The Pembrokeshire Herald 10/07/2026

Haverfordwest man cleared of rape and sexual assault charges

A HAVERFORDWEST man has been found not guilty of rape and assault by penetration following a trial at Swansea Crown Court.

Jack Branston, 22, of Gerald Road, Haverfordwest, was unanimously acquitted by a jury of both charges. The allegations related to events said to have taken place during

the summer of 2023. Mr Branston denied both offences throughout the proceedings.

Following the jury’s verdicts, Judge Geraint Walters formally discharged Mr Branston.

Dyfed Thomas represented the defendant, while Robin Rouch prosecuted.

Machine operator banned for three years after third drink-drive conviction

A HAVERFORDWEST machine operator has been disqualified from driving for three years after admitting his third drink-driving offence.

Gareth James, 40, was stopped by officers on June 14 because of the speed at which he was driving his black Hyundai Tucson along Vine Road in Johnston.

“There was a strong smell of intoxicants and the defendant’s face was very red,”

Crown Prosecutor Sian Vaughan told Haverfordwest magistrates this week.

Subsequent breathalyser tests showed James had 53mcg of alcohol in his breath. The legal limit is 35mcg.

The court heard that James had two previous drink-driving convictions, imposed in 2009 and 2019.

This week he pleaded guilty to drinkdriving and was represented in court by

solicitor Michael Kelleher.

Mr Kelleher told the Bench that although James works as a machine operator in Haverfordwest, he lives in Merthyr Tydfil.

“This offence happened soon after he began his new job,” he said.

“He had gone out with his new work colleagues and made the dreadful decision to drive. He thought he was okay, and he co-operated fully with the police.”

Probation officer Julie Norman said James had gone out with work colleagues before making a decision he now clearly regretted.

In addition to the three-year driving ban, James was fined £908 and ordered to pay a £363 court surcharge and £85 costs.

Man taken to hospital after incident on Marble Hall Road

A MAN was taken to hospital after an incident on Marble Hall Road, Milford Haven, on Wednesday evening.

Police and paramedics attended the scene after reports that a man had been injured during an altercation.

A section of the road was closed while emergency services dealt with the incident, with a police road closure sign placed nearby.

The injured man, believed to be in his 30s, was treated at the scene by paramedics before being taken to hospital for further assessment.

An eyewitness who stopped to help said the man had fallen backwards and

struck his head on the road.

She said: “I was holding a towel to the back of his head and trying to keep him comfortable while I had the ambulance on the phone.

“He had been punched by another man and went straight down like an ironing board. He hit the back of his head on the road.”

Residents living nearby also came out to assist before emergency services arrived.

Police attended the scene and further details, including whether any arrests have been made, are awaited.

Major incident stood down after fire at Impala Terminal in Milford Haven

Fire involved decommissioned oil tank containing residual crude oil and around 60 cylinders

A MAJOR incident declared during a fire at the Impala Terminal in Milford Haven has now been rescinded, with emergency services saying crews are making good progress.

Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service said it was called at 5:11pm on Monday, July 6, to reports of a fire at Impala Terminals Infrastructure UK Ltd at Robeston West.

Crews from Milford Haven,

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Haverfordwest and Pembroke Dock remain at the scene.

The fire service has confirmed that the blaze involves a decommissioned oil tank containing residual crude oil and approximately 60 cylinders, including a mixture of propane and oxygen cylinders.

A large plume of black smoke has been visible from the area.

All persons have been accounted for. Dyfed-Powys Police said it received reports of the fire at around 5:10pm and officers attended swiftly, working with emergency service partners as part of a coordinated multi-agency response.

One casualty has been reported. They are believed to have sustained minor injuries and are receiving

appropriate care.

Resources from the Welsh Ambulance Service University NHS Trust attended the scene to provide additional support, but were not required to convey any patients to hospital.

Pembrokeshire County Council emergency planning officers have joined the multi-agency response, while council highways staff assisted emergency service colleagues with road closures around the Impala facility.Roads in the area have now reopened. However, emergency services and partner agencies remain at the scene and are continuing to manage the incident safely.

Officials say there is not believed to

be a wider risk to the public at this time.

Members of the public are still being asked to avoid the immediate area where possible and allow access for emergency service vehicles. Local residents are advised to keep windows and doors closed if there is thick smoke nearby.

Natural Resources Wales has also confirmed it is aware of the incident and was involved in a multi-agency meeting this evening.

NRW said Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service is leading on the incident, including communications. The environmental regulator said the fire service had not requested its attendance at the site, but officers

Man admits stealing beer and food from shop

A 40-YEAR-OLD man has admitted stealing beer and food worth £45 from the Nisa store in Johnston.

Steven O’Sullivan, formerly of Fishguard but currently of no fixed abode, appeared before Haverfordwest magistrates on Tuesday via video link from Swansea Prison.

The court heard that on June 21, O’Sullivan entered the store, took groceries from the shelves and left without making any attempt to pay. The stolen items included bread and alcohol.

O’Sullivan pleaded guilty to theft and was represented in court by Tom Lloyd.

“This was a compulsive act, where he entered the shop and took the items,” Mr Lloyd told magistrates.

O’Sullivan, who is currently serving a custodial sentence for other offences, was ordered to pay £45 compensation to Nisa.

No fine, court costs or surcharge were imposed.

would attend if asked.

The Herald earlier reported that the fire was understood to have started in the area of a tank at the rear of the facility where dismantling work was taking place. The official update has now confirmed the incident involves a decommissioned oil tank containing residual crude oil.

Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service said: “We were called at 17:11 on Monday, 6 July 2026, to reports of a fire at Impala Terminals Infrastructure UK Ltd.

“Fire crews from Milford Haven, Haverfordwest, Pembroke Dock, Tumble, Carmarthen and Ammanford attended the incident.

Steynton

“The fire involved a decommissioned oil tank containing residual crude oil and approximately 60 cylinders, including a mixture of propane and oxygen cylinders. Crew extinguished the fire using water and foam, using x14, 70mm jets, x3, 45mm jets, on site water gun and foam tender.

“All persons were accounted for.

“This was a multi-agency approach, with involvement from Dyfed Powys Police, Welsh Ambulance Service Trust, Pembrokeshire County Council, and others.

“Crews left the scene and incident was handed back to Impala staff. Stop message was received at 22:22pm.” Images: Martin Cavaney and others

woman caught

drug-driving with cocaine and MDMA in her system

A STEYNTON woman has been ordered to pay more than £1,000 after being caught behind the wheel with two illegal drugs in her system.

Charlotte Whelton, 37, was stopped by officers at around 9.30am on April 6 as she drove her BMW along Milford Road in Johnston.

During a conversation with police, Whelton admitted she was a drug user. Subsequent blood tests carried out at the police station showed she had 75mcg of MDMA, also known as Ecstasy, and 400mcg of the cocaine metabolite benzoylecgonine in her system.

The legal limits are 10mcg and 50mcg respectively.

This week Whelton, of Stryd Shearwater, Steynton, Milford Haven, pleaded guilty

to two charges of drug-driving when she appeared before Haverfordwest magistrates.

She was represented in court by solicitor Michael Kelleher.

“She had no idea that she had taken two different drugs and was shocked they were in her system,” Mr Kelleher told the Bench.

“She had been out with friends, drugs were passed around, she took some, but she did not realise what she had taken.”

Magistrates fined Whelton £667 and ordered her to pay a £300 court surcharge and £85 costs, bringing the total to £1,052. She was also disqualified from driving for 12 months.

Teacher stabbing trial: The first week of evidence

Jury hears accounts of alleged planned classroom attack, teacher’s fear she was dying, and boy’s words after leaving school

A TEACHER allegedly stabbed in the head at a Milford Haven secondary school feared she was dying and would never see her daughter again, a jury has heard during the first week of one of Pembrokeshire’s most closely watched criminal trials. The defendant, who was 15 at the

time and is now 16, cannot be named because of his age.

He denies attempting to murder teacher Vicki Williams on Wednesday, February 5, 2026. He also denies

a large kitchen knife from his bag and struck Mrs Williams to the head.

Mr Rees told the court: “The prosecution say the defendant planned and launched a murderous attack on the teacher. He deliberately stabbed Vicki Williams in the head.”

The court heard that a violent struggle followed. Mrs Williams screamed for help and eventually managed to take the knife from the boy.

The defendant then ran from the classroom and left the school, jurors were told. He was later arrested at the home of a family member.

Mrs Williams was treated at the scene and taken to Withybush Hospital. She was discharged later the same evening.

The incident led to a temporary lockdown at the school and caused widespread concern among parents, pupils, staff and the wider Milford Haven community.

inflicting grievous bodily harm with intent and unlawful wounding.

