The Pembrokeshire Herald 28/03/2025

Community councils buckling under new challenges

AN AUDIT WALES report released this week has found that community councils face significant challenges in adequately managing their financial and governance responsibilities.

There are 735 town and community councils in Wales. Their ability to deliver for the communities relies on sound financial management and governance. These community councils are subject to a system of wide-ranging accountability, incorporating both public reporting and annual accounts, in addition to the normal election cycle. The report found that community councils’ increasing responsibilities have outstripped the capacities of many to keep up with new obligations.

Town and community councils are gaining increasing responsibilities due to county councils seeking to transfer assets and services to community councils. That means it is even more important that community councils ensure they have sound systems of internal control, financial management and governance in place. However, Audit Wales’s report shows that many councils still fail to meet the necessary standards.

Increasingly, councils have failed to submit annual returns that are prepared in accordance with proper practices –leading to an increase in the number of

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qualified audit opinions being issued.

Audit Wales found that it is increasingly difficult to verify transactions due to inadequate accounting records, meaning councils are unable to demonstrate how decisions have been

made and value for money secured.

Another frequent qualification issue is councils not publishing information they are legally required to do so.

Audit Wales’s reporting continues to identify ongoing issues across the sector. Appropriate steps need to be taken to address these issues in order to create a stronger and more accountable future.

Wales’s Auditr General, Adrian Crompton, said: “Our audit work continues to play a vital role in identifying governance and financial management weaknesses. Town and community councils need to learn from the challenges raised in our report and use the guidance and support that is readily available to them.”

New community wind turbine set to be built near Fishguard

A CALL to replace a Pembrokeshire community wind turbine which has raised more than £76,000 for local groups with a larger one has been backed once again despite a second recommendation to refuse.

In an application before Pembrokeshire County Council’s March planning committee meeting, Abergwaun Community Turbine Ltd, through agent Machynlleth-based Dulas Ltd sought permission for a larger turbine to replace the existing Abergwaun Community Turbine.

The proposed turbine, in a pasture field at Trebover Farm, to the south of Fishguard, would be 67m tall, the existing 2015 one – granted on appeal – being 45 metres.

In supporting statements, parent company Transition Bro Gwaun said: “The Community Climate Fund (CCF) is the mechanism by which Transition Bro Gwaun (TBG) is fulfilling our ambition of funding projects in Fishguard, Goodwick and across North Pembrokeshire, using income from the community wind turbine.

“The core themes for grants are climate change mitigation and adaptation, enhancement of biodiversity and improvements to community resilience through promotion of community engagement and resource sharing.”

Parc Cerrig Growers, Caerhys Organic Community Agriculture, and Nevern Valley Veg.

recommendations for refusal, meaning it returned to a later committee for ratification after a ‘cooling-off’ period, this time the March meeting.

At the March meeting, members heard previous concerns by the nearby national park were no longer being made, with Andy Anderson of Scleddau Community Council speaking in favour of both the local community benefits – including funding for solar panels on the local football club – and the community being “well used” to the existing turbine.

Agent Paul Cowley said part of the application for the larger turbine was the existing machine showing signs of gearbox wear, and the proposal helping the county meet its ‘net zero’ green energy target.

Profit generated by sale of electricity from the turbine is split 50:50 between TBG and Parcy-Morfa Farms Ltd through the jointly-owned trading arm, Abergwaun Community Turbine, with community grants awarded through TBG’s Community Climate Fund, amounting to £76,036 to date.

2024 awards of £20,917 were made to six projects, including Theatr Gwaun,

The scheme was recommended for refusal on the grounds including “significant detrimental visual impact” on the area, “including areas of high sensitivity in the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park and in Fishguard,” on the Conservation Areas of Goodwick, Fishguard and Lower Town, Fishguard.

The scheme had previously been ‘minded to’ backed at the January planning committee, against officer

Moving approval, Cllr John T Davies said it was “significant” the national park was no longer raising concerns, attempting to allay noise concerns made at the meeting by local resident Neil Morris, by saying larger turbines were less of a concern as they rotated less.

A voice of concern, however, was Cllr Brian Hall, who suggested turbines in his own ward had affected property values by as much as £100,000.

The application to approve, against officer recommendations, was passed by 10 votes to three, with one abstention.

Bruce Sinclair Local Democracy Reporter

Police appeal after fatal crash on A477

AN ELDERLY woman has died following a serious crash on the A477 in Pembrokeshire on Wednesday afternoon (March 26).

Emergency services were called to the scene of a two-vehicle collision involving a red Hyundai and a white Ford Transit van between Broadmoor and Redberth at approximately 2:40pm.

The woman, who was driving the Hyundai, was confirmed dead at the scene. Her next of kin are being supported by officers from Dyfed-Powys Police specially trained in bereavement care.

The road was shut for several hours to allow for accident investigation and vehicle recovery, and was reopened by 9:00pm.

Wales Air Ambulance confirmed that two of its helicopter crews—based in Dafen and Welshpool—were mobilised at 2:55pm. They arrived at the location just before 4:00pm and concluded their attendance by 4:40pm.

In addition to the air response, two high acuity units, two land ambulances, and an operational manager from the Welsh Ambulance Service were deployed.

A spokesperson said: “Emergency Medical Retrieval and Transfer Service teams aboard the Wales Air Ambulance helicopter delivered advanced critical care at the scene. One patient was taken to hospital for further treatment.”

Tenby firefighters also responded, with crews performing CPR on one casualty. Tragically, the female casualty did not survive.

A Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service spokesperson said: “Tenby Fire Station attended the incident on the A477 at 2:40pm. The crash involved two vehicles. Despite the best efforts of emergency crews, one person died at the scene.”

Dyfed-Powys Police has launched an appeal for information and is urging anyone who witnessed the incident— or who may have dash cam footage from the area around the time of the collision—to come forward.

A spokesperson said: “We are appealing for witnesses to a fatal collision that occurred at around 2:40pm on Wednesday, March 26, on the A477 between Broadmoor and Redberth.

“The collision involved a red Hyundai and a white Ford Transit Connect van. The driver of the Hyundai, an elderly woman, sadly died from her injuries.” Anyone who was in the area at the time, especially those with dash cam recordings, is encouraged to contact police.

Information can be submitted:

• Online at: https://bit.ly/ DPPContactOnline

• By email: 101@dyfed-powys. police.uk

• Or by calling 101

• Please reference: 25*250073 when providing information.

Coastguard called to Goodwick breakwater after items found

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HM COASTGUARD teams from Fishguard and Moylegrove were called into action on Tuesday morning (Mar 25) after personal belongings were discovered on Goodwick breakwater.

The lifeboat crew from RNLI Fishguard also launched, as emergency services responded to concerns that a person may have entered the water.

The incident began at around 10:34am when Dyfed-Powys Police requested assistance in conducting a coordinated search of the area, both by land and sea.

After a full search involving Coastguard teams and the lifeboat, no missing person was found and the operation was stood down.

A spokesperson for HM Coastguard said: “If you’re ever out and about and see something that doesn’t look right, don’t ignore it. Call 101 to report nonemergencies or dial 999 and ask for the Coastguard if there’s any danger to life on the coast.”

Family’s heartbreak as ‘beautiful’ 19 year old takes his own life after night out

A TEENAGER with a passion for rugby and a heart “full of love” took his own life at his home in Narberth after taking cocaine and leaving a note for his family.

Samuel Price, who was 19, died in the early hours of September 21, 2023, at a property in the centre of the Pembrokeshire town.

At an inquest held at County Hall in Haverfordwest on Thursday (Mar 27), the coroner heard how Sam had returned home after a busy day which included a job interview, a shift at a local pub, and rugby training. He had messaged his mother later that evening to ask to borrow some money, which she agreed to.

At 11:15pm, he contacted someone to ask about buying cocaine. He then began walking to a friend’s house but changed his mind and returned home. His stepfather found him unresponsive the following morning, and despite the efforts of paramedics, he was pronounced dead at 7:32am.

A note was discovered on his phone indicating his intention to end his life. A post-mortem examination confirmed the cause of death as hanging, with recent cocaine use recorded as a contributing factor.

Sam’s mother, Clare Price, described her son as a “very happy kid” who was “beautiful” inside and out.

“This came completely out of the blue,” she told the hearing. “We had plans to go to a gig on Saturday night.

had taken his own life and extended his condolences to the family.

A LEGACY OF LOvE AND HOPE

He had a big, big heart and loved people so very much. There was no middle ground with Sam—he was very black and white. I want everyone to know that he was so much more than this. He was a beautiful human being.”

The coroner concluded that Sam

Following Sam’s tragic death, his family has worked tirelessly to raise awareness of mental health issues and suicide prevention. His auntie Shelley, uncle Anthony, and cousins Hollie and Sophie recently completed a 19-mile walk from Minehead to Donniford— one mile for every year of Sam’s life.

The fundraiser, which has already passed £1,000, was part of a wider campaign led by Sam’s mother, Clare, who has raised more than £6,500 through her initiative, The Sammy-sized GAP. The project aims to strengthen support networks for people in crisis and push for changes in government policy, including allowing friends and family to refer vulnerable adults for mental health intervention.

Sam, who grew up in Minehead before moving to Pembrokeshire, was known for his love of rugby and was a proud member of Minehead Barbarians’ mini team, once taking part in a memorable trip to France with the side.

Speaking after the walk, Clare said: “The Hooper family’s walk is a powerful symbol—a tribute filled with love, but also a call to action. It echoes Sam’s vibrancy, emphasizing the need for suicide prevention education and support for those affected. From this tragedy, they are crafting a legacy of hope, ensuring that others find strength and assistance in their

darkest moments.”

She has also warned against young people self-medicating to deal with anxiety, isolation and mental health struggles, urging anyone affected to seek proper help.

“If you knew our Sam, or know a young person who might be going through similar struggles—who might be tempted to numb the pain with drugs—please consider giving what you can to this fund,” she said. “On Sam’s behalf, we will be very grateful.”

Donations to The Sammy-sized GAP initiative can be made via GoFundMe.

If you or someone you know is struggling

If you are affected by the issues raised in this article, help is available. You are not alone, and talking to someone can make a difference.

Samaritans offer a free, confidential 24/7 listening service. Call 116 123 at any time or visit www. samaritans.org for more support.

CALL Mental Health Helpline for Wales: Free support and listening service available 24/7 on 0800 132 737 or text “Help” to 81066. Papyrus HOPELINE247: Support for young people struggling with suicidal thoughts. Call 0800 068 41 41, text 07860 039967 or visit www. papyrus-uk.org.

Mind: Mental health charity offering advice and support. Visit www.mind. org.uk or call 0300 123 3393. If someone is in immediate danger, always call 999.

The Hooper family raised more than £1,000 in memory of Sam’s ‘vibrant’ life (Pic: Clare Sturman)

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Park issues clarification on campsite restrictions

THE PEMBROKESHIRE COAST

NATIONAL PARK AUTHORITY has published a detailed clarification on its proposed Article 4(1) Direction, as concerns mount among festival organisers, farmers, and landowners over the future of temporary campsites in the county.

The Direction, which was approved in principle in December 2024, would remove permitted development rights for 28-day camping, caravan, and mobile home sites from 1 January 2026, requiring landowners to apply for planning permission instead.

The Authority says the move is designed to address the growing impact of unregulated pop-up sites on the National Park’s protected landscapes, biodiversity, and local communities. However, the announcement has sparked fears within Pembrokeshire’s tourism and events sectors that the new rules could drive business out of the region.

KEY CLARIFICATIONS RELEASED

In an effort to address confusion and criticism, the National Park Authority has now issued a clarification statement outlining exactly what the new Direction will – and will not – cover.

The Authority confirmed that the Direction will apply only to temporary 28-day campsites, caravan sites, and mobile home use. Other types of 28day permitted development – such as temporary car parks, mobile saunas, and filming locations – will not be affected.

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Importantly, the clarification also states that camping associated with other permitted temporary events – including festivals, weddings, agricultural shows, and film shoots – will not require separate planning permission, provided it is ancillary to the event.

A spokesperson said the Authority would consider factors such as licensing, advertising, site usage proportions, and event duration when determining whether campsite use is ancillary.

IMPACT ON FESTIvALS REMAINS A CONCERN

Despite the clarification, festival organisers remain uneasy. Amber LortPhillips, organiser of The Big Retreat festival in Lawrenny, recently warned the event may have to relocate to England due to uncertainty over whether planning permission could be secured under the new system.

“The impact is we might have to move it. It’s our home for The Big Retreat and it’s not fair,” she said. “We are potentially having to look at other sites and move the festival outside of Wales.”

The Big Retreat is one of several popular events in Pembrokeshire that rely on temporary camping to operate and bring in substantial income for local businesses.

FREE PLANNING GUIDANCE OFFERED

To support landowners and site operators, the National Park Authority will offer a free pre-application service for those preparing to submit planning applications under the new system. Guidance on the necessary information for applications is now available on the Authority’s website.

The Direction will not be finalised until members of the National Park Authority meet to confirm it on 7 May 2025, when they will also consider a full report on the consultation results.

MIxED vIEWS PERSIST

The Authority says its consultation showed “strong support” for the changes, with many residents citing visual harm, noise, and strain on infrastructure caused by some pop-up sites.

However, the plans have been criticised as a “knee-jerk reaction” to the post-Covid boom in rural tourism. Operators like Dai

Williams, who runs Clifftops Camping near Druidston, warn the proposals could shut down viable rural enterprises.

Others, such as Joe Worley of Westival, say the process has lacked transparency, with some organisers unaware of the consultation until after decisions had been made.

NExT STEPS

With a further consultation open until 21 February and a final vote due in May, the future of temporary camping in Pembrokeshire remains in flux.

The full clarification statement and further details are available on the Authority’s website: www.pembrokeshirecoast.wales/ article-41-direction-consultation-page

As businesses, residents, and event organisers await the final decision, the National Park Authority faces growing pressure to balance environmental protection with the economic needs of rural communities.

Local festival organisers were ‘left in limbo’ due to proposed camping restrictions (Image: File)

Workman injured in Pembroke road roller incident

A WORKMAN has been injured following an incident involving a road roller in Pembroke on Wednesday morning (March 26).

Emergency services were called to Station Road at around 11:30am after reports of a single-vehicle collision involving the machinery.

The road was closed at 11:50am and reopened just before 1:00pm, with slow traffic reported in the surrounding area.

A spokesperson for Dyfed-Powys Police said: “Dyfed-Powys Police received a report of a single-vehicle road traffic collision, involving a workman and a road roller, on the A4139, Station Road, Pembroke, at approximately 11:30am on Wednesday, March 26.

“The road was closed at 11:50am and reopened just before 1:00pm. A man was taken to hospital with injuries not believed to be life-threatening.”

The Wales Air Ambulance was also dispatched, with a crew from its Dafen base arriving in the area.

However, a spokesperson for WAA confirmed: “On discussion with the other services present, we were advised that we were not required. We were cleared from the scene at 11:50am without landing or having any patient contact.”

Goodwick man jailed for stealing prescription tablets from partner

A 47-year-old man from Goodwick has been sentenced to jail after admitting to stealing his partner’s prescription medication.

Andrew Gibbs, of Allt Y Carne, appeared at Swansea Crown Court where he admitted taking four Pregabalin tablets from his long-term girlfriend on February 14.

Prosecuting, Alycia Carpanini told

the court that Gibbs had taken the tablets while drinking in the living room earlier that day. He was arrested later that evening on unrelated matters, and officers found the medication in his possession.

During his arrest, Gibbs admitted aloud to police that he had stolen the tablets. He later confirmed the theft in a prepared statement during interview.

The court heard that Gibbs has a lengthy criminal history, with 35 previous convictions covering 68 offences. He had previously faced a series of serious allegations, including actual bodily harm and intentional strangulation against his partner, as well as two further assaults. However, those charges were dropped after the complainants chose not to support the prosecution.

In mitigation, defence barrister Dan Griffiths said his client had been cooperative with police from the outset and had already spent time in custody since his arrest.

Judge Paul Thomas KC imposed a 14-day custodial sentence for the theft, acknowledging the time Gibbs had already spent on remand. He will be released shortly under supervision.

Welsh Conservatives call for stronger action on marine littering

THE WELSH CONSERvATIvES have urged the Labour Government to take more decisive action to tackle marine littering following a reported rise in beach waste levels across Wales.

During Spokesperson’s Questions to the Cabinet Secretary for Climate Change, Welsh Conservative Shadow Cabinet Secretary for Climate Change and the Environment, Janet Finch-Saunders MS, expressed concern about the state of the marine environment.

Despite Wales being ranked second in the world for recycling and the Welsh Government having declared both a climate emergency and a nature emergency, the average amount of litter found on Welsh beaches has increased by 4%, prompting questions over the government’s approach to marine conservation.

Commenting on the figures, Ms Finch-Saunders said:

“These figures show a worrying

trend occurring on our beaches across Wales, with birds and sea mammals being placed at increasing risk due to Labour’s inaction.

“In terms of nature recovery, this issue is simply not being addressed by the Labour Government. We are seeing progress across the border, yet the problem persists here in Wales under the Welsh Labour Government’s watch.

“Given the serious risk to marine animals and the broader marine environment, the Labour Government must do more to combat marine littering and support our marine ecosystems.”

Environmental campaigners and marine charities have also called for increased efforts to tackle plastic waste and improve coastal cleanliness. The Welsh Government has previously committed to enhancing marine protection and reducing single-use plastics, though opposition parties argue that further action is needed to reverse recent trends.

Spring statement slammed as disability cuts spark fear in Wales

DISABLED people across Wales are facing what campaigners have called “brutal” and “terrifying” cuts to their benefits after the Chancellor’s Spring Statement revealed sweeping welfare changes that will leave millions worse off.

Rachel Reeves, delivering her first Spring Statement as Chancellor, claimed that the changes would help restore a £9.9bn surplus by 2029-30. However, the Department for Work and Pensions quietly published figures showing that 3.2 million families – both current and future claimants – will lose an average of £1,720 a year.

While Reeves defended the changes as part of a plan to grow the economy, critics say the cost is being passed to the most vulnerable – particularly disabled people who are already struggling to afford basic necessities.

In a statement to The Herald, Jo Harry, network lead for the Trussell Trust in Wales, said the cuts would push more people into poverty and hunger.

“These brutal cuts to already precarious incomes won’t help more disabled people find work, but they will risk forcing more people to skip meals and turn to food banks to get by,” she said.

“Disabled people are already three times more likely to face hunger, and over three quarters of people in receipt of Universal Credit and disability benefits are already struggling to afford the essentials like food. This will only get worse.”

‘TERRIFIED’ BY CUTS

David, 46, who lives in Wales and has a painful bone disease, said he now relies on a Trussell Trust food bank and fears for his future.

“I am terrified now that the

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Chancellor has confirmed that my disability benefits will be cut,” he said.

“The bone tumours in my hips cause me pain every day and force me to use crutches. In cold weather, my symptoms worsen – but I already can’t afford to put the heating on.”

“Life costs more if you’re disabled. Things like specialist equipment and travel to healthcare appointments all add up. PIP – which the government is brutally cutting – is there to account for these extra costs. It is not a luxury.”

WARNINGS FROM ExPERTS

The British Medical Journal this week published a warning that cuts to disability benefits could lead to an increase in mental health problems, NHS pressures, and even deaths. In a previous wave of cuts between 2010 and 2013, over one million people had their benefits reassessed – resulting in an estimated 600 suicides.

Meanwhile, the Office for Budget Responsibility warned of a slowdown in living standards growth. Real household disposable income is forecast to grow by just 0.5% in 2027, with inflation expected to rebound to 3.7% in mid-2025.

Campaigners say the Chancellor could have chosen to tax extreme wealth instead of cutting benefits.

Caitlin Boswell from Tax Justice UK said: “Inequality is soaring and people are being left behind, struggling to make ends meet, while the very richest get richer. Choosing to make cut after cut to the poorest and most marginalised, while leaving the vast resource of the super rich untouched, is immoral and harmful.”

Welsh Government pledges to boost NHS

THE FIRST MINISTER has welcomed a £1.6bn funding boost confirmed in the UK Chancellor’s Spring Statement – saying it will allow the Welsh Government to invest in health, education, and communities across the country.

In a measured response to the Chancellor Rachel Reeves’ economic update, First Minister Eluned Morgan

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acknowledged the difficult financial context but stressed that Wales stood ready to use the additional resources to deliver real improvements.

She said: “The Spring Statement confirms the £1.6bn boost to our funding for the next financial year and

provides an additional £16m on top of that.

“Wales will benefit from a growing economy and interest rates that are going down.”

The statement comes after the UK Government outlined a package of spending plans aimed at restoring fiscal balance, including controversial cuts to disability benefits and warnings from

the Office for Budget Responsibility about sluggish income growth and rising inflation in 2025.

Despite the uncertain national outlook, the First Minister said Wales remained focused on its priorities.

“Our commitments remain firm,” she said. “The confirmed boost to our funding from the UK Government for 2025-26 means the Welsh Government will strengthen our NHS, cut waiting times, support schools and help communities thrive – making real differences to people’s lives.”

She also confirmed that ministers in Cardiff Bay would now review the broader implications of the Spring Statement.

“We will now thoroughly assess the Spring Statement’s implications on our future spending plans,” she added.

The Welsh Government has already faced criticism over pressures on the health service and education, with local authorities calling for more support to deal with inflationary pressures and increasing demand.

While the funding uplift is welcome, public sector leaders are warning that tough choices still lie ahead, particularly

and schools following Spring Statement

given the impact of UK-wide welfare reforms and cost-of-living challenges facing Welsh households.

The Herald understands that ministers will meet next week to begin budget planning in light of the new figures.

To add some context, here is what Gus Williams, interim CEO at Chambers Wales South East, South West and Mid, said. He told The Pembrokeshire Herald: “As expected, there was not much in terms of new announcements in the Chancellor’s Spring Statement today. The OBR forecasts highlight economic concerns already familiar to most businesses in Wales. Inflation concerns have not yet disappeared and there are worries about business and consumer confidence.

“Infrastructure and housing falls within the remit of the Welsh Government and like the rest of the UK, Welsh businesses support the prioritisation of simplifying the planning system but are keen to see the proof of this with spades in the ground. The industrial strategy and increased defence spending we hope will have a positive impact in Wales where the manufacturing and defence industries have a significant presence. Infrastructure investments are proven to boost economic investment, and channelling more spending out of the civil service and directly into

infrastructure and increasing the amount of funding available to Wales is also welcome, providing the right projects are chosen.

“It is difficult to see any significant improvement in confidence and investment driving economic growth without capital investment led by the government. The government remains bound by fiscal rules that I would argue ignore the economic impact of borrowing to fund capital investments.

Part of the problem has been the lack of any robust return on investment analysis on government spending.

“Consumer confidence remains hamstrung by a two-tier economy. The success of healthcare, welfare, and employment reforms will hang on whether they manage to improve overall employment and wage growth; this will be a big test over the next 12 months. The government has been clear that this is how it expects to be judged in the long term.

“Business owners are facing significant headwinds, the full impact of which we are yet to see. The economy could break out of these headwinds but the government will need to lead the way – just cutting spending will not change much, reform needs to achieve change.

“Global trade remains the government’s other major challenge. At the moment the government is

Man jailed for breaching protection order two hours before expiry

A HOMELESS man who made what his solicitor described as ‘a desperate cry for help’ has been jailed for breaching a domestic violence protection order just two hours before its expiry.

Scott Hughes, 26, was arrested on Monday evening, (March 24), after visiting his mother’s property in Stop and Call, Goodwick. But on February 25, a domestic violence protection order was granted by Haverfordwest magistrates, which prevented Hughes from contacting his mother and from entering her property. The order was scheduled to end at midnight on March 24.

Just before 10 pm, officers received a call from Hughes’ mother, informing them that Sean Hughes was outside her property, banging on the windows.

“The banging then stopped, and he was shouting at her for help,” commented a spokesperson for DyfedPowys Police.

“His mother remained inside and kept the doors and windows closed after being warned to do so by the police.”

When the officers arrived at the

trying to balance its relationship with the US and EU and whether events will force them off the fence one way or another remains to be seen. With domestic demand static, growth may be dependent on how the global trade environment now evolves.”

From a business point of view, Lloyd Powell, head of ACCA Cymru/Wales, said: “This week’s announcements by the Chancellor are likely to be cautiously welcomed by Welsh businesses.

“Small businesses in particular will be pleased to have some breathing space on VAT, with the threshold increased slightly to £90,000. ACCA had called for this given the artificial brake on growth it represents for smaller businesses, combined with the knock-on impact to HMRC of dragging more businesses into this tax regime at a time when service levels are already at historically poor levels.

“We welcome the commitment to further improvements to the R&D tax relief scheme, as well as plans to improve regulation in the tax advice market, to recognise the value of professional agents.

