The Pembrokeshire Herald 27/02/2026

Council reviewing Computer Solutions Wales complaints

Trading Standards says trader failed to engage after advice — criminal investigation not ruled out

PEMBROKESHIRE COUNTY

COUNCIL has confirmed it is continuing to assess complaints relating to Steven Grant and his business Computer Solutions Wales, and has not ruled out the possibility of a criminal investigation.

The statement comes after the Pembrokeshire Herald published a series of reports in recent weeks detailing allegations from customers and former workers who say they were left out of pocket following dealings with the business.

The council confirmed that complaints were first received by its Trading Standards Service in October 2024.

At that time, officers assessed the matters as predominantly civil disputes between consumers and a trader, meaning they did not initially meet the threshold for criminal enforcement action.

However, Trading Standards officers did engage directly with Mr Gran.

A council spokesperson said: “Trading Standards colleagues met with Mr Grant to discuss the concerns raised and offered extensive business advice verbally and in writing, outlining his statutory duties as a trader and steps that he could take to resolving the various grievances.”

Advice was also provided to complainants about how devices might be recovered and the options available through civil legal processes.

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ENGAGEMENT ‘UNMET’

The council has now confirmed that attempts to continue dialogue with Mr Grant have not been successful.

The spokesperson said: “Since this early engagement Trading Standards colleagues have been unable to obtain updates from Mr Grant, and attempts to engage in further dialogue have gone unmet.”

The authority added that it remains aware of ongoing complaints and

unresolved issues.

“The Trading Standards Service is aware that certain matters remain unresolved and of wider complaints and will continue to appraise the nature of these issues and whether a criminal investigation might be warranted.”

Officers also confirmed they were aware of changes to trading addresses and company status connected to the business.

LEGAL POWERS COMPLEx

The council explained that newer consumer protection legislation —

including the Digital Markets, Consumers and Competition Act 2024 — provides civil enforcement mechanisms designed to encourage compliance by traders, but these processes can be lengthy and depend on engagement from the business concerned.

GROWING NUMBER Of COMPLAINts

The Herald has been contacted by a significant number of individuals who say they paid money for repairs, devices or services that were delayed, not delivered, or subject to refund disputes. Others claim equipment was not returned, while former workers have also alleged unpaid wages.

Mr Grant has previously said problems stemmed from a dispute with a landlord which prevented access to customer devices, and has said he was seeking legal advice regarding how property could be returned. He has since declined to provide further comment.

HOW TO COMPLAIN

The council said any new complaints relating to Steven Grant or Computer Solutions Wales should be reported to the Citizens Advice Consumer Service, which acts as the national gateway for Trading Standards referrals.

Consumers can contact Citizens Advice on 0808 223 1133.

Man who threatened to kill Herald editor given suspended prison sentence

A PEMBROKESHIRE man who sent a message threatening to kill Pembrokeshire Herald editor Tom Sinclair has been given a suspended prison sentence by magistrates.

Anthony Jones, aged 34, of Castle Quarry, Long Mains, Monkton, appeared before Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on Monday (Feb 23) for sentencing after being found guilty of two offences following a trial earlier this month.

The court heard that on February 24, 2025, Jones sent a communication conveying a threat of death or serious harm, contrary to the Online Safety Act 2023. Magistrates were told he intended, or was reckless as to whether, the recipient would fear the threat would be carried out.

Jones was also convicted of racially aggravated intentional harassment, alarm or distress following an incident on April 8, 2025, in Pembroke involving a police officer.

Magistrates imposed a total custodial sentence of 26 weeks’ imprisonment,

suspended for 12 months, for the threats against Mr Sinclair. He was also ordered to pay £500 compensation to the victim, £640 prosecution costs, and a £154 surcharge.

For the racially aggravated harassment offence, Jones received a separate 12-week prison sentence, also suspended for 12 months, to run concurrently, together with £200 compensation.

The court was told the offences were so serious that only a custodial sentence could be justified, with magistrates noting the defendant had shown a “flagrant disregard for people” and had targeted the victim with serious threats.

A victim personal statement from Mr Sinclair was read to the court by the prosecutor.

The custodial sentences were suspended after the court heard Jones had not offended for some time, was employed, had children, and was assessed by probation as not presenting a high risk of harm or reoffending.

Tom

Hoax 999 call sparks massive lifeboat and helicopter rescue - man arrested

A MAJOR sea rescue operation involving three lifeboats, a coastguard helicopter and multiple rescue teams was triggered by a hoax 999 call — with police now arresting a young man in connection with the incident.

Tenby RNLI’s all-weather lifeboat was launched shortly before midday on Monday (Feb 23) following reports of a person in difficulty between Port Eynon and Rhossili on the Gower coast.

The large-scale response quickly escalated, with lifeboats from Tenby, Mumbles and Burry Port deployed alongside HM Coastguard rescue teams from Mumbles, Rhossili and Oxwich. A coastguard helicopter was also tasked to search the area.

However, the incident was later confirmed to be a deliberate hoax.

South Wales Police said a 23-yearold man from Swansea had been arrested on suspicion of making a false

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emergency call and later released on bail while investigations continue.

The incident has prompted strong warnings from rescue services about the potentially life-threatening consequences of hoax calls.

An RNLI spokesperson said volunteers would always respond when asked, but false alerts come at a serious cost.

RNLI WARNING

“RNLI volunteer crew members will respond to any request to help those in trouble at sea,” the spokesperson said.

“However, when a false 999 or 112 call is made and HM Coastguard requests a lifeboat to launch, it uses volunteers’ time, which they selflessly

give to help those in trouble.

“It costs the charity valuable funds, which could be better used elsewhere. A false call can take lifesaving resources away from a real emergency.”

While no official figure has been released for this incident, historical estimates suggested launching an all-weather lifeboat cost thousands of pounds — a figure believed to have risen significantly in recent years.

HM Coastguard confirmed the scale of the response, stating that the helicopter, multiple rescue teams and three RNLI lifeboats were all deployed following the initial report received at 11:55am.

The Herald understands enquiries into the circumstances surrounding the hoax are ongoing.

Anyone convicted of making malicious emergency calls can face prosecution, fines and potential imprisonment.

Jailed for hundreds of indecent images

A 57-YEAR-OLD man from St Dogmaels has been jailed for twoand-a-half years after admitting multiple serious child sex offences.

Leof Sceaga appeared before Swansea Crown Court on Wednesday (Feb 26), where he was sentenced for possessing hundreds of indecent images of children as well as extreme pornographic material.

The court heard that Sceaga had 232 Category A images — the most serious classification — together with 331 Category B images and 366 Category C images in his possession.

He also admitted possessing a number of extreme pornographic images.

While outlining the facts, the prosecutor told the court that Sceaga’s internet search history included terms such as “kiddie porn”, “pre-teen models” and “pedo kids centre webcam”.

The court was further told that Sceaga had previous convictions for similar offences, having appeared before Nottingham Crown Court in both 2012 and 2019.

In mitigation, Mr Griffiths, defending, said his client accepted

that an immediate custodial sentence was inevitable.

His Honour Judge Geraint Walters sentenced Sceaga to 27 months’ imprisonment for possession of Category A images, 12 months for Category B images and three months for Category C images. He was also handed three months for possessing extreme pornographic images and a further three months for breaching a Sexual Harm Prevention Order. All sentences will run concurrently, resulting in a total custodial term of two-and-a-half years.

Man accused of Haverfordwest burglary remanded in custody

A MAN has been remanded in custody after appearing before Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court charged with burglary following an alleged incident at a house in Haverfordwest.

Ashley Rickard, aged 28, of no fixed abode but with an address listed as Llangunnor Road, Llangunnor, Carmarthen, appeared before magistrates on Thursday (Feb 26).

Rickard is charged with burglary of a dwelling and theft, contrary to Section 9(1)(b) of the Theft Act 1968. The court heard the allegation relates to an incident on February 20

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at a property in Fleming Crescent, Haverfordwest, where two televisions of unknown value were allegedly stolen after entry was gained as a trespasser.

The case was sent directly to Swansea Crown Court under Section 51 of the Crime and Disorder Act 1998.

Magistrates heard a full bail application but refused bail. The court was told there were concerns the defendant was likely to offend and

had previously failed to surrender. It was also stated that the alleged offence took place while Rickard was on police bail and on licence, with previous breaches recorded.

Rickard was remanded in custody to appear at Swansea Crown Court on Monday, March 30 at 9:00am for a plea and trial preparation hearing.

The custody time limit in the case expires on August 27, 2026.

Rickard is represented by Mike Kelleher. The prosecution was led by Linda Baker. The bench comprised Mrs H Disney, Dr R Talbot-English, and Mr R Mathias.

Pembroke Dock man admits sending sword death threat message

A PEMBROKE DOCK man has admitted sending a threatening message in which he said he would hack a woman’s head off with a sword.

said the message referred to hacking her head off with a sword, intending — or being reckless as to whether — someone reading it would fear the threat would be carried out.

The charge is contrary to Section 181 of the Online Safety Act 2023, which covers communications that convey threats of death or serious harm.

Bianchy had previously indicated a guilty plea on January 13 this year.

Magistrates adjourned the case for a pre-sentence report to be prepared by the Probation Service. He was remanded

on conditional bail.

As part of his bail conditions, Bianchy must not contact witnesses directly or indirectly, must not attend an address in Cuckoo Wood, Pembroke Dock, and must not enter or permit any data relating to the complainant to be placed on any electronic network.

He has also been ordered to cooperate with probation officers ahead of sentencing.

The case will return to Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court for sentence on Monday (Mar 3) at 10:00am.

Charles Bianchy, aged 37, of Pembroke Street, appeared before Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday (Feb 26) for a hearing ahead of sentencing.

The court heard that the offence took place on September 16, 2025, in Pembroke Dock, when Bianchy sent a message conveying a threat of serious harm towards a female. Prosecutors

Man given suspended sentence after assault and damage offences

A fISHGUARD man has been handed a suspended prison sentence after admitting assaulting a woman and damaging property during a drink-fuelled incident.

Peter Bromley, aged 50, of Parc y Chwarel, appeared before Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on Thursday (Feb 26) for sentencing after previously pleading guilty to assault by beating and criminal damage.

The court heard the offences took place in Fishguard on January 13, when Bromley assaulted a woman and damaged crockery belonging to her. The value of the damage was not specified but was under £5,000.

Magistrates were told the offences were aggravated by the fact Bromley was already subject to a community order at the time and had been drinking.

The bench said the offences were serious enough to cross the custody threshold, particularly as they involved domestic violence against the same injured party.

Bromley was sentenced to eight

weeks’ imprisonment, suspended for 18 months. The custodial term had been reduced from 12 weeks to reflect his guilty pleas.

He must complete a 26-day programme requirement and up to 20 days of rehabilitation activity with probation as part of the suspended sentence order.

The court also imposed a restraining order lasting until February 25, 2027. The order prohibits Bromley from contacting the woman directly or indirectly, entering any premises where she lives, or posting or causing any reference to her to be made online.

No compensation order was made because the injured party was not supportive of such action.

Bromley was ordered to pay £85 prosecution costs.

Magistrates said the prison sentence had been suspended due to a realistic prospect of rehabilitation, but warned that any further offences or breach of the order could result in immediate custody.

Break-in at Milford Haven convenience store

POLICE were called to a burglary at a convenience store in Milford Haven during the early hours of Tuesday (feb 24).

The incident happened at the Best One store on Charles Street, where two suspects are believed to have forced entry by smashing a pane of glass in the main door.

A member of staff told The Herald that the offenders stole vapes and tobacco products before fleeing the scene. However, their getaway was short-lived, as police detained two suspects around 30 minutes later. Both suspects are currently in police custody.

When a Herald reporter attended the shop at approximately 1:00pm, officers were still present carrying out enquiries, including the collection of CCTV evidence.

Despite the damage to the

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

entrance, the store remains open to customers.

Dyfed-Powys Police said: “We aer investigating a report of a burglary at the One Stop shop on Charles Street, Milford Haven.

“Police were alerted to incident just after 1.10am, this morning (24 February). A number of items including tobacco and cigarettes were taken from the shop.

“Two men aged, 39 and 46, have been arrested on suspicion of burglary and remain in police custody at this time.

“Anyone who witnessed the incident, or has any information that could help officers with their enquiries, is asked to get in touch by calling 101.”

Man remanded in custody over Tenby assault allegations

A MAN has been remanded in custody after appearing before Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court charged with causing serious injuries to a woman in Tenby.

Lewis Thompson-Gill, aged 35, of Worcester Road, Little Witley, Worcestershire, is accused of assaulting a female on December 28, 2025, causing actual bodily harm. He also faces a further charge of inflicting grievous bodily harm without intent in relation to the same incident.

The court heard the case during a mention hearing on Monday (Feb 23).

Thompson-Gill previously entered a not guilty plea to the assault occasioning actual bodily harm charge. A plea to the grievous bodily harm charge has not yet been recorded.

Magistrates remanded him in

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custody due to concerns he could commit further offences, cause injury or fear of injury to an associated person, or interfere with witnesses.

The custody time limit in relation to the assault charge expires on March 9, while the limit for the grievous bodily harm allegation expires on April 13.

The case was adjourned for trial at Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on March 2 at 2:00pm. The hearing is expected to last around two and a half hours.

The Crown Prosecution Service has been directed to serve the full case file on the defendant before the next hearing.

Driving instructor was drink-driving on way to driving lesson

A CARMARTHENSHIRE driving instructor was four times over the limit on his way to a driving lesson.

Timothy Howells, aged 54, of Burry Port Carmarthenshire has been given an 8 week custodial sentence, suspended for 18 months following his arrest on suspicion of drink driving.

At around 7:38am on Friday, February 20, police received a report of a single vehicle collision on the A484 between Pembrey to Kidwelly, where a car was found in a roadside ditch.

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The driver, Timothy Howells, a local driving instructor, appeared heavily intoxicated to officers and provided an initial roadside breath test reading of 110 and was arrested on suspicion of drink driving.

A short time later while in custody, Howells provided a second evidential breath test reading of 132 – four times over the limit.

In interview, Howells admitted that when he was arrested by officers, he was on his way to collect a pupil for

a driving lesson.

After appearing in Llanelli Magistrates’ Court yesterday, Howells has been given an 8 week custodial sentence, suspended for 18 months.

Chief Inspector Christina Fraser said: “Mr Howells was operating in a position of great trust and responsibility; Roads Policing officers have worked quickly in conjunction with colleagues, CPS and the DVSA, to ensure learner drivers and other road users have been safeguarded from an individual who presented a serious risk of harm.”

Dealer jailed after hotel drugs discovery in Aberystwyth

A DRUG dealer was exposed after police were called to a seaside hotel where two men had been found unconscious among drug paraphernalia.

Dyfed-Powys Police were contacted by a receptionist at an Aberystwyth hotel on October 16, 2024, after she discovered the pair unresponsive in a room.

Officers attended and located Lee Anderson-Warnes alongside another man. Drugs recovered from the room included heroin, diazepam and cannabis, although none could be forensically linked directly to Anderson-Warnes. The second male was found with a substantial amount of cash, but no further action was taken against him.

Investigations instead focused on mobile phone evidence. Prosecutor Sian Cutter told the court that analysis of Anderson-Warnes’ phone uncovered messages dating back to the previous month relating to the supply of cocaine and heroin. The messages showed customers were being given his bank details to make payments.

Anderson-Warnes, now aged 28, of Parc Y Dressig, Whitland, initially denied involvement during police interview, providing a prepared statement. However, he later admitted being concerned in the supply of both heroin and cocaine.

The court heard he became involved in dealing after struggling with depression following the death of his partner in 2023. Increased drug use left him in debt, and he began supplying drugs to acquaintances in an attempt to repay money owed.

Ms Cutter said the operation appeared limited in scale, involving no more than seven customers. She added that the defendant had told his father he was acting under pressure from another individual and was not profiting personally.

Anderson-Warnes has nine previous convictions for 13 offences, including possession of cannabis in 2020. His most recent conviction was for criminal damage in 2024.

Defence solicitor Jon Tarrant described the offending as taking place over a “relatively short and limited period”, adding that drugs and alcohol had been a consistent feature of the defendant’s life. He told the court Anderson-Warnes had since engaged with support services through Dyfodol and had produced negative drug tests.

Passing sentence, Judge Huw Rees said Class A drugs were “pernicious” and caused harm across communities.

Anderson-Warnes was jailed for 22 months.

Haverfordwest man guilty of raping his own sister

A MAN from Haverfordwest has been convicted of raping his sister when she was under the age of 16.

The offences took place between 31 July and 7 August 1988 at Castle Lake Car Park in the town, when the defendant was in his 20’s.

Following a trial at Swansea Crown Court, the man was found guilty on two counts: rape of a female under 16 and indecent assault on a girl under 16, both contrary to the Sexual Offences Act 1956.

The jury returned the verdicts after hearing evidence over several days, including the complainant’s account of the incident which happened nearly 38 years ago.

The case was reported to police in December 2023.

The man, who cannot be named for legal reasons to protect the identity of

the complainant, will be sentenced at Swansea Crown Court on Monday, 23 March 2026.

This conviction highlights that reports of historic sexual offences continue to be thoroughly investigated and brought before the courts, no matter how much time has passed.

After the case the complainant said: “The day that I thought would never happen happened, something that I have carried with me for nearly 40 years has finally been heard.

“I seriously; can not explain how I feel right now, but a very heavy weight has finally been lifted.”

Anyone who has been affected by sexual abuse can contact the police on 101 or seek support through specialist services such as Rape Crisis or Victim Support.

Loose aerial sparks emergency response in Fishguard town centre

EMERGENCY services were called to the centre of fishguard after a large aerial became dangerously loose on a building overlooking Market Square.

Police and fire crews attended the incident on Wednesday morning (Feb 25) after concerns were raised by a member of the public about the structure, which was hanging precariously from the roof of the Boots store.

Officers secured the area and temporarily stopped traffic in the town centre while firefighters worked to remove the hazard.

Crews from Fishguard and Haverfordwest Fire Stations were mobilised, with the aerial ladder platform from Haverfordwest used to reach the roof safely.

Firefighters spent just over an hour at the scene removing the aerial and ensuring the area was safe before leaving shortly before 1:00pm.

A spokesperson for Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service confirmed crews were called at 11:40am to reports of a large aerial hanging from a chimney in a dangerous position.

Dyfed-Powys Police said officers were alerted shortly after 11:00am and attended to support the incident, requesting fire service assistance to make the structure safe.

No injuries were reported.

mage: Marc Evans/Herald

Pensioner admits sexually assaulting two shop workers

A MILfORD HAVEN man has admitted sexually assaulting two women at a shop by touching their buttocks and kissing one of them on the neck.

“These were sexual touching elements, which made the victims feel extremely uncomfortable,” said Crown Prosecutor Dennis Davies when John Mason appeared before Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court this week.

The first incident took place at a Milford Haven store on August 3, 2025.

“The victim contacted the police as she’d been working in the store and recognised the defendant when he walked in,” said Mr Davies.

She was standing by the counter when Mason approached from behind, placed his hands on her shoulders and used his right hand to touch her bottom.

“There was definitely a sexual element there,” added the prosecutor. The second victim told officers she also recognised Mason, who had entered the store on a number of occasions.

“He grabbed her buttock with one hand, which she found unacceptable, and kissed the back of her neck,” said Mr Davies. “This made her feel very uncomfortable and there was again a sexual touching element.”

Mason, aged 76, of Coombs Drive, Milford Haven, pleaded guilty to two charges of sexual assault.

Sentencing was adjourned until March 17 to allow the probation service to prepare an all-options report. Mason was released on bail with conditions not to enter the stores where the victims work and not to contact them directly or indirectly.

Health services row escalates as MSs demand action

LOCAL Senedd Members have called on the Welsh Government to intervene urgently amid fears that key services could be removed from Withybush Hospital.

Paul Davies MS and Samuel Kurtz MS have written jointly to the Cabinet

Tom

Sinclair editor@herald.email

Secretary for Health and Social Care following last week’s meeting of Hywel Dda University Health Board, where proposals affecting Withybush and Bronglais hospitals were discussed.

The politicians warned that removing emergency general surgery and stroke services from Withybush could have serious consequences for patients across Pembrokeshire and the wider west Wales region.

In their letter, they said the plans could significantly increase travel times for critically ill patients, place further pressure on ambulance services and risk widening health inequalities in rural communities.

They also raised concerns that stripping back core acute services could threaten the long-term viability of the hospital’s Accident and Emergency department.

Stroke treatment was highlighted as a particular concern because outcomes are highly time-dependent, with delays potentially leading to lifechanging consequences for patients.

The MSs also pointed to uncertainty surrounding proposed changes at Bronglais Hospital in Aberystwyth, warning that communities across mid and west Wales were already facing geographic barriers to accessing urgent care.

They have formally called on the Welsh Government to step in to ensure services remain at both hospitals.

Samuel Kurtz said the issue had caused “deep concern” locally, adding that rural communities deserved safe and equitable access to emergency healthcare.

HEALTH BOARD RESPONSE

Hywel Dda University Health Board has previously said the changes are

being considered because some services are “fragile and in need of change,” with workforce pressures, recruitment challenges and increasing demand affecting sustainability.

Following its extraordinary meeting on February 19, the Board confirmed that no immediate changes would take place and that services would continue as normal while detailed implementation plans are developed.

Mark Henwood, the Board’s Executive Medical Director, said: “I would like to reassure members of our community that our services remain safe, but are fragile and need to improve to provide the best patient outcome and experience.

“No immediate changes will take place because of the decisions we made as a Board today… patients should attend their appointments as usual.”

The Health Board has also said changes would likely be introduced in phases over several years and that further engagement is planned, particularly around stroke services, before any final decisions are made.

LONGSTANDING CONCERNS

The latest intervention from politicians comes amid longstanding public concern in Pembrokeshire over the future of services at Withybush, with campaigners repeatedly warning that downgrades could lead to longer journeys to hospitals such as Glangwili in Carmarthen or Morriston in Swansea.

The Herald has approached the Welsh Government for comment.

Samuel Kurtz MS and Paul Davies MS

Petition calling for Withybush intervention

Tom Sinclair editor@herald.email

PETITION calling for urgent Welsh Government intervention over services at Withybush Hospital has now attracted more than 6,000 signatures — significantly higher than

a threat to patient safety, particularly in a rural county where travel times to alternative hospitals can be significant.

It calls on the Welsh Government to:

• intervene directly in the running of Hywel Dda University Health Board

• guarantee core hospital services locally

• equalise healthcare standards across Wales

• restore services to Withybush

The campaign was launched after the health board confirmed plans to change emergency general surgery provision, with operations expected to transfer away from Withybush Hospital while other services are reconfigured.

Health board leaders have previously said the changes are designed to improve safety and ensure services are clinically sustainable in the long term.

the number of people who formally responded to Hywel Dda University Health Board’s major consultation last year.

The Senedd petition, titled “Urgent Pembrokeshire Healthcare & Resident Safety – Withybush Hospital & Health Board Intervention,” demands direct government oversight of the health board and restoration of key services in Pembrokeshire.

The surge means public engagement with the campaign has now overtaken the roughly 4,140 questionnaire responses submitted during the health board’s official consultation on its Clinical Services Plan.

Campaigners say the growing numbers demonstrate that opposition to the changes is continuing to build rather than fade.

SAfETY CONCERNS RAISED

The petition states that the current configuration of services represents

However, critics argue the proposals risk increasing travel times for critically ill patients and placing further pressure on ambulance services.

POLITICAL PRESSURE GROWING

Under Senedd rules, petitions that exceed 10,000 signatures may be considered for debate in the Welsh Parliament.

With the current total already past 6,000 and rising, campaigners believe the threshold could be reached within weeks if momentum continues.

Residents wishing to sign the petition can do so here:

https://petitions.senedd.wales/ petitions/246864

The Herald understands that concerns about rural healthcare access and the future of Withybush Hospital are likely to remain a major political issue in Pembrokeshire ahead of the Senedd elections in May.

Merlins Bridge man denies child sex assault charges

A MERLINS BRIDGE man has denied six charges of sexually assaulting children following a hearing at Swansea Crown Court.

Dion Lewtas, aged 29, of St Marks Close, appeared before the court on Monday (Feb 23), where he pleaded not guilty to six offences of sexual assault of girls aged under thirteen.

The charges relate to alleged incidents in Milford Haven between

August 2021 and August 2023. The girls were aged between nine and eleven years old, the prosecution alleges.