He has admitted possessing a bladed article on school premises.

The trial opened at Swansea Crown Court on Monday before Judge Paul Thomas KC, with the prosecution alleging that the teenager brought a large kitchen knife into school in his bag and launched what was described to the jury as a planned and murderous attack.

The defence says the boy did not intend to kill Mrs Williams, did not intend to cause her really serious harm, and did not even intend to assault her. His case is that her injuries were caused accidentally during a struggle after he refused to hand over the knife.

‘PLANNED AND MuRDEROuS aTTaCk’, proseCuTIon says

Opening the case, Christopher Rees KC, prosecuting, told jurors that the incident happened shortly after the end of the school day.

The court heard that the defendant had been taught by Mrs Williams earlier that morning and that there had been no apparent difficulty between them.

The prosecution says that changed after lessons ended at around 3:10pm, when the boy went into a classroom where Mrs Williams was working.

Jurors were told he approached her desk and asked her to check some work. The court heard that he then shut the classroom door, saying it was cold.

Mr Rees said the Crown’s case was that the boy had closed the door because he wanted to isolate Mrs Williams so he could attack her.

The jury heard that the boy then pulled

TEACHER TELLS JuRY SHE feared she was dyIng

Giving evidence on Tuesday, Mrs Williams told the jury she had taught the defendant earlier on the day of the incident and had no concerns about his behaviour.

Asked about her relationship with the pupil, she said there had been no issues during the lesson and that, from her perspective, they had always got on well.

She told the court that after the school day ended, the defendant approached her while she was working in a classroom.

Mrs Williams said he stood beside her and engaged her in conversation while searching through his school bag.

She said she believed he was looking for something and continued talking to him as he rifled through the bag.

Moments later, she told the jury, she was hit in the head.

“He hits me in the head first,” Mrs Williams said.

“The force of it hits me back into my chair.”

The court heard that Mrs Williams did not initially realise she had been stabbed. She said she became frightened during the incident and thought she might die.

The jury heard that she shouted for help during the struggle and eventually succeeded in disarming the boy.

Mrs Williams rejected the defence suggestion that her injuries were caused accidentally while she was trying to get the knife from him.

She told the jury that the boy appeared calm when he entered the room and that she could not understand why he

had allegedly attacked her.

Jurors have been told that Mrs Williams later described the look on the defendant’s face as one of “pure hatred”.

fIrsT aIder desCrIbes ‘COMPLETE SHOCk’

On Wednesday, the jury heard from the school’s main first aider and medical coordinator, Mrs Walters Jones.

She told Swansea Crown Court that a colleague came to her office before another person ran in asking for help.

Mrs Jones went to the classroom, where she found Mrs Williams sitting at a pupil’s desk, distressed and bleeding from injuries to her head and hand.

“She was upset, crying, shaking,” Mrs Jones told the jury.

“Her whole body was in complete shock.”

The court heard that Mrs Jones treated Mrs Williams, who told her she had been attacked with a knife.

Mrs Jones said Mrs Williams told her the defendant had been acting “strange” and “weird”, and that she had felt unsafe and did not want to turn around.

The jury heard that the school was placed into lockdown following the incident.

Mrs Jones said she was the person who called police, but had to pass the phone to a colleague because she “couldn’t get my words out”.

The knife allegedly used in the incident was produced in court and shown to the witness, judge and jury.

Mrs Jones said she cleaned through Mrs Williams’ hair to assess the head wound and described the injuries to her hands as “erratic”.

The court also heard evidence from Stephen Martin, the school’s inclusion and behaviour manager.

He told jurors he heard a radio message that something had happened and later saw Mrs Williams with blood on her hands, running down the side of her face and onto her T-shirt.

Mr Martin said Mrs Williams was “distressed, scared, shocked” and confused.

He told the court Mrs Williams said she did not know why she had been attacked or what she had done wrong.

Under questioning, Mr Martin confirmed there was no recorded conflict between Mrs Williams and the defendant.

grandMoTher’s sTaTeMenT READ TO COuRT

On Thursday, the fourth day of the trial, the jury heard written evidence from the defendant’s grandmother.

Her statement, agreed by prosecution and defence, was read to the court.

She described the defendant as a “really quiet boy” and said he had been that way since infancy. The jury heard she would

often make tea for him after school.

The grandmother said that on the afternoon of February 5, the defendant’s mother called her to say that “something had happened in school”.

She said she “felt sick to my stomach”.

A short time later, her grandson arrived at her house and sat on the stairs.

She asked him what he had done.

According to the statement read to the jury, he replied: “Something went in my head, nan.”

The grandmother said he was crying and had his head hung low in his hands. She said police arrived at her home around ten minutes later and arrested him. She described him as looking shocked and upset.

paThologIsT gIves evIdenCe on InjurIes and knIfe

The jury also heard evidence from forensic pathologist Dr David Rouse, who took the court through photographs of Mrs Williams’ injuries and the knife recovered from the classroom.

Dr Rouse described five superficial incised wounds to Mrs Williams’ fingers and palm.

He said the wounds were typical of defensive injuries and consistent with someone trying to grab or hold a knife. Turning to injuries on Mrs Williams’ back, Dr Rouse described them as linear abrasions or scratch marks. He said he could not say exactly how they were caused, but they were consistent with Mrs Williams’ account of being pushed backwards.

Dr Rouse then dealt with the head injury. He described it as a linear incised wound to the top of the head, around 1cm in length.

The court heard that the injury was caused by a sharp blade and was “in keeping with a stabbing action going into the head”.

Dr Rouse said it was very difficult to get a penetrating wound through the skull,

particularly in the area where the wound was situated.

The knife recovered from the classroom was also shown to the witness. It was kept in a clear plastic tube for safety.

Dr Rouse told the jury that the tip of the knife was distorted. He said he could not say how the tip came to be damaged, but that the distortion was in keeping with the knife being used in the way described.

Asked by Judge Paul Thomas KC whether that was what he would expect to find on a knife which had been stabbed into the top of a skull, Dr Rouse replied: “Yes, your honour.”

The doctor said Mrs Williams’ head injury was entirely consistent with the account she had given.

Under cross-examination by Matthew Roberts KC, defending, Dr Rouse agreed that it was not possible to say how or when the injuries to Mrs Williams’ back were caused.

He also agreed that it was not possible to say when the damage to the point of the knife was caused, or exactly how it was caused.

Dr Rouse said: “All we can say is there was a stab wound to the head and it seems a reasonable conclusion to say that caused the damage, but we cannot say for sure.”

The defence put it to him that there were areas of the body far more vulnerable to knife wounds than the top of the head, such as the neck or chest.

Dr Rouse agreed, saying knives are designed to go through bodies and that such areas would not require much force to injure.

The defence also put it to Dr Rouse that he could not rule out the injuries being caused during a “scuffle”.

Dr Rouse said pathology could not determine the mechanism, adding that this was a matter for the jury.

DEFENCE CASE

The defence case is that the

defendant did not intend to kill Mrs Williams, did not intend to cause her grievous bodily harm, and did not intend to assault her.

The jury has been told that the defence says the injuries were caused accidentally when the boy refused to hand over the knife after being asked to do so.

The defendant has admitted possessing a bladed article on school premises, but denies the three remaining charges.

TrIal ConTInues

As The Herald went to press, the prosecution evidence was still being heard.

The trial, expected to last three weeks, continues before Judge Paul Thomas KC at Swansea Crown Court.

The jury will be asked in due course to decide whether the prosecution has proved the disputed allegations so that they are sure.

The defendant remains entitled to the presumption of innocence unless and until the jury reaches any verdict against him.

Charges before The CourT

The defendant denies:

• Attempted murder

• Inflicting grievous bodily harm with intent

• Unlawful wounding

He admits:

• Possessing a bladed article on school premises

reporTIng resTrICTIon

The defendant cannot be identified because he is under 18.

Castle refurbishment reaches new heights as roof goes on

A MAJOR milestone has been reached in the redevelopment of Haverfordwest Castle, with the new roof now lifted into place on the historic gaol building inside the castle walls.

Morgan Sindall Construction is carrying out the work on behalf of Pembrokeshire County Council as part of the wider project to rejuvenate the castle site and create a flagship visitor attraction for the county.

The Grade II listed former gaol, which is more than 200 years old and covers around 800 square metres, has undergone major structural work, including a full replacement of its twolevel roof and measures to stabilise the core of the building.

Once complete, the building will tell the story of Pembrokeshire across three floors of interactive, hands-on and immersive exhibits.

