The Pembrokeshire Herald 26/09/2025

St Brides Spa Hotel named Hotel of the Year in Wales

ST BRIDES Spa Hotel in Saundersfoot has been crowned Hotel of the Year for Wales at the AA Hospitality Awards 2025, one of the most prestigious events in the UK hospitality calendar.

The luxury clifftop hotel,

overlooking Carmarthen Bay, took the honour at a ceremony in London celebrating the best in British hotels, restaurants and chefs. Judges

praised St Brides for its outstanding customer service, award-winning spa, fine dining restaurant and spectacular coastal location.

The hotel was purchased in 2024 by the Port of Milford Haven, which has since partnered with the Celtic

Collection – the group behind Celtic Manor – to manage the venue. The move signalled the Port’s growing investment in the tourism and leisure sector, alongside its Milford Waterfront development.

A spokesperson for St Brides Spa Hotel said: “We are thrilled to be named Hotel of the Year for Wales. This award is testament to the hard work and dedication of our team, who strive to deliver exceptional experiences for our guests. We are also proud to help put Pembrokeshire on the map as a world-class destination.”

The recognition puts St Brides alongside some of the UK’s finest hotels and adds to a strong showing for Wales at this year’s AA Hospitality Awards. Other winners included Gareth Ward of Ynyshir Restaurant and Rooms, who was named Chefs’ Chef of the Year, and Cardiff restaurant Gorse, which won Restaurant of the Year for Wales and achieved three AA Rosettes.

For Pembrokeshire, the award reinforces the county’s reputation as a top visitor destination and underlines the Port of Milford Haven’s role in shaping the region’s tourism future.

Tenby restaurant worker denies robbery and knife threat

A MAN accused of stealing money and threatening a colleague with a knife at a Tenby restaurant has denied the charges against him.

Mohammed Miah, aged 47, of no fixed address, appeared at Swansea Crown Court after an incident at Buddha Buddha restaurant on Tudor Square on March 30. He faces allegations of

robbery, criminal damage and making threats, all of which he rejects.

Police arrested Miah in Tenby that evening after a colleague reported that he had taken cash and issued threats inside the restaurant. Officers were told the disturbance began when Miah, who had been working a shift at the premises, argued about unpaid wages.

Prosecutors allege that he damaged CCTV equipment and other property before forcing open the till. It is claimed he then turned on a co-worker, armed himself with a kitchen knife and stole £250 from the man’s wallet, making threats to harm him and the restaurant owner.

The court heard the colleague fled in

fear before police were called. In interview, Miah accepted breaking one CCTV camera but denied drinking alcohol, stealing money or threatening anyone. He told officers the row had been started by his colleague.

The trial continues.

Drunk banned driver found hiding in brambles after police car hit

A DISQUALIFIED driver who had been drinking was found hiding in brambles after hitting a police car while trying to escape officers. Swansea Crown Court heard that police were alerted on the evening of

June 22 after reports of a suspected drink-driver in Little Haven.

A member of the public said they had seen the driver of a grey Peugeot, later identified as 26-year-old Callum Darch, urinating by the vehicle and appearing unsteady before driving off.

PoLIcE PURSUIT

Officers located the Peugeot parked near a campsite and pulled up alongside, but Darch immediately drove away towards Little Haven. He ignored instructions to stop and the pursuing officers had to call off the chase.

Around an hour later, Darch was seen again on the B4341. When signalled to stop he reversed in an attempt to get away, briefly grounding his car on a roadside boulder. Regaining control, he sped off and collided with a police car

before abandoning his vehicle in the middle of the road after crashing into a grass bank.

He was arrested after being found hiding in nearby undergrowth.

ovER THE LIMIT

Checks showed Darch was already banned from driving and had no insurance. He gave a roadside reading of 54 micrograms of alcohol in 100 millilitres of breath – the legal limit being 35.

He admitted dangerous driving, driving while disqualified, drink-driving, failing to stop, failing to stop after an accident, and driving without insurance.

PREvIoUS oFFENDINg

The court was told Darch, of St

Blaize Road, Romsey, had seven previous convictions for 12 offences. These included a 2019 case where he mounted a pavement while unable to see through a frosted windscreen, hitting a pedestrian and leaving the scene. The victim suffered a broken leg and ankle.

SENTENcINg

James McKenna, for the defence, said his client had pleaded guilty at the first opportunity and accepted there was little mitigation. He added that Darch was “extremely remorseful” and “still young and needs to grow up.”

Recorder Aidan Eardley KC jailed Darch for 14 months. He also imposed a driving ban of 31 months, with Darch required to pass an extended test before he can reapply for a licence.

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Tributes paid to family man who died in workplace incident

THE FAMILY of a man who died after being injured while working at a property in the Llangwm area have paid heartfelt tribute to him.

Ryan Roberts, 34, was taken to hospital following the incident on Friday, September 12, but sadly later passed away.

In a statement, his family said: “Ryan tragically passed away on Friday, September 12, at just 34 years old. His cherished partner Kirsty and two beautiful daughters, Jaida and Talia, are absolutely devastated by his sudden passing.

“Ryan was a family man. His dog

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T-Boy was never far from his side, he loved Liverpool Football Club and had a real passion for his work. He had pure talent! Ryan was a genuine, loving, caring, funny, hardworking and loyal character. He could light up any room he entered, he would do anything for anyone and was loved by everyone who had the pleasure of knowing him.

“Ryan was the best partner, dad, brother, uncle, nephew, cousin and friend anyone could ever wish for. His

family and friends are deeply saddened by his death and will forever love and miss him.”

Dyfed-Powys Police confirmed that officers are working with the Health and Safety Executive to investigate the circumstances of his death.

A 60-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of gross negligent manslaughter and has been released under investigation pending further police enquiries.

A 64-year-old man has also been voluntarily interviewed in connection with the incident.

Man arrested after knife incident on Milford Haven estate

A MAN has been arrested after police were called to an incident on the Mount Estate in Milford Haven.

Officers were alerted at around 4:15pm on Monday, September 8, following reports that an individual had been threatened with a knife.

A 22-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of affray and carrying a bladed article in a public place.

Dyfed-Powys Police confirmed that he has since been released on bail while enquiries continue.

Cannabis farm worth £125,000 uncovered in raid

A cANNABIS farm worth up to £125,000 has been uncovered by Dyfed-Powys Police officers during a raid at a property in Pentregat.

The Ceredigion Priority Policing Team, supported by the force intelligence bureau, neighbourhood policing and prevention team, and response officers, executed a warrant at a barn on a former glamping site yesterday.

Inside, officers discovered the remnants of a cannabis-growing operation. Evidence suggested that around 135 plants had been produced at the location.

A 54-year-old man, Plamen Penchev, was arrested and later charged with being concerned in the production of cannabis. He was

Court Reporter

remanded in custody to appear at court today and will next appear at Swansea Crown Court on October 24.

The warrant formed part of Operation Scotney, a CID-led initiative targeting the rise of cannabis factories being set up by organised crime gangs across the Dyfed-Powys area.

Police have urged anyone with concerns about potential cannabis farms in their community to report information to them. More details about Operation Scotney and how to report suspicions can be found on the Dyfed-Powys Police website.

Man denies repeated breaches of behaviour notice

A PEMBRoKE DocK man has denied a string of allegations that he repeatedly breached a community protection notice issued against him earlier this year.

Paul Richard McNally, aged 62, of Laws Street, appeared before Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on

Thursday (Sept 18).

The court heard that McNally is accused of failing to comply with the notice on several occasions between February and June 2025 by allowing loud noise and offensive language to cause a nuisance in the locality.

The alleged breaches were said

to have taken place on February 2, March 17, March 20, April 5, May 1, May 7 and June 22.

The notice had required him to ensure that noise from his property was not unreasonable or detrimental to the quality of life of those living nearby.

McNally pleaded not guilty to all charges.

Magistrates remanded him on unconditional bail until November 13, when a trial will be held at Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court.

Cod stocks collapse sparks fears for future of Milford Haven fishing

coD stocks across northern European waters are in such steep decline that scientists have called for a “zero catch” quota in 2026.

The International Council for the Exploration of the Sea (ICES) has warned that North Sea cod numbers have fallen by more than 60% in the past decade, while other areas around Scotland and Norway show similar declines. The advice means no cod should be taken if the species is to recover.

NoT MUcH coD LEFT IN MILFoRD

For Milford Haven, once the beating heart of the UK’s white-fish trade, the picture is different today. The big trawlers that once landed cod, haddock and hake in the docks are long gone. Brexit has also meant far fewer Belgian and Dutch vessels calling here. Instead, Milford’s remaining fishing community is made up of smaller inshore boats, with whelk and shellfish now dominating the catch. Cod landings in the Haven are negligible.

WIDER IMPLIcATIoNS

But campaigners say the collapse of cod is still a warning sign for Milford and other coastal towns. Hugo Tagholm of Oceana UK said: “Our seas are being

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emptied species by species. Once a population collapses, it can take decades to recover. Small-scale fishers and coastal livelihoods depend on governments making the right choices.”

Jonny Hughes of the Blue Marine Foundation added that cod in the Irish Sea and Celtic Sea – waters closer to home for Welsh crews – are already considered collapsed. “This is the predictable result of prioritising shortterm profits over the long-term future of fishing communities,” he said.

SHELLFISH UNDER PRESSURE

With cod and other white fish disappearing, attention is shifting to shellfish. That could spell trouble for Milford’s whelk fleet if more pressure falls on the same species. Fishermen here already rely heavily on exports to Asia, leaving them vulnerable to price swings and competition from larger fleets elsewhere.

Greenpeace campaigner Erica Finnie warned: “This crisis proves our oceans are being managed for industrial profit, not small coastal towns like Milford Haven. A zero-catch quota, backed by proper marine protection, is the bare minimum if we want thriving seas and secure jobs.”

A FRAgILE INDUSTRY

Milford Haven still carries the title of Wales’ largest fishing port, but the reality

is a fraction of what it once was. The cod crisis underlines how quickly stocks – and communities – can collapse, and why the survival of what remains here depends on more sustainable management in the years ahead.

Milford Haven transport interchange plans on show

THE LATEST designs for Milford Haven’s new public transport interchange – a scheme that will transform the town’s railway station – are set to go on display at a public drop-in session later this month.

The project aims to deliver smoother, better-connected journeys and improve rail and bus links, not only for Milford Haven but for Pembrokeshire as a whole.

The public session will take place on Tuesday, 30 September, between 10:00am and 6:00pm at the Church of the Holy Spirit, Court Rise, Hakin. Residents will be able to view the designs, ask questions, and give feedback directly to the project team.

Deputy Leader Cllr Paul Miller said: “This exciting project could enable the return of direct travel between Milford Haven and London, including new high-speed services. It will help travellers reach more destinations with ease and represents an important step forward, not just for Milford Haven but for Pembrokeshire as a whole.”

The £1.4m scheme is funded through the Welsh Government’s Local Transport Fund with capital support from Pembrokeshire County Council. It is being developed with AtkinsRéalis and key partners including Network Rail, Transport for Wales and Milford Haven Port Authority.

Plans include relocating the train

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platform to make space for a new bus interchange, improved walking and cycling links, a dedicated taxi rank, upgraded parking, fully accessible facilities, and more welcoming public spaces.

Cllr Rhys Sinnett, Cabinet Member for Residents’ Services, said: “These plans are fantastic for Milford Haven and for improving transport options for residents. We would encourage as many people as possible to come along and see what is taking shape.”

Nick Millington, Network Rail Wales and Borders Route Director, added: “We are proud to be supporting

Pembrokeshire County Council with the redevelopment of Milford Haven station into a brand-new transport interchange. This project is about more

than infrastructure; it is about creating opportunities, encouraging greener, safer travel, and delivering a station the community can be proud of.”

Opinion: Milford deserves its station back, not a flying saucer

AMERI c A may be heading back to the Moon, but Milford doesn’t need a futuristic plaza with a silver disc straight out of Star Trek. The latest UF o -style design for the town’s transport interchange might look shiny and modern on paper, but it won’t keep out the wind or rain – and it won’t replace what we lost when British Rail demolished our station almost overnight in the early 1980s.

Locals were horrified then, and

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we’ve been without a proper station ever since.

What Milford needs is simple, practical and affordable: a waiting room, a lobby with a ticket machine, public toilets, and a proper office for Milford Travel so they don’t have to operate from a portakabin. All of this would cost less than moving tracks,

tearing up platforms and laying down landscaping that – like the Water Gardens – will only fall into neglect.

There is already ample room in the car park for buses to stop. We don’t need a wholesale redesign of the site – we need a station that actually works for the people who live here. And if there’s space, why not give the Men’s Shed a room, or at least access to hot water and

electricity? They’d happily keep an eye on things in return. That would be a genuine community benefit, not just a flashy design.

The old station may be gone, but the need for it never left.

Milford doesn’t want a concrete UFO. Milford wants its station back. And there are plenty of local firms who would be happy to rebuild it – for a fraction of the cost of this ridiculous art installation.

Milford Haven man sentenced for campaign of domestic abuse

A MILFoRD HAvEN man who admitted a series of domestic abuse offences has been spared immediate prison but handed a suspended sentence and strict conditions.

Bradley Davies, 28, of Pill Road, appeared at Swansea Crown Court where he was sentenced for intentional strangulation, assault by beating, and coercive and controlling behaviour against a woman in Neyland and Milford Haven.

Davies had admitted the charges last month, shortly before his trial was due to begin. The offences took place between May and December 2024 and included repeated assaults, threats and coercion.

The court heard how Davies subjected the woman to a sevenmonth campaign of intimidation and violence, which included strangling her and threatening further harm.

Judge imposed a 12-month prison

Court Reporter

sentence suspended for 18 months, meaning Davies will not serve time in custody if he abides by strict conditions. These include:

• Wearing a GPS tag for six months

• Completing 15 days of rehabilitation focused on alcohol misuse

• Undertaking 25 days on a domestic abuse behaviour change programme

In addition, a five-year restraining order was made to protect the victim.

The suspended term means Davies could face immediate imprisonment if he breaches the order or fails to comply with the requirements.

The Herald is not naming the victim at her request.

Police investigate reported assault at Pembroke Dock skate park

PoLIcE are investigating after a child was allegedly assaulted at Pembroke Dock Skate Park last weekend.

The incident is said to have happened on the evening of Sunday, September 21. Posts on social media claimed that a nine-year-old boy was struck by metal balls fired from a slingshot by other children.

Dyfed-Powys Police would not confirm whether a slingshot was involved, but said officers are looking into a report of an assault.

A spokesperson for the force said:

Court Reporter

“Dyfed-Powys Police received a report of an assault reported to have taken place at Pembroke Dock Skate Park on the evening of Sunday, September 21. Enquiries are ongoing.”

Anyone who saw what happened, or who was in the skate park at the time, is asked to contact police on 101, by emailing 101@dyfed-powys. pnn.police.uk, or online at https://orlo. uk/KVW06. Please quote reference DP-20250922-070.

Kurtz sounds alarm as living costs squeeze family budgets

FAMILIES across west Wales are struggling as new figures reveal a sharp fall in disposable income, with the rising cost of essentials continuing to outpace wage growth.

Samuel Kurtz, Member of the Senedd for Carmarthen West and South Pembrokeshire, said the findings were further proof of “economic mismanagement from both Cardiff Bay and Westminster.”

According to Asda’s latest Income Tracker, 60% of UK households saw a drop in weekly disposable income in August. The hardest hit are low-income families, who now face a £74 weekly shortfall between their earnings and the cost of everyday essentials.

Mr Kurtz said: “The latest figures show just how hard the cost-of-living crisis is hitting families in our community. Wages aren’t keeping up, and people are seeing

their pay disappear just covering the basics.”

Key figures from the tracker

• Inflation remains high at 3.8%, the joint-highest level since January 2024.

• Food and non-alcoholic drink prices have risen for the fifth consecutive month, now up 5.1% – the steepest rise this year.

• Low-income households have been hit hardest, with disposable incomes falling by more than 3%.

• Middle-income households also saw disposable incomes decline for a second month running, with further falls expected if inflation persists.

Mr Kurtz added: “We need urgent action to support working families and

ensure the economy works for everyone. The data shows families across our communities are being failed by both the Welsh and UK Labour governments. The current approach is making it harder for people to get by – and harder for businesses to grow.

“A strong small business community in rural areas like west Wales is essential for

our economy, but they are being drowned in red tape, hit with rising costs, and ignored by Labour governments at every level. These are the very businesses that fuel our communities and provide jobs –yet they’re being pushed to the brink.

“We need leadership that puts families, workers, and local businesses first – not last.”

Boxing coach jailed after cocaine and cash stash uncovered

A MILFoRD HAvEN man with thousands of social media followers and a reputation for organising community boxing events has been jailed after police uncovered cocaine and more than £8,000 in cash at his home.

The case began when Border Force officers intercepted a suspicious parcel from the Netherlands addressed to Liam Thomas’ house. Dyfed-Powys Police swooped on the property in Stratford Road at around 8:40pm on April 12, 2024.

During the raid, officers spotted a plastic bag thrown into the garden. Inside was £8,020 in cash and nearly 27 grams of cocaine with a purity of 79 per cent — worth up to £2,000 on the streets.

When challenged about his phone, Thomas admitted it contained incriminating evidence. Messages dating back to January showed he was running a small drug operation, with references to drivers, sellers, and debts in the tens of thousands of pounds.

Thomas, 25, tried to claim the drugs were for his own use and that the money came from selling his car and his work as a boxing coach. But his barrister Hannah George conceded that his guilty pleas to possession with intent to supply cocaine and possession

of criminal property left little room for mitigation.

She told Swansea Crown Court her client had endured a troubled childhood and built up cocaine debts that dragged him further into crime.

“He is still only twenty-five, with no previous convictions, and this will be his first spell behind bars,” she said.

Judge Catherine Richards told Thomas: “Those who deal in Class A drugs know they face an immediate prison sentence.”

He was jailed for two years and eight months. A further hearing under the Proceeds of Crime Act will take place on February 5 to decide how much of his illegal earnings can be recovered.

PoPULAR FIgURE IN MILFoRD HAvEN

Away from the court, Thomas has carved out a strong presence both online and in the community. With more than 5,600 Facebook followers and his own fitness brand, LT Sports and Nutrition, he promoted healthy living and regularly organised charity boxing tournaments. Local parents credit him with getting youngsters off the streets and into sport.

That positive reputation helps explain the huge wave of support he received

online in the build-up to his sentencing. On September 3 he posted: “Last week of freedom before the inevitable… let me know if you’d like to see me before I go away.” Two days later he revealed his sentencing had been postponed, and on the eve of court he wrote: “Fingers crossed tomorrow isn’t too bad… time to get this crap sorted, rebuild everything and reach new levels in life.”

The posts drew more than a hundred

reactions and dozens of comments wishing him luck. “Everyone makes mistakes… head up chest out you got this mate,” one supporter wrote. Another told him: “A blip in life does not define your future.”

For many in Milford Haven, Thomas remains a popular role model who gave back to his community — even if his involvement in Class A drugs has now cut that influence short.

Milford man refuses to leave prison cell for court hearing

A PEMBRoKESHIRE man accused of sending offensive and obscene messages to a woman refused to leave his prison cell this week, despite a request from magistrates.

Thirty-seven-year-old Lee Lock was due to appear before Haverfordwest magistrates on Tuesday for a repeat remand hearing ahead of his trial next month. But when attempts were made to connect him to the courtroom via video link from HMP Parc, magistrates were told that Lock had declined to leave his cell.

“This is fairly typical of Mr Lock,” remarked the court’s legal advisor as the bench of three magistrates waited in vain for his appearance.

Lock, of Coombs Road, Milford Haven, denies sending offensive, indecent, obscene and menacing messages to Shayna Brazil on February 13.

He was further remanded in custody at HMP Parc pending his trial at Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on October 13.

Milford Haven man narrowly avoids jail after assault conviction

A MILFoRD Haven man has been handed a suspended prison sentence after being convicted of assault.

Tommy Davies, 26, of Pill Road, was found guilty at Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on June 19 of inflicting grievous bodily harm without intent. The offence related to an attack on a man in Milford Haven on June 20 last year.

The court heard the incident was “spontaneous” and “short-lived,” with Davies having no previous convictions.

In mitigation, solicitor Caitlin Brazel said: “Mr Davies is under no illusion as to the seriousness of his offending. He has had considerable time to reflect and wishes to apologise for finding himself

before the court today. He has never troubled the court before and must now carry the weight of this conviction.”

Judge Catherine Richards described the matter as “an extremely regrettable incident” but said Davies had a realistic prospect of rehabilitation. She ruled that immediate custody would be “disproportionate.”

Davies was sentenced to five months in prison, suspended for 12 months. He must also complete 200 hours of unpaid work, take part in 20 rehabilitation activity requirement days, and pay £1,000 in compensation.

A 12-month restraining order was also imposed.

By

Two actors. One haunted house. Endless possibilities. Dau actor. Un tŷ bwgan. Posibiliadau diddiwedd. A chilling NEW production from the Torch Theatre.

Cynhyrchiad NEWYDD brawychus Theatr Torch.

8 - 25 October

From the story by Henry James

A Torch Theatre Company Production Cynhyrchiad Cwmni Theatr Torch

Takeaway operators in court over hygiene stickers

TWo Pembrokeshire takeaway bosses are facing prosecution for allegedly displaying invalid food hygiene rating stickers.

At Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on Thursday (Sept 18), Kamuran Babahan, operator of USA Fried Chicken on Charles Street, Milford Haven, was accused of showing a hygiene sticker that was not valid. The alleged offence took place on January 20 this year.

On the same date, Arkan Ullah, who

runs Seven Spice on London Road, Pembroke Dock, was also charged with displaying an invalid hygiene sticker without reasonable excuse.

Both cases have been brought by Pembrokeshire County Council under the Food Hygiene (Rating) Wales Act 2013. Neither defendant attended court.

Magistrates adjourned Babahan’s case until October 16 at 12:00pm, and Ullah’s case until the same day at 11:00am, when both men will be required to enter pleas.

WHAT THE STIcKERS MEAN

Food hygiene rating stickers are issued following inspections by local authority environmental health officers. Businesses are given a score from zero (urgent improvement

necessary) to five (very good). By law in Wales, food businesses must display their most recent rating at their premises and on any website or social media where they promote their services. Displaying a false or invalid sticker is a criminal offence.

The system is designed to give customers clear information about the hygiene standards in takeaways, cafés, restaurants and other food outlets, helping them make informed choices.

Paramount Stores worker cleared as protests condemned in Milford Haven

AN employee of Paramount Stores in Milford Haven has been cleared of any wrongdoing following a police investigation.

Paramount Stores said their colleague, Mr Guru Nathan, had been the victim of a “sustained campaign of harassment, defamation and false accusations of the most serious criminal nature.”

South Wales Police confirmed that following a full investigation, Mr Nathan had been “fully cleared of all allegations and wrongdoing.”

The company thanked the police for what it called a “thorough, professional and impartial” investigation, and also praised loyal staff and customers who stood by them during the controversy.

But bosses have now warned that they are pursuing both civil and criminal proceedings against those behind the harassment campaign. Paramount Stores said the abuse had included online defamation, social media attacks, and verbal abuse directed at staff and supporters.

Marble Hall Chippy shared the company’s statement on Facebook.

In recent days, protests have been held near the chippy as well as outside Paramount Stores itself. Police attended each gathering to monitor the situation, and during one protest firecrackers or fireworks were reportedly let off in the street.

Some protesters believed they were attending a demonstration against a paedophile. The Herald can confirm that no one has been convicted of any such crime, and police have made clear that Mr Nathan has been fully cleared of all allegations.

A spokesperson for Paramount Stores said: “Any person engaging in further harassment, defamation or abuse following the publication of this notice does so with full knowledge of the legal consequences and will be prosecuted to the fullest extent permitted by law.”

The Herald has previously warned that such protests can risk targeting innocent people.

Milford Haven man admits breaching behaviour order over waste

A MILFoRD HAvEN man has admitted breaching a criminal behaviour order by failing to remove rubbish from his property.

Gavin James, aged 45, of Vicary Crescent, appeared before Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on

Thursday (Sept 18).

The court heard that between August 27, 2024, and March 14, 2025, James failed to clear household waste from outside his home and also disposed of accumulated refuse, actions prohibited under a criminal behaviour order made on August 21, 2024.

The order had been imposed following previous problems at the same address.

James pleaded guilty to breaching the order.