Lewtas had previously appeared at Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on January 20, when the case was sent to Swansea Crown Court. He was released on bail. A trial date has been set for July 17.

Celtic Freeport secures £638,000 for strategic infrastructure projects

THE CELTIC fREEPORT has secured £638,000 in UK Government funding to support key infrastructure projects in Pembroke Dock and Port Talbot, helping to unlock future investment and accelerate development linked to floating offshore wind and clean energy industries.

The funding forms part of a wider £3.3 million package announced for sixteen Industrial Strategy Zone projects across the UK. The three successful Celtic Freeport schemes will focus on removing development barriers and preparing sites for future commercial activity.

SUCCESSfUL PROJECTS

CRITERION QUAY, PEMBROKE DOCK — £213,000

Funding will support technical assessments required to enable floating offshore wind operations and maintenance (O&M) infrastructure at the site.

TALBOT WHARf, PORT TALBOT —

£265,000

Land remediation works will improve the viability of development plots, making them more attractive to companies within the

Feasibility and design work will be carried out to refurbish two jetties, supporting future import and export activity and strengthening marine capability at the port.

Rt Hon Steve Reed MP, Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, said:“From offshore wind manufacturing on the Humber to new clean energy facilities in Pembrokeshire, this backing for our freeports will generate real economic growth across the country. By tackling the barriers developers face early on, we’re helping to unlock significant private investment and create thousands of good jobs in clean energy and advanced manufacturing.”

Luciana Ciubotariu, Chief Executive of Celtic Freeport, said: “Today marks a significant milestone for Pembroke Dock and Port Talbot. Securing UK Government funding for these three projects accelerates the Celtic Freeport’s avision, supporting investment in port infrastructure that will enable floating offshore wind and the wider green energy transition.”

Man denies coercive control charges

A PEMBROKE DOCK man is to appear before a Crown Court judge charged with repeatedly engaging in controlling and coercive behaviour towards a woman.

Alfie Hegarty, aged 20, of Church Street, Pembroke Dock, is accused of repeatedly or continuously engaging in behaviour said to have controlled the complainant’s social media use, restricted who she could speak to and involved extreme jealousy.

“The allegations go further than that and include abduction, dangerous driving, stalking, coercive controlling behaviour and harassment,” Crown Prosecutor Dennis Davies told Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court this week.

Mr Davies asked magistrates to decline jurisdiction because of the seriousness of the case.

“This is not suitable for summary trial, given the effect that it’s had on the victim,” he said.

Hegarty denied the allegation. No representations were made by his solicitor.

Magistrates granted the Crown’s request and the case was sent to Swansea Crown Court, where proceedings are due to begin on March 27.

Hegarty was released on conditional bail. The conditions are that he must not contact the complainant directly or indirectly and must not enter her address in Neyland.

Plaid Cymru drug decriminalisation policy under spotlight ahead of Senedd election

PLAID CYMRU’S policy to decriminalise the possession of small amounts of drugs for personal use has come under renewed scrutiny ahead of the Senedd election in May, as debate grows over how Wales should tackle addiction and drug-related harm.

The party set out proposals in its 2024 General Election manifesto calling for a shift away from criminal penalties for personal possession and towards a public health approach focused on treatment, harm reduction and support services.

Plaid Cymru has argued that existing laws have failed to reduce drug misuse and that criminalisation can worsen outcomes by pushing people away from help. The party has previously pointed to international models, including Portugal, where decriminalisation was combined with significant investment in treatment and recovery programmes.

While criminal drug laws are not devolved and remain the responsibility of the UK Government, the Welsh Government controls health services and substance misuse treatment. Plaid has argued that greater powers over justice would allow Wales to adopt a more effective approach.

The debate is particularly relevant in Wales, which has recorded some of the highest drug-related death rates in Europe in recent years. Campaigners and health professionals have long warned that rural areas, including parts of West Wales, face additional challenges due to limited access to specialist treatment services and support.

Calls for reform have also come from sections of the medical community. Organisations such as

the Royal College of Physicians and the Faculty of Public Health have previously argued that drug misuse should be treated primarily as a health issue rather than a criminal justice matter, with greater emphasis on prevention and recovery.

Some Welsh Labour figures have also supported exploring alternative approaches. Former First Minister Mark Drakeford has previously suggested that current drug laws are not working and has called for consideration of different

However, the proposals have drawn strong political criticism.

Welsh Conservative leader Andrew RT Davies MS warned that decriminalisation would send the wrong message and risk increasing harm.

He said: “This is yet another extreme policy from Plaid Cymru separatists. Illegal drugs ruin lives and a zero tolerance approach is required.

“Green Party leader Zack

Polanski wants to legalise all drugs – this policy shows Plaid Cymru separatists are just as dangerous.” The exchange highlights widening political divisions over how Wales should respond to drug misuse, with some parties emphasising enforcement and deterrence while others argue that a public healthled strategy offers better long-term outcomes.

With opinion polls suggesting Plaid Cymru could play a significant role in forming the next Welsh Government after the May election, the issue is likely to remain a key point of debate in the months ahead.

Man accused of sexual offences against child appears in court

A MERLINS BRIDGE man has appeared before magistrates charged with a series of serious sexual offences involving a child.

Adam Frank, aged 29, faces three charges of sexual assault of an 11-year-old girl by penetration, namely that he allegedly penetrated her vagina with his fingers. He also faces three further charges of intentionally touching a child in a sexual manner.

The offences are alleged to have taken place between January 19,

2018 and March 1, 2020.

Frank, of St Margarets Close, Merlins Bridge, appeared before Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court this week, where his solicitor, Michael Kelleher, indicated not guilty pleas to each charge.

Given the seriousness of the allegations, magistrates declined jurisdiction and the case was sent to Swansea Crown Court. Frank was released on unconditional bail and is due to appear before the Crown Court on March 27.

models, although ministers have acknowledged that powers over criminal law remain reserved to Westminster.

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Health visitors strike prompts calls for WG intervention

A STRIKE involving health visitors in Wales has sparked political calls for intervention from Senedd ministers, amid warnings that vital services supporting young children and families could be affected.

South Wales Central Conservative MS Andrew RT Davies said ministers must “take responsibility” for the dispute involving staff working within Cwm Taf Morgannwg University Health Board, after constituents raised concerns about the impact on services.

Health visitors are specialist nurses who support families with babies and young children, providing advice on development, feeding, safeguarding, and maternal wellbeing. They are widely regarded as a key frontline service for early-years health and prevention.

Speaking in the Senedd, Mr Davies warned that a failure by Welsh ministers to intervene would represent an “abdication of responsibility”, arguing that health boards carry out functions delegated to them by the Welsh Government.

He said: “Health visitors play an important role in our communities –often helping people when they’re at their most vulnerable.

“This dispute is deeply concerning and Cwm Taf Health Board has failed to resolve it.

“The Health Board’s functions are

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delegated to it by Senedd ministers – so they must intervene.

“Senedd ministers must take responsibility and ensure the dispute is resolved.”

Industrial action involving NHS staff is relatively uncommon in this specialist area of care, and concerns have been raised about potential disruption to services including routine child development checks and support visits to vulnerable families.

It is not yet clear how many staff are involved or what level of service disruption patients may experience, though health boards typically seek to maintain urgent and safeguarding services during periods of industrial action.

The Herald understands that workforce pressures, workload concerns, and staffing levels have been longstanding challenges across community nursing services in Wales, with professional bodies repeatedly warning about rising demand and recruitment difficulties.

A spokesperson for Cwm Taf Morgannwg University Health Board said it was working to resolve the situation and minimise disruption to families, while

Asylum backlog falls to lowest level in more than five years

THE NUMBER of people waiting for an initial decision on an asylum claim in the UK has dropped sharply, reaching its lowest level in more than five years, according to new Home Office figures.

There were 64,426 people awaiting an initial decision at the end of December 2025 — down 20% from 80,841 at the end of September and nearly half (48%) the 124,802 recorded a year earlier.

The backlog had previously peaked at 175,457 in June 2023. The latest total is the lowest since September 2020, when 60,548 people were waiting.

The number of applicants waiting more than 12 months for a decision also fell significantly, standing at 22,275 at the end of 2025. This compares with 45,094 a year earlier and a peak of 91,741 in June 2023.

Despite the reduction in the backlog, overall asylum applications remain historically high. There were 100,625 applications in 2025 — a 4% decrease from 104,764 in 2024 — but still the third-highest annual total since records began in 2001, and more than double the 45,537 claims recorded in 2019.

Migrants who arrived after crossing the English Channel in small boats accounted for 41% of all asylum claims last year, equivalent to 41,262 people. A further 11% (11,190) entered via other

Welsh Government officials said health boards are responsible for operational management of local NHS services.

The Welsh Government added that it continues to work with NHS organisations across Wales to address workforce pressures and ensure safe services for patients.

The dispute comes at a time of wider concern about NHS pressures across Wales, including staffing shortages and increasing demand for communitybased care.

For families with young children, health visitors are often the first point of contact for support — particularly for new parents, those experiencing mental health difficulties, or households with safeguarding concerns — meaning any disruption to services is likely to cause anxiety among patients.

No further details about the duration of the industrial action have yet been confirmed.

irregular routes, including concealed entry in lorries, shipping containers, or without valid documentation.

The Home Office said the figures demonstrated “real progress” in efforts to restore control over the asylum system.

A spokesperson said: “We have removed nearly 60,000 illegal migrants, numbers in asylum hotels are down, law enforcement action against people smugglers is at record levels and we are bearing down on the asylum backlog.

“But we must go further. The number of people crossing the Channel is too high, and too many hotels remain in use.

“That is why the Home Secretary is introducing sweeping reforms to tackle the pull factors drawing illegal migrants to Britain, and we are ramping up removals of those with no right to be here.”

Motorist over drink drive limit found in running car at dead end road

A PEMBROKE DOCK motorist has been sentenced after police found him in a running vehicle at the end of a dead-end road while he was over the legal drink-drive limit.

Officers were called after Barry Bosier, aged 49, was seen driving his Seat Alhambra along Military Road, Pembroke Dock, on the night of February 7.

When police arrived, they discovered the vehicle at the end of a lane with its lights on, engine running and keys in the ignition.

Breathalyser tests showed Bosier had 63 micrograms of alcohol in 100

millilitres of breath, almost twice the legal limit of 35.

Bosier, of Ferry Road, Pennar, pleaded guilty to being in charge of a motor vehicle while above the legal alcohol limit when he appeared before Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court.

His solicitor told magistrates there had been no evidence of poor driving and described the defendant as a man of previously clean character who had recently faced personal difficulties.

Bosier was fined £80 and ordered to pay £85 prosecution costs and a £32 surcharge. His driving licence was endorsed with ten penalty points.

Retired bus driver admits causing life thretening injuries in A477 crash

A RETIRED bus driver has admitted causing life-threatening injuries to another motorist after pulling out of a junction on the A477 near Wiseman’s Bridge.

Hedley Williams, aged 80, collided with a vehicle driven by Peter Watson on July 13, 2025, leaving the victim with multiple serious injuries including fractures to his collarbone, breastbone and ribs, as well as a broken hand and multiple leg and foot fractures. Mr Watson spent a month in hospital following the crash, which prosecutors said has brought his career to a complete stop. Williams, of Maesteg Road, Cwmfelin, Maesteg, pleaded guilty to

causing serious injury by careless or inconsiderate driving when he appeared before Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court.

His solicitor told the court the incident was a “momentary lapse of judgement” and said the defendant, a former HGV, coach and school bus driver, was deeply remorseful.

Magistrates sentenced Williams to 18 weeks in custody, suspended for 12 months. He was also disqualified from driving for at least two years and must pass an extended driving test before returning to the road.

He was ordered to pay a £154 court surcharge and £85 costs.

Maternity services in Wales failing mums - systemic weaknesses exposed

Staff shortages and safety concerns highlighted in national assessment

A MAJOR national assessment of maternity and neonatal services in Wales has exposed systemic weaknesses, staffing shortages and missed opportunities to improve patient safety, raising concerns that families are being let down while frontline staff struggle under increasing pressure.

The Maternity and Neonatal National Assurance Assessment — The Path to Safer Beginnings in Wales — found examples of compassionate, dedicated care across the country, but warned that key vulnerabilities remain in safety, consistency and outcomes for women, babies and families.

The independent review, led by former Children’s Commissioner for Wales Professor Sally Holland, gathered evidence from more than 600 women, parents, families and staff, alongside visits to maternity and neonatal units in every Welsh health board.

While many families reported positive experiences and praised staff professionalism, others described poor communication, inconsistent postnatal support and limited involvement in decision-making. A small number who experienced serious harm or loss said their trauma was worsened by defensive responses rather than openness and learning.

t national organisations responsible for improving maternity care are often working in parallel rather than collaboratively, with data not being used effectively to identify emerging risks, inequalities or areas needing urgent intervention.

Rising medical interventions — including record caesarean rates — alongside delays in reconfiguring neonatal services in south Wales were also highlighted as factors affecting both safety and staff morale. Postnatal and perinatal mental health provision was found to lag behind services elsewhere in the UK.

Staff told assessors they felt overstretched by increasing complexity in care needs and lacked time to provide the continuity and postnatal support they believed families required.

The panel identified eight priority areas for improvement rather than adding to the more than 500

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recommendations made over the past decade, calling for stronger national coordination, better use of digital records for real-time safety monitoring, and the introduction of a national 24-hour pregnancy triage line.

Professor Holland said: “Excellent maternity and neonatal services are central to our health as a society. They have life-long impacts on physical health, mental health and family relationships.

“The challenges are large, but they are solvable, if they include those who rely on or work in Wales’s maternity and neonatal services every step of the way.”

Midwives’ leaders have also called for urgent action, particularly on workforce pressures.

Julie Richards, Director of the Royal College of Midwives (RCM) Cymru, said the findings reflected longstanding concerns raised by frontline staff.

She said: “This report echoes

what midwives and maternity support workers across Wales have been telling us for some time. There is real compassion and commitment across our workforce but there are serious and urgent challenges that must now be addressed.

“Safe staffing is the foundation of safe care — you cannot deliver safe, high-quality maternity care without a workforce that is properly staffed, supported and resourced.

“Staffing shortages must be treated as an immediate safety issue and we are calling on the Welsh Government to address this urgently, with dedicated funding and a commitment to fully implement these recommendations.”

She added that the right skill mix, stronger leadership support and investment in newly qualified midwives were essential to creating a sustainable workforce.

The report has already prompted political criticism.

Welsh Conservative Shadow Cabinet Secretary for Health and Social Care, Peter Fox MS, said: “After 27 years of Labour running

our NHS, propped up by Plaid, this report lays bare a maternity system that is overstretched, undersupported and lagging behind the rest of the UK.

“Families are being let down by poor postnatal care, inadequate mental health provision and inconsistent investigations when things go wrong, while staff are left battling unsafe staffing levels and rising intervention rates.

“The Welsh Government must take responsibility for these failings and urgently fix systemic problems in maternity care.”

The Welsh Conservatives say they would bolster the workforce, improve data collection and establish a dedicated mother and baby unit to address gaps in provision, particularly in North Wales.

The report concludes that Wales has the expertise and commitment needed to deliver high-quality maternity care, but warns that meaningful improvement will require sustained investment, clear accountability and national coordination.

Charity bid to save Foley House

A PEMBROKESHIRE charity has launched an ambitious bid to restore foley House, one of Haverfordwest’s most significant historic buildings, through the creation of a new community cooperative called The Bucketful Centre.

Adam’s Bucketful of Hope, with support from PLANED Community Development, has established the cooperative to take forward plans to refurbish and repurpose the landmark building.

Foley House was built during Britain’s naval heyday and designed by renowned architect John Nash for the brother of Captain Foley, who served alongside Lord Nelson at the Battle of the Nile. Nash later went on to design the Brighton Pavilion and parts of Buckingham Palace. At the same time he was working on Foley House, Nash was also designing Priory House in Cardigan, located on the former hospital site at the entrance to the town.

Haverfordwest was once known as “the Bath of the West” and boasted many grand homes, but Foley House has fallen into significant disrepair over recent decades.

The four-storey building is currently owned by Pembrokeshire County

Council and is now in the process of being leased to The Bucketful Centre cooperative. Once renovated, it will become the new base for Adam’s Bucketful of Hope, operating as a cancer support centre with expanded services for patients, carers and people living with life-limiting conditions.

Founder and CEO of Adam’s Bucketful of Hope, Chris EvansThomas, said demand for the charity’s services had risen sharply since the Covid pandemic.

He said Foley House offers the space, parking and future disabled access needed to deliver improved support for patients, particularly as some hospital services are being reduced or lost.

The campaign will be formally launched at a public presentation at the Merlin Theatre, Pembrokeshire College, on Wednesday, March 4, 2026, at 6:30pm.

The event will be led by PLANED’s Community Assets Coordinator Cris Tomos, who has extensive experience in saving historic buildings, alongside well-known historian Mark Muller.

Further information about the project is available at www. bucketfulcentre.co.uk or by contacting Chris Evans-Thomas on 01437 779400.

Senedd backs assisted dying legislation in historic vote

POLITICIANS in the Senedd have voted in favour of legislation that could allow assisted dying services to be provided through the Welsh NHS in future, marking what ministers described as an “unusual constitutional moment” for Wales.

Members of the Senedd voted 28 in favour, 23 against, with two abstentions, to give consent to elements of a UK bill currently progressing through Parliament that would legalise assisted dying in England and Wales for terminally ill adults.

The vote does not itself make assisted dying legal. The proposed law is still being scrutinised in Westminster and remains some distance from becoming law, with more than 1,000 amendments tabled during its passage through the House of Lords.

However, the Senedd’s decision means that — if the legislation is ultimately approved by the UK Parliament — Welsh ministers would have the authority to establish assisted dying services within NHS Wales.

Health Secretary Jeremy Miles told members the vote represented a rare constitutional situation because assisted dying itself is not devolved to Wales, but the delivery of health services is.

He said the debate had been approached with “care” and recognition of the seriousness of the issue, adding that without the

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motion the Senedd would have had no opportunity to express a view on how services might operate in Wales.

The motion also included a Plaid Cymru amendment criticising what was described as a lack of thorough consideration by Westminster of the constitutional implications for Wales.

DIVIDED POLITICAL OPINION

The debate revealed deep divisions across parties.

Welsh Conservative leader Darren Millar opposed the motion, arguing the legislation effectively sanitised what he described as “assisted suicide” and warning about the ethical implications for medical professionals.

Others supported the measure on practical grounds rather than principle. Labour MS Julie Morgan said failing to approve the motion could leave Wales without access to services if the law changed elsewhere.

She told the chamber that only a small number of people would likely

seek assisted dying, but that access should not depend on whether someone could afford private care.

Plaid Cymru politicians also expressed mixed views. Former party leader Adam Price said the Senedd had been placed in an “invidious position” but argued withholding consent would not prevent assisted dying — only risk a private-sectoronly system.

Meanwhile, some MSs raised concerns about vulnerable people feeling pressured to end their lives, while others warned about the potential impact on palliative care services and the doctor-patient relationship.

Reform UK’s James Evans abstained, saying he supported the principle of assisted dying but believed the legislation still required significant clarification.

WHAT HAPPENS NExT

The bill itself remains under consideration in the UK Parliament and is not guaranteed to pass. If it does become law, the decision about whether to introduce assisted dying services in Wales would fall to a future Welsh Government.

The issue is likely to remain politically sensitive, particularly ahead of the Senedd elections scheduled for May, where questions around health policy, personal autonomy and ethical legislation may feature prominently in campaign debates.

Plaid Cymru’s Delyth Jewell says everyone involved in the debate is “moved by compassion”

Police step up community engagement

RESIDENTS in Howarth Close, Milford Haven, may have noticed an increased police presence in the area on Tuesday (Feb 24), as officers carried out door-to-door visits to promote a new community messaging service.

Members of the Neighbourhood Policing and Prevention Team spoke directly with residents to encourage sign-ups to Dyfed-Powys Connects — a free email alert system designed to keep communities informed about local policing matters.

The service provides updates on

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crime, antisocial behaviour, policing activity, community events and crime prevention advice tailored to specific neighbourhoods.

Officers say the initiative aims to strengthen communication between police and the public, helping residents stay informed about issues affecting their area.

Residents can sign up to the free service online at: https://orlo.uk/3POxP

Closing Ysgol Meidrim branded ‘illogical’

CYMDEITHAS YR IAITH has criticised Carmarthenshire County Council’s proposal to close Ysgol Meidrim, describing the move as an “illogical conclusion” and questioning whether the statutory presumption against closing rural schools has been properly applied.

The campaign group issued a formal response to the consultation, arguing that local authorities are required to begin any review of a rural school by seriously considering how it can be sustained and developed, with closure considered only as a last resort.

Speaking on behalf of Cymdeithas yr Iaith locally, Ffred Ffransis said: “Nobody could understand why the council would come to the illogical conclusion of wishing to close a school which Estyn said was improving educationally, where pupil numbers were increasing, where the school served as the Welsh-medium heart of the community, which acted as a safe haven for pupils with additional learning needs, and where the council would save almost no money at all by closing it.

“However, when we followed the initial stages of the consultation process, it became clear that officials were treating all rural schools under review as problems from the start, and data was collected to back up the preconception. In presenting

the legislation to the Senedd in 2018, the then Secretary for Education, Kirsty Williams, emphasised that proposing closure of a rural school should always be the ‘last resort’, but it is now being treated as the solution of choice.”

He added that the organisation welcomed signs the council was taking seriously an alternative proposal from the school’s governors to develop a costed community hub alongside the school, working in cooperation with neighbouring schools.

COUNCIL RESPONSE

Carmarthenshire County Council has previously stated that it has a statutory duty to review school provision to ensure education is delivered in suitable facilities and remains sustainable for the future. The authority says proposals are developed following detailed assessments, including pupil numbers, building condition, financial considerations and long-term viability.

The council has also confirmed that consultation responses, including alternative proposals, will be considered before any final decision is made by elected members.

The consultation process remains ongoing.

Crucial Crew partners gather at South Hook

AGENCIES from across Pembrokeshire have gathered at the South Hook LNG Terminal to review the continued success of Crucial Crew — widely regarded as the county’s most important safety education event for young people.

The thirty-second Crucial Crew programme, the longest-running initiative of its kind in Wales, took place over two weeks before Christmas at Scolton Manor, welcoming more than 1,200 pupils from thirty-nine schools. The event is organised by Pembrokeshire County Council’s Road Safety Team with financial support from South Hook LNG Terminal.

Representatives from partner agencies and Scolton Manor were invited to South Hook recently to reflect on the delivery of the latest programme, evaluate feedback from teachers, and consider ways the initiative can continue to evolve to meet the needs of young people.

Since its launch in 1993, more than 40,000 Pembrokeshire schoolchildren have benefited from the interactive workshops, which remain a key part of the final year of primary school education in the county.

The event brings together emergency

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services and specialist organisations to provide practical safety advice across a range of real-life situations. Topics include water, fire, road and rail safety, electrical hazards, school bus evacuation, online safety and dog awareness, with pupils guided through realistic scenarios designed to build confidence and awareness.

Organisations delivering sessions include Pembrokeshire County Council’s Road Safety and School Transport teams, National Grid, Network Rail, Welsh Ambulance Service, Dyfed-Powys Police, Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service, the John Burns Foundation, HM Coastguard and the RNLI.

A spokesperson said the continued partnership approach ensures the event remains relevant and impactful for future generations of young people in Pembrokeshire.

Photo caption: Partners and agencies involved in Crucial Crew meet at South Hook LNG Terminal to discuss ongoing improvements to the annual safety event (Pic: Supplied).

Vulnerable man gets urgent care after years in pain

A PEMBROKESHIRE man who endured more than two years of severe dental pain has finally received the urgent treatment he needed following a campaign involving family appeals, community support, media coverage and political intervention.

The Herald previously reported in December on the case of Robert Probert, aged 51, who is severely disabled, non-verbal and relies entirely on his 80-year-old mother for care. At the time, his brother Alfie said Robert was “wasting away in agony” after being unable to access specialist dental treatment.

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The case first gained attention after an emotional social media appeal from the family was widely shared across Pembrokeshire, prompting strong public reaction and calls for urgent action.

Following that publicity, local Senedd Member Samuel Kurtz became involved, with his office contacting the family and raising concerns with the Welsh Government and Hywel Dda University Health Board. He also referenced the case during proceedings in the Senedd while pressing ministers on access to dental care.

Robert has now undergone treatment at the Day Surgery Unit at Bridgend Hospital and is recovering safely.