The redevelopment will also include a new café serving locally sourced food, a shop selling local and bespoke products, free-to-access grounds with new interpretation of the site, and a 500-seat outdoor events space for community events, fairs and markets during the summer months.

The main section of the gaol building has been fitted with a replacement timber frame and slate tiles, while a cladding system has been used over the lower section. Zinc cladding has also been incorporated to bring the building up to modern standards while respecting its historic setting.

Other work already completed includes repairs to the thick stone walls, the careful removal of non-heritage debris, and the installation of new drainage and flooring.

Because Haverfordwest Castle is a Scheduled Monument, preservation work on the site is carefully controlled by Cadw, the Welsh Government’s historic environment service. The castle’s original walls, which date back to the 1120s, are being strengthened and repointed by specialist contractors. The project forms part of Pembrokeshire County Council’s £17.7m levellingup programme, funded by the UK Government.

Extensive archaeological excavations have also taken place in the castle’s Inner Bailey. Drainage has been replaced, new accessible footpaths have been created, and landscaping work is underway. When the site reopens, the Inner Bailey will be used as a flexible outdoor space for events, open-air theatre and markets.

Morgan Sindall said sustainability has been a key part of the project. The contractor has taken part in its 10 Tonne Carbon Challenge, working with its supply chain to reduce emissions by at

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least 10 tonnes. The project has already exceeded that target, with a reported saving of 230.5 tonnes of CO2 across four stages, equivalent to heating 86 UK homes for a year.

Stonework debris removed from the site has also been reused rather

than sent to landfill. It was donated to Walters Group, a local civil engineering company, and much of it has been used to repair parts of Castle Back steps, improving the link between the castle and Haverfordwest town centre.

Sections of roofing that were still structurally sound have been recycled and chipped for use as bedding at local horse training facilities. A 1960s

hardwood staircase, formerly part of the archives, has been stored off site by the Pembrokeshire Supported Employment Programme, which will turn it into furniture for the new café. Morgan Sindall said it has also focused on creating social value locally. Eight local businesses have been employed on the project so far, including Haverfordwest firms Coe Stone and

SJB, which have been involved in conservation work including stone cleaning and repairs.

Project partners include AtkinsRéalis, Roger Casey Associates and DB3 Architects.

Ten apprentices have worked on the scheme, while five young people have been given work experience placements through Pembrokeshire College and Futureworks. Students from Pembrokeshire College, Swansea University, Coleg Sir Gâr and local primary schools have also visited the site to learn more about careers in construction.

Young “Castle Ambassadors” will

continue to be involved in the next phase of the project, helping to shape parts of the exhibition and schools activity programme.

Morgan Sindall has also donated money and supplies to The Men’s Shed, a charity based near the castle grounds which helps reduce loneliness and isolation by bringing people together to recycle and repair furniture and other items. A donation has also been made to a local woodturning club.

Rob Williams, Area Director for Morgan Sindall Construction in Wales, said:

“It has been a real responsibility and privilege to work with Pembrokeshire County Council on delivering such a

Haverfordwest mechanic banned after second drug-drive offence

A HAVERFORDWEST maintenance mechanic has been banned from the roads for three years after admitting driving through the town centre while over the drug-drive limit.

Eric Rees, 37, was stopped by officers just before 10am on February 5 as he drove his Honda Civic along Withybush Road in Haverfordwest.

“He was driving too fast, so he was stopped,” Crown Prosecutor Sian Vaughan told Haverfordwest magistrates this week.

As Rees provided police with a roadside drugs wipe, he told officers he had taken cocaine the previous Saturday, as well as cannabis the previous evening.

nationally significant project.

“We work on a lot of heritage projects and have developed a clear and robust process to ensure that we protect these incredibly important buildings and give them a new lease of life.

“Haverfordwest Castle and its grounds will deliver so much more value to the local community and visiting tourists than just being a historical landmark once the project is completed.

“The structure of the castle itself will be more secure, it will have an event space, and now the roof has successfully been completed, a visitor centre which lives and breathes history. All of which will be fully accessible to everyone.”

Cllr Thomas Tudor, county councillor for Haverfordwest’s Castle Ward, said: “Haverfordwest Castle is without doubt the jewel in the crown for the county town of Pembrokeshire, and I am so pleased that the redevelopment of the castle is gaining momentum.

“It is brilliant news that Morgan Sindall Construction has reached a key milestone in the project to rejuvenate Haverfordwest Castle, with the new roof now in place.

“The future is looking very positive for Haverfordwest, which can be enjoyed by tourists and residents alike.”

The project is due to be completed in summer 2027.

Subsequent blood tests showed he had 172mcg of the cocaine metabolite benzoylecgonine in his system. The legal limit is 50mcg.

Other drugs were also detected, but these were below the legal limit.

Rees pleaded guilty to drug-driving and was represented in court by solicitor Michael Kelleher.

“He had taken the cocaine two days before driving and did not think he would still be over the limit,” Mr Kelleher told the court.

Probation officer Julie Norman said Rees had consumed cocaine during the weekend before the offence.

“He had obviously taken a lot, as it was still in his system,” she said.

The court also heard that Rees admitted being a daily cannabis user, saying it helped him deal with stress following many years in the army.

Rees, of Church Lane, Haverfordwest, was disqualified from driving for three years, as this was his second drug-drive offence within ten years.

He was also made subject to a 12-month community order, during which he must complete ten rehabilitation activity requirement days.

Magistrates fined him £300 and ordered him to pay a £114 court surcharge and £85 costs.

MoD faces maximum sanction over Castlemartin tank deaths

Crown Censure authorised after two Royal Tank Regiment soldiers were killed in Challenger 2 explosion in Pembrokeshire nine years ago

The MInIsTry of defenCe is facing the strongest sanction available to the Health and Safety Executive after two soldiers were killed in a tank explosion at Castlemartin Range in Pembrokeshire.

Cpl Darren Neilson, 31, and Cpl Matthew Hatfield, 27, died when an L30 gun exploded on a Challenger 2 tank during a live-firing exercise on June 14, 2017.

Two other soldiers were injured in the blast, including one who was left with life-changing injuries.

The Health and Safety Executive has now authorised a Crown Censure against the MoD. It has also authorised the prosecution of defence contractor Rheinmetall BAE Systems Land Ltd.

Rheinmetall BAE Systems Land Ltd, formerly BAE Systems Global Combat Systems Ltd, was responsible for producing the safety case for the tank and gun system, HSE said.

The MoD held ultimate responsibility for the health, safety and welfare of its soldiers, and for the suitability and sufficiency of the safety case, HSE added.

HSE has stressed that neither the authorisation of a Crown Censure nor the authorisation of criminal charges represents a finding of guilt.

A Crown Censure is the maximum sanction HSE can issue against a Crown body. Because of Crown immunity, the MoD cannot be prosecuted in the same way as a private company.

If the censure is accepted or

confirmed, it will amount to a formal public reprimand and an official record of failure. It does not carry a financial penalty.

The prosecution of Rheinmetall BAE Systems Land Ltd is a separate criminal matter.

HSE said the Crown Censure relates

to an alleged failure by the MoD to ensure the health, safety and welfare of soldiers under Section 2 of the Health and Safety at Work Act.

The charge against Rheinmetall BAE Systems Land Ltd relates to an alleged failure to ensure the health and safety of people not in its employment under Section 3 of the same Act.

A formal hearing will now take place in relation to the Crown Censure.

The criminal case against Rheinmetall BAE Systems Land Ltd will follow its own legal process.

The latest decision comes nine years after the fatal explosion at Castlemartin, one of the UK’s main armoured vehicle training areas.

The Herald is seeking answers to a number of questions arising from the HSE announcement.

Why has it taken nine years for the Crown Censure and prosecution decision to be authorised?

When will the formal Crown Censure hearing take place?

Will the MoD accept the Crown Censure?

What is the next legal step in the prosecution of Rheinmetall BAE Systems Land Ltd?

Have the families of Cpl Neilson and Cpl Hatfield been informed of the latest decision?

The Herald has contacted the Ministry of Defence, HSE and BAE Systems/ Rheinmetall BAE Systems Land Ltd for comment.

Due to the active criminal proceedings, The Herald is not publishing detailed material from earlier proceedings concerning the circumstances of the explosion.

HSE has said the Crown Censure proceedings against the MoD and the criminal proceedings against Rheinmetall BAE Systems Land Ltd are separate matters.

Exclusion zone extended as salvage work continues on stranded GV Resolute

an eXClusIon zone around the wreck of the gv resolute will remain in place until further notice as salvage teams continue work to remove the stranded vessel from the Pembrokeshire coastline.

