The Pembrokeshire Herald 29/08/2025

Man pleads guilty to attempted arson

A PEMBROKESHIRE man has admitted trying to set fire to a cabin and a car.

Janis Dambrans, aged 53, from Crundale, had been due to face trial at Swansea Crown Court on several charges.

However, before the case was due to begin, he pleaded guilty to attempted arson, being reckless as to whether life was put at risk.

The court was told the incident happened on June 26 last year, when Dambrans tried to set fire to a wooden cabin belonging to a woman and a car owned by a man.

He also admitted making threats on March 24 to destroy or damage property, after telling the same woman he would burn her property.

Dambrans had already entered a guilty plea to a separate count of criminal damage.

Prosecutor David Singh said the Crown Prosecution Service was content with the pleas, meaning a trial on the other charges would not go ahead.

His barrister, Jon Tarrant, told the court Dambrans had only a “very limited” criminal record.

Judge Huw Rees adjourned sentencing until Thursday, August 28, and remanded Dambrans in custody until then.

Motorist caught with three drugs in system

A 22-YEAR-OLD woman has been given an interim driving ban after being caught behind the wheel with three illegal drugs in her system.

Sydney Smith, of Wavell Crescent, Pembroke Dock, was stopped by police on May 5 while driving a Renault Clio

along Wavell Crescent.

Officers discovered she had taken the vehicle without the owner’s consent and subsequent blood tests confirmed she had 39 mcg of cocaine, 240 mcg of benzoylecgonine and 2.8 mcg of Delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol in her system.

Smith appeared before Haverfordwest magistrates this week where she admitted taking the vehicle without consent, driving without insurance, driving otherwise than in accordance with a licence, and three counts of drug-driving.

The Crown Prosecution Service requested a probation report due to the seriousness of the offences. Smith was released on unconditional bail and will be sentenced on September 2. An interim driving disqualification remains in place.

Man stubbed cigarette on woman’s face during assault

A PEMBROKESHIRE man has appeared before magistrates after admitting stubbing out a cigarette on a woman’s face and subjecting her to hours of violence.

Michael Simms, 43, carried out the assault at a property in West Court, Haverfordwest, on Sunday, August 24.

“He turned up at the property and was asked to leave, but a short while later he returned with cigarettes and alcohol,” Crown Prosecutor Sian Vaughan told Haverfordwest magistrates this week.

“He barged in, and the woman took one of the cigarettes from the packet but the defendant took it off her and stubbed it out on the side of her cheek.”

The court heard that over the next five hours the woman was repeatedly punched and slapped by Simms.

In a victim impact statement read to the court, she said: “He put his hands on me so many times I realised I just had to get away.”

The offences happened just days after Llanelli magistrates imposed a domestic violence protection order (DVPO) on August 14, following an earlier conviction against the same victim.

A Dyfed-Powys Police representative told the court: “He’s made little effort to respect the court’s authority. He contacted her, intimidated her and harassed her despite the DVPO. He wouldn’t leave her alone. He entered her property more than once, including when he was being seen by the police.”

The court was told this was the seventh domestic violence incident

between the couple in just seven weeks, three of which were classed as high risk.

“This is a very toxic situation,” police said. “The custody threshold has been passed.”

Simms, of Barn Court, Haverfordwest, admitted breaching the DVPO, assault occasioning actual bodily harm, stalking, and three counts of assault by beating on August 24.

His solicitor, Jess Hill, told the court: “He is remorseful for his actions and is sorry for the injury caused to the victim. He knows he is in a toxic relationship with her, but he has been the injured party on multiple occasions.”

Magistrates sentenced Simms to two months in custody for breaching the protection order and ordered him to

pay £284 costs to Dyfed-Powys Police. He will be sentenced for the remaining offences by a judge at Swansea Crown Court on September 16.

Hundreds face court in council tax and business rates crackdown

PEMBROKESHIRE COUNTY

COUNCIL seeks nearly 500 liability orders at Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on Monday HAVERFORDWEST Magistrates’ Court will hear more than 490 cases of alleged non-payment of council tax and business rates on Monday (Sept

Father

1).

Pembrokeshire County Council is bringing complaints for liability orders in 461 cases of unpaid council tax.

The applications are being made under regulation 34 of the Council Tax (Administration and Enforcement) Regulations 1992.

In addition, the council will also apply for liability orders in 32 cases of unpaid non-domestic rates, brought under regulation 12 of the Non-Domestic Rating (Collection and Enforcement) (Local Lists) Regulations 1989.

Both sets of cases are listed for the 12:00pm to 1:00pm block in Courtroom One at Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court. The matter is scheduled before the Ceredigion and Pembrokeshire Magistrates’ Court panel sitting at 10:00am on Monday morning.

A liability order, if granted, gives the local authority powers to recover outstanding debts through enforcement agents, deductions from wages or benefits, or charging orders against property.

Council tax and business rate arrears are regularly dealt with in bulk at magistrates’ courts across Wales, with hundreds of defendants often listed in a single session.

of three banned for drink-driving

A FATHER of three has been disqualified from driving after being caught over twice the drink-drive limit on a Pembrokeshire lane.

Police were called to a road near Rosemarket on March 9 after reports of a collision involving a white Kia Rio. At the scene they found the driver, Kevin Regan, 38, of Gerald Road, Haverfordwest.

A roadside test proved positive and a subsequent blood analysis showed he had 182 milligrams of alcohol per 100 millilitres of blood in his system. The

legal limit for blood is 80 milligrams.

Regan admitted drink-driving when he appeared before Haverfordwest magistrates this week.

His solicitor, Tom Lloyd, told the court his client deeply regretted the incident.

“He’s a father of three who felt low after the relationship broke up between himself and his partner,” said Mr Lloyd.

Regan was banned from driving for 17 months and fined £346. He must also pay £138 in court surcharges and £85 in costs.

Man admits to seven child sex offences

A PEMBROKESHIRE man has been placed on the sex offenders’ register after admitting a series of serious child sex offences. Andrew Phillips, aged 59, appeared before Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday (Aug 26).

He admitted making 32 Category A indecent images of a child – the most serious classification – at his home in Tegryn, Hayscastle, Haverfordwest.

Phillips also pleaded guilty to

making 24 Category B images and 41 Category C images. He further admitted possession of 54 Category A, 53 Category B and 41 Category C indecent images of a child.

His seventh guilty plea was for possessing 26 extreme pornographic images portraying a person performing intercourse with a dead animal.

The offences took place between March 2018 and November 2021.

CASE SENT TO CROwN COURT

Because of the seriousness of the offences, magistrates declined jurisdiction and committed Phillips for sentence at Swansea Crown Court on September 16. He was released on unconditional bail and placed on the sex offenders’ register.

Tom Sinclair editor@herald.email

Council distances itself from MP’s grooming gangs inquiry

PEMBROKESHIRE COUNTY

COUNCIL has stressed it has had no involvement with the so-called “Rape Gang Inquiry” chaired by former Reform and now independent MP Rupert Lowe.

Earlier this month The Herald published the inquiry’s map, which has since been seen by more than 200,000 readers on Facebook. The map claims to highlight both historic and ongoing organised abuse across the UK, including in Pembrokeshire.

In a statement, the council said: “Pembrokeshire County Council has not had any involvement with, or contact from the privately-commissioned ‘Rape Gang Inquiry’ chaired by Rupert Lowe. The authority understands that this inquiry, which has not yet progressed, will be financed by crowd-funded public donations, and is entirely separate to the government-commissioned inquiry into grooming gangs, announced by the Prime Minister in June.

“Our understanding is that the map produced by the inquiry denotes both current and historical activity in relation to organised abuse. The authority would never comment on any ongoing child abuse investigation, and any such historical investigations will already be a matter of public record. Pembrokeshire County Council is committed to protecting children and will co-operate with any official inquiry held into child

Tom Sinclair editor@herald.email

abuse of any description.”

The Rape Gang Inquiry, registered earlier this year as a community interest company, says it has submitted more than 9,000 Freedom of Information requests to local authorities, police forces and NHS trusts. According to its organisers, it has already identified 85 local authorities where gang-based exploitation “is taking place, or has historically done so.”

The project has proved hugely successful at raising money, attracting nearly 20,000 supporters and raising over £620,000 through crowdfunding. Organisers claim this makes it the largest political crowdfunder in British history.

Mr Lowe and his team have appointed campaigner Sammy Woodhouse as Victim Liaison Officer and say hearings will begin later this year, offering victims a chance to give testimony. Updates to supporters emphasise that the inquiry is focusing on what it describes as patterns of targeted exploitation by “predominantly Pakistani males” and failures by public bodies to act. It has also launched a petition calling for councils and police forces to publish full data on gangbased sexual exploitation, including ethnicity, immigration status and

religion of offenders.

The Herald understands the map’s publication has triggered significant debate locally, with readers divided between those questioning its accuracy and those demanding greater transparency about historic abuse cases in Pembrokeshire.

“Our understanding is that the map produced by the inquiry denotes both current and historical activity in relation to organised abuse. The authority would never comment on any ongoing child abuse investigation, and any such historical investigations will already be a matter of public

record. Pembrokeshire County Council is committed to protecting children and will co-operate with any official inquiry held into child abuse of any description.”

Pembrokeshire has faced its own troubling history of child protection failures. In the early 1990s, what was then Britain’s largest child abuse trial took place in Pembroke, with six men jailed for conspiracy to abuse youngsters in barns and on beaches. Around the same time, on Caldey Island, Cistercian monk Father Thaddeus Kotik was abusing children over a period of decades, crimes only exposed years later after an independent review identified dozens of victims.

Concerns about safeguarding continued into the 2000s. In 2010, the Public Services Ombudsman found the county council had been “tardy” in protecting a young boy left with a convicted abuser, and in 2011 a Welsh Government inspection concluded there were systemic failures in the authority’s child protection arrangements. More recently, in 2024, former senior social worker Richard Ford was jailed for serious sexual offences against children, including the possession of hundreds of indecent images.

The Herald understands that the map shared by the inquiry has provoked widespread debate on social media, with some readers questioning its accuracy and others calling for greater transparency around historic cases.

Released UK abuse map: Rupert Lowe MP

Horse Fair to go ahead despite council permission row

A PUBLIC meeting was held at Dezza’s Cabin Community Centre in Monkton on wednesday evening (Aug 28) as organiser Charlie Price sought to address growing concern about the upcoming Pembroke Horse Fair, due to take place this Saturday (Aug 30).

The meeting followed a press release issued by Pembrokeshire County Council earlier this week which stated that the event had not been granted formal permission. The announcement was picked up by multiple local media outlets and caused unease among residents living near the proposed site, which lies on council-owned land in Monkton.

Welsh Tik-Toker Sophie Julie Valencia, who has over 100,000 followers has been pushing the event for weeks.

Price, who called the meeting to reassure locals, spoke to around 40 people in attendance. The event began at 7:15pm after a brief delay while attendees waited for a police representative who ultimately did not arrive. Local councillor Jonathan Grimes also did not attend, having previously sent apologies due to a diary clash related to candidate selection for the upcoming Senedd elections.

Addressing this, Price expressed frustration at the councillor’s absence: “He is our councillor and he is paid to represent us,” he said. He then quipped: “I will stand for council and take his seat if he doesn’t help the community.”

Despite the uncertainty around permissions, Price was adamant that the council had been actively assisting with preparations: “Why do you think the council have been here in their trucks, helping us this morning?” he said, gesturing towards the double doors of the community hall. He explained that fencing had been delivered and installed on the site, and that he had

throughout. Emergency vehicle access had also been considered, he added.

C OMMUNITY SUPPORT

held multiple meetings with council representatives in recent weeks.

P OLICE AND SAFETY ARRANGEMENTS

Price also addressed policing and public safety, stating that he had met with a high-ranking officer who confirmed that police were aware the event was going ahead and were cooperating. “They’ve said they’re willing to work with us, and we’ve got stewards and marshals in place,” he said. Several of the marshals were present at the meeting.

He further confirmed that there would be no road closures and that access to local roads — including Back Lane — would be maintained

Parking would be available for a £5 fee, with all proceeds going to charity. The event is covered by public liability insurance through Dezza’s Cabin.

FAMILY- FRIENDLY E v ENT, NOTFOR - PROFIT

Price was keen to stress that the fair is not a commercial venture: “This isn’t for personal profit — it’s a charity event for the community,” he said. He added that around 100 horses were expected, along with a variety of stalls, children’s activities such as bouncy castles and face painting, and food vendors. “There’ll be no alcohol on site — I want this to be a family event,” he said.

Price said the fair would run from 9:00am to 6:00pm on Saturday, with some people arriving the day before to set up. He gave a personal assurance that the site would be cleared by Sunday: “I need the field back for my horses,” he joked, drawing laughter from those present.

MAYOR INvITED TO OPEN THE EvENT

At the close of the meeting, Price told the room he had invited the Mayor of Pembroke to open the fair. “He said he would have loved to but he has a family engagement party to attend on the same day,” Price explained.

“We are looking for someone to open the event,” he said.

Many locals who attended left reassured by the open and direct approach. Price had already been knocking on doors earlier in the week to speak with residents face-to-face and address concerns. The event ended with a round of applause and a sense of cautious optimism that the fair would proceed smoothly.

Price closed the meeting by expressing his hopes for the future: “This isn’t just for the travelling community — it’s for Monkton. Monkton is a strong community where everyone supports each other,” he said. “I want this to be an annual event. I want to see it grow and bring everyone together.”

C OUNCIL STATEMENT

In a statement on Tuesday, Pembrokeshire County Council said: “We are aware of the proposed horse fair to be run on August 30 at Monkton.

“No permission has been granted for this event to take place on Council land.

“We have written to the organiser setting out our concerns and making clear that they must ensure any event is managed safely and responsibly.

“We will monitor the situation closely and work with our partners to minimise disruption to the community.”

It seems now however that the council has conceded the event is going ahead is now doing everything it can to cooperate with the organisers to ensure it is safe and runs smoothly.

Horse fairs have a long tradition in the Gypsy and Traveller community

Tom Sinclair editor@herald.email

New parking controls rolled out at Withybush Hospital

NEw parking arrangements are being introduced at withybush Hospital in Haverfordwest, with enforcement to be managed by the private parking company Group Nexus.

No fines have yet been issued to staff, with the Health Board confirming that a grace period is in place to give workers time to adapt. One ticket was issued in error to a staff member parked on double yellow lines, but this was later cancelled.

CONTROvERSIAL FIRM

The appointment of Group Nexus has attracted attention. The company manages parking at hospitals, supermarkets and retail parks nationwide but has faced widespread criticism from drivers who claim they were unfairly ticketed because of unclear signage, faulty payment systems, or difficulties with the appeal process.

As a member of the British Parking Association, Group Nexus decisions can be challenged through the independent adjudicator POPLA. However, motorists have long complained that the company’s communication is poor and its appeal process confusing.

Parking charge notices issued by Group Nexus are civil debts rather than criminal fines. Ignoring them is not advised, as unpaid charges can be escalated to court action. If a County Court Judgment (CCJ) is issued and not paid, it can affect a person’s credit record.

Andrew Carruthers, Chief Operating Officer at the Health Board, said: “New car parking controls are in the process of being rolled out at the Withybush Hospital site. This includes a car

Hywel Dda University Health Board confirmed this week that a car parking attendant presence has been established at the hospital to protect patient spaces, blue badge bays, and access for ambulances and service vehicles.

parking attendant presence to ensure safe and appropriate parking, as well as the protection of patient and designated car parking areas including spaces designated for blue badge holders, ambulances and service vehicles.”

The new measures mirror systems already in place at Glangwili Hospital in Carmarthen and Prince Philip Hospital in Llanelli. Grace period in place

Signage was installed at Withybush on 13 August, with attendants beginning work on 18 August. For now, attendants are only issuing warning notices. Full enforcement, including the issuing of parking charge notices, will not begin until a new permit system has been fully established.

“All heads of departments have been informed of the changes and have been asked to share this information with their teams,” Mr Carruthers confirmed.

FAIR ACCESS THE PRIORITY

Despite the controversy, the Health Board insists the new system is necessary.

Mr Carruthers said: “No staff have been fined at this stage. The Health Board always ensures that any changes to parking enforcement rules are preceded by a period of communication and the issuing of warnings to give staff sufficient time to adjust. Parking charge notices will only be issued once we are confident that sufficient communication and warnings have been in place to give staff a reasonable level of notice and understanding of the rules.”

Tom Sinclair editor@herald.email

Signage: Installed at Withybush on 13 August, with attendants beginning work on 18 August (Image: File)

Parking wardens: Health Board insists the new system is necessary

Dealer whose car ploughed into Milford home must pay back just £925

THE DRUG dealer whose Mercedes smashed into a Grade II listed property on Hamilton Terrace during a late-night police chase has now been ordered to hand over just £925, despite benefiting by nearly £10,000 from dealing cocaine and cannabis. The crash happened on December 27 when Harrison Billing, 19, of Jury Lane, Haverfordwest, attempted to turn from Hamilton Terrace into Francis Street at speed. He lost control, hitting the boundary

Court Reporter

wall, fence and gate of the Georgian property. His passenger, Dylan Brown, 20, of Chestnut Way, Milford Haven, fled with him but both were quickly caught.

Inside the wrecked car, police discovered around 70 grams of high-purity cocaine worth more than £4,000, cash, and four mobile phones.

C OURT PROCEEDINGS

Billing has already been sentenced to four years and two months’ detention for this and another drugs matter, which also included a firearm conspiracy. Confiscation proceedings against him are ongoing.

Brown was sentenced to 18 months in a Young Offender Institution for possession with intent to supply cocaine, possession of criminal property, and being involved in the supply of cocaine and cannabis.

Last week, Swansea Crown Court heard a Proceeds of Crime Act application against Brown. Prosecutors said he had benefited by £9,765.26 from dealing but had only £925.31 in assets. Judge Huw Rees made a confiscation order for that sum.

P ROPERTY DAMAGE

The Herald previously reported how Billing’s Mercedes caused significant damage to the frontage of the Grade II listed home on Hamilton Terrace. The wall, fencing and gate were damaged in the crash, leaving the homeowner with repairs to carry out on the historic property.

A Dyfed-Powys Police spokesperson said: “Two men were arrested following a road traffic collision on Hamilton Terrace, Milford Haven, on December 27, 2023. Controlled drugs and cash were recovered from the vehicle. Both men have since been sentenced at Swansea Crown Court.”

The Herald will continue to follow developments, including whether any of the confiscated money or ongoing proceedings against Billing will contribute towards the cost of repairing the listed property.

P OLICE RESPONSE

In Jail: Harrison Billing

Bake Sale in memory of Honey raises over £7,000 for Wales Air Ambulance

A charity bake sale held in memory of Milford Haven girl Honey Foxx has raised more than £7,000 for wales Air Ambulance.

Honey’s mother, Jess Foxx, and her partner Alan French organised Honey’s Big Birthday Bake Off earlier this summer to mark the birthday their daughter would have celebrated in July.

What began as a plan to sell 100 boxes of cupcakes quickly grew into a huge community effort, with more than 2,400 cakes baked, decorated, boxed and sold. In total, 400 boxes were distributed, supported by raffles and extra fundraising challenges.

This week the family proudly presented a cheque for £7,115 to Wales Air Ambulance.

Jess Foxx said the event was both emotional and uplifting: “The support we received has been overwhelming. We wanted to do something positive in Honey’s memory, and seeing the community come together like this has been incredible.”

The fundraiser, described by organisers as “emotional but electric,” drew backing from friends, family and businesses across Pembrokeshire. Among the lighter moments was the

and

“a

Wales Air Ambulance, which relies entirely on public donations to fund its

The family say they hope to continue

Honey Bees Wax Off challenge, which saw family friend Kevin Higgins undergo a chest wax to boost donations.

lifesaving service, thanked the family

everyone who took part, calling it

beautiful tribute to Honey and a vital boost for our crews.”

the event in future years to keep Honey’s memory alive and to support the charity that helped them in their time of greatest need.

Councillors join forces with youth at bake off

THE SEvENTH annual Great Council Bake Off has once again brought together councillors and youth representatives from across Pembrokeshire in a fun and competitive setting.

The event, organised by Milford Haven Youth Council, is designed to break down barriers between decision makers and young people. While the cakes and bakes are the highlight, organisers say the real value lies in the collaboration, conversation and creativity that the competition encourages.

Teams from town and county councils, alongside youth forums, donned their aprons and faced the judges in a light-hearted test of baking skills. The format has proved so popular it is now considered a fixture in the Pembrokeshire calendar.

A spokesperson for organisers said the event “goes from strength to strength each year,” praising the way it unites generations and encourages young people to engage directly with those in positions of influence.

Electrician remanded for ‘Mickey Mouse’ contact

A PEMBROKESHIRE electrician has admitted stalking his former partner and repeatedly breaching protective court orders, after setting up fake Snapchat accounts to contact her one of them called “Mickey Mouse”, a court has heard.

Philip Solomon, aged 35, was made the subject of both a restraining order and a non-molestation order on June 17, following domestic violence convictions against his partner of four years. But between June 30 and August 9, he set up multiple fake Snapchat accounts under local names she knew and used them to bombard her with messages.

