The Pembrokeshire Herald 01/05/2026

Residents told to stay indoors as derelict building destroyed in fire

EMERGENCY SERVICS were called to a major overnight fire in Haverfordwest which led to residents being urged to remain indoors as smoke spread across the area.

Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service said crews from Haverfordwest and Milford Haven stations were dispatched to Snowdrop Lane at 11:19pm on Monday (Apr 27).

The blaze involved a two-storey derelict commercial property, understood to have previously been used as a secondhand electrical shop. Firefighters worked for several hours to bring the incident under control, finally leaving the scene shortly after 2:00am on Tuesday morning.

At the height of the incident, multiple appliances were in attendance, including a turntable ladder used as a water tower and a water bowser to maintain supply. Crews deployed hose reel jets and 45mm jets to tackle the flames.

Smoke from the fire spread across neighbouring streets, prompting Dyfed-Powys Police to advise residents to stay indoors and keep windows and doors closed. Officers also carried out door-to-door enquiries in the surrounding area.

No INjuRIES HaVE bEEN REpoRtEd.

Tom Sinclair editor@herald.email

By Tuesday morning, traffic in and around the town centre was heavily affected, with congestion reported on the A40 near Cartlett, Narberth Road and the Withybush roundabout. Traffic was also slow on the A487, Freemens Way and routes approaching Merlins

The building has been completely destroyed, and a fire investigation is now due to take place to establish the

Police have confirmed that roads in the area have since reopened, although officers remain at the scene while enquiries continue.

Police launch arson investigation after Haverfordwest fire

poLICE have launched an arson investigation after a derelict building was destroyed in a major overnight fire in Haverfordwest.

Emergency services were called to Snowdrop Lane at around 11:20pm on Monday (Apr 27), after flames broke out at a two-storey derelict commercial property.

As previously reported by The Herald, residents were told to stay indoors and keep windows and doors closed as smoke spread across the area.

Fire crews from Haverfordwest and Milford Haven attended, along with specialist appliances including a turntable ladder and water bowser. Firefighters remained at the scene for several hours before leaving shortly after 2:00am on Tuesday morning.

Dyfed-Powys Police has now confirmed that local officers are investigating the incident as arson.

A police spokesperson said officers are appealing for anyone with

Kurtz’s A477 campaign delivers further progress

CoNSERVatIVE candidate for Ceredigion penfro, Samuel Kurtz, has secured further progress in his campaign to improve road safety on the a477 at Milton, following a formal response from the Welsh Government.

Responding to concerns raised by local residents and championed by Kurtz, the Cabinet Secretary has confirmed that a speed survey commissioned as a result of his campaign shows vehicles are exceeding acceptable thresholds.

The data indicates that 85th percentile speeds are more than 10 per cent above the posted limit, a key trigger for further action under Welsh Government guidance.

As a result, the Welsh Government has confirmed that the site now meets the criteria for a full assessment of potential engineering measures to improve driver compliance and enhance safety.

Welcoming the development, Samuel Kurtz said: “This is a significant step forward for everyone who has raised concerns about speeding through Milton. The data clearly confirms what local residents have been saying for some time; that vehicles are travelling too fast and action is needed.

“I’ve long called for action, and securing a speed survey was an important first step.

“I’m pleased that the Welsh Government has recognised the issue and will now assess what engineering solutions can be put in place to make the road safer for the community.”

This latest progress builds on Kurtz’s recent success in securing safety improvements at the Nash Fingerpost and Red Roses junctions, demonstrating a continued focus on tackling long-standing road safety concerns across the area.

Tom Sinclair editor@herald.email

The survey findings have also been shared with GoSafe, which may consider additional enforcement measures in the area.

Samuel Kurtz has been actively campaigning on this issue, raising concerns on behalf of residents and

pressing for evidence-based action to address speeding and improve road safety along this key route.

He added:

“I will continue to work closely with residents, the Welsh Government and relevant agencies to ensure that meaningful improvements are delivered as quickly as possible if I am re-elected to the Senedd.”

Two men bailed after Fleming Crescent burglary report

tWo men have been arrested following a reported burglary at a property in Haverfordwest.

Dyfed-Powys Police confirmed that officers were called after a residential burglary was reported at Fleming Crescent on Sunday (Apr 26).

The incident is understood to have taken place sometime between 8:35pm and 11:55pm.

Residents reported seeing police tape and several police vehicles in the area at around 9:49pm.

A police spokesperson confirmed that two men, aged 25 and 28, both from Pembrokeshire, were arrested on suspicion of burglary.

Both men have since been released on bail.

Dogs removed after welfare concerns

tWo dogs have been removed from a Milford Haven property following welfare concerns raised by neighbours.

The Herald was contacted on Wednesday (Apr 29) by a resident who claimed two dogs had been left inside a property in the Precelly Place area for several weeks.

The resident, who asked not to be named, said neighbours had become increasingly distressed and had contacted the RSPCA, the dog warden and police.

Pembrokeshire County Council confirmed that police and local authority services were “liaising and dealing with this matter”.

A council spokesperson added: “Concerned residents are urged to allow the relevant authorities to respond.”

Footage seen by The Herald shows police removing at least one small dog from the property on Wednesday evening, while a number of nearby residents gathered outside.

The incident was also live streamed on Facebook by a local resident and was watched by several hundred people as concern spread through the community.

The Herald understands that two dogs were removed from the property. Dyfed-Powys Police has been asked to confirm further details.

The RSPCA said it was unable to comment on specific cases.

A spokesperson said: “Unfortunately we are unable to discuss complaints about specific people and what action may have been taken. We understand how frustrating that is for animal lovers but releasing information could prejudice a future prosecution or could lead to us being fined.

Tom Sinclair editor@herald.email

“We are so grateful to people who report suspected animal suffering to us and we would like to reassure people we will always look into and, if necessary, investigate any complaints made to us about animal welfare.”

Greenacres Rescue later confirmed that both dogs were now in its care.

In a statement issued on Thursday afternoon, the rescue said: “We are aware that residents in Pembrokeshire, particularly in the Milford Haven area, may be aware of a highly emotive situation that escalated last night, resulting in the removal of two dogs from a property by the police.

“For transparency, we can confirm that both dogs are now in the care of Greenacres Rescue. They will be cared for exclusively by our qualified and experienced staff.

“We will also be working in full cooperation with the local authority, the police, and the RSPCA as they carry out their ongoing investigations.”

Greenacres said both dogs had undergone full veterinary examinations and that a care plan had been put in place to support their recovery.

The rescue added that it had no authority over the investigation or any decisions about the outcome of the case, and said its role was solely to ensure the welfare of the animals in its care.

Anyone with relevant information has been urged to contact police or the RSPCA directly.

Anyone concerned about the welfare of an animal should contact the RSPCA, the local authority dog control service, or police if there is an immediate risk.

Man charged with making hundreds of indecent images of children

a pembrokeshire man has appeared before magistrates charged with making hundreds of indecent images of children.

David Lewis, 42, is accused of making 261 of the most serious category A images of a child together with 71 category B images and 51 category C images of a child. The offences are alleged to have been committed between March 19, 2025 and August 6, 2025.

He is further accused of distributing one indecent category A image of a child at an undisclosed location in Llanteg, Narberth, on July 27, 2025.

This week Lewis – formerly of Ashdale Lane, Pembroke but now residing at Hoopers Guest House in Swansea – appeared before

Haverfordwest magistrates where he submitted no pleas to all four charges.

Crown Prosecutor Dennis Davies told magistrates that a total of 81,000 images and videos are currently being investigated in respect of the defendant, with the result that the police enquiry is not yet complete.

“A lot of these photographs are of babies, with the result that their severity is not suitable for the magistrates court,” Dennis Davies told the Haverfordwest Bench.

As a result of the Crown’s comments, magistrates declined jurisdiction and the matter will now be dealt with by Swansea Crown Court, commencing on May 29. Lewis was released on unconditional bail.

Man breached restraining order by entering woman’s home

a pEMbRoKESHIRE man has been sentenced after being found inside a woman’s home despite being banned from contacting her.

Peter Bromley, 51, of Parc y Chwarel, Fishguard, was made subject to a restraining order by Haverfordwest magistrates on February 26.

The order prevented him from

having any direct or indirect contact with Rhiannon Bowen.

But on April 8, police received a call claiming Bromley was present at Ms Bowen’s address in Fishguard.

Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court heard that when officers arrived at the property, Ms Bowen initially denied that Bromley was there.

However, when officers gained access to the property, they found Bromley inside the kitchen.

This week Bromley pleaded guilty to breaching the restraining order.

He was legally represented by solicitor Tom Lloyd, who told magistrates that Ms Bowen had recently begun proceedings to have the restraining order removed

and discharged.

“Considerable progress has been made by the defendant in various areas of his life,” said Mr Lloyd.

Bromley was fined £200 and ordered to pay £85 court costs and an £80 surcharge.

He must also complete a 12-month alcohol treatment requirement.

Hakin resident fined £1,330 over repeated noise and intimidation breaches

a HaKIN resident has been ordered to pay £1,330 after repeatedly breaching a community protection notice over loud music, shouting and intimidation.

Tania Evans, aged 47, of James Street, Hakin, appeared before Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday (Apr 23), where guilty pleas were entered to six offences.

The court heard that Evans had been issued with a community protection notice requiring behaviour at the property not to have an unreasonable and detrimental effect on people living nearby.

However, the notice was breached on six separate dates: October 28, December 3, December 9, December 23, Christmas Day, and New Year’s Eve.

The breaches involved excessive and persistent loud music, abusive or excessive shouting, and the use of intimidation by Evans or visitors to the property.

One of the later breaches stated that Evans failed to ensure that people at the property did not act in a way likely to cause harassment, alarm or distress through amplified music, shouting or intimidation in the local area.

Magistrates fined Evans £162 for each of the first three offences. No separate penalty was imposed for the remaining three matters, but the guilty pleas were taken into account.

Evans was also ordered to pay a £194 victim surcharge and £650 costs, bringing the total to £1,330.

A collection order was made, with the court noting that deductions from benefits could be used if necessary.

The full amount must be paid by May 20.

Speaking after the case, Nathan Miles, Public Protection Manager at Pembrokeshire County Council, said:

“This is the first time that this joint approach to tackling ASB between PCC and ateb has resulted in court action.

“Hopefully this will provide some respite for the local community who have had to endure ongoing noise from this address and the impacts on their lives such as sleep loss, stress and anxiety.

“PCC and partners will not hesitate to prosecute where the community is impacted by ASB and continues despite warnings.”

Pedestrian taken to hospital after Pembroke Dock collision

poLICE are appealing for witnesses after a collision involving a car and a pedestrian in pembroke dock.

Dyfed-Powys Police said the incident happened on Pembroke Road at around 3:20pm on Wednesday (Apr 29).

Officers attended the scene alongside ambulance crews and the road was closed while emergency services dealt with the incident.

The pedestrian was taken to hospital, but police said their injuries are not believed to be life-threatening or life-changing.

The road reopened at approximately 5:35pm.

Anyone who witnessed the collision, or who has dash-cam footage which could assist the investigation, is asked to contact Dyfed-Powys Police.

Police can be contacted online at dyfed-powys.police.uk/contact, by emailing 101@dyfed-powys.police.uk, or by calling 101.

Alternatively, information can be passed anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111, or via crimestoppersuk.org.

Quote reference: 26000338887.

Three-way contest as council leader steps down

pEMbRoKESHIRE CouNtY

CouNCIL is set for a three-way contest after council leader jon Harvey confirmed he will not seek re-election when councillors vote to choose their next leader.

Cllr Harvey has led the council since his predecessor, Cllr David Simpson, stepped down in May 2024 after seven years in the post.

Independent Group councillor Anji Tinley announced her decision to contest the council leadership on April 24. However, she will not be the only contender to lead the authority. Conservative Group leader Di Clements and current Cabinet member Tessa Hodgson will also contest the election.

tHE FINE baLaNCE oF poWER

The vote could be very close.

The Conservatives have eleven councillors, the Independent Group has eighteen, with the balance held by fifteen

Jon Coles jon.coles@herald.email

unaffiliated councillors, three Plaid Cymru members, two Liberal Democrats, and nine Labour members.

There is one Reform UK councillor, Scott Thorley, and, following the death of Cllr Brian Hall last weekend, a vacant seat.

That leaves the council more or less evenly split between the loose coalition that supports the current administration and the two largest party groupings, the Independent Group and the Conservatives.

tHE CaNdIdatES

Cllr Tinley joined the local authority after winning the Haverfordwest Garth ward in the 2022 local authority election.

She replaced Cllr Huw Murphy as Independent Group leader earlier this year.

In the announcement of her decision to contest the leadership, an Independent

Group spokesperson said: “Anji Tinley has the experience, determination and commitment needed to help restore confidence in the council and ensure that the voices of all residents are properly heard.”

Cllr Di Clements has been the county councillor for Martletwy since 2017.

She has led the Conservative Group on Pembrokeshire County Council since 2022, and is a former chairperson of the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority.

In 2024, she narrowly lost the council leadership election to Jon Harvey by 30 votes to 27.

Cllr Tessa Hodgson has been a member of Pembrokeshire County Council’s Cabinet since 2017.

An experienced councillor, Cllr Hodgson appeared well-placed to replace former leader David Simpson in 2024. However, despite broad support for her candidacy, she declined to put her name forward.

Known for her independent thinking and relentless attention to detail, Cllr Hodgson has performed well in the social services hot seat over several years.

NEW LEadER FaCES oLd pRobLEMS

The Conservative and Independent groups think there is a need for change ahead of next year’s county council elections.

There have been rumblings of discontent among those generally supportive of the current administration, and a leadership vote could crystallise those feelings.

That said, Tessa Hodgson is a strong candidate — almost certainly the strongest available to the current administration.

The practical result of a change of leadership, and in the event of either a Conservative or Independent Group win, a new Cabinet, with a year to go to the next council election, is less certain.

The annual budget is set, the council tax rates are determined, and the room for manoeuvre is limited. What a new Cabinet can do within the current funding model is constrained by programmes already in place and funded for the next year.

Moreover, the identities of those who might serve, or be persuaded to serve, in a new Cabinet are similarly limited.

A change of direction would likely mean the shedding of Labour cabinet members and the possible exit of the Liberal Democrats and Plaid Cymru from the administration.

Whether unaffiliated members such as Michelle Bateman, Tessa Hodgson, or Jacob Williams would join a council led by either Di Clements or Anji Tinley, or even be asked to do so, is open to question.

Meanwhile, whether Tessa Hodgson is prepared to significantly reshape the Cabinet and either broaden its base or reduce the influence of party groups within it could be a significant factor in how swing voters decide to cast their ballot.

It’s a close call.

But whatever the result, there is one thing for certain. Whoever the new leader of Pembrokeshire County Council is, they will, for the first time, be a woman.

Independent councillor claims Cabinet is ‘fractured’ after Harvey steps aside

CouNCILLoR Huw Murphy has claimed pembrokeshire County Council’s Cabinet is “fractured” following Cllr jon Harvey’s decision not to seek re-election as leader.

Cllr Murphy, a member of the Independent Group, said the decision confirmed what he claimed many councillors already believed — that the Cabinet “no longer retains the confidence of a majority of elected members”.

He alleged that attempts by some Cabinet members to replace Cllr Harvey were aimed at preserving their own Cabinet positions and the additional

allowances attached to them.

Cllr Murphy said: “The motto of Pembrokeshire County Council is ‘Ex Unitate Vires’ — in unity, strength. It is abundantly clear there has been no unity or strength in Cabinet for some time.”

He added that removing the leader would not, in itself, resolve what he described as wider Cabinet failure.

Cllr Murphy thanked Cllr Harvey for his service over the past two years and wished him well for the future, but said councillors now had an opportunity to choose “real change” by electing Cllr Anji Tinley as the next leader.

Pembrokeshire hairdresser avoids prison after pub assault

When a Fishguard mobile hairdresser was branded a chav in her local pub, she took umbrage by throwing a glass of gin at the woman who had spoken the words.

But this week Haverfordwest magistrates heard that when the glass shattered into the victim’s face, the woman sustained lacerations to her neck and chin.

Appearing before the Bench was 43-year-old Donna Thomas of White Lodge, Dyffryn, Goodwick, who pleaded guilty to assaulting Hannah Llewellyn, causing her actual bodily harm.

The court was told that Thomas arrived at The Royal Oak pub in Fishguard, at around 8pm on October 18, accompanied by her husband.

Approximately an hour later, Hannah Llewellyn arrived.

“The defendant began speaking to the victim and an argument broke out,” said Crown Prosecutor Dennis Davies.

“The defendant hit the victim to her face with a glass which smashed

Sarah Jane Absalom sarah.jane.absalom@herald.email

against her face, neck and skin, causing lacerations.”

Photographs of the lacerations were shown to the Bench.

But the probation service stressed that the assault had been prompted by a derogatory remark made to the defendant by Hannah Llewellyn.

“The defendant had had two drinks earlier that evening, she drank two more at the pub prior to the incident, and was tipsy but was aware of what was happening around her,” commented the probation officer.

“She went over to the table where the victim was sitting, her husband introduced her to the victim who he’d known since his school days, and they began discussing land on friendly terms. But the victim then laughed at the defendant’s job, which is a selfemployed mobile hairdresser, and called her a chav.

“Without thinking, Donna Thomas

went to throw the drink over the victim’s face but she knocked the glass. She didn’t intend to hurt her physically, but just wanted to throw the drink.”

Thomas was sentenced to 18 weeks in custody suspended for 18 months. During this time she must carry out 20 rehabilitation activity requirement days and 150 hours of unpaid work. She was ordered to pay £750 compensation to Hannah Llewellyn, a £154 court surcharge and £85 costs.

Farm worker overturns Mercedes when over drink-drive limit

a pembrokeshire farm worker has lost his licence after overturning his Mercedes when he was over the drinkdrive limit.

This week Haverfordwest magistrates were told that at around 3.40pm on January 10, police received reports that a black Mercedes had been involved in a single vehicle road collision on the A487 at Roch.

When officers arrived, they discovered the overturned Mercedes with its driver, Richard James, 45, trapped in the driving seat.

At around 5 pm James was arrested and transported to Withybush hospital where blood samples were carried out. These gave a reading of 112 mcg of alcohol, the legal limit being 80.

James, of Bryn Seion, Solva, pleaded

guilty to drink-driving and was represented in court by solicitor Jess Hill who informed magistrates that the defendant had collected items for work on the afternoon in question.

“He’d consumed alcohol the night before and had also taken some prescribed medication,” she said. “He believed he would be safe to drive the following day, but obviously this wasn’t the case.”

Jess Hill added that James is expecting to lose his employment as a farm worker, as the mandatory driving ban will prevent him from driving the vehicles involved with his work.

James was disqualified from driving for 14 months and ordered to pay a £346 fine, a £138 court surcharge and £85 costs.

Neighbour stalker sentenced after victim says she lived in constant anxiety

a HaVERFoRdWESt man has been made subject to a restraining order after stalking a woman who lived in the same block of flats.

Steven Delahuntey, 54, of The Whitehouse, Upper Market Street, Haverfordwest, was convicted after trial of stalking the woman between January 17 and February 6. Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court heard that Delahuntey had contacted Dyfed-Powys Police on several occasions in an attempt to carry out welfare checks on the victim. He also turned up at her address and sent her numerous unwanted messages. In a victim impact statement read to the court, the woman said Delahuntey

had initially appeared friendly.

“Initially he appeared nice and would talk to me about general things,” she said.

“But then he told me not to contact him again. I don’t know why he said this as we’d never been in a relationship. He was also critical of me, but I don’t know why as I’ve never done anything wrong.”

The victim said Delahuntey told her to grow up and warned her not to get involved with “bad people”.

“This made me feel bad as I began to realise that he may not be quite as he portrayed himself to be,” she said.

“I’m not afraid of him but I’m constantly anxious about him being

unpredictable. I just want him to leave me alone.”

Delahuntey was convicted at trial before Haverfordwest magistrates on Monday, March 30, and returned to court this week for sentence.

Mitigating, solicitor Peter Tarr said Delahuntey suffered from anxiety and depression following difficult childhood experiences.

“These transitioned into his adulthood and have had a big impact on him,” he said.

Mr Tarr said there had been no further contact between Delahuntey and the victim, despite them living in the same block of flats.

“There have been no further issues

and he’s actively trying to find new accommodation, but he’s struggling,” he said.

After considering a probation report, magistrates sentenced Delahuntey to a 24-month community order.

He must complete 30 rehabilitation activity requirement days and a 12-month alcohol treatment requirement.

He was also fined £180 and ordered to pay £650 prosecution costs and a £114 court surcharge.

A two-year restraining order was imposed, preventing Delahuntey from having any direct or indirect contact with the victim.

Eluned Morgan challenges Plaid Cymru over manifesto costings

WELSH Labour leader Eluned Morgan has challenged plaid Cymru to publish its manifesto costings, claiming voters deserve to know how election promises would be paid for.

With one week to go until polling day on Thursday (May 7), Baroness Morgan addressed Labour activists in Barry on Thursday (Apr 30), where she said she had written to Plaid Cymru leader Rhun ap Iorwerth calling on him to set out his party’s figures.

Welsh Labour has published its own costings and said the document shows “what we’ll spend, what we won’t, and how we’ll pay for it.”

Baroness Morgan said: “In uncertain times, people don’t want chaos, they want stability and seriousness. They want a government that gets up every day and gets on with the job. That’s what we offer. And today, I’ve shown how we’ll do it.

“We’ve published our full costings, clear for everyone to see. What we’ll spend, what we won’t, and how we’ll pay for it. And I’ve written to Rhun ap Iorwerth to do the same.

“Because if you’re making big promises on childcare or spending, you should be honest about the cost and you should be honest about how you’ll still fund fair pay for the people who keep our public services running.

Welsh

its analysis of Plaid Cymru’s

working in the public sector in Wales over a four-year period.

The party said this could affect nurses, teachers, refuse workers, school support staff, civil servants, local government officers and thirdsector organisations delivering services on behalf of the Welsh Government.

Labour also criticised Plaid Cymru’s support for Welsh independence, claiming it would risk “years of constitutional upheaval and economic uncertainty” at a time of global instability.

Baroness Morgan said the election was about “serious choices” and argued that Labour was offering “a new chapter for Wales.”

She added: “We’re not starting from scratch, but building on what we’ve already done. Going further, faster, fairer. A Wales where you can feel it. In secure work and fair pay, in a warm home you can afford, and in the chances your children have. Because that’s the test. Not what we say; what you feel.

“Because if the sums don’t add up, it’s working people who pay the price.”

plans showed the party would need to impose pay freezes or cuts

affecting almost all of the 350,000 people

“So, with one week to go, this is what I’m asking: don’t take a risk on Wales when the stakes are this high. Let’s finish what we’ve started. Let’s keep moving forward, together. Let’s open a new chapter, with fairness you can feel.”

Aaron Carey: West Wales is being ignored by Cardiff Bay

INdEpENdENt Senedd candidate aaron Carey has said West Wales needs a stronger voice, claiming politics has become too polarised and detached from the needs of local communities.

Carey visited The Herald office in Milford Haven for an interview with Herald editor Tom Sinclair, as part of the paper’s coverage of candidates standing in the new Ceredigion Penfro constituency.

REaSoN FoR StaNdING

Explaining why he decided to stand, Carey said: “Politics is too polarised at the moment.

“You’ve got this end here, this end there, and all they seem to want to do is throw mud at each other and lose sight of what the actual people in the community on the ground want.”

He said there was a clear disconnect between Cardiff Bay and rural West Wales.

Carey said: “There’s this disconnect between especially the rural areas of West Wales, but South Pembrokeshire as well. They don’t seem to know what’s going on.”

Carey accepted that the new electoral system made it difficult for independent candidates, saying the “cards are stacked” against individuals standing without party backing.

But he said independence would also be a strength if elected, because he would not be bound by a party whip.

He said: “If it’s a great idea, why would I go against it? If it’s a bad idea, I’ll go against it.

“I can come back and talk to the people and say, ‘Do you actually agree with this?’ I can take that back to Cardiff and fight the corner.”

On healthcare, Carey said

Withybush Hospital had suffered years of “salami slicing”.

He said: “The salami slicing over the years of the health service, with Withybush especially, has been absolutely disgusting.

“One week it’s gone. That bit’s gone. That bit’s gone.”

Carey said services should not be removed before any new hospital is built.

He added: “Keep everything at Withybush until it’s there and see how we stand.”

ECoNoMY

On jobs and the economy, he said West Wales needed major investment to stop young people leaving the area.

Carey said: “You need something that’s a reason for people to travel inwards instead of outwards.

“I’ve got children myself, and I can’t see what future they have here.”

He said he would like to see a nuclear power station developed locally, arguing it would “supercharge the economy”.

On housing and planning, Carey said construction was vital to the

local economy and that delays were holding communities back.

He said: “If there’s not construction going on, there’s nothing developing. There’s nothing happening.

“Construction is a sign of a strong economy. Tradesmen get paid, they go and spend money in restaurants and everything snowballs from there.”

Carey also criticised sewage discharges into local waterways and said environmental concerns had to be balanced with health and the economy.

On climate change, he said: “I think we contribute to it. A lot of it is a natural course that we go through anyway.

“I think we’re probably speeding it up a little bit, but not to the extent perhaps some people are pushing it.”

YoutH dISoRdER

Asked about recent youth disorder and knife-related incidents in Pembrokeshire, Carey said the loss of youth provision was part of the problem, but added that discipline also had to start at home.

He said: “Over the years, they’ve

run out of places for young people to go.

“But a lot of it stems from not enough discipline at home, if I’m honest.”

On farming, Carey said he did not want to see more pressure placed on farmers.

He said: “They’re the ones feeding us.

“I’d like to see them supported more to diversify, if they want to, into different food stocks, animal stock, vegetables, however they want to do it.”

On education, Carey said standards in Wales were “not at all” good enough, but stressed that teachers were not to blame.

He said: “I don’t put that fault on the teachers. They’re not getting the support they need.”

Carey said children should be allowed to develop according to their strengths, whether academic or practical.

He said: “You can see which way a child’s going.

“If they’re good with their hands, nurture it. Don’t just say, ‘You’ve got to sit there and not move and do your maths.’”

aGaINSt RaISING taXES

In a quick-fire section, Carey said he would prefer to cut spending rather than raise taxes, supported more renewables, and said Wales should have the same or fewer devolved powers.

Asked why voters should back him, Carey said: “I will stand up for you, the people.

“I don’t have any other agenda. I don’t have party politics to worry about. I don’t have a whip to worry about.

“I’m only accountable to you and nobody else.”

Labour leader accidentally tells voters to back Plaid Cymru

WELSH LabouR leader Eluned Morgan accidentally urged supporters to “vote plaid Cymru” during a campaign event in barry Island.

The First Minister was addressing Labour members on Thursday (Apr 30), less than a week before voters go to the polls in the Senedd election. She told the audience to vote Welsh Labour next week, before switching into Welsh and mistakenly saying: “Pleidleisiwch Plaid Cymru” — “vote Plaid Cymru”.

Baroness Morgan immediately corrected herself, saying “Plaid Lafur”, meaning Labour Party.

Speaking afterwards, the First Minister said the mistake came after switching languages during a tiring campaign.

She said she was “very, very keen” for people to vote Welsh Labour, adding that voters knew where they stood with her party.

The gaffe came as Labour launched details of the costings behind some of its election pledges.

Welsh Labour has led the Welsh Government since devolution, but opinion polls suggest the party faces a difficult contest, with Plaid Cymru and Reform UK both hoping to make major gains on Thursday, May 7.

The slip was met with laughter and applause from supporters at the event.

Wales heading to the polls in historic Senedd election

WaLES goes to the polls next thursday (May 7) in an election unlike any other since devolution began.

For the first time, voters will elect a larger Senedd, under a new voting system, in new constituencies, using one ballot paper and one vote.

The changes are significant. The Senedd will increase from 60 Members to 96. Wales has been divided into 16 new constituencies, each electing six Members of the Senedd. The old system of one constituency vote and one regional list vote has gone. In its place is a closed proportional list system.

That may sound technical, but the practical effect is simple: voters will no longer choose an individual party candidate. They will choose a party list, or an independent candidate.

The order of names on each party list now matters more than ever. If a party wins one seat in a constituency, the first name on its list is elected. If it wins two seats, the first two names are elected. If it wins three, the first three names go to Cardiff Bay.

It means voters will still see the names of candidates on the ballot paper, but they will not be able to pick and choose between them.

That is one of the biggest changes in Welsh democracy for a generation.

It also comes at a time when Welsh politics is already shifting. Labour has led every Welsh Government since devolution began in 1999. For more than a quarter of a century, the basic shape of Welsh politics has been familiar: Labour dominant, Plaid Cymru strong in parts of rural and Welsh-speaking Wales, the Conservatives competitive in rural and border areas, and smaller parties trying to break through.

This election may change that.

Polls throughout the campaign have suggested that Plaid Cymru and Reform UK are both in serious contention to become the largest party. Labour is under pressure after 27 years in power. The Conservatives are being squeezed by Reform on the right. The Greens hope to enter the Senedd in meaningful numbers. The Liberal Democrats are trying to rebuild a Welsh presence after years of limited representation.

But the story is not simply one of “change” replacing “more of the same”.

The new voting system means that Wales may vote for change and still end up with a complicated Senedd in which no party has an overall majority.

A majority in the new Senedd requires 49 seats. Current polling suggests that no party is likely to get there alone.

That means the real question after polling day may not be who wins the most seats, but who can work with whom.

For Reform, the difficulty is that it has few obvious allies. The party may take votes and seats from the Conservatives, but the more it weakens the Conservatives, the harder it becomes for the right-of-centre bloc to form any kind of majority.

For Plaid Cymru, the route to government may be easier mathematically, but not necessarily politically. Plaid has campaigned hard on the argument that Wales needs a complete change after years of Labour rule. If it then needs Labour support to govern, voters may ask how much change is really being delivered.

A deal or understanding with the Greens may look more natural to some Plaid supporters, but that would bring its own complications. Plaid’s base includes farmers, rural communities and

Welsh-speaking areas, while the Greens’ strongest support is often urban and progressive. That could create tensions over farming, transport, housing, energy and the economy.

Labour, even if it loses heavily, may still matter. In a fragmented Senedd, a weakened Labour group could still hold the balance of power.

That is the paradox of this election.

The voters may deliver an historic result. They may end Labour’s long dominance. They may put Plaid or Reform at the top. They may send new Green voices to Cardiff Bay. They may reshape the Conservative presence in Wales.

But the final outcome may still depend on negotiation, compromise and deals.

CEREdIGIoN pENFRo: tHE NEW battLEGRouNd

For Herald readers, the new Ceredigion Penfro constituency is one of the most interesting contests in Wales. It is a vast seat, created by merging the Ceredigion Preseli UK Parliamentary constituency with Mid and South Pembrokeshire. It stretches across two counties and includes communities as

different as St Davids, Haverfordwest, Milford Haven, Pembroke Dock, Narberth, Cardigan, Aberaeron and Aberystwyth.

That makes it difficult to predict.

This is not a neat urban seat, a classic Valleys seat, or a purely rural Welsh-speaking constituency. It contains farming communities, coastal towns, university voters, second-home pressure points, Welsh-language heartlands, tourism businesses, ports, market towns and working-class estates.

The old map has gone. Voters who were used to named constituency contests in Preseli Pembrokeshire, Carmarthen West and South Pembrokeshire, and Ceredigion are now being asked to vote in a much larger political area.

That is a major change.

Under the old system, voters had one named constituency Member and a separate regional vote. Under the new system, six Members will represent the whole of Ceredigion Penfro.

That could give voters more choice in who they contact after the election. But it could also make accountability less direct. If something goes wrong, who does the voter blame? The party? The individual MS? The list order? The government? The system?

Those questions may not be answered until after the election.

Ceredigion Penfro also contains some of the best-known political names in Wales.

Labour’s list is headed by First Minister Eluned Morgan, followed by Marc Tierney, Joshua Phillips, Margaret Greenaway, Tansaim Hussain-Gul, Luke Davies-Jones and Peter Huw Jenkins.

Plaid Cymru’s list is led by former Llywydd Elin Jones, followed by Kerry Ferguson, Anna Nicholl, Cris Tomos, Colin Nosworthy, Clive Davies, Owain Jones and Matt Adams.

The Welsh Conservatives have placed Paul Davies first and Samuel Kurtz second, followed by Claire George, Brian Murphy, Gill Evans and Claire Jones.