The 25-metre vessel has been grounded on rocks near Aber Hywel, below Penrhyn caravan park, since December last year.

Salvage work is now under way, with the vessel expected to be cut up on site and loaded onto a barge before being taken to Fishguard Harbour for further processing.

Fishguard Harbour Authority first issued a notice to mariners on June 25, warning vessels to avoid the area around the wreck.

The operation is being carried out by Jevingtons Logistics, using the tug Forth Trojan, the work boat Handfast and a 40-metre barge.

The exclusion zone had initially been expected to remain in force until June 30, but has now been extended until the Maritime and Coastguard Agency and the salvers confirm the work has been completed.

A Stena Line spokesperson said: “This window needs to be extended due to worse-than-expected weather and swell in the area of the Resolute wreck.”

The Maritime and Coastguard Agency said it was not possible to give a firm end date because of the nature of the operation, but confirmed that daily progress is being monitored and regular updates are being received.

The GV Resolute ran aground in the early hours of December 11, 2025, after getting into difficulty while sheltering off the Pembrokeshire coast.

The vessel, understood to have been operating as a guard boat for an Irish offshore wind farm, became stranded on rocks with four crew members on

board.

A major rescue operation was launched involving Fishguard’s all-weather and inshore lifeboats, coastguard teams from St Davids and Fishguard, and a rescue helicopter.

Poor conditions, including choppy seas and a southerly force seven wind, made access by helicopter and allweather lifeboat difficult.

The crew were eventually evacuated onto Fishguard’s inshore lifeboat.

During the rescue, one crew member fell overboard and was swept away in the rough sea.

He was safely recovered thanks to the quick actions of lifeboat helm Warren Bean.

Since then, the Resolute has remained lodged on the rocks at Aber Hywel.

In January, more than 10,000 litres of fuel and oil were removed from the vessel to reduce the risk of pollution.

A 3D seabed survey carried out in February showed the boat firmly wedged against the rocky coastline, with much of the vessel submerged at high tide.

Images taken later showed the stern and part of the deck underwater, with the hold completely flooded.

The coastguard previously confirmed it was monitoring the situation, while stating that salvage remained the responsibility of the vessel’s owner.

A 500-metre exclusion zone is now in place for kayakers, small craft and other vessels to keep them away from the ongoing salvage work.

Mariners are being advised to keep clear of the area, not to interfere with the work of the salvage crew, and not to impede vessels travelling to and from Fishguard Harbour.

Anyone operating in the area should monitor VHF Channel 16 and Channel 14 for local traffic updates.

Car left abandoned after crash

polICe are investigating after a car was abandoned following a crash in Milford Haven on Saturday evening. Dyfed-Powys Police said officers were called to Lower Priory Road at around 8.30pm on Saturday, July 4, following reports of a single-vehicle collision. When emergency services arrived, nobody was found with the vehicle. The road was closed while the

incident was dealt with and the car was recovered at around 10pm. Lower Priory Road was then reopened. The circumstances of the crash remain under investigation.

Police are asking anyone who witnessed the collision, or who saw anything suspicious in the area at around the time of the incident, to come forward.

Calls for Government action as horse tethering reports almost double

RSPCA Cymru warns heat and rising tethering cases could create a ‘deadly cocktail’ for horses

RSPCA CYMRu Senedd Members are calling for urgent Welsh g overnment action on horse tethering after reports to the charity almost doubled in a year.

The animal welfare charity received 122 reports concerning tethered horses across Wales in 2025, compared with 66 in 2024.

Since 2021, and up to June this year, the RSPCA has received 471 reports relating to horse tethering in Wales. A further 67 reports have already been made in 2026, with frontline rescuers expecting numbers to rise further during the summer months.

The charity has warned that high temperatures, combined with increased tethering, could create a “deadly cocktail” for horses left unable to seek shade, water or shelter.

Tethering involves restraining a horse with a rope, chain or strap attached to an anchor point in the ground. While the practice is not illegal in itself, owners have a legal duty to meet their animals’ welfare needs.

RSPCA Cymru says tethering can restrict a horse’s ability to exercise, forage, escape attacks from other animals, interact socially and access water or shade.

The Welsh Government’s Code of Practice for equine care states that tethering is “not a suitable method of management of an animal”, but the practice remains permitted in Wales. Under the Control of Horses (Wales) Act 2014, local authorities have

powers to seize horses that are flygrazing, abandoned or straying on public land without lawful authority.

RSPCA Cymru is urging councils to use those powers where appropriate to prevent welfare issues from escalating and to protect community safety.

The issue was raised in the Senedd on Tuesday, July 7, by Huw Thomas MS, Member of the Senedd for Caerdydd Penarth.

He said horse tethering was a matter of “real concern” to many of his constituents, particularly where horses are tethered along approach roads into Cardiff.

Mr Thomas said: “Horse tethering is an issue of real concern for many of my constituents in Caerdydd Penarth.

“Yet horses continue to be tethered along approach roads into Cardiff, creating welfare concerns, particularly during periods of extreme weather like the recent heat, while also posing a risk to motorists.

“Following the sad death of a horse struck by a vehicle earlier this year, and with public concern continuing to grow, it’s clear we need to look again at whether the current legislation is fit for purpose.

“I’d hoped for a stronger statement of support from the First Minister to my question, but I will nevertheless continue to press for action on the issue of tethering.”

First Minister Rhun ap Iorwerth acknowledged that while horse tethering is not illegal, it raises “significant welfare concerns”.

Mike Hedges MS, Member of the Senedd for Gŵyr Abertawe, has also recently called for a ban on tethering horses.

Billie-Jade Thomas, RSPCA Cymru’s Senior Public Affairs Manager, said it was encouraging to see Senedd Members raising the issue.

She said: “Tethering is not compatible with good welfare, and RSPCA Cymru continually receives calls concerning horses left tethered across Wales.

“Our statistics clearly show that concerns from the public and reports are rising each year, with the number having nearly doubled between 2024 and 2025.

“Clearly, Welsh Government action is increasingly urgent, and we welcome the new First Minister’s acknowledgement of the welfare issues associated with tethering.”

She said tethering should only ever be used for short periods where a horse is being given access to grazing.

She added: “For the remainder of the day, the horse should have access to shelter, opportunities to freely roam, forage and, where suitable, interact with other horses.

“We understand it can be hugely frustrating to animal lovers when they report animals being kept in conditions which they do not approve

across Wales

of but which meet the minimum legal standards, for example, when horses are tethered.

“It is upsetting to our officers too, many of whom are horse owners themselves, as they can only act within the law.”

RSPCA Cymru is calling for a review of the Control of Horses (Wales) Act 2014, which it says is now 12 years old.

Billie-Jade Thomas said: “The Welsh Government must now lead a review into the Control of Horses (Wales) Act 2014 to assess its effectiveness and determine whether any changes are needed to enable local authorities to utilise it better, and better protect horses.

“With us having experienced several heatwaves already this year, and with more likely in the coming months and years as a result of climate change, such action is needed now more than ever.

“The hot weather combined with increased tethering could be a deadly cocktail for many helpless horses. Tethered horses may struggle to seek shade or access water during spells of warm weather, and it can be highly detrimental to their welfare if they overheat.”

RSPCA Cymru has also written an open letter to Llyr Gruffydd MS, Cabinet Minister for Rural Resilience and Sustainability, calling for animal welfare commitments made in Plaid Cymru’s manifesto to be prioritised by the new administration.

The charity is calling for action in several areas, including granting RSPCA inspectors limited statutory powers, making pet abduction a specific offence in Wales, regulating livery yards, addressing horse tethering, improving farm animal welfare, and taking a humane approach to bovine TB that does not involve badger culling.

Billie-Jade Thomas added: “To truly protect animals in Wales, we would love to see action on specific penalties for pet theft, improvements to equine welfare, the raising of farm animal welfare standards, a humane approach to bovine TB, and more.

“We need your help to ensure these critical issues aren’t left behind.”

Members of the public are being encouraged to support RSPCA Cymru’s open letter and its Cruelty Hurts, Love Rescues campaign, which aims to highlight rising levels of animal cruelty during the summer months.

Man with cerebral palsy feared he would die during strangulation attack

A MAN with cerebral palsy told a court he thought he was going to die after he was intentionally strangled by a 52-year-old man he had allowed to stay at his home.

Reece Moulder said he remains “genuinely scared” of Darren Claypole following the attack, which left him temporarily unable to breathe.

In a victim personal statement read to Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court, Mr Moulder described his fear during the incident.

“I’m genuinely scared of him,” he said.

“I know that when he was previously

in prison he tied up a cellmate, so what he did to me terrified me.