Samuel Kurtz MS said: “This is a welcome and much-needed outcome. While we are relieved that Robert has now received the care he urgently needed, this case highlights the challenges vulnerable adults face in accessing essential healthcare, particularly in rural areas like Pembrokeshire. No one should be left in pain for years.”

The case has renewed concerns about waiting times for specialist dental services in west Wales, particularly for patients with complex needs who often require hospital-based treatment under sedation or general anaesthetic.

It remains unclear whether Robert’s treatment had already been scheduled prior to political intervention, but the family say they are relieved that he has now received the care he urgently needed.

Developer to host new homes event in Haverfordwest

PROPERTY seekers are being invited to explore home ownership opportunities at a special event in Haverfordwest this weekend.

Leading developer Lovell Homes will host the open day at its Augustus Grange development, off St David’s Road, on Saturday (Feb 28), with a focus on supporting key workers and buyers interested in Shared Ownership.

The mixed-tenure scheme, delivered in partnership with housing provider Codi, will provide a total of 115 twoand three-bedroom homes. The site is located around six miles from the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park and offers easy access to the county town’s shops, schools and transport links.

Visitors attending the event will be able to tour showhomes, learn more about available properties and receive guidance on affordability options — including Lovell’s key worker discount scheme. Independent mortgage advisers from ABP Mortgages will also be on hand to provide free, tailored advice based on individual circumstances.

The developer’s key worker discount

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offers eligible buyers a saving of £500 for every £25,000 spent on a new Lovell property. The initiative is open to people working in sectors such as the NHS, education, armed forces, emergency services and local authorities, with savings able to contribute towards deposits, moving costs or furnishings, subject to terms and availability.

Shared Ownership homes are also available at Augustus Grange, allowing buyers to purchase a minimum 50 per cent share of a property while paying rent on the remaining share to Codi. The approach is designed to reduce the size of the required deposit and mortgage, helping more people onto the housing ladder.

Among those who have already benefited from the scheme is Barbara Thomas, aged 80, who downsized into a low-maintenance home at the development.

She said: “I wanted a home that was all new so I wouldn’t need to worry about

DIY. We looked around the showhome and loved it. I wasn’t aware of Shared Ownership before, but it was explained clearly to me and it meant I could put some money down while still having some spare.”

Suzie Hewitt, Regional Sales Director at Lovell Homes, said affordability and flexibility were major priorities for buyers.

She said: “We know that affordability and flexibility are key considerations for many buyers, which is why this event at Augustus Grange is all about showing people the options available to them,

from Shared Ownership to key worker support.

“We are also giving homebuyers access to clear, independent mortgage advice so they can explore their next move with confidence. We’re looking forward to welcoming people to site and helping them find their perfect home.”

The Augustus Grange sales office is open daily from 10:00am to 5:00pm. For further information, visit the Lovell Homes website or contact the sales team on 01427 928 064.

Pushed for action: Sam Kurtz MS

Police step up action at Tasker Milward School

POLICE have increased patrols and deployed additional resources following a rise in youthrelated antisocial behaviour in Haverfordwest and Pembroke Dock, with particular concern centred on the former Tasker Milward School site.

Dyfed-Powys Police say they have received an influx of reports in recent weeks about large groups of young people gathering in certain locations, causing harassment, alarm and distress to residents and local businesses.

Officers have also raised concerns about alcohol use and incidents where young people have sustained injuries after entering unsafe, disused

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buildings.

Neighbourhood policing and prevention teams are carrying out targeted patrols and working closely with partner agencies and local businesses to tackle the issue.

Pembrokeshire County Council is also strengthening security at the former school building. Measures include replacing damaged boarding and fencing panels, installing anticlimb paint and defender strips, and clearing debris from the site to reduce opportunities for trespass and minimise the risk of harm.

Police say additional resources — including response officers and specialist units — have been allocated to provide what they describe as a robust response to the situation.

Officers are using a range of powers under antisocial behaviour legislation, including requiring individuals to provide their details under Section 50 of the Police Reform Act and directing people to leave an area for up to 48 hours under Sections 34 and 35 of the Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act.

Superintendent Louise Harries, BCU Commander for Pembrokeshire, said the behaviour was having a significant impact on communities.

She said: “The impact of

this antisocial behaviour on our communities and local businesses cannot be underestimated. We want to reassure residents that we are taking robust action by using the powers available to us as police, and working closely with partner agencies.

“Regarding the former Tasker Milward School building, I want to be absolutely clear that breaking into a building could not only amount to a crime but is also extremely dangerous. Children have already been injured at the site, and we cannot allow this to continue.

“We are asking parents and carers to speak to their children about their behaviour, where they are spending their time, and who they are associating with. Many of the groups involved are travelling from different areas in Pembrokeshire, and it is important that parents are aware of this.”

She added that antisocial behaviour and criminal offences can have long-term consequences for young people, including potential impacts on education and future employment.

“Early intervention is key to preventing this, and we are asking for parents and carers to support our efforts in keeping these children, and our local community, safe,” she said.

Where criminal offences are identified, police say positive action will be taken and prosecutions pursued where appropriate.

Parents and carers concerned about their child’s behaviour can seek support through the Pembrokeshire Families’ Support Network or by contacting their local neighbourhood policing team.

Residents are encouraged to report antisocial behaviour via 101 or online. In an emergency, always dial 999.

Motorbike thefts linked to Facebook Marketplace spark police warning

POLICE have issued a warning to motorbike sellers after a spate of thefts linked to facebook Marketplace across Pembrokeshire and Ceredigion.

Dyfed-Powys Police confirmed that five motorbikes and one electric bike were reported stolen between Tuesday (Feb 4) and Tuesday (Feb 18), with offences typically occurring late at night or during the early hours of the morning.

Officers say suspects have been contacting sellers who advertised motorcycles online, posing as genuine buyers in order to obtain home addresses for viewings. Shortly after these details were shared, the bikes were stolen.

Three men have been arrested in connection with the incidents and have since been released on bail while enquiries continue.

Police are now urging anyone selling a motorbike online to take extra precautions.

A spokesperson said: “We are advising sellers to choose a public location for any viewing or exchange, avoid engaging with suspicious accounts that appear newly created or incomplete, and always use secure payment methods.”

Anyone with information about the thefts is asked to contact Dyfed-Powys Police, either online or by calling 101.

BBC documentary reveals local man murdered mother then lived with body

A NEW BBC documentary examining one of Pembrokeshire’s most disturbing crimes will be broadcast this week — and includes contributions from two journalists closely involved in reporting the case at the time.

The programme, The Truth About My Murder: A Killing in Lockdown, focuses on the killing of Judith Rhead by her son Dale Morgan at her Pembroke Dock flat during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Morgan was jailed for life in October 2021 after admitting murdering his 68-year-old mother, striking her repeatedly with a hammer before living in the property alongside her body for around two months.

The documentary explores the events leading up to the discovery of Judith’s body in February 2021, the subsequent police investigation, and the impact on her family and community.

It also features contributions from local journalists including Herald editor Tom Sinclair and his deputy Jon Coles, who both covered the case extensively during the investigation and court proceedings.

Judith Rhead, described by friends as sociable and caring, had worked as a social work assistant and carer. She was well known locally and enjoyed music and karaoke.

Concerns were raised when neighbours had not seen her for some time during lockdown. Morgan initially

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rieve.nesbitt-marr@herald.email

told people she was unwell and later claimed she had been admitted to hospital, prompting further checks.

Police eventually attended the flat on Saturday, February 20, 2021, where officers discovered her body inside the bedroom.

A post-mortem examination

confirmed she had died from multiple head injuries consistent with a hammer attack. Evidence suggested she had been dead for several weeks before being found.

Morgan later handed himself in to police and admitted the killing. At Swansea Crown Court he was sentenced to life imprisonment with a minimum term of 21 years and six months.

Sentencing him, the judge described

the attack as savage and sustained against a defenceless woman.

Dyfed-Powys Police said procedures relating to welfare concerns have since been reviewed, with greater emphasis placed on face-to-face contact where vulnerability is suspected.

The Truth About My Murder: A Killing in Lockdown will be broadcast on BBC One Wales at 10:40pm on Tuesday (Feb 24), and is also available to watch on BBC iPlayer.

Dale Morgan killed his mother with a hammer

Herald Editor Tom Sinclair explains how the community was shocked by the murder

Aberporth fears raised after Russian claims

CONCERNS are being raised in West Wales after a community meeting was announced over claims that Aberporth has previously been identified as a potential Russian military target.

Campaign groups have circulated

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material stating that the Ceredigion site was included on a list of UK locations referenced by a senior Russian political figure in 2022, prompting calls for

specific threat to Aberporth, defence analysts have warned more broadly that modern conflicts increasingly involve long-range precision weapons and infrastructure targeting.

In December 2022, Dmitry Rogozin — a former deputy prime minister of Russia — published a map on social media naming a number of UK defencerelated locations in response to British support for Ukraine. Among the sites referenced was Aberporth, due to its links with drone testing and defence contractors.

Security experts note that such statements are often political rhetoric rather than operational military targeting plans.

Nevertheless, the presence of defence-related infrastructure in rural communities can raise concerns locally, particularly when international tensions are high.

discussion about the risks associated with defence-related activity in the area.

Aberporth is home to West Wales Airport and a major unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) testing range, where defence contractors operate alongside civilian aviation projects. The site has long been linked to UK drone development programmes.

The issue has resurfaced amid wider geopolitical tensions and follows previous incidents in Welsh waters involving suspected Russian military activity.

In November last year, The Pembrokeshire Herald reported that a suspected Russian sonar device had been recovered off the coast near Skomer Island, just months after a Russian intelligence-gathering vessel was monitored operating off the Pembrokeshire coastline. RAF surveillance aircraft and a Royal Navy warship were deployed to track the vessel during that incident.

While there is no evidence of any

Campaigners argue residents should be fully informed about the implications of military-linked development in the region and the potential risks it could bring.

A public meeting organised by campaign groups is scheduled to take place at Aberporth Village Hall on Friday evening.

The Ministry of Defence does not comment on specific security arrangements but has previously stated that the UK maintains robust measures to protect national infrastructure and works closely with NATO allies to monitor threats.

Government defence policy documents also acknowledge that longrange missile threats and hybrid warfare — including intelligence-gathering activity near critical infrastructure — are increasing challenges for Western nations.

The debate comes as defence and security are expected to feature prominently in political discussions ahead of the next UK Strategic Defence Review.

Tom

Russian spy ship Yantar

Letterston nursery equipment could be stored in cemetery

A CALL for a storage container for a “well-established and valued” Pembrokeshire children’s nursery in a nearby cemetery has been submitted to county planners.

In an application to Pembrokeshire County Council, Diane Evans of Meithrinfa Do Re Mi Nursery seeks permission for the installation of a storage container, partially in retrospect, at Horeb Cemetery, Station Road, Letterston.

A supporting statement says: “The container is required to provide essential ancillary storage to support the lawful and established nursery use within the [nearby] chapel building.

“The site forms part of an active cemetery, owned and managed by a group of trustees. The applicant is one of the trustees and has obtained formal permission from the trustees for the container to be sited on this land. The area selected previously comprised a large, longstanding mound of garden waste which has now been removed. The land has been levelled and prepared with a hard-standing base.

“The container will be used solely for storage of nursery equipment and materials, including outdoor learning resources, maintenance equipment, and items required to manage both the nursery grounds and the cemetery land. No additional operational activity will take place within or around the container.”

It adds: “The day nursery provides childcare for approximately 83

and compliant operation of the nursery. The chapel building itself has limited internal storage, making external ancillary storage necessary.”

children from the local community and employs 21 staff, all of whom live locally. The nursery is a wellestablished and valued community facility, supporting local families and contributing positively to the local economy. Adequate storage is essential to ensure the safe, efficient

It says the nursery “operates with a strong community focus and promotes sustainability and environmental awareness,” with plans to soften its appearance through the planting of trees, shrubs and flowers.

It added: “Children will take part in a ‘sow, grow and give’ project,

growing cut flowers from seed. These flowers will be made available to the community, particularly visitors to the cemetery, who will be invited to cut flowers to place on the graves of loved ones. This initiative enhances biodiversity, strengthens community links, and adds social value to the cemetery space.”

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

Tudor women’s lives explored in upcoming Pembroke history talk

PEMBROKE & MONKTON Local History Society will welcome a leading Tudor historian to its next meeting on Saturday, March 7, promising a fascinating insight into the lives of women in the sixteenth century.

Guest speaker Melita Thomas will present a talk titled The Life and Times of Tudor Women, drawing on research from her acclaimed book 1000 Tudor People. The talk will explore the social, legal, political and economic challenges faced by women during the Tudor period, while also examining how some were able to carve out their own paths in areas such as trade, literature and even warfare.

Organisers say the event will offer a fresh perspective on whether Tudor women’s lives were as restricted as often portrayed, highlighting both the hardships and opportunities of the era.

Melita is the founder of the popular

Tudor Times website and a member of the Tudor Players performance group. Alongside researching and writing books, she is currently undertaking a PhD at University College London.

Doors open at 10:00am for coffee, with the talk beginning at 11:00am. The event takes place at Pembroke Town Hall, where the Pembroke Museum and Council Chamber — located on the first floor — will also be open to visitors. A lift is available for disabled access.

The society has also announced that Pembroke Museum has reopened following its winter closure. The museum is open from 10:00am to 12:30pm Monday to Friday, with hours extended until 3:00pm from Easter. Entry is free.

For more information, visit www. pembrokeandmonktonhistory. org.uk or follow the society on Facebook. Enquiries can be sent to pembrokehistory@live.co.uk.

Bruce Sinclair Local Democracy Reporter

Pembrokeshire Milford Haven children’s home approved

PLANS for a new “in-house” council children’s care home near Milford Haven have been given the go-ahead by the county council itself.

In an application to Pembrokeshire County Council, the local authority, through agent Oochitecture, sought permission for a change of use of a residential dwelling to a children’s home, along with associated works, at Sentry Cottage, Jordanston, near the Sentry Cross roundabout on the approach to Milford Haven.

An officer report recommending approval said of the two-storey, sixbed house some 1.3km east of Milford Haven: “Alterations and extensions are proposed to the dwelling including a single storey extension is proposed to the west elevation to create a larger office and storeroom, with a two storey extension to the east to provide a larger lounge and dining area and bedroom to the first floor. Externally a large parking area would be created to the east of the dwelling.”

Bruce Sinclair Local Democracy Reporter

It went on to say: “The application is for a new facility, although there is a suggestion within the submitted information that the dwelling has

previously been used as a children’s care home although there is no planning history at the site to suggest this was formally approved.

“However, the use being sought under via this application would be

located within an existing dwelling subject to extensions. The application contains detailed information outlining the need for the proposed development including detailed information about the loss of three existing places when the site stopped operating as a children’s home in February 2025.

“As such, supporting information confirms the site as an excellent opportunity to increase ‘in-house’ provision for Pembrokeshire County Council, allowing children from Pembrokeshire receive care closer to home. Information has also been provided to show the year-on-year increase of children requiring the type of care the proposal will offer.”

It further added: “The proposed single storey and two storey extensions would be of a scale that would appear subservient to the host dwelling and have an acceptable visual impact on the host dwelling, with the use of appropriate finish materials.”

The application was conditionally approved by county planners.

Community meeting planned to secure future of historic Boncath building

A PUBLIC meeting has been called in Boncath as residents prepare plans for a community buy-out of a historic corrugated iron building that has served local people for generations.

Villagers will gather at Boncath Village Hall on Tuesday (Feb 24) at 7:00pm to discuss proposals to purchase Bwthyn Boncath — the

former Women’s Institute meeting room — and transform it into a community heritage space for the village.

WI members support community purchase

Local WI members have already agreed to offer the community first refusal on the building, paving the way for a potential community-led purchase.

Supporters say the project would preserve an important piece of local heritage while creating a flexible space for events, exhibitions, and activities in the heart of the village.

PLANED HELPING LEAD INITIATIVE

The meeting will be led by Cris Tomos of PLANED, the community development charity that previously helped facilitate the community purchase of Tafarn Sinc in Rosebush in 2017.

Mr Tomos said the Boncath project could become another example of

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successful community ownership in North Pembrokeshire.

He said: “It would be great to have another corrugated building owned by the community in North Pembrokeshire — especially in 2026 as Tafarn Sinc celebrates its 150th anniversary.”

Organisers estimate that around £12,000 will be needed to secure the purchase, with further fundraising planned to support restoration and future use.

HOW TO GET INVOLVED

Anyone interested in supporting the project or learning more is encouraged to attend the public meeting.

Further information is available via the Bwthyn Boncath Facebook page or by contacting PLANED on 01834 860965.

Celebrating remarkable people – the National Eisteddfod invites nominations

THE NATIONAL EISTEDDfOD is inviting nominations for some of the festival’s most prestigious honours. Nominations are open until 1 April for the Sir TH Parry-Williams Medal, the R Alun Medal and the Science and Technology Medal.

A fund was established in 1975 to commemorate Syr TH Parry Williams’ contribution to Eisteddfod activities. This year marks fifty years since the medal was first presented to honour individuals who have carried out outstanding work in their community. This year’s award is given by Menter Iaith Sir Benfro for voluntary work to support young people in Wales.

Encouraging people to nominate outstanding individuals who have contributed to their community, Betsan Moses, the Eisteddfod’s Chief Executive, said: “The closing date for some of our most prestigious awards is fast approaching. I know that there are many in Wales who fully deserve the honour.

“This year is an important one as we celebrate fifty years since the Syr TH Parry-Williams Medal was awarded for the first time, in memory of someone who did so much during his life for the language, our culture and the Eisteddfod. We’re grateful to Menter Iaith Sir Benfro for donating the medal this year and encourage people to nominate.”

The R Alun Medal was first awarded last year at the Wrexham Eisteddfod in memory of the late R Alun Evans

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who was a key figure in developing the festival. The medal is presented to a person who has made a real contribution to supporting, sustaining and enriching the culture of their local area. The 2026 medal will be presented

in memory of Martyn and Meryl Lloyd.

The Science and Technology Medal is given in memory of Dr Glyn O Phillips for the first time this year, he was the first winner of the medal and a pioneer in his field. For over twenty years, the medal has recognised the contribution of individuals who have made an impression in the field of science and

technology through the medium of Welsh.

The Eisteddfod hopes that nominations will come from across Wales again this year to celebrate those people who have made a real difference in their communities and had an impact in their fields.

The alternative view By Mike Dello

WHAT a week it has been, as the former Prince Andrew, who was arrested and later released, became part of the Pandora’s box of the Epstein files continuing to pour out massive news items to satisfy the hunger of the media. The picture of Andrew at the back of a police car, looking like a frightened rabbit caught in the headlights, will go down in history. But as the country was still reeling from that, Lord Mandelson endured the same fate on Monday afternoon as he was taken in for questioning.

Mandelson, in his 72 years, has held three Cabinet posts, was a European minister, and more recently held the most prestigious post of all other than premier — namely Ambassador

when Donald Trump keeps an airtight grip on the border to prevent migrants attempting to cross illegally. It is a policy that has had its fair share of condemnation from the human rights fraternity, but this week the much-criticised president could well feel vindicated as a powder keg exploded in the South American state when the leader of arguably the most powerful drugs cartel in Mexico, namely Nemesio Cervantes, was killed in an operation reportedly funded by the US, which provided a bounty of $15,000,000 to take him out, so to speak.

A massive shoot-out occurred between El Mencho’s (as he is known) bodyguards and the security forces, which totalled 2,500 troops. It sparked major clashes in most of the country’s provinces, with tourists advised to stay indoors. The country’s premier, Claudia Sheinbaum, claimed the situation is now under control.

It has always been known that Mexican police are vastly underfunded and, more often than not, they are forced to fund their police cars themselves. It seems things are improving for the security forces since Trump started subsidising them, but with the opening game of the FIFA World Cup scheduled for the city of Guadalajara in a few months, it is hoped this situation does not kick off again, as it were.

is, it is clear this invasion has been a huge failure given that the operation was supposed to last three days. Zelensky stays defiant and says he will not concede any land. For his and his nation’s sake, it is hoped he enjoys the ongoing support from NATO and a consistently unpredictable President Trump.

I don’t normally focus on local issues in this column, preferring the Herald to report on such matters, epitomised in an excellent documentary on BBC iPlayer called The Lockdown Murder, to which editor Tom Sinclair made a terrific contribution. But I had to give my views on Hywel Dda Health Board’s decision to cut emergency surgery at Withybush Hospital.

Welsh supremo Eluned Morgan, as she is unfondly known, has wrung her hands of blame. Normally Labour blames the Tories, but this time Morgan blames the health board. No, Ms Morgan — we are not convinced. Lives have been put at risk. This has happened on your watch and over 18 months since your party’s huge election victory. Yet another shameful day for this government, this time at a very local level. Tufnell, by the way, still grins like a pregnant hyena at every given opportunity.

to the United States. He is under investigation for allegedly leaking sensitive government information to disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein. Starmer still hired Mandelson as US ambassador, though he knew he still had a relationship with Epstein, which seriously questions his judgement.

Leader of the opposition Kemi Badenoch said on Monday night: “This is a defining moment in Starmer’s premiership.” As crisis after crisis haunts this Prime Minister, he seems increasingly fireproof, and Labour’s take that there is no one suitable enough to take over is frankly a kick in the teeth for the electorate he is charged with serving.

It is not too often that Mexico hits the headlines, other than

Meanwhile, back in his own backyard, a third attempt was made to inflict harm on Trump as an armed intruder was shot dead at Trump’s holiday retreat at Mar-a-Lago. The hapless attempt was doomed from the start as the president was back in Washington at the time. The dead man was named as Austin Martin, in his early twenties, from North Carolina — another example of how trigger-happy the Americans are. This young man obviously had some kind of death wish.

This week saw the fourth anniversary of Putin’s invasion of Ukraine. The casualties have run into tens of thousands on the Ukrainian side; Russia does not report casualties. It seems as big a proposition as Russia

And finally, do you remember Shamima Begum — the British so-called child bride who has been in Syria since 2019 after being stripped of her citizenship for posing a danger to our security? She took shelter with ISIS. British journalist Andrew Drury has interviewed her several times since, and the latest twist sees her still wanting a return to the UK. She asked Drury for £35,000 to help her in her latest quest, her plan being to get over the border to Turkey and then eventually board a dinghy to get to the UK.

Ministers over here are, of course, beating their chests and saying it will never happen. It is a shame they don’t display the same gusto in stopping thousands of other illegal migrants, some threatening the safety of Britain. Interesting to see how this one pans out.

Community spirit shines as Wiseman’s Bridge Inn supports Saundersfoot Runners’ food bank event

SAUNDERSfOOT Runners have once again demonstrated the strength of local community spirit after hosting their fourth annual food Bank Run in aid of The James Criddle foundation, a Tenby-based food bank.

The popular event attracted a strong turnout of runners and walkers of all abilities, with participants gathering at Wiseman’s Bridge on Sunday morning. Although early rain threatened to dampen proceedings, the weather cleared just in time for the 10:00am start, with even a hint of sunshine greeting those taking part.

Undeterred by puddles along the Heritage Trail towards Pleasant Valley, participants completed multiple laps of the route, collecting discs which were later exchanged for raffle tickets. Alongside generous food donations, the raffle helped further boost support for the Foundation’s work helping local families.

Organisers paid special tribute to Wiseman’s Bridge Inn for once again providing shelter before and after the event, ensuring donations stayed dry and offering much-appreciated refreshments to participants afterwards.

The James Criddle Foundation was established in 2022 in memory of James Criddle, who tragically died in a motorcycle accident while living in Bali. His mother, Rachael, one of the Foundation’s organisers, said the event continues to reflect his legacy.

“James would have been so proud of what has been achieved in his name,” she said. “We love working with Saundersfoot Runners on the annual Food Bank Run — they are one of our biggest supporters and their support means such a lot to local families, particularly at this difficult time of year.”

The Food Bank Run concept was originally created by Sarah Don through

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her running club in Fareham, Hampshire, as a way to collect donations for a local food bank. Following its success, the initiative grew into a national — and later international — movement in 2023, after a Facebook group encouraged clubs across the UK and beyond to organise similar events for their own communities.

Organisers say details of the 2027 Saundersfoot event will be announced on the Saundersfoot Runners Facebook page in due course.

Bosherston Bistro 10pm alcohol licence granted by council

A CALL to allow the selling of alcohol as late as 10pm at a rural beauty spot former village tearoom which objectors fear will “create an absolute nightmare” exacerbating an already growing issue with antisocial behaviour from holidaymakers, has been given the go-ahead.