Crown Prosecutor Sian Vaughan told Haverfordwest magistrates this week: “She initially thought nothing of it. But then she started receiving more messages from these accounts, and it soon became obvious to her that they were being sent by Philip Solomon.”

The court heard she also began receiving text messages. In one, he

told her his “heart was racing like f***,” which caused her considerable distress.

In a victim impact statement, the woman described Solomon’s behaviour as “relentless.”

“As a result of what he’s doing, my life has changed completely,” she said. “Every day I have to think carefully about where I go and what I do, for fear of bumping into him. It’s been relentless, and I’m still living in survival mode. I feel trapped because of his previous violence towards me.”

Solomon, of Ash Court, Rosemarket, pleaded guilty to breaching a restraining order, breaching a non-molestation order, and stalking with intent to cause fear and distress.

Given the seriousness of the offences, magistrates declined jurisdiction. He will now be sentenced by a judge at Swansea Crown Court on September 16 and was remanded in custody until that date.

Man denies slashing Audi tyre

in Tenby: Trial set for October

A MAN has denied slashing the tyre of an Audi Q3 while it was parked in Tenby.

Robert Goldsworthy, 41, of Gray Avenue, Manorbier, is accused of damaging the vehicle belonging to Ms Emma Tucker on January 20.

He appeared before Haverfordwest

magistrates this week where he pleaded not guilty to causing criminal damage. Goldsworthy’s trial will now take place at Haverfordwest magistrates’ court on October 27. He was released on conditional bail with the requirement that he must not contact Ms Tucker before the hearing.

Baking together: Cllr Vicky Hammett and Lacey represent Milford Haven Town Council at the Great Council Bake Off (Pic: Supplied).

Plaid calls for action following superhospital plan collapse

PLAID CYMRU councillors have called for urgent investment at Glangwili General Hospital after the collapse of plans for a £1.3 billion west wales ‘superhospital’.

The Herald was first to report that the ambitious new-build scheme – first announced in 2017 and later linked to potential sites near St Clears and Whitland – was not going ahead. After eight years of delays, no progress has been made and the project is now seen as doomed.

Cllr Peter Hughes Griffiths said: “The new hospital plan was first announced in 2017. Alternative sites have since been identified near St Clears and Whitland, but after eight years nothing has happened. In the meantime, there’s growing clinical demand, while the fabric of the present hospital buildings deteriorate. Therefore, there’s an urgent need to go ahead with investment at Glangwili.”

The Plaid councillors say they recognise the serious challenges facing Hywel Dda University Health Board and welcome its consultation, which closes at the end of this week and has already attracted more than 2,000 responses. But they stressed that both the UK and Welsh Labour governments must address what they described as “chronic underfunding” of the NHS in Wales..

PRESSURE ON CRITICAL CARE

Cllr Russell Sparks said: “The main thrust of the Health Board’s public consultation points towards Glangwili providing more acute and emergency care. In our view this is a sensible option due to the hospital’s central location serving a large rural hinterland. The Intensive Care Unit (ICU) at Glangwili is already under huge pressure, so we support the option of developing another Enhanced Care Unit (ECU) at the hospital within the next two years, so

that the ICU can focus on the sickest patients. It’s also essential that a team of emergency general surgery consultant surgeons are based at Glangwili.”

STAFFING CONCERNS

Cllr Emlyn Schiavone added: “We accept that attracting staff is a serious problem, and it’s very alarming that the Health Board admits that none of their hospitals meet the required quality and safety standards. Having a central fully staffed ICU at Glangwili would make the service more sustainable and safer. On a positive note, I’m glad to see that over 400 domestically trained or internationally educated nurses have recently been

recruited. Carmarthen offers a wide range of housing, educational and leisure opportunities for nurses and other staff working at Glangwili.”

COMMUNITY HEALTH FOCUS

Cllr Gareth John, a former elected Health Board member, said: “We strongly support the Health Board’s call for large scale investment in integrating health and care community facilities. Everyone agrees that health and care services should be available locally and be as specialised as is deemed necessary and feasible. These should be community based as far as possible so that people only go into hospital when they have to. The emphasis is on moving from

medical treatment to a preventative social model of health and care. Patients should receive as many services as possible outside hospital and be treated and convalesce at home or in settings within their local communities.”

BUILDINGS ‘SHOwING THEIR AGE’

Cllr Alun Lenny said much of the hospital estate is overdue for renovation: “While it’s great that several new clinics have opened at Glangwili in recent years, many of the general wards are seriously showing their age and need substantial renovation as soon as possible.”

Charity box theft in Milford Haven branded ‘heartbreaking’

A CHARITY collection box belonging to the Megan’s Starr Foundation has been stolen, broken open and dumped in Milford Haven, in what the organisation has described as “a new level of low”.

The pink collection tin, used to raise funds for the foundation’s mental health support work, was discovered discarded between the Three Crowns and the Church of the Holy Spirit. Coins were scattered across the ground nearby.

The theft is now being investigated by Dyfed-Powys Police, who are looking into a series of local break-ins. The

charity believes it was caught up in the wider crime spree.

In a statement, the foundation said it was “deeply disappointed”, stressing that it receives no core funding and relies entirely on donations to keep services running.

“Every single penny donated helps keep our doors open, our young people supported, and our services running,” the foundation said. “To see a charity box — full of hope and kindness — discarded like rubbish is truly heartbreaking.”

The organisation, set up in memory of Megan Starr, provides vital mental

health support to young people across Pembrokeshire. They described the theft not just as stealing money, but as “robbing someone of help they desperately need.”

As well as the donations lost, the charity pointed out that the cost of replacing the collection box itself will have to come out of limited funds.

“To those who support us: thank you. Your kindness is louder than this cruelty,” the statement added.

Anyone who witnessed suspicious activity or has information about the theft is urged to contact Dyfed-Powys Police or Crimestoppers anonymously

Calling for huge investment in existing hospital: Cllr Alun Lenny

Milford Coastguard coordinates rescue

SIX children were pulled from the sea in what rescuers described as a “major incident” at Aberavon beach on Sunday evening (Aug 24).

The operation was coordinated by Milford Haven Coastguard Operations Centre, which directed teams from Port Talbot Coastguard Rescue and Porthcawl Coastguard to the scene at around 8:30pm.

Three youngsters were brought ashore using a throw line, before coastguard officers entered the water to rescue the remaining casualties.

Support was also provided by the Port Talbot RNLI lifeboat crew, the Welsh Ambulance Service and South Wales Police.

All six children were assessed by paramedics on the beach before being taken to hospital for further treatment.

A Coastguard spokesperson said: “This was a major incident involving multiple casualties. Thanks to the quick response of all emergency services, the children were safely rescued and transferred to medical care.”

Milford Haven pair deny charges over dogs and reptiles suffering

TwO Pembrokeshire residents have appeared before magistrates accused of causing unnecessary suffering to 21 dogs, eight puppies, 14 snakes, a leopard gecko and a Hermann’s tortoise at their home in Milford Haven.

Lee Lock, aged 37, and Zoe Graham, aged 33, face 12 charges relating to the welfare of animals and reptiles allegedly kept at their property on Coombs Road.

ALLEGED MISTREATMENT OF BULLDOG

Among the animals was a French bulldog, known as Titch, which the RSPCA claims was found with infected bite wounds, a ruptured rectum, ulcerated feet and lameness. It is further alleged that the dog was not provided with adequate nutrition.

DOGS AND SNAKES ‘IN UNCLEAN ENvIRONMENT’

Prosecutors say 21 dogs and eight puppies were kept in an “unstable and unclean environment”, contaminated with urine and faeces and exposed to a strong smell of ammonia. They are also said to have been deprived of adequate food and fresh drinking water.

Between June 29 and December

Woman admits attempted armed robbery at the Pill Corner Stores

A MILFORD HAvEN woman has admitted attempting to carry out an armed robbery at a local corner shop.

Jessie Thompson, aged 30, of Plas Peregrine, Steynton, appeared at Swansea Crown Court on Tuesday (Aug 26). She admitted trying to rob Pill Corner Stores on Pill Lane, Milford Haven, on July 11.

Thompson also pleaded guilty to having a bladed article in a public place.

Judge Paul Thomas remanded her in custody. She will be sentenced on September 26.

Co-defendant Bethan John, aged 25, of Howarth Close, Milford Haven, faces the same charges but did not attend court after her barrister told the judge she was “too unwell”. Her case has been adjourned until August 29, when she is expected to enter her pleas.

29, 2024, 11 emaciated snakes were allegedly discovered at the address. Fourteen reptiles were reported to show signs of poor skin shedding, oral lesions, neurological and respiratory problems, and metabolic bone disease.

TORTOISE AND GECKO CONCERNS

Lock and Graham are further accused of keeping a Hermann’s tortoise in a vivarium of inadequate size, without a required UVB light, and failing to provide veterinary treatment.

They are also said to have failed to provide suitable care for a leopard gecko, which allegedly suffered from lameness, tail necrosis and metabolic bone disease.

COURT PROCEEDINGS

Both defendants appeared before Haverfordwest magistrates this week where they pleaded not guilty to all 12 charges and elected trial at Crown Court. Their case has been committed to Swansea Crown Court for trial on September 26.

Graham was granted unconditional bail, while Lock remains in custody at Parc Prison, Bridgend, where he is serving an 18-month sentence for an unrelated matter.

Repeat offender jailed after Narberth violence

A NARBERTH man has been jailed after two violent incidents just days apart in which he threatened members of the public and assaulted police officers.

Joshua Spicer, aged 38, of Castle Terrace, faced a series of charges arising from incidents on June 20 and June 23.

On June 20, Spicer persistently misused a public communications network to cause annoyance, inconvenience or anxiety, and later assaulted a police officer who had

attended his home.

Just three days later, on Narberth High Street, he used threatening, abusive or insulting words towards three people with intent to cause fear of or to provoke unlawful violence, before assaulting a police officer.

Spicer admitted two counts of assault by beating of an emergency worker, three counts of threatening or abusive behaviour, and one offence of misusing a communications network.

At Llanelli Magistrates’ Court on

August 1, he was sentenced to 24 weeks in prison – 12 weeks for each incident – with the sentences uplifted because the assaults were committed against emergency workers.

He was also ordered to pay £85 in costs and £50 compensation to each of the three people he threatened on the High Street.

This was not Spicer’s first appearance before magistrates. A year earlier, on August 20, 2024, he was fined £80 after admitting to using threatening and

abusive language in Haverfordwest just days before. That offence, committed on August 28, 2024, involved disorderly conduct under the Public Order Act 1986. The court at the time also ordered him to pay £85 in prosecution costs.

Magistrates then warned him about the importance of maintaining public order and the impact such behaviour can have on others — a warning that has now been followed by a jail term after his repeated offending.

Tenby lifeboat crew save vessel from rocks near Wisemans Bridge

TENBY lifeboat crew prevented a vessel from drifting onto rocks near wisemans Bridge on Sunday (Aug 24).

The 22-foot boat, carrying four people, was spotted in difficulty between Amroth and Wisemans Bridge by Saundersfoot RNLI beach lifeguards. Tenby’s all-weather lifeboat launched at 10:45am and reached the scene within eight minutes.

When they arrived, one of the occupants had entered the water in an effort to keep the craft clear of the rocks.

A Tenby RNLI spokesperson

said: “The Y-boat was launched and managed to reach the vessel before it went onto the rocks. The person was recovered from the water and returned to the boat. The Y-boat then towed the casualty vessel clear and passed it on to the all-weather lifeboat, which continued the tow towards Saundersfoot.”

Once in Saundersfoot, the boat was secured to an outside mooring and the four occupants were brought ashore, where they were met by Tenby and St Govan’s Coastguard rescue teams.

The lifeboat returned to station at 12:20pm.

IRONMAN team hosts first-timers webinar ahead of Tenby race

ATHLETES preparing for their first IRONMAN in Tenby next month were given a chance to put their questions directly to organisers during an online webinar on Thursday evening (Aug 28).

The free session, hosted by the IRONMAN UK team, ran from 6:00pm to 7:00pm and was aimed at first-time competitors in both IRONMAN Wales and IRONMAN 70.3 Weymouth.

Speakers included Operations Director for the UK and Ireland Dean Smith, Senior Project Manager Rebecca Sutherland, Head Referee Paul Lester, along with other members of the organising team.

Topics covered ranged from raceday logistics and transition set-up to referee rules and training advice, with the panel answering live questions from those taking part in their first full-distance triathlon.

Organisers confirmed that the session was recorded and will be shared with athletes unable to attend live.

IRONMAN Wales takes place in Tenby on Sunday, September 21, bringing thousands of athletes and supporters to Pembrokeshire for what has become one of the county’s biggest sporting events of the year.

Schoolgirl who stabbed teachers had been considered for Prevent referral

A SCHOOLGIRL who stabbed two teachers and a pupil at Ysgol Dyffryn Aman in Carmarthenshire had previously been considered for referral to the Government’s Prevent programme, according to a serious case review published this week.

The report found that the 13-yearold, known as Child A, displayed an unusual fascination with Adolf Hitler, war memorabilia and weapons. She also claimed to speak German and Russian and was described by professionals as “quirky” and “not quite fitting in.”

Two years before the attack, concerns about her behaviour were known to several agencies, but information was not effectively shared between them.

KNIFE INCIDENTS BEFORE ATTACK

The girl had previously brought a ball-bearing gun to a different school and was later suspended at Ysgol Dyffryn Aman after a knife was discovered in her bag. At one stage she also threatened to use a knife against another pupil.

Following these incidents, a referral to Prevent was discussed by agencies but not pursued. Instead, an “early help” assessment was recommended to understand her needs. The review records that her father declined this support, saying he believed professionals did not understand his daughter.

As part of a safety plan after her suspension, he agreed to check her school bag each morning. However, on the day of the attack she left home early, before the bag check could be done.

APRIL 2024 STABBING

On 24 April 2024, the girl smuggled her father’s multi-tool into school. She stabbed assistant headteacher Fiona Elias and additional needs teacher Liz Hopkin, as well as a pupil, before being restrained.

During her arrest she told officers: “That’s one way to be a celebrity. I’m pretty sure this is going to be on the news, so more eyes will be looking at me.”

She was convicted at Swansea

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Crown Court of three counts of attempted murder and in April this year was sentenced to 15 years’ detention.

MISSED OPPORTUNITIES

The review, commissioned by Carmarthenshire County Council and the Mid and West Wales Safeguarding Board, concluded that while there were clear concerns about her state of mind, no agency could have predicted the scale of violence she went on to commit.

Report author Gladys Rhodes White wrote: “Each agency had their own pieces of the jigsaw. When collated, there is a much clearer picture of the concerns around Child A’s behaviour. However, no information held at the time could have foreseen the shocking events which unfolded.”

She also said the case highlighted a gap in provision for children who do not meet Prevent thresholds but nonetheless pose risks, particularly when families decline voluntary help.

The review added that pupils at the school were aware she had a knife on the day of the attack but did not tell staff.

FATHER’S CRITICISM

Child A’s father told the review he felt services had “let her down” and said he had sought help for her emotional and behavioural problems without success. He added that he had been consistent in carrying out bag checks but regretted not being able to do so on the morning of the attack.

He said: “Agencies didn’t listen to me or my child when we needed help.”

RECOMMENDATIONS

The report calls for stronger information-sharing between schools,

health, police and safeguarding services, especially when a child transfers between schools, and greater consideration of how to support children whose behaviours raise concerns but who do not fall under statutory schemes. In a joint statement, Carmarthenshire County Council, Dyfed-Powys Police, Hywel Dda University Health Board and Ysgol Dyffryn Aman said: “We acknowledge the difficult circumstances faced by the victims and the school community. We pay tribute to the pupils, staff and parents whose resilience has enabled learning to continue in a safe and supportive environment.”

Tenby pensioner fined for careless driving after unsafe overtake

AN 81-year-old woman has been fined after overtaking a cyclist at an unsafe speed and distance.

Mary Fleming, of St David’s Close, near Tenby, appeared before Llanelli Magistrates’ Court on August 13 charged with careless driving.

The incident happened on April 24 on the A4139 at Penally, when a cyclist was heading towards Tenby.

Fleming, driving a Hyundai Kona, pulled out to pass the rider shortly after a traffic crossing island. The court heard she carried out the manoeuvre at an “unsafe

distance” and at an “inappropriate speed”.

Magistrates were told her driving “fell well below that of a reasonable and competent driver”.

Fleming admitted driving without due care and attention. She was fined £299 and ordered to pay costs of £130 and a

£120 surcharge. Five penalty points were also added to her licence.

Under the Highway Code, drivers are required to give cyclists at least 1.5 metres of space when overtaking at speeds of up to 30mph, with greater clearance needed at higher speeds.

Fishguard hotel left without power amid supplier dispute

A POPULAR Fishguard hotel has been left without electricity this weekend after its supplier removed the main power supply box from the property.

The JT Abergwaun Hotel confirmed the issue in a statement on social media, saying it had faced “endless disputes” and “excessive charges” with its supplier, Maxen Power, for well over a year.

The hotel said it took legal advice in January and began working with Purely Energy to try to settle the matter. But in what the owners described as “a final show of force,” Maxen removed the supply box from the premises.

Within hours of the disconnection, Maxen reportedly accepted communication with the support business acting on the hotel’s behalf. The hotel says progress has since been made towards restoring power.

In an email seen by The Herald, Purely

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Energy’s Business Account Manager Samantha Clarke told the hotel: “We’ll speak with Maxen and confirm they’ve updated this on their side and will keep pushing as much as we can to get this sorted.”

Posting online, the business said: “We are very sorry for any inconvenience caused this weekend… Today more progress has been made. We are hopeful to get this all rectified as quickly as possible.”

The disruption comes as the town hosts the Aberjazz festival, one of the busiest weekends of the year for local hospitality businesses.

Messages of support have poured in, with one customer writing: “I feel so sorry for you with Aberjazz this weekend, must have been an awful knock.”

Three shouts in one day for Angle RNLI

YACHT IN DIFFICULTY

ANGLE lifeboat launched at 12:42pm on Tuesday (Aug 26) to assist a ten-metre yacht with two people on board suffering machinery failure 3.5 miles south-west of St Ann’s Head.

The yacht, which had been sailing through the night, was struggling with a 3.6-metre swell at the entrance to the Haven. With the crew fatigued, they requested assistance.

The lifeboat arrived within 15 minutes and initially escorted the vessel, but as it approached the east channel the yacht began drifting towards Mid Channel Rocks. A tow was quickly passed and the yacht was taken to Hobbs Point, arriving safely 90 minutes later. The lifeboat was ready for further service by 4:30pm.

MAYDAY FROM RHIB

While on exercise at 7:04pm, the crew heard a Mayday from a rigid-hulled inflatable boat (RHIB) with two people on board drifting near South Hook LNG terminal.

Angle lifeboat was only a mile away and arrived within minutes. The vessel,

suffering intermittent engine issues, was able to make slow progress, so the Mayday was downgraded. The lifeboat escorted the rhib back to East Angle Bay, where it was recovered onto its trailer. The crew stood down at 7:30pm and resumed their exercise.

MISSING PERSON SEARCH

At 9:01pm, the lifeboat was paged again to assist Dale and Broad Haven Coastguard Rescue Teams and police in a search for a missing person at Milford Waterfront.

The crew launched and searched near the marina entrance after mobile phone data suggested the casualty was in the area.

Marina staff using CCTV then spotted the person inland and guided police to their location. Once confirmed safe, the lifeboat was stood down and made ready for service by 10:00pm.

The Angle RNLI crew are all volunteers, giving their time to respond at any hour of the day or night. The RNLI is a charity that relies on public donations to fund its lifesaving work around the coast of the UK and Ireland.

Police confirm investigation after Johnston baseball bat assault

TwO people were left injured after a violent assault in Johnston last month — but victims claim police have been very slow to act, despite being given video evidence of the attack.

The incident happened at around 12:10am on Saturday, July 19, when a confrontation outside a house escalated into violence. A man told The Pembrokeshire Herald that he and a friend were attacked with a baseball bat, leaving them with significant injuries.

Photographs taken after the incident show one victim with a badly swollen and bruised face, while another sustained bleeding wounds to his legs and arms. The victim, who asked not to be

named, said: “I’ve given the police video evidence of the attack — you can see the man with a baseball bat. We’ve also named witnesses who saw what happened. But nothing has been done. I’m worried about my safety and my family’s safety.”

He added that his car keys were also stolen during the incident, claiming CCTV shows them falling from his pocket onto the driveway before being picked up by someone present.

Despite this, he says no arrests have been made and that the case, according to the victims, has seemingly stalled

“We were told its because the officer assigned to investigate is off sick” one of the victims said. “Public safety has

to come first,” he added, “These things can’t just sit on a desk.”

Two women who witnessed the attack are said to have given statements to police on the night.

Dyfed-Powys Police confirmed to The Herald that they are investigating an assault “reported to have involved a baseball bat.” A spokesperson said: “No arrests have been made. Enquiries are ongoing.

“Victims are at the heart of everything we do as a police service. If any person feels they have not received a service that reflects our high standards, a complaint can be made via our website.

“Officers believe this to be an isolated incident and there is no wider threat

to the public. If any person believes themselves to be a victim of crime, we encourage them to make a report via 101. Always dial 999 in an emergency.”