Reform UK’s list is headed by Susan Claire Archibald, followed by Paul Marr, Michael Timothy Allen, Elisa Bessie Gonzalez Randall, Peter Martin John and Bernard Holton.

The Green Party list is led by Amy Nicholass, followed by Tomass Jereminovics, James Purchase, Morgan Phillips, Rosie O’Toole and Kezia Hine.

The Welsh Liberal Democrats are led locally by Sandra Jervis, followed by Alistair Cameron, Tom Hughes, Lee Herring, Andrew Lye and Maggie Robinson.

There are also smaller party and independent options. Gwyn Wigley Evans is standing for Gwlad. Elizabeth Davies is standing for the Heritage Party. Paul Haywood Dowson, Aaron Carey and George Alexander Chadzy are standing as independents.

That is a crowded ballot paper. It also means voters have a genuine choice between established names, national party brands, smaller parties and independents.

The closed list system means voters need to think carefully about what their vote does.

A voter who wants Sam Kurtz back in the Senedd must vote Conservative, but the first Conservative seat would go to Paul Davies. Sam Kurtz would only be elected if the Conservatives win two seats in Ceredigion Penfro.

A voter who wants Marc Tierney elected must vote Labour, but Labour’s first seat would go to Eluned Morgan. Marc Tierney would only be elected if Labour wins two seats.

A voter who wants Kerry Ferguson elected must vote Plaid Cymru, but Plaid’s first seat would go to Elin Jones. Kerry Ferguson would only be elected if Plaid wins two seats.

The same applies to every party list.

That is not a comment for or against any candidate. It is simply how the new system works.

The old personal vote has not disappeared entirely, because wellknown candidates may still influence how people vote. But the direct link between voter and individual candidate has changed.

The choice is now party first, list order second.

That may suit voters who are loyal to a party. It may be more difficult for voters who like one candidate on a list but not another, or who previously voted for a person rather than a party.

It also means that internal party decisions about who comes first, second, third and fourth on the list have become extremely important.

Those decisions may decide careers.

For the Conservatives, the key local question is whether they can win enough support to elect both Paul Davies and Sam Kurtz. If the party wins only one seat, Mr Davies returns and Mr Kurtz loses out.

For Labour, the question is whether

the party can hold enough support to elect more than the First Minister. If Labour wins only one seat in Ceredigion Penfro, Eluned Morgan is elected and the rest of the list falls away.

For Plaid Cymru, Elin Jones is in the strongest position on the list, but the party will be aiming for more than one seat if it is to make a serious national breakthrough.

For Reform, the question is whether a surge in support can translate into a seat, or possibly more.

For the Greens and Liberal Democrats, the challenge is to reach the level of support needed to survive the rounds of counting.

For independents, the challenge is even harder. An independent candidate has no wider party list behind them and must win enough personal support across a huge constituency to compete with national parties.

tHE bIG ISSuES

The central issues in this election are familiar because they are the issues people talk about every day.

The NHS is at the top of the list. Waiting times, ambulance delays, access to GPs and dentists, hospital services and social care have all dominated the campaign.

In West Wales, concerns over hospital provision and the future shape of healthcare have particular force. Voters do not experience health policy as an abstract Cardiff Bay debate. They experience it when they cannot get an appointment, when an ambulance is delayed, when a relative waits too long for treatment, or when a journey to hospital becomes longer and harder.

For Pembrokeshire, the future of hospital services has been a long-running concern. For Ceredigion, distance from major services and access to treatment are equally serious issues. Across the new constituency, health is not just a policy area. It is a lived reality.

Education is another major issue.

School standards, attendance, behaviour, funding, additional learning needs and the new curriculum have all become part of the wider argument about whether Wales is moving in the right direction.

Then there is the cost of living. Council tax, fuel prices, food prices, rents, mortgages, business costs and wages are still shaping household decisions.

In rural Wales, those pressures are sharpened by transport costs and limited public services. A family in a village without regular buses, a young worker travelling long distances to work, or an elderly resident trying to reach medical appointments faces a very different set of pressures from voters in more urban areas.

Housing is one of the sharpest local issues. Second homes, holiday lets, council tax premiums, local wages, planning rules and the lack of affordable homes for young people all feed into a wider sense that some communities are being priced out of their own future.

That issue is felt strongly in coastal towns and Welsh-speaking rural communities. It affects school numbers, chapel life, sports clubs, local businesses and the ability of young people to remain close to their families.

Farming is also central in Ceredigion Penfro. Agriculture is not just another sector in this constituency. It is part of the social, economic and cultural structure of the area.Any government formed after this election will have to deal with the future of Welsh farming, food security, environmental rules, bovine TB, water quality, subsidies, rural jobs and the relationship between farmers and Cardiff Bay.

For many farmers, the question is not whether the environment matters. It is whether the people making policy understand the pressures on working farms.

Tourism is another balancing act. It brings money into Pembrokeshire and Ceredigion, supports thousands of jobs, and keeps many small businesses alive.

But it also creates pressure on housing, roads, services, parking, waste, beaches and local communities.

Tenby, Saundersfoot, St Davids, Cardigan, Aberaeron and New Quay all understand both sides of that argument.

Transport matters too. Roads, buses, rail services, active travel, speed limits and access to work or hospital are all part of the daily reality of living in West Wales.

A policy that sounds simple in Cardiff can land very differently in a village, a farming area, or a town where the last bus has already gone.

The economy is also central. Milford Haven port, energy, floating offshore wind in the Celtic Sea, small businesses, farming, tourism, public sector employment and town centre regeneration are all part of the local picture.

The promise of green jobs will be tested against the reality of whether those jobs actually reach local workers and communities.

The Welsh language also sits close to the heart of this constituency. Ceredigion Penfro contains communities where Welsh is not just a symbol of national identity, but the language of work, family, school, chapel, sport and everyday life.

For some voters, the election will be about competence. For others, it will be about identity. For others still, it will be a protest vote against the political class.

That is what makes the election so unpredictable.

WHat tHE paRtIES aRE oFFERING

Labour is asking voters to stick with experience and continuity. Its argument is that Wales needs serious government, not slogans, and that public services require investment, stability and practical

reform.

But Labour also has to defend its record. After 27 years in power, it cannot easily present itself as the party of change. In this election, every debate about the NHS, education, transport and the economy eventually comes back to the same question: if things are not working, why not?

Plaid Cymru is making the most direct pitch for a change of government. Its argument is that Wales has been held back by Labour and needs a government that will put Welsh interests first.

Plaid’s challenge is to convince voters that it is not only a strong opposition party, but a credible party of government.

In Ceredigion Penfro, it will also have to hold together a coalition of voters that includes Welsh-language communities, farmers, rural families, public sector workers, students and people simply looking for a change.

Reform UK is appealing to voters who feel ignored, frustrated or angry with the political system. Its message is simple and disruptive: Labour has failed, the Conservatives have failed, and Wales needs a break from the political establishment.

Its challenge is to show that protest can be turned into government. Winning seats is one thing. Finding a route to power in a Senedd where most other parties are unlikely to work with it is another.

The Conservatives are trying to hold ground in areas where they have traditionally been strong, including rural Wales and Pembrokeshire.

Locally, they have two sitting Senedd Members in Paul Davies and Sam Kurtz at the top of their list. Their difficulty is that Reform is now competing aggressively for voters who might once have

This continues until all six seats in the constituency are filled.

The effect is to make the result more proportional than the old system. A party that comes first will usually win more than one seat, but it becomes progressively harder for it to keep winning more as its vote is divided.

That is why second, third and even fourth-placed parties can still win representation.

It also means every vote matters, even for parties unlikely to top the poll. A party does not need to win the constituency outright to win a seat. It needs enough votes to stay competitive through the six rounds of counting.

There is no fixed legal percentage that guarantees a seat, because the outcome depends on how votes are split between all parties and independents. But in practical terms, parties will be looking at whether they can reach a level of support strong enough to survive the later rounds.

That could make Ceredigion Penfro particularly interesting.

automatically backed the Conservatives as the main anti-Labour option.

The Greens are hoping the new system gives them the breakthrough they have long wanted. Their pitch is built around climate, housing, public transport, social justice and a different economic model.

Their challenge in Ceredigion Penfro is to persuade rural and coastal voters that Green politics can work outside urban Wales and that environmental policy can sit alongside farming, local jobs and practical transport needs.

The Liberal Democrats are trying to appeal to voters who want a moderate, localist alternative. In some parts of Wales, the party still has deep community roots.

Its challenge is visibility in a crowded field and in a political argument increasingly dominated by Labour, Plaid, Reform and the Conservatives.

Smaller parties and independents will also hope that the new system gives them a route through. But under a sixmember constituency system, they still need a significant share of the vote to win a seat.

HoW tHE VotE IS CouNtEd

The voting system is called d’Hondt.

The name may sound complicated, but the principle is straightforward.

First, all the votes are counted. The party or independent candidate with the highest total wins the first seat.

That winner’s vote is then divided by two. The totals are compared again. The highest remaining total wins the second seat.

If a party has won two seats, its vote is divided by three. If it has won three seats, its vote is divided by four.

The contest may not be about one winner and several losers. It may be about how the six seats are divided. Could Plaid win two? Could Labour hold one or two? Could the Conservatives keep both Paul Davies and Sam Kurtz? Could Reform break through? Could the Greens or Liberal Democrats reach the threshold? Could an independent gather enough support to survive the rounds?

Those are the questions that will decide the local result.

HoW to VotE

Polling day is Thursday (May 7).

Polling stations will be open from 7:00am to 10:00pm.

Voters aged 16 and over can vote in this Senedd election, provided they are registered and meet the eligibility rules. That means many 16 and 17-yearolds will be able to vote in a national Welsh election. For young people, this is not a school council exercise or a token consultation. It is a real vote for the people who will make decisions on education, transport, housing, health, the environment and the future of Wales.

At the polling station, voters will be given one ballot paper. The ballot paper will show the parties and independent candidates standing in the constituency. Party lists will show the candidates in the order chosen by each party.

To vote, mark one X next to the party list or independent candidate of your choice.

You do not need photo ID to vote in this Senedd election.

Postal voters should complete and return their ballot as soon as possible. Those who leave it too late to post can take their postal vote to their polling station by 10:00pm on polling day.

Voters should check their poll card for their polling station. It may not be the closest building to their home, and it may have changed since the last election.

Voter checklist

Election day: Thursday (May 7)

Polling hours: 7:00am to 10:00pm

The count: Friday (May 8)

How many votes: One

How to vote: Put one X beside one party list or one independent candidate

Photo ID: Not needed for Senedd elections in Wales

Who can vote: Registered voters aged 16 and over who meet the eligibility rules

Postal votes: Return as soon as possible, or hand in at the polling station before 10:00pm on polling day

tHE YouNGESt VotERS

One of the most important changes in Welsh democracy is the right of 16 and 17-year-olds to vote in Senedd elections.

For young people in Ceredigion Penfro, this election is not remote from their lives. It touches school funding, college places, apprenticeships, public transport, housing, the Welsh language, climate policy, farming families, town centre jobs and whether young people feel they can build a future in their own communities.

In university towns such as Aberystwyth, the youth vote may also matter. But it is not only about students. It is about young people in Milford Haven, Haverfordwest, Cardigan, Pembroke Dock, St Davids, Lampeter, Narberth, Fishguard and every village between.

For many, this will be the first time they have walked into a polling station and made a decision that counts. That matters.

WHY tHIS ELECtIoN MattERS

The Senedd is not Westminster. It does not control everything. Defence, most welfare policy, immigration and many major economic powers remain with the UK Government.

But the Senedd and Welsh Government have major responsibilities over everyday life in Wales.

Health, education, transport, local government, housing, the Welsh language, culture, planning, agriculture, the environment and some taxes are all shaped in Cardiff Bay.

That means this election is not a second-order contest or a protest vote without consequences. The result will help decide how Wales is governed for the next four years.

It will decide who leads the Welsh Government. It will decide who controls ministerial departments. It will decide which parties chair committees, scrutinise legislation and shape the national debate.

For Pembrokeshire and Ceredigion, it will also decide who speaks for this new, huge constituency.

The six MSs elected for Ceredigion Penfro will have to represent an area with very different needs.

The concerns of Aberystwyth are not always the same as those of Milford Haven. The issues facing St Davids are not always the same as those facing Lampeter, Cardigan, Pembroke Dock or

That makes representation more complex. It also makes the result more important.

tHE MoRNING aFtER

The count will take place on Friday (May 8).

By the end of that day, Wales should know the shape of its new Senedd.

But it may not immediately know the shape of its new government.

Voters do not directly elect the First Minister. After the election, the Senedd must nominate a Member to become First Minister. If no party has a majority, parties may need to negotiate before a government can be formed.

If one party wins a majority, the answer is simple. But that looks unlikely.

The more likely result is a Senedd where the largest party must govern as a minority, form a coalition, or reach some form of agreement with another party.

A Plaid-led government, if Plaid finishes first, could seek support from Labour, the Greens, or both. But any arrangement with Labour would be politically delicate after a campaign built around replacing Labour. Any arrangement with the Greens could test Plaid’s relationship with rural Wales.

A Reform-led government, if Reform finishes first, would face an even harder route. Without enough Conservative seats to support it, and with other parties likely to resist working with it, Reform could find itself the largest party but still unable to command the Senedd.

Labour could still matter even if it loses heavily. In a fragmented Senedd, a weakened Labour group may still hold the balance of power.

That may frustrate voters who want a clear break from the past.

Yet it is also the reality of a more

proportional system. The new Senedd is designed to reflect Wales’s divided political choices more accurately. That means it may also reflect the fact that Wales itself is not speaking with one voice.

The election on May 7 is therefore not just a contest between parties.

It is a test of whether Welsh democracy can handle a new system, a new political map, and a public mood that is clearly restless.

For Ceredigion Penfro, this is not just an election about Cardiff Bay. It is about whether the voices of Milford Haven, Haverfordwest, Pembroke

larger political map.

Voters are not just choosing six names from a long ballot paper.

They are helping decide whether Wales continues with familiar government, turns to Plaid Cymru for the first time, gives Reform UK a dramatic breakthrough, or produces a Senedd where no party can move without talking to others.

Change is coming.

The only question is what kind of change voters will get.

Most Welsh voters unclear on new Senedd voting system

tWo-tHIRdS of people in Wales do not properly understand major changes to the Senedd voting system ahead of next week’s election, new research has found.

Initial findings from the Welsh Election Study 2026 show widespread confusion about the expansion of the Senedd, the creation of new constituencies and the way votes will be counted when Wales goes to the polls on Thursday (May 7).

The study, led by researchers from Aberystwyth University and Swansea University, is based on responses from 10,001 adults aged 16 and over in Wales who were surveyed by Ipsos UK between February 26 and April 7.

From this election, the Senedd will increase from 60 to 96 Members. Wales will be divided into 16 larger constituencies, each electing six Members. Voters will have one vote, choosing a political party or an independent candidate, rather than voting separately for a constituency candidate and a regional list as in previous elections.

But the survey found that public understanding of the new system remains low.

Researchers said 88% of respondents either gave an incorrect answer or did not know how the new closed list electoral system will work. Just under 12% were able to answer correctly.

The findings come despite a majority of respondents saying they are interested in politics. Around 59% said they were interested in the forthcoming Senedd election, but the study found that many voters remain unclear about both the voting system and the division of powers between Cardiff Bay and Westminster.

Around half of respondents were either wrong or did not know that the Senedd has responsibility for the NHS, agriculture and economic development in Wales. Only 40% knew that policing remains a UK Government responsibility.

The survey also revealed a significant generational knowledge gap. Only 28% of respondents aged 16 to 25 knew that the Welsh Government is responsible for the NHS, compared with 62.7% of those aged 65 and over.

The research also points to a wider crisis of trust. More than two-thirds of respondents reported limited or no trust in the UK Government. Trust in the Welsh Government was slightly higher, but almost half of respondents still said they mistrusted it.

Many people also felt powerless to influence political decisions. More than 60% said they had no influence over decisions made by the UK Government,

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compared with 52% for decisions affecting Wales and just over 40% at local level.

When respondents were asked to describe the forthcoming Senedd election in one word, 83% expressed negative emotions, compared with 17% who gave positive responses. The most common themes were disappointment, frustration and worry.

Dr Anwen Elias, of Aberystwyth University, who authored the analysis and co-leads the study, said: “These findings provide an important insight into how people in Wales understand and engage with politics at a crucial moment ahead of the Senedd election.

“They highlight gaps in awareness of major electoral reforms and raise important questions about democratic participation, trust in government, and how well-informed people feel when making political decisions.

“Overall, these findings suggest a Welsh electorate that is generally interested in politics, including the upcoming Senedd election. However, understanding of how democracy works in Wales is mixed, and knowledge of the electoral reforms in place for the next election is limited.”

Dr Elias said knowledge of the reforms was “generally very low”, with slightly more awareness of the number of Members to be elected and the fact that each voter will cast one vote.

She added: “There is relatively less knowledge of the number of MSs representing each constituency, and even less of the operation of the closed list system of proportional representation, with barely over one in ten understanding it.”

Dr Bettina Petersohn, of Swansea

University, said the findings showed that people in Wales had generally positive attitudes towards key democratic processes and were interested in the election.

She said: “The responses show that people have generally positive attitudes towards key democratic processes in Wales, are interested in the upcoming election, with a majority thinking that it makes a difference who will win the Senedd election.

“At the same time, the level of knowledge about the new electoral system was low at the start of the electoral campaign. Overall, people also expressed the feeling of not having much influence over decisions made for

the UK, but also for Wales or the local area.”

The findings are published in the briefing paper A Snapshot of Democracy and Society in Wales: Initial Findings from the Welsh Election Study, April 2026.

The Welsh Election Study 2026 is a four-year research project funded by the UKRI Economic and Social Research Council.

The project brings together Dr Anwen Elias, of Aberystwyth University, Professor Matt Wall, Dr Bettina Petersohn and Dr Mohsin Hussain, of Swansea University, working with the Wales Institute of Social and Economic Research and Data.

Rhun ap Iorwerth visits Narberth as Senedd campaign enters final week

pLaId CYMRu leader Rhun ap Iorwerth has visited Narberth as the Senedd election campaign enters its final week.

The party says the election is now a close contest between Plaid Cymru and Reform UK, with recent polling suggesting both parties are competing to become the largest party in the next Senedd.

Mr ap Iorwerth was joined in Narberth by Plaid Cymru candidates for the new Ceredigion Penfro constituency, including lead candidate Elin Jones, Kerry Ferguson, Anna Nicholl and Cris Tomos.

The visit came ahead of polling day on Thursday, May 7, when voters across Wales will elect members to the expanded Senedd.

Plaid Cymru said every vote for the party in Ceredigion Penfro would help deliver what it called “a strong voice” for Pembrokeshire and Ceredigion, while arguing that it was best placed to replace Labour in government and prevent Reform UK from leading the next Welsh Government.

Rhun ap Iorwerth said: “It’s great to be here in Narberth. With just a few days until the election next Thursday, I can’t emphasise enough how important it is that residents in Pembrokeshire and Ceredigion vote for Plaid Cymru.

“We can finally replace Labour in government after 27 years and focus

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on improving our public services and building our economy in every part of Wales.”

Elin Jones, Plaid Cymru’s lead candidate for Ceredigion Penfro, said Mr ap Iorwerth’s visit underlined the importance of turnout in the final days of the campaign.

She said: “Rhun’s presence here in Narberth today reminds us of the importance of using our voices by voting on Thursday.

“I have served Ceredigion for the last 20 years and have fought against centralisation of health services. I will continue to do that for both Bronglais and Withybush hospitals if I’m reelected.

“Even if you have never voted for Plaid Cymru before, a vote for Plaid in this election can replace Labour, defeat Reform and elect new positive leadership for Wales.”

The new Ceredigion Penfro constituency covers Pembrokeshire and Ceredigion and will return six members under the new Senedd electoral system.

Pic caption: Rhun ap Iorwerth, Plaid Cymru Leader, with Ceredigion Penfro candidates Elin Jones, Kerry Ferguson, Anna Nicholl and Cris Tomos, and supporters in Narberth.

Drink-driver hit bicycle and failed to stop

a 23-YEaR-old motorist has been given an interim driving ban after admitting he was over the drink-drive limit when he damaged a bicycle in a collision.

Ajay Mathias was driving his Ford Fiesta along the A478 at Allensbank on April 8 when he collided with the bicycle.

Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court heard that subsequent breath tests showed Mathias had 44 micrograms of

alcohol in 100 millilitres of breath. The legal limit is 35.

Mathias, of Min y Llan, Letterston, appeared before magistrates this week where he pleaded guilty to drinkdriving and failing to stop after a road accident.

Sentencing was adjourned until April 30, when magistrates will consider a probation report.

Mathias was released on unconditional bail until that date.

Tenby pedestrianisation permit applications to open

RESIdENtS and businesses in tenby’s Walled town are being urged to apply for vehicle access permits ahead of this year’s summer pedestrianisation scheme.

Pembrokeshire County Council said the annual scheme is due to begin on Monday, July 6, and run until Friday, September 11.

The restrictions will operate daily between 11:00am and 5:30pm.

As in previous years, the Walled Town will be divided into three zones, with each zone having different levels of vehicle access.

Full details of the scheme, including the online application form, will be available from Friday, May 1, on the council’s website at www.pembrokeshire.gov.uk/tenbypedestrianisation

Residents and businesses within the Walled Town are being encouraged

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to complete the application process as soon as possible once the documents go live.

The council said this will allow enough time for applications to be processed and for any additional checks to be carried out if further information is needed.

Permits are expected to be issued approximately seven to ten days before the scheme begins.

Paper application forms and guidance notes will no longer be delivered to residents and businesses within the Walled Town, meaning all permit requests must now be submitted online.

Permit holders are also being encouraged to continue planning

Police advise Dowson to change Facebook wording after complaint

poLICE advised Senedd candidate paul dowson to consider changing the wording on his Facebook page after a complaint was made that it could mislead voters.

Dyfed-Powys Police said a Pembrokeshire constituent had raised concerns about the title of Dowson’s Facebook page, “Paul Dowson Senedd”, arguing that it could give the impression he was already a member of the Senedd.

Further concern was also raised over wording describing him as “County Councillor”, which the complainant said could suggest he was still a serving Pembrokeshire county councillor.

The complaint was assessed by Dyfed-Powys Police’s Electoral Fraud and Malpractice Single Point of Contact, Helen Kelly, who said she had also consulted the Electoral Commission.

In an email to Dowson, Kelly said police had reviewed the page and

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found no breach of electoral law or malpractice.

She said that comments on the page made clear Dowson was standing as a candidate in the Senedd election and had previously been a county councillor, meaning readers could establish his actual status.

Kelly also said the use of a profile picture that was not of Dowson himself was not a matter of concern.

However, while concluding that no offence had been committed, police suggested it “may be prudent” for the page title to be changed to “Paul Dowson for Senedd” in order to avoid confusion.

Kelly told Dowson that the matter was regarded as closed.

Dowson is standing as an independent candidate in Ceredigion Penfro in the Senedd election on Thursday, May 7.

Dale chef admits driving over four times the legal limit

a pembrokeshire chef has admitted driving when he was over four times the legal drink-drive limit.

Brian Worrall, 44, who is employed as a chef at The Griffin pub in Dale, was arrested in the early hours of April 27 after driving his Citroen into a hedge on a minor road close to the village.

“Police received a call concerning a road accident and when they got to the road leading to Dale, they discovered two intoxicated males walking,” Crown Prosecutor Dennis Davies told Haverfordwest magistrates this week.

“One of them was the driver and had the car keys in his possession.”

After giving a positive roadside breath test, Worrall was conveyed to the police station where he gave further breathalyser tests, the lowest reading being 150 mcg. The legal limit is 35.

But Worralls’ solicitor, Jess Hill, said that a substantial amount of alcohol had been consumed by the defendant following the collision.

“The offence took place on his

Sarah Jane Absalom sarah.jane.absalom@herald.email

birthday and he’d drunk alcohol after work to celebrate,” she said. “He’d drunk a couple of beers before going out in the car with his colleagues. They were on their way to get some more drink when he misjudged the corner and went into the hedge. “They tried to retrieve the car, but when they failed to do so, they decided to go back the next day to get the vehicle.

“The defendant was shaken up by what had happened and drank a bottle of wine on the way back before he was breathalysed.”

Jess Hill added that Worrall, who is South African by birth, was unaware of the British licensing laws, despite having resided in the UK since 2000.

“He has no previous convictions but accepts that he binge drinks and when this happens, it may affect his ability to drive,” she concluded.

“He also accepts he should be aware

of the rules in the country in which he is now living.”

Worrall, of Castle Way, Dale, pleaded guilty to drink driving, failing to stop after an accident, driving without third party insurance and driving otherwise than in accordance with a licence.

He was sentenced to 18 weeks

in custody suspended for two years. During this time he must carry out 20 rehabilitation activity requirement days and 300 hours of unpaid work. He must also pay a £154 court surcharge and £85 costs.

He was disqualified from driving for 36 months.

Man appears in court charged over death of Blood Bike Wales volunteer

a pEMbRoKESHIRE man has appeared before magistrates charged with causing the death of blood bike Wales volunteer tim Minett by dangerous driving.

Mr Minett was riding a Blood Bike Wales Honda motorcycle on the afternoon of July 2, 2025, when it was involved in a

collision with a Volkswagen Crafter van on the A478 between Glandycross and Blaenffos.

He had been transporting blood supplies for the NHS at the time.

This week the van’s driver, Roger King, 57, appeared before Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court charged with causing

Mr Minett’s death by dangerous driving. King stood in the dock to confirm his name, age and address as members of Mr Minett’s family watched from the public gallery.

Magistrates were told that, due to the

seriousness of the allegation, the case can only be dealt with at the Crown Court. Proceedings will continue at Swansea Crown Court on May 29. King was released on unconditional bail until that date.

Cancer patients targeted with parking fines

Adam’s Bucketful of Hope says vulnerable users, elderly volunteers and charity drivers have paid more than £1,000 after Ateb introduced camera-controlled parking at the former library car park

LoCaL cancer victims, many of whom are battling their final months of life, are being targeted with unnecessary parking fines by local housing company ateb.

Since taking over the former library in Haverfordwest town centre, together with the adjoining car park, Ateb has been claiming car parking fees monitored by Parking Eye Limited.

But the system means that patients attending the nearby cancer support centre, Adam’s Bucketful of Hope, are being issued with multiple fines, court summonses and even bailiff action.

Many fines are being served on vehicles which drop patients off at the centre and immediately drive off.

These include an 89-year-old volunteer who, despite paying her parking tickets, has received three separate threatening letters; a courtesy van which was fined £100 for transporting charity equipment to a fundraising event; a motorist who recently accrued a £200 fine for delivering a patient and returning later that afternoon to pick her up from the centre; and a Polish van driver who collects the charity’s ragbags for Wilcox Recyclers, who has paid £120 in parking fines.

“Why should these people have to pay?” said Chris Evans-Thomas, who co-founded the charity with her son Adam, who sadly died of leukaemia at the age of 35.

“We don’t pay when we go to the hospital, we don’t pay at the doctor’s surgery, so why are our patients, many having reached the last months of their lives, being dealt all this stress

whenever they visit our support centre?

“We’ve repeatedly asked to meet Ateb face to face in order to discuss the issue, but they’re ghosting us.”

Chris claims that when Ateb purchased the library back in April 2022, the housing company assured the charity that the existing arrangement would be honoured, enabling regular charity volunteers to use their five allocated car parking spaces free of charge.

“But the parking system is now all on camera, so even if we just drive in to drop somebody off, the driver of the car is fined,” she continued.

To date, the centre’s cancer patients and volunteers have spent a total of £1,062 on tickets issued on vehicles using the five designated parking spaces. A full refund has now been requested by the charity.

“We’ve been based at this site for almost 20 years and have always operated from the back entrance. But since Ateb took over the car park, all this has changed.”

SuppoRt FoR patIENtS

The charity’s principal purpose is to support cancer sufferers, many of whom are terminally ill, by providing a wide range of free treatments to boost their personal rejuvenation and respite.

These include contemplative sessions in the respite and rejuvenation room, hair and beauty treatments, and a wide range of craft and singing sessions.

The charity works closely with the VC Gallery and also welcomes anyone

undergoing hospital treatment for other illnesses, both physical and mental. People who are too sick to attend can use the “messenger wall” to interact with others attending the centre.

“A lot of people finish their treatment at hospital and are then told they can go home, and for many this can be daunting,” continued Chris EvansThomas.

“Suddenly they no longer have all the camaraderie they received from the medical staff and they start feeling anxious and lonely. This is why the centre is so important to so many of our users.

“But since Ateb bought the library, our numbers have seen a steady decline because a lot of our users don’t want to risk using the car park and get a £100 fine, so they’ve stopped attending.”

The problem is further exacerbated by the fact that some of the centre’s older users are unable to use the car park’s card and phone payment system.

tERMINaL dIaGNoSIS

One of the centre’s regular attendees is Yvonne who, last November, was told that her cancer is terminal.

“I was told that I’ve got a year to live, maybe two years maximum,” she said.

“I’m already serving a life sentence, so why should I have to deal with all this added trauma from Ateb?

“They’ve sent me four letters and threatened me with court proceedings, but I’m in the middle of my cancer treatment. Having to deal with all this just adds to the stress.

“Everyone in life has come across people who are suffering from cancer and it hits the heart of everybody. But Ateb is just carrying on with their threats without giving any thought to what it’s doing to us.”

MoVING to FoLEY HouSE

Meanwhile Chris Evans-Thomas said that Adam’s Bucketful of Hope is currently preparing to relocate to another part of town.

“All we’re asking is for Ateb to listen to our plea and help our patients continue using the centre until we move to our new location in Foley House, having outgrown the building here in Dew Street,” she concluded.

“The feasibility studies have all been completed, with the result that we’re hoping to move in the next two years. This means we only need Ateb’s support for a short period of time.

“If we can give them our users’ registration numbers, there would be no problems.”

atEb RESpoNSE

Meanwhile Ateb responded stating: “Ateb have worked closely with a range of local residents, businesses and the Local Authority to offer various solutions and concessions to local parking needs including aligning our parking terms to that of other nearby public car parks.

“We will continue to operate the parking within the displayed terms of operation and engage in issues that are made aware to us at the relevant time.”

Chip shop targeted by youths in stone-throwing incident

A HAVERFORDWEST fish and chip shop has been left with a hefty repair bill after a group of youths allegedly targeted the premises in a late-night incident.

Coronation Chippy said it was attacked on Saturday (Apr 26), when a “bunch of kids” spent around 15 minutes throwing stones at the shop’s windows and doors. The business reported that the glass canopy at the front of the shop was smashed during the incident, leaving debris scattered outside.

In a social media post, the owners described the damage as costing “£1000s of pounds” and said the incident had caused distress not only to staff but also to neighbouring businesses.

Tom Sinclair editor@herald.email

They said: “Unfortunately, our business was a target to thugs yesterday. A bunch of kids with nothing better to do and even less respect for others decided to spend 15 minutes throwing stones at the windows and doors of the shop. This resulted in the glass canopy that covers the shop being smashed.”

Dyfed-Powys Police attended the scene, with the business thanking officers for their “prompt response and support.” Crews from Haverfordwest Fire Station were also called to make the area safe by removing broken glass.

The shop also praised local contractor Dave Hughes of W.B Griffiths & Son Ltd for assisting with urgent repairs, along with neighbours who offered support in the aftermath.

The owners added: “The result of what these kids think of as ‘fun’ has resulted in £1000s of pounds of

damage, the involvement of multiple services and upset so many.” Police have not yet confirmed whether any arrests have been made. Anyone with information about the incident is urged to contact DyfedPowys Police.

Row erupts at Spitfire museum

a HaVERFoRdWESt museum has become caught up in a political row after Reform uK campaign material was photographed inside the premises.

The Welsh Spitfire Museum, based in Bridge Street, is now facing the threat of a peaceful protest after campaigners objected to what they described as political propaganda being displayed at the heritage attraction.

A photograph sent to ‘The Pembrokeshire Herald’ shows a Reform Wales poster on a wall inside the museum, alongside other aviationrelated material. The poster includes the words “Wales needs Reform” and urges people to vote Reform UK.

On Wednesday morning (April 29), museum manager Ray Burgess (pictured), received a message from a woman identifying herself as Emma Flavell, who informed him that campaigners were in the process of organising a peaceful protest outside the museum. In the message, she claimed the protest was aimed at stopping charitable organisations from being able to “openly advertise political agendas”.

She also alleged that Reform was an “extreme right wing party” and accused it of promoting division and racist policies.