Magistrates adjourned the case until

October 14 for a pre-sentence report to be prepared. James was remanded on unconditional bail until his next appearance.

A separate charge covering the period between August 27 and October 1, 2024, was withdrawn by the prosecution.

Court Reporter

Pembroke man faces Crown Court over drug importation

A PEMBRoKE man has been committed to crown court for sentence after admitting involvement in the importation and supply of thousands of class c tablets through cardiff Airport.

Joseph Whitbread, 39, of Grove Way, appeared before Llanelli Magistrates’ Court on Friday (Sep 19).

The court heard that on July 14, 2024, Whitbread was caught at Cardiff Airport in possession of 30,000 diazepam tablets with intent to supply. He was also charged with improper importation of controlled drugs into the United Kingdom.

Further charges included possession with intent to supply pregabalin on July 14, 2025, and attempting to possess

15,000 diazepam tablets with intent to supply in Pembroke on October 30, 2024. He also faced additional importation charges linked to both diazepam and pregabalin.

Whitbread indicated guilty pleas to all counts. Prosecutor Ann Griffiths told magistrates the case was too serious to be dealt with at their level. Defence solicitor Chris White represented Whitbread. The bench, comprising Mrs W Beynon, Mrs A Milward and Ms H Davies-Parsons, committed the case to Swansea Crown Court for sentence.

Whitbread was remanded in custody and will next appear at Swansea Crown Court on Friday, October 3, at 9:00am for sentencing.

Carmarthenshire man sentenced for neglecting collie’s amputation

A cARMARTHENSHIRE man has received a suspended prison sentence after failing to seek veterinary treatment for a collie suffering severe leg injuries, including the traumatic amputation of a limb.

Dyfrig John Davies, born 1961, of St Clears, appeared at Llanelli Magistrates’ Court on Friday (19 September) and pleaded guilty to one offence under the Animal Welfare Act.

The court heard that Davies failed to ensure the welfare of his black-andwhite female collie, Floss, by neglecting to obtain timely and necessary veterinary care.

Davies was sentenced to 18 weeks in custody, suspended for 12 months. He was also ordered to pay a £154 victim surcharge and £400 in costs. The court further encouraged him to

consider making a personal donation to the RSPCA towards the cost of Floss’s treatment.

In mitigation, the court heard that Davies was remorseful. He admitted arranging for a gamekeeper to shoot Floss but said he was let down, and accepted he should instead have taken her to a vet.

Deputy Chief Inspector Gemma Cooper, who attended the farm on 12 January, described finding Floss in a garage: “At the back of the garage was a black and white female collie laying on blankets, with her back left foot sloughed off and all the bones exposed. The bone in her front left elbow was also exposed, and she had multiple puncture wounds on her other legs. She was extremely subdued and made no attempt to move.” She was told that Floss had been in a dog fight, had gone missing for several weeks, and returned home the previous day.

Floss was taken for urgent treatment. A vet confirmed she had suffered “obvious traumatic injuries including traumatic amputation of the left hind paw” and exposure of the elbow bone in the forelimb. Additional puncture wounds and muscle wastage were also noted. Despite her injuries, the vet reported that Floss was alert and stable.

Floss underwent treatment and surgery costing £6,000. She has since made a full recovery, was signed over to the Dogs Trust, and has now found a forever home.

Pembroke Dock woman fined for assaulting police officer

A PEMBRoKE DocK woman has been fined after admitting to assaulting a police officer in the town earlier this week.

Karen Rees, 51, of Kavanagh Court, appeared before Llanelli Magistrates’ Court on Friday (Sept 19) charged with assault by beating.

The court heard that on Tuesday (Sept 17) she assaulted PC 826 Charlotte Boorman in Pembroke Dock.

Rees pleaded guilty at the first hearing. Magistrates noted the offence was aggravated because it was committed against an emergency worker, moving the starting point for sentencing from Band C to Band D.

She was fined £200. A victim surcharge of £80 and prosecution costs of £85 were also imposed.

Rees must pay the total in monthly instalments of £50 starting on Oct 17.

Man fails in bid to overturn litter conviction

A PEMBRoKE DocK man has failed in his attempt to have a littering conviction reopened.

James Salisbury, aged 30, of Glenview Avenue, appeared before Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on Thursday (Sept 18).

The case related to an incident on October 1, 2024, when Salisbury was seen throwing down a cigarette butt outside Tesco in Pembroke Dock and leaving it there. He was convicted earlier this year of an offence under the Environmental Protection Act 1990.

Salisbury applied to have the case reopened under section 142 of the Magistrates’ Courts Act 1980. However, magistrates ruled that his application did not meet the grounds for reopening.

The court noted that video evidence clearly identified Salisbury giving his name and address at the time of the offence.

The conviction and sentence imposed on May 29, 2025, therefore remain in force.

Farmer sentenced for attack on ‘vulnerable’ son

A PEMBRoKESHIRE farmer has been sentenced after a court heard how he subjected his 19-year-old son to what prosecutors described as “emotional trauma.”

Philip Stoddart, 59, appeared before Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday (Sept 23) for sentence after being found guilty of intentional strangulation, assault by beating, and criminal damage following an altercation with his son, Fraizer, at Monkhill Farm, St Ishmaels, on April 4.

The court was told that earlier in the day, Stoddart had asked his son to move stones from farmland using a quad bike. Fraizer, however, had undergone major knee surgery less than a month earlier and was reliant on crutches and a knee brace. When he refused, Stoddart became abusive.

At around 5:00pm, Fraizer approached his father’s caravan. Stoddart allegedly shouted insults at him, before grabbing him, dragging him across the yard, and throwing him against a truck. The Crown said Stoddart then struck his son’s jaw with his elbow before forcing him into a vehicle. Fraizer phoned relatives for help and was later removed from the farm by his grandfather.

Later that evening, Fraizer

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discovered his PlayStation console had been smashed. When he confronted his father, Stoddart destroyed the controller in front of him, before pushing him outside the caravan, pinning him against railings and pressing his forearm against his son’s neck, restricting his breathing.

In a victim impact statement read to the court by prosecutor Linda Baker, Fraizer said: “All my life I’ve wanted to be loved by my dad, but now I’m living in fear of seeing him, and the emotional turmoil is taking its toll. All I want is to be protected from my dad.”

Magistrates were told that Stoddart’s actions amounted to abuse of power and trust.

After considering a probation report, magistrates sentenced Stoddart to 26 weeks in custody, suspended for 24 months. He must complete 250 hours of unpaid work and 15 rehabilitation activity days. He was also ordered to pay £500 in compensation, £650 in prosecution costs and a £154 surcharge.

A two-year restraining order was imposed, banning him from contacting his son, entering his place

of residence, or posting about him online.

The presiding magistrate said: “The victim was vulnerable, having undergone major surgery, and the incident involved domestic violence as well as abuse of power and trust. As a result, it crosses the custody threshold.”

Fined after kicking police officer

A 20-YEAR-oLD Pembroke Dock woman has been sentenced after kicking out at a police officer during a late-night disturbance at a town pub.

Officers were called to The Bush Tavern, Pembroke Dock, on the night of March 12, where they found Alicia McKeand involved in an altercation with her former partner.

“The defendant was asked to leave, but she refused,” Crown Prosecutor Linda Baker told Haverfordwest magistrates this week. “She continued to be difficult and was warned that she may be arrested, but as officers escorted her out of the pub, she became extremely aggressive, swearing, pushing and shoving the officers.”

McKeand was given a final chance to calm down but instead lashed out, kicking one officer in the leg and causing injury. Details of the injury were not provided to the court.

Representing herself, McKeand — who has no previous convictions — told the Bench that her behaviour was provoked by the way she had been addressed by one of the officers.

“The sergeant who was on shift called me a ginger freak, and that was the main reason I started kicking off,” she said.

Probation officer Catrin Jones told the court that McKeand regretted her actions: “She recognises that she caused harm to the police officer. She realises that the officer didn’t deserve to be isolated, and a lot of this probably comes down to immaturity.”

After pleading guilty to assaulting an emergency worker by beating and to being drunk and disorderly in a public place, McKeand, of Wavell Crescent, Pembroke Dock, was fined £80 and ordered to pay £85 court costs and a £32 victim services surcharge.

Milford mother banned for drinkdriving after retrieving belongings

A MoTHER of four has been banned from driving after being caught more than twice over the legal alcohol limit while collecting belongings from her former family home.

Police received a call from a member of the public on the afternoon of September 3, concerned that Milford resident Lucy Mason may have been driving while intoxicated.

Officers located her Ford Fiesta travelling from Milford Haven towards Steynton and stopped the vehicle at the Sentry Cross roundabout. A roadside breath test gave a reading of 109 micrograms of alcohol in 100 millilitres of breath. Subsequent tests carried out at the police station an hour and a half later showed 84 micrograms — still more than double the legal limit of 35.

Mason, 44, of Charles Street, Milford Haven, pleaded guilty to the drink-driving offence when she appeared before Haverfordwest magistrates this week.

Her solicitor, Alaw Harries, told the court that Mason had been attempting to retrieve personal belongings from a property she had shared with her former husband.

“After 20 years of marriage she left her family home with two carrier bags as a result of what she had been going through,” said Ms Harries. “She became

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homeless.

“That day she went back to the family home to get some belongings. She was terrified to return there and drank alcohol to calm her nerves. She had arranged for a neighbour to collect her, but when they failed to arrive, she made the foolish decision to drive.

“She is extremely sorry to be here today as a result of that one momentary lapse of judgement.”

Magistrates disqualified Mason from driving for 18 months. She was also fined £120 and ordered to pay £85 court costs and a £48 victim services surcharge.

Jury discharged in Tata Steel trial

A JURY has been discharged in the trial of Tata Steel over alleged health and safety failings at its Port Talbot plant.

The company was facing charges at Swansea Crown Court following an incident in February 2022, when toxic gases escaped from a blast furnace into a work area. Two men were taken to hospital as a result.

Tata Steel has denied two counts of failing to protect the health, safety and welfare of its employees and others.

At the start of the second week of the trial on Monday (Sept 22), the court was told a personal issue involving one of the barristers meant they could not continue with the case.

Judge Geraint Walters said he was convinced it was in the interests of justice to discharge the jury and order a retrial. He thanked jurors for the time and attention they had given.

The case will return to court on October 10, when a new trial date is expected to be fixed.

Prime Minister to launch record ‘Pride in Place’ funding programme

COMMUNITIES across Wales will be given the power to transform the places that matter to them under a new UK Government initiative announced today (Sept 24).

Prime Minister Keir Starmer is set to

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unveil the “Pride in Place” programme – a scheme backed by record funding to invest in high streets, community spaces and local amenities. The

measures are part of the government’s wider Plan for Change and aim to drive economic growth while restoring pride in towns and villages across Wales.

The programme will give people the chance to revitalise high streets, create

new spaces for young people, safeguard much-loved pubs and breathe new life into struggling communities.

Mr Starmer said the scheme was about “choosing renewal over decline,” adding: “This is about a future where communities come together rather than being divided. We are delivering lasting change working people will feel all over Wales.”

Secretary of State for Wales Jo Stevens said: “All around Wales there are communities which will benefit from the Pride in Place programme. This investment will deliver real change for local people, giving them a say in how funding is spent on the things that matter to them.”

The Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, Steve Reed, added: “When people step out of their front doors, they should be proud of where they live. Where communities are struggling, we want to invest and empower them to make changes. Yes, communities have been stretched – but they haven’t given up. They’re working hard to make things better, and we’re backing them.”

The UK-wide initiative will deliver support to more than 330 communities across the country, with details of the investment in Wales to be confirmed shortly.

In Wales, the scheme will complement regeneration projects already under way through the Welsh Government’s Transforming Towns fund, Tidy Towns and Placemaking initiatives.

The Prime Minister will formally launch the Pride in Place programme later today.

Police reassure residents over BT sales visits in Neyland

PoLIcE have moved to reassure residents in Neyland and the surrounding area following concerns about salespeople knocking on doors.

Officers confirmed that the individuals are genuine representatives of BT after speaking with them directly.

A spokesperson for Milford Haven and Neyland Police said residents who are worried about receiving unwanted visits should consult advice and information available on the Dyfed-Powys Police website.

In a further update on Monday (Sept 22), officers repeated their reassurance, confirming again that the salespeople are genuine BT representatives and directing residents to the online guidance.

Hakin man jailed for dealing cocaine

A HAKIN man has been jailed after being caught dealing cocaine.

Ieuan Beckerleg, aged 30, of Haven Drive, was stopped by police on the A477 at Sentry Cross on July 28, Swansea Crown Court heard.

Prosecutor Brian Simpson said officers found Beckerleg in possession of cocaine when they searched him.

Beckerleg, represented by Hannah George, had earlier admitted possession

with intent to supply cocaine at Llanelli Magistrates’ Court on July 29.

Judge Catherine Richards sentenced him to two years and four months in prison.

Mr Simpson confirmed that an application under the Proceeds of Crime Act would be made in a bid to recover any profits Beckerleg gained from drug dealing.

Police appeal after fatal A487 crash

DYFED-PoWYS PoLIcE is appealing for witnesses after a woman died following a serious road traffic collision on the A487.

The crash happened between Plwmp and Synod Inn at around 10:30am on Friday (Sept 19) and involved a silver Ford Fiesta and a Volvo single-decker bus.

The female driver of the Fiesta was airlifted to hospital by air ambulance but sadly died later that evening. Her next of kin have been informed and are being supported by specialist officers.

A male passenger in the car suffered serious injuries and was taken to hospital

Pembroke driver handed threeyear ban after faulty light stop

A FAULTY brake light has led to a three-year driving ban for a Pembroke motorist who was caught drug-driving for the second time.

Officers spotted the defective light on the afternoon of March 15 as 25-year-old Liam Tindale drove his Ford Fiesta across the Cleddau Bridge.

When they stopped the vehicle, officers immediately detected the smell of cannabis. A roadside drug swipe tested positive, and Tindale admitted smoking cannabis the previous evening.

Subsequent blood analysis

revealed 10 micrograms of Delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) per litre of blood — five times the legal limit of 2.

Tindale, of Devon Drive, Pembroke, appeared before Haverfordwest magistrates this week, where he pleaded guilty to drug-driving.

The court was told that Tindale had a previous conviction for the same offence in April 2021. As a result, his disqualification was increased to 36 months.

He was also fined £200 and ordered to pay £85 court costs and an £80 victim services surcharge.

Keeston man faces trial for assault

A KEESToN man is to stand trial accused of assaulting his partner.

Zamurd Hussain, 42, is charged with assaulting Rebecca Mai-Ling Warman by beating following an incident on May 13. The court heard the pair had agreed to meet to discuss their relationship when, according to the Crown, Hussain became aggressive.

“He grabbed her by her left arm and bent it backwards, causing her pain,” Crown Prosecutor Linda Barker told

Haverfordwest magistrates this week.

“As a result, the complainant shouted at members of the public to help her.” Hussain, who gave his address as the caravan site at Dunston Hill Farm, Keeston, denied the charge.

He was granted conditional bail ahead of his trial at Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on October 29. Bail conditions include no direct or indirect contact with the complainant and not entering her address at Folley Way, Haverfordwest.

by ambulance, where he remains in a stable condition. The bus driver sustained minor injuries but did not require hospital treatment.

The road was closed for much of the day while collision investigators examined the scene, reopening at around 8:35pm.

Police are urging anyone who witnessed the crash or who may have dashcam footage to come forward.

Information can be provided online at https://bit.ly/DPPContactOnline, by emailing 101@dyfed-powys.police. uk, sending a direct message on social media, or calling 101.

Fire service accused of misleading public over Pontyates flood

MID AND WEST WALES Fire and Rescue Service is under fire after its initial account of a Pontyates flood suggested crews had attended and helped save livestock — when logs now show no appliances ever reached the farm.

Kiyan Freedom, who runs Azadi Farm with his wife Tetiana, lost more than 270 sheep and lambs on Thursday (Sept 4) when the river through his land burst its banks.

In a video that went viral, Mr Freedom said he and friends battled the floodwaters alone. He described being chest-deep, diving repeatedly to free trapped sheep, and said that when he called 999 he was told no rescue boats were available.

WHAT THE FIRE SERvIcE SAID

In its first statement to The Herald, the service claimed: “At 12:52pm crews from Kidwelly and Carmarthen Fire Station were called to an incident at Tanerdy Farm, Pontyates. Crews responded to approximately 90 sheep that were relocated to dry land … Crews left the scene at 2:50pm.”

The account clearly implied that appliances were present and had carried out the rescue.

WHAT REALLY HAPPENED

Logs released since tell a different story.

A single officer reached the farm at 1:38pm. Crews from Kidwelly and Carmarthen’s water rescue team were tasked but stood down before arrival. No appliances or boats attended. The 90 sheep were moved by Mr Freedom and neighbours, not by firefighters.

At Monday’s Fire Authority meeting, Geraint Thomas, a senior officer, said Carmarthen’s water team had been

tasked at 2:19pm but cancelled 15 minutes later as river levels were deemed to be receding.

Mr Freedom, who sat quietly at the back of the meeting, stone faced.

Before the meeting he told the Herald: “I was up to my neck in water, diving under to pull sheep out. There was no help from the emergency services.”

coUNcILLoR PRESSES FoR ANSWERS

Independent councillor Gordon Walker, a former firefighter and long-standing critic of fire service management, challenged officers.

“It said in the newspaper that two vehicles attended … but the farmer says no fire appliances attended. Why wasn’t the correct equipment mobilised from Swansea or further afield?”

When told units had been tasked, Walker pressed: “So they weren’t at the scene then.” The reply: “No — they were stood down due to the assessment of water levels receding.”

RESoURcES UNDER QUESTIoN

Pontyates Fire Station, an oncall unit, was unavailable due to insufficient crew numbers.

The Haverfordwest water rescue boat, stationed less than an hour away, was not mobilised. The service said Carmarthen’s unit was closer and that Haverfordwest had to remain on standby for life-risk incidents.

That boat was moved from Milford Haven to Haverfordwest in 2019 after firefighter Josh Gardener was killed in a training accident — a decision attributed to then-Station Manager Phil Irvine and Area Commander Carwyn Thomas. Irvine has since been dismissed.

gRoWINg PRESSURE

Former firefighter William G. Howells has now written to Fire Authority chairman Cllr John Davies, urging him to demand explanations: “A water response team was available at Haverfordwest but was not requested.”

For Mr Freedom, the unanswered question remains: why did no one come when he needed them most?

A GoFundMe appeal has since been launched to help Azadi Farm recover.

Answering tough questions: Cllr John Davies, Chair of the Fire Authority, David Daycock, Clerk and Monitoring Officer and Roger Thomas Chief Fire Officer

Fire Authority meeting in Carmarthen on Monday, September 22

Wants answers: Cllr Gordon Walker

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What the farmer expected: Emergency services have helped save animals in rescues in the past, but not this time (Dorset, 2021)

Flood-hit farmer speaks out following fire authority meeting

A cARMARTHENSHIRE farmer has accused the emergency services of abandoning him during a devastating flood that washed away 272 of his sheep on 4 September 2025.

Kiyan Freedom told The Herald he attended a meeting of Mid and West Wales Fire & Rescue Service at their Carmarthen headquarters on Wednesday (Sept 24) and accused call handlers and crews of failing to provide help when he called for rescue. He says he phoned 999 on the day of the flood but that “they left me alone” and that only one officer arrived an hour and a half after his call and offered no practical assistance.

“They just asked me to call another number, another organisation,” Mr Freedom said. “I called every organisation for help but none of them helped me. I am emotionally, financially and physically broken and still alone. Shame on you.” He also urged people to support his fundraising page.

Mr Freedom thanked Cllr Gordon Walker, a former firefighter and campaigner for better fire and rescue services, for raising concerns at the meeting. He also acknowledged that questions about the incident were submitted to the fire authority separately by Mr Tom Sinclair, Editor of The Pembrokeshire Herald.

Mr Freedom said the lack of a coordinated response left him with heavy losses and little support in the days after the flood.

A spokesman for Mid and West Wales Fire & Rescue Service was approached for comment. The authority is yet to respond to requests for a full explanation of its actions on 4 September and at the

Blocked drain caused flooding at St Thomas’s Green car park

PEMBRoKESHIRE coUNTY coUNcIL says a blocked drain caused recent flooding at the St Thomas’s green car park in Haverfordwest.

The authority confirmed that its highways team attended and cleared leaves from a gully that had become clogged, leading to surface water issues in the car park.

A spokesperson said the problem

appeared to be limited to a build-up of autumn debris, but a gully tanker will revisit the site to double-check the drain is operating correctly.

Castle Ward county councillor Thomas Tudor, who reported the issue, said: “I asked the council to unblock and pressure wash the drains at the earliest opportunity. Thank you to residents for their patience during this process.”

meeting on Wednesday.

Mr Freedom said he had been advised to set up a fundraising page and has appealed for public help while he waits for answers from the agencies he says failed him.

Photo by Elkanah Evans

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Tenby lifeboat answers 103rd call of the year

TENBY’S all-weather lifeboat was launched shortly after 8:30pm on Monday (Sept 22) following a call for assistance from a 28ft vessel in difficulty off Old Castle Head.

The Coastguard requested the launch after the boat’s occupants reported being disorientated in the darkness. The lifeboat crew made best speed to the scene, around five miles west of Tenby, and located the vessel after a brief radar search, south of its initially reported position.

The crew spoke with those onboard, who asked to be escorted back to harbour. A tow was arranged and, after a two-hour operation, the vessel was secured to a mooring in North Bay at 11:15pm. The occupants were transferred to the lifeboat and brought safely ashore.

Councillor quits Labour to help build new left-wing party

PEMBRoKESHIRE county

councillor Jordan Ryan has announced that he has left the Labour Party after more than 16 years of membership, saying the party has “no plan for power or governing” and no longer represents the values he grew up with.

Cllr Ryan, who represents Fishguard North East, said he could not remain in a party that “wants to cut social security for disabled people and won’t even do the bare minimum to help the people of Gaza.”

When asked why Labour’s stance on Gaza was such a breaking point, especially following Keir Starmer’s recognition of Palestine as a state, Cllr Ryan told The Herald: “Palestine should have been recognised as a state by the UK after the Oslo accords over 30 years ago so it’s too little too late. The bare minimum would be looking at stopping arms sales and not meeting the Israeli president when he visited.”

In a wider statement, he said: “The current Labour leadership in Westminster will not and cannot stop the forces of the far right. Their appeasement of Trump on foreign policy issues has destroyed the party in many of its former strongholds.”

He added that it had been difficult to leave something he had been part of for so long, but described Labour as “an undemocratic organisation that only cares about power and governing but has no plan for power or governing.”

Cllr Ryan said his politics remained unchanged, shaped by his upbringing in local chapel youth groups and church summer clubs, rooted in values of “feeding the poor, healing the sick, loving thy neighbour and sharing the

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wealth.”

“My politics is liberty, equality, solidarity for all, democracy, peace, security for all,” he said.

The councillor confirmed he will now be working with socialist, progressive and democratic groups to build a new left-wing political party, aiming to defeat “the forces of the far right” and campaign for proportional representation.

He added: “Up and down the country ordinary people are building this party. Together with socialists of all types we will advance the cause of the workers and peasants and downtrodden of the world.”

Following his resignation, Cllr Ryan said he will sit as an unaffiliated councillor and not join any existing bloc. Pembrokeshire’s current administration is led by non-affiliated independents under council leader Jon Harvey, working in coalition with Labour, Plaid Cymru and Liberal Democrat

members. This structure replaced the former Independent Political Group (IPG) and IPG+ arrangements which previously dominated County Hall.

Cllr Ryan told The Herald: “I’ll be sitting as an unaffiliated councillor and critical friend of the current administration. The people need a real alternative to the incompetent Labour government and the dangerous potential of a Reform government after the next election – and our left-wing party has to be part of that alternative for it to succeed.”

Welsh Government urged to rethink dental reforms

PEMBRoKESHIRE Senedd

Members Paul Davies and Samuel Kurtz have welcomed the Welsh government’s decision to scrap controversial proposals that would have forced patients to see a different dentist at each check-up, rather than staying with their family practice.

The U-turn follows a public consultation on dental reform which drew more than 6,000 responses. Figures show that 77.2% of respondents disagreed with the Government’s claim that the reforms would improve fair access to NHS care.

Paul Davies MS said: “I’m pleased the Welsh Government has rowed back on its plans to allocate patients to any practice, as continuity of care is crucial and needs to be protected. However, the industry has made it clear that ministers must go further and address other serious concerns.