“I was very concerned about what he’s capable of doing and I genuinely thought I was going to die.”

The court heard that Claypole, 52, who is of no fixed abode, had been allowed to stay at the property with Mr Moulder and several other flatmates because he was homeless.

But on March 2, after Claypole returned to the address, an argument

Concerns for prisoner at video link hearing

CONCERN was raised for a Pembroke Dock prisoner after he was unable to appear before magistrates by video link from Parc Prison.

Michael Carruthers, 34, was due to appear before Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday morning charged with assaulting a police officer by beating.

The alleged offence is said to have taken place in Haverfordwest on April 24.

But prison staff told the court Carruthers was not in a fit state to appear by live link from the Bridgend prison.

“After being taken out from his cell, he sat shaking and shivering on the floor and was holding his head in his hands,” a prison officer told the court.

“His head isn’t really in it.”

When asked whether Carruthers had been seen by a prison medic, prison staff confirmed he had not.

Defending, solicitor Tom Lloyd said Carruthers’ behaviour was consistent with his medical history.

“He’s appeared before this court many times before, but he’s severely autistic and has PTSD,” said Mr Lloyd.

“He has severe issues. When the prison officers described the way in which he is today, it’s clear that today came as a particular shock to him, as the first he learned of today’s court appearance was this morning.”

Mr Lloyd asked for the case to be adjourned so he could speak to Carruthers and prepare him for his next appearance.

Magistrates agreed, and the case was adjourned until July 14.

The court’s legal adviser stressed the importance of Carruthers attending the next hearing.

“People can’t hide by being in prison,” she said.

“If he’s deliberately refusing to come to court, then he must be physically brought here by the prison staff.”

broke out over food.

Crown prosecutor Sian Vaughan said Claypole became aggressive towards those inside the property.

“The defendant got aggressive and began screaming and shouting at them, and called Mr Moulder a rat,”

she said.

“He then put his hands aggressively around Mr Moulder’s throat, placing his thumbs on his airways so hard he was unable to breathe.

“The victim was very concerned about what the defendant was capable of doing and thought he was going to die.”

The Crown added that Mr Moulder suffers from cerebral palsy.

Following his arrest, Claypole directed further aggression towards police officers, calling them offensive names.

“When he was put in custody he kicked and head-butted the door of the holding cell and threatened the officer, saying he was going to bite his nose off,” said Ms Vaughan.

“He then started kicking his legs out at the desk and began screaming and spitting at one of the officers, with the spit landing on the top of his head and in his hair.”

Claypole admitted intentionally

strangling Reece Moulder, assaulting an officer in the execution of his duty, and assaulting another individual by beating.

Defending, solicitor Molly Turner said Claypole was remorseful for his actions and had been struggling with homelessness.

“He’s moved around considerably, largely for his own safety, and following his last prison release he’s been doing exceptionally well,” she said.

“He’s currently living in a tent but is considered a gold band priority to be re-housed, and is hopeful he’ll have a place before the autumn.”

Ms Turner said Claypole was willing to engage with the probation service and any other support agencies available to him.

After considering a detailed probation report, magistrates sentenced Claypole to nine months in custody, suspended for two years. He must also complete 25 rehabilitation activity requirement days and a 12-month alcohol treatment requirement.

Claypole was ordered to pay a total of £1,622 in compensation to his three victims and court costs.

Pembrokeshire lands £98m share of Wales marine energy boom

peMbrokeshIre has emerged as one of Wales’ key marine energy hubs, with almost £98 million invested locally and more than 500 jobs supported, according to a new industry report.

Marine Energy Wales’ State of the Sector Report 2026 says £97.6 million has been invested in Pembrokeshire since 2015, the second highest figure of any Welsh local authority area after Anglesey.

The report says the county’s role is centred on port operations, marine services and the practical work needed to support renewable energy devices at sea.

It also highlights the Port of Milford Haven’s plans for a gigawattscale offshore wind operations and maintenance base at Pembroke Port, building on existing investment.

Across Wales, the marine energy and offshore wind sector has attracted an estimated £364.8 million since 2015, supporting 1,947 jobs.

Marine Energy Wales says much of the investment has gone into strengthening Wales’ supply chain, tidal stream projects, port infrastructure and manufacturing facilities.

Of the total invested, 40% relates to supply chain development, including port infrastructure and manufacturing facilities. Tidal stream technology and site development accounts for 33%, while research spending across Welsh universities, test facilities and collaborative programmes accounts for 12%.

Pembrokeshire forms part of the south west Wales cluster, alongside Carmarthenshire and Ceredigion, which together recorded £98.9 million of investment and 511 jobs.

Anglesey recorded the highest level of investment, with £114.5 million, driven largely by the Morlais tidal demonstration zone.

South Wales currently accounts for more than half of the sector’s Welsh employment, with the largest concentration of jobs in Cardiff. However, Pembrokeshire remains one of the most significant local authority areas for both jobs and investment.

The report says Wales’ marine energy and offshore wind sector is now moving from early-stage innovation towards

Tom Sinclair editor@herald.email

commercial-scale deployment.

It says future growth prospects remain substantial, with offshore wind projects progressing in both the Irish Sea and Celtic Sea, while the first commercial tidal stream deployments at Morlais in North Wales are expected in 2027.

The figures underline Pembrokeshire’s growing importance in the Celtic Sea floating offshore wind sector, but the report warns that future growth will depend on continued investment, grid upgrades, supportive policy and the ability of Welsh industry to secure work as projects move from planning to delivery.

Tam Bardell, Chair of Marine Energy Wales, said Wales was beginning to realise its potential.

He said: “Wales is proving to be a credible and competitive location for both tidal stream and offshore wind, and against a backdrop of continuing global energy shocks, the sector is moving towards delivery.

“Projects like Morlais tidal demonstration zone are moving toward first power, while offshore wind in North Wales is accelerating and the Celtic Sea is progressing from test and demonstration to gigawatt-scale development.

“These are not incremental steps; they represent a step change in ambition, scale and impact.

“At Marine Energy Wales, we act as both facilitator and advocate, bringing together the organisations that make this sector work, ensuring Welsh voices are heard in national decision-making, and helping translate opportunity into delivery.

“There is still much to do. But for the first time, Wales is not just discussing its marine energy potential; we are beginning to realise it.”

The report says the next few years will determine whether Wales can capture the full economic and industrial value of the transition.

It says success will depend on continued investment, timely grid upgrades, supportive policy frameworks and the ability of Welsh industry to deliver at scale.

Police appeal after car overturns near Portfield Gate

A MAN has been arrested after a car reported stolen from broad haven overturned near portfield gate.

Dyfed-Powys Police said officers were called at around 7.25pm on Tuesday, July 7, following a report that a white Ford Focus had been taken without the owner’s consent in the Broad Haven area.

The vehicle was found around 15 minutes later, at approximately 7.40pm, after it had rolled onto its roof just before Portfield Gate, near Haverfordwest.

No other vehicles were involved in the collision.

The driver, a 41-year-old man, was arrested on suspicion of taking a vehicle without the owner’s consent, dangerous driving, and drink and drug driving.

Tom Sinclair editor@herald.email

He was taken to hospital to be checked over before being taken into custody, where he remains.

Police are now appealing for anyone who witnessed the incident, or who may have dash-cam or CCTV footage of the collision, to come forward.

Anyone with information can contact Dyfed-Powys Police online, by emailing 101@dyfed-powys.police.uk, or by calling 101.

Information can also be passed anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or via crimestoppers-uk.org.

Quote reference: DP-20260707-431.

Covid review row as minister declines to confirm legal powers

A ROW has broken out over whether Wales’ promised Covid review will have the legal powers needed to compel witnesses and evidence.

Welsh Conservative Senedd member Andrew RT Davies has challenged the Welsh Government to confirm whether its review of the pandemic response will be established under the Inquiries Act 2005.

Such a move would give the process statutory powers, including the ability to require documents to be produced and witnesses to give evidence.

But in a written answer published by the Senedd, Health Minister Mabon ap Gwynfor did not provide that assurance.

Mr Davies asked: “Will the Welsh Government’s Covid review be regulated under the Inquiries Act 2005 with the power to compel evidence and witnesses?”

Mr ap Gwynfor replied: “We will be updating the Senedd on the Covid-19 review in due course.”

The brief response has raised fresh questions over whether the Welsh Government intends to hold a full statutory inquiry, or a more limited review into Wales’ handling of the pandemic.

The distinction is significant. A statutory inquiry has legal powers to compel evidence, while a review not placed on a statutory footing would be more dependent on voluntary cooperation from ministers, officials and public bodies.

