and staycations to exploring your local

Tom Sinclair editor@herald.email

area. But we’re asking everyone to respect our countryside and take responsibility for keeping it safe.

“Every year, fire destroys thousands of hectares of countryside, open space, and wildlife habitats. We want to work with our communities to build a healthier, more resilient and biodiverse environment for future generations.”

A GROWING THREAT

The spring and summer months bring heightened risks. Dry grasslands and mountains can quickly ignite, and fires—whether started accidentally

or deliberately—can spread rapidly, destroying everything in their path.

While the immediate destruction is visible, the long-term consequences are far-reaching, with serious implications for public health, economic resilience, and environmental sustainability.

Andrew Wright continued: “Wildfires are becoming an increasingly severe issue. Not only do they damage land and habitats, but the smoke can travel hundreds of miles, affecting air quality even in areas far from the fire. Vulnerable people, including those with respiratory issues, are especially at risk, with wildfire smoke linked to breathing difficulties, skin and eye irritation, and chest pain.

“The economic costs are also

substantial. Beyond firefighting expenses, wildfires disrupt tourism, agriculture, and local businesses. Ecosystems are damaged, biodiversity is lost, and essential habitats are destroyed. Soil erosion, water contamination, and carbon emissions from fires all contribute to long-term climate risks.”

BuILDING RESILIENCE

In response, the Wales Wildfire Board is increasing its focus on community preparedness, fire education, and land management.

Efforts are underway to support affected communities and develop innovative strategies to reduce future fire risk, restore damaged ecosystems, and promote sustainable land practices.

“We know more must be done,” said Mr Wright. “We are calling on policymakers, community leaders, and individuals to invest in prevention, recovery, and sustainable solutions. Everyone has a role to play in protecting Wales’ natural beauty and the wellbeing of our communities.”

GET INvOLvED

To learn more about wildfire preparedness, support recovery efforts, or find out how you can help, visit the Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service website at: www.mawwfire.gov.uk/eng/ campaigns-and-consultations/ wildfirewise

If you see suspicious activity in the countryside, report it anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or call 101. In an emergency, always call 999.

There have been a large number of grass fires in Wales in recent years, this one threatened homes in 2022

Fire fighters tackle a fire recent on the Preselis (Image: MWWFRS)

Labour minister tells Wales to be “more grateful” for rail scraps, say Lib Dems

A ROW over rail funding has reignited tensions between the uK Government and Welsh politicians after a senior Labour minister suggested Wales should be “more grateful” for its share of the latest transport budget.

The comment came during a heated exchange in Westminster between Welsh Liberal Democrat spokesperson David Chadwick MP and Chief Secretary to the Treasury Darren Jones. Chadwick had described the latest settlement as “insulting,” arguing that Wales had been “cheated” out of billions through decades of underinvestment and funding misclassification.

In response, Jones reportedly suggested Wales ought to show more appreciation for the £445 million allocated under the UK Government’s recent Spending Review.

Lib Dems slam “gobsmackingly arrogant” tone

The Welsh Liberal Democrats branded the remarks “gobsmackingly arrogant,” accusing Labour of continuing a pattern of disregard for Wales’ transport needs. Chadwick said the funding did not begin to address structural inequalities that had left Wales short-changed, especially after being excluded from HS2-related funding.

Under the current classification, HS2 is considered an “England and Wales” project, despite having no direct infrastructure benefit for Wales. As a result, Wales has received no Barnett consequentials from the scheme—an omission estimated to have cost the country several billion pounds.

Wales received £445 million in rail funding in the latest review, compared to £2.5 billion for Manchester, which has a smaller population than Wales.

Labour: funding delivered on “strategic priorities”

Defending the settlement, Treasury officials have previously said that transport investment is allocated based on “strategic need, passenger demand,

and overall UK connectivity.”

Labour representatives have also stated that the funding aims to support journey improvements, safety upgrades, and economic recovery, and have emphasised ongoing support for infrastructure projects across the UK, including Wales.

Chief Secretary to the Treasury Darren Jones said in earlier remarks that the UK Government “continues to support Welsh rail improvements” and highlighted the funding of the South Wales Metro as an example of

investment delivered through UK-wide cooperation.

Welsh Government also under scrutiny

While UK Labour is under fire over the allocation model, critics have also pointed to the Welsh Labour Government’s limited delivery on rail infrastructure, despite transport being partly devolved.

The long-awaited electrification of the south Wales mainline, for instance, remains incomplete, and projects in Mid and West Wales have seen little progress. Campaigners argue that both

governments share responsibility for the current state of rail in Wales.

Cross-party frustration over HS2 classification

The funding row has drawn crossparty anger in Wales. Politicians from Plaid Cymru, the Conservatives, and the Liberal Democrats have all challenged the HS2 classification and called for reform of the Barnett formula as it applies to major England-only transport schemes.

There are also growing demands for the full devolution of rail powers to Wales, in line with the settlement enjoyed by Scotland. Chadwick recently raised this again in Parliament, but the UK Government refused the request.

Uncertain future as HS2 delayed

With HS2 now delayed beyond 2033, further investment rounds are expected, yet Wales is set to remain excluded unless the current funding model changes. Meanwhile, major new English rail projects like East-West Rail continue to receive billions.

Chadwick warned that without reform, Wales would “remain stuck on a branch line of UK transport policy—literally and politically.”

“Wales is in dire need of economic investment, given our high poverty levels and the legacy of deindustrialisation,” he said. “Yet the Minister says we should be grateful for the scraps. It’s simply unbelievable.”

The full exchange can be viewed at: ParliamentLive.tv

Insulted: David Chadwick MP said that Labour was being arrogant over its

Rail boost for Wales – but Tories say

it’s too little, too late

A MAJOR new rail funding package for Wales has been unveiled by uK Labour, but Welsh Conservatives have described it as “disappointing” and say it falls short of previous commitments.

Chancellor Rachel Reeves has announced £445 million of investment in Welsh rail infrastructure over the next decade – a move hailed by Labour as the biggest boost of its kind in history. The money will support the creation of five new stations in South East Wales and deliver upgrades to the South Wales Metro and other key routes.

NEW STATIONS AND METRO uPGRADES

The planned stations include Maesglas, Somerton, Llanwern, Newport West and Cardiff East – all located along the Newport to Cardiff corridor. They were first recommended by the Burns Review into congestion on the M4 and are now expected to open by 2028, subject to planning.

Of the £445 million, £48 million has been ring-fenced over four years for the Core Valley Lines – the backbone of the South Wales Metro. A further £300 million is expected to be deployed within the next three years, including upgrades at Cardiff West Junction and enhancements to the Borderlands Line near Padeswood.

Transport for Wales launched community consultations in late 2023, hosting drop-in sessions for residents near each of the proposed station sites. TfW says up to four trains per hour

could serve the new stations, including cross-border services to Bristol and Cheltenham.

CONSERvATIvE CRITICISM

Welsh Conservatives have criticised the announcement as underwhelming. They point out that under the previous UK Government, over £1 billion was spent on rail in Wales between 2014 and 2024 – and that a further £1 billion was pledged for electrification in North Wales.

The Welsh Conservative Shadow

“The reclassification means Wales misses out entirely,” he said. “This is extremely disappointing and raises serious questions about whether the Welsh Government fought for a better deal.”

The Herald understands that the Welsh Conservatives have written to both the First Minister and the Secretary of State for Wales seeking an explanation for the decision.

LABOuR DEfENCE

Labour has defended the package, saying it represents a turning point after years of “neglect and underinvestment”. They say the funding will reduce car dependency, open up commuter access, and create jobs linked to construction and long-term rail operations.

Speaking in Parliament, Chancellor Reeves said the funding was part of “undoing a generation of neglect” and would deliver “real gains” for Welsh communities that have waited decades for reliable rail links.

However, no specific construction start dates have been confirmed, and questions remain over the North Wales Main Line, which was promised electrification funding under the previous government but is not specifically included in the new settlement.

STAKEHOLDER REACTION

Transport for Wales reports that consultation events for the five proposed stations were well attended and that demand for frequent, reliable services remains high. The plans include integrated park-and-ride facilities and improved active travel links to the sites.

Meanwhile, the TSSA rail union has welcomed the funding but warned that it will not go far enough. “£445 million over a decade simply will not get things done in Wales,” a spokesperson said. “To put that in perspective – Manchester alone is receiving £2.5 billion in new rail investment.”

Cabinet Secretary for Finance, Transport and Infrastructure, Sam Rowlands MS, said: “I have said time and time again that the rail services provided in North Wales are simply not good enough and my constituents deserve so much more. This latest funding announcement clearly is not enough.”

BARNETT fORMuLA CONTROvERSY

Rowlands added that he was “deeply concerned” by the decision to classify the £6.6 billion Oxford-Cambridge railway scheme as an “England and Wales” project – a move which means Wales will not receive any consequential funding via the Barnett Formula.

The union added that since 2001, the UK has spent over £100 billion on rail enhancements, with Wales receiving just £2.2 billion – despite having around 11 per cent of the UK rail network by track mileage.

fuTuRE PROJECTS AND NExT STEPS

The UK Government also says the Global Centre of Rail Excellence near Onllwyn remains on track to open in 2025, following joint UK and Welsh government investment totalling over £78 million.

With a general election approaching, the future of rail in Wales is now a battleground issue – and political rows over project classification, regional equity and long-standing underinvestment show little sign of fading.

Sam Rowlands MS: Investment promises in Welsh railways is “too little, too late”.

Tom Sinclair editor@herald.email

Dark fleet collision sparks safety fears

A MAJOR maritime collision off the coast of fujairah has raised urgent safety concerns for vessels operating out of Milford Haven, one of the uK’s largest oil and gas ports.

The crash, which took place in the early hours of Monday (June 17), involved the VLCC Front Eagle, operated by Anglo Eastern, and a suspicious cargo vessel named Adalynn, widely reported to be part of the so-called “dark fleet” – a group of ships that sail with their transponders turned off, often transporting sanctioned oil.

fIRE ON BOTH SHIPS

According to the vessel’s owner, Frontline, a fire broke out on deck after the impact but was contained. All crew aboard Front Eagle were reported safe. However, satellite imagery showed intense flames on the Adalynn, and her condition remains unclear.

The incident occurred just 15 nautical miles from Fujairah and near the entrance to the Strait of Hormuz – a vital chokepoint for global energy exports.

MILfORD-BOuND CREWS COuLD BE AT RISK

While this event took place far from Pembrokeshire, maritime experts warn that the rising number of such incidents globally has serious implications for UK-bound vessels, particularly those approaching Milford Haven from oil-rich regions in the Middle East, Africa, or Russia.

“These dark fleet vessels operate unpredictably,” one shipping analyst told The Herald. “They may not appear on radar, don’t respond to standard maritime calls, and are often old, uninsured, and poorly maintained –posing serious collision risks.”

RECENT SHADOW fLEET INCIDENTS

The Adalynn collision is the latest in a string of dark fleet-related incidents. Other recent examples include:

• June 18, 2025 – Australia sanctions 60 ships: The Australian Government sanctioned 60 Russian-linked dark fleet tankers, citing safety and regulatory violations.

• May 13, 2025 – Baltic Sea standoff: Russian-linked tanker Jaguar refused inspection by the Estonian Navy, prompting NATO surveillance and military aircraft intervention.

• December 25, 2024 – Gulf of Finland cable strike: The shadow fleet tanker Eagle S severed the Estlink 2 undersea power cable after dragging anchor, prompting an investigation.

Concerns for ships bound for Pembrokeshire: Dark Fleet poses a threat

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• July 2024 – Collision off Malaysia: The tanker Ceres I collided with Singapore-flagged Hafnia Nile, resulting in fires on both vessels.

These incidents underscore the growing hazards to compliant shipping, especially as shadow fleets multiply in the wake of global sanctions against Iran, Venezuela, and Russia.

IMPLICATIONS fOR MILfORD HAvEN

As a major hub for LNG imports, crude oil, and refined fuels, Milford Haven’s port operations are directly affected by the increased risks posed by rogue tankers during the approach and departure stages of international voyages.

While UK waters remain heavily regulated, vessels en route to Pembrokeshire often pass through high-risk zones such as the Strait of Hormuz, the Bab-el-Mandeb Strait, and the Baltic Sea.

Port authorities, insurers, and vessel operators are now reassessing routing strategies, safety training, and emergency protocols to account for the rising presence of these unregulated tankers.

INvESTIGATION ONGOING

The cause of the Fujairah collision remains under investigation by local and international maritime authorities. Preliminary findings are expected in the coming days, but early reports point to the likely failure of standard collision

avoidance procedures due to one or both vessels operating without active AIS (Automatic Identification System).

A GLOBAL ISSuE, WITH LOCAL CONSEquENCES

With more than 50 shadow fleet incidents logged since early 2023, shipping companies and port authorities across the globe are on alert. For Pembrokeshire’s seafarers and port operators, the message is clear: while the risk may lie thousands of miles away, the consequences could sail straight into Milford Haven.

Hundreds take the plunge at Fishguard Triathlon

HUNDREDS of athletes descended on Fishguard on Sunday (June 15) for the annual Fishguard Triathlon, with competitors tackling a challenging course that included a sea swim, hilly bike ride, and a scenic run along the Pembrokeshire coastline.

The event, which is now firmly established on the Welsh triathlon calendar, saw wetsuit-clad swimmers charge into the water from the slipway near Ocean Lab, cheered on by an enthusiastic crowd of spectators lining the rocks and harbour walls. The race then moved onto the roads for a

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testing cycle through the surrounding hills before returning to the seafront for the final run.

Local police officers from the Neighbourhood Policing Team were on hand to support the event, including PCSO Carwyn Phillips and Sergeant Matt Wells—who recently took up the post of NPPT Sergeant for Milford Haven. Officers were seen chatting with members of the public

Adjourned for plea after hospitalisation

A WOMAN from Aberaeron has had her case adjourned after being unable to attend court due to being in hospital.

Elinor Hughes, aged 35, of LletYr Alaw, Oxford Street, is charged with assaulting David Lee Morgan on Oxford Street, Aberaeron on November 23, 2024. She did not enter a plea when the matter was heard at Haverfordwest

Magistrates’ Court. The hearing was adjourned at the request of the defence, with agreement from both parties, due to Hughes being in hospital.

The case will next be heard at Aberystwyth Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday, June 25 at 10:00am. The hearing will be for plea, and is scheduled to last approximately 20 minutes.

Crown for breach of restraining order

A MAN from Carmarthen has been remanded in custody after admitting to breaching a restraining order imposed by Swanse a Crown Court.

Graham Potter, aged 42, who gave his address as no fixed abode but formerly resided in Llangunnor, appeared before Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on Monday (June 16).

He admitted breaching a restraining

order by being in the presence of a protected person in Haverfordwest on June 14. The order had been imposed on January 2, 2024.

Due to the seriousness of the breach and his previous record, the case was committed to Swansea Crown Court for sentencing. Potter was remanded in custody until the sentencing hearing on July 7 at 9:00am.

and helping to keep the busy event running smoothly.

Sergeant Wells told The Herald: “It’s great to be part of such a positive event for the community. The turnout was fantastic and the atmosphere along the route was brilliant. I’d encourage anyone who sees me out and about in Milford Haven or Neyland to come and say hello.”

The triathlon was supported by volunteers, marshals, and safety

crews, including surf rescue teams keeping a close eye on swimmers. Residents from Fishguard and the surrounding area came out in force to show their support, with many lining the roads and harbour wall throughout the morning.

The event is part of a wider series organised by Activity Wales Events and continues to grow in popularity year-on-year, drawing entrants from across Wales and beyond.

Crown Court for woman after assault on police

A WOMAN from Pembroke has been remanded in custody after pleading guilty to a series of offences, including assaulting a police officer and damaging a police van.

Lisa Sture, aged 35, of St Oswalds, Main Street, appeared at Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on Monday (June 16).

She admitted damaging a DyfedPowys Police van on June 14, assaulting

a detention officer the following day, and refusing to provide a sample for a Class A drug test.

Sture was committed to Swansea Crown Court for sentencing. The hearing is due to take place on July 7 at 9:00am. The court ordered her remand in custody due to the seriousness of the offences, her previous record, and concerns about reoffending and failure to surrender.

Remanded for alleged theft from shop

A WELL known Pembrokeshire offender has been remanded in custody after denying a charge of shop theft.

Gareth Mann, aged 49, now living at Wallace Road, St Thomas, Swansea appeared at Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on Monday (June 16) charged with stealing hair clips and various other items from Home Bargains in Pembroke Dock on June 7.

Mann pleaded not guilty and made no application for bail.

The court heard that he had previously failed to surrender and was at risk of reoffending.

He was remanded in custody ahead of a mention hearing at Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on July 14 at 10:00am, to be held via video link. His custody time limit is due to expire on August 4.

Council defends £18k payments to new recruits

PEMBROKESHIRE COuNTY

COuNCIL has defended offering up to £18,000 in upfront payments to new staff in Trading Standards and Environmental Health roles, following public concern over the scale of the incentives.

The payments — which include “Golden Hellos” of up to £8,000, Gateway Payments of up to £3,000, and relocation packages of up to £8,000 — are featured prominently in job adverts for key public service positions. Members of the public have questioned whether the sums represent value for money during a time of rising council tax and squeezed public finances.

PART Of OffICIAL COuNCIL STRATEGY

In a detailed response to The Pembrokeshire Herald, the council confirmed that the payments are part of its Pay Structure Maintenance Policy and Future Workforce Plan, which were drawn up to address long-term

recruitment challenges in critical sectors.

The council said the Trading Standards team had become depleted over several years, with the imminent retirement of a further officer threatening statutory failure. It added that a previous £3,000 Golden Hello had failed to attract candidates, and that the agency staffing market had become so competitive that applicants were “naming their price”.

“We evidenced that we were in exceptional circumstances and were able to provide clear and objective evidence that there is a national shortage of these skills,” a spokesperson said.

POLICY APPROvED BY CABINET AND uNIONS

The council confirmed that the Future Workforce Plan was approved by Cabinet on 12 February 2024. The Pay

Structure Maintenance Policy itself is agreed by the Senior Leadership Team following consultation with trade unions and discussion at the council’s Social Partnership Forum, which is chaired by Council Leader David Simpson.

Oversight of individual recruitment payments is carried out by the Workforce Panel, which includes HR officers, trade union representatives, and the Director of Resources. The council added that all payments are subject to legal checks to ensure compliance with the Equality Act 2010.

NOT LIMITED TO ONE DEPARTMENT

The spokesperson said the incentives were not limited to Trading Standards. Other professions currently receiving Gateway or recruitment bonuses include Social Workers and Adult Mental Health Professionals, and the council is also considering adding Building Surveyors to the scheme.

“Whilst we have sought to future-

proof our professions with ‘grow your own’ career pathways, there will be times when we struggle to recruit,” the spokesperson said. “Given the very real budget restraints we operate in, we only got to this option after a long period of failed recruitment campaigns.”

The council said that the £8,000 relocation package is a HMRCrecognised expense and is only used for roles that are formally classed as hard to fill.

PuBLIC REACTION MIxED

Despite the explanation, public response to the incentives has been mixed. Some residents have expressed concern that such large payments could breed resentment among existing staff or set a precedent across other departments.

The Herald understands that further scrutiny may take place at future council meetings to assess whether the payments are achieving their goals and whether other solutions should be explored.

Teenager sentenced over transphobic assault at railway station

A MILfORD HAvEN teenager has been sentenced to a six-month referral order after admitting a hate-motivated assault at Whitland Railway Station.

The 15-year-old admitted beating another youth on 4 October 2024 and damaging his T-shirt during the same incident.

Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court heard the attack was aggravated by the fact the victim is transgender.

A victim statement was read aloud in court.

Magistrates imposed a six-month

referral order, an uplift from three months due to the aggravating factors.

The defendant was also ordered to pay £100 in compensation for the assault and £120 for the damage, alongside prosecution costs of £85 and a £26 surcharge.

His father must attend Youth Offender Panel meetings as part of the order.

A restraining order was issued prohibiting him from contacting the victim or referring to him directly or indirectly online until December.

Tom Sinclair editor@herald.email

Fire closes Pembrokeshire recycling centre

A fIRE broke out at a Pembrokeshire recycling centre on Tuesday (June 17), prompting an emergency response and the temporary closure of the site.

The incident occurred at the Crane Cross Waste and Recycling Centre near Saundersfoot, after a blaze ignited in one of the waste compactors.

Fire crews were called to the scene and quickly brought the fire under control. No injuries were reported.

A spokesperson for Pembrokeshire County Council confirmed the closure, stating: “Crane Cross Waste and Recycling Centre was closed this afternoon due to a fire breaking out in one of the compactors. The fire was quickly

brought under control by firefighters. There were no injuries.”

The council added that updates on the reopening of the facility will be shared in due course.

In the meantime, the authority issued a reminder to the public not to dispose of batteries or electrical appliances in black bags.

“We would like to take this opportunity to remind residents and businesses in Pembrokeshire to appropriately recycle their batteries and electrical appliances,” the spokesperson added. “Improper disposal can cause fires and endanger staff and members of the public.”

Sentenced for nursery break-in

A 56-YEAR-OLD man has been sentenced for breaking into the Tabernacle Kindergarten in Pembroke with intent to steal.

Haverfordwest magistrates heard this week how Paul Sture targeted the site on two separate occasions between May 7 and May 9, 2023.

“He was later found with an iPad taken from the kindergarten, but we’re unable to prove whether he was responsible for its actual theft,” said Crown Prosecutor Sian Vaughan.

Probation officer Julie Norman said Sture, of Eastleigh Court, Taunton, had no recollection of the incident due

to his drug and alcohol abuse at the time.

However, his solicitor Tom Lloyd said he had since made “fantastic progress” after finding supported accommodation in Taunton.

Sture pleaded guilty to burglary with intent to steal and three counts of failing to surrender to court in December 2024, and January and May 2025.

He was sentenced to a 12-month Community Order with ten rehabilitation activity requirement days. He was fined £40 and ordered to pay £85 costs and a £16 surcharge.

Haverfordwest man caught drugdriving with cocaine in his system

A HAvERfORDWEST motorist has appeared before the courts after being caught driving with cocaine and benzoylecgonine in his system.

Paul Everett, 44, was stopped by officers on February 3 as he drove his Citroën C3 through Bridgend Square, Haverfordwest.

He admitted to having taken drugs and was subjected to blood tests, which revealed 240 mcg of benzoylecgonine

and 83 mcg of cocaine in his system. The legal limits are 50 and 10 respectively.

Everett, of Fleming Crescent, Haverfordwest, pleaded guilty to two drug-driving charges when he appeared before Haverfordwest magistrates.

His solicitor, Liam Francis, requested an adjournment for a probation report. Sentencing is scheduled for June 23. He was released on unconditional bail and given an interim driving disqualification.

Driver over limit was helping suicidal friend

A DECISION to support a friend who was struggling with suicidal thoughts has resulted in a court appearance for Pembrokeshire motorist Christopher Jones after he was caught driving while over the legal drink-drive limit.

Police received a call from a member of the public on the night of May 22 reporting that a BMW had driven off following a minor road accident. The vehicle was later spotted in Marble Hall Road, Milford Haven, and officers noticed damage to its number plate. The driver was identified as Christopher Jones, 48.

Following a positive roadside breath test, further tests showed the defendant had 81 mcg of alcohol in his system. The legal limit is 35.