“The system is at breaking point – in Pembrokeshire, many patients can’t access services and dentists are frustrated, overwhelmed, and at risk of

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burnout. The current proposals would also result in gaps of up to two years between check-ups for some patients, which is simply not acceptable. The Welsh Government must reflect and rethink its proposals to find a way forward that works for both patients and the profession.”

Samuel Kurtz MS described the move as “a victory for common sense and for everyone who spoke up during the consultation.”

He added: “Patients deserve reliable, continuous care – not years between check-ups or a system that leaves them waiting in frustration. While it’s right that the Welsh Government has stepped back from automatic patient allocation, NHS dentistry remains under severe pressure. Ministers must now go further, rethink their proposals, and work constructively with the profession to tackle the wider crisis.”

Milford Haven businesses lose out as grant scheme oversubscribed

A LARgE number of applications for regeneration funding from Milford Haven businesses have been turned down after the county council declared the Streetscape Enhancement Scheme oversubscribed.

The Herald understands that at least nine applications from Hamilton Terrace and Charles Street were coordinated and submitted by local contractor Hugo Henricksen, who runs a painting and decorating business and operates cherry pickers.

Mr Henricksen not only pulled together the applications — a feat which included obtaining quotes for each property for paint, windows, doors etc — but also arranged for them to be delivered together. Photographic evidence shows the batch of envelopes being handed in at reception before the deadline.

Despite this, every one of the Milford Haven applications was later rejected. Businesses including Milford Curry House, a Charles Street Chinese takeaway, Rino Tailoring, Blockell’s Butcher, Milford Haven Conservative Club, Sandros Barbers, and the Liberal House Flats (Formerly Milford News) were all told their bids could not proceed.

The Herald understands that the scheme was being run by Planed, but that Pembrokeshire County Council sat on the applications for around a month before forwarding them on to Planed, who were administering the scheme. Because of this delay, applications that had been submitted on time were later treated as late. Some applicants even received rejection emails stating they had missed the deadline. By the time the error was corrected, the scheme had

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become oversubscribed and funding was no longer available.

Local traders say this delay — rather than any fault of their own — is the reason a large part of Milford Haven town centre has missed out on investment.

Figures released by Pembrokeshire County Council confirm that:

• 191 applications were received in total,

• 108 were approved,

• 13 were withdrawn or deemed ineligible,

• 70 were refused because the scheme was oversubscribed,

• and £815,486.94 has been awarded so far.

The council said the scheme was run

on a first come, first served basis once applications were complete, and insisted no late submissions were accepted.

Separately, Billy Smith of Hectors Cards & Gifts on Mansfield Street has said he is considering relocating outside Pembrokeshire after his application was refused on boundary grounds. He said: “We need to operate in a location that supports our business so that we can all benefit mutually and grow. Sadly that doesn’t seem to be the case here.”

Face-to-face banking a lifeline for older people, says Senedd member

FAcE-To-FAcE banking must be protected as a “lifeline” for older people across Wales, a Senedd Member has warned.

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Welsh Conservative Shadow Cabinet Secretary for Social Justice & Equalities, Dr Altaf Hussain MS, raised the issue in the Senedd following the publication of Age Cymru’s What Matters to You? report, which found that access to cash and in-person services remains a major challenge for older residents.

One participant in the study said: “Going to the local bank and everyone tells me to go online. No idea how!”

Another added: “My eyes are not good, so I don’t like online banking. My hearing isn’t good, so I don’t hear everything on the telephone. I need face-to-face

communications for everything.”

BANK cLoSURES AcRoSS WALES

Dr Hussain told the chamber these stories were not isolated, pointing to the wave of branch closures across the country. Consumer group Which? reports that more than 150 bank branches have shut in Wales since 2015, with towns such as Pembroke, Fishguard and Ammanford losing their local facilities in recent years.

Banks argue that the majority of customers now prefer to bank online or via mobile apps, but critics say this digital shift risks leaving behind thousands of older and vulnerable people.

AccESS To cASH UNDER PRESSURE

Figures from the Financial Conduct Authority show more than five million people across the UK still rely heavily on cash for everyday transactions. At the same time, the number of free-touse ATMs has been falling sharply, with Link data showing a drop of nearly 13,000 over the last five years.

Age Cymru has warned that many older people use cash as a way of budgeting, and losing access threatens their independence. Poor broadband

and mobile coverage in rural areas also means digital-only services are not a realistic alternative.

ALTERNATIvES ‘NoT ENoUgH’

Community banking hubs and post offices have been suggested as replacements, but campaigners say they are patchy and cannot fully meet demand. Pilot hubs in South Wales have been well received, yet provision remains limited.

Post offices can handle most banking transactions, but restricted opening hours and long queues have left many questioning whether they are a genuine substitute for high street banks.

‘Not a luxury, a lifeline’

Dr Hussain said: “Too many older people in Wales are being left behind by the rapid shift to online services. Access to cash and face-to-face banking isn’t a luxury, it’s a lifeline.

“The Welsh Government must work with banks and local authorities to ensure older people aren’t excluded or forced into isolation by the loss of vital services. Our older generation deserves dignity, independence, and real choice — not to be dismissed and told to ‘just go online’ when that simply isn’t possible for some people.”

Is there a real piece of Banksy artwork in Pembroke Dock?

A piece of art currently on display at Pembroke Dock Library may not be a fake at all, but an original Banksy, according to new research.

Author Mike Hale, whose forthcoming book Banksy Revealed is due to be published by Hydra Books, claims that a painting being shown by Pembroke Dock artist and former town councillor William Gannon as a “fake” is in fact a rare early work by the world-famous street artist.

The work, a seven-foot stencil piece, is part of Gannon’s “Save Our Library” exhibition, staged to highlight funding cuts and campaign against the threatened closure of the community facility. Gannon

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has repeatedly described the piece as a fake, saying he paid £500 for it and “noone would let a real Banksy go for that price”.

But Hale’s investigation suggests otherwise. He says photographs of the piece taken at the Pembroke Dock exhibition match an image of a painting once seen in a Brick Lane doorway in London, next to a clear Banksy signature.

“I remembered that one of my London witnesses had shown me a photograph of the same painting years ago,” Hale

explained. “She knew the buyer of the ‘tall Banksy on two joined panels’ and confirmed it was genuine. Another source told me that Gannon now owns it, and that he calls it fake as a way of protecting it.”

The painting, said to be an early version of Banksy’s well-known “Bomb Hugger” design, was reportedly sold to a Liverpool collector in the early 2000s before changing hands. Hale believes its re-emergence in Pembroke Dock could form part of a wider Banksy project.

The story carries an extra layer of irony: Gannon himself was once accused of being Banksy. In 2022, he resigned from Pembroke Dock Town Council after the

persistent speculation made it impossible for him to continue in his role. He strongly denied the claim.

Banksy has a history of playing with the idea of authenticity, once selling original prints as worthless copies from a New York market stall for $60 each. Hale argues that the Pembroke Dock piece may be part of another stunt intended to provoke questions about what makes art valuable.

“With Banksy no one ever knows what will happen next,” Hale said. “It could be a clever trick – a work dismissed as fake suddenly revealed to be authentic by Banksy themselves. Or maybe the artist is planning something else entirely.”

Hale, who has shared his research with The Pembrokeshire Herald, says his book will be released within the next fortnight. He is calling for readers to watch closely as the Pembroke Dock exhibition concludes at the end of September.

“I might have spoiled the punch line,” Hale added. “But if I’m right, we’ll soon see another Banksy magic trick revealed in front of our very eyes.”

Banksy Revealed will be available on Amazon in the coming weeks.

Campaigners to hold public meeting in Cardigan over arms industry concerns

PUBLIc meeting has been announced in cardigan to discuss opposition to the growing presence of arms manufacturers in West Wales.

The event, organised by West Wales Against Arms (WWAA), will take place at Cardigan Guildhall on Saturday, September 27, from 1:00pm to 4:00pm. The group says everyone is welcome to attend and take part.

The meeting will focus on planning campaigns and actions aimed at challenging the activities of weapons manufacturers at sites including West Wales Airport in Aberporth, the QinetiQ-run MOD Aberporth, and Parc Aberporth. Organisers say the aim is to build collaboration and ensure that all voices are heard in shaping future action.

WWAA points to the transformation of West Wales Airport into what it describes as an “international centre for the testing of weapons of war and surveillance

technologies.” The airport is now owned by Tekever, a Portuguese drone and AI systems company. Campaigners say its airspace has been described as “crucial to the advancement of military drone technology in the UK.”

The group also criticises defence company QinetiQ, which has been issued at least nine government licences to sell weapons technology to Israel, including one worth £14 million.

In a statement, WWAA said: “We, the residents of West Wales, do not want our skies used to test technology that helps Israel commit genocide. We demand the demilitarisation of West Wales and the development of peaceful, sustainable enterprises to provide education, employment, health, and fulfilment for all.”

West Wales Against Arms was established earlier this year as an independent group of citizens campaigning against militarisation in the region.

Local artist: William Gannon

Creative workshops for Milford Haven pupils

ScHooLcHILDREN in Milford Haven are set to benefit from a new collaboration between the Torch Theatre and Arts Society West Wales, which will bring professional arts workshops into local classrooms.

Between now and October, pupils at St Francis Roman Catholic Primary School, Gelliswick CiW VC School and Milford Haven Community Primary School will take part in sessions led by Ruth Stringer, set and costume designer for the Torch Theatre’s autumn production The Turn of the Screw. The workshops will be supported by Arts Society West Wales volunteers and Tim Howe, the Torch’s Senior Manager for Youth and Community.

Tim Howe said: “We are incredibly lucky to collaborate with Arts Society West Wales, who are just as passionate as we are about providing high-quality hands-on arts experiences for young people. As budgets across schools, homes and the arts sector continue to be squeezed, these partnerships are vital. This isn’t just about being an artist—it’s about improving motor skills, encouraging teamwork, and helping young people to build their confidence and find their voice.”

The Arts Society West Wales, founded in 2006 and now boasting more than 150 members, secured two

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grants – the Community Grant and the Patricia Fay Memorial Fund – to

make the project possible. Adele Barclay from the Society said: “The more you read in the press about funding of the arts in schools, and the dire effect of Covid

on communication skills—with some children not even able to colour or draw—workshops like these are vital. They offer an incredible input at a crucial time.”

Wales tops UK for domestic abuse helpline searches

NEW analysis has revealed that Wales records the highest rate of online searches for domestic abuse helplines anywhere in the UK.

Research by Newcastle-based family law specialists Beecham Peacock examined Google data for the terms “domestic abuse helpline” and “domestic abuse help.” Adjusted for population, Wales saw 6.03 searches per 100,000 people – ahead of the East of England (4.74) and East Midlands (4.71).

The figures offer a snapshot of where demand for support may be most urgent, and follow official statistics confirming a rise in violence against women and girls (VAWG) across England and Wales.

oNE IN EIgHT AFFEcTED

The Office for National Statistics (ONS) reported in July that 12.8% of women and girls over the age of 16 experienced domestic abuse, sexual assault or stalking in 2024 – almost one in eight. Campaigners warn the true figure is higher, with many victims unwilling or unable to report abuse.

Survivors often cite fear of retaliation, fear they will not be believed, and stigma

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around speaking out as reasons for not reporting.

PRESSURE oN SERvIcES

In May, the UK Government announced a £20m funding boost for support services, including £6m to strengthen national helplines. But Women’s Aid’s 2025 audit showed the scale of demand, with more than 60% of referrals to refuges turned away due to lack of space.

Charlotte Talbot, a specialist family law solicitor at Beecham Peacock, said many victims are too fearful to search online at all.

“Plenty of women and girls are in desperate need of support but not searching online, often out of fear that a partner will look at their devices,” she said.

“One of the periods of greatest risk is when someone decides to leave an abusive partner. That’s why helplines and refuges are critical, providing a safer way out and ongoing support. But

these services cannot survive without government funding.”

gETTINg HELP

For those unable to search online, support is available through trusted organisations and solicitors.

• In danger now: Call 999. If unable to speak, press 55 when prompted to be connected directly to police.

• Refuge: National Domestic Abuse Helpline – 0808 2000 247 (24 hours).

• Women’s Aid: Directory of more than

550 local support services.

• Safe Spaces: Confidential help points in banks and pharmacies across the UK.

• Childline: 0800 1111 – free for under18s, calls will not appear on phone bills.

Campaigners say the figures underline the scale of an epidemic and the urgent need for sustained funding. “It is crucial we continue to shine a light on this issue and press for further action,” Ms Talbot said.

Werndale Hospital appoints new executive director

WERNDLE HoSPITAL, part of circle Health group, has appointed Andre Bothma as its new Executive Director, as work continues on a £10 million expansion project.

Mr Bothma took up the role on September 1, bringing more than 20 years of hospital management experience in the UK and South Africa. He was previously Executive Director at Mount Alvernia Hospital in Guildford and held senior roles with Netcare, South Africa’s largest private hospital group.

His arrival comes as Werndale progresses with a major expansion announced in August 2024. The development will create 60 new jobs, add two operating theatres, and expand both clinical and administrative areas. The two-storey extension will allow the hospital to treat 8,000 more outpatients and 800 more inpatients every year, with completion expected in 2027.

The investment aims to improve access to high-quality healthcare across Carmarthenshire and West Wales, reducing waiting times and supporting the local economy through new employment and training opportunities.

Mr Bothma has previously overseen the introduction of robotic surgery, electrophysiology labs, and digital projects such as electronic medical records.

He said: “Werndale Hospital has an incredible reputation for the quality of care it delivers to thousands of patients across Wales each year. I am excited to be leading the team during what is a transformative chapter in the hospital’s history.”

Mr Bothma succeeds Jacky Jones, who led Werndale for more than 11 years. During her tenure, the hospital expanded services, strengthened clinical teams, and earned national recognition for patient safety and experience. She also oversaw successful Healthcare

Inspectorate Wales inspections, supported community fundraising, and established Werndale as the official medical partner of Scarlets Rugby.

Mrs Jones has now been appointed Regional Director for the Central South West region of Circle Health Group but will continue to support Werndale in her

new role. She said: “It has been a privilege to lead Werndale Hospital and work alongside such a dedicated team. I’m proud of what we’ve achieved together and excited to see the hospital continue to grow under Andre’s leadership.”

New community messaging app launched across Mid and West Wales

DYFED PoWYS PoLIcE has launched a new interactive messaging app to keep people informed about policing, crime and anti-social behaviour in their area.

The free service, called DyfedPowys Connects, will deliver updates directly to email inboxes for residents in Carmarthenshire, Ceredigion, Pembrokeshire and Powys. Users can also provide feedback and raise concerns with their local Neighbourhood Policing and Prevention Team.

Chief Superintendent Clark JonesJohn said: “Dyfed-Powys Police is committed to listening and responding to the community’s concerns, and there are a suite of ways we already speak to people in the communities we serve – but we know we can do more.

“We understand not everyone wants to engage with the police on social media, or speak to us in person, so Dyfed-Powys Connects offers a new way to connect us to the public and will help us reach and hear from even more people to ensure we

address local concerns.”

The app will keep users informed about local policing matters, crime prevention advice and community events. Subscribers can choose the alerts that matter most to them and complete quarterly surveys to help shape policing priorities.

Chief Supt Jones-John added: “Our communities play a key role in preventing and detecting crime and anti-social behaviour. I’d encourage anyone who wants to know more about what the police are doing in their area, or who wants to help improve community policing and the safety of their neighbourhood, to sign up today.”

Signing up is free and straightforward at dyfed-powysconnects.co.uk.

Police have reminded the public that the service is not for reporting crimes or incidents, and messages are not monitored 24 hours a day. Incidents should instead be reported via the Dyfed-Powys Police website, by emailing 101@dyfed-powys. police.uk, through social media direct messaging, or by calling 101.

The alternative view

By Mike Dello

Trump’s visit and the cyber threat ahead

The world has rarely felt so divided. opinions are polarised on almost every issue, from politics to energy. In that spirit, “The Alternative view” will aim to look at events differently — which may infuriate some, but hopefully interest most.

When Donald Trump visited the UK last week for the second time, the irony wasn’t lost on many that the most divisive man in the world — a Republican — was treated to something resembling a royal visit. King Charles hosted him at Windsor before business resumed at Chequers, where Trump and Sir Keir Starmer held an eagerly awaited press conference.

For Sir Keir, still reeling from a bruising first year in office and scandals involving Angela Rayner and Peter Mandelson, the optics were awkward. Trump dominated the stage, offering “advice” on migration and boasting that he had solved America’s border problems entirely. Starmer barely reacted, preferring to stick to his government’s line.

On energy, Trump blasted out “drill, baby, drill” and dismissed wind turbines as “an expensive joke.” He praised US investment in British technology but left Starmer

caught between diplomacy and the green agenda pushed by Ed Miliband.

The Middle East inevitably came up. Trump described Palestine as “a haven for terrorists” and insisted nothing could be discussed until hostages were freed. Starmer said little — knowing full well his government was preparing to recognise a Palestinian state.

And then Trump was gone, without ever facing the crowds, leaving the Prime Minister to return to the hard graft of governing a country many feel is in difficulty.

But let me end on another, perhaps more frightening note. As we march deeper into a world dominated by technology, recent events should give us pause. Marks & Spencer, Jaguar and Heathrow have all suffered crippling cyber-attacks in recent months.

Right now, there is no “Plan B” if our systems are taken down. We have built a society dependent on fragile networks — and if they fail, we may be looking at something far darker than political squabbles. That is a debate for another day.

Pembrokeshire Ambassador joins panel driving sport across Wales

A SPoRT Pembrokeshire Young Ambassador has secured a place on a prestigious panel influencing sport for young people across Wales.

Alannah Heasman has been selected as part of a Sport Wales Young Ambassador

NATIoNAL STEERINg PANEL

This provides a voice on matters that affect young people and involves them in decision making and designing and delivering activities.

Alannah has been a Young Ambassador in Haverfordwest High since Year 8 and has completed DRIVE, Silver and Gold Young Ambassador training.

Dan Bellis of Sport Pembrokeshire said Alannah has been an outstanding role model in both school and

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community settings and assisting with clubs, talking to younger students about her own ambassador journey and helping with festivals, tournaments, multi sport sessions and school holiday provision.

Dan added: “We at Sport Pembrokeshire are delighted for Alannah. She has been an outstanding Young Ambassador and role model at Haverfordwest High and in the wider community and I have no doubt she will be a fantastic addition to this year’s National steering group.”

Alannah, who is now at Pembrokeshire College, said: “I am really excited to have been appointed to the YA steering panel and can’t wait for the first meeting and to get involved”.

Call for more funding for rural areas of Pembrokeshire

A cALL to protect Pembrokeshire rural communities, “to ensure no part of our county is forgotten”, is to be heard by councillors next week.

At the July meeting of Pembrokeshire County Council, members heard a notice of motion submitted by Cllr Delme Harries, Bro Gwuan county councillor and vice-chair of council, calling for a working group for supporting rural areas.

Cllr Harries’ motion said: “It is increasingly evident that while significant

effort and investment has been directed toward revitalising our towns, many of our rural areas are being left behind.

“These communities are the backbone of our agricultural economy, custodians of our landscape, and home to vital heritage and culture and the Welsh language. It is time we restore balance and give our rural communities the attention, voice, and opportunities they deserve.

“To ensure that no part of our county is forgotten, I propose that we establish a

dedicated cross-chamber working party focused on reigniting our rural areas — supporting rural enterprise, connectivity, housing, access to essential services and how we can help young people to live and work locally.”

Members agreed the notice be sent to the council’s services overview and scrutiny committee, meeting on September 23.

A report for members ahead of that meeting says: “Over recent years, considerable investment and policy focus

have been directed toward revitalising town centres across Pembrokeshire. This has been a strategic response to well-documented challenges, including the decline of high streets, the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic, and the need to stimulate local economies and enhance public spaces.

“Much of this work has been made possible through the successful drawdown of substantial external grant funding. This funding has enabled the council to make meaningful progress in addressing key issues affecting town centres, delivering visible improvements and supporting economic recovery in urban areas.

“At the same time, there is growing recognition of the distinct and evolving challenges faced by our rural communities. These areas are integral to Pembrokeshire’s agricultural economy, cultural heritage, and environmental stewardship. They also play a vital role in sustaining the Welsh language and traditional ways of life.

“The Notice of Motion invites the council to consider how best to ensure that rural communities receive appropriate attention and support. It also prompts reflection on if more can be done to ensure that future planning and investment decisions are inclusive and responsive to the needs of all parts of the county.”

Members are asked to consider the notice and determine whether to recommend the establishment of a politically balanced Rural Communities Working Group, along with requesting officer support and relevant resources to initiate and coordinate the group’s work, if established.

Volunteers brave the rain to clean up Freshwater West

MISTY rain did not stop volunteers from valero Pembroke Refinery heading to Freshwater West for a beach clean this week.

Armed with bags, gloves and litter pickers, the group tackled rubbish left behind on the popular stretch of coastline, helping to keep the area clean and safe for visitors and wildlife. Among the finds was even a single welly boot – a reminder of the strange and unexpected items that often wash up on local beaches.

Freshwater West is one of Pembrokeshire’s most scenic and well-loved beaches, drawing surfers, walkers and holidaymakers throughout the year. With this popularity, however, comes the challenge of litter, particularly after busy weekends or stormy weather.

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A spokesperson for Valero Pembroke Refinery said: “Our volunteers are always ready to roll up their sleeves to support the community and protect our beautiful coastline.

Even in the drizzle, they showed real commitment, and we thank everyone who took part.”

Community beach cleans are regularly organised across the

county, with environmental groups and local businesses joining forces to protect Pembrokeshire’s beaches from pollution.

New app launched to help protect vulnerable people from carbon monoxide

A NEW mobile tool has been launched to give frontline workers essential carbon monoxide (co) safety advice and resources.

Developed by the Gas Safe Charity in partnership with the UK’s Gas Distribution Networks (GDNs) – Wales & West Utilities, Cadent, Northern Gas Networks and SGN – the free Think CO app provides real-time guidance to help safeguard vulnerable individuals across the UK.

The app is designed for frontline staff such as fire and rescue teams, social workers, council officers and charity workers, giving them instant access to CO safety information during home visits and emergencies.

Backed by a £43,000 investment over three years from the GDNs, the initiative aims to train 750 frontline workers every year to recognise and address CO risks in vulnerable households.

Key features include:

• Instant CO safety advice –guidance on recognising symptoms of CO poisoning, what to do in an emergency, and regional CO alarm legislation.

• Offline access – resources available without mobile signal, ensuring workers are supported wherever they are.

• PSR & fire safety information –advice on the Priority Services Register (PSR) and Fire and Rescue Service home fire safety visits.

• Ongoing training support –continuous access to updated

resources for those who have completed Think CO workshops, e-learning or in-person training.

Sophie Stone, Vulnerability and Carbon Monoxide Allowance Coordinator at Wales & West Utilities, said: “The launch of the Think CO app

is a major development and will be critical in providing frontline teams with the resources they need to protect vulnerable individuals. It brings together vital CO safety information in one, easily accessible app, allowing workers to take swift, informed actions when it matters most.”

Since its creation in 2016, the Think

CO programme has trained more than 4,000 frontline workers, reaching organisations including Citizens Advice, The Scouts and local authorities. The new app represents the next step in ensuring those supporting vulnerable communities have continuous access to life-saving CO safety resources.

Wales just 5% away from becoming the world’s top recycling nation

WALES is only a small step away from becoming the best recycling nation in the world, according to new figures released this week.

Data shows that 86% of households now recycle their food waste, up from 80% last year. Campaigners say that if people recycle just 5% more of the food currently ending up in rubbish bins, Wales will move ahead of Austria to claim first place in global recycling tables.

The equivalent, they say, is every person recycling just one extra banana skin each week.

Local authorities already collect about 130,000 tonnes of food waste annually, which is enough to generate power for around 15,000 homes. An additional 7,000 tonnes would be enough to secure the top spot.

Angela Spiteri, Senior Campaign Manager for Wales Recycles, said: “A quarter of the average rubbish bin in Wales is made up of food waste and over 80% of that could have been eaten. Reducing waste is one of the easiest ways to cut our carbon footprint and save money. But there will always be items we can’t eat, and by recycling

them we have a real chance to show the world what a nation of dedicated recyclers Wales is.”