At Pembrokeshire County Council’s February licensing sub-committee, members considered an application by Sarah Jane Partridge and Robert John Secrett for a new premises licence at Bosherton Bistro, Old World Cottage, Bosherton.

A report for members said it was proposed the premises, formerly a tearoom called ‘Ye Olde Worlde Café’ would open 8am-10pm, selling alcohol from 9am on and off site, seven days a week in the village.

Since the proposal for the site, close to the village pub The St Govan’s Inn, was publicised, 13 objections were received, including Stackpole and Castlemartin Community Council.

In its submissions, the community council said it “will cause a significant public nuisance in the residential area”.

It said the ordinarily tranquil Bosherston, with its neighbouring beauty spot attractions of the lily ponds and St Govans currently has four well-established camp sites “which already frequently cause late night disruption, littering and anti-social behaviour caused predominantly by intoxicated individuals”.

It went on to say: “Instances of aggressive behaviour and trespass are already prevalent within the village by visitors under the influence of alcohol.”

Concerns raised by members of the public included fears of “an increased problem with drunkenness, drink driving and antisocial behaviour,” and it would “make life for the residents in the immediate area an absolute nightmare”.

Speaking at the meeting, applicant Sarah Jane Partridge said they shared “the same fundamental aims as the residents,” with the scheme “not about creating a drinking venue but a food-based family

bistro”.

She stressed that campers were already able to buy alcohol from the pub, or bring their own to the campsites, adding the 84-cover bistro would introduce safeguarding measures around the sale of any alcohol; off-site sales consisting of ‘gift-set’-style alcohol craft packages rather than “cans of lager”.

Objector Rik Guly said there had been many public order incidents over the years in the 36-home village relating to visitors from the campsites, as well as empty beer bottles, tampons and tins littering the area, one farmer also having his ‘honesty box’ stolen on several occasions; the application “effectively throwing a catalyst for more alcohol consumption and more public disorder”.

He also raised concerns it could restrict access along the narrow road to the nearby coastguard building for emergency services.

Another objector Clare Strudwick said “almost half the village” was objecting to the scheme which would cause “unacceptable public nuisance”.

Representing the community council, local county councillor Steve Alderman, who once farmed in Bosherston himself, said post-Covid visitor interest in the area had been raised “immeasurably,” with huge numbers attracted to the area.

He said that, while “antisocial behaviour, both physical and verbal” and “a complete lack of respect for what is a marvellous-looking village” was “society’s fault,” the resident’s had a right to enjoy their quality of life.

After the committee deliberated, chair Cllr Tony Wilcox said they had considered the range of objections but considered they were “not of sufficient seriousness to consider rejecting the application”.

The licensing application was approved, objectors hearing that decision could be appealed within 28 days.

Bruce Sinclair Local Democracy Reporter

St Davids cyclist completes 200mile charity challenge for RNLI

A PEMBROKESHIRE supporter has cycled more than 200 miles along the Welsh coast, visiting nine lifeboat stations and raising over £1,000 for the RNLI.

Jonathan Bradley took on the solo endurance challenge in November 2025, starting at RNLI St Davids Lifeboat Station and finishing four days later at Pwllheli. Along the way he stopped at every RNLI station on his route, including Fishguard, Cardigan, New Quay, Aberystwyth, Aberdovey, Barmouth and Criccieth.

The RNLI said Jonathan had been a long-time member of its Storm Force youth programme and had always remained a keen supporter of the charity’s lifesaving work.

The fundraising effort covered around 200 miles of coastal roads and terrain, with Jonathan completing the journey alone while carrying his own equipment.

An RNLI spokesperson praised his commitment, saying the funds raised would help support volunteer crews who provide lifesaving services around the coast of Wales and the wider UK and Ireland.

The charity relies heavily on donations and community fundraising to maintain its lifeboats, stations and rescue equipment, with volunteers responding to thousands of incidents each year.

Jonathan’s journey began in Pembrokeshire at St Davids — one of the RNLI’s busiest stations — giving the challenge a strong local connection before continuing north along Cardigan Bay to Gwynedd.

The RNLI added its thanks to everyone who supported the challenge through donations and encouragement, describing the effort as an inspiring example of community fundraising in action.

Kurtz’s “Best local pub” competition returns for second year

SAMUEL KURTZ MS has announced the return of his “Best Local Pub” competition for a second year, giving residents across West Wales the chance to recognise the pubs that sit at the heart of their communities.

Local pubs are often far more than places to enjoy a drink — they act as social hubs, meeting points, cultural venues and important employers. The competition aims to highlight the vital role these businesses play in bringing people together, supporting jobs and contributing to the regional economy.

Last year’s inaugural competition proved popular, with The Ivy Bush in Narberth crowned overall winner and The Highgate Inn in Hundleton named runnerup.

Mr Kurtz said he was pleased to expand the initiative this year to include nominations from across the whole of West Wales.

He said: “Last year’s competition was a huge success, and it was fantastic to see so many communities getting behind their local pubs. We’re thrilled to bring it back for a second year and give even more

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venues the opportunity to be recognised for the invaluable role they play.”

Figures underline the sector’s importance to the local economy. Across Mid and South Pembrokeshire there are around 162 pubs and five breweries, supporting approximately 1,175 jobs and contributing an estimated £57 million annually. In the Ceredigion Penfro area, 161 pubs and five breweries support around 1,800 jobs and contribute £59 million to the economy.

Residents can nominate their favourite pub via the website www.samuelkurtz. wales or through Mr Kurtz’s social media channels. Nominations are open throughout February, with the winning pub receiving a prize that includes a free barrel of standard beer of their choice, sponsored by Templeton Beer, Wine and Spirit Co.

Mr Kurtz added: “Let’s work together to shine a spotlight on the pubs that have made a difference in our lives and continue to play a pivotal role in our towns and villages.”

Timber, tools and tradition: Volunteers learn ancient woodland skills

PENGELLI WOODS in Pembrokeshire was filled with the sound of axes and saws last week as volunteers gathered to learn the traditional craft of coppicing during a hands-on woodland skills day organised by Cwm Arian.

Participants joined staff and students from Cwm Arian and Coppicewood College for a practical session exploring sustainable woodland management techniques that have been used in West Wales for thousands of years.

Coppicing — a method that involves cutting trees near ground level to stimulate new growth — was once central to how communities managed local woodlands. The cyclical process provided a reliable supply of timber for fuel, tools, fencing and craftwork while allowing forests to regenerate naturally.

During the session, volunteers watched experienced woodland workers fell trees using traditional tools including axes, billhooks and two-person saws, before taking part themselves in processing the timber. They learned how different sizes of wood can be used for a range of purposes, from small sticks for bread ovens and riverbank stabilisation to larger lengths suitable for furniture or construction.

Organisers said the day was not only about practical skills but also about

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reconnecting people with nature and heritage.

One volunteer said: “The session was a real reminder of how our ancestors cared for the land. It’s incredible to see how these low-tech methods were not only practical but also sustainable — lessons that feel increasingly relevant today.”

Between activities, participants took time to observe the woodland environment, listen to birdsong and reflect on seasonal changes, helping to build a deeper connection with the landscape.

The event forms part of the CoedUNO project, a Cwm Arian initiative that promotes sustainable land management, biodiversity and heritage skills across North Pembrokeshire. Further volunteering opportunities are planned in the coming weeks:

• February 25 (9:30am – 12:30pm), Felindre Farchog: Tree planting of fruit, nut and native species

• March 4 (1:30pm – 4:30pm), CoedUNO Tegryn: Agroforestry site session

• March 12 (10:00am – 4:00pm), Pengelli Woods: Processing a felled tree using billhook and saw

Organisers say the sessions demonstrate how low-tech, human-led forestry can be both productive and regenerative — offering valuable insights as communities respond to climate change and the transition to sustainable energy.

Cwm Arian is a Community Benefit Society based in West Wales, originally established through a community wind turbine project in Llanfyrnach. The organisation now supports homes, community buildings and local groups to

develop renewable energy systems and reduce carbon emissions.

CoedUNO, based in Tegryn, is the first agroforestry demonstration site within the National Forest for Wales. Designed using permaculture principles, the site combines conservation, education and community engagement while supporting wildlife habitats across the Taf and Teifi catchments.

For more information or to book a session, contact Kevin, Volunteer Organiser at Cwm Arian: kevin@cwmarian.org.uk.

Fishguard RNLI volunteer steps down after more than 50 years of saving lives

A DEVOTED volunteer and former employee at fishguard RNLI has stepped down from his final role after more than five decades of outstanding service to the local community and those in need at sea.

After 50 years of unwavering commitment, Chris Williams has retired from the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI), bringing to a close a remarkable chapter defined by professionalism, compassion and lifesaving impact.

Chris and his wife Brenda returned to the area in 1974 when he took up the position of second engineer with British Rail Ferries. Shortly afterwards, he was approached by then assistant mechanic Roy Williams, who, anticipating his own retirement, recognised the station would soon need a new mechanic. Chris joined the lifeboat crew and answered his first callout in 1976.

He was already closely connected to the station. His mother had been a founding member of the local Women’s Lifeboat Guild, raising vital funds for the charity, and Chris had often helped with fundraising efforts.

In 1979, when full-time station mechanic Noel Murrow retired, Chris stepped into the role. Having spent five years sailing between Fishguard and Rosslare, he decided to dedicate himself fully to the station — a position he held until 2005.

In 2006, Chris became the station’s Volunteer Water Safety Advisor, leading community engagement

initiatives to promote safety around the coast — a role he carried out until 2021. Alongside this, he took on additional responsibility in 2016 as Launch Authority, a crucial volunteer position coordinating communication between the lifeboat station and HM Coastguard.

Following the departure of the previous Lifeboat Operations Manager (LOM) in 2021, Chris

stepped in to lead the station on a temporary basis. In 2024, he was formally appointed to the role. As LOM, he served as station manager and the key link between Fishguard RNLI and RNLI headquarters in Poole, a responsibility he fulfilled with diligence and dedication until his retirement this month.

Over the course of his career, Chris served aboard three successive classes of lifeboat as they came into service.

The first was the Watson class lifeboat Howard Marryat. Reflecting on those early days, Chris recalled:

“On a rough night you got wet as you hit the water at the bottom of the slip — and you stayed wet until you got back.”

The Watson was followed by the Arun class lifeboat Marie Winstone. Chris described her as:

“A huge step up in speed — 18 knots — and space; you could almost hold a dance in the wheelhouse. She was highly manoeuvrable, but a very uncomfortable sea boat. She had a vicious roll and could slam so hard in a heavy sea you thought the fillings would come out of your teeth.”

His favourite, however, is the current Trent class lifeboat Blue Peter VII, which arrived on station in 1994.

Among many memorable moments, Chris described his most poignant as being part of the crew tasked with taking a replacement lifeboat to Newlyn the day after the

loss of the Penlee lifeboat Solomon Browne in 1981 — the last time an RNLI lifeboat and all her crew were lost at sea. Battling severe conditions, the journey from Fishguard took 25 hours. On arrival, they were met by dozens of local people cheering and waving in support.

While his later years as LOM brought different challenges from those faced at sea, Chris approached each with the experience and professionalism gained from a lifetime of service.

Asked what he is most proud of after more than half a century with the RNLI, Chris answered in characteristically understated fashion:

“Simple. On the certificate of service the Area Operations Manager recently gave me, it says that during the 50 years I was involved with Fishguard Lifeboat in various roles, at least 114 lives were saved. That’s it.”

Reflecting on his career, he added: “Over the years it’s been a real privilege to work with crew members from such diverse backgrounds who are united by one purpose — saving lives at sea.”

Throughout his service, Chris has been supported by his wife Brenda, who was presented with a bouquet of flowers on behalf of the RNLI during the ceremony marking his retirement. Recruitment for the role of Lifeboat Operations Manager has now been completed, and the new post holder will be announced shortly.

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The crew of Fishguard RNLI in 1980 lined up in front of the lifeboat Howard Marryat. Pictured left to right are = Chris Williams, Huw Evans, Roger Strawbridge, Brian Hughes (cox), John Knight (nav), John Monk (head launcher), Keith Bean.

Mistar Urdd turns 50 with new anthem and public mural

ONE of Wales’ most recognisable youth icons is marking a major milestone this year as Urdd Gobaith Cymru launches celebrations to mark the 50th anniversary of Mistar Urdd.

The red, white and green mascot — created in 1976 — has become synonymous with the Urdd and its mission to inspire children and young people through the medium of Welsh. To launch the anniversary year, the organisation has unveiled a series of projects including a newly recorded version of the anthem Hei Mistar Urdd!, a large public mural in Aberystwyth, and a community celebration linked to St David’s Day.

The new recording, released on Thursday (Feb 20), features singersongwriter Aleighcia Scott alongside Dom James and Lloyd, with backing vocals by Mared Williams. The track has been newly arranged by Morgan Elwy and recorded at the iconic Sain studios in Llandwrog — the same studio where the original version was produced almost half a century ago.

Siân Lewis, Chief Executive of Urdd Gobaith Cymru, said the anniversary was a moment of pride for the organisation and for Wales.

“Mistar Urdd has remained close to the hearts of the people of Wales for 50 years, and that is something to be proud of,” she said. “The character has evolved into a symbol of hope and represents the friendship, fun and pride that we share with children and young people across the country.

Over the decades, Mistar Urdd has travelled to space, helped the Urdd break a Guinness World Record, greeted presidents and prime ministers, and even lent his name to a brandnew train. He also plays a key role in opening doors to the Welsh language and showing that the Urdd belongs to everyone.”

Aleighcia Scott said she was honoured to be part of the new recording.

“It’s an absolute privilege to be part of the new version of Hei Mistar Urdd! — what an icon, what an anthem,” she said. “As a Welsh learner, I love the work the Urdd does to inspire children and young people across Wales, and it’s been a joy to celebrate that spirit through this song.”

Kev Tame, Chief Executive of Sain, said the collaboration continued a longstanding partnership between the label and the Urdd.

“The anthem was originally released on Sain in 1977, and we are very proud to release this new version almost 50 years later,” he said.

The anniversary programme also includes a major public mural in Aberystwyth, due to be unveiled on Wednesday (Feb 25). The artwork has been designed by internationally recognised Welsh artist Pete Fowler — known for his work with the Super Furry Animals — with support from Cardiff-

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based creative studio UNIFY.

Pete Fowler said: “Mistar Urdd brings a smile to everyone’s face, and it was a pleasure to reimagine him for this milestone. I wanted to create something colourful and joyful that feels contemporary while respecting the character’s history.”

The Aberystwyth celebrations will also include school visits by Aleighcia Scott and a live performance of the new

anthem at the mural site, with Mistar Urdd making a special appearance. The event has received support from the Welsh Government’s St David’s Day Fund.

First Minister Eluned Morgan said: “Mistar Urdd has been a part of so many childhoods in Wales and it is heartwarming to see him inspiring the next generation. This project shows how creativity, education and community can come together to celebrate who we are as a nation.”

Mistar Urdd was originally created by Wynne Melville Jones shortly after

he became the Urdd’s publicity officer. By adding arms, legs and a face to the organisation’s triangular logo, he brought to life a character that would grow into a national symbol of Welsh youth and inclusivity.

Reflecting on the anniversary, Wyn Mel said: “Fifty years later, Mistar Urdd is still a firm favourite among the country’s children and young people. I can say hand on heart that all the hard work has paid off.”

Further anniversary activities are expected to be announced throughout the year.

BADGER: HANDLE WITH CARE!

THIS week, readers, Badger wants to spend some time with you talking about the Welsh NHS. Or, at least, Labour’s difficult relationship with the truth about how it is performing.

He’s going to start with something that should be bloody obvious, even to Henry Tufnell. All the money the Health Board gets comes from the Welsh Government. That means, every penny the Board depends on to deliver patient care, including spending on staffing, buildings, equipment, maintenance, and administration, has been decided upon by Labour politicians for the last twenty-seven years.

That spending also includes GP provision in cases where the Health Board delivers general medical practice services.

Now, it might suit Henry Tufnell to blame the Board for GP services, waiting times, and the loss of local health services in Pembrokeshire.

However, if you accept One-Term Tuffers’ superficial take, that means that when improvements to those services arrive, the credit for them rests with the Board, not the Labour Party. And the same applies across Wales and all other health boards. With great blame, after all, comes great responsibility. Either the Welsh Government (Labour since time immemorial) takes all the blame and all the praise, or it takes none; that is not a difficult proposition, even for a public school boy.

As the Welsh Government sets the budget, it also gets a large say in how, where, and on what services money is spent. In short, the Welsh Government’s health priorities determine how the Board acts. Moreover, as the money comes from the Welsh Government, Cardiff Bay also controls aspects of Health Board spending to (more-or-less) cohere with its other policies; for example, active travel, reducing car journeys, environmental objectives, and the squillion and one other causes to

which it is attached and imposes on the public sector, no matter the cost.

Most importantly, because Labour has no roots in rural Wales, it plans its healthcare approach based on what serves those parts of Wales where, traditionally, a donkey wearing a red rosette could get elected. See Mike Hedges. What works in areas of relatively high population density, centralising key services in different locations, relying on patients

getting to appointments by using public transport, or lying about the availability of social care to replace clinical care, does not work in rural Wales.

A DIVIDED NATION

Please consider the issue this way, readers. 20% of Wales is urbanised and contains 80% of the population. 80% of Wales is rural and contains 20% of the population. Labour’s delusional approach to

healthcare seeks to impose an urban healthcare on Wales’s farflung market towns and villages. Neither does the Welsh Government properly consider population demographics.

We’ll work this through before we go further, readers. It’s a very simple proposition. In the next decade, the population of West Wales is forecast to grow by a relatively small amount. However, the entire increase is

based on an increase in the over-65 population. The 0-18 and the 18-64 populations will crater.

When people live longer in poorer health, it has a knock-on effect on the demand for healthcare services. Although the diseases of poverty and deprivation are not absent in Pembrokeshire, Ceredigion, and Carmarthenshire, they are less of a factor than the pressure on service provision posed by a growing, rapidly ageing population.

The problem is twofold. First of all, a frailer, less mobile, less techsavvy, and dispersed population in an area in which public transport links are laughably inadequate for patient transport, will struggle to get to appointments ten miles away, let alone fifty. Secondly, the pressure on boards to decant patients to social care to free up beds means that Council Tax payers end up paying twice for the same service: once through general taxation for the NHS, and then through Council Tax when the NHS decides that it’s time for good old community care. If you want to know why Council Tax will go up sharply in the next ten years (unless it’s totally reformed), look no further than the cost to the Council of providing care and support to the vulnerable and ill.

Cutting hospital beds, centralising services, kicking the can down the road so Council Tax payers foot the bill, failure to account for the needs of a dispersed rural population: those are all Welsh Government choices. As it’s been in power for twenty-six years, those choices are specifically Labour’s choices.

The Welsh Government model for healthcare, such as it is, depends on concentrating major services in a few hubs, with other services carried out at downgraded general hospitals; it depends on specialist services formerly provided by clinicians being provided by less-qualified staff; some GP services being provided by pharmacists; and the sick and ill being decanted from hospital beds into “community care”. That model is one-size-fits-none.

There are sound practical reasons for such an approach. There is a UK-wide shortage of specialist doctors, GPs, and nurses. That’s partly fed by the fact that the NHS makes extraordinary demands on its dedicated patient-facing staff. Bagder has pointed out before that working for the NHS is not like being conscripted into the armed forces. You cannot compel staff to work in locations they don’t want to go to.

THE BARONESS PASSES THE BUCK

The above is not to say that the Welsh Government has the final say on every stitch of Health Board spending, but it has the largest say - both directly and indirectly - over how Hywel Dda UHB allocates its budget. For the avoidance of doubt, and to make sure even Henry Tufnell understands what that means, the buck stops with the Welsh Government - for the last twentyseven years, a Labour government - for the Board’s conduct of its business.

Eluned Morgan wants the dim, credulous, and mentally unfit to wipe their own backsides to believe that the previous, ongoing, and proposed removal of services from Withybush has nothing to do with the Welsh Government. She even said so on the record. She wasn’t joking. So far as she can deliver any statement with an ounce of sincerity or integrity, Baroness Morgan shrugged her shoulders and said, “Nothing to do with me”.

It’s the Welsh Government’s way, readers. You make big announcements about reconfiguring healthcare, instruct the eleventy thousand different sets of fingers in the healthcare pie to make it happen; then, when things go tits up, as they invariably do, the Welsh Government is like McCavity the Mystery Cat: never there.

Badger is not calling the First Minister a liar. Getting the facts wrong because you’re a pig-ignorant and blinkered blockhead does not make one a liar. Instead, so tiny is Eluned Morgan’s worldview, so occluded the scope of her vision for Wales, and so dementedly loyal is she to repeating the same old Labour lies about the NHS, that she can neither see the truth nor acknowledge it. To put the issue another way, a friend of Badger’s who has had cause to sit on meetings of the Welsh Local Government Association told Badger, in aghast tones, that they’d attended a WLGA meeting and were gobsmacked by Welsh Government ministers’ sincerely held belief that they were doing a good job with the Welsh NHS.

Again, readers, the word Badger reaches for is “delusional”. Reaching for two words, he arrives at “barking mad”. He had another two words in mind, but his editor’s good taste and judgement stopped him from typing them. They were much shorter and coarser in effect.

CRUNCHING THE NUMBERS

As far as Badger’s concerned, Labour politicians’ attempts to pass the buck on healthcare in Wales and the state of the Welsh NHS are absolutely shameless. You cannot make it up. Except that successive health ministers have.

Badger draws his readers’ attention to the latest NHS performance figures for Wales. If you read the Welsh Government’s (i.e., Labour’s) press release, you could believe that everything in the Welsh NHS is going swimmingly thanks to the assiduous work of the Welsh Government. The Welsh Government (Labour) press release is a masterpiece of misdirection and selective use of statistics.

The press release, adorned with a winsome photo of the Baroness of All of Our Hearts, states: “The plan to cut long waiting times and the waiting list is working, as the number of people waiting has fallen to its lowest level in almost three years.

“The overall waiting list fell for the seventh month in a row in December. It was 16,900 lower than in November and is now at its lowest level since March 2023.

“Long waits are also falling sharply. Fewer than 5,300 people were waiting more than two years for treatment in December, down by around 1,600 from November. That’s a 92.5% reduction from the peak in March 2022.

“The latest figures show that the Welsh Government’s £120m plan to cut long waiting times is working, as more outpatient appointments, tests and operations are provided across Wales.”

Now for the context. Let’s look at the figures to which the press release refers.

In March 2023, the waiting list for NHS treatment in Wales stood at 734,721. That’s right, readers, we can now celebrate that the Welsh NHS’s performance is only fractionally less dismal than one-infour of the Welsh population being on an NHS waiting list.

Looking at the two-year waiting list target raises other issues. Let’s start with that March 2022 date. In March 2022, the then Labour Health Minister, funnily enough, readers, called Eluned Morgan, announced that all two-year waits would be eliminated BY MARCH 2023. The policy the former Health Minister launched was called “Our programme for transforming and modernising planned care and reducing waiting lists in Wales”. If that were a real programme, we’d

have changed the channel long ago. Baroness Morgan of Ely is now asking us to throw a street party because she’s missed that target by three whole years. And has still missed it. In March 2022, the number of patients waiting for 2 years or more was a fraction under 32,000. Even if one accepts that the waiting list for two-year waits has fallen by 92.5%, that still leaves over 2,300 pathways open.

Rapid progress, indeed, readers. But not the whole picture. Badger directs his readers towards a recent exchange in the Senedd from a few weeks ago.

Jeremy Miles, the soon-toexit Health Minister, announced: “In some health board areas, in Swansea and in Powys, no one is waiting more than two years for treatment, or more than a year for an outpatient appointment. These are pathways where the ”

That’s bollocks. According to the Welsh Government’s own statistics, almost 1,300 pathways remain open in Swansea on which patients have waited more than a year since their first outpatient appointment.

As for Powys, a Health Board area without a general hospital, the truth is even murkier. In fact, 225 patient pathways in Powys remain open after 12 months. 185 of those pathways have been open for over two years. Those 225 were ignored by Mr Miles because other Welsh boards are dealing with those cases. So, readers, because there are no facilities to provide some health services in Powys, the Welsh Government claims success.

But it gets worse.