Tom Sinclair editor@herald.email

Council under pressure over soaring housing costs

PEMBROKESHIRE COUNTY

COUNCIL says it is carrying out regular value-for-money checks on temporary accommodation contracts and continues to lobby Welsh Government to fix a funding imbalance that leaves the county at a disadvantage compared with its neighbour Ceredigion.

The statement comes after Audit Wales published a report highlighting the spiralling cost of temporary accommodation across Wales and warning that short-term measures are at risk of becoming a long-term crisis.

Across Wales, the number of households in temporary accommodation has risen from 3,729 in March 2021 to 6,447 in March 2024, a jump of 75 per cent. Over the same period, spending more than doubled, climbing from £41 million to £99 million a year.

In Pembrokeshire the problem is acute. The council now spends more than £2.5 million a year on temporary accommodation, more than four times the level of four years ago. Rough sleeping is also a concern, with ten individuals estimated to be without shelter in the county at the last official count.

A council spokesperson told The Herald: “Value for money exercises are undertaken each year when there are contract renewals for commissioned

B&B services. Costs are negotiated as part of this process. We have decommissioned services where we are able to and continue to look for alternative accommodation options for medium-term use.”

The spokesperson explained that block bookings are preferred to adhoc placements, as these allow both cost control and better management of risks – for example, ensuring domestic abuse victims are not housed alongside perpetrators. However, alternative arrangements often require significant capital investment and planning approval.

On the Housing First model, which aims to provide people with a settled home as the starting point for wider support, the council admitted progress is slow. “Housing First is still in its infancy, the main barrier being supply of accommodation,” the spokesperson said. “We are currently considering three customers under the ethos of the model.”

The council added that its BEAM programme to help people into and sustain tenancies remains at pilot stage. “A formal review has not yet taken place,” the spokesperson said. “There have been some success stories, however supply of affordable accommodation again has been a challenge.”

On the question of funding, the council confirmed it has made repeated

representations to Welsh Government about the Housing Support Grant formula, which leaves Pembrokeshire with significantly less than neighbouring Ceredigion. “We have requested that the funding formula is reviewed again to assist with a levelling up exercise for funding in Pembrokeshire,” the spokesperson said. “Meetings with the Minister, committee sessions and formal responses all make reference to

this legacy funding disparity.” Audit Wales’ report concluded that councils are too often left firefighting and called for a shift to prevention and better evaluation of value for money. For Pembrokeshire, the challenge is not only financial but practical: without more affordable homes available locally, the costs of crisis management are likely to keep rising.

Carmarthenshire man in court on child sex charges

A CARMARTHENSHIRE man has been remanded in custody after appearing before Llanelli Magistrates’ Court accused of a series of child sex offences.

Andrew Eldred, aged 34, of Alstred Street, Kidwelly, is charged with engaging in penetrative sexual activity with a child, causing or inciting a girl aged between thirteen and fifteen to engage in sexual activity, and engaging in sexual communication with a child.

The offences are alleged to have taken place on May 13, 2024.

Eldred made no pleas when he appeared before the bench on Friday (Aug 22).

Magistrates, chaired by Mr V Brickley and sitting with Mr J Lynch and Miss J Phillips, ruled that the case was too serious for them to deal with.

They sent the matter to Crown Court for trial. Eldred was remanded in custody until his next appearance.

Young people urged to shape future crime services

YOUNG people across DyfedPowys are being asked to share their views on crime and anti-social behaviour to help shape future services.

Police and Crime Commissioner Dafydd Llywelyn has extended the deadline for his Young People – Shape Our Services survey until September 28.

The survey is designed to give young people the chance to speak up on issues that affect their safety and wellbeing.

Mr Llywelyn said: “I want to make sure every young person has the opportunity to tell us what matters to them. This is their chance to speak up and help shape services that support their safety, wellbeing and future.”

The results will feed into the Commissioner’s Select Committee, which reviews how services are tackling

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youth crime and anti-social behaviour.

Alongside the survey, an Open Call for Evidence is also inviting individuals, organisations and community groups to share their experiences and ideas for supporting young people.

The aim is to find better ways of preventing youth involvement in the criminal justice system and strengthening support within communities.

Young people can take part in the survey online, while evidence for the review can be sent by email to opcc@ dyfed-powys.police.uk.

Schools, youth groups, families and community leaders are being encouraged to promote the survey and make sure young voices are heard.

Councils and charities urged to help people get online with £9.5m Government fund

LOCAL councils and charities across the UK – including in wales –are being urged to apply for a share of £9.5 million in new UK Government funding to help more people get online. The Digital Inclusion Innovation Fund, launched today (Wednesday, August 13), will support grassroots efforts to tackle digital exclusion and boost economic growth under the Government’s Plan for Change.

TACKLING DIGITAL INEQUALITY

The funding is aimed at the 1.6 million people in the UK who currently live offline, as well as the 7.9 million adults who lack basic digital skills. Research shows those without access to the internet face higher everyday costs, with some paying up to 25% more for essentials such as insurance, train fares and food.

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Local projects could include running workshops to familiarise people with technology or donating devices such as laptops and mobile phones to those without access. Councils, charities and research organisations in England can apply for grants of between £25,000 and £500,000. The devolved governments in Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland will manage distribution of funds in their own areas.

MINISTERS BACK SCHEME

UK Telecoms Minister Sir Chris Bryant said: “It is unacceptable that in 2025, millions of people across the UK simply can’t access the vast opportunities that technology and the online world offer. Digital inclusion is essential for modern life and work, not just a luxury.

“Making technology widely accessible could be the thing that means a sick patient can speak to a GP remotely, or that helps a young person successfully apply for a job. This funding empowers local leaders and groups who are

already working tirelessly to connect communities and change lives for the better.”

wELSH GOvERNMENT SUPPORT

Welsh Cabinet Secretary for Social Justice Jane Hutt added: “For over a decade, Wales has led the way in digital inclusion, and our Digital Strategy for Wales makes clear our aim to ensure everyone who chooses to can engage safely and with confidence.

“This new funding from the UK Government will build on the progress we’ve made, helping people to meet the minimum digital living standard.”

BUILDING ON EARLIER INITIATIvES

The scheme follows June’s launch of the IT Reuse for Good Charter, which encourages organisations to donate devices to the digitally excluded.

The Government says funding will be targeted at local organisations because they are best placed to understand community needs. Successful projects could then be expanded nationwide if they prove effective.

Young Neyland boy becomes Britain’s youngest zookeeper

A SIX-YEAR-OLD boy from Neyland with a passion for wildlife and Sir David Attenborough has become Britain’s youngest ever zookeeper.

Max Evans-Browning, who lives in the Pembrokeshire town, shot to online fame earlier this year after drawing 99 animals to mark the legendary broadcaster’s 99th birthday. The drawings reached thousands on social media — and even prompted a personal letter from Sir David himself, who said he had “greatly enjoyed” Max’s artwork.

Now, Max has taken his love for animals to a whole new level — joining the team at Chessington World of Adventures in Surrey as a junior zookeeper during his summer holidays.

Over the past few weeks, Max has been receiving hands-on training and helping with a wide range of zookeeping tasks, from cleaning enclosures and preparing food to health checks and animal care.

He has worked with giraffes, monkeys, sea lions, tortoises, zebras and birds of prey, and said it had been “the best summer ever.”

Speaking about his time at the zoo,

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Max said: “It’s a dream come true. I’ve always wanted to be a zookeeper.”

Dog-friendly ‘Pupnic’ benches to

A DOGGY delight is heading to Pembrokeshire this summer, as Llys y Fran Lake is set to host one of the UK’s first-ever ‘Pupnic’ benches — specially designed picnic spots just for dogs and their owners.

Launched by pet food brand Wagg to celebrate National Dog Day (August 26) and the release of their new Chews range, the ‘Pupnic’ initiative sees dogsized picnic benches appear in some of Britain’s most dog-friendly green spaces — including Llys y Fran Lake on Sunday, August 31, from 10:00am to 5:00pm.

Seren Cottrell, education officer at Chessington World of Adventures, said: “Max has been an excellent addition to our team so far and his wealth of animal knowledge is second

to none.”

Max’s proud parents say he’s been “getting stuck in” to every task with enthusiasm — and already has big plans for his future in conservation.

pop up at Llys y Fran this August

TAILOR-MADE FOR PEMBROKESHIRE POOCHES

Made from sustainable materials and just 30cm high, the quirky benches are the perfect height for both small and large breeds. At the Llys y Fran pop-up, local dog lovers will be able to treat their four-legged friends to free samples of Wagg’s new chewy treats, including flavours like Banana & Peanut Butter Bars, Steak Skewer Twists, and Fish Finger Sticks.

Visitors will also be able to scan a QR code on the bench to enter a prize draw for a £500 voucher — perfect for those wanting to spoil their pet even further.

A PERFECT FAMILY DAY OUT

Set against the backdrop of one of Pembrokeshire’s most scenic outdoor destinations, the event at Llys y Fran will make the most of the area’s existing dog-friendly credentials. With dedicated dog agility zones, walking trails, and on-site water activities for humans, it promises to be an exciting day for both dogs and their owners.

Sarah Lyle, Brand Manager for Wagg, said: “We’re thrilled to bring

our Pupnic bench to Pembrokeshire. It’s all about celebrating the special bond between people and pets in a fun, memorable way.”

BRINGING DOGS INTO THE PICNIC PICTURE

Wagg’s Chews are a new addition to the brand’s much-loved range, known for mimicking human food favourites in safe, pet-friendly formats. All treats are under 5% fat, contain real meat or fish, and are free from added sugar. Wagg is also encouraging dog owners to share their Pupnic experiences on social media and check out the full range of treats and kibble — available at major retailers including ASDA, Pets at Home, and The Range.

Event Details

Where: Llys y Fran Lake, Pembrokeshire

When: Sunday, August 31, 2025

Time: 10:00am–5:00pm

Cost: Free to attend

Treat your pup and enjoy a family day out in one of West Wales’s most beautiful lakeside settings. Don’t forget to snap a photo at the Pupnic bench!

Carmarthen Showground hosts bumper Bank Holiday car meet

CARMARTHEN SHOwGROUND was the place to be on Sunday (August 24) as thousands of petrolheads, families, and curious onlookers descended on the site for Cruise Culture 2025 — one of wales’ leading car events.

The Bank Holiday Sunday weather couldn’t have been better, with warm sunshine and dry conditions helping to draw record crowds. From classic icons and competition builds to family-friendly

entertainment, the event catered to every kind of motoring enthusiast.

FULL-THROTTLE ACTION ALL DAY

The packed schedule kicked off with club stand arrivals from 7:00am

and gates opening to the public at 10:00am. From then on, it was non-stop entertainment:

• Fire service demonstrations at 11:00am

• Two high-octane freestyle motocross stunt shows

• BMX and trials bike displays

• A car audio ‘sound off’ battle

• The popular Cruise Culture awards ceremony at 4:00pm

All-day attractions included the Red Dragon monster truck rides, fairground, RC drift track, rolling road dyno testing, and the ever-popular Apex Race Rooms simulators. Children were wowed by mini movie truck rides, and mascots including Muppets Animal and Super Grover made for fun photo ops on the concourse.

STAR CARS ON SHOw

Among the standout vehicles was a meticulously restored Ford Escort RS Turbo (G48 YLO), complete with mirrored underbody display and fully polished engine bay. Elsewhere, an immaculate Mk1 Escort rally car, a bagged W108 Mercedes-Benz, and a huge variety of modified Euro, JDM and American classics filled the halls. Organisers described the event as “one of the best yet”, with exhibitors, clubs and spectators all praising the atmosphere, layout, and entertainment on offer.

As the sun set over Carmarthen, the buzz around the showground was clear: Cruise Culture isn’t just a car show — it’s a celebration of automotive passion, community and creativity.

Cruise Culture 2025, Carmarthen Showground (Pic: Gareth Davies/Hidden Pembrokeshire)

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New full-time mechanic joins Tenby lifeboat crew

TENBY Lifeboat Station has welcomed a new full-time mechanic to its crew.

Pete Francis will officially take up the role on Monday (Aug 25). He joins after a distinguished 30-year career with South Wales Police and the National Crime Agency.

Before taking on the Tenby post, Mr Francis volunteered as an inshore lifeboat mechanic at Horton Lifeboat Station, later completing mechanic training at both Mumbles and Angle lifeboat stations. Over recent years, he has worked extensively across the region, including several stints providing cover at Tenby.

Mr Francis has now relocated to the town with his wife, Lyn, and their dog, Frank.

The crew at Tenby RNLI said they were delighted to welcome him on board, while also thanking their deputy station mechanics who stepped in to provide cover during the recruitment process.

The station mechanic is a vital part of the RNLI team, responsible for ensuring the lifeboats are maintained to the highest standards, engines and equipment are always ready for launch, and that the volunteer crew can go to sea at a moment’s notice.

National

Lottery

marks £2.5bn milestone with giant sand sculpture on Tenby beach

THE NATIONAL LOTTERY has marked a landmark moment in wales, celebrating more than £2.5 billion in funding distributed to good causes since 1994 with a striking Fingers Crossed sand sculpture on Tenby beach.

FUNDING MILESTONE

More than 75,000 Welsh projects have benefitted from lottery grants over the past three decades. The wideranging support includes grassroots sport, heritage and arts initiatives, as well as vital health and wellbeing services.

In Tenby alone, almost £200 projects have received a combined £7.7 million. These include Tenby Surf Lifesaving Club (£99,000), Tenby Sailing Club (£139,000) and Tenby Sea Cadets (£48,000). The Millennium Stadium –now Principality Stadium – remains the single biggest Welsh recipient, awarded £46 million in 1994.

TENBY SURF LIFESAvING CLUB

To mark the milestone, The National Lottery joined with Tenby Surf Lifesaving Club, which provides volunteer patrols, lifeguard training and education. The club has received significant support since 2002.

Chairman Tai Jackson said: “The National Lottery funding has been truly life-changing. Without that support

we wouldn’t have our facility, and the equipment we’ve purchased has trained members who’ve gone on to become professional lifeguards. It helps us save lives on our beaches.”

A COMMUNITY CELEBRATION

The celebration saw a 7ft sand sculpture unveiled on the resort’s main beach, part of a UK-wide series of “Fingers Crossed” installations designed to symbolise hope and optimism.

Local retailer Fiona Malone, who runs Tenby Stores and Post Office, added: “When anyone buys a ticket in our shop, we always say good luck – everyone feels the excitement it could be them! When we get a winner, the whole town celebrates.”

THREE DECADES OF SUPPORT

National Lottery operator Allwyn’s Director of Communications, Gillian Taylor, said: “This major milestone reflects over three decades of support for Wales. None of this would be possible without National Lottery players. We’re proud to support organisations like Tenby Surf Lifesaving Club that show the real impact funding makes.”

Across Wales, The National Lottery has also backed Conwy Castle (£800,000), the Brymbo Heritage Trust (£12 million) and Wrexham’s new football museum (£2.8 million).

Since its launch, more than 420 people in Wales have become millionaires thanks to

National Lottery draws.

Camrose Vintage Working Day proves another crowd-pleaser

THE 38th Camrose vintage working Day drew large crowds on Saturday (Aug 23), with visitors enjoying a full day of entertainment, demonstrations, and displays under dry but cloudy skies.

Held at Folly Cross Fields, the popular annual event once again showcased the best of vintage machinery, traditional farming methods, and rural community spirit. Organisers reported strong attendance, with families, enthusiasts, and exhibitors filling the showground from the morning opening to the evening finale.

PACKED PROGRAMME

The Main Ring featured a varied programme throughout the day. Highlights included falconry displays, motorcycle and vintage car parades, and the ever-popular “Gentle Giants” horse showcase. Children were kept entertained with tug-of-war competitions, fairground rides, and a dedicated entertainment area.

The grand parade of tractors and machinery at 4:30pm proved to be one of the biggest draws, with rows of immaculately preserved vehicles making their way around the ring to the delight of spectators.

TRADITIONAL SKILLS ON SHOw

Away from the Main Ring, visitors

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explored fields filled with activity. From threshing and grass demonstrations to sheep shearing, woodcraft, and working steam engines, the show offered an authentic taste of agricultural heritage. The auto jumble, trade stands, and craft marquee also proved popular, giving visitors plenty of opportunity to browse and buy.

The Pembrokeshire Mudslingers display and axe racing demonstrations brought an added sense of energy and spectacle to the day, while the chosen “Tractor of the Year” was a talking point among enthusiasts.

COMMUNITY SUCCESS

Refreshments, live music, and a busy beer tent added to the atmosphere, ensuring there was something for everyone.

As ever, the Camrose show lived up to its reputation. Dry conditions made it comfortable for visitors to explore, and although the skies stayed cloudy, the mood was bright throughout.

The event, which raises funds for local charities and organisations, once again demonstrated why the Camrose Vintage Working Day is a firm fixture on the Pembrokeshire calendar.

For many, it was summed up simply: the Camrose show never fails to disappoint.

Chickens bring joy to Pembroke care home residents

BUSH HOUSE CARE HOME in Pembroke has welcomed some new feathered residents to its grounds –a flock of chickens which will provide fresh eggs and daily smiles for those who live there.

The initiative is about more than just eggs. Staff say the new additions are giving residents meaningful daily activities, fresh routines, and plenty of conversation. Looking after the chickens brings purpose, joy and a connection with nature, while also sparking fond memories.

A spokesperson for Bush House said that the move is part of their ongoing commitment to enrich life for residents by bringing animals, nature and new experiences into the home.

The aim is to create a centre of excellence in care – a place where residents don’t just live, but thrive.

The care home said the chickens have already proved popular, with residents enjoying the chance to feed them, collect eggs, and watch their behaviour in the garden.

Campsite owners launch petition after planning row

A COUPLE who invested their life savings into a farmhouse and campsite near Carmarthen say they may be forced to close following a planning enforcement battle with Carmarthenshire County Council.

Shane O’Neill and Bonnie Fisher run Church House Farm Getaways, in the village of Llangain. The site has long been used for camping, but the pair now face being ordered to demolish facilities and glamping pods which they say are vital to the future of their business.

The couple bought the farmhouse and campsite in 2021, selling three properties between them to fund what they describe as their “retirement project.” They replaced an old toilet block with new shower and toilet facilities, built a reception area, and continued to operate the three glamping pods already on the land.

But Carmarthenshire Council has ruled much of this work unauthorised. In March this year, an enforcement notice required them to remove the toilet and shower block, reception building and pods, and to cease the use of the land as a caravan and campsite — except for the small

Tom Sinclair editor@herald.email

area certified by the Caravan and Motorhome Club.

The couple appealed, but the planning inspectorate upheld the enforcement notice, allowing only three months for compliance.

Mrs Fisher, who also works as a nurse, said: “We sold everything to buy this place. This is our retirement project. We’ve got no plans to enlarge it. Visitors always get a good welcome. We like to see people come and enjoy themselves.”

She added that their planning agents are now preparing a certificate of lawfulness application, arguing that the site has a much longer established use as a campsite.

Supporters, including family members, have launched a petition calling on the council to let the campsite continue. Paige Jenkins, who set up the petition, said it had already drawn hundreds of signatures and reflected the strong community and visitor support for the site.

Church House Farm Getaways has won awards in recent years and is

popular with visitors from across West Wales, including Pembrokeshire.

A council tourism officer previously estimated the site contributed more than £2.6 million to the local economy.

A Carmarthenshire Council spokeswoman said: “As the local planning authority, Carmarthenshire

Council does not condone unauthorised development and will use its full range of powers to seek to regularise development in the public interest.”

Supporters can view and sign the petition here: https://chng.it/ nCnH9mFtpd

Crowds flock to St Davids Carnival

ST DAvIDS Carnival brought Pembrokeshire’s summer festivities to a colourful climax on Monday (Aug 25), as hundreds lined the streets to cheer on a dazzling parade of floats, costumes and community groups.

The annual celebration, one of the highlights of the city’s calendar, was blessed with glorious sunshine. Families, visitors and locals turned out in force to enjoy a spectacle that showcased the best of West Wales creativity and community pride.

FLOATS, COSTUMES AND FUN

The parade featured a vibrant array of floats, each brimming with imagination and hard work from local groups. From tractors pulling themed trailers to decorated vehicles bursting with colour, every entry brought a smile to the crowd.

Children and adults alike donned elaborate costumes – from straw hats and sports kits to giant insects and bustling market scenes. One standout was the mischievous “Maui” character, complete with grass skirt, garland and fisherman’s hook, who had spectators laughing and cheering throughout.

Judges faced a tough task with so much creativity on display. Floats celebrating Pembrokeshire’s farming heritage, local produce and environmental themes were singled out for particular praise.

BRINGS LAUGHTER

Away from the parade, the Carnival field was a hub of fun and laughter on Sunday (Aug 24), when the “Best Dressed Male” contest took centre stage.

The competition saw a brave line-up of entrants don outrageous costumes, from flamboyant frocks to eccentric characters, leaving the crowd in stitches. The winners were announced by this year’s MC, Carwyn James, who appeared in a leaf skirt with a squeaky megaphone – a moment that had the audience doubled over with laughter.

“It was absolutely hilarious, one of the best parts of the Carnival,” one spectator told The Herald.

The contest has long been a favourite feature of St Davids Carnival, and this year’s edition proved why it remains such a crowd-puller.