This week Jones, of Fair View,

Johnston, pleaded guilty to the drinkdriving charge when he appeared before Haverfordwest magistrates. He was represented in court by solicitor Tom Lloyd, who said that following a “significant custodial sentence” in 2008, Jones had remained out of trouble.

“He’s done everything he can to ensure that nothing like this would ever happen again,” said Mr Lloyd. “But that night, he was going to assist a friend who was suicidal.”

Mr Lloyd added that the mandatory driving ban would have a serious impact on Jones’ parents, both of whom are in poor health and rely on him for transport.

Jones was disqualified from driving for 17 months and fined £120. He must also pay £85 court costs and a £48 surcharge.

Oil refinery worker caught drinkdriving on wrong side of the road

AN OIL REFINERY pipe fitter has been dealt a four-figure fine after being caught driving through Haverfordwest town centre despite being well over the drink-drive limit.

This was the defendant’s second drink-driving prosecution in ten years.

Mathew Evans, 27, was observed narrowly avoiding a crash with a police vehicle on the night of May 26 before driving his Vauxhall Astra through Haverfordwest on the wrong side of the road and overtaking on blind bends. He was eventually stopped by officers in Dew Street.

A roadside breath test was positive, while further tests carried out at the police custody suite confirmed he had 91 mcg of alcohol in his system. The legal limit is 35.

This week, probation officer Julie

Norman told Haverfordwest magistrates that during her interview with Evans, he claimed to have drunk three cans of alcohol during his lunch break on the day of the offence, which was a considerable amount of time before his arrest at 9:00pm.

“But he’d also been out the night before and had consumed more alcohol, so it was likely that this was still in his system,” she said.

Evans, of Judkin Court, Butetown, Cardiff, pleaded guilty to the drink-driving charge. Because this was his second offence in ten years, he was disqualified from driving for 48 months and fined £1,166.

He was also ordered to pay a £466 court surcharge and £85 costs, totalling £1,717.

Teenage hero: Luca Davies raises over £2,000 for charity

A TEENAGER from Begelly has captured the hearts of his community after chopping off his distinctive long red hair in support of two worthy causes.

Fifteen-year-old Luca Davies had been growing his hair for several years with a clear goal in mind. On Friday, 25 April 2025, he made good on his promise—visiting Andrew Price’s Narberth salon, where stylist Nathan gave him a dramatic new look. The donated hair will now go to the Little Princess Trust, a charity that provides real-hair wigs to children and young people who lose their hair due to cancer or other medical conditions.

But Luca didn’t stop there. Alongside the hair donation, he launched a fundraising campaign in aid of The Paul Sartori Foundation, Pembrokeshire’s hospice-at-home charity. His connection to the Foundation runs deep—he spent a full year volunteering at their Narberth store between January 2024 and January 2025, gaining valuable experience and insight into the charity’s work supporting families facing end-oflife care.

Reflecting on his efforts, Luca said:“Being a member of Paul Sartori showed me what it means to help the community. The money raised will go to Paul Sartori, and my hair will be donated to the Little Princess Trust.”

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Luca’s fundraiser gained impressive momentum. Within a month of announcing his plan, donations exceeded £500. By the day of the haircut, he had raised £1,480 online— excluding Gift Aid. A later update on social media revealed that the total reached £2,215.50, a testament to the incredible support from friends, family,

local businesses, and strangers moved by Luca’s story.

Among the supporters was Lloyds Jewellers, and Luca’s JustGiving page was filled with messages of praise, including “you’re a superstar!”

Joanne Lutwyche, Community Fundraising Officer at the Paul Sartori Foundation, praised Luca’s commitment: “By undertaking this sponsored haircut and raising more vital funds, Luca highlights the importance of young people’s support of our local hospice-at-

home charity. We rely on efforts like this to keep our clinical services operating for free for families in Pembrokeshire.”

From his fellow volunteers to schoolteachers and well-wishers online, Luca’s dedication has sparked widespread admiration. His story stands as a powerful example of youth-driven compassion, proving that age is no barrier to making a real difference.

At the Paul Sartori Foundation, Luca Davies is proudly hailed as a Teenage Hero.

Rural crime in Wales rises despite UK-wide decline

THE COST of rural crime in Wales rose by 18% last year, despite a sharp decline across the rest of the uK, according to new figures published by Nfu Mutual.

The UK’s leading rural insurer said crime in the Welsh countryside cost an estimated £2.8 million in 2024—up from the previous year—making it the only UK nation to see an increase. In contrast, Scotland and Northern Ireland recorded significant drops of 33% and 9% respectively.

NFU Mutual’s Rural Crime Report 2025, released on Monday (June 16), reveals that quad bikes and all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) remain top targets for criminals. These thefts cost farmers across the UK an estimated £2.7 million in 2024, even though the overall number of incidents fell by 16%.

Agricultural vehicle thefts dropped by 35% to around £7 million, while the theft of GPS equipment—previously a growing trend—fell by 71% to £1.2 million after a spike in 2023.

Livestock theft remains a serious concern, costing UK farmers £3.4 million last year. In many cases, more than 50 sheep were taken in a single raid, with NFU Mutual warning that the practice has become increasingly organised and coordinated.

Dog attacks on farm animals also led to losses of around £1.8 million, although this figure was down by more than 25%

compared to 2023.

Owen Suckley, NFU Mutual’s Regional Manager for Wales, said: “In recent years we’ve seen rural crime becoming increasingly organised, serious and persistent. Sadly, we saw that trend continue in Wales throughout 2024.”

He added: “It’s not just about financial loss—these crimes have a real impact on the mental wellbeing of farming families. Farmers are left fearful and exhausted, constantly worrying that thieves will return.”

While Wales has seen a rise in rural crime, the wider UK picture shows some

improvement. The total cost of rural crime across the UK dropped by 16.5% to £44.1 million, thanks in part to better coordination between police, farmers, insurers, and government.

In 2024, a joint initiative led by the National Rural Crime Unit and NFU Mutual helped recover £4.4 million worth of stolen farm machinery. NFU Mutual also funded the UK’s first dedicated livestock theft prevention officer, whose work will continue until at least 2027.

A survey of NFU Mutual’s rural insurance agents found that:

• 92% believe crime is disrupting farming activity in their area;

• 86% know of farmers who’ve been

repeatedly targeted; and

• 96% believe rural crime is negatively affecting mental health in the farming community.

NFU Mutual has pledged more than £400,000 in funding for rural crime prevention initiatives during 2024 and is urging farmers to remain vigilant. The insurer is also calling on rural communities to report suspicious activity and work together to combat crime.

Speaking about the figures, Samuel Kurtz MS said: “These figures are both alarming and deeply disappointing. Rural communities in Wales are being let down.

Criminals see the countryside as an easy target, and it’s vital that we invest in both policing and preventative infrastructure to reverse this trend.

However, the UK Labour government’s Spending Review will make policing more difficult and shows once again that rural issues just aren’t on Labour’s radar.

Farmers need real support – not just from the police, but from government –to feel safe in their homes and secure in their livelihoods. I will continue to stand up for these communities and make sure their voice is heard.”

Farmers are encouraged to download the full report and access crime prevention advice at:

www.nfumutual.co.uk/farming/ruralcrime/

Tom Sinclair editor@herald.email

Police check vehicle: Union says a rural crime crackdown is needed (Image: File)

Mid & West Wales Fire and Rescue Authority announces new chair and deputy

MID AND WEST WALES fire and Rescue Authority has elected a new leadership team to guide the organisation for the next two municipal years.

At the Authority’s Annual General Meeting held on Monday, 9 June 2025, Councillor John Davies of Pembrokeshire was elected as Chair, while Councillor Matthew Crowley of Neath Port Talbot was appointed Deputy Chair.

Councillor Davies has served on the Fire Authority since May 2022 and was Deputy Chair from 2023. A longstanding member of Pembrokeshire County Council since 1999, he was Leader of the Council

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from 2004 to 2012. His public service career includes a decade as Chair of the Board of the Royal Welsh Agricultural Society, where he was named an Honorary Life Vice-President in 2022. He has also served two terms on the S4C Authority and held the role of High Sheriff of Dyfed.

Speaking following his election, Cllr Davies said: “It is a huge privilege to be elected Chair at a time of both significant change and ongoing challenges in the fire and rescue sector in Wales.

I will work alongside my fellow Authority

Members to ensure close engagement with all stakeholders—from the dedicated staff who shape our Service to the communities we are here to protect. I am proud to be part of a Service that responds so effectively in people’s hour of need.”

Cllr Matthew Crowley has served on the Fire Authority since 2017. He began his public service career in 1982 with Afan Borough Council and most recently served as Mayor of Neath Port Talbot (2024–2025).

Cllr Crowley is active in numerous community roles. He is President of Aberavon Green Stars RFC, a member of the Aberavon Lifeguard Club, a life member of the GMB Union, and chairs the

governing bodies of both Awel y Môr and Tywyn primary schools.

Commenting on his appointment as Deputy Chair, Cllr Crowley said: “It is both a privilege and a personal honour to be elected Deputy Chair of the Fire Authority. Public services across Wales face difficult times, but with the dedication of our Members and Officers, we will continue to deliver the best possible Fire and Rescue Service.

This role also holds special meaning for me, as I follow in the footsteps of my late father, who served as Deputy Chair and later Chair of the Fire Authority between 2007 and 2009.”

Police and Crime Commissioner meeting update

On 10 June 2025, as County Councillor for the Castle Ward, I met with Dafydd Llywelyn, the Dyfed-Powys Police and Crime Commissioner, at HaverHub to discuss crime and policing issues affecting our local community. Officers from Haverfordwest, fishguard, and St Davids Police were also engaged in the discussion.

As a direct outcome of the meeting, I have been assured of an update regarding the Haverfordwest Public Space Protection Order (PSPO), which is under review. In particular, I raised the ongoing problem of fly-grazing — the illegal practice of leaving horses on land without permission — which has become a growing issue in Haverfordwest and across Pembrokeshire.

Fly-grazing presents serious concerns for public safety, causes damage to property, and places a strain on local resources. Incidents have been reported repeatedly across the county, and I made clear that residents are calling for urgent action.

I remain hopeful that Dyfed-Powys Police will implement meaningful measures to address this escalating problem, which has clearly reached an unacceptable level.

Cllr Matthew Crowley

Cllr John Davies

Hundreds turn out for Garth in the Park community celebration

GARTH in the Park proved a huge success on Saturday (June 14), as residents from across Haverfordwest gathered in their hundreds for a vibrant afternoon of community spirit, entertainment and outreach.

Held at the Play Park on Trafalgar

Road, the event was organised by LifePoint PEMBS and supported by a wide range of sponsors and local groups,

with activities running from midday to 2:00pm. A packed programme of music, games, raffles and service showcases helped bring the park to life despite overcast skies.

A strong presence from emergency services was on display, with Mid and

West Wales Fire and Rescue Service and officers from Haverfordwest, Fishguard and St Davids police stations arriving in uniform to engage with families and exhibit their vehicles and equipment.

The day was also supported by groups including DDAS (Dyfed Drug and Alcohol Service), Choices Cymru, The VC Gallery, HaverShed and the Army Cadets, who played a vital role in supervising road crossings, litter picking and assisting residents with activities.

Local councillors Chris Black and Kishoore Manikonda, who represent the Garth ward, provided snacks and drinks for the lucky dip. Meanwhile, Councillor Randell Izaiah ThomasTurner, one of the event organisers, described the turnout as “incredible,” adding: “Events like this showcase the community spirit in Haverfordwest, making us the best in the west.”

Ruth Busisa and Alex Lox Busisa of LifePoint Church were also praised for their leadership in organising the event and championing the church’s role in supporting local residents.

A large number of local businesses donated raffle prizes, including Waldo Lounge, Turkish Kitchen, New Style, Friars Vaults, The Box at HaverHub, and Black Label Studios. Reform UK Pembrokeshire’s Scott Thorley and community photographer Levi Fox were also recognised for their support. Sponsors included Tesco, Specsavers, Haverfordwest County AFC, Haverfordwest Town Council, Pure West Radio and many others.

Photos from the day show smiling emergency workers, community leaders and residents coming together in a show of unity and celebration.

Tom Sinclair editor@herald.email

Emergency services: Firefighters and police officers at Garth in the Park (Pic: Levi fox)

Community spirit: Councillors and residents at Saturday’s event in Haverfordwest (Pic: Levi fox)

Final sign-off for Great Wedlock holiday lodges scheme

THE fINAL sign-off has been given for a multi-million-pound disabilityfriendly holiday lodge development at a Pembrokeshire deer park attraction previously backed by councillors despite repeated recommendations for refusal.

In an application twice backed despite repeated recommendations for refusal at both the February and March meetings of Pembrokeshire County Council’s planning committee, Mr and Mrs Evans sought permission for 15 lodges at Great Wedlock, Gumfreston, near Tenby, the site of a 176-acre deer farm attraction, which includes animals from the late Queen’s estate, and a more recently-granted market traders’ barn.

The application returned to the February meeting after being backed with a ‘minded to’ support in January after a ‘cooling off period’.

At the February meeting, officers repeated their concerns, also raising a recent court judgement against the council for a previously-granted holiday park scheme in Stepaside, which had been backed despite repeated calls by

Bruce Sinclair Local Democracy Reporter

officers for its refusal, saying there was a possibility of a similar situation arising.

That second approval against officer recommendations based on policy meant the final decision on the scheme will have to be made by full council, the matter appearing before the May 8 meeting.

The applicants’ previous scheme for a trading barn took an identical route, being decided by full council after repeatedly being recommended for refusal.

Reasons for refusal given to members included it was outside of an identified settlement boundary in a countryside location, and was considered to have an adverse impact on visual amenity.

The applicants have previously said build costs to complete the development would be circa £2.3m.

At the May meeting of full council, officers again reiterated the judicial review concerns and the conflicts with policy before Cllr Simon Hancock, as

then chair of the planning committee moved the scheme be approved, despite saying he would vote against it.

He was seconded by local member Cllr Rhys Jordan, who said the material considerations of “ethically right and economically sound” sustainable tourism and the disability-friendly lodges outweighed the planning considerations.

He said, on the cited recent court judgement, there was unlikely to be any challenge as there had been no objection from the local community council or any opposition groups.

The application was approved by 30 votes to 23, with one abstention.

Following committee approval,

the scheme has now been formally approved.

An officer report said of the May approval: “Members considered that the results in economic benefits and the provision of accessible tourist accommodation were considerations to outweigh the conflict with the policies of the Local Development Plan when it was resolved to approve the application.”

In reaching formal approval it added: “The application was then advertised in the Western Telegraph as a departure to the policies of the Local Development Plan for Pembrokeshire. Following the advertisement of the application no further comments have been received.”

Zookeeper who cares for 42 penguins to represent Wales at Miss Earth

A ZOOKEEPER from Pembrokeshire who spends her days feeding fish to penguins has been crowned Miss Earth Wales 2025.

Abigail Wood, aged 25, works at Folly Farm Adventure Park & Zoo where she helps care for a colony of 42 penguins, including endangered Humboldt and macaroni species.

The Swansea-born conservationist, who now lives in Pembrokeshire, said the contrast between her day job and evening glamour is something she has embraced.

“It’s very much stinking of fish one minute, and then I’m glammed up the next,” she said.

Miss Wood recently won the national beauty title at the Miss Earth Wales pageant held at the Memo Arts Centre

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in Barry. She will now go on to represent Wales at the international Miss Earth final later this year, an environmentallyfocused global event.

Her background in conservation runs deep. She holds a Master of Science in Environmental Biology from Swansea University and is the founder of the ‘Wild About Nature’ initiative, which encourages children to engage with the natural world. She has also written a nature-themed activity book for young readers and is planning to run summer workshops at Folly Farm.

Speaking to The Herald, she said: “When I was young, we used to

spend weeks near Fishguard at my grandparents’ caravan. With no phone signal or screens, we were out in nature every day – flying kites, catching butterflies, exploring. That’s what started it all for me.”

Her job at Folly Farm involves feeding the penguins three times a day and caring for other bird species including flamingos and ducks.

“There’s very little cleaning, but a lot of feeding,” she said. “Working here has been a dream, and the team have been so supportive of everything I’ve done.”

Miss Wood said the Miss Earth

competition appealed to her because it combined her love of nature with the opportunity to advocate for environmental education.

“When you compete in Miss Earth, you choose an advocacy. Mine is conservation education. I want to show that you can be passionate about the planet and still enjoy the glamour too. Glamour doesn’t have to come at the cost of your values.”

She added: “It’s about making the outdoors exciting again for young people—and showing that penguin poo and sequins really can go hand in hand.”

Milford Haven welcomes international guests to mark Soroptimists’ 70th anniversary

MILfORD HAvEN’S Mayor, Councillor William Elliott, and his Consort, Mr Lloyd Jones, welcomed visitors to the town on Saturday (June 14) as part of a celebration marking the 70th anniversary of the Milford Haven Soroptimists.

The event, held at the Milford Haven Museum, brought together Soroptimist International members from partner friendship clubs in St Austell and De

Council/facebook)

Bevelanden in the Netherlands. The gathering forms part of a wider weekend of friendship activities, reflecting the Soroptimists’ long-standing commitment to international cooperation, women’s rights and community service.

The group was welcomed to the museum with a tour showcasing the town’s rich maritime and industrial heritage. Located in the town’s old dockside building, the museum features

exhibitions on fishing, whaling, oil and gas, and the early settlement of Milford Haven, with historical links to Charles Francis Greville, the town’s founder.

Mayor Elliott said he was “delighted to meet the visiting guests and to see such strong international ties flourishing here in Milford.” He praised the Soroptimists’ continued dedication to both local and global causes, and said the museum visit was a fitting way to

mark the group’s milestone anniversary. The Milford Haven Soroptimists have been active in the community since 1954, supporting women’s empowerment projects and social justice campaigns. The anniversary celebrations continue across the weekend, with further visits, dinners, and cultural events planned to honour the group’s legacy.

Castle Ward Councillor meets 50+ Forum to support older resident

CLLR THOMAS TuDOR County Councillor for the Castle Ward, recently met with Paul GuisbourneHilton, Chair of the Pembrokeshire 50+ forum, to gain a deeper understanding of the organisation’s work and how it can support older residents in the area.

The meeting took place at HaverHub, where Cllr Tudor praised the forum’s efforts in giving a voice to Pembrokeshire’s ageing population.

“The forum is doing vital work in ensuring the needs of those aged over 50 are heard and addressed,” said Cllr Tudor. “It was great to meet Paul and hear how residents from Castle Ward can benefit by getting involved.”

The Pembrokeshire Over 50s Forum meets on the third Thursday of each month between 1:30pm and 3:30pm. Meetings are informal and friendly, with tea and coffee provided. Each session features a guest speaker

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relevant to older people’s interests –such as digital inclusion, community transport, or representatives from support organisations.

The forum brings together people over the age of 50 who are passionate about improving the lives of older residents. Members take part in surveys, attend events, and work alongside councillors and community groups to influence positive change across the county.

“It’s a great way to meet people, learn about what’s going on, and make sure your voice is heard,” added Cllr Tudor.

For more information, residents can contact the Pembrokeshire 50+ Forum or drop in to a future meeting at HaverHub.

nternational celebration: visitors from De Bevelanden and St Austell joined the Mayor and Milford Haven Soroptimists outside the town’s museum on friday (Pic: Milford Haven Town

Drought risk as reservoirs drop

Cardigan, Crymych, Llanfyrnach and Nevern among communities at risk of water restrictions if dry weather continues

WELSH WATER has declared a ‘Developing Drought’ in parts of North Pembrokeshire and Mid and South Ceredigion, as reservoir levels in the Teifi catchment fall significantly below seasonal expectations.

The warning affects around 32,000 properties across the water supply

network fed by the Teifi Pools reservoirs and the River Teifi at Llechryd. Communities in North Pembrokeshire including Crymych, Llanfyrnach and Nevern are among those potentially

facing summer water restrictions if conditions do not improve.

The supply area also includes towns in Ceredigion such as Llanon, Llangwyryfon, and Cwm Ystwyth, as well as parts of North Carmarthenshire, including Farmers, Pencader, and Hermon.

Welsh Water confirmed that the Teifi Pools—located high in the Cambrian Mountains—have received just 37% of their expected rainfall between March and May. The surrounding peatland, which usually helps store and slowly release water, is retaining more than it should, with little recent rain to replenish the system.

Reservoir levels are now 31% lower than this time last year. While there is no immediate risk to water supplies, the water company says hosepipe bans could follow if the situation worsens.

Marc Davies, Director of Water Services, said: “We are giving our customers early warning by moving to ‘Developing Drought’ status for Mid and South Ceredigion, which includes parts of North Pembrokeshire.

“We’re not telling people not to use water—just to use what they need, without waste. If we don’t get significant rainfall soon, temporary restrictions may be necessary.”

Welsh Water is currently fixing around 700 leaks a week and says that transferring water from other parts of Wales is not practical due to the geography and cost.

No other region in Wales is currently under a drought status. If restrictions are introduced, Welsh Water will contact customers directly and provide a postcode checker online.

Local residents can find water-saving tips and updates at dwrcymru.com.

Two Pembrokeshire woodlands join National Forest for Wales

TWO Pembrokeshire woodland sites have been selected to join the growing National forest for Wales, as part of a major expansion announced by the Welsh Government this week.

Llys y Fran and Coed Uno are among ten new sites added to the scheme, which now covers over 4,000 hectares and includes 70 woodlands across Wales. The announcement was made on Thursday (June 12) by Deputy First Minister Huw Irranca-Davies, who is also responsible for Climate Change and Rural Affairs.

The new sites bring an additional 389 hectares of woodland into the National Forest network. Coed Uno, in particular, is a first for Wales – it is the country’s first agroforestry site to be recognised as part of the forest initiative. The woodland is part of the Hwb Dysgu’r Tir project, which teaches visitors how to integrate tree planting with traditional agricultural practices. Llys y Fran, already well-known to many Pembrokeshire residents as a popular reservoir and recreational area, will now benefit from enhanced conservation efforts and access funding under the National Forest framework.

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Mr Irranca-Davies praised the diversity and quality of the new additions. He said: “It’s wonderful to see the continued expansion of the National Forest for Wales and to welcome this next group of woodlands to the network. These sites are helping to deliver environmental benefits, create green jobs, and support local wellbeing.”

The National Forest programme not only focuses on reforestation and biodiversity, but also supports local health boards through green prescription schemes, provides education and skills training, and encourages community involvement in woodland management.

The latest expansion round includes woodlands in Carmarthenshire, Powys, Gwynedd, Rhondda Cynon Taf, Ceredigion, Flintshire and Gwent. In total, the National Forest for Wales aims to connect woodlands across the country and improve access to nature for all communities.

Government is encouraging more landowners, community groups and local authorities to put forward suitable sites for future inclusion.

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The Welsh

For Pembrokeshire, the recognition of Llys y Fran and Coed Uno signals further investment in the region’s natural environment, with the potential to boost tourism, education and sustainability.

Air quality at historic mill ‘cleanest ever recorded in UK’

THE AIR around a historic mill on the Bluestone National Park Resort estate has been found to be cleaner than any site currently monitored by the uK Government.

Black Pool Mill, an early 19thcentury water mill that now houses a restaurant near Canaston Woods, has been recording air quality since 2024 as part of Bluestone’s ongoing commitment to sustainability.