As it happens, Badger knows that those who live in Powys also have their care offshored to the NHS in England to make up for the lack of sufficient services in Powys (another triumph). The Welsh Government doesn’t have a scooby-doo who is on a waiting list for treatment over the border, nor how long they have waited. It could be five or six. It could be five or six hundred. The Welsh Government doesn’t know, so Badger’s guess is as good as theirs.

The old saying goes that when you sup with the Devil, you should use a long spoon. When it comes to how Labour tries to pull the wool over voters’ eyes by selectively using statistics and failing to provide adequate context for those it pulls out of the hat, Badger would advise you to handle the resulting Welsh Government (cough* Labour*) press releases with oven gloves.

gaming

LEGACY of Kain: Defiance Remastered is a striking return to one of the most narratively ambitious actionadventure titles of its era, and this updated edition makes a compelling case for why the series still commands such reverence. At its core, the game remains a dark, operatic tale of fate, free will, and cyclical damnation, following the intertwined destinies of Kain and Raziel as they navigate a decaying world steeped in gothic grandeur. The remaster does not attempt to reinvent the experience; instead, it polishes and reinforces what made the original so distinctive, allowing modern players to better appreciate its brooding atmosphere and philosophical weight without sanding away its identity.

Visually, the enhancements are immediately noticeable. Textures are sharper, character models are more defined, and the lighting system has been reworked to emphasize the oppressive architecture and cavernous environments that define Nosgoth. The spectral and material realm shifts—always a signature mechanic—benefit enormously from improved particle effects and smoother transitions, making dimensionhopping feel more seamless and less technically constrained. Importantly, the art direction remains intact; the remaster respects the heavy shadows, towering cathedrals, and twisted landscapes that give the world its timeless, almost theatrical presence. Rather than chasing hyper-realism, it embraces stylized gloom, which suits the narrative’s Shakespearean tone.

Combat, often considered the weakest element of the original release, feels tighter here, though it still reflects design sensibilities of its time. Animations flow more naturally, hit detection appears more reliable, and camera adjustments reduce some of the frustration that once plagued larger encounters. That said, the core structure— arena-style battles punctuating exploration—remains largely unchanged. For some, this will be a welcome preservation of the game’s rhythm; for others, it may feel repetitive compared to contemporary action standards. Boss encounters, however, still stand out as dramatic high points, blending spectacle with narrative payoff in a way few games manage. Where the experience truly shines is in its storytelling. The voice performances, preserved and cleaned up with higher audio fidelity, remain extraordinary.

The dialogue is dense, poetic, and unapologetically grandiose, exploring existential themes with rare confidence. Kain’s cold pragmatism and Raziel’s tortured introspection play off one another with tragic inevitability, and the script trusts players to follow complex timelines and metaphysical paradoxes without excessive exposition. The remaster’s improved sound mixing gives these performances renewed power, ensuring that every monologue lands with gravitas.

Exploration feels more fluid thanks to quality-of-life adjustments, including more intuitive navigation cues and refined controls. Environmental puzzles, which hinge on shifting

between realms to alter physical space, benefit from clearer visual feedback, reducing moments of confusion while preserving challenge. The world design remains largely linear compared to modern openworld expectations, but its focused progression reinforces the narrative momentum and keeps the player anchored in the unfolding drama.

What ultimately makes this remastered edition resonate is its refusal to dilute its identity. It is unapologetically dark, verbose, and mechanically deliberate. In an era dominated by sprawling maps and minimalist storytelling, its commitment to theatrical dialogue and fatalistic themes feels almost rebellious. The technical improvements make it more accessible, but they stop short of rewriting history. As a result, the game stands as both a preservation effort and a reintroduction, inviting longtime fans to revisit a beloved tragedy while offering newcomers a chance to experience a singular blend of action and existential drama.

Though some aspects inevitably reveal their age, particularly in combat pacing and level structure, the remaster frames them as part of its character rather than flaws to be erased. It is a game that values mood over momentum and ideas over spectacle. For players willing to embrace its somber cadence and philosophical weight, it remains a haunting, memorable journey—one that proves certain legends endure not because they are flawless, but because they dare to be different.

wiTh eddie The game guru

Scream 7 arrives with the heavy burden of legacy on its shoulders, and yet it manages to feel both reverent and refreshingly alive, walking a careful line between nostalgia and reinvention. From its opening moments, the film makes it clear that it understands what has always made the franchise endure: a sharp awareness of horror conventions, an affection for its characters, and a willingness to surprise its audience when they think they know what is coming. The familiar Ghostface presence is as chilling as ever, but this time the threat feels more personal, more psychologically intimate, as if the story is less concerned with sheer body count and more invested in the emotional scars left behind by years of violence and loss. The script leans heavily into themes of legacy, fandom, and the pressure of living up to past icons, using its self-aware humor not just for laughs but as

a way to comment on the state of modern horror and sequel culture.

What truly elevates the film, however, is its character work. The returning cast is given room to evolve rather than simply repeat old beats, and the newer faces are written with enough depth to make their fates genuinely matter.

Relationships feel lived-in, tensions are believable, and moments of quiet vulnerability are allowed to breathe between bursts of suspense. This emotional grounding makes the scares hit harder, because the audience is not just watching a puzzle unfold, but investing in people who feel real within the heightened reality of the story.

The direction balances sleek, modern visuals with subtle nods to the franchise’s roots, creating a tone that feels polished without losing its gritty edge.

In terms of suspense, the film excels at building dread through pacing rather than relying solely on shock. Several set pieces are crafted with remarkable patience, drawing out tension through sound design, framing, and clever misdirection. When the violence does erupt, it feels purposeful rather than gratuitous, reinforcing the stakes rather than distracting from them. The mystery at the heart of the narrative is layered and thoughtfully constructed, offering enough red herrings to keep viewers guessing without becoming convoluted. By the time the final act arrives, the revelations feel both surprising and inevitable, a sign of careful storytelling rather than cheap twists.

Ultimately, Scream 7 stands as a confident continuation of a storied franchise, proving that there is still creative life left in its familiar mask. It honors what longtime fans love while daring to push the series into more emotionally resonant territory, resulting in a film that is thrilling, funny, and unexpectedly heartfelt. Rather than feeling like another obligatory sequel, it plays like a thoughtful conversation with its own history, reminding audiences why this saga has remained culturally relevant for decades. It is a rare example of a late-entry installment that not only justifies its existence but enriches the legacy it inherits.

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Tech and Taff

When tractors get smarter than lecturers

Alright, butt, let’s talk about farming — but not the sheep-andmud stereotype people imagine when they hear “agriculture.”

Because Westminster has just announced £345 million to “supercharge” farm technology, and for once this isn’t just politicians discovering Wi-fi exists in rural areas.

As a Welsh IT professor who still can’t persuade the university projector to connect without threatening it verbally, I read government announcements about technology with deep suspicion. But buried under the usual political optimism is something genuinely important.

Farming is becoming one of the most high-tech industries in Britain.

We’re talking GPS-guided tractors accurate to within centimetres, automated milking parlours analysing cow health in real time, seed-planting robots that reduce waste, and sensors that monitor soil conditions better than most weather apps.

Frankly, some farms are more advanced than university IT departments. (Don’t quote me on that. Actually — do.)

fARMERS ARE ALREADY TECH ExPERTS

Here’s what people in cities often miss: farmers are natural engineers.

They fix machines, analyse data, manage logistics, run businesses, and deal with unpredictable systems — also known as “weather.”

So giving farmers funding for equipment and innovation isn’t futuristic nonsense. It’s recognising reality.

If the £50 million equipment fund actually reaches smaller farms — not just the giant corporate ones — it could genuinely help productivity and profitability.

And in Wales, where many farms are family-run and margins are tight, that matters enormously.

ROBOTS AREN’T STEALING ANYONE’S JOBS

Whenever technology appears, someone panics.

“Automation will replace farmers!”

No it won’t, butt.

Agriculture has labour

shortages already. Technology helps fill gaps, reduce repetitive work, and improve efficiency.

A robot planting seeds doesn’t remove the farmer. It gives them better tools.

It’s like giving a carpenter a power drill instead of a hand screwdriver.

Still need the carpenter.

The interesting bit: innovation

The £70 million innovation funding is where things get properly exciting.

Britain invents plenty of clever agricultural technology — sensors, robotics, AI systems — but often fails to turn research into realworld tools farmers can afford.

If this money bridges that gap, we could see growth in rural tech industries, engineering jobs, and manufacturing.

Imagine Welsh companies building agricultural robots exported worldwide.

That’s not fantasy. That’s opportunity.

Stability matters more than slogans

There’s also talk about simplifying farm payment schemes and capping grants to spread funding more fairly.

The politics of that will rumble on, but farmers usually want one thing above all else:

Predictability.

You can’t plan crops, livestock, or investment if rules change every couple of years.

Technology helps — but policy stability helps more.

PROfESSOR BUTT’S VERDICT

So is this announcement revolutionary? No.

But it could be useful — if the money is accessible, practical, and not wrapped in bureaucracy thicker than a Swansea traffic jam on a wet Friday.

THE TRUTH IS SIMPLE:

Technology doesn’t replace farmers.

It empowers them.

Give skilled people better tools, and they produce better results.

Now if someone could give universities equipment that actually works first ime, I’d be delighted.

Until next time, butt.

New theatre show explores realities of motherhood in Pembrokeshire

A NEW theatre production exploring the joys, pressures and complexities of modern motherhood in Pembrokeshire is set to premiere in Haverfordwest next month.

Pembrokeshire writer Ceri Ashe, known for Bipolar Me, 99er, Farmers Townies & Grocles, has teamed up with comedy writer-producer Angharad Tudor to create Enjoy Every Minute / Joia Bob Munud, a community-rooted performance commissioned by SPAN Arts and Unlimited.

The project grew out of the pair’s own experiences of motherhood and mental health, and began with a series of creative workshops held in 2025 for mothers of children aged four and under. Thirteen free places were offered to local mums with no previous creative experience, with weekly sessions taking place at Milford Haven Library and the Pill Social Centre.

Participants took part in poetry, storytelling, singing and movement sessions, with children welcome but the focus firmly on giving mothers time to explore their own creativity and wellbeing.

Ceri Ashe and Angharad Tudor said: “While we valued mother-andbaby groups, we felt something was missing in Pembrokeshire — a space for mums to explore creativity, connect honestly, and take time for themselves. To see it grow into a fullyfledged creative project rooted in the community has been a true pinch-me moment for us both.”

The resulting stage production features a cast of professional Pembrokeshire actors including Anna Monro, Anna Collcyz, Maya Jones, Tessa Ryan, Ceri Ashe, Cathy Davies and Janine Grayshon, alongside a chorus of community singers.

Alternative lyrics to well-known nursery rhymes — written by mothers who took part in the workshops — form part of the performance, capturing the humour and realities of parenting life.

The show blends poetry, storytelling, music and physical performance, aiming to offer an honest and heartfelt portrayal of motherhood while celebrating resilience and community connection.

A British Sign Languageinterpreted performance will take place during the 4:00pm showing.

• Creative team:

• Director: Ceri Ashe

• Assistant Director: Siobhan McGovern

• Musical Director: Sara Benbow

• Movement Director: Tessa Ryan

The performances will take place at Albany Hall in Haverfordwest on Saturday, March 14, with shows at 12:00pm and 4:00pm. The production runs for approximately ninety minutes.

Tickets operate on a pay-whatyou-can basis starting at £5, with free tickets available for carers.

For tickets and information visit span-arts.org.uk or call 01834 869323.

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Monarch: Legacy of Monsters — Season 2 on Apple TV+ expands its ambition in nearly every direction, delivering a chapter that feels bigger, darker, and more emotionally grounded than its predecessor. While the first season carefully threaded together dual timelines and family secrets against the looming presence of Titans, the second season wastes little time escalating both its human drama and its monster spectacle. The series leans more confidently into the psychological cost of living in a world reshaped by colossal beings, exploring how trauma, loyalty, and legacy intertwine within the shadowy operations of Monarch. The performances remain a core

strength, with the central cast conveying a palpable weariness that makes the global stakes feel personal rather than abstract. Visually, the show continues to impress, blending cinematic scale with intimate character moments; the Titan sequences are staged with a sense of awe and dread, emphasizing mass and consequence rather than empty destruction. Importantly, Season 2 sharpens its pacing, balancing investigative intrigue with explosive confrontations so that revelations feel earned rather than withheld for mystery’s sake. The writing also deepens the mythology without becoming impenetrable, offering long-time Monsterverse fans connective tissue while ensuring newcomers

can still engage with the central narrative. At times, the series still grapples with exposition-heavy dialogue, and certain subplots stretch longer than necessary, but the overall momentum rarely stalls. What ultimately distinguishes this season is its thematic maturity: it frames humanity not as helpless spectators to giant monsters, but as architects of many of their own disasters, wrestling with scientific hubris and institutional secrecy. By the finale, the story leaves viewers with both satisfying payoffs and tantalizing uncertainties, reinforcing the idea that the true legacy of monsters is not just the Titans themselves, but the generations of people forced to live in their wake.

HOROSCOPES

shouldn’t go out of your way to invade anyone’s privacy, but keep your wits about you and your information detector set to high. If you uncover someone’s secrets today, keep them to yourself until you know what you should do with them.

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

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

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

LIBRA

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

SCORPIO

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

SAGITTARIUS

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

CAPRICORN

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

AQUARIUS

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

Migrants’ stories film wins international award ahead of release

A DOCUMENTARY telling the personal stories of migrants living in Istanbul has won an international film award ahead of its official release later this year.

‘HOPE: In the Shadows of the

Tom Sinclair editor@herald.email

Bosphorus’, directed and produced by Aberystwyth University research fellow

their own environments.”

Giving an insight into the documentary, he added: “We hear people complaining about migrants taking jobs, but we also hear stories of migrants living in unbearable conditions. We have residents who welcome newcomers and migrants who carry their roots wherever they go.

“Some migrants would face persecution or even the death penalty if they returned to Iran, Afghanistan or Syria. I hope the documentary will help people reflect on how we manage these changes and challenges and how we can better understand one another’s experiences.”

Dr Tas said Istanbul’s history as a crossroads of cultures made it an ideal setting to explore migration.

Dr Latif Tas, explores the experiences of internal and international migrants alongside long-standing residents in Turkey’s largest city, which has a population of around 16 million.

The film has received the Best Jury Choice Award at the ARFF International Amsterdam Film Festival and has also been shortlisted for recognition at the Manchester Lift-Off Film Festival 2026.

Turkey hosts one of the largest refugee populations in the world, including around 3.1 million people displaced by the war in Syria. The country has also experienced significant migration flows linked to conflicts in Afghanistan, Iraq, Libya and Ukraine.

As a former resident of Istanbul and an academic researching migration in both Turkey and the UK, Dr Tas said many of the tensions and dynamics seen in the city mirror those experienced in other global urban centres such as London, Paris, Berlin and New York.

Reacting to the award, Dr Tas, from the Department of Law and Criminology at Aberystwyth University, said: “It is a great honour for me to win and for migrants’ stories to be heard and recognised internationally, especially after putting so much time and effort into this limited-budget project with a small but dedicated team.

“This film is not designed to make a political statement or be propaganda. It simply tells real people’s stories in their own words. I remain silent throughout the film, allowing different characters — both hosts and migrants — to express their perspectives within

“Istanbul is a city that belongs to everybody but also nobody,” he said. “For centuries it has been a hub for people across the world, from Romans to Ottomans. In modern Turkey, there are millions who have moved internally, particularly from Kurdish regions, as well as millions arriving from neighbouring countries affected by conflict.

“While migration levels may be higher because of Turkey’s proximity to war-torn regions, this is not just a story about Istanbul — it is a story shared by many major cities around the world.”

An Aberystwyth University 150th Anniversary Award winner, Dr Tas has published two books on informal justice in migrant communities and minority life under authoritarian regimes. His academic career has included positions at the Princeton Institute for Advanced Study and a Marie Curie Global Fellowship.

He has interviewed hundreds of migrants across a wide range of settings, including refugee camps, transit zones, safe houses, police stations and affluent neighbourhoods.

“My interviews for academic work always had deadlines, angles and word counts,” he said. “I was often left with the uneasy feeling that I had captured a fact, not a person. This film is, in part, a response to that limitation.

“My worldview is shaped by both scientific inquiry and creative empathy. From journalism and science, I bring a commitment to truth and systemsthinking. From the arts, I have learned to slow down and sit with uncertainty. Migrants are not case studies in this film — they are narrators, authors and co-creators of their own stories.”

Supported by Aberystwyth University’s Impact Fund, ‘HOPE: In the Shadows of the Bosphorus’ will be officially released in April 2026.

New film is a hit: Dr Latif Tas

By editor tom sinclair

opinion: andrew arrest is a moment of justice... but why did america allow this to go on so long?

THE ARREST of Prince Andrew this week feels like a line has finally been crossed.

For years the public watched the Jeffrey Epstein scandal unfold with a growing sense that powerful people simply do not face consequences. Too rich. Too connected. Too protected. That was the assumption.

Now, from this side of the Atlantic, Britain appears to have done something many thought would never happen. A prince has been subjected to the justice system like anyone else. That matters. Not because of monarchy, but because of accountability.

But the uncomfortable truth is this. The UK was never the centre of Epstein’s crimes. America was.

Jeffrey Epstein lived there. Operated there. Recruited there. Abused there. His network of influence was rooted in American wealth and

power. Yet years after his death, there has been remarkably little visible accountability for anyone else in his circle who held status or influence.

And that is where the anger really sits.

Because many people believe this could have been stopped years earlier.

Pam Bondi, the former Florida Attorney General, has taken a huge share of public blame for the failures surrounding Epstein’s early prosecution. Whether fairly or not, her name has become tied to the question that refuses to go away. If authorities had acted decisively back then, how many young girls might have been spared?

That question haunts this entire scandal.

Of course responsibility does not sit with one person alone.

Federal prosecutors, investigators,

institutions, and political systems all played roles. But in the public mind, the perception remains that the American justice system blinked when faced with wealth and influence.

And that perception is toxic.

Because ordinary people see something very clearly. When offenders are poor, powerless, or politically inconvenient, enforcement is fast and uncompromising. When allegations touch the rich and connected, cases slow down, collapse, or disappear into complexity.

That is how trust in justice dies.

Britain is far from perfect. Our own institutions have failed victims repeatedly over decades. But if the UK can reach a point where even a royal figure faces arrest, then the obvious question is why the country at the heart of the scandal still appears unable or unwilling to deliver the same level of accountability across

the board.

Victims do not care about borders. Abuse networks do not respect jurisdictions. Justice should not either.

Prince Andrew’s arrest may prove to be the start of something meaningful. Or it may not. Courts will decide outcomes.

But what it has already done is shine a spotlight across the Atlantic. The question now being asked is simple.

If Britain can act, why is America still waiting for justice? Its as if the Trump administration is paralysed by its own involvement

Let the chicks fly together, butt!

AWRIGHT butt, it’s me — Steven Seagull, Dockside philosopher, chipbandit, and part-time educational policy expert (I once sat on a school roof for three days, so basically Ofsted).

So I’m hearin’ all this squawkin’ about new school reforms — SEND this, inclusion that — and some humans are actin’ like lettin’ disabled kids into mainstream schools is some kind of radical experiment.

Experiment? Achafi! Have you ever seen a nest?

You don’t get “special nests” and “normal nests” down the docks, mun. You get chicks. Some are loud. Some are quiet. Some fall out and need a shove back up. Some pinch all the food. That’s life.

And here’s the thing — when chicks grow up together, they learn together. One might fly faster. One might need a bit longer on the edge before takin’ off. But they all end up knowing the sky belongs to them.

That’s what inclusion really is. Not paperwork. Not funding formulas. Not politicians arguing like gulls over a pasty. It’s just saying: yo

Now I knows humans love a spreadsheet. You lot would probably try to cost-benefit analyse a sunset if you could. “Yes, but what’s the fiscal return on joy?” you’d say.

But some things ain’t measurable, butt.

Like the kid who learns patience because his classmate needs more time.

Like the kid who grows confidence because someone believed he could stay with his friends.

Like the classroom that becomes kinder — and kindness spreads further

than chips on a windy day.

And listen — this ain’t charity. That’s the mistake some people make. Inclusion isn’t about helping “them”. It’s about shaping everyone.

You think the world gets better by separating people who are different? Look around. Humans already tried that for centuries. Didn’t go great, did it?

Down Milford Haven docks we got trawler crews from everywhere — Wales, Poland, Philippines, you name it. Different languages, different skills, same boat. Works fine. Because survival — and success — depends on cooperation.

Schools are the same. Society is the same.

If kids grow up together, they become adults who understand each other.

If they grow up apart, they become adults who fear each other.

Simple as a dropped chip.

Now some folks worry about cost. Fair enough — money matters. But here’s a seagull truth for you:

Excluding people always costs more in the long run.

More support later. More unemployment. More loneliness. More problems to fix.

Inclusion is investment, mun. Not expense.

And I’ll tell you something else — the measure of a country isn’t how it treats the strong. It’s how it treats the ones who need a bit more lift under the wings.

You wanna know if a society’s heading in the right direction?

Watch how it treats its kids.

All of them.

Anyway, I gotta fly — someone’s opened a bag of chips by the marina and I am morally obligated to investigate.

Stay kind, butt.

Cat crisis deepens as RSPCA Cymru urges owners to neuter their pets

In Wales, the charity’s two national animal centres are currently caring for 29 catswith Newport Animal Centre soon to be at capacity, and Bryn-Y-Maen caring for 23 felines with more on the way.

Across England and Wales more than 1,400 cats were in national RSPCA care at the end of December 2025* - including with fosterers and in private boarding facilities. That’s a whopping 72% rise from the 832 cats that were with the charity four years ago (December 2021). Across the wider RSPCA network - made up of 133 separate registered charities - there are at least 2,300 cats currently in care. This includes RSPCA Llys Nini Branch who are caring for a number of cats at its Swansea animal centre in Penllegaer, who are looking for homes.

Worryingly, the surge is happening outside the traditional “kitten season” in summer. December alone saw a 30% increase in cats in care compared to the previous year (December 2024), an unprecedented rise for this time of year.

The key message from the charity is a plea for cat owners to neuter their pets and to stop unwanted breeding, which exacerbates the problem amid an ongoing “capacity and welfare crisis”.

Alice Potter, cat welfare expert at the RSPCA, said:

“The rising numbers of cats and kittens coming into our care is heartbreaking - and especially worrying in the winter months. Many are dumped or are kittens born in unsafe situations as part of a feral group.

“But owners can really do their bit to help with the capacity and welfare crisis. Cat owners who neuter their cats help stem this surge in unwanted pets.

“There is a misconception that cats can only become pregnant when they are older or that it’s healthy for them to have at least one litter of kittens but this isn’t the case - cats can become pregnant as young as four months of age, so neutering at this age is crucial. Neutering male cats can stop them spraying to mark territory, and from getting injuries while fighting. Neutered cats are also less likely to wander as far. Having them snipped can also stop cats from spreading the FIV Virus - which is spread through cat bites, often between male cats fighting over a mate.

“Caring for an unexpected litter of kittens is often costly

and stressful and in extreme cases sees some owners cruelly dumping kittens on the roadside, in bins, or cardboard boxesleaving the RSPCA and others to pick up the pieces.

“Fortunately, help is available through many local RSPCA branches and other charities to help cover the cost of neutering. But this is something all cat owners need to take very seriously.”

And those whose pets are already neutered are being urged to do their bit by sharing the benefits of spaying with fellow cat owners.

Alice added: “World Spay Day is a great opportunity for everyone right across Wales to promote the benefits of getting cats spayedand to highlight that kittens need to be spayed as young as four months old. Many people are surprised that it is possible for felines to get pregnant that young - but it can happen, meaning owners need to take action early.”

The RSPCA neutered 3,218 cats at national centres and

animal hospitals across England and Wales last year. Thousands more were neutered by RSPCA branches.

TV vet Rory Cowlam and RSPCA Ambassador has given his backing to the neutering call. He said: “It’s absolutely vital that cat owners get their pets neutered. Doing so helps keep the cat population down, stops unwanted litters who are at risk of suffering neglect and abuse, and also has other added benefits including keeping diseases such as the FIV virus at bay.

“The procedure itself is very simple, cats are usually dropped off and collected from the vet practice on the same day. They will be given anaesthetic and will need to stay inside for a few days after the procedure, but will soon be well and fit again.

“As a nation of cat lovers it’s so important we keep our cats safe and well, and neutering is a vital way to keep them healthy.”