The campaign has joined forces with the Cardiff Half Marathon to draw attention to the push. Vegan chef and endurance athlete Matt Pritchard has been sharing simple recipes and meal planning tips aimed at reducing waste while preparing for race day.

“I’m delighted to show households across Wales how we can all take part in another big race – to get Wales to number one in the world for recycling,” he said. “My approach is simple: prep a base dish once, flex it into different meals, and recycle what can’t be eaten.”

Despite the improvement, the figures show nearly a quarter of people in Wales still waste large amounts of food, rising to almost a third among younger adults. An average family of four throws away £84 worth of food every month.

The Welsh Government has set a target of making Wales a zero-waste nation by 2050. Campaigners say with small but consistent changes, Wales is well-placed to reach the goal and set an example to the rest of the world.

Ceredigion youngster crowned at Young British Farming Awards

A cEREDIgIoN schoolgirl has scooped a top prize at the Young British Farming Awards 2025, bringing national recognition back to West Wales.

The annual event, held on Saturday (Sept 13) at Cannon Hall Farm in South Yorkshire, celebrated the next generation of farmers across the UK. Hosted by farmer and online content creator Tom Pemberton, the awards recognised eight categories ranging from farm workers to community heroes.

SUccESS FoR WEST WALES

Among the winners was 11-year-old Elliw Grug Davies from Ceredigion, who was named Young Handler of the Year (Senior). Elliw had previously won the junior title in 2024 and has continued to impress judges with her skills in the show ring. This year she added the Intermediate Beef Championship, Young Handler Champion and Overall Cattle Handling Champion titles at the Royal Devon County Show to her growing list of achievements.

Judges praised her “calm confidence and impressive showmanship beyond her years,” noting that she had already been asked by other cattle owners to

show their stock thanks to her ability. Speaking after receiving her award, Elliw said: “It’s a nice feeling to win this year again. It’s opened the door and it gives you more options when you’re older. Since winning last year, I’ve had the chance to appear on television and it’s been a great opportunity. I love to be around animals, showing them, preparing them before the shows, and

NATIoNAL cELEBRATIoN oF YoUNg FARMERS

The Young British Farming Awards, sponsored by Massey Feeds, Harpers Feeds and Lantra, aim to celebrate the achievements of young people in agriculture. Other categories included

Young Farm Worker, Young Farming Hero, Young Farmers Club of the Year and the new Kaleb Cooper New Entrant Award, which recognises those entering farming without a family background in the industry.

Winners came from across the UK, from Hertfordshire to Sutherland, but Elliw’s achievement was a standout moment for farming in West Wales.

I’m proud to be a farmer.”

A TASTe oF AUTUMN AT THe LLANDeILo ANTIqUeS AND VINTAGe FAIr oN THe 4 TH oCToBer

The Antiques and vintage Fair held in the centre of Llandeilo, in the civic Hall, always produces some interesting and sought after items .The displays found at this popular fair are both eye catching and full of interest.The next fair on Saturday 4 th october promises to be no exception, with a huge amount of choice of antiques and vintage ,at affordable prices.

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

You will find this gem of a fair in the heart of Llandeilo ‘s historic town. The shops provide a uniques shopping experience with many artisan shops and galleries. Close by lies the Works Antiques Centre housing some 40 dealers. It will make your antique trail complete .

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

After such a hot summer we are now experiencing the amazing colours of autumn and the farming community reaping the benefits with a good harvest of crops and with harvest festivals

being celebrated in towns and villages across the country.We recognise this festival by the symbol of the harvest sheaf and the corn dolly .

Corn dollies are traditional figures, or symbols made from straw or corn stalks, associated with pagan harvest rituals and folk magic, particularly in European traditions. They represent

the spirit of the corn that resides in the last sheaf of the harvest, which was ritually preserved to ensure the fertility and renewal of the crops for the following year. These figures served as symbols of good luck and fertility and were often kept in homes for protection and burned at the end of the year to scatter their ashes over the fields, ensuring the next harvest.

The tradition of the corn dolly has its origins in pre-Christian Britain. At harvest the last sheaf of corn was sacrificed along with an animal, often a hare which was found amongst the crops, to the gods to ensure soil fertility for the next year. Later a model of a hare was made out of straw to represent ‘the continuity of the spirit. Eventually this evolved into the corn being plaited to represent a figure symbolising ‘the goddess of the grain‘. This became known as a ‘corn dolly’ and was usually hung in a farmhouse’s rafters till the next year.

The corn dolly was a feature of Lammas Day, which in Anglo-Saxon means the ‘Day of the loaf-mass’. Lammas was usually held between the 1st August and 1st September and was the first harvest festival of the year. The ashes of the corn dolly were then

ploughed back into the ground.

The practice of making the last sheath into a symbol of fertility continued after the introduction of Christianity. It was believed that the spirit of the corn resided in the corn fields. As the corn was cut the spirit was driven further and further back eventually taking refuge in the last remaining sheaf. When the last sheaf was finally cut , and a large hollow corn dolly was made from it , in order to give the spirit a home over the winter.

Once known by regional names like “harvest tokens” or by specific local terms, the term “corn dolly” became common in the 20th century.

In the majority of places cutting the last sheaf was seen as an honour but in some areas people were fearful of being held responsible for making the Corn Spirit homeless. To prevent being cursed with bad luck often groups of reapers would take turns in throwing their sickles at the sheaf. To be even safer sometimes the reapers would sweep their scythes back and forward across the sheaf whilst blindfolded. In this way the blame was shared.

At the next sowing the corn dolly

was returned back into the soil either by being fed to the horses, trampled into the ground or sown back into the first furrow ploughed in the spring along with the new planting.

Even though each county (and often each community within a county) of Britain followed their own harvest and ‘corn dolly’ traditions, the overriding idea was the same for all of them. The corn dolly represented the harvest cycle and the cycle of birth, death and rebirth as well as the deep rooted belief in a spirit representing fertility and nature.

In Wales to hold the last sheaf was seen as an honour. In the Welsh speaking areas it was called ‘The Harvest Mare’ or ‘the Hag’ and in English speaking communities ‘the Neck’.

In some areas of Wales the man who was chosen to bring the corn dolly to the festival had to protect it from a barrier of women throwing water and doing everything they could to prevent him getting it to safety. Often this would include stripping the man as he tried to hide the corn dolly under his clothes. If he succeeded he would be rewarded with all the beer he could drink at the feast and an

honoured seat at the harvest table. If he failed he was ‘punished’ by being seated at the foot of the table.

Sometimes if another farmer had not finished their reaping, the finished reapers would smuggle the corn dolly into his field. They would choose their fastest runner amongst them to deliver the corn dolly. If he was caught he would be tied up with straw and thrown in the nearest river.

The custom of creating a corn dolly from the last sheaf ended with the introduction of mechanised agricultural machinery during the Industrial Revolution.

Although the large corn dollies were no longer deemed necessary the regional shapes of the corn dollies did survive and the practice of making smaller corn dollies continued with the tradition handed down from generation to generation. The different shapes are incredibly varied ranging from abstract to more recognisable forms. Some examples are the Hereford lantern, Stafford knot, Suffolk horseshoe, Durham chandelier, Welsh longfen, Essex Terret, Yorkshire spiral and Oxford crown. They are made from a variety of different types of crops, again dependent on the area such as wheat, oats, rye, barley in England and Wales and rushes in Ireland. Often they are placed in houses as a good luck symbol.

Today, the craft is a cherished rural tradition, with enthusiasts creating increasingly complex designs.

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

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

Pembroke prepares for return of St. Michaelmas Fair

PEMBRoKE is getting ready to welcome the return of one of Wales’s oldest street fairs, as the St. Michaelmas Fair takes over Main Street from Thursday, october 9 to Saturday, october 11, 2025.

The event, which dates back more than seven centuries, is steeped in history and remains a highlight of the autumn calendar for Pembrokeshire families.

MEDIEvAL oRIgINS

The fair traces its roots back to the

medieval era, when Pembroke was granted the right to hold markets and fairs by royal charter. Traditionally timed around the feast of St. Michael the Archangel, or Michaelmas, the fair was once a vital gathering for trade and community life. Farmers brought livestock, craftsmen sold their wares, and traders from across the region descended on the town.

As Pembroke grew, so too did the fair. By the Victorian period, travelling showmen were a regular feature, bringing amusements and sideshows that drew crowds in their thousands.

Over time, the livestock pens gave way to fairground rides, music and food stalls — but the spirit of gathering, celebration and community has endured.

RoAD cLoSURES ANNoUNcED

To allow the fair to be set up and run safely, Main Street will be closed to vehicles during the following times:

• Wednesday, October 8: 1:00pm–10:00pm (for fair construction)

• Thursday, October 9: 6:00pm–11:45pm

• Friday, October 10: 6:00pm–11:45pm

• Saturday, October 11: 2:00pm–Midnight

If required, Main Street will also be closed from 6:00am to 10:30am on Sunday, October 12 for dismantling. During the closures, temporary traffic lights will be in place on Westgate Hill to allow two-way traffic.

A LIvINg TRADITIoN

Today, the St. Michaelmas Fair is a vibrant blend of tradition and entertainment. Main Street is transformed into a blaze of lights, colour and sound, with rides, stalls and sideshows filling every corner. For many Pembrokeshire residents, the fair is a cherished tradition, with generations of families returning year after year.

Local historian accounts point out that while the fair no longer serves its original trading purpose, it continues to fulfil the same role it always has — bringing people together.

LooKINg

AHEAD

Organisers expect thousands to flock to the town over the three days, creating a festival atmosphere that has made the fair one of the longest-running events in Pembrokeshire.

With origins stretching back to medieval Pembroke and an atmosphere that continues to capture the imagination of young and old alike, the St. Michaelmas Fair remains a proud part of the county’s living heritage.

Gas upgrade works to continue on London road until November

A MAJoR gas pipe upgrade is under way in Pembroke Dock and is due to continue until the end of November, Wales & West Utilities has confirmed.

The work, focused on London Road and Ferry Lane, is part of a programme to replace ageing pipes and prepare the network to carry future fuels such as hydrogen and biomethane.

TRAFFIc MANAgEMENT IN PLAcE

The company has worked with Pembrokeshire County Council to plan traffic management measures:

• Four-way traffic lights at London Road’s junction with Eastern Avenue and Ferry Lane until 17 October.

• Multi-phase traffic lights along London Road from 17 October until the end of November.

While signs on Ferry Lane earlier this summer referred to a four-week closure, that was one phase of the project. The full scheme is scheduled to take around three months.

IMPAcT oN THE coMMUNITY

Some residents have expressed frustration at repeated disruption on the busy route.

Wales & West Utilities’ Adam Smith said: “We know that working in areas like this is not ideal, but it is essential to make sure we keep the gas flowing to homes and businesses in the area, and to make sure the gas network is fit for the future.”

He added that the work will ensure reliable supplies “for generations to come” and allow the network to adapt to greener fuels.

The project is expected to be completed by the end of November.

Meeting focuses on tackling homelessness in Pembrokeshire

Tom Sinclair editor@herald.email

PEMBRoKESHIRE Action for the Homeless (PATH) has held a meeting with local representatives to discuss the future of services and support for those in need across the county.

The charity welcomed Samuel Kurtz MS and county councillor Jonathan Grimes, who represents Pembroke St Mary South and Monkton, to a meeting this week.

Discussions centred on the ongoing challenges of securing consistent funding for homelessness services, as well as new opportunities being explored to strengthen support for vulnerable people. PATH says its services are now reaching more people than ever, helping to provide vital stability and assistance to those facing housing difficulties.

A spokesperson for PATH said: “We had a very productive meeting with Samuel Kurtz MS and Jonathan Grimes this afternoon. We discussed the challenges of consistent funding, exciting new opportunities we’re exploring to tackle homelessness around the county, and how our services can now help more people than ever.

“A big thank you to both Sam and Jonathan for taking the time to visit and learn more about the important work we do.”

Both representatives praised the efforts of PATH and expressed support for its ongoing work in Pembrokeshire communities.

Nominations open for Pembrokeshire Spotlight Awards 2025

THE SEARcH is on to find Pembrokeshire’s most inspiring children and young people, as nominations open for the 2025 Pembrokeshire Spotlight Awards.

The awards, which celebrate the achievements of those aged five to 25 who have made a real difference in their communities, will return on Friday, November 21, 2025.

Following the success of previous years, this year’s event is once again supported by BAM Nuttall, Aberaeron CDS and Pure West Radio. It is organised by the Children & Young People’s Rights Office, Pembrokeshire Youth and Children’s Services at Pembrokeshire County Council.

Members of the public are invited to put forward individuals or groups who deserve recognition for their outstanding achievements. There are

12 categories in total:

• Most Inspiring Story

• Making a Difference in the community

• Achieving Positive change

• Young Leader/Peer Mentoring

• Arts • Music

• Sports

• Education

• Eco-champion

• voice • Fundraising

• Welsh Language

Nomination forms provide full details of each category. To request a paper copy, email Nicky.Edwards@ pembrokeshire.gov.uk.

The deadline for nominations is Monday, October 20, 2025.

Narberth Castle closure extended as further safety works identified

PEMBRoKESHIRE coUNTY

COUNCIL has confirmed that Narberth castle will remain temporarily closed beyond the initial conservation period after further essential safety concerns were uncovered.

Recent stabilisation and conservation works revealed additional structural weaknesses that require urgent attention to safeguard the historic site and its visitors.

The castle grounds, including the public footpath, will remain closed while specialists carry out reinforcement of unstable masonry, removal of hazardous debris, and the installation of protective measures to prevent future deterioration. Due to the terrain and specialist equipment required, full access to the site must remain restricted to ensure public safety.

Cllr Rhys Sinnett, Cabinet Member for Residents’ Services, said:

“We understand the disappointment this extended closure may cause, but the safety of our residents and visitors must come first. These additional works are vital to ensure Narberth Castle remains a safe and accessible landmark for generations to come.”

Local Member, Cllr Marc Tierney, added: “Narberth Castle holds deep

ensuring the site is properly restored and protected.”

cultural and historical significance for our community. While the delay is frustrating, we are committed to

The Council is working closely with heritage specialists and local stakeholders and will provide further updates as the project progresses.

Future improvements to enhance the visitor experience are also being explored once the site reopens.

The Council thanked residents and visitors for their patience and understanding during this period.

Tom Sinclair editor@herald.email

Welsh Water confirms no restrictions despite record summer heat

WELSH WATER has confirmed that no hosepipe bans or temporary use restrictions will be needed this year, despite the UK experiencing its hottest summer on record.

The utility said supplies have stabilised after the Mid and South Ceredigion zone briefly reached “developing drought” status earlier this year due to low reservoir levels.

Restrictions were avoided thanks to a combination of customers using water responsibly and continued investment in leakage management and infrastructure. The company’s accelerated repair programme has completed more than 16,000 fixes since January, including 817 in Ceredigion between April and August.

Marc Davies, Welsh Water’s Director of Water Services, said: “The dry weather this year has put huge strain on our network. Despite this, we’ve maintained supplies without restrictions thanks to our customers’ efforts and the proactive work of our teams, who repaired around 700 leaks each week throughout the summer. Every drop really does count, and we’re hugely grateful to customers

Tom Sinclair editor@herald.email

who have taken simple steps to reduce their use. Small actions have made a big difference collectively.”

Welsh Water treats and distributes around 850 million litres of clean water daily – equivalent to 320 Olympic-sized swimming pools. During the summer heatwave, demand topped 1 billion litres a day, with rural and tourist areas under the greatest pressure. Tankers were used to move water across the network to keep underground storage topped up.

Natural Resources Wales continues to classify most of Wales as being in environmental drought, warning that while recent rainfall has eased conditions, it has not been sustained enough for a full recovery. Five regions in England remain in official drought, with hosepipe bans still affecting millions of households.

Welsh Water is urging customers to continue saving water to help reservoirs recover over the winter. Advice includes taking showers instead of baths, only running appliances when

full, using watering cans rather than hosepipes, and fixing household leaks promptly.

New piano strikes a chord for Paul Sartori Community Choir

HAvERFoRDWEST Town council and Haverfordwest High vc School have helped the Paul Sartori community choir hit the right note with the purchase of a new digital piano.

A grant of £699 from the Town Council and a £100 donation from the school, combined with the choir’s own funds, have allowed the group to replace their ageing keyboard with a modern, portable instrument. The new piano will provide improved sound quality and volume control for weekly rehearsals and public performances, as well as giving the choir flexibility to perform at community venues across Pembrokeshire.

Formed just over three years ago,

Sinclair editor@herald.email

the Paul Sartori Community Choir now numbers around 90 members – making it the largest community choir in the county. It was originally set up after the pandemic with support from the Community Changemakers Fund and later the National Lottery Awards for All, aiming to boost wellbeing through music while raising awareness of the Paul Sartori Hospice at Home service. Since then, the choir has become a familiar feature of Pembrokeshire’s cultural calendar, with appearances at St Davids Cathedral, St Mary’s Church in Haverfordwest, Haverfoodfest, and the Haverfordwest Town Council Civic

Councillor Roy Thomas, Mayor of Haverfordwest, said: “Music has a unique power to bring people together. The choir’s work in promoting wellbeing and community spirit is truly inspiring, and we are delighted to support them with this grant.”

Reg White, Community Liaison Lead at Haverfordwest High VC School, added: “Many of our staff have fond memories of Father Sartori, and a number of our families have benefitted from hospice care. We’re proud to support the choir and the wider charity.”

Judith Williams, Grant Development Officer at Paul Sartori Hospice at Home, said: “We are so grateful for

these generous contributions. The choir has become a vital part of local life, and this new piano will ensure it continues to thrive.”

The Paul Sartori Community Choir’s next major performance will be at the Voices at the Castle event on Friday, September 12 at Pembroke Castle. Tickets are available from the charity’s website or by phoning the head office.

Paul Sartori Hospice at Home is a registered Pembrokeshire charity offering a wide range of free services for people with life-limiting illnesses and their families. More information is available at www.paulsartori.org or by calling 01437 763223.

Civic service marks start of new mayor’s year in St Davids

ST DAvIDS cATHEDRAL hosted a civic Service on Sunday (Sept 21), welcoming the new Mayor, David Griffiths, members of the City council, civic representatives, and the Deputy Lord Lieutenant, Roger Smith.

The service, which marked the beginning of the Mayor’s year in office, was attended by a large congregation and held in the historic setting of St Davids Cathedral.

Clergy led prayers for those in public office, asking that they may seek wisdom in decision-making, act with justice and integrity, and find strength to persevere in their duties.

The event also brought together councillors, mayors from neighbouring towns, and representatives from across Pembrokeshire, underlining the importance of civic life and community service.

Carol Service.

Tom

“Black Rabbit” is a dark, intense crime-thriller on Netflix that aims high on atmosphere and character tension, though it doesn’t always hit every mark. The show centers on two brothers, Jake (Jude Law) and vince (Jason Bateman), whose lives diverge wildly: Jake’s carved out some measure of success as the owner of an upscale restaurant & vIP lounge in New York city, while vince returns bringing chaos—debts, past trauma, substance abuse— and forces Jake to confront parts of himself and his past that he’d rather keep locked away. What initially seems like a straightforward story of sibling dysfunction, loyalty, and ambition slowly unfurls into something more tangled, involving crime, betrayal, and the dark pulse beneath the

glamour of nightlife.

Visually the show earns its stripes: it’s moody, edgy, with a palette that leans toward the shadowy and gritty, and a design sensibility that makes you feel the weight of New York’s underbelly even when characters are in upscale spaces. The directing is often confident, particularly in moments that blend flashbacks, music, and atmosphere to signal how much these two men have lost—and how much of their present is shaped by that loss. Bateman and Law have a magnetic chemistry; their interactions—alternately tender, resentful, hopeful, destructive— form the emotional backbone of the series. Bateman’s Vince is raw, impulsive, a mess in the best and worst sense; Law’s Jake fights constantly to keep

things in order, but you gradually see the costs of that order.

Where the show struggles is pacing and narrative focus. Episodes tend to stretch out, dragging in places where tension could have been sharpened; some of the supporting plotlines—characters around the club, side clients, subplots of betrayal—feel undercooked or meandering. The moral ambiguity of many characters is interesting, but sometimes it’s so uniformly murky that it becomes hard to care about particular outcomes. By the midpoint, you begin to feel weight not from drama but from repetition of emotional beats.

Still, the ending more than justifies sticking around. When the plot finally converges, the stakes feel real, the emotional rupture resonates, and several smaller threads tie together in a way that’s bleak yet satisfying. If you’re someone who enjoys flawed characters, the kind of tension that builds slowly with occasional bursts of violence or moral crisis, “Black Rabbit” offers a good blend of style and substance. It may not be flawless, and its darker tone will definitely divide viewers, but it’s worth watching—especially for the performances by Law and Bateman, and the way it peels back the mask of ambition to show what lies underneath.

CliCk to

“Tron: Ares” arrives as a bold attempt to revive and expand the Tron mythos by pushing its central conceit— the collision of the digital world and the real—into new territory. Directed by Joachim Rønning and featuring an ensemble cast led by Jared Leto, greta Lee, Evan Peters, and a returning Jeff Bridges, the film stakes its claim on a familiar foundation while daring to reimagine how the grid might invade our everyday world.

From what the trailers and early materials promise, the visual flair is unmistakable: light cycles tearing through real streets, ominous architectures that hover between corporeal and virtual, and the trademark glow and kinetic aesthetic of Tron injected into environments that feel like ours but are clearly slipping at the edges. Cinematographer Jeff Cronenweth seems poised to explore the tension between physical landscapes and the fractured, neon-lined logic of digital realms. The soundscapes, meanwhile, are getting serious attention: a score by Nine Inch Nails signals darker textures, industrial pulses, and an undercurrent of unease that suggests this won’t be pure nostalgic wonder

but something more visceral.

Narratively, “Ares” appears to chart new ground rather than follow directly in the footsteps of Tron: Legacy. The plot centers on Ares (Leto), a highly advanced program sent into the real world for a mission that bridges both domains.

With ENCOM, the Dillinger legacy, and Flynn’s code all looming in the background, there’s a sense of lineage, but also a sense of reset: characters from the older films aside from Bridges are largely absent, and the story seems less concerned with retreading familiar arcs than with probing the implications of A.I., identity, and boundary.

The PG-13 rating suggests the action will be broad, and peril and spectacle will dominate, though there’s room for deeper philosophical tension.

There are reasons to be hopeful, and reasons to worry. The ambition is clear: to reignite the Tron franchise not simply as a throwback, but as something that speaks to current anxieties about technology, life, and what happens when the two collide.

The trailers exhibit moments of promise—light cycle chases in real-world settings, the distortion of the Grid’s rules in daylight, the whispers of

corporate machinations. But with ambition comes risk: balancing homage to what made the original compelling (its visual innovation, its strangeness) with delivering a coherent and emotionally compelling story is never easy, especially when shifting the stakes and perspective so significantly. Also, the decision to limit the return of legacy characters could help the film avoid being weighed down by expectations—but it also means the emotional connection to previous entries must be earned from scratch.

If “Tron: Ares” succeeds, it will be because it doesn’t just recapture the aesthetic wonder of Tron, but uses it to ask questions about what it means to create, to become, and to cross that boundary between synthetic and real. If it falls short, it’ll likely be in moments where spectacle overshadows character or where the attempt to forge something new doesn’t quite land with the emotional weight one hopes for. Either way, it is a film to watch—not just to see the Grid glowing again, but to see whether Tron can evolve in a world that is already populated by digital ghosts, artificial intelligence, and a blurry line between virtual lives and real ones.

Tech and Taff

THE SPAcE RAcE IS BAcK oN

Well now, butt – you’d think we’d finished with all this Moon business back in the ’60s and ’70s when the Yanks went up there, played a bit of golf, and brought back a few dusty rocks. But no! Turns out the space race is back on – only this time it’s not just a Cold War flex, it’s proper long-term plans. Bases, science labs, and maybe even the odd holiday cottage on the Sea of Tranquillity if Elon Musk has his way.

NASA’s next big step is Artemis II, scheduled for launch as soon as February. This’ll be the first time in over fifty years a crew of astronauts gets sent to the Moon – not to land, mind, but to do a big lap around it. Think of it like a recce before the main job. They’ll swing about 9,200 kilometres past the far side of the Moon, further than anyone’s ever gone, and then slingshot back to Earth like a boomerang. Ten days, four astronauts, one big rocket.