A CITY UNITED

Beyond the parade and contests, the Carnival atmosphere spread through the city. Stalls, fairground rides, games and live music kept people entertained long after the last float passed, while local businesses and volunteers worked tirelessly to make the day a success.

“It’s such a special day for St Davids,” one organiser said. “The Carnival brings everyone together – young and old –and shows how strong our community spirit is. Without the volunteers and the

support of local shops and groups, this simply couldn’t happen.”

PART OF A PEMBROKESHIRE TRADITION

The St Davids event rounded off a fantastic summer of carnivals across the county, with celebrations in Neyland, Milford Haven, Clarbeston Road, Saundersfoot, Narberth and many other towns and villages.

Each carnival had its own unique character, but all shared the same

sense of fun, togetherness and pride of place. With the 2025 season now at an end, communities are already looking ahead to next year, with ideas for floats and costumes already being whispered among neighbours.

SUNSHINE, LAUGHTER AND LASTING MEMORIES

And as Pembrokeshire heads into autumn, many will carry with them the happy memories of a day when Wales’s smallest city shone brighter than ever.

Sizzler turns 35: Danter family toast fairground favourite

A MUCH-LOvED welsh fairground ride reached a major milestone this week — as the Danters’ legendary Sizzler celebrated its 35th birthday.

Edward and Ellen Danter, members of one of Britain’s bestknown showmen families, gathered with three generations of the clan to mark the occasion in style. A bottle of bubbly, gifted earlier in the season by Darren and Michelle Matthews, was saved especially for the big day.

Posting on social media, the Danters said they were “feeling blessed” and raised a glass to “many more years of the Sizzler ride.”

The Sizzler, with its unmistakable flashing red lights, high-speed twists, and booming music, has been thrilling fairgoers since 1990. It remains a staple of summer fun in towns across Wales and the West, drawing in new generations of riders year after year.

The Danter family mark the

anniversary of the Sizzler ride with bubbly and smiles (Pic: Supplied)

A SHOWMAN LEGACY

The Danter family’s history in the fairground business stretches back over a century. Originating from the Midlands, the Danters have become synonymous with quality rides and traditional travelling fairs, operating across South Wales, the South West, and as far afield as the Midlands and the North.

From seasonal residencies in seaside towns like Tenby, Porthcawl, and Barry Island to appearances at major events and town fairs across Pembrokeshire, Carmarthenshire, and further afield — the Danters have long been at the heart of British fairground life.

Despite changing times, they’ve continued to modernise and invest in

state-of-the-art rides while keeping the spirit of the travelling showman alive.

The Sizzler’s 35th birthday celebration, held on the ride’s dazzling chrome platform surrounded by family and friends, was a perfect reminder of the magic these rides still hold — and the pride and tradition that keep them running.

Clarbeston Road comes alive for annual carnival

CLARBESTON ROAD was bursting with colour, music and community spirit on Bank Holiday Monday (Aug 25) as the village came together for its annual Carnival and Sports Day.

The event, organised by Clarbeston Road AFC, drew huge crowds to Knockfield Football Pitch, where the sunshine provided the perfect backdrop to an afternoon of fun, creativity and celebration.

FLOATS, FANCY DRESS AND LAUGHTER

From Disney-themed trucks to imaginative tributes to TV favourites, the carnival parade was a feast for the eyes. Families, friends and neighbours joined forces to produce floats that wowed the crowds — including a glittering “Spittal Stars” float, a colourful Jurassic Park-inspired entry complete with young dinosaurs, and a nostalgic “Dave’s Coaches” bus packed with characters.

Costumes ranged from the whimsical to the downright hilarious, with Willy Wonka, Oompa Loompas, Smurfs and glittering stars among those spotted during the afternoon. Each float brought its own energy and entertainment, making the judges’ decisions especially tough.

wARRIORS PRESENTATION

Before the parade began, Clarbeston Road AFC’s youth players — the Warriors — took centre stage for their end-of-season presentation. Proud parents, grandparents and supporters gathered to see the youngsters receive their awards, celebrating another year of grassroots football at the heart of the community.

Club volunteers said it was the perfect way to combine sport and celebration, recognising the efforts of

COMMUNITY EFFORT

The club was quick to thank the many people who made the day possible.

“Well that was a great afternoon and the weather was a bonus!” a spokesperson said.

“Thank you to everyone who produced some excellent floats and costumes for the Carnival and for the fantastic support we had from our community. A special mention to our Warriors who had their presentation event before the parade arrived. Also a big thank you to our volunteers and the local businesses who supported the event and worked so hard to make it a success.”

The turnout reflected the strong ties that bind Clarbeston Road together. Local businesses lent their support, volunteers gave up hours of their time, and the community responded in numbers.

A DAY TO REMEMBER

As the floats rolled through, confetti filled the air and music echoed across the field, it was clear the carnival had once again lived up to its reputation as one of the highlights of the summer calendar.

Families picnicked in the sunshine, children posed for photos with their favourite characters, and spectators cheered the procession as it passed. The event ended with smiles all round, a strong sense of pride, and plenty of anticipation for next year’s instalment.

Clarbeston Road AFC say they are already looking forward to building on the success of this year’s carnival — proof once more that when a village comes together, it can produce

something truly special.

It has been a fantastic season of carnivals right across Pembrokeshire, with communities from Tenby to St Davids and Clarbeston Road turning out in force to celebrate. Each event has brought its own colour, laughter and togetherness, proving once again how strong our local spirit is. We’re already looking forward to seeing what next year’s carnival season will bring.

(Images: Clarbeston Road AFC)

the children before the festivities began.

Fireworks light up Tenby as Summer Spectacular delights crowds

TENBY Harbour came alive on Sunday (Aug 24) as the town’s eagerly awaited Summer Spectacular once again drew thousands of visitors for an afternoon and evening of music, food, fundraising – and a spectacular fireworks finale.

A HIGHLIGHT OF THE SUMMER

Organised by Tenby Round Table, the family-friendly event ran from 3:00pm until late into the night, with a strong line-up of local bands providing the soundtrack against the stunning harbour backdrop. Crowds enjoyed live entertainment and a bustling atmosphere before the skies lit up at 10:00pm with a dazzling display from Bright Sparks Fireworks.

The Summer Spectacular has become a firm favourite in Pembrokeshire’s events calendar, and this year was no exception. Families and visitors filled the harbour area, soaking up the atmosphere as anticipation built for the closing fireworks.

A LONG DAY FOR vOLUNTEERS

one spectator,

“You do an amazing job.”

The Herald understands this year’s display was one of the most memorable

For the Round Table members who stage the event, it was a marathon effort. Many put in 17-hour shifts – from early morning set-up to late-night cleanup, which went on until 1:00am. One member was pictured taking a moment to enjoy the fireworks with his family before returning to work.

Spectators praised the commitment of the team, with one family singling out a young volunteer who collected four bags of litter during the evening. “I hope you enjoy your sweets today – well deserved,” they said.

SUPPORTING LOCAL CAUSES

Beyond the entertainment, the event plays a crucial role in raising money for local charities and community projects. Bucket collections on the night were boosted by online donations, and organisers have urged anyone who missed the collection to contribute via their PayPal link.

COMMUNITY SPIRIT SHINES

THROUGH

Messages of support flooded in after the event. “Well done Round Table,”

wrote

while another added:

yet, cementing the Summer Spectacular as a much-loved tradition that combines fun, fundraising, and true community spirit.

A Round Table member takes a moment to enjoy the fireworks before returning to clean-up duties (Pic: Tenby Round Table).

Saundersfoot Rotary Club’s duck race season ends on a high

THE RESULTS are in for Saundersfoot Rotary Club’s muchloved duck race at Saundersfoot Harbour.

• First place: No. 791 (unclaimed)

• Second place: No. 560 – Poppy and Primrose, pictured receiving their prize from Assistant District Governor Kevin Jones

• Third place: No. 281 (unclaimed)

• Wooden duck: No. 1159 – Albie,

• It was a nail-biting finale to another successful season of races, with crowds once again gathering on the harbour to watch the brightly coloured ducks battle it out downstream.

This year’s Rotary team was supported by Assistant District Governor Kevin Jones, together with volunteers James Bennet from Love Saundersfoot and Emily

Patel, who helped launch the final race.

Special thanks were also given to the many local groups who assisted throughout the season – including RNLI Saundersfoot Branch, Kilgetty Ladies FC, Wiseman’s Bridge Young Rowers, and local Girl Guides – who made sure no ducks went astray.

Most importantly, the races have raised thousands of pounds for local good causes, thanks to the generosity of the public.

A Rotary spokesperson said: “You are all winners in our eyes for supporting us to help others. It really does take a community.”

And with that, the ducks are officially off on their “holibobs” before training for next season.

Unclaimed winners are asked to contact Saundersfoot Rotary Club directly.

Lack of public transport left many older people isolated over bank holiday

OLDER people across wales were left struggling to get out and about over the August bank holiday weekend due to a lack of suitable public transport, the Older People’s Commissioner has said.

Rhian Bowen-Davies warned that while many used the long weekend to visit family and friends, travel to the coast or enjoy a day out, these opportunities were far more limited for many older people.

EvERYDAY STRUGGLE

She said: “For many of us, bank holiday plans involved some form of travel, and getting from A to B is something that we often take for granted when we have access to a car.

“But for many older people, transport options were far more limited, often due to the lack of bus and train services or their reliability, or because of having to rely on others when needing to travel.

“This meant that many older people across Wales found it difficult to get out and about and do the things that matter to them, which are crucial to supporting

health, well-being and independence.”

The Commissioner stressed tis was not just a bank holiday issue. She said older people face barriers every day, with many reporting problems ranging from limited or non-existent services, poor timetabling and accessibility, to safety concerns when waiting for or travelling on public transport.

CALL FOR URGENT ACTION

Polling by the Commissioner’s office has found that nearly two-thirds of older people are concerned about public transport. Many told her they have a “bus pass, but no bus.”

Bowen-Davies called for swift delivery of improvements promised in the Welsh Government’s forthcoming Bus Bill, which she said must ensure services reflect the needs of passengers through greater availability, accessibility and reliability.

“Significant improvements are needed to benefit people of all ages, particularly older people, as well as supporting more environmentally friendly travel options,” she said.

The second season of Peacemaker charges forth with the brash energy and unapologetic boldness that made the first season stand out, but this time wrapped in a deeper, darker emotional core. John Cena once again anchors the show as the wrecked but irrepressible Christopher Smith, bringing a nuanced blend of vulnerability and twisted humor that feels both familiar and richly evolved. This season pushes him into the tangled web of alternate dimensions—not just as a gimmick, but as a raw, gutwrenching exploration of what could have been: a version of himself who’s adored, whose father and brother still live, and whose life looks nothing like the wreck he’s stuck in. That contrast isn’t just poignant, it’s devastating.

James Gunn’s signature voice is all over this. The irreverent comedy, the ultraviolence, the sheer absurdity remain intact— but they’re tempered by a surprising tenderness, a willingness to let the humanity seep through the cracks. Even the outrageous moments—a notorious fullon orgy scene, followed by an absurdly grounded aftermath about cleanup—feel like more

than a shock tactic. They’re both hilarious and haunting, a perfectly twisted embodiment of how this show balances boundary-pushing surrealism with emotional honesty.

watching Cena navigate grief, guilt, longing, and the seductive pull of another life that might have been—this is what truly elevates Season 2. His self-scolding in the bathroom, the way he drifts between savage violence and hesitant heartbreak, all of it lands because Cena commits fully to the messiness of the human heart beneath the helmet. And through him, the supporting cast—Harcourt, Adebayo, Economos—aren’t sidelined caricatures, but ground the show’s weirdness in a lived-in reality, their own personal stakes threading through every quip, every gunshot.

At the same time, Season 2 is unafraid to shift the DC universe beneath our feet. The familiar Justice League is gone, replaced with a self-aware “Justice Gang,” a retcon that both resets expectations and winks at them. It’s clear that Gunn is recruiting this show as more than just a spin-off— it’s a linchpin in the new DCU, bridging the events of Superman and nudging us

toward broader multiverse shenanigans, though he calls it “not a multiverse” but rather “a reflection of your world.” Regardless of the label, it’s effectively used to serve the emotional journey, not replace it.

Critics and fans seem to be loving the ride. It’s darker, yes, but still riotously fun— once you’re in, the groove hits fast. For UK viewers, tuning into Sky Max or Now on Friday nights has already become appointment Tv thanks to this. Every new twist and scream-inducing moment reminds us why letting Peacemaker be its own unruly self was such a good idea. It’s audacious, profane, heartbreaking, and hysterical. In short, it’s exactly the kind of superhero show we didn’t know we desperately needed.

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From the moment the lights dim and the familiar strains of unsettling music begin, The Conjuring: Last Rites immediately ushers audiences into a realm of dread that feels both familiar and intensely fresh, a fitting capstone to the saga of Ed and Lorraine warren. vera Farmiga and Patrick wilson return with a worn resilience that comes from decades of terrifying encounters and personal sacrifice, giving their final on-screen performances a layer of emotional weight and authenticity that anchors the supernatural horror in human fear and determination.

This time, the warrens are drawn out of semiretirement to confront one of their most chilling cases: the Smurl family haunting. Set in 1986, it is this real-world haunting—marked by violent disturbances, foul smells, and demonic presence— that the film brings to life with such visceral intensity and a relentless sense of encroaching evil. The imagery is often brutal: exorcisms interrupted by falling ceilings, hair and blood giving way to impossible shapes, a disembodied hand that elicits a gasp even in the hushed audience. The doll Annabelle even sneaks in for

a chilling cameo, reminding fans of the dark legacy that threads throughout the entire Conjuring Universe.

Adding a new dimension to the story are the fresh faces of Mia Tomlinson and Ben Hardy as Judy warren and her partner Tony Spera— characters who bring hope but also the promise of inherited horror. The dynamic between them and the aging warrens gently shifts the narrative from mentorcelestial protectors to generational torch-bearers. The introduction of these new leads adds a bittersweet dimension: this is as much an elegy for Ed and Lorraine as it is an exorcism of the supernatural.

Director Michael Chaves, who has steered previous Conjuring entries, handles the film with a poised confidence. His command over tension never wavers, and even as he unleashes some undeniably graphic frights, he supplements them with mounting dread and psychological weight, making the scares feel earned rather than gratuitous. The pacing is deliberate—at two hours and fifteen minutes, the film allows terror to breathe, to lurk behind every camera angle, to wait in the quiet

lull before the scream. It’s a runtime that respects the story it wants to tell, even if it feels indulgent at moments, especially for those craving the breakneck pace of modern horror.

The haunting itself is almost a character— menacing corners, unseen forces tightening their grip on sanity, the pure domesticity of a family home corrupted by unrelenting malice. The warrens are no longer the near-mythic crusaders of younger days but weary guardians whose faith is tested by every whisper and shadow. Their bond grounds the supernatural chaos, reminding us that the true horror lies not just in what lurks beyond, but in what it costs the living to stand against it.

while the film serves as a fitting conclusion to the warrens’ chapter, it doesn’t feel like an ending so much as a passing of the torch. The terror is personal, the stakes real, and the performances— especially from Farmiga and wilson—feel like a final, heartfelt goodbye. As the credits roll, you’re left with the echo of their legacy, and the unsettling possibility that the nightmares may never truly end.

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Tech and Taff

CHINA REvvING UP THE TECH SCRUM

NOw then, bach. Have you seen what them clever clogs over in China are up to? You might think they spend all day making phone chargers that melt if you so much as look at ’em funny, but no — according to them posh folk at the Information Technology and Innovation Foundation, China is now charging downfield like a rampaging No. 8 with a head full of steam. They’re not just copying the west any more; they’re setting the pace in the fancy industries — electric vehicles, 5G, industrial robots, and even nuclear power. Dai bach, they’ve gone from knock-off trainers to out-running us in the tech Olympics.

Of course, the ITIF didn’t put it in quite those terms. They said something like: “China is rapidly becoming a leading innovator in advanced industries.” Which is the academic way of saying: “Lads, we’re in trouble.”

FAST LEARNERS, BUTT

What’s spooking the Yanks and us Europeans is that China has a knack for playing catch-up quicker than my Auntie Blodwen running for the last pasty in Greggs. Thirty years ago they were still mucking about with bicycles and knock-off Walkmans. Now they’re building half the world’s electric buses and teaching robots to weld car doors faster than Dai the fitter at Port Talbot works a spanner.

They’re throwing eye-watering amounts of money at research and development too — billions upon billions of yuan. Meanwhile, here in Wales, the highlight of the IT budget is when the council’s printer finally gets a new ink cartridge.

And don’t underestimate the speed of their learning curve. When they spot a gap, they close it sharpish. One day it’s dodgy DVDs at a market stall, the next it’s cutting-edge battery tech powering half the world’s electric fleet. That’s not just progress — that’s warp speed, boyo.

BUT NOT PERFECT

Now before you panic and start digging an Anderson shelter in the back garden, the report does point out that China is still a bit ropey in some areas. Semiconductors? They’re miles behind Taiwan and the USA. Biopharma? Still trailing. And let’s be honest, if you’ve ever bought a pack of knock-off USB cables online, you’ll know quality control isn’t always their strong suit.

But here’s the kicker: they don’t need to be the best at everything. If they’re top in batteries, EVs, nuclear reactors, and 5G, that’s enough to shift the balance of power. It’s like rugby — you don’t need fifteen superstars, just a pack that can shove the opposition backwards until they squeal.

wHAT IT MEANS FOR US IN wALES

You might be thinking: “Professor, what’s this got to do with us in Carmarthen or Cwmbran?” Well, bach, quite a bit. Our car industry is already half-dead, but if all the motors of the future are Chinese EVs, what happens to the lads making gearboxes in Bridgend? Our steel goes into cars, our ports ship the parts. If China controls the supply chain, we end up like spectators at the Scarlets — paying a fortune for a pint while the real action is happening somewhere else.

And don’t get me started on telecoms. Remember when we had that ding-dong over Huawei and 5G? One minute they’re banned, the next minute half the kit in your phone mast has a “Made in Shenzhen” sticker. Try telling Dai in Blaenau that his broadband’s slow because of “geopolitical realignment.” He just wants his Netflix to stop buffering during Gavin & Stacey.

The danger is we drift into dependency. Once you’re hooked on their supply chains, it’s hard to kick the habit. It’s like me and custard slices — I know they’re not good for me, but by ‘eck, I keep going back.

THE PROFESSOR’S vERDICT

So, what’s the lesson here, mun? Instead of moaning, we ought to up our own game. Support Welsh startups, fund proper research, and for heaven’s sake, teach our kids that coding is more than just shouting at a computer until it works. We’re not going to outspend China — their government can chuck billions at a whim — but we can outthink them if we get our act together.

That means investment in skills, infrastructure, and giving bright sparks in Aberystwyth and Swansea a chance to shine. We’ve got brains to burn here — just look at what our universities do on shoestring budgets. Imagine if we gave them proper backing instead of leaving them to rattle collection buckets like rugby clubs looking for kit money.

Otherwise, in twenty years, we’ll be sat in our sheds, sipping lukewarm Brains Bitter, while the latest Chinese robot sheepdog is herding virtual sheep across the Brecon Beacons. And honestly, bach, I’m not ready for that kind of future.

So let’s tighten our scrum, Wales. The dragon’s breathing down our necks, but we’ve got plenty of fire of our own.

Torch Theatre welcomes new Carry On comedy show

COMEDY fans are in for a treat at the Torch Theatre on Friday 12 September, when comedian, actor and writer Dave Ainsworth brings his brand-new production Carry On woking to the stage.

Ainsworth, best known for his awardwinning plays Oh Hello! and When the Carry On Stopped, has written and stars in this latest show, which blends classic British humour with a modern twist.

The production celebrates the muchloved Carry On films — from Carry On Sergeant and Carry On Camping to Carry On Up the Khyber — and the unforgettable actors who made them iconic, including Sid James, Kenneth Williams, Barbara Windsor and Hattie Jacques.

“All my shows are designed to educate as well as entertain,” said Ainsworth. “Audiences will learn new things about me, the Carry On stars,

and even the town of Woking. I stayed there overnight for research and was suitably impressed!”

Asked why he remains such a fan, Ainsworth explained: “The Carry On actors were underrated as performers, and the films still stand up as brilliant comedy vehicles. I’m not alone in loving them — at a Carry On conference last year, hundreds of people turned up. My show is all about saucy, silly shenanigans.”

But can the bawdy humour of Carry On sit alongside today’s ‘woke’ world? Ainsworth believes it can. “With a bit of understanding and context, the comedy still shines through. Wake up and smell the comedy!”

Carry On Woking comes to the Torch Theatre on Friday 12 September at 7:30pm. Tickets are £15, available at www.torchtheatre.co.uk or from the Box Office on 01646 695267.

From the first brushstroke of its stunning hand-drawn visuals to the thrum of its snappy, combo-rich combat, Shinobi: Art of vengeance thrusts you headlong into one of the most stylish and thrilling ninja reboots in years. As Joe Musashi, you’re not just a shinobi—you’re vengeance incarnate, driven by righteous fury after your village is reduced to ashes and your clan turned to stone. Every level pulses with lush, ukiyo-einspired environments so richly detailed they often feel more art than backdrop, drawing you into a world where every frame is a vivid call to action.