“As well as the effects from the

NI cut, VAT registration threshold increase, child benefit changes, alcohol and fuel duty freezes, the Chancellor announced that Wales will be allocated a ‘Barnett consequential’ of £170m. He also announced Levelling Up funding for Welsh projects – £10m for Venue Cymru and £5m for Newport. The Chancellor also announced a £160m deal for the UK government to purchase the site of the planned Wylfa nuclear site in North Wales.

“The Chancellor announced the scrapping of the Furnished Holiday Lets scheme, which gives extra tax reliefs on properties being rented out to holidaymakers. There are more than 11,000 self-catering holiday lets in Wales, according to the Welsh Government’s latest list of properties paying non-domestic rates.

“Whilst a welcome simplification to the tax system overall may boost the availability of rented accommodation locally, the removal of the short-term holiday let regime will be a blow for some. The Welsh Government has already introduced changes to make it harder for holiday lets to be exempt from council tax.”

property, they discovered Hughes asleep in a garden chair.

“We’re talking only a matter of two hours before the order would have expired,” said Scott Hughes’ solicitor, Tom Lloyd.

“He’s had longstanding issues with alcohol, and yesterday he foolishly decided to consume some. He didn’t have anywhere to go, so he decided to go to his mother’s address. He knocked on the door to see if she would let him in, there was no answer, so he sat in a chair and went to sleep.

“My client suffers badly from depression and anxiety, and at the time, he was particularly low.

“This was someone who was absolutely desperate and had nowhere to go.”

After considering the facts, magistrates sentenced Hughes to two months in custody.

“This is the fourth breach of a DVPO, and the Bench is very concerned about the effect this is having on the victim,” commented the presiding magistrate when imposing sentence.

“You should have known better.”

Woman found guilty of threatening neighbour

A heated row between neighbours has reached the courts this week after a former Lamphey resident screamed at her neighbour to ‘f*** off back to England’.

“Hearing the foul language that she used towards me – language that everyone in the street could hear – was very distressing,” said the 70-year-old victim, Linda McCann as she gave evidence during the trial of Lisa Thomas.

“Lisa told me to f*** off back to England and I told her that she was being racist again. And that’s not nice.”

Matters came to a head at approximately 2 pm on August 2, 2024, after Mrs Linda McCann and her husband returned from a shopping trip to Iceland, Milford Haven. As the couple began unloading bags of frozen food into a freezer situated in their garden shed in Honeyhill Grove, Lamphey, they heard loud banging noises, followed by shouting, coming from Lisa Thomas’ next door property.

“I came outside to find out what it was, and thought my neighbor had possibly thrown a glass bottle or something at my shed,” Linda McCann told Haverfordwest magistrates during Monday’s trial.

“But then I could see that it was shingle that had been thrown from

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Lisa’s landing window. “Lisa then opened the window and shouted stuff out at me.”

CCTV footage captured by Mrs McCann’s motion sensored camera was played to the court, during which Thomas could be heard shouting “You want to stick your fingers up at my 11-year-old daughter, you stupid old c***? You stupid little nonce.

“F*** off back to Birmingham and f*** off back to England.”

But Thomas, 34, claimed it was Mrs McCann who had started the incident.

“I’d lived in that property for ten years and there had never been any issues, until the McCann’s arrived around three years ago,” she said.

“That afternoon I was in the living room and my daughter was upstairs in the landing window. My daughter was paranoid about the neighbours, and it could have been her that threw the stones or it could have been a bird. I didn’t see.

But it wasn’ me.”

She denied usually racially aggravated behaviour towards Mrs McCann, stating that her mother was a native of Yorkshire.

“And sometimes I speak myself,

with a slight Yorkshire twang,” she said,

Lisa Thomas went on to say that she heard her daughter shouting that Linda McCann was making gestures at her from her garden.

“Then I heard Linda shout ‘When are you lot going to f*** off and move?’

“I’m no angel and I’m not portraying myself to be, but there was something that made me react in this way. I’m not allowing my daughter to be victimised, but that’s what was happening that day.

“I’ve begged Dyfed-Powys Police to serve notices on everybody, but it’s always just me. All my life I’ve been autistic and pushed to one side and it’s always me who’s been left to deal with stuff by myself.”

Thomas, of Plas Peregrine, Steynton, denied causing racially

aggravated intentional harassment to Mrs McCann, and of using threatening, abusive or insulting words or behaviour likely to cause harassment, alarm or distress.

She pleaded guilty to a third charge of failing to comply with a community protection notice.

After considering the evidence, Thomas was found guilty of making threatening, abusive or insulting words like to cause harassment or distress. She was found not guilty of causing racially aggravated intentional harassment.

Magistrates adjourned sentencing to April 15 for a pre-sentence report to be prepared by the probation service. An interim restraining order was imposed, preventing Thomas from having any contact with Linda McCann.

New world records after Cruising Free completes Atlantic Row

TWO new world records have been set after four Pembrokeshire women have completed a gruelling 3,200 mile Atlantic Row.

Janine Williams, 70, has become the oldest woman to have completed the incredible row, while Sophie Pierce, 32, is the first person to complete it with Cystic Fibrosis. Also taking part in the 53-day challenge was Miyah Perriam and Polly Zipperlen.

The foursome pushed every boundary to ensure they completed the 3,200 nautical mile row in an incredible 53 days, 12 hours and one minute. Their challenge began in Lanzarote on February and ended in the early hours of Thursday, March 27, when their boat -The Spirit of Bluestone – reached the shores of Antigua where members of their families and loved ones were waiting for their arrival.

Since setting off on February 1, the women have had to endure some of the toughest survival conditions imaginable.

Their tiny ten-metre vessel had to combat waves reaching up to 4.5 metres in height while their diet consisted solely of air-dried meals. Their toilet was a bucket, and their sleep was persistently broken by the discomfort of their foul weather gear and the constant slamming of the waves. Simple things, such as brushing their hair and teeth, were near impossible to accomplish.

But despite the conditions the women’s resilience proved insurmountable to the

very end, ensuring two new world records and a history-making achievement for Pembrokeshire.

Police appeal for information

DYFED-POWYS POLICE is appealing for witnesses following a serious road traffic collision on the A40 between Haverfordwest and Wolfcastle at approximately 9.10pm on Saturday, March 22.

The collision involved a pedestrian and a blue Vauxhall Astra between Days roundabout and Ridgeway filling station.

The pedestrian sustained serious

injuries and was airlifted to hospital where he remains in a stable but critical condition.

The road was closed from 9.25pm and re-opened just before 4am on Sunday, March 23.

Anyone with information that could help with the investigation, including anyone who was travelling along the road at the time with dashcam footage, is asked to report it

Drug-driver ordered off the roads

A drug-driver has been ordered off the roads after being caught driving when he was over three times the legal drug-drive limit.

Micah Green, 38, was stopped by officers on September 19 as he drove his Nissan Note on the A477 at Honeyborough.

“A strong smell of cannabis was emanating from the car and a drug swipe proved positive,” Crown Prosecutor Sian Vaughan told Haverfordwest magistrates this week.

Subsequent blood tests carried out at the police custody suite confirmed that Green had 9 mcg of Delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol in his system. The legal limit is 2.

Green, of Farmers Arms, Market Street, Whitland, pleaded guilty to the charge of drug-driving. He was legally

represented in court by solicitor, Fenn Richards.

“His life is completely off track at the moment, after he was diagnosed with a tumour for which he is having chemotherapy,” she said. “The defendant smoked cannabis the previous night to help him sleep as a result of the issues he was having, but he hasn’t consumed any cannabis since.”

Green was banned from driving for 12 months. He was fined £120 and ordered to pay £85 costs and a £48 surcharge.

“People do not understand how long the drug derivative stays in the bloodstream,” commented the presiding magistrates when passing sentence. “It can stay there for up to three or four days.”

CCTV shows diners allegedly stealing from Narberth pub

THIS story follows a post shared on The Pembrokeshire Herald Facebook page on Sunday (Mar 23), where locals reacted with shock and anger after CCTv footage was released by The Angel in Narberth.

The pub’s owner, Louise Morgan, says she was left “annoyed and frustrated” after four diners allegedly helped themselves to salt and pepper mills from their table before walking out of the pub without paying for them.

The incident happened on Saturday (Mar 22) during lunchtime service. Louise, who has run the popular town centre pub for years, reviewed her CCTV after noticing the tableware had gone missing—and said she was stunned by what she saw.

Speaking to The Herald, she said: “They stole these salt and pepper mills which were there for less than a week. It’s like they had done it before. One of the guys blocked the camera, then the lady grabbed her coat, which allowed them to steal the mills.”

Louise added: “I am shocked. This has not happened for a while. People used to steal soap dispensers from the ladies’ toilets, but it’s been a few years since that happened. Still, I’ve replaced the dispensers with these large amber bottles.

“A person once said to me ‘If it’s not bolted down, people will take it.’ But overall, we don’t have that kind of clientele. I’m just annoyed. It’s hard enough running your own business for people to come in and steal your stuff. I like to think that most of my

return the stolen goods & no questions will be asked,” the post said.

stealing. I hope they’re ashamed of themselves.”

customers are not like that.”

The footage shows the group of four seated in the dining area, with what appears to be a deliberate attempt to block the camera while the items are taken. The Angel took to Facebook the following day, posting a still from the CCTV and a message asking for the items to be returned.

“If anyone knows Mr Kitchen Crew and his gang, please ask them to

Hundreds of people reacted to the post, slamming the culprits and offering support to the pub.

Sue James-Davies wrote: “That is disgusting and pathetic. They should be shamed and banned from all Narberth establishments.”

Michelle Bellamy added: “That’s disgusting. Times are tough for everyone but if these people can afford to eat out surely, they can afford their own tableware at home without

James Iwan Day commented: “If they liked the tableware so much why didn’t they just ask where you got it from? Absolutely mind-blowing behaviour.”

And Graham Coslett said: “If they can afford to pay for the meal, they can afford to buy what they have stolen. I rest my case your honour.”

Police have not yet been involved, and Louise is hoping the items will be quietly returned.

Man assaulted three police officers and carried knife

A MILFORD HAvEN man has admitted assaulting three police officers and being in possession of a knife in public.

Adam Williams, aged 37, of Richard John Road, appeared before

Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court last week where he pleaded guilty to five charges.

The court heard that on March 16 Williams was found using a Volkswagen Golf without insurance in Milford Haven.

On the same date, he was in possession of a craft knife without lawful authority or reasonable excuse on Richard John Road.

Williams also admitted three counts of common assault of an emergency

worker, relating to three police officers. Magistrates adjourned the case for the preparation of a pre-sentence report. Williams was remanded into custody and is due to be sentenced on March 31.

Sentenced for committing violent assaults on three family members

A Milford man has been jailed after carrying out a string of violent assaults on three of his family members and hurling the family dog against a wall.

Appearing before Haverfordwest magistrates this week was Dale Brown, 38, of Milton Crescent, Milford Haven.

“I know my past history isn’t great, but this past year I’ve really tried to change my life,” Brown told Haverfordwest magistrates on Tuesday.

“That night, I got drunk and I can’t even remember what happened. It was just a big mistake.”

The assaults took place on August 13, 2024, whilst Brown was at a property in Chestnut Way, Milford Haven where he carried out the violent assaults on

family members Wayne Brown, Dylan Brown and Lisa Edwards.

Wayne Brown was punched repeatedly, causing him to lose consciousness.

“His partner actually thought he was dead, because he wasn’t moving,” said Crown Prosecutor, Sian Vaughan.

“Wayne’s partner, Lisa Edwards, was slapped and punched several times to her face which caused considerable pain as a result of a pre-existing broken jaw.”

Sian Vaughan said that Dylan Brown was slapped to the face.

“During the incident, the family dog was picked up by the defendant and thrown against the wall which caused considerable distress to the family,”

concluded Sian Vaughan.

Following his arrest, Dale Brown made a head butting gesture towards the police officers.

“This general attitude was maintained when the defendant was taken into custody,” added Ms Vaughan. “When he was asked by one of the officers if he wanted a drink of water, he told them to f*** off.”

Ms Vaughan concluded by saying that Brown has a documented history of violence, with previous convictions for common assault, actual bodily harm and shoplifting.

Brown pleaded guilty to assaulting Wayne Brown occasioning him actual bodily harm, assaulting Dylan Brown and Lisa Edwards by beating and the

common assault of a custody detention officer at Haverfordwest police station. He chose to be legally unrepresented in court.

“I’m sorry to my victims, because they’re my family,” said Dale Brown in his mitigation. “All I can do is apologise.” Following a 45-minute adjournment during which magistrates considered an all-options probation report, Brown was sentenced to 24 weeks in custody suspended for 24 months during which he must carry out 20 rehabilitation activity requirement days and a 60 day alcohol monitoring programme. He was ordered to pay a total of £350 compensation to this family members, a £154 surcharge and £85 costs.

Tom Sinclair editor@herald.email

Man jailed for stealing over £1,000 of food and alcohol

A father-to-be has been sentenced for stealing over £1,000 worth of food and alcohol from the Marks and Spencer store, Haverfordwest.

An off-duty police officer observed Gary Davies, 45, place meat and alcohol in a trolley on February 15, and walk out of the food hall without making any attempts to pay.

“The total value of the goods was over £1,000, but when the discounts were taken into consideration, the total amounted to £987.39,” Crown Prosecutor Sian Vaughan told Haverfordwest magistrates this week.

“When he was challenged, the defendant said he was going outside to meet his wife, but when he was searched, there were no cards nor any other methods of payment on him.”

Ms Vaughan concluded by saying that the theft was committed while Davies was serving a suspended custodial sentence for a previous conviction.

Each of the stolen items were subsequently recovered by M&S staff.

Davies, of Cartersford Place, Swansea, pleaded guilty to theft when he appeared before magistrates via a video link from HM Swansea Prison

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where he has been remanded in custody since committing the offence.

He was legally represented in court by solicitor Jess Smith, who said the custodial remand is having ‘a significant impact’ on her client.

“He’s not a stranger to the courts

nor to the custodial environment, but he has now been on remand for some five weeks,” she said.

“The impact this is having on him and his partner, who is five months pregnant, is considerable. He’s concerned that the length of the sentence he receives today will result in him missing the birth of his child. The couple are very reliant on each other.”

Jess Smith went on to say that Davies is currently receiving cancer treatment, following a recent diagnosis.

Davies was sentenced to nine weeks in custody which will run consecutively to his suspended sentence, resulting in a total of 25 weeks in prison. He was ordered to pay a £154 court surcharge and £125 costs.

Paedophile cult leader Colin Batley to be moved to open prison – but not freed

A CON v ICTED child rapist who led a depraved sex cult in a quiet Welsh cul-de-sac is to be moved to an open prison – despite being refused parole.

Colin Batley, who orchestrated years of abuse under the guise of a sinister “black magic” cult in the Carmarthenshire town of Kidwelly, will remain in custody but could soon be transferred to a Category D facility, the Parole Board has confirmed.

Batley, now 61, appeared before the Parole Board for the third time on March 7, 2025. Despite fears he may be freed, the panel ruled he must remain behind bars – citing the “gravity of the offences and the profound harm caused to victims.”

However, in a controversial move, the Board recommended Batley be moved to an open prison – a decision which now lies with the Secretary of State for Justice, Shabana Mahmood.

“O BSESSED WITH SE x AND POWER ”

Batley was jailed in 2011 after being convicted at Swansea Crown Court of 35 charges including 11 counts of rape, indecent assault, and child prostitution. He was handed an indeterminate sentence with a minimum term of 11 years.

The court heard that Batley had created a quasi-religious cult based on the writings of occultist Aleister Crowley, styling himself as ‘high priest’ and ruling over his victims with fear, sexual violence, and threats of damnation.

In chilling detail, the judge described how Batley manipulated women and children, some as young as 11, into acts of abuse, often under threat of harm or supernatural retribution. Victims were forced to wear Eye of Horus tattoos to signify cult membership and were made to call Batley “Lord.”

During his trial, he showed no remorse, smirking and laughing as the verdicts were read out.

N O RELEASE – BUT A STEP CLOSER

In its latest decision, the Parole Board noted that while Batley had completed rehabilitative courses in prison and shown a “commitment to

address his risk to others,” the panel was “not satisfied that release at this point would be safe for the protection of the public.”

However, it concluded that Batley met the criteria for transfer to open conditions – prisons with minimal security that allow prisoners to leave for work, education, or other resettlement purposes.

The move has sparked outrage among some observers, with concerns that Batley could soon be allowed increasing levels of freedom despite the severity of his crimes.

A Ministry of Justice spokesperson confirmed that any move to open conditions requires approval by the Secretary of State. “This is not automatic, and all such recommendations are carefully reviewed,” they said.

C ULT ACCOMPLICES ALREADY RELEASED

Batley ran the cult from his home in Clos yr Onnen, Kidwelly, after moving from Shoreditch in London in the 1990s. He was aided by three women – including his bisexual wife Elaine Batley – all of whom have now been released from prison.

Jacqueline Marling was jailed for 12 years, Elaine Batley for eight, and Shelly Millar for five. The group operated a secretive and abusive world behind closed doors in what appeared to be a typical suburban street.

J USTICE CAMPAIGNERS ALARMED

News of Batley’s potential transfer has reignited debate about the release of high-risk sex offenders. Campaigners have warned that open prisons – which are not subject to the same level of security – pose a risk when used for prisoners convicted of extreme sexual offences.

One child protection expert told The Herald: “Batley created a nightmare for so many young victims, and it’s hard to believe he could ever be considered for open conditions. Survivors need reassurance that their abuser will never again have the opportunity to harm others.”

Batley will remain eligible for future parole reviews. If moved to an open prison, it could mark the first step on a path to eventual release.

Cult leader: Colin Batley was convicted of 35 serious sexual offences

Tresaith beach closed after suspected WW2 bomb found

TRESAITH beach, one mile north of Aberporth, was closed on Wednesday (Mar 26) following the discovery of what is believed to be an unexploded World War Two bomb.

Dyfed-Powys Police said the alarm was raised at around 11:45am by a member of the public walking on the beach. The Herald understands the woman entered the nearby Ship Inn to report her concerns.

A member of staff at the pub said: “She came in greatly concerned. It was a massive object, rather rusted, with a pointed nose and a flat end — about two to three feet long.”

The beach was cordoned off by police, and HM Coastguard attended the scene. Officers confirmed that an Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) team had been contacted and would assess the device.

However, due to tidal conditions, the object became submerged before it could be fully inspected. The Herald understands that both the coastguard and bomb disposal experts are expected to return to the site on Thursday (Mar 27).

Emergency services left the area shortly before midnight, but the cordon remains in place as a precaution.

Further updates are expected as the situation develops.

In court over alleged anti-social and racially aggravated behaviour

A MILFORD HAvEN woman is due to stand trial at Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on Monday (Mar 24) accused of breaching a community protection notice and committing racially aggravated public order offences.

Lisa Thomas, aged 34, of Plas Peregrine, Steynton, faces three separate charges in connection with an incident which allegedly took place on August 2, 2024, at Honeyhill Grove, Lamphey.

The first charge relates to an alleged breach of a Community Protection Notice.

Prosecutors say Thomas shouted and swore at an individual named in the notice, in contravention of the terms set out under the Anti-social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014.

She also faces a charge of racially or religiously aggravated intentional harassment, alarm or distress. It is alleged that she used words or writing intended to cause harassment or distress to a woman, whose name we have protected, and that the offence was racially aggravated under section 28 of the Crime and Disorder Act 1998.

The third charge accuses Thomas of using threatening, abusive or insulting

words or behaviour with the intent to cause harassment, alarm or distress to the same individual, contrary to the Public Order Act 1986.

Thomas has pleaded not guilty to all three charges. The trial, originally listed for January 28, was adjourned and is now scheduled to begin at 12:00pm on Monday.

If convicted, she could face fines or a custodial sentence.

The racial harassment charge carries a maximum penalty of six months’ imprisonment and/or an unlimited fine.

The case will be heard in Hearing Room 4 at Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court.

Pembs consultant shortlisted for UK Startup Award

CERI CRICHTON, a Pembrokeshire-based business consultant specialising in supporting charities and social enterprises, has been nominated for the UK Startup Awards in the Business, Consulting & Management StartUp of the Year category.

In just two years, her consultancy business, The Round House, has helped organisations secure nearly £1 million in funding, supporting vital initiatives that drive social change.

Ceri founded The Round House to ensure small charities and social enterprises receive the kind of practical, hands-on business support that larger organisations often take for granted.

Her work focuses on building financial confidence, strengthening governance, and helping organisations plan for long-term sustainability.

Her expertise spans fundraising, business planning, project management, and governance, enabling charities and social enterprises to grow, innovate, and deliver impactful work in their communities.

Among the organisations she has supported are Get The Boys a Lift, SNAP Specialist Play, Pembrokeshire Action for the Homeless, VC Gallery and Pembroke Town Walls Trust, along with many others that benefit from her tailored approach.

Tom Sinclair editor@herald.email

Professor Dylan Jones-Evans OBE, the creator of the UK StartUp Awards, said: “New businesses are the driving force behind any thriving economy, generating employment, pioneering innovation, and contributing to prosperity across the UK. This year’s finalists embody the very best of entrepreneurial spirit – spotting opportunities and, through dedication, skill, and resilience, turning them into thriving ventures that are making a tangible difference. More importantly, all the winners will go on to represent their region at the 2025 UK National StartUp Awards final later this year”.

The UK StartUp Awards was launched to recognise the booming start-up scene across the UK. The Awards celebrate the achievements of

Speaking about her nomination, Ceri said: “I’m absolutely thrilled to be shortlisted for this award. At The Round House, its all about collaboration and fresh thinking to help charities and social enterprises do what they do best. There are a lot of pressures facing the third sector right now, and I feel proud to support the hard work of my wonderful clients across South Wales. It’s amazing to see the difference focus and funding can make, and I feel privileged to be part of that work.”

entrepreneurs driving change in their industries.

The cohort of finalists will be considered for the regional prizes by a panel of seasoned judges with experience founding or supporting entrepreneurial ventures. The winners from each region will then be invited to the first UK final taking place at Ideas Fest, the Glastonbury for Business

in Hertfordshire on 12th September 2025.

Ceri’s nomination reflects her outstanding contributions to the nonprofit sector, from securing critical funding to guiding organisations toward long-term sustainability.

The awards take place on Thursday, June 19th in Cardiff.

Pair accused of counterfeit tobacco conspiracy

TWO people from Llanybydder have been accused of conspiring to supply counterfeit tobacco products.

Kieran Pritchard and Rebecca Brammeld-Jones, both aged 33 and of Heol Y Gaer, appeared before Llanelli Magistrates’ Court charged with conspiracy to distribute goods bearing a false trademark.

Pritchard faces additional charges of being concerned in the supply of MDMA and cocaine during the same period.

He is further accused of possessing

It is alleged the pair conspired to supply tobacco with packaging identical to, or likely to be mistaken for, Amber Leaf and Golden Virginia brands between October 1, 2022, and December 30, 2023.

4.63 grams of cocaine with intent to supply on December 29, 2023, and possession of criminal property –namely £29,139.60 in cash.

Both defendants were granted bail and are due to appear at Swansea Crown Court to enter pleas on April 22.

Nursery place application deadline reminder from Local Authority

PARENTS and guardians of children in Pembrokeshire born between 01/09/2022 – 31/08/2023 are invited to apply for a Nursery school place for January, April and September 2026 by the closing date of 30th April 2025.

Applications received after 30th April 2025 will be considered late which may have a bearing on whether the child gets a place at your preferred school.

It is important to note that no school place will be allocated unless a formal application is received.

The online application form can be found on the Pembrokeshire County Council website: www.pembrokeshire. gov.uk/schools-and-learning under ‘Apply for a School Place’.

For information on which term your child would be due to join nursery, please follow this link to our Information to Parents which sets out the terms

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based on your child’s date of birth and which school you are applying to.

There is no need to re-apply if you have already submitted an application form. You can view your current applications by logging into your My Account and into the ‘Schools & Learning’ ‘School Admissions & Transport’ section.

Parents/guardians are reminded that attending a Nursery at a school does not guarantee a Primary place (to start in September 2027) and a separate application does need to be submitted for this. This application can be submitted at the same time as your Nursery application.

Parents/guardians will be notified of Nursery places by 31st July 2025.

festival

Woodland at Tenby school targeted by vandals

A PEMBROKESHIRE school’s woodland area has been targeted by vandals in a spate of criminal damage and anti-social behaviour.

The incident occurred in the woodland behind Ysgol Hafan y Môr on Heywood Lane, Tenby. Dyfed-Powys Police have been informed, and a joint patrol with Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service has since taken place.

Tracey Davies, from the fire service’s arson reduction team, and PCSO Ffion Thomas visited the site earlier this week to assess the situation and reassure the community.

Posting on the Tenby, Saundersfoot and Narberth Police Facebook page, they said: “ASB and criminal damage will not be tolerated in this area, and we will be taking positive action regarding this.”