The crew looks like a proper A-team too: Commander Reid Wiseman, pilot Victor Glover, mission specialist Christina Koch, and Canadian astronaut Jeremy Hansen – proving it’s not just the Yanks getting a look in. The four will strap into the Orion capsule, perched on top of the biggest rocket system ever built – the Space Launch System (or SLS, which I think stands for “Stonkingly Large Spacefirework”).

Now, why’s all this important? Because Artemis II is basically a test drive. NASA wants to check

the systems, prove Orion can keep the astronauts alive and well, and make sure the kit’s ready for Artemis III – the mission where they actually stick the landing. And here’s the kicker: if all goes well, the next boots to hit lunar soil could be a man and a woman. A first, tidy that!

Of course, nothing in space comes easy. The re-entry at the end is one of the hairiest parts. Hurtling into Earth’s atmosphere at 25,000 miles per hour, the capsule’s heat shield will get hotter than a chippy’s fryer on a Friday night. Then comes the parachutes, then – splash! – hopefully a gentle dunk into the Pacific, where a ship will scoop them up.

Why now, you might ask? Well, China’s already been making big noises about going to the Moon, and Uncle Sam doesn’t want to look like he’s stuck watching repeats of Apollo 11 on the History Channel. Add in private companies like SpaceX sniffing around, and suddenly the race is on again.

So, there we are butt – the Moon’s back on the menu. If it all works, the ’30s could see us with proper Moon bases, fuel depots, maybe even springboards to Mars. And if it doesn’t work? Well, at least we’ll have another Shaun the Sheep plushie orbiting the Moon for company.

Duw, imagine telling Mamgu down in the Rhondda that one day Welsh kids would be doing their school projects on astronauts popping in and out of lunar bases like they’re nipping to Tenby. The future’s looking proper cosmic.

redberth Croft celebrates summer successes with national recognition

REDBERTH croft has marked a busy summer with national recognition, new partnerships, and continued progress on its community farm.

The farm, which works closely with organisations including Patch of the Planet and Underwood Organic Farm, has been running regular sessions focused on biodiversity, sustainability, and market garden development.

Its farm manager, alongside rescue horse Ozzy, competed at the Retraining of Racehorses National Championships earlier this year. The pair also received a Highly Commended award at the BBC Radio Wales Make a Difference Awards last weekend.

Redberth Croft has been expanding its role in the Pembrokeshire Local Food

Partnership, supporting communityled food initiatives, while continuing to improve its own facilities. Recent upgrades include new storage, sheds, and ongoing work to preserve the site’s 200-year-old farm buildings.

A spokesperson said the farm is always looking to welcome more volunteers: “Every pair of hands makes a huge difference, and we’re delighted to see more people getting involved in our work.”

The Croft team also showcased their rescue animals at local agricultural shows over the summer, highlighting their efforts in sustainable farming and animal welfare.

Photo updates of recent projects are expected to be shared in the coming weeks.

SILENT HILL F is shaping up to be one of the more ambitious entries in the longrunning horror franchise, blending familiar Silent Hill dread with fresh themes, new setting and more visceral gameplay. Set in 1960s rural Japan, in a fictional town called Ebisugaoka, the game follows a high school student, Hinako Shimizu, who returns to her hometown only to discover it consumed by fog, grotesque overgrowths and supernatural horrors. The change in locale— moving away from the more typical American smalltown backdrops of previous installments—already signals the developer’s intention to shake up the formula, not just cosmetically but thematically. The writing team, including Ryukishi07, brings an unusual depth by weaving in societal pressures, gender expectations, family conflict and the fraught transition from adolescence into adulthood. These personal stakes help the horror feel more grounded, more intimate, and the atmosphere is built with a real care for oppressive dread—the kind that creeps in slowly, as much through silence, decaying beauty and folklore as through the monsters themselves.

Gameplay appears to split the difference between oldschool Silent Hill’s survival horror tradition and more

modern action-oriented mechanics. You’ll have to solve cryptic puzzles, explore fogshrouded alleys and half-ruined structures, fight horrifying creatures, manage scarce resources, and also contend with weapon degradation, stamina, dodge and counter systems, which raise the tension in combat. But there’s a tightrope being walked: the combat is more fluid and active than many expect from a Silent Hill game, yet there are moments when that action risks undercutting the feeling of vulnerability which is often central to horror. From what’s been shown, the balance tilts slightly toward empowering the player without removing sense of dread, though some sections outside the core haunted spaces may feel less intense, less finely tuned in tone.

Visually and aurally, Silent Hill f promises to be hauntingly beautiful: the contrast of natural landscapes, cherry blossoms, fog, overgrowth and decay; the sound design that emphasises distant moans, creaking, ambient unease; the music that recalls Silent Hill legacy while pushing into more disquieting, atmospheric territory. Those aesthetics are doing heavy lifting in creating a world that feels both gorgeous and threatening. For fans of psychological horror, none of the scares are expected to be purely “cheap jump” moments — the horror comes from

HOROSCOPES

layering up the strange, the uncomfortable, the symbolic, and in its depictions of human suffering and fear that resonate beyond the supernatural.

On the downside, the risks are clear. Introducing more action, faster dodge and counter systems, more melee combat etc., might alienate purists who expect Silent Hill to lean more toward helplessness, slow burn dread, and where monsters are something you hide from rather than fight. Some narrative threads may veer into territory that’s hard to navigate (themes of abuse, discrimination, trauma) in ways that can be powerful, but could also feel heavy-handed or uncomfortable if not handled with nuance. Because it is a standalone spinoff, newcomers may enjoy it without needing prior familiarity, but veterans will likely compare every innovation against the series’ classic hallmarks.

In sum, Silent Hill f looks very much like a successful evolution: a deeply atmospheric horror game with ambition in its storytelling, setting and design, that in many ways honours what makes Silent Hill iconic while pushing into new emotional and mechanical territory. If it all comes together — the balance of vulnerability and agency, the tone, the puzzles, the horrors — it could well be one of the most memorable horror games of recent years.

more used to being one of the noble leaders, but right now you’re all about finding ways to maintain balance and bring as much good feeling as possible to all the parties involved. Combine that sincere desire with your natural charm and warmth, and you have a knockout combination. Go ahead and tackle whatever tricky situation presents itself. You can smooth things out in no time.

VIrGo

It’s all about yoga or tai chi or Pilates. In other words, you’re ready to scrap the usual gym routine for a regimen that exercises your body and your mind. The change of pace will definitely benefit all areas of your life, because you’ll not only be inspired to exercise more, but you’ll have tons of energy left over to tackle that top-to-bottom cleaning project and all those social plans that have been on the back burner recently.

LIBrA

Big things happen when you indulge in some small talk. If you’re feeling unexpectedly shy and retiring, there’s no need to force yourself to be a social animal. Instead, work on having casual conversations and low-key exchanges with the people around you. Not only will you pick up some great tips and have some enlightening encounters, but you’ll notice that your shyness has dissipated into nothing before you know it.

SCorPIo

Stop worrying about that authority figure who’s been avoiding you whenever you ask for a meeting about that raise, promotion, or bonus. When the time is right they’ll be supportive and quite helpful. For now, keep the conversation informal, friendly, and casual. Once the subject does come up, and they’ll raise it if you give them a chance, it will go along smoothly.

SAGITTArIUS

Going beyond your own national borders is at the top of your must-do list. You’re ever so curious about different lands, customs, and ways of life. Plus you can’t wait to buy a phrase book in your new language du jour and start practicing. Make sure you have your passport up to date and are ready to take off at a moment’s notice. An unexpected travel opportunity could come your way early in the evening.

CAPrICorN

Just because others are losing their heads doesn’t mean that you have to take the same tack. So before you start running around and yelling about how the sky is falling, take a deep breath and then take a good, long look at the situation. You might just find that things aren’t quite so bad as everyone is making them out to be. Once your cooler head prevails, others might be able to see the same thing as well.

AqUArIUS Do you have big plans for the future? If yes, it’s time to start laying the framework so you can make those plans come to fruition with a minimum of frustration. This might include some organizational type stuff, like getting your files up to date, or

a Pembrokeshire Pers P ec T ive

by ediTor Tom sinclair

PArACeTAMoL PANIC IS A DISTrACTIoN, NoT SCIeNCe

THE HEADLINES blaring from America this week – that paracetamol, or Tylenol as it is branded across the pond, “causes autism” – are nothing more than political theatre. The claim, delivered by Donald Trump as if it were settled fact, is not supported by credible science. Yet it has dominated the news cycle, which is rather convenient for a presidency facing real and pressing problems.

Let’s be clear: paracetamol remains one of the most widely used and trusted medicines in the world. Doctors prescribe it for pain and fever in pregnancy precisely because it has been considered safe when used responsibly. The UK’s NHS, the American College of Obstetricians and countless researchers say the same thing: no causal link has been proven between paracetamol and autism. Associations have been reported in some studies, but when you strip out confounding factors like genetics and family environment, the

link disappears.

So why the sudden alarm? Politics. Trump has always thrived on culture wars and manufactured outrage. By conjuring up a health scare – one that plays on parents’ worst fears –he seizes headlines and distracts attention from uncomfortable realities, whether that’s the economy, foreign policy stumbles, or his own legal and political troubles. It is an old trick: when the news is bad, change the subject.

And this is not the first time he has dabbled in quackery. Who could forget April 2020, when Trump publicly mused about whether disinfectant or bleach could be injected into the body to “clean” COVID-19 away? Poison centres across the U.S. saw a spike in calls afterwards, and doctors were left horrified at the suggestion. He later claimed he was joking – but the damage was done.

His choice of Health Secretary only deepens the sense of unease. Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has spent years

as one of America’s loudest vaccine sceptics, questioning mainstream immunisation programmes and promoting discredited theories. Medical associations and public health experts warned that putting him in charge of U.S. health policy would risk undermining confidence in vaccines and public health itself. Yet here he is, steering the ship.

And then there’s the setting. Trump chose to make his big autism–paracetamol pronouncement at the memorial service of right-wing activist Charlie Kirk. Funerals are usually moments of quiet reflection, not platforms for sudden, headlinegrabbing policy claims. The decision to insert a controversial health announcement into such a solemn occasion only added to the sense that this was less about science and more about spectacle.

The tragedy is that millions of people who rely on paracetamol are now left second-guessing a safe and effective medicine. Expectant

mothers, already navigating a minefield of advice, could be scared off from treating fevers –which themselves can be far more dangerous to an unborn baby than the tablet Trump is railing against.

In truth, there is no “huge announcement” here, only a huge distraction. The science does not back Trump’s words, and the timing reeks of political calculation. The real public health threat is not paracetamol – it is the misuse of medical research, the undermining of trust in vaccines, and the willingness of a president to exploit health fears for his own political ends, even at a funeral.

BADGER FINDS SOME QUIET TIME

IT’S vERY noisy at the moment. Not noisy as Badger sits at his trusty steam-powered typewriter, but noisy as in there’s an awful lot of people making an awful lot of racket about things that exercise their minds and emotions.

A lot of the noise comes from the usual suspects: Donald Trump has gone off on another of his mad scientist sprees; Nigel Farage is bellowing nonsense policies he hasn’t a hope in hell of delivering; Labour’s support in Wales is falling off a cliff, with potentially hilarious consequences; and Keir Starmer is bleating along to no great effect while Andy Burnham’s coiffed eyebrows make a bid for the top job.

Badger respectfully suggests that what we need is a short interval to take breath and assess events more rationally.

For what it’s worth, Badger was almost totally unaware of Charlie Kirk’s existence until the latter’s murder. He was, therefore, amazed to find out how many on the left and on the right in the UK were so closely attuned to the late Mr Kirk’s words and actions. It particularly surprised him that folk who could not tell you who the Home Secretary is without looking it up on Wikipedia know so much

about the swirling clouds of transatlantic domestic politics.

Badger’s view on Charlie Kirk’s death is really simple. Murder is wrong. Murder based on the victim’s political or religious beliefs is wrong. Those who celebrate or excuse the murder of another are ghouls. Those who use the murder of another to promote their political or religious beliefs are equally monstrous.

And that’s as far as Badger can go on the subject without hectoring his readers about the value of lives and the right of individuals to disagree without resorting to violence or threats of violence.

Bearing that in mind, it occurs to Badger that while the outside world clamours for attention in a thousand and one different ways about a thousand thousand different causes, we should consider the joys of silence and silent reflection.

Rage is easy and lazy. If you live in constant anger (which Badger believes is another name for Fishguard), it’s mentally wearing. Your critical faculties, the parts of your brain that act as a filter between extraneous things of minor importance to your daily life and more vital considerations, stop working as they should. Taking the time to read and understand, rather than reacting

to events, is, as Badger has previously said, important.

It was while Badger was reading and reflecting that he came across an interesting news article, which he can almost guarantee very few of his readers spotted or the impact of which they digested.

Come with Badger to North Wales and to Gwynedd.

Last year, Gwynedd County Council invoked powers granted to it by the Welsh Government to curtail the use of properties as second homes or holiday lets. Amendments to planning legislation issued by the Welsh Government include a provision to manage the use of houses as second homes and holiday accommodation.

Every Welsh planning authority has these powers. They intend to restrict the number of properties being bought to use as second homes or as holiday lets. Their ultimate goal is to release properties back onto the open market, where they can be bought by locals who want to remain in their home communities, rather than being priced out by incomers and speculators.

As everyone in Pembrokeshire should be aware, the effects of legislation are rarely as clear-cut as its drafters hope. Also, the ability of the property owners who own second homes and holiday lets to defend their interests should not be underestimated.

Badger regards the idea that the market will self-correct to the extent that the average earner can buy a property in Barmouth (or Solva, for that matter), to be fanciful in the extreme. Nevertheless, politicians have decided that something must be done, and the new regulations are the mechanism they’ve chosen to do it.

In Gwynedd, a group of property owners decided to band together and challenge the Council’s actions in court. Their argument, such as it was, related to interference with their right to expect to make a substantial profit from their properties. They failed. However, earlier this month, the same group appealed the lower court’s refusal to review the lawfulness of the Council’s action.

And, on one very narrow but important ground, they succeeded.

HHJ Pepperall decided that the report provided by officers to Cabinet members who agreed to apply the relevant regulation, known as Article

4, was so misleading that a full judicial examination was necessary to resolve the issue of lawfulness. In short, Judge Pepperall concluded that the officers’ report suggested the Council had powers it did not possess in relation to SOME of the properties that would be affected. Those properties are holiday lets that their owners use as part-time residences or second homes. In those cases, there was no “material change of use” that could apply to the properties. And it is a material change of use from residential use to temporary use that the regulations capture. Well, at least according to the Judge.

The result is not a victory for secondhome and holiday let owners; the Administrative Court may decide that HHJ Pepperall’s reasoning is incorrect or that the briefing to Cabinet was substantially correct on the law. In any event, all the Council has to do, even if it loses, is repeat the exercise to correct any flaw in its decision. That will cost time and money, but not so much time and money that consideration of them would overreach the Council’s political objective. It is worth noting, however, that the Council has stated it will appeal the ruling.

In the Pembrokeshire context, Badger’s readers are perceptive enough to realise that the Gwynedd case is directly relevant to the issues that result from having homes unavailable for permanent occupation by local workers. An individual on an average wage in Pembrokeshire has but two hopes of getting on the property ladder, and the second one is Bob.

The Gwynedd case is significant for other reasons, where planning authorities choose not to invoke Article Four, it is potentially the case that failure to at least consider its terms would leave planning decisions open to challenge. That would promote the sort of chaos in housing provision that only Natural Resources Wales has hitherto demonstrated the ability to produce.

Additionally, council employees must exercise caution when providing advice to elected representatives. The ability of politicians to selectively read the advice they want and ignore any caveats often leads to disaster. Ask Angela Rayner.

The whole mess proves, were proof needed, that legislation is not necessarily the answer to all ills, nor can it be.

Legislate in haste, repent at leisure.

Trump the chameleon

cAW! Trying to pin down the real Donald Trump, my friends, is like trying to grab a chip in a gale down Milford Haven Docks – slippery, noisy, and you’ll probably end up with ketchup on your beak.

Last week, he was strutting about Windsor like a polite gull at a picnic –bowing to the royals, nodding nicely at Keir Starmer, and talking about Britain and the US being “two notes in the same chord.” All very la-di-da, like a seagull that’s suddenly discovered manners.

But flap forward a few days to New York and the United Nations – and out swooped a different bird altogether. This Trump wasn’t cooing; he was cawing, boasting, whingeing, and trashing everything in sight. He even moaned about not getting a building contract for the UN’s headquarters: “I’d have

done it for $500 million – beautiful, the best,” he squawked. Imagine that – the world’s most powerful man sounding like a builder down the Dockside trying to undercut the competition.

So which one’s the real Trump? Truth is, there isn’t just one. He’s a whole flock of contradictions – charming one minute, raging the next, unforgiving, and lying as freely as a gull steals pasties in Tenby. Even clever old Montaigne, the French philosopher chap, said centuries ago: “Every sort of contradiction can be found in me.” Sounds like he’d met Trump in advance, doesn’t it?

Some folks are now comparing Trump to Otto von Bismarck, the old German chancellor – another fella who could charm and brutalise, calculate and explode in equal measure. Bismarck shaped Europe. Trump? Well, he’s

shaped Twitter, at least.

This week he flapped from being friendly to Putin to suddenly calling Russia a paper tiger and urging Ukraine to act fast. One day he’s talking peace deals, the next he’s promising weapons for NATO like a gull promising to share its chips (spoiler: never happens).

And while his speech at the UN was full of fibs and bluster – from Sadiq Khan and sharia law, to his “highest ever poll numbers” (they’re not) – there was something more serious underneath. He hammered on about sovereignty, about rejecting globalism, about fighting migration and the “green scam.” These aren’t passing fads. They’re the crumbs he’s always pecking at.

What’s most striking for us across the pond is how much Britain got it in the neck. Trump had more digs at the UK

than at Russia, China, or North Korea.

A week after fawning in Windsor, he was flapping angrily about our energy, our laws, our migration, even Palestine. That “special relationship” suddenly sounded more like a noisy squabble between gulls over a soggy chip.

So, who is the real Trump? Windsor Trump or UN Trump? The polite pigeon or the scavenging gull? Truth is, he’s both – and neither. He’s a shape-shifter, and trying to pin him down is a mug’s game. All we can say is this: when Trump lands in your patch, keep your pasty covered and your ears open.

— Stephen Seagull, Milford Haven Docks

CAW!

rSPCA celebrates outstanding animal welfare achievements

LocAL authorities and public sector organisations have received special honours from RSPcA cymru as part of the animal welfare charity’s prestigious PawPrints Awards.

Public services have been showing they are “For Every kind” by working in close partnership with the RSPCA to improve their animal welfare standards.

Now those who have excelled have been recognised and celebrated as community heroes as part of the RSPCA’s one-of-akind PawPrints Awards scheme, which first launched in 2008.

The awards recognise councils and public bodies delivering key frontline services such as stray dog provision, licensing, housing, emergency planning and kennelling.

This year six platinum awards have been handed out to four organisations - Monmouthshire County Council (contingency planning), Cardiff Dogs Home (stray dogs), Hope Rescue (kennelling), and Shared Regulatory Services (Bridgend, Cardiff and Vale of Glamorgan councils) - received a hat trick of platinums in kennelling, licensing and in the stray dogs category.

Animal Licensing Wales also received a gold in licensing, Cardiff Dogs Home a gold in kennelling and a bronze for Cardiff Council in contingency planning.

Sioned Nikolic, RSPCA Cymru

Public Affairs Advisor, said: “It’s really important to highlight the incredible efforts we know so many go to for animals and we are thrilled to recognise so many outstanding organisations for their pioneering work. It’s vital to celebrate the fantastic efforts being made to improve the lives of animals wherever possible.

“We are delighted to have four organisations earning the prestigious Platinum-level award - reserved for those who have achieved Gold-level for five or more consecutive years.

“It is evident that there is a deep commitment to animal welfare and we are incredibly proud to honour them through these awards.”

With many public sector organisations continuing to feel the financial pinch, the strong number of entries to this year’s PawPrints Awards is a real credit to their ingenuity and determination. Despite challenging circumstances, councils, housing providers, emergency planners and other public bodies are finding innovative ways to protect, promote and improve animal welfare in their communities. Their commitment not only delivers real benefits for animals and people, but also serves as an inspiration to others.

This year also marks the launch of a new category – the Withnall Partnerships Award –

which will be unveiled for the very first time at the PawPrints Awards event in Leeds this November. Created in memory of former RSPCA Inspector Kirsty Withnall (pictured), whose tireless dedication to animal welfare left a lasting legacy, the award shines a spotlight on outstanding collaboration between the RSPCA, local authorities, other public sector organisations, and animal

welfare partners. Judges have been seeking out both long-term and short-term partnerships that demonstrate how teamwork between councils, enforcement agencies, charities, businesses and others can deliver real improvements for animals. The winner will mark a true celebration of what can be achieved when organisations join forces for animal welfare.

Improvements to schools and childcare in Cardigan and Cenarth

TWo schools and a cylch Meithrin in ceredigion have benefitted from a £9 million investment in new and upgraded facilities.

The funding came from the Welsh Government’s Sustainable Communities for Learning Programme, the Reducing Infant Class Sizes Grant, the Childcare and Early Years Capital Programme, and Ceredigion County Council.

MAJoR UPgRADES IN cARDIgAN

At Ysgol Uwchradd Aberteifi, a new three-storey teaching block has been built, housing eight classrooms, three ICT rooms, an ICT studio, toilets, two small-group rooms, three faculty

offices and space for rotation. A drama studio and two modern science laboratories have also been created.

Ysgol Gynradd Aberteifi has also seen significant investment, with a new nursery classroom, two extra classrooms, a link block containing a staff room, toilets, a main reception, parents’ room and a staff work room.

NEW cYLcH MEITHRIN IN cENARTH

The funding also supported Cylch Meithrin Nawmor, a new childcare facility at Cenarth Primary School. The centre provides care for children aged two to four where no provision previously existed. It also offers Flying Start places and childcare

through the Welsh Government’s 30-hour Childcare Offer. This project was fully funded through the Childcare Offer Capital Grant Programme, with additional support from Mudiad Meithrin’s “Setup and Succeed” grant.

oFFIcIAL oPENINg

Councillor Wyn Thomas, Ceredigion’s Cabinet Member for Schools and Lifelong Learning, said:

“It has been great to see learners and staff enjoying their new state-of-the-art facilities across the three locations. Thank you to everyone who has been involved in delivering these improvements, ensuring that our learners can learn and develop in a purposeful and welcoming environment.”

cABINET SEcRETARY FoR EDUcATIoN, LYNNE NEAgLE, ADDED:

“This investment has delivered modern and inclusive facilities that ensure every learner has access to highquality education. Every learner deserves to thrive and reach their full potential, and these facilities will help ensure they are given that opportunity right here in their local community.”

The three projects were officially opened on 12 September 2025, providing modern, inclusive and energy-efficient environments for children and young people.

Plea to save fire-ravaged Manorbier school from closure

A PETITIoN calling on Pembrokeshire county council to keep open a village school, severely damaged in a fire back in 2022, will be debated at a future council meeting after gaining more than 1,000 signatures to date.

At the May meeting of Pembrokeshire County Council, members backed a report of the School Modernisation Working Group which included statutory consultation with the St David’s Diocese on proposals to discontinue Manorbier Church in Wales Voluntary Controlled School, Ysgol Clydau in Tegryn, and establishing Cilgerran Church in Wales Voluntary Controlled School as a 3-11 Community School.

Manorbier Church in Wales VC School and its adjoining schoolhouse was severely damaged by a fire on October 11, 2022, which broke out in the

school roof space.

A ‘school from school’ has been set up in Jameston Village Hall.

After the May meeting, a general consultation on Manorbier and Ysgol Clydau was backed by councillors in July.

Since then, an e-petition on behalf of Manorbier, on the county council’s own website, has been set up by Rebecca Williams, which has gained 1,063 signataures to date.

If a petition gets 500 signatures, the creator will have an opportunity to debate it at a future full council meeting.

Any petition of more than 100 signatures triggers a debate at one of the council’s Overview and Scrutiny Committees.

The petition, which says closure of the school “will have

a detrimental impact on the wellbeing of our children, their families and the wider community” states: “The school has been open since 1873. (152years!).

“We would have been celebrating our 150-year anniversary there in January 2023, had it not been for the fire that damaged the building. A fire, we hasten to add, caused through no fault of our own. A fire, which could, if you allow it to, change the future of our children; our staff; our parents; our governors; our community; our church; our heritage and our history. We fully support the Diocesan’s view that the school should be rebuilt.