Calls for a Wales-specific Covid inquiry have continued for several years, with bereaved families and opposition politicians arguing that decisions made in Wales by Welsh ministers require detailed scrutiny in Wales.

The UK Covid-19 Inquiry has examined Welsh decision-making as part of its wider work, but campaigners have repeatedly argued that a UK-wide process cannot fully address Walesspecific issues, including care homes, schools, NHS preparedness, lockdown rules, public messaging and decisions taken by the Welsh Government.

Plaid Cymru previously supported calls for a Wales-specific Covid inquiry while in opposition. However, ministers

are now referring to a review of Wales’ Covid response, prompting claims from the Conservatives that the party has softened its position since entering government.

Mr Davies said: “A serious lack of accountability exists within the devolved administrations.

“The Covid-19 response in Wales was exclusively the responsibility of Senedd ministers, yet they’ve continually refused to hold an inquiry.

“A mere review will be insufficient. Wales needs an inquiry with full statutory powers.”

The Herald has asked the Welsh Government to clarify whether the Covid-19 review will be established under the Inquiries Act 2005, and whether it will have powers to compel witnesses and evidence.

The Welsh Government has previously said it will update the Senedd on the Covid-19 review in due course.

Hospital ward closed after highly contagious scabies outbreak

Hywel Dda confirms wider rise in cases across Carmarthenshire, Pembrokeshire and Ceredigion as patients and staff are offered treatment

a hospITal ward in Carmarthen has been temporarily closed following an outbreak of crusted scabies, a rare and highly contagious form of the condition.

Hywel Dda University Health Board confirmed that Steffan Ward at Glangwili Hospital has been closed while the outbreak is managed under established infection prevention and control procedures.

All patients and members of staff identified as contacts have been informed and offered treatment, including those who are not currently showing symptoms.

Additional measures have been introduced on the ward, including enhanced monitoring, treatment of identified contacts and continued support from specialist infection control teams.

The health board said the situation would remain under review and that the ward would reopen when it was considered safe to do so.

Of wider concern is the health board’s confirmation that scabies cases are increasing across Carmarthenshire, Pembrokeshire and Ceredigion, with the regional rise contributing to outbreaks within hospitals.

The reference to hospital outbreaks in the plural has prompted questions about whether other wards or hospital sites are currently affected.

The Herald has asked Hywel Dda to confirm the number of patients and staff involved, when the first case was identified and whether any other wards, hospitals, care homes or community

Tom

Sinclair editor@herald.email

healthcare settings are dealing with linked cases.

We have also asked what effect the closure is having on admissions, patient transfers and bed availability at Glangwili.

prevIous ouTbreaks REPORTED

This is not the first time scabies has caused disruption within the Hywel Dda area.

Health board papers considered in October 2025 referred to an earlier scabies outbreak on Steffan Ward which required a multidisciplinary response. It is not currently known whether that incident and the latest outbreak are connected.

The closure also follows earlier reporting by The Herald about scabies circulating in Pembrokeshire care homes.

In November 2025, care providers said several residential settings were managing outbreaks with clinical support and guidance from Hywel Dda University Health Board.

Pharmacies in Milford Haven and Haverfordwest had also reported increased demand for scabies treatments.

The Herald has asked the health board whether the current regional increase is

connected to the pattern of outbreaks reported last year and what action has since been taken to monitor and contain the spread.

uk ouTbreak Caused MonThs of dIsrupTIon

A previous outbreak at a major UK hospital demonstrates how difficult scabies can be to control in a healthcare environment.

Raigmore Hospital in Inverness was affected by a series of scabies incidents during 2023.

One ward was closed in March and did not reopen until May, while another ward was closed to new admissions in July after further cases were identified.

The outbreak caused disruption over several months and showed that restrictions can return even after previously affected areas have reopened.

Raigmore is the largest hospital in the Scottish Highlands, meaning prolonged ward closures had consequences for capacity and the wider community it serves.

It is too early to say whether the disruption at Glangwili will reach a similar scale.

However, the situation carries an added concern because Hywel Dda has specifically identified the condition as crusted scabies.

whaT Is CrusTed sCabIes?

Scabies is caused by tiny mites which burrow into the skin and is most commonly spread through prolonged, close skin-to-skin contact.

Symptoms can include intense itching, particularly at night, and a raised rash which often appears between the fingers, around the wrists, under the arms and near the waist or groin.

Crusted scabies is a rare and more severe form of the infestation in which exceptionally large numbers of mites can be present.

It is substantially more contagious than ordinary scabies and may spread through shorter periods of direct contact or through contaminated bedding, clothing, towels and furniture.

The condition can require more intensive treatment and extensive environmental cleaning, making outbreaks in hospitals and care settings particularly challenging to control.

Scabies is treatable, but symptoms can take several weeks to appear. Close contacts may therefore be offered treatment even when they have no symptoms, helping to reduce the risk of further transmission or reinfection.

Hywel Dda has not yet disclosed the number of confirmed cases, how many patients and staff have been treated or when Steffan Ward is expected to reopen.

The Herald will update this report when further information is received from the health board.

Additional reporting by James Sinclair

Conservatives win Pembroke Dock seat as Reform stalls and Dowson polls just 11

The welsh ConservaTIves have won the Pembroke Dock Market byelection after Jamie Street secured a convincing victory in a crowded seven-candidate contest.

Mr Street received 143 votes, finishing 43 ahead of independent candidate Claire Francis-Boswell, who came second with 100.

Plaid Cymru’s Chloe Richards took third place with 79 votes, while Reform UK candidate Ryan Morgan finished fourth on 48.

Former county councillor and recent Senedd candidate Paul Dowson received just 11 votes. Welsh Liberal Democrat Lee Herring polled nine, while independent Hayley Wood received seven.

A total of 397 valid votes were cast, with one ballot paper rejected. Turnout was 28% from an electorate of 1,442.

Mr Street secured 36% of the valid vote, compared with 25.2% for Mrs Francis-Boswell, 19.9% for Ms Richards and 12.1% for Reform UK.

The by-election followed the death of veteran councillor Brian Hall, who had represented the ward since winning a by-election in 1996.

His successor will now take on the considerable task of following a councillor who spent almost three decades representing Pembroke Dock and became one of the longest-serving members of Pembrokeshire County Council.

The result suggests that voters treated the election primarily as a contest over local representation rather than a referendum on national politics.

Mr Street grew up in the ward and presented himself throughout the campaign as a candidate with direct personal ties to Pembroke Dock.

Mrs Francis-Boswell, who was born and raised in the town and already has a visible role in the local community, also performed strongly. Her 100 votes demonstrated the continuing appeal of independent candidates in Pembrokeshire politics.

Plaid Cymru’s Chloe Richards, an intensive care nurse and clinical educator who lives in the ward, secured almost one vote in five and finished only 21 votes behind Mrs Francis-Boswell. Between them, the three leading candidates collected more than fourfifths of all valid votes.

That left little room for Reform, despite the party’s dramatic rise across Wales.

The result is a bruising setback for Reform UK.

Ryan Morgan finished 95 votes behind the Conservative winner and received only one vote for every three secured by Mr Street.

The contrast with May’s Senedd election is striking.

Across the much larger Ceredigion Penfro constituency, Reform received

23,003 votes, representing 25.8% of the vote, and won two of the six available seats.

The Welsh Conservatives received 14,789 votes, or 16.6%, and took one seat.

In Pembroke Dock Market, those positions were decisively reversed. The Conservatives took 36% while Reform secured just 12.1%.

The two elections are not directly comparable. The Senedd contest covered a vast geographical area, used a proportional voting system and was dominated by national issues. The Market ward by-election involved fewer than 400 valid votes and was fought street by street.

Nevertheless, the result shows that Reform’s national success cannot automatically be converted into council seats.

Mr Morgan runs a care business in Pembroke Dock and campaigned on social care, neglected buildings and support for families with additional learning needs. However, he lives in neighbouring Pembroke rather than in the ward itself.

Against candidates who could point to long-standing personal and community connections within Market ward, that distinction may have mattered. Low-turnout council elections also reward organisation, personal contact and the ability to identify supporters and ensure they vote. With fewer than 400 votes cast, established local networks can outweigh national polling, online support and the prominence of a party’s leader.

The absence of a Labour candidate may also have fragmented the

vote among Plaid Cymru and the independents rather than producing a straightforward contest between Reform and the Conservatives. There is no way of knowing from the result alone whether tactical voting took place. However, the numbers suggest that voters looking for a centre-right candidate consolidated heavily behind Mr Street rather than Reform. Reform’s defeat cannot be blamed on Paul Dowson splitting its potential vote. Even if all 11 of Mr Dowson’s supporters had voted for Mr Morgan, Reform would still have finished fourth, behind Plaid Cymru.