According to the data, the mean average of PM2.5 – fine particulate matter less than 2.5 micrometres in diameter – at the site is just three micrograms per cubic metre. That is significantly below legal limits in Wales (25) and England (20), and cleaner than any figures recorded at official UK monitoring sites.

PM2.5 particles can come from aerosols, vehicle fumes and industrial emissions, as well as natural sources such as dust and pollen. The health impacts of long-term exposure to these particles are well documented, contributing to respiratory and cardiovascular issues.

Professor Paul Lewis, Chief Scientific Officer at Health and Wellbeing 360 and Clean Air Programme Regional Champion for Wales, is leading the research. He said: “Black Pool Mill is clearly way below the legal thresholds. South Pembrokeshire benefits from westerly sea winds and very low levels of manmade pollution. The mill is surrounded by ancient woodland, in a sheltered estuary valley, and sits within Bluestone’s car-free resort – all of which contribute to these outstanding results.”

Environmental scientist Marten Lewis, director of sustainability at Bluestone, said: “We’re delighted but not surprised. This confirms that our

efforts to protect the environment and put the wellbeing of our guests and staff first are paying off. Following our recent King’s Award for Enterprise in sustainable development, this shows why Bluestone stands out as a model for regenerative tourism.”

Mr Lewis added that Bluestone is now looking to trial new low-

particulate cleaning products and expand monitoring to indoor areas including lodges, the resort pub, and children’s play facilities.

Black Pool Mill reopened in 2023 following extensive restoration and now forms part of Bluestone’s visitor experience, offering seasonal food in a historic riverside setting.

Pembrokeshire rivers prioritised with launch of new conservation website

A NEW website dedicated to the restoration and protection of Pembrokeshire’s precious rivers has launched, offering residents and local communities the chance to get directly involved in safeguarding their local environment.

The website, www.wwnmb.wales, has been set up by the West Wales Nutrient Management Boards (NMBs),

focusing particularly on the River Cleddau, alongside the Tywi and Teifi rivers. All three rivers have Special Areas of Conservation (SACs) status but are currently struggling to meet targets for phosphorus levels, which are crucial to maintaining healthy ecosystems.

Supported by Welsh Government funding and led locally by Pembrokeshire County Council, in collaboration with

authorities in Carmarthenshire and Ceredigion, the initiative unites public bodies, environmental groups, utilities, and local stakeholders. Its key goal is to find sustainable long-term solutions to improve water quality, thus benefiting wildlife, local businesses, and the community.

Pembrokeshire County Councillor Jacob Williams, Chair of the Cleddau Nutrient Management Board, said:

“Pembrokeshire’s rivers are at the heart of our communities and economy. This new website empowers everyone—residents, farmers, landowners, developers, and young people—to understand the challenges and become part of the solution to improve river health across our county.”

The site offers detailed interactive maps, accessible summaries of scientific data, resources specifically tailored for landowners and developers, and opportunities to engage in citizen science projects. Pembrokeshire residents can also get involved directly by joining local stakeholder groups or participating in public consultations.

Additionally, Pembrokeshire residents can visit the WWNMB stand at the Pembrokeshire County Show on Wednesday 20 and Thursday 21 August at the FUW stand, to learn more and discuss how they can contribute to protecting their local rivers.

For updates and further engagement, residents are encouraged to follow the social media hashtags: #WWNMB25 #BRhMGC25

Explore the initiative and find ways to get involved at www.wwnmb.wales.

Tom Sinclair editor@herald.email

Clean air: Black Pool Mill sits in ancient woodland near the River Cleddau (Pic: Bluestone)

Cllr. Jacob Williams

Call for Welsh charities to join new volunteering revolution

CHARITIES of all sizes across Wales are being urged to sign up to a new digital volunteering platform designed to make it easier for people to give their time and support vital community causes.

Created by the Royal Voluntary Service, with funding from players of People’s Postcode Lottery, the platform will help connect charities with wouldbe volunteers in their local areas. It is free to use and aims to modernise how volunteering is accessed and managed.

Voluntary organisations across the country have struggled in recent years with declining volunteer numbers. But research by Royal Voluntary Service suggests this trend could be reversed. In Wales, 45% of people said they would be more likely to volunteer if they could do so flexibly via an app or online platform.

Motivation to contribute remains strong, with many citing a desire to support their local community as a key reason to volunteer. The new platform aims to tap into this enthusiasm by making it easier for people to find roles that suit their lifestyles.

Launching to the public this autumn, the platform will allow users to browse, filter and apply for volunteering roles with just a few clicks. In the meantime, charities can sign up and begin

uploading roles from June onwards to test the platform.

It is hoped the platform will become a central hub for flexible, accessible and digitally enabled volunteering in Wales.

Charities from all sectors—whether in sport, the arts, health, environmental work or animal welfare—are encouraged to register and offer a diverse range of roles.

Making opportunities inclusive and varied—from one-off remote roles to team-based or traditional placements— will help widen access to volunteering and inspire a new generation of community contributors.

As well as improving recruitment, the platform aims to reduce the administrative burden for charities.

Volunteers will complete a one-time onboarding and identity check, enabling them to switch between roles and organisations without repeating basic steps. Free criminal record checks will also be introduced in future.

Catherine Johnstone CBE, Chief Executive of Royal Voluntary Service, said:

“We’ve developed this platform in partnership with charities large and small to ensure it’s genuinely useful across the board. By breaking down the barriers to volunteering, we’re helping more people fit it into their busy lives.

Thanks to the support of People’s Postcode Lottery players, we’re on the brink of a volunteer revolution, and we want as many Welsh charities as possible to be part of it.”

Clara Govier, Managing Director at People’s Postcode Lottery, added: Volunteers are the lifeblood of so many charities. This platform will help new generations find opportunities that suit their lives—whether locally or online. We’re incredibly proud to support Royal Voluntary Service in delivering this initiative.”

Local charities have also welcomed the platform.

Damian Golden, Accessible Vehicle Co-ordinator for Pembrokeshire Association of Community Transport Organisations (PACTO), said:

“Volunteers are the heart of our community transport network. We’re hopeful this platform will help us connect with more passionate individuals and extend our reach across Pembrokeshire.”

The platform is free for charities and includes identity checks for volunteers. Organisations interested in registering or taking part in upcoming workshops and webinars can find out more at www. royalvoluntaryservice.org.uk.

Tractor rally hailed a sunny success in Cardigan Bay

uNDER glorious sunshine, hundreds of vintage and modern tractors rumbled through the countryside on Sunday (June 15) for the Welsh National Tractor Road Run 2025 — a spectacular event that this year took in the stunning coastline and rolling hills of Cardigan Bay.

Led by Dai Rees and organised by the North Pembrokeshire Tractor Enthusiasts, this year’s event was hailed as one of the best yet, with a 35-mile route winding in and out of Ceredigion and Pembrokeshire, offering breathtaking views of both the coast and the Teifi Valley.

Starting just south of the River Teifi at Awenfryn, Glanrhyd — by kind permission of the Evans family — the convoy of tractors included models of all shapes and sizes, with larger machines grouped at the rear. The event remained a family-friendly and safety-conscious affair, with strict rules on seating and convoy discipline.

With HGV parking arranged at CCF agricultural depot and refreshments available at both the start and lunch stop, the event ran smoothly and drew praise from participants and spectators alike.

More importantly, the 2025 run raised vital funds for three local charities: Wales Air Ambulance, Crymych First Responders, and Cardigan First Responders. While final fundraising totals are yet to be confirmed, organisers say the response has been overwhelming, with generous donations and strong entry numbers.

Dai Rees said: “It was an incredible day. We couldn’t have asked for better weather, and the support from the local community was fantastic. It’s all about raising money for great causes and celebrating our shared love of tractors and the countryside.”

Entries were open via the WNTRR Facebook page, with dozens of photos already shared online capturing the colour, character, and community spirit of this year’s run.

As the sun set over Cardigan Bay, engines cooled and trailers rolled home — but the memories of a perfect day in the fields will last a long time.

Photos by Richard Baggott

Young Celtic creatives unite through innovative exchange

WELSH, Cornish, Scottish Gaelic and Irish language speakers have come together for a pioneering cultural exchange celebrating their shared linguistic heritage.

The Celtic Exchange programme, developed by the British-Irish Council, brought together young creative professionals to learn new media skills and co-create multilingual content, while exploring the cultural threads that bind the Celtic nations.

Participants travelled through the Western Isles, meeting filmmakers, content creators and musicians who use ancient languages as the foundation for modern creative expression. Along the way, they discovered surprising similarities between their languages and cultures, building lasting friendships and professional networks.

Ifan Prys of Rondo Media, who took part in the exchange, said: “The trip was a unique opportunity to meet other Celtic language content creators, to share ideas, and to strengthen networks between our linguistic communities.

The programme was full of varied and rich activities. We had the opportunity to network with MG ALBA, BBC Alba, and local producers, discussing opportunities, challenges and shared ambitions.

The chance to learn, share and be inspired alongside people from diverse linguistic backgrounds was invaluable. It reinforced the importance of working creatively in our own languages.”

Participants produced original multilingual content during the trip, which premiered at the 2025 Celtic Media Festival in Newquay, Cornwall. Bethan Campbell from Boom Cymru

also joined the programme. She said: “The trip to Scotland was a very special experience, full of valuable and diverse activities.

I really enjoyed every moment and made treasured memories. The highlight was spending time with the other young people and making new friends from every corner of Britain. Sharing our stories and hopes for the future was truly inspiring.

Collaborating with such passionate and creative people reminded us all of the importance of creating content in our own languages.

Thank you from the bottom of my heart to everyone who made it happen – experiences like this are rare, and I feel incredibly lucky.”

Welsh Language Secretary Mark Drakeford said: “The Celtic Exchange programme celebrates our living languages and helps young people build creative careers using their indigenous tongues, wherever they choose to live and work.

We’re proud to work with partners across the nations to grow our languages, strengthen cultural connections and support opportunities in creative industries rooted in our shared heritage.”

Soldiers clear tons of waste from remote pembrokeshire bay

A GROuP of soldiers from the Royal Tank Regiment’s Egypt Squadron has been praised for carrying out a large-scale beach clean at one of Pembrokeshire’s most remote and stunning coastal locations.

During a break from training exercises on the Castlemartin MOD range, the team descended on Bullslaughter Bay—a dramatic cove surrounded by

towering limestone cliffs—and removed a significant volume of marine litter and debris.

The soldiers collected the rubbish by hand and transported it back to camp, where it was sorted and recycled where possible.

The Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority, who shared images of the clean-up, said the squadron’s efforts had made “a real difference” to this quiet

and unspoiled stretch of coast.

In a statement, the Authority wrote: “Huge thanks to the soldiers from the Royal Tank Regiment (Egypt Squadron) who took time out of their training to clear tons of rubbish from Bullslaughter Bay near Castlemartin. Their hard work has made a real difference to this remote stretch of coast – a big thank you to all involved!”

Bullslaughter Bay, rarely visited due to its restricted location within the live military training zone, is a hidden gem known for its caves, sea arches and

crystal-clear waters. It is accessible only when the range is open to the public—and only at low tide, when more of the beach is exposed beyond the high pebble line.

Though popular with adventurous swimmers and walkers, the bay is vulnerable to litter washing ashore from the sea, especially during storms. The clean-up has restored the area to its natural beauty and highlighted the importance of protecting Pembrokeshire’s lesser-known coves.

South Hook boosts Torch Theatre with new sound and screen tech

THE TORCH THEATRE in Milford Haven has received a major upgrade to its audience experience thanks to support from South Hook LNG Terminal.

A brand-new projection screen and sound desk have been installed in the theatre’s Main House auditorium, funded by South Hook as part of its continuing commitment to support local charities and community organisations.

“We are proud to support such a valuable asset for our community,” said Hamad Al Samra, General Manager at South Hook. “The Torch Theatre

provides a wealth of cultural and educational opportunities for people across Pembrokeshire.”

The Torch, a not-for-profit organisation with charitable status, remains at the heart of Pembrokeshire’s cultural scene—hosting a diverse programme of live performances, cinema, and community events.

Chelsey Gillard, Artistic Director and Interim CEO at the Torch, said:

“We are incredibly grateful for the ongoing support South Hook has given the Torch over a number of years.

This generous funding has allowed us

to update key equipment in our Main House auditorium that is used daily for both live performances and cinema screenings.

“The new sound desk and projection screen will allow us to continue welcoming audiences and community groups to enjoy everything the Torch has to offer. Diolch yn fawr.”

This latest investment is part of a wider programme of improvements at the venue aimed at ensuring longterm sustainability and high-quality entertainment for the region.

Let Life Dance comes to the Torch Theatre

THIS June, the Torch Theatre in Milford Haven will play host to Let Life Dance — a powerful, moving, and visually striking dance theatre production featuring both disabled and non-disabled performers.

Created by Humans Move, an emerging inclusive dance company aiming to be disability-led, the show promises a heartfelt exploration of life’s challenges and the transformative power of connection. With a diverse cast and a spirit of compassion and inclusivity, Let Life Dance invites audiences to reflect on the resilience and beauty of the human experience.

Choreographed by award-winning artist Jessie Brett, the performance delves into what happens when individuals go against their own nature. It asks: how can we truly let life dance through us in a world that so often imposes restrictions, barriers, and struggle?

Audiences will follow the performers’

journey through chaos, interference, and personal growth — ultimately arriving at a space of surrender, trust, and shared humanity. Original music by composer Jered Sorkin weaves through the piece, underscoring its emotional depth and uniting the cast like pieces of a puzzle in perfect balance.

“There is something to be learnt from every human experience,” said a Let

MIKE EDWARDS

THE OTHER week, my beloved and I attended a funeral. The deceased, one of my wife’s innumerable relatives, expired when the tow rope on their parascending kit snapped, and they ploughed headlong into the side of the church where they were subsequently buried. Poor uncle Iori. He was ninetyseven, though.

My darling one’s brother, Gethin, also attended the funeral. There’s a man who could find the bright side of contracting bubonic plague. He ventured the view that Uncle Iori died doing what he loved best. I found it difficult to understand how screaming in terror and slamming into a weather vane was what anyone loved best, let alone Uncle Iori.

Other than that, the funeral was much as you would expect. Iori had outlived his contemporaries, so the attendees were a mixture of relatives of varying ages and those who drank with him in Y Ddraig Goch in nearby Pantygwrdl. Confused relatives by marriage who’d never met Iori, those under fifty who’d not seen him in decades, and an assortment of those of pensionable age and beyond, half-filled the little church.

The minister had obviously never met the old boy and delivered one of those fillin-the-blanks homilies that could apply to anyone and their pet hamster.

I felt old. Especially after sipping a mug of insipid tea and eating a tuna and onion bap at the “do” in the village hall.

On the journey home, I couldn’t help wondering if that was the fate that awaited me: reluctant relatives, all wanting to be somewhere else, a stranger’s address to the mourners, and then a berth in a damp and neglected graveyard for all eternity. A fortnight later, I was still down in the dumps. Even Mitzi the Mutt’s pestilential yapping did not stir me to throw a slipper at her.

Then it came.

The letter. From Iago Prytherch & RS Thomas, Solicitors and Notaries Public. It turned out that old Iori had been loaded. He’d won the Euromillions a few years back, and the tight-fisted old git hadn’t told anyone. And he’d left the lot to his niece and her husband in recognition of all the kindness we’d shown him. That is, to my beloved and me.

I read the letter twice, then, with trembling hands, I handed it to my wife. She flicked through the text, her eyes widening so that they resembled saucers. I was on the brink of fainting when I stammered out: “What kind of many kindnesses?”

My darling one’s eyes returned to their normal size.

“Oh, you know, Mike. Birthday presents. Christmas presents.”

I felt the colour drain from my face.

“What sort of presents?”

“You know, Mike. Days out, experiences, and the like.”

“Experiences?”

“Yes, Mike. Like motor racing days, kayaking, and adventures.”

“Adventures like parascending?”

“Could be,” my beloved said with a tight smile.

I paused. A million thoughts raced through my mind, all of them leading to one horrifying conclusion.

I looked at my wife. Her expression was unreadable.

Life Dance spokesperson. “This work celebrates our differences and reminds us that each of us plays a part in creating a more compassionate world.”

Let Life Dance will be performed for one night only on Tuesday, 24 June at 7:00pm. Tickets are priced at £15 (£14 concessions) and are available from the Torch Theatre Box Office on (01646) 695267 or via www.torchtheatre.co.uk.

“You know what, love?” I said, “It’s time for us to retire and have a nice, long break somewhere warm.”

“That’s what I thought, Mike,” she replied.

My beloved paused, “I’ve been thinking about that for some time.”

She smiled. I smiled. Mitzi yapped excitedly. Things are looking up.

Sound desk upgrade: Hamad Al Samra with Chris Harries (Finance Manager), Chelsey Gillard, and Andrew Sturley (Senior Manager – Technical/Production).

RNLI issue warm weather safety warning as lifeguards return to more beaches in Wales

RNLI lifeguards across Wales are issuing a safety warning ahead of what looks set to be another weekend of dry, settled weather across the country. The charity’s lifeguards will return to an additional 12 beaches across Pembrokeshire and Ceredigion from Saturday 21 June.

Warm weather is expected to continue into this weekend and an increase in visitors to the coast is expected, so the RNLI is urging the public to visit a lifeguarded beach where possible.

From this Saturday, 21 June, RNLI lifeguard patrols will begin at Saundersfoot, Tenby North Tenby Castle, and Freshwater West between 10-6pm. Newport Sands, Poppit Sands, Newgale and Broad Haven will also be lifeguarded from this weekend. A service is already in place at Whitesands, Newgale Central and Tenby South, which will continue.

In Ceredigion, beaches at Aberystwyth North and New Quay Harbour will be patrolled by RNLI lifeguards from this weekend, and will continue with weekend only cover until the 19 July when they will then run a daily service for the rest of the season.

Borth and Llangrannog are patrolled full time, whilst the other beaches in the county such as, Aberystwyth South, Tresaith and Aberporth will be patrolled on weekends only up until 19 July when they go live full time until 31 August. Additional beaches across both counties including Nolton Haven, Clarach, Amroth and Coppet Hall will be lifeguarded from July.

Oliver Davies-Schofield Lead

Tom Sinclair editor@herald.email

Lifeguard Supervisor for South Pembrokeshire said: ‘We’re expecting a warm spell of weather and have been working hard to get our additional eight beaches in Pembrokeshire up and running for the season. There are plenty of lifeguarded beaches around Wales to choose from. Remember to swim and bodyboard between the red and yellow flags, and surf, kayak or

stand-up paddleboard between the black and white flags.

‘The lifeguards position the flags in the safest area of the beach, if you see a red flag the lifeguards have deemed that area of the beach as unsafe – so do not enter the water. If you ever have any questions, feel free to approach the lifeguards who will be happy to help and can provide local beach safety advice for the conditions that day.’

A number of other beaches

across Wales are lifeguarded. In Denbighshire, Rhyl and Prestatyn are patrolled on weekends only up until 29 June when they go live full time for the remainder of the season.

In Swansea, Aberavon, Langland and Caswell will continue to be patrolled every day, with Pembrey to be patrolled on weekends only up until 5 July when it goes live full time.

In Bridgend and the Vale of Glamorgan, Rest Bay, Coney Beach, Trecco Bay and Whitmore Bay are currently patrolled every day until the end of the season.

Chris Cousens RNLI Water Safety Lead said:

‘If you’re visiting the coast, remember to visit a lifeguarded beach. It’s safest not to go into the water alone – the person you’re with can help you stay safe and get help in the event of an emergency.

‘If you unexpectedly find yourself in difficulty in the water, float to live. If you see anyone else in difficulty anywhere along the coast, call 999 or 112 and ask for the Coastguard.’

The RNLI’s advice for anyone struggling in the water is ‘Float to Live’:

• Tilt your head back, with your ears submerged

• Relax and try to breathe normally

• Move your hands and feet to help you stay afloat

• It’s fine if your legs sink, we all float differently.

To find your nearest lifeguarded beach visit: Lifeguarded Beaches –Find Your Nearest Lifeguarded Beach (rnli.org)

Bluestone teaches children water safety as Wales records UK’s highest drowning rate

AS PART of Drowning Prevention Week 2025 (June 14–21), Bluestone National Park Resort is expanding its efforts to educate children and families in Wales about the importance of staying safe around water.

The campaign comes as new figures from the National Water Safety Forum reveal that Wales recorded the highest rate of accidental drowning in the UK last year. In 2024, 18 people lost their lives to drowning in Welsh waters—a rate of 0.57 per 100,000 population, more than twice the UK average. Over the past five years, 136 people have drowned in Wales in preventable incidents.

TAKING WATER SAfETY TO THE CLASSROOM

Determined to tackle the issue, the Blue Lagoon Water Park team at Bluestone is once again visiting primary schools across Pembrokeshire and Carmarthenshire. Now in its third year, the initiative will reach over 1,000 pupils during Drowning Prevention Week, delivering interactive and practical workshops focused on water safety.

Public sessions added for 2025

For the first time, the campaign will extend beyond schools. Free public sessions will be held at McDonald’s in Milford Haven on Saturday, June 21 and in Haverfordwest on Sunday, June 22. Guests at Bluestone Resort will also be invited to attend educational sessions throughout the week.

These sessions will cover key topics including:

• Recognising beach safety flags

• How to call for help in an emergency

• What to do if someone is in trouble in the water

‘A few simple tips can save lives’

Ruth Watson, a swimming teacher at the Blue Lagoon, said the goal is to help families enjoy the water safely this summer.

“At Bluestone, we believe the water should be fun and safe for everyone. But we also want people to understand the risks. A few simple tips can make all the difference and potentially save lives. That’s why we’re so passionate about taking this campaign directly into our communities.”

SuPPORTED BY THE RLSS uK

The initiative is being run in partnership with the Royal Life Saving Society UK (RLSS UK), which coordinates Drowning Prevention Week nationally.

Matt Croxall, Interim Charity Director at RLSS UK, said: “We want people to enjoy the outdoors and the water this summer—but to do so safely. That’s why we’re working with Bluestone’s Blue Lagoon to bring water safety lessons to young people in west Wales.

“Teaching the Water Safety Code and encouraging conversations

about staying safe can help prevent tragedies. We’re urging families to share these messages and support Drowning Prevention Week.”

CRuCIAL TIMING fOR SuMMER HOLIDAYS

Drowning Prevention Week is one of the UK’s biggest seasonal safety campaigns, aiming to raise awareness and reduce the number of water-related fatalities.

Bluestone’s involvement forms part of its broader mission to promote wellbeing, sustainability and community education. With the summer holidays approaching, the timing of the campaign is especially important as families prepare for days out at beaches, rivers and swimming pools.

For more information about water safety and Drowning Prevention Week, visit: www.rlss.org.uk/DPW

To learn more about Bluestone National Park Resort and the Blue Lagoon, visit: www.bluestonewales.com

ITS wins £3.5m dark fibre contract to boost Carmarthenshire connectivity

ITS, a leading provider of fullfibre infrastructure, has secured a £3.5 million dark fibre contract under the Swansea Bay City Deal’s Digital Infrastructure Programme, aiming to enhance public sector connectivity across Carmarthenshire.

This marks ITS’s first move into South Wales, and aligns with the region’s ambition to become a smart, digitally inclusive area ready to embrace emerging technologies.