They urged members of the public to report any further incidents to DyfedPowys Police

Joyce Watson meets apprentices at Haverfordwest transport hub

A vISIT to the site of the new Haverfordwest public transport interchange has highlighted the role of apprentices and skilled workers in delivering the major infrastructure project.

Joyce Watson MS, who represents Mid and West Wales in the Senedd, toured the construction site on Friday (Mar 21), meeting with workers and hearing how the scheme is creating opportunities for local people.

Mrs Watson, who chairs the Senedd cross-party group on construction and co-chairs the cross-party group on apprenticeships, was briefed on progress by Kier Construction’s project manager Dean Williams and Sheila Holmes, engagement adviser for the

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Construction Industry Training Board (CITB).

Speaking following the visit, Mrs Watson said: “The Haverfordwest public transport interchange will transform the town’s transportation infrastructure and boost the local economy.

“With around a year’s work still to go, it’s already offering high-quality job opportunities, and I was delighted to meet the talented apprentices working on-site.”

Among those she met was Matthew Thomas, a local trainee working on the project.

Mrs Watson added: “It was a

pleasure to meet Matthew, and I believe he has a great future ahead of him.”

Dean Williams, from Kier Construction, said: “It was great to welcome Joyce Watson MS for a tour of our Haverfordwest public transport interchange project. This scheme for Pembrokeshire County Council will deliver a modern transport hub for the local community, improving connectivity and accessibility for residents and visitors alike.”

CITB’s Sheila Holmes added: “We are pleased to be supporting Kier Construction in developing their supply chain for this infrastructure scheme. By doing so, we can invest in local skills, which are vital to the sector and to the regional economy. Projects like this help ensure we meet future skills demands.”

The interchange is part of the Swansea Bay and West Wales Metro programme and has so far received nearly £17 million from the Welsh Government’s Local Transport Fund. Once completed, the new facility will include improved pedestrian and cycle access, a more efficient bus station with seven bays and upgraded passenger facilities, and a modern multi-storey car park.

The scheme is commissioned by Pembrokeshire County Council as part of its town centre regeneration strategy.

The visit was organised as part of Open Doors, a national initiative by Build UK that takes visitors behind the scenes at live construction sites to showcase the range of careers in the industry.

Cleddau Bridge marks 50 years as vital Pembrokeshire link

THIS WEEK (Mar 25) marks the 50th anniversary of the opening of the Cleddau Bridge – a key part of Pembrokeshire’s transport network that now carries over 4.4 million vehicles each year.

Spanning the wide and deep Milford Haven estuary, the bridge links the north and south of the county, connecting Neyland and Pembroke Dock. Before its construction, the journey between the two towns was a 28-mile detour by road, or a ferry crossing operated by the former County Council.

At 820 metres long with a main span of 213 metres and standing 37 metres above high water, the Cleddau Bridge remains one of the longest box girder bridges in the world.

The need for a 24-hour fixed crossing emerged during the 1960s, with the growth of the port at Milford Haven and the development of petrochemical facilities in the area. Construction of the Cleddau Bridge, along with the smaller Westfield Pill bridge, began soon afterwards under a £2.1 million contract.

However, the project was marred by tragedy. On June 2, 1970, a 60-metre cantilever section collapsed on the south bank, killing four workers. The disaster prompted a major review of design and safety standards for box girder bridges across the UK.

Despite the setback, the bridge was eventually completed and opened to traffic in 1975. In its first year, around 885,900 vehicles used the crossing. By March 2009, that number had risen to a

and businesses.

record 4.6 million.

For 44 years, from opening until March 28, 2019, the bridge operated as a toll crossing, with drivers paying a charge each way. Pembrokeshire County Council successfully negotiated the removal of the tolls, securing a funding agreement with the Welsh Government. Since then, the benefit has been widely felt by local communities

Maintenance of the bridge has been the responsibility of Pembrokeshire County Council since April 1996, with a dedicated team of engineers and operatives based at the 24/7 Bridge Office. Staff respond rapidly to weather events, including high winds, and ensure the safe operation of the crossing yearround.

Over the years, major works have included:

• Gantry replacement (1993)

• Repainting (1994 and 2011)

• Pier-top strengthening (2001)

• Waterproofing and resurfacing (2003/4)

• Replacement of roller bearings with sliding (rocker) bearings (2014)

The bridge’s upkeep currently costs around £3.1 million per year, based on its projected 120-year lifespan. A replacement today would cost over £140 million.

Council Leader Cllr Jon Harvey said: “The Cleddau Bridge is a key route in our county’s road network and we are remembering today the hard work, and sadly the lives lost, in the construction of this vital piece of infrastructure.

“Fifty years on from its opening, use of the Cleddau Bridge has not diminished, and its important contribution to the economy of the county cannot be understated.”

Cabinet Member for Residents’ Services, Cllr Rhys Sinnett, added: “For many people in Pembrokeshire, the Cleddau Bridge is just part of the landscape, but there are still many residents who remember the long drive around the Haven before it was built.

“Indeed, I also remember my father taking me on the ferry across from Neyland to Hobbs Point in the sixties –an exciting trip for a young child in those days.

“Within the engineering community, the Cleddau Bridge is well-known for its unique design and for being the longest bridge of this type in the world.”

Kurtz Calls for Government Support for Canolfan Elfed’s Sensory Play Area Project

SAMUEL Kurtz MS has urged the Welsh Government to provide financial support for a vital new sensory play area at Canolfan Elfed, a specialist unit within Queen Elizabeth High School in Carmarthen.

During a recent visit, Mr Kurtz met with pupils and staff, toured the facility, and learned about their ambitious £275,000 fundraising effort to create an inclusive outdoor space. The centre, which was originally built to support 65 children, is now at full capacity, providing essential education and care for 92 pupils with special educational needs from Carmarthenshire, Pembrokeshire, and Ceredigion.

Led by Lisa Thomas, Inclusion Manager, Nigel Cooke, the school’s Business Manager, and in partnership with Mary Adams from the local Rotary Club, the project aims to transform an unusable outdoor space into a handson learning environment for some of the most vulnerable children.

However, despite its vital role across the three counties, Canolfan Elfed remains reliant on fundraising

and the generosity of local businesses to make this project a reality.

Speaking on the issue, Samuel Kurtz MS said:

“Canolfan Elfed provides exceptional support for children with special educational needs across West Wales, but it is facing increasing

demand. Their plans for a sensory play area will make a real difference to pupils’ learning and wellbeing, yet they remain reliant on local fundraising.

“Given the significance of this project, I am calling on the Welsh Government to commit financial

support to ensure it can be delivered as soon as possible.”

Mr Kurtz has now formally raised the issue with the First Minister, urging the Welsh Government to back this much-needed facility for the children who need it most.

Tom Sinclair editor@herald.email

Ryan Mayne

Plans to relocate Pembroke Dock police station on hold

PEMBROKESHIRE planners

are to visit the site of a proposal to move Pembroke Dock’s police station from its “no longer fit for purpose” Water Street location to a former council building.

In an application recommended for approval at the March meeting of Pembrokeshire county Council’s planning committee, Dyfed Powys Police, through agent Asbri Planning Ltd is seeking a change of use of the former Public Information Centre, Argyle Street, Pembroke Dock to a police station.

A supporting statement says the former council public information centre has been deemed surplus to requirements due to changes in working patterns, with Dyfed Powys Police declaring a strong interest in purchasing the property “to enable a more efficient building to house their new model hub for policing” than its current building in nearby Water Street.

It adds: “Should planning be approved, Dyfed Powys Police will progress with the sale of the current police station with the property then being advertised for sale on the open market.”

The statement went on to say: “The proposed re-location of the police operation from Water Street to Argyle Street will require no alterations to the building; it is considered adequate for the intended use with no changes required. The nature of policing also means the transition should be seamless as it is akin to a business use moving back into the property. The office is served by adequate parking for the intended number of

employees without a need for any additional spaces.”

Speaking at the March meeting, agent Barrie Davies told members there would be no custody suite at the proposed new location, the situation at the current Water Street station.

Representing local objectors to the proposed move to Argyle Street, Lucy Cawley said it was “the busiest residential street in Pembroke Dock,” and the nearby Argyle surgery one of “the busiest in Wales,” saying the scheme would have a negative impact for residents, with so many vehicles leaving on a daily basis.

Calling for a site visit before any decision is made, she said the proposal would have “a significant impact on working families and children,” with emergency vehicles potentially leaving at high speed from the busy road.

That was disputed by Mr Davies, who said the application was “broadly a like-for-like relocation,” adding the “potential traffic chaos2 was not happening at the current location.

Local member Cllr Brian Hall asked: “Do we want a police station in Pembroke Dock or do we want it to be like Milford Haven without one?”

Moving approval, he said: “The Water Street station hasn’t had maintenance in many years; the last thing I want to see is to lose the

station, we need a police presence there.

“The majority of the town all agree we don’t want to lose the police station. It’s essential we have it in the town; if we do not have the police station the town is going to be worse off.”

Cllr Mark Carter proposed a site visit be undertaken before any decision, saying: “It’s clearly an emotive issue for local residents.”

Cllr Tony Wilcox, a fellow councillor in the town to Cllr Hall, said he agreed with him “100 per cent” of the need to retain a station, but supported a site visit.

Members agreed to a site visit, with just one vote of dissention; the application return to a future committee meeting.

Bruce Sinclair Local Democracy Reporter

The Argyle Street location proposed for the new police station (Image: Google)

Soon-to-close Original Factory store, to become gym

AN APPLICATION to change the use of a soon-to-be empty Pembrokeshire town centre shop to a health and fitness facility has been approved by county planners, who praised local investors “thinking outside the box”.

In an application before Pembrokeshire County council’s March planning committee meeting, Darren and Samantha Winn, of Inner Tiger Fitness, sought permission for the change of use of the former Original Factory Shop, 58-66, Charles Street, Milford Haven to a health and fitness facility with a retail/cafe elemen.

The Original Factory Shop (TOFS) opened its doors at the large twostorey Charles Street building in in June 2010, in the building that was originally occupied by Woolworths, closing early last year.

A report for committee members said: “The ground floor facing Charles Street is occupied by a large retail unit, with an extensive shop window, selling a range of comparison goods such as clothing and kitchenware. On the intermediate ground floor and lower ground floor levels are storage areas, staff offices and an external loading area.”

It said the scheme – supported by Milford Haven Town Council – would create two full-time posts and four part-time posts; the facilities operating 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Four objections to the proposal were raised covering the vitality and viability of the town centre, parking noise and disturbance, and waste services.

Speaking at the meeting, applicant Darren Winn said: “What we’re proposing isn’t just a gym, a health and wellbeing centre open to all walks of life, not just your typical gym-goer,” adding the ‘café’ element would take

the form of a ‘protein bar’ rather than a traditional café, describing it as “a social space for people after they’ve worked out, a place to hang out afterwards, increasing your mental health as well as physical health.”

Committee chair Cllr Simon Hancock moved the recommendation of approval be adopted, saying: “I think this is a very well worked application; town centres are going to have to have

much more multifunctional use.”

Cllr Mark Carter said there was a need for town centres to “think outside the box” in the days of town centre retail trade suffering through “the likes of Amazon,” adding: “The operation that was there before, if they can’t sort of make things happen it’s down to local investors to make thing happen.” Members unanimously supported the application.

SpaceX rocket launch spotted in skies above Pembrokeshire

T HE people of Pembrokeshire were left scratching their heads last night (Monday, March 24), when an unexplained orb appeared in the skies at around 8pm.

The glow was captured by reader Ioan Ward in the skies above Rosemarket, however the spectre was widely visible in other parts of Wales and the UK.

The light, which appeared to be spiralling, prompted a flurry of speculation on social media with suggestions that it could have been urban fuel ejected from the SpaceX rocket launch in the US.

The Falcon 9 rocket from Elon Musk’s space company lifted off around 13:50 local time in Florida (17:50 GMT) on a classified US government mission.

After launching into space, it releases what is called its payload

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– whatever it is carrying, such as a satellite, to complete its mission – which continues its journey into space.

The rocket then turns back around towards Earth. As it does, it ejects any leftover fuel, which freezes instantly due to the altitude in a spiral pattern caused by the rocket’s movement.

Light is then reflected off the frozen fuel, making it visible on Earth.

SpaceX said on X that the launch was carried out on behalf of the US government National Reconnaissance Office mission. The Kennedy Space Center also said on X the launch was a classified mission for that office.

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Pressure grows on Pembrokeshire MP as anti-radar campaign goes national

CAMPAIGNERS opposed to a proposed US-linked radar installation in Pembrokeshire have stepped up their efforts by launching a UK-wide lobbying campaign targeting all 650 Members of Parliament.

The group PARC Against DARC, which is leading opposition to the Deep Space Advanced Radar Capability (DARC) project at the former RAF Brawdy base, has begun hand-delivering information packs and personalised letters to every MP at Westminster. The move is intended to raise awareness of the project’s potential impact and encourage political support for its cancellation.

The campaign is also calling on local MP Henry Tufnell to clarify his position on the radar proposal, which they describe as “deeply unpopular and destabilising.”

EARLY DAY MOTION CALLS FOR WITHDRAWAL

The Westminster push follows the tabling of an Early Day Motion (EDM) by Liz Saville Roberts MP, Plaid Cymru’s defence spokesperson, on Tuesday (Mar 19). The motion, titled “975 DARC in Wales,” raises concerns about the visual and ecological impact of the proposed radar array, potential health risks from radiofrequency emissions, and its implications for international law under the 1967 Outer Space Treaty.

The EDM also warns of the potential for increased space debris and the militarisation of space, concluding with a call for the UK Government to withdraw the planning application for the site in Pembrokeshire—or any alternative location in the UK.

The Herald understands that the motion has gained swift cross-party support, including from Green MP Siân Berry, Liberal Democrat defence spokesperson Helen Maguire, and Independent MP Jeremy Corbyn.

Speaking to Te Pembrokeshire Herald, Liz Saville Roberts MP said: “At a time when the United States is becoming a less reliable defence partner, we must question whether we want to further entangle Wales in US foreign policy through DARC and the AUKUS Treaty. The Ministry of Defence must also address local residents’ concerns regarding high levels of radiofrequency signals.”

CALLS FOR LOCAL REPRESENTATION

Campaigners say that, despite repeated outreach, Preseli Pembrokeshire MP Henry Tufnell has not made any public comment on the DARC proposal. A spokesperson for PARC Against DARC

said: “We, and many members of the public, have contacted Henry Tufnell MP on numerous occasions. We invited him to table this EDM and have not even received a reply.

“There is a growing sense of a political vacuum in West Wales, where our elected representatives are simply refusing to speak out on hugely important issues.”

The group accuses both Labour and Conservative MPs of avoiding the issue, alleging pressure from party leadership in Westminster. Mr Tufnell was approached for comment.

BROADER POLITICAL AND PUBLIC SUPPORT

A similar Statement of Opinion has already been tabled in the Senedd by Cefin Campbell MS, attracting support from nearly a third of Members, including Welsh Labour, Plaid Cymru, and Liberal Democrats.

Supporters of the campaign argue that the installation of 27 radar dishes on the St Davids peninsula—an area known for its scenic beauty and tourism industry— would cause irreparable damage to the landscape and place Pembrokeshire at the centre of future global military conflicts.

They also claim that the proposed system would support military priorities under the AUKUS treaty and a possible second Trump administration, giving the United States greater control over spacebased assets.

Concerns have also been raised about the long-term implications for UK foreign policy, national security, and the future role of Wales in international defence infrastructure. Campaigners say that hosting such a major facility could compromise the UK’s commitment to peaceful space exploration and weaken local democratic oversight.

MOMENTUM CONTINUES TO BUILD

PARC Against DARC says public engagement has reached unprecedented levels, with over 17,000 people signing a petition and more than 40,000 leaflets distributed locally. The group has also been featured in over 100 media articles and held several well-attended public meetings.

A spokesperson for the group said: “With support growing across party lines

both in Cardiff Bay and Westminster, the momentum is now unstoppable. We are urging everyone concerned about this project to contact their MPs and MSs. This campaign is not just about Pembrokeshire—it’s about the future of our country’s landscape, safety and sovereignty.”

Campaigners also point to historical precedent. A similar US radar proposal in the 1990s for the same site was ultimately abandoned after facing significant public and political opposition. Local activists believe that the same result can be achieved again, provided pressure continues to mount on decision-makers at every level of government.

The campaign encourages members of the public to visit their website and use a lobbying tool to write to their elected representatives.

Several of these dishes could be erected at Brawdy (Image: File)

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Three Tamar lifeboats stage dramatic rescue drill off Milford Haven

ANYONE watching the entrance to the Milford Haven Waterway on Saturday morning (March 22) might have thought a serious maritime emergency was unfolding — but the presence of three RNLI Tamar class lifeboats was, in fact, part of a major pre-planned training exercise.

The dramatic display saw allweather lifeboats from Tenby, Angle, and St Davids RNLI stations working together in challenging conditions, simulating a complex rescue scenario. The exercise was coordinated by Milford Haven Coastguard and centred around a mock emergency in which a person had reportedly fallen overboard from a vessel in the area.

Observers saw the three 25-knotcapable Tamar lifeboats manoeuvring in tight formation and conducting detailed search patterns as they combed the sea for the “casualty” — all while accounting for strong tidal currents, wind, and the busy marine traffic of one of the UK’s key ports.

The drill was designed not only to test individual crew skills but also to enhance inter-station cooperation in the kind of multi-agency emergency that could happen at any time along the Pembrokeshire coast.

The casualty was ultimately located and retrieved by the Tenby lifeboat crew, marking a successful conclusion to the scenario. Once the operation was complete, the three crews met up on the water to debrief and review the exercise before returning to their respective stations.

A spokesperson for Tenby RNLI said: “This exercise was a great chance to put into practice all of our hard work and training. It was a large and complex exercise, which involved searching for a casualty in the water, but had the added pressure of being on the approaches to a busy waterway. The crews all performed really well, locating the casualty and bringing it aboard safely. We’d like to thank St Davids and Angle crews and also Milford Haven Coastguard for coordinating and overseeing the exercise.”

Tamar class lifeboats, introduced into RNLI service in 2005, are among the most advanced in the charity’s fleet, equipped with cuttingedge navigation and communication systems and capable of operating in the worst sea conditions. Seeing three of them in close operation is a rare and impressive sight — one that this weekend served as a powerful reminder of the RNLI’s dedication.

THE RNLI AND WHY TRAINING IS VITAL

The Royal National Lifeboat Institution is a charitable organisation dedicated to saving lives at sea across the United Kingdom and Ireland. Established in 1824, the RNLI

operates over 230 lifeboat stations and provides a 24-hour search and rescue service using both all-weather and inshore lifeboats. The charity also delivers beach lifeguard services and works to promote water safety education in communities around the coast.

What makes the RNLI particularly remarkable is that the majority of its lifeboat crew members are volunteers. These individuals come from all walks of life—fishermen, mechanics, teachers, and office workers—who drop everything when their pagers go off, often heading out into the most challenging conditions imaginable. They commit to rigorous training, regular assessments, and ongoing drills to maintain the skills needed to respond quickly, effectively, and safely to emergencies at sea.

Training is not only essential for individual crew members, but it also plays a vital role in ensuring that multiple lifeboats and agencies can operate together smoothly during major incidents. Multi-agency rescues often involve coordination between RNLI lifeboats, HM Coastguard, helicopters, and sometimes other emergency services. These operations can be logistically complex and take place in dangerous, fastchanging environments. Exercises like the one held off Milford Haven allow teams to test communication, refine search strategies, and build the confidence and trust required to perform seamlessly when real lives are at stake.

Training at sea: Three Tamar class lifeboats from Tenby, Angle and St Davids during Saturday’s joint exercise (Pic: RNLI)

A simulated casualty rescue during the exercise off Milford Haven (Pic: RNLI)

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Pembrokeshire set for stunning solar show this weekend

WEST WALES is one of the best places in the UK to witness a partial solar eclipse this Saturday (Mar 29), experts have confirmed.

Astronomers at Unistellar, a leading smart telescope company, say that up to 38% of the Sun will be covered by the Moon over Pembrokeshire and the surrounding area. Only the Outer Hebrides (47%) and Northern Ireland (44%) will experience greater coverage.

The eclipse will begin just after 10:00am and is expected to last for several minutes. In Pembrokeshire, 36.7% of the Sun will be obscured, while in London it will be around 30%.

Franck Marchis, astronomer at the SETI Institute and co-founder of Unistellar, said: “While it may not be as dramatic as a total solar eclipse, a partial eclipse is still a breathtaking sight, and there are plenty of safe ways to enjoy the experience.

“If you’re planning to observe the event with a telescope, it’s essential to follow strict solar safety measures by using a filter. Also visible to the naked eye, it is mandatory to use only glasses that comply with safety standards (ISO 12312-2) for an optimal experience. It is advisable to check the condition of the glasses to ensure that there are no cracks or scratches on the lenses.”

Unistellar has developed a solar filter for its smart telescopes, allowing users to safely observe the Sun as the Moon moves across its surface. Their technology automatically tracks the Sun, letting viewers focus on the experience rather than calibrating equipment.

Keen sky-watchers are being encouraged to take photos of the event

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and share them with the Unistellar community online. Users can tag @ Unistellarscope on Instagram or @ Unistellar on X (formerly Twitter), or post in the brand’s Facebook group.

The partial eclipse will be visible across the UK, with the following expected timings and obscuration

levels:

• Birmingham – 10:05am (34.3%)

• Bristol – 10:03am (33.9%)

• Cardiff – 10:02am (34.7%)

• Glasgow – 10:07am (41.7%)

• Liverpool – 10:05am (37.0%)

• London – 10:07am (30.6%)

• Southampton – 10:04am (31.5%)

The last time a significant partial

solar eclipse was visible in the UK was in October 2022. The next total solar eclipse viewable from parts of Europe will occur in 2026.

Unistellar is a global leader in smart telescopes and has previously partnered with NASA and the SETI Institute on citizen science projects. The company received CES Innovation Awards in both 2018 and 2022.

Haverfordwest play area built without permission can stay up

A PEMBROKESHIRE nursery which received a council grant for a covered play area has been given the go-ahead by planners to be allowed keep it; the applicants not realising it needed official permission to build.

In an application to Pembrokeshire County Council planners, Victoria Christie sought retrospective permission for a covered external play area, built last year, at ABC Pre-School Nursery, Castle High, Haverfordwest.

A supporting statement through agent Ian Bartlett Planning and Architectural Services said: “Children are always supervised. Prior to the erection of the timber structure as a covering to part of the play area, this area was open and its use weather dependant. It is understood that current guidelines are that covered play areas should be provided to cater for children’s needs.

“The applicant had erected the timber structure with grant assistance from Pembrokeshire County Council but had not appreciated that planning permission

Bruce Sinclair Local Democracy Reporter

was required.”

It added the timber covered area allowed children a chance “to play in a safe and secure environment and enjoy some of messier play experiences in a covered area”.

It finished: “The proposed development is considered to comply with all relevant Local Development Plan policies. The granting of consent will allow the nursery to fulfil its obligations in terms of childcare guidance and will continue to enhance the experience for children using the facility. It has been demonstrated that no adverse issues are raised by this proposal, and it is policy compliant.”

An officer report, recommending conditional approval, said: “The siting of the covered play area has benefited the economy by providing work within the construction industry and generate income for materials suppliers and distributors,” adding: “There are no adverse environmental impacts associated with the siting of the covered play area”.

It went on to say: “Whilst the preschool grounds lie adjacent to existing residential development, the covered play area is located 11.6 metres external wall to external wall, from any residential dwelling.

“As such, there is no detrimental impact on the privacy or amenity of neighbouring properties,” finishing: “It is considered that the application would comply with the policies of the Pembrokeshire Local Development Plan and that planning permission shall be granted.”

Family-run care home near sold after 26 years

A FAMILY-RUN residential care home near Haverfordwest has been sold after more than two decades of operation by the same family.

The Graylyns Residential Home, located in a rural setting just outside Haverfordwest, has been providing residential, dementia and respite care for up to 15 residents since it was established in 1998 by Graham and Lynne Jones.

The couple, along with their son Andrew, made the decision to sell as part of their retirement plans. The home was purchased by Lina Chirandura, an experienced care provider who already owns another care home and is expanding her portfolio in Wales.

The sale was handled by Oliver McCarthy of specialist business property adviser Christie & Co, with funding arranged through Gary Boyce at Christie Finance.

Former owner Lynne Jones said: “Graham and I have spent 26 wonderful years with our outstanding care teams, getting to know every person who has graced us with their time, memories

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and love. We set out to create a loving, caring and empathetic homefrom-home—and I’m proud to say we achieved that.

“We have worked tirelessly over recent months to find the right person to take The Graylyns forward, and we truly believe Lina is the right choice. The home’s daily operations will remain unchanged—Andrew will continue as Manager, and all of our incredible care staff will stay in place. Most importantly, our residents and their families will continue to have their ‘forever home’.