At RSPCA Bryn-Y-Maen Animal Centre there are several

cats looking for their forever homes, including black and white two-year-old Susie.

Susie - who can be shy initially - is looking for an owner who can give her space and time to adjust. However, once she gains your trust - centre staff have described her as a “complete sweetheart!”.

Susie would thrive in a calm household, and could live with other cats and older children who are understanding of her sensitive nature. You can express an interest by filling out an online application form.

Wilma at RSPCA Newport Adoption Centre - based at Newport Pets At Home at Mendalgief Retail Park - is also looking for a home!

She is a very friendly girl with a big personality and even bigger heart! Wilma came into RSPCA care in need of some love and attention and soon blossomed into a happy, affectionate companion who loves attention and play.

Parents urge council not to close Ysgol Llansteffan

PARENTS and campaigners have urged Carmarthenshire County Council’s Cabinet not to recommend the closure of Ysgol Llansteffan when members meet on Monday (feb 23).

The appeal comes ahead of a proposed decision that could see the village’s Welsh-medium primary school close in August this year.

The Ysgol Llansteffan Parents and Teachers Association (PTA), supported by Cymdeithas yr Iaith, has written to councillors calling for the process to be halted, arguing that key evidence remains incomplete and that the case for closure is flawed.

Among their concerns is an ongoing investigation by the Welsh Language Commissioner into the language impact assessment used to support the closure proposal. Campaigners say it would be inappropriate for the council to make a final decision before the investigation is concluded.

They also claim no council decision-makers have visited the school to verify the information used in the proposal, despite significant changes in circumstances, including a rise in pupil numbers to 17 as of January 2026.

The PTA argues that this increase undermines earlier projections and raises

questions about the reliability of longer-term forecasts used to justify closure.

Financial concerns have also been raised. While council documents suggest annual savings of around £112,000, campaigners say transport costs of approximately £50,000 per year and inflationary pressures have not been clearly accounted for, potentially overstating the net benefit.

Parents say closure would remove parental choice and risk damaging Welsh-medium

education in the area by forcing some children to travel further or potentially move into English-medium provision.

Cymdeithas yr Iaith has backed the PTA’s call, warning that the council’s objection report failed to properly address concerns that insufficient school capacity elsewhere could push pupils out of Welshmedium education altogether.

Campaigners have also criticised what they describe as factual inconsistencies in the council’s reports, including

outdated enrolment figures and conflicting capacity estimates for neighbouring schools.

The PTA has asked the council to defer any decision until updated data is available, the Commissioner’s findings are published, and alternative options for sustaining the school have been fully explored.

In their letter, parents stressed they remain willing to work constructively with the council to develop a longterm solution that would allow the school to remain open as a sustainable Welsh-medium provision for the community.

Carmarthenshire County Council has previously said the proposal is intended to address falling pupil numbers, high surplus places and financial pressures at the school. Cabinet members were told earlier in the process that neighbouring Ysgol Llangain would have sufficient capacity to accommodate pupils if the closure proceeds, and that transferring learners would provide access to improved facilities and help ensure longterm sustainability of education provision in the area.

The final decision is expected to be taken by full council in March following the Cabinet’s recommendation.

Growing fodder beet could be attractive option after difficult 2025 forage season

AfTER the lack of forage in many areas in 2025 due to the drought, this season could see increased interest in growing fodder beet on livestock farms, believes ProCam agronomist, Nick Duggan.

Once fodder beet gets its roots down, it can be quite drought tolerant, says Nick, so it could appeal to farmers looking to diversify forage crops to mitigate risk.

“Although inputs can be quite high, fodder beet does offer a big crop of energy,” explains Nick, who operates in Herefordshire, South Shropshire, Powys and the Cotswolds.

“Compared with stubble turnips yielding about 4-6t of dry matter/ha (DM/ha), fodder beet might yield 20t DM/ha. And, at around 12.5ME, the energy content of its roots is similar to grass.

“There’s also the flexibility to feed fodder beet to sheep, beef or dairy, and to lift or graze it, although it’s important to ‘wean’ livestock onto it gradually, especially cattle, because its high energy content can cause acidosis,” he adds.

To help ensure that farmers grow the right varieties for their situation based on robust data, Nick says ProCam has been evaluating the performance

of fodder beet varieties over multiple seasons, with on-farm trials conducted in the North and West of the country as well as other locations country wide.

“We test a range of varieties,” he continues. “These range from low DM beets for grazing, to high energy types for lifting and chopping for livestock, or for use in anaerobic digestion (AD) plants.

“Typically, 20 or so varieties might be tested annually in these replicated trial plots, with 4-5 new varieties included each year. But a lot of the established varieties have been in the trial for maybe six years – so we have long term data and can robustly benchmark new varieties.”

Assessments begin with variety emergence and vigour, and conclude at harvest by measuring yields, says Nick, with beets lifted and tops and roots weighed separately. Yields per hectare are then calculated, corrected for %DM.

“Also at harvest, each variety is assessed for disease resilience, and for the amount of root protruding above the soil. More root protruding is helpful if grazing. If lifting beet, you want more root in the ground for protection from frost.

“Agronomically, we encourage

all farmers to keep the tops as healthy as possible with a summer nutrition programme. As well as helping to protect roots from frost, a healthy canopy helps sustain the crop into winter. This helps if growing for energy for AD plants, but also tops have good feed value, at about 17% crude protein, and can provide 2-2.5t DM/ha.”

In addition to evaluating varieties, ProCam also evaluates the performance of primed seed, says Nick, which is available with certain fodder beet varieties. Primed seed is pre-germinated for faster emergence, and tends to produce more uniform plants at the cotyledon stage, he notes.

“Faster establishment, in turn, helps with weed suppression, and once fodder beet reaches 12 leaves, it becomes more tolerant to virus yellows.

“Plus, primed seed can deliver higher yields. Results can vary, but in five years of trials on the variety Geronimo we saw a yield uplift of approximately 1.5t DM/ha from Active Boost primed seed compared with conventional seed.

“With the unpredictable spring weather we get nowadays, I think primed seed is extremely useful technology for fodder beet growers.”

Farmers cautious but resilient as costs remain high across Wales

fARMERS across Wales are facing another difficult year as input costs remain significantly higher than before the pandemic, according to new industry insight from agricultural supplier Wynnstay Group.

The company, which has deep roots in rural Wales and generates around sixty per cent of its retail revenue in the country, says confidence among farmers is lower than this time last year, with rising costs, policy uncertainty and tightening margins influencing

spending decisions. However, there are also signs of resilience, with many producers focusing on efficiency and forward planning to cope with ongoing pressures.

WALES AT HEART Of BUSINESS

Wynnstay, originally founded by tenant farmers in Mid Wales in 1918, has grown into a major UK agricultural supplier serving more than 20,000 farming customers through manufacturing sites, stores and onfarm services. The group employs hundreds of staff across the UK and operates a nationwide distribution network supporting livestock and arable producers.

The company says Welsh farming businesses continue to play a central role in its commercial performance and long-term growth strategy.

CAUTIOUS INVESTMENT DECISIONS

According to Wynnstay, farmers are delaying some investment decisions but are increasingly seeking value-driven solutions that improve productivity.

Feed volumes have increased across the company’s Welsh store network over the past year, reflecting demand for blended feeds that offer greater flexibility and cost control. Rather than reducing purchases outright, many farmers are matching spending more closely to performance

and output.

Fertiliser demand has also been strong, with sales ahead of last year, although some farmers have delayed buying in the hope prices may fall. Global supply pressures and rising gas costs mean prices are expected to remain firm into the busy spring season.

COSTS STILL fAR ABOVE PRE-COVID LEVELS

Industry data shows overall farm input costs remain significantly higher than before 2020, with feed, fertiliser, fuel, electricity and machinery all continuing to put pressure on farm margins.

While some costs have eased from their peaks, they have not returned to previous levels, influencing buying behaviour across the sector.

Margins for livestock and dairy farms were strong last year, but Wynnstay says they are now tightening, particularly in the dairy sector where milk prices have fallen and volatility remains high.

PRESSURE ON fAMILY fARMS

Smaller family-run farms are under greater strain than larger commercial operations, with less financial resilience to absorb rapid market changes. Reports of rising closures among family farms, particularly in dairy, reinforce concerns about the sector’s long-term sustainability.

Government policy changes are also contributing to uncertainty. The transition away from the Basic Payment Scheme and wider tax reforms have led many farmers to postpone larger investments until there is clearer long-term stability.

Local reaction

Pembrokeshire farmer

Chris James said the situation reflected what many farmers were experiencing locally.

“We’ve definitely noticed the squeeze over the past year or two,” he said. “Costs for feed, fertiliser and fuel are still much higher than they used to be, and that makes you think twice about every decision. Most farmers I know aren’t cutting back on production — they’re just trying to be more efficient and careful

with spending.”

He added: “People want to invest and move forward, but it’s hard when you don’t know exactly what the long-term policy picture will look like.”

NFU Cymru has also warned that rising costs and policy uncertainty continue to weigh heavily on farm businesses across Wales, with confidence affected by concerns over future support schemes and wider economic challenges. The union has called for greater longterm certainty to allow farmers to invest with confidence and maintain domestic food production.

WEATHER SHOCKS IMPACT BEHAVIOUR

Extreme weather during 2025 — including a very dry spring followed by periods of intense heat and a challenging wet autumn — also affected

THIS week marks twenty-five years since the first case of footand-mouth disease was confirmed in Wales during the 2001 outbreak. The crisis brought profound emotional and economic hardship to rural communities across the country and its far-reaching impact on farms and community life is still remembered today.

The economic scale of the outbreak was immense. A 2023 Cabinet Office report estimated that in 2021 prices, the crisis cost £13 billion - £4.5 billion borne by the Government and a further £8.5 billion by the private sector. Yet beyond those stark figures lay a deeply personal toll, with the impact on individual farms and families equally profound.

in January 2025. It also broke the earlier monthly record of 20 tonnes, set in September 2025.

The latest figures reflect a worrying trend, and reinforce the need for a more robust and visible approach to protecting the UK’s biosecurity and safeguarding our food production standards.

purchasing patterns, with farmers spacing orders and prioritising essential inputs as conditions changed.

Ordering behaviour is now returning to more normal patterns as conditions stabilise.

OUTLOOK fOR 2026

Despite ongoing pressures, Wynnstay says it is cautiously optimistic about the year ahead.

Many farmers are making careful decisions around efficiency, nutrition and planning, and the company believes there are opportunities for businesses to strengthen their position through 2026 with good cost control and smart investment.

Summing up the sector, the company said Welsh agriculture remains resilient, with farmers showing determination and adaptability despite continuing challenges.

While much has changed in the past quarter of a century, the fundamental lesson of 2001 remains cleardisease threats do not disappear and vigilance must at all times be a priority. Recent developments underline just how real and present those risks continue to be.

Last week alone data showed a record total of 34 tonnes of illegal meat was intercepted at the Port of Dover in January 2026. This total far exceeded previous January figures, with officers seizing just under 8.5 tonnes in January 2024 and 24.5 tonnes

Last September alone, a report by Westminster’s Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (EFRA) Committee warned that “alarming amounts” of illegally imported meat and dairy are entering Great Britain unchecked, risking public health, food safety and animal disease outbreaks. The Committee called for stronger deterrents, enforcement and a national strategy - aims that have previously been advocated by the FUW. Welsh farmers continue to invest in high standards of animal health, traceability, and food safety. However, these efforts are being systematically undermined by the threat of unchecked imports that could bring disease into the country and compromise food chain integrity.

As we reflect on twenty-five years since one of the darkest chapters in Welsh farming’s history, we must remain committed to ensuring that every possible measure is taken to prevent such a devastating outbreak from ever happening again.

OMODA 7 takes centre stage with dynamic London Fashion Week debut

OMODA marks the dynamic UK debut of the OMODA 7 at London fashion Week (LfW), placing the brand’s latest mid-size SUV at the heart of one of the capital’s most influential cultural moments. Appearing as Principal Partner for the event, and ahead of its arrival at UK dealerships in March, the OMODA 7 is the third model to join OMODA’s growing UK line-up, priced

from £29,915 OTR*.

The dynamic debut signals a confident step forward for OMODA in the UK, aligning the brand with creativity, innovation and contemporary culture through its presence at London Fashion Week. In this context, the OMODA 7 reinforces the brand’s “Art in Motion” philosophy, and fashionfocused ethos, highlighting a design-led approach that translates naturally into

everyday British driving. Positioned between the compact OMODA 5 and flagship OMODA 9, the OMODA 7 signals a confident new chapter for the brand in the UK, making its debut as The British Fashion Council’s official VIP transport during London Fashion Week as part of OMODA’s Principal Partnership, supported by static displays outside the OMODA Lounge at 180 Strand and an exclusive dinner in

collaboration with ROKSANDA.

Victor Zhang, UK Country Director, OMODA UK, said: “For OMODA, partnering with British Fashion Council at London Fashion Week represents a meeting point between design, creativity, and technology. Those values are already central to how we think about modern mobility and a more sustainable way of living. The OMODA 7 is a car built around those same principles, and its dynamic debut here reflects our confidence in its relevance to contemporary British life, and fashion-forward status.”

Laura Weir, Chief Executive, British Fashion Council, added: “OMODA’s commitment to design and innovation makes them a powerful partner for LFW. Together, we’re championing individuality and creativity, while shaping and supporting a February schedule that reflects the energy, diversity and ambition of London fashion.”

OMODA UK’s presence at London Fashion Week extends beyond the debut of the OMODA 7, with the brand supporting a programme of designer-focused initiatives, curated events and digital activations throughout the week as part of its Principal Partnership, reinforcing its longterm commitment to creativity, innovation and British culture.

The London Fashion Week appearance marks the first public UK showcase of the OMODA 7 ahead of its arrival in dealerships nationwide from March. Priced from £29,915 OTR* for the petrol variant and £32,000 OTR* for the SHS, all models are supported by the brand’s comprehensive 7-year/100,000-mile warranty, an 8-year/100,000-mile battery warranty for the SHS variants, and RAC Home Start as standard for the lifetime of the warranty.**

* All prices quoted are correct at time of writing

** Subject to servicing within the OMODA&JAECOO network, in line with the maintenance schedule

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New Continental GT S and GT Convertible S: Sporting performance and dramatic presence

TODAY Bentley launches the new Continental GT S and GTC S, inspired by the limited edition Supersports and extending the breadth of choice in the Continental line-up. Combining dramatic visual presence with the latest hybrid powertrain and the Continental GT Speed’s chassis technology, the S models are aimed squarely at the performance-focused driver. The fourth generation Continental GT S models are the fastest and most powerful yet to carry the S badge, and are borne from the same drivercentric mantra as the Supersports. At 680 PS and 930 Nm, the new S models’ High Performance Hybrid powertrain is 130 PS more powerful than that of the previous generation GT S. Fully deployed it delivers searing acceleration, covering 0-60mph in just 3.3 seconds (0100km/h in 3.5s) and powering on to a top speed of 190mph, accompanied all the while by the thrilling soundtrack of a sports exhaust that accentuates the 4.0-litre V8’s crossplane beat. A marvel of advanced powertrain engineering, the High Performance Hybrid even outperforms the previous generation’s W12 Speed powertrain on all power, torque and performance

parameters – whilst also being capable of up to 50 miles / 80 km in pure electric mode.

Complementing this advanced powertrain is a chassis set up that was previously only available with the GT Speed and GT Mulliner models, featuring the Bentley Performance Active Chassis. This includes Active All Wheel Drive, twin valve dampers, torque vectoring (front to rear and across the axles), the 48V Bentley Dynamic Ride active anti roll system, a new generation of ESC control software and for the first time on a Continental GT S, an electronic limited slip differential and all-wheel steering. This is Bentley’s most advanced and driver-focused AWD chassis setup, designed to deliver maximum sporting appeal and ability. This setup allows the driver to access an even greater breadth of driving modes and road or track behaviours. With the car’s advanced ESC system fully engaged, traction is controlled to inhibit oversteer. In Dynamic Mode, the car allows a level of rear axle slip, allowing the driver to control the cornering attitude of the car whilst maintaining confidence to bring the car back in-line if required. The ESC system can also be

completely turned off, at which point the cornering stance can be balanced on-throttle by the driver for a truly exhilarating driving experience.

The sporting character of the new S models is vividly communicated from first glance. The Blackline Specification adds to the look of the dark front lower spoiler, with gloss black matrix grilles, whilst black Bentley wings and BENTLEY lettering sets the mood, giving these models a purposeful, lean and potent stance. Complementing these visual signifiers of performance are Beluga black mirror caps, sill extensions and a rear diffuser. Dark tint, full LED matrix headlamps featuring Bentley’s Precision design detail are a feature shared only with the GT Speed. At the rear, the S specification includes dark tint taillamps and tailpipe finishers for the sports exhaust. While the 22” ten swept-spoke alloy wheel comes as standard in silver, Continental GT S models are available with a choice of wheel options, including a ten sweptspoke alloy wheel in gloss black with bright machined facing surfaces, and a full gloss black version.

The same rigorous attention to detail has been applied to the interior, giving Continental GT S models their

own unique visual identity. The twocolour upholstery split is unique to these models and, together with the fluted seat design, it creates a purposeful, performance-focused driving environment. Tactile Dinamica technical fabric is used on key touch points, including steering wheel, gear lever, seats and door inserts. The standard Piano black veneer echoes the design theme of the exterior’s Blackline specification, although highgloss carbon fibre and other finishes are offered as an option. Other options include full leather upholstery and dark tint chrome specification for all interior metal brightwork.

From the wellness-oriented Azure to the ultimate performance of the GT Speed, Bentley grand touring has many expressions – each tailored to the values of the individuals who drive them. Now, a unique package of exterior design, interior specification and dynamic chassis gives the new Continental GT S models their own distinctive niche within the range. With their sporting aesthetic and emphasis on the sheer enjoyment of driving, the S models extend the breadth of choice offered by the definitive grand tourer.

Saundersfoot beachside café redevelopment to take place

PLANS for retractable awnings to protect visitors to a Pembrokeshire village beachside café have been given the go-ahead by the national park.

In an application to Pembrokeshire Coast National Park, the Saundersfoot Beach Company sought permission for the erection of two manually controlled full cassette awnings

at the Beachside Cafe, to the rear of the Old Chemist Inn, The Strand, Saundersfoot.

No objections were received from local community council Saundersfoot.

An officer report recommending approval said: “The café is a modern, stoneclad kiosk building, which serves café food and drinks. It faces east onto the sands

of Saundersfoot Beach, to the north of Saundersfoot Harbour, with views of Saundersfoot Bay and the wider Carmarthen Bay beyond.”

It added: “The property is accessed from the beach, and through the ‘Old Chemist Inn’ and lies amongst a mixture of modern and traditional buildings within Saundersfoot Conservation Area.

“This application proposes

attaching two canvas full cassette awnings to the principal (east) elevation of the kiosk building. It is considered by this authority that the proposal is acceptable, subject to suitably worded conditions and a recommendation to grant consent is made.”

The application was conditionally approved by park planners.

Pembroke Dock business units to stay empty until end of year

A CALL for new industrial units on land near the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park offices has been given the go-ahead, but they can’t be occupied until the end of the year.

In an application submitted to Pembrokeshire County Council, Sean Lavelle, through agent Stewart Longhurst, sought

permission for five industrial units on land north of Richmond Road, West Llanion Industrial Estate, Pembroke Dock.

A supporting statement said: “Planning permission was granted [in 2021] for the erection of two light industrial/business units (B1 use) in outline, with only landscaping being a reserved matter,” adding: “The outline

application was approved on November 8, 2021 for two blocks of light industrial units (B1 uses). Block 1 was a two-storey building with ground floor workshops, with offices etc on the first floor. Block 2 was for a single storey building which housed two workshops.

“The current application seeks permission for a smaller scale development, still of two blocks, but of single storey construction throughout.

“It is considered that there is more market demand for the erection of single-storey units to support smaller enterprises than envisaged under the original scheme. Similarly, it is contended that this proposal would have less impact on the conservation area and would enhance this part of the industrial estate.”

It added: “It is respectfully considered that the scheme reflects and enhances the existing industrial units close to the site and attempts to blend in with the red brick office buildings of the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park.”

It went on to say: “The proposed units will be built to high specifications to ensure that the development reflects the conservation area setting

and to promote environmental sustainability.”

The application was supported by Pembroke Dock Town council, which said it welcomed new business opportunities in the town.

Welsh Water Dwr Cymru raised no objections, but proposed a condition on any approval be added.

“The proposed development would drain to Pembroke Dock Waste water Treatment Works which is currently failing to comply with the 95 per cent quartile for its flow passed forward (FPF) performance.

“However, a scheme is planned for completion by December 31, 2026. No buildings on the application site shall be brought into beneficial use earlier than December 31, 2026, unless the scheme at the Waste Water Treatment Works, into which the development shall drain, has been completed and written confirmation of this has been issued by the local planning authority.”

The application was conditionally approved, conditions including the December 31 timescale outlined above.

Mydflower joins St David’s Day food showcase at Spitalfields Market

A LLANDOVERY-based wild wine producer will bring a taste of the Welsh countryside to the heart of London as part of a major St David’s Day food showcase at the iconic Spitalfields Market.

Mydflower, known for its naturally crafted lightly sparkling wines, will take part in the consumer event over the St David’s Day weekend on Saturday (Feb 28) and Sunday (Mar 1). The showcase will feature more than a dozen Welsh food and drink producers and aims to highlight Wales’ growing reputation as a modern food nation producing world-class products.

The company’s distinctive wines are made using spring water from the Brecon Beacons alongside locally sourced botanicals and berries. The brand focuses on rediscovering centuries-old recipes inspired by the wild landscapes of Wales, producing natural raspberry and elderflower wines with a fresh, lightly sparkling finish.

David Ruttle, co-founder of Mydflower, said: “St David’s Day is a brilliant opportunity to celebrate Welsh culture in the heart of London, and we’re proud to be part of it with Mydflower. Our wild wines are made using pure Welsh spring water from the Brecon Beacons, traditionally foraged fruits

and flowers, and Champagne yeast, creating something lighter, fresher, and naturally sparkling.

“Events like this are a chance to share our story, introduce more people to a new kind of premium Welsh drink, and bring a taste of the wild Welsh landscape to a wider audience.”

Spitalfields Market — one of London’s most historic trading destinations — has built a strong reputation for showcasing

high-quality produce, making it an ideal venue to promote Welsh food and drink to new audiences. Visitors over the weekend will be invited to explore a range of products reflecting the quality, character and ambition of contemporary Wales, from heritage-inspired favourites to innovative modern brands.

Celebrating St David’s Day through food

The event forms part of a wider St

David’s Day programme organised by Food & Drink Wales, the Welsh Government’s food division, which supports the sector while also using food and drink as a way to express national identity, creativity and pride.

Deputy First Minister with responsibility for Climate Change and Rural Affairs, Huw Irranca-Davies MS, said: “St David’s Day is the perfect moment to celebrate the exceptional quality and creativity of Welsh food and drink producers. From award-winning charcuterie to innovative craft spirits, the businesses showcasing at Spitalfields represent the very best of what Wales has to offer.

“Our food and drink sector is built on strong foundations — protected geographical status, sustainable farming practices and generations of skilled production. But it is also a sector that continues to evolve, with producers combining their heritage with fresh ideas and ambitious growth plans.

“Events like this are vital for connecting Welsh businesses with new markets and demonstrating to buyers across the UK that Wales is a modern food nation with products that can compete at the highest level.”

Pembrokeshire businesses ‘squeezed to breaking point’ amid economic pressures

BUSINESSES in Pembrokeshire are feeling increasingly squeezed by rising costs and a challenging economic climate, according to feedback gathered at recent engagement events alongside the latest labour market statistics for Wales.

New figures show employment in Wales has risen slightly to 71.8%, but remains the lowest rate in the UK, where employment stands at around 75%. Economic inactivity has also increased from 24.5% to 24.8%, the highest level in Great Britain, while UK unemployment has reached a near five-year high amid slowing wage growth.

Commenting on both the statistics and the experiences shared by business owners across the county, Samuel Kurtz MS, Welsh Conservative Shadow Cabinet Secretary for Economy and Energy, said many local firms were struggling under the combined pressure of higher taxes and operating costs.

Samuel Kurtz MS: Local firms struggling under the combined pressure of higher taxes and operating costs

“Behind these statistics are real businesses and real livelihoods here in Pembrokeshire,” he said. “Whether it was at the recent Pembrokeshire

business rates online forum or the follow-up business surgery, I heard first-hand from entrepreneurs who feel squeezed, not supported by the status quo.”