CONNECTING KEY PuBLIC SERvICES

The project will deliver 41 dark fibre connections across 34 strategic sites, including schools, hospitals, and council offices. Partners in the scheme include Carmarthenshire County Council, the University of Wales Trinity Saint David, Hywel Dda University Health Board, and Coleg Sir Gar.

The high-capacity dark fibre network will enable the fast, secure transfer of large volumes of data, allowing for realtime collaboration between institutions. This will support modern applications such as artificial intelligence, facilitate data-driven decision-making, and improve the delivery of public services.

WIDER COMMuNITY BENEfITS

Beyond infrastructure, the project also focuses on digital inclusion and environmental sustainability. Each local authority will appoint Digital Champions to engage with poorly connected communities, government bodies, and industry, ensuring the benefits of improved connectivity are shared widely.

In addition to the public sector contract, ITS is committing to private investment in a wholesale full fibre network, which will follow the same route and expand further to pass over 2,800 local businesses. This will give more organisations access to gigabit-capable services and enhance competition in the local broadband market.

INDuSTRY-LEADING TECHNOLOGY

ITS is at the forefront of connectivity innovation, with its entire network built on XGS-PON technology. It is the first UK provider to trial dedicated internet access using 50G-PON in both lab and live settings — offering ultra-fast speeds using existing infrastructure with less equipment, making it a more sustainable solution.

LEADERSHIP COMMENTS

Daren Baythorpe, CEO of ITS, said: “We are thrilled to have been successful in this tender process which will see us play a pivotal role in transforming the area’s digital landscape. As our first

public sector contract in South Wales, this is a fantastic milestone for us and one that will provide the foundation for a connected future for the region, driving innovation and prosperity for the entire community.”

Cllr Philip Hughes, Cabinet Member for Organisation and Workforce at Carmarthenshire County Council, added: “This announcement marks a significant advancement in equipping our public sector services to meet future demands. This project will underpin the expanding needs of digital services in our communities, which rely on having effective, secure, and high-capacity infrastructure.”

Cllr Hazel Evans also welcomed the news: “Not only will this enhance the quality and reliability of services

for communities across the county, but it will also act as a catalyst for further investment into digital infrastructure. This investment will foster innovation and economic growth, helping to ensure that Carmarthenshire is able to benefit from technological advancements.”

STRENGTHENING THE REGION

To support its growing commitment to South Wales, ITS has appointed Stephen Dobynne, its Client Director for the Public Sector, to the Private Sector Advisory Board of the South West Wales Corporate Joint Committee (SWWCJC). For more information on this project or to explore how to improve digital connectivity in your area, contact your local Digital Champion.

Improvement in reading and numeracy attainment,

Attainment in Numeracy, Welsh Reading and English Reading has improved in 2023/24, new statistics show.

English Reading saw attainment levels improve across all year groups compared to 2022/23. Learners in Year 3 showed sustained improvement with levels in English Reading being higher than in both 2020/2021 and 2021/22. Welsh Reading presented some improvement across Years 3 to 9, compared to 2022/23. Younger years have shown the greatest degree of improvement in Numeracy (Procedural), whilst Numeracy (Reasoning) has

remained relatively stable. These statistics were published today using anonymised data from the national personalised assessments.

Personalised assessments are adaptive online assessments in four subjects taken by all learners in Years 2 to 9 in maintained schools. They aim to support learning by providing information on the reading and numeracy skills of individual learners. They highlight where learners are making progress, as well as which skills could be developed further.

Cabinet Secretary for Education

Lynne Neagle said: “It is encouraging

to see progress in attainment in reading and numeracy. This improvement highlights the impact our investments are making in schools to ensure every learner has the opportunity to reach their full potential. These assessments help to support all our learners in their educational journey by providing a valuable insight into their strengths and emerging skills.

“I would also like to thank our teachers and the education workforce for their hard work and dedication in supporting our learners and for their continued commitment and professionalism in responding to our national priorities.”

Pembrokeshire joins UK’s fastest-growing food partnership network

PEMBROKESHIRE is the latest region to join the uK’s rapidly expanding Sustainable food Places network, a national movement dedicated to transforming local food systems and promoting healthy, affordable, and sustainable food for all.

The county joins over 100 other areas across the UK that are working together through cross-sector partnerships to use food as a catalyst for positive change — tackling everything from food poverty and illhealth to climate change and local economic resilience.

Locally, the Pembrokeshire Local Food Partnership is led by PLANED, PAVS, and Pembrokeshire County Council, and includes community organisations, local businesses, and public sector partners. The group is supporting producers, encouraging community growing, and promoting sustainable food initiatives across the county.

“Pembrokeshire is an inspiring example of how communities, councils, and businesses can come together to make access to good, affordable food a defining characteristic of a place,” said Leon Ballin, Programme Manager for Sustainable Food Places. “They’ve

editor@herald.email

shown real ambition and drive, and we’re delighted to support them on this journey.”

The partnership will soon launch a new website and a programme of summer events aimed at getting

food future for Pembrokeshire.”

The Sustainable Food Places programme is coordinated nationally by a consortium of organisations including the Soil Association, Food Matters, Sustain, Nourish NI, Nourish Scotland, and Food Sense Wales. It is supported by the Esmée Fairbairn Foundation and The National Lottery Community Fund.

The programme focuses on six key areas:

• Promoting healthy and sustainable food to the public

• Tackling food poverty and dietrelated ill health

• Building community food knowledge, skills, and projects

• Supporting a vibrant and diverse local food economy

• Transforming public sector catering and procurement

• Reducing food waste and the environmental impact of food

more people involved in shaping Pembrokeshire’s food future.

Sue Latham, the Local Food Partnership Coordinator, said: “We are so proud to be part of this exciting partnership. It truly belongs to the whole community, and we want more people to get involved and help shape a healthier, more sustainable

The broader network aims to address major challenges such as rising food insecurity, the decline of independent food businesses, and the urgent need to cut emissions from the food system.

For more information, visit: www. sustainablefoodplaces.org

Local author’s ‘beautiful rebellion’ wins acclaim

A YOuNG adult eco-fantasy written by Pembrokeshire-based author Nicola Davies is set for paperback release this July, after scooping multiple major literary nominations and being named Wales Children’s Book of the Year 2024.

Skrimsli, described by its author as an “act of beautiful rebellion”, traces the early life of the tiger sea captain who first captured readers’ hearts in The Song that Sings Us. With its themes of loyalty, identity, friendship, and the fight for a better world, Skrimsli has already been shortlisted for the prestigious Wainwright Prize for nature writing and nominated for the Yoto Carnegie Medal.

Speaking ahead of the paperback release on July 3, Davies said: “I turned to writing fantasy fiction because nonfiction didn’t allow me to say the things about what’s wrong with the world that I wanted to. Skrimsli lets me shine a light on the roots of our environmental crisis, deep in colonialism and capitalism. But it’s also an exciting adventure that encourages children to think, imagine, and maybe even start rebellions of their own – through art, music, or storytelling.”

The tale follows Skrimsli and his companions Owl and Kal as they escape a cruel circus master, try to halt a war, and attempt to save an ancient forest. Along the way, they are helped by a desert princess and her eagle, a

chihuahua who thinks she’s a wolf, a golden-hearted horse, and the crew of a very unusual ship.

Publisher Penny Thomas praised the book’s unique vision: “Nicola’s imaginative grasp on how humans and animals might communicate makes for powerful storytelling. I’m so glad Skrimsli gets to tell his own story in this thrilling prequel.”

With internal illustrations by renowned artist Jackie Morris and a striking new cover by Jane Matthews, Skrimsli promises to inspire a new generation of readers. Davies, a former presenter of The Really Wild Show, has written more than eighty books and now lives and writes from her home in west Wales

Tom Sinclair

Family gathers at Pembroke Dock to honour RAF airman

fAMILY members from across the uK have travelled to Pembroke Dock Heritage Centre to view a new exhibit honouring a wartime RAf airman who served aboard the Sunderland flying boat T9044.

Brother and sister Ross Burrows, from Grimsby, and Nikki Soysa, who travelled from the Hebrides, joined their cousin Shirley Shelley Hutchinson, from Yorkshire, and Ross’s wife Dianne, to view the poignant display dedicated to Wing Commander David Burrows. David was the navigator aboard the Sunderland T9044 on its final mission to Pembroke Dock in November 1940, which tragically sank in the Haven shortly after its arrival.

The family has generously donated Wing Commander Burrows’ logbook, uniforms, and other treasured memorabilia, now thoughtfully incorporated into the Centre’s collection, alongside other artefacts from the T9044.

Ross Burrows praised the Centre’s efforts, saying: “The museum team has created a wonderful exhibit about dad and his story. Their enthusiasm shines through clearly. We’re excited to encourage more family members to visit.”

The Pembroke Dock Heritage Centre is open Monday to Friday, from 10:00am to 4:00pm.

squid game 3

Squid Game Season 3 arrives on June 27, 2025, as the final chapter in Netflix’s iconic survival series, and it promises to deliver a conclusion that is as emotionally devastating as it is visually breathtaking. This season picks up where the last left off, following Seong Gi-hun (Lee Jung-jae), a man forever changed by the horrors he endured. Gone is the hesitant survivor; in his place stands a man haunted by guilt, rage, and a burning desire to dismantle the very game that ruined his life.

The six-episode season wastes no time plunging back into the world’s cruelest game, this time with even higher stakes and a sharper ideological edge. Gi-hun is not just trying to survive anymore—he’s confronting the architects of the system, most notably the enigmatic Front Man (Lee Byung-hun), whose own past and motivations are finally explored in greater depth. The dynamic between these

two characters is the heart of the season, presenting a moral and emotional chess match that underscores the show’s persistent questions about human nature, power, and complicity.

The visuals are just as bold and surreal as fans have come to expect. The new games are strikingly designed and carry a heightened brutality, with the introduction of Chul-su—a terrifying male counterpart to the iconic doll Young-hee—setting a darker tone from the outset. These deadly challenges aren’t just spectacles; they’re carefully crafted to reflect the psychological state of the players, and of Gihun himself. Themes of shame, regret, and identity bleed into every scene, giving the season a raw emotional resonance that hits harder than its predecessors.

Fans who’ve followed the series closely will appreciate how Season 3 brings the story full circle, with callbacks to key moments and a deepening of the

show’s social critique. The VIPs return, as grotesquely opulent as ever, providing a mirror to Gihun’s moral dilemma: whether to become a monster to fight one. The production is top-tier, and despite the short episode count, every minute feels purposeful.

However, the brevity of the season is also its greatest risk. With only six episodes, there’s concern about whether every character arc can land with the weight it deserves. But if the trailers and early reactions are any indication, the creators have opted for intensity over bloat, and the result may be a tighter, more devastating narrative.

Ultimately, Squid Game Season 3 looks poised to deliver an unforgettable farewell. It’s not just about who wins or survives anymore—it’s about what’s left of a person when the game is over. Expect heartbreak. Expect blood. Expect one last, brutal question: what are you willing to lose to feel alive?

m3ghan 2.0

If you thought M3GAN had reached the limits of AI terror, think again. The upcoming sequel, M3GAN 2.0, promises to dial up the intelligence, the horror, and the uncanny valley in ways only Blumhouse could dream up. Early glimpses and whispers from the set point to a film that’s not just doubling down on its techno-horror roots, but also sharpening its satirical edge.

M3GAN 2.0 picks up in a world reeling from the events of the first film. The original M3GAN—a seemingly perfect AI companion turned homicidal protector—was decommissioned, but her code wasn’t lost. As expected in our always-connected age, she’s coming back. And this time, she’s faster, smarter, and disturbingly more self-aware.

Director Gerard Johnstone returns with what looks like a sleek and eerie visual style, backed once again by a synth-heavy score that fuses

childlike whimsy with cybernetic dread. If the original explored the dangers of outsourcing parenting to machines, 2.0 seems ready to tackle the murky ethics of AI autonomy and digital resurrection.

And yes—she still dances.

Where the first film balanced horror and dark humor, the sequel leans harder into psychological suspense.

M3GAN’s evolution appears to be less about brute force and more about manipulation— weaponizing trust, data, and digital presence. Think Black Mirror meets The Terminator, but with a pink bow and a chilling smile.

Stars Allison Williams and Violet McGraw reprise their roles, offering a grounded emotional core amidst the chaos. But make no mistake— the spotlight belongs to M3GAN herself. With upgraded movements and an even more lifelike voice modulation, she

remains a mesmerizing (and terrifying) on-screen presence.

If M3GAN asked “What happens when technology gets too close?”, M3GAN 2.0 poses a deeper, darker question: “What happens when it decides it doesn’t need us anymore?”

This sequel looks poised to cement M3GAN’s status not just as a viral horror icon, but as a chilling reflection of our growing AI anxieties. And if it lives up to the early hype, M3GAN 2.0 might just outsmart its predecessor—and its audience.

Tech and Taff

Print and shoot: The rise of 3D-printed guns online

WELL, it was bound to happen, wasn’t it? The same printers you can use to knock out replacement Lego heads or prototype the next sheep-shearing gizmo have found themselves at the centre of a global firearms controvrsy.

This week, the BBC shone a rather alarming spotlight on the growing online trade in 3D-printed guns – a trend which, according to experts, could make these untraceable weapons “the weapon of choice” for criminals and violent extremists worldwide. From Facebook adverts to Telegram arms bazaars, it’s now frighteningly easy to find someone selling either a fully printed firearm or the blueprint to make your own.

THE GHOST IN THE MACHINE

These so-called “ghost guns” aren’t the stuff of dystopian sci-fi any more. A cheap 3D printer, some basic plastic filament, and a bit of time spent lurking in the darker corners of the internet are all it takes to produce a gun that won’t show up on traditional weapon registries. One Telegram arms dealer – going by the name “Jessy” – even claimed to offer UK delivery of a printed Liberator pistol or a Glock auto sear for a few hundred quid, payable in Bitcoin or, rather cheekily, via an unnamed British bank.

And yes, for the avoidance of doubt: selling guns in the UK is illegal. But Jessy’s blasé response? “I run my business, sell some straps online.”

Cheers, mate.

Social media in the firing line

This growing online arms bazaar is flourishing despite the supposed policies of tech giants like Meta and Telegram. Instagram and Facebook have hosted adverts for 3D-printed gun parts – even after multiple exposés. Meta says the ads were “automatically disabled”, and Telegram insists its AI tools catch millions of rule breaches. But the fact that “Jessy” was trading openly until a BBC reporter got in touch suggests someone, somewhere, needs to reboot their algorithms.

fROM APPS TO ARMS

More worrying still is that many buyers aren’t just looking to purchase – they’re looking to build. The FGC9, a weapon designed to be made without any commercially available parts, can be assembled with a 3D printer and a bit of metal pipe from your local DIY store. There are free guides online, some written by USbased “freedom enthusiasts” who argue that information is sacred – no

matter how lethal it might be.

One lawyer behind such guides said: “It’s just information. Ones and zeros.” Quite. But in the wrong hands, those ones and zeros could lead to very real ones and eulogies.

MYANMAR TO MERTHYR? LET’S HOPE NOT

In Myanmar, rebel groups used 3D-printed guns as a stopgap while fighting the junta. But even there, they’ve largely moved on to more reliable kit. Poor materials, limited firepower, and supply chain issues made these DIY weapons a temporary fix rather than a long-term solution.

Still, that hasn’t stopped the spread elsewhere – and with the tech improving every year, the danger isn’t going away. Lawmakers are now calling for blueprints to be banned and for printers to be restricted from churning out gun parts, much like they already block counterfeit money designs.

Whether that’ll work or not? That’s another question entirely.

CYMRu IMPLICATIONS? YOu BET

Now, before you say “That’s all happening in America or Asia, Bach”, let me stop you right there. We’ve got tech-savvy teens, ex-forces hobbyists, and basement inventors right here in Wales – many of whom could stumble across these files without even trying. The same printer that made your daffodil-shaped soap holder could, if misused, produce something deadly.

The truth is this: it’s never been easier to build a gun at home –and it’s never been harder to stop someone determined to do so.

As always, I say: innovate for good, not grief. Keep printing dragon bookmarks, not weapons. And if you see “Jessy” pop up in your DMs –report him, bach.

Till next time, stay safe, stay savvy, and don’t trust Telegram with your life.

Professor Barry Davis is our resident tech wizard from Cardiff University. His motto is “Don’t fear the machine – just make sure it doesn’t bite.”

Autumn thriller set to send chills down spines at the Torch Theatre

PREPARE to be gripped by fear and suspense as The Turn of the Screw haunts the Torch Theatre this October. This fast-paced, psychological thriller, originally penned by Henry James in 1898, promises to keep audiences on the edge of their seats, leaving them questioning reality on their journey home during the spooky season.

The Torch Theatre Company, celebrated for its compelling homegrown productions, showcases exceptional local talent alongside some of Wales’ finest theatrical performers.

Artistic Director Chelsey Gillard expressed her excitement about the upcoming production: “I love a mystery, and this play is an absolute puzzle. Based on one of literature’s most iconic ghost stories, The Turn of the Screw has inspired numerous adaptations, from theatre and opera to TV series and films. Its haunting narrative captures the imagination and lingers long after the final curtain.

“This adaptation is particularly exciting as it allows two outstanding actors to deliver truly captivating performances. We’ll be revealing our talented cast very soon, so stay tuned. Autumn is the perfect time for ghost stories, and this play offers chills aplenty.”

Fans of previous Torch Theatre

thrillers like Kill Thy Neighbour (2024), as well as acclaimed productions like The Woman in Black and 2:22 A Ghost Story, will feel right at home experiencing this gothic, nerve-wracking drama. Viewers may also recognise the eerie storyline from the Netflix hit The Haunting of Bly Manor and countless cinematic adaptations.

Filled with suspense, mystery, and spine-tingling unease, this show might leave audiences hesitant to switch off their lights at home—because who really knows if ghosts exist, or if they’re merely figments of our imagination?

The Torch Theatre is also introducing an exciting new pricing strategy for this production, offering a limited number of seats at each performance for just £18. These tickets are expected to sell fast, so early booking is highly recommended.

Chelsey added: “If you love a good mystery filled with thrills and chills, you won’t want to miss this. As always, expect brilliant acting and enchanting theatrical magic. Our set design alone is set to be truly breathtaking.”

The Turn of the Screw will be staged at the Torch Theatre from Wednesday, 8 October, to Saturday, 25 October. Tickets range from £18 to £28. Book online at torchtheatre.co.uk or call the Box Office on 01646 695267.

metal gear solid delta SNAKE EATER

Nearly two decades after the original’s release, Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater is poised to bring one of gaming’s most iconic stealth adventures into a new generation. Built from the ground up in Unreal Engine 5, this remake preserves the heart of Hideo Kojima’s Cold War epic while draping it in modern visuals, smooth controls, and subtle quality-of-life enhancements.

From the very first glimpse of Snake creeping through a vine-strangled jungle, it’s clear that Delta isn’t just a visual upgrade—it’s a love letter. The foliage shifts naturally underfoot, mud clings to Snake’s uniform, and character models glisten with lifelike detail. Konami has committed to a shot-for-shot recreation, carefully preserving level layouts, item placements, and enemy patrols, which will be instantly familiar to veterans.

But where this remake shines brightest is in its respectful evolution. Players can choose between two control schemes: a Legacy Style, reminiscent of the original’s fixed-camera tension, and a New Style that offers full third-

person freedom and updated aiming mechanics. For many, this duality will be the perfect bridge between nostalgia and modernization.

Combat and movement feel smoother and more responsive.

CQC (Close Quarters Combat) has been refined with more fluid animations, and Snake now crouch-walks with the stealthy precision seen in later Metal Gear entries. These updates elevate the pacing without compromising the deliberate design that made Snake Eater a masterpiece of tension and survival.

Konami has also implemented a handful of thoughtful enhancements: a real-time camouflage selector, quick-access codec for saving, and a compass UI that makes navigation more intuitive— perfect for newcomers without disrupting the rhythm fans remember.

Importantly, the story, voice acting, and legendary soundtrack remain untouched in spirit. In fact, the iconic “Snake Eater” theme has been re-recorded by original vocalist Cynthia Harrell, preserving

HOROSCOPES

ARIES Are you feeling stuck in the moment? How did you get here, anyway? This probably isn’t the destination you had in mind when you set out, so take a look around and observe the situation. Most importantly, observe yourself as you relate to the situation. The Universe doesn’t leave anything to chance, so if you’re here, there’s a good reason for it. Take advantage of this opportunity to focus on developing your strengths.

TAURUS

You’ve been doing some serious thinking lately, and you’ve got plenty to say, all of it quite intense! In fact, you may also be up for a bit of detective work, especially when it comes to an intimate relationship. That doesn’t mean that anyone has you right where they want you, necessarily. As is so often the case, you’re the one in the perfect position. If you want to play fair, you may want to mention that up front.

GEMINI

You love puzzles, but you also love intensity, depth, and drama, and maybe even melodrama on occasion. This is one of those times, especially as it pertains to your closest relationships. If someone tries to get your feelings out of you, you may just give them a few unimportant details that lead them to think they’ve got it. It’s amazing how easy it is to direct the herd if you’ve got a good leader!

CANCER

It’s time you were ruthlessly true to yourself and your real desires. Stop making compromises when it comes to complex work or relationship matters! Some problem seems terribly complex, but it’s actually pretty simple. It may not have an easy solution, but if you take the hard path, you should feel a lot better very quickly. Resolve to just hang in there.

LEO Challenges to authority make you feel powerful, but they could end up in endless bickering over what turn out to be trivial issues. Pursue a higher purpose and make sure you see petty gripes for what they are. You’re happier in the long run, and this attitude leaves you with lots of energy for the things that really matter. Your attitude could lead you to an opportunity to increase goodwill with the powers in your life.

VIRGO

For now, it’s all about secrets and deciding whether or not to let them out of the bag. Your mission is to be sure you know all the facts before you even think about opening your mouth. Once you do, you may not be able to close it as quickly as you’d like, and you definitely can’t take back anything said today, so proceed with your typical caution.

LIBRA

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

its emotional weight while lending it a slightly richer, more melancholic tone. The narrative remains the same gripping tale of betrayal, identity, and legacy that helped define the stealth genre.

In a surprise move, Konami is adding new content, too. The Fox Hunt mode offers a fresh multiplayer experience, distinct from previous Metal Gear Online offerings. Designed as a stealth-based hide-and-seek mode, it offers a new playground for tactical creativity. Meanwhile, consolespecific arcade minigames inject a bit of fun: “Snake vs. Monkey” returns for PS5 and PC players, while Xbox Series players get the delightfully bizarre “Snake vs. Bomberman”, featuring top-down explosive battles in jungle arenas.

Still, the remake isn’t aiming to reinvent the wheel. Some may wish for expanded areas or new story beats, but Delta’s mission is clear: to preserve, not to rewrite. It’s the same game at its core— elevated with modern fidelity, more accessible than ever, yet reverent to its roots.

SCORPIO

You thought you were all done hearing confessions from your friends since you’ve let them know that nothing can surprise you anymore. Suddenly, though, someone calls to reveal something new they feel guilty about, and now that you know, you may feel a little guilty too. Trust your instincts, which have never let you down when things have started to get weird.