“We, the undersigned, beseech Pembrokeshire County Council to reconsider its decision to close Manorbier Church in Wales School and instead honour its promise to rebuild the school; prioritise the needs of the community by rebuilding the school; allowing the

dedicated staff and families the opportunity to open its doors to everyone once again.”

It added: “We urge you to rebuild our school, as promised; to engage in a meaningful dialogue with the community; listen to our concerns, and work with us to find a solution that supports the needs of our children and families.”

A plea on behalf of Ysgol Clydau, which has a petition of its own attracting 196 signatures to date, was previously made by Cllr Iwan Ward, local member, who said it was “the heart of our society not just a school, it’s family, a community, an anchor for children who deserve the opportunity to grow”.

He added that closure was “a disaster for the future of education locally” and was “not fair and was not moral”.

A petition has also been launched on Ysgol Cilgerran, attracting 20 signatures to date.

Bruce Sinclair Local Democracy Reporter

West Wales farmer accused of moving 27,000 sheep

A cARMARTHENSHIRE

farmer has appeared before magistrates accused of illegally moving tens of thousands of sheep to abattoirs in England.

Emyr Lyn Jones, aged 54, of Llys Y Gorlan, Kidwelly, faces three charges under the Animal Health Act 1981. It is alleged he moved a total of more than 27,000 sheep from various locations between July and December 2022 in breach of restrictions.

The prosecution has been brought by Carmarthenshire County Council.

The first charge relates to the movement of 3,081 sheep to Euro Quality Lambs Ltd in Craven Arms, Shropshire, between October and December 2022.

A second charge alleges that between August and September 2022 Jones moved 1,700 sheep, also to Euro Quality Lambs Ltd, without lawful authority.

The third and most serious charge claims that between July and December 2022 he moved 22,849 sheep to Pak Mecca Meats Ltd in Birmingham.

All three matters are said to contravene orders issued under sections 73(a) and 75 of

the Animal Health Act. Jones, who was represented in court by solicitor Aled Owen, entered not guilty pleas to all charges when he appeared at

Llanelli Magistrates’ Court on Thursday (Sep 18).

The case has been adjourned until January 8, 2026, for a hearing at Llanelli

Magistrates’ Court to consider an abuse of process argument. Jones was remanded on unconditional bail.

Call for more funding for rural areas of Pembrokeshire

A cALL to protect Pembrokeshire rural communities, “to ensure no part of our county is forgotten”, is to be heard by councillors next week.

At the July meeting of Pembrokeshire County Council, members heard a notice of motion submitted by Cllr Delme Harries, Bro Gwuan county councillor and vice-chair of council, calling for

a working group for supporting rural areas.

Cllr Harries’ motion said: “It is increasingly evident that while significant effort and investment has been directed toward revitalising our towns, many of our rural areas are being left behind.

“These communities are the backbone of our agricultural economy, custodians of our landscape, and home to vital heritage and culture and the Welsh language. It is time we restore balance and give our rural communities the attention, voice, and opportunities they deserve.

“To ensure that no part of our county is forgotten, I propose that we establish a dedicated cross-chamber working party focused on reigniting our rural areas — supporting rural enterprise, connectivity, housing, access to essential services and how we can help young people to live and work locally.”

Members agreed the notice be sent to the council’s services overview and scrutiny committee, meeting on September 23.

A report for members ahead of that meeting says: “Over recent years, considerable investment and policy focus have been directed toward revitalising town centres across Pembrokeshire. This has been a strategic response to well-documented challenges, including the decline of high streets, the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic, and the need to stimulate

local economies and enhance public spaces.

“Much of this work has been made possible through the successful drawdown of substantial external grant funding. This funding has enabled the council to make meaningful progress in addressing key issues affecting town centres, delivering visible improvements and supporting economic recovery in urban areas.

“At the same time, there is growing recognition of the distinct and evolving challenges faced by our rural communities. These areas are integral to Pembrokeshire’s agricultural economy, cultural heritage, and environmental stewardship. They also play a vital role in sustaining the Welsh language and traditional ways of life.

“The Notice of Motion invites the council to consider how best to ensure that rural communities receive appropriate attention and support. It also prompts reflection on if more can be done to ensure that future planning and investment decisions are inclusive and responsive to the needs of all parts of the county.”

Members are asked to consider the notice and determine whether to recommend the establishment of a politically balanced Rural Communities Working Group, along with requesting officer support and relevant resources to initiate and coordinate the group’s work, if established.

Bruce Sinclair Local Democracy Reporter

Davies: government killing livestock industry

Andrew RT Davies has accused the Welsh government of ‘killing the livestock industry’ in Wales.

The South Wales Central MS made the comments after shock new figures revealed that between July 1 and August 18 2025, of the 6,890 cattle which entered Wales from England, 6,235 of them moved directly to slaughter.

This means that, in the first six weeks of the Welsh Government’s restrictions on livestock movements from England into Wales, only 655 cattle entered Wales with a farm holding as their destination.

In July, the Welsh Government

introduced tight restrictions on the movement of livestock from England into Wales in response to Bluetongue cases in England.

In a previous written question to the Welsh Government’s farming chief, the former Leader of the Welsh Conservatives, himself a farmer, revealed that cattle numbers as a whole into Wales were down by 50% compared to the previous year, painting a bleak picture of the impact of Bluetongue restrictions.

Mr Davies has previously said many farmers have told him they suspect the Welsh Government are using the restrictions to reduce livestock numbers, in line with the Climate Change

Committee’s recommendation that Welsh livestock numbers should be reduced by a fifth by 2033 to meet green targets.

Davies also called for the Welsh Government to join a Bluetongue-restricted zone with England, to ensure crossborder livestock trade can continue. He said the Welsh Government should, at least, mirror the approach taken in Scotland, where store animals and fattening animals are exempt from requiring vaccination or pre-movement testing in order to enter Scotland.

Andrew RT Davies MS, Senedd Member for South Wales Central and former Leader of the Welsh Conservatives, said:

“These bombshell figures are utterly damning, and whether by design or through incompetence, the Welsh Government is killing the livestock industry in Wales.

“We urgently need to see the Welsh Government join England’s restricted zone so we can get save our livestock industry.

“At the very least, the Welsh Government must take the Scottish approach of allowing store animals and fattening animals in without vaccines or tests.

“There is not long left to act before our livestock industry in Wales completely disappears.”

Farmers invited to share experiences in new research project

LocAL farmers are being encouraged to take part in a new research project exploring the challenges of food security, economic uncertainty, community resilience, and the climate emergency.

Researcher Bethan John is leading a series of free storytelling and filmmaking workshops designed to give farmers a chance to reflect on their lived experiences in a supportive and creative setting. Participants will also have the opportunity to contribute to a community-made film, capturing the realities of farming life.

Bethan, who grew up in a farming community near Carmarthen and now lives in north Pembrokeshire, has built her career documenting the stories of rural communities. She said: “There is so much expertise within the rural communities

where I live. One of the aims of this project is to capture and value this knowledge, while exploring a diversity of views and experiences.”

Workshops will take place in small, bilingual groups, with participants guided through activities to spark discussion and develop storytelling and filmmaking skills. No prior experience is needed, as full training will be provided.

“There’s a wealth of academic research that demonstrates the importance of storytelling and creative expression as a way of reflecting on and engaging with complex issues that can help solve real-world problems,” Bethan added.

The first workshops will be held at Bancyfelin Village Hall on Wednesday, October 1 from 5:30pm to 8:30pm, and at Crymych Market Hall on Thursday, October 2 from

This week marks the start of the Farmers’ Union of Wales eleven autumn roadshow events across Wales aimed at providing farmers with key information about the forthcoming Sustainable Farming Scheme (SFS) and the range of support services available through the Union.

With the SFS due to commence on 1 January 2026, the new framework marks a major transformation in agricultural support in Wales, replacing the long-standing Basic Payment Scheme (BPS).

In recognition of the far-reaching impact this shift will have on Welsh farming businesses, the FUW has organised the roadshow to ensure that farmers are fully informed and supported throughout the transition. Events will be held across the country - from Anglesey to Monmouthshire, Pembrokeshire to Clwyd - and will be open to all farmers.

5:30pm to 8:30pm.

Farmers or those from a farming background who are interested in taking part can contact Bethan by email at bsj3@aber.ac.uk. Additional workshops may be arranged if there is sufficient demand.

The project is a collaboration between Aberystwyth University, Cardiff University and the Centre for Alternative Technology, and is funded by the Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC).

A key focus of the roadshow will be outlining the FUW’s dedicated support services for those engaging with the new Scheme. This includes practical guidance with applications, assistance in understanding new regulatory requirements and advice on how to align existing farming practices with the expectations of the SFS. Drawing on over 70 years of experience, the FUW’s expert staff and local office network are well positioned to provide farmers with tailored advice and hands-on help through every stage of the transition.

Each event will be led by the FUW’s Policy Team, working closely with County Executive Officers, and will provide a comprehensive overview of what the SFS will mean in practice. Attendees will receive detailed information on the structure of the new payments, how eligibility will be assessed, and how the transition away from the BPS will be managed. The events will also explore the implications of choosing to enter the SFS or remaining temporarily on the tapering BPS during the early stages of implementation.

The roadshows will also highlight the FUW’s longstanding policy work and lobbying efforts that have sought to shape the Scheme to better support family farms across Wales. Notable outcomes of this longstanding lobbying include reducing the number of Universal Actions, achieving key exemptions for tenant farmers, and successfully advocating for the removal of the 10% tree cover requirement.

Whether farmers intend to move into the new Scheme or remain on a tapering BPS payment in the short term, the FUW is committed to ensuring they understand the available options and receive the guidance they need. The roadshow events are open to all, free of charge and will take place throughout autumn 2025. Visit the FUW website for specific dates and venues.

TThe Kia eV4: europe-tuned innovation for the next generation of electric mobility

The Kia Ev4 is the brand’s first all-electric C-segment hatchback, engineered on the dedicated Electric global Modular Platform (E-gMP) to deliver class-leading performance and efficiency. Produced in Žilina (Slovakia), the long-range version is powered by an 81.4kWh battery that charges from 10-to-80% in 31 minutes* and delivers up to 391 miles of range (WLTP) on a single charge**.

Customers can opt for a 58.3kWh standard battery, which charges from 10-to-80% in just 29 minutes. Both battery options power a front-mounted 150kW motor, allowing the EV4 to accelerate from 0-62mph in as little as 7.7 seconds (7.4 seconds for the standard battery) and reach a top speed of 105mph. Finally, an ultralow drag coefficient of 0.27Cd on the hatchback maximises aerodynamic efficiency. The fastback features an even lower drag coefficient of just 0.23Cd. With up to 435 litres of luggage space, a stable ride, and segment-leading range, the EV4 is versatile for both city and longdistance journeys. The EV4 Hatchback is joined by the EV4 Fastback, produced at Kia’s Gwangmyeong EVO Plant in Korea. This model features the same two batteries*** and motor as the hatchback, providing a maximum range of up to 380 miles (WLTP). The Fastback

also has a luggage capacity of 490 litres. Both variants feature Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) capability for powering external devices and Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G) technology for energy sharing****.

TWo DESIgN APPRoAcHES To ELEcTRIc MoBILITY

The EV4 embodies Kia’s ‘Opposites United’ design philosophy in two distinct ways. The EV4 hatchback showcases agility and sporty character with its sloping rear glass, elongated proportions, and wideset taillights. Its bold EV Tiger Face, vertical headlamps, and Star Map lighting signature give it a futuristic look. In contrast, the EV4 Fastback is sleek and refined, with a long-tail silhouette and minimalist rear design that emphasise elegance and aerodynamic efficiency.

Inside, the cabin combines comfort with high-tech usability: a free-floating interface, asymmetric two and three-spoke steering wheels, an intuitive mix of touchscreens and physical controls with haptic feedback, and customisable ambient lighting create a futuristic yet welcoming environment. The optimised seating architecture further enhances flexibility and convenience.

Made in Europe, for Europe

Production of the EV4 began at Kia AutoLand

and handling. A MacPherson strut front suspension and multilink rear setup are complemented by third-generation frequencyresponsive dampers and hydro-G suspension bushings, reducing noise, vibration, and harshness. The result is a model that embodies Kia’s driving pleasure in everyday life.

ENgINEERED FoR ENDURANcE

Slovakia (Žilina), the brand’s sole European production facility that manufactures EVs. The plant benefits from advanced robotics, a highly automated production line, and an experienced workforce of 3,700 employees. The facility’s ability to produce multiple model variants simultaneously ensures the integration of EV production alongside existing models like the Kia Sportage and Kia XCeed.

“Producing the EV4 locally in Europe strengthens our position in one of the world’s most competitive EV markets while ensuring advanced, affordable electric mobility is widely accessible,” says Marc Hedrich, President and CEO of Kia Europe.

MAxIMUM USERFRIENDLINESS AND DRIvINg FUN

European engineers at the Hyundai Motor Europe Technical Centre (HMETC) in Rüsselsheim, Germany, optimised the EV4’s handling specifically for European roads. The result is a vehicle with stable, confident handling, precise cornering, and balanced weight distribution, delivering an athletic yet safe driving experience. Special focus was given to cornering performance and high-speed stability.

The EV4’s carefully tuned chassis enhances both comfort

The EV4’s fourth-generation battery system features advanced thermal management and optimised coolant distribution to maintain consistent performance under high stress and extreme conditions. Rigorous testing, including a 110,000-kilometre accelerated public road simulation and a 10,000-kilometre Nürburgring campaign run at up to 95% of maximum output with repeated hyper charging sessions, demonstrated minimal wear and outstanding efficiency.

“After testing, engineers confirmed a battery State-ofHealth of 95%, proving that the EV4 is built to offer lasting performance and peace of mind for long-term ownership,” says Sjoerd Knipping, COO at Kia Europe.

SAFETY AS A coRE PRINcIPLE

The EV4 comes equipped with a comprehensive suite of advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS). Using a network of cameras and radars, it constantly monitors its surroundings to help detect potential hazards. Features including Forward Collision Avoidance Assist, Blind-Spot Collision Avoidance Assist, and Lane Keeping Assist. More advanced functions, such as Highway Driving Assist, Navigation-based Smart Cruise Control, and Remote Smart Parking Assist, further enhance convenience by making motorway cruising, city driving, and parking less demanding. Its reinforced structure includes a multi-load path around the battery for impact protection, a roof capable of withstanding more than five times the vehicle’s weight, and a multi-rib rocker panel design for side-impact protection.

1.2

New elroq continues Škoda’s winning streak

19 September 2025: Škoda’s allnew Elroq has added to its growing list of honours, securing the title of Medium SUv of the Year at the prestigious Business car Awards 2025. The recognition comes just months after the mid-size all-electric SUv’s market debut, underlining it immediate impact and strong appeal among fleet and business users.

The Elroq, Škoda’s second electric car to be built on the Volkswagen Group’s innovative MEB platform, saw off tough competition on a fivecar shortlist to be named as the very best in its sector. The judging panel, made up of industry experts and experienced reviewers, praised the Elroq’s practicality and design as well as its impressive efficiency.

Commenting on the Elroq’s win, Business Car Editor Martyn Collins, said: “The Elroq follows on from the excellent Enyaq EV, a previous multiaward winner at the Business Car Awards. The Elroq’s exterior design is an attractive mixture of current family styling cues together with Škoda’s new face. This Škoda’s interior is spacious, the range and charging are competitive, and the pricing attractive.”

For more than 20 years, the Business Car Awards have recognised excellence in the automotive fleet sector and are an established event in the fleet manager’s calendar. The fleet market has also always been an important one for Škoda, with the brand’s famed value for money and practicality being particularly attractive to fleet buyers and business car drivers. The Enyaq was named overall Business Car of the Year in 2021 – winning its category in 2021 and 2024 – while the Superb and

Octavia have both been selected as category winners.

Launched earlier this year, the Elroq is the first all-electric Škoda model to compete in the compact SUV sector – one of the biggest segments of the new car market. Available with three battery size options; 55 kWh, 63 kWh and 82 kWh, the Elroq offers a driving range of up to 356 miles (Elroq Edition 85). The line-up has recently expanded to include a range-topping

vRS model that features an output of 340 PS and all-wheel drive. A full database of images and media assets relating to the Elroq and all other Škoda models can be found at www.skodamedia.com.

All-new MICrA offers practical versatility

FoR the first time, the all-new Nissan MIcRA is leaving the stage and taking to the streets. Fully electric, compact in size and confident in spirit, the sixth generation of the iconic model hits the streets of Rotterdam to showcase how responsive handling, intuitive technology and clever design come together to bring everyday allelectric driving to life in an easy way.

ELEcTRIc EASE, WITH PRAcTIcAL vERSATILITY

Behind the wheel, the all-new MICRA feels instantly capable. Its multi-link rear suspension, low-mounted battery, and direct steering response combine to deliver the kind of fluid, grounded performance rarely expected from a small electric car. Whether weaving through tight city streets or winding rural roads, the all-new MICRA pairs its optimised weight, instant torque, and sharp steering to deliver a spirited, versatile drive that matches it’s fun character

Its AmpR small-car platform supports

short overhangs and a compact footprint with a low centre of gravity and a reduced weight of 1,500kg, but there’s nothing small about its road feel. It grips, it turns, it moves with intention, doing so with a quiet calm and level of agility and comfort that goes above and beyond previous generations. This dynamic and uplifting presence is a key reason why the all-new MICRA enhances the driver experience and makes it fun to drive, whatever the setting. The model’s compact nature also doesn’t mean you can’t make space in it. The all-new MICRA’s AmpR platform brings a long wheelbase of 2.54m, an impressive boot capacity of 326ltrs and the ability to tow up to 500kg, meaning you can pack more into your everyday drives.

For worry-free EV driving, the all-new MICRA offers two battery options with impressive range, both perfected and engineered for real-world use:

40kWh: up to 198miles WLTP

52kWh: up to 260miles WLTP

Both variants support DC fastcharging up to 100kW, with V2L (Vehicleto-Load) capability for powering small

devices — and they are ready for V2G (Vehicle-to-Grid) integration coming soon. It’s electric driving made not only intuitive, but empowering.

“The dynamic, agile and comfortable performance of the all-new MICRA is getting its first experience on European roads! With up to 260miles of range and 100kW fast charging, I’m sure the lucky drivers getting behind the wheel will fall in love with this new model. And with a playful and audacious new design, it’s sure to turn heads too” says Clíodhna Lyons, Region Vice President, Product and Services Planning, Nissan AMIEO.

A DESIgN THAT FEELS JUST RIgHT

From its playful welcome-light animation to its purposeful 18-inch wheels, every detail of the all-new MICRA’s design not only reflects its active, connected character but contributes to the feel behind the wheel.

Styled at Nissan Design Europe in London, the exterior is SUV-inspired, but right-sized for agility in narrow streets. Pronounced shoulders give it poise,

tapered panels and flush features give it quiet confidence, while its bold wheel arches and a defined lower lip indicate a lower centre of gravity.

Inside, the all-new MICRA continues its recurring theme of understated elegance – carefully crafted to delight drivers and passengers alike. The driving position is low, the lines are clean, and the cabin tech is beautifully integrated. Dual 10.1-inch screens blend digital control with clarity, while soft touch finishes and ambient lighting elevate the experience without ever overwhelming it. It’s precise, not precious.

DIgITALLY NATIvE AND DAY-To-DAY READY

Intuitive in-car tech isn’t an add-on for the all-new MICRA - it’s embedded as part of a fully connected driving experience. Google built-in means Google Maps, Assistant, and Play Store are available right from the cockpit. Voice control? Natural. Navigation? Always up to date. And thanks to the NissanConnect app, you can prep your cabin temperature before you step outside, check battery status remotely, and plan your route with charging stops already built in.

A full suite of driver assistance features - including adaptive cruise and parking support - ensures that even the most compact EV can deliver a fullsize sense of control. As with all Nissan models, safety is a top priority for the all-new MICRA with standard features including Autonomous Emergency Braking, Emergency Lane Keeping Assist and Lane Departure Warning providing peace of mind every time you get behind the wheel.

A NEW cHAPTER IN EURoPE’S Ev JoURNEY

The all-new MICRA also marks the start of something much bigger: the first step in Nissan’s bold product offensive in Europe, where the company will introduce four new fully electric models by 2027. These include the all-new MICRA, the already-announced all-new LEAF, the upcoming all-new JUKE, and an A-Segment model. All this comes on top of the recently launched new e-POWER technology.

Trecwm dog school which has represented Team GB at risk

A cALL to keep a Pembrokeshire dog training school which has won medals for Wales in international dog agility events has been submitted to county planners.

In an application to Pembrokeshire County Council, Kerry Hunt, through agent GMW Design, is seeking permission to retain a dog training school at Treforfol, Barham Road, Trecwn.

A supporting statement through Johnston Planning, said: “Valley Dog Training is an award-winning enterprise that has operated from the site since around 2022. The nature of the use is considered to be compatible in policy terms with the host building and appropriate to the wider locality in terms of its wider impact

“The application relates specifically to the large barn with the two smaller structures directly to the east. The main barn houses a dog agility school (Valley Dog Training) and as such is the main focus of the application whilst the two smaller building provide storage facilities in connection with the business.

“Valley Dog Training is run by Harriet Hunt, the applicant’s

daughter, who resides at Treforfal. The business which provides dog agility training has run out of the barns for some

three years and essentially grew out of a personal pastime pursued by Ms Hunt for over 10 years.

“The business has proved highly popular and successful.

Ms Hunt with her dog Gracie

maintains a highly successful competition record having represented Wales and Team GB (both individually and as part of a team) a number of times.

“Amongst their achievements are representing Wales four times at the world agility open championships in the Netherlands whilst in 2022 Harriet and Gracie were awarded the first ever gold medal for Wales when they became world champions in 2022. In July 2025 they will be representing Team GB at the European open championships in Portugal.

“This proposal seeks permission for the retention of an established and successful building which is run out of an existing building in a countryside location.

“The use is deemed acceptable in terms of its location, and the proposal is considered to be comfortably within the bounds of current planning policy in that it sees the re-use of an existing building for employment purposes and as such aids in the maintenance of a healthy rural economy.”

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

Bruce Sinclair Local Democracy Reporter

Harriet Hunt, Grace and Sylvia

IPo agreement to drive innovation forward

THE WELSH govERNMENT has signed an agreement with the Intellectual Property Office (IPO) to support businesses and help drive greater investment in creativity and innovation.

The Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) recognises the important role that effective intellectual asset and intellectual property (IP) management has in stimulating economic growth. It sets the foundations for the two organisations to work closer together to provide targeted IP support and

guidance for innovative Welsh businesses. This will deliver social and economic benefits for people across Wales.

This agreement forms part of the Welsh Government’s vision to create and nurture a vibrant innovation culture for a stronger, fairer, greener Wales as set out in the Wales Innovates strategy.

Powys business, Stashed Products – which ships smart bike storage solutions to more than 45 countries – is one company that has received Welsh Government support to help strengthen

its IP protection and capitalise on new commercial opportunities.

The company received SMART Flexible Innovation Support (SFIS) funding from Welsh Government, and an IP Audit through the IPO via the Welsh Government Innovation team.

Elliot Tanner, Managing Director and Founder of Stashed Products –which also recently won a King’s Award for Enterprise in Innovation following Business Wales support – said:

“Support like SFIS allows you to take risks. As a small business, that’s

a big deal. It meant we could hire, develop and refine – getting new products market-ready and protected.

“The audit gave us a clear action plan. It showed us where we were exposed and helped us think more strategically about how to use our IP –beyond just selling products.”

Cabinet Secretary for Economy, Energy and Planning, Rebecca Evans said:

“This MOU builds on the close relationship between Welsh Government and IPO and signals the start of a long-term collaborative partnership in order to deliver greater innovation impact.

“Understanding Intellectual Property and using that knowledge to make more informed decisions can be crucial for SMEs, start-ups and scale-ups.

“We want the creators, innovators and entrepreneurs of today and tomorrow to understand how they can better use IP to drive the business growth that will help deliver a prosperous future for Wales.”

The IPO’s Enforcement, Business and International Director Natasha Chick said:

“Understanding intellectual property and using that knowledge to make informed decisions is vitally important for all businesses – especially SMEs, start-ups and scale-ups.

“We are committed to working more closely with the Welsh Government to support innovative businesses in Wales to better recognise and manage their intellectual property. This will help them unlock their full potential and gives these businesses crucial tools to grow and succeed – which benefits us all.”