“We are deeply grateful to all who have supported us over the last 26 years and look forward with excitement to what the future holds for The Graylyns under new ownership.”

Oliver McCarthy, Director – Care at Christie & Co, said: “I’m delighted to have completed the sale of this remarkable care home. Lina is an outstanding operator, and I have no doubt she’ll continue the exceptional

standard of care the Jones family has provided. Demand for trading care homes remains strong in South Wales, and we expect this trend to continue.”

Gary Boyce, Director at Christie Finance, added: “Despite initial reluctance from mainstream lenders due to this being Lina’s first care home purchase and the smaller

number of bedrooms, we were able to secure funding through our network of alternative lenders. Lina brings a wealth of experience from her background running adult and children’s care services, and we look forward to seeing her thrive at The Graylyns.”

The Graylyns Residential Home was sold for an undisclosed sum.

PCSOs and pupils join forces for Pembroke Dock litter pick

DYFED-POWYS POLICE Community Support Officers (PCSOs) 8042 and 8020 joined staff at McDonald’s and Year 5 and 6 pupils from Cosheston vC School for a community litter pick around Pembroke Dock.

As part of the school’s ongoing environmental project, the pupils helped collect seven bags of rubbish while keeping a detailed log of the types of litter found.

PCSOs are uniformed civilian members of police staff who work to support regular police officers and engage with the community. Their involvement helped promote positive relationships between local police and young people.

The event aimed to raise awareness about the importance of looking after the local environment and encouraged children to take pride in their community.

Members of the public are reminded to dispose of their waste responsibly and use the bins provided.

‘The Flying Spanners’ talk at the Pembrokeshire Aviation Group

THE FLYING SPANNERS is the intriguing title of the talk to the Pembrokeshire Aviation Group’s April meeting.

The speaker, Trevor Clark, will spotlight the role of Flight Engineer which became established among RAF aircrew during World War II with the arrival of large four engine bombers and maritime aircraft.

A former RAF serviceman, Trevor is the Collections Trustee at Pembroke Dock Heritage Centre, Meyrick Owen Way, The Royal Dockyard, where the meeting takes place on Tuesday April 8th. It commences at 7.30 pm and nonmembers are most welcome. Further details from Chairman Graham Clarkson on 01646 689979.

As can be seen from the national press, the country is going through a period of change with regards to getting Britain working.

It is for the Government to decide how this will be done, and The Department for Work and Pensions stands ready to absorb changes in order to achieve what is considered to be right and fair all individuals, whether able to work or not, and for taxpayers. As Pembrokeshire gears up to the increase in tourists, and the hospitality sector employers advertise for employees to meet the demand, so Jobcentre staff aim to provide the right support to get jobseekers job ready, including access to training and voluntary work experience which can act as a springboard to a new career.

As Fred Hatton of the DWP employer and partnership team for Pembrokeshire said, “When jobseekers apply for a job, they are immediately in competition with others who have applied for the same job.

The employer is likely to only interview the top 3 or so applicants for each available job. The interview process is yet again a competition with possibly 3 candidates going for the one job. All jobseekers should bear in mind; the application gets you an interview; the interview gets you the job.

By accessing training through DWP partner organisations, there is a great deal of support for improving your written application and CV; also interview skills support is available. Jobseekers on benefit should discuss the available support with their Jobcentre Work Coach; those not on benefits are advised to contact Careers Wales. Our message to employers is that we can help you fill your vacancies,

and Jobcentre Work Coaches are playing an increasingly important role in helping them hire the right people.”

There are vacancies in every work sector and there are jobseekers who have declared a list of sectors that interest them for a future career. The Jobcentre or Careers Wales staff will be ready to offer advice, and individuals are encouraged to make appropriate contact with their support organisation.

The Care sector is always seeking recruits. A Care Jobsfair will take place in the Pembrokeshire Archives, Haverfordwest SA61 2PE on Thursday 27 March between 1000 and 1400. Everybody is welcome to attend.

Work and Pensions Secretary, Liz Kendall MP, said:

“Today’s figures demonstrate the scale of the challenge we’re still facing to get Britain working again.

“The reforms I have announced will ensure everyone who can work gets the active support they need, including through an extra £1 billion for personalised health, skills and employment support for sick and disabled people.

“We’ve already put in place measures to make work pay and improve job securityincluding through the National Minimum Wage increase and our Employment Rights Bill. Since the election, we’ve also seen year on year wages after inflation growing at their fastest rate in three years – worth an extra £1,000 a year on average in the pockets of working people.

“This comes on top of our plan to Get Britain Working as part of our wider Plan for Change to boost economic growth, drive up living standards, and tackle the spiralling benefits bill to ensure the system lasts into the future for those who need it.”

Rear View Mirror: First solo exhibition for Narberth artist Mark Crockett

artist Mark Crockett will be on display at the Joanna Field Gallery in the Torch Theatre throughout April.

Titled Rear View Mirror, the exhibition offers a deeply personal reflection on Mark’s life since falling seriously ill in 2021. His work captures the fleeting beauty of early morning and dusk — those quiet, inbetween moments when the day begins or ends, and where change is always present.

A graduate of art college in the late 1980s, Mark left painting behind after a disagreement with a tutor. What followed was a colourful and unconventional life spent travelling the world — living in converted buses and caravans, restoring stone houses in the Portuguese mountains, fire-breathing at music events, DJing in clubs, surfing, and working as a wedding photographer.

“I didn’t touch a paintbrush for 35 years,” he said. “Then I became seriously ill with an autoimmune condition. Some days I couldn’t even walk. It was a dark time, and I didn’t know how to deal with losing the life I had. One day, for reasons I can’t explain, I picked up a brush — and the paintings just started to fall out.”

Mark now lives with his Canadian wife

in a former Post Office building they are restoring together. Despite his return to painting, he never intended to exhibit his work.

“I wasn’t painting to sell or show them — I just needed to do it. It was for me,” he explained. “I’ve always drawn and painted since I can remember. My dad’s a sculptor and painter, my brother’s a digital artist, and now my daughter has just finished a foundation course at UAL. So we’re three generations of artists.”

Rear View Mirror is Mark’s first solo exhibition. “I’m nervous, but excited too. It’s strange — and lovely — to see all the work together in one space.”

His pieces often suggest untold stories or invite the viewer to consider a new perspective. One of his most recent works, Armistice Day, depicts a single red poppy on the far bank of a river — a quiet reflection on personal and collective loss.

Mark shares more of his work on Instagram @papersurfer and at www. papersurfer.com. All images © papersurfer studio 2025.

Rear View Mirror will be on display throughout April during Box Office opening hours at the Joanna Field Gallery, located within the Torch Theatre. For more information, visit www.torchtheatre.co.uk or call the Box Office on (01646) 695267.

AN ExHIBITION of evocative new paintings by Narberth-based

Three writers, three plays, five actors… nine unforgettable characters!

THIS April, the Torch Theatre in Milford Haven welcomes a dynamic cast of Welsh talent to the stage with 3Drama — a trio of powerful new Welsh-language plays presented in one unmissable evening of theatre.

Taking to the stage are Siôn Emyr, Mali O’Donnell, Mark Henry-Davies, Elena Carys-Thomas, and Gareth John Bale, performing three original plays born from ‘Sgen ti Syniad? — a vibrant platform nurturing new and established

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voices in Welsh theatre.

Audiences on Wednesday 9 April will be treated to:

Wisgi by Carwyn Blayney

Dishgled ‘da Del by Cai Llewelyn Evans 99’er by Ceri Ashe, a Pembrokeshire native and familiar face at the Torch, last seen as the Evil Fairy Shadowmist

in the 2023 pantomime Beauty and the Beast.

The Torch Theatre is especially proud to welcome back Gareth John Bale, best known for his celebrated one-man performance in Grav, which tells the story of Welsh rugby legend Ray Gravell. For 3Drama, Gareth not only acts in one of the plays — he also takes the director’s seat for another.

The plays:

Wisgi by comedian, actor and writer Carwyn Blayney, follows Gwion, who is down on his luck after breaking up with his girlfriend, Wini. Unable to afford living alone, he invites his old friend Iwan to move in. But are things really over with Wini? This sharply written comedy explores love, selfishness, and surviving the cost-of-living crisis.

Dishgled ‘da Del by rising comedy talent Cai Llewelyn Evans — a So You Think You’re Funny finalist and runnerup in the 2023 Max Turner Award — introduces Del Tozer, a controversial radio host who keeps her loyal listeners hooked with her no-holds-barred take on modern life. But when a young guest

with a different perspective enters the studio, Del’s own past may come under scrutiny.

99’er by Ceri Ashe tells the story of Elen, who rushes home to Pembrokeshire following her father’s sudden death, only to find herself working in the family’s ice cream shop. Reflecting on life in her thirties, Elen faces the gap between youthful expectations and adult reality:

“When you’re young and imagine being thirty, you think, wow, everything will be sorted — a house, a job, no overdraft… blink — and bam, it’s your thirties and not much has changed!”

These compelling new plays are touring Wales this spring, with English précis available for non-Welsh-speaking audience members.

3Drama comes to the Torch Theatre on Wednesday 9 April at 7:30pm.

Tickets: £15.

Age guidance: 14+ (contains strong language).

For tickets and more information, visit www.torchtheatre.co.uk or call the Box Office on (01646) 695267.

Henry Tufnell joins public call to clean up the Cleddau

A PUBLIC meeting held last week at Haverfordwest Rugby Club has once again brought the Western Cleddau River into sharp focus, with growing calls for action to tackle pollution and protect this vital waterway.

The event, titled “What’s Wrong with the Cleddau and What’s Being Done About It?”, was held on Friday (Mar 21) and organised by The Cleddau Project — a grassroots campaign group working to restore the river. The panel discussion was chaired by Mid and South Pembrokeshire MP Henry Tufnell and attended by local councillors, environmental experts, farmers and residents.

Among those present was County Councillor Thomas Tudor (pictured with Tufnell), who represents the Castle Ward, through which the Western Cleddau flows.

Cllr Tudor said: “The Western Cleddau is at the heart of our community and its health affects all of us. I want to thank the organisers and everyone who came to take part in such an important conversation.”

BUILDING MOMENTUM

This latest event follows a similar meeting held in January 2024 — before Mr Tufnell was elected — which also drew a large crowd and highlighted growing public frustration with the state of the river.

Over the past year, concerns have intensified as new data revealed that the Cleddau continues to fail environmental targets. Major sources of pollution include agricultural runoff, sewage discharges, and industrial waste.

Between 2016 and 2022, 72% of substantiated pollution incidents in the Cleddau catchment were linked to

agriculture, according to river charity Afonydd Cymru. Meanwhile, the First Milk dairy processing plant in Haverfordwest has also faced scrutiny over waste management, and storm overflows continue to release untreated sewage during periods of heavy rain.

ExPERT PANEL TAKES QUESTIONS

The evening featured a strong and influential panel of speakers, including representatives from:

• Natural Resources Wales, who addressed regulatory enforcement and monitoring;

• Dŵr Cymru Welsh Water, who spoke about wastewater infrastructure and pollution controls;

• Afonydd Cymru, who shared research on agricultural runoff and environmental decline;

• A local farming leader, offering a perspective on sustainable land management;

• A representative from the angling community, who underlined the importance of the Cleddau for recreation and biodiversity.

According to The Cleddau Project, the event was “a success in that the panellists were asked a string of challenging questions. Each one of them can, in different ways, help restore the Cleddau to good health. They must all now fully appreciate the depth of frustration, anger

MIKE EDWARDS

WHEN I was young, there was a sawmill in the town. I remember the smell of the wood, the sawdust, and the oil and hearing the sounds of lumber being split and cut as I walked along the street outside.

The building’s corrugated iron walls and roof were red and rusty. It and the associated yard were clearly once part of a far larger enterprise.

With the benefit of hindsight, it’s a metaphor for British industry back then. We had the noise and smell of activity inside a rotting and outdated hulk.

People are always complaining about the end of the good old days. They weren’t that great. Back in the good old days, I vividly remember my parents and grandparents moaning that those good old days were not a patch on the previous good old days.

For some people, the past has always been a better and brighter place. It wasn’t. Humankind’s history is the history of decline and fall. It isn’t.

Think about what we take for granted.

Central heating, indoor plumbing, television, electric lighting, and the absence of whooping cough are all relatively recent for most of us. We live in the comfort our ancestors—even three generations ago—could barely imagine.

About thirty years ago, I visited the old County Archives. I was looking for something specific but ended up flicking through the microfiche of old newspapers. You can get lost gazing into history. I did. Many of the things we think are modern-day issues are anything but novel.

and despair many of us feel. The panellists publicly confirmed that more needs to be done for the Cleddau, and there were some promising ideas about what and how.”

GRASSROOTS ACTION CONTINUES

The Cleddau Project has been instrumental in rallying the local community. Its initiatives include:

•

• A citizen science programme monitoring water quality;

• A pollution-reporting tool for local residents;

• An educational outreach scheme for Pembrokeshire schools to raise awareness of river health from an early age.

REGULATORY PRESSURE

Many attendees voiced frustration over what they see as weak enforcement by Natural Resources Wales. Calls were made during the meeting for stronger action against polluters and increased transparency over environmental monitoring.

MP Henry Tufnell told The Herald: “This is a deeply important issue, and I am committed to working with the community and relevant agencies to secure the investment and accountability needed to protect the Cleddau.”

Further community events and volunteer-led monitoring efforts are planned in the months ahead, as the campaign to save the Cleddau gathers momentum.

A few things stood out. The number of court cases involving prostitution, public drunkenness and its associated disorder, riots in the streets, theft, and violent assault astonished me.

Then there were the murders! Servants disposing of unwanted children through the upper floor windows of grand houses; stabbings and bludgeonings among drunken labourers; thugs beating their wives, mistresses or children to death. My word, the good old days were grim.

My grandfather joined the armed forces twice. The first time was to escape the grinding poverty of life between the First and Second World Wars. The second time, he enlisted to fight against the Nazis.

He saw the world, but usually through the sights of a rifle. He seldom spoke about his experiences, but I remember him occasionally shaking from the longterm effects of malaria contracted in the Far East in the 1920s.

He’d been in Northern Ireland in the 1930s. Whenever the IRA or loyalist paramilitaries committed atrocities in the 1970s, he’d tell me that nothing had changed. Some people, he volunteered, just wanted to kill each other.

He never spoke about the Second World War. He’d seen too much to take pleasure in reminiscence, and he couldn’t stand the company of those who took vicarious pleasure in others’ memories of killing. He wasn’t a plaster saint, far from it. He was a career soldier, and all that entailed. Soldiering was his life until it wasn’t. He drummed into me one clear lesson: if you wander down memory lane, be prepared for a mugging.

River at risk: Concerned residents, experts and politicians met at Haverfordwest Rugby Club to discuss pollution in the Western Cleddau (Pic: Herald)

Tom Sinclair editor@herald.email

Young promoters to launch with a homegrown ‘Punk Night’

ExCITEMENT is building at the Queens Hall Narberth this week as the newly-formed Young Promoters Pembrokeshire group get ready to launch their first ever gig at the venue on Fri March 28th from 8pm.

Rock out with some of the best young punk bands on the scene right now. Lacross Club, REDREDRED and Pub Culture will bring their raw energy and rebellious spirit to the Queens Hall stage.

This upcoming gig is just one of several being organised by the Young Promoters Pembrokeshire in the coming months. Following a successful bid to Anthem Cymru, the Queens

Hall Narberth launched the Making Music Events: Young Promoter in Pembrokeshire project in January 2025, which has brought together 10 young people from the County to learn about and undertake the planning and delivery of a series of live music events.

Lara Herde, the Queens Hall Manager said: “We are delighted to have such engaged and energised young people on board. With the full support of the professional team at the Hall, they have designed and programmed 5 gigs promoting a vast array of contemporary music from Wales. From contract negotiation to poster design and marketing, the group have had the

opportunity to learn it all”

Anthem Cymru designed the funding to address the specific barrier of geographical and rural isolation for Young People in Wales through the medium of live music.

Kofi Acheampong, the Fund Manager said: “We are thrilled to enable the empowerment of the young people through this project, helping them become active citizens within their community, bringing them together to develop promoter skills and music interests, and introducing them to pathways into the music industry they might not have otherwise had the opportunity to learn about.”

So don’t miss the first YPP gig on 28 March from 8pm at the Queens Hall Narberth. It promises to be a gritty and electrifying atmosphere of heartpounding music and pure punk chaos!

Save 25 April, 30 May, 27 June and 25 July in your diary for the rest of the upcoming YPP gigs including a Lounge night with soulful powerhouse twins, Nookee, a Folk night with Forte project member, Tomos Newman + local superstar, Connor Jillions, an Indie Rock night and more.

Tickets are available to purchase via thequeenshall.org.uk or call Box Office on 01834 861212. Door tickets will be available.

Tenby gears up for spectacular return of Steampunk Festival

A QUIRKY festival that brought a wave of eccentricity and invention to the streets of Tenby last year is returning in style next weekend.

The Tenby Steampunk Festival, which blends Victorian fantasy with retro-futuristic flair, will take place from March 28 to 30 – and promises to be even bigger and bolder in 2025.

Following the success of its inaugural event, which drew visitors from across the UK and as far afield as Belgium, the festival has gained national recognition. Travel publisher Rough Guides described it as “a fabulous new festival that offers a window into British eccentricity in one of the UK’s best seaside towns.”

This year’s highlights include the chance to enjoy tea with the Time Traveller, inspired by H.G. Wells’ classic The Time Machine, as well as the return of fan favourites like teapot racing and Tea Duelling – a light-hearted but fiercely contested biscuit-dipping duel.

Organised by Tenby’s community engagement officer Anne Draper and a team of dedicated volunteers, the festival is designed to celebrate creativity, costume, and community.

“The reaction last year was amazing,” said Anne. “We had people coming from all over. One person even came from Belgium! We’ve learned a lot and realised that steampunk folk are the entertainment – the streets come alive

Tom Sinclair editor@herald.email

with them.”

This year’s additions include airship racing from the iconic St Catherine’s Island, which will once again be one of the festival’s most eye-catching venues.

Two spectacular Peacock Parades will take place through the town on both Saturday and Sunday at 2:00pm, beginning at the De Valence Pavilion and winding their way through Upper

The De Valence Pavilion will serve as the heart of the festival, housing a bustling Steampunk Emporium, a community art exhibition, and onstage antics including Tea Duelling. A screening of Jules Verne’s 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea will also take place, complete with a specially-written introduction to place it firmly in the steampunk world.

Church House will host live music

acts including the ever-popular steampunk performer Madam Misfit, while those seeking something a little darker can take part in Victorian ghost walks, Scary Games and a Paranormal Experiment.

Visitors can also capture their own timeless moment in the Victorian photographic parlour, open throughout the weekend.

For more information, visit Tenby Steampunk Festival on Facebook.

Frog Street, Tudor Square, the Harbour, and Crackwell Street.

Bargain Hunt films in Llandeilo Antiques Fair

THE fair has always turned up some surprises over the years , with different celebrities turning up. This is the third time that Bargain Hunt has chosen this venue to film their show, which is aired at lunchtimeon BB1 and is watched by millions of viewers each day.The presenter on the day will be the popular Roo Irvine . Bargain Hunt sensation Roo Irvine has captured the hearts of viewers since she graced the screen as an antiques expert in 2018. Known for her encyclopedic knowledge and vibrant fashion choices, the Scottish star has become a familiar face on the programme. Roo is a regular on your screens as a ‘veteran’ of various antiques shows as well as being one of the main presenters for BBC Bargain Hunt.She is well known for her many Tv appearances on Antiques Roadtrip, Bargain Hunt, Flipping Profit, Celebrity Antiques Roadtrip and many more. Roo has also recently appeared on Celeb Mastermind, Celeb Pointless & Richard Osmans House of Games. In addition Roo has done numerous podcasts, interviews, corporate and charity engagements – and continues to write for several monthly publications. From a wee antiques shop in a small village in Scotland to the screens of millions of people in a matter of months, Arusha Irvine or ‘Roo’ as she is known, says she didn’t go looking for fame. Roo was discovered after BBC Antiques Road Trip visited her store, Kilcreggan Antiques, in early 2015 and

very shortly after , BBC producers invited her to join the team of antiques experts.

Almost 8-years on and Roo is now a regular TV expert and she recently has taken on the role as a main presenter for BBC Bargain Hunt - with consummate ease. However the two experts who will join Roo on the day will not be revealed until the day of the fair to add that element of surprise.

Bargain Hunt was first aired on BBC 1 on 13 March 2000 and was originally presented by David Dickinson. From 2003 to January 2016 it was presented by Tim Wonnacott. In 2016 the format changed to a rota of hosts from a “team of experts” fronting the show.

Two teams – designated the “Reds” and the “Blues” – compete. Each team has two members, who wear jackets that correspond to their team’s colour. At the beginning of the show, each team is given £300 with which to purchase antiques. The objective is to find items that will earn the team a profit when later sold at auction. Each team is accompanied by their expert, though it is the contestants’ decision whether to heed the advice , given by their expert. After the contestants have completed their purchases and presented them to the host, home viewers are shown a “what the auctioneer thinks” section in which the auctioneer appraises the buys and gives the auction estimate. At the auction, as each item is sold, the host compares the auction sale price to the price originally paid by the team. If the final total shows a profit, the team

receives that profit in cash; otherwise, the team receives nothing.

The show is punctuated by footage of the host visiting a place of historical interest, such as a stately home or museum, and talking about the items housed there.

2019 again brought a change to the rules with two challenges, the ‘Big Spend Challenge’ and the ‘Presenter’s Challenge’ being introduced. The teams have to spend at least £75 on one item, and buy an item relating to a specific category. Other changes include the contestants introducing themselves to camera, rather than to the presenter, and the bonus buy is now revealed to the contestants in the auction room after the sale of the first three items. If the teams gain profits on all 3 items then a golden gavel is awarded to the team members,

The experts who aid the contestants in their choice of item are only revealed at the beginning of the show and therefore their identity is kept top secret.

We were delighted to have the Bargain Hunts teams back at the Llandeilo fair and it will be exciting to see what bargains the contestants discover at this popular fair. They will then be filmed at auction at a later date ,to witness what money has been made.or lost!The programs will be aired later in the year.

During the last filming in 2023 ,Eric Knowles the presenter at the time was bowled over by the spectacle of the fair and he actually got up on stage to congratulate all the stall holders for the

quality and variety of antiques on offer.He said it was a “ proper antiques Fair” and he was blown away by their displays. This went down well with the stall holders and there was a resounding round of applause from them..We were all very impressed by Eric as he took time out to speak to both the public and the stall holders.He also commented on the friendliness and the welcome they were given.

The fair at Llandeilo brings a surprising diversity of antiques on display. There should be a good selection of Welsh items on offer. Whether it’s an original Welsh watercolour or oil painting or a piece of Welsh pottery or examples of Welsh blankets and textiles on display .

Attractive displays of gardinalia has proved extremely popular at the fair, including watering cans , wheel barrows and garden tools and large garden pots and urns.

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

Homemade refreshments will be available and doors open at 10 am until 4pm.Admission is just £2and dogs are allowed admission.

Derelict site next to Llawhaden castle could be transformed

A SCHEME to convert a disused care home next to a Pembrokeshire castle to a house has been submitted to county planners.

In an application to Pembrokeshire County Council, Carwyn Rees seeks permission for the conversion of the former Castle View Rest Home, Llawhaden, near Narberth; the property vacant since 2021 and no longer run as a care provider.

The property is situated next to medieval Llawhaden Castle, within the village’s conservation area.

A supporting statement says: “As part of this application, there are no proposed physical changes to the exterior of the property therefore there would be no detrimental impact on local amenity in terms of visual impact. Regarding residential amenity, it is considered unlikely that the proposed change of use would increase the number of visitors to the building from the historical use of the property.

“The access and parking is to remain the same, it is likely there will be a large reduction in traffic from its use as a care home.”

It adds: “This application is for residential development which would have positive economic and social benefits through employment generation and additional housing stock built to improved environmental

market for sale for some time with no interest in being re-opened as a residential care home.

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

standards. The proposed development makes use of an existing building without external alteration.

“The residential home closed down in April 2021 and has been on the

“In addition, the property would require complete renovation and alterations to the room sizes to meet the new regulations as set by any residential care facility under new registrations with Care Inspectorate

The nearby castle was built by the bishops of the Diocese of St David in the 13th century, later abandoned in the 16th century, with some of its stone removed for local building projects.

Wales.”

Bruce Sinclair Local Democracy Reporter

International art exhibition opens in Milford Haven

AN INTERNATIONAL art exhibition showcasing works from across the globe has opened at the Waterfront Gallery in Milford Haven.

The Wales Contemporary / Cymru Gyfoes exhibition, which began on Thursday (Mar 21), features two- and three-dimensional pieces from artists around the world and across Wales. Now in its fifth year, the exhibition is sponsored by the Port of Milford Haven and offers a total prize fund of £15,000.