SAGITTARIUS

You’re entrusted with a secret, and not just by one person either. At least two confidants feel the need to connect with you about the same issue, which puts you in a rather difficult position. You’re usually up for a bit of intrigue, so expect some fun. Make sure there isn’t too much on your plate. You need some down time soon if you want to decompress!

CAPRICORN

You know quite well just how to make rules, follow them and delegate authority when need be. That goes double for rules that have already been tried out and found to be workable. A good example is ‘honesty is the best policy,’ which you usually find beyond reproach. Still, now and then it’s better to keep things under wraps. This might be one of those times -- especially since your energy is working on something deeply private.

AQUARIUS

Someone close has recently come to you for a favor, and being the local expert when it comes to friendship, your first impulse is to go for it. If you harbor even one tiny doubt about their motives, you need to get to the bottom of the matter quickly. This doesn’t mean you need to reconsider whatever it is they’ve asked you to do, or your friendship, just that some due diligence is essential.

PISCES If you’re feeling unusually shy, it’s no big surprise. Certain subtle energies are emphasizing modest, humble virtues rather than a more outspoken and brash style. Don’t worry,

wITH EDDIE THE gAmE gURU

Badger: It Doesn’t Always Need to Rain

MuSTN’T grumble, readers

Badger can confidently say that Pembrokeshire County Council’s governance, transparency, accountability, and performance have improved since 2012.

Yes, readers. GOT BETTER.

When Badger started writing this column, there was no doubt that senior officers led councillors by the nose and used every means at their disposal to make our elected representatives believe that the smell of horseshit in their nostrils was the finest cologne. In addition, the idea that a Cabinet member might be able to answer a question or respond to a debate for themselves, let alone have an opinion, was so ludicrous as to be beyond consideration.

Over the years of the 2012-2017 council term, those ideas began to evaporate. Badger will be clear on one point: while Jamie Adams led the Council during this period, the problems that overtook him did not all arise on his watch. In addition, Cllr Adams showed skill and ruthlessness in giving the thenleader of the Labour Group, Paul Miller, the runaround. Knowing that Cllr Miller can’t be outraged without being totally outraged, Cllr Adams let Cllr Miller carry on raising point after point and then selectively responded to the most straightforward.

More astute councillors, Mike and Viv Stoddart, Mike Williams, Bob Kilmister, and Jacob Williams, kept their questions and contributions on point and the facts at their fingertips. As a result, Cllr Adams struggled. Nothing undoes a politician more than being pressed for a direct answer to a direct question, even one as crafty and fluent as Jamie Adams.

In 2017, after The Herald peeled back the layers of deception, delusion and backroom machinations, the IPG administration fell.

The new Council leader, David Simpson, took a different approach. The Cabinet made the political decisions, with individual Cabinet members taking responsibility for the decisions they reached, as well as those made in their name by officers.

It’s often forgotten that it took an external report to point out that the Council’s political leadership must decide policy. It is the senior officers’ role to carry out those decisions, whether they like them or not. Democracy works only

when those elected make decisions and implement them.

In the end, some of the most conflicted (and two particularly useless) senior officers left, unable to withstand the public scrutiny of their incompetence. The senior officers’ shop steward, CEO Ian Westley, also left.

Badger believes the quality of political decision-making declined after the 2022 election. There is a solid reason for that: Bob Kilmister lost his seat. As the fulcrum for an administration without a majority, Cllrs David Simpson and Bob Kilmister made an effective team and managed to maintain balance. Without Bob Kilmister, David Simpson, who was always a reluctant leader, found the waters choppier. Although still an effective Chair of the Cabinet, Cllr Simpson appeared disengaged and somewhat lonely.

Jon Harvey has led the Council for the last year. He’s a decent man, Jon Harvey. However, the strong impression exists that Paul Miller operates Cllr Harvey (rather like Jamie Adams did his Cabinet) by means of pedals, strings, and pulleys. Badger is not saying that the impression is well-founded; you can draw your

own conclusions. Nevertheless, that is certainly what every opposition councillor - and several in what passes for the ruling group - thinks.

Even then, things are better than they were. There is more and better scrutiny. There is greater transparency about how the Council makes its decisions. There is more debate about finances and budgets. You get consulted on the options, readers. You get to ask your questions. Anyone who thinks the Council sets out to keep everything secret is either too lazy to look online or manipulates the truth by relying on others being too lazy to look for themselves.

Readers, perspective matters. In a democracy, participation is more than casting a vote. Democracy depends on voters’ engagement. It takes effort from the politician and the elector.

Claptrap rules because what people want is perma-scandal and any old crap to feed their confirmation biases.

It reminds Badger of an important truth about reporting and opinion writing. You can report any facts, hold any opinion, and express it on the page. The good thing is that there are always those who

support you when you do. Badger has learned that some individuals’ support is conditional on you reporting only the facts they like and expressing only the opinions they want to hear.

Badger wants to turn particular attention to those who haunt Facebook, commenting on stories about the County Council with the benefit of endless ignorance and ceaseless venom.

Badger doesn’t know which is more distressing. Either, after all these years, there are still morons who don’t realise that the Council doesn’t have any role in funding local primary and hospital healthcare services. Or that there are those among your elected representatives who are unable to articulate a single thing that the local authority they sit upon does well and for which - and this is importantTHEY are ultimately responsible.

Badger has never believed in opposing something for the sake of it or because someone’s chihuahua looked at you in a funny way fifteen years ago. If all you ever do is look behind you, you’ll eventually drive into anamp post.

Badger prefers a practical approach. When you look at the world and how it is, you have choices that are very much like playing golf. You can play the ball from where it lies and rely on a combination of luck and skill to get yourself out of trouble. You can cheat, move the ball to a better position and hope that nobody notices. Or you can go and play your own game using your own rules instead.

Once you accept that perfection is impossible, that not every tee shot finds the fairway, and that not every putt yields a birdie, golf (any pursuit) becomes much easier to enjoy. The same applies to life and politics, even local politics. The same applies to your county councillor.

When Badger reads lazy accusations that “they’re all in it for the money”, “for themselves”, and for the contents of those ubiquitous “brown envelopes”, he believes those making them are saying more about themselves than they are about those they casually defame.

To them, Badger says: Don’t hold others to your low standards. Find enough people to nominate you and stand for election. You already know everything. Go! Share your wit and wisdom with an electorate in desperate need of your services.

Or, using the colourful and abbreviated argot of our times, STFU.

Protecting Kids, Not Prejudice

WELL, squawk and feathers, folks! Monday saw the national audit on group-based child sexual exploitation swooping in like a hawk after its prey. Led by Louise Casey, it tackled the gut-wrenching revelations from towns like Rotherham, Rochdale, Oxford, and Telford— places where vulnerable young girls were left defenceless, failed miserably by those meant to protect them.

Now, if there’s one thing your old mate Stephen Seagull knows about, it’s spotting rotten fish—and the Casey review exposes a whole trawler load of institutional failure. It makes clear these young ‘uns

weren’t just overlooked, they were abandoned by the very systems that should’ve kept predators at bay. We need justice faster than I nick chips off tourists at Milford docks, and reform sharper than my beak!

But squawking serious now, there’s an uglier storm brewing alongside these findings. A lot of loud voices have latched onto ethnicity, especially the term “Pakistani grooming gangs,” stirring up trouble like a seagull raiding an unattended picnic. Sure, there’s data showing disproportionate numbers in certain areas, but let’s not dive into dangerous waters without looking beneath the

surface. Crime follows poverty and neglect, not passports and prayer books.

Some of me mates— fine, feathery folks from all backgrounds—are right nervous, worried that this conversation’s flying off course, spreading harmful stereotypes faster than a gull with juicy gossip. Social media’s gone wild, calling for drastic measures, deportations, and worse, turning complex issues into blunt, harmful generalisations. It’s like blaming all gulls just because one pinched your ice cream (and to be fair, it probably was me).

Truth is, predators exist everywhere, in every flock. Making

this about race or religion only distracts from the real issue: massive failures in safeguarding kids. It ain’t ethnicity behind abuse, it’s power, exploitation, and systemic neglect. Misleading chatter just clouds the water, putting innocent folks under suspicion and letting real culprits flap free.

We’ve seen where such reckless rhetoric can lead—remember last summer’s riots? Violence erupting faster than a hungry gull at feeding time, leaving communities frightened and fractured. The atmosphere’s tense enough without stirring more trouble. Minority communities deserve fairness, calm, and protection— just like everyone else.

The survivors’ pain is front and centre. Justice ain’t negotiable, folks. And let’s not forget, victims came from all communities, including the very ones now unfairly painted as villains. The perpetrators didn’t care about backgrounds; they cared about cruelty.

Louise Casey’s review gives us a chance to rebuild trust and strengthen protection, but only if we focus on facts, responsibility, and fairness—not prejudice or hysteria. The upcoming inquiry must keep its eyes on real failures, steering clear of divisive scapegoating.

All citizens—British Muslims included—want justice, safety, and integrity from our institutions. No one deserves to feel blamed for crimes they didn’t commit. Criminals should face justice, no matter who they are.

Remember, folks: let’s fly straight, see clear, and protect our young ‘uns. That’s a job we can all get behind. Squawk!

Dogs Trust issues urgent heatwave warning to dog owners

CHARITY warns: “Never leave a dog in a car—not even for a minute”

As Wales basks in longawaited summer sunshine, Dogs Trust is urging dog owners to take extra care during the heatwave, warning that even short walks or leaving a pet in a car for just a few minutes could be fatal.

The charity, which has centres in Cardiff and Bridgend, is reminding the public that there is no safe amount of time to leave a dog in a vehicle during warm weather. Internal temperatures can soar within minutes, putting dogs at serious risk of heatstroke.

Exercise can trigger heatstroke

According to Dogs Trust, around three quarters of heatstroke cases in dogs are brought on by exercise. Even

brief walks in high temperatures can be dangerous. Unlike humans, dogs cannot cool down effectively through sweating. If their body temperature rises too high, they are at risk of organ failure or death.

Flat-faced breeds such as Pugs, French Bulldogs, and English Bulldogs are particularly vulnerable, along with older, overweight, or medically compromised dogs.

Recognise the signs

Symptoms of heatstroke in dogs include:

• Heavy panting

• Excessive drooling

• Lethargy or unsteadiness

• Vomiting or diarrhoea

• Collapse or unconsciousness

If you suspect heatstroke, move the dog to a cool, shaded area immediately, offer water, and begin gently cooling the body with room temperature water. Contact your vet as soon as possible — prompt action can save your dog’s life.

Dogs Trust vet speaks out

Charlie Dobson, Senior Vet at Dogs Trust, said:

“After weeks of rain, it’s great to see some sun—but high temperatures can be dangerous for dogs. We must avoid walking them during the hottest part of the day, keep them well hydrated, and never leave them in a car, even briefly. Prevention is the best protection.”

• Walk dogs early in the morning or late in the evening.

• Always carry water and ensure fresh water is available at home.

• Test pavements with your hand before walks—if it’s too hot for you, it’s too hot for your dog.

• Use pet-safe cooling mats, ice treats, and sun cream.

• Never leave a dog in a parked car, even with windows open.

• Know the signs of heatstroke and act immediately.

If you see a dog locked in a hot car and in distress, dial 999 without delay.

Practical advice for hot weather care

Ceredigion County Council launches new graduate scheme

CEREDIGION County Council has announced the launch of a new Graduate Scheme aimed at giving recent university graduates a foothold in professional public service careers.

The initiative, funded through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, offers six paid placements across a variety of departments, including Planning, Carbon Reduction, Engineering, Legal, Public Protection, and Youth Work.

Eifion Evans, Chief Executive of Ceredigion County Council, said:

“We are excited to launch this scheme. It’s not only a great initiative to support our Corporate Wellbeing Objective of ‘Boosting the economy, supporting businesses and enabling employment,’ but also a fantastic opportunity for recent graduates to take their first step on the career ladder and access quality career opportunities in public service and beyond.”

Council Leader, Councillor Bryan Davies, added:

“This scheme represents

a valuable investment in our county. It offers graduates the chance to pursue rewarding careers within the region and the communities where they were raised. We strongly encourage graduates to apply and look forward to building on this initiative in the years ahead.”

About the scheme

The scheme is open to applicants with relevant degrees, offering 12-month paid contracts. Graduate Trainees will earn while they learn, gaining tailored support and training to develop specialist skills and a strong foundation for future employment.

The six areas currently available are:

• Planning, Building Control & Development Management

• Carbon Reduction, Energy & Asset Management

• Engineering

• Legal

• Public Protection (Environmental Health or Trading Standards)

• Youth Work

Carms schools leading in Welsh-

CARMARTHENSHIRE

COuNTY COuNCIL is celebrating the success of a pioneering education project that is equipping hundreds of young people with vital engineering and digital skills— delivered entirely through the medium of Welsh.

Launched in 2020, the initiative was the first pilot funded under the Swansea Bay City Deal’s Skills and Talent Programme.

How to apply

Applications are now open via the Ceredigion County Council careers website. An

It is jointly led by Ysgol Gyfun Gymraeg Bro Myrddin and Ysgol Gyfun Gymraeg Maes y Gwendraeth, in partnership with the University of Wales Trinity Saint David, and was developed to address a regional skills gap while creating clear pathways into high-demand careers. Since its inception, 843 pupils have enrolled in Level 2 and Level 3 qualifications. Around 40 per cent of those at Level 2 have

online information session will be held on Monday, 9 June, for interested candidates to learn more about the roles and working life at Team Ceredigion.

medium engineering and digital

progressed to more advanced study, with many students now continuing their education at college or university, or entering apprenticeships—demonstrating the programme’s long-term impact.

The collaboration with the University of Wales Trinity Saint David provides students with access to cutting-edge research and hands-on experience with industry-standard equipment, ensuring they are well prepared for future employment or further study.

The Skills and Talent Programme is one of nine projects within the Swansea Bay City Deal and is overseen by the Regional Learning and Skills Partnership. The initiative focuses on five key sectors: construction, energy, digital, manufacturing, and health. To date, it has supported 23 pilot projects, developed four new apprenticeship pathways, and aims by 2030 to deliver:

• 14,000 individuals qualified to Level 2 and above,

• 3,000 apprenticeships,

• 2,200 individuals with enhanced skills,

• 20 new courses, and

• two Centres of Excellence.

Cllr Glynog Davies, Cabinet Member for Education and the Welsh Language, said:

“This programme shows what’s possible when we invest in young people through the Welsh language. Our schools are helping students develop real-world skills that are needed across Wales and beyond. We’re incredibly proud of their achievements and excited to see the continued growth of this important work.”

Dr Llinos Jones, Headteacher at Ysgol Gyfun Gymraeg Bro Myrddin, added:

“The Skills and Talent Programme Awards have been a catalyst for transformative change, enabling our initiative to reach new heights. This funding has expanded access to vital learning resources and empowered learners with futureready skills, supporting long-term regional growth.”

Jane Lewis, Regional Skills Partnership Manager, said:

“This project has given so many young people a head start in careers that are essential to our region. We’re proud to support it and hope even more students are inspired to follow the engineering and digital pathways.”

JCB returns to Royal Welsh Show with new generation farm machines

JCB is set to make a powerful return to the Royal Welsh Show this July, unveiling a series of new agricultural machines that promise enhanced performance, versatility and efficiency.

Working alongside its Welsh dealer partners – Chandlers RFM, Emyr Evans, J E Lawrence, and Rea Valley Tractors – JCB Agriculture will showcase an impressive line-up, including the newly-upgraded 435S wheeled loader, two brand-new Telemaster telescopic wheeled loaders, and the latest specification of its Teleskid tracked skid-steer loader.

John Smith, Managing Director of JCB Agriculture, said: “Following the launch of an unprecedented number of new materials handling machines, it’s important to provide our Welsh dealers the opportunity to present these innovations to customers.

The Royal Welsh Show is the perfect platform.”

Among the anticipated highlights are the compact-yetcapable TM110 and the mid-size TM280 and TM280S telescopic wheeled loaders. The TM110, standing at just 2.2m tall and 1.56m wide, offers a 1.1-tonne lift and a 3.5m reach, powered by a 50hp hydrostatic drive – making it ideal for navigating tight spaces

with ease.

The larger TM280 and TM280S models feature powerful 109hp and 130hp engines respectively, with lift capacities of up to 2.75 tonnes and reach up to 4.8 metres. Despite their strength, they maintain a best-inclass 2.6m cab height for access through low doorways. The TM280S further impresses with JCB’s DualTech VT transmission, optimising performance at both low and high speeds.

Also turning heads will be the updated 435S wheeled loader, a contractor favourite. It now boasts 282hp – a 12% increase

– delivering 19hp per tonne and more torque throughout the rev range. Transmission enhancements include directdrive lock-up for road use and configurable lock-up for field operations.

Another standout is the latest JCB Teleskid 3TS-8T. This tracked skid-steer loader maintains its industry-exclusive single telescopic arm, sideentry cab, and superior reach of 4.03m. The new model features a lighter, more efficient 3-litre JCB DieselMAX engine that’s greener, torquier, and delivers 74hp.

The display will also feature

several Loadall telescopic handlers, including the new 542100 AGRI, the 538-60 AGRI Pro with DualTech VT, and the powerful 560-80 AGRI Pro.

Visitors can also find JCB’s construction dealer, Holt JCB, exhibiting the new X Series 145XR excavator – an 18.8-tonne reduced tailswing model designed for tight working conditions – as well as mini-excavators (25Z and 16C), and the popular 4CX backhoe loader.

The Royal Welsh Show takes place at Builth Wells from Monday 21st to Thursday 24th July.

’Exceptional’ oat variety bred at Aberystwyth wins major award

THE uK’s most widely grown oat, bred at Aberystwyth university, has scooped one of the industry’s most prestigious accolades.

The National Institute of Agricultural Botany (NIAB) has awarded its coveted Variety Cup to the winter oat Mascani describing it as an “exceptional variety” and praising “its unmatched quality and reliability”.

Mascani was bred by researchers at Aberystwyth University’s Institute of Biological, Environmental and Rural Sciences (IBERS) and is marketed across the UK by Senova Ltd.

The variety is extremely popular in the milling industry and is known for its consistent grain quality along with reliability in the field and resistance to crop disease.

The 2025 NIAB Variety Cup for Mascani was presented to Dr Catherine Howarth from IBERS and Alison Barrow from Senova Ltd at an awards ceremony at the 2025 Cereals event in Lincolnshire.

The Variety Cup acknowledges exceptional varieties that have made a major contribution to crop productivity through improved quality, disease resistance, grower return or commercial success, and can be drawn from the entire spectrum of horticultural, ornamental and agricultural crops.

Clare Leaman, Niab’s cereal specialist, said: “Despite the emergence of newer oat varieties boasting improved yield and agronomic traits, Mascani has maintained dominance in the industry due to its exceptional quality characteristics, which continue to meet the exacting standards

of millers. Its success is testament to the unique dynamics of UK oat breeding programmes which often lead to varieties with remarkable longevity. Mascani’s sustained relevance highlights its unmatched quality and reliability, even in a competitive landscape, making it a prime contender for the Niab Variety Cup.”

Research on developing the Mascani oat began at IBERS thirty years ago and the variety was added to the Agricultural and Horticultural Development Board’s (AHDB) list of recommended seeds in 2004.

Dr Catherine Howarth, oat breeding and research lead at IBERS in Aberystwyth University, said: “As a research team, we are incredibly proud to accept the Niab Variety Cup for Mascani. It’s a huge honour for all those who have been involved in the development of the variety – from the original cross in 1995 and subsequent years of selection to its release onto the market as a game

changing variety. Its superb quality, yield and excellent milling consistency has made Mascani a favourite across the UK for growers, merchants and millers alike. Its continuing success is evidenced by its share of the UK winter oat market, which has been over 70% for the past 6 years. Oats offer clear benefits to human health, including lowering cholesterol as well as contributing to a more sustainable environment.”

Alison Barrow, Technical Marketing Manager at Senova Ltd, highlighted that, after 21 years on the AHDB Recommended List, the variety continues to stand the test of time and remains the top-selling winter oat variety, with over 70% of the UK winter oat market.

“We’re delighted with the recognition of Mascani’s status and reputation within the marketplace by Niab. Mascani’s success can be attributed to its combination of superior grain quality and performance in the mill, along with its reliability in the field

and suitability for sustainable rotations. Appealing to both end users and farmers alike, the variety has spearheaded the increase in UK-wide oat plantings and boosted development work into alternative oat markets, as the health and nutritional benefits of oats have been recognised. As a result, we now see oats being eaten at different times of day to just the traditional breakfast occasion.”

Speaking at the Cereal awards ceremony, Niab Chief Executive Professor Mario Caccamo, said: “It takes an exceptional variety to win the Niab Variety Cup, or its sister Cereals Cup, with candidates reviewed annually by our crop specialists and agronomists. This year, we had several strong contenders for the Variety Cup, and it is incredibly rewarding to acknowledge Mascani’s long-standing contribution to the industry. Its success exemplifies the impact that superior crop varieties can have on productivity and grower returns.

“As Mascani’s legacy continues to inspire innovation in crop breeding, Niab reaffirms its commitment to recognising and fostering excellence in agriculture. The Niab Variety Cup remains a symbol of achievement and dedication, inspiring breeders to push the boundaries of plant breeding.”

Established in 1986, the Niab Variety Cup is not awarded annually and is only presented when the organisers decide there is an exceptional variety which deserves recognition. It has been won twice before by plant breeders at Aberystwyth – for the perennial ryegrasses Aberdart in 2003 and Abergreen in 2015.

Bluetongue rules tightened in Wales as control zone expands

PEMBROKESHIRE livestock keepers are being urged to prepare for imminent changes to Bluetongue virus (BTv) control measures as Welsh Government updates its policy to prevent further spread of the disease.

From Thursday, June 20, any cattle, sheep, goats, deer, llamas or alpacas being moved into Wales from a Bluetongue Restricted Zone will require:

• A specific movement licence (available on gov.uk)

• A valid pre-movement test, at the owner’s expense

• Animals showing clinical signs of illness on the day of travel must not be moved into Wales.

To allow time for preparation, exemptions to pre-movement testing have been extended until Wednesday, June 19. After that date, the new rules will be strictly enforced.

Additional temporary measures introduced during the low vector season remain in place until July 1, including:

• No requirement to use insecticides at approved markets, abattoirs, or in livestock transport

• No requirement for slaughterhouses to be designated for Restricted Zone intake

However, from July 1, the Bluetongue Restricted Zone will expand to cover all of England, significantly increasing the number of animals subject to movement controls.

Meanwhile, The Welsh Conservatives have expressed deep concern over the Welsh Government’s handling of its measures to prevent the spread of bluetongue, highlighting significant flaws in the decisionmaking process and its impact on the agricultural sector.

Speaking in the Senedd, Welsh Conservative Shadow Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs, Samuel Kurtz MS criticised the lack of transparency, no economic impact assessment, and no consultation.

Commenting after the statement, Welsh Conservative Shadow Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs, Samuel Kurtz MS, said: “The policy is out of touch with farming reality and is neither proportionate nor pragmatic. Movement restrictions on stock, when the disease is not spread from animal-to-animal

transmission but by midges, are sowing uncertainty at the height of the trading season, this isn’t protecting the industry; it’s paralysing it.

“We all want to keep bluetongue out, but this heavyhanded and bureaucratic policy will only harm the industry it aims to protect and the Deputy First Minister has admitted he cannot guarantee the Welsh Government approach will keep bluetongue out of Wales.