Combat here is blissfully fluid—the joyful snap of chaining light and heavy attacks, the satisfying snap of a “Shinobi Execution” tagging multiple enemies and delivering a deadly flourish—it all feels mechanically exquisite. You dash, double-jump, dodge-roll and weave through enemies like a living shadow, unlocking new traversal tools and magical Ninpo abilities that transform each encounter into a pulse-racing ballet of violence. Boss fights are particularly electrifying, demanding mastery of your growing arsenal and rewarding every perfectly timed strike and strategic dodge.

Yet, for a game that nails the feel of action so effortlessly, some of its level design doesn’t quite keep pace with its combat ambitions. while a few levels—marathon straightahead gauntlets full of tightly choreographed fights—truly let

the game’s core shine, others feel padded by exploration that veers into tedium. Secret paths and backtracking can sometimes feel like obligations rather than rewarding discoveries, and several platforming segments falter just enough to remind you that precision isn’t always forgiving.

Still, there’s joy to be found roaming and replaying. The exploration has enough depth to reward dedicated players, and arcade-style runs of each stage encourage tight execution and clever builds. Even if the narrative sometimes wobbles between stoic revenge and off-kilter humor (all conveyed through grunts and wry tone), it remains strangely charming in its resolve to deliver both weight and wit.

If there’s a running critique, it’s that Shinobi: Art of vengeance sometimes stretches its focus too thin—trying to

be a Master Ninja simulator, a Metroid-lite exploration fest, and a nostalgic tribute all at once. At times it loses focus, especially when polite scoring incentives encourage repetitive safe picks over creative combos. Yet, that same ambition is what makes it feel alive and earnest rather than safe or derivative.

Ultimately, this is a game that knows what it wants to be: a beautiful, kinetic celebration of a legendary franchise reborn. You feel slick, powerful and undeniably badass when you’re in the flow—combos fly, enemies fall, and the world around you pulses with detail. It’s not perfect, but within its flaws lies a spirited heart that makes Shinobi: Art of vengeance a compelling, memorable experience. For fans of razor-sharp combat, vibrant artistry and spirited revivals, this one demands attention—and just might leave you hungry for more.

HOROSCOPES

with thinking about it, mulling it over, and trying to decide which moment would be best. Use your instincts, which really have yet to let you down, if you think about it, and just do it. They’ve been waiting long enough, and so have you. Besides, isn’t it nice to keep them on their toes?

CANCER

Some quality time alone with yourself, or if you’re attached, with your one and only, is definitely in order. That means you need to do something to start with that’s particularly tough for you: Disconnecting from the electronic devices, including but not limited to your phone. After all, if someone you love needs you, you know they’ll leave a message. And if worse comes to worst, you’ll find out later.

LEO A long-distance invitation is about to arrive from a dear friend you haven’t seen in far too long. Does this mean you’ll definitely be the one traveling? Not necessarily. As fond as you are of home, you’ll probably be able to talk them into making the trek instead. But if you do decide to go, make your plans now. It’s a terrific time to do something totally spontaneous. And weren’t you just wishing for a break from your routine? Well, here it is!

VIRGO

Here’s your dilemma: On the one hand, you want to keep playing, especially because someone you absolutely weren’t expecting to see has suddenly turned up. On the other, you’ve been struck by a strong dose of duty and responsibility, and you’re already starting to worry about something you need to do tomorrow. There’s only one thing to do: divide the day equally and work during daylight and play after sunset.

LIBRA

There’s a tender, touch-loving energy in the heavens above you, the kind that’s tailor-made for an evening at your place. Order in some rich, sinful food, get yourself a nice bottle of wine, and choose some romantic movies. You probably haven’t had a chance to be alone together like this for centuries. Enjoy it. Oh, and the good news is that you may have an instant replay tomorrow.

SCORPIO

You may have superhuman abilities when it comes to focusing on the task at hand, but you also know when it’s time to quit. So after days of pounding away at a project, now that it’s done you may be tired, but you’re ready to quit and to concentrate on an entirely different subject: The person who’s been impatiently waiting for you to get through and find some time for them.

SAGITTARIUS

Hopefully, you got happy hour out of your system already, because you won’t be in the mood for it today. Believe it or not, you will wake up in the mood to make lists, double-check them, and get things done. No, that’s not your usual MO, but whoever said you were anything close to usual? Definitely not anybody who ever knew you for more than an hour or so.

CAPRICORN

Now here’s a day you can live with. Everyone will be acting solid, practical, and responsible, the way you are all the time. This certainly could mean that you’ll be moved to make a business decision such as the one you’ve been putting off for a while now. If it feels right, go ahead. If you’re doubtful, bring the papers to a seasoned professional before you sign anything at all.

AQUARIUS

You adore your family, but your friends? Your friends are very, very special to you. They’re always there for you, and vice versa, and you undoubtedly share an awful lot of memories. It’s all about these kindred spirits for you today as you try to make them happy in any way you possibly can. That includes saying what you think they want to hear. You might reconsider that part. It’s called “enabling.”

PISCES

There’s no question

wiTh eddie The game gUrU

a Pembrokeshire Pers P e C tive

the waiting times sCandal welsh government doesn’t

IT is time we stopped pretending the official NHS waiting list figures in wales tell the whole story. They don’t. They are a sleight of hand that hides the true scale of patient suffering.

On paper, the difference with England already looks bad enough. One in 200 patients in England is waiting over a year for treatment. In Wales it is nine in 200. But even those shocking figures understate the reality. Why? Because in Wales, large chunks of delay are simply not counted.

In England, the “referral to

treatment” clock starts the day a GP makes a referral. In Wales, the clock only starts when the hospital receives it. Everything that happens before then – all those months of waiting in community services –disappears into thin air.

We see it most clearly in orthopaedics. A patient with a knee problem cannot usually be sent directly to a surgeon. Instead, they are shunted into CMATS – the Clinical Musculoskeletal Assessment and Treatment Service – to be seen by physiotherapists. In theory, this is a good idea. In practice, CMATS

by editor tom sinClair

want you to see

waiting lists can be eight months long. Yet those eight months don’t count towards the 26-week target for treatment. A patient can wait most of a year before their “official” waiting time has even begun. The reality is hidden behind the numbers.

This isn’t just a quirk of the system. It looks like a conscious decision to make things look better than they are. Since 2022, CMATS waiting lists aren’t even published. They have been made invisible.

Worse still, as The Herald reported last month, patients are also being struck off hospital waiting lists for no reason. Some in Pembrokeshire only discovered the truth when they chased their appointments, only to be told they were no longer on the list and would have to start all over again. For them, months or years of waiting were effectively wiped away. Try telling those patients the system is fair. Try telling them that statistics matter more than their pain.

The whole point of measuring waiting times is to understand the pressure on the system and drive improvement. But what we have in Wales is a measurement system that flatters the figures, hides the truth, and leaves patients to suffer in silence. It is not good enough. If the NHS is here to serve patients, then it must be honest with them. Honesty

why the bombing of british CounCil matters to us all

wHEN missiles slammed into Kyiv overnight, they didn’t just kill innocent Ukrainians. They also tore into something that belongs to us. The British Council building — a cultural and educational hub that represents our values overseas — was left shattered, windows blown out, its staff injured and its work brought to a halt.

This is not a distant conflict anymore. As a British person, I look at those images and I feel we have been struck. Our flag, our institution, our people — targeted in Moscow’s latest barrage. Alongside it, the EU Delegation was also badly damaged. These were not military bases. They were diplomatic and cultural missions, protected by international law.

The symbolism could not be clearer. Russia’s war is not only against Ukraine but against the international community that supports it. By hitting the British Council, whether by intent or indifference, Moscow is saying: your presence here is not safe, your

influence not welcome.

The UK government has rightly summoned Russia’s ambassador. Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer condemned the attacks, and Foreign Secretary David Lammy described them as senseless violence. But condemnation alone will not be enough. When our institutions are bombed, Britain must respond with more than words.

Many Britons may not have visited Kyiv. We only got as far as the border to deliver aid from the kind people of Pembrokeshire, but that journey alone showed the depth of solidarity between our communities and Ukraine. To see the British Council wrecked by missiles is to see Britain itself under attack.

And that is why this matters to us all. It is a reminder that Ukraine’s struggle is not only about its sovereignty. It is also about defending the principles we share: freedom, democracy, respect for law. When those values are bombed, Britain must stand up.

starts with the data.

The solution is not complicated. NHS Wales must adopt the same referral-to-treatment definition as England: the clock should start the day a GP makes a referral. Wales must also match the 18week target used in England, not the watered-down 26-week version. And the practice of quietly removing patients from waiting lists must stop. Every hospital should be required to explain and justify any removal in writing. Anything less looks like manipulation.

Every hidden wait is a hidden person. Every delay off the books is a patient left in pain. If we don’t even measure the suffering, how can we ever fix it? It is time for Welsh Government and NHS managers to stop hiding behind definitions and confront the reality. Our readers, our families, and our neighbours are living with these waits. It is their lives, not political spin, that matter.

BADGER BRIDGES THE GAP WITH REALITY

SHINY, isn’t it, readers?

So new and photogenic. It makes Badger want to post a selfie of himself standing in front of it on Instagram.

Accompanying this column is an example of the sort of image that Badger expects to see on the front cover of the next publication from Visit Pembrokeshire. None of this tedious and predictable stuff showing beaches, hills, boats bobbing in the sea, or the Wicker Man ablaze in Llangwm.

No, readers, what people who come to Pembrokeshire want to see is a little metal bridge spanning an eighteen-footwide river which connects a decaying shopping precinct with a dying town centre where half the shops have whitewashed windows.

Who could think that was a bad idea and a waste of public money?

Not Badger.

The Haverfordwest “Instagrammable” bridge has been significantly scaled back from the original concept. Still, it is a marvel of civil engineering that is in no way an example of unnecessary and overpriced metalwork.

Miller’s Crossing is a fine edifice. It will stand for a couple of decades as a testament to how governmentsponsored projects designed to revitalise town centres and make them more attractive to visitors and consumers delivered zippidy-bloody-doo-dah.

Of course, other towns are envious of Haverfordwest. Take Fishguard, whose Town Council’s bid for a small thermonuclear device to improve the streetscape was cruelly turned down by heartless civil servants in the Bay and Westminster. Of course, Fishguardians being Fishguardians, they’d bitch and whine if a new birdbath were erected in Letterston. So Badger’s sure that we all wish the burghers of Fishguard well in their quest for fissile material and hope they succeed very soon.

The Welsh and Westminster governments’ sticky mitts are all over the various attempts to beautify Haverfordwest town centre. The big idea of “levelling up” and “regeneration” turns out to be little more than putting lipstick on a succession of pigs. By splashing supposedly scarce public money on civic make-up, our national governments have produced no measurable civic benefits.

The truth is that town centres are dead as shopping destinations.

Bijou boutiques notwithstanding, Pembrokeshire’s town centres contain empty buildings rotting away because nobody wants to occupy them. Where butchers, bakers, and candlestick makers (or so we like to imagine) once ensured bustling towns, we now have charity shops, vape emporia, and bookies. And even the bookies, squeezed by online gambling, are struggling.

Walk down Bridge Street in Haverfordwest and take a good look around you. Do the same on Main Street in Pembroke, Dimond Street in Pembroke Dock, or Charles Street in Milford Haven. Look and you will see what millions, if not tens of millions, of pounds of public money have done. Are you not stunned by the beauty?

These streetscapes prove that throwing money around like confetti does not guarantee success for town regeneration. In fact, Badger recalls a particularly egregious example of how well-intentioned spending produces negative results. In the late 1990s, Pembroke Dock’s town centre was irreparably damaged by supposed improvements. Streets were narrowed, cobbles installed, and traffic curtailed. The result was retail armageddon. Unable to park near banks, shops, or the post office, consumers drifted away to supermarkets where parking was plentiful and free. Cheap booze from supermarkets closed pubs. The Post Office closed. The anchors of the town centre, WH Smith and Woolworths, are empty and, in the case of the latter, in an

appalling condition.

There are no banks left in Pembroke Dock, now. There are no banks anywhere in South Pembrokeshire. Please think about that, readers. If you are not outraged, you should be.

When The Pembrokeshire Herald opened its doors, there were four banks near its offices: NatWest, Lloyds, HSBC, and Barclays. All are now gone. And that cannot be only our editor’s fault.

We must accept that town centres have changed because our habits have changed, but that does not mean that public money should be used to put a thin veneer of varnish over them so we can pretend they are still vital or relevant to retail.

Town centres must change.

Sustained urban improvement is the accumulation of small gains over a prolonged period through a series of projects with a coherent aim. What’s happened in Pembrokeshire is the equivalent of using money like napalm; drop enough of it indiscriminately, and it causes immeasurable damage.

Governments don’t think longterm. Every government claims it does, but it’s bullshit posing as gold bricks. Governmental short-termism means that councils, which depend on funding from the centre, cannot develop meaningful and consistent plans for the communities they serve.

Look at it this way. Suppose you’re involved in managing a pension fund. The money invested in the fund must be allocated to achieve the best return for

the scheme’s members. However, those investments must not be overly risky or short-term in nature. You take the long view and, if you’re smart, collateralise any exposure to economic headwinds. Now, think of investing in town centres as something intended to provide measurable future benefits. You can’t have a multi-year plan when you don’t know what funding you’re getting from one year to the next. Similarly, councils can’t take an incremental approach to infrastructure projects. Not when the priorities set by the central government are subject to sudden and arbitrary change. Hence, the fascination with transport hubs and “statement” features. The number of albino pachyderms dotted around Wales and the rest of the UK is ample proof of the strategic dilemma.

Big and shiny, rather than meaningful and considered. History rotting away, ersatz “heritage” and a technocrat’s vision of what we should want.

It reminds Badger of Bill Bryson’s observation about Exeter city centre: what the Luftwaffe didn’t get, town planners finished off. Badger knows Exeter fairly well. Bill Bryson understates the actuality.

You must never make the mistake of keeping the old just because it is old. “New” does not necessarily mean “better”. Most importantly, the principle that public money should be used cautiously, prudently, and with an eye on economic or social return must never be swept aside by the fear of missing out.

Nigel’s Brexit sequel is just reheated chips

CAwww! Strap in, you landlubbers, ‘cos Nige is flappin’ his wings again. Thought Brexit was the end of it? Nah, mate. Turns out it was only the starter – and now he’s serving up the reheated leftovers. He’s calling it Operation Restoring Justice, but it sounds more like the name of a dodgy straight-to-DvD war film ye’d find at the back o’ B&M.

The plot? Simple. Round up all the folk what got here without the right stamp in their passport, chuck ‘em in camps, then bundle ‘em onto planes back to wherever they came from. If that country don’t fancy havin’ ‘em back – no bother! We’ll just plonk ‘em on some random island somewhere, like they’re a flock o’ pigeons you don’t want hangin’ round your chips.

And the cost? Oh, he’s got that sorted. A tidy little £10 billion over five years, he reckons – with £2.5 billion just to build the cages. Squawk! That’s more money than a Milford fisherman spends on bacon rolls in a lifetime! But don’t ask where it’s comin’ from. Magic money seagull, probably.

Now here’s the kicker – no more human rights. None. Finished. Kaput. International treaties? Ripped up. European Court of Human Rights? Out with the tide. According to Nige, we’ll have our own “British rights.” And what’s that, then? The right to moan about foreigners while you’re in the queue at Greggs? The right to believe bendy bananas were worth crashing the economy for?

Trouble is, we’ve seen all this puffed-up posturing before. Remember the Rwanda flights? The Tories promised that’d sort it –anyone stepping into a dinghy across the Channel’d be shipped straight off to Kigali. Did it stop the boats? Did it feathers! They kept coming, bobbing across like empty kebab boxes on the Haven tide.

But Nige don’t mind that. See, recklessness ain’t a problem for him – it’s the whole show. Every time

someone says “this is unworkable, too expensive, and will wreck Britain’s reputation,” his crowd just claps harder, like hungry gulls fighting over the last soggy chip.

And the press? Don’t get me started. They’re treating him like a prime minister-in-waiting. Never mind he’s only got four MPs – that’s fewer than the number of herring I can scoff in a single sitting! Squawk!

Here’s the salty truth, shipmates: Brexit was meant to be about “taking

back control.” But what did we really take back? Empty shelves, higher bills, a stagnant economy, and fewer workers in the fields. Starmer, meanwhile, flaps about like a heron on stilts, too scared to even say the word Brexit. He don’t dare tell folk what we all know – that the product we were sold turned out to be… well, the sort of deposit I leave on a brand new Ford parked down by the docks. And now here comes Nige again, ruffling his feathers, promising the

same old nonsense in a shinier box. We tried it once, and it stank like rotten mackerel. Are we really gonna let him flog us the same fish again? CAWWW! Enough about politics, though – there’s a tourist by the Harbourmaster who just dropped a battered sausage, and I’ll be restoring justice to THAT right now.

— Stephen Seagull, Milford Haven Docks

Labradors once again Wales’ most popular breed

IF YOU’RE walking a Labrador called Poppy or Alfie down the streets of Pembrokeshire, don’t be surprised if heads don’t turn – because you’re in very good company.

The Dogs Trust National Dog Survey 2025, the biggest of its kind in the UK, has revealed that Labradors are once again Wales’ most popular breed. And when it comes to names, Poppy (for the girls) and Alfie (for the boys) take the crown as the most common in Wales. Across the rest of the UK, Poppy and Teddy are the most “average” names – so perhaps it’s fair to say we’re a nation of rather unoriginal pet parents!

But while Labradors lead the pack, the survey shows Wales still has a soft spot for crossbreeds. A huge 43% of dogs here are crosses – from Cockapoos and Cavapoos to good old-fashioned Lurchers and “marvellous mixes” of every description.

Other findings point to changing trends. Dachshunds have muscled their way into the top 10 for puppies under a year old, while the once-fashionable French Bulldog seems to be slipping down the ranks. Experts suggest health concerns linked to flat-faced breeds may be one reason.

What about the time we spend with our four-legged

friends? In Wales, dog owners devote on average two hours and 14 minutes a day to their pets – slightly more than the UK average. Most of that is spent walking (over an hour), followed by feeding, grooming, and enrichment. And that doesn’t even include the sofa snuggles.

The Dogs Trust, which has centres in Bridgend and Cardiff, say this survey isn’t just about names and breeds. The data helps them shape services –

from behaviour advice lines to rehoming support – ensuring every dog gets the care they deserve.

As Chief Executive Owen Sharp put it: “Whether you’re one of the 94% who treat your dog as family, or you’ve got a Labrador named Teddy, every dog deserves a loving home and the right support.”

If you’re curious to see how “average” your own pooch is, the Dogs Trust has

even launched an online quiz where you can type in your dog’s name and breed to find out how they compare. Give it a go at dogstrust.org.uk/ ndsquiz – though don’t be too disheartened if you discover half the street shares your pet’s name!

Until next week – give Poppy, Alfie, and every other wagging tail out there an extra treat from me.

Petition to save fire-damaged school

PETITION calling on Pembrokeshire County Council to keep open a village school, severely damaged in a fire back in 2022, which is now under threat of closure, has attracted nearly 400 signatures in just over a week.

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

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

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

After the May meeting backing of the early stages of a consultation, a report on the diocese’s response to Manorbier was brought to the July meeting, with a recommendation to undertake general consultation on the two schools.

At the July meeting, a response from the St Davids Diocesan Board of Finance (DBF) said: “It is vital that PCC, council members and the public are aware the DBF have always required that the school be reinstated and that this has been put to PCC on a number of occasions, in writing and in meetings.

“From the date of the fire up until May 2025, the DBF has always been led to believe that the school would be reinstated by PCC.”

It stated it was against the proposal to discontinue Manorbier, asking: “Would a consultation on the closure

of Manorbier VC School have been proposed had it not been ravaged by fire?”

The recommendations to enter into general public consultations on the two schools were passed at that meeting.

Since then, an e-petition, on the county council’s own website, has been set up by Rebecca Williams, which has gained nearly 400 signatures to date.

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

“We would have been celebrating our 150-year anniversary there in January 2023, had it not been for the fire that damaged the building. A fire, we hasten to add, caused through no fault of our own. A fire, which could, if you allow it to, change the future of our children; our staff; our

parents; our governors; our community; our church; our heritage and our history. We fully support the Diocesan’s view that the school should be rebuilt.

“We, the undersigned, beseech Pembrokeshire County Council to reconsider its decision to close Manorbier Church in Wales School and instead honour its promise to rebuild the school; prioritise the needs of the community by rebuilding the school; allowing the dedicated staff and families the opportunity to open its doors to everyone once again.”

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

The petition, started on August 18, runs to November 26 of this year and is accessible on the council’s website.

Bruce Sinclair Local Democracy Reporter

FUW staff honoured for decades of service to Pembrokeshire farming

TwO long-serving members of staff from the Pembrokeshire branch of the Farmers’ Union of wales (FUw) have been recognised for their outstanding contribution to the county’s farming community.

At this year’s Pembrokeshire County Show, Marion Davies

and Susan James were presented with Long Service Awards by the Pembrokeshire Agricultural Society. The award honours individuals who have worked for 25 years or more on the same farm or with the same employer.