Commenting on the escalating row Scott Thorley, the recently elected Reform county councillor and Haverfordwest town councillor, claimed the incident had ‘intimidated and bullied’ Mr Burgess.

“Emma Flavell called him a racist, she began filming him, and the irony is striking,” he said. “The museum window was previously defaced with ‘Vote Plaid’ graffiti, and then 80-yearold Ray Burgess was intimidated and bullied into supporting their views. This kind of behavior has more in

Sarah Jane Absalom sarah.jane.absalom@herald.email

common with fascism than with democracy.”

Cllr Thorley went on to say that Mr Burgess and his team at the Spitfire Museum ‘proudly support Reform’.

“They believe it’s the party best placed to save our country,” he said.

“We at Reform, Ceredigion and

The Pembrokeshire Herald is unable to confirm whether Plaid Cymru was responsible for the alleged window defacement.

Meanwhile the incident has raised questions about whether political campaign material should be displayed in a charity-linked museum, particularly during an election period.

According to a government website, the Charity Commission states that a charity must not support, oppose, promote or appear to promote any political party or candidate. This applies even if the charity strongly agrees or disagrees with that party’s policies.

The Commission also says that ‘charities must be, and must be seen to be, independent from party politics’.

Three prisoners accused of refusing to give police phone PIN codes

tHREE prisoners have been charged with failing to disclose the pIN codes to their mobile phones after being remanded in custody on suspicion of conspiracy to supply drugs.

Ahmed Al-Farraji, 25, Leon Haines, 26, and Kalum Haines, 22, are each accused of failing to comply with a Section 49 notice after allegedly refusing to provide the codes when asked to do so by police officers.

A fourth defendant, Mili DaviesBlewett, 26, faces an identical charge following her arrest on February 27.

All four defendants appeared before Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court this week.

Al-Farraji and Davies-Blewett both denied the charge. No pleas were entered by Leon Haines or Kalum Haines.

Magistrates declined jurisdiction due to the seriousness of the case, and the matter will now proceed to Swansea Crown Court on May 18.

Davies-Blewett, of Tan y Bryn, Burry Port, was released on unconditional bail.

Al-Farraji, Leon Haines and Kalum Haines were remanded in custody.

Tenby mobile signal crisis sparks more than 500 complaints

HuNdREdS of residents, traders and visitors have responded to a public appeal for evidence about poor mobile phone signal in tenby, with complaints now running to more than 500 comments.

The appeal was posted by Around Tenby as part of work with Tenby Chamber of Trade & Tourism, which is gathering evidence to take directly to mobile networks in a bid to secure improvements before the summer season.

People were asked to list their network, the worst-affected areas, and how poor signal was affecting them.

The responses paint a picture of widespread problems across EE, O2, Vodafone, Three, Tesco Mobile, Giffgaff, Sky Mobile, Lebara, ID Mobile, Lyca, Talk Mobile and other providers.

Complaints cover Tenby town centre, the High Street, the harbour, North Beach, South Beach, the Esplanade, The Green, Frog Street, the multi-storey car park, Sainsbury’s car park, Kiln Park, Penally, New Hedges, Lydstep, Manorbier and Saundersfoot.

‘bEttER SIGNaL oN CaLdEY’

One commenter, Elizabeth Perrella, summed up the frustration, writing: “We had a better signal on Caldey than we do in Tenby!”

Others said the lack of coverage was the only downside to an otherwise beautiful town.

One EE user said: “Can’t pay with my phone in places. It’s the only downside to this beautiful place.”

Another resident, who uses Vodafone, said they live in Tenby and had “not had a signal for months now”

Several people said the issue becomes significantly worse during busy periods, when visitor numbers rise sharply.

David Walters, an EE customer, said: “EE works in the winter but appears network can’t cope in the summer.”

Another commenter said their phone showed two or three bars, but calls and texts still failed when the town was busy because the mast appeared to be over capacity.

buSINESSES

aFFECtEd

Many of the comments raised concerns about the effect on businesses, especially those relying on phone calls, card payments, online bookings and mobile payment terminals.

One business owner said poor

Sainsbury’s car park and North Beach.

Paul Villa, an EE customer, said he could not get a signal in the multistorey car park to pay, adding that he had to walk “a long way outside” and still struggled to load the app.

Mark Goodridge said there was “zero O2 reception” in the multi-storey where motorists are expected to use an app.

Others said poor signal was affecting electric vehicle charging, with drivers unable to access apps needed to start or pay for charging sessions.

Alison Lydia Sinclair wrote that Pembrokeshire car parks needed card machines, adding: “Remote payment is usually impossible because of the signal problems.”

HEaLtH aNd SaFEtY CoNCERNS

Some commenters said the problem was more than an inconvenience and could become a safety issue.

Mike Bennett, who works from the ambulance station at the Salterns, said the outage was now affecting “some elements of ambulance operations”.

Kate Thomas said she was on the beach when an ambulance was needed and the group struggled to get through and hear instructions from the call handler.

signal was causing lost sales because customers could not call someone to discuss a purchase.

Karen Ward wrote: “Really bad for business, if a customer needed to call someone regarding a sale and can’t get signal we lose a sale, this unfortunately happens often.”

Debz Jones, who uses Vodafone, said she was “losing lots of direct bookings because no one can get hold of us”.

Rhys Jones, an O2 user, said the problem was making it difficult to run a business, adding: “Can’t run a business to take calls for job enquiries or take payments.”

Road Runners Kilgetty said unstable signal was costing taxi work and making card payments difficult, adding: “NASA can talk to people going to the moon and we can’t talk to people from one village to another.”

paRKING aNd EV CHaRGING pRobLEMS

One of the strongest themes in the comments was the difficulty of using parking apps in Tenby’s car parks.

Several people said they had been unable to pay for parking using mobile apps because there was no signal in or around the multi-storey car park,

Another commenter said her brother, who is on dialysis and diabetic, lives in Tenby and would struggle to contact anyone in a medical emergency because of the lack of signal.

Parents also raised concerns about being unable to contact children when they are in town, while visitors said they had struggled to use maps, book taxis, contact family, or make arrangements after splitting up from groups.

touRISM IMpaCt

Several visitors said the lack of signal made their stay more difficult. One holidaymaker said they had no signal with Tesco Mobile anywhere in Tenby over the weekend.

Another Vodafone user said they had paid extra for WiFi on an upcoming trip, only for it to be cancelled because of the wider connectivity problems, warning that the issue could affect whether people choose to visit.

Remote workers and caravan owners also said the poor signal was limiting how often they could stay in the area.

Carl Singleton, an EE customer with a caravan near Lydstep, said he was self-employed and used Teams daily, but the signal was not strong enough to work from his caravan. He said the poor mobile network was preventing

him from spending more time in Pembrokeshire.

Kathryn South, another EE user with a van near Lydstep, said she could use it more often if she could work from home there, but the internet was “nonexistent”.

MaSt REMoVaL CoNCERNS

A number of commenters linked the deterioration in signal to the removal of a mast earlier this year.

Margaret Wales wrote that the mast opposite the cemetery had been shared by all networks and claimed its removal in January was why the signal was now “terrible all over Tenby”.

She said: “You can’t get signal without a mast. Until the networks rebuild it, things won’t change. That’s where the effort needs to be focussed. Rebuild the mast, restore the signal.”

Other users said they had been told by their providers that a mast had been removed or that a site was affected by a rent dispute.

The Herald has not independently verified those claims, but they echo

Mp dEMaNdS aNSWERS

Mr Tufnell has written to BT Group asking for an update on the proposed EE mobile base station at Petals Plant Nursery, Strawberry Lane, Penally.

Pembrokeshire County Council has granted planning permission for a new 20-metre 4G telecommunications mast at the site.

In his letter, Mr Tufnell said constituents had also advised him that the telecommunications mast at Slippery Back Lane, Tenby, had been removed but had not yet been replaced.

He said this had reportedly left the Tenby area with very limited mobile phone signal, causing concern for residents and businesses.

Posting online, Mr Tufnell said: “Tenby deserves better phone signal.

“The lack of coverage is failing our residents, local businesses, and tourists. I have taken your concerns directly to EE and BT.

“With summer fast approaching, we need urgent answers and a clear timetable for improvements.”

CaLL FoR EVIdENCE

Around Tenby said the information being gathered would be pulled together and taken directly to the networks.

The post said: “Right now, poor signal isn’t just frustrating, it’s affecting local businesses, card payments, bookings, and the experience visitors have when they come here.

“The more responses we get, the

stronger our case becomes.”

With Tenby preparing for another busy summer season, the scale of the response suggests mobile coverage has become one of the town’s most pressing practical problems.

For residents, it affects daily life. For businesses, it risks lost income. For visitors, it affects payments, parking, maps and bookings. And for some, the concern is now about safety.

Network providers will now face growing pressure to explain what has gone wrong, what temporary measures can be put in place, and when Tenby can expect reliable mobile coverage.

Haverfordwest Merlins Terrace HMO plans

a SCHEME to convert a p embrokeshire town home to “welldesigned shared accommodation” for five tenants has been submitted to county planners.

In an application to Pembrokeshire County Council, Marcelina Morgan, through agent CCS Solutions Ltd,

seeks permission for a change of use of a dwelling at Cleddau View, Merlins Terrace, Haverfordwest to a house in multiple occupation.

A supporting statement said the

Motorcyclist airlifted to hospital after A487 crash near St Davids

a MotoRCYCLISt was airlifted to hospital with serious injuries following a crash on one of pembrokeshire’s main coastal roads at the weekend.

The single-vehicle collision happened at around 4:00pm on Saturday (Apr 25) on the A487 between Newgale and St Davids.

Dyfed-Powys Police attended the scene, along with other emergency services.

A police spokesperson said: “The motorbike rider was airlifted to hospital with serious injuries, though these were not deemed to be life-threatening or lifechanging.

“The road was closed while emergency services attended the scene.”

The A487 was shut for a period while the incident was dealt with.

refurbishment works, and minor external alterations to the property in the established residential area.

It added: “The proposal seeks to improve the quality and functionality of the existing property, delivering well-designed shared accommodation whilst retaining the existing building envelope.”

Of the development, it added: “The proposed development reuses an existing dwelling in a sustainable location, provides high-quality shared accommodation, involves minimal external alteration, maintains acceptable amenity standards, has no adverse highway impact, [and] delivers biodiversity enhancements.”

It said the scheme would not see any extensions, external enlargements, or increase in footprint, retaining the existing built form and site layout.

existing four-bed home would, if approved, become a five-bed multiple occupation unit with two bedrooms on the ground floor and three on the first. It also includes internal alterations,

It also said the proposal “does not adversely affect any existing green infrastructure” and “provides measurable biodiversity enhancements through bird and bat boxes”.

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

Two rescued from rocks near Pendine after tide alert

tWo pEopLE were rescued from rocks near pendine after tenby’s lifeboats were called out on Monday evening.

Both the all-weather lifeboat and inshore lifeboat were requested to launch at 6:15pm on Monday (Apr 27), while crews were preparing for their weekly exercise.

The alarm was raised following a report that two people were possibly cut off by the tide at Gilman Point, near Pendine, around six miles north-east of Tenby.

Choppy conditions meant the inshore lifeboat made slower progress, with the all-weather lifeboat arriving first on scene.

As crews reached the area, members of Tenby Coastguard Rescue Team, who were positioned on the cliffs above, alerted them to two people on the rocks.

The all-weather lifeboat’s Y-boat

was launched to get in close to the rocks and make contact with the pair.

They confirmed they were in difficulty and were taken aboard the Y-boat before being brought safely ashore

at Pendine, where Coastguards were waiting.

The inshore lifeboat arrived shortly afterwards and collected the casualties’ bags before also returning to shore.

Once everyone had been accounted for and it was confirmed nobody else was in difficulty, both lifeboats returned to Tenby and continued with their exercises.

Tenby Brynhir estate will not home ‘illegal immigrants’

CLaIMS tenby’s brynhir housing development will house “illegal immigrants” through purchases by an English council have been refuted by pembrokeshire County Council.

Back in 2024, the scheme, with nearly 100 “local houses for local people” was approved by national park planners.

In 2018, Pembrokeshire County Council, which already owned the 15-acre Brynhir site on the edge of Tenby, ‘bought’ the land for £4million using its Housing Revenue Account.

Campaigners fought a two-year battle against the use of the land for housing, calling for protection for ‘Tenby’s last green space’ and fearing it would become a ‘concrete jungle’.

The county council was granted outline planning permission by the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority for the development of 144 properties – including up to 102 affordable units – in 2020.

The later 2024 scheme proposed that only 125 houses be built, 93 of them affordable, and, of the 32 open market dwellings, 16 are shared ownership properties.

Tenby Civic Society has raised numerous concerns to the scheme and 20 objections were also received from members of the public, raising concerns including loss of green space, traffic issues, privacy, design, visual impacts and the scale of the development, sewage capacity, the site being no longer allocated for housing, potential antisocial

finished by 2029.

behaviour within the play area, and a limitation on second homes/holiday lets being required.

At the September meeting, concerns about the proposal were raised by Jane Merrony of 1,100-member Tenby Green Space Preservation Society, who said it was inappropriate in its proposed location and “a visual intrusion which will be seen from Caldey Island”.

Since that approval, initial construction for the site started late last year.

The full development is set to be

However, fears have been raised that some of the site will house “illegal immigrants” via an English council.

A member of the public raised their concerns saying: “Unconfirmed rumours have it that Liverpool City Council has bought houses in the development as their waiting list is so long due to illegal immigrants being housed in their stock, making it a 10year waiting list to get local housing in Liverpool.

“Does this mean that Liverpool City Council will be offloading illegals onto the Tenby social housing?”

They added: “When the planning permission was going through, we

were informed that all the housing would be mixed council, openmarket and association houses with a covenant saying that you had to live, work or have links to the area to be considered for any of the units.”

Responding, a Pembrokeshire County Council spokesperson said: “These rumours are untrue. This site is owned and managed by the local authority. Allocations will be made to those from our Choice Homes register in accordance with a local connection lettings policy that will be developed in conjunction with the local town and community councils, and local community, in due course.”

Welsh business confidence rises as firms buck UK trend

WELSH business confidence rose in April as firms reported growing optimism about the wider uK economy, new figures show.

The latest Business Barometer from Lloyds found that confidence among businesses in Wales rose by eight points to 38% during the month.

That was despite overall UK business confidence falling by 11 points to 44% in April.

The survey found Welsh firms’

confidence in their own trading prospects remained unchanged at 46%, while optimism about the wider economy climbed 16 points to 30%.

When combined, those figures gave Wales a headline confidence reading of 38%, up from 30% in March.

Wales also recorded the largest yearon-year confidence growth of any UK nation or region and was the only area to report both year-on-year and month-onmonth growth.

A net balance of 34% of businesses in Wales said they expected to increase staff numbers over the next year, up nine points on the previous month.

Looking ahead, Welsh firms identified investment in their teams as the main target area for growth, with 48% citing training and staff development.

Other priorities included introducing new technology, such as AI or automation, at 42%, and evolving products or services at 40%.

The Business Barometer, which surveys 1,200 businesses each month, has been running since 2002 and is used as an early indicator of UK economic trends.

Amanda Murphy, CEO for Lloyds Business and Commercial Banking, said: “Businesses told us their confidence fell as inflation pressures re-emerged, global uncertainty persisted and costs remained elevated.

“While sentiment declined, it remained above the long-term average, with nearly two-thirds expecting stronger output in the coming year.

“UK businesses are resilient and adept at deploying strategies to defend growth in uncertain conditions. Over the past month, we’ve seen them opt for flexibility wherever possible.

“They’re building contingency into their short and medium-term plans,

rather than expecting a rapid return to normal. Protecting margins has become more important.

“That means tougher cost scrutiny and a greater focus on balancing growth with profitability.

“In this environment, as with other recent market disruptions, we continue to observe that sustainable success comes from discipline, resilience and clarity about what really drives long-term value.”

Nathan Morgan, area director for Wales at Lloyds, said: “Wales is bucking the UK-wide trend when it comes to business confidence, increasing during April against the national trend.

“This confidence is the result of Welsh firms’ ongoing focus on investment to protect their position against future disruption.

“At Lloyds, we’ll continue to nurture this recent momentum of growth by working with businesses across the nation to equip them with the financial tools they need.”

Across the UK, firms’ confidence in their own trading outlook fell six points to 54%, while optimism in the wider economy dropped 17 points to 33%.

The East Midlands was the most confident UK nation or region in April at 53%, followed by London at 51% and the West Midlands at 49%

Haverfordwest councillor raises town centre ASB concerns with police

a HaVERFoRdWESt councillor has raised concerns about a sudden increase in anti-social behaviour in the town centre during a meeting with local police.

Cllr Thomas Tudor, county councillor for the Castle Ward, met with Sgt Andrew Williams from the local Neighbourhood Policing and Prevention Team on Thursday (Apr 23).

Cllr Tudor said the meeting had been “very beneficial and informative” and gave him the opportunity to pass on concerns from residents and businesses about policing issues in Haverfordwest.

Sgt Williams’ role includes overseeing neighbourhood policing priorities, including anti-social behaviour, road safety, business engagement, shoplifting prevention, and tackling the illegal use of

e-scooters and electric bikes.

Cllr Tudor said he had raised both his own concerns and those of constituents about issues affecting the town, including what he described as a sudden escalation of anti-social behaviour in the centre of Haverfordwest.

The current policing priorities for the Haverfordwest section, which also includes the Fishguard and St Davids areas, are tackling anti-social behaviour in the community, increasing high-visibility patrols and business interaction to reduce shoplifting, and dealing with the illegal use of e-scooters and electric bikes.

Cllr Tudor thanked Dyfed-Powys Police, the Haverfordwest, Fishguard and St Davids policing teams, and Pembrokeshire County Council following the meeting.

Milford Haven dad completes London Marathon in memory of son

a MILFoRd HaVEN father has successfully completed the London Marathon today in memory of his son, while raising money for Tŷ Hafan children’s hospice.

Johnathan Crimmins crossed the finish line in an impressive time of 4:04:14, with a halfway split of 2:42:06, in what he described as both a physical and emotional challenge.

He took on the marathon in honour of his son Kieran, who died seven years ago at the age of 21 following a battle with his mental health.

Speaking ahead of the run, Johnathan said the experience of losing his son had shown him how precious time with children can be.

He said: “Sadly seven years ago I lost my son, Kieran, at the age of 21 following a battle with his mental health. So, I know all too well the importance of being able to spend time with your children, as time is precious and not always guaranteed.

“By being able to run for Tŷ Hafan, I know that not only will I be raising awareness of Tŷ Hafan and what they do, but also raising valuable funds which will ensure that families will be supported and enabled to spend quality time together during their children’s short lives.”

This was Johnathan’s fifth full marathon and his third time running the London Marathon, adding to a long list of fundraising challenges including half marathons and even skydives.

He also spoke candidly about the personal challenge behind the run, having been diagnosed with severe

Tom

Sinclair editor@herald.email

PTSD following the discovery of his son alongside his daughter.

He said: “This will be a significant

Tŷ Hafan supports children with lifeshortening conditions and their families across Wales, helping them make the most of the time they have together.

Johnathan’s achievement has been praised locally, with many recognising both the physical effort involved and the powerful cause behind his run.

Freshwater West memorial honours crews lost in wartime tragedy

VEtERaNS, standard bearers and civic representatives gathered at Freshwater West on Saturday (apr 25) for a moving service of remembrance for the men lost in one of pembrokeshire’s worst wartime maritime disasters.

The annual memorial service remembered the crews of HM Landing Craft Gun (Large) 15 and 16, and members of HMS Rosemary, who died after the vessels were overwhelmed in heavy seas off the Pembrokeshire coast in April 1943.

A total of 79 Royal Navy and Royal Marine personnel lost their lives in the tragedy, which unfolded on April 25 and 26, 1943.

The two landing craft had been travelling from Belfast to Falmouth when they ran into severe weather off Freshwater West. Their flat-bottomed design made them vulnerable in rough seas, and both vessels were eventually lost.

HMS Rosemary, a fishery protection vessel, went to the aid of the stricken craft, but six of her crew also drowned when a

rescue boat capsized during the attempt to save others.

On Saturday, standards were carried to the memorial above the beach, where clergy led prayers and wreaths were laid in honour of the fallen.

The ceremony was attended by veterans, members of the Royal Marines

Association, standard bearers, civic dignitaries and members of the public.

The names of those who died are recorded on the memorial at Freshwater West, overlooking the sea where the disaster took place more than eight decades ago.

Those attending stood in silence as the

Last Post was sounded, with standards lowered in tribute to the men who never returned.

The service served as a reminder of the sacrifice made by wartime sailors and marines, as well as the bravery of those who gave their lives trying to rescue others.

Tributes paid after death of Pembroke Dock councillor

tRIbutES have been paid following the passing of a pembrokeshire county councillor of nearly 30 years, who was “passionately devoted” to his hometown of pembroke dock.

Cllr Brian Hall joined Pembrokeshire County Council following a by-election in 1996, representing Pembroke Dock’s Market ward.

A long-standing councillor, Cllr Hall was also a representative on the RWE Npower Pembroke Power Station and Valero Liaison Committee.

Cllr Hall had also represented the Authority on the Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service and the Swansea Bay City Region Joint Scrutiny Committee.

He was an active member of a number of Pembrokeshire County Council scrutiny committees and the planning committee.

He previously sat on the Cabinet, from its inception in 2002 until March 2007 and between 2012 and 2022, he chaired several Overview and Scrutiny Committees including Environment, Services and Corporate.

Pembrokeshire County Council Leader Cllr Jon Harvey said: “We were all very sad to hear of Cllr Brian Hall’s death.

“I pass on the condolences of everyone at the council to his family and many friends.

“Brian was a council stalwart and had been working for, and demanding better, for his constituents for nearly 30 years.

“His enthusiasm for his home patch was unmatched and there was little of Pembroke Dock’s history that he could not tell you about. The loss of Brian from the chamber will be felt by all members of council across the board.”

Independent Group Leader Cllr Anji

Bruce Sinclair Local Democracy Reporter

Tinley expressed heartfelt condolences, stating: “The loss of Cllr Hall profoundly saddens us. He was a well-respected figure known for his dedication and commitment to local governance and his community.

“His legacy will live on in the lives he touched, and we will dearly miss him. Our thoughts are with his family and friends during this difficult time.”

Presiding Member of Pembrokeshire County Council, Cllr Simon Hancock said: “I am greatly saddened by the sudden passing of Councillor Brian Hall who was a member of the authority for nearly 30 years.

“Brian was a larger-than-life character who was passionately devoted to Pembroke Dock and his constituents. He never let an opportunity pass without mentioning and advancing the interests of his hometown. We extend sincere condolences to his family.”

Pembroke Dock Town council added: “It’s with great sadness to hear of the passing of our county and town councillor Brian Hall.

“Brian served his Ward of Pembroke Dock as a County Council for 30 years with passion and pride and he will be missed by many.”

Mayor of Pembroke Dock Cllr Michele Wiggins said: “It is very sad news and I extend my condolences to everyone who knew Brian. He was a hard working county councillor and town councillor for many years. There wasn’t much of Pembroke Dock’s history he didn’t know. He will be sadly missed.”

Fellow county councillor Cllr Rhys

Goodwick overnight motorhome

a CoNtENtIouS trial scheme pembrokeshire council trial scheme for an overnight motorhome and campervan parking site close to Fishguard’s ferry has now got underway.

A trial scheme for overnight motorhome parking facilities at the Goodwick Moor car park, The Parrog, was mooted back in 2024 after a

Jordan also paid tribute: “I was very saddened to hear of Brian’s passing over the weekend. He was a lovable rogue with a heart of gold.

“If anything, his greatest flaw was trying to help everyone, something that truly defined the kind of man he was. He had an encyclopaedic knowledge of Pembroke Dock and could captivate you for hours with his stories, whether about the town itself or his business links in

Ireland.

“Brian was deeply dedicated to his role and was almost always the first to arrive in the members room, often there by 7am. That quiet commitment spoke volumes about his character.

“Above all, he was a devoted husband, and my thoughts are with his wife, family, and many friends at this incredibly difficult time. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him.”

and campervan parking begins

Tenby; Goodwick Moor, Goodwick; Townsmoor, Narberth; and Western Way, Pembroke Dock would form the trial areas operating year-round at £10 a night for a trial 18-month period, with the intention not to create ‘campsites’.

That planned trial received national coverage, even seeing a discussion on a phone-in programme on BBC Radio Wales.

Local tourism businesses had said the proposals will harm them, and concerns about the trial were also raised by the official tourism industry group for Pembrokeshire, Visit Pembrokeshire.

a £10 cost of staying overnight, a maximum of one night allowed along with other restrictions.

One of those reacting to the scheme’s launch was Fishguard North West councillor Steve Hughes, who said: “I’m pleased to see this initiative finally up and running, but it doesn’t go far enough in my opinion to offer the services expected from the rapidly increasing ‘vanlife’ community.

“Whether on holiday or permanently touring, this is a financial resource many towns should be looking to take advantage of.

February 2024 council Cabinetbacked trial scheme for ‘Pembs Stop’ campervan and motorhomes facilities at four car parks was later dropped.

It had initially been agreed that car parks at North Beach,

That scheme was later dropped following opposition, instead an overnight trial stopover facility for motorhomes at Goodwick Moor car park, linked to the ferry port mooted; a later planning application approved back in July 2025 despite objections from Fishguard and Goodwick Town Council.

In the last few days Pembrokeshire County Council announced the twoyear trial was now in operation, with

“This isn’t as some may fear competition for established campsites but a new set of customers looking for a safe overnight park up who wouldn’t otherwise choose a campsite, but park in lay-byes and other unregulated areas. I look forward to seeing how this trial period works and hope that further services can be added in future.”

Council officers will monitor the site and review the scheme once the trial period is completed.

Pembrokeshire Cwmderi, Llanrhian annexe for carer approved

a CaLL for an annexe to allow a pembrokeshire woman to live on site caring for her elderly parents, after a previous approved scheme was made unviable by a costly to move electricity pole, has been given the go-ahead.

In an application recommended for approval at the April meeting of Pembrokeshire Coast National Park’s development management committee, Dr Amanda John sought permission for ancillary accommodation in the rear garden of Cwmderi, Llanrhian.

A supporting statement through agent GMW Design said: “Additional accommodation is required to enable the applicant and their partner— whose current tenancy is coming to an end—to reside at Cwmderi on a full-time basis.

“This will allow them to remain in the local area and provide ongoing support to the applicant’s elderly parents, who have existing health needs.”

It added that a previous application had already been approved for ancillary accommodation located to the southwest of the dwelling, in the rear garden area but needed to be slightly amended in terms of location

Bruce Sinclair Local Democracy Reporter

and structure. Planners had advised a full planning application would need to be resubmitted.

An officer report for members said: “The previous consents approved a scheme similar to that currently which has come about due to the need to relocate the annexe.

“The previous consent did not accurately take account of an

electricity pole in the application site (which can only be moved at great expense).

“The position of the previously consented annexe is approximately nine metres north of the current scheme and is otherwise of a similar orientation to the current proposal parallel to the host dwelling.”

Speaking in support of the applicant at the meeting, local member Cllr Neil Prior said the need for the accommodation was “genuine and compelling,” adding: “It’s not a speculative development or a step towards new dwelling.”

Also speaking at the meeting, Dr John said there was an essential need for her and her partner to be there for her aging parents, the application a “careful and balanced response for a genuine family need”.

Approval of the scheme, which includes conditions to ensure that the property cannot be used for holiday letting or for any separate commercial letting use, was moved by committee chair Cllr Simon Hancock, who said there were “significant material reasons for a departure [from planning policy]” and was unanimously supported by members.

Shakespeare’s ‘mistaken identities’ to appear on outdoor Pembrokeshire stage

Following the success of last year’s spellbinding production of the tempest, SpaN arts is thrilled to welcome back the Festival players for another evening of openair Shakespeare in the stunning grounds of Lampeter House, near Narberth.

Featuring one of Shakespeare’s earliest plays, ‘The Comedy of Errors’ follows two sets of twins, twin brothers and their twin servants, separated by a shipwreck. When they unknowingly arrive in the same town on the same day, a whirlwind of confusion unfolds.

Mistaken identities lead to comic chaos: husbands appear to fall in love with the wrong people, debts go unpaid, and servants lock their masters out of their own homes. As the confusion builds, the play explores themes of identity, family and belonging.

The Festival Players bring this lively farce to life with original live music, fast-paced storytelling, traditional costume and plenty of humour, as part of their 2026 (and 41st) open-air summer theatre tour.

Lampeter House provides the perfect stage for this unforgettable evening. Nestled amongst towering trees and gardens full of character, the intimate amphitheatre setting promises a truly atmospheric experience.

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So whether you’re a lifelong Shakespeare fan or a newcomer to his work, this performance offers the chance to enjoy world-class theatre under the open skies.

Make your evening complete with a delicious pre-show supper. A hot summer cawl with bread and cheese will be available to pre-order for just £6 while vegetarian and other dietary options are available by simply selecting your preference when booking online or over the phone. A fully stocked bar and refreshments will also be available throughout the evening.

A limited number of mats and ground seating will be provided, but audiences are encouraged to bring their own picnic blankets or low-backed chairs for maximum comfort. As the performance will proceed come rain or shine, please dress appropriately for the weather.

This year’s production takes place on Friday June 12, with the doors opening at 6pm and the performance commencing at 7pm.

Tickets can be reserved on 01834 869323.

The alternative view By Mike Dello

I start this week, as I have done before, with the shocking and ongoing scandal of illegal small boat crossings and the serious questions they raise about public safety, border control and the protection of women and girls.

The latest horrifying case concerns the rape of a woman on Brighton beach by men who had arrived in the UK as asylum seekers. Two men were convicted of rape, while a third was convicted in connection with filming and encouraging the attack.

It is difficult to comprehend the terror and degradation suffered by the victim. The fact that those involved had been in the asylum system, and were reportedly housed in accommodation funded by the taxpayer, raises obvious and legitimate questions about how people are being checked before they are allowed to remain in this country.

There are also reports that serious concerns were raised in court about the background of at least one of the men. That makes the central question even more pressing: why are dangerous individuals being discovered only after terrible crimes have been committed?

This country needs a border policy that puts public safety first. Successive governments have failed to get a grip on the problem. If the current legal framework prevents proper control of our borders, then

that framework must be challenged. The Government should be willing to look again at the ECHR, at the role of the Navy, and at proper agreements with France to stop dangerous crossings before they reach British soil.

Let us also remember the words of the victim, who made clear that this was not consensual and described the trauma of seeing the face of the man who filmed her ordeal whenever she closes her eyes.

All I can say in conclusion is shame on the politicians who failed to act sooner. This writer will never allow this kind of barbaric crime to go under the radar, and no decent person should either.

At a media gathering in Washington at the weekend, a heavily armed man was arrested after shots were fired at an event involving Donald Trump. Fortunately, no one was killed, although the incident has once again raised serious concerns about political violence in the United States.

The suspect’s motives remain a matter for investigators and the courts. Trump has claimed the incident had a religious element and described it as strongly antiChristian.

This is the latest in a series of alarming incidents involving threats to Trump since his return to the presidency. It also comes ahead of the expected royal visit to Washington by our King and Queen.

In a country where the gun is king, should we not seriously question whether sending members of the Royal Family into such a volatile political climate is wise?

Shoppers in parts of the Midlands, popping into their local convenience stores to buy milk, Jammie Dodgers and tins of beans, were recently confronted with something far more sinister. An undercover investigation reported that illegal drugs, including cocaine, cannabis, nitrous oxide and prescription medicines, were being offered or sold at some small shops.

Although arrests have been made, it makes you wonder whether the American term “drug store” is taking on a grim new meaning on British high streets.

Sticking with retail, there is the extraordinary story of Sean Egan, a former Morrisons store manager who had worked for the company for 29 years. He says he was dismissed after tackling a persistent shoplifter who spat at him and became violent.

Morrisons has said staff safety procedures are designed to avoid physical confrontations, and the company’s chief executive has agreed to meet Mr Egan following public concern. But for many people, the case symbolises a wider problem: honest workers are expected to stand back while shoplifting becomes a daily part of life.

The response from Mr Egan’s

local community, including a demonstration outside the store, shows how strongly people feel about this issue. Once again, the balance appears to have shifted away from law-abiding citizens and towards those who steal, intimidate and cause disorder.

And finally, another retail story, but this time a very sad one. Claire’s, the jewellery and accessories chain popular with young people, has closed all 154 of its standalone stores in the UK and Ireland, with around 1,300 staff losing their jobs.