He added: “When Wales has the lowest employment rate in the UK and the highest economic inactivity, while businesses here in Pembrokeshire say they are being squeezed from every direction, that should be a wake-up call to both governments.”

At the events, business owners from sectors including tourism, hospitality, retail and manufacturing raised concerns about rising business rates, energy bills and the cumulative impact of tax changes from both Cardiff and Westminster. Many reported scaling back plans to hire, invest or expand because of financial pressures, with some facing decisions about whether they could continue operating.

Examples shared included a tourism operator reporting holiday booking cancellations and staffing challenges as households tighten spending, a café owner in the county town considering shorter opening hours after sharp increases in energy and staffing costs, and a manufacturing firm warning that competitiveness was being undermined by high rates and regulatory burdens.

“Labour and Plaid Cymru are failing to get a grip on the economy in Wales,” Mr Kurtz said. “Their stitch-up budget in Cardiff Bay, alongside tax rises from Westminster, have piled pressure onto employers who are already battling higher costs just to stay afloat.”

Despite the challenges, economists point out that Wales’ labour market trends are influenced by a range of factors beyond government policy alone, including long-term health conditions, demographic changes and the rural nature of much of the Welsh economy, all of which contribute to higher levels of economic inactivity compared with other parts of the UK.

A Welsh Government spokesperson said supporting businesses and jobs remained a priority, highlighting measures such as business rates relief, economic development funding and targeted support programmes.

They said: “Businesses across Wales, like those elsewhere in the UK, are facing pressures from global economic conditions, inflation and higher borrowing costs. We continue to provide significant support to help firms grow, create jobs and invest in their communities.”

Mr Kurtz said the Welsh Conservatives were proposing an alternative approach

to support job creation and restore business confidence.

“We are putting forward a bold, fully costed tax-cutting agenda to kickstart the economy, including abolishing stamp duty and cutting business rates, to undo Labour and Plaid’s economic damage and get Wales working again,” he said.

“Pembrokeshire has enormous potential, from our energy sector to tourism and food production, but businesses need a government that backs enterprise rather than burdens it. I will continue to stand up for local employers who feel ignored and squeezed by rising costs.”

Ambulance response times worsen for most serious emergencies in Wales

AMBULANCE response times for the most lifethreatening emergencies in Wales have increased, according to the latest NHS performance statistics, prompting fresh political criticism and renewed concerns about pressure on frontline services.

Figures show that for “red” calls — incidents where patients are at high risk of cardiac or respiratory arrest — the median response time rose to nine minutes and 33 seconds. The 90th percentile response time also increased to 22 minutes and 48 seconds compared with the previous month.

Statisticians say these are the longest recorded times since the current ambulance performance system was introduced in July 2025 and remain above the Welsh Government target range of six

to eight minutes.

The data comes alongside wider NHS performance figures which show continuing challenges across the health service, including long waiting lists and emergency department pressures.

WAITING LIST PRESSURES

Across Wales, 5,252 patient pathways were still waiting two years or more for treatment in December. By comparison, England recorded 223 such waits, despite having a population around 18 times larger.

Overall, there were approximately 740,954 patient pathways waiting to start treatment in Wales in December — equivalent to nearly one in four of the population — with around 580,300 individual patients affected.

The median waiting time for treatment in Wales was 19 weeks, compared with 13.4 weeks in England.

Emergency departments also remained under strain. In January, only 63.4% of patients spent less than four hours in emergency departments, far below the 95% target, while 11,392 patients waited more than 12 hours — up 10% on the previous month.

CANCER PERfORMANCE BELOW TARGET

Cancer treatment performance also fell short of national targets, with 60.7% of patients starting treatment within 62 days of first suspicion of cancer, compared with the 75% target.

POLITICAL REACTION

Reform UK Senedd Member for Brecon and Radnorshire, James Evans MS, criticised the Welsh Government’s handling of the NHS.

He said: “NHS mismanagement, by Labour Ministers and their supporters in Plaid, is posing a serious risk to life.

“Ambulance waiting times are getting worse as Plaid and Labour’s budget deal sees cash splashed on making ambulances greener.

“Reform UK would cut waste and bureaucracy to ensure that taxpayers’ money reaches the front line of our NHS.”

The Welsh Government has previously said NHS performance remains affected by high demand, workforce pressures, and the legacy of the pandemic, while pointing to gradual improvements in some waiting time measures over recent months.

ONGOING CHALLENGES

Health experts say ambulance response times are heavily influenced by pressures elsewhere in the system, particularly delays in hospital handovers and shortages in social care, which can prevent patients being discharged quickly.

For patients and families across Wales, the figures highlight continuing challenges despite efforts to improve performance.

The coming months are expected to remain difficult for NHS services as demand continues to rise, with health leaders warning that longterm solutions will require investment, workforce planning, and better integration between health and social care.

Waiting lists fall for seventh month — but thousands in Wales still face long delays

THE NUMBER of people waiting for NHS treatment in Wales has fallen for the seventh consecutive month, according to the latest performance data — but health leaders have warned that services remain under significant strain and many patients are still waiting too long for care.

Figures for December show there were just under 741,000 referral-totreatment patient pathways waiting to start treatment across Wales, a reduction of around 16,900 compared with November. The figure is the lowest recorded since March 2023.

Management information suggests there were approximately 580,300 individual patients waiting for treatment in December, down from 591,700 the previous month and 616,500 in December 2024.

The number of patients waiting more than two years has also fallen sharply. Just under 5,300 pathways were waiting longer than two years in December — a drop of 92.5% from the pandemic-era peak, and around 1,600 fewer than in November.

Average waiting times have also improved slightly, with patients waiting around 19 weeks on average — 0.2 weeks shorter than the previous month and 4.6 weeks shorter than the same

period last year.

Meanwhile, the number of people waiting more than a year for a first outpatient appointment fell to just over 32,700, the lowest level since September 2020 and more than twothirds lower than the peak recorded in 2022.

PRESSURE STILL HIGH

Despite the improvements, NHS leaders say services remain under intense pressure, particularly during the winter period.

Darren Hughes, director of the Welsh NHS Confederation, said the progress showed the “relentless focus” on reducing waiting times was beginning to deliver results.

He said: “It is reassuring to see the continued focus on driving down waiting lists is paying off, especially for those waiting the longest for treatment.

“The overall waiting list fell for the seventh month in a row in December, which is not something we would usually see given the heightened pressures on the NHS in the winter months and an early flu season hitting the UK.”

However, he warned that the health service was still far from where it needed to be.

“NHS leaders are fully aware that we are still not where we need to be — too many people are still waiting a long time for treatment — but we must capitalise on this momentum and make sure best practice is shared across Wales,” he added.

EMERGENCY DEMAND RISING

The figures also come against a backdrop of rising demand for urgent and emergency care.

Some health boards declared critical incidents in January as services struggled to cope with pressure, while emergency department attendances were roughly 1,000 per day higher on average compared with January 2025.

However, performance against the newer ambulance measure for the most serious “purple” emergency calls met targets in January despite the increased demand.

CALLS fOR LONG-TERM STRATEGY

Health leaders say sustained improvement will require action beyond the NHS itself, including better prevention, stronger social care services, and investment in infrastructure.

Mr Hughes said: “To continue to tackle high demand and drive down waits for the people of Wales, the next Welsh Government must implement a cross-government strategy for prevention, stabilise social care and enable the NHS to invest in its estates and infrastructure.”

POLITICAL CONTExT

Waiting times remain one of the most politically sensitive issues in Welsh public services, with opposition parties regularly criticising the Welsh Government over performance compared with England.

Ministers have previously argued that the Welsh system treats patients based on clinical need rather than targets alone, and that recovery from the pandemic backlog is progressing. For patients across West Wales — including those served by Hywel Dda University Health Board — the figures offer cautious optimism, but also underline the scale of the challenge still facing the health service

Health experts say sustained reductions over coming months will be critical in determining whether the NHS in Wales is genuinely turning a corner or simply experiencing temporary improvement.

Candidate who withdrew from Hakin race will still appear on ballot paper

THE LABOUR candidate who withdrew from the Hakin county council by-election yesterday will still appear on ballot papers when voters go to the polls next month.

Nicola Harteveld announced she was stepping back from the race after nominations had already closed, meaning election officials are legally unable to remove her name from the ballot or allow Welsh Labour to nominate a replacement candidate.

Under UK election rules, once the deadline for nominations passes and candidates are formally confirmed, the ballot paper is fixed except in very limited circumstances, such as the death of a candidate. Withdrawal after that point does not change the ballot.

As a result, Harteveld will remain listed as the Welsh Labour candidate for the Hakin ward when voting takes place on Tuesday, March 17, even though she is no longer campaigning.

P OTENTIAL CON f USION f OR VOTERS

One elector in the ward told The Herald the situation could lead to uncertainty at the polling station.

“This will cause confusion, and technically means she could still be elected, when in reality she doesn’t want to be,” the resident said.

Any votes cast for Harteveld will still be counted in the election result, as there is no mechanism to invalidate votes for a candidate who has voluntarily withdrawn after the close of nominations.

If a withdrawn candidate were to receive the most votes, further procedural steps could be required, potentially including a fresh election depending on the circumstances at that stage.

B ACKGROUND TO WITHDRAWAL

Harteveld stepped back

from the contest after reporting verbal abuse directed towards her son, in a development that also led to political controversy after the First Minister visited the ward to support her campaign on the same day she did not attend and later confirmed her withdrawal.

Because nominations had already closed by that point, Labour was unable to field another candidate, leaving the party without an active campaign presence in the

contest

E LECTION CONTE x T

The Hakin by-election was called following the death of long-serving Independent councillor Mike Stoddart. The remaining active candidates are:

• Derrick Abbott (Independent)

• Sam Booth (Wales Green Party)

• Lee James Bridges (Independent)

• Duncan Edwards (Independent)

• Brian Taylor (Welsh Conservative)

• Scott Thorley (Reform UK)

• Sam Warden (Welsh Liberal Democrats)

Polling stations across the ward will be open from 7:00am to 10:00pm on March 17.

Pembrokeshire 2026-2027 council tax to rise by 4.6 per cent

COUNCIL TAx in Pembrokeshire is to rise by 4.6 per cent, equivalent to an extra £76 for the average property.

At the February 20 special meeting of Pembrokeshire County Council members consider a previously Cabinet-backed recommendation for the setting of the 2026/27 council budget, with a council tax increase of 4.6 per cent, equating to an increase of £75.99 for the council part of the

Documentary

overall council tax bill for the average Band D property.

Last year, Pembrokeshire’s council tax increased by 9.35 per cent, lower than that year’s Cabinet recommendation of 9.85 per cent.

The overall council tax bill is made up of the county council element, the largest part, the Dyfed-Powys Police precept, and individual town or community council elements.

A report for councillors, presented by

‘Fighters’

A SPECIAL screening of the British documentary fighters was recently hosted at the Senedd in Cardiff Bay by local MS Samuel Kurtz, in partnership with Great Britain Disability Boxing and Pembroke and Pembroke Dock Amateur Boxing Club.

The powerful film explores themes of disability, identity and resilience through the world of amateur boxing. It follows several participants, including Amelia, a young deaf boxer preparing for her first competitive bout, and Matt Edwards, a lower-limb amputee determined to secure his amateur boxing licence as the first step towards achieving his ambition of turning professional.

The documentary also highlights the wider barriers disabled people can face in both sport and everyday life, while showcasing the positive impact of inclusive opportunities.

Samuel Kurtz MS said: “Sport is a fantastic social mobiliser, and working with Chris to bring this film to Cardiff Bay has been an immense pleasure. Fighters is one of the most inspiring projects I’ve ever been involved in. It shows not only what can be achieved in the ring, but what is possible when barriers are challenged and opportunities are opened up.”

cabinet member for finance Cllr Alistair Cameron, recommending the 4.6 per cent rate, said a better-than-expected Welsh Government settlement for Pembrokeshire left a funding gap for 2026-27 of £14.7m for the overall budget.

It said: “The most significant cost pressure for the 2026-27 budget continues to be within Social Care, with a projected total increase in pressure of £12m for 2026-27 representing 42 per cent of the total council service pressures for 2026-27; and £30.5m across the remainder of the mediumterm financial plan.”

It added: “Individual School balances continue to be a concern in the Medium Term with 47 of our 61 schools continuing to rely on their reserve balances to fund in year expenditure. This is not a sustainable position, with the current trajectory suggesting school balances will be in an aggregated deficit position by 2027-28.”

The budget included a year-on-year increase in the net budget for schools of £4.7m, Cllr Cameron said.

However, the budget pressure for individual school budgets was listed in the report at £6.7m, with some £2m of savings identified.

Members also heard an expected underspend in the current financial year’s budget, currently estimated at £4m, would be held in reserve to support any schools in difficulty.

Aside from the usual budget concerns it said a number of front-line services had been identified “which require investment to address fragile service levels and areas of concern” including: school improvement support for secondary schools causing concern; building maintenance to support the additional catch-up work required to corporate buildings; highways ‘beat gangs’ to support highway maintenance works; and additional highways gully maintenance.

Conservative Group leader Cllr Di Clements welcomed the “more realistic council tax increase” than previous years, stressing taxpayers needed “consistency from one year to the next,” adding: “I’m hoping that’s the end of very high council tax increases we’ve seen of late.”

Citing recent poor Estyn reports on some county schools, Cllr Clements asked for a “cast iron guarantee” that any surpluses from this year’s budget would be ring-fenced for any schools needing support.

Members backed the 4.6 per cent rise after a failed last-minute call for amendments to the budget made by Independent Group leader Cllr Huw Murphy – essentially aimed at reducing savings in the education budget – was defeated by 28 votes to 21, with one abstention.

The actual budget was backed by 34 votes to 16, with one abstention.

lands a knockout in Cardiff Bay screening

Chris McEwen of Pembroke and Pembroke Dock Amateur Boxing Club — who features in the film — attended the screening alongside supporters of disability sport from across Wales.

The club was named Parasport Club of the Month in 2021 in recognition of its work supporting people with disabilities and continues to run a wide range of inclusive boxing

sessions across Pembrokeshire.

Praising his commitment, Mr Kurtz added: “Chris is a passionate advocate for boxing and for our community. He works tirelessly to ensure that opportunities in sport are open to everyone, regardless of ability.”

Chris McEwen said: “Boxing should be accessible to all. This film shows the determination it takes to break

down barriers, but it also demonstrates why inclusive clubs matter. Our aim is simple — to ensure that anyone who wants to take part feels welcome and supported.”

The screening brought together campaigners, athletes and community leaders, reinforcing the importance of keeping sport open, inclusive and accessible for everyone.

W ITH ANDREW LYE

Liberal Democrat Deputy Leader and MP for Brecon, Radnor & Cwm Tawe, David Chadwick, has welcomed the longoverdue launch of the UK Government’s fuel finder Scheme, saying it follows years of pressure from the Liberal Democrats to bring transparency and competition to the fuel market.

The scheme, also known as “Pumpwatch”, went live this month and requires all petrol and diesel retailers to publish live fuel prices to a central government database, including any price changes within 30 minutes. Drivers can now compare prices through a range of apps, websites and in-car sat-nav systems, helping them find the cheapest fuel nearby.

The Chancellor has said the scheme could save households up to £40 a year, while the Competition and Markets Authority believe it will help spur competition after previously finding that competition between filling stations had been “weak” and profit margins “persistently high”.

Welsh Liberal Democrats say the launch is a clear vindication of their long-standing calls for action. The party has been campaigning for fuel price transparency for over a decade, repeatedly warning that opaque pricing hits rural communities hardest, where drivers often have little choice over where to fill up.

Chadwick argues that rural motorists are too often forced to pay more simply because of where they live.

While welcoming the move, the Welsh Liberal Democrats say more must now be done to tackle high fuel costs in rural Wales, including extending the Rural Fuel Duty Relief Scheme to Wales. The scheme currently operates in parts of rural England and

Scotland but does not cover Welsh communities.

David Chadwick said:

“This is a genuine step forward for drivers and a clear Liberal Democrat win. We have been calling for fuel price transparency for years because when people can see prices clearly, it puts real pressure on retailers to compete.

“That matters everywhere, but especially in rural Wales, where families and businesses rely on their cars and often don’t have the luxury of shopping around. Transparency is long overdue

The Government must go further and extend the Rural Fuel Duty Relief Scheme to Wales. If ministers are serious about supporting rural communities, they cannot keep ignoring the extra costs faced by people who have no alternative to driving.”

On www.fuel-finder. uk, I could see the price of unleaded petrol costing between 126.6p and 131.9p a litre, across Pembrokeshire.

Last week, Nigel Farage, announce a Reform UK shadow cabinet, though they only have 8 MP’s.

The Liberal Democrats don’t have a shadow cabinet as we only have 72 MP’s, though we do have shadow spokespersons.

Liberal Democrat Deputy Leader Daisy Cooper MP said:

“This Reform-Tory ‘Fifty Shades of Blue’ love-in is fooling no one.

“Robert Jenrick voted for Liz Truss’s economic disaster of a mini-budget, now he wants to do the same damage to the economy all over again.

“Nigel Farage is welcome to give his colleagues new name badges but it won’t change the opinion of the countrythat Conservatives, current or former, are totally unfit to govern.”

If you have any issues or comments, please contact me at andrew.lye@pembslibdems.wales

Farage vows to strip Cardiff’s ‘City of Sanctuary’ status

REfORM UK leader Nigel farage has pledged that Cardiff would lose its “City of Sanctuary” status if his party gains power in Wales, as he confirmed plans to launch Reform’s Welsh manifesto in the capital next week.

Speaking at a press conference in Dover on Tuesday (Feb 24), focused primarily on immigration enforcement, Farage announced he would unveil the party’s Senedd election platform in Cardiff on Thursday, March 5 — just weeks before voters go to the polls on May 7.

The announcement offers one of the clearest indications yet of Reform UK’s strategy in Wales, where the party hopes to capitalise on dissatisfaction with mainstream parties and secure representation in the expanded 96-member Senedd.

Alongside the party’s home affairs spokesperson Zia Yusuf, Farage provided what he described as a “sneak preview” of a headline policy.

“I’ll be in Cardiff to launch the Welsh manifesto next Thursday,” he said. “I hate leaks but I can give you a sneak preview. If we win the Welsh parliament elections Cardiff will no longer continue to be a city of sanctuary.”

The comments have already sparked debate, touching on immigration policy, local government powers and the symbolic role of sanctuary initiatives within devolved Wales.

WHAT THE DESIGNATION MEANS

Cardiff was awarded City of Sanctuary status in 2014 as part of a UK-wide movement encouraging communities to support refugees and asylum seekers.

The designation has no legal authority and does not affect immigration enforcement, asylum decisions or deportations, which remain the responsibility of the UK Government through the Home Office.

Instead, the scheme reflects a voluntary commitment by councils, charities, schools, faith groups and community organisations to promote inclusion and support for people fleeing persecution.

In Cardiff, more than 50 organisations are involved, including cultural institutions, education providers and voluntary sector groups. Activities range from language support and integration programmes to community events and recognition schemes such as the Sanctuary Awards.

Supporters argue the initiative strengthens community cohesion and reduces isolation among vulnerable groups.

POLITICAL fAULT LINES EMERGING

Farage’s pledge aligns with Reform UK’s wider criticism of what the party describes as overly permissive migration policies and “virtue signalling” by public bodies. Reform has also signalled opposition to the Welsh Government’s broader “Nation of Sanctuary” approach.

However, critics are likely to

highlight the limits of devolved power in this area. Because the designation is voluntary and council-led, a Reform-led Welsh Government could not simply abolish it without cooperation from Cardiff Council, although it could influence funding priorities or policy guidance.

Supporters of Reform, meanwhile, may see the proposal as a clear political signal — prioritising domestic concerns and challenging what Farage has characterised as a prevailing political consensus in Wales.

ELECTION BATTLE TAKING SHAPE

The Cardiff manifesto launch is expected to outline Reform UK’s full Welsh platform ahead of the May election, which will be held under a new proportional system with an enlarged Senedd.

Party figures have previously suggested they would oppose measures such as default 20mph speed limits, Welsh language expansion targets and aspects of devolved spending, alongside a tougher stance on migrationrelated policies within Wales’ limited powers.

Farage’s intervention has ensured immigration and identity issues will feature prominently in the Welsh election debate — potentially setting up sharp dividing lines between Reform and established parties as campaigning intensifies.

Whether the message resonates with voters across Wales, or provokes a backlash, is likely to become clearer in the weeks ahead.

Rail centre must not repeat ‘Circuit of Wales’ failure, Senedd told

MAJOR rail testing project in south Wales must not be allowed to repeat the mistakes of the failed Circuit of Wales development, a senior Conservative politician has warned.

South Wales Central MS Andrew RT Davies raised concerns during Senedd proceedings on Tuesday (Feb 24) about the proposed Global Centre of Rail Excellence (GCRE), a multi-million-pound rail innovation and testing facility planned for the Dulais Valley.

Mr Davies said ministers needed to ensure the project delivered results after significant

public funding had already been committed, warning taxpayers across Wales could ultimately bear the cost if it failed.

He pointed to the Circuit of Wales motorsport project near Ebbw Vale, which collapsed after consuming millions of pounds of investment, as a cautionary example.

Speaking in the chamber, Mr Davies said: “Senedd ministers have a poor track record wasting money.

“Under Plaid Cymru separatists and Labour, costs always soar out of control.

“The Global Centre of Rail Excellence is an exciting prospect – it must not go the

BLUE VIEW

With Brian Murphy

The big news in Pembrokeshire this week is the removal of services from Withybush and despite Eluned Morgan’s attempts at distancing herself from the decision it is entirely of her making. Labour has been in charge for 27 years and are responsible for funding the NHS. For every £1 spent in England Wales gets £1.20, and it is the Welsh Government who decides where that money is spent. During her time in the Senedd she has backed Welsh Labour when they voted to spend £225million on Cardiff airport, an enterprise which is still failing.

same way as the failed Circuit of Wales.”

He told members that around £70 million of public funding had already been invested but that the site remained largely undeveloped when he visited in the autumn.

Mr Davies also warned that a future government could face a requirement to secure around £330 million to make the project viable, raising concerns about long-term affordability and delivery.

Responding, First Minister Eluned Morgan defended the Welsh Government’s investment in rail infrastructure, highlighting improvements to the South Wales Valleys lines and new rolling stock.

She said the Global Centre of Rail Excellence represented a “major strategic opportunity” for the Dulais Valley and confirmed both the Welsh and UK governments had committed funding, with private sector investment also being pursued.

The First Minister added that a final investment decision would ultimately be taken by the next government following the Senedd elections.

The project has been promoted as a flagship regeneration scheme aimed at creating jobs and boosting Wales’ rail sector, although questions remain about funding and delivery timelines.

The rollout of a blanket 20mph speed limit cost the taxpayer £35 million. A further £150 million has been spent on the M4 relief road, and still not an inch of tarmac has been laid. And the cost of 36 more politicians in Cardiff will cost £10 million every year. This is in addition to the other vanity projects of funding solar powered boats in Peru, offices in Brussels and Dubai, and tree planting in Uganda. How many doctors, nurses, and dentists would these projects pay for?

She proudly claims credit when services are expanded. Only two weeks ago she was celebrating the opening of

the new health facilities in Cardigan. On her Facebook page she is all smiles and likes to remind voters that it was Welsh Labour who delivered it. Yet, when it comes to Withybush her response is that the decision is a matter for the Health Board. She cannot have it both ways. If you want praise for new services, you must be prepared to be criticised when other services are removed. This is nothing new for Welsh Labour. They have a history of blaming everyone else when things go wrong. Eluned Morgan has blamed Brexit and Trump for the disastrous Welsh economy. And even blamed Netflix for pubs closing. Brexit, Trump and Netflix did not set business rates. Like the NHS it is the responsibility of the Welsh Government. Let’s not forget that Labour have not been able to do this alone. They do not have a majority in the Senedd and have relied upon Plaid Cymru and the Liberal Democrats to vote with them. If it wasn’t for the support of Plaid and Lib Dems, Labour would not have been able to spend millions on vanity projects. That must not be forgotten or overlooked when we go to the polls in a few weeks.

GRCE: Andrew RT Davies raised concerns during Senedd proceedings on Tuesday

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Pic Ture oF The week!