Between them, Marion and Susan have devoted over

57 years to the FUW office in Pembrokeshire. Marion joined in December 1994, followed by Susan in January 1999. Together, they have supported generations of farmers, offering advice, guidance and a friendly face at the Union’s county office and at the FUW stand at the County Show.

The awards were presented by FUW President Ian Rickman, who praised the pair’s commitment. He said:

“Over the decades, the agricultural sector in Pembrokeshire has faced huge changes and challenges, from animal disease outbreaks to shifting regulations, financial strains and even a global pandemic. Through it all, one thing has remained constant: Marion and Susan’s wealth of knowledge, commitment and dedication.

“It’s not unusual to hear our members say they could not have kept farming without their support. This award rightly recognises their hard work and loyalty.”

FUW Group Chief Executive Guto Bebb also paid tribute, adding:

“As a Union, we pride ourselves on the high level of service we provide to members. Marion and Susan’s long-standing dedication is a key part of that, and we are delighted to see it recognised with this award.”

AI tool automates plant fruit measuring to breed better crops

ABERYSTwYTH

UNIvERSITY

scientists are developing new artificial intelligence tools that automatically measures plant seed and seed pods in order to breed better crop varieties.

Led by researchers in the Institute of Biological, Environmental and Rural Sciences and in Computer Science at the University, the study demonstrates the power of targeted applications of artificial intelligence to improve the quality of our crops.

Traditional ways of recording the traits of a plants’ fruit, such as their shape and size, are very labourintensive, time-consuming, and prone to human error.

Researchers have addressed the challenge with a new AI powered tool that analyses images to recognise seed pods and measure them with high accuracy.

The new tool can measure a range of characteristics, including pod length, width, area and volume, all of which contribute to yield and therefore to profitability.

The research links these physical traits to specific genetic regions that influence pod shape and size, helping scientists pinpoint genes.

Identifying these genes helps scientists better understand how plants grow and develop. Such

discoveries provide valuable targets for crop breeding, making it possible to improve traits like yield, shape, and resilience.

These new AI tools could in principle be applied to any plant’s fruit, and researchers have been testing it on the seeds of many crops including, oil seed rape, cabbages, and even cereals such as oats, barley and wheat.

Kieran Atkins, PhD researcher

and project lead from IBERS in Aberystwyth University, said:

“AI tools like the one we have developed have the potential to revolutionise how we can develop new varieties of crops. It really is a game changer. Our algorithm collected data on over 300,000 individual fruits – underscoring the capability of deep learning as a robust tool for phenotyping very large populations.”

“One of the most exciting aspects

of this work is how accessible it makes large-scale phenotyping. By removing technical and time barriers, deep learning enables more researchers to explore plant traits at a scale that wasn’t practical before. It’s about unlocking new possibilities for discovery and innovation in plant science.”

Professor John Doonan, Director of the National Plant Phenomics Centre, added:

“The results demonstrate that deep learning AI can provide data with the quality and accuracy required for genetic analysis and breeding. This shows how advanced imaging and AI can transform the way we connect plant form to genetic function. Initially we developed the tools for a small weedy plant that’s often used as a model in labs around the world, but very similar approaches work extremely well on brassica crops. This is an important step toward scalable, data-rich phenotyping that not only accelerates research but also supports more predictive approaches to crop improvement.”

The team has made their MorphPod tool available online, enabling researchers around the world to replicate or adapt the system for use with other plant speci es.

Dairy farmers in Pembrokeshire urged to clean water systems before winter housing

DAIRY farmers in Pembrokeshire are being urged to disinfect water lines before housing cows this winter, following one of the hottest summers in recent years.

Experts warn that stagnant troughs and pipelines can quickly become breeding grounds for bacteria and biofilms, reducing water intake and threatening herd health.

Nigel Bennet, a biosecurity specialist with Roam Technology, said: “Left unchecked, contaminated water becomes a hidden reservoir of disease that can damage herd health and eat directly into milk yields and farm profitability.”

He explained that dangerous pathogens can survive in water for long periods – with E. coli lasting up to a

year, Salmonella for 50 days, and Cryptosporidium for six months. Biofilms inside water lines provide ideal conditions for bacteria and viruses, creating constant reinfection risks.

Carson Pridham of Intemax, who works with livestock farmers across Wales, said the problem is widespread: “The water in the majority of troughs I see is far from potable. You can see the build-up of biofilm in the drinker. Other times, farmers report reduced intakes without realising water quality is the cause. When we test water and take bacterial samples, the results are often a shock.”

Both Roam Technology and Intemax are working with an increasing number of dairy farmers in Pembrokeshire and beyond to improve

wITH the August bank holiday over for another year politicians will soon be returning to the Senedd and westminster. Summer provides a key opportunity for the Farmers’ Union of wales to lobby MS’ and MPs on the challenges and changes facing welsh agriculture, particularly at local agricultural shows, which provide a brilliant showcase for rural wales.

particularly in Less Favoured Areas (LFA), becoming heavily reliant on direct payments, with some experiencing negative incomes from agricultural product sales alone. Recent data from the Farm Business Survey shows a 39% real-term decline in Farm Business Income (FBI) across Wales between 20232024, with LFA cattle and sheep farms seeing a 15% drop.

water hygiene. Their advice is to thoroughly clean water systems before housing and to keep them clean through regular dosing – a routine already widely adopted in pig and poultry farming.

High-yielding dairy cows can drink up to 250 litres a day, and contaminated water not only reduces intake but can disrupt rumen function and damage fertility. Calves also need clean water from the start, with youngstock drinking up to 12 litres a day by weaning.

Mr Bennet added: “Water is the most critical nutrient for dairy cows – yet it’s often ignored. Clean water pays off in healthier cows, higher yields, and improved fertility. If you aren’t prepared to drink the water yourself, then you shouldn’t expect your cows to drink it.”

This summer has also provided an opportunity for the FUW to respond to the UK Government’s Farm Profitability Review, chaired by Baroness Minette Batters. This has been a particularly timely review as the profitability and economic viability of farming businesses has been brought into sharp focus on numerous occasions over recent decades as direct farm support mechanisms have changed, and perhaps even more so recently given the debate around inheritance tax reforms and the ability - or rather, inability - for businesses to pay such tax bills.

UK farming, and especially smaller family farms face significant challenges to profitability and economic viability, and in our evidence to the review, the FUW highlighted our concerns that both governments lack a full understanding of the crucial role of direct farm support and the complexity of the UK food system.

Historically, agricultural policies under the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) aimed to keep consumer food prices low while ensuring fair farm incomes. This model led to many Welsh farms,

The shift away from direct payments to an ‘income foregone’ model for environmental outcomes is happening too quickly, with the failures of the Sustainable Farming Incentive in England as a prime example. It’s clear both the UK and Welsh governments must introduce legislation for monitoring food security, public procurement and processing capacity as a matter of national security.

Amongst our wider evidence to the report, we also include concerns over the perceived low value of food by consumers, trade agreements that could disadvantage UK producers and an increase in on-farm red tape. The FUW argues that trade agreements, such as those with Australia and New Zealand, have failed to provide a level playing field for UK farmers despite government assurances.

The agriculture sector’s value extends beyond profitability, underpinning Welsh culture, language, and rural communities. It’s crucial now more than ever that governments deliver a balanced approach that supports economic sustainability, recognising that social, cultural, and environmental benefits then follow in its course.

TVolkswagen cars now more finely tuned than ever before

Millions of motorists are about to hit the open road as they head to music festivals and make the most of the August Bank Holiday – so volkswagen has created the perfect playlist for summer drives.

Whether singing along to The Beatles in a Beetle or blasting N-Dubz in a V-Dub, the best road trips are accompanied by the perfect soundtrack. Volkswagen fans across the UK were asked online to suggest songs that make them wind down the windows and turn up the volume. From festival anthems to classic hits and nightclub bangers, the result is almost three hours of Volkswageninspired tunes.

The playlist is available on Spotify – just search for Volkswagen Summer Drives. Highlights include California Soul, VW Van and Young At Heart, which featured in a memorable Volkswagen TV advert in the early 1990s. Other favourites include Ride Like The Wind, In The Summertime and Ventura Highway; there’s even space for more niche tastes, with Autobahn by Kraftwerk.

The Summer Drives playlist is part of the new Volkswagen UK account on Spotify, which also lists hot hits and trending tunes from Volkswagen Retailer staff across the UK. Search for Volkswagen Retailer Top Hits to listen to their favourite tracks.

Whatever the preferred tunes or genres, Volkswagen’s latest cars make sure passengers can hear every beat, high note and harmony. Smartphones can be paired wirelessly with infotainment screens in seconds using Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and models fitted with Harman Kardon speakers deliver razor-sharp acoustics.

From Beach Boys nostalgia to electropop Dragons

Volkswagen fans clearly have wide-ranging tastes in music. The Summer Playlist spans more than five decades of hits, from timeless classics to modern anthems. The oldest song is from 1964 (I Get Around by The Beach Boys) while the youngest was released in 2017 (Thunder by Imagine Dragons).

American rock seems to be the pick of the genres, followed by pop with a smattering of country, blues and electronic music. Volkswagen drivers also seem to like songs that are energetic and nostalgic; 12 songs on the list match both of these moods, the rest being uplifting, melancholic and dreamy (playlist facts compiled with the help of AI).

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Versatile, sporty, and digitally connected: the new Audi Q3 Sportback

The Audi Q3 has been a wellestablished bestseller in the premium compact segment for more than 10 years. Now the third generation SUv is setting new standards in several respects. In its exterior design, the Q3 conveys confidence and emotion both as an SUv and Sportback. Numerous innovative features turn the Audi Q3 into a digital companion. They provide a first-class user experience and ensure greater comfort and safety for the driver and other road users thanks to many assistance systems. In addition to the well-balanced suspension, the digitalization of light also enhances customer benefits. A high degree of personalization and adaptive, highresolution light functions are made possible with the new micro-LED technology in the digital Matrix LED headlights. Another feature of the new Audi Q3 is an efficient, partially electrified combustion engine with mild-hybrid technology and a plug-in hybrid model with an electric range of up to 72 miles.

Gernot Döllner, CEO of AUDI AG: “With a total of more than two million vehicles sold worldwide since the launch of the first generation, the Audi Q3 is one of our best-selling models and has a high status in our product portfolio. With the third generation of the Audi Q3, we are renewing an important model family as part of our product initiative and strengthening our range with a powerful plug-in hybrid and efficient combustion engines. The new model combines efficiency, driving dynamics, and comfort.” In addition to efficient and partially electrified combustion engines, the Audi Q3 offers a new adaptive suspension that enables a balance between comfort and dynamics.

Geoffrey Bouquot, Member of the Board of Management for Technical Development at AUDI AG, adds: “With the Audi Q3 interior, we are transferring the digital stage from the full-size class to the compact segment. An innovative operating concept and numerous assistance systems increase safety and comfort and make the Audi Q3 the ideal digital companion for everyday life.”

Compared to its predecessor, the new Audi Q3 has an even more emotional design. The wide Singleframe and the sleekly tapered headlights are fully integrated into the aerodynamic concept. Viewed from the side, a horizontal shoulder line between the headlights and rear lights visually divides the car into two parts, creating a very special distribution of light and shadow.

In addition to classic SUV advantages like easy entry, excellent visibility, and a practical interior layout, the second generation of the Audi Q3 Sportback combines the strengths of an SUV with the aesthetics of a coupé. Its roofline, which slopes downward from the A-pillar, is 29mm lower than that of the SUV. This gives the Audi Q3 Sportback an even sportier appearance and a faster silhouette.

The rear section is adorned with digital OLED rear lights (optional on Edition 1), complemented by a continuous LED light strip and the illuminated rings (standard on S line and above). This level of lighting technology offered in the new Audi Q3 is available for the first time in the Audi compact segment.

The front of the compact SUV features digital Matrix LED headlights (standard on Edition1) that use the micro-LED module for the first time in the Audi Q3. The use of this microLED technology improves illumination significantly and thus ensures a strong contrast on the road. The light guidance functions are now much more closely linked to the driver assistance functions. The digital daytime running lights with LED technology, consisting of 23 segments per side, create distinctive light signatures that make the vehicle easily recognizable on the

In the interior, the new steering wheel control unit means more storage space in the centre console, a new user experience, and a better sense of space. The steering wheel control unit integrates two new steering column levers for the first time. The lever on the right serves as a gear selector, the one on the left as a control element for the light functions and windshield wipers. Also, for the first time in the compact segment at Audi, acoustic glazing for the front side windows comes as standard which makes for better interior acoustics, particularly at high speeds. The 488-litre boot (375 litres on e-hybrid) also demonstrates the practicality of the Audi Q3. With the seat bench folded down, the storage space for the Audi Q3 increases to up to 1,386 litres (1,293 litres e-hybrid) and 1,289 litres (1,196 litres e-hybrid) in the Q3 Sportback. The seat bench can be moved lengthwise, and its angle can be adjusted as standard. The Q3 has a towing capacity of up to 2,100kg.

The entry-level model in the Audi Q3 family is the Audi Q3 TFSI 150PS, a four-cylinder petrol engine with mild-hybrid technology. The Audi Q3 TDI 150PS is particularly suitable for driving long distances. The Audi Q3 e-hybrid 272PS can charge up to 50kW with DC power under ideal conditions

and is more powerful and efficient than ever before. A high-voltage battery with a gross capacity of 25.7 kWh (net 19.7 kWh) was installed for that purpose. This battery enables an electric range of up to 72 miles in the WLTP test cycle. The further developed standard suspension delivers an improved driving experience. The sports suspension (standard on Edition 1) and the suspension with two-valve damper control (available on S line and Edition 1 as part of the optional Sound & Vision Pack Pro) offer an optimally balanced driving experience. One driving assistance highlight is the driver attention and fatigue monitor. For even greater safety on the road, an interior camera also monitors the driver for signs of drowsiness and lack of concentration. Trained parking (part of Sound & Vision Pack Pro) allows customers to teach the Audi Q3 individual parking manoeuvres.

The new Audi Q3 SUV will launch in the UK in September, with the Q3 Sportback following in October. The Audi Q3 SUV TFSI 150PS will be available in the UK at an entry-level price of £38,300 (OTR). The Audi Q3 SUV e-hybrid 272PS will start at £45,800 (OTR). The Q3 Sportback commands a £1,500 premium across the lineup.

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JAECOO UK brings adventure-ready, petfriendly vehicles to the London Pet Show Live

JAECOO UK will be joining the London Pet Show Live as the event’s official Car Partner, offering a glimpse into how its vehicles are designed with both the modern driver and their fourlegged companions in mind. Held on 20 and 21 September at the National Hall in Olympia, London, the event provides the perfect stage to showcase JAECOO’s forward-thinking, pet-friendly features. Positioned right next to the Dog Activity Arena, a busy hub of activity, the JAECOO stand will offer visitors the opportunity to explore the JAECOO 5 and E5 –two models that truly understand the needs of today’s pet owners.

Available in two powertrains – a 1.6-litre turbocharged engine and a fully electric variant – both the JAECOO 5 and E5 offer the flexibility to suit a range of driving preferences and come equipped with an array of thoughtful, pet-friendly features. A standout addition to the JAECOO E5 is the ‘Pet Mode’ climate function, which ensures pets stay comfortable while the car is parked, maintaining a safe and regulated cabin temperature. Whether running errands or taking a quick break, this feature ensures peace of mind to pet owners, knowing that their four-legged friends are in a cool, safe environment. Paired with an advanced air filtration system that blocks pet hair and keeps the cabin feeling fresh, these models are designed to offer as much comfort to pets as they do to the human occupants.

The JAECOO 5 and E5, alongside the popular JAECOO 7 also come with a range of additional pet-friendly features, including boarding steps for smaller pets, a pet feeding system, and an antibacterial health device that helps maintain cleanliness inside the cabin. With over 30 exclusive pet accessories available at its dealerships – such as portable bowls, foldable rinse kits, and even a branded pet house – JAECOO ensures that pets are as comfortable as possible during every journey. With additional premium features throughout – including a portraitformat touchscreen, double-layered silent glass, SONY audio system and wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ – the JAECOO 5 and E5 are compact yet highly capable SUVs that are adventure-ready, technologyrich, and lifestyle-focused.

Victor Zhang, UK Country Director, JAECOO UK, said: “Being part of the London Pet Show Live means that we can celebrate the joy that pets bring to our lives. Our vehicles are

designed for people who want to share their journey with their pets, and with features like ‘Pet Mode’ in the E5 and a range of accessories for all JAECOOs, we’re making it easier for pet owners to enjoy a smooth, comfortable ride while knowing their pets are just as comfortable.”

The London Pet Show Live is an action-packed weekend of petfocused activities, including live animal shows and performances, dog demonstrations, and a variety of other exciting events and competitions. Some of the UK’s leading celebrity

animal experts and specialists will also be on hand with a series of informative talks and interactive workshops, including Dr Scott Miller (This Morning), Dr Peter Wright (The Yorkshire Vet) and Graeme Hall (“The Dogfather”).

JAECOO UK’s presence at the London Pet Show Live highlights the brand’s ongoing commitment to providing vehicles that meet the needs of today’s dynamic lifestyles. The JAECOO 5 and E5 are expected to be delivered to customers in October, with prices starting from

just £24,505 OTR* for the pure petrol and £27,505 OTR* for the allelectric variant. With its signature design language and outdoorfocused approach to the compact SUV segment, the JAECOO 5 and E5 are available to order through the brand’s 75+ dealer network, with all cars coming with a 7-year/100,000mile warranty as standard, and an 8-year/100,000-mile battery warranty for the JAECOO E5.

* All prices quoted are correct at time of writing, August 2025

Sweet Home Alpaca bounces back after bird flu shutdown

A POPULAR Pembrokeshire

visitor attraction is throwing open its gates this Friday (Aug 30) as part of a major fundraising effort following a difficult summer marked by avian flu restrictions.

Sweet Home Alpaca, based in Cuffern near Haverfordwest, was forced to close for nearly six weeks earlier this year after a routine check confirmed the presence of bird flu on-site. The discovery came after the deaths of seven chickens, prompting the immediate culling of the remaining 113 birds and the suspension of all visitor activity at the height of the season.

The farm, well known for its alpaca walks, interactive tours, and hands-on family experiences, relies heavily on footfall during the warmer months.

The closure dealt a major blow to its income, prompting an urgent public appeal and a GoFundMe campaign which raised over £7,000 from supporters. The Herald reported in July

that the farm had received clearance to reopen from August 4. Since then, staff and volunteers have worked tirelessly to prepare for the return of visitors — and this Friday’s open day marks a

key moment in the recovery. Running from 11:00am to 5:00pm, the event promises a day of family fun with a bouncy castle, food and craft stalls, games, raffles, face painting, and a special DJ set by Vampire Disco. It’s being billed as the “most exciting fundraising event of the year” and organisers are hoping for a strong turnout to help cover the losses sustained during the enforced closure.

Admission is £12.50 for adults and £7.50 for children, with limited tickets available on arrival. The organisers have confirmed that no dogs are permitted, and advise visitors to arrive early to avoid disappointment.

Sweet Home Alpaca is located in Cuffern, Haverfordwest SA62 6HB. More details are available at: www.sweethomealpaca.com

Pembrokeshire among worst in Wales for business survival

NEw research has revealed Pembrokeshire is among the areas with the lowest business survival rates, with one prominent business owner warning that deep-rooted problems are being ignored.

The study, conducted by business energy specialists Utility Bidder, ranked Pembrokeshire fourth from the bottom, with a fiveyear business survival rate of only 29 per cent.

The research examined factors such as GDP, business survival rates, transport connectivity, and office efficiency ratings to determine the best and worst areas in Wales for starting a business.

Caerphilly topped the list with the lowest five-year business survival rate, standing at 22.4 per cent, despite being among the regions with the highest employment rate in Wales at 75.2 per cent. Rhondda Cynon Taf followed closely with a 22.5 per cent survival rate, while Newport came in third with 24.7 per cent, despite boasting one of the highest GDP per capita figures in Wales at £30,598.

Other areas with low survival rates include Swansea, Flintshire, Neath Port Talbot, Merthyr Tydfil, Bridgend, and Blaenau Gwent.

By contrast, Cardiff was rated the best Welsh region for starting a business in 2025, earning a score of 8.32 out of 10. Gwynedd was found to have the highest number of train stations per 100,000

people, while Wrexham emerged with the highest employment rate in Wales, at 78.7 per cent.

An unnamed business owner running a well-known company in the Pembroke Dock area told The Herald that the figures “do not come as a surprise.”

“Many of our brightest young people leave Pembrokeshire to set up in cities,” they said. “They go where there’s opportunity, proper infrastructure and financial backing. Here, it feels like you’re on your own.”

They argued that support systems which once existed have disappeared. “The Pembrokeshire Business Initiative (PBI) closed down years ago. PLANED still runs useful community projects, but they aren’t set up to provide direct business support. And while the Pembrokeshire Lottery is still there, it only offers loans. That’s just another debt for a small business that’s already under pressure. What we need is grants, advice and mentoring – the kind of wrap-around support other regions get.”

The business owner added that community attitudes play a role in failures. “In small places, people are sometimes more likely to want to see you fail than succeed. We’ve had local entrepreneurs trialling products in village shops, but instead of buying locally, people order online or drive to a retail park. That makes it incredibly tough for someone to get established.”