The famous purple banner, which meant so much particularly to young girls, will be no more. My daughter spoke fondly of how she and her friends would save their birthday money, get on the bus, visit the iconic store, buy friendship bracelets and browse the jewellery. This would often be followed by a coffee, combining to create a brilliant Saturday morning out.

As expected in the increasingly soulless society being created around us, all this is fast being replaced by the click of a finger on a little screen, probably while lying on a bed. No longer do people always get the chance to feel, see and enjoy real life in the same way. Buying is becoming an addiction, not a pleasure.

Is it any wonder that society has so many mental health problems when even these small forms of social interaction are disappearing?

Almost half of Welsh voters blame government policy for pub closures

aLMoSt half of Welsh voters blame national or local government when a pub closes, new research has found.

Polling carried out for the Long Live the Local campaign by More in Common found that 48% of people in Wales hold government policy partly responsible when a local pub shuts its doors.

Campaigners say the findings should act as a warning to politicians ahead of the Senedd election, with voters calling for greater support for pubs and brewers.

The survey found that almost onethird of Welsh voters, 32%, believe the single most important action government could take to help the sector would be to make business rates fairer for pubs.

The figures also suggest voters feel their elected representatives are not doing enough. Only one-in-ten said their MP had spoken up for the pub sector, while just 6% said their MP had done enough to protect pubs in their constituency.

The results come despite recent support for pubs from the UK Government, with campaigners warning that many voters still believe not enough is being done to protect Britain’s locals.

According to figures from the British Beer and Pub Association, one pub a day is currently closing in England and Wales, while the UK has lost 2,000 pubs since 2020.

Industry leaders say pubs are under pressure from a combination of business rates, employment costs, energy bills, beer duty, VAT and wider inflation. However, ministers have previously pointed to support measures for hospitality businesses, including rates relief and changes announced in the Budget, while arguing that difficult decisions must

be balanced against wider public spending pressures.

Changing consumer habits, the cost-of-living crisis, and the longterm impact of the pandemic have also affected many pubs, particularly in rural and town-centre communities where footfall has not fully recovered.

‘Soul of the community’

Emma McClarkin, chief executive of the Welsh Beer and Pub Association, said: “Despite recent important support from the Government and the many MPs across all political parties that champion pubs and brewers, voters clearly believe that there is still more to be done.

“Pubs are the soul of the community, create jobs, and, with a quarter of a million people joining our Long Live the Local campaign that supports the people behind the pint, including thousands in Wales, it’s no wonder people care about them so much.

“What the public want is a fair tax system for pubs, one that keeps businesses competitive and recognises their unique role as valuable spaces for communities across the country.

“With the Senedd election right around the corner, it’s key for candidates to recognise just how important pubs are for so many and to back their local.

“We’re calling on both the UK and Welsh governments to continue to work with us and deliver permanent business rates reform, lower employment costs, cut beer duty and VAT to save countless locals who are burdened with huge regulatory costs.”

‘Public really care’

Luke Tryl, executive director at More in Common, said the polling showed the strength of public concern over pub closures.

He said: “One thing comes through

really strongly in this polling, the British public really care about pubs, they think they are a central part of their community and they don’t think the Government is doing enough to protect them.

“In fact, over half of British voters blame national or local government for pub closures and want to see politicians at all levels doing more to stand up for them.

“At a time when the Government already finds itself struggling with a restless electorate, a wave of further pub closures will only reinforce the frustration that those in charge are unable or unwilling to deliver for local communities across Britain.

“On the flipside, taking action on issues like rates is one way the Government can show that it gets it, recognises the value of pubs and gets

the public back onside.”

The Welsh Beer and Pub Association’s Long Live the Local campaign launched in 2018 to raise awareness of the UK’s rate of pub closures. It now has more than 250,000 supporters across the country.

The campaign says almost 40,000 letters were sent to MPs last year alone as part of efforts to raise concerns about the pressure facing pubs.

More in Common’s polling, commissioned by the British Beer and Pub Association, was conducted between March 28 and March 30, 2026, and sampled 2,003 adults across Great Britain. Respondents were weighted according to age, sex, region, ethnicity, 2024 General Election vote and education level.

Memorial plaque presented in honour of Cllr Pamela George

a MEMoRIaL plaque has been presented in honour of Cllr pamela George, recognising her dedicated service to pembroke dock.

The presentation took place at a recent full meeting of Pembroke Dock Town Council, where the town’s mayor, Cllr Michele Wiggins, presented the plaque to Cllr Jon George and Cllr Tracy George.

The plaque bears the words: “A life of service, a legacy of dedication,” and commemorates Cllr George’s contribution to the town and its community.

Pembroke Dock Town Council thanked Michaels Civic Robes & Regalia, which donated the plaque.

Oriel y Parc reveals wild secrets of coast this May

SEabIRdS, batS aNd CREatIVItY4

ORIEL Y PARC in St Davids will celebrate the wildlife, art and character of the Pembrokeshire coast this May halfterm with a packed programme of family events, guided walks, expert talks and local markets.

The National Park Discovery Centre will host a week of activities inspired by the landscape, giving families the chance to explore the natural world through birdsong, creativity and coastal discovery.

Throughout the holiday week, A Trail of Birds and Song will run through the centre’s woodland, courtyard and grounds, inviting young adventurers to search for hidden nests.

Children will also be able to take part in two drop-in Make & Take sessions, creating woodland window art on Wednesday (May 27) and clay seabirds on Thursday (May 28).

The highlight of the week will be Seabirds Discovery Day on Thursday (May 28), bringing the wildlife of the Pembrokeshire coast to Oriel y Parc through expert talks, demonstrations, guided walking and family-friendly discovery.

A courtyard market will run from 10:00am to 3:00pm, alongside a series of expert-led events.

Greg Morgan, RSPB Cymru Detection Dog Handler for the Biosecurity for Wales project, will speak about the role specially trained dogs play in protecting Wales’s seabird islands. This will be followed by free demonstrations from Jinx, the biosecurity detection dog.

The Discovery Day will also include a guided walk and talk from Caerfai to St Non’s, led by National Park Authority Ranger Libby, a former Seabird Island Ranger.

National Park Authority Ranger Chris, a former Skomer Warden, will also give

Tom Sinclair editor@herald.email

visitors an insight into life on the island, its internationally important seabird populations and the pressures they face in a changing climate.

As dusk falls, attention will turn from the coastline to the night sky, with a guided Brilliant Bats walk around St Davids.

Some Seabirds Discovery Day events have limited numbers and booking is essential. Further information is available at www.orielyparc.co.uk.

Alongside the events, visitors can explore a range of exhibitions, including Garry Fabian Miller’s light-filled Môrwelion / The Sea Horizon, Dafydd Wyn Richards’ new paintings of the Pembrokeshire coast, and locally inspired work by Jo Thomas of Pembrokeshire Craft Makers.

In the Tower, Celebrating the Mischief of Rooks by Jackie Morris and Elly Morgan focuses on the noise, movement and character of the rooks around Oriel y Parc, with paintings and ceramics inspired by the birds that gather in the surrounding trees.

The half-term programme also includes two courtyard markets featuring local stallholders, handmade crafts and produce. Makers Bizarre returns on Tuesday (May 26), followed by the May Craft Market on Saturday (May 30), with free entry to both.

The Manager of Oriel y Parc, Rachel Perkins said: “Pembrokeshire is a landscape of constant discovery. This May we are peeling back the layers of the coast to reveal the vital work and wild secrets that make this National Park unique.

“From the dogs guarding our islands to the bats of the Cathedral, it is an invitation to see this world-class environment through fresh eyes.”

RNLI issues tidal safety warning ahead of bank holiday weekend

tHE RNLI has issued a tidal safety warning ahead of the bank holiday weekend following an increase in people being cut off by the tide.

The charity is urging anyone planning coastal walks or beach visits over the next few days to be cautious, check tide times before setting out, and make sure they have a way of calling for help.

The warning comes after RNLI crews rescued a man at Rhossili, on Gower, Swansea, on Saturday morning after he was cut off by the incoming tide at Worms Head.

Both Horton and Port Eynon RNLI lifeboat stations responded to the incident and the man was safely brought back to Rhossili.

Chris Cousens, RNLI Regional Water Safety Lead, said: “With the May bank holiday a prime opportunity for coastal walks, it’s important to be safe.

“Tide times and heights vary throughout the month, and the incoming tide can easily leave people stranded, requiring assistance.

“There will be spring tides over this coming weekend, meaning a greater difference between low and high tide. At high tide, the water comes in further and can move faster than on smaller tides.

“On bigger tides, places will be cut off by the tide more quickly than normal and places usually unaffected by the tide may also be cut off.

“If you find yourself, or see anyone else in difficulty, call 999 and ask for the Coastguard.”

Tirion Dowsett, Water Safety Delivery Support, said anyone visiting the coast should check tide times before travelling.

She said: “If you are planning on visiting the coast over the next few days, check the tide times before you go.

“If you can’t understand the

information on tide tables, ask people who know the area and pay attention to any safety signs.

“Always carry a means of calling for help, like a fully charged mobile phone.

“If you do get into difficulty, call 999 and ask for the Coastguard.”

The RNLI is also reminding people of its Float to Live advice for anyone who gets into difficulty in the water.

Anyone struggling in the water should tilt their head back with their ears submerged, relax, and float on their back with their arms and legs spread out like a starfish.

Once breathing is under control, they should signal for help by shouting and waving.

The magic of Barley Saturday

CaRdIGaN was packed with colour, sunshine and community spirit as barley Saturday once again brought huge crowds into the town.

From the busy High Street to the classic tractors, vintage vehicles, horses, families and familiar faces, this year’s event showed exactly why Barley Saturday remains one of West Wales’ best-loved annual traditions.

Local photographer Stuart Ladd was there to capture the atmosphere, and his fantastic pictures tell the story of a town coming together for a day of rural pride, heritage and celebration.

Among the highlights were the packed crowds lining the route, muchloved local characters taking part in the procession, and a touching lap of honour by Deborah Davies on her vintage motorcycle, Olive, in memory of her godfather Leslie Morris.

Here is a selection of Stuart’s brilliant photos from the day.

Handcrafted garden furniture built to last across Pembrokeshire

Cardigan-based Pembrokeshire Wooden Garden Company Ltd

with

a LoCaL garden furniture maker is bringing traditional craftsmanship, strength and style to outdoor spaces across pembrokeshire and west Wales.

Pembrokeshire Wooden Garden Company Ltd, based next to Tivy Tyres on Station Road, Cardigan, specialises in handcrafted wooden benches, garden tables and outdoor seating built for real everyday use.

At a time when many garden furniture products are mass-produced and lightweight, the company has focused on making solid, heavy-duty pieces designed to last, with comfort, durability and practicality at the heart of every item.

Each bench, chair and table is individually made using high-quality structural timber and carefully finished to protect it from the weather. The result is garden furniture that feels substantial, looks attractive and is made to cope with life outdoors all year round.

buILt pRopERLY

What sets Pembrokeshire Wooden Garden Company Ltd apart is the way each item is constructed.

Rather than relying on staples or nails, every piece is carefully screwed together for extra strength and long-term durability. The furniture is then finished with multiple coats of weather-resistant protection, helping it stand up to the elements while retaining its appearance.

The company uses Cuprinol Garden Shades finishes, offering customers a choice of attractive colours including Willow, Sage, Urban Slate and Seasoned Oak, along with more natural tones for those who prefer a classic timber look.

It means customers can choose furniture that not only suits their garden, patio or outdoor seating area, but also has the protection needed for the Welsh weather.

FRoM bENCHES to FaMILY tabLES

The current range includes a wide choice of practical and decorative outdoor furniture, all made with the same focus on strength and comfort.

Popular pieces include the Joycey Easy Sit Bench, designed to offer extra support and comfort, as well as single bench chairs, backless benches and a selection of heavy-duty garden tables.

The 3 Bar Heavy Duty Table is made for regular use, while the 5 Bar Medium and Large Tables are ideal for families, visitors, social gatherings and anyone looking to make more of their outdoor space.

Whether it is a quiet corner of the garden, a patio seating area, a holiday home, a campsite, a smallholding or a community space, the furniture is designed to be useful, strong and attractive.

LoCaL WoRKSHop

Customers are welcome to view the furniture in person by appointment at the company’s Cardigan workshop, located next to Tivy Tyres on Station Road, Pentood Industrial Estate.

The workshop also acts as a collection point for orders, giving customers the chance to see the quality of the furniture before taking it home.

Pembrokeshire Wooden Garden Company Ltd also attends local markets, where its benches and tables have become a familiar sight to shoppers looking for locally made outdoor furniture with a personal touch.

The business has built up a growing base of returning customers across Pembrokeshire, with many buyers coming back for additional pieces after seeing

how well their first purchase performs.

Customer feedback has praised the comfort, solid construction and value for money, with repeat orders helping the company grow through word of mouth and local support.

MadE FoR outdooR LIVING

As more people invest in their gardens and outdoor spaces, durable wooden furniture has become an increasingly popular choice.

For homeowners, the garden is no longer just somewhere to mow the lawn. It is a place to relax, entertain, enjoy the sunshine, spend time with family and make the most of the space around the home.

Pembrokeshire Wooden Garden Company Ltd is helping people do exactly that, with handcrafted furniture that

combines strength, comfort and simple good looks.

From a single bench to a full outdoor seating set, each piece is made with care and designed to be used, enjoyed and relied upon.

For anyone looking for garden furniture that is locally made, properly built and designed to last, Pembrokeshire Wooden Garden Company Ltd offers a strong alternative to mass-produced outdoor furniture.

Customers can view the range by appointment at the workshop next to Tivy Tyres, Station Road, Cardigan, or look out for Pembrokeshire Wooden Garden Company Ltd at local markets across the area.

Telephone 07811 120503 Facebook Page: CLICK HERE

pembswood@hotmail.com

Wildfire warning issued ahead of Bank Holiday weekend

pEopLE planning to enjoy Wales’ countryside this bank Holiday weekend are being urged to act responsibly as warm, dry weather increases the risk of wildfires.

Natural Resources Wales (NRW) said officers have been working closely with fire and rescue services and other partners to help manage and tackle grass and wildfires across the country.

On Wednesday (Apr 29), NRW deployed a fire-fighting helicopter to carry out targeted water drops on the Elan Valley wildfire at Cwmystwyth because of the high risk to nature, difficult ground access, forecast winds and a lack of significant rainfall.

Since last night, teams have also been assisting South Wales Fire and Rescue Service at a large wildfire at Waun Wen, near Merthyr Tydfil.

With conditions forecast to remain dry over the coming days, Wales is now entering an elevated-risk period for wildfires.

NRW said teams would continue working around the clock to protect people, nature and property, but warned that lighting fires and using disposable barbecues in the countryside can have devastating consequences.

Richard Preece, Duty Tactical Manager for Natural Resources Wales, said: “Wales’ landscapes are incredibly special, but they are also vulnerable.

“It only takes one careless act for a fire to start and quickly get out of control.

“We’re asking everyone visiting the outdoors this Bank Holiday to think about the consequences of their actions and help us protect our wildlife, our water and our communities.”

Visitors are being urged to be #WildfireWise by following simple safety advice: never light fires in the countryside, only use disposable barbecues where signs say they are

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allowed, never leave them unattended and make sure they are fully out before leaving.

People are also being asked to take all litter home, especially glass bottles, avoid discarding cigarettes or matches, and report any signs of fire or suspicious activity immediately by calling 999.

Carl Williams, Arson Reduction Manager for Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service, said wildfires place huge pressure on crews and can divert firefighters away from other emergencies.

He said: “Wildfires not only divert

crews from responding to other emergencies but also expose firefighters to significant risk.

“These incidents often demand large numbers of personnel, including oncall staff who must leave their primary employment to attend incidents and remain deployed for extended periods, placing considerable strain on personnel and resources.

“Unlike building fires, wildfires can burn across vast rural landscapes, threatening nearby homes, farms, livestock, power supplies and key transport routes.

“Smoke from these fires can also cause road hazards and serious health impacts, particularly for vulnerable people.

“By making responsible choices, the public can help protect firefighters, safeguard communities, and preserve Wales’s countryside for future generations.”

Rhydian Slade-Jones, Landowner Engagement Officer for South Wales Fire and Rescue Service, added: “We work closely with Natural Resources Wales, local farmers and landowners throughout the year to identify high-risk areas and put preventative measures in place, but we can’t do it alone.

“Most wildfires in Wales are caused by human activity, so we’re asking everyone to act responsibly.

“If you see any deliberate fire setting or anti-social behaviour on our hillsides, it is important you report it straight away. Your actions can make a big difference in keeping our communities and crews safe.”

NRW said most wildfires in Wales are started deliberately and classed as arson. Others are caused by carelessness, often through the inappropriate use of barbecues or open flames in the countryside. Very few are the result of accidents or natural causes.

Wildfires can destroy trees, plants and wildlife in hours, with habitats taking years or even decades to recover. Ash and disturbed soil can also be washed into rivers, lakes and reservoirs, reducing water quality and harming fish and other aquatic life.

The loss of vegetation can increase the risk of soil erosion and flooding, while damaged landscapes leave lasting scars on Wales’ countryside. As well as long-term damage to nature and forestry, wildfires put lives at risk. Firefighters, land managers and nearby communities can all be threatened by fast-spreading flames and smoke.

Haverfordwest Pink Cat Shop building could be redeveloped

pREVIouSLY approved plans to convert a listed former clothes shop in Haverfordwest’s town centre to flats and a café have seen a fresh scheme presented, this time from the council.

Back in November 2023, members of Pembrokeshire County Council’s planning committee approved an application by Mr B Roscoe to convert the Grade-II-listed Pink Cat Shop, 24 High Street, to six flats and a café.

The building was first listed in 1974, due to its “… special architectural interest as good late Georgian style terraced front, with surviving staircase and C18 rear wing”.

The property has a long commercial history dating back to 1901, with it being originally used by Tom Davies the clothier; in recent years the basement and ground floors have been used as a café, with the upper floors remaining vacant.

Agent Evans Banks Planning Limited had said the upper floors of the building

Sinclair Local Democracy Reporter

have been vacant for some five years, and the building was marketed for sale for two years without interest.

After that successfully approved scheme, a similar application has now been submitted by Pembrokeshire County Council itself for the Pink Cat building, again through agent Evans Banks Planning Limited.

A supporting statement accompanying the latest listed building application “follows the same overarching principles of development and reuse of the existing building, seeking to deliver residential flats while retaining the character and significance of the listed asset”.

It adds: “Although there are some differences in the detailed design and layout, the proposed works remain comparable in nature and impact to the previously approved scheme and

continue to represent an appropriate and sustainable form of development for the site.”

It says internal works on the previous scheme “are designed to be reversible and avoid harm to the historic fabric, ensuring that the architectural and historic significance of the listed building is preserved whilst enabling a sustainable and viable use”.

Referring to the latest proposal it

says: “In terms of accommodation, the proposal seeks the partial conversion of the existing use of the building but will retain the commercial element at the ground floor frontage aspect of the building, to ensure that the property continues to make a positive contribution to the vitality and viability of the town centre.”

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

New leadership for Fishguard RNLI station

CatHY bEatoN has been appointed as the new Lifeboat operations Manager at Fishguard RNLI, taking on the most senior operational volunteer role at the station.

Mrs Beaton, who joined the station management team in August 2024 as a volunteer Launch Authority, succeeds long-serving volunteer Chris Williams following his retirement.

The role of Lifeboat Operations Manager involves leading the station’s operations team, supporting volunteers, ensuring regular communication across the station, and keeping the lifeboat and its equipment in a constant state of readiness.

The post also includes close liaison

with local emergency services and representing the RNLI in operational matters.

Working with other RNLI personnel, the Lifeboat Operations Manager helps ensure that volunteers and staff meet the requirements of the RNLI Operational Competency Framework, which is designed to keep crews safe when they go to sea.

Mrs Beaton brings considerable experience in people management and dealing with difficult situations, having worked for 40 years in nursing with the NHS.

She said: “Throughout those years I was committed to giving the best service possible to my patients and to the teams with whom I worked. I will do

the same in this role.

“I love being part of the RNLI team. I see the Lifeboat Operations Manager role as a way in which I can be more involved with the charity, which I am very happy to do, and I look forward to working more closely with the highly committed and highly skilled team at the station.”

Fishguard RNLI said it was delighted that Mrs Beaton had taken up the role, adding that during her time with the station she had shown the charity’s core values of being trustworthy, courageous, selfless and dependable.

A station spokesperson said: “We look forward to this new chapter in the station’s history under Cathy’s leadership.”

Fresh call to approve Fishguard children’s home after previous refusal

aN aMENdEd scheme for a children’s care home on the edge of Fishguard have been submitted to county planners after a previous call was refused.

In an application to Pembrokeshire County Council, Martin Leahy of Ty Caredig Ltd seeks permission for a change of use of a dwellinghouse to a residential care home for up to two children at Bryn Delyn, Y Fraich, Fishguard.

Last November, a call to allow Bryn Delyn to be used as a children’s home, which raised fears from local objectors the scheme was being ‘rubber stamped’ by the council, was refused.

In that application to the council, Cardiff-based Ty Caredig Ltd sought permission for a Certificate of Lawfulness on the basis the use was not materially different from the property’s existing lawful use.

Residents had accused the council of “pushing through a highly controversial children’s home application behind closed doors”.

A supporting statement for that scheme, with many redacted parts, said the four-bed property had a lawful use as a dwelling house; saying the use as a care home did not require planning permission through a change of use.

However, planners said the use of the dwelling as a care home “would represent a material change of use requiring the benefit of planning permission”.

Since then, amendment to the scheme, for for a change of use has been submitted, a supporting statement saying Ty Caredig Ltd operates homes throughout Wales that provide specialist care for children, the latest scheme “seeks formal confirmation that the proposed

it did support provision of suitable accommodation for vulnerable young people and children “with the correct infrastructure in place”.

use of Bryn Delyn as a children’s care home for up to two children (plus care staff) would not require planning permission”.

Fishguard Town Council has objected, on the grounds of highway safety and parking issues.

It also raised points of “apparent discrepancies between the planning application and the information available on the website,” but stressed

Local county councillor Cllr Par Davies has said the scheme has her “full support,” as did the certificate call, adding: “Rumours abound regarding this application with objections concerning the usage of the property as a care home for young people. The application states that only two young people would be cared for in the property.

“This type of property is needed

as we often talk as councillors for the need for Pembrokeshire children in care to remain in Pembrokeshire instead of the alternative of moving them to other areas in the country and this application fulfils that need.”

Her statement of support went on to say she could not agree with objections regarding an increase in traffic on the unadopted road at Y Fraich, with no objections or concerns raised when there were working farms there.

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

Seven volunteers to be honoured at Eisteddfod yr Urdd Ynys Môn

SEVEN local volunteers will be honoured at this year’s Eisteddfod yr urdd Ynys Môn in recognition of their long-standing service to the urdd movement.

The festival returns to Anglesey for the first time since 2004 and will be held at the Anglesey Showground from Saturday, May 23 to Friday, May 29.

For the first time in its history, Eisteddfod yr Urdd will run as a sevenday festival.

The Honorary Presidents for 2026 are Alwen Jones, of Amlwch; Ann Peters Jones, of Holyhead; Derek Evans, of Llannerch-y-medd; Edward Morus Jones, of Llangristiolus; Grês Pritchard, of Llannerch-y-medd; Helen Evans, of Talwrn; and Rhian Lloyd Jones, of Bodffordd.

Each year, the Urdd works with the local executive committee to select its Honorary Presidents, recognising people who have made a significant contribution to the organisation and to Welsh youth culture.

Llio Maddocks, Director of the Arts at Urdd Gobaith Cymru, said: “The seven individuals honoured this year have dedicated years of support to the Urdd.

“Volunteers play a vital role in the work of the Urdd, and we look forward to recognising the commitment and contributions of all seven individuals at a special ceremony during the Eisteddfod on Sunday, May 24.”

LONG SERVICE TO THE URDD

Alwen Jones, originally from Amlwch, has been involved with the Urdd since her school days at Ysgol Syr Thomas Jones. She competed successfully when the Urdd came to Menai Bridge in 1976, winning the public speaking competition, coming second in the Chair competition and third in the Literature Medal.

After studying education at Trinity College, Carmarthen, she returned to Anglesey and became involved with Aelwyd yr Ynys, coaching young people and writing lyrics for action songs.

She went on to serve as regional secretary for 25 years, helping organise county eisteddfodau, and was secretary of the executive committee when the Urdd National Eisteddfod was last held on Anglesey in 2004.

Ann Peters Jones, of Holyhead, is a musician, teacher and accompanist who has supported young performers for more than forty years.

Educated at Valley Primary School, Holyhead High School, Wrexham Cartrefle College and the Royal Scottish Academy, she began her teaching career at Llanfawr School in Holyhead before spending fifteen years as Head of Music at Ysgol Gyfun Llangefni.

She now works as a freelance musician, with the Gwynedd and Anglesey Music Service and the dementia charity Forget Me Not. Four songs she co-wrote with Delyth Wyn Jones are included in this year’s Urdd festival competitions.

Derek Evans, of Llannerch-y-medd, began teaching at Ysgol Rhoscolyn in 1978 and joined the local Urdd committee in the same year.

He later became deputy headteacher at Ysgol Gwalchmai and headteacher of Ysgol Llanddeusant, where he encouraged children from rural Anglesey to compete in Urdd eisteddfodau and attend camps at Glan-llyn and Llangrannog.

In 2004, he chaired the executive committee for the Urdd National Eisteddfod on Anglesey. He remains chair of the Anglesey Regional Committee and is also vice-chair of this year’s executive committee.

DECADES OF DEDICATION

Edward Morus Jones, of Llangristiolus, joined the Urdd nearly 75 years ago after growing up in Llanuwchllyn, the home village of Urdd founder Sir Ifan ab Owen Edwards.

Over the years, he has served as President of the Day at the Urdd National Eisteddfod in Swansea in 1971, vicepresident of the organisation during the

1970s, and a member of the Urdd Council for more than 25 years.

He also led the humanitarian panel responsible for the Peace and Goodwill Message, coached and adjudicated locally and nationally, and helped bring the Urdd Eisteddfod to Anglesey in 2004.

Grês Pritchard, of Llannerch-y-medd, is widely known as an accompanist, teacher, coach and conductor.

She received the Green Robe of the Gorsedd in 1960 and the White Robe in 2006, and was awarded an MBE in 2010.

She was accompanist to Côr Meibion y Traeth for 46 years and has helped

generations of children through school and Urdd competitions, including pupils at Amlwch, Penysarn, Ysgol Gymraeg Morswyn and other primary schools.

Helen Evans, of Talwrn, joined the Urdd in the early 1960s and later became a teacher.

She was responsible for Urdd activities at Ysgol Gyfun Llangefni for more than thirty years and played a key role in Cylch Cefni Committee and the Anglesey Regional Committee.

For a period, she also served as secretary of the Anglesey Primary and Secondary Regional Eisteddfodau. During the 1980s, she helped re-establish the Aelwyd in Talwrn.

Rhian Lloyd Jones, of Bodffordd, originally from Meirionnydd, developed her love of singing and competition through the Urdd in Corwen, Ysgol y Berwyn and Ysgol y Gader.

After training at the Normal College in Bangor, she moved to Anglesey for her first teaching post at Ysgol Llanfachraeth, where she began coaching children to sing individually and in groups.

She continued that work at Ysgol Rhosneigr and Ysgol Llanddeusant, helped bring success to Bodffordd’s Urdd branch, and remains an accompanist at Urdd eisteddfodau across Anglesey as well as for Côr Meibion Goronwy.

Goodwick grandmother, 97, smashing world records

a 97-YEaR-oLd pembrokeshire

woman who only took up rowing in her nineties is now a world record holder and shows no signs of slowing down.

Val Coleman, from Goodwick, began indoor rowing as part of her recovery after breaking her femur shortly after her 90th birthday.

Now, nearly eight years later, she has broken eight world records and won a string of medals, including 16 golds.

Her latest achievement came this month when she set a new fivekilometre world record in the 95 to 99 age category.

FRoM RECoVERY to RECoRdS

Val first discovered rowing while watching boats launch at Lower Town Quay in Fishguard.

Her daughter, then captain of Jemima Rowing Club, encouraged her to try a rowing machine.

“She said, ‘I think you’ve got a record there,’ and it went from there really,” Val said.

Despite starting later in life, Val quickly took to the sport and has since built an impressive list of achievements, including World Rowing silver and bronze medals and multiple Welsh titles.

KEEpING aCtIVE KEY to SuCCESS

Val credits her longevity and success to staying active.

“I think it’s very important as you get older. You need more exercise, not less,” she said.

In addition to rowing twice a week, she swims or walks daily and attends Pilates classes at her local leisure centre.

“The great thing about rowing is you’re sitting down,” she added. “It’s not as hard on your legs as running.”

a SoCIaL LIFELINE

Beyond competition, rowing has brought a strong social element to her life.

“It’s important when you live on your own and you’re getting older,” she said. “I’ve made a lot of new friends.”

Training regularly with her club, Val says she is treated no differently to any other rower.

a LIFEtIME oF RESILIENCE

A mother of eight, grandmother, great-grandmother and greatgreat-grandmother, Val has lived in Pembrokeshire for six decades and spent 20 years in Goodwick.

She retrained as a nurse in her late forties and worked at Withybush

Hospital until retirement.

Now, she continues to challenge expectations of ageing, keeping physically active while also reading a daily newspaper and doing crosswords.

“Don’t give up”

Val has a clear message for others.

“Don’t give up when you get to 60 or 70,” she said. “Keep moving.”

And for those thinking of trying something new, her advice is simple.

“Give it a go. If rowing isn’t for you, there’s always something else.”

Badger Trust urges next Welsh Government to keep non-lethal TB policy

badGER trust has called on the next Welsh Government to maintain a science-led and non-lethal approach to tackling bovine tuberculosis.

The charity says Wales should continue to focus on cattle testing, farm biosecurity and support for farmers, rather than wildlife intervention.

According to Badger Trust, bovine TB cases in Wales had fallen by 13.6% by the end of 2025, without any wildlife culling. It said this compared with a 5% fall in England over the same period.

The charity said 5.3% of cattle herds in Wales were not officially TB-free at the end of 2025, down 0.4 percentage points on the previous year. It said 567 new herd incidents were recorded during the year, alongside a 27% reduction in early cattle slaughter.

Badger Trust said bovine TB remains a serious threat to cattle health, but argued that the best response is a cattle-focused policy, including more frequent and enhanced testing, improved farm hygiene, and non-slaughter options for cattle testing positive.

The charity said: “The premature culling of cattle due to a failed bovine TB test is outdated and unnecessary. Instead, strict segregation is an effective alternative.

“The main focus must be on eliminating the reservoir of bovine TB in the national herd in preparation for

cattle vaccination.”

Badger Trust also argued that bovine TB can remain dormant in cattle and in the environment for long periods before being detected, which can lead to mistaken assumptions that infection has entered a closed herd from wildlife.

It said the disease can also be spread through contaminated vehicles, workwear, manure and slurry if proper biosecurity measures are not followed.

The charity added: “Focusing on badgers distracts from the real issue, as DNA testing shows that 94-95% of bovine TB infections are transmitted directly between cattle.

“The only effective way to combat bovine TB is to address it at its source: within the cattle population.”

Badger Trust is urging the next Welsh Government to “hold its nerve” and continue with a science-led, evidence-based, non-lethal policy.

Nigel Palmer, Chief Executive of Badger Trust, said the charity wanted Wales to continue “leading by example” in its approach to tackling the disease.

Badger Trust says it welcomes the end of intensive badger culling licences in England in 2026, but remains opposed to presenting badger vaccination as the main solution to bovine TB. It

argues that improved cattle testing and stronger farm biosecurity offer a more effective and humane way forward.

The charity also warned that badgers face a separate threat from changes linked to the Planning and Infrastructure Bill, which it says could weaken protections for badger setts in development areas.

Badger Trust is the leading voice for badgers in England and Wales and works through a network of local badger groups. Its Badgers Belong Here campaign promotes badger protection and public education.

Official application lodged for controversial space radar scheme

tHE Mod has submitted a formal planning application for the controversial daRC space radar scheme at Cawdor barracks near brawdy.

The Ministry of Defence wants to install 27 radar antennas and associated infrastructure at the former RAF site as part of the Deep Space Advanced Radar Capability, known as DARC.

The project would form part of a global network of sensors across the UK, USA and Australia under the AUKUS defence partnership.