St Clears insurance broker expands team with new appointment

LLoYD & WHYTE coMMUNITY

BRoKINg in St clears has welcomed an experienced new insurance advisor to its team.

Leyla Phillips has joined as a Commercial Account Executive after beginning her career in a high street bank before spending more than seven years working in the insurance sector in Pembrokeshire, where she gained her Cert CII qualification. Looking to broaden her experience, Leyla chose to move into broking. Stephen Vale, Head of Community Broking (St Clears), said: “We’re delighted to welcome Leyla to the Community Broking team. Her extensive expertise in the financial sector will help us continue to serve and support our local communities with their insurance

needs. With the wealth of experience she brings, we’re confident Leyla will play a key role in extending our commitment to guiding and protecting our community with appropriate insurance cover.”

Leyla, who grew up in Pembrokeshire, enjoys walking her spaniel, Cooper, along the coast. She said: “I’m excited to be working out of the St Clears branch, as one of the things I enjoy most about my job is being able to help people within my own community. What really attracted me to Lloyd & Whyte Community Broking is their commitment to giving back to good causes locally via their relationship as part of the Benefact Group, joining a movement making a lasting positive difference.”

For more information, contact the St Clears office on 01994 231548.

hNHS waiting times in Wales rise again as political row intensifies

NHS waiting times in Wales remain under intense scrutiny as the latest figures show nearly one in four people are still on a treatment list — but there are also signs of progress in cutting the longest waits.

The July statistics reveal a total of 793,058 patient pathways, with an estimated 613,400 individual patients waiting for treatment. Median waiting time stands at 21.1 weeks in Wales, compared with 13.1 weeks in England.

coNSERvATIvES ATTAcK “ABYSMAL FAILURE”

Welsh Conservatives said the figures prove Labour ministers have broken repeated pledges to eliminate two-year waits, describing the situation as an “abysmal failure.”

James Evans MS, the party’s Shadow Health Secretary, said: “These figures represent yet another abysmal failure by the Welsh Labour Government. The longest waits are rising and progress is being lost yet again. Labour is throwing more and more money at this problem, but isn’t seeing results. We don’t need more middle managers –focus on the frontline.”

Mr Evans said a Conservative government in Cardiff Bay would introduce maximum one-year treatment waits and a seven-day GP wait guarantee.

SoME AREAS IMPRovINg

But the official data also

show important improvements. The number of people waiting more than two years has fallen to its lowest level since March 2021, down by almost 90% compared to the peak. There was a 27% fall in such long waits between May and June.

Ambulance handovers have also improved. In July, delays fell across every health board compared with both the previous month and the previous year, with almost 60% of patients handed over within 45 minutes — up significantly from June.

The Welsh Government points to these gains as evidence that its £120 million recovery plan is starting to work. The plan aims to reduce

overall waiting lists by 200,000 pathways, end two-year waits, and restore diagnostic waiting times by March 2026.

cHALLENgES REMAIN

Despite these improvements, pressure on emergency care remains high.

In August, just 65.4% of A&E patients were seen within four hours, well below the 95% target, and more than 10,000 people waited over 12 hours. Cancer treatment targets were also missed, with only 61% of patients starting treatment within 62 days against a target of 75%.

A Welsh Government spokesperson said: “We

recognise that waiting times are not where we want them to be, but there has been real progress in bringing down the longest waits and in reducing ambulance delays. We are continuing to invest heavily in staff, facilities and new capacity to improve services for patients.”

Health unions have also cautioned that comparisons with England are not straightforward, pointing to differences in health needs, funding structures and reporting methods.

The Welsh Government is expected to publish an updated plan this autumn setting out how it will sustain improvements and tackle the backlog.

Cancer crisis: over 5,500 Welsh patients face delays despite record treatment figures

MoRE than 5,500 people in Wales have faced long delays in starting cancer treatment this year, according to Macmillan cancer Support, which has branded the situation “unacceptable” ahead of the next Senedd elections.

Despite record numbers of patients beginning treatment in July, NHS Wales again failed to meet its national target. Almost 900 people waited too long in that month alone, with only 61% of cancer patients starting treatment within 62 days of first being suspected of the disease. The target is 75%.

PoSTcoDE LoTTERY IN cARE

The latest analysis highlights sharp differences across Wales. Performance ranged from just 55% in north Wales under Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board to 68% in Cardiff and Vale. Delays also depended on the type of cancer: only 32% of patients with gynaecological cancer and 39% with urological cancer began treatment on time, compared with 86% of those with skin cancer.

Rhian Stangroom-Teel, External Affairs Manager for Wales at Macmillan, said:

“Everyone with cancer should be able to get the timely diagnosis and treatment they need, no matter who they are or where they live. The fact that over 5,500 people have faced long waits since the start of the year alone makes it clear this is not happening right now in Wales. This is unacceptable, but it is fixable. With Senedd elections on the horizon, now is the time for the Welsh Government to make cancer a priority.”

govERNMENT RESPoNSE

Health Secretary Jeremy Miles defended the government’s record but admitted more work was needed. He said: “The extra £120 million I announced in June aims to deliver what people want – faster treatment. I want to thank the NHS workforce for their commitment and ongoing efforts to reduce long waiting times.”

ExPERTS WARN SURvIvAL RATES LAg BEHIND

Professor Tom Crosby, Medical Director for the Wales Cancer Network, said the problem was not only about targets but survival itself.

“Overall, patients have a good experience of cancer services in Wales but survival rates are poor, in comparison to similarly developed countries,” he said. “The best international evidence shows that when you provide more open and quicker access to diagnostic tests and treatment, the better the outcomes are for cancer patients.”

Dr Tracey Cooper of Public Health Wales described the challenge as a chance to transform services.

“The Single Cancer Pathway is a real opportunity for us to transform how we provide our cancer services. Not only will it help us improve outcomes but it will also improve how patients experience their care. We have the ingredients, the

energy and the focus to make significant changes.”

PoLITIcAL PRESSURE MoUNTS

Opposition politicians accused ministers of moving too slowly. Welsh Conservative Shadow Health Secretary James Evans MS said:

“Today’s statistics are far from good enough. The Welsh Labour Government’s progress has been unacceptably slow. You are still nearly four hundred times more likely to be left waiting over two years if you need NHS treatment in Wales compared with England, with targets for cancer care and ambulance response times not being met.”

INEQUALITIES WIDENINg

Macmillan’s report also warned of widening health inequalities. People living in the most deprived areas of Wales are now more than one and a half times more likely to die from cancer than those in the least deprived areas. For lung cancer, the mortality rate is nearly two and a half times higher in deprived communities. The charity said the gap is bigger than it was twenty years ago, despite overall cancer death rates falling.

A TEST FoR THE SENEDD

With elections approaching, campaigners are demanding a clear commitment from ministers. The message is stark: while progress is being made, too many patients are still being left to wait, and for thousands of families across Wales, every week counts.

Pembroke musician sees life in a new light after pioneering eye surgery

A PEMBRoKE musician who feared his days of reading sheet music were over says he has been

given a “new lease on life” thanks to pioneering eye surgery carried out in South Wales.

John McGarry, 71, has played music since he was 11 but was gradually losing his vision to a triple diagnosis of cataracts, glaucoma and age-related macular degeneration (AMD). The conditions left him struggling to perform and even to carry out everyday tasks.

“I was really struggling with my music,” John told The Herald. “The difference after surgery is unbelievable – I can see every detail again. It’s given me back my music.”

The operation was carried out by Professor Mohammed Muhtaseb at his iLase clinic. John underwent advanced refractive cataract surgery with premium toric lenses to restore his sight at all distances, as well as iStents – tiny implants that help control glaucoma without the need for daily eye drops.

The results were immediate. “I can

read the bottom line of the eye test chart, which is amazing,” said John. “After the surgery, I walked out to the back of my house, which looks over a valley, and I could see right up to the top of the hill. Before, I could only see as far as the neighbour’s door. It was phenomenal.”

John is now enjoying a glasses-free life and has returned to playing music with renewed energy.

His story is being highlighted as part of National Eye Health Week, which runs from 22–28 September, to raise awareness of the importance of regular eye tests and the advances in treatment now available.

For many in Pembrokeshire living with sight problems, John’s story offers hope that modern eye care can restore not just vision but independence and quality of life.

Pembrokeshire councillors urged to ‘stand up to racism’

A cALL for Pembrokeshire politicians to “have the courage to stand up to racism” was heard by councillors while debating a petition sparked by the co-option of a Reform member on to a local town council.

A recently completed e-petition, on the council’s own website, by Marjorie Hawkins of Campaign group West Wales Stand Up to Racism, said: “Given the recent co-option of a member of Reform UK to Haverfordwest Town Council [Cllr Scott Thorley] —a party openly opposed to the Anti-racist Wales Action Plan (AWAP)—we call upon our county council to reaffirm its commitment to fostering an inclusive and antiracist Wales by 2030.”

The petition attracted 300 signatures, triggering a debate at the council’s September 18 Corporate Overview and Scrutiny Committee.

Speaking at the meeting, Elaine Gunning of West Wales Stand Up to Racism said the group was deeply concerned, not only about the co-option on to Haverfordwest Town Council but also about Independent Group councillors, including group leader Cllr Huw Murphy, attending a recent Reform social event in Carmarthen.

“The charade it is not a racist party has to end,” she told councillors, adding: “Blaming minority groups for low wages, lack of housing and a failing NHS

Bruce Sinclair Local Democracy Reporter

has to end.”

She told members local people from minorities had experienced racism citing a taxi driver who had experienced a young adult urging potential customers to instead “find a white driver,” and a Jewish person encountering a “proud Nazi”.

“Racism exists in Pembrokeshire despite our efforts; we at Stand up to Racism

are calling on our leaders to have the courage to stand up to racism through your deeds.

“There cannot be silence in the face of racism; today Pembrokeshire can speak loudly and clearly, we cannot be silenced, Pembrokeshire is home to us all, let us show in Pembrokeshire there is no room for racism but there is space for everyone.”

She later added: “The fact that our county councillors are attending Reform socials gives

a right to concern; the council cannot on one hand express its solidarity [with anti-racism] and then we have our members associating with a political group that demonises a small minority.”

Cllr Alan Dennison, a member of the Independent group himself, moved the petition be noted and members move on to the next item on the agenda.

“I defy anyone to say anyone’s racist,” he said, adding: “As for saying it’s apolitical, we’ve already brought a political party in [to the debate]; I move we receive the petition and move on.”

He was seconded by Cllr Mike Stoddart, who stressed he was not a Reform member of supporter, said: “I’m a bit uncomfortable with this; I think we’re incorrectly being asked to brand Reform a racist party. I don’t think that’s any part of our role as a county council.”

Chair Cllr Michael John, also a member of the Independent Group, stressed it was not the role of the committee to get “into the rights and wrongs of any political party or candidates”.

Members heard an update on the council’s strategic equality plan was expected at a future committee meeting; members agreeing to note the petition.

The Independent Group’s leader has previously stated it had also attended events held by other parties.

Cllr Thorley has previously said he welcomes the opportunity to contribute to anti-racist efforts.

Pembrokeshire MS calls for clarity on planning rules

PEMBR o KESHIRE

c onservative MS Paul Davies has called on the Welsh g overnment to provide urgent guidance on the planning process, following changes linked to Special Areas of c onservation.

Mr Davies said businesses in the county were “understandably concerned” about the uncertainty created by the new rules and warned that a lack of clarity could have serious economic consequences.

He said: “It is vital that a fair balance is struck between protecting our natural environment and allowing local developments to proceed. If we fail to achieve this balance, the consequences for our local economy could be devastating. The construction

sector in particular is already under pressure, and further delays or uncertainty could threaten jobs and investment in our communities.”

The Senedd Member warned that unless guidance is issued swiftly, the planning system could “grind to a halt,” leaving developers, businesses and councils in limbo.

Mr Davies has now raised the issue directly with ministers in Cardiff Bay and is pressing for a clear statement on how the Government intends to resolve the matter.

He added: “Pembrokeshire cannot afford to stand still — we need solutions that protect our environment while also supporting growth, jobs and prosperity.”

Farage plan could drive NHS workers out of UK

NIgEL FARAgE has unveiled plans to overhaul Britain’s immigration system which could put thousands of NHS and care workers at risk of losing their right to stay in the UK.

The Reform UK leader said he would scrap indefinite leave to remain

(ILR) and force all migrants to reapply for visas every five years under tougher conditions. Applicants would need to earn above the current skilled worker threshold of £35,800, prove advanced English language skills, and meet strict “good character” requirements.

Critics warn the policy could see

hard-working but lower-paid staff –including nurses, carers, teaching assistants and hospital support workers – removed from the country despite years of service.

BRExIT FALLoUT

Staff shortages in the NHS and social care have already been made worse by Brexit. Before the 2016 referendum, thousands of nurses and doctors were recruited from EU countries each year. Since the end of free movement, numbers have fallen sharply, leaving gaps in key areas such as anaesthetics, paediatrics and psychiatry.

A University of Surrey study found that the drop in EU nurse recruitment has cost the NHS around £62m a year in extra emergency readmissions.

HUMAN IMPAcT

A newly qualified nurse in Wales earns around £28,000 a year – well below the proposed threshold. Even with overtime, many NHS staff do not reach £35,800. Under Farage’s plan, a nurse in that position could lose their settled status and face removal from the UK, despite being desperately needed on hospital wards.

Care workers are even harder hit. The average salary in the sector is about £23,000, meaning almost all overseas staff would fall short. Teaching assistants, cleaners and

porters who support frontline services would also fail to qualify.

vISA coSTS RISE

On top of salary requirements, migrants already face some of the highest visa costs in the world. Applications for settlement currently cost £2,885 per person, with the immigration health surcharge adding £1,035 for each year of a visa. Families can face bills running into tens of thousands of pounds simply to maintain lawful status.

Farage’s plan would mean these charges have to be paid repeatedly every five years. His policy chief Zia Yusuf has also suggested “Trumpstyle” fees for skilled worker visas, raising fears of further increases.

Business and healthcare leaders have warned that piling costs and uncertainty onto essential staff could push many to leave at a time when the NHS is under huge pressure to cut waiting lists.

govERNMENT RESPoNSE

A Government spokesperson said: “Foreign nationals usually have to wait five years before claiming Universal Credit and we are looking at increasing this to 10 years. We inherited a broken welfare system and have already reduced the proportion of Universal Credit payments going to foreign nationals since last year.”

Council condemns ‘unauthorised’ Welsh flags in Carmarthenshire town

PEMBREY and Burry Port Town c ouncil has spoken out after a number of Welsh flags were put up around the town without permission.

In a statement, the council said it was “proud” to fly Y Ddraig Goch on its public buildings but did not support individuals or groups attaching flags to council property without consent. It warned that doing so could risk public safety and “sanitise a cause” by misusing a national symbol.

The council added: “The Welsh flag is a symbol of unity and pride and not division.”

The move comes at a time when flags are being displayed in towns across the UK amid growing debate about immigration and identity. While many see both the Welsh flag and the Union flag as symbols of patriotism, others believe they are being used in a provocative way.

Photos on social media showed Welsh flags fixed to lampposts

around Pembrey. The incident has sparked a heated response online, with some branding the council’s comments “shameful” and accusing it of undermining the national flag. Others supported the decision, saying the flag was being “abused” by a minority to push a divisive agenda.

One commenter wrote: “Some yobs have politicised our flag for their own hateful agenda. Shame on them.” Another added: “The Welsh culture, this land of song and compassion, is being hijacked by people who promote hostility and hate under the guise of national pride.”

This is not the first time a Welsh council has faced controversy over flags. Anglesey council was criticised earlier this year for removing flags from Holyhead and Valley, while Denbighshire council was condemned after banners were taken down in Rhyl.

W ITH ANDreW LYe

weekend saw the Liberal Democrat conference meet in Bournemouth.

What makes the Party different from the other main parties is that members create the policy to debate, amend and pass. Or even reject !

Conference debated the issue of gambling. It’s marketed as harmless fun - a quick spin, a flutter, a chance to win big. But invariably, gambling leads not to a jackpot, but to debt, broken relationships, and even tragedy.

Across the UK, millions are affected by gambling harms each year. It’s estimated that one-person-a-day dies by gambling-related suicide. Children are growing up in households where gambling problems overshadow family life. And the rise of online slot machines available 24/7 on phones means that gambling is easier, faster, and riskier than ever before.

The gambling industry knows this. It profits from it. And for years, the absence of firm regulation has let them get away with it. Public safety has been put behind profits, with few wider economic benefits from the rise of online gambling.

In 2023, politicians from all parties agreed we needed a public health approach to gambling, and now the Labour Government must not quietly step back from that consensus.

As liberals, we believe adults should be free to gamble if they choose. But freedom also means freedom from harm.

Starmer announces UK now recognises Palestinian state in historic shift

At Conference, Liberal Democrat members passed a new policy to put public health at the heart of gambling regulation:

Creating a statutory, independent Gambling Ombudsman with real power.

Curbing the impact of gambling advertising, marketing, and sponsorship.

Enforcing affordability checks so no one can gamble beyond their means.

Giving local councils the same powers over regulating gambling venues as they have over pubs.

Regulating online ‘loot boxes’ as gambling.

Making online gambling companies pay their fair share by increasing remote gaming duty from 21% to 42%.

The scale of the problem is clear: 1 in 40 people experience problem gambling, including 1 in 66 11–17-year-olds; and more than three million adults are harmed by someone else’s gambling.

The cost to society is as high as £1.77 billion a year - and the human cost is far greater.

These reforms would not only save lives, but they’d also raise hundreds of millions of pounds to help fund NHS treatment for gambling addiction and prevent future harm.

The gambling industry has had a free pass for too long. Liberal Democrats will hold them to account and put people before profits, so that gambling in the UK can be safe, fair, and free from harm.

If you have any issues or comments, please contact me at andrew.lye@pembslibdems.wales

PRIME Minister Sir Keir Starmer has announced that the United Kingdom now formally recognises the state of Palestine – a landmark foreign policy decision that places Britain alongside canada and Australia in backing a twostate solution to the Middle East conflict.

The announcement, made in a video address on Sunday afternoon, comes just hours after Canada became the first G7 nation to extend recognition, swiftly followed by Australia. Together, the three allies have moved in a co-ordinated effort to “keep alive the possibility of peace”, in Starmer’s words.

The UK’s decision is historic. Britain ruled the territory under the Mandate until 1948, when its withdrawal helped shape the conflict that has continued for generations. For decades, successive UK governments kept recognition in reserve as a bargaining chip for future peace talks. That card has now been played.

gLoBAL SHocKWAvES –AND ANgER FRoM ISRAEL

The reaction has been immediate and polarised.

Israel’s foreign ministry condemned the move as “nothing but a reward for jihadist Hamas”, warning it would embolden extremists. Families of Israeli

Wales has one of the UK’s most active pro-Palestine movements, with regular demonstrations in Cardiff, Swansea, Newport and Bangor since the war erupted last year. Welsh Labour has long supported a two-state solution, and Senedd Members will now face questions on how the UK decision affects devolved policies, such as trade links, aid and community relations.

Community leaders warn the decision could heighten tensions. Wales has seen both pro-Palestinian marches and vigils for Israeli hostages. Police have increased monitoring of hate crime as rhetoric has hardened on both sides. The recognition announcement may further polarise opinion.

WHAT REcogNITIoN REALLY MEANS

hostages still held in Gaza said in an open letter that recognition “complicates efforts” to bring loved ones home.

In Gaza and the West Bank, however, news was met with cautious optimism. Residents told reporters they hoped international recognition would put pressure on Israel to halt its military campaign, though many admitted it may change little on the ground.

DoMESTIc PoLITIcS AND WELSH IMPLIcATIoNS

At home, the decision has ignited fierce debate. Conservatives, led by Kemi Badenoch and Priti Patel, branded it “reckless” and a “capitulation to the hard left”. The Liberal Democrats applauded it, saying it was “long overdue”.

Labour insiders admit domestic politics played a part. For months, Sir Keir faced intense pressure from Labour MPs, activists and Muslim voters – including in Wales – who felt his early stance on Gaza was too sympathetic to Israel. In constituencies with large Muslim communities, such as Cardiff, Newport and Swansea, today’s announcement may be seen as an attempt to rebuild bridges.

WHY THIS MATTERS FoR WALES

Recognition does not create borders, armies or sovereignty overnight. Palestine remains a “quasi-state” under occupation, with no agreed capital and divided leadership between the Palestinian Authority and Hamas. But the symbolism is powerful: Britain, once the colonial power, now says Palestine has the right to statehood.

Starmer insists this is “not a reward for Hamas” but a rejection of extremism. Instead, he argued, it is a pledge to Israelis and Palestinians alike that “there can be a better future” – and that Britain will play its part in trying to make that future possible.

WHAT HAPPENS NExT?

Portugal and New Zealand are expected to follow with recognition in the coming days. More than 150 UN member states already recognise Palestine, but Britain’s move – given its historic role in the region – is one of the most significant to date.

For Wales, the announcement will be debated not just in the Senedd but in mosques, chapels, universities and homes across the country. It raises difficult questions: can recognition revive the peace process, or does it risk deepening division while war still rages?

What is clear is that today marks a turning point. Britain has taken a side in history – and Wales, like the rest of the UK, must now grapple with what that means.

reform UK split over ‘rigged’ Senedd selection claims

A FoRMER Reform UK hopeful has quit the party after alleging its Senedd candidate selection in west Wales was “rigged from the get-go” — claims the local branch chair says are “completely untrue”.

Ajay Owen, a Welshspeaking former board member for the Pembrokeshire and Ceredigion branch, posted a lengthy statement online last week accusing Reform of handpicking favourites before any ballot had taken place.

He claimed applicants were charged £50 to apply and £150 to attend an assessment day, even though “front runners” had already been chosen in secret. He alleged candidates would only be announced shortly before polling day “to avoid disclosing spending” and said members were “too afraid to speak out”.

Mr Owen wrote: “It is rigged from the get-go. Reform have already selected their Senedd Members for 2025 without an actual vote.”

ScHooLS oF SANcTUARY RoW

The dispute follows a row in August when Mr Owen named Pembroke Dock Community School in social media posts about the Schools of Sanctuary programme. He alleged pupils had written “Valentine’s cards”

to asylum seekers — claims the charity said were “totally false and dangerous.”

Reform say Mr Owen was removed from local WhatsApp groups because of those posts and for issuing statements without approval. Mr Owen insists he was punished for speaking his mind.

BRANcH RESPoNSE

Pembrokeshire and Ceredigion branch chair Stuart Marchant told The Herald: “Ajay attended only two of the ten branch meetings held to date. He was given every opportunity to speak. His conduct in the groups became disruptive, and his messages were very unwelcome.”

On the central claim of rigged selection, he said: “We are currently inviting applications. Applicants are vetted by headquarters before being invited to an appraisal day. Those who pass will then face a local ballot in November in Cilgerran. No candidates have been selected in advance.”

FEES AND coMPLIANcE

Mr Marchant confirmed the £50 and £150 charges but said they are set and retained by Reform HQ to cover vetting costs. The local branch, he added, holds just £117 in

BLUe VIeW

With Brian Murphy

THIS week has seen a fiery exchange between Darren Miller and Eluned Morgan at FMQs in the Senedd. She was clearly rattled when Miller challenged her government’s wasteful spending on projects around the world rather than prioritising the people of Wales, who she is meant to represent.

in areas where the Welsh Government has authority.

donations.

On claims of avoiding election spending rules, he said: “We very obviously comply with the rules. Once we have candidates, we will announce them – not before.”

WELSH LANgUAgE AND MEMBERSHIP

Mr Owen also claimed Welsh was being sidelined within the branch, with one member describing Cymraeg as “a dying language”. Mr Marchant rejected this: “The Welsh language and culture should be supported and encouraged – never mandated. I’m proud of my Welsh roots. The suggestion Nigel Farage ‘winced’ at hearing Welsh is untrue. He simply didn’t understand what was said.”

Mr Marchant added that local membership has grown rapidly, from around 250 in July 2024 to close to 3,000 now — though this figure has not been independently verified.

STANDINg FIRM

Mr Owen says he stands by his account and is willing to release messages to back up his claims. “I’ve been mistreated so badly by the lot of them,” he said. “I’m open to any party that would love to take me on, or help me with my movement to speak up for the people.”