Bank closures hve also left many small businesses isolated. “Most of the banks have gone,” the source said. “If you want real business banking advice, you have to go to Swansea or further afield. That’s not practical for small traders who are already stretched thin.”

Regulation and council support were described as further obstacles. “The local authority isn’t proactive, there are too many hoops to jump through, and very little in the way of grants or networking. Town planning has been poor, our high streets are hollowed out, and footfall has collapsed. At the same time, pubs and hospitality are failing because electricity and insurance bills are through the roof.”

According to the source, the Covid pandemic continues to cast a shadow over small firms. “A lot

of businesses wiped out their reserves to get through lockdown. Since then, we’ve seen a surge in one-man bands and microbusinesses. That makes the picture look busier, but in reality it just means more fragile firms, more closures, and more phoenix operations reappearing under another name. It doesn’t build long-term strength.”

The business owner warned that unless there is direct intervention, Pembrokeshire’s survival rates will remain among the worst in Wales.

“We keep hearing about regeneration schemes and glossy masterplans, but does that help the trader trying to pay their electricity bill? Does it help the start-up who can’t get a bank manager on the phone? No, it doesn’t. Unless there’s real, practical support for the people on the ground, nothing will change.”

Liberty Steel collapse raises fears for Welsh steel’s future

THE COLLAPSE of Liberty Steel’s major operations in South Yorkshire has intensified concerns about the long-term future of the UK’s steel industry — with growing scrutiny now falling on the company’s welsh site in Newport.

Liberty’s Speciality Steel UK (SSUK) business, which includes plants in Rotherham and Stocksbridge, was placed into compulsory liquidation last week. The UK Government has stepped in to take over operations temporarily, securing 1,450 jobs and attempting to stabilise supply chains in the aerospace, energy, and defence sectors.

While Liberty’s Newport site has not been affected directly and remains operational, it is part of the wider GFG Alliance, the international conglomerate owned by Sanjeev Gupta. The group has faced significant financial strain since the collapse of its main backer, Greensill Capital, in 2021, and is currently the subject of an ongoing Serious Fraud Office investigation.

The Pembrokeshire Herald understands that Newport continues to produce hot-rolled coil, a key material used in construction and manufacturing. However, the instability across the group has prompted unions and industry watchers to warn of potential knock-on effects in Wales should further restructuring or asset sales occur.

PORT TALBOT TRANSITION LOOMS

The uncertainty comes at a time of major change for Welsh steel. Tata Steel has already closed both of its blast furnaces at Port Talbot as part of its move to electric arc furnace technology. Although £1.3 billion in public funding has been committed to support the transition, and £80 million has been allocated for retraining and business support, the closures mark the end of primary steelmaking at the site — a capability that has existed in Port Talbot for over 70 years.

In a speech to the Welsh Labour Conference on June 28, Secretary of State for Wales Jo Stevens defended the government’s handling of the transition, highlighting the investment package and a new £11.8 million joint fund with Tata to stimulate job creation. She described the reforms as essential for securing a “bright, longterm future” for steel communities in Port Talbot, Llanwern and Trostre. But industry analysts and union leaders continue to express concern that the UK is losing too much too

fast — especially when it comes to its ability to make steel from raw materials rather than recycled scrap.

IS THE UK STILL SELF-SUFFICIENT?

With Liberty Steel’s collapse adding to the list of recent setbacks, serious questions are being raised about the UK’s strategic independence in steel production. The government is now financially supporting four of the country’s six largest steelmakers and has passed emergency legislation to intervene in the industry.

However, now that Port Talbot’s blast furnaces have closes, the UK is now left with no large-scale primary steelmaking capacity. This, critics argue, has left the country vulnerable in the event of global supply chain shocks, conflict, or major infrastructure demand.

The Newport site remains stable — for now — but its future is increasingly tied to the fortunes of the wider GFG group. Unless long-term certainty is restored across the sector, the UK risks not only further job losses but the erosion of a vital national industry.

What next for Liberty Steel and UK industry?

Reports suggest that Sanjeev Gupta is preparing a “pre-pack” administration deal to regain control of Speciality Steel UK (SSUK) following its liquidation. One proposal under consideration includes placing the business into a trust for his children — a move intended to reassure investors and secure the unit’s future. Talks are ongoing as administrators seek a viable solution to restart operations.

Labour MP Sarah Champion has described the liquidation process as “full of hollow promises” and warned that Liberty Steel is too strategically important to be allowed to fail. “I am confident the government will do all in their power to let it flourish,” she said.

GMB National Officer Charlotte Brumpton-Childs also weighed in, calling the collapse “another tragedy for UK steel” and blaming “years of chronic mismanagement” by Liberty’s leadership. She urged the government to step in, as it previously did with British Steel, to safeguard remaining jobs and production capacity.

With instability spreading across the sector, industry leaders are urging the government to produce a long-term industrial strategy. A comprehensive plan is expected to be unveiled later this year, which may include further support drawn from the £2.5 billion National Wealth Fund.

Educational boost for diabetes patients thanks to donations

PATIENTS living with type 1 diabetes across Carmarthenshire, Ceredigion and Pembrokeshire will benefit from new educational materials funded by Hywel Dda Health Charities.

Thanks to public donations, the official charity of Hywel Dda University Health Board has funded resources worth more than £5,500 to support diabetes self-management.

The materials include posters, blood glucose diaries, food diaries, plastic storage tubs, visualisers, carry cases, flip charts, carbohydrate and calorie counter books, calculators, and food models — all aimed at improving patient education and giving individuals more control over their condition.

Ravinder Dosanjh, Lead Diabetes Specialist Nurse, said: “We’re so pleased to have been supported by charitable funds once again. These resources will allow optimum education and support to our patients with type 1 diabetes.

“Access to the Carbs & Cals books will help our patients improve their diabetes management during and

following our educational sessions. Carbohydrate counting is an effective way of managing blood glucose levels when living with type 1 diabetes. It means insulin can be individually matched to the amount of carbohydrate eaten,

allowing freedom and flexibility to that individual.”

Nicola Llewelyn, Head of Hywel Dda Health Charities, added: “The support of our local communities enables us to provide services over and above what the NHS can provide in the

three counties of Hywel Dda, and we are extremely grateful for every donation we receive.”

More information about the charity and ways to support local NHS patients and staff is available at: www. hywelddahealthcharities.org.uk

Learning tools launched to help NHS Wales staff understand AI

HEALTH Education and Improvement wales (HEIw) has unveiled new learning resources to help NHS staff across Wales gain confidence in using Artificial Intelligence (AI) in everyday practice.

AI is already changing the way the health service operates, from reducing paperwork and assisting with patient triage to spotting early signs of deterioration in hospital patients. But experts say that to be safe and effective, healthcare workers must understand how AI works, where it can help, and where it poses risks.

BITE-SIzED ONLINE TRAINING

HEIW has created a free online course, Foundations of AI in Healthcare, which is available on the national learning platform Y Ty Dysgu. The short course, which takes less than half an hour to complete, introduces basic AI concepts, provides real-life NHS examples, and highlights important issues such as bias, transparency and the need to keep “a human in the loop”.

Since launching in April, more than 600 NHS Wales professionals have completed the module, giving staff an accessible way to start building digital confidence.

AI MENTOR SET FOR AUTUMN LAUNCH

The next step will be the rollout of HALI – the Healthcare AI Learning Interface – later this year. HALI is an interactive chatbot that acts as a personalised mentor, offering examples of how AI might apply to a worker’s own role.

A nurse might see how AI can support rota planning, while an optometrist could explore how AI assists in retinal screening. Each interaction will also remind users of the limitations and risks of the technology, encouraging safe and critical use.

HALI has recently been through internal testing and will be made available to all NHS Wales staff this autumn. Its introduction will be supported by an awareness campaign, Using AI to Learn AI, across Y Ty Dysgu and social media channels.

Building a digitally fluent workforce

HEIW says these tools are part of its wider digital ambition to prepare a workforce that is “confident, informed and innovative” in its use of technology. The organisation also plans to collect anonymised learning data to identify skills gaps and guide future training programmes, potentially leading to specialist communities of practice and pilot projects where AI could be applied safely in front-line care.

Dr Alex Aubrey, HEIW’s clinical lead for artificial

intelligence, said the aim was to ensure staff at every level felt prepared for the changes AI will bring. He explained: “These tools are part of HEIW’s wider digital ambition to build a workforce that is confident, informed and innovative in its use of AI.”

NATIONAL STRATEGY

The work also fits into the Welsh Government’s broader strategy for the ethical use of AI in health and care. Earlier this year ministers set out their vision for AI to be adopted responsibly, with transparency and fairness at its core, and with reassurances that technology is designed to support – not replace – jobs in the NHS.

Cardiff University has also announced plans to integrate AI training into medical education, underlining how important digital literacy is becoming across the health professions.

With AI now firmly part of the future of healthcare, HEIW says its focus is to give staff the skills and confidence to make sure Wales reaps the benefits while avoiding the pitfalls.

Hidden waiting times conceal true NHS Wales crisis

OFFICIAL NHS figures suggest wales is facing longer waiting times for treatment than England – but the reality for patients here is even worse than the statistics show.

In England, one in every 200 people was recorded last year as waiting more than a year for treatment. In Wales, the figure was nine in 200. Yet this stark comparison hides the full extent of delays faced by Welsh patients because of the way waiting lists are measured.

DIFFERENT RULES

In England, the “referral to treatment” (RTT) clock starts when a GP makes a hospital referral. In Wales, the clock only begins when the hospital receives the referral. That means any time spent in community services before a hospital referral is made is not recorded.

This difference creates what doctors call “hidden waiting times.” Patients and GPs report that waits for community

assessments can stretch to eight months or more before the RTT clock even starts.

EXAMPLE FROM ORTHOPAEDICS

Orthopaedic patients in Wales often illustrate the problem. A GP concerned about a patient’s knee cannot usually refer straight to a surgeon. Instead, the patient must first go through a Clinical Musculoskeletal Assessment and Treatment Service (CMATS).

While the system was designed to give quick access to physiotherapists with extra training, in reality CMATS waiting times can be up to eight months. These months do not count towards the 26-week target for treatment. In practice, a patient’s entire “official” waiting period may not even begin until after they have already waited much longer in the community.

INvISIBLE DELAYS

Adding to the problem, a data standards change in 2022 removed public reporting of CMATS waiting lists. This means large sections of delay are invisible in the statistics.

The Herald reported last month that patients across Pembrokeshire have also been struck off waiting lists without explanation. Some only discovered they had been removed after chasing their appointments, and were told they would need to start the process all over again. For those affected, months or years of waiting were effectively wiped away.

Campaigners say this shows how the official figures fail to capture the real patient experience in Wales, where delays can be far longer than the statistics suggest.

CALL FOR CHANGE

Earlier this summer, the British Medical Association (BMA) passed a new policy calling on NHS Wales to adopt the same definition of referral to treatment time as NHS England. They say the clock should start at the point of GP referral, and the 18-week target used in England should also apply here. Until that change is made, health campaigners warn that comparisons between the two systems are meaningless, and patients in Wales will continue to suffer delays that go unrecorded and unacknowledged.

Voters reject more Senedd politicians, say Conservatives

A POLL launched at the Pembrokeshire County Show has shown that local people are strongly opposed to plans to increase the number of Senedd Members.

The survey was run by the Pembrokeshire and Ceredigion Conservatives, with local Senedd Members Paul Davies and Samuel Kurtz spending two days at the show speaking to residents.

Both Mr Davies and Mr Kurtz voted against proposals to expand the Senedd, but were outvoted in Cardiff Bay by Welsh Labour, Plaid Cymru and the Welsh Liberal Democrats. Reform UK, in a surprise move, welcomed the change, calling it “an exciting one”.

Paul Davies MS said: “Whilst other parties have pushed more politicians on the people of Wales, the Welsh Conservatives have been the only party to consistently oppose this policy –and the people of Pembrokeshire agree with us. Wales does not need more politicians at a cost of around £120 million. We believe that money could and should be spent on our public services and our economy.

“Only a Welsh Conservative government would overturn this costly policy, and I urge the people of Pembrokeshire and Ceredigion to support us next year and help deliver a Welsh Conservative government so that

we can start to undo the decades of damaging policies that have come from Welsh Labour and Plaid Cymru.”

Samuel Kurtz MS added: “This whole saga shows how badly wrong the priorities are of this failing Welsh Labour Government. At a time when

our NHS is on its knees, schools are under strain, and our rural communities are crying out for support, Labour, Plaid and the Lib Dems think the answer is to spend millions more on politicians. It beggars belief.

“People across Pembrokeshire and Ceredigion are rightly frustrated by the lack

of common sense on display. They want action on waiting lists, they want investment in our roads and farming communities, not more politicians. It’s clear this policy is out of touch with the real concerns of families and businesses across Wales, and I will continue to oppose it at every turn.”

Pembrokeshire campsite lawful development call refused

A CALL to allow a certificate of lawful development for a rural Pembrokeshire caravan site has been turned down.

In an application to Pembrokeshire County Council, Tony Powell, through agent Willis & Co (Town Planning) Ltd, sought a certificate of lawful development for Castell Conin Campsite, near Clynderwen.

An officer report recommending refusal said: “This application seeks a Certificate of Lawful Development (LDC) for the use of the land as a touring caravan / campsite, for which the use of the land began more than ten years before the date of this application.”

An application for a certificate of lawfulness allows an applicant to keep a development if they can provide proof of occupancy or use over a prolonged period.

A previous application for a certificate of lawful development was refused in 2024.

The report added: “The

Bruce Sinclair Local Democracy Reporter

applicant is seeking a legal determination that the land has been continually used as a touring caravan / campsite for a period in excess of ten years before the date of the LDC application and is therefore immune from enforcement.

“It is apparent from the Camping and Caravanning Club website that the site still benefits from a Certificate obtained from the Camping and Caravanning Club. Therefore, enabling it to operate as a certified site for five touring caravans/motor homes and up to 10 tents. It is evident that a change of use of the land has occurred since March 29, 2013. In this instance the use of the land as a ‘caravan’ site has the benefit of permitted development rights by virtue of the certification.”

It added: “As touring caravans are a use of land rather than operational development, the

ten-year immunity rule applies.

In order to plead this ground successfully it is necessary for the applicant to show that, on the balance of probability, the use has been operated continuously in breach of the Certification and subsequent permitted development rights for a period of ten years before the date of the application for the certificate.”

It said that, while there had been breaches over time, these have been temporary breaches, with the site operating in accordance with permitted development for the most part, and therefore the 10 year continuity in breach has not been achieved.

It finished: “Based on the evidence available, it has not been demonstrated on the balance of probability that an unauthorised change of use, has existed for a ‘continuous’ period in excess of ten years prior to the date of submission of this application.

“As such, the existing use as a use of the land as a campsite outside of permitted development rights afforded by an exemption issued in accordance with paragraph 5 of the Caravan Sites and Control of Development Act 1960 and Section 269 of the Public Health Act 1963 is not lawful and the certificate should be refused.”

Plans for 29 home development in St Dogmaels withdrawn

A SCHEME for 29 houses, including two affordable units, in the north Pembrokeshire village of St Dogmaels, close to the Ceredigion border, has been withdrawn.

Whitland-based Obsidian Homes Ltd, through agent Amity Planning, in a 2024 application sought permission for the development and associated works on agricultural land off Longdown Bank, towards the southeast of the village.

A supporting statement said: “We have a clear vision for this development site to provide 29 muchneeded houses for the area along with providing affordable houses which again are much needed within the region.

“The scheme provides affordable housing units for the local population as well as open market sale units all contained within the site. The affordable units, in terms of architectural style and materials used, are completely indistinguishable

from open market tenure. Affordable properties are located alongside the open market sale units to ensure a cohesive and mixed community of new residents.”

The units proposed range from two to five-bedroom types, which the applicants say will “go a long way to meeting the stock required in the local area,” with seven per cent of them, two, affordable units.

The scheme submitted – within the settlement boundary for St Dogmaels – followed a 2022 pre-application inquiry, addressing issues of pedestrian connectivity, landscaping, the impact on the Welsh language, and the mix of housing, the applicants state.

The applicants concluded: “This development will act as a natural continuation of the village and provide much-needed housing stock for the area alongside affordable units

meeting the needs of local community. This comprised of residential development for up to 29 dwellings, green / blue infrastructure including new areas of green space that will incorporate ecological mitigation and habitat creation, retained woodland and trees, sustainable drainage

features, trim trail informal play and recreation space.”

St Dogmaels Community Council had requested that should the application be referred to the planning committee, committee members undertake a site visit prior to their deliberations.

Bruce Sinclair Local Democracy Reporter

W ITH ANDREW LYE

Responding to last week’s immigration figures showing a rise over the past year in the number of asylum seekers housed in hotels, Liberal Democrat Home Affairs spokesperson Lisa Smart MP said:

“The asylum backlog has been far too large for far too long.

“The Conservatives trashed our immigration system and let numbers spiral. Now this Labour government is failing to get a grip on the crisis.

“The Government urgently needs to stop dangerous Channel crossings and speed up asylum processing to bring down the backlog and end hotel use once and for all.”

As the news media has largely concentrated on the asylum seekers issue, the following subject failed to make the headlines.

Liberal Democrat leader Ed Davey has written to the Energy Secretary demanding that Elon Musk’s application to provide energy to UK homes is blocked under national security concerns.

The letter comes ahead of the deadline for Ofgem to consider comments on the application before it decides whether to grant the license.

The government has powers under the National Security and Investment Act 2021, to intervene and ultimately block a license to supply electricity from being granted if it is deemed to pose a risk to the UK’s national security.

Reporting from earlier this year indicated that the Home Office is already monitoring Musk’s social media content as a potential risk to the UK’s safety. The government’s counterextremism unit, the Homeland Security Group, reportedly assessed the threat of the billionaire’s posts as recently as January.

In his letter, Davey cited Musk’s repeated peddling of misinformation and efforts to stir up tensions in the UK. The

Lib Dem leader referenced the billionaire’s X post that “civil war” was “inevitable” during the Southport riots – content viewed by nearly 10 million people – and his suggestion on January 6th of this year that the US should overthrow the democratically elected UK government.

Ed Davey warned that Musk’s alleged connections with hostile states and governments – including Russian president Vladimir Putin – could further endanger the UK’s national security if the billionaire achieves his desired foothold in the UK energy sector.

Elon Musk has reportedly been in regular contact with Putin since 2022, while evidence suggests he shut off his Starlink satellite service to Ukrainian forces during a crucial counteroffensive.

Ed Davey, said:

“Elon Musk has shown time and time again he’s no friend of the UK – whether it’s claiming that civil war here is inevitable or peddling misinformation to millions.

“I am seriously concerned that allowing Musk to supply energy to British homes would pose a risk to our national security.

“The Energy Secretary should put the national interest first and use his powers to block this license. Failure to do so would suggest the government is more worried about upsetting Elon Musk than standing up for Britain.”

I have seen comments that say that if Musk can bring down the cost of energy, it should be welcomed, as we pay far too much, compared to other developed and developing nations. Is it safe to allow Musk to operate in the energy sector?

If you have any issues or comments, please contact me at andrew.lye@pembslibdems.wales

New Welsh Water boss faces scrutiny over pay and sewage record

ROCH CHEROUX has been named as the new Chief Executive of Welsh Water (Dŵr Cymru), stepping into one of the highest-profile jobs in wales at a time of mounting public anger over sewage pollution and rising bills.

Cheroux, a French-born utilities expert, previously ran Sydney Water in Australia and has also held senior roles in France. Welsh Water said he is “widely respected for his focus on sustainability, customer service, and operational excellence.”

The company’s former boss, Peter Perry, received a pay package of £892,000 in 2021, despite the not-for-profit firm facing significant fines and criticism for sewage discharges. Recent figures show Welsh Water released untreated sewage into rivers, lakes and coastal waters for more than 968,000 hours last year.

CONSERvATIvE CRITICISM

Welsh Conservative politicians have been quick to respond to the appointment. Janet Finch-Saunders MS, the party’s environment spokesperson, described previous levels of executive pay as “obscene,” arguing: “While Welsh Water customers face the highest water bills in England and Wales, sewage discharges into our waterways remain unacceptably

high. The new Welsh Water boss shouldn’t be paid obscene amounts to simply pump out sewage into our waterways.”

Andrew RT Davies MS, Senedd Member for South Wales Central, struck a similar note. He said: “I wish the new boss of Welsh Water well, and he has a significant job ahead of him to get the provider into a position where it can command public confidence. As it stands, with the poor performance of Welsh Water, and with water bills rising, many people in Wales don’t believe the head of this organisation should be taking home hundreds of thousands of pounds a year. I believe that the pay for the top brass should be more closely linked with performance on issues like sewage leaks and water bills.”

BILLS ON THE RISE

Earlier this year, Welsh Water increased household bills by an average of 27%, prompting concern at a time when many families are already struggling with the cost of living.

The company says the increase is necessary to fund infrastructure improvements and meet stricter environmental requirements.

wELSH wATER RESPONSE

As a not-for-profit company,

Welsh Water does not have shareholders and says any financial surpluses are reinvested in services or used to support vulnerable customers. The company argues that pay packages for senior executives are benchmarked against other large utilities and are required to attract the expertise needed to run a complex operation serving around three million people.