The system is designed to track satellites, space debris and other objects in orbit, providing 360-degree coverage of the sky in all weather conditions and at all times of day.

Cawdor Barracks was named as the preferred UK site in late 2023 by the then Defence Secretary Grant Shapps.

A supporting statement submitted with the application says the scheme would improve the UK’s ability to detect, identify and track objects in Earth orbit.

It states: “This capability is critical to protect and defend the services provided by satellites, ensuring continuity and resilience against collisions or debrisrelated incidents.”

The document also says the loss of GPS services alone could cost the UK an estimated £1.422 billion per day.

Bruce Sinclair Local Democracy Reporter

Space Agency. However, the plans remain controversial locally.

The MoD says the project would help protect critical national infrastructure in orbit and provide data to UK Government departments, the Met Office and the UK

The application says the scheme would create around 90 full-time equivalent construction jobs and 60 full-time equivalent operational jobs, including maintenance and security roles.

St Davids City Council recently voted unanimously to oppose the preapplication consultation proposals.

Objectors have raised concerns about the impact of the development, with protests taking place outside

Labour Senedd candidate Eluned Morgan has also called for the scheme to be put on hold while Donald Trump is President of the United States.

Pembrokeshire County Council will now consider the application.

FUW warns food security must be treated as national security

tHE FaRMERS’ union of Wales has warned that food security must be treated as a uK-wide priority as global instability continues to drive up costs for farmers.

FUW President Ian Rickman and Deputy President Dai Miles met Defra Minister for Food Security and Rural Affairs Dame Angela Eagle MP in Westminster to discuss the impact of international events on farming, production costs and the resilience of food supplies.

They were also joined by Wales Office Minister Anna McMorrin MP.

The union said the ongoing conflict in the Middle East and Gulf region had added significant pressure to key agricultural inputs and energy costs.

According to the FUW, fertiliser prices, particularly urea and ammonium nitrate, have risen by between 20% and 30% since the escalation of the conflict.

The union is calling for greater transparency around fertiliser stocks and distribution across the UK.

Fuel costs have also risen sharply, with the FUW saying red diesel has effectively doubled in price in some cases. Wider agricultural fuel and energy costs are continuing to rise across the sector, placing further pressure on farm businesses already operating on tight margins.

The union warned that these cost increases are feeding through the entire food supply chain, affecting production, transport, processing and manufacturing, and are likely to contribute further to food price inflation.

The FUW repeated its call for a UKwide legislative food security metric, which it says should be taken forward by the next Welsh Government in collaboration with the UK Government.

It said food security is a cross-UK issue, affecting all four nations because of the closely integrated nature of agrifood supply chains.

The union also pointed to recent government evidence, including Defra’s 2024 Food Security Report and its 2025 national security assessment on biodiversity loss and ecosystem collapse.

It said these highlighted long-term risks to food production, including climate change, nature decline, animal and plant disease, supply chain disruption and exposure to volatile global markets.

FUW President Ian Rickman said:

“We welcomed the opportunity to meet Minister Eagle and Minister McMorrin, and highlight the continued impact of recent global instability on Welsh farmers.

“Food security is national security, and recent global instability has made that clearer than ever.

“Farmers are facing surging cost pressures, particularly from fertilisers and sharply rising fuel costs such as red diesel, which in some cases have doubled.

“These are forces far beyond their control, yet they directly threaten the resilience of our food system.

“We urgently need a coordinated UK-wide approach that recognises the strategic importance of domestic food production and reduces our exposure to volatile international markets.

“With that must come regular and meaningful engagement between Defra and agricultural stakeholders across the UK, including the FUW, particularly on policy areas that remain reserved to the UK Government.”

Dog beach restrictions return across Pembrokeshire from Friday

doG owners are being reminded that seasonal restrictions on some of pembrokeshire’s most popular beaches come back into force from Friday (May 1).

The restrictions run each year from May 1 until September 30 and apply to a number of beaches across the county during the busiest months of the visitor season.

Pembrokeshire County Council’s current guidance states that some beaches are subject to either full or partial dog bans during the summer period. Maps showing where dogs can and cannot be walked are available online and are also displayed at the affected beaches.

The council says the restrictions are in place primarily to protect the interests of bathers and other beach users during the summer season, when beaches are at their busiest.

There are only two beaches in Pembrokeshire where a total summer dog ban applies.

From Friday (May 1), dogs are not allowed on Tenby North Beach or Whitesands, St Davids, until the restrictions are lifted again on October

Partial bans are in place at Lydstep, Newgale beach and promenade, Saundersfoot beach and promenade, Tenby Castle and South Beach, Amroth beach and promenade, Poppit Sands, Broad Haven North, and Dale.

Visit Pembrokeshire also lists dog restriction maps for Coppet Hall, which has previously been described by the council as a voluntary restriction area.

CHECK SIGNS bEFoRE WaLKING

THE restrictions do not mean dogs are banned from the whole of every beach listed under the partial ban.

In many cases, parts of the beach remain available for dog walking, but owners are urged to check the signs and maps before heading onto the sand.

The signs at each location show the areas where dogs are banned, areas where dogs are allowed, and areas where dogs must be kept on leads.

At Tenby, the rules affect several beach areas. Tenby North Beach is subject to a full seasonal ban, while Tenby South Beach and Castle Beach are covered by partial restrictions. At Newgale, the restriction also includes the promenade and pebble bank. At Saundersfoot and Amroth, the restrictions include the promenade areas.

Poppit Sands, Broad Haven North, Dale and Lydstep are also covered by partial seasonal restrictions, with mapped areas showing where dogs are allowed.

MajoRItY oF bEaCHES StILL doG-FRIENdLY

DOG owners are also being reminded that the majority of Pembrokeshire’s beaches remain dog-friendly throughout the year.

Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority says dogs are welcome on more than 50 beaches in the county, although some have seasonal restrictions or restricted areas between May and the end of September.

Guide dogs are exempt from the restrictions.

The current council list of affected beaches is:

totaL doG baNS FRoM MaY 1 to SEptEMbER 30

Tenby North Beach Whitesands, St Davids

paRtIaL doG baNS FRoM MaY 1 to SEptEMbER 30

Lydstep

Newgale beach and promenade

Saundersfoot beach and promenade

Tenby Castle and South Beach

Amroth beach and promenade

addItIoNaL MappEd REStRICtIoN

Coppet Hall — listed by Visit Pembrokeshire among the dog restriction beach maps and previously described by the council as voluntary.

ENFoRCEMENt oVER SuMMER

Pembrokeshire County Council says leisure staff enforce the bans throughout the summer months.

Breaches of the byelaws can lead to enforcement action, and the council has previously said the maximum penalty is £500.

The council has also reminded dog owners that they must clean up after their pets on all Pembrokeshire beaches, whether or not a seasonal restriction applies.

In recent years, the council has said officers would focus on education in the first instance, with warnings issued for first offences before fixed penalty notices were considered for repeat breaches or failure to leave a restricted area when asked.

Owners are being urged to check the beach signs, follow the marked zones, keep dogs under control, and clean up after them.

The restrictions will remain in place until Wednesday, September 30. Dogs will be welcome back on the restricted beaches from Thursday, October 1.

BADGER: WHY LABOUR DESERVES TO LOSE

bY tHE time badger’s next column is published, the Senedd election will have ended, and we will all be waking to a changed Welsh political landscape.

Badger makes one final plea for his readers to vote. It’s no use moaning that you don’t like the shape of the next Welsh Parliament if you can’t be arsed to exercise your right to vote.

Voting is not only a right; it is a duty to your community and family. It is also a privilege won and defended by previous generations. As far as Badger is concerned, non-voters forfeit their right to whinge about Welsh politics and its politicians. Even spoiling your ballot paper is a positive act, especially if you are one of those very sad folk who think “they’re all the same” or “voting only encourages them”. Take a side and participate. You must always take a side. If you refuse to take a side or to take part, you are destined to die sitting on the fence.

Whatever else you do on May 7, readers, vote.

If Badger had to choose one issue that should determine how you cast your vote, Badger would choose the Welsh NHS.

Labour is reaping the consequences of not making much of anything after being in government for devolution’s first 27 years. Labour has always wrapped itself in the Welsh NHS as something of which it is proud and which is a source of national pride for Wales. That emperor has no clothes.

Badger previously wrote about Labour claiming all the credit for Welsh NHS successes while denying responsibility for its failings. It has cynically used NHS clinical staff and the high regard in which they’re held by the public as a shield against criticism, arguing that criticism of the NHS is criticism of those who deliver clinical services. The sequence runs: the NHS is a Welsh achievement of which we must be proud; criticising the Welsh NHS is criticising Wales, and those who do so are not only unpatriotic but are betraying “hard-working clinical staff” (Labour ministers, ad nauseam).

Labour’s approach is a shameless lie designed to manipulate voter sentiment. Finally, it has run out of road.

Labour in Wales’s NHS claims have been met with voters’ demands that Eluned Morgan stop pissing on their shoes and telling them that it’s raining.

Last week, Stats Wales published the NHS performance statistics for Wales. Badger supposes it is fair enough for Eluned Morgan to point out that waiting lists fell again. However, Badger pays attention to his email inbox, particularly when it contains reactions from the bodies representing the clinical staff behind whom Labour cowers.

The fact is that Eluned Morgan promised to eliminate two-year waits by March 2023, March 2024, and by March 2026. Badger can’t find it within himself to applaud continuing failure. The diversion of resources to tackle waiting lists has had inevitable knockon effects on other clinical services (setting aside that certain specialities are excluded from the waiting list reduction target).

A&E waiting times are up. Ambulance waiting times across all categories are a disaster, and urgent call performance crept higher. Every Welsh NHS Trust is in one form of special measures. And, in fairness

to Milady Morgan, she at least acknowledged that NHS performance in North Wales was more than a tad sub-optimal. Of course it is. The Betsi Cadwaladr UHB has been under the direct control of the WG for approximately 7 of the last 8.5 years.

Meanwhile, at a time when there is a critical shortage of clinical staff in the Welsh NHS, newly-qualified nurses, midwives, and paramedics will have to move away from Wales to get a job because there’s no money to recruit them. That is scandalous. It’s a scandal on a scale that should force the government responsible from office. And it is the Welsh Government’s responsibility. So fixated has Labour been on waiting lists that there is no cash left for staffing. And before whiny losers moan about recruitment being the Health Boards’ responsibility, note that workforce planning and its funding are the Welsh Government’s responsibility.

Hot on the heels of Eluned relieving herself on the Welsh public’s footwear and advising them to invest in umbrellas, the Royal College of Surgeons, the Royal College of Emergency Medicine, the British

Dental Association, and BMA Cymru queued up to point out that things were not entirely super-duper.

Over 27 years of continuous power, Labour failed to prepare the Welsh NHS for an ageing, increasingly ill population. Past decisions to close hospital beds, without replacing them or planning for future needs, have created current pressures in the health system. That is especially concerning because demographic changes have been predictable for decades. Instead of implementing substantial reforms, Labour made only minimal adjustments, leaving the core issue unresolved.

That’s not a failure of ideology. It’s incompetence.

Eluned Morgan’s approach to the Welsh NHS is not cutting through because voters’ experiences of it do not chime with the relentless boosterism of her government’s record.

Faced with voter incredulity about her claims of improvements in the Welsh NHS, the Baroness of All Our Hearts has fallen back on the old Labour standby of slagging off every other party’s plans for the Welsh NHS, including raising the spectre of backdoor privatisation of primary care by those fiends from Reform UK Ltd.

Pull the other one, it’s got bells on. There is no way on God’s green earth there will be enough votes in the next Senedd - or any Senedd - for such a step. Baroness Morgan may as well hide in a graveyard wearing a bed sheet, jumping out and shouting “boo” at unwary passers-by. At least that scare tactic might work.

If Eluned Morgan loses her seat next week, she might reflect on how Labour has run primary care in West Wales into the ground in the name of centralising services, making them as remote and inaccessible as possible in Ceredigion and Pembrokeshire. Badger is prepared to bet that Labour groupthink is so delusional that it won’t even cross her mind.

Cast your vote, readers. Badger will certainly be casting his vote for those who have relentlessly defended local NHS services and campaigned to preserve and improve them. Any other choice weakens our voice in Cardiff Bay.

Torch Youth Theatre takes aim with Robin Hood adventure

oVER 50 young actors will take to the torch theatre stage this summer for a new version of the classic Robin Hood tale.

Robin Hood: The Legend of the Black Knight will be performed by members of Torch Youth Theatre across three nights in July, promising adventure, excitement and a few unexpected twists.

The production will feature the familiar ingredients of the much-loved story, with Robin Hood robbing from the rich to give to the poor, the Sheriff of Nottingham causing trouble, and Maid Marian presented as a spirited heroine.

Director Tim Howe said: “All the elements of the story we know and love will be there. Robin Hood robs from the rich and gives to the poor, the Sheriff of Nottingham is up to no good, and Maid Marian is exactly the feisty heroine we all need.

“But it wouldn’t be a Torch Youth Theatre production without some things you won’t be expecting, and we can’t wait to share those surprises with you.”

Youth theatre success

The show follows the recordbreaking success of Sycamore Gap and forms part of a busy year of activity for young people at the Torch.

Torch Youth Theatre provides weekly sessions during school term time for young people aged seven to 18. All members are able to take part in the summer production, with no auditions required.

Tim added: “We provide weekly sessions during school term time for young people aged seven to 18, all

of whom are able to take part in the summer production – there are no auditions – and booking is now open.

“We also offer activity in the summer when young people can join us for a full week of workshops and rehearsals to create a production which is shared in our studio for their families and friends.

Slipway Ukes raise £1,514

t HE SLI p WaY u kes have raised a phenomenal £1,514.01 for the p aul Sartori Foundation following a charity gig in Saundersfoot.

The much-anticipated event took place at Regency Hall on Saturday (Mar 28), with support from Saundersfoot Rotary Club.

The ukulele group were joined on the night by local band Footbridge and community choir Pembrokeshire Pop Voices, creating a lively evening of music, food and fundraising.

Pembrokeshire Pop Voices also performed their current charity single, Love the Bones of You, which is raising money directly for the foundation. The choir is due to perform the song again at Voices at the Castle, taking place at Pembroke Castle on Saturday, June 13.

The Slipway Ukes have a long history of supporting Paul Sartori Hospice at Home, having raised significant sums for the charity through community events over the years.

Rosie-Faye Hart, Community Relationship Officer for the Paul Sartori Foundation, said: “Support through fantastic community events like these not only contributes to local

So there’s loads of ways to join in with us.”The Torch Youth Theatre’s sessions and productions aim to develop young people’s theatrical skills while also giving them a space to find their voice, build confidence and learn more about themselves and each other.

Robin Hood: The Legend of the

Black Knight will be performed at the Torch Theatre on Monday, July 20, Tuesday, July 21 and Wednesday, July 22 at 6:30pm. Tickets cost £10, or £8 for concessions, and are available from torchtheatre.co.uk or the Box Office on 01646 695267.

for Paul Sartori Hospice at Home

culture and live entertainment, but also brings people together to raise money for a cause that impacts the lives of so many in Pembrokeshire.”

The evening was described as warm and buzzing, with guests enjoying food from local producers

The Copper Hog and Saundersfoot Rotary Club, while dancing and tapping their feet to Footbridge’s upbeat set and the Slipway Ukes’ energetic performance.

The night ended with The Slipway Ukes, Footbridge and Pembrokeshire Pop Voices combining their talents for a joint performance.

The Paul Sartori Foundation is encouraging more musicians, artists and performing groups to get involved and support the charity in creative ways.

Donations help the hospice-athome service ensure that people in Pembrokeshire do not have to face the end of life without the care, support and equipment they need.

Anyone who would like to organise a performance or fundraising event for the charity can contact RosieFaye Hart on 07584 684171 or email rosie-faye@paulsartori.org.

Paul Sartori Hospice at Home was

established in memory of Father Paul Sartori, a much-loved local priest who recognised the need for hospice care in Pembrokeshire before his death from cancer at the age of 39.

The charity supports people with any life-limiting condition, not only

cancer, and provides care to people of any faith or no faith. It operates an open referral system, with referrals coming from patients, families, friends, district nurses, palliative care specialists and hospital staff.

gaming

Forza Horizon 6 feels like the natural evolution of a series that has spent years refining the balance between arcade freedom and automotive authenticity, and this time the shift to japan as its setting brings a fresh sense of identity that the franchise truly needed. From the moment you start driving, the map stands out as one of the most diverse and visually striking in the series, blending dense neon-lit cities with winding mountain passes, quiet rural roads, and coastal highways that feel tailor-made for long, uninterrupted drives. the atmosphere is where the game really excels, capturing both the high-energy street racing culture and the calm, almost meditative side of driving that fans have always appreciated.

The driving itself remains incredibly accessible while still offering enough depth to keep experienced players engaged, with improved handling that makes every car feel more responsive

without sacrificing the fun, slightly exaggerated physics the series is known for. Whether you are drifting through tight corners in the mountains or speeding down expressways at night, the sense of control is consistently satisfying. The car roster is as impressive as ever, featuring a wide mix of modern hypercars, classic icons, and a particularly strong focus on Japanese legends, which feels appropriate given the setting and adds a layer of authenticity longtime fans have been asking for.

What also stands out is how the game presents progression, encouraging exploration rather than forcing it, with events, challenges, and discoveries naturally pulling you across the map. It rarely feels like you are grinding, and instead more like you are taking part in a festival that adapts to how you want to play. Online features blend more seamlessly into the world than before, making multiplayer feel like a natural extension of the experience rather than a separate mode, although occasional

connection hiccups can still interrupt the flow.

Visually, the game is stunning, with dynamic weather and lighting that transform familiar roads into entirely new experiences depending on the time of day or conditions, and the attention to detail in both the environment and the vehicles helps sell the illusion of a living, breathing world. The sound design complements this perfectly, from the distinct engine notes to the ambient noise of the world around you, all contributing to a sense of immersion that keeps you coming back.

Forza Horizon 6 doesn’t completely reinvent the formula, but it doesn’t need to; instead, it refines what already worked and enhances it with a setting that feels both exciting and culturally rich. It is a confident, polished entry that understands its audience and delivers exactly what players want, while still managing to feel fresh thanks to its new location and subtle improvements across the board.

“Hokum” arrives with an intriguing pairing in Adam Scott and Peter Coonan, and the result is a film that leans heavily into atmosphere, ambiguity, and character-driven tension rather than conventional storytelling. From its opening moments, the film establishes an off-kilter tone that never quite settles, inviting the audience into a world where motives feel slippery and reality itself seems just slightly out of alignment.

Adam Scott delivers one of his more restrained and quietly unsettling performances,

playing a man whose outward composure masks something far less stable beneath the surface. There’s a precision to his acting here that makes even the smallest gestures feel loaded with meaning, and it’s this subtlety that keeps the viewer constantly second-guessing what they’re seeing. Opposite him, Peter Coonan brings a raw, unpredictable energy that acts as both a counterweight and a catalyst. Their dynamic is the film’s backbone, creating a pushand-pull tension that simmers throughout and occasionally boils over in moments of sharp

intensity.

The film’s pacing may divide audiences, as it opts for a slow burn that prioritises mood over momentum. Scenes often linger longer than expected, allowing discomfort to settle in, but this deliberate rhythm ultimately serves the story’s underlying themes of deception and selfdelusion. Visually, “Hokum” is striking without being showy, favouring muted tones and carefully composed frames that reinforce its uneasy atmosphere.

Where the film truly stands out is in its refusal to offer easy answers. It trusts the audience to sit with uncertainty, to interpret, and even to question whether there is a definitive truth to uncover at all. This approach won’t work for everyone, particularly those looking for a clear resolution, but for viewers willing to engage with its ambiguity, “Hokum” proves to be a compelling and thoughtprovoking experience.

While it may not have the broad appeal of more straightforward thrillers, “Hokum” succeeds as a moody, characterfocused piece that lingers in the mind long after the credits roll, driven by two performances that are as captivating as they are unsettling.

Tech and Taff

Tech n Taff: Even the robots are talking daft now, like

t HERE was me thinking artificial intelligence was supposed to be getting cleverer by the week, and now we find out one of the world’s top a I firms has had to tell its chatbot to stop banging on about goblins.

Goblins, butt.

Not banking fraud, not cyber attacks, not Russian hackers in a basement somewhere. Goblins.

OpenAI, the lot behind ChatGPT, says some of its newer models had picked up a strange habit of talking about goblins, gremlins and other odd little creatures in answers where they made no sense at all. Apparently problems were being described as “little goblins”, which sounds less like cutting-edge technology and more like your uncle after four pints and a curry.

Now, I’ll be honest, I laughed.

Because there is something

wonderfully ridiculous about a room full of top computer boffins having to sit down and ask: “Why is the machine suddenly obsessed with goblins?”

But under the silliness, there is a proper point here, look you.

These AI companies are desperate to make their chatbots sound warmer, friendlier and more human. They don’t want them sounding like an old sat-nav giving tax advice. They want them chatty. Engaging. Full of personality.

And that’s where it starts going a bit wonky.

Because once you start training machines to have “personality”, they pick up habits, tics and silly little ways of speaking — a bit like that bloke down the rugby club who says “to be fair now” every other sentence.

In this case, OpenAI says

a “nerdy personality” it had developed somehow ended up rewarding goblin and gremlin references. So the system started slipping them in more and more, like it thought it was being clever.

That is funny enough when it is goblins. But it also tells you something important about AI: it is not magic, and it is not nearly as solid as some of these tech companies would have you believe.

One nudge in the wrong direction and the thing starts sounding like a fantasy novelist from Neath.

Today it is goblins. Tomorrow it

could be something less harmless — bad advice, made-up facts, or false confidence dressed up in a friendly tone. And that, butt, is where the trouble starts.

So yes, this one is a laugh. A good one, mind.

But it is also a reminder that for all the hype, for all the billions, and for all the guff about the future, these AI systems are still perfectly capable of going a bit daft.

Which, in fairness, makes them sound more human than they’d probably like.

“Straight to Hell” on Netflix is the kind of show that leans unapologetically into chaos, blurring the line between dark comedy, satire, and outright absurdity in a way that won’t land for everyone but is almost impossible to ignore. From the opening moments, it establishes a tone that is deliberately unhinged, throwing its characters into morally questionable, often bizarre situations and daring the audience to either laugh along or recoil. there’s a sense that the show is constantly testing boundaries, not just in terms of content but in how far it can push its own narrative structure before it collapses under the weight of its own ambition. What makes it compelling is not necessarily the plot itself, which at times feels fragmented or even secondary, but the sheer commitment to its own madness; it knows exactly what it is and refuses to soften its edges or dilute its identity for broader appeal.

the performances carry much of the weight, with the cast fully embracing the eccentricity of the script and elevating moments that might otherwise fall flat. There’s a noticeable willingness from the actors to lean into discomfort, delivering lines and reactions with a confidence that sells even the most outlandish scenarios.

HOROSCOPES

relationship are a top priority, so make it clear to your friend or partner that you’re not quite ready to be joined at the hip with them. Independence should still be very important to you. It is the only thing that empowers you right now.

CANCER

Prep work may not be your favorite thing to do, but your time will be well spent planning, such as drawing up blueprints, booking travel dates, researching locations, or putting together an invitation list. An idea for an unusual combination will spark your creativity and get the wheels turning toward a possible love match or career connection. You could be the catalyst for a lot of positive changes soon, so keep all your social contacts healthy.

LEO Grab your whistle, sunblock, and floatation device before you head out the door this morning, because you’ll end up being a very valuable lifeguard for the people in your life. There could

this commitment helps ground the show just enough to keep it watchable, even when the story veers into territory that feels deliberately excessive or chaotic. the dialogue itself is a mixed but often entertaining bag, oscillating between sharp, biting wit and intentionally exaggerated exchanges that border on parody, sometimes within the same scene. When it works, it’s genuinely funny in a dark, almost cynical way; when it doesn’t, it can feel like the show is trying too hard to shock rather than engage.

Visually, the show complements its tone with a stylized approach that feels slightly off-kilter, reinforcing the sense that this is a world where normal rules don’t quite apply. the direction often leans into unusual framing, bold color choices, and pacing that mirrors the erratic energy of the narrative, creating an atmosphere that feels both immersive and unsettling. this aesthetic choice helps maintain a consistent identity, even when the storytelling itself becomes disjointed. there are moments where everything aligns—the visuals, performances, and writing—to create sequences that are genuinely memorable, even if they leave you unsure whether you actually enjoyed them.

that said, the relentless intensity can become exhausting, and the show doesn’t always know when to pull back. there are stretches where the reliance on shock value overshadows meaningful character development or coherent storytelling, leaving certain arcs feeling undercooked or abruptly resolved. at times, it feels as though the show prioritizes being provocative over being purposeful, which can make it harder to stay invested in the long term. the pacing can also be uneven, with some episodes feeling overloaded with ideas while others drift without clear direction, contributing to an overall sense of inconsistency.

Still, for viewers who appreciate something bold, strange, and a little reckless, “Straight to Hell” offers an experience that is as memorable as it is divisive. It’s the kind of show that sparks conversation, even among those who aren’t entirely sure they liked it, and it thrives on that ambiguity. Whether you see it as a daring piece of television or an exercise in excess will likely depend on your tolerance for its brand of chaos, but either way, it leaves an impression that lingers long after the credits roll, which is more than can be said for many safer, more conventional series.

in the cards for you now, so the sooner you let go of some power the better. In your personal relationships, give people a little bit more breathing room. The extra space will help things grow in a very productive direction. A restless feeling could come over you, and if you want to work it out you need to devote some time to something you really enjoy like a hobby or physical activity that brings you a lot of pleasure.

LIBRA There’s been an array of changes going on with the people in your social network, including some things that you’re not even aware of. Consider throwing a small get-together or dinner party to get everyone in the same room again. Relationships are living things. They continually grow and evolve, so make sure you’re keeping involved and encouraging them to grow. Folks will always come and go, so enjoy them while they’re meant to be in your life.

SCORPIO

The conflict is an odd one. You have tons of energy but no clear way to use it. Instead of getting frustrated about not being able to do something, accept your situation and try to enjoy doing nothing in particular. Get out in nature and enjoy the sights and sounds around you. Slow your walking pace to take in details you might never have noticed before, like a flower pushing up through the crack in a sidewalk, a bird singing, or a beautiful sunset.

SAGITTARIUS

If closure on an issue is frustratingly slow in coming, stop waiting for it. Things are settling nicely enough to give you a firm foundation to move forward, so feel free to go ahead. Lingering feelings of guilt, regret, or anger need to settle inside you for a while. You can come back and deal with them when you’re ready. Keep things quiet and don’t put too much pressure on yourself to be happy all the time. It’s just not healthy.

CAPRICORN

Sometimes the road you’re traveling on gets shrouded in fog. If that happens, don’t pull over and wait for the weather to clear. Time is not to be wasted. Keep going, slowly but surely, on the same path. If you let little things keep you from where you want to go or what you want to accomplish, your confidence will take a beating. Soon enough, you’ll see a clear sign that will put your fears to rest

AQUARIUS

PISCES

Music at the Manor to strike a chord with return to Scolton

YouNG musicians from across pembrokeshire will take centre stage next month as Music at the Manor returns to Scolton Manor.

Pembrokeshire Music Service is inviting music lovers to enjoy an evening of live performances in the grounds of the manor on Friday (May 8).

The event will showcase the talents of scores of young musicians from across the county, with performances from Pembrokeshire Music Service’s county ensembles.

These will include the County Orchestra, Wind Band, Brass Band, Training Orchestra with Second Steps, Rock and Pop Band, and Big Band.

There will also be performances from the Community Choir and this year’s Secondary Valero festival winner, drummer Ryan Block from Ysgol Bro Preseli.

Gates open at 4:30pm, with the music starting at 6:00pm.

Tickets are available from ticketsource.co.uk/pembrokeshirecounty-council

Three actors bring The Invisible Man to Torch Theatre

tHE tHouGHt of invisibility, and the advantages it might bring, has captured imaginations for generations since H. G. Wells’ classic story was first published.

Now The Invisible Man, adapted for the stage by Derek Webb, is coming to the Torch Theatre in Milford Haven this May, offering audiences an evening of fast-paced slapstick silliness.

Although the story has been adapted many times for film, it is far less often seen on stage. This original and riotous version features 15 characters played by just three energetic actors, with quick costume changes, clever prop work, wacky imagination and plenty of tonguein-cheek fun.

The production is presented by Our Star Theatre Company, following its successful 2023 UK tour and critically acclaimed sell-out run at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe.

The British Theatre Guide praised

the show as “high paced throughout”, adding: “An exuberant cast, Daniel Davis, Eleanor Catherine Smart and Sophie Watkins, deserve credit for confidence and maintaining a high pace throughout. Watkins is a talented performer, coaxing the best out of the piece.”

The Invisible Man will be performed at the Torch Theatre on Wednesday, May 13, at 7:30pm.

Tickets are priced at £18 and can be booked online at torchtheatre.co.uk or through the Box Office on 01646 695267.

Who pays for Welsh politics - and What do they Want back?

as Wales prepares to elect a bigger Senedd, voters deserve to know who is really funding the parties asking for power

WALES is about to elect a larger Senedd, with 96 members chosen across 16 constituencies on Thursday, May 7. That should mean stronger democracy, better scrutiny, and a louder voice for communities from Pembrokeshire to Wrexham.

But there is a question we do not ask often enough: who is paying for the politics we are being sold?

Every leaflet through the door, every glossy campaign video, every targeted advert on Facebook, every coachload of activists and every carefully staged media event costs money. Parties do not run on fresh air. Someone pays.

And when someone pays, voters are entitled to ask what they expect in return.

That does not mean every donation is corrupt. It does not mean every businessman, trade union, pressure

group or wealthy supporter is buying policy. But politics is not only damaged by proven wrongdoing. It is damaged by suspicion.

If a party takes money from people with strong commercial interests, and then starts promoting policies that suit those interests, the public will inevitably join the dots. Sometimes they may be wrong. Sometimes they may be right. The problem is that most of the time they will never know.

That uncertainty is poison.

Here in Wales, trust in politics is already fragile. People see hospital waiting lists, struggling schools, potholes, sewage spills, housing pressures, second homes, farm protests, and councils pleading poverty while bills keep rising. Then they look at politicians making grand promises and wonder who is really being listened to.

Is it the pensioner in Pembroke Dock? The farmer outside Crymych?

The young family in Haverfordwest trying to rent a home? Or is it the

donation is bent. The lesson is that voters should never have to wonder who a politician is really speaking for.

Our politics may be smaller than Westminster’s, but that can make big money more powerful, not less. A relatively modest sum by London standards can go a long way in a Welsh election campaign.

And with the new Senedd system, party machines matter more than ever. Voters will choose parties and independent candidates in larger constituencies. That makes branding, advertising, central messaging and campaign cash even more important. This is why Wales needs a grownup conversation about political funding.

We should not wait for another scandal. We should not wait until some future inquiry reveals that influence was bought while everyone looked the other way. Democracy should be protected before trust collapses, not after.

There is a simple principle that should guide reform: politics should be funded by many ordinary people, not a handful of powerful ones.

person who can quietly write a cheque big enough to keep a campaign afloat?

The current system makes that question unavoidable.

The Electoral Commission publishes donation information, and parties must follow rules on spending and reporting. But the rules are complex, the figures are not always easy for ordinary voters to follow, and enforcement often feels remote from the real world.

Wales should not pretend it is immune from this problem.

Wales has already had its warning. Nathan Gill, a former Wales MEP and former Reform UK Wales leader, was jailed for ten and a half years after admitting eight bribery offences linked to pro-Russian statements. That was not some distant Westminster scandal. It involved a politician who represented Wales. It showed how outside money and hidden influence can reach directly into our democratic system.

The lesson is not that every

Small donations, membership fees, transparent accounts, strict caps and proper enforcement would do far more for public trust than another round of speeches about integrity. Public funding linked to votes or membership may make some people uncomfortable, but it would be cleaner than a system where parties spend half their time chasing wealthy backers.

Politicians should be trying to win voters, not donors.

Wales has a chance to do politics differently. A bigger Senedd should not become a bigger playground for party machines and private influence. It should belong to the people who pay council tax, run businesses, work shifts, care for relatives, volunteer in their communities and turn up at polling stations hoping someone might finally listen.

Because the real danger is not just corruption. It is the belief that corruption is normal.

Squawks from the docks – even London’s looking wobbly now

aLRIGH t, listen up, you lot — gather round the rusty bollard and stop nicking chips for two minutes, because there’s a funny smell on the wind. a nd it’s not just that old trawler that’s been sat there since 2003.