Founded by the Waterfront Gallery in 2019, the Wales Contemporary has grown into a major cultural event. The exhibition first opened last month at the Garrison Chapel at Chelsea Barracks in London, where initial prize winners were announced. It has now transferred to Milford Haven, where visitors will have the chance to vote for the Welsh Public Choice Prize. The winning artist will receive £1,000, with the result announced at a closing event on Saturday 17th May

This year’s competition attracted over 1,600 entries from more than 800 artists, covering painting, sculpture, drawing, print, ceramics, textiles and glass. Judging was carried out by a panel including painter Ian ‘H’ Watkins, artist Kelvin Okafor and printmaker Katherine Jones RA. Prizes were awarded for two-dimensional and threedimensional works, as well as specific awards for Welsh and Pembrokeshire artists. Dana Finch won the Graham Sutherland Prize for her oil painting ‘Swoop’.

Lucy Wonnacott, Head of Communications and Marketing at the Port of Milford Haven said: “We are delighted to sponsor the Wales Contemporary exhibition for the fifth year and celebrate our longstanding support of the Waterfront Gallery, to bring world-class artwork to Milford Haven.

“This year’s exhibition is stunning, and we hope the entries continue to inspire local artists – or aspiring artists – to immerse themselves in the culture and creativity on display.

“Congratulations to all the extremely worthy winners so far. We encourage everyone in Pembrokeshire and southwest Wales to come to Milford Waterfront to see these pieces, and make the most of an amazing opportunity to experience world-class art.”

The exhibition is open at the Waterfront Gallery until Saturday 17th May with free entry. Opening hours are 10:30am to 4:00pm, Tuesday to Saturday.

More information is available at: www.milfordwaterfront.co.uk

Dana Finch, Swoop, oil on canvas, 120 × 90 cm, winner of Graham Sutherland Prize 2025

MobLand

MobLand, a gripping new crime drama, is set to make its highly anticipated debut on Paramount+ on 30th March 2025. The series delves deep into the treacherous world of London’s organised crime, chronicling the vicious feud between two formidable families—the Harrigans and the Stevensons.

As their bloody rivalry escalates, it threatens to dismantle entire empires and change lives forever.

At the core of MobLand is the Harrigan family, helmed by the commanding patriarch Conrad Harrigan and his formidable wife, Maeve. Their empire faces a dire threat from the equally ruthless Stevenson family, igniting a fierce and violent struggle for control within the global crime syndicate. Caught in the midst of this battle is Harry Da Souza, a cunning fixer whose shifting allegiances put him in the crossfire

of a dangerous war. As tensions rise, alliances are tested, and the fight for supremacy pushes every character to their limits. The series boasts an impressive ensemble cast, featuring some of the biggest names in British cinema and television. Pierce Brosnan stars as Conrad Harrigan, the charismatic yet ruthless leader of the Harrigan crime family, while Helen Mirren plays Maeve Harrigan, the formidable matriarch, whose sharp mind is as lethal as any weapon. Tom Hardy portrays Harry Da Souza, the resourceful fixer caught between loyalty and survival, and Paddy Considine plays Kevin Harrigan, Conrad’s ambitious and hot-headed son. Joanne Froggatt stars as Jan Da Souza, Harry’s devoted wife, struggling to keep her family intact, while Lara Pulver plays Bella Harrigan, Kevin’s wife, who harbours secrets

of her own. Anson Boon portrays Eddie Harrigan, Kevin’s rebellious son, who seeks his own place in the empire, and Mandeep Dhillon plays Seraphina, Conrad’s daughter, navigating the murky waters of the family business. Jasmine Jobson completes the cast as Zosia, a close ally of Harry, with her own stake in the game.

The first season consists of 10 episodes, with new episodes premiering weekly until 1st June 2025. Fans can expect a tense, action-packed ride filled with unexpected twists and intense power struggles. MobLand will be available exclusively on Paramount+, offering subscribers an immersive experience into the world of crime, power, and betrayal.

For a sneak peek into the intense and electrifying world of MobLand, watch the official trailer below.

A MINECRAFT MOVIE

THE HIGHLY anticipated live-action adaptation, A Minecraft Movie, is set to premiere on April 4, 2025.

Directed by Jared Hess, known for Napoleon Dynamite, the film boasts a star-studded cast including Jason Momoa as Garrett “The Garbage Man” Garrison, Jack Black as the iconic Steve, Danielle Brooks as Dawn, Emma Myers as Natalie, and Sebastian Hansen as Henry.

The narrative centers around four misfits— Garrett, Henry, Natalie, and Dawn—who are unexpectedly transported through a mysterious portal into the Overworld, the distinctive, blocky realm

of Minecraft. To return home, they must navigate this unfamiliar terrain, mastering its mechanics and confronting its inherent dangers. Their journey is guided by Steve, portrayed by Jack Black, an adept crafter who aids them in their quest.Recent trailers have unveiled glimpses of the Overworld’s expansive landscapes and introduced audiences to beloved creatures from the game, such as Creepers and Piglins. These previews have heightened anticipation, showcasing the film’s commitment to authentically translating the game’s elements to the big screen. Complementing the film’s release, McDonald’s

has announced a promotional campaign featuring Minecraftthemed meals and collectible toys, including pixelated versions of characters like Grimace and Hamburglar. This collaboration aims to engage both fans of the game and new audiences, enhancing the moviegoing experience.

A Minecraft Movie promises to be a captivating adventure that embodies the creative spirit of its source material. With its ensemble cast and imaginative storyline, the film is poised to resonate with both longtime fans and newcomers to the Minecraft universe.

Tech and Taff

THERE’S something achingly ironic about the fact that, while half the country is wondering how to afford the gas bill, the biggest companies in human history are quietly raking in billions—off our data.

Social media companies— Facebook, Instagram, the X formerly known as Twitter, and the rest of the Silicon Valley circus—didn’t become global superpowers by selling a good product. No. They did it by turning us into the product. Our clicks, our interests, our scrolling habits, our secrets—harvested, packaged, and flogged to the highest bidder.

It’s like having a nosy neighbour who watches everything you do, jots it down in a little notebook, and then sells it to a bloke from marketing.

And let’s be honest—these aren’t plucky Welsh start-ups. They’re US tech behemoths, hoovering up British data and wringing every drop of economic value from it like a miner wringing sweat from a shirt in a Valleys colliery. Only these miners don’t pay tax and don’t send their kids to the local school.

But there’s good news for once. This week, Tanya O’Carroll—a human rights campaigner from London— won a major victory against Meta (that’s Facebook’s parent company, in case you haven’t updated your list of corporate overlords lately).

Back in 2020, she wrote to Meta saying: “Oi, I’d rather you didn’t use my personal data to bombard me with targeted ads, thanks very much.” She was using her rights under GDPR— the bit of law that says, in theory, you should have a say in who profits from your private life.

Meta, true to form, tried to shrug it off. But this week, just before being

hauled into court, they caved. For the first time, Meta has agreed to stop targeting someone with ads based on personal data.

This might not sound like much— but trust me, it’s seismic. It’s the legal equivalent of David drop-kicking Goliath in the face. It means millions of Brits might now have a route to tell the tech giants: “No, you don’t get to treat me like a walking wallet.”

The non-profit group Ekō is already helping people follow Tanya’s lead. Imagine a million users saying no to personalised ads. It would shake the very foundations of the surveillance economy.

Of course, the worry now is what the government will do. There’s a lot of chummy backslapping going on between ministers and tech CEOs. Replacing the head of the Competition and Markets Authority with a former Amazon executive? That’s not a good look. Next thing you know, the ICO—the Information Commissioner’s Office—will be headed up by Alexa.

We need strong, independent regulators. We need courts that aren’t afraid to enforce the law. And we need to stop pretending that tech companies are “too big” to challenge.

Because here’s the thing: when the people fight back—and win—it reminds these digital empires that they exist on our turf. That they operate under our laws. And that they’re not entitled to siphon off our private lives just to sell us underpants we mentioned out loud once while half-asleep on the sofa.

Diolch, Tanya. You might have just helped tip the balance back in favour of ordinary folk—and I reckon that’s something to click ‘Like’ on.

NOSTALGIAFEST IS COMING

TENBY’S about to be hit by an epic wave of nostalgia! NOSTALGIAFEST is coming to the De valence Pavilion, and it’s bringing a night of full live tribute sets that will throw you right back to the golden era of punk rock and skate culture.

This is more than just a gig – it’s a full-throttle trip down memory lane, where the soundtrack of Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater meets the legendary tunes of your youth.

If you ever grabbed your board, hit the ramps, and cranked up the volume to Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater, this is your chance to relive it all! From the moment the first note drops, you’ll be moshing to a live tribute to the iconic soundtrack that helped define the skateboarding culture of the late ‘90s and early 2000s. Get ready for everything from Primus to Goldfinger, Rage Against the Machine to N.W.A. –the energy will be absolutely electric!

As if that wasn’t enough, the night will be packed with full tribute sets to some of the best bands that were there

for us through our angsty, rebellious teen years. Expect face-melting metalcore with Killswitch Engage, punk anthems from The Offspring, all the iconic nu-metal sounds of Limp Bizkit, pop-punk queens bringing all the attitude with Paramore and Avril Lavigne, and indie rock vibes from Jimmy Eat World to round out the night.

The venue itself is the perfect spot for this high-energy event. Situated in the heart of Tenby, the De Valence Pavilion has the perfect vibe for fans of all things alternative, energetic, and nostalgic. Whether you’re a skateboarding legend or just someone who lived for the tunes, this is the place to be!

Grab your tickets now and don’t miss the chance to relive the soundtrack of your life. The crowd will be packed with like-minded punks, skaters, and fans of the golden era –get in there, feel the energy, and make some new memories. This is one night that’s going to be talked about for years!

ALRIGHT, all you radical renegades, listen up. It’s time to lace up those vans, tighten your trucks, and get ready for the remaster we’ve been waiting for.

Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3 + 4 is coming in hot on July 11, 2025, and trust me, this isn’t just another trip down memory lane—this is the full-on, highflying, gravity-defying return to the world of insane flips, grinding rails, and pulling off tricks that’ll leave your jaw on the floor.

Iron Galaxy Studios, in collaboration with the legend himself, Tony Hawk, has cranked the dial up to eleven, giving us a complete overhaul of these two iconic games. We’re talking crisp, fresh visuals that’ll make your eyes pop like you just did a 900 over a bowl of pure stoke. The game’s been given a complete visual upgrade, with every park, every skater, and every move now smoother than a buttered grind. Expect to hit classic levels like “Chicago” and “Los Angeles,” now with all the bells and whistles, rendered in glorious 4K. It’s like stepping into a world where the air smells like fresh asphalt, and the music is loud enough to rattle your bones.

But let’s not get stuck in the past—this remaster’s got a new school vibe. You’ve still got the core crew like Tony Hawk,

Rodney Mullen, and the whole gang of shredders, but there’s a new crop of talent rolling in. Rayssa Leal and Yuto Horigome are bringing their fire to the ramp, making sure the game feels as fresh as the moment you land that perfect trick. The roster’s as stacked as a vert ramp, with the OGs and the new blood showing you how it’s done in the streets and parks.

Speaking of fire—let’s talk soundtrack. You know that feeling, when the beat drops, and you nail that sick trick? Well, the tunes are back to make sure you’re shredding to some of the most iconic songs of the time, mixed with some new tracks that’ll make your heart race and your feet fly. It’s the perfect blend of nostalgia and now—just like landing that trick you’ve been practicing in your head for days.

And just when you think it couldn’t get any gnarlier—boom. Online multiplayer. Up to eight players, all across platforms, riding the wave together in the ultimate virtual skate sesh. You’ll be battling it out in real-time, pulling off combos and trying to one-up each other in epic park runs. Want to show off your skills? Create your dream park and share it with the community, because in Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3 + 4, the skate scene’s not just limited to the game—it’s a global shred-fest.

HOROSCOPES

For those of you who want to get your hands on this beast early, the Digital Deluxe Edition gets you in the door three days early—July 8, 2025. You’ll also score some exclusive skater skins, fresh tunes, and custom items to personalize your ride. But if you’re a true collector, the Collector’s Edition has a limited-edition Birdhouse skateboard deck with Tony Hawk’s signature—talk about a treasure for your wall. Plus, you get a physical copy of the game, because who doesn’t love a tangible piece of history?

The game will be available across all major platforms: PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, and PC via Battle.net, Steam, and Microsoft Store. And if you’ve got Game Pass Ultimate, you can get in on the action right at launch— no extra charge, just a fullthrottle, non-stop skateboarding experience.

So, grab your board, hit the streets, and get ready for the ride of your life. Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3 + 4 is the ultimate skate culture love letter, re-imagined for the next generation of skaters and gamers. It’s not just a game, it’s a full-on adrenaline rush, a grind across the edge of reality, and a reminder that the world is your skatepark—go tear it up.

speak the truth either way. As long as your intentions are pure, the final result can’t help but be the same.

LIBRA

Even though you’ve known them for a good long while, you’re still not quite sure what a certain special person is really all about, especially when they’re interacting with the people you care about the most. It wouldn’t be so crazy just now to find that you’re paying more attention to those who are tried and true, rather than those you’re not 100 percent sure of, and no one would think to blame you for it.

SCORPIO

Someone out there is counting on you right now for a very important favor (important to them, anyway). They need you to speak the absolute truth. You know it’s going to be difficult, as it always is, but you also know it’s the right thing to do. Fortunately, you’re perfectly equipped to handle the job. Find the right way, the right time, and the right place to talk with them. And remember to go easy on them!

SAGITTARIUS

You need to keep quiet about something you’re dying to talk about, which is absolute torture today, but it’s decidedly important under these circumstances. Try as hard as you can to distract yourself with something (or someone) pleasant, preferably hanging out with those who have absolutely no idea what’s going on. If you can, get out of the house or office and conveniently forget to pick up your phone on the way out.

CAPRICORN

The line between flirting and confusing is especially thin today, so make sure you’re not toying with anyone you care about! Even if it all feels innocent and playful, you need to be sure you know what you’re dealing with. Flirting is one thing, but playing with someone you think might be interested when you’re absolutely not just isn’t fair. Of course, if you’re both single and you may be interested, then have at it and have fun!

AQUARIUS

When you’re happy, everyone is happy. Well, almost everyone. Some don’t get it yet. You have an eccentric, irreverent, zippy sense of humor that comes out at the strangest times. After the five-second delay, most folks need to catch up, you usually reduce your audience to tears. The best part for most is that it’s just casual observations that bring it on. You’re on stage now no matter where you are. Get ready for an onslaught of new fans.

PISCES

You’re

wITH EDDIE THE gAME gURU

Badger and the Burden of Shame

THERE can be few more wretched jobs than being a backbench Labour MP.

You can’t imagine that Labour MPs who spent their time campaigning against austerity, decrying the Conservatives for making the poor poorer, introducing the two-child Child Benefit cap or the bedroom tax are happy with a Labour government doubling down on hammering the poorest and most vulnerable to meet a fiscal target that is not only plucked out of the air but subject to manipulation to show it’s being met.

You can’t imagine many Labour MPs punching the air at billions being cut off the benefits of the poorest and most vulnerable. Even Henry Tufnell, Badger supposes, might take one look at the plans for Universal Credit and disability benefits and take a principled stand by not turning up to vote for them.

The other week, Badger saw the fatuous Stephen Kinnock MP fatuously state that the plans to cut benefits were okay because “Labour is the party of labour, it’s in the name”. Give over. What does the son of a former leader of the Labour Party and an MEP, and the husband of a former Prime Minister of Denmark, know about “labour”? He’s lived his entire life in a sheltered pool of privilege.

The modern Labour Party is no more the “party of labour” than Margaret Thatcher was a cryptocommunist. Labour is the Party of the metropolitan middle classes and the vanishing political tribalism of post-industrial Britain. “The party of Labour” would not make a policy decision that actively drove a quarter of a million people, including 50,000 children, into relative poverty. And let’s be clear, readers: cutting welfare benefit payments to some of the poorest and most vulnerable in society is not a moral choice; it’s a political one.

Badger is fed up with hearing how “simple arithmetic” should dictate policy. If the concept of public service and the value of lives could be reduced to mere numbers, there would be no hope for mankind.

One of the purposes of the modern state is to support the old, the poor, the sick, and the young. That can’t be done - nor should it be done - on the cheap. That means someone must pay. Inevitably, those who pay are those who pay taxes on their income, assets, capital gains, and what they consume.

The fact is that rather than put a penny on the top rate of income tax or means test the state pension, Rachel Reeves made a political decision to go after the poor and disabled. Moral choices had nothing to do with it. There are risks to the Chancellor’s approach. While the Conservatives in Westminster are not complaining about Labour doing quite a lot of what they would’ve done had they won the last election, Labour runs the risk of accelerating the rift between the Party and those whose votes it takes for granted.

Rhun ap Iorwerth was surely correct when he observed that Labour’s policies and approach risked driving Welsh voters towards Reform UK. Assuming those same voters can be bothered to turn up, of course.

Badger doubts that Reform UK will do as well in May next year as the polls suggest. However, he firmly believes that Labour’s open disdain and neglect of its core vote will drive some of its support - perhaps a significant percentage of it - towards the uncertain charms and non-existent policies of Reform.

You’ve got to feel for the vanishingly small number of current Labour MSs who want to return to the Welsh Parliament in 2026. By the time the election comes around, Labour will have been in power in Wales for 27 years and in government in Westminster for less than two. No matter what faint triumphs (if any) Labour in Wales can point towards that might persuade voters to turn up and vote for the Party in the Senedd election, they will be undone by the catastrophic impact of their Westminster colleagues’ policies.

Having railed against the Conservatives for legislating in devolved areas, targeting the poor and sick (of whom there are proportionately far more in Wales

than elsewhere in the UK), refusing to devolve the Crown Estate revenues, crucifying Wales’s industrial base, preferring capital over labour, and the City of London over everywhere else, you’d think those with any vestige of principle would sit in the Welsh Parliament and continue to criticise a Westminster government continuing those approaches.

Ahem: hahahaha. There are things at the bottom of the ocean hovering around geothermal vents that are less spineless than Labour MSs.

Labour MSs were happy to say the Conservatives shafted Wales. They are remarkably silent (or too often wholly absent) when the opposition has the temerity to criticise Labour for doing the same. The contempt that Labour MSs have for devolution or even the pretence of devolved government is amply demonstrated by their frequent absence from the Senedd Chamber whenever it’s time for an opposition debate.

Badger believes in devolution; however, he fails to see the case for more MSs to supposedly improve the quality of decision-making in the Welsh Parliament when Labour MSs already there either can’t be arsed to turn up in person or do more than churn out the same hackneyed phrases and platitudes about how wonderfully well the Welsh Government is doing.

Badger has a theory about why Labour’s Welsh MSs are so frequently absent from the Chamber. Contrary to popular belief, Badger has come to conclude that Labour MSs have a sense of shame. They’re too gutless and ashamed to sit in the Chamber and defend the indefensible. They’re too ashamed to sit there and listen to Plaid Cymru and the Conservatives detail with care and relish just how badly Labour has let down Wales.

Badger does not blame them, readers. When you think about it, even the keenest of sewer workers must get to the point where the prospect of seeing turds splat down from above becomes too much to bear any longer.

There is no alternative – to going backwards

GOOD morning, Britain! Or should I say: grim morning, Britain? Aye, the sun may rise over Milford Haven, but it’s Groundhog Day out here, and the only thing that changes is the length of the foodbank queue.

Now, I’m just a seagull, but even I can see we’ve all been sold a pup. The political seagulls – red, blue, or whatever weird colour the Lib Dems are these days – keep flapping the same wings and crapping on the same people. And now Rachel Reeves, Labour’s big hope, has picked up the same blunt scissors the Tories were using and is hacking away at what’s left of the public purse like she’s peeling a cheap doner kebab.

Cuts to benefits, no winter fuel for pensioners, and five billion nicked from people who can’t even dress themselves without help? Lovely stuff. Nothing screams “progress” like turning the clock back to Victorian workhouse chic.

It’s like every new government walks in, shakes your hand, and says: “Right then, we’re going to punch you in the face, but this time it’s for your own good.” And then does it again. And again. And again. We’ve had austerity, then austerity 2.0, and now apparently we’re on austerity: the musical –only no one can afford tickets.

We’ve got roads like the surface of the moon, high streets that look like Chernobyl, and life expectancy that’s doing a reverse sprint. If this is modern Britain, someone’s clearly hit rewind and dropped the remote behind the sofa.

And don’t get me started on wages. If they’d grown like they were supposed to before the bankers wrecked the place in 2008, the average Brit would be over ten grand better off.That’s a lot of fish suppers, pal.

Meanwhile, the rich are absolutely fine. Always are. Even now, you’ve got experts suggesting a one-off wealth tax on millionaire couples – raise a nice little £260 billion, tidy that. But no – can’t have that. Wouldn’t want the yacht class feeling the pinch while the rest of us freeze, starve, and try not to trip into a pothole.

It’s as if the people in charge are too scared of their donors and too knackered to imagine anything better. Investment? Hope? Nah. Just cuts, decay, and more flagwaving distraction. And the public’s starting to get wise to it –which is why the far-right nutjobs are circling like hungry gulls over a bag of chips.

So here’s the rub: either we change course, or we nosedive further into the abyss. Because if folk reckon it doesn’t matter who they vote for, and nothing ever gets better, then democracy’s days are numbered. You can’t sell decline as destiny forever – not even with a shiny new logo and some fake smiles on breakfast telly.

It’s not radical to want warm homes, safe hospitals, and a future. It’s common sense. And if Labour can’t deliver that, well, then maybe it’s time they got off the perch too.

Until next time, stay safe out there – and if you see a seagull eyeing up your chips, just know we’re hungry too.

RSPCA reports highest number of abandonments since pandemic

FIVE years on from the first UK lockdown, the RSPCA says the legacy of the Covid-19 pandemic continues to have a profound impact on animal welfare — with record levels of abandonment and rising concerns over pet care.

The charity says it is still dealing with the fallout from an increase in impulse pet purchases during lockdown, limited socialisation opportunities for young animals, and the ongoing cost of living crisis — all of which have placed “enormous challenges” on pets, owners, and rescue services.

ABANDONMENT AT RECORD HIGH

Last year, the RSPCA received 22,503 reports of animal abandonment — the highest annual figure since the pandemic began.

With rescue centres stretched beyond capacity, the charity is currently paying for 1,220 animals to be housed in private boarding while they wait for a space at one of its facilities.

Dr Samantha Gaines, Head of Companion Animals at the RSPCA, said: “While many pets found amazing new homes during the pandemic, we know not all animals were so lucky.

“The boredom of lockdown, and people’s temporarily changed lifestyles — including increased loneliness — may have led to a surge in impulse pet purchases. Sadly, as the reality of veterinary bills, behavioural issues, and juggling care with work set in, some owners were no longer willing or able to cope, and in some cases turned to extreme measures like abandonment.”

She added: “Five years on from that first lockdown announcement, the impact for animals is still being felt on a huge scale.”

BEHAvIOURAL AND HEALTH CONCERNS

The effects of lockdown restrictions were not limited to abandonment. Routine veterinary care — including neutering, microchipping, and health check-

ups — was often delayed, and vital socialisation opportunities for young pets were missed.

Between April 2023 and March 2024, there were 44,900 Google searches in the UK for “Can I give my dog paracetamol?”, raising concerns that more people are turning to self-treatment rather than seeking professional advice.

Dr Gaines explained: “Socialisation and structured training are critical for young dogs, but during lockdown, puppy classes and group activities were unavailable. We are now seeing the behavioural issues that resulted from that, and many owners are struggling.”

The charity also urged local councils during the pandemic to ease Public Spaces Protection Orders to help people access walking areas, but long-term issues around accessing and affording care have persisted.

“With vets halting non-urgent procedures during the pandemic, some owners may have become used to skipping appointments or trying to self-prescribe — especially now with the cost of living so high,” said Dr Gaines.

COST OF LIvING PRESSURES

The cost of living crisis, which experts say was exacerbated by the pandemic, continues to impact pet owners.

According to the RSPCA’s Animal Kindness Index:

• 36% of pet owners changed

their behaviour due to financial pressure in the past year.

• 15% said they regretted owning a pet in 2024.

• 78% said it is now more expensive to care for their animals.

Dr Gaines said: “The crisis has been one of the most challenging events for companion animal welfare in recent memory. We’ve created a cost of living support hub and expanded our Pet Food Bank scheme — but it’s still incredibly tough for many families.”

CHANGING ATTITUDES AMONG YOUNGER PEOPLE

The RSPCA also expressed concern over shifting attitudes towards animals, particularly among younger people.