A spokesperson has previously defended the structure, saying that “the vast majority of customer bills are invested directly into maintaining and upgrading essential services.”

wIDER DEBATE

Natural Resources Wales, the regulator responsible for monitoring pollution, has also faced criticism from opposition politicians and campaigners for not doing enough to tackle sewage spills. The Welsh Government, however, says NRW is under financial pressure and is taking more enforcement action.

Cheroux begins his tenure at Welsh Water at a time when the industry across the UK is under unprecedented scrutiny, with campaigners, regulators and politicians calling for faster progress on tackling sewage pollution and delivering value for customers.

Fears farm development will have negative impact on local area

A MACHINERY workshop scheme at a Pembrokeshire farm close to a conservation area of ancient woodland will not be used to increase the near-1,000-strong milking herd, a report for planners says.

In an application recommended for approval the September meeting of Pembrokeshire Coast National Park’s development management committee, Mr and Mrs Watkins seek permission for the 18.3 metre workshop at 198acre 960 milking herd Trewern Farm, Felindre Farchog, north Pembrokeshire.

An officer report ahead of the meeting says park officers met with the applicants to discuss concerns regarding the scale and siting of the proposed development, raising fears that the siting and design would have a negative impact on the surrounding area.

Following these discussions, the applicant has amended the initial proposal; the building repositioned so that it will sit lower in the landscape, positioned below the height of existing farm buildings and also lower than the farmhouse.

The report says the surrounding landscape and holding lies within the Mynydd Preseli Landscape Character Area, “particularly valued for its strong sense of remoteness, distinctive historic landscape features, intervisibility with the Preseli uplands, and dark night skies, contributing significantly to the special qualities of the National Park”.

It adds: “Of particular relevance to this application is the presence of a designated Ancient Semi-Natural Woodland (ASNW) area located approximately 90 metres to the southeast of the application site, known locally as part of Cwm Gloyw.

“As such, care must be taken to avoid indirect impacts such as increased lighting, run-off, or encroachment.

“This ancient woodland occupies a steep-sided valley associated with a tributary of the Afon Nyfer and is a highly sensitive ecological and landscape feature. While the proposed agricultural building is not located within or immediately adjacent to this woodland, its presence forms part of the broader ecological and visual context of the area.

Welsh mobile blackspots

wALES could face even deeper mobile connectivity problems as the UK Government pushes ahead with plans to expand a controversial policy that has already slowed 5G rollout.

Reforms to the Electronic Communications Code in 2017 gave mobile operators sweeping powers to slash rents paid to landowners – often farmers, small businesses, councils and NHS trusts – by up to 90%.

Instead of accelerating investment, the changes triggered more than 1,000 legal disputes compared with just 33 in the three decades before. Many landowners say they have lost trust in the system and are considering withdrawing from hosting masts altogether.

wALES LAGS BEHIND

Ofcom data shows Wales is already struggling, with more than 600 premises in Ceredigion still receiving download speeds below 10Mbps. Internationally,

“Additionally, the site lies in close proximity to the designated boundary of the North Pembrokeshire Woodlands Special Area of Conservation (SAC). This SAC comprises a series of fragmented yet ecologically linked ancient woodland sites across the region, including Coed Cwm Gwaun, Ty Canol, and nearby woodland fragments associated with the Nyfer catchment.”

It concludes: “The proposed agricultural building is directly linked to the ongoing operations of Trewern Farm and aims to enhance the farm’s efficiency through secure storage of machinery and having a machinery workshop on site.

“No increase in livestock numbers is proposed as part of this application, and the building will not be used for the housing of animals or for any form of processing or external commercial activity.”

‘could worsen’ under Labour expansion plan

the UK ranks near the bottom of Europe for 5G availability, at 45% compared with over 80% in Denmark.

Despite this, Labour MP Chris Bryant – now Minister for Telecoms –is pressing ahead with plans to extend the system to 15,000 more sites across England, Wales and Northern Ireland under Part 2 of the Product Security and Telecommunications Infrastructure Act. A decision is expected within weeks.

LANDOwNERS THREATEN TO QUIT

A recent survey of over 500 site providers found that 35% are considering walking away from hosting masts if the expansion goes ahead. Respondents cited rent cuts of up to 90%, mounting legal disputes with operators, and what they described as a collapse in trust.

The Country Land and Business Association (CLA), which represents thousands of Welsh landowners, has warned of serious consequences.

Its President, Victoria Vyvyan,

said: “Many landowners who host mobile phone masts and support vital infrastructure don’t want to pull out of their agreements, but feel like they have little choice.

“Some landowners have endured 90% rent cuts and hostile relationships, so it’s unsurprising that so few want to continue to host masts. As this survey shows, the behaviour of the mast operators has put the UK’s 5G rollout under threat and jeopardised the Treasury’s wider ambitions for economic growth and connectivity.”

POLITICAL wARNINGS

Even Labour’s own Lucy Powell admitted in 2022 that the reforms risked slowing down, rather than speeding up, the rollout.

Unless ministers change course, industry groups warn Wales could face more rural blackspots, slower speeds, and an even wider digital divide compared with international rivals.

Bruce Sinclair Local Democracy Reporter

SEND YOUR LETTERS TO: THE EDITOR, 11 HAMILTON TERRACE, MILFORD HAVEN, PEMbROKEShIRE, SA73 3AL

EMAIL US AT: editor@herald.email

& no T ices

Pic TUre oF The week!

THE

PROVEN DESIGN OF

THE UNIVERSE

DEAR SIR,

Any honest examination of humanity since the 40 million deaths of the Second world war reveals the consequences of Rightwing, capitalist economic policies. These policies have produced, over time:

A vast increase in the number of billionaires, and

A simultaneous increase in millions of desperately poor people across the globe.

For the poor, the only apparent strategy for survival is to have more children, in the hope that one might support them in old age. The result is a spiralling world population — now 8 billion on a single planet — while the rich grow richer and the poor grow poorer. Unless humanity finds a different hope, 8 billion today could become 16 billion in just 30 years.

There is, of course, the possibility of love as a guiding principle — the universe’s design “to give, and not to count the cost.” Yet Conservative

economists and Reform politicians seem determined to ignore this.

The likely outcome is grim. The hatred of the poor, generated by those who cause poverty, will inevitably fuel more wars, as it has before. Each of the world’s 195 nations risks being manipulated into hating its mirror image across a border.

Unless we change direction, humanity appears headed down a one-way street to self-extermination, in direct opposition to the proven design of the universe.

N. westerman

HEALTHIER HOMES IN WALES

DEAR SIR,

I read with great interest on your website that Public Health wales’ call for healthier homes, and I think it is an excellent idea that deserves the full support of government, councils, and the public.

Far too many families in

difference to people’s lives. I would like to see this vision become reality across Wales. Secure, affordable, well-built homes in communities with good transport, services and green spaces should not be the privilege of the few — they should be the standard for all. If we can achieve that, we will not only improve health and wellbeing now, but also give the next generation a much better start in life.

Peter James Carmarthen

DEAR SIR,

Climate change is already hitting hard — from extreme weather to looming global food shortages. Yet this government continues to back oil, gas and coal, pouring money into expensive, outdated energy systems that cannot solve the crisis.

Wales are still living in houses that are cold, damp, or in need of repair. These conditions can seriously affect physical health, leading to respiratory illnesses and other long-term problems, as well as mental health issues caused by stress and insecurity. It is simply not acceptable in the 21st century for children to grow up in homes that do not provide warmth, safety, and stability.

Linking the health and housing sectors makes perfect sense. We often talk about the importance of diet, exercise and medical care, but we sometimes forget that the roof over our heads is just as vital to good health. A warm, dry, secure home can do more to keep people well than many medical treatments, by preventing illnesses before they start.

The examples mentioned in the report — such as the Healthy Homes Healthy People programme and Caredig’s trauma-informed housing approach — show that real progress can be made when housing providers, charities, and health professionals work together. These are not just “nice ideas” but proven initiatives that make a tangible

The science is clear: wind, solar and tidal power could meet all of the UK’s energy needs. They are becoming cheaper and more efficient every day. Instead, ministers are promoting small modular nuclear reactors, which will generate dangerous radioactive waste with no safe, permanent disposal solution.

No plan has been offered to protect these scattered reactors from modern threats such as armed drone attacks. Their uranium fuel would have to be imported — mostly from Indigenous lands in Canada, Namibia, the Democratic Republic of Congo, the USA, Kazakhstan and Australia — where communities have long suffered severe health problems caused by uranium mining.

This is an energy policy that is reckless, unethical and unsustainable. Every job and every penny invested in nuclear energy should be redirected immediately to building wind, solar, tidal and hydro systems — clean power that will genuinely secure our energy future.

Angie zelter

INSANE ENERGY POLICIES

Helicopter rescue by HM coastguard, FisHguard

death notices

J ANET WOOD

JANET wood, formerly of Keeston, Haverfordwest, passed away on wednesday 6th August at Peterborough City Hospital, aged 68.

Janet lived in Pembrokeshire for much of her life, making many happy memories and wonderful friendships here.

She was a devoted and dearly loved mother, ‘GranJan’, sister, aunt, partner, and friend, and will be greatly missed.

The funeral service will take place on Monday 1st September at 11.00am at Zoar Chapel, Llanteg.

Family flowers only.

Donations in Janet’s memory can be made to Pancreatic Cancer UK, which may be sent to E. C. Thomas & Son, Zoar Chapel Funeral Home, Llanteg. Narberth SA67 8QH and 21 Main Street. Pembroke Dock SA71 4JS or via www.ecthomasandson.

H ILDA A NNE DAVIES ( N é E T HOMAS )

ORIGINALLY from Cwmfelin Boeth / Henllan Amgoed. Hilda spent happy years living in Tenby whitland and latterly Narberth. Hilda was known for her warmth and kindness. Loving Mother to Richard and Deborah, Mother-in-law to Paul. Cherished Grandmother to Sophie, Francoise, Ceri and Katie.

Cysgu’n dawel Mam, Nos da Nannie.

The family wish to thank Ward 11 Wythybush and the Staff of Pencoed Care Home Wooden for their compassionate care and support.

J OAN hU l CUP ( N é E G ODDARD)

PEACEFULLY on July 23rd at Fairfield Nursing Home, Johnston, aged 88 years. Loving wife of

James (Jock); devoted sister of Ted and Kenny; loving sister-in-law of Doris, Jenny, Ann, Rosina and the late valerie; darling aunt to nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews and a cherished cousin.

Joan was a retired teacher and during her career had been on the staff of Angle School; Pennar Infants School, Pembroke Dock, and at

schools in England. At Joan’s request there was no funeral. Cremation was on August 14th and was arranged by Pure Cremation at its Abingdon Crematorium.

Donations, if desired, in memory of Joan, may be sent to Save the Children, Phoenix House, 2nd Floor, 8 Cathedral Road, Cardiff, CF11 9LJ.

CARAVANS

CAR PARTS

CARPENTRY

CAMERAS & PHOTOGRAPHY

CLEARANCES

ELECTRICAL

FENCING, DRIVEWAYS AND LANDSCAPING

FABRICATION

GARDENING AND

RECLAIMED BUILDING MATERIAL

RUBBISH AND WASTE REMOVAL

PROFESSIONAL CAR WASH

PODIATRY

SCRAP METAL

SHUTTERS & BLINDS

STORAGE TANKS

SOUND LIGHT AND STAGE

TECHNOLOGY AND COMPUTERS

TRAILERS

VEHICLE RECOVERY

WINDOWS

Late winner gives Haverfordwest County first league victory of the season

HAvERFORDwEST County secured their first three points of the JD Cymru Premier campaign thanks to a dramatic late goal from defender Alaric Jones, sealing a 1-0 win away at Briton Ferry Llansawel on Monday (Aug 25).

DRAMATIC FINISH

The game, played at the Renewable Centre Stadium, had been evenly matched throughout with few clear chances. Both sides battled hard in testing conditions and it looked destined to end goalless until the dying moments.

In the third minute of stoppage time, Dan Hawkins delivered a corner into the box which found Jones, who rose highest to head the ball over goalkeeper Will Fuller. The goal sparked huge celebrations among the travelling Bluebirds fans.

STRONG DEFENSIvE DISPLAY

County’s back line had been kept busy throughout but showed great resilience to deal with

Ferry’s attacking threat. Early in the game, Rhys Abbruzzese was on the receiving end of a heavy challenge which could have led to stronger punishment, but the visitors kept their composure.

Opportunities were limited in the second half, with Corey Shephard and Owain Jones both testing the Ferry goalkeeper before Jones’ late winner proved decisive.

ENCOURAGING SIGNS FOR PENNOCK’S SIDE

A hugely encouraging start for Tony Pennock’s side, finally turning promise into tangible points.

Alaric Jones, typically a defender, stepped into the spotlight with a bold matchwinner.

This result could spark a turnaround in confidence and momentum for the Bluebirds as the season unfolds.

Haverfordwest County will now look to build on this result in their next fixture as they aim to climb the Cymru Premier table.

Goodwick edge Fishguard in luke harding memorial final

A BANK HOLIDAY crowd gathered on Sunday (Aug 24) for the Luke Harding memorial final, with Fishguard Sports AFC and Goodwick United FC meeting in tribute to the muchmissed player.

The match, played in fine sunshine, was both competitive

and respectful, with a strong turnout from the Pembrokeshire football community showing its support for Luke’s family and friends.

Goodwick United edged a tense encounter 2-1, thanks to an excellent display from their squad, including a standout

performance from young Alex O’Sullivan. Goalkeeper James also impressed between the posts.

Organisers and players alike stressed that while they would rather not have to play such memorial games, they provided a vital opportunity for

the community to come together and honour Luke’s memory. Tributes were paid to the Harding family, who expressed their thanks following the match. The occasion was described as a fitting and heartfelt reminder of the strength of Pembrokeshire football when supporting its own.

Communities, safety and sustainability at the heart of this year’s Ceredigion: rally

wITH just two weeks to go until JDS Machinery Rali Ceredigion 2025, organisers are encouraging residents and businesses across Ceredigion and Powys to plan ahead, stay informed, and get involved in what promises to be the most communityfocused rally yet.

Taking place from 5-7 September, this year’s event will see temporary road closures and diversions across the route. Organisers are urging people to plan journeys in advance, with full details now available online. Vehicle passes will be distributed to residents and businesses on the route to ensure access during the short closure periods.

Rali Ceredigion continues to champion sustainability and safety, holding FIA environmental accreditation and showcasing low-carbon fuels and electric vehicles. New for 2025 are community drop-in sessions and volunteering opportunities, designed to ensure the rally leaves a lasting, positive legacy.

In the run-up to the rally, the team visited 26 schools in the region, delivering safety briefings and fun, educational activities to more than 2,000 pupils. The school visits are part of the event’s wider commitment to engage local communities, build excitement and promote safe rally spectating.

Cllr Bryan Davies, Leader of Ceredigion County Council, said: “The countdown is on, and there’s a real sense of excitement building across the county. Following the success of the recent British Cycling Championships, Ceredigion is proud to once again host a large-scale event that brings communities together and showcases what we have to offer. It’s been fantastic to see pupils across the county already getting involved through the rally’s school visits — a great way to inspire the next generation and build excitement, pride and community spirit. Rali Ceredigion is a celebration of our place, our people, and our potential.”

This year’s route extends to new areas within Ceredigion, giving more communities the chance to experience the rally and its local engagement. Highlights include a “Meet the Stars and Cars of Rali Ceredigion” event at Lampeter University campus on Saturday 6 September at 9:30am and 4:00pm.

Charlie Jukes, Event Director, said: “Community and safety are at the heart of Rali Ceredigion. Whether you’re a motorsport fan or a local resident, there are opportunities to get involved and celebrate what makes this region so special. We’re working hard to keep everyone informed and to create an event that continues to be inclusive,

exciting and responsible.”

Residents and businesses are also being encouraged to decorate their buildings and look out for further opportunities to engage, including through upcoming Rali Engage activities on Aberystwyth promenade. Tickets are now available for the official fan zones, the only designated

spectator areas. These zones have been specially selected to provide safe access, parking, top viewing spots, live commentary and facilities such as toilets and recycling points.

Further information on spectator advice, tickets and event schedules is available at www.raliceredigion.co.uk or by following #RaliCeredigion2025 on

social media. Details of road closures can be found at www.ceredigion. gov.uk/resident/travel-roads-parking/ roadworks/road-closures/.

The event is supported by Ceredigion County Council and partially funded by the UK Shared Prosperity Fund from the UK Government.

Goodwick lift Jubilee Cup in tribute to brian hawkins

GOODwICK UNITED claimed the Jubilee Cup on Friday evening with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Hakin United, in a final hosted by Milford United AFC.

The showpiece fixture drew a strong crowd, reflecting the respect and affection felt for Brian Hawkins, in whose memory the cup was contested.

Goodwick’s disciplined performance was enough to edge out their rivals Hakin in a tight game, ensuring their name is once again engraved on the silverware.

The match was made possible thanks to support from across Pembrokeshire football, including Milford United for hosting, and Pembrokeshire Referees’ Society for officiating. Ellie Boswell of Nautico’s Restaurant kindly sponsored the match ball, pictured alongside her father Roy Boswell.

At the presentation, players, families and supporters gathered to remember Brian Hawkins. His family – Tracy, Hannah and others – were present and warmly thanked for their support in allowing the event to go ahead.

All proceeds raised from the evening will be donated to Cancer Research, with the final amount to be announced shortly.

Pembrokeshire footballers to shine on world stage

A STRONG Pembrokeshire contingent will represent wales at the Homeless world Cup in Norway this week, with five local players forming the backbone of the national women’s side.

The squad will be led by Jo Price, a Community Regeneration Officer with Pembrokeshire County Council, who is also a former Wales and Arsenal goalkeeper. Now manager of the Wales Women’s Street Football

Team, she says she is proud to see the group step onto the international stage.

INTERNATIONAL EXPERIENCE

The team will travel to Oslo to join 48 nations and more than 500 players competing in the 20th edition of the tournament. They will wear the same kit that Wales Women donned at this summer’s European Championship.

The players train at the Hive in Haverfordwest, and Pembrokeshire’s Tor Planner and Marie Tilley have been named co-captains.

Jo said the players had all faced challenges in their lives but had found strength through football.

“Football gave me incredible opportunities and this is a chance for me to give back,” she said.

“I’m extremely proud to be part of something that can help change

people’s lives for the better. These women are a fantastic group and should be very proud of their achievements.”

SUPPORT TEAM TRAvELLING TOO

Joining the team in Norway is Anji Tinley, Manager at the Garth Youth and Community Project and County Councillor for the Garth ward of Haverfordwest. She will serve as the squad’s well-being officer.

Anji said: “I can hardly contain my pride in what these remarkable women have accomplished. They have faced challenges head-on, supported one another, and created an environment that fosters both personal and team growth.”

Also travelling with the squad is Clare Mantripp, a Social Worker with Pembrokeshire County Council, who has been a member of Street Football Wales for three years.

TOURNAMENT BEGINS THIS wEEKEND

The Homeless World Cup kicks off in Oslo on Saturday, August 23, and runs until Saturday, August 30. More information can be found at www.homelessworldcup.org, and matches will be streamed via Street Football Wales’ social media channels.

Thomas carroll Pembrokeshire league Table

RESULTS:23/16/2025

Burton (195-7) beat Haverfordwest (194) by 3 wkts

Carew (278-8) beat Neyland (153) by 125 runs

Herbrandston (118) lost to Cresselly (308-6) by 190 runs

Lawrenny (101-4) beat Saundersfoot (97) by 6 wkts

Llangwm (224) lost to Whitland (228-8) by 2 wkts

Cresselly II (263) lost to Burton II (318-8) by 55 runs

Hook (100-2) beat Llechryd (97) by 8 wkts

Johnston (158) lost to St Ishmaels (183-8) by 25 runs

Llanrhian (156-9) beat Pembroke (155-9) by 1 wkt

Narberth (276-4) beat Carew II (272) by 6 wkts

Haverfordwest II (118-2) beat Hook II (116) by 8 wkts

Hundleton (27) lost to Fishguard (28-1) by 9 wkts

Kilgetty (117-4) beat Laugharne (113) by 6 wkts

Neyland II (112) lost to Pembroke Dock (116-4) by 6 wkts

Stackpole (181-8) lost to Lamphey (202-9) by 21 runs

Carew III (125-8) beat Llanrhian II (123) by 2 wkts

Haverfordwest III (129) lost to Narberth II (133-7) by 3 wkts

Pembroke II (204-7) beat Crymych (73) by 131 runs

Saundersfoot II (0) w/o v Llangwm II (0) St Ishmaels II (210-5) lost to Lawrenny II (212-3) by 7 wkts

Cresselly III (29-0) beat Pembroke Dock II (28) by 10 wkts

Haverfordwest IV (49-4) beat Neyland III (48) by 6 wkts

Herbrandston II (92) lost to Llechryd II (314-4) by 222 runs

Hundleton II (115-2) beat Whitland II (111) by 8 wkts

Lamphey II (202-4) beat Whitland III (199-9) by 6 wkts

Llechryd III (94-3) beat Kilgetty II (91) by 7 wkts

Pembroke III (125-4) beat H’west-Cresselly (121-6) by 6 wkts