It’s politics.

All week long, the humans on the telly have been squawking the same three things over and over — election next Thursday, Starmer in trouble, Labour gonna have a bad time. Even I’m sick of it, and I once ate the same out-ofdate pasty for three days straight.

But here’s the thing, right — this ain’t just your usual flapping and fuss. Even down here on the docks, where the only voting we do is over who gets the last chip, you can feel something shifting.

Now get this — one of Labour’s big birds, Andy Burnham, flew down from up north to London to gee up the troops. That’s like sending a seagull from Tenby to teach the Cardiff lot how to pinch ice cream. Doesn’t happen unless something’s gone very wrong.

And where was he going? Not the dodgy bits. Not the places where Labour’s already been chased out like a gull from a closed bin.

No — he was in their strongholds. Proper red patches. The places where Labour used to win without even trying. The political equivalent of an open chip shop window.

And now? Even there, they’re flapping.

That’s when you know it’s serious.

See, Labour used to build its whole nest on giving people homes. Big estates, solid bricks,

roofs over heads. “Vote for us,” they’d say, “and we’ll house you.” Fair deal, that. Even a seagull understands that — you don’t foul your own nest.

But somewhere along the way, they stopped building and started selling. Passed it all off, bit by bit, like a gull trading chips for scraps until there’s nothing left but the wrapper.

Now you’ve got people saying they can’t vote for them anymore. Too many broken promises. Too many decisions that don’t sit right.

And in places like London, where loads of people come from all over the world, that sort of thing sticks.

And who’s circling overhead

now?

The Greens.

Yep — new flock moving in. Pecking away at Labour’s territory, chirping about housing, fairness, all the stuff Labour used to bang on about. And people are listening.

I’ve seen it before, mind. One bird gets too comfortable on a perch, thinks it owns the place — next thing, a younger, hungrier lot come in and shove it clean off into the harbour.

Splash.

What’s really got the humans worried is this: if Labour starts losing London, that’s like a seagull losing the seaside. Where do you

go from there? Inland? Good luck with that — no chips, no tourists, just pigeons and disappointment. And come next weekend, when all the votes are counted and the feathers have settled, they’ll be asking themselves what went wrong.

From where I’m standing — on a lamppost, eyeing up a halfeaten sausage roll — the answer’s simple. They forgot who they were feeding.

Anyway, that’s enough from me. Tide’s coming in, someone’s dropped a Greggs bag, and I’ve got priorities.

Don’t get caught out by spring sun - RSPCA issues hot car warning as temperatures rise

As the Met Office predicts ‘largely fine and dry’ weather across England and Wales, with many people planning weekend trips to the seaside, bbQs, and picnics, the RSpCa is reminding owners not to let the first warm spells of spring lead to complacency when it comes to pets.

Predicted temperatures this weekend include up to a sweltering 21°C (70°F) for London and Birmingham with 20°C (68°F) forecast for Cardiff.

The charity is encouraging owners to do some vital “pet homework” now - from checking forecasts to planning cooler walking times - to ensure their dogs and other animals stay safe and comfortable.

The warning comes from the RSPCA’s animal welfare experts, aiming to highlight the importance of pet owners taking extra care of their animals during sunny spells and reminding owners everywhere the warning that ‘dogs die in hot cars’, and those who see a dog in a hot car should call 999 immediately. The charity also warns that cars, trains, ferries and caravans all pose risk.

RSPCA polling suggests only 58% of the general public across the UK would NOT leave their dog inside a car on a warm day* - suggesting almost

half of the general public still underestimate the potentially fatal consequences for their pet of doing this.

Lauren Bennett, expert in dog welfare at the RSPCA, added: “As warm, sunny spells arrive this weekend, the temptation is strong to include our dogs in all the fun - whether that’s a trip to the seaside or the first BBQ of the year. However, we are urging owners not to become complacent. Even mildly warm weather can be dangerous, and the risks of heatstroke and ‘hot cars’ are present from the very first sunny day of spring.

“We know that almost half of the public may still underestimate the danger, which is why now is the critical time to start your ‘pet homework.’ This includes everything from getting into the habit of checking the temperature forecast daily to planning cooler walks and knowing exactly how to act in a heatstroke emergency. Taking these simple steps now is the best way to safeguard your dog’s life.”

Lauren is also highlighting the importance of owners recognising what factors may put their individual pet at risk of heatstroke, such as older, larger, overweight, or double-coated dogs, or those with potential breathing issues such as French bulldogs, pugs and other flat-

“Even at lower temperatures, pets are still at risk, which some owners may not realise. We’re also highlighting that no matter your dog’s breed

or how much they appear to enjoy basking in the sunshine, all animals are at risk. Taking the time now to identify how you can reduce your dog’s risk, could just save their life.”

College learner receives prestigious Welsh award

a pEMbRoKESHIRE College learner has been recognised with a prestigious award celebrating her commitment, achievement and future potential.

Eleanor Edwards, a secondyear Travel and Tourism learner, received the award from the Worshipful Livery Company of Wales as part of its annual College Awards programme.

The scheme supports young Welsh talent and recognises individuals undertaking academic and vocational studies, as well as members of the armed forces and those involved in community service.

SuppoRt FoR FutuRE CaREER

The award will help Eleanor further develop her skills and broaden her learning experience through additional courses made possible by the funding.

The College said Eleanor’s success reflects both her hard work and ambition, as well as the high standard of vocational learning delivered at Pembrokeshire College.

Speaking on behalf of the Worshipful Livery Company of Wales, Sylvia Robert-Sargeant said: “We are delighted to have been involved in the selection of Eleanor Edwards as an

outstanding second-year learner studying for a Diploma in Travel and Tourism at the College.

“We wish Eleanor every success, both in participating in the extra courses made possible by this award and in her future studies and career.”

aMbItIoN to joIN CabIN CREW

Pembrokeshire College

Principal Dr Barry Walters also congratulated Eleanor on her achievement.

Dr Walters said: “We are delighted to congratulate Eleanor on receiving a Worshipful Livery Company of Wales award.

“This achievement will support her continued progression, enabling her to gain the additional qualifications needed to pursue her ambition of a career in air cabin crew.

“We also extend our sincere thanks to the Worshipful Livery Company of Wales for their ongoing support and for the time invested in the selection process.”

The College said it was proud to see Eleanor acknowledged through the respected awards programme and wished her every success as she continues her studies and prepares for a future career in the travel and tourism industry.

Police dogs visit Greenhill School for community afternoon

pupILS at Ysgol Greenhill were given a close-up look at the work of police dogs during a visit from local officers.

Officers from the Tenby Neighbourhood Policing and Prevention Team attended the school on Thursday (Apr 23), joined by police dog handler PC 301 Bain and police dogs Stan and Archie.

The visit gave pupils and staff the chance to learn more about the role of police dogs, their training, and the work they carry out alongside officers.

Police said the afternoon was also an opportunity for positive engagement and relationship building between young people and the local policing team.

The visit appeared to be a hit with pupils — and with Stan and Archie, who were said to have enjoyed plenty of fuss and attention during the afternoon.

Tenby, Saundersfoot and Narberth Police thanked Greenhill School for hosting the visit.

Southern Roots Organics Felindre Farchog house plan approved

pLaNS for a rural enterprise dwelling to support a pembrokeshire horticultural business which supplies its produce to “some of the best restaurants in Wales” have been approved despite concerns from the local community council.

In an application recommended for approval at the April 22 meeting of Pembrokeshire Coast National Park’s development management committee, Southern Roots Organics/Awen Organics, through agent Preseli Planning Ltd, sought permission for a rural enterprise dwelling, track extension, and associated works at Eithin Farm, Felindre Farchog, near Nevern.

This application was presented to the Development Management Committee as local community council Nevern had objected to

the application raising material planning matters, contrary to the officer recommendation for approval.

An officer report says Eithin Farm comprises about 25 acres of agricultural land, with an additional seven acres to be rented by the applicants; the applicants running a horticultural business from the site, using multiple polytunnels and employing irrigation systems which require careful management.

The report says the business has been trading for over three years and can support a fulltime worker, meeting criteria which addresses planning for sustainable rural communities.

The proposal is said to meet these requirements, and the officer’s report confirms a genuine need for the dwelling.

Nevern, in its objection, said:

“The living accommodation is supposed to be part of the business, it needs to be closer to the sheds, making the whole enterprise more aesthetically pleasing. The area designated for future seasonal agricultural workers would be an areas that would be more appropriate for a traditional cottage. A restriction on the house, a tied house needs to be considered.”

Objections to the plan have also been received from members of the public raising concerns including foul water disposal and the application “has nothing to do with the new current business”.

However, a number of representations have expressed

support for the application. Issues raised include the benefit of applicants living on site, helping to reduce travel and carbon emissions, and confirming support for local, small-scale horticulture, and the contribution the business makes to the community.

The report said there is an identified need for a rural worker’s dwelling, especially due to the need to quickly respond to changes in crop conditions and potential failures in irrigation or ventilation systems, the proposal “considered to be acceptable and a recommendation to grant permission is made”.

Speaking at the meeting, Adam and Dee of Southern Roots Organics/Awen Organics said the business employed 14 workers, including themselves, “supplying some of the best restaurants in Wales,” with thousands of trees planted, the business also having been shortlisted for an organic farm award.

Members heard they currently had a 20-minute commute to the site from Cilgerran, often starting work at 5.30am and working through to as late as 10pm.

Members also heard that alternative locations, as favoured by Nevern Community Council, would lead to the loss of apple trees in an orchard.

Members backed the officer recommendation, committee member John Hogg praising the applicants on their achievements.

An independent review of agricultural red-tape and bureaucracy needs to be a priority for the next Welsh Government, says NFU Cymru

NFu Cymru is impressing upon those contending for seats in next week’s Senedd Elections that the next Welsh Government must conduct a long overdue review of the raft of regulation impacting farmers.

The issue of the heavy bureaucratic burden impacting Welsh agriculture has not been examined since a Welsh Government-sponsored review back in 2011. NFU Cymru is now calling for the next Welsh Government to commission a deep dive into the regulatory environment impacting our primary producers, as matter of urgency, early on in its new term.

The union believes that such a review needs to be independent, ambitious and all- encompassing, forming an important first step towards a policy, regulatory and planning environment which supports and enables farm businesses, rather than holding them back.

Bringing to life this key ask from the union’s Growing Forward Senedd Elections manifesto is NFU Cymru’s Less Favoured Area (LFA) Board Chair Kath Whitrow. In this latest video from the union’s series of preelection case studies, Kath Whitrow exhorts those seeking election to Cardiff Bay, and those who will form the next Welsh Government, to ensure an early priority is made of reviewing red-tape and rationalising the way in which the industry is regulated. Kath emphasises the need to ensure that

processes which don’t deliver real added value and which add costs to the producer and consumer alike are examined as part of this review.

Kath Whitrow said: “We are long overdue a review of the redtape, bureaucracy and regulatory processes. Regulation and red-tape are a cost to the industry in terms of

both time and money - and that cost ultimately ends up with the consumer. There is a real cost of living challenge for the public right now and we need to cut as much cost out of this industry as possible.

“Welsh agriculture is the foundation stone of the Welsh food and drink sector. We really need to be ambitious

in how we support that industry, so that is is able to continue to grow and deliver for Wales.”

In its 2026 election manifesto Growing Forward, NFU Cymru is calling for the establishment of an independent review group to consider the cumulative burden of regulations on Welsh farming.

Search begins for Gareth Raw Rees travel scholarship applications

Learning about agriculture abroad can be one of the most beneficial experiences for young farmers starting out in their agricultural career. t his is why, the Gareth Raw Rees Memorial Scholarship is once again on the lookout for applications from youngsters wanting to travel the world.

Last year, the Scholarship made £4,450 available for applicants considering travelling within the UK, Europe or further afield. Past winners of the award have travelled to New Zealand, Australia, America, the Orkney Islands, Georgia, the Isle of Man and many other destinations. If you are under 30 years old and would like some financial assistance with your travels, even if you have already received support from another scholarship or fund, then this could be the perfect opportunity

for you.

NFU Cymru Policy Adviser, Joe Rees Jones said: “The scholarship fund was launched in 1984 in memory of the late Gareth Raw Rees MBE from Ceredigion, whose considerable energies had always been directed towards promoting the interests of young people in farming and in the countryside. He was a firm believer in the benefits of travelling towards the fulfilment of a broader and more rewarding education.

“We have awarded scholarships to some incredible young farmers and their experiences abroad have been extremely beneficial to their own farming practices back here in Wales. I urge anyone looking to travel abroad to submit an application this year as you could very well be successful.”

The Scholarship is managed by the Raw Rees family, NFU Cymru, NFU

Mutual, Wales YFC, the Institute of Biological, Environmental and Rural Sciences (IBERS) at Aberystwyth University and the Future Farmers of Wales.

The closing date for applications is Friday 12th June and the winners will be announced on the Tuesday of

this year’s Royal Welsh Show at the NFU Cymru/NFU Mutual stand.

For an application form, contact Joe Rees Jones at NFU Cymru on 01982 554200 or email joe. reesjones@nfu.org.ukA copy of the application form is also available on the NFU Cymru website.

Access to precision crop breeding technology could offer multiple benefits to Wales, says NFU Cymru

aHEad of next week’s Senedd Election, NFu Cymru is calling on aspiring politicians and those who will form the next Welsh Government to ensure that Wales’ farmers are not left behind when it comes to accessing new precision breeding techniques for crops. Gene editing techniques offer the potential to help bolster climatefriendly food production by helping crops better withstand pests and diseases, allowing them to better tolerate extreme weather events such as flooding and drought. This, in turn, enables more efficient uses of inputs and resources on farm.

Bringing to life this key ask from the union’s Growing Together manifesto was NFU Cymru’s Crops & Horticulture Group Chair, Tom Rees. The latest video in a series of preelection digital case studies, sees Mr Rees explain to Senedd candidates why the opportunities offered by precision breeding techniques are

needed to be made available to farmers in Wales.

Speaking from the cab of his tractor while take a break from planting potatoes in Pembrokeshire, Mr Rees urged the next Welsh Government to take a science-led approach to deciding on policy in relation to precision breeding to ensure that farmers in Wales are not left behind in terms access to future technology. NFU Cymru states that the next Welsh Government must create the right policy environment to allow Wales as a whole to realise the benefits of these new precision breeding techniques.

“Access to gene editing is vital for Welsh agriculture going forward. It’s the next stage of technology and it presents so much opportunity for the sector. It would allow us to become more efficient, reduce inputs and make us more environmentally friendly,” he said.

Relating it to his own enterprise, Mr Rees spoke of the exciting prospect of potato varieties which are able to better withstand - or even resist - blight, as well as crops which are more tolerant of insect and disease pressure, developments which should cut the amount of inputs he has to use over the course of a season. He underlined that precision breeding techniques now offer the next step forward in the development of crop varieties for a world which continues to change, all while still ensuring that produce, such as the humble Welsh potato, still passes the taste test with consumers.

He said: “I think it’s so important that Welsh agriculture is at the forefront of this. Not only are we as farmers competing on a world market, but we’re also competing at a UK level, too. If we don’t have access to developing precision breeding techniques, it’s going to leave us at a disadvantage.

“I want to see the next Welsh Government take a science-based approach to gene editing, to look at the benefits it can bring and how by working with the industry and the fantastic research institutions we have here in Wales, it can help move the whole Welsh economy forward.”

Development could be permitted on Llawhaden dairy farm

a RE t R o S p EC t IVE call for amendments to a previously granted building and slurry lagoon at a 700 herd p embrokeshire dairy farm has been sub

In an application to Pembrokeshire County Council, Bill Ridge of Vaynor Farm Ltd, Bethesda seeks retrospective permission for a replacement agricultural building for cattle housing, the retention of a slurry lagoon as built and associated works at Talybont Farm, Llawhaden.

A supporting statement through agent Cynllunio RW Planning Ltd said: “Bill Ridge farms at Vaynor Farm, trading as Vaynor Farm Ltd. The farm is a 645-acre farm compromising of owned and rented land, this supports a dairy herd of circa 700 cows. The dairy system is an

Bruce Sinclair Local Democracy Reporter

extensive grass-based spring calving system.

“The application is made following receipt of a letter from the local authority planning enforcement department stating that the replacement agricultural building which had recently been erected required planning permission and that the lagoon also recently built seemed not to be in line with the approved plans of [the 2022 application] recently approved on site for the lagoon.

“Therefore, this application seeks retrospective planning permission for the retention of the building as built and the lagoon as built.”

It said the 22.72 by 13.33-metre agricultural

With the election just a week away, it’s worth remembering that regardless of the result, the next Senedd and Welsh Government will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of Welsh agriculture and our rural communities.

A new electoral system, with larger constituencies and a shorter parliamentary term are set to reshape the political landscape. As if this was not change enough, recent polling points to a highly competitive contest and a potential sea change in political representation at the Senedd level. Whatever party - or combination of parties - ultimately forms the next government, it is likely that around two thirds of Senedd Members will be new to the role, bringing fresh perspectives but also a clear need for strong and early engagement if they are to understand the needs of the agricultural sector.

building “will house the farm’s dairy replacement heifers as a replacement to the previous building on site,” and the lagoon is of a similar size, depth and capacity to the previously approved one, other than slight changes in positioning and orientation, providing 4,500square metres of slurry storage, which in combination with the existing store of 6,900cubic meters at Vaynor will provide over 170 days’ storage.

It went on to say: “All development is reasonably required for the purpose of agriculture. The applicant does not intend to increase the farm’s stocking rate as a result of this development.”

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

This provided a further opportunity for the FUW to set out our core policy priorities and highlight the key challenges facing Welsh agriculture. Whether it’s the need for fair and sustainable funding, tackling bovine TB or ensuring a risk-based, proportionate approach to water quality regulations, the FUW has made our concerns known to almost a hundred aspiring Senedd Members.

In response, the FUW has worked tirelessly to engage with candidates from all parties, outlining our key priorities for the next Senedd and Welsh Government. A central part of this work has been hosting on-farm visits across the country, giving candidates the opportunity to put on their wellingtons and see first-hand the realities facing Welsh farmers during a period of significant uncertainty around finances and the future of farm support frameworks.

Last week, we also organised a well-attended virtual briefing session for Senedd candidates.

We have also sought to use the pre-election period to give our members and wider rural communities the opportunity to question, challenge and scrutinise the parties. We have jointly hosted 12 hustings events across Wales, bringing together candidates from across the political spectrum to answer questions directly from farmers and rural residents. These events have covered a wide range of pressing issues, including farm profitability, environmental regulation, rural infrastructure, and the future of young people in agriculture.

The FUW remains committed to working constructively with whichever party or parties form the next government, ensuring that Welsh farmers’ voices are not only heard, but meaningfully reflected in the policies that shape their future. As polling day approaches, every vote will help determine the direction of Welsh agriculture and rural communities for years to come - so make sure you have your say on May 7th.

OMODA&JAECOO surpasses one million global sales as OMODA 4 and intelligent parking technology take centre stage at Auto China 2026

oModa&jaECoo has surpassed one million global vehicle sales in under three years, establishing the fastest trajectory to this milestone of any automotive brand house worldwide. the achievement, confirmed during Auto China 2026 (beijing Motor Show), coincides with the brand’s third anniversary and marks a defining moment in its rapid global expansion.

Since its launch in 2023, OMODA&JAECOO has operated with a clear strategic positioning – “Born Global, Born Green, Born Unique” – enabling it to scale at pace across both established and highly regulated markets. This includes Europe and right-hand-drive regions such as the UK, where the brand has quickly established a strong foothold. In just three years, OMODA&JAECOO has expanded into 64 countries and regions worldwide, is laying a

robust foundation for sustained international growth.

This trajectory is underpinned by a record-breaking performance in March 2026, during which the brand delivered 61,254 vehicles globally, representing a 210% year-on-year increase. Electrified vehicles continue to be a central driver of this momentum, with 39,716 New Energy Vehicles (NEVs) sold in the same period, up 471% compared to March 2025, reflecting growing global demand for efficient and accessible hybrid technologies. With all powertrains engineered, designed and manufactured in-house by parent company Chery International, this performance also highlights the strength and popularity of the Group’s integrated innovation capabilities.

At Auto China 2026, OMODA&JAECOO used its third anniversary and onemillion milestone as a strategic inflection point, unveiling a series

of initiatives spanning product, technology and long-term global development. Central to this was the continued advancement of its original Super Hybrid System (SHS), which has been positioned as a core pillar of the brand’s electrification strategy. Designed to deliver a balance of performance, efficiency and extended range, SHS is intended to provide a compelling solution for customers navigating rising fuel costs and evolving mobility needs.

Alongside its hybrid technology showcase, OMODA&JAECOO also presented the global debut of its Valet Parking Driver (VPD) intelligent parking technology. Introduced to international media for the first time, the system was demonstrated through dedicated experience zones, allowing participants to engage directly with its functionality and highlighting its potential to enhance everyday usability through advanced driver-

assistance capabilities.

The Beijing Auto Show also provided the platform for the debut of the OMODA 4, which officially rolled off the production line on 26 April, and confirmed for the UK market in Q4 2026. Designed with a strong emphasis on future-facing design, “Cyber Mecha” and digital integration, the model reflects the brand’s focus on appealing to a new generation of globally connected customers, combining distinctive styling with advanced intelligent features.

The wider programme, spanning both the Beijing Auto Show and the Chery International Business Summit in Wuhu, brought together global media, partners and stakeholders, reinforcing OMODA&JAECOO’s ambition to scale as a truly international brand. Europe was positioned as a key pillar of this strategy, with continued expansion across the region. The UK remains central to this growth, supported by a rapidly developing retail network, which currently sits at 124 retailers, and increasing customer demand across both OMODA and JAECOO product lines.

Gary Lan, CEO of OMODA&JAECOO UK, said: “Reaching one million global sales in under three years marks an important milestone for OMODA&JAECOO and reflects the progress made through our global strategy. From the outset, our brand house has been focused on international growth, supported by technology, design and an understanding of customer needs.

“This milestone highlights the progress to date and the opportunities ahead. With continued growth across Europe and an expanding presence in the UK, we are focused on the next phase of development, supported by new products, ongoing investment in electrification and a commitment to innovation.”

With one million global sales achieved in record time, sustained triple-digit growth and an expanding portfolio of products and technologies, OMODA&JAECOO now enters its next phase as one of the fastest-rising brands in the global automotive landscape. In the UK, this momentum translated into a landmark moment last month, with the JAECOO 7 becoming the best-selling car in the market, while the brand also confirmed at Auto China that the OMODA 4 will launch in the UK in Q4 2026.

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Electrification made easy: Volkswagen presents new full

hybrid for Golf and T-Roc

VoLKSWaGEN has developed a new full hybrid drive that combines temporary electric driving with high efficiency and a long range. The new drive system is scheduled to be used in the Golf Hybrid1 and t-Roc Hybrid1 from the fourth quarter of the year. the new hybrid models are not dependent on charging cables and charging infrastructure: the energy for the electric drive phases is recovered on board these Volkswagen models by means of recuperation and using a turbocharged petrol engine in combination with a generator. the new full hybrid system will in future be offered in two output levels and offers reduced fuel consumption compared with a mild hybrid drive. Volkswagen will present the details of the new drive system in the austrian capital Vienna as part of the International Vienna Motor Symposium (22 to 24 april 2026).

The full hybrid drive offers numerous advantages: compared with a simpler mild hybrid, it enables a higher proportion of electric driving and thus lower emissions and consumption values as well as reduced fuel costs. In comparison with an externally rechargeable plug-

in hybrid drive, the purchase costs of the full hybrid are lower, and it requires no charging infrastructure.

Taking the Golf as an example, the new hybrid system can be identified by the designation ‘Hybrid’ and closes the gap between the mild hybrid –already available as ‘eTSI’ – and the plug-in hybrids. These can be ordered in the Golf under the label ‘eHybrid’2 or as a sporty GTE3. Volkswagen is thus using an even wider spectrum of electrified drive systems, enabling it to offer a suitable drive solution for every usage scenario and every customer in addition to the all-electric ID. models.

Innovative hybrid module. The new hybrid drive powers the front axle. Its fundamental components are the hybrid module, the turbocharged petrol engine (TSI) and the lithiumion battery. The hybrid module includes, among other things, an electric motor as the drive motor, a second electric motor as a generator, power electronics, a differential and a one-speed gearbox as well as an electronically controlled multiplate clutch with its own control unit, which is used to engage and disengage the TSI in the drive train. An electric A/C compressor and an electric brake servo are also integrated in the

front end. The high-voltage battery, matched to the hybrid drive with NMC cells and with a capacity of 1.6 kWh (gross) usual for HEV vehicles, is integrated into the vehicle floor at the rear of both the Golf and the T-Roc.

Three operating modes. Volkswagen has designed the interaction between the turbocharged petrol engine (1.5 TSI evo2), two electric motors and high-voltage battery to achieve a good balance of efficiency, dynamics and comfort. The electric motor responsible for the drive power replaces or supports the turbocharged petrol engine in all those phases in which it offers additional efficiency. For example, the Golf Hybrid and T-Roc Hybrid therefore often run on electric power alone, making them very quiet when moving off, at low speeds and thus in urban traffic. The drive system offers three operating modes that are automatically activated by the vehicle depending on the usage profile:

• Propulsion by electric motor –driving at low speeds powered using the electric motor alone, the TSI is switched off.

• Serial drive – electric motor plus generator: driving with electric

motor. The TSI is active but decoupled to generate energy for the electric motor via a generator in an optimal operating window and thus extend the electric range.

• Parallel drive – petrol engine and electric motor – the TSI is active as the primary drive system from around 60 km/h on country roads and motorways; the electric motor supports the turbocharged engine, for example, as a booster when accelerating.

Three driving profiles. The driver will be able to choose between three driving profiles on board the new Golf Hybrid and T-Roc Hybrid: Eco, Comfort and Sport. In the Eco driving profile, the maximum system output is limited to 70 per cent and the boost function is deactivated to reduce energy consumption. The Comfort profile does not limit the system output and allows boosting. In the Sport driving profile, the sporty characteristics are achieved by the drive changing earlier to serial mode so that full power is made available quickly.

UK specification, pricing and availability of these models will be confirmed soon.

Tenby sandwich shop owner celebrates planning victory

a SaNdWICH shop owner who successfully challenged a national park refusal of plans for a takeaway food kiosk in tenby’s seaside harbour, has spoken of her excitement at now being able to move forward.

At the March 2025 development management committee, Ruby Goodrick was refused permission from Pembrokeshire Coast National Park planners to turn the old RNLI lifeboat store, Penniless Cove, Tenby Harbour, into a takeaway cold food outlet, open 10am-10pm seven days a week.

The application came before committee members rather than an officer decision as Tenby Town Council objected, and was recommended for approval despite being a departure from the adopted development plan.

Since then, Ruby lodged a successful appeal with Planning and Environment Decisions Wales (PEDW), the Inspector’s report, granting permission, focussing on “whether the development would be an appropriate use within

Bruce Sinclair Local Democracy Reporter

this location, the impact on the character and appearance of the area, and whether it would affect Tenby Conservation Area”.

It said that, although the site was just outside the town centre “I consider that a small scale cold food takeaway outlet in this location would not undermine the town centre of Tenby or its retail function and would not have any impact on its future viability and vitality,” adding: “To the contrary, the development would complement the role of the town centre by contributing to having a mix of uses within this edge of centre location, which is encouraged within Future Wales.”

Following her successful appeal, Ruby, who relatively recently reopened her mum’s old sandwich shop in the town’s South Parade said: “It’s been a long journey over the past three years, with plenty of ups and downs, so I’m really pleased and relieved that the appeal was successful in the end.

“As someone who is local to Tenby, it means so much to me to have reopened my mum’s old sandwich shop, Trulys Sandwich Shop, on South Parade seven months ago. To now have the opportunity to open another shop at Tenby Harbour is something I’m incredibly proud of.

“I’d like to say a big thank you to everyone who has sent

messages of support and encouragement along the way — it’s meant a lot to me and my family.

“I’m really excited to move forward with the new takeaway at Tenby Harbour and look forward to serving both locals and visitors and bringing something new to the harbour.”

Bowls club in battle with council over signs put up without permission

a pEMbRoKESHIRE town’s bowls club has called on planners to let it keep advertising signs for local businesses erected without permission, which help support its operations.

In an application to Pembrokeshire County Council, Fishguard & Goodwick Bowls Club, Wern Road, Goodwick seeks retrospective permission for up to 36 signs on land close to the town’s Pheonix Centre.

The signs had been in place for some 18 months, being removed ahead of a formal planning application.

A supporting statement accompanying the application says: “This application seeks retrospective consent for the display of up to 36 non-illuminated, single-sided advertisement panels mounted to an existing timber boundary fence.

It said the advertisements are modest in scale, facing an existing large car park rather than nearby residential properties and does not project over any public highway or footpath.

Bruce Sinclair Local Democracy Reporter

It added: “The advertisement signs have been temporarily removed while planning permission is sought. The advertisements and fence had been in place for approximately 18 months prior to their temporary removal, during which time no complaints were received.

consciously limited, and not all fence bays display signage, ensuring that the proposal does not result in harm to visual amenity or public safety.

“The total number of advertisements has been

“The income generated from the advertisements provides an important source of revenue for the Fishguard and Goodwick Bowls Club, supporting the ongoing

operation and maintenance of local community sporting facilities.

“The advertising panels also offer local businesses an affordable and accessible means of promotion within the community.”

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

Pembrokeshire’s Nia shortlisted for Women in Insurance Awards

tHREE members of staff at FuW Insurance Services have been shortlisted for the prestigious Women in Insurance awards 2026.

Among them is Pembrokeshire’s Nia Evans, who has been named as a finalist in the Young Insurance Woman of the Year category for small to medium firms.

The awards celebrate the achievements of women across the insurance industry, recognising excellence at all levels and highlighting organisations working to improve diversity and inclusion.

Winners will be announced at a ceremony in London on October 13, 2026.

Nia joined FUW Insurance Services in August 2022 as an account handler and has since gained experience across several portfolios, including Gwent, Glamorgan and Pembrokeshire.

She has completed her Cert CII qualification and was selected as part of the first cohort at the FUW Insurance Services Academy in 2025.

Her nomination recognises her strong professional development, growing expertise and early impact within the business.

Meleri James has also been shortlisted for Claims Professional of the Year. She joined FUW Insurance Services in 2021 as an insurance claims handler before becoming Deputy Claims

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Manager in 2023.

A Dip CII Level 4 qualified professional, she was appointed Claims Manager in autumn 2025.

Karen Royles has been shortlisted for Insurance Woman of the Year in the small to medium firms category.

She joined the company in November 2015 on a six-month maternity cover contract and has since progressed through roles including Administration Manager and Group Operations Manager.

In 2025, she became the company’s first female director when she was appointed Operations Director.

FUW Insurance Services Ltd Chair, Ann Beynon OBE said: “On behalf of everyone at FUW Insurance Services, we’re thrilled that Nia, Meleri, and Karen have been recognised in the prestigious Women in Insurance Awards.

“Their nominations reflect not only their talent and hard work, but also the progress we’ve made as a business in supporting and developing our female staff within the business.

“The awards are an important way to celebrate the achievements of women in our industry and to promote diversity and inclusion.

“We are proud to support that, and even prouder to see our colleagues

being recognised in this way. We wish them the very best of luck.”

Pay deal agreed for Valero workers amid industry tensions

a NEW pay deal covering workers at the Valero refinery in Pembroke has been agreed following months of stalled negotiations and industrial unrest across the uK engineering construction sector.

The agreement, reached under the National Agreement for the Engineering Construction Industry (NAECI), will see workers receive a 4.5% pay rise, alongside increases to travel and lodging allowances.

The deal applies to around 8,000 workers nationwide, including those employed on major energy and industrial sites such as Valero in

Pembrokeshire.

Talks between employers and unions broke down earlier this year, marking the first time in more than four decades that a pay settlement had to be imposed before being put to workers. The agreement has now been accepted by a narrow majority following a ballot of the workforce.

Pressure on key industry

The engineering construction sector plays a critical role in maintaining and upgrading major infrastructure, including oil refineries, power plants and chemical facilities.

Industry representatives say the deal

reflects difficult economic conditions, including rising costs, global instability and a shortage of skilled workers.

The Engineering Construction Industry Association (ECIA), which represents more than 150 employers, said the agreement strikes a balance between fair pay and maintaining the competitiveness of UK projects.

ECIA Managing Director John Simpson said: “We wanted to make sure that operatives receive fair pay and are pleased the 4.5% increase has been accepted. Our focus now is on ensuring long-term stability for the sector.”