“The Welsh Conservatives are calling on the Welsh Government to urgently reconsider its stance and align with England’s restricted zone policy with increased vaccinations. This coordinated approach, while not perfect, better reflects the realities of animal movements and the shared nature of the threat, offering a more practical solution for farmers on both sides of the border.”

What is Bluetongue?

Bluetongue is a viral disease primarily affecting ruminants and camelids. It is spread by certain types of biting midges (Culicoides species), which are active in the UK from April to November.

Animals may be infected and contagious without showing symptoms — particularly adult cattle, which can carry the virus for weeks.

Clinical signs in sheep may include:

• Mouth and nose ulcers

• Eye and nasal discharge

• Drooling

• Swelling of lips, tongue, head, neck, and hooves

• Lameness, breathing issues, fever, and sometimes death

In cattle, signs include:

• Fatigue and loss of appetite

• Crusting and redness around the muzzle and nostrils

• Reduced milk yield and abortions

• Nasal discharge and erosions on teats

In pregnant animals, BTV can cause miscarriage, deformities, blindness, or death of newborn calves.

Controlling the spread

The Bluetongue virus can be transmitted through:

• Infected midges

• Infected animals (including imports)

• Contaminated biological materials (blood, semen, embryos)

Livestock keepers are advised to:

• Source animals responsibly

• Monitor livestock closely

• Use insect-proof housing, particularly at dawn and dusk

• Maintain high standards of biosecurity and hygiene

Vaccination

Three BTV-3 vaccines are permitted for use in the UK. Two are authorised by the Veterinary Medicines Directorate; a third may only be used under licence. All vaccination must comply with current licensing rules.

More information is available at: Bluetongue serotype 3 (BTV3) vaccination – gov.uk

Tracing and licensing

All livestock must be registered and traceable. If you’re planning to move animals into or out of a Bluetongue-affected area, you must check if a movement licence is required.

Animal keepers should consult their vet before importing animals or biological products from any country with a known or suspected Bluetongue risk.

Last week, the Welsh Government outlined their response to the developing Bluetounge situation. As part of their announcement, from the 1st of July further limits are to be placed on moving livestock from England into Wales; with cattle, sheep and goats requiring a negative test before they can be transported across the border. The decision follows the previous announcement by the uK Government to impose an Englandwide Bluetounge Restriction Zone (RZ) from the 1st of July 2025.

As farmers our first instinct is to keep any disease out, however, this latest announcement by the Welsh Government will come as disappointment to the industry.

In order to maintain economic stability within the industry, the FUW has repeatedly lobbied the Welsh Government to simultaneously align with the changes proposed in England, as the sheer number of cross-border holdings and trading activity will be vastly disrupted, meanwhile midges that carry and spread the virus would not respect any such boundaries.

efra’s decision last month will inevitably bring disease to the Welsh-English border and places both the Welsh Government and the wider industry in an impossible situation. However, given this ‘when’ not ‘if’ circumstance of Bluetongue encroachment into Wales, the FUW believes that enforcing a border between Wales and England is both a futile endeavour and wholly

impractical.

The on-farm practicalities involved with adhering to this policy position brings with it a wealth of barriers and complications. The mechanics of issuing licences in a timely manner, arranging and conducting pre-movement sampling and testing, coordinating haulage and the extortionate costs and disruption to cross-border holdings and trade, it is feared that the decision to hold back the tide will be entirely unattainable and impractical.

Vaccination is an important weapon in the armoury that has been widely deployed throughout Europe. The FUW feels strongly that the Welsh Government must support industry to manage and mitigate the animal health and welfare impacts of Bluetongue Virus.

With that, clear guidelines and advice must be readily available for the 550 cross-border farming businesses and numerous livestock markets that straddle the Welsh-English border.

We acknowledge the Welsh Government’s commitment to monitor and review the approach as the situation develops. Full consultation with the industry must continue to ensure cross-border farms, livestock markets and the wider supply chain have sufficient time to make suitable arrangements.

To that end, the FUW calls on the Welsh Government to set out clear timeframes for regular review intervals. It is crucial that this position is regularly reviewed ahead of the autumn considering the pace at which the virus can spread during the high transmission period.

Renault Symbioz and Captur updated with new powertrains

The Renault range of Suvs has received a series of updates for the 2026 model year, including a more powerful full hybrid E-Tech 160 powertrain for Captur and Symbioz with improved performance and efficiency, a new mild hybrid 140 engine option for Symbioz, and enhanced standard equipment levels for selected Captur trims.

New full hybrid E-Tech 160 powertrain for Captur and Symbioz

Captur and Symbioz both feature a new full hybrid E-Tech 160 powertrain that replaces the previous 145hp engine. With the new, larger 1.8-litre petrol engine producing more power and torque, performance and drivability are improved, with 62 mph now reached from a standstill over a second faster than before. A larger 1.4 kWh battery (up from 1.26 kWh) increases the opportunities to run in electric-only mode, making for a smoother, quieter driving experience while also saving fuel and reducing emissions. In fact, this EU7-compliant engine now emits just 97 g/km of CO2 and uses approximately 5% less fuel.

The new full hybrid E-Tech 160 powertrain also benefits from a series of enhancements to the intelligent multi-mode transmission, including smoother shifting and one additional

mode designed specifically for motorway use that reduces noise levels and improves responsiveness, plus a new e-shifter as standard across all trim levels.

As a final benefit, this new powertrain also offers an enhanced towing capacity, up from 750kg to 1,000kg.

Prices for the Captur full hybrid E-Tech 160 start at £25,195, with the Symbioz full hybrid E-Tech 160 available from £29,795.

New mild hybrid 140 option for Symbioz

For 2026MY, Symbioz gains the option of a new mild hybrid 140 petrol engine coupled with a

six-speed manual transmission, available exclusively with the techno trim. This 1.3-litre fourcylinder turbocharged unit features mild hybrid technology to deliver excellent efficiency, recording 47.9 mpg on the WLTP combined cycle and CO2 emissions of 133 g/km. The mild hybrid 140 adds a highly competitive new entry-level model to the Symbioz range, priced from only £27,395 OTR.

More advanced driver assistance systems as standard for Captur

All trim levels in the Captur range now feature an electric parking brake with auto-hold as standard. Adaptive cruise control

with speed limiter – capable of automatically maintaining a safe following distance from the vehicle in front, braking and accelerating as necessary – is now included on the mid-range techno trim and above for all hybrid models. The range-topping esprit Alpine trim goes further, with lane centering, occupant safe exit, blind spot recognition, rear detection with emergency lane keeping assist, and rear cross traffic alert all as standard. A new child locking function for the rear doors and windows is also included.

Orders are now open for the MY26 Captur and Symbioz.

1.2

T HE ALL - NEW E LROQ V RS:

The sportiest version of Škoda’s electric compact SUV

Škoda Auto is launching the vRS range-topper six months after the world premiere of the all-new Škoda Elroq, which competes in the popular electric compact Suv segment. The latest member of the vRS family has two motors generating a total system output of 340 PS (250 kW) and is equipped with all-wheel drive. The Škoda Elroq vRS comes with an electric range of 339 miles on the WLTP cycle, specific vRS accessories and comprehensive standard equipment. It is also the fastest accelerating car in Škoda’s current model portfolio, sprinting from 0 to 62 mph in 5.4 seconds.

Klaus Zellmer, CEO of Škoda Auto, says: “The Elroq vRS is the next important step in Škoda’s expanding electric future. Merging our esteemed vRS legacy with innovative technology makes this a new top-of-the-line model that achieves 0 to 62 mph in just 5.4 seconds. The Elroq vRS delivers this thrilling performance alongside a range of 339 miles. Our first all-electric compact SUV is taking the market by storm in its first few months. In April, it was Europe’s no. 1 bestselling pure BEV and has so far totalled about 70,000 orders through the end of May. These figures confirm the Elroq’s status as a compelling choice. We are confident that the Elroq vRS will contribute to this success story and set new standards by offering a great blend of driving enjoyment and everyday usability.”

Johannes Neft, Škoda Auto Board Member for Technical Development, says: “Škoda vRS models traditionally combine dynamic performance and sporty looks with well-balanced driving

characteristics and practicality. The Elroq vRS is no exception: the newest member of our vRS family comes with an output of 250 kW and a range of 339 miles while the standard DCC blends sportiness and comfort to perfection. In terms of design, the Škoda Elroq vRS introduces the new Modern Solid design language to our vRS portfolio. Its high-gloss Tech-Deck Face fits in perfectly with the black accents that are a hallmark of our most dynamic models. This appealing package makes the Elroq vRS the ideal everyday companion.”

Media launch in the north of the Czech Republic

The media launch takes place at the Aurel Polygon test centre in the north of the Czech Republic – a 30-minute drive from Mladá Boleslav, where the Elroq is manufactured. The Polygon is a development and innovation centre for the extensive testing of technologies, vehicles and their components. A wide range of functional, durability and other tests are carried out here. The 52,000 m2 proving ground includes test tracks for advanced assistance, brake and stability systems. A gravel road is available to test the durability of the bodywork and other vehicle parts, and a special zone is used to test vehicles beyond their operational limits. Cars can also be tested on surfaces such as cobblestones and washboard surfaces. 84 kWh battery, electric range of over 340 miles, fast charging at up to 185 kW

In the Škoda Elroq vRS, the electric motors – on the front axle and on the rear axle – develop a total output of 340 PS (250 kW) and support allwheel drive. Just like the Enyaq vRS,

the Elroq vRS accelerates from 0 to 62 mph in 5.4 seconds, making these two vehicles Škoda’s fastest accelerating production models to date, with a top speed of 111 mph. The high-voltage battery comprises twelve modules, giving it a total gross capacity of 84 kWh (79 kWh net), enabling a maximum electric range of 339 miles on the WLTP cycle. Charging rates of up to 185 kW at DC fast-charging stations enable the battery to recharge from 10 to 80 per cent in around 26 minutes. AC charging at 11 kW takes the battery from 0 to 100 per cent in around eight and a half hours. The Elroq vRS achieves a drag coefficient as low as 0.267.

Sports chassis and LED Matrix beam headlights as standard, exclusive alloy wheels

Black exterior details and exclusive alloy wheels up to 21 inches in size underline the car’s dynamic appearance. The sports chassis and progressive steering make for excellent driving dynamics in any situation. The extensive standard equipment includes cutting-edge LED Matrix beam headlights and LED rear lights with dynamic indicators. An electrically adjustable driver’s seat with massage function also comes as standard. It is available for the front passenger as part of the optional Maxx Package.

Modern Solid design language with illuminated Tech-Deck Face

Like all Elroq models, the vRS variant is characterised by the new high-gloss black Tech-Deck Face accommodating multiple sensors, including radar. The illuminated Tech-Deck Face composed of vertical “eyelashes” comes as standard, as do the LED Matrix beam

headlights. Their four-eye look is a hallmark of the Škoda SUV range. LED rear lights with dynamic indicators are also included as standard. As part of the Coming/Leaving Home animation, also standard, the illuminated TechDeck Face creates a light show when the driver locks or unlocks the car or just approaches it with the key in their pocket. The illuminated segments gradually light up when the vehicle is unlocked and slowly fade when it is locked.

Hallmark vRS style: black accents and new unique matt colour

The characteristic visual vRS features underline the dynamic appearance of the exterior design. The side window trim, roof rails, bonnet and tailgate lettering and the wing mirror caps are all finished in gloss black. The front bumper is trim-specific and the rear bumper features the typical vRS full-width reflector strip. The front wings are adorned with vRS badges. The car can be ordered in ten exterior colours, four of them solid, six metallic and coming soon will be a new exclusive matt grey finish, available only for the Elroq vRS. The limited-edition matt grey exterior is combined with gloss black details such as the door handles, side mirrors and rear roof spoiler. The black metallic 20-inch Draconis alloy wheels with new matt black inserts are standard, while the new 21-inch Vision alloy wheels in anthracite metallic are available as an option. The privacy glass tinted rear and rear side windows and acoustic side windows ensure comfort in any driving situation as well as a sleek look.

New BMW XM options: maximum exclusivity and breathtaking performance

NEW equipment options, increased charging rate.

The BMW XM Label now offers additional options for customising the exterior and interior. Newly available, for example, is the optional BMW Individual Frozen Tanzanite Blue metallic exterior colour, which highlights the model’s unique character. The BMW M kidney grille complete with accent line can be ordered in high-gloss Black. A new Welcome Light Animation makes the BMW XM Label look particularly impressive after dark. Standard equipment for the BMW XM Label in Europe now includes 22-inch light alloy wheels Double-spoke style 922 M Bicolour with mixed-size tyres. They replace the previous 21-inch wheels. A new option comes in the shape of the 23inch M light alloy wheels style 1096 M in Black.

BMW Individual Night Blue Merino Leather with exclusive elements is available as a new option, for a particularly extravagant interior ambience. Other new colour combinations for the interior of the BMW XM Label include BMW

Individual Black Merino leather with exclusive elements and Vintage Coffee Brown interior surfaces as well as BMW Individual Silverstone Merino leather with Black interior surfaces. The highquality comfort cushions matching the colour of the seat surfaces now come as standard for all BMW Individual leather merino upholstery. The charging rate of the BMW XM Label increases as well: the

M HYBRID system’s Combined Charging Unit now enables AC charging at up to 11 kW.

The upgraded BMW XM Label will be unveiled on 14 June 2025 at the 24 Hours of Le Mans. BMW M Motorsport will be competing on the legendary French circuit with the BMW M Hybrid V8 in the FIA World Endurance Championship (FIA WEC).

The BMW Group

With its four brands BMW, MINI, Rolls-Royce, and BMW Motorrad, the BMW Group is the world’s leading premium manufacturer of automobiles and motorcycles and provides premium financial services. The BMW Group production network comprises over 30 production sites worldwide; the company has a global sales network in more than 140 countries.

In 2024, the BMW Group sold 2.45 million passenger cars and more than 210,000 motorcycles worldwide. Profit before tax in the financial year 2024 was €11.0 billion, and revenue €142.4 billion. As at 31 December 2024, the BMW Group had a workforce of 159,104 employees.

The economic success of the BMW Group has always been based on longterm thinking and responsible action. Sustainability is a key element of BMW Group’s corporate strategy covering supply chains and production of all products until they reach the end of their use phases.

First stage of Saundersfoot 36-home scheme refused

PLANS for the first stage of a 36-home scheme near a Pembrokeshire seaside village which the local community council objected to in its current scheme have been refused by the national park.

In a hybrid application submitted to Pembrokeshire Coast National Park, EE7 Properties Ltd, through agent JCR Planning Ltd, sought permission for a hybrid housing scheme at Penny Farm, Fan Road, Saundersfoot.

The application consisted of an outline scheme for three twostorey houses, a full application for the conversion of an existing two-storey building into two apartments, a full application for construction of two-storey accommodation block containing two apartments and associated works, following the demolition of an existing shed.

Nine objections to the scheme were received, raising issues including access, lack of affordable housing, highway safety, and increased traffic.

A supporting statement through agent JCR Planning Ltd says: “At the outset, it needs to be emphasised that the application site is a residential allocation in the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Local Development Plan 2 – HA4 Penny Farm – 36 units. This application represents the first phase of the allocated site’s development.”

It adds: “The existing North Close access will serve three dwellings and two apartments, whilst the Fan Road access will serve one apartment. Future phases of the site’s development will involve significant alterations to the Fan Road access.”

It lists the overall development in four phases, with the last two the largest.

It concludes: “The proposal will facilitate the delivery of key accommodation and will do so in a manner that is both respectful and responsive to the adjoining and surrounding urban area. Each unit will be served by a series of amenity spaces, including private and secure areas, as well as sufficient car parking.

“A portion of Phase 1 will be served by an extension of North Close estate road and will not result in any detriment to highway safety for existing or proposed users.”

Saundersfoot Community Council unanimously objected to the scheme in its current form, with some 20 members of the public attending a recent meeting to raise their own concerns.

In its objection, the community council said it agreed there was a need for affordable housing, understanding 14 affordable dwellings were to be included in the development.

“However, the Planning

Statement and DAS submitted makes no mention of any affordable housing. Council trusts that PCNPA will correct this omission. So, subject to an appropriate affordable housing element in the development then the council does not object to the development in principle.”

However, concerns were raised over access to the site, and the existing sewage system in the area “already inadequate to cope with the current properties”.

It also said: “Were this development to proceed, the increased traffic flow would be a serious risk to the health and safety of children playing outside their homes. Additional traffic from the new properties would aggravate the existing risk.”

It urged the applicant to withdraw the current scheme “and resubmit correcting the above defects”.

An officer report recommending refusal said: “Penny Farm is listed within the Local Development Plan as a site which is allocated for housing, with the anticipated delivery of residential units being 36, 14 of which would be affordable units.”

It adds: “It is stated that for this site, a traffic impact assessment would be required to ensure capacity at new and existing junctions and that affordable housing should be included within the scheme. No details of the provision of

affordable housing have been received with this application.

“There are also requirements in terms of a financial contribution towards the provision of a footway/ footpath route to Saundersfoot Railway Station; that informal open space be provided on site; and a financial contribution for Local Equipped Area for Play and Neighbourhood Equipped Area.

“The Highways Authority have concerns in relation to the proposed access, and in relation to the adoptability of the access road and note that insufficient information has been submitted in order to determine highway safety.

“In addition, the documentation fails to take into account the trees which are located in the area of the proposed access off North Close. The Authority also has concerns in relation to the design of the proposed apartment block and its failure to take account of the character of properties within the area.”

The application was refused on the grounds of a lack of details of affordable housing provision, Insufficient information has been submitted to determine the development’s impact upon highway safety, and the design of the proposed apartment block “is not deemed appropriate due to its form and finishing materials not being in character with the local vernacular”.

Bruce Sinclair Local Democracy Reporter

Wales Business Awards 2025 celebrates excellence across the nation

TWELvE outstanding Welsh businesses were honoured at the Wales Business Awards 2025 on Wednesday night (June 12), in a ceremony held at the Holland House Hotel in Cardiff.

Hosted by broadcaster Andrea Byrne, the awards—organised by Chambers Wales South East, South West and Mid—brought together organisations from across the country to celebrate enterprise, innovation and growth.

Whitland-based consultancy Landsker Business Solutions was named Professional Services Firm of the Year, recognised for its highquality support to both pre-start and established SMEs across Wales. The judges also praised the firm’s ambitious growth strategy and ongoing innovation.

Wayne Evans, Business Development Consultant at Landsker, said: “With our work being so focused on supporting SMEs in Wales to grow, adapt and thrive, it is an honour to have been recognised by industry peers. I’m incredibly proud of our team and grateful to our clients for continuing to place their trust in us.”

One winner was also crowned Wales Business of the Year 2025, selected by headline sponsor Bevan Buckland LLP.

Other category winners included:

• Celtic English Academy

• Concrete Canvas Ltd

• Educ8 Group

• fleetEv

• Nanopharm

• PeoplePlus

• Rockwool Ltd

• Safran Seats GB

• Simply Do Ideas

• Tyre Glider Ltd

• Wales Millennium Centre

Gus Williams, Interim CEO of Chambers Wales South East, South West and Mid, said: “The Wales Business Awards celebrate the very best of Welsh business, recognising

those leading their sectors in key areas such as trade, sustainability and innovation, and positively contributing to the Welsh economic landscape. We’d like to congratulate all of our incredible winners, including Landsker Business Solutions, as well as our worthy finalists.”

South Wales tech sector to benefit from £86bn UK Government innovation plan

WALES is set to benefit from a share of a transformative £86 billion research and development funding package aimed at powering economic growth and creating skilled jobs across the uK.

As part of the UK Government’s “Plan for Change,” a new Local Innovation Partnerships Fund will provide regions—including Wales—with direct investment to develop their own innovation clusters, with local leaders helping decide how the money is spent.

South Wales has been highlighted as a key area for the development of cuttingedge semiconductor technologies—vital components in everything from mobile phones to electric vehicles. Ministers say the investment will support new jobs and boost the region’s reputation in advanced electronics.

Welsh Secretary Jo Stevens said: “Wales is home to a growing tech sector and this significant investment from the UK Government will help it develop and expand even further. As we deliver our Plan for Change, we are investing in innovation and research, creating more opportunities in the industries of the future and driving economic growth across Wales and the UK.”

The announcement comes ahead of the Chancellor’s Spending Review, where it will be confirmed that the UK will invest £22.5 billion per year by 2029 in R&D across multiple sectors,

including tech, life sciences, defence and manufacturing.

Alongside the main package, up to £500 million will be distributed across the nations and regions of the UK, with a minimum of £30 million expected to be allocated to one Welsh region, agreed in partnership with the Welsh Government.

Science and Technology Secretary Peter Kyle said the move would allow Swansea, Cardiff and other innovation hubs in Wales to “harness local expertise and skills,” while building on existing strengths in AI, life sciences and green energy.

The UK Government said the investment is expected to generate long-term returns—with every £1 spent on R&D predicted to deliver up to £7 in economic benefit and create thousands of high-skill jobs.

The fund builds on existing innovation accelerator pilot schemes and is seen as key to ensuring regions like West Wales and the Valleys are not left behind in the race for clean growth and advanced digital infrastructure.

The Herald understands that Welsh universities, tech start-ups and manufacturing clusters will be able to bid for support through upcoming competitive rounds, with guidance to follow from UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) in the coming months.

GPs across Wales trained to spot endometriosis earlier

GPs across Wales are being trained to better recognise the symptoms of endometriosis as part of a national initiative to improve women’s health and reduce diagnostic delays.

Endometriosis affects one in 10 women in Wales and is a key priority in the Welsh Government’s Women’s Health Plan, launched six months ago. The condition—often painful and difficult to diagnose—can significantly impact women’s daily lives, careers, and relationships.

The new expert-led training programme, delivered through Health Education and Improvement Wales (HEIW), has already led to a 43% increase in participating GPs’ knowledge of endometriosis. It has also

improved their confidence in discussing symptoms and treatment options with patients.

Minister for Mental Health and Wellbeing, Sarah Murphy, said: “Women have told us they feel unheard and their symptoms dismissed. This training helps ensure women’s voices are at the heart of their healthcare, empowering GPs to provide better, more responsive care.

Endometriosis can have a devastating effect on women’s lives. Through our Women’s Health Plan, we are committed to delivering real improvements and tackling inequality.”

Dr Mirka Slavska, obstetrics and gynaecology consultant at Aneurin Bevan University Health Board, who led the training, said:

“We were pleased to deliver training that covered differential diagnosis, referral pathways, and the latest diagnostic and treatment options.

We also introduced the Endometriosis Cymru symptom reporting tool. The positive feedback we received underlines the importance of practical, upto-date training for frontline healthcare professionals.”

Endometriosis is one of eight priority areas identified in the Women’s Health Plan, which aims to improve care and support for women and girls across Wales. Since the plan’s launch in December 2024, key milestones include:

Early-stage work to develop a women’s health hub in every health board area by March 2026

Establishment of Wales’ first Women’s Health Research Centre, funded by Health and Care Research Wales

A dedicated research call focused on communication in women’s healthcare

At the Everywoman Festival in Cardiff today (Saturday, 7 June), Dr Helen Munro, Clinical Lead for Women’s Health in Wales, provided an update on the development of the new health hubs:

“Meeting women’s needs throughout their lives will be at the core of our new women’s health hubs. These hubs will bring together professionals and services in community settings, with local population needs and existing infrastructure shaping their design and delivery.”