The Animal Kindness Index found those aged 18-24 were:

• Less likely to identify as animal lovers (57% compared to 68% overall),

• More likely to accept dressing up animals for fun (33% vs. 16%),

• More tolerant of breeding animals with genetic health issues (14% vs. 7%),

• More accepting of animals being used in TV entertainment (23% vs. 16%).

PANDEMIC CHICKEN TREND TURNS SOUR

The impact has also extended

beyond pets. Poultry ownership saw a brief spike during the pandemic, with many households taking on chickens as a “lockdown fad.” However, the RSPCA has since received reports of chickens being abandoned as the novelty wore off.

Beth Winspear, from the charity’s farm animals team, said: “Chickens can make wonderful companions, but some owners didn’t realise the level of care needed. Sadly, some birds were simply abandoned.”

Encouraging people to make compassionate food choices has also become more difficult as households cut costs.

“Despite economic pressures, we’re still seeing strong support for higher welfare meat, eggs, and dairy,” said Ms Winspear. “Twothirds of consumers say they try to buy higher welfare produce, and sales of RSPCA Assured products continue to grow. Even small swaps can make a real difference.”

SIGNS OF HOPE

Despite the challenges, the RSPCA believes that “people power” can help create a kinder future for animals.

Polling shows 68% of Brits consider themselves animal lovers, and many are taking action to help — from adopting rescue pets to supporting campaigns and sharing animal welfare advice.

Dr Gaines said: “While it’s been a tough five years for animals, there are so many ways people can make a positive difference. From volunteering to backing campaigns and choosing rescue pets, we can create a world where all animals are treated with compassion.”

The charity is also urging members of the public to take part in its consultation on the future of animal welfare.

Animal Futures: The Big Conversation invites people to share their vision for a better world for animals and humans alike. More information is available on the RSPCA website.

Let me know if you’d like a shortened version for web or a radio script version too.

Major cuts to affect Pembroke and Pembroke Dock libraries

TWO PEMBROKESHIRE libraries are to see their opening hours cut as part of a council budget saving target of £250,000.

At the March meeting of Pembrokeshire County Council’s Cabinet, members were asked to make changes to library service provision in parts of the county, as part of steps to reduce service costs, following recent a public consultation and the Library Needs Assessment.

The proposals, initially for changes to three county libraries,

Pembroke, Pembroke Dock and Milford Haven, are part of wider changes to generate a total saving of £250,000 per annum, based on a 20 per cent savings target for the service as part of the agreed 2025’26 budget.

It was proposed to make changes at Pembroke library, for a saving of £6,800, Pembroke Dock library (£12,000), and Milford Haven library (£13,000).

Pembroke library will see its hours reduced by eight per week, adopting the timetable which had the highest community support, by closing on Tuesday and Thursday afternoons from 1pm.

Pembroke Dock library is to lose seven hours, closing at 1pm on Thursdays and at 4pm on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays.

A formal consultation exercise ran between January and February, with the reductions in hours proposed at Pembroke and Pembroke Dock, and, in the case

of Milford, the proposal was either to relocate the library to a smaller/ cheaper premises or establish a Community Managed Partnership at the current library.

The situation at Milford Haven is to remain unchanged in the short term after the Port of Milford Haven and Milford Haven Town Council came forward with a combined financial support package of £13,000 for the 2025/26 year, with works ongoing to find a longer term financially sustainable solutions for the library.

Presenting the report to Cabinet members, Cabinet Member for Residents’ Services Cllr Rhys Sinnett, who moved the recommendations, said Milford differed from the other two libraries due to the additional short-term funding received.

“Milford haven town Council and the Port of Milford Haven stepped forward to fill that gap, in effect it buys us some time to look at the options going forward; in Milford what we’ve done in effect is to buy a year’s grace.”

Members heard the near£32,000 savings outlined were a small part of the hoped-for overall savings for the service.

Seconding approval, Leader Cllr Jon Harvey highlighted the importance of libraries “not just for lending books,” but for providing ‘warm spaces’ and locations for other community facilities.

The proposals were unanimously supported by Cabinet members.

Plaid Cymru demands urgent action on education standards in Wales

PLAID CYMRU has said that educational attainment in Wales “must be solved” following what it described as “26 years of neglect and mismanagement by Labour.”

The comments were made by Cefin Campbell MS, the party’s education spokesperson, during a speech at Plaid Cymru’s spring conference in Llandudno on Saturday (Mar 22).

Mr Campbell said that the current state of the education system required “bold and urgent action,” highlighting the need for a new university funding model, stronger Welshmedium education plans, and investment to address a £500 million school maintenance backlog.

Freedom of Information requests by Plaid Cymru suggest that councils across Wales face at least a £543 million bill to bring school

buildings up to standard.

Mr Campbell said the current model of “Community Schools” introduced by the Welsh Government did not go far enough and called for a new approach that includes on-site mental health and counselling services to help improve behaviour and attendance.

He told delegates: “Whether it’s tackling disruptive behaviour, high levels of absenteeism, or improving ALN and mental health provision, providing wraparound support will enable learners to reach their full potential, no matter what the challenges they face.

“That is why we want to build on the Welsh Government’s current Community School model. While it has good intentions, it does not go far enough.

“In creating a Community School ‘Plus’ model, we hope to bring support staff, services

and relevant organisations together to improve support and outcomes for our young people.”

Estyn’s most rcent annual report found significant issues facing schools in Wales, including low standards in literacy and numeracy, weaknesses in assessment, and difficulty in recruiting

education staff. International PISA results have also shown a decline in attainment, with Wales scoring lower than the rest of the UK in mathematics, reading and science.

Plaid Cymru said it would continue to push for urgent reforms in the run-up to the 2026 Senedd election.

Bruce Sinclair Local Democracy Reporter

Latest Bovine TB statistics ‘worrying for local farming sector’

PRESELI Pembrokeshire

Senedd Member Paul Davies has raised concerns over the latest Bovine TB statistics published by the UK Government’s Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs.

The latest statistics

show that 4,580 cattle were slaughtered in 2024, a 24.11% increase onthe previous year’s figure of 3,690.

The total number of cattle slaughtered in Wales was 13,034.

Mr Davies said, “The latest Bovine TB statistics show that more and more cattle are being slaughtered in Pembrokeshire and it’s a huge concern.”

“Bovine TB has plagued farmers in Pembrokeshire for years, at a huge economic and emotional cost.”

“The figures show the Welsh Government’s policy for tackling Bovine TB simply isn’t working and a more holistic approach must be considered.”

“Cattle cannot continue to be slaughtered in their thousands, it’s not sustainable and farmers are right to be angry about these latest statistics.”

Highlighting the issue: Paul Davies MS

Welsh Government announces new action on animal antibiotic resistance

THE WELSH GOvERNMENT has announced new steps to tackle antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in animals, including £2 million in funding and the creation of a new expert group to guide future work.

The announcement follows the final review of the 2019–2024 AMR in Animals and the Environment Implementation Plan, Wales’ first coordinated approach to tackling resistance in the animal and environmental sectors.

A new Wales AMR Animal Health Group has been set up to provide expert advice and support the development of the next five-year plan. The new strategy – the Animal AMR Control Plan for Wales (2025–2029) – will be aligned with the UK National Action Plan and continue to follow a ‘One Health’ approach, linking public health, animal health and the environment.

Deputy First Minister and Cabinet Secretary for Climate Change and Rural Affairs, Huw Irranca-Davies, said:

“To support our plans, I have awarded £2 million of funding to the Arwain DGC (Defnydd Gwrthfaicrobaidd Cyfrifol) consortium.

“Arwain have a proven track record in delivering effective controls. This new phase will allow us to continue positioning Wales as a world leader

in tackling AMR and promoting the responsible use of antibiotics.

“This investment will support vital monitoring, training and engagement work, helping to make sure antibiotics remain effective for future generations.”

The funding will support phase three of the Arwain programme, which will include:

Continuing the Veterinary Prescribing Champions Network across 44 Welsh veterinary practices

Collecting antimicrobial usage data from at least 4,500 Welsh farms

On-farm sampling to monitor AMR in cattle and sheep

Creating a new AMR Academy to provide training for vets and farmers

Wales’ Chief Veterinary Officer, Richard Irvine, said the risks of antimicrobial resistance continue to grow: “The effects of AMR are disruptive and costly, not just for animal keepers and vets, but for wider society.

“Drug-resistant organisms pose direct risks to both animals and people, and can spread through the environment. That’s why our One Health approach is so important.”

The Welsh Government said tackling AMR is not something government can do alone, and urged vets and animal keepers to work together to help meet Wales’ targets on antimicrobial resistance.

Saval named Best Welsh Cheese at British & Irish Cheese Awards 2025

Saval, a washed rind cow’s milk cheese, has been named Best Welsh Cheese at the British & Irish Cheese Awards 2025. Made by Caws Teifi in Ceredigion, Wales, Saval took this coveted prize among hundreds of entries into the 29th edition of these Awards, which were hosted by the Bath & West Food & Drink Festival near Shepton Mallet in Somerset.

Saval is a Caerphilly-based washed rind cheese with a soft and buttery centre, shrouded in a pink and wrinkled rind. This latest achievement marks the 10th time that Caws Teifi has won Best Welsh Cheese at the British & Irish Cheese Awards, having last picked up the trophy in 2022 with Celtic Promise.

Robert Savage, managing director of Caws Teifi, said; “A huge congratulations to our amazing team! Special recognition to our founders Patrice, Paula and John, our dedicated directors John-James and Robert. The pioneering

affineurs Pat and the late James Aldridge, and of course, Tim Mitchell, our head cheesemaker for the past 23 years. I couldn’t be prouder! Thank you to all our customers for your continued support—here’s to more awardwinning cheese.”

All special trophy winners were announced during the British & Irish Cheese Awards Dinner on the evening of Friday 21 March, and the Supreme Champion Cup was presented to Burford, a washed rind, Alpinestyle cheese from King Stone Dairy in Gloucestershire.

Around the UK, the Best English Cheese trophy went to Clara, an ash-coated goat’s cheese log from Harvey and Brockless, and the Best Scottish Cheese trophy went to Anster, a delicate, pale and crumbly cheese from St Andrews Farmhouse Cheese Company.

Organised by The Royal Bath & West Society, the British & Irish Cheese Awards 2025 assessed nearly 600 entries on Friday

21 March, with the help of 52 judges from across the industry. The expert panel, made up of cheesemakers, cheesemongers, cheese experts, buyers and commentators, judged entries in their individual classes during the morning session, awarding Bronze, Silver and Gold accolades. During the second round, all Gold award winners from each category were judged alongside one another to identify the category winners, before all category winners were judged in the final round to find this year’s Supreme Champion and Reserve Champion.

Hosted by the Bath & West Food & Drink Festival, the British & Irish Cheese Awards judging hall was open to the public over the weekend of 22 to 23 March. Festival visitors were invited to witness the incredible scale of the judging arena, cast their votes in the People’s Choice Award, and even join the festival’s brand new Guided Cheese Tours.

LAST week saw the return of the political parties’ conference season, with Plaid Cymru hosting their Spring Conference in Llandudno. With next year’s key Senedd election fast-approaching, it provided an opportunity for the party to outline its vision and priorities for the coming year, and an opportunity for Farmers’ Union of Wales officials to lobby politicians and candidates on the changes and challenges facing the agricultural sector.

Amidst the many challenges facing Welsh farmers, bovine Tuberculosis (bTB) continues to cast a dark shadow. Not only does the disease pose a threat to livestock, but it continues to impact the day-to-day life of farmers and their livelihoods and wellbeing.

The extent of the challenge bTB poses to Welsh farming was emphasised last week in sobering figures released by Defra. 2024 saw 13,034 animals slaughtered in Wales as a result of a bTB incident - an increase of 27% on the previous 12 month period. Tragically, the number of TB-positive cattle slaughtered in Wales in 2024 was the highest ever in a single 12-month period.

Behind these recordbreaking slaughter statistics lie Welsh farmers and families bearing the immense burden and unseen costs of this crisis; their businesses threatened, and their mental health often at breaking point.

Whilst eradicating bTB remains a hugely complex and emotive subject, the FUW did welcome the Welsh Government’s decision

last Summer to establish a Technical Advisory Group (TAG) and TB Eradication Programme Board was a step in the right direction. As part of the work, the FUW has welcomed the opportunity to sit on the Board - bringing together expertise and experience from a range of farmers, vets, Welsh Government and animal health representatives.

Whilst the group’s work continues to get underway - and sadly, answers will not be implemented overnight - it remains the case that these slaughter statistics again provide a timely and significant reminder of the extent, and cost of bTB on farmyards across Wales.

Each animal that is prematurely removed from a farm, as a result of a positive TB test, contributes to snowballing economic consequences for that business. There are numerous unseen additional costs incurred with mandatory slaughter such as lost revenue, loss of milk production, loss of breeding lines, delays to re-stocking, shifts in marketing, persistent changes in herd size, disruption to planned purchases and the additional feed, bedding and housing requirements of a breakdown.

It’s all too clear that the status quo cannot continue, and the FUW will continue to reiterate the desperate need for the Welsh Government to take the disease by the scruff of its neck and follow the science in broadening the eradication policy in Wales by adopting a truly holistic approach to address this challenge.

Lexus is UK’s most reliable car brand according to owners

Lexus is the UK’s most reliable car brand according to owners, with the Japanese luxury brand being named as the best car brand for reliability in the 2025 Honest John Satisfaction Index with a reader rating of 97.01%.

Each year HonestJohn.co.uk asks its readers to rate their car across a variety of important areas including efficiency, reliability, practicality and safety, as well as the its performance and comfort credentials. The result is the Honest John Satisfaction Index, based on the feedback from more than 6000 respondents.

Second place in the reliability rankings went the way of Tesla with an impressive score of 95.29% while Toyota - owners of the Lexus brand - cemented third place with a rating of 94.65%. With a score from our readers of 94.65% is Honda, with Skoda completing the best five with 93.08%.

Lexus’s NX model was also the most reliable car overall, ahead of the Skoda Karoq and Toyota Corolla.

At the other end of the 2025 Honest John Satisfaction Index, we see Alfa Romeo at the foot of the table (76.67%) ahead of Jeep (82.31%) and Vauxhall (84.53%), whose Corsa model was named the UK’s least reliable car.

One big surprise was that Mercedes was voted as the fifth

worst brand for reliability on 86.03% - a huge disappointment given the price premium its models carry over rivals.

Meanwhile, it’s Tesla owners that were the most satisfied with the overall ownership of their cars at the time of the survey, with an 89.41% approval score.

Tesla’s popularity nudged Lexus into second place overall with an 86.32% overall satisfaction rating.

Securing third position for overall satisfaction with a score of 84.79% was Porsche, a result which narrowly edged Honda into fourth with 84.70%. Rounding-

out the top five for overall brand satisfaction was Skoda on 84.51%.

Meanwhile, it was Alfa Romeo that picked up the wooden spoon with its 72.12% rating as the least satisfying brand to own overall.

That’s only slightly inferior to Fiat, a brand with which many mechanical and electronic parts are shared - Fiat scored 73.58%.

At 76.11% is Vauxhall, but the British brand was only a solitary step above Fiat in this table.

Just above that threesome on 77.29% is MG, something the brand will be hoping improves as more people experience its

newer, higher quality models.

But the Honest John Satisfaction Index 2025 covers more than just cars, with breakdown providers and insurers also evaluated. One of the lesser-known brands - GEM Motoring Assist - scored the top ranking for breakdown cover providers.

So impressed were Honest John readers with GEM Motoring Assist’s services that 87% indicated that they would renew their breakdown cover with the company, scoring an impressive overall satisfaction rating of 89.57%.

1.2

Advanced infotainment technology and leading safety features unveiled

MG has confirmed today that the all-new MGS5 Ev will be available from next month in the UK and in Quarter 2 in European markets.

The MGS5 Ev is designed to reach new standards in the SUv electric vehicle segment, offering all the critically-acclaimed attributes of the highly-popular MG4 Ev whilst advancing the driving experience further with a host of new technology as well as a spacious, premium cabin ambience.

Three MGS5 EV models are being offered. The MGS5 EV SE Standard Range, MGS5 EV SE Long Range and the flagship MGS5 EV Trophy Long Range.

Each MGS5 EV will firmly underline MG’s commitment to offering customers seeking to drive electric with market-defining value. The SE Standard Range is available for £28,495 OTR, SE Long Range at £30,995 OTR and the most generously-equipped Trophy Long Range completes the line-up at £33,495. The MGS5 EV is supported by a 7-year/80,000 mile MG warranty.

“MGS5 EV is an advanced, enjoyable and refined EV,” comments

David Allison, Head of Product and Planning for MG Motor UK.

“MG’s advanced and dedicated EV platform has been further enhanced to create a truly spacious, practical and elegant cabin experience for this all-new MG SUV. Meanwhile, the technology offering surges ahead

with the introduction of iSmart and MG Pilot Custom, an attractive dual screen layout, five drive modes, Five-Link rear suspension and a bespoke EV braking system created in partnership with Continental.”

“The rear wheel drive MGS5 EV features highly responsive and

engaging driving characteristics, seamlessly combining sportiness with excellent range as well as rapid charging and a choice of two batteries. It is our most compelling and complete EV so far, performing strongly in every arena.”

50 years of pioneering innovation partnership scheme

ONE of the UK’s longest standing initiatives connecting businesses and organisations with academia is celebrating 50 years of delivering value to the Welsh economy.

The Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP) programme drives growth and innovation by solving real world ‘business’ challenges in partnership with academics across Wales and the UK. The resulting partnerships are focused on creating solutions that deliver innovation, economic growth and social or environmental benefits, leading to changes that improve people’s lives.

Over the last few years alone, Welsh KTP projects have resulted in 78 new jobs, and a £6.5m investment in innovation

– including £1.8m in funding from the Welsh Government, which delivers the scheme in partnership with Innovate UK.

For each pound of public investment this is estimated to have generated a return of up to £5.50 in net economic benefits for the Welsh economy.

Across the UK up to an estimated £2.3bn was added to the economy between 2010 and 2020 thanks to collaborative innovation via KTPs.

The scheme also helps businesses bring in new skills via a talented graduate that is employed to work on the project.

Non-profit Cerebra collaborated with Cardiff University for a recent KTP. The Carmarthen-based charity helps improves the lives of children with

brain disorders by supporting their families with their long-term health, education, and social needs.

The KTP developed an AIdriven approach to increase the effectiveness of Cerebra’s marketing campaigns, and secure more donations for the charity.

Associate Professor in Marketing Analytics at Cardiff Business School, Dr Simon Jang said:

“Our KTP with Cerebra shows how Cardiff University collaborates with organisations to deliver real-world impact.

By combining our expertise in marketing, data analytics, and AI, we developed data-driven strategies that strengthened Cerebra’s donor engagement

and long-term sustainability –demonstrating how KTPs drive both organisational growth and wider social value.”

Business Partner Supervisor for Cerebra, Ricky Howells said:

“This KTP has underpinned the necessity of looking to apply data driven decisions in all aspects of fundraising.

“As a result we will be able to reach and support more families in the future, making a meaningful difference to the lives of children living with a brain condition.”

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

“KTPs are an important part of the Welsh innovation ecosystem, driving forward better outcomes for our businesses, our academic institutions, our residents and our environment.

“For fifty years this pioneering programme has enabled businesses and organisations like Cerebra tap into the expertise of some of the best research that the UK has to offer. It has also accelerated progression for graduates, creating high value, well paid jobs throughout Wales.”

Richard Lamb, KTP Programme Manager at Innovate UK, said:

“Innovate UK is proud to work with Welsh Government on the KTP programme as one of its lead supporters. Welsh Government funding not only supports individual projects but supports Welsh universities and colleges to work with local businesses and organisations.”

Facility to give new life to old tyres with Welsh Government support

ONE of Wales’ leading providers of tyre services is set to open a new facility that will give new life to old tyres, with Welsh Government support.

Tuf Treads, in Carmarthenshire, will save old tyres from landfill by using them to produce premium re-treaded tyres using latest manufacturing technology. Re-treading gives suitable tyres a new start once the original tread is worn away.

Based at Cross Hands Strategic Employment Site, the new factory will see 30 new jobs created.

It is backed by £400k from the Economy Futures Fund and £220k Circular Economy Funding from the Welsh Government.

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

“This new facility will fill a gap

in the market for the successful Tuf Treads – saving up to 30kg of rubber, 20kg of steel and 60kg of CO2 from landfill each time a truck or bus tyre is re-treaded.

“The innovative and sustainable nature of this service is exactly the sort of business practice we want to support as we nurture a greener economy

based around the industries of the future.

“It will also create good quality jobs, helping to drive prosperity and equip people with the right skills for our changing world.”

Tuf Treads Director Dan Rees said:

“As a proud Welsh company, Tuf Treads is delighted to have been able to grow its business

over recent years. We are grateful for Welsh Government’s contribution to our £3m plus investment in our new factory in Cross Hands.

“We will be the leading manufacturers of first-class, retreaded tyres in Wales. However, for us, this isn’t just about developing the business. Importantly it is also about creating new, skilled jobs within the local community and helping to grow the Welsh economy.

“Equally significant is the way in which our new initiative helps Wales fulfil its net zero commitments by producing high quality tyres from recycled, used tyres that otherwise would be in landfill.

“As a local Pontyberem man, I’m committed to doing all I can to help our communities here and across Wales flourish and thrive.”

Overseas workers allowed to live in caravans at business

A CALL to allow eight workers’ caravans sited without planning permission at Wales’ largest wholesale suppliers of potatoes and seasonal vegetables producers to remain has been approved by Pembrokeshire planners.

In a Certificate of lawful development application before Pembrokeshire County Council, Puffin Produce Ltd sought to retain the eight static staff accommodation caravans at its headquarters on Withybush Road, Haverfordwest; the caravans having been in place for at least a decade.

An application for a certificate of lawful development allows an applicant to keep a development if they can provide proof of occupancy or use over a prolonged period.

A supporting statement through agent Evans Banks Planning Limited said Puffin Produce Ltd “has been in business since the 1970s and is now the largest supplier of Welsh produce in Wales, supplying a wide variety of potatoes and seasonal vegetables to multiple major retailers and wholesalers”.

It added: “During this time, the business has often relied upon the use of employment agencies and overseas workers, with many of these being accommodated in the static caravans at the headquarters site. Therefore, the use of the on-site residential accommodation in the form of the eight static caravans has been critical in the success of the business, both over the last 10 years and moving forward into the future.”

Bruce Sinclair Local Democracy Reporter

Evidence provided by the applicants, including sworn affidavits by those responsible for maintenance, electrical testing, human resources, and a former occupant, stated the caravans had been on-site for more than 10 years; the applicant seeking “to regularise the situation”.

It added: “Post-Brexit the company has moved towards ‘Proforce’ agency and ‘RE Recruitment’, with all agency staff recruited on fixed term contracts with their right to work varying between seasonal workers or settle/pre-settled status, with on-site accommodation then provided.”

It finished by saying four of the

caravans had been on-site back in 2013, with the remainder added to over time up to January 2015, confirming “that there have been eight static caravans present on site for an uninterrupted period of over 10 years”.

The certificate of lawful development was approved by county planning officers.

Haverfordwest school site could become motorcycle showroom

PLANS to turn a former school building to a motorcycle showroom have been submitted to Pembrokeshire County Council.

An application by Noel Davies of Merlin Autos Wales Ltd seeks to change the use of the former Castle School Building, Snowdrop Lane, Haverfordwest to the showroom, which also includes an ancillary on-site café.

The site is currently vacant, having previously been used for cookery and teaching provision for the former independent Castle School, the use finishing last year; prior to that it was occupied by RAOB Lodge/Snowdrop Bar.

A supporting statement through agent Ian Bartlett Planning and Architectural Services says: “The submitted scheme is required to relocate to sustain the viability of the existing business operation Merlin Motorcycles currently located in the Prendergast area of Haverfordwest.

“Merlin Motorcycles, a subsidiary of Merlin Auto Services, was established in March 2016 to cater to the local motorcycle community in Pembrokeshire.

Merlin Motorcycles operates from a former car showroom in Prendergast, Haverfordwest, with a floor area of only 122 square metres.

“Since its inception, the company has experienced steady growth and has outgrown its current premises. Recently,

the installation of double yellow lines on the highway outside the Prendergast site has posed challenges in terms of parking and customer accessibility. The lack of space in the current location, limits the amount of stock that can be displayed and stored on site.”

It adds:

“Merlin Motorcycles has diligently searched for suitable premises within Haverfordwest but to date has been unsuccessful. Given the nature of

motorcycle sales, the enterprise requires a level vehicular double-door access that is not readily available to any existing vacant retail premises in Haverfordwest.

“It is expected that the relocation of the business to a larger premises would facilitate the requirement for an increase in staff members to meet the demands of the business and to provide high levels of customer service.

“The site also provides the opportunity to offer an ancillary on-site café serving hot and cold beverages, cakes and light lunches. It is not proposed to offer hot food, and the café would not operate independently from the retail sales aspect of the enterprise, providing a service primarily to customers visiting for motorcycle sales.