VALUES THAT HELPED BRITAIN ENDURE ITS DARKEST DAYS

DEAR SIR,

I WAS a young person during the Second World War, when brave men and women travelled from across the world to risk their lives to defeat Nazism — a regime responsible for the murder of millions, including helpless Jewish children. Hitler’s dictatorship stands as one of the greatest and most evil crimes in human history.

At home, the UK Government introduced rationing so that food and essential goods could be shared fairly among the population. Yet even in those desperate times, some individuals chose to enrich themselves through blackmarket trading, exploiting their fellow citizens for profit. That betrayal of public trust should remind us that unchecked greed has always existed alongside hardship.

Not all business people are

unscrupulous, of course, but history shows that when profit is placed above people, society suffers. It is worth remembering that the NHS was created by a Labour government despite opposition from the Conservatives. Eighty years later, we must ask ourselves whether we want a society based on universal healthcare for all, or one increasingly driven by private provision and personal wealth.

Health is not an individual luxury — it affects the wellbeing of everyone. Decisions about public services, welfare, and support for families are therefore moral choices as much as economic ones.

In that context, I find it troubling when political parties on the right — including the Conservatives and Reform — argue for reducing support to vulnerable families, whether at home or abroad. History teaches us the dangers of indifference to suffering.

We should strive for compassion, fairness, and collective responsibility — values that helped Britain endure its darkest days and

DEAR SIR,

THE latest figures showing UK household costs rising by 3.6% in the year to December 2025 will come as no surprise to families across Wales, because for most people the so-called easing of inflation simply does not match the reality of everyday life.

Politicians and economists talk about percentages falling from 4.0% to 3.6% as if this represents meaningful relief, but the truth is that prices are still going up — just slightly more slowly. Food is still expensive, energy bills remain high, rents continue to climb, and mortgages are still punishing for many homeowners. For working families, that is not stability; it is continued pressure.

What concerns me most is the widening divide between those who own property outright and those who rent or carry large mortgages. The figures show outright owners experiencing lower cost increases than renters, which underlines a growing inequality that risks becoming entrenched. Younger people and families without inherited wealth are being left behind through no fault of their own.

Households with children are also facing higher cost rises, which raises serious questions about long-term social fairness. If raising a family becomes financially unsustainable for ordinary working people, the consequences for communities and the economy will be profound.

There is also a psychological toll that statistics rarely capture. Constant financial strain affects mental health, relationships, and productivity. People are not just balancing budgets; they are living with ongoing uncertainty and anxiety.

We should be cautious about celebrating modest improvements in inflation rates

rebuild afterwards.

Neville Westerman

THE “FINANCIAL SQUEEzE”

St Davids Cathedral by Andrew Maine

while the overall cost base remains historically high. What families need is not reassurance that things are getting worse more slowly — they need genuine affordability, stable housing costs, and wages that keep pace with living expenses.

Until that happens, the “financial squeeze” will remain very real for millions.

YOURS fAITHfULLY,

DAN JAMES

STABILITY AND FAIRNESS IN ENERGY COSTS SHOULD BE A PRIORITY

DEAR SIR,

THE latest warnings that petrol prices could rise sharply again — with some experts even suggesting £2 per litre by the end of the summer — will alarm many households who are already struggling with the cost of living.

For people in rural areas especially, fuel is not a luxury; it is a necessity. Many of us have no realistic alternative to driving. Public transport is limited, unreliable, or simply unavailable for work, school runs, and medical appointments. When fuel prices rise, families cannot

just “cut back” — they absorb the cost or go without somethig else.

What is frustrating is how quickly prices seem to rise at the pumps when global oil costs increase, yet reductions appear to take much longer to reach consumers. That creates a perception, rightly or wrongly, that motorists are being taken advantage of.

The suggestion that drivers should “fill up now” before prices increase further also highlights how vulnerable ordinary households are to global events completely beyond their control. Wars, tariffs, and geopolitical tensions thousands of miles away should not be capable of pushing British families into financial difficulty, yet that is the reality.

There also needs to be an honest national conversation about long-term energy resilience. While electric vehicles are often presented as the future, they remain financially out of reach for many people, particularly those already struggling with rising living costs. Until alternatives are genuinely affordable and infrastructure is widespread, petrol and diesel remain essential.

For many working families, another surge in fuel prices will simply mean more pressure on already stretched budgets. Stability and fairness in energy costs should be a priority, not an afterthought.

SALLY JAMES

death notices

N EIL V IGGARS

T HE death occurred peacefully at his home in Llanboidy on the 13th f ebruary of Mr Neil Viggars, who was aged 91.

Neil is pre-deceased by his wife Kate and is survived by sons Chris, Nick, Steve and Joe and their families.

The funeral service takes place on Thursday 12th March at Parc Gwyn Crematorium, Narberth at 1pm.

There will be family flowers only, donations if desired, can be made payable to “West Wales Help for Hero’s”

Funeral Directors W & M J Rossiter & Sons Ltd, The Old Rectory, The Norton, Tenby, SA70 8AB or Landsker House, 21 Station Road, Narberth, SA67 7DR or via www. rossitersfunerals.co.uk

A LLAN B OWEN B USHELL

S UDDENLY at his home on Saturday 14th f ebruary, Allan of Goodwick.

Beloved husband of Vanessa, loving father and father-in-law of Mark, Becs and Matt, adored grandfather of Ava and Grace and a much loved son, brother and uncle.

Funeral service on Monday 2nd March at Parc Gwyn Crematorium, Narberth at 2.30pm.

The funeral cortege will be leaving the family home at 1.30pm.

Family flowers only. Donations in lieu, if desired, to a charity of your own choice.

Further enquiries to Paul Jenkins & Sons Funeral Directors, Feidr Castell, Fishguard, SA65 9BB. Tel01348 873250.

D ENYS R OBERT C HARLES S HORT

S UDDENLY, but peacefully, at home in Dinas on 12th f ebruary 2026.

Much loved and devoted husband to Eirian (1924 – 2021).

His wit, knowledge and good humour will be much missed by his brother and many nieces, nephews, God-daughter, cousins and friends.

On March 28th there will be a gathering, open to anyone who

knew him, to remember Denys and celebrate his life.

For details please contact DRCSmemorial@proton.me.

The cremation will be private.

Donations in memory of Denys may be made to ‘Yr Hen Ysgol Dinas’ c/o Paul Jenkins & Sons Funeral Directors, Feidr Castell, Fishguard, SA65 9BB. Tel: 01348 873250.

C ERI W OOD

I T I s with great sadness that we inform all of the passing of Ceri Wood of Lowertown f ishguard, who sadly passed away at Withybush Hospital on 6th f ebruary following a sudden short illness at the age of 80.

She leaves behind her husband, David, her son Karl, daughter Joanna, son in law Mike, grandson Lucas, Sister Janet and brother in law Clive. She was much loved and will be hugely missed.

There will be a celebration of her life on Friday, March 6th at Parc Gwyn Crematorium, Narberth 10.45. Bright dress appreciated.

Further enquiries to Paul Jenkins

& Sons Funeral Directors, Feidr Castell, Fishguard, SA65 9BB. Tel: 01348 873250.

BYRON MANSELL KILGETTY

I T is with deep sadness that we announce the death of Byron William Mansell, who died peacefully at home on Saturday f ebruary 14th at the age of 74.

Treasured husband of Betty. Devoted Father to Lisa, Simon & James Father-in-Law to Stefanie & Katie. Adored Bampi of Sophie, Timmy, Erin & Aly. Brother to Geoffrey, Rowland & Quentin. Brother-in-Law to Susan, Sarah, Chris, Victoria & Jim Pre-deceased by his Sister Cecillia, Brother & Sisters-in-Law, John & Barbara and Bron & Ron Cherished Uncle, Great Uncle and Cousin. Deeply missed by all that knew and loved him.

The funeral service will take place on Monday 9th March at 3.15pm at Parc Gwyn Crematorium, Narberth.

The family have requested a splash of blue to be worn to celebrate Byron’s life.

There will be family flowers only with donations if so desired for The Paul Sartori Foundation c/o E. C. Thomas and Son, Zoar Chapel Funeral Home, Llanteg, Narberth SA67 8QH (01834) 831876 and 21 Main Street, Pembroke SA71 4JS (01646) 682680 or via www.ecthomasandson.co.uk

V ICKIE F ISHER

V ICKIE passed away peacefully at home surrounded by family on Saturday 14th f ebruary 2026 aged 80 years.

Beloved wife of 60 years to Howard, loving Mother to Jeremy, Alison and Jamie, respected motherin-law to Dawn, Mark and Denise, cherished sister to Gillian and Dennis, treasured grandmother to Alex, Luke, Scott, Bethan, Shaun, Jake, Kian and their partners and adored greatgrandmother to Poppy Mai.

Her Funeral Service will take place on Tuesday 3rd March 12:15pm at Parc Gwyn Crematorium, Narberth. Family Flowers only.

All enquiries to Roy Folland & Son Funeral Directors (01437) 763821.

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TWhy 2026 marks a Winter Olympic turning point for Team GB

If you had been told before the Games began that Team GB would return home with three gold medals, you might have raised an eyebrow. Yet that is precisely what unfolded.

On Sunday evening, flagbearers Matt Weston and Charlotte Bankes led the British team into the closing ceremony in Verona, drawing the curtain on a Winter Olympics that will be remembered as a watershed moment.

Five medals in total matched Britain’s previous best Winter Games hauls, achieved in 2014 and 2018. But this felt different. When snowboarders Bankes and Huw Nightingale claimed gold in the mixed team snowboard cross, Britain secured more than one gold at a single Winter Olympics for the first time in its history — a milestone long out of reach.

Weston had set the tone earlier in the week, shouldering expectation to take the men’s skeleton title — a prize many felt was his to lose. He delivered.

What became known as ‘Super Sunday’ saw Bankes and Nightingale clinch Team GB’s first Olympic gold medal on snow. Within hours, Weston returned to the top step of the podium alongside Tabby Stoecker in the skeleton mixed team event at the Cortina Sliding Centre.

There was further success on the penultimate night as Bruce Mouat’s men’s curling rink secured a second successive Olympic silver. The following day, freestyle skier Zoe Atkin signed off Britain’s campaign with bronze in the halfpipe.

“These Games have been amazing — a history-making Games,” said Team GB chef de mission Eve Muirhead. “They’ve shown we are capable, that we have enormous potential and that we’re growing. We’re a growing winter nation, which is incredibly exciting.

“With the French Alps in four years’ time, this is a catalyst for what’s to come.”

Near misses that matter

For all the podium finishes, there were also agonising margins.

Five fourth-place finishes underlined both the progress made and how fine the margins remain. Freestyle skier Kirsty Muir missed slopestyle bronze by just 0.41 of a point after squatting on the landing of her final run. She later finished fourth again in the big air.

Snowboarder Mia Brookes also pushed the boundaries in pursuit of a medal. Needing something extraordinary on her final big air attempt, she landed a competition-first backside 1620 — four-and-a-half rotations — but over-rotated at the last moment. A clean landing would almost certainly have secured a podium place.

“Fourths make champions,” said Vicky Gosling, chief executive of GB Snowsport. “We are fourth in the world. Kirsty started on the dry slopes in Aberdeen; Mia began in Manchester. Look where they are now. We should be immensely proud of

what’s been achieved.”

Elsewhere, there were breakthroughs beyond the medal table. Cross-country skiers Andrew Musgrave and James Clugnet recorded Britain’s best-ever Olympic result in their sport with fifth in the team sprint. Musgrave also bettered his own previous mark with sixth in the 10km interval start freestyle. Anna Pryce produced the highest finish by a British woman in Olympic cross-country skiing, placing 32nd in the sprint classic.

In skeleton, Stoecker, Freya Tarbit and Amelia Coltman all secured top-10 finishes, contributing to more than 20 British top10 results overall.

Kate Baker, UK Sport’s director of performance, said the spread of success across disciplines demonstrated genuine depth. “It shows we’re not a one-trick pony,” she said. “We’re mixing it with the very best in winter sport. That’s hugely encouraging.”

Building for the future

Team GB return home on Monday, after which detailed reviews will begin — both within the British Olympic Association and across individual governing bodies.

In the four-year cycle leading into Milan-Cortina, UK Sport invested £25.5m in winter Olympic sports, up from £22.2m for Beijing 2022. Funding for the next cycle, towards 2030, will be confirmed in the summer, although sports have already received provisional figures for planning.

Medal returns remain important, but they are not the sole measure. Future potential and public impact also weigh heavily in funding decisions.

Baker believes the athletes have more than justified the investment. “They’ve gone above and beyond in delivering value for money,” she said. “But we’ve already been building towards the next Games — and the one after that. The next four years are about supporting emerging talent and ensuring that when finals day arrives, they are at their absolute best.”

The financial landscape is unlikely to become any more generous. Sports are being urged to collaborate and share resources where possible.

GB Snowsport, which received £7.3m of UK Sport funding for the 2026 cycle and supplemented it through commercial income, believes there is still significant untapped potential.

“We’ve shown we can deliver medals with what we have,” Gosling said. “But this is just the start — not the peak. Many of those narrowly missing out are young athletes with bright futures.

“2030 is just around the corner. We’ll be back — and next time, perhaps, those fourth places will turn to gold.”

For a nation once grateful simply to feature in winter sport’s medal conversation, that represents a profound shift in ambition — and belief.

A PROMISING young boxer from Pembrokeshire is set to make his professional debut this spring, appearing on a major televised bill headlined by Olympic champion Lauren Price.

Goodwick’s Mikey O’Sullivan, who boxed out of Cardigan Amateur Boxing Club throughout a decorated amateur career, has been named on the undercard of the BOXXER-promoted show at Cardiff’s Utilita Arena on Saturday 4 April, where he will campaign at featherweight.

The event will be headlined by Price defending her unified world welterweight titles – the WBA, WBC and IBF belts – against unbeaten Puerto Rican challenger Stephanie Pineiro Aquino in what promises to be one of the biggest nights of boxing in Wales this year. Price, an Olympic gold medallist and one of Wales’s most decorated athletes, will be fighting on home soil for the first time since her unification win over Natasha Jonas at the Royal Albert Hall in 2025, with the bout broadcast live on BBC Two and BBC iPlayer.

For O’Sullivan, 19, the opportunity represents a significant step into the professional ranks. Widely regarded as one of the brightest prospects to emerge from north Pembrokeshire, he built his reputation travelling the Welsh and UK amateur circuits, collecting national honours and international experience while still in his teens.

Boxing runs in the family. Mikey was just 11 when he joined Cardigan ABC, where his father, Kevin, has served as assistant to head coach Guy Croft for years.

“Mikey and his dad, Kev, have made the 40-mile round trip to our gym twice a week from Goodwick for longer than I can remember,” said club chairman Mike Lewis.

“It says a lot about Mikey’s character and determination that he stuck to his path despite the occasional setback.”

O’Sullivan first caught wider attention at schoolboy level, earning Welsh vests after success at the WABA Schoolboy Championships. Those early victories secured him selection for Wales and set him on a pathway through junior and youth ranks into the elite level.

He has since won multiple Welsh titles and, in 2024, defeated two national champions on his way to gold at the Moldavian Belt Tournament in Romania, shortly after triumphing at the Three Nations tournament at Cardiff’s Sophia Gardens. That same year he stepped on to the world stage at the U19 World Boxing Championships in Colorado at 55kg, finishing with a bronze medal – his finest amateur achievement and one that marked him out as a serious prospect.

Now preparing to swap the amateur vest for the paid ranks, O’Sullivan will begin his professional journey in front of a far bigger audience than most teenagers from rural west Wales ever experience.

The Cardiff card offers local supporters from Goodwick, Fishguard and Cardigan the chance to watch one of their own take his first steps in the professional game under the bright lights, sharing the bill with one of Welsh boxing’s biggest stars.

Staff at his former junior school, Ysgol Wdig, said they were “delighted” by the success of their former pupil and wished him “pob lwc”.

Club chairman Mike Lewis added that O’Sullivan’s rise to the professional ranks was testament to years of dedication and sacrifice – and that the whole community would be cheering him on when the opening bell rings.

IT was chaotic, breathless and, ultimately, cruel – but for the first time in far too long there was something else inside the Principality Stadium on Saturday: genuine belief.

Wales may have fallen 26–23 to Scotland, but this was no capitulation. This was not another afternoon of damage limitation. Instead, it was a performance that reminded the rugby world what Welsh sides are capable of when pride, passion and physicality collide.

For 70-odd minutes, the dragon roared again.

After a run of 13 straight defeats in the Six Nations, few outside the home dressing room gave Wales a chance. Heavy losses earlier in the campaign had lowered expectations to the bare minimum. Yet from the opening exchanges, Dewi Lake’s men tore into Scotland with an intensity that has too often been missing in recent seasons.

Tries from Rhys Carre and Josh Adams powered Wales into a 17–5 halftime lead, with Sam Costelow composed from the tee. The gain line was won, the breakdown fiercely contested and the Cardiff crowd – not always convinced in recent months – found its voice again.

When Costelow nudged the lead further early in the second half and the defence repelled a relentless 26-phase Scottish assault, it felt as though something significant was stirring.

Scotland, to their credit, found a way back. Finn Russell’s opportunism created a lifeline, setting up Darcy Graham before a late maul saw George Turner edge the visitors in front.

It was, as Lake described, “gutwrenching”. But this was a defeat wrapped in defiance rather than despair.

The edge is back

If there has been one accusation levelled at Wales over the past three years, it is that they have been brave

but blunt. On Saturday, that changed.

The forward pack rediscovered its snarl. Alex Mann was immense at the coalface, abrasive and unrelenting. Lake himself carried with venom and defended ferociously, while Aaron Wainwright and James Botham worked tirelessly across the park. Behind them, Dafydd Jenkins provided authority and physical presence in the tight.

This was far closer to the identity forged in the era of Warren Gatland –

direct, uncompromising and emotionally charged. Not flashy, perhaps, but ferociously competitive.

Foundations for the future

The difference this time was not simply effort, but cohesion. The defensive line-speed unsettled Scotland. The breakdown work was disciplined and disruptive. The set-piece, so often a concern, largely stood firm.

Yes, Scotland escaped – and there is no disguising the frustration of letting a winning position slip – but they needed moments of individual brilliance to do so. Wales, by contrast, built their platform through structure and graft.

There will be no points in the table for moral victories. Yet there are clear markers of progress. For a side battered by results and scrutiny, that matters.

Wales now travel to Ireland on 5 March with renewed purpose. Few will expect an easy afternoon, but if this display is anything to go by, they will not be making up the numbers.

The record books will show another defeat. Those inside the Principality, however, witnessed something more encouraging: a Welsh side rediscovering its backbone.

And if that edge remains, the first win of this championship may not be far away.

manderwood Pembrokeshire league - senior cuP

Senior Cup shock as Monkton Swifts knockout Hakin

Hakin United 0 – Monkton Swifts 3

SENIOR CUP holders Hakin United were stunned by Monkton Swifts, who advanced to the quarter-finals with goals from Paul Miller, Jimmy Wilkes and substitute Leon Kitts.

The tie, played on the 3G surface at Gelliswick VC School, saw the top two sides in Division One go head-to-head in an eagerly anticipated clash.

Hakin dominated early possession but could not break down an inspired Taylor Gullam, the Swifts goalkeeper producing a superb display to preserve a clean sheet.

The breakthrough came just before half-time when Daniel James delivered a teasing cross that fell to Miller, who drilled a low 20-yard effort into the far corner past Rory Williams.

The second half was tight, but the Swifts doubled their advantage in the

CYMRU WOMEN: WORLD CUP QUALIFYING BEGINS

THE CYMRU squad have arrived at camp and immediately got down to business as preparations begin for their opening 2027 fIfA Women’s World Cup qualifiers.

Uncapped goalkeeper Poppy Soper is among the three goalkeepers named in the squad, alongside Olivia Clark and Safia Middleton-Patel, who will continue to share the duties between the posts.

Head coach Rhian Wilkinson explained the situation regarding her goalkeepers. “Both have had moments with their clubs, but we don’t have a clear number one,” she said earlier this month. “They’ve both performed for Wales, but I don’t feel either has really claimed the jersey yet.”

Wilkinson stressed a supportive approach rather than fostering competition. “I try not to make it a combative environment. They know in advance which games they will be playing, and my message is simple: perform for your game.

“If they can do that consistently, they’ll earn the number one spot, but at this stage, I don’t feel either has taken that role outright.”

Cymru face Czechia at the City Stadium in Uherské Hradište on Tuesday, 3 March (kick-off 5.30pm GMT), before returning to Parc y Scarlets, Llanelli, to play Montenegro on Saturday, 7 March (kick-off 4.30pm).

69th minute when a swift counter-attack ended with another pinpoint James cross, firmly headed home by Wilkes.

Hakin pressed in search of a response, but Monkton defended resolutely and wrapped up the win when Liam Butland set up Kitts to score a late third and seal their place in the last eight.

Before kick-off, both sides observed a minute’s silence in memory of longtime Monkton Swifts supporter Charlie Webb, whose presence at Monkton Lane will be sorely missed.

Merlins Bridge 0 – Goodwick Utd 7

Goodwick United turned on the style with a ruthless 7–0 victory over nineman Merlins Bridge, cruising into the next round.

It was a frustrating afternoon for Mike Preddy’s side, who felt they should have been awarded a first-half penalty

after Scott Crawford was brought down, only for referee Stefan Jenkins to wave play on.

Goodwick opened the scoring on the half-hour when Rhys Jones slipped in Will Haworth, who finished neatly through goalkeeper Ben Henton’s legs.

Andrew ‘Kanga’ John then conceded a clear penalty by fouling Ben Adams, and Jones made no mistake from the spot. Within a minute it was three, Adams heading in Jones’ cross as the visitors led comfortably at the interval.

Substitute Guto Roberts added a fourth with a fine low strike after cutting in from the wing.

Merlins Bridge’s frustrations boiled over as Matthew D’Ivry and Nathan Evans were both sent off. An own goal from Tomos Gwilliam made it five, Scott Delaney added a sixth from close range, and 16-year-old Cade Watts completed the rout with a composed finish off the bench.

Clarbeston Road 6 – Johnston 2

Division One side Clarbeston Road proved far too strong for Second Division Johnston, running out convincing 6–2 winners to reach the quarter-finals.

Clarby led 4–0 at half-time, with Matthew Davies and Jake Wesley scoring early before Matthew Ellis headed in a corner and Davies struck again after being set up by Travis Jones.

Wesley added a fifth after the break before Johnston pulled one back through captain Joey George.

Substitute Richard Bevan netted Clarby’s sixth – Jones’ third assist of the afternoon – before Ryan Doyle scored a late consolation for Johnston.

On the day, however, Clarbeston Road’s quality proved decisive as they comfortably booked their place in the last eight.

dream back on track after citizenship

A GIfTED young footballer has had his dream of representing Cymru revived after his application for British citizenship was approved following what his family described as a “two-year battle”.

Enzo Romano, 16, had faced being ruled ineligible to play for Wales because he did not hold a UK passport, despite having represented the country at junior level.

Born in Cardiff to Spanish and Italian parents, Enzo spent his early childhood in the Welsh capital before moving to Spain at the age of eight after joining the FC Barcelona Youth Academy. Although the family still live in Spain, Enzo has continued to play for Wales’ youth sides.

From the age of 16, Welsh youth teams compete in international tournaments governed by FIFA, whose rules require players to hold citizenship of the country they represent.

Enzo’s father, Antonio, previously said his son was “proudly Welsh” and desperate to pull on the red shirt again, but the Home Office had twice rejected his citizenship application, seemingly ending hopes of a future senior call-up.

On Tuesday, however, Antonio said the family received the “wonderful” news that the application had been approved after new evidence was submitted regarding his employment while they lived in the UK.

“It’s been a long fight for Enzo’s dream over the last two years with a lot of stress, but he’s really excited. We are buzzing as a family,” he said.

Antonio added that Enzo had turned

U-turn

down approaches from Spain, Italy and the Dominican Republic because of his determination to represent Wales. The uncertainty over his status had been particularly difficult for the teenager, he said.

“He has said no to three national teams to play for Wales and when he heard the Home Office had rejected

his application he was devastated,” Antonio previously said. “I’m fighting so much because I want to see my son happy. He’s proudly Welsh and wants to play for his national team.”

Enzo now plays for FC Damm, a Spanish club known for developing players who later progress to FC Barcelona.

manderwood Pembrokeshire league

Hundleton

division

Letterston Res v Kilgetty III

N Hedges Saundersfoot II v Prendergast Villa II

Narberth Reserves v Lawrenny Res

MIKEY arrives on the big stage