Hywel Dda scientist wins top UK healthcare award

A WEST WALES health board manager has been named Biomedical Scientist of the Year at a prestigious uK awards ceremony.

Craig Baker, Cellular Pathology and Mortuary Service Manager at Hywel Dda University Health Board, received the accolade at the 2025 Advancing Healthcare Awards, held in London on Friday (May 23).

The annual awards recognise outstanding achievements by healthcare scientists, allied health professionals, and those working alongside them across the UK.

Craig was presented with the Biomedical Scientist of the Year award, sponsored by the Institute of Biomedical Science and awarded by its president, Joanna Andrew.

Reacting to the honour, Craig said: “Winning Biomedical Scientist of the

Year at the UK Advancing Healthcare Awards 2025 is a huge honour and an achievement that I am incredibly proud of.

“This award reflects the unwavering commitment, dedication, and outstanding work of Biomedical Scientists across the profession, both within Hywel Dda and throughout Wales.

“I hope this recognition will help highlight the invaluable contributions of Biomedical Scientists and Health Science Professionals, and the critical role we play in delivering patient care.”

Dr Jonathan Arthur, Deputy Director of Health Science at Hywel Dda, added: “I would like to congratulate Craig on winning this well-deserved award. His work is vitally important for the patients and communities we serve.”

Staggering rise in autism and ADHD delays across west Wales

THE NuMBER of children waiting for Autism and ADHD assessments in west Wales has soared by hundreds of percent, with clinicians warning that delays are placing vulnerable children at risk and stretching public services to the limit.

Figures released by the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health (RCPCH) show that since 2018, the number of children in the Hywel Dda University Health Board area waiting for an Autism Spectrum Disorder assessment has increased by 781%. ADHD referrals have also risen dramatically — up by 331% over the same period.

Waiting lists for general community paediatric services in Hywel Dda have also risen, though more modestly, increasing by 4.1% from 1,477 in 2018 to 1,538 in 2025.

The data, published this week in the RCPCH’s report Collaborative Healthcare in Wales: Delivering the Services Children Need in the Community, highlights a worsening picture for families across west Wales. It also shows that the scale of the crisis is not limited to one area.

In neighbouring Cwm Taf Morgannwg Health Board, the number of under18s waiting for neurodevelopmental services rose from 2,173 in 2023 to 3,391 by January this year — a rise of more than 56% in just two years.

Community paediatricians, who lead services supporting children with complex medical and developmental needs, are sounding the alarm. They warn that a chronic lack of funding, staff shortages, and rising demand have pushed services beyond safe capacity.

Across Wales, thousands of children are now on waiting lists for vital care delivered outside of hospitals —

including assessments for autism, ADHD, and speech and language difficulties. These services are typically delivered in clinics, schools and local hubs, aiming to support children earlier and closer to home.

In some parts of Wales, demand has more than doubled in the past five years:

Betsi Cadwaladr Health Board saw a 1016% increase in community paediatric waiting lists, from 805 in 2018 to 8,986 in 2025.

Cardiff and Vale reported a 302% increase in waiting lists alongside an 8% drop in paediatricians.

Swansea Bay’s waiting list rose 112% since 2020, with average wait

times now 80 weeks.

Powys reported a 112% rise in neurodevelopmental service referrals since 2022, with just three community paediatricians covering the entire county.

The RCPCH has called on the Welsh Government to urgently prioritise investment in children’s health services. It says the aim of delivering care closer to home is being undermined by long waits, inconsistent access, and a growing gap between policy and practice.

The report also highlights wider systemic problems — including poor transitions from children’s to adult services, an over-reliance on

formal assessments, and increasing pressure on families forced to navigate fragmented services without support.

Doctors have warned that without urgent action, the impact on children’s lives — including their mental health, education, and future wellbeing — will be severe. The report notes that children with unmet health needs often face long-term disadvantages, with serious consequences for wider society and public finances.

The RCPCH says the system must move away from reliance on goodwill from overstretched NHS staff and invest in early intervention, better staffing, and coordinated support across services.

Conservatives welcome U-turn on grooming gang inquiry

TWO prominent Welsh Conservatives have welcomed the announcement of a longawaited uK-wide public inquiry into the handling of grooming gangs — and are calling on the Welsh Government to cooperate fully and transparently.

Both Samuel Kurtz MS, who represents Carmarthen West and South Pembrokeshire, and Paul Davies MS, who represents Preseli Pembrokeshire, have issued strong statements in support of the inquiry and urged Labour Ministers in Cardiff Bay to meet with a Welsh survivor of grooming and abuse who has become a key voice in the campaign for justice.

The developments follow pressure in the Senedd from Welsh Conservative Leader Darren Millar MS, who earlier this week challenged First Minister Vaughan Gething over his government’s refusal to back a Wales-specific inquiry earlier this year.

Mr Millar has led calls for a comprehensive investigation into how devolved public bodies — including local councils, social services, the NHS, and the Children’s Commissioner — responded to organised sexual exploitation across Wales. He also urged the First Minister to release all relevant correspondence and documentation, and to meet with “Emily,” a Welsh woman who was groomed as a child, trafficked across the UK, and raped more than a thousand times by gangs of men.

Emily’s story, which has already been raised in both the Senedd and Westminster, has prompted renewed scrutiny of safeguarding failures within devolved Welsh services, and calls from survivors and campaigners for a dedicated inquiry focusing on Wales.

Welcoming the UK-wide inquiry, Paul Davies MS said: “Now that an inquiry into grooming gangs has been confirmed,

the Welsh Government must cooperate fully by ensuring that all relevant correspondence with police, councils, and social services is published.

Brave victims and survivors like Emily must be heard, and I hope that the First Minister will at least meet with her to listen to her experience.

We must now make sure this inquiry delivers justice for every survivor. There is no room for delay.”

Samuel Kurtz MS added: “This inquiry is long overdue. It should have commenced six months ago, and it is deeply disappointing that the Welsh Government voted against establishing a Welsh inquiry at the time.

Equally concerning was the decision by Pembrokeshire’s Labour MP to oppose a national inquiry during a vote in Westminster.

With a UK-wide inquiry now confirmed, the Welsh Government must demonstrate

transparency by publishing all relevant correspondence with the police, local authorities, and social services.

Most importantly, the First Minister should meet with Emily — a courageous Welsh survivor who has spent years campaigning to protect other children. Listening to her story is the very least she deserves.”

The Welsh Government has not yet confirmed whether it will publish the relevant documents or agree to a meeting with Emily. However, support for her campaign is growing across party lines, with several Members of the Senedd now backing a motion calling for full transparency and a direct meeting with survivors.

Earlier this year, Labour Ministers in Cardiff Bay were criticised for voting down a motion to hold a Wales-specific inquiry into the handling of grooming and child sexual exploitation cases, despite mounting evidence that the issue is not confined to English towns and cities.

Campaigners argue that many of the same institutional failings identified in previous high-profile English cases — such as Rotherham, Rochdale, and Telford — may also be present in Wales, but have been overlooked or under-reported.

The UK-wide inquiry, announced after months of pressure and a high-profile campaign, marks a significant U-turn by Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer, whose party previously voted against a similar proposal in the House of Commons. The new inquiry is expected to examine patterns of grooming, failures in police and council responses, and the extent to which public bodies were aware of the abuse but failed to act.

Preferred candidate for Transport for Wales chair announced

THE CABINET SECRETARY for Transport and North Wales Ken Skates’ preferred candidate to be chair of the Transport for Wales board has been announced today.

Vernon Everitt is currently Transport Commissioner and chair of Transport for Greater Manchester, where the bus network has recently been franchised as part of creating the Bee Network.. He is also a current Non-Executive Director on the Transport for Wales board.

Mr Everitt has previously been a Senior Executive at

Transport for London with responsibility for improving customer service and driving up journeys and revenue on the public transport network. This appointment is subject to pre-appointment scrutiny by the Senedd which will take place on June 19.

Announcing the preferred candidate Ken Skates said:

“I’m pleased today to announce my preferred candidate for Chair of Transport for Wales.

Vernon brings a wealth of transport experience from both Manchester and London, as well as already being very

familiar with our priorities in Wales.”

“I would like to put on record my appreciation for the critical role that the current Chair, Scott Waddington, has played in the significant growth of the organisation since its incorporation in 2018, as well as navigating the unprecedented challenges faced by public transport operators as a result of the pandemic.”

The Cabinet Secretary will confirm his decision on the appointment following the preappointment hearing.

Build the M4 relief road say Welsh Conservatives in Senedd debate

THIS month marks six years since the Welsh Labour Government formally cancelled the M4 relief road project near Newport — a decision that continues to divide opinion across Wales.

The proposed six-lane motorway, designed to bypass the heavily congested Brynglas Tunnels, was scrapped in June 2019 by First Minister Mark Drakeford. At the time, he cited the £1.4 billion cost, the ecological importance of the Gwent Levels, and the Welsh Government’s commitment to reduce emissions from transport.

Despite over £150 million of public money already spent on preparatory work and planning, the project was abandoned. It has since become a key battleground in the debate over infrastructure, the economy, and climate policy in Wales.

WELSH CONSERvATIvES: “BuILD IT NOW”

This week, the Welsh Conservatives brought a motion before the Senedd urging ministers to revisit the decision and move forward with delivering the M4 relief road.

Sam Rowlands MS, Conservative Shadow Secretary for Finance, Transport and Infrastructure, said:

“Labour’s decision to scrap the M4 relief road wasted huge amounts of money and was an attack on Welsh motorists.

An M4 relief road would have alleviated traffic demands, whilst boosting our economy and investment into Wales.

Welsh Conservatives will always be on the side of motorists, and that’s why we’re calling for the M4 relief road to be delivered.”

Party leader Andrew RT Davies added that the relief road is essential if Wales is serious about attracting investment and improving productivity:

“We desperately need an M4 Relief Road, to improve transport infrastructure and attract investment into South Wales.”

LABOuR AND PLAID: ENvIRONMENTAL COSTS AND fuNDING GAPS

The Labour-led Welsh Government has defended its stance, arguing that major roadbuilding projects are incompatible with the urgent need to reduce emissions and shift towards sustainable transport. The decision to scrap the project was reinforced by a wider moratorium on new roadbuilding, introduced in 2021.

Lee Waters MS, then Deputy Minister for Economy and Transport, was clear:

“We won’t get to Net Zero unless we stop doing the same thing over and over again. Building more roads to deal with congestion is not a long-term solution.”

Plaid Cymru, meanwhile, has focused on funding, arguing that the UK Government has failed to provide the necessary infrastructure investment.

Ben Lake MP told Parliament last week:

“This new money does not come close to the £1.8 billion owed to Wales. And simply, there’s no additional money for road infrastructure and to even revisit things like the M4 relief road.”

HOW DID A ROAD THAT HASN’T BEEN BuILT COST MILLIONS?

Although the M4 relief road was never constructed, the Welsh Government still spent more than £150 million of public money on the project — a figure that continues to raise eyebrows.

The costs stem not from construction, but from a wide range of preparatory and legal work undertaken over several years before the scheme was cancelled in 2019.

A significant portion of the money — over £15 million — was spent on compulsory purchase of homes and land along the proposed route. At least 29 residential properties were bought, some just weeks before First Minister Mark Drakeford pulled the plug. Two houses in particular were purchased in April 2019 for £575,000 and £400,000 respectively.

Millions more went into planning, environmental studies, traffic modelling, engineering designs, and the costs of

the public inquiry — a legal process that included months of hearings and hundreds of pages of technical submissions.

Specialist consultants were hired to advise on road design, ecological mitigation, legal compliance, transport economics and flood risk — all of which are standard for major infrastructure proposals. These reports were produced in line with UK Government transport policy requirements and the Welsh Government’s own planning framework.

While no tarmac was ever laid, these upfront costs reflect the extensive legal, technical and bureaucratic groundwork required for a nationally significant road project. As critics have pointed out, hundreds of millions were spent only to cancel the scheme, with no visible infrastructure to show for it.

The properties bought under compulsory purchase are now being managed by the Welsh Government’s property division, with some rented out. However, their long-term use remains uncertain.

THE COST Of INACTION

While some academics have cautioned that road projects can induce more traffic and fail to deliver long-term economic transformation, most experts agree that Wales has already lost hundreds of millions of pounds by not building the M4 relief road — and the costs continue to mount.

The Freight Transport Association warned in 2019 that cancellation could result in “hundreds of millions of pounds in lost private sector investment.”

A 2009 business case suggested

the scheme would deliver £695 million in net benefits over its lifetime.

The CBI has repeatedly said that poor transport connectivity is one of the biggest barriers to attracting new business to South Wales.

The Welsh Government’s own 2016 report found that congestion on the M4 imposes significant costs on productivity, freight movement, and tourism — all of which act as a drag on economic performance.

Even critics of the original scheme concede that the current traffic bottleneck at the Brynglas Tunnels remains one of the worst in the UK, with the South East Wales Transport Commission ranking it as the 4th most congested urban motorway in Britain and among the top 50 in Europe.

Despite earlier warnings that the relief road might only offer short-term gains, the economic and logistical price of inaction is becoming harder to ignore.

THE MOTION

The motion brought forward by the Welsh Conservatives reads:

To propose that the Senedd:

• Regrets that this month marks six years since the M4 relief road project was scrapped.

• Calls on the Welsh Government to deliver an M4 relief road.

Labour and Plaid Cymru are expected to vote against the motion, but the debate has once again brought national attention to the M4 corridor’s ongoing transport crisis — and the growing cost of not fixing it.

POSITIVELY LIBERAL

W ITH ANDREW LYE

week, Chancellor Rachel Reeves announced the Government’s Spending Review. The Liberal Democrats analysis has shown that Government departments are facing real-terms cuts of £4.6 billion by 2028-29.

The Liberal Democrats said these “painful cuts” could be avoided by boosting growth, including through a better UK-EU trade deal that could boost public finances by around £25 billion a year.

Some departments will see significant cuts over the spending review period. The Foreign Office, Home Office and Department for Transport are all expected to be hit with real-terms cuts of over £1 billion. DEFRA will also see a £355 million real-terms cut over three years.

The Liberal Democrats said that the spending review will see public services already stretched to breaking point be expected to endure another round of painful cuts.

The Liberal Democrats have said that the Government would not have to make these choices if it got a better trade deal with the EU and moved to negotiating a bespoke UK-EU Customs Union. Previous analysis has found that a better deal even within the Government’s own red lines could boost GDP by 2.2% raising £25 billion a year in extra revenue for the Exchequer.

Liberal Democrat Treasury spokesperson, Daisy Cooper MP said:

“Hidden in the small

print of the spending review are painful cuts to public spending, with funding for social care and our police being stretched to breaking point.

“We cannot afford to wait another decade for the government to fix social care while patients are treated in hospital corridors and elderly people wait for months on end for a care home place.

“The Chancellor would not have to make these difficult choices if she got serious about going for growth, got a better trade deal with the EU and cut red tape for British businesses.

That is the best way to boost our economy, put more money into people’s pockets and rebuild our public services.”

Meanwhile, responding to the Chancellor refusing to rule out tax rises on LBC radio, Sarah Olney MP, Liberal Democrat Business Spokesperson, said:

“The Chancellor talked about choices at her spending review yesterday. I say she must choose to put growth first and rule out any more tax rises for families and small businesses.

“Britain must go for growth through a bespoke new trade deal with the EU - allowing us to rebuild our economy and renew our public services.

“If anyone should be asked to pay more tax, it should be the big banks, social media giants and online gambling firms who have been raking in record profits while ordinary families struggle to make ends meet.”

If you have any issues or comments, please contact me at andrew.lye@pembslibdems.wales

MPs back historic move to decriminalise abortion

MEMBERS of Parliament have voted decisively in favour of changing the law to decriminalise abortion for women in England and Wales.

The amendment, introduced by Labour MP for Gower, Tonia Antoniazzi, will remove the threat of criminal prosecution for women undergoing abortions after the current 24week limit. Antoniazzi argued passionately that women facing late-term abortions are in “desperate situations” and need “compassion, not criminalisation.”

MPs were allowed a free vote on the issue as a matter of personal conscience, and the measure passed comfortably by 379 votes to 137—a majority of 242.

Currently, abortions in England and Wales are legal up to 24 weeks, with exceptions permitted beyond this period if the woman’s life is at risk or

under other specific conditions. Antoniazzi’s amendment to the Crime and Policing Bill ensures that women can no longer face arrest, prosecution, or imprisonment for ending a pregnancy at any stage.

Highlighting her argument in Parliament, Antoniazzi pointed out that nearly all abortions—99%—occur before 20 weeks. She emphasised that the small percentage who undergo late-term abortions are often vulnerable and facing complex personal circumstances.

“Each case represents a profound tragedy enabled by an archaic law,” she said. “This outdated Victorian legislation, created by an all-male parliament, has increasingly been weaponised against vulnerable women and girls.”

Labour MP Stella Creasy urged colleagues to consider broader changes to abortion laws, including repealing the

1861 Act entirely and formally recognising abortion access as a fundamental human right. Despite receiving significant initial backing, Creasy’s amendment did not proceed to a vote following concerns from abortion providers such as the British Pregnancy Advisory Service, who suggested it was not the optimal path to longterm reform.

Meanwhile, a Conservative amendment introduced by shadow health minister Dr Caroline Johnson, proposing to end the practice of allowing abortion medication by post without an in-person consultation, was rejected by MPs, with 379 voting against and 117 in support.

The landmark vote marks a significant step in abortion law reform, removing longstanding criminal penalties and shifting towards a compassionate framework for women’s healthcare.

Senedd passes plastic wet wipe ban set to come into force next year

WET WIPES containing plastic will be banned in Wales next year to reduce the environmental harm caused by pollution.

From December 18, 2026, it will be an offence in Wales to supply – or offer to supply – wet wipes containing plastic after the Senedd unanimously agreed regulations.

Huw Irranca-Davies, Deputy First Minister of Wales, said: “There should be no place for wet wipes amongst the pebbles and the sand and the seaweed on our beautiful Welsh coastline.

Mr Irranca-Davies, whose responsibilities include the environment, said a survey found 22% of people admitted to having flushed wet wipes into the sewerage system. He warned a large volume

of wet wipes – which often contain harmful plastic – enter the natural environment due to inappropriate disposal.

He stressed an exemption will be in place if they are designed or manufactured for care and treatment because some people rely on medical-grade wet wipes that contain plastic.

He explained that the regulations, which were passed by Senedd Members on June 17, add plastic wet wipes to a 2023 law prohibiting a list of single-use plastic products.

Mr Irranca-Davies said:

“This pollution, as we all know, is visible, its impact is tangible, and it’s long-lasting. Taking decisive action will encourage manufacturers, retailers and consumers of the need to continue our shift towards

BLUE VIEW

With Paul Davies MS

farming in the future and the need to invest in the next generation

At the Senedd last week I called on the Welsh Government to do more to support and invest in the next generation of Welsh farmers. I also attended an event hosted by NFU Cymru and they were launching some of their manifesto asks for political parties in the run up to the Senedd elections next year. I spent a great deal of time talking to farmers and representatives about the action that needs to be taken in order to ensure the sustainability of the sector for years to come.

reusable and non-plastic products.”

He told Senedd Members the ban will not extend to businessto-business supply, only covering supply to consumers as with other single-use plastics.

“Wet wipes for specific industrial use, where plastic-free alternatives are unsuitable or do not exist, are not included,” he said. “But we will encourage these sectors to innovate.”

The UK-turned-Welsh minister told the Senedd banning single use products is part of an ongoing drive to reduce the damage caused by microplastic pollution.

The Conservatives’ Janet Finch-Saunders said: “It’s not often that I say this but thank you very, very much… for bringing forward your statement today and indeed this ban.”

Recalling witnessing hundreds of fish dying, Ms Finch-Saunders explained non-degradable wet wipes are reportedly behind 93% of blockages in UK sewers.

She pointed to a study which found that half of all insects in the River Taff contain plastics: “All of this is shocking and highlights the serious problem we have.”

“I only wish it was coming in December of this year,” she said. “But we have to be grateful.”

Mr Irranca-Davies said the 18-month transition period will allow manufacturers time to adapt their business as he welcomed the cross-party support for the ban.

bovine TB eradication.

I’m also aware that farming has an ageing workforce. According to the Farmers’ Union of Wales in 2023, the average age of Welsh farmers is now over 60 and just 3% of farmers are under the age of 35. So, now is the time to invest in the next generation of farmers and ensure we have a healthy farming industry for the future.

Now, during the event local farmer Delyth Robinson gave a very powerful account of some of the challenges that her farm has faced. She talked about the endless red tape that farmers like her are facing and highlighted the Welsh Government water pollutions regulations as an example. She also talked about the emotional and financial costs of the Welsh Government’s bovine TB eradication policy and explained that if the disease wasn’t tackled in the wildlife reservoir, then this disease will continue to plague farms like hers for many more years.

The event really made me think about the future of Welsh farming. How will the sector look in five, ten or twenty years’ time? It dawned on me that the future could be quite bleak unless there’s a real commitment from the Welsh Government to our farming industry. I’m not talking about a few warm words from a Minister in the Senedd Chamber; I’m talking about a suite of agricultural policies that recognise and support food production, that help farmers with infrastructure costs and a science-led approach to water pollution and

Farming for those who aren’t born into a farming family isn’t often considered to be a viable career path for many young people and we must change that. There needs to be much more discussion about it in the education sector and children and young people need to be more exposed to farm life. Equally, the Welsh Government needs to support young farmers entering the profession by investing in in their skills progressions, helping them navigate the agricultural finance landscape and ensuring that those farmers spend more time on the land and less time filling out paperwork.

Investing in the next generation of Welsh farmers should be a priority for us all. Food production matters –without a strong farming sector, our food security is under threat – and so I’ll continue to fight for investment in our young farmers and urge the Welsh Government to do everything possible to support the sector now, so that we can reap the rewards moving forward.

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EMAIL US AT: editor@herald.email

LETTERS & NOTI c ES

PIc TURE OF THE wEEK!

BUILD MORE RESERVOIRS TO PREPARE FOR A CHANGING CLIMATE

DEAR SIR,

We are now being told that Britain must build more reservoirs to prepare for a changing climate. That is a socially and intellectually sound idea—there are many simple and complex reasons to support it.

But alongside these large-scale projects, there is a major opportunity on our doorsteps. The homes we live in can become part of the solution—offering a more immediate, low-cost, low-impact answer to our water and energy needs.

Many of the 12 million homes across the UK are already well suited for rainwater harvesting. Their roofs could be used to collect pure rainwater via gutters and store it in 50-gallon recycled plastic

butts at ground level— interconnected where needed and with overflow channels feeding into the existing drainage system. This would give each home a small but effective reservoir, perfect for watering gardens, cleaning cars, or even rinsing windows—all at very little cost and effort.

There is little sense in a national infrastructure that pumps millions of gallons of clean water away from where it naturally falls, only to overload purification plants unnecessarily. A small proportion of that same clean rainwater, if collected widely, could water roses and grow salad leaves—without burdening the mains supply.