The result does not prove that Reform’s wider support in Pembrokeshire has disappeared. It does, however, expose the difference between attracting a protest vote in a national election and building the local organisation required to win a tightly fought council seat.

One of the most striking results of the night was the performance of Paul Dowson.

The former Pembrokeshire county councillor received only 11 votes, representing 2.8% of the valid ballots cast.

Mr Dowson served on Pembrokeshire County Council from 2017 until 2022 and was initially elected as an independent before later joining UKIP.

He returned to electoral politics in May as an independent candidate in the Ceredigion Penfro Senedd election but received only 88 votes from more than 89,000 valid ballots.

His candidacy attracted particular attention because he had previously been disqualified from serving as a councillor for three years.

In 2022, the Adjudication Panel for Wales found that Mr Dowson had committed a series of serious breaches of the councillors’ Code of Conduct.

The tribunal found that he had made false allegations of criminal behaviour against a fellow councillor and members of the public, engaged in bullying and harassment, spread misinformation and attempted to mislead an Ombudsman investigation by providing fabricated evidence.

It concluded that his conduct called into question his fitness for public office and disqualified him for three years from becoming a member of Pembrokeshire County Council or another relevant authority.

That disqualification expired in 2025, leaving him legally entitled to stand in both the Senedd election and Thursday’s council by-election.

Mr Dowson has previously rejected the findings against him and argued that he was targeted because of his political views.

However, his result in Market ward was emphatic. Despite his previous council service, a high public profile and a Senedd campaign only two months earlier, he attracted fewer than a dozen votes.

The victory gives the Welsh Conservatives an important local boost at a time when the party is under intense pressure from Reform across Wales.

The result suggests there remains a route to Conservative success where the party selects a locally recognised candidate and keeps the campaign focused on council services and community representation.

For Reform, 48 votes demonstrate that the party has an identifiable base in Pembroke Dock. However, it was nowhere near enough to challenge for the seat.

The party now faces the challenge of converting its national profile into credible local campaigns, recognised candidates and dependable voter networks.

For Plaid Cymru, Chloe Richards’ third-place finish was respectable and provides a foundation on which the party may seek to build.

Mrs Francis-Boswell’s strong second place also underlines the continuing strength of independent politics in Pembrokeshire, particularly where candidates have visible records of community involvement.

The immediate winner, however, is Jamie Street.

He enters County Hall with a clear mandate from those who voted, but also with the knowledge that more than seven in ten eligible electors did not take part.

His first challenge will be to establish himself as the representative of the entire ward while following a predecessor who served Pembroke Dock for almost 30 years.

Woman stole toys from petrol station after being refused ‘free alcohol’

A WOMAN stole toys from a Pembrokeshire petrol station and threw them outside after being told she was not entitled to free alcohol, magistrates have heard.

Jolene Probert, 49, entered Bush Hill Service Station in Pembroke on May 28 and asked staff for alcohol which she believed she was owed.

Crown Prosecutor Sian Vaughan told Haverfordwest magistrates that when Probert was told there was no free alcohol for her, an unpleasant exchange followed.

“The defendant then walked away, placed some toys in a basket and walked outside,” said Ms Vaughan.

The toys were later recovered after being found strewn across the lawn and hedges outside the garage.

Defending, solicitor Michael Kelleher described the incident as “a rather sad case”.

“Even though she has accepted the incident, in her police interview she described it as a manic episode and said she did not know why it happened,” he told the court.

“She put some toys into her basket to give to children playing on the green, but when she realised there was no

theft and to failing to surrender to custody at a previous court hearing on June 23.

who has bipolar disorder, had been receiving the wrong medication at the time of the offence.

one there, she threw the toys out.”

Probert, of Shoulder of Mutton, The Green, Pembroke, pleaded guilty to

Mr Kelleher said she had known she was required to attend court, but had got the date wrong.

“She turned up on the wrong day,” he said.

The court was also told that Probert,

After considering the mitigation, magistrates imposed a six-month conditional discharge.

Probert was also ordered to pay a £26 court surcharge.

Man admits specimen and insurance offences

A HAVERFORDWEST man has admitted failing to provide a specimen and driving without insurance, but denies drink-driving and careless driving allegations.

Jack Mills, 26, of Flat 11, Glebe House, Winch Lane, Haverfordwest, appeared before Llanelli Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday (Jul 8).

The court heard that Mills admitted failing to provide a breath specimen for analysis at Cardigan on June 17, after being suspected of having driven a vehicle. He also admitted failing or refusing to provide a non-intimate sample for a Class A drug test while in police detention on the same date.

Mills also pleaded guilty to using a Ford Focus without third-party insurance at Bastleford, Rosemarket, on July 7.

He further indicated a guilty plea to fraudulently using a registration mark. The charge states that the Ford Focus’s correct registration was WL03 AHF, but it was being driven while displaying plates bearing the index T619 CKV.

However, Mills denied driving while over the alcohol limit at Rosemarket on July 7. The charge alleges he drove the Ford Focus on Bastleford, Rosemarket, with 44 microgrammes of alcohol in 100 millilitres of breath.

He also denied driving without due care and attention on the same road and date. Mills was made subject to an interim disqualification and was remanded on unconditional bail.

He is due to appear before Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on September 7 for a two-hour trial.

Wales’ police commissioners to face MPs over future of policing

WALES’ four Police and Crime Commissioners are to be questioned by MPs next week as major changes to the way policing is governed move closer.

The Welsh Affairs Committee will take evidence on Wednesday, July 8, as part of its inquiry into the future of policing in Wales.

The session will examine the UK Government’s proposed reforms, including plans to abolish Police and Crime Commissioners at the end of their current electoral term in 2028.

In England, PCC responsibilities are expected to pass to elected regional mayors or council leaders. However, there is still uncertainty over who would take on those functions in Wales, where policing remains reserved to Westminster but local government and many related public services are devolved.

MPs are also expected to question the commissioners on the wider implications of the UK Government’s Police Reform Bill, including proposals that could lead to the merger of some of the 43 territorial police forces across England and Wales.

The committee is likely to explore how any changes would affect accountability, local policing priorities, rural crime, funding, and the relationship between Welsh police forces, the Home Office and the Welsh Government.

Topical policing issues are also expected to be raised, including violence against women and girls, the use of live facial recognition technology, and the continuing debate over whether policing should be devolved to Wales.

The witnesses will be Dafydd

Police and Crime Commissioner for Dyfed-Powys Police; Jane Mudd, Police and Crime Commissioner for Gwent Police; Andy Dunbobbin, Police and Crime Commissioner for North Wales Police; and Emma Wools, Police and Crime Commissioner for South Wales Police.

The public session is due to begin at 2.30pm in Committee Room 16 at the Palace of Westminster and can be watched live on Parliamentlive.tv. Ruth Jones MP chairs the Welsh Affairs Committee, which scrutinises the work of the Wales Office and UK Government policy affecting Wales.

Prison campaigner admits assaulting woman and police officers

Zachery Lee Griffiths denied intentional strangulation but admitted or indicated guilty pleas

A WEST WALES prison campaigner has admitted assaulting a woman and indicated guilty pleas to assaulting two police officers.

Zachery lee griffiths, 34, of golygfor, llanelli, appeared before Llanelli Magistrates’ Court on Monday, june 30, following incidents in Whitland at the end of June.

Griffiths pleaded guilty to assaulting a woman by beating on June 28. He also admitted two charges of criminal damage, after damaging a phone and glasses belonging to the same woman. The offences were said to have happened in Whitland on June 26.

Griffiths further indicated a guilty plea to threatening to destroy or damage a Mercedes A180 on June 28.

He also indicated guilty pleas to two charges of assault by beating of an emergency worker, relating to PC 535 Tatum and PC 526 Westron, who were both acting in the exercise of

their duties as police officers.

However, Griffiths denied a further charge of intentional strangulation, which is alleged to have taken place in Whitland on June 28.

A full bail argument was heard by the court and Griffiths was remanded on conditional bail.

His bail conditions include a 7pm to 7am curfew, a requirement to live and sleep each night at his address in Llanelli, not to enter Whitland, and not to contact the complainant directly or indirectly.

The court also made a direction under section 36 of the Youth Justice and Criminal Evidence Act 1999, meaning Griffiths will not be permitted to personally cross-examine named witnesses.

Griffiths is due to return to Llanelli Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday, August 12, at 2pm. The next hearing is listed for sentence and has been given a two-hour estimate.

to six other charges

Police appeal for witnesses after Haverfordwest Iceland assault

Duty manager says she was left shaken after glass jar was allegedly thrown at her head

polICe are appealing for witnesses following an alleged assault at Iceland in Haverfordwest, where a duty manager says she was injured after a glass jar was thrown at her head.