“As motorcycle lifestyle brands increasingly leverage their physical retail spaces to incorporate in-store cafes, this move aligns with the evolving trends in the industry and offers opportunities for community engagement.”

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

Bruce Sinclair Local Democracy Reporter

Hywel Dda midwife team scoop top UK award

A MIDWIFE team from Hywel Dda University Health Board has won a prestigious national award for their work improving safety for mothers and babies.

The Maternity and Neonatal Governance and Risk Team took home three awards at the 2025 Maternity Unit Marvels (MUM) Awards, organised by the charity Baby Lifeline.

The team had already been told they would receive two accolades in the workforce category: the Promoting Collaboration and Team Working award, and the Achieving Excellence Through Service Improvements award.

But they were surprised to also be named national winners of the workforce category, beating strong competition from NHS teams across the UK.

The ceremony took place at the Palace of Westminster in London on Thursday (Mar 13), with awards presented by Call the Midwife star Linda Bassett and hosted by Lord Darzi of Denham.

Representing Hywel Dda on the night were Cerian Llewellyn (Interim Head of Midwifery), Dr Tipswalo Day (Consultant Obstetrician and Gynaecologist), Dr Mathew Pickup (Consultant Paediatrician), Angela Morgan (Midwife), Bethan Osmundsen (Senior Nurse Manager for Acute Paediatrics), and Leah Andrew (Senior Nurse).

The awards celebrate excellence in maternity and neonatal care and are judged by senior representatives from NHS England, the Royal College of Midwives, the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists, the Nursing and Midwifery Council, and other key health bodies.

Dana Scott, Director of Midwifery at Hywel Dda UHB, said: “Winning these awards has been a fantastic recognition of the collective efforts of our team at Hywel Dda.

“Knowing that all the hard work of our multi-disciplinary team to make one of the most precious moments in life a safe and positive experience for mums and their families has been recognised by a prestigious panel of expert

judges means so much to us.”

Sharon Daniel, Interim Director of Nursing, Quality and Patient Experience at Hywel Dda, said: “I’m delighted for the team – they’ve worked incredibly hard over the years to support members of our communities.

“Pregnancy can be both an

exciting and a worrying time, and our teams try their very best to ensure that they treat all mums, birthing people and their families with compassion and the best care possible.

“Thank you to every member of the team who has played their part in achieving the award.”

Nearly 3,000 babies are born every year in the Hywel Dda region, with the midwifery team supporting families at home, in the community, and in local hospitals.

To find out more about the MUM Awards, visit: www. babylifeline.org.uk/mumawards

Pembrokeshire man’s shock diagnosis sparks call for awareness

NEIL THOMAS thought testicular cancer was something that happened later in life — until he was diagnosed at 35.

In April 2019, Neil, who was working as a teacher in Doha, Qatar, rolled over in bed after a long day at work and felt something unusual. A self-check revealed a hard lump in one of his testicles.

The next morning, the now 41-yearold from Lawrenny, Pembrokeshire, spoke to his wife Zoe, who urged him to see a doctor. An ultrasound confirmed the tumour and within a week he was in surgery to remove his left testicle.

“It was all very quick,” Neil told The Herald. “The biopsy showed it was a fast-growing cell type, so they gave me two rounds of chemotherapy as well. It was a traumatic time — for me, my wife and my family. Those first four weeks were particularly hard. I was constantly worried and struggled to process what was happening.”

Neil credits his mum — a breast cancer survivor — with encouraging him and his brother to regularly check themselves. That habit may have saved his life.

“I didn’t realise testicular cancer mainly affects younger men,” he said. “In my head, cancer was something for older people. I would advise anyone with concerns to get checked out straight away. Catching it early meant it could be treated fast and stopped from spreading.” His experience reflects a wider lack of awareness among young men. A recent Movember survey found that 61% of men aged 16 to 40 didn’t know their age group was at risk of testicular cancer — which is the second most commonly diagnosed cancer in men aged 15 to 39 globally.

Despite the importance of early detection, the survey found that:

• 17% of young men feel unsure how to check their testicles

• 26% feel very confident

• 51% feel somewhat confident

• 5% have no idea at all

Worryingly, 15% of young men never check themselves, and only 20% do so once a month.

When asked why they might not go to a doctor after finding something unusual, 18% said they would be afraid it was something serious, 23% said they wouldn’t go unless there was pain, and 22% would wait until it got “really serious.” Still, 67% said they would make a doctor’s appointment if something didn’t feel normal.

This April, during Testicular Cancer Awareness Month, the global men’s health charity Movember is encouraging

men to “Know Thy Nuts” — a campaign aimed at helping men get familiar with what’s normal and what to do if something feels off.

A recent survey by the charity found that 84% of men who visited Movember’s testicular health guide felt more confident performing self-checks afterwards.

Professor Simon Rice, Global Director of the Movember Institute of Men’s Health, said: “Testicular Cancer Awareness Month is about taking control of your health. The simplest action young men can take is to get to know their nuts. That way, if they notice any changes, they can see a doctor. When caught early, testicular cancer is highly treatable.”

Movember is urging men to take a few minutes this month to check themselves, learn what’s normal, and encourage others to do the same. Visit the Know Thy Nuts website to find out more.

The Herald understands that 70 men died of testicular cancer in the UK in 2019 — an average of nearly six each month. That year, the death rate was 0.2 per 100,000 men.

Movember has invested in more than 25 testicular cancer projects worldwide and has also developed its Nuts & Bolts support hub, co-designed with survivors to offer advice, resources and a sense of community.

Neil and Zoe Thomas want to spread awareness about testicular cancer (Image: Supplied)

Airport boss resigns amid criticism of Welsh Government direction

THE CHIEF ExECUTIvE of Cardiff Airport, Spencer Birns, has stepped down from his role, sparking fresh criticism over the Welsh Government’s management of the publicly-owned site.

Mr Birns, who took on the role in 2020 after serving as the airport’s commercial director, has overseen a challenging period marked by the COVID-19 pandemic and a slow recovery

in passenger numbers. Despite efforts to revive the airport’s fortunes, services and airline partnerships have struggled to return to pre-pandemic levels.

The airport, which was purchased by the Welsh Government in 2013 for £52 million, has continued to rely on public funding to stay afloat.

Passenger numbers remain well below expectations, and several carriers have either scaled back operations or withdrawn entirely.

Reacting to Mr Birns’ resignation, Andrew RT Davies MS, Member of the Senedd for South Wales Central and former Leader of the Welsh Conservatives, said the move amounted to a “vote of no confidence” in the airport’s current ownership and direction.

Mr Davies said: “The chief executive leaving the pitch is a vote of no confidence in Welsh Government’s ownership of Cardiff Airport. Spencer Birns has always done his best at Cardiff Airport, where facilities are second to none, but the lack of direction from Welsh Government has led to a nonreturn of airlines and a brutal decline in passenger numbers.

“If we’re going to see this key economic asset gain real strength, we need to see a change of ownership, and better direction so talented people like Mr Birns aren’t walking away.”

Cardiff Airport has not yet named a successor or given details on the timeline for Mr Birns’ departure. A spokesperson for the airport said the search for new leadership would begin immediately, and paid tribute to Mr Birns’ service.

The Welsh Government

has defended its stewardship of the airport in the past, citing the pandemic’s unprecedented impact on global aviation. However, critics argue that the airport has lacked a coherent long-term strategy and failed to attract sustainable commercial interest.

Mr Birns’ resignation comes at a time when the future of the airport remains under intense scrutiny, with calls growing louder for either privatisation or a new management structure.

Commenting, Welsh Conservative Shadow Cabinet Secretary for Transport and Infrastructure, Peter Fox MS, said:“This is the latest in a long line of setbacks for an airport that has continued to limp along due to intervention from the Labour Government.

“Cardiff Airport is a financial burden on the Labour Welsh Government and Welsh taxpayers, with hundreds of millions of pounds already spent on a failing service and another £205 million planned over the next 10 years. Labour must finally do the right thing and sell the airport to the private sector.

“Welsh Ministers lack the expertise to manage an airport. That is why the private sector, with the experience and knowledge needed, is better placed to ensure the airport not only survives but thrives.”

Tom Sinclair editor@herald.email

Airport boss Spencer Birns has quit his post (Image: File)

‘One of the biggest scandals of devolution’: call for inquiry into botched insulation scheme

PETITIONERS called for a public inquiry into a government-backed insulation scheme that left people thousands of pounds out of pocket in “one of the biggest scandals of devolution”.

The botched Arbed/CESP energy efficiency scheme, which aimed to cut bills, was sold to people living in Caerau in the Llynfi valley, near Maesteg, as the “best thing since sliced bread” in 2012.

But people quickly encountered problems, raising concerns about “terrible” workmanship, and some families’ homes remain in a “disgusting” condition 13 years on.

Now, Rhiannon Goodall, one of those affected, has submitted a petition to the Senedd, calling for a fair deal for people left to live with “extreme damp and mould”.

She told the petitions committee: “Our fight has been ongoing for many, many years. We are now 13 years later and the condition of our homes that have been left in due to this insulation is absolutely disgusting.”

Ms Goddall told Senedd Members she has spent £20,000 or more trying to rectify issues, replacing kitchens repeatedly ruined by dampness.

In a letter to the committee, she said: “I can’t have open foods in the cupboards; tins rust. I’ve gone through multiple small kitchen electrical items due to rusting and failing. I am not the only one in this predicament.

“Other residents have also spent unscrupulous amounts of money trying to rectify the faults, and we cannot keep doing it. Some residents do not have the money at all to try to do this and they live in derelict homes.”

Ms Goodall pointed out that some people have died without seeing the issues put right since the Welsh and UK Government scheme more than a decade ago.

“There were significant failings,” she

being replastered, carpets and some furnishings are not being replaced, and there is no compensation.

a way of saving money but, ultimately, has cost them far more money than they would have expected.”

said. “I would also like there to be a public inquiry into what took place and how this was allowed to happen.”

The campaigner added: “I appreciate that finally, after 12 years, work started to remove the faulty insulation; however, that is all that is being done.

“No rectification work is being done to our homes; walls are not

“After all we have been through as residents, such an arrangement is an insult. We are being left to recuperate the costs of a badly mismanaged energy scheme.”

At a committee meeting on March 24, Plaid Cymru’s Luke Fletcher said: “I would argue that this issue has been one of the biggest scandals of devolution and I don’t say that lightly.

“It’s been ongoing now for 13, 14 years where residents have been living in houses that aren’t fit for human habitation…. It’s a scandal and it’s genuinely heart-breaking that residents are still in this position.”

Mr Fletcher, who represents South Wales West, welcomed Welsh and UK Government funding awarded to Bridgend council to undertake remedial work on 104 homes in Caerau.

“That’s been a long time coming,” he said. “I know residents are increasingly anxious about how long it is taking for these things to be put right.”

Mr Fletcher pointed out that fixing the insulation does not take into account all the money families have spent replacing everything from kitchens and curtains to carpets and clothes.

He said: “We’re talking here about a scheme that was sold to residents as

He warned people could be put off the Welsh Government’s new Warm Homes programme, saying he would “probably run a mile” after what happened in Caerau.

Raising the petitioners’ call for a public inquiry, Mr Fletcher said: “I think it’s that we get down to the problems and why they happened and how this was allowed to happen.

“We know … other schemes are coming down the line because it is the ambition of the Welsh Government to retrofit housing, so I think it’s important we learn lessons from this and restore … a bit of faith in these programmes.”

He told the meeting: “Residents in Caerau have felt that they have not been listened to … this is genuinely a community that is being forgotten.”

The Plaid Cymru politician added: “It’s important for us to recognise that this has been a traumatic experience for a number of residents.”

Senedd Members resolved to write to the Welsh Government, asking its position on a public inquiry, and to Bridgend council for an update on remedial works. The petitions committee also agreed to invite those affected to the Senedd to hear their experiences first hand.

Chris Haines

ICNN Senedd reporter

W ITH ANDREW LYE

Last Friday’s ELY LIBERAL article was about imports of lamb from Australia and New Zealand, which tied up with the news story on page 50 in which the Farmers’ Union of Wales (FUW) concern at the surge of sheep meat imports into the UK.

This week’s article is also farming based as farming is vital for our local economy and we often see the signage “NO FARMERS, NO FOOD”.

Welsh Liberal Democrat MP David Chadwick has sponsored a cross-party Bill in Parliament designed to secure fairer prices for farmers and food producers across the UK.

David Chadwick, the Welsh Liberal Democrat MP for Brecon, Radnor and Cwm Tawe is one of 10 MPs from a range of political parties who have sponsored the Bill and will prepare its introduction into Parliament.

The NFU (National Farmers Union) has worked together with the Chair of Parliament’s Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Committee and Scottish Liberal Democrat MP Alistair Carmichael on the details of the Food Supply Chain Fairness Bill.

The Bill would see the role of the Groceries Code Adjudicator (The GCA - the regulator of the relationship between supermarkets and farmers/producers) strengthened, among other provisions aimed at improving fairness within the supply chain.

The introduction of the Bill follows a debate led by David Chadwick on improving fairness in the agricultural supply chain in Westminster Hall last month.

Along with strengthening the Groceries Code Adjudicator’s remit and resources, the legislation, officially known as the

Food Products (Market Regulation and Public Procurement) Bill, will also support greater public procurement of locally produced food and enhanced origin labelling requirements.

It will also require coordination between the GCA and the Agricultural Supply Chain Adjudicator.

Commenting David Chadwick MP said:

“Since being elected as the MP for Brecon, Radnor and Cwm Tawe I have made it my mission to secure a fair deal for our local farmers and farmers right across Wales and I led a debate in Parliament just last month calling for the regulator to be strengthened.

“It isn’t right that large corporations can bully local producers into accepting low prices and shoddy treatment by using their collective buying power.

“I’m proud to be cosponsoring this Bill and will continue to fight for a more resilient food system that treats our farmers and producers fairly.”

With the announcements made in the Chancellor’s Budget, last Autumn, farming has taken a battering.

The Government is at risk of creating a lost generation of farmers. Young people will lose the opportunity to keep the farms their families have run for generations, while at the same time they are seeing government support for farming slashed.

Hitting British farmers who put food on our tables only risks making the costof-living crisis worse. After years of being taken for granted by the Conservative Party, rural communities should have been properly supported. But Labour does not appear to be listening.

The Liberal Democrats want to ensure the next generation of farmers are protected.

If you have any issues or comments, please contact me at andrew.lye@pembslibdems.wales

Conservatives quit Welsh Parliament’s Covid Committee

CONSERvATIvE members of the Senedd Committee examining the Welsh Government’s response to the Covid pandemic quit their positions this week.

The Conservative MSs’ move came after Labour MSs didn’t bother to attend the debate but voted down the opposition’s motion that the committee should hear evidence under oath.

LABOUR UNDERMINING GOOD FAITH

James Evans, the Conservatives’ Shadow Health Minister, opened the debate by observing that it is five years since the first lockdown following the Covid outbreak.

Mr Evans continued: “We entered into the COVID-19 special purpose committee in good faith, committed to working constructively together, crossparty, to get the answers that bereaved families deserve, and to ensure that that specific Welsh context, which may be overlooked in the UK-wide inquiry, is properly understood and scrutinised to the fullest extent possible.

“We believe it is only right that the Senedd’s Standing Orders be amended to provide the committee with vital discretionary powers: the ability to request that witnesses give evidence under oath or affirmation.

“This is not a dramatic proposal, nor is it without precedent. The Scottish statutory inquiry already has the power to compel evidence under oath. It is a basic mechanism that helps reinforce the public’s trust in the process, and it ensures the seriousness of the testimony, particularly when addressing issues of such weight and consequence, as the ones that the committee is looking at currently.”

LABOUR “NOT SERIOUS” ABOUT COvID COMMITTEE

James Evans’s Conservative colleague, Sam Rowlands, spoke about the seriousness of the committee’s task and added: “It’s sad and disappointing to me that that level of seriousness does not seem to be shared by colleagues on the Labour benches, who initially blocked the much-needed request for the independent COVID inquiry to take place here in the UK and, as has already been outlined, this position around the special purpose committee being set up.

Committee members have already voted to compel decisionmakers to give evidence under oath. However, Mr Rowlands observed that the Welsh Government is “clearly blocking the request from the members of the committee to compel witnesses coming before it to swear an oath to say that they’re telling the truth.”

“WE MUST GET TO THE TRUTH”

Mabon ap Gwynfor, Plaid Cymru’s Health spokesperson, added: “Without accurate factual evidence, then it is impossible to learn the right lessons, and more importantly, there is a risk of learning the wrong lessons and putting the lives of future generations at risk.

“We must, therefore, get to the truth. That is why I am so firm in insisting that witnesses must swear an oath in order to ensure that we stick to our moral agreement with the people of Wales and find the truth in order to protect the welfare of those who come after us.”

Welsh Government Minister Jane Hutt, a lonely figure on the empty Labour benches, unironically said: “The use of such an oath, by virtue of its introduction for this committee alone, highlights an expectation that the committee

does not believe that it will receive truthful evidence without it.”

Ms Hutt might well reflect on the circumstances that contributed to Vaughan Gething’s downfall as First Minister. Experience shows that even hearing evidence under oath is no guarantee that witnesses will not mislead the committee, lie to it, cover up or destroy evidence, and attempt to mislead the Senedd and the Welsh people.

“WHERE

ARE YOUR PRINCIPLES?”

Tom Giffard MS wound up the debate for the opposition and launched an excoriating attack on Labour MSs and the Welsh Government.

Mr Giffard said: “I will not allow my name and my reputation to be tarnished by the perception that this is a committee more interested in protecting the reputation of the Government than getting to the bottom of the truths behind the decisions it made.

“I’m unwilling to associate myself with a committee seemingly designed to protect the very people it should be holding to account. Let me be clear: if this vote is defeated today, this committee cannot function, and I will not stand idly by and let it limp along, pretending otherwise.

“We are all sent here not by our parties but by our constituents to do the job that they elected us to do, to speak truth to power, to advocate for those less fortunate than us, to get the answers that our constituents deserve.

“Often in politics, saying the easy thing is not always the politically or personally convenient thing. I pushed for oaths to be taken in this committee against backlash from many different corners because I felt it was the right thing to do, just like I’ve pushed for greater scrutiny throughout.

“But without our principles, we have nothing. I’m content that I have repeatedly followed mine, but I say to those Labour Members voting down the motion today, ‘Where are yours? ‘”

The deserted Labour benches remained silent. However, that did not prevent the Labour Party from whipping its MSs to block the motion following a debate few of them bothered to attend and in which, apart from Jane Hutt, none of them participated. They doubtless convinced themselves it was another “moral choice”.

Landmark law in Wales to end profit from children in care

The Health and Social Care (Wales) Bill has today received Royal Assent.

The new law, passed by the Senedd in February, will improve services for children, families and disabled people.

Wales is the first UK nation to legislate to end private profit in children’s residential and foster care.

Care for looked after children will only be provided by the public sector, charitable or not-for-profit organisations in the future.

This will ensure that money going into the system is reinvested into children’s welfare, rather than taken as profit for shareholders.

The law will also enable the introduction of direct payments within continuing NHS healthcare, so that disabled people and those with long term health conditions have greater control over their care arrangements.

First Minister Eluned Morgan and Minister for Children and Social Care Dawn Bowden marked the occasion by officially sealing the Bill.

Minister for Children and Social Care, Dawn Bowden said:

“This landmark law represents a fundamental shift in how we care for our most vulnerable people in Wales, whose voices have been central in our decisions.

“By removing profit from the care of looked after children, we’re ensuring that funding goes towards improving outcomes for young people and I’m proud that we’re the first UK nation to take this bold step.

“This reform, alongside empowering disabled people through direct payments, shows our unwavering commitment to creating care services which are built on compassion rather than commercial interests.

“I would like to thank everyone involved in this Act, and we will continue working together to transform our children’s services and improve health and social care.”

Joanne, who is a careexperienced young person, and a member of Voices from Care Cymru said:

“Knowing that this is now law

BLUE VIEW

PAUL DAVIES MS

A ‘Mega Phobia’ that things could turn from bad to worse for the tourism industry

News that Oakwood theme park has closed its doors after almost forty years has been a bitter blow for us in west Wales. The theme park has been a huge part of Pembrokeshire’s tourism sector, providing jobs for local people and helping to support other local businesses in the area. However, a cocktail of issues including rising costs, increases in national insurance contributions and food and beverage inflation resulting in dwindling attendance due to the increase in the cost of living has led to Aspro, the company that own the park, to take the difficult decision to close its doors for good.

the UK Government’s decision to hike up National Insurance contributions.

makes me feel proud as I know that private profits won’t be made from care experienced young people in the future. The money now will be reinvested for us to thrive and become the people that we want to be.

“These processes didn’t happen overnight, and it took a lot of time and hard work from us as young people, but we were not going to give up. We will keep working hard to make the care system a better place for children and young people.”

Rhian Davies, CEO of Disability Wales said:

“Disability Wales has long campaigned for disabled people in receipt of continuing health care to have the same rights to direct payments as their peers who access social care.

“This new law will enable continuing healthcare recipients to make their own decisions regarding how and by whom their personal support is provided. It marks a significant milestone in progressing the right to independent living for all disabled people in Wales.”

Understandably, there are genuine fears about the impact this will have on the local economy in the future. Could this be the start of a slippery slope, where other tourism businesses are affected by this closure? Let’s hope not.

The tourism sector is under immense pressure at the moment and in the discussions that I’ve had with operators, they’ve made it very clear that they feel there’s no light at the end of the tunnel.

I recently met with the Professional Association of Self-Caterers UK, who stressed that their members are struggling with the cumulative impact of several different policies and announcements on their businesses. We talked about the 182-day threshold that operators now have to face and they told me that the policy is having a huge effect on operators’ mental health. They were clear that if this threshold continues, more and more businesses will close.

Now it’s not just holiday lets and attractions that are struggling, but hospitality providers too. Many local pubs are worried about their future, following

The British Institute of Innkeeping has launched its Our Pub campaign in the hope of rallying pub customers, suppliers and staff across the UK to support their pubs in securing government support. Their recent survey data shows that come April, if pubs make no changes, more than 80% will be unprofitable. Pubs are more than drinking establishments, they’re part of our local communities and their importance to local high streets and town centres should be recognised. Something has to give – and quickly. Tourism is a strategically important sector to the Pembrokeshire economy and as such, governments at all levels should be working to support our tourism businesses. Instead, many feel frustrated, ignored and let down. My colleagues and I have tried to have the 182day threshold scrapped, but the rest of the Senedd outvoted us. We’re also doing everything possible to stop the Visitor Levy from becoming a reality, but again, with all of the other political parties supporting it, we’re fighting a losing battle.

The sector is being overtaxed and overregulated and pressure needs to be put on decision-makers before we lose even more of our treasured attractions and tourism businesses. The sector is asking for our support and we all have a duty to speak up and support the industry before it’s too late.

Playing the Truss card won’t work

MUCH of the framing of this week’s Spring Statement can be summed up with two words: ‘Liz Truss’. The position of the Treasury has been to warn that the economic situation faced by the UK means that the purse strings need to be tightened to avert the economic meltdown caused by the Truss Government in September 2022.

In a mini-budget, Kwasi Kwarteng, the then-Chancellor, announced £45bn of unfunded tax cuts, which sent the cost of UK Government borrowing soaring and led to wider contagion across financial products such as mortgages.

Anyone who had read ‘Britannia Unchained’, a manifesto published by several young Tory MPs led by Truss and Kwarteng in 2013, knew exactly the economic policy likely to be pursued once they assumed the highest offices of the State. It was a rallying cry for radical tax cuts and the rolling back of public investment. Brexit was the vehicle that enabled the remodelling of the state they had in mind, and, in many ways, it was the natural conclusion of Brexit philosophy.

Unfortunately, those institutional lenders that borrow money to UK plc thought the plans were illiterate leading to the crisis that ultimately ended the Truss Premiership. As we know, Truss blamed Kwarteng and replaced him with Jeremy Hunt, who pursued a more orthodox Conservative fiscal plan to calm matters.

At the time, I wrote an article saying that perhaps the most significant consequence of the brief Truss premiership was that it would entrench orthodox Treasury fiscal policy over the UK Government. The fantasies of the right-wing Brexiteers of a Singapore on Thames had been smashed to smithereens. Still, it would equally make it more difficult for those of us who advanced a high investment economic model to make our case without being accused of being reckless.

Of course, there is a perfectly plausible economic argument for increased public investment leading to improved economic performance, resulting in higher Treasury receipts. Indeed, there is a credible case to be made that the markets will increasingly view UK policy as risky unless such a policy is adopted in a plan that includes taxing latent wealth.

Returning to the Spring Statement, it seems to me that the major political problem that current Chancellor,

Rachel Reeves, faces is that there are no discernible differences from her approach to the economy than her predecessor Jeremy Hunt, and I don’t just mean her decision to mirror Tory fiscal framework rules.