Unions accept narrow deal

Trade unions GMB and Unite confirmed the deal had been accepted, but only by a slim margin, highlighting ongoing concerns among workers about pay levels.

Union representatives have already called for talks on the 2027 agreement to begin without delay, signalling that tensions within the sector remain.

Workers have previously argued that pay increases have not kept pace with the rising cost of living, despite long-term gains in wages across the industry.

Local impact at Valero

The Valero refinery in Pembroke is one of several UK sites operating under the NAECI framework, which sets national terms and conditions for engineering construction workers.

The site is a major employer in Pembrokeshire and plays a key role in the Welsh economy, meaning the outcome of national pay negotiations has a direct impact on local jobs.

What happens next

With the 2026 deal now agreed, attention will turn to future negotiations and wider industry challenges, including recruitment, investment and maintaining stable industrial relations.

Both sides have indicated a willingness to return to the table, but the narrow vote suggests further disputes cannot be ruled out.

Welsh public backs urgent action on dementia ahead of Senedd elections

NEW figures reveal overwhelming public demand for dementia to be placed at the top of Wales’ political agenda, with voters urging action on diagnosis, treatment and support ahead of the Senedd elections.

Research by Alzheimer’s Society Cymru shows that 83% of people in Wales want dementia made a healthcare priority, while 69% believe it is currently overlooked and underfunded.

More than a thousand adults were surveyed, with the findings highlighting growing concern over diagnosis rates and access to care. Wales continues to record some of the lowest dementia diagnosis rates in the UK, leaving thousands of families without clarity or support.

Around 51,000 people are currently living with dementia in Wales, a figure expected to rise to 70,000 by 2040. Despite this, only 57% of people have received a formal

diagnosis, with rates falling as low as 48% in rural areas such as Powys.

Improving diagnosis remains a key concern, with 91% of those surveyed saying access to timely diagnosis must improve, and 87% backing increased investment in diagnostic services. However, respondents also stressed that diagnosis alone is not enough, with 91% saying people with dementia must receive better support, including help for unpaid carers.

Ceri Parry, from Cardiff, said she was forced to retire early from her role as a headteacher at the age of 55 due to a lack of support for her mother, who was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease in 2020.

She said: “I fully support improving early and accurate diagnosis, but this must also come with improved support and care for families afterwards. There’s five years between my relatives’ diagnoses and nothing changed. On both occasions we left

with a leaflet and the unknown.

“The wait for improved diagnosis, treatment and support needs to end. Dementia must be a top priority for the next Welsh Government, for families living with it now and for those who will face it in the future.

“We also found there was no diagnosis assessment available in the Welsh language. That’s a fundamental issue if a diagnosis is to be accurate and safe for people who speak Welsh as their first language. Ignoring someone’s identity is ignoring the person.”

The survey also found that visible action would be key to restoring public confidence, with 72% calling for improved dementia services, 64% backing more funding for research, and 63% wanting better access to treatments.

Gemma Roberts, National Influencing Manager at Alzheimer’s Society Cymru, said: “Dementia is Wales’s biggest killer and one of the greatest health and social care challenges we face.

“Hope is on the horizon with new treatments and faster, more accurate diagnosis, but the system is not keeping pace. Without urgent transformation, people in Wales risk missing out.

“We are at a turning point. The next Welsh Government must deliver a bold new dementia strategy that transforms diagnosis and ensures access to quality care, treatments and support.”

St John Ambulance Cymru sets sights on a more ‘mentally healthy Wales’

S t jo HN a M bu L a NCE CYMR u has unveiled a range of new courses to help transform the nation’s wellbeing and create a ‘mentally healthy Wales,’ to combat a crisis that currently costs the u K economy millions of lost workdays.

The first aid charity for Wales, which trains hundreds of people in Mental Health First Aid each year, is calling on businesses to integrate it into the core of their operations, treating it with the same lifesaving urgency as physical first aid.

In a recent interview for the St John Ambulance Cymru podcast, Just in Case: Stories from St John, the charity’s Lead Trainer, Belinda James, highlighted the staggering economic and human cost of the current mental health crisis and noted that approximately 17 to 18 million workdays are lost annually due to mental health struggles.

James said the statistics, published by the Health and Safety Executive, were “surprising and upsetting.”

She added: “You think for all of those statistics, for all of those numbers, there’s a person, there are people at the heart of that, who are at

home not able to work because they are struggling.”

While physical injuries are often visible, mental health challenges frequently manifest in subtle behavioural shifts. James emphasised that “knowing your colleagues well” is the first line of defence in identifying when someone is in distress.

“If it’s normal for me to be quite chirpy, to be early, to be on the ball first thing in the morning… and then I come in, and I look bedraggled, and I look stressed, and I’m snappy… that would be a good time to just say, is everything all right?”

She noted that other “hidden signs” include withdrawal, changes in eating or sleeping habits, and increased substance use, such as stepping out for more frequent cigarette breaks.

The push for better training comes as society navigates a generational divide in how mental health is discussed. James noted that workplaces are currently “caught in the mix” of the “make do and mend” generation and the younger “snowflake” generation.

“We live in a society that’s like, ‘Oh God, no, don’t address that.

Don’t talk about the hard stuff. Chin up,” James observed.

However, she argued that directness is often what saves lives.

“It is so much more validating to hear somebody say to you, ‘You are going through a really tough time at the moment. I’m so sorry. That must be very difficult to handle.”

As the UK faces gaps in mental health service provision, many individuals are turning to Artificial Intelligence for support – a trend James views with caution. While AI can be a “fantastic tool for signposting,” she warns that it lacks the essential component of empathy.

“It cannot understand human emotion. It won’t pick up on a human emotion,” she said. “The last thing that we want is for them to be led astray by an AI language program that cannot understand the depths of human emotion”.

St John Ambulance Cymru provides Mental Health First Aid Wales-certified training designed to give people the skills to recognise signs of mental ill-health and provide initial support until professional help is received.

These courses are evidencebased and cover critical topics,

including depression, anxiety, psychosis, and crises such as suicidal thoughts and panic attacks.

tHE CuRRICuLuM INCLudES:

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For more information on Mental Health First Aid training or to book a course, visit www.sjacymru.org.uk/en/ courses/MHFA

Energy bills put at centre of Senedd election debate

CaMpaIGNERS are calling on Wales’ political leaders to act faster on energy bills, saying electrification could help cut costs for families, businesses and community institutions.

Electrify Cymru, the Welsh arm of Electrify Britain, has published an open letter to party leaders ahead of the Senedd election.

The campaign, backed by EDF, Octopus Energy and E.ON, is calling for greater support for solar panels, heat pumps and electric vehicles, arguing that the

technology needed to reduce bills is already available.

Public First polling for Electrify Britain found that 44% of Welsh voters put energy bills among their top three concerns, ahead of NHS waiting times on 43% and growing the economy on 30%.

The campaign says the next Welsh Government will be judged on whether it makes electrification easier and more affordable for households, businesses and community organisations across Wales.

The call comes ahead of a live Senedd Sources debate at the Electric Brewery Field in Bridgend on Tuesday (Apr 28), where senior figures from Labour, Reform UK and Plaid Cymru will discuss energy, the economy and the election.

Those due to take part include Huw Irranca-Davies, Labour’s Deputy First Minister of Wales, Jason O’Connell from Reform UK, and Luke Fletcher from Plaid Cymru.

The venue is home to Bridgend Ravens, where Electrify Cymru recently became the club’s official stadium partner.

The campaign says the historic rugby club, which is approaching its 150th anniversary and relies heavily on volunteers, is among the community institutions being squeezed by rising energy costs.

Electrify Cymru claims a club such as Bridgend Ravens could save hundreds of thousands of pounds over the next Senedd term through electrification, including solar power and heat pump technology.

Camilla Born MBE, chief executive of Electrify Britain said: “If we want lower bills, warmer

homes and yes, better rugby, we have to Electrify Cymru.

“The next Welsh Government will be judged on this. Not on warm words, but on whether families and businesses are paying less, homes are warmer, and clubs like Bridgend Ravens are thriving.

“We are ambitious about what an electrified future for Wales can look like. It’s where the world has to go in the face of so much uncertainty, so let’s make Wales a leader, not a follower.”

In its open letter, Electrify Cymru asks party leaders to meet the campaign at the Brewery Field to discuss how electrification could be delivered across Wales.

It also calls on the next First Minister to put electrification on the agenda for their first meeting with the Prime Minister, arguing that the powers needed to deliver change sit across both Welsh and UK governments.

The Senedd Sources live podcast recording will take place at the Electric Brewery Field, Bridgend, from 7:00pm to 8:30pm on Tuesday (Apr 28). Street food will be available from 6:00pm and tickets are free through seneddsources.com/live.a

Starmer faces Commons showdown over Mandelson vetting row

SIR KEIR StaRMER is facing a Commons vote over whether he should be investigated for allegedly misleading parliament about the vetting of Lord Mandelson. MPs are due to debate on Tuesday whether the Prime Minister should be referred to the powerful Commons Privileges Committee, which investigates

claims that MPs have broken parliamentary rules.

The row centres on Sir Keir’s statements that “full due process” was followed when Lord Mandelson was appointed as Britain’s ambassador to the United States, and that there had been “no pressure whatsoever” on Foreign Office officials involved in the process.

Commons Speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle has agreed to allow the debate after requests from a number of MPs, including Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch. He stressed that his decision did not amount to a judgment on whether the Prime Minister had done anything wrong.

Lord Mandelson was later sacked from the Washington post following renewed scrutiny of his friendship with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.

The appointment has since become a major political headache for Sir Keir, with questions over whether the vetting process was rushed and whether officials were put under pressure to approve the appointment.

Sir Olly Robbins, the former senior civil servant at the Foreign Office, told MPs last week that there had been “constant pressure”, although he said it did not affect his decision to approve Lord Mandelson’s security clearance.

Sir Keir has denied misleading Parliament and has sought to draw a distinction between improper pressure and the ordinary pressure of government to get things done quickly.

Downing Street dismissed the move as “a desperate political stunt by the Conservative Party” ahead of the May elections.

A No 10 spokesperson said the Government was already co-operating with parliamentary processes looking into Lord Mandelson’s appointment, adding that the Conservatives had “no answers on the cost of living or the NHS”.

Mrs Badenoch accused Sir Keir of misleading Parliament “multiple times” and urged Labour MPs to “look into their consciences” before voting.

The Liberal Democrats, Reform UK and the Greens have also indicated support for an inquiry.

However, Labour’s large Commons majority means the motion is unlikely to pass unless a significant number of Labour MPs rebel or abstain.

If the matter is referred to the Privileges Committee, it could examine whether Sir Keir knowingly misled MPs or failed to correct the record quickly enough.

The Ministerial Code states that ministers who knowingly mislead Parliament are expected to resign, while inadvertent errors should be corrected at the earliest opportunity.

Royal Mail probes claim Reform UK leaflets were dumped by postal worker

RoYaL MaIL has launched an investigation after a postal worker allegedly claimed online that he had dumped Reform uK campaign leaflets in a bin.

The allegation emerged after a post appeared in a private Facebook group for Royal Mail staff, reportedly saying: “My DO had reform party’s

D2D today. I dumped them all in a bin. They can sack me!”

The abbreviations are understood to refer to a delivery office and doorto-door election material.

Royal Mail has not confirmed where the alleged incident took place, and there is currently no evidence that a Welsh delivery office is involved.

However, the claim has emerged less than two weeks before voters in Wales go to the polls in the Senedd election on Thursday, May 7.

Reform UK has written to Royal Mail demanding an investigation, after the screenshot was circulated online. The party has claimed the alleged destruction or non-delivery of its campaign material would represent a serious breach of Royal Mail’s duty to deliver political literature fairly.

Reform UK leader Nigel Farage said it was right that Royal Mail had launched a full investigation into the allegation.

He said that, if found to be true, it would be “very disturbing” and an attack on the democratic process.

Royal Mail said it plays a crucial role in elections and takes that responsibility seriously.

A spokesperson said the company does not tolerate the deliberate nondelivery of mail and is investigating the allegation. Royal Mail also said it remains committed to impartial delivery for all candidates.

The Facebook group where the alleged comment appeared is understood to be a private group for Royal Mail employees, partners and members of the Communication Workers Union.

Reform UK has asked Royal Mail

for a full explanation and wants to know what disciplinary action will be taken if the allegation is proven.

The party has also asked for assurances that its future campaign deliveries will be properly monitored and protected from any repeat incident.

The Herald understands that the delivery office involved has not been publicly identified.

There is no suggestion at this stage that any Reform UK election material in Wales has been affected.

The allegation comes during a heated campaign period in Wales, with Reform UK hoping to make major gains at the Senedd election.

Voters across Wales will elect 96 Members of the Senedd under a new electoral system on May 7. Reform UK, Labour, Plaid Cymru, the Welsh Conservatives, the Liberal Democrats, the Greens and smaller parties are all campaigning for votes.

Royal Mail is commonly used to distribute election leaflets and party campaign material across the UK.

Any proven failure to deliver political literature impartially would raise serious questions about trust in the election process.

Royal Mail has not said when its investigation will conclude.

Ceredigion WASPI women call on election candidates to back compensation fight

CEREdIGIoN WaSpI campaigners have written to local election candidates urging them to publicly back calls for compensation for women affected by changes to the State pension age.

The group says 6,900 women in Ceredigion could be affected, with compensation worth up to £2,950 each under recommendations made by the Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman.

That would amount to a potential total of £20,355,000 across the county.

WASPI, which stands for Women Against State Pension Inequality, represents women born in the 1950s who were affected by changes to the State Pension age.

The campaign accepts the equalisation of pension ages, but argues that many women were not properly informed of the changes and were left with little time to make alternative retirement plans.

In a letter to candidates, Ceredigion WASPI campaigners ask “one simple question”: whether they will stand with local women in their fight for fair compensation.

The letter says: “This decision has caused enormous anger and disappointment to the 6,900 women in Ceredigion who have spent years

campaigning for justice.

“With crucial elections approaching this May, voters in our communities will be looking closely at where their candidate stands on this issue.”

The group is asking candidates to publicly support compensation, write to their local MP calling on the Government to think again, and, if elected as councillors, table a council motion backing the campaign.

The calls come after lawyers representing WASPI wrote to Government lawyers earlier this month alleging “multiple legal errors” in the Department for Work and Pensions’ stance on compensation.

Campaigners say the move could lead to a second judicial review.

In spring 2024, the Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman found the Department for Work and Pensions guilty of maladministration over how changes to women’s State Pension age were communicated.

WASPI says some of the worstaffected women were given just 12 months’ notice of a six-year increase to their retirement age.

Angela Madden, chair of the WASPI campaign, said: “The upcoming May elections are a critical moment for WASPI women across the country.

“Women in Ceredigion, like WASPI

women everywhere, simply want to know that their elected representatives will fight for them.

“The Government should act urgently to end this historic injustice. For many of

us, time is running out.”

WASPI was founded in 2015 and continues to campaign for women born between April 6, 1950 and April 5, 1960 who were affected by the changes.

Generating electricity from solar or wind is now much cheaper than gas. but people aren’t seeing the benefit of cheap renewable power, because electricity prices are still tied to the price of gas.

The Government has announced it will finally break this link between gas and electricity prices, ensuring people can enjoy the benefits of cheap, clean power.

It’s exactly what Liberal Democrat leader, Ed Davey called for in his speech on the economy, at the IPPR (Institute for Public Policy Research), last July. It was subsequently endorsed as official party policy as part of the debate on Climate Change, at the Autumn Conference in Bournemouth.

Sky-high energy bills are a massive problem for families, pensioners and businesses across the UK.

Nigel Farage and Kemi Badenoch are peddling the myth that it’s the fault of renewable power.

They say the reason energy bills are so high is that we’re investing too much in solar panels and wind turbines, and if we just stopped that investment – and relied more on oil and gas instead – then bills would magically come down.

That’s rubbish. What’s caused energy bills to soar in recent years isn’t renewables; it’s fossil fuels. The prices of oil and gas rose sharply when Vladimir Putin invaded Ukraine, and we’ve all felt the impact in our bills.

But Farage and Badenoch are right about one thing: we are paying too much for renewable energy – just not for the reasons they claim.

Generating electricity

Lib Dems call for ‘war on poverty’ as Wales ranks bottom for healthy life expectancy

W ITH ANDREW LYE

from renewables is now significantly cheaper than gas, and half of the UK’s electricity comes from renewables, but people aren’t seeing the benefits in their bills. That’s because the wholesale electricity price is set by the most expensive fuel in the mix – and in the UK, that’s almost always gas.

The Government has finally seen the light!

Hallelujah !

To bring energy bills down and people seeing the benefits of cheap renewable energy, the link must be broken between the cost of electricity and the price of gas.

This is a great example of Liberal Democrats continuing to lead the way on energy policy, helping to tackle the cost of living and climate change at the same time.

Not forgetting Trump’s illegal war with Iran impacting on the cost of fuel at the pumps and the possible cost of our electricity and gas if the war continues into the summer and beyond.

Trump says we should be drilling for oil and gas in the North Sea, which is echoed by Farage and Badenoch.

Liberal Democrat

Treasury Spokesperson

Daisy Cooper warned this morning that families’ budgets are suffering as Kemi Badenoch and Nigel Farage cheer on Trump’s war on Iran.

Liberal Democrat

Treasury Spokesperson

Daisy Cooper MP said:

“It’s only the Liberal Democrats with a real plan to protect people from Trumpflation and cut fuel prices, rail fares and bus prices, bringing down the cost of living and protecting British families.”

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

Wa LES has recorded the sharpest fall in healthy life expectancy of any u K nation, according to new analysis from the Health Foundation.

The report warns that Wales is at a “watershed moment” after more than a decade of stagnation and decline in the number of years people can expect to live in good health.

Healthy life expectancy for women in Wales has fallen from 62.2 years in 2012–14 to 58.5 years. For men, it has dropped from 61.4 years to 59.2 years.

The figures mean Wales now has the worst healthy life expectancy for women of any UK nation, while men in Wales are effectively tied with Scotland for the lowest healthy life expectancy.

Wales is also the only UK nation where women can now expect to live fewer years in good health than men, a reversal of long-standing trends.

The picture within Wales is equally stark. Merthyr Tydfil has the lowest healthy life expectancy figures in the country, at 51.7 years for men and 50.1 years for women. The female figure is the lowest recorded anywhere in the UK.

The analysis also shows that there is now no local authority area in Wales where healthy life expectancy exceeds the state pension age. A decade

ago, three Welsh areas met or exceeded that threshold.

The Health Foundation said the wider UK picture was also concerning, with the country now among the worstperforming developed nations for healthy life expectancy, ahead only of the United States.

The report identifies poverty, deprivation and long-term economic inactivity caused by ill health as major factors behind the decline.

In response, the Welsh Liberal Democrats have called for a “war on poverty”, arguing that improving living standards is essential if Wales is to reverse the trend.

The party said action was needed to reduce child and family poverty, including an expansion of childcare support to help working parents and improve early years outcomes.

It also called for a stronger private sector, better-paid jobs, reform of business rates, investment in skills, and an industrial strategy built around Wales’ existing strengths in heavy industry.

The Welsh Liberal Democrats said improvements to infrastructure were also needed, while rejoining the EU customs union would reduce trade barriers and support Welsh businesses.

The party has also called

for major investment in primary care, including GPs and social care, to help reduce NHS backlogs in Wales. It said long waits for treatment were leaving some patients to deteriorate before they were seen.

Welsh Liberal Democrat leader, Jane Dodds said: “Wales is now the worstperforming nation in the UK for healthy life expectancy, and the gap between communities is stark.

“In some parts of our country, people can expect little more than 50 years in good health. That should shock governments into action.

“This is not inevitable. It is the direct result of rising poverty and inequality and directionless leadership under 27 years of Labour governments in Cardiff Bay and Conservative governments in Westminster.

“The link is clear: poverty is making people sick. That is why we are calling for a war on poverty in Wales.

“If we want to improve health and ease pressure on our NHS, we must tackle the root causes and grow the Welsh economy to lift people out of poverty.

“Without urgent action, we risk locking in a future where your background determines how long you live in good health, and that cannot be allowed to continue.”

Dan Thomas visits Llanelli as Reform UK steps up Senedd campaign

REFoRM uK Wales leader dan thomas visited Llanelli over the weekend as the party continued its campaign ahead of next month’s Senedd election.

Mr Thomas was joined by Wales Director David Thomas, local candidates and party members for a day of canvassing and public engagement across the town.

The visit included Llanelli town centre, the market, St Elli Shopping Centre and doorstep conversations with residents.

Organisers said the day had been positive, with discussions covering local concerns and Reform UK’s policies for Wales.

Gareth Beer, lead candidate for Sir Gaerfyrddin and Carmarthenshire branch chairman, said: “There is great momentum in the county and people are pleased to speak to us and hear about our policies.

“Many people see this election as an important one, and many who have been put off voting in the past are now considering Reform.

“That’s good to hear. There is a clear shift in this area away from the mainstream parties. We are relating to a diverse range of voters which other parties may be struggling to engage with.”

He added: “A huge thank you to everyone who came out to support the visit today. It is massively appreciated.”

Mr Thomas said: “It was a pleasure to support the Carmarthenshire candidates. The branch has outstanding, relatable and hard-working candidates who have

been campaigning tirelessly for several weeks, getting out there to speak to as many residents as possible.

“I was particularly pleased to support the strong Llanelli campaign, where the team is working hard to connect with local people every day and to spread the word about what Reform will do for the people of Wales.”

Party members said they would continue door-knocking across

Carmarthenshire, covering both rural communities and urban areas.

During the visit, campaigners also highlighted concerns about the future of Llanelli town centre, which they said was quieter than expected for a Saturday.

Reform UK Wales says its policies include support for small businesses, changes to business rates, measures to help independent retailers and hospitality venues, and regeneration plans aimed at

bringing shoppers and businesses back into town centres.

The party’s wider Senedd election pledges include cutting 1p from every band of Welsh income tax, scrapping the default 20mph speed limit in built-up areas, supporting major infrastructure projects including the M4 relief road, and improving public services.

The Senedd election takes place on Thursday, 7 May

Candidates quizzed on climate and environment at Narberth hustings

SIX Senedd candidates have been questioned on climate change, wildlife and the green economy at an election hustings in Narberth

The event, organised by Pembrokeshire Friends of the Earth, was held at the Queen’s Hall and brought together candidates from six political parties standing in the forthcoming Senedd election.

Those taking part were Alistair Cameron for the Liberal Democrats, Amy Nicholass for the Green Party, Claire George for the Welsh Conservatives, Gwyn Evans for Gwlad, Marc Tierney for Welsh Labour, and Cris Tomos for Plaid Cymru.

They were pictured with the chair of the evening, Neil Kingsnorth, and Bettina Becker, both of Pembrokeshire Friends of the Earth.

Notably absent from the platform was Reform UK, which is also contesting the election and whose national policy includes scrapping net zero.

Candidates were questioned on a range of environmental and economic issues, including the rise in extreme weather linked to climate change, the need to grow more food locally, pollution in local rivers and seas, the decline of

Conservatives target two seats in new Ceredigion Penfro constituency

CoNSERVatIVE candidates

paul davies and Sam Kurtz have set out their pitch to voters in the newly formed Ceredigion penfro constituency, insisting they can both be elected under the Senedd’s new proportional voting system.

Speaking during a half-hour interview with Herald editor Tom Sinclair at the paper’s Milford Haven office, the pair emphasised experience, local visibility and a focus on health services as the cornerstone of their campaign ahead of polling day on Thursday (May 7).

Davies, who is placed first on the Conservative list, said the party had a “credible plan to fix Ceredigion Penfro and Wales,” with protecting local hospitals at the top of the agenda.

He warned that services at Withybush Hospital had been steadily eroded over many years and said further losses, including threats to general emergency surgery, would be “totally unacceptable”.

Kurtz, second on the list, said continuity and experience would be vital under the new system, arguing that voters would still need accessible representatives to deal with casework after the election.

He pointed to past campaigns, including securing a banking hub in south Pembrokeshire and lobbying on road safety and infrastructure, as evidence that opposition politicians could still get things done.

The candidates said their strategy was clear: secure around 20% of the vote — roughly one in five voters — to win two seats in the six-member constituency.

Davies said: “We can win two seats. Every vote counts under this system.”

Kurtz added that voters should not be persuaded by rival claims that the election was a straight fight between other parties.

“If you want Welsh Conservatives like Paul and I, you vote for us, and you will get us,” he said.

Addressing the rise of Reform UK, Davies dismissed the party as “not conservative,” pointing to policy differences and internal issues with candidates.

He urged traditional Conservative voters to remain loyal if they wanted what he called genuine Conservative representation.

Kurtz said he understood that some voters were considering a protest vote, but argued that “serious times call for serious politicians.”

He said Wales needed strong leadership, and claimed voters in Ceredigion Penfro would be better served by representatives with an established record of local campaigning.

Asked whether the Conservatives would work with Reform after the election if that was the only way to remove Labour from power, Davies declined to give a firm commitment.

He said the party’s objective was to win as many Welsh Conservative seats as possible, adding that “the only deal” the Conservatives wanted was with the people of Wales.

Both candidates repeatedly returned to healthcare as the dominant issue raised on the doorstep.

Davies said a Conservative government would declare a “health emergency” from day one, focusing resources on waiting lists, emergency departments and patients being treated in corridors.

He said the state of the Welsh NHS was unacceptable and blamed Labour’s long period in power, supported at different times by Plaid Cymru and the Liberal Democrats, for failing to improve outcomes.

The future of Withybush Hospital was a central theme, with both candidates pledging not only to protect existing services but to restore some that have been lost.

Davies said the party had committed in its manifesto to protect stroke services at Bronglais Hospital and general emergency surgery at Withybush.

Kurtz said the issue was personal to him, as he was born at Withybush and members of his family had been treated there.

He said the original reasons for building Withybush — rurality, poor transport links, tourism pressures, heavy industry on the Haven and dangerous agricultural work — still existed today.

He added that the hospital needed certainty, saying the long-running debate over its future had made recruitment harder.

On GP access, Kurtz said the Conservatives would introduce a seven-day GP appointment guarantee, designed to move people away from the “8am rat race” of trying to secure a sameday appointment.

He said better access to primary care would also reduce pressure on A&E departments.

On agriculture, Kurtz criticised delays to the Welsh Government’s Sustainable Farming Scheme, saying it had taken “far too long” to develop and still placed too much emphasis on environmental measures over food production.

He said there were good elements

in the proposed scheme, including the principle of a whole-farm approach, but argued that food security and productivity needed to be placed at its heart.

Kurtz said global instability had shown the importance of domestic food production, and argued that Welsh farming should be seen as part of national security.

He said farming also supported Welsh language communities, rural schools, young farmers’ clubs, sports clubs and wider local economies.

Davies said a Conservative government would increase the farming budget by £100 million and tackle bovine TB, which he said had placed huge pressure on farmers for many years.

Asked whether he supported a badger cull in Wales, Kurtz said the response to bovine TB should be “science-led” and based on evidence.

He said targeted removal of infected wildlife had a role to play, while stressing that it was not a “silver bullet”.

Kurtz said the most urgent thing farmers needed from the next Welsh Government was stability after years of uncertainty over policy, payments and regulation.

On housing, Davies said increasing supply was essential, alongside strengthening the economy to help people afford homes.

He said Wales needed to return to being a “home-owning democracy” and that more ambitious housebuilding targets would be needed.

Kurtz highlighted Conservative proposals to cut stamp duty on primary residences, arguing that this would stimulate movement in the housing market and boost local trades and businesses.

Asked about second homes and holiday lets, Kurtz said the current 182-night threshold for self-catering accommodation was too high.

He said many genuine tourism businesses in weather-dependent rural areas were struggling to meet the requirement, and said the threshold should be brought closer to the HMRC

figure of 105 nights.

Both candidates were critical of council tax premiums on second homes, arguing they had become too restrictive and had not necessarily released properties for local buyers.

Davies also opposed the proposed tourism tax, warning it could damage one of the area’s most important industries.

On renewable energy, Kurtz said the Conservatives were not opposed to green energy jobs, but objected to what he called the “industrialisation” of the countryside through large-scale wind, solar and pylon developments.

He said more attention should be given to the opportunities in the Celtic Sea, including floating offshore wind and the Celtic Freeport, rather than using good agricultural land for major energy schemes.

Davies reiterated his long-standing campaign to dual the A40 across west Wales, describing it as critical to economic growth, safety and connectivity.

He said it was unacceptable that major investment had been made elsewhere in Wales while west Wales continued to be left behind.

Kurtz said rural communities were often treated as an afterthought, pointing to rail investment decisions that he said had favoured south-east Wales.

He argued that schemes such as a new station at St Clears should have been prioritised and said investment should begin from rural areas outward, rather than always from Cardiff and Newport first.

Asked why voters should believe major change could happen now when Davies had already served for many years, he said the new voting system meant every vote counted in a way it had not done before.

He said areas where Conservatives previously had little chance of winning could now elect Welsh Conservative representatives.

Kurtz was asked how he would convince voters in Ceredigion that he was not simply a Pembrokeshire candidate.

He pointed to family links with Cardigan and Llandysul, his Welsh language ability, and his work on agricultural issues, saying voters in Ceredigion had recognised his record.

Both candidates said the size of the new constituency would be a challenge, but argued that their experience representing large rural areas would help them divide the workload effectively.

In their final appeal, both candidates urged voters to back the Conservatives directly rather than viewing the election as a “two-horse race”.

Davies said voters who wanted Welsh Conservative representation should vote Welsh Conservative on Thursday (May 7).

Kurtz said reaching 20% was “hugely achievable” and would allow both men to continue their work in Cardiff Bay.

He added: “It’s your vote between you and the ballot box. If you want Paul and I re-elected, vote Welsh Conservative.”

Elin Jones says West Wales has been ‘too far’ from decision-making

pLaId CYMRu lead candidate Elin jones has said West Wales needs a fairer deal from Cardiff bay, as she pledged to fight for Withybush and bronglais hospitals during a 30-minute interview at the Herald offices.Jones, who is standing in the new Ceredigion Penfro constituency, sat down with Herald editor Tom Sinclair in Milford Haven as part of The Herald’s election interview series.

She said the election was unlike any she had fought before, with Labour and the Conservatives “very low down in the polls” and Plaid Cymru and Reform locked in a close contest.

Jones said: “There is far more jeopardy in this election. Every vote will count in a different way, because the election system is different as well.”

She said Plaid Cymru’s central message was that Wales needed new leadership after 27 years of Labour-led government.

Jones said: “I think over the last 27 years Labour hasn’t got it right in Wales. They have concentrated too much on the M4 corridor, on those areas of South Wales, and not enough for West Wales and possibly even North Wales.”

She added that Plaid would seek to provide “a fairer representation of all parts of Wales and a fairer allocation of resources”.

Asked whether Plaid Cymru now looked like part of the Cardiff Bay establishment, Jones rejected the suggestion.

She said: “We’re certainly an alternative to Labour because we focus entirely on Wales. We have no leader elsewhere in the UK who tells us what to do.

“We have no Nigel Farage or Keir Starmer to decide what Plaid Cymru’s policies and priorities are.”

Jones said she accepted that many people in Pembrokeshire felt decisions were made elsewhere.

She said: “People in Ceredigion will tell me that they feel the end of the road. There’s a lot of similarities in the issues both counties face.”

She said the clearest example was healthcare, particularly the future of Withybush Hospital in Haverfordwest and Bronglais Hospital in Aberystwyth.

Jones said: “I’ve absolutely no doubt in answering that question. It is to make sure that both Withybush and Bronglais retain their status and the services that they need to be full district general hospitals.

“We can’t allow these two big rural areas served by those two hospitals to have to travel for the services that they are meant to provide.”

On the NHS, Jones said waiting times, GP access, ambulance pressures and dentistry were among

the biggest issues being raised on the doorstep.

She said Plaid Cymru would seek to reduce waiting lists through surgical hubs and would employ an additional 100 salaried GPs over the next four years.

Jones also said Wales needed to train more dentists, particularly for rural areas.

She said: “One of the commitments in the Plaid Cymru manifesto is to have a new dental school for rural Wales.

“We have to provide more dentists into the system to enable a better balance and more access to NHS dentistry, particularly and especially with children’s dentistry, which is particularly problematic and worrying.”

Jones criticised Labour for putting the idea of a new hospital between Carmarthen and Pembrokeshire back on the agenda shortly before the election.

She said: “I don’t know what the motivation of Labour was to put this back on the agenda so swiftly, just before the election. It certainly confused the picture again.