The benefits are obvious. Gardeners gain a dependable source of water during dry spells. The public water system, privatised or not, becomes more efficient and less

LET THE AID IN: EGYPT MUST ACT NOW

DEAR SIR,

As the humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza deepens, the world’s attention must urgently turn to a simple yet vital question: why is Egypt still keeping the Rafah border crossing closed to most humanitarian aid?

The scenes emerging from Gaza are nothing short of harrowing. Hospitals have collapsed. Children are starving. Clean water is almost non-existent. And yet, just across the border, tonnes of life-saving food, water, and medical supplies are being held up—trapped by bureaucracy, political pressure, or worse, deliberate obstruction.

prone to overflow and pollution. This logic extends to electricity too.

Rooftop solar panels and small-scale wind turbines can power lowvoltage tools, pumps, hoses, and lighting within homes and gardens— providing clean energy close to where it is needed, without reliance on the pylon-heavy national grid. Just as past generations wisely banned highvoltage electrical systems from bathrooms, we can use similarly sensible regulations to encourage safe, low-voltage electricity in greenhouses and garden sheds.

Small-scale, decentralised solutions like these can make a big difference. It’s time we put more trust in ordinary homes to do their part— not just the mountains and mega-projects .

C. N. Westerman

Egypt has long styled itself as a regional power with a moral compass. Now is the moment to prove it. Opening the Rafah crossing for unrestricted humanitarian access is not just a moral imperative—it is a test of Egypt’s humanity. Of course, Cairo may have concerns about security, about political implications, or about being seen to side with one faction or another. But the truth is, there is no side when children are dying from dehydration. There is no neutrality in starvation. Either Egypt helps—or it becomes complicit by omission.

I call on President el-Sisi and the Egyptian authorities to open the Rafah crossing fully and immediately to let aid through. Every day of delay costs innocent lives.

James Hughes Pembrokeshire

Milford Marina by Price and Kelway SolicitorS, May 2025

Death Notices

M ARY VALERIE G ILL

IT is with great sadness that the family announce the passing of valerie at her daughters’ home on Wednesday 28th May 2025 aged 84.

Dearly loved, Valerie will be fondly remembered and sadly missed by her devoted family; Adored Mother to Lavinia and Paul Tester (daughter and son in law), Cherished Nanny to Liam and Carly, much loved Great Nanny Val to Archie, Rupert and Birdie (Great Grandchildren), Bill Collins (Companion) and extended family members.

Valerie touched the hearts of all who knew her and she cherished her family above all else, finding joy in every moment spent with them.

The Funeral Service & Interment will take place on Friday 27th June 2025 at 11.00am. St Mary’s Church, Wiston. In celebration of Valerie’s love of purple, those attending can wear purple or a splash of purple if desired. Donations; in lieu of flowers for Wiston Church, are being received by Alan Jones, Treasurer.

All enquiries to Roy Folland & Son Funeral Directors (01437) 763821.

E IFION W YN T HOMAS

Of ‘The Croft’ St David’s Road, Letterston, passed away peacefully at Withybush Hospital on Sunday 25th May.

Beloved and devoted husband of Marjorie, loving father and father-inlaw to Graham and Julia, Rhyswyn

and Nia, proud grandad and great grandad and treasured brother-in-law and uncle.

Public funeral service at 11am Saturday 21st June at Penybont Chapel, Wolfscastle.

Donations if desired towards ‘Ford Congregational Chapel’ c/o Paul Jenkins & Sons Funeral Directors, Feidr Castell, Fishguard, SA65 9BB. Tel: 01348 873250.

B RENDA M ARY S WAINSON

formerly of Mastlebridge, Neyland

Brenda passed away peacefully at Withybush Hospital on Wednesday 4th June aged 95 years.

A dearly loved mother to Jane respected mother-in-law to Richard she will be greatly missed by all who knew her.

The funeral service will take place on Thursday 26th June 10:00am at Parc Gwyn Crematorium, Narberth.

Strictly no flowers.

Donations in memory of Brenda for the British Heart Foundation can be made direct at www.bhf.org.uk.

All enquiries to Roy Folland & Son Funeral Directors (01437) 763821.

PAMELA R OSINA WALSH

Peacefully on friday 6th June 2025 at Withybush Hosptial, Haverfordwest, Rosina of 4 Trem y

Garn, Panteg, aged 82 years.

Beloved wife of David, cherished sister of David and Denise and the late Ivy, Derek and Maureen, much loved sister-in-law, aunt and friend.

The funeral service will be held on Saturday 28th June 2025 at the Chapel of Rest, Feidr Castell, Fishguard at 2pm followed by interment at St Mary’s Cemetery Flowers welcome.

Further enquiries to Paul Jenkins & Sons Funeral Directors, Fishguard. Tel: 01348 873250.

J ANET M YFANWY L LEWELLYN

JANET passed away peacefully on May 31st aged 90 years.

Much loved and loving mother of Jonathan and Simon and a dear grandmother of Daniel.

Funeral Tuesday June 24th service 10.45 am at Parc Gwyn Crematorium, Narberth.

Family flowers only. Donations, if desired, may be made payable to Parkinson’s UK, 50, Broadway, London, SW1H 0DB.

K ATHLEEN W ILLIAMS

THE death occurred suddenly on Wednesday 4th June 2025 of Mrs Kathleen Williams, aged 75 years of Sardis, Saundersfoot.

Adored Wife of Peter. Beloved

Sister of Jan. Loved Sister-in-law of Sheila, Steven and Keith. Aunt and Great-Aunt. Cousin and friend to many.

The funeral service will take place on Wednesday 25th June 2025 at Parc Gwyn Crematorium, Narberth at 2.30pm.

There will be family flowers only with donations in lieu if so desired for British Heart Foundation may be sent c/o E.C Thomas & Son Funeral Directors, Zoar Chapel Funeral Home, Llanteg, Narberth SA67 8QH or via www.ecthomasandson.co.uk

S USAN DAVIES

THE death of Susan Davies age 65 of furzy Bank Pembroke Dock occurred on the 10th June at Withybush Hospital Haverfordwest.

Devoted partner of the late Ian, adored mum of Abbie, only daughter of Sylvia and the late Robert Davies. Beloved sister of the late Roy and dear sister and sister in law of Martin and Lydia. A much loved aunt, niece, cousin and friend.

Family flowers only.

Funeral arrangements contact John Roberts & Son, 51 Bush Street, Pembroke Dock. Tel: 01646 683115

SERvIcES

CARAVANS

CAR PARTS

CARPENTRY

CAMERAS & PHOTOGRAPHY

CLEARANCES

ELECTRICAL

FENCING, DRIVEWAYS AND LANDSCAPING

FABRICATION

GARDENING

RECLAIMED BUILDING MATERIAL

RUBBISH AND WASTE REMOVAL

PROFESSIONAL CAR WASH

PODIATRY

SCRAP METAL

SHUTTERS & BLINDS

STORAGE TANKS

SOUND LIGHT AND STAGE

TECHNOLOGY AND COMPUTERS

TRAILERS

Pembrokeshire the location for second Pro Wrestling School

ROYAL IMPERIAL WRESTLING (RIW), a growing name in the uK’s professional wrestling community, has opened its latest wrestling training school in Camrose, Pembrokeshire, aiming to discover and nurture local wrestling talent.

The new facility officially opened on Sunday, June 15, offering people of all ages and abilities the opportunity to learn and participate in professional wrestling.

The Pembrokeshire school’s launch follows the successful opening of RIW’s first school in Cefn Cribwr, Bridgend, just five months ago. The Bridgend location has quickly become a thriving community hub, with more than twenty regular trainees and several sold-out wrestling shows.

The schools are run by experienced wrestlers Andrew Griffiths, PJ Schulz, and Zac Parton, who collectively bring 68 years of wrestling and martial arts expertise.

Speaking about the opening, co-owner Zac Parton said: “We are thrilled to launch our second school in another vibrant Welsh community. Our aim at RIW is to make wrestling accessible to everyone, regardless of

age, gender, weight, ability, or neurodiversity. We’re committed to expanding further across Wales and making wrestling an inclusive and exciting part of community life.”

Local councillor Huw David (Cefn Cribwr, Kenfig Hill and Pyle ward) also praised the company’s efforts: “It’s

fantastic to see Royal Imperial Wrestling quickly become such a valued and integral part of the community in Cefn Cribwr. Their events and training sessions have provided great entertainment and meaningful community engagement.”

RIW’s next event, Heatwave!, under its

developmental sister brand Next-Gen Wrestling, takes place at Cefn Cribwr Community Centre on Saturday, June 28. Tickets are available online for £5.

For more information, visit the RIW Facebook page: facebook.com/RiwWales.

Clarbeston Road AFC scores green energy goal with solar upgrade

` Solar boost: Clarbeston Road AFC’s changing rooms and garage at Knock Playing Field are now fitted with solar panels and battery storage (Pic: Clarbeston Road AFC/Facebook)

CLARBESTON ROAD

A f C has taken a major step towards becoming energy self-sufficient after receiving funding from the Welsh Government and Sport Wales for a solar power installation at its Knock Playing f ield facilities.

The club, which signed up to the FAW Together Greener Charter in April, was awarded an Energy Saving Grant which has enabled it to install roof-

mounted photovoltaic systems on both its garage and changing rooms.

The project also includes battery storage, helping the club maximise its use of renewable energy. In a further boost to sustainability, the changing rooms now feature an iBoost solar immersion heater controller, which allows solar energy to be used for heating the water in the showers.

A club spokesperson said: “One of our key goals under the Greener Charter was to install solar generation and other energy-saving measures to reduce our environmental impact and cut long-term costs. Thanks to the grant support, and the excellent work of local contractor Preseli Solar, we’ve been able to achieve that.”

The installation reflects a wider push across grassroots sport in Wales to tackle climate

change, cut utility costs, and futureproof facilities. By generating their own power and reducing reliance on fossil fuels, clubs like Clarbeston Road AFC are helping lead the way in community-level sustainability.

The Herald understands that the funding was part of a broader Welsh Government initiative to support sport infrastructure improvements with an environmental focus.

New schools resource aims to inspire pupils across Europe as Wales prepares EURO 2025

AS WALES prepares to make its first-ever appearance at the uEfA Women’s EuRO 2025, a new schools resource is set to inspire the next generation of pupils across Europe - not just to learn, but to dream big.

The Ewro2025 classroom resource is a free, bilingual resource, launched today (Wednesday, 18 June) by British Council Wales, in collaboration with the Football Association of Wales (FAW) and with support from the Welsh Government.

Designed for learners aged 9–13, the resource connects football to the classroom, using the excitement of Team Cymru’s journey to Switzerland as a springboard to explore themes like identity, gender equality, teamwork, language learning and European culture.

Shared to schools across Wales, the UK and Europe, the resource places sport at the heart of learningencouraging pupils to see themselves as part of a wider European story, full of shared values, diverse cultures, and boundless possibilities.

Developed with educators and input from the FAW, the pack includes interactive lessons that explore the forgotten history of women’s football in Wales — which was banned from 1922 to 1970 — and celebrates how far the game has come. Pupils can explore football-specific vocabulary, discover European languages spoken at the tournament, and reflect on gender representation and the legacy of this summer’s tournament.

Professor Laura McAllister, former Wales captain and current UEFA VicePresident, who contributed a foreword to the resource, welcomed its launch.

She said: “Wales being in Switzerland this summer is a unique and historic moment - not just for women’s football, but for Cymru as a nation. We couldn’t ask for better role models than the incredible women in red who will represent us on the European stage. This moment is about much more than sport - it’s about celebrating identity, ambition, and equality. I hope this resource inspires young people - especially girls - to be proud of who they are, to dream big, and to see how language, sport and culture can open up the world.”

Ruth Cocks, Director of British Council Wales, added: “This resource brings language, culture and sport together in a way that truly connects with young people. It’s about sparking curiosity, building confidence, and inspiring pride - whether pupils

are discovering a new language, engaging with football for the first time, or reflecting on their place in the world and what they could go on to achieve in the future.

“As Cymru prepares to take on the Netherlands, France and England this July, our resource invites students to be part of the journey - whether in the classroom or at home. It reflects the values at the heart of Welsh identity: inclusion, equality, fair play, and a warm croeso to all. We hope it inspires excitement and a sense of belonging as the nation celebrates this historic moment.”

Also speaking about the resource, Minister for Culture and Sport, Jack Sargeant, said: “This educational resource, funded through the Welsh Government’s Euro 2025 Partner Support Fund, provides an opportunity to create lasting change across Wales and to celebrate a historic moment for Welsh sport. By connecting Cymru’s Women’s historic UEFA WEURO debut with classroom learning, we’re encouraging young people to explore language, culture and gender equality as well as inspiring the next generation of footballers.

“As Cymru takes to the pitch in Switzerland, we’re ensuring the

impact of this achievement extends far beyond the tournament. I hope it will inspire pupils across Wales and beyond to dream big and see themselves as part of this continuing story of progress.”

To support teachers in using the resource and to further engage schools in the excitement of the tournament, British Council Wales will host a series of webinars - including a dedicated teacher session on Thursday, 26 June.

A Football Association of Wales spokesperson said: “The FAW is very proud to collaborate with the British Council on the powerful Ewro2025 schools resource. This project is a brilliant example of how combining football and education can inspire learning, connect cultures, and empower young people.

“Alongside the resource, the FAW is distributing School Engagement Supporter Packs to every school in Wales. These are designed to help pupils feel truly part of Cymru’s UEFA Women’s EURO 2025 journey, build excitement in classrooms and playgrounds, whilst encouraging the next generation of supporters and players.

“200 schools will also have the

opportunity to apply for School Equipment Packs, supporting the long-term development of girls’ football. Together with the British Council, we’re committed to ensuring the impact of this historic moment reaches far beyond the tournament, leaving a meaningful legacy and inspiring more young people to get involved in the game.”

The resource is now available to schools across Wales, the UK and internationally. Sign up for the introductory webinar for teachers and one to follow for pupils, and download the resource here: https://wales. britishcouncil.org/en/programmes/ education/ewro2025

This Euro2025 school resource builds on the British Council’s long-standing mission to foster connections, understanding, and trust between the UK and the wider world through the arts, education, and the English language. It also offers pupils and schools an opportunity to be inspired by international collaboration and to explore further possibilities for global partnerships and cross-cultural engagement.For more on British Council Wales, visit https://wales. britishcouncil.org/en or follow on X Facebook, and Instagram.

Cycling stars set for Lloyds 2025 National Road Championships

WELSH cycling superstar Geraint Thomas is entered in the 2025 Lloyds National Road Championships in Ceredigion next week.

Thomas (INEOS Grenadiers), twice national champion, twice Olympic champion and 2018 Tour de France winner, is entered in the road race and time-trial in what would be his last National Road Championships, having announced he is retiring at the end of the year.

Twenty former cycling national road champions headline the provisional rider list for the championships in Ceredigion, which gets underway on Thursday, June 26. Riders will compete in both Aberaeron and Aberystwyth, with routes taking then both inland and along the coastal road.

Cat Ferguson (Movistar Team) will be one to watch in the women’s elite road race and under-23 time-trial. Ferguson is fresh from an impressive 2025 Lloyds Tour of Britain Women campaign where she claimed both the points classifications and best young

rider jerseys, the best British rider accolade and a career-first stage win in Kelso.

Three-time national road race and 2022’s under-23 time-trial champion Pfeiffer Georgi (Team Picnic PostNL) is set to defend her title. Anna Henderson (Lidl-Trek), who won the time-trial last year in preparation for her silver-medal winning performance in the Olympic time-trial, also returns.

Max Walker (EF Education–EasyPost) will be looking to go one better after winning silver last year in the national road elite time-trial, while Seb Grindley (Lidl – Trek Future Racing) will be keen to build on his junior silver at worlds last year in the under-23 time-trial.

Welsh riders include Owain Doull (EF Education – EasyPost), sisters Zoe (CANYON-SRAM zondacrypto) and Elynor Backstedt (UAE Team ADQ) and Elinor (Uno-X Mobility) and Megan Barker (Tekkerz CC).

Twice national champion, twice Olympic champion and 2018 Tour

de France winner, Geraint Thomas (INEOS Grenadiers) is entered in the road race and time-trial in his home country in what would be his last National Road Championships, after announcing he is due to retire at the end of the year.

Aberaeron’s hometown hero Josh Tarling (INEOS Grenadiers) is hoping to return to make it a hat-trick and defend his time-trial title from the previous two years, while Tomos Pattinson (Team Visma | Lease a Bike Development) will aim to defend his U23 men’s timetrial title from last year.

The 2025 Lloyds National Road Championships provides a fantastic platform for British riders to enjoy the home roads and experience the support of friends, family and local fans.

A total of 10 coveted national champion’s jerseys are up for grabs across three days of racing, with the time-trial on Thursday, June 26, the circuit race on Friday, June 27 and the road race concluding the action on Sunday, June 29.

Councillor Clive Davies, Ceredigion County Council’s cabinet member for economy and regeneration, said: “We are pleased to see such an exciting line up for the Lloyds National Road Racing Championships and we look forward to welcoming the riders and supporters to Ceredigion.”

For more information about the routes of all three stages, the race, host venues and participating teams, visit: https://www.britishcycling.org.uk/ nationalroadchampionships

The 2025 Lloyds National Road Championships starts with a challenging time-trial in Aberaeron on June 26. Starting in Ffos-y-Ffin, the elite women, under-23 women and under-23 open will take to 27km of road, while the elite open will have to battle over 41km.

Aberystwyth plays host to both the circuit race on June 27 and the road race on June 29, allowing fans to come down and watch their favourite national riders battle for the title.

Comprehensive wins and close calls in Week 8 of Pembrokeshire cricket

a seven-wicket victory.

DIvISION 2

Pembroke dismantled Carew II by 196 runs, powered by Jack Harries’ century (102) and Billy Wood’s allround performance (27 & 5-17).

St Ishmaels overwhelmed Cresselly II by 154 runs, with a standout 49 from Jonathan Pawlett and 4-19 from Andrew Pawlett.

Llanrhian beat Burton II by six wickets, chasing 86 with Tom Clarke (38) and Russell Watkins (27) leading the way.

Hook defeated Johnston by 64 runs, while Llechryd took a 35-run win over Narberth, with Jaap Harries grabbing 4-19.

DIvISION 3

Lamphey’s David Blackwell struck a superb 82 not out as they secured a 52-run win over Neyland II.

CRESSELLY, ST ISHMAELS, AND PEMBROKE DOCK SHINE AS SEASON HEATS uP

THE EIGHTH week of the Thomas Carroll Pembroke County Cricket League saw some dominant performances and thrilling finishes across the divisions, with Cresselly continuing their unbeaten streak in Division 1 and Pembroke Dock II producing fireworks in Division 5.

DIvISION 1

Cresselly cemented their place at the top of the table with a commanding 146-run victory over Carew. Tom Murphy (82) and Simon Cole (68) led a strong batting display, while Tom Arthur (5-28) and Ollie Arthur (3-23) ensured Carew were all out for 140 in reply.

Neyland cruised to an eight-wicket win against Haverfordwest, restricting them to 94 all out before chasing down the target with ease, thanks to contributions from Ross Hardy (2-10 & 23*) and Dai Davies (22*).

Burton enjoyed a 75-run win over Saundersfoot, with Morgan Scale (415) and Luke Hayman (3-25) starring with the ball.

Lawrenny edged out Whitland by three wickets, with Jamie Lewis (322) and Oscar Lewis (3-24) pivotal in a tight low-scoring game.

Herbrandston’s Charlie Malloy took a sensational 7-27 as they skittled Llangwm for just 55 and wrapped up

Hundleton defeated Laugharne by seven wickets, with Craig Williamson (40 & 3-19) and Ava Midgeley (4-28) pivotal.

Stackpole edged Haverfordwest II by two wickets in a tight low-scorer, while Pembroke Dock beat Fishguard by 69 runs, thanks to George Smith’s all-round effort (42 & 3-4).

Kilgetty v Hook II was abandoned.

DIvISION 4

Three matches were abandoned, but Llangwm II returned to winning ways with a 72-run victory over Narberth II, thanks to Finley Ellrick (84) and Callum Jenkins (58).

Pembroke II made light work of St Ishmaels II, chasing 81 with nine wickets in hand, Paul White unbeaten on 42.

DIvISION 5

Pembroke Dock II blew away Cresselly III by 137 runs, with Alex Fearson (84), Luke Murray (56), and Richard Scourfield (50) dominating.

Llechryd II won a nail-biter against Herbrandston II by just two runs, while Haverfordwest IV beat Neyland III by five wickets.

Whitland II v Hundleton II was abandoned.

DIvISION 6

All scheduled matches were abandoned due to weather

Thomas carroll Pembrokeshire League Table

RESULTS: 14/06/2025

Burton (172) beat Saundersfoot (97) by 75 runs

Carew (140) lost to Cresselly (286-9) by 146 runs

Haverfordwest (94) lost to Neyland (95-2) by 8 wkts

Herbrandston (58-3) beat Llangwm (55) by 7 wkts

Lawrenny (132-7) beat Whitland (129) by 3 wkts

Cresselly II (62) lost to St Ishmaels (216-5) by 154 runs

Hook (150) beat Johnston (86) by 64 runs

Llanrhian (90-4) beat Burton II (86) by 6 wkts

Narberth (111) lost to Llechryd (146-8) by 35 runs

Pembroke (245-7) beat Carew II (49) by 196 runs

Fishguard (55) lost to Pembroke Dock (124) by 69 runs

Hundleton (115-3) beat Laugharne (114) by 5 wkts

Kilgetty (0) ab v Hook II (0)

Neyland II (104) lost to Lamphey (156-5) by 52 runs

Stackpole (79-8) beat Haverfordwest II (78) by 2 wkts

Carew III (0) ab v Crymych (0)

Haverfordwest III (0) ab v Lawrenny II (0)

Llangwm II (227-5) beat Narberth II (155-5) by 72 runs

Saundersfoot II (0) ab v Llanrhian II (0)

St Ishmaels II (81) lost to Pembroke II (82-1) by 9 wkts

Llechryd II (101-8) beat Herbrandston II (99) by 2 runs

Neyland III (98) lost to Haverfordwest IV (99-5) by 5 wkts

Pembroke Dock II (227-5) beat Cresselly III (90) by 137 runs

Whitland II (0) ab v Hundleton II (0)

H’west-Cresselly (0) ab v Kilgetty II (0)

Lamphey II (0) ab v Whitland III (0)

Llechryd III (0) ab v Pembroke III (0)

FIXTURES: 21/06/2025

Cresselly v Herbrandston

Haverfordwest v Burton

Neyland v Carew

Saundersfoot v Lawrenny

Whitland v Llangwm

Burton II v Cresselly II

Carew II v Narberth

Llechryd v Hook

Pembroke v Llanrhian

St Ishmaels v Johnston

Fishguard v Hundleton

Hook II v Haverfordwest II

Lamphey v Stackpole

Laugharne v Kilgetty

Pembroke Dock v Neyland II

Crymych v Pembroke II

Lawrenny II v St Ishmaels II

Llangwm II v Saundersfoot II

Llanrhian II v Carew III

Narberth II v Haverfordwest III

Cresselly III v Whitland II

Haverfordwest IV v Pembroke Dock II

Herbrandston II v Hundleton II

Neyland III v Llechryd II

H’west-Cresselly v Pembroke III

Kilgetty II v Llechryd III

Whitland III v Lamphey II

Pembrokeshire the location for second Pro Wrestling School • P68