I wasn’t aware of all the projects taxpayer’s money is being spent on and I am indebted to Darren Miller for highlighting them and I will list them as he did; millions being spent on mini embassies in exotic locations, solar powered boats for the Wampi tribe in Peru, gender equal tree planting in Uganda. He continued with examples of wasteful expenditure on other projects at home with millions being spent on constitutional matters which the Welsh Government has no authority.

As Darren Miller reminded the First Minister she has delivered to Wales the worst NHS in the UK, the worst educational standards, lowest pay packets. He continued to stress profligate spending on the Nation of Sanctuary policy which supports and encourages illegal immigration.

And there is more extravagance by Welsh Labour; £18m on extra politicians, £180m on loss making Cardiff airport, £157m on M4 relief road that has never been built. All these projects mean there is less money available to invest

As a direct result NHS dentistry is in a dire state in Wales and because there is no money services will be reduced even further than they are at the moment. It is proposed to remove routine checkups for people who have healthy teeth. This is a false economy as it will mean that more people will enter the system too late to have any preventative treatment and they will only be seen when it becomes an emergency.

This type of thinking is typical of Labour, create a disaster then spend a fortune trying to repair the damage. Everybody knows that if you have your car serviced regularly any minor issues can be identified and rectified at a fraction of the cost of having to buy a new car. This theory applies equally as well to dental health. People should be encouraged to have 6-monthly checks. Not only will is save their teeth, it will also save the taxpayer. Remember there is no such thing as government money, it is our money that is being spent.

The Lib-Dems and Plaid Cymru politicians cannot distance themselves from these decisions. Without their backing Labour would not have been able to waste our money on costly vanity projects. And the result for the people of Wales is rotting teeth, uneducated children, low wages, and a failing transport system.

SeND YoUr LeTTerS To: THe eDITor, 11 HAMILToN TerrACe, MILForD HAVeN, PeMBroKeSHIre, SA73 3AL

eMAIL US AT: editor@herald.email

Pic TUre oF The week!

CoNSTANT TeNSIoN

IN DIreCT oPPoSITIoN

To THe MorAL orDer oF THe UNIVerSe

DEAR SIR,

When I was a boy in the 1930s, the Nazi government of germany began its evil persecution of the Jews— men, women, and even children—culminating in the murder of six million.

At that time, thousands of German Jews applied to the British Government to be accepted as legal immigrants. The government knew of the camps being built to imprison and exterminate them, yet very few were welcomed to Britain.

I had hoped that the memory of this shameful failure of humanity by the nation of my birth might guide future generations towards higher standards—that we might feel remorse, show compassion, and learn from the example of the Good Samaritan: to have mercy on the helpless, and to strive for a finer world in which all can live in peace.

The present plight of economic migrants is not the same as in 1935. I will not dwell on the fact that Western bombs have destroyed many of the economies people now flee from. But I must say this: those in Britain today who vote for parties that campaign on hostility to immigrants are destroying their own humanity, standing in direct opposition to the moral order of the universe.

c. N. Westerman

BeTWeeN SeLFoBSeSSIoN AND MorAL reSPoNSIBILITY

DEAR SIR,

The River Severn stretches some 200 miles before reaching the Bristol channel, and it regularly floods communities along its course. Since the late 19th century, the standard response has been the creation of insurance schemes: property owners who can afford the premiums pay year after year, repairs are made after each disaster, and this has long been regarded as a national answer to a natural problem. For more than 150 years, this cycle has continued, unquestioned.

But why must we remain trapped in such short-sighted thinking? Instead of endlessly repairing the damage, we should be diverting and storing water closer to the river’s source. Properly designed diversion channels, ponds, and reservoirs could serve many purposes: extinguishing forest fires, irrigating farmland during drought, creating fishing lakes, and providing nature reserves for children and students. Occasional torrents that would otherwise overwhelm towns like Shrewsbury could be safely dispersed over a wider area.

Woodlands near the source could act as natural sponges, with adjustable weirs controlling the flow of small streams to meet a range of needs. This is not just flood management— it is nation-building through intelligent water use. Such work should be

funded fairly, through taxation proportionate to wealth, to benefit all citizens. Yet politics in Britain has too often been marked by selfinterest, resisting investment in the common good. From the Cavaliers and Roundheads to Conservatives and Liberals, history shows a constant tension between self-obsession and moral responsibility.

Is it not time we chose the latter?

c. N. Westerman

WorrIeS WITH WIND

DEAR SIR,

Those who insist that wind turbines are entirely safe – including many of our politicians – should consider the following facts:

(a) In 2024, a 250-foot turbine at Newcastle Emlyn, Carmarthenshire, burst into flames. A quick search for “wind turbine fires” reveals many similar incidents.

(b) The website StopTheseThings.com catalogues numerous accidents and failures.

(c) Footage of an “exploding Danish wind turbine” shows shards of razor-sharp glassfibre blades being hurled up to 400 metres.

(d) In evidence to the PEDW inquiry on Bryn Wind Farm, Stephen Kinnock MP highlighted the severe health impacts of turbine noise and shadow flicker, which can make people seriously ill. Yet, ironically, his wife Helle is a director of Vestas Wind

Turbines – a supplier to Bute Energy, which has 22 giant wind farm projects planned across Wales.

(e) In 2009, Dr Nina Pierpont – a New York paediatrician and population biologist – published Wind Turbine Syndrome: A Report on a Natural Experiment. Her study of families living near industrial turbines revealed a cluster of health issues: sleep disturbance, headaches, tinnitus, vertigo, nausea, irritability, memory and concentration problems, and even panic episodes. At that time, turbines were 300–400 ft high, with blades of up to 150 ft.

Today, the Welsh Government is facing applications for 1,000 turbines averaging 750 ft, with many reaching 820 ft, 260-ft blades, and swept areas of nearly five acres – more than three times the size of those studied by Dr Pierpont.

The people of Wales are being treated as guinea pigs, subjected to the largest wind turbines in the world without proper testing of their safety or health impacts.

There is also the question of danger to air ambulances, police and mountain rescue helicopters, and even low-flying RAF jets, if hundreds of 820ft turbines are planted on our 1,500-ft mountains.

If these turbines are as safe as claimed, why are they not being built across Shropshire, Herefordshire, the Malverns, Hampshire, Devon, or the Cotswolds? Why is Wales being asked to carry such a disproportionate burden?

Yours faithfully, Lyn Jenkins cardigan

Oil tanker berthing by Deane ParDOe

death notices

eDWA r D ‘Te D ’ Geor G e rIL e Y

coSHESToN

THE death occurred on Wednesday 10th September of Mr Edward george Riley, affectionately known as Ted, aged 91 years of cosheston.

Beloved Husband of the late June. Dearly loved Dad of Shaun and Sheryle and father-in-law to Roger. Adored Grampy of Alanna, Linzi, Daniel, Sam, Emma and Adam. Great Grampy of Ffion, Jasey, Sonny, Caden, Harry, Mason, Teddy, Ella, Alfie, Sofia, Penelope and Millie, also a Great Great Grampy of William. Much Loved Uncle to Nicky.

Funeral Service will take place on Thursday 9th October at St. Johns Church, Pembroke Dock at 1.00pm followed by interment at Llanion Cemetery.

The funeral arrangements are being carried out by E. C. Thomas and Son Funeral Directors, 21 Main Street, Pembroke SA71 4JS (01646) 682680.

Be TTY PA rrY

THE death occurred peacefully on Wednesday 3rd September 2025 of Mrs Betty Sylvia Parry, aged 96 years of Sentence gardens,

Templeton, formerly of Penclippin Farm, Login, Whitland.

Beloved wife of the late Thomas Eric Parry. Dearly loved Mum of Audrey, Graham, Alison and the late Malcolm. Much loved Mother-in-law of Brent and Robert. Cherished Nanna and Great Nanna.

The funeral service will take place on Monday 29th September 2025 at Parc Gwyn Crematorium, Narberth at 1.00pm.

There will be family flowers only with donations in lieu if so desired for Age UK c/o E. C. Thomas and Son Funeral Directors, Zoar Chapel Funeral Home, Llanteg, Narberth SA67 8QH (01834) 831876 and 21 Main Street, Pembroke SA71 4JS (01646) 682680 or via www. ecthomasandson.co.uk

Jo S e PH ‘” r oY ’ A BSAL o M r oY Fo LLAND

RoY passed away suddenly on September 11th aged 93 years.

Much loved and loving husband of the late June, beloved father of Janet, Julie and Robin and a dear grandfather, great grandfather, father in law, brother in law and uncle.

He will be sadly missed and fondly remembered by all his family and many friends.

Roy’s funeral will take place on Tuesday 7th October with a service 2.00 pm at St. Mary’s

Church, Haverfordwest followed by a cremation 3.15 pm at Parc Gwyn Crematorium, Narberth.

Family flowers only please. Donations, if desired, may be made payable to either The Paul Sartori Foundation c/o Paul Sartori House, Winch Lane, Haverfordwest, Pembrokeshire, SA61 1RP or Ty Hafan Children’s Hospice c/o Ty Hafan, Hayes Road, Sully, CF64 5XX.

Be TTY PA rrY Ludchurch.

THE death occurred peacefully on Wednesday 10th September 2025 at Withybush Hospital, Haverfordwest of Mr graham Hayden John, aged 84 years of Rosemary Lane, Ludchurch.

Dearly loved Husband of Christine. Much loved Dad to Rachel and Tracy. Cherished Bamps to Beau. A dear Brother to Ena and the late Tom and Don.

The funeral service will take place on Wednesday 1st October 2025 at Parc Gwyn Crematorium, Narberth at 11:30am.

There will be family flowers only. Funeral arrangements are being carried out by E. C. Thomas and Son Funeral Directors, Zoar Chapel Funeral Home, Llanteg, Narberth, SA67 8QH (01834) 831876

r o N G U r N e Y

SoLvA

PASSED away peacefully at his home, surrounded by his family on 8th September, aged 83 years.

Beloved husband of Rose, a dearly loved Dad, Grandad and Great Grandad.

Funeral Service Friday 26th September at 1.00pm at Seion Baptist Chapel, New Street, St. Davids followed by interment in St. Davids Cemetery.

Donations, if desired for the Paul Sartori Foundation c/o W.G. Bernard Mathias & Daughter, 64 New Street, St. Davids, SA62 6SU,

Narberth hold off late Cross Keys surge

A LARgE crowd turned out at the Lewis Lloyd ground to watch Narberth take on cross Keys, with the 500-seater grandstand filled to capacity despite persistent rain.

The Otters made the stronger start and were first on the scoreboard when a

catch-and-drive from a lineout 15 metres out saw prop Tom Slater crash over for a try, converted by fly-half Nico Setaro (7-0). With the pitch becoming increasingly heavy, both sides relied on tactical kicking as bruising tackles kept play tight. Penalties at the breakdown gave Setaro two

more chances, and he slotted both to give Narberth a 13-3 lead at half time.

Cross Keys hit back early in the second half when slick handling by the backs sent their right wing over in the corner for a converted try (13-10). Narberth responded quickly, as right wing Harry Fuller

chased his own kick ahead and touched down in the corner to restore an eight-point cushion (18-10). The Otters nearly stretched further ahead when Dean James narrowly missed gathering a long kick to the clubhouse corner in slippery conditions.

Sustained pressure eventually earned Narberth another penalty, calmly dispatched by Setaro to make it 21-10. With 15 minutes remaining, substitutions from both sides gave the visitors fresh momentum. They pressed hard near the Narberth line, but the home defence held firm until the final whistle, when the Cross Keys forwards bundled over for a converted try.

The late score narrowed the margin to 21-17, but Narberth held on for a deserved victory to the relief of the home support. Centre Aled Davies was named Man of the Match.

The Otters’ next league fixture is in two weeks’ time at home to Llanelli Wanderers.

Crew of Car 104 leaves mark on Mcrae rally Challenge

cARDIgAN teenager Henri cynwyl, 17, and codriver catrin Price made their presence felt at the two-day Junior McRae Rally challenge at Knockhill, Scotland, over the weekend.

The pair stormed into a 15-second lead after five gruelling stages on day one, battling across gravel, concrete and tarmac in front of a packed crowd. Rally fans were treated to appearances from some of the sport’s biggest names, including five-time British champion Jimmy McRae, Rali Ceredigion 2025 winner Jon Armstrong and British champion Gwyndaf Evans. Guest speakers included Petter Solberg and Swedish rally legend Stig Blomqvist.

Henri, a Pembrokeshire College student, has already co-driven at Rali Ceredigion and is set to compete again this weekend at Epynt. He was invited to take part in the prestigious Junior Rally Challenge.

He said: “I was honoured to be there amongst the rally legends. The stages were technical and included gravel, concrete and tarmac, but really suited the car. We had four of the fastest times over the weekend and were leading.”

On day two, the crew looked

set to continue their dominance until Stage 8, when they clipped a tyre on a tight chicane. The impact snapped the steering arm, forcing them to stop on stage. Despite making repairs and returning to the action with a blistering second-fastest time on the final stage, a 10-minute penalty pushed them down to 13th overall.

Co-driver Catrin Price said: “It was a privilege to compete in such a prestigious event. Henri demonstrated real talent and determination throughout the weekend and I’m extremely proud of what we achieved together as a team.”

Henri thanked his co-driver, service crew – led by Josh Clark – and sponsors for their support

in his rallying career. He remains at the top of the F1000 British Junior Championship standings and will head to Harlech in October for the penultimate round.

Rally action: Car 104 on track at the Junior McRae Rally Challenge (Pic: GPrice Photographs)

By From the story by Henry James

Two actors. One haunted house. Endless possibilities. Dau actor. Un tŷ bwgan.

Posibiliadau diddiwedd.

A chilling NEW production from the Torch Theatre Cynhyrchiad NEWYDD brawychus Theatr Torch.

Ironman Wales kicks off in Tenby with spectacular start

IRoNMAN Wales got under way in Tenby at 7:30am this morning (Sunday), as thousands of athletes braved the waves and streets of Pembrokeshire in one of the world’s toughest endurance races.

The day began in dramatic fashion with a parachute display over North Beach, filling the skies with coloured smoke as crowds gathered along the seafront. From there, attention turned to the iconic swim start, where more than 2,000 competitors wearing brightly coloured swim caps surged into the waters of Carmarthen Bay.

Conditions were much improved compared with Saturday’s IronKids event, which went ahead despite heavy rain soaking Tenby. This morning brought clearer skies and calmer seas — a welcome relief for the athletes and the huge crowds who turned out from dawn to cheer them on.

There had been concerns over water quality after campaign group Surfers Against Sewage issued a warning yesterday, but that did not deter competitors or dampen the enthusiasm of the spectators. The atmosphere was electric as the swimmers charged into the bay, cheered on by thousands lining the clifftops, beach, and harbour walls.

Athletes face a 2.4-mile sea swim, followed by a gruelling 112-mile bike ride through the Pembrokeshire countryside, before finishing with a full marathon through Tenby’s narrow streets, where supporters are expected to keep up their famous wall of noise well into the night.

Tenby once again provided a stunning backdrop for the event, with its pastel-coloured houses, lifeboat station, and bustling harbour framing the scenes of determination and excitement as the competition got underway.

Now in its twelfth year, Ironman Wales continues to attract athletes from

Sewage warning issued as Ironman Wales swim goes ahead in Tenby

A SEWAgE pollution alert was in place at Tenby’s North Beach on Sunday morning — just as thousands of athletes took to the sea for the start of Ironman Wales.

Despite the warning, which followed heavy rainfall and storm overflows in the area, the iconic mass swim went ahead at 7:30am, with around 2,700 competitors charging into Carmarthen Bay in front of packed crowds.

Campaign group Surfers Against Sewage confirmed that its Safer Seas and Rivers Service had detected recent discharges in the Tenby area within the last 48 hours. Alerts were also in place for Castle Beach, South Beach and Penally.

North Beach, a sweeping 800-metre stretch of sand overlooked by Tenby’s pastel-coloured townhouses, is one of the most recognisable locations on the Ironman circuit. It has produced some of the most dramatic scenes of the race since the event first came to Pembrokeshire.

On Sunday morning, the atmosphere was as electric as ever as competitors began their 140.6-mile challenge — a 2.4-mile sea swim, a 112-mile bike ride through Pembrokeshire’s hills, and a full marathon run through Tenby’s narrow streets.

The sewage alerts come after a spell of heavy rain which led to a yellow weather warning for much of Wales on Saturday, and flooding concerns at more than 30 locations across the country.

Despite the concerns, there was no shortage of support for the athletes, with huge crowds lining the cliffs, harbour and Esplanade from dawn. Tenby once again lived up to its “Iron Town” nickname, as the community turned out in force to cheer the athletes through the first stage of one of the toughest endurance races in the world.

Cyclists tackle brutal Pembrokeshire climbs in Ironman Wales

AFTER completing the gruelling 2.4-mile sea swim, Ironman Wales athletes mounted their bikes to take on the next leg of the challenge — a 112-mile ride through the demanding roads of Pembrokeshire.

The cycle stage is famous for its punishing hills, twisting lanes, and spectacular coastal views. Crowds packed the streets and vantage points once again, with Tenby’s North Cliff providing a wall of noise as riders pushed up the steep gradient straight out of transition.

Competitors rode through Narberth, Saundersfoot and Angle on a route that combines postcard scenery with relentless climbs. The steep inclines of Saundersfoot’s infamous “Heartbreak Hill” and Wiseman’s Bridge are among the toughest sections of any Ironman course in the world, testing both endurance and spirit.

Local supporters turned out in force, ringing cowbells, waving flags, and cheering on the riders, with homegrown athletes from clubs such as Tenby Aces receiving especially loud encouragement as they battled their way past.

With the sun breaking through after a damp Saturday, conditions were ideal for cycling — cool air, bright skies, and dry roads giving athletes the best possible chance to put in strong times.

The bike leg will be decisive in shaping the leaderboard before competitors return to Tenby for the marathon finale, where the streets will once again be packed late into the night to welcome the athletes home.

Pics: gareth Davies/Herald

Tenby Aces celebrate success at Ironman Wales

TENBY AcES have celebrated another outstanding Ironman Wales, with 17 club members completing the gruelling course on Sunday (Sept 21) in front of thousands of spectators.

The local triathlon club paid tribute not only to its athletes but also to the families, friends and supporters who turned out in force along the route to cheer them on.

Among the finishers were Scott Jones Malson (10:13), Ricki Morgan (12:35), Lee Mc (12:57), Steve White (13:08), Ian Herbert (13:12), Slacky (13:31), Darren Mason (13:45), Bill James (13:40), David Kent (13:40), Jamie Silvester (13:42), Calum Serafini (14:09), Harry Malone

(14:39), Aled Lewis (15:23), Helen Munro (15:26), Richard Wintle (16:14) and Gareth Huw Rees (16:35).

Bringing the curtain down on the 2025 event, Kes Carol Aleknavicius crossed the finish line in 17:10 to the fanfare reserved for the final athlete of the day.

The club also acknowledged five Aces who started but were unable to finish, either through illness or being timed out: Al Smith, Donna Reed, Tony Guymer, Ian Warne and Nigel Griffiths.

Photos taken by Karen Vickery captured the spirit of the day, including a striking image of Wayne Jones on a support boat proudly flying the Aces flag.

TYRES • BATTERIES • EXHAUSTS

Photos taken by Karen vickery

Hofmann and eccleston claim Ironman Wales crowns

gERMANY ’ S Franziska Hofmann and Britain’s Lewis Eccleston took the top honours at Ironman Wales 2025 as thousands of competitors descended on Tenby for one of the toughest endurance races in the world.

Hofmann, competing in only her second full Ironman, stormed to victory in the women’s professional race with a time of 9:42:24. She finished ahead of Britain’s Rosie Wild, who took second, and Katie Phipkin, who came in third.

Hofmann said: “It’s my second Ironman race and it’s one of the toughest races I can imagine. Today it all fit together. I don’t know how but it worked and I was feeling so good.”

Wild admitted the emotion of the day had been overwhelming. She said: “I’ve cried and I’ve laughed but

I’m so proud of myself. I was going to aim high and for my best but I didn’t think finishing second was going to happen today.”

In the men’s event, Eccleston crossed the line in front to secure a famous win in front of the packed Tenby crowds. “To come away with a win with everything that has gone into it and all the people who help out is a massive reward for everybody, not just myself,” he said.

The professional field was racing not only for a share of the $50,000 prize pot but also for qualification spots at the 2026 Ironman World Championhips.

The course once again lived up to its reputation. Athletes began with a choppy 2.4-mile sea swim off North Beach, followed by the notorious uphill run via the Zig-Zag and through

the town before tackling a 112-mile bike ride with more than 2,500m of elevation. The final leg was a marathon that wound through Tenby’s narrow streets and beyond, lined with supporters from start to finish.

Former Wales rugby star Shane Williams completed the event for the eighth time. He said: “I honestly think it gets better and better, this is probably the best support I’ve seen. When you’ve got the support like that on both sides it’s incredible. I can’t explain how much I absolutely love it.”

Other well-known names included ex-Wales women’s rugby international Sioned Harries and former Leeds Rhinos player Luke Ambler, whose ‘Mission Possible’ campaign saw him complete every UK Ironman fulldistance and 70.3 event in a single

year to raise awareness for the men’s mental health charity Andysmanclub.

F INISHING MOMENTS

For the 2,700 age-group athletes who shared the course with the professionals, the day was as much about survival as speed. Those who reached the finish line were cheered down the iconic red carpet before ringing the bell to mark their achievement and hearing the words every endurance competitor longs for: “You are an Ironman.“

Race director Rebecca Sutherland described the event as the “jewel in the crown of our UK race season”, praising the “incredible” Welsh spectator support which once again made Ironman Wales a standout event on the global calendar.

Crymych edge Maesglas in dramatic penalty shootout

cRYMYcH Fc booked their place in the next round of the Emrys Morgan cup with a nailbiting 6-5 penalty shootout win over Maesglas on Saturday (Sept 20).

The tie, played in difficult wet and windy conditions, swung back and forth throughout before being settled from the spot.

Ross McDonald put Crymych ahead in the 16th minute, finishing neatly after a slick move involving Gethin Evans. But Maesglas were gifted an equaliser on 35 minutes when a cross struck the post and rebounded off keeper Elis Williams’ head into the net.

Early in the second half, Evans provided his second assist of the game, setting up

Declan Harries who struck low across the goalkeeper to restore Crymych’s lead. However, a free kick conceded on the edge of the box handed Maesglas the chance to level again, and they took full advantage to make it 2-2.

Neither side could find a winner in normal time, forcing the match to penalties. Williams, at fault for both goals in normal play, produced a crucial save in the shootout before Maesglas missed their final spot-kick. Crymych held their nerve to win 6-5.

It was a hard-fought contest that tested both sides, but Crymych progress to the next round while Maesglas can take heart from a spirited display.

Bluebirds Ladies celebrate home debut with 5–1 victory

HA v ERF o RDWEST

coUNTY LADIES enjoyed a dream first senior home fixture at the ogi Bridge Meadow on Wednesday night, running out 5–1 winners against Rockspur Ladies in front of a lively crowd.

The Bluebirds controlled the opening half, dominating possession and creating chances, but found Rockspur’s goalkeeper in fine form. A series of saves kept the visitors

level at the break despite Haverfordwest’s pressure.

The deadlock was broken shortly after the restart when striker Ella May Mumford produced a sharp finish to make it 1–0. Captain Ffion Kirk then doubled the advantage with a superb strike into the top corner after cutting in from the left.

Midfielder Erin Frost, who impressed throughout, extended the lead from the penalty spot after Mumford was brought down

in the box.

Rockspur responded with a well-worked counterattack to pull one back, but Haverfordwest quickly restored control. Mumford grabbed her second of the night with a solo run and composed finish, before Kirk’s relentless pressing earned her a late brace to seal the 5–1 result.

It was a fitting performance for the occasion and a showcase of the growing strength of women’s football in Pembrokeshire.

Full-time: Haverfordwest County Ladies 5–1 Rockspur Ladies

Scorers: Mumford (2), Kirk (2), Frost (pen) Haverfordwest squad: Rhian Jones, Ami Louise Richards, Katie Gibbins, Erin Frost, Mollie Flanagan, Freya WatkinsWilliams, Bethan Chapman, Alicia Taylor, Emma Smith, Tayla Gibbs, Sophie Cox, Ffion Kirk (c), Ella May Mumford.

manderwood Pembrokeshire leagUe

Fixtures

Division

Hofmann and Eccleston claim

Ironman Wales crowns • P74