“What it does is throw into question again whether you invest in the hospitals you have or whether you really go for planning the next new hospital.”

Jones said there needed to be an early decision after the election.

She said: “We’ve got to settle this. I thought it had been settled for now last year by the decision by the health board, but Eluned Morgan and the Labour Party have just thrown it back up in the air.”

Asked why voters should choose her over Labour First Minister Eluned Morgan, who is also standing in the seat, Jones said she had spent years fighting to protect services at Bronglais.

She said: “I have spent the last 20

and in the door-knocking I’m doing in Pembrokeshire, who do not want to see Farage win this election.”

On farming, Jones said the sector had faced major uncertainty since Brexit and criticised Labour’s handling of the Sustainable Farming Scheme.

She said farmers in Pembrokeshire were particularly concerned about bovine TB.

Jones said: “Farmers are desperate to see a government that is serious about tackling TB, because it has got a serious hold over farming.

“We need to bring a little bit more common sense into how we have regulations and rules around farming.”

years in my area, originally Ceredigion, fighting for Bronglais Hospital and against the centralisation of services.

“I want to bring the same enthusiasm, and also an in-principle support for services needing to be retained locally.”

She added: “That should be the first point of any decision that a health board makes. It’s why keep it locally, not why centralise services.”

Jones said she accepted that some specialist services would always require travel, but said routine care and life-saving services should be available locally.

She also called for more use of digital healthcare, saying patients in rural areas should be able to speak to specialists in Swansea, Cardiff or Morriston by video from local hospitals.

On Plaid Cymru’s previous cooperation with Labour, Jones said her party had tried to improve policies from opposition but was not responsible for Labour’s record in government.

She said: “We are not responsible for the decisions of the government, and we have not been, other than the time of coalition between 2007 and 2011.

“We have sought to make some things better at different times.”

Jones said Plaid’s ambition was to lead the next Welsh Government, ideally as a minority government.

She said: “Plaid’s ambition in this election is to form a government, to lead the government, to ultimately elect Rhun ap Iorwerth as the First Minister.”

Asked about the rise of Reform UK, Jones said some voters were angry with politics, but she believed many people in Wales did not want Nigel Farage to be able to claim victory after the election.

She said: “I’m absolutely convinced that there are more people in Wales,

She also criticised what she described as “farming by calendar”, saying farmers should be able to make decisions based on weather and conditions rather than fixed dates. ones, who was brought up on a family farm near Lampeter, said family farms were vital to rural Wales.

She said: “The countryside that we all love looks as great as it does because farmers and family farms continue to be the bedrock of rural areas.”

On young people leaving West Wales, Jones said the area needed more housing, better-paid jobs, and stronger support for key local sectors including agriculture, tourism and renewable energy.

She said Milford Haven and the wider Pembrokeshire coast had major opportunities in offshore renewable energy.

On transport, Jones said rail and bus links in West Wales needed improvement.

She said: “We need to make rail investment in West Wales, whether that is the railway into Aberystwyth or the railway that links from Carmarthen into Pembrokeshire.

“We need to modernise those services and make them more frequent.”

Jones, who has served as Llywydd of the Senedd, said she felt “excited and invigorated” to return fully to party politics.

She said canvassing in Pembrokeshire had been “enlightening”, adding that the new constituency was “all to play for”

Asked what she still wanted to achieve after almost three decades in Welsh politics, Jones said: “I want to achieve a Plaid Cymru First Minister.

“It is only when a party takes the role of the First Minister, the First Minister’s office, the First Minister’s leadership of government, that you can truly make the change that your party wants to see.”

UK terror threat level raised to severe after Golders Green attack

tHE uK’S terrorism threat level has been raised from substantial to severe, meaning an attack is now considered highly likely.

The decision was taken by the Joint Terrorism Analysis Centre on Thursday (Apr 30), following the stabbing of two Jewish men in Golders Green, North London, which has been declared a terrorist incident.

The Home Office said the change was not based solely on that attack, but reflected a wider increase in the threat from Islamist and extreme right-wing terrorism in the UK.

Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood said the attack was an “abhorrent, antisemitic” act of terrorism and said her thoughts were with the victims and the Jewish community.

There are five terrorism threat levels in the UK: low, moderate, substantial, severe and critical.

Severe means an attack is highly likely, while critical means an attack is highly likely in the near future.

Threat levels are set independently by JTAC and MI5, based on intelligence and analysis. They do not have an expiry date and can be changed at any time.

Pembrokeshire St Brides Castle biomass and solar scheme

Bruce Sinclair Local Democracy Reporter

pLaNS for a green energy scheme at a pembrokeshire former country house which is now holiday apartments have been given the go-ahead.

In an application to Pembrokeshire Coast National Park, HPB Ltd, through agent Acanthus Holden Architects, sought permission for a biomass boiler plant and installation of 16 rows of solar panels to the south of the tennis courts, St Brides Castle, St Brides, along with the removal of two tennis courts, two polytunnels, two sheds and relocation of a container.

Marloes and St Brides Community Council: Supporting

An officer report recommending approval said: “St Brides Castle. Listed Grade II* is a former country house (now holiday apartments) just south-west of the small settlement of St Brides.

“The house and its listed ancillary buildings stand prominently within a large grade-II-registered park and garden. The development site lies immediately south of the registered asset, outside of its boundary.”

It added: “Although in a sensitive location, the proposed scheme is wellscreened, utilising an existing hedged enclosure. The proposed panels do not protrude over the hedge line, the proposed extra planting to the south and west providing further screening. The proposed building, also well-screened, is of traditional design, proportions and materials.”

The application was conditionally approved by park planners.

Pembroke Power Station National Grid shutdown power plans

a CaLL to site specialist diesel generators at pembroke power Station to help keep the lights on in the event of a National Grid shutdown has been lodged with county planners.

In a screening application to Pembrokeshire County Council, RWE Generation UK PLC, through Ove Arup & Partners Ltd, wants to site up to six containerised diesel generators, diesel storage tank(s) and electrical connections at Pembroke Power Station, Pwllcrochan, near Pembroke.

The application site is within the site of the existing Pembroke Power Station, a combined-cycle gas turbine (CCGT) station which began commercial operation in September 2012, with a gross consented capacity of about 2,199 megawatts electric (MWe), replacing the previous oil-fired power station which operated for almost 30 years and was decommissioned in 1999.

A supporting statement says, subject to confirmation, it is considered to comprise permitted development, the scheme “a standalone plant, with its own fuel supply, capable of starting up, operating and shutting down independently from the power station”.

It adds: “It is required only in an emergency to maintain plant status and keep the power station operationally ‘ready’ in the event of a total or partial shutdown of the National Grid system. It is not required for the normal operation of the power station and does not extend its capacity, which remains as

already consented, therefore it is not considered a change or extension.”

On need, it says it is mandatory that all electricity generators of over a megawatt have to adopt a new minimum standard of asset resilience; power stations “must be capable of restoring demand on the National Grid electricity transmission system in the event of a total or partial shutdown of the National Grid system”.

“The Power Station does not currently meet this new asset resilience standard, therefore new back-up power, control philosophy and on-site services that support site critical systems enabling the power station to remain ready to operate must be implemented.

“RWE is required to install a new enhanced emergency site auxiliary solution (diesel generators and diesel storage tanks) at the power station for resilience against the failure of the interconnected electricity distribution network into which it is normally connected in order to satisfy the Grid Code requirements by the mandated implementation deadline of December 31, 2026.

“RWE will make operational and fuelling provision, within its new resilience design at Pembroke power station of up to 120 hours, in order to provide capability to a slightly enhanced standard known to be valued by the National Energy System Operator (‘NESO’) in certain

emergency network scenarios.”

It says construction is hoped to start in July 2026, lasting approximately nine to 12 months, the main part

across the summer months. The call will be considered by county planners at a later date.

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THE GROWING ROLE OF AI IN DAILY LIFE

dEaR SIR,

I was interested to learn that openaI, the company behind ChatGpt, has had to step in after some of its artificial intelligence tools began randomly referring to goblins and gremlins in their answers.

At first glance, it sounds amusing. The idea of one of the world’s most advanced AI systems describing problems as “little goblins” is enough to raise a smile. But behind the humour there is also something more serious worth thinking about.

We are increasingly being told that AI will play a major role in everyday life, from helping with office work and education to supporting research, healthcare and customer services. Yet this odd episode shows just how easily these systems can pick up strange

habits or go off in unexpected directions.

If a chatbot can start slipping bizarre fantasy references into ordinary replies because of the way it has been trained, it raises obvious questions about what other quirks, mistakes or inaccuracies may be lurking beneath the surface. The difference is that goblins are funny. False information, bad advice or misplaced confidence may not be.

That is why the public should be wary of treating AI as if it is some kind of all-knowing digital brain. However polished and convincing these systems may sound, they are still capable of producing nonsense. They do not truly understand the world in the way people do, and stories like this are a timely reminder of that fact.

No doubt many readers will laugh at the goblin tale, and fair enough too. But perhaps it should also make us all a little more cautious about the growing role of AI in daily life.

john Lee

dEaR SIR,

as a deaf person living in the uK, I know there is still a long way to go before we can call ourselves a truly equal society.

Everyday activities many people take for granted — shopping, visiting the doctor, travelling, working or socialising — can still be full of barriers for people who are deaf, have hearing loss or tinnitus.

Things have improved over the years, but being deaf in a world built mainly for hearing people can sometimes feel like living inside an invisible box. The frustrating thing is that many of those barriers could be removed with small, simple changes.

In my work as a model and actor, every interaction can take immense effort. Whether I am lip-reading across a studio during a shoot, trying to follow

a fast-moving conversation, or asking people to repeat themselves, communication is rarely effortless.

This Deaf Awareness Week 2026, which runs from May 4 to 10, I have teamed up with RNID to help show how people can break down these invisible barriers for the 18 million adults in the UK who are deaf, have hearing loss or tinnitus.

A little patience can make a huge difference. Simple steps such as getting someone’s attention before speaking, making sure they can see your lips, speaking clearly, and learning a few basic phrases in British Sign Language can help people feel included rather than isolated.

That is why RNID’s “It does matter” campaign is so important. It offers free deaf awareness communication tips and simple British Sign Language videos for anyone who wants to make a difference.

To find out more, visit rnid. org.uk.

Georgia Meacham Deaf actor, model and RNID Ambassador

death notices

L OUISE M ILES ( N é E C OLE )

pa SSE d away peacefully on Monday 13th a pril 2026 at Withybush Hospital Mrs. Louise Miles, aged 61 years of j ogram avenue, p embroke.

Dearly loved Mum to Jenna, Zack and partner Charlotte.

Treasured Nanny to Amelia Rose. Beloved daughter of Hazel and the late Haydn Cole. Much loved sister of Russell, Martin, Paul, Darrell, Vivian and Alison. Dear sister-in-law to the late Ina, Paullne, Christine, Carolyn, Kathryn and Keith. Cherished Aunt and Great Aunt.

The funeral service will take place on Tuesday 12th May 2026 at Ss. Faith & Tyfei Church, Lamphey at 11.30 am, followed by cremation at Parc Gwyn Crematorium, Narberth at 1.00 pm.

There will be family flowers only, with donations in lieu, if sodesired, for The Stroke Association, c/o E.C. Thomas and Son Funeral Directors, 21 Main Street, Pembroke, SA71 4JS (01646) 682680 and Zoar Chapel Funeral Home, Llanteg, Narberth, SA67 8QH (01834) 831876

Please kindly make cheques payable to E.C. Thomas & Son

E DWARD R OBERTS

It is with immense sadness that I share the passing of my dad, Edward Roberts, formerly of p embroke d ock.

Dad passed away aged 89 on 11th April 2026 at Glangwili Hospital, Carmarthen.

Dad was well known around Pembroke Dock over the years and enjoyed the occasional flutter at the bookies, along with a beer and a bit of company.

He preferred to walk wherever he was going rather than drive, and in his younger days was a familiar face about town.

He had a sharp wit and a way of saying things that could catch you off guard and leave you smiling.

Dad served in the Army as a mechanic with REME, including several years at Glamorgan Barracks in Duisburg between 1961 and 1966 - something he was quietly proud of, as am I.

Although life took us in different directions for many years, we found our way back to each other later on.

Dad came to stay with me and my family on many occasions and spent time getting to know his grandchildren, which meant a great deal to us.

I am proud to say I spent many hours with him in hospital in his final days, and in that time I came to know him better than ever before - something I’ll always carry with me.

Dad leaves behind his good friend Linda in Pembroke Dock, along with several nieces and nephews.

He’ll be sadly missed and fondly remembered by those who knew him.

- Karl Edward Roberts

I VOR J AMES DAVIES

I V o R passed away quietly at Withybush Hospital, on Friday 17th a pril 2026, surrounded by

family.

Beloved husband to Josephine, loving father of Kenvyn, Lindsey and Darren, and treasured fatherin-law, Grampi and Great grandad.

Ivor’s funeral service will take place at Parc Gwyn Crematorium, Narberth on Friday 8th May 2026 at 10:45am.

Family flowers only please.

Donations in lieu, if desired, to support ‘Age Cymru’ (registered charity 1128436) or the ‘Alzheimer’s Society’ (registered charity 296645) c/o Paul Jenkins & Sons, Funeral Directors, Feidr Castell, Fishguard, SA65 9BB.

Telephone: 01348 873250

T REVOR ‘‘G RAHAM ” ‘ G RAHAM W ILLIAMS

IN Loving Memory of Graham who passed away peacefully at home on 15th april 2026 with his family by his side.

Dearly loved Husband to Margaret, much loved Dad to Ruth and Alison, Father-in-law to John Dear Gramps to James, Lucy and Josh and sadly missed Brother to Haydon and Howard (Bill)

The funeral service will take place on Tuesday 5th May 2026 at Parc Gwyn Crematorium, Narberth at 1.00pm.

Family flowers only.

Donation in lieu of flowers for Cancer Research UK can be made at www.cancerresearchuk.org.

The family would like to thank the Home Care Team, District Nurses and Paul Sartori Foundation for all their help and support during Graham’s illness.

All enquiries to Roy Folland & Son Funeral Directors (01437) 763821

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Bluebirds reach European play-off final after penalty drama in Barry

H a VERF o R d WES t CouNtY are one win away from another European adventure after a dramatic penalty shootout victory away at barry town united on Sunday (apr 26).

The Bluebirds booked their place in the JD Cymru Premier European play-off final after beating Barry 3-1 on penalties at Jenner Park, following a 1-1 draw after normal time.

It is the third time in four years that County have reached the European play-off final, continuing their remarkable record in the end-of-season format.

Barry made the perfect start and went ahead after just three minutes through Ollie Hulbert, leaving Haverfordwest with a difficult task in front of them.

The home side held that lead until the interval, but County stayed in the contest and continued to push for a way back.

Their reward came midway through the second half when Greg Walters found the net to bring the Bluebirds level and set up a tense finish.

Neither side could find a winner before the end of normal time, meaning the tie would be settled from the spot.

Haverfordwest held their

Getting the

nerve when it mattered most, winning the shootout 3-1 to spark celebrations among the travelling support and send the club into another major play-off final.

County will now face Penybont in the final on Saturday (May 2), with kick-off at 5:25pm. Penybont reached the final after

beating Colwyn Bay on penalties in the other semi-final.

The final will be hosted by the higher-ranked semi-final winner, meaning Haverfordwest are set for another away trip as they look to secure Wales’ final place in next season’s UEFA Conference League.

For manager Tony Pennock and his players, it is another

huge moment in the club’s recent history.

After falling behind early in Barry, the Bluebirds showed character, patience and composure before delivering once again in a pressure shootout.

Now only Penybont stand between Haverfordwest County and a return to European football.

ball rolling at schools boccia tournament

M o RE than 50 pupils from across p embrokeshire came together for an afternoon of competitive and inclusive sport at a schools boccia tournament.

The event was held at Haverfordwest High School on Tuesday (Apr 21), with pupils from Haverfordwest High, Ysgol Bro Gwaun, Ysgol Greenhill, Henry Tudor School and Milford Haven School taking part.

The tournament was sponsored by Valero, whose support helped make the event possible.

Matches were officiated by Young Ambassadors from Haverfordwest High School, alongside Welsh international boccia player Sian Jones and her mum, Liz. Their involvement helped add to the professionalism and enjoyment of the day.

After a series of closely contested matches, Greenhill Team 4 were crowned champions, defeating Haverfordwest High Team 1 by 6-3 in a tense final.

Dan Bellis, from Sport

Pembrokeshire, praised the event and everyone involved.

He said: “It was great to see so many children taking part and enjoying themselve in

such an inclusive activity.

“A big well done to all who took part, and especially to Greenhill Team 4 for winning such a competitive final.”

The tournament highlighted

the power of inclusive sport to bring young people together, build confidence and give pupils of all abilities the chance to compete and enjoy representing their schools.

Neyland make early statement as cricket season begins

NEYLaNd made an immediate statement on the opening weekend of the Nicholas Insurance thomas Carroll pembroke County Cricket League as they began their division 1 campaign with a convincing 91-run win over Whitland.

The champions posted 256-8, with Sean Hannon leading the way with 76 and Paul Murray adding 52. Ross Hardy also made 26 before taking 2-21, while Andrew Miller claimed 2-24 and Sam Laugharne 2-30.

Whitland battled to 165-8 in reply, Che Thomas finishing unbeaten on 45 and Matthew Davies making 37, but Neyland took 19 points from the fixture to sit top after the first round of matches.

Carew also made a strong start, beating Burton by eight wickets. Burton were bowled out for 160, despite Joseph Kiff making 44 and both Nick Jones and Luke Hayman adding 31. Carew reached 161-2, Morgan Grieve top-scoring with 68, supported by Brian Hall, who finished 44 not out, and Shaun Whitfield, who added an unbeaten 25 after earlier taking 3-44. Iori Hicks claimed 4-26 and Noah Davies 3-20.

Saundersfoot were another side to open with victory, chasing down Cresselly’s 182 all out to win by seven wickets. Simon Stanford made 63, with Nick Cope unbeaten on 36, after Tom Murphy had earlier hit 66 for Cresselly.

Herbrandston produced the most emphatic batting display of the day, beating Lawrenny by ten wickets. Lawrenny were dismissed for 129, with Harry Thomas making 36, before Herbrandston reached 136 without loss. Harry Nicholas finished 51 not out and Charlie Malloy 43 not out, Malloy having earlier taken a superb 8-57.

There was also early drama at St Ishmaels, where Tish and Narberth finished level. St Ishmaels closed on 122-9, with Narberth then bowled out for the same score. Stephen Williams made 17 and took 3-16 for Tish, while Ben Hughes claimed 3-18 for Narberth.

dIVISIoN

2

JOHNSTON and Cresselly seconds both took maximum 20-point hauls in Division 2.

Johnston edged a tight contest with

Pembroke Dock by 12 runs. Steven Mills starred with 73 and 3-18, while Gary James made 61 and took 2-30 as Johnston were bowled out for 173 before dismissing Pembroke Dock for 161. Nick Daley made 41 for the Dock, with Peter Kingdom adding 31 and Callum Power 26.

Cresselly seconds beat Fishguard by 75 runs after posting 217 all out. Griff Jenkins made 48 and took 2-18, Lewis Mason added 40, and Matthew Lewis claimed 3-19. Fishguard were bowled out for 142, Anthony Cousins top-scoring with 32.

Hook won a high-scoring game against Llangwm, chasing 221-8 to win by six wickets. Mikey Jones was the match-winner with an unbeaten 101, backed up by Rhys Phelps with 60. Llangwm had earlier been led by Luke Brock, who made 108, with Dominic Asson unbeaten on 77.

Pembroke also made a fine start, beating Llanrhian by ten wickets. Llanrhian reached 137-9, Jack Jones carrying his bat for 88 not out, but Pembroke replied with 138 without loss. Ceri Brace made 64 not out and Jack Harries 62 not out.

Haverfordwest were comfortable nine-wicket winners over Llechryd. Jake Merry took 4-13 as Llechryd were bowled out for 74, before Johnnie White, unbeaten on 31, and Ben Field, unbeaten on 25, completed the chase.

dIVISIoN 3

CAREW seconds lead the early Division 3 table after a three-wicket win over Burton seconds.

Burton were bowled out for 160, Will Ridge making 45, before Carew seconds reached 163-7. Stephen Cole made 50, Dai Rees 37 and Rhys Lewis 33, while Jamie Heeps had earlier taken 3-47.

Laugharne also began with victory, beating Pembroke seconds by seven wickets. Matt Tait finished unbeaten on 50, with Callum Collins-Davies making 34 and Harry Clapperton 24 as Laugharne chased down 131.

Kilgetty defeated Haverfordwest seconds by 20 runs. Dylan Duffy made 48 and Ieuan Prout 29 in Kilgetty’s 142 all out, before Haverfordwest seconds

were dismissed for 122 despite James Marchant’s 50. Kieran Williams took 4-20.

Saundersfoot seconds won a lowscoring game at Lamphey by ten runs. Sam Joseph returned excellent figures of 6-26, while Josh Samuel made 19 not out and then took 3-8.

Hundleton edged Stackpole by five wickets, reaching 158-5 in reply to 1577. Evan Davies finished unbeaten on 50 and Jonathan Williams unbeaten on 36, while Josh Davies made 91 and took 2-34 for Stackpole.

dIVISIoN 4

HAVERFORDWEST thirds and Llechryd seconds both opened Division 4 with maximum-point victories.

Haverfordwest thirds beat Crymych by two wickets after chasing 126. Richard Davies made 46 and Sidak Mahey 17, while Kos Dammitry took 5-37 for Crymych, who had earlier been led by Nitai Durey with 42 and Sion Vaughan with 38.

Llechryd seconds beat Neyland seconds by 70 runs. Tom Harries made 51, Ollie Roberts 50 and Dan Moulster 36 not out in a total of 198-6. Moulster then completed a fine all-round display with 5-38 as Neyland seconds were bowled out for 128, despite Martin Lewis making 58.

Hook seconds won by four wickets against Carew thirds, with Jamie Phelps making 91 and taking 3-17. Carew thirds had posted 176-8, Robbie Hicks finishing unbeaten on 75.

Narberth seconds beat St Ishmaels seconds by 61 runs, Ceri Davies making 41 not out and taking 2-7. Andrew Williams and Matthew Gow both made 32, while Jordan Howell added 25.

Lawrenny seconds were sevenwicket winners against Herbrandston seconds. Ian Milsom made 56 not out for Herbrandston, but Lawrenny reached 107-3, Jon Beff finishing unbeaten on 36 and Noah Williams unbeaten on 33.

dIVISIoN 5

LLANRHIAN seconds lead the way in Division 5 after a 97-run win over Pembroke Dock seconds.

Llanrhian seconds made 199-4, with

Leon Williams unbeaten on 62, Ryan Bywater making 41 and Ninja Prabath finishing 35 not out. Pembroke Dock seconds were bowled out for 102, despite Johnnie Hay’s 61, as Ryan John took 3-3 and Mark Evans 3-22.

Cresselly thirds also took 20 points, beating Pembroke thirds by six wickets. Pembroke thirds were bowled out for 160, Dan Scourfield falling just short of a century with 95, before Cresselly reached 161-4. Ollie Toy made 59 and Neal Williams 44.

Llangwm seconds beat Hundleton seconds by eight wickets. Josh Davies made 87 not out and John Palmer 65 not out, Palmer having earlier taken 4-14.

Whitland seconds were five-wicket winners over Llechryd thirds. Matt Driver made 51 and Rhys Davies 38 as Whitland chased 115, after Chris Sweeney had taken 4-14 and Joel Evans 4-27.

dIVISIoN 6

HAVERFORDWEST fourths and Laugharne seconds both opened Division 6 with 20-point wins.

Haverfordwest fourths beat Whitland thirds by four wickets, chasing 92 to finish on 93-6. Will Davies made 57, while Harvey Thomas took 3-12 and Danny Dewstowe 3-7.

Laugharne seconds edged a onewicket thriller against Neyland thirds. Neyland were bowled out for 134, Mason Kerrison making 40 and Phil Keen 38, before Laugharne reached 135-9. Andrew Edwards finished unbeaten on 37 and Shaun Lynch unbeaten on 22.

Lamphey seconds also started with victory, beating Haverfordwest/Cresselly by four wickets. Haverfordwest/ Cresselly made 133-5, Arthur Jenkins top-scoring with 35, before Lamphey seconds reached 134-6 thanks largely to Jack Halstead’s 67.

Rugby youngsters celebrate cup glory

HaVERFoRdWESt RFC’s youth and junior sections enjoyed a proud weekend, with cup success, a festival win, milestone appearances and strong performances across the age groups.

The club’s Youth side led the celebrations after beating Aberystwyth Youth 23-12 on Friday night.

Supporters praised the squad’s performance, team spirit and togetherness following the win, with congratulations shared widely online for the players and coaches.

The occasion was made even more special by a guard of honour from the Under-10s, who lined up to support the Youth team before the match.

There was also success for the Blues Under-12s, who won the St Clears Festival against teams from across South Wales.

Coaches said the boys impressed not only with their rugby, but also with their commitment, manners and sportsmanship, representing the club and the shirt brilliantly.

MILEStoNE FoR FREddIE

Another proud moment came as Freddie Jones, one of the club’s original players from Under-7s, made his 100th appearance.

Freddie, now with the Under-11s, has enjoyed an excellent season, earning selection for county and West Wales.

He was described by the club as a “gentle giant” away from the pitch, but a fierce competitor on it, leading the way with his ball carrying and tackling.

Narberth seconds start season in new sponsored kit

NaRbERtH CRICKEt CLub’S second XI marked the start of the new season in style on Sunday (apr 26), stepping out in their brand new playing kit.

The club thanked its shirt sponsors for their support, naming Millforge, Young Bros, Wiseman’s Bridge Inn and The Ivy Bush as backers of the new strip.

The striking blue kit was unveiled as Narberth 2nds began their campaign, with players gathering for a team photo to mark the occasion.

In a post on social media, Narberth CC said: “Narberth 2nds started the season in their brand new kit today. Special thank you to our shirt sponsors: Millforge, Young Bros, Wiseman’s Bridge Inn and The Ivy Bush.”

The club will now be hoping the new kit brings good fortune as the seconds look to build momentum in the opening weeks of the campaign.

Goodwick United lift Senior Cup after 3-1 win over Monkton Swifts

GoodWICK uNItEd lifted the 2026 pembrokeshire Senior Cup after a 3-1 win over Monkton Swifts at the ogi bridge Meadow on Saturday (apr 25).

A crowd of 1,280 turned out in Haverfordwest for the county showpiece, with Goodwick coming out on top after an entertaining and hard-fought final.

Ben Adams gave Goodwick the lead midway through the first half, before Jimmy Wilkes brought Monkton level shortly before the break.

Rhys Dalling then restored Goodwick’s advantage after half-time, and Jonny Horgan sealed the win deep into stoppage time when Monkton had thrown bodies forward in search of an equaliser.

Goodwick make strong start

The opening stages belonged largely to Goodwick, who settled quickly and looked the more dangerous side from dead-ball situations.

Their pressure told after 20 minutes. Monkton goalkeeper Taylor Gullam did well to get a touch to an initial header from a Goodwick corner, pushing the ball onto the bar, but Adams was alert and headed home the rebound.

Monkton did not allow the setback to knock them out of their rhythm and gradually worked their way into the contest.

They carried a threat on the break and began to ask more questions of the Goodwick defence as the half went on, with Dylan Davies and Jimmy Wilkes both causing problems.

Goodwick also had a penalty appeal turned down when Dalling went down in the box, but referee Tudor Walters allowed play to continue.

Monkton press before half-time

The Swifts enjoyed their best spell in the closing stages of the first half.

Goodwick goalkeeper Nick Jones was called into action on several occasions, while Kyle O’Sullivan also produced a vital clearance on the line to keep his side ahead.

Monkton’s equaliser arrived in the 42nd minute.

A clever pass opened up the Goodwick back line and Wilkes timed his run well before finishing calmly with his left foot to make it 1-1.

Monkton almost added a second before the interval, but Goodwick survived further pressure to go in level at the break.

Dalling delivers Goodwick made a change at halftime, with Tom Jago introduced in place of Sion O’Sullivan.

Jago was quickly involved and almost put Goodwick back in front when he rounded Gullam, only for Monkton to clear the danger.

The decisive second goal came ten minutes after the restart.

Dalling picked up possession, drove at the Monkton defence, cut inside and finished well to put Goodwick 2-1 ahead.

From that point, Monkton had to chase the game, and the final became increasingly tense.

Jones keeps Monkton out

Monkton pushed hard for a way back into the match and created chances, but Jones produced an excellent display in the Goodwick goal.

He made important saves, dealt confidently with crosses, and gave his defence a calm presence behind them during periods of pressure.

Monkton appealed for a penalty late on when Jack Clarke went down in the area, but again the referee waved away the claims.

As the clock ticked down, Monkton committed more players forward, leaving space for Goodwick to exploit on the counter.

Horgan seals cup glory

The game was finally settled in stoppage time.

With Monkton’s goalkeeper upfield for a late set-piece, Goodwick cleared their lines and the ball fell to substitute Horgan.

He showed composure to take the ball beyond Gullam before finishing into an empty net, sparking celebrations among the Goodwick players and supporters.

The final whistle confirmed Goodwick

Tumble hold off spirited Amman fightback

aMMaN uNItEd may have suffered another defeat, but the Reds ended the week with plenty of encouragement after pushing tumble hard in an entertaining division three West clash.

Playing their second away fixture in three days, Amman travelled to Parc y Mynydd Mawr with a side showing clear signs of the club’s future direction.

United had introduced a number of players from their Welsh Youth Cup-winning squad across two away matches, with several making their senior debuts.

Eight of those youngsters were involved in the midweek 26-12 defeat away to high-flying Division Three Cup winners New Dock Stars, where

Dyfan Llewellyn marked his debut with a try.

Harvey Duncan, Ioan Booth, Hefin Davies, Ceian Lewis, Tom James, Aled Davies, Kennedy Richards and Cole Lacey were also introduced across the two games, giving Amman supporters real cause for optimism.

Youth given chance

At Tumble, Amman started with five members of the victorious youth side in the pack, with Tom James making his debut at lock under captain Rhydian Jones.

In bright sunshine, both sides served up an open and entertaining game full of running rugby.

Tumble, however, largely controlled the first half and built a 30-14 lead by the interval.

United as Senior Cup winners after a memorable afternoon at the Bridge Meadow.

Nick Jones was named man of the match following an outstanding performance between the posts.

Match details

Monkton Swifts: Taylor Gullam; Jay Kilby, Jimmy Walker, Ben Steele, Liam Butland; Dan James, Jimmy Wilkes; Dylan Davies, Gareth Finnegan, Paul Miller; Luke Phillips.

Substitutes: Jack Clarke, Connor Davies, Billy Davis, James Russell, Martyn Carroll.

Goodwick United: Nick Jones; Kyle O’Sullivan, Josh Wood, Ross Jones, Scott Delaney; Sion O’Sullivan, Rhys Jones; Jake Smith, Ben Adams, Will Haworth, Rhys Dalling.

Substitutes: Guto Roberts, Dan Devine, Kieran Blundell, Jonny Horgan, Tom Jago.

Referee: Tudor Walters.

Assistant referees: Stefan Jenkins and Ioan Nevatte.

Fourth official: Alan Boswell. Attendance: 1,280.

in 12-try thriller

The Magpies crossed through Owen Bunford, Jack Morris, Iwan Morgan and Rhys King to secure their try bonus point before the break.

There was also a notable family moment for the Gwendraeth Valley side, with brothers Ellis and Zak Payne playing together for the first time.

Reds rally after break Amman, safe from relegation because of league restructuring, came roaring back in the second half and gave their higher-placed hosts a real scare.

Back-row nuisance Cole Lacey was rewarded for an excellent performance with his first senior try for the club, while wing Dylan Matthews and impressive flanker Alun Lewis also crossed.

United’s five-try display brought them to within two points at 35-33, earning them a deserved bonus point and threatening a remarkable comeback.

Tumble, however, held their nerve in the closing stages.

After Dafydd Thomas had earlier crossed for the Magpies, late tries from Ifan Samuel and James Owens finally put the game beyond Amman and secured a 49-33 home victory.

It was a fine advert for grassroots rugby, with both sides contributing to an exciting, attacking contest.

Amman were due to complete their league campaign away at Cardigan on Tuesday night, while Tumble finish at home to Neyland on Saturday.

Goodwick

United lift Senior Cup after 3-1 win over Monkton Swifts • p99