Looking at the Statement, the Tories would be more than comfortable with provision to reduce state protection as by £5bn as outlined; £2bn of cuts to the civil service; £3.5bn of day-to-day savings on the running of government by 2029-30; an extra defence spending and the pledge to make the UK a ‘defence-industrial superpower. This leaves Labour exposed to the left and the populist right.

In other words, sitting duck territory.

The major economic issue facing the UK Government is the increasingly bleak economic projections by the OBR and the worsening international economic picture. The Statement is based on revised Office for Budget Responsibility figures that

halve projected growth for this year. Matters could easily get worse and quickly. Research by KPMG this week indicates that consumer confidence is plummeting in the UK, and considering it accounts for 60% of UK economic performance, this is very bad news.

Furthermore, matters in the US are looking increasingly shaky because of the policies of the Trump Administration, where consumer confidence has fallen to a twelve-year low. The US economy is even more reliant on consumer spending than the UK at 70% of economic performance. These figures will only heighten fears of a self-imposed MAGA recession. As the old saying goes, when the US economy sneezes, the global economy catches a cold.

The political consequences of falling consumer confidence are equally as serious for the UK and US Governments. It indicates that people don’t have confidence in their economic approach, which tends to reflect in opinion polls and electoral performance.

What Starmer and Reeves are

dishing out at present should, therefore, worry anyone with a red rosette facing an election in the short to medium term. If I were a Labour MP, I would be entering panic mode territory, even with four years until a General Election.

The most obvious and rational play for the Prime Minister, both economically and politically, would be to go to Brussels and plead for a deal to open a new post-Brexit chapter based on resumed trade relations. This would immediately boost exports and, hence, economic performance and lead to the OBR revising forecasts to a more positive outlook. The developing security crisis in the east of the continent provides the perfect pretext for a 21st century Entente Cordiale with the EU, which Brussels might see as an advantage as well.

The populist right will indeed be energised. However, they will have to be defeated one way or another. I would put it to the Labour Party that a stagnating economy based on Tory austerity is not the ideal battleground for the remainder of this decade.

Jonathan Edwards

FUNDRAISER FOR CANCER

DEAR SIR,

Breast Cancer Now’s new Night in the Wild fundraising adventure is coming to two stunning UK locations in June and, as a clinical nurse specialist at the charity, I am calling on readers to take up this unique opportunity to go wild and raise money to help change the lives of people with breast cancer.

When you take part in Night in the Wild, you’ll get together with friends and build your own shelter for one special night in nature. These two new events are taking place on the shores of Buttermere in the Lake District on 7-8 June, or surrounded by breathtaking views over the High Weald in East Sussex on 28-29 June. You’ll experience outstanding nature, with the option to join a group swim (in the Lake District) and the chance to connect with like-minded women around a campfire.

Spending a night outside under the stars will be an unforgettable experience and powerful things happen when

women get together – and we’ll be there to help you every ste of the way.

Every 10 minutes, someone hears the words “you have breast cancer” and, as part of my work as a nurse on Breast Cancer Now’s helpline, I give anyone affected by breast cancer the vital space they need to ask questions and talk through their concerns. No matter whether the caller is someone worried about a breast change, someone who has just been diagnosed with breast cancer or whether they’re a family member looking for support, our free specialist-support and written information is here for them.

By taking part in Night in

the Wild, you will raise funds to ensure that Breast Cancer Now’s support is here for anyone affected by breast cancer, every step of the way. You will also help us to continue our worldclass research to develop better treatments, prevent and diagnose breast cancer early, and improve people’s quality of life. So, to go wild and change lives, sign up to join Breast Cancer Now’s Night in the Wild now at: www.breastcancernow. org/get-involved/fundraisingevents/overnight-events/night-inthe-wild/

Katy Goford

Breast Cancer Now clinical nurse specialist

PICTURE OF THE wEEk!

FFynone WaterFall by JeWels rathbone

Death Notices

G ARETH (“TAFF ” ) H UGHES

P EACEFULLY on March 11th at Withybush Hospital, Taff, aged 78 years.

Beloved husband of Jan (Mrs Will the Fish), Dearly loved stepfather to Paul, step grandfather to Jack and Daniel. A much-loved brother, relative and friend.

Funeral service Monday 7th April at 11am at St.Aidan’s Church, Solva followed by Cremation at Parc Gwyn at 1.00pm.

Donations, if desired for “Solva Care” c/o W.G.Bernard Mathias & Daughter, 64 New Street, St.Davids, SA62 6SU.

G WENDOLINE C ENLAIS

B ERNICE (G WENNIE ) H ARRIES

PASSED away peacefully on Saturday 8th March 2025, at Woodfield Nursing Home, Narberth (formerly of Haul-y-Bryn, Goodwick).

Beloved wife of the late Denzil, loving mother and mother-in-law to Anthony & Karen, John & Mandy, Ann & Gordon, Eilir & Steve, Dorian & Katie. A cherished and much loved grandmother and great grandmother.

Funeral service on Friday 28th March at Harmony Chapel, Pencaer, Goodwick at 11am followed by interment at the adjoining cemetery.

Family flowers only. Donations in lieu if desired made payable to

‘Alzheimer’s Society’ c/o Paul Jenkins & Sons Funeral Directors, Feidr Castell, Fishguard, SA65 9BB. Tel: 01348 873250.

E LI z ABETH M ARY J ENKINS

S UDDENLY but peacefully on Thursday, 6th March at Withybush Hospital, Mary of Hall Park, Spittal.

Beloved wife of the late Norman, loving mother of Janet & John, much loved grandmother and great grandmother.

Private funeral service.

Further enquiries to Paul Jenkins & Sons Funeral Directors, Feidr Castell, Fishguard, SA65 9BB. Tel - 01348 873250

VALERIE V ICTORIA PAULINE (“VAL ”) DAVIES

vAL PASSED away peacefully at Withybush Hospital on February 28th. aged 86 years.

Devoted wife of the late Terry, loving Mum to Helen and dear Grandma of Natasha.

She will be greatly missed by all her loving family and friends.

The funeral will take place on Saturday 5th. April with a service at Parc Gwyn Crematorium, Narberth at 1.00.pm

Family flowers only please but if desired, donations in lieu in memory of Val, payable to

The Pembrokeshire Stroke association, may be sent to John Roberts & Son, Funeral Directors, 51, Bush Street, Pembroke Dock, SA72 6AN, Tel. 01646 683115, who are

carrying out the arrangements.

DAVID C LIFFORD W YN T HOMAS

P EACEFULLY at home on March 17th Wyn of Llannoy, Croesgoch passed away. A beloved brother to Mary, Alun, Betty and Ron and a cherished uncle to his nephews and nieces. He will be sadly missed by all the family.

A public service will take place on Wednesday 2nd of April at Croesgoch Chapel at 2pm.

Family flowers only. If desired donations in lieu of flowers to Croesgoch Baptist Chapel via Paul Jenkins and Sons, Feidr Castell, Fishguard, SA65 9BB, 01348 873250.

I AN R OBERT H ENSON

T HE death occurred peacefully at home on Sunday 9th March 2025 of Mr. Ian Robert Henson, aged 73 years of Holyland Drive, Pembroke.

Devoted Husband of Nicola. Cherished Dad of Deborah, Georgie, Melanie, Rosie, Sara and Andrew. Treasured Grampa of James, Emma, Oliver, Louis, Molly, William, Gracie, Dillon and Maisie. A loving Brother and Uncle.

The funeral service will take place on Thursday 3rd April 2025 at Parc Gwyn Crematorium, Narberth at 1:45pm.

There will be family flowers only with donations in lieu if desired for The British Heart Foundation c/o E.C. Thomas & Son Funeral Directors

21, Main Street, Pembroke (01646) 682680 and Zoar Chapel Funeral Home, Llanteg, Narberth (01834) 831876 or via www.ecthomasandson. co.uk

R HIANNON M ERRITT

I T is with great sadness that we announce the peaceful passing at her home with her family at her side on 11th March of Rhiannon Merritt of Fishguard, aged 91.

Beloved wife of the late Peter Merritt, she is survived by her three children, Wendy, Paul and John, and her 7 grandchildren and two greatgrandchildren.

Funeral service Saturday 5th April at the Chapel of Rest, Feidr Castell, Fishguard at 10.30 am, followed by cremation at Parc Gwyn, Narberth at 12.15pm.

No flowers by request, donations to the charity of your choice.

Further enquiries to Paul Jenkins & Sons Funeral Directors, Fishguard. Tel: 01348 873250.

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SOUND LIGHT AND STAGE

SPORT

LATE DRAMA IN SKOPJE

DAvID BROOKS spared Cymru from a heartbreaking defeat with a dramatic stoppage-time equaliser, securing a 1-1 draw against North Macedonia in Skopje in their World Cup qualifier on Tuesday night.

Cymru had dominated much of the contest but were left stunned in the opening minute of added time when a defensive lapse gifted North Macedonia the lead. Substitute Joe Allen’s misplaced back pass, intended for Joe Rodon, was intercepted by Bojan Miovski, who calmly slotted the ball past Karl Darlow.

With Cymru staring at a costly defeat, Kieffer Moore rose highest to flick on a long ball in the sixth minute of stoppage time, allowing Brooks to bundle it across the line and salvage a crucial point for Craig Bellamy’s side.

The result could still prove problematic for Cymru in their quest for automatic qualification for the 2026 World Cup in Canada, Mexico and the United States, particularly with group favourites Belgium yet to play.

The fixture carried added significance for North Macedonia, marking their first home match since a tragic nightclub fire in Kocani claimed 59 lives earlier this month. A seven-day period of national mourning had concluded just days before the game, and the hosts paid tribute by warming up in black T-shirts honouring the victims. Both teams observed a minute’s silence impeccably before kick-off, with players wearing black armbands. Bellamy also donned a black suit as a mark of respect.

Bellamy made three changes to the team that defeated Kazakhstan 3-1 in Cardiff, bringing in Chris Mepham, Jordan James and Nathan Broadhead, while Connor Roberts, Brooks and Liam Cullen dropped to the bench. Captain Ben Davies was the only remaining player from the Cymru side that

suffered a 2-1 defeat to North Macedonia in 2013, a match that marked one of Bellamy’s final international appearances.

North Macedonia entered the game in superb form, having secured a sixth consecutive victory—their longest winning streak—by comfortably defeating Liechtenstein on Saturday. Their goalkeeper, Stole Dimitrievski, had not conceded in those six matches but was forced into action within 30 seconds, making an early save from James.

The hosts soon responded with Tihomir Kostadinov sending a speculative shot wide from 25 yards, but the match was frequently disrupted by the fussy officiating of French referee Jérôme Brisard. A lengthy pause occurred when Dimitrievski went down injured outside his penalty area, though he was eventually able to continue.

Cymru had the better chances in the first half, with Brennan Johnson coming closest to breaking the deadlock, only for his effort to be cleared off the line by Visar Musliu. Later, Sorba Thomas failed to capitalise on a dangerous ball at the far post, misdirecting his attempt back across goal. Josh Sheehan then tested Dimitrievski from distance, forcing the goalkeeper into a goal-line collection.

After the interval, Cymru continued to press, but clear-cut chances were scarce. North Macedonia showed occasional attacking intent, with Darko Churlinov forcing a save from Darlow, while Johnson once again went close for Cymru.

Then came the late drama. Allen’s misplaced pass gifted Miovski the opener, seemingly sealing victory for the home side. However, Cymru refused to surrender, and Brooks’ last-gasp intervention ensured they emerged with a point.

While Cymru will rue their missed opportunities, the late equaliser keeps their qualification hopes alive as they look ahead to their remaining fixtures.

Cymru overcome Kazakhstan

CYMRU began their 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign with a shaky but ultimately successful 3-1 victory over Kazakhstan in Cardiff last week.

Daniel James gave Cymru an early lead in the ninth minute with a deflected shot, but the visitors, ranked 110th in the world, responded when Islam Chesnokov’s cross struck Connor Roberts’ arm, leading to a penalty. Kazakh captain Askhat Tagybergen’s spot-kick narrowly crossed the line despite Karl Darlow’s attempt to save.

With the home crowd growing anxious at 1-1, captain Ben Davies restored Cymru’s lead just after half-time, heading in from Sorba Thomas’ corner. Despite several missed chances and fine saves from Kazakh goalkeeper Alexandr Zarutskiy, substitute Rabbi Matondo sealed the win in added time, finishing another Thomas assist.

Manager Craig Bellamy, unbeaten in his first six games in charge, aims to guide Cymru not only to World Cup qualification but to a stronger showing than their 2022 group-stage exit. However, his side will need a much-improved performance in Tuesday’s match against North Macedonia, who opened their campaign with a 3-0 win over Liechtenstein.

Cymru, having previously stumbled against lower-ranked teams, were reminded that no fixture is straightforward. After James’ early goal, Cymru struggled to impose themselves, and Kazakhstan’s equaliser unsettled the home crowd. Davies’ goal eased tensions, but Zarutskiy’s heroics kept Kazakhstan in the contest until Matondo’s late strike secured the points.

Though far from their best, Cymru did enough to claim victory.

RUgBY: DIVISION ONE & T wO (wEST)

Seasiders and Seagulls soar with big wins

Division One (West)

TENBY RUN RIOT WITH TEN-TRY DEMOLITION OF FELINFOEL

Tenby United 64 – Felinfoel 19

TENBY UNITED kept up the pressure on Division One (West) leaders Aberystwyth with a ruthless 64-19 victory over Felinfoel at Heywood Lane on Saturday.

The Seasiders delivered a scintillating attacking display, crossing for ten tries in a match that underlined their title credentials. Tenby raced into a 31-7 lead at the break and never let up, blending pace, precision, and power throughout.

Dan Colley and Gwion Jones were among the standout performers—Colley scoring twice and Jones bagging a hattrick from the wing. Jake Roberts also crossed twice, while George Rossiter and the returning Toby Smith added their names to the scoresheet. A penalty try opened proceedings.

Half-backs Dai Jones and Lloyd Thomas controlled the tempo brilliantly, with Thomas converting six of the ten tries in a composed display from the tee.

Felinfoel showed some resistance, with captain Elliot Dawe grabbing a brace of tries from the wing and fullback Tom Cadell powering over for another. Fly-half Tom Allen added two conversions, but the visitors were outgunned by Tenby’s relentless tempo and attacking ambition.

The result keeps Tenby firmly in the title race and sends a clear message as the season heads into its final stretch.

Tenby United team: Geraint Jones; Matthew Lewis, Liam Price, Toby Smith, Gwion Jones; Lloyd Thomas, Dai Jones; Ethan Morgan, Kyle Rossiter, Rob Luly; Alex Jenkins, Tom Barrass (capt); Jack Brown, Max Brindley, Dan Colley. Replacements: George Rossiter, Luke Dedman, Jake Roberts, Dom Colman,

Division Two (West)

CAPTAIN LEWIS LEADS SEAGULLS TO SEVEN-TRY ROUT

Fguard & Goodwick 67 – Betws 12

FISHGUARD & GOODWICK put in a dominant display to sweep aside Betws 67-12 at home, with new captain Rhys Lewis marking the occasion with a hat-trick from the back row.

The Seagulls were in fine form from the outset, racing to a 41-0 lead by

half-time. Their sharp handling, quick recycling and clinical finishing were too much for Betws, who struggled to keep pace.

Lewis led from the front with a superb treble, while Max Jones crossed twice. Dom Sinnet, Mark Jones, Simon James, and Ed Rathbone also got on the scoresheet. Mark Jones was faultless with the boot, kicking eight conversions and adding two penalties for a personal haul of 27 points.

Betws showed heart in the second half, registering two tries through Jonathan Hier, one of which was converted by Andrew Gosnold, but the

damage had long been done. The emphatic win highlighted the growing depth and confidence in Fishguard’s ranks, with young leaders like Lewis showing they can deliver on the big stage.

Fishguard & Goodwick try scorers: Rhys Lewis (3), Max Jones (2), Dom Sinnet, Mark Jones, Simon James, Ed Rathbone

Conversions/Penalties: Mark Jones (8 cons, 2 pens)

Betws try scorers: Jonathan Hier (2)

Conversion: Andrew Gosnold (1)

RUgBY ROUND UP: DIVISION THREE & FOUR (wEST/ wEST A)

Haverfordwest 64

Amman United 24

HAVERFORDWEST ran in ten tries to claim a dominant home win over Amman United. Winger Scott Candler crossed for a hat-trick, while Jack Evans (2), Jetman Temaki, Mike Griffiths, Matty Phillips, Liam Eaton, and Guy Barrons also touched down. Amman fought back late, earning a bonus point with two tries apiece from Dylan Matthews and Rhydian Jones.

Pontyberem 14

Cardigan 32

Cardigan controlled proceedings to secure a bonus-point win over winless Pontyberem. Aaron Evans grabbed a brace, with further scores from Aaron Tomkinson, John Lumb, and Iwan Toft. Shaun Leonard added two conversions and a penalty. Pontyberem responded with tries from Jamie Jones and Daf Lloyd, both converted by Mike Sauro.

Narberth Athletic 27 Pembroke Dock Harlequins 22

Narberth Athletic held off a spirited Quins comeback to remain second in Division 4A after a thrilling Friday night encounter. Brad Cramb crossed twice, with further tries from Declan Cole and Jac Norcross. Shane Rossiter kicked two conversions and a penalty. Jack Price (2), Owain Turner, and Craig Barnett replied for the visitors, with Ben Hathaway converting once.

St Davids 77

Llanybydder 22

St Davids produced a 13-try blitz to overpower Llanybydder in a onesided contest. Harvey Lavin, Nathan Foster, Mike Gurney, George Raymond, and Ben Perkins all bagged braces, with Kiron Mason, Morgan Griffiths, and Bob Froy also on the scoresheet. Llanybydder salvaged a bonus point with four tries, including two from Steffan Griffiths.

Jordan Asparassa, Max Boswell.

PEMBROkESHIRE

DIVISION ONE ROUND-UP

GOODWICK UNITED CLOSE IN ON LEAGUE TITLE

GOODWICK UNITED 5-0 KILGETTY

Goodwick United moved one step closer to retaining their league title with a commanding win over 10-man Kilgetty.

Will Haworth opened the scoring just before halftime with an overhead kick, and moments later, Nathan Greene doubled the lead with a powerful header from a Jonny Horgan corner.

Kilgetty’s hopes faded further in the second half when Kyle Marsh was sent off for a second booking. Goodwick capitalised, adding goals through Rhys Jones, substitute Kieran Blundell, and a second for Haworth to complete the rout.

They now need just one more win from their final three games to secure the championship.

HAKIN UNITED SECURE HARDFOUGHT WIN OVER CAREW

HAKIN UNITED 3-1 CAREW

Hakin United overcame a determined Carew side at the Obs, with two late goals securing the victory.

Ryan Wilson opened the scoring in the 16th minute, volleying home from a Jack Britton corner. Carew responded before halftime when Marcus Griffiths won and converted a penalty after being brought down by Mark Jones.

Jones made amends in the second half, setting up Shane Walsh to restore Hakin’s lead in the 77th minute. In stoppage time, Britton played in Alfie Stotter, who sealed the win with a delicate chip.

PENNAR ROBINS RUN RIOT AS HERBRANDSTON’S SEASON ENDS IN HEAVY DEFEAT

HERBRANDSTON 0-15 PENNAR ROBINS

Relegated Herbrandston endured a crushing defeat in their final game, as Pennar Robins ran rampant with 15 unanswered goals.

Ben Adams led the charge with five, while Jack Jones netted four. Cameron Brunton added a hat-trick, with Noah Davison, Nick Willis, and Liam Williams also on the scoresheet.

Despite a difficult season, credit must go to Herbrandston and their leadership, with the club now looking ahead to a fresh start in August.

JD CYMRU PREMIER

Frustrating 2-1 defeat for Hwest County

HAvERFORDWEST COUNTY fell to a frustrating 2-1 defeat against Penybont under the lights at Ogi Bridge Meadow on Friday evening, despite taking an early lead.

The Bluebirds opened the scoring in the 20th minute when Ben Ahmun rose highest at the far post to power home a header from Rhys Abbruzzese’s pinpoint cross. However, their lead was short-lived as the visitors struck back just three minutes later. A half-cleared corner fell to Owen Pritchard on the edge of the area, and he unleashed a superb right-footed strike that flew into the top corner, leaving goalkeeper Zac Jones helpless.

Haverfordwest battled hard but were undone midway through the second half when Penybont grabbed the decisive goal. A free-kick into the box wasn’t dealt with, and James Crole was on hand at the far post to nod home his fifth goal in three games, sealing all three points for the visitors.

Tony Pennock’s side pushed for an equaliser in the closing stages but were unable to break through a resolute Penybont defence. The result leaves the Bluebirds nine points adrift of second place with just three games remaining in the season.

Haverfordwest made one change to the side that drew with Bala Town, with Kyle Kenniford coming into the starting line-up to replace the suspended Lee Jenkins. Penybont also made a single alteration, as Ben Morgan stepped in for

the suspended Billy Borge. Despite making a bright start and taking the lead, the home side were ultimately left frustrated as their defensive lapses proved costly. Ahmun’s goal had given them early momentum, but Pritchard’s stunning equaliser quickly shifted the balance. As the second half wore on, Haverfordwest struggled to create clear chances, and it was Penybont who took full advantage when Crole pounced on a loose ball to head home the winner.

Haverfordwest County’s starting XI included Zac Jones, Rhys Abbruzzese, Dylan Rees (captain), Corey Shephard, Kyle McCarthy, Greg Walters, Kyle

Kenniford, Owain Jones, Jacob Owen, Luke Tabone and Ben Ahmun. Substitutes used were Dan Hawkins, Iori Humphries, and Daniel John, while Ifan Knott, Ricky Watts, Harri John, and Luc Owen remained on the bench.

Penybont’s line-up featured Adam Przybek, Kane Owen (captain), Gabriel Kircough, Mael Davies, James Crole, Joe Woodiwiss, Owen Pritchard, Keyon Reffell, Ben Morgan, Clayton Green, and Mark Little. They brought on Kai Ludvigsen, Chris Venables, and Ioan Phillips, with Michael Lewis, Lewys Ware, Keane Watts, and Eduardo Bregua unused.

Hwest County club’s community work recognised

THE MEMBER OF PARLIAMENT (MP) for Mid and South Pembrokeshire, Henry Tufnell, has praised the community efforts of Haverfordwest County Football Club, calling on the Minister of State for Sport, Stephanie Peacock MP, to join him in wishing the club success for the remainder of their season. This came during a session of CMS questions in Parliament.

Tufnell expressed his admiration for the club’s significant contribution to the local community. “I was thrilled to highlight the incredible work carried out by Haverfordwest County across our community,” he said. “Our local club facilities football sessions for school pupils through the brilliant Fit & Fed programme, which also provides a healthy meal for the students.”

He also commended the club for its inclusive approach to sport.

“Walking football sessions have also been a huge hit – making the beautiful game accessible for so many people, irrespective of ability or age,” Tufnell added. “I know the real difference access to sport can have for communities, and Haverfordwest County are making an amazing impact in our county.”

The MP concluded by expressing his hope that the Minister would join him in applauding the club’s efforts and wishing them luck for the remainder of their season. “So, I was delighted that the Minister could join me in applauding Haverfordwest County and wishing them luck for the rest of the season.”

In response, Harry Thomas, Community Manager at Haverfordwest County AFC, thanked both Tufnell and Peacock for recognising the club’s community work in Parliament. “I would like to sincerely thank Henry

Tufnell MP and Minister of State for Sport, Stephanie Peacock MP, for recognising our club’s community work in Parliament recently,” he said.

Thomas continued, “It is truly rewarding to see our efforts acknowledged at this level, and it reinforces our dedication to making a meaningful impact on our local community. This recognition means so much to everyone at the club, and we look forward to expanding our community provision in the near future.”

Earlier this year, Haverfordwest County benefited from a £75,000 investment from the Welsh Government to help fund their new 3G pitch, which was officially opened earlier this year. This investment forms part of a wider £3.5 million allocation from the Welsh Government to support sports projects across the country.

MANDERwOOD PEMBROkESHIRE LEAgUE

Fixtures

29th March

Division

Goodwick

Division

Broad

Hakin

Neyland v Camrose

Division 3

Haverfordwest CC v Camrose Reserves

Kilgetty II v Neyland Reserves

Pendine v Pembroke Boro

Division 4

Fishguard Sports Res v Hundleton

Johnston Reserves v Pembroke Boro Res

Milford United Res v Tenby II

Pennar Robins II v Angle

Prendergast Villa v Newport Tigers

Division 5

Herbrandston Res v Haverfordwest CC Res

Hundleton Reserves v Manorbier United

Kilgetty III v Solva Reserves

Lawrenny Res v Narberth Reserves

St Clears Res v Broad Haven Res

LATE DRAMA IN SKOPJE