Dyfed-Powys Police has now confirmed it is investigating the incident and is asking anyone with information to come forward.

The incident happened at the Iceland store in Haverfordwest town centre.

The Herald previously reported that a member of staff had been left shaken, anxious and struggling to feel safe at work following the alleged attack.

The worker, who has asked not to be named, said a man entered the shop late in the evening, became abusive, threw items from shelves and allegedly threw a jar at her head.

She told The Herald: “A male entered the shop late evening being abusive. He then proceeded to throw items off the shelves and threw a jar at my head.

“I didn’t know what to do. I was thinking of the customers still in and around the store.”

The duty manager said she later required medical treatment for a head injury.

She said: “I’ve had my head glued, had headaches and trouble sleeping. I’m still going to work but very anxious doing so.”

She added that returning to work had been extremely difficult.

“It was very frightening going back to work not feeling safe,” she said. “The memories are raw. The smells and visions are going to hang around for a while yet.”

The worker said the incident highlighted wider concerns about abuse and violence faced by retail staff.

Tom Sinclair editor@herald.email

She said: “There’s not much a retail worker can do. Our options are limited. We can’t approach any customers. Our store has very little security options.

“We can only call emergency services and ask the person to leave. By the time emergency help has arrived, it’s usually too late, whether it’s your usual theft or incidents like this.”

She said more security was needed to protect shop workers and customers in Haverfordwest.

“There needs to be more security presence,” she said. “I’m not just speaking of Iceland, but I’m sure most shops in Haverfordwest are very open to thefts and abuse, from children up to impatient customers of all ages.

“Whether that’s police or stores employing their own security, something needs to happen.”

Despite the incident, the duty manager thanked customers, colleagues, nearby shops and family members for their support.

She said: “Everybody who has heard of the situation has looked after me, and I’m definitely learning of the community spirit here in Haverfordwest.

“I know the locals know who I am but I don’t want the attention. I just need to heal and power through this.

“I’m just grateful for everyone’s help and only want everyone to feel safe at work.”

Anyone who witnessed the incident, or who has information which could help police, is asked to contact Dyfed-Powys Police online, by calling 101, or by emailing 101@dyfed-powys.police.uk.

Fishguard man cleared after five years in prison refused compensation again

Brian Buckle’s case raises fresh questions over justice system that says a man can be cleared by a jury but still not qualify for a payout

a fIshguard man who spent more than five years in prison before being cleared by a jury has been refused miscarriage of justice compensation for a second time.

Brian Buckle was convicted of historical child sexual offences in 2017 and sentenced to 15 years in prison. He always maintained his innocence.

After a long legal battle by his family and defence team, his conviction was ruled unsafe by the Court of Appeal in 2022. He was released from prison and later faced a retrial at Swansea Crown Court.

In May 2023, after fresh forensic evidence was put before the court, a jury unanimously found him not guilty.

But according to BBC Wales, the Ministry of Justice has now rejected his compensation claim again following a further review.

The decision has caused anger in Pembrokeshire and at Westminster because Mr Buckle’s case exposes a brutal gap in the justice system.

He has been found not guilty by a jury. But the compensation scheme still says he has not met the legal test for a payout.

The Herald reported from the retrial in 2023, when Swansea Crown Court heard that the prosecution case had relied in part on forensic evidence said to link Mr Buckle to a childhood diary.

Mr Buckle denied the allegations throughout. His barrister argued that he had never seen the diary before the original 2017 trial. The defence also called forensic evidence about traces of condom lubricant, which helped cast doubt on the earlier case against him.

The jury returned not guilty verdicts and Mr Buckle walked free.

For him and his family, however, the damage was already done.

The legal fight to clear his name is said to have cost around £500,000. In earlier Herald coverage, Mr Buckle said his father-in-law had sold his house to fund the legal battle, his wife’s inheritance had gone, and he had lost a well-paid job he had held for 16 years.

He also missed his daughter’s 18th and 21st birthdays while he was in prison.

Mr Buckle has spoken publicly about living with PTSD following his imprisonment.

He previously said: “I don’t want millions. I just want recognition of the injustice I suffered and the chance to rebuild my life.”

His case has become one of the clearest

examples of what campaigners call the “innocence tax”: the huge cost paid by people who are forced to spend years and vast sums of money proving they should never have been jailed in the first place.

The reason Mr Buckle has been refused compensation lies in a controversial change to the law made in 2014.

Before that change, compensation could be paid where a conviction was overturned and the evidence showed that no reasonable jury could have convicted.

Since 2014, the test has been much harder. Applicants must show, beyond reasonable doubt, that they did not commit the offence.

Campaigners say that creates an almost impossible hurdle in many cases.

A person can have their conviction quashed. They can be cleared at retrial. But unless they can produce the sort of conclusive evidence that proves innocence beyond doubt, such as DNA or CCTV, they can still be refused compensation.

That is what has happened to Brian Buckle.

His MP, Ben Lake, has repeatedly raised the case in Parliament.

In March 2025, Mr Lake led a Westminster Hall debate on miscarriage

of justice compensation. He told MPs that many people assume those wrongly convicted are compensated when their convictions are overturned, but in England and Wales compensation is often the exception rather than the rule.

He said the system was forcing people who had already been cleared to prove their innocence all over again.

Mr Lake has described Mr Buckle’s case as one of the clearest injustices he has encountered during his time as an MP.

The issue was also raised directly with Prime Minister Keir Starmer at Prime Minister’s Questions in July 2025.

Mr Lake told the Commons that Mr Buckle had been wrongfully imprisoned for more than five years, had been unanimously cleared by a jury, and yet had still been refused compensation because of the 2014 legal test.

The Prime Minister described the case as a “grave miscarriage of justice” and said he had undertaken to look at the statutory test for compensation.

A year on, Mr Buckle has again been told that he does not qualify.

The Ministry of Justice has previously said that refusal of compensation does not affect the fact that Mr Buckle’s conviction was quashed, nor does it cast doubt on the outcome of the appeal.

For his supporters, that is exactly the problem.

The state accepts that his conviction was quashed. A jury has cleared him. But the compensation scheme still says he is not entitled to be paid.

The Government announced last year that compensation caps would be increased for victims of miscarriages of justice. But that does not help people like Mr Buckle if they are ruled ineligible before the amount of any payment is even considered.

The Law Commission is now reviewing the criminal appeals system in England and Wales, including compensation and support for the wrongly convicted. Its provisional proposals include replacing the current requirement to prove innocence beyond reasonable doubt with a lower test based on the balance of probabilities.

A standalone report on compensation and support for the wrongly convicted is expected by the end of 2026.

Mr Buckle hopes any change will apply retrospectively, so people already caught by the current rules are not left behind.

For Pembrokeshire, this is not simply a legal technicality.

It is the story of a local man who lost years of his life, a family that spent everything trying to clear his name, and a justice system that still appears unable to say the one thing he has been waiting to hear from the state: we got it wrong.

Welsh Labour accuses Plaid Cymru of ‘hypocrisy’ over ALN funding

welsh labour interim leader

ken Skates has accused Plaid Cymru of “not following through” on its previous promises to support children and young people with additional learning needs.

Mr Skates challenged Plaid during this week’s First Minister’s Questions, claiming the party had “made a virtue” of its support for pupils with additional learning needs while in opposition, but had failed to deliver now it has responsibility in government.

The row follows the publication of Plaid Cymru’s first supplementary budget. Welsh Labour says no specific additional funding has been allocated to support children with additional learning needs in Welsh schools.

Welsh Labour claims that extra funding for Special Educational Needs and Disability in England, announced by the UK Labour Government, has resulted in £340m in consequentials for Wales. The party says that money should be used to strengthen ALN provision.

All 22 Welsh local authorities, along with teaching unions, have also raised concerns about the growing pressure on schools and councils as they try to meet rising demand for additional learning needs support.

During the Senedd exchange, Mr Skates referred to previous Plaid Cymru statements, including a 2024 social media post which said: “Wales can do better than this — under Plaid

Tom Sinclair editor@herald.email

Cymru, the pupils who need support, will receive it.”

He also pointed to earlier interventions by Plaid figures, including Cefin

insisted that they would provide for pupils with additional learning needs. Now they have the power and the resource to make those decisions, they are making a choice not to.”

Welsh Labour also highlighted work carried out in 2023 by Heledd Fychan MS, now Plaid Cymru’s Chief Whip and Minister for Culture and Sport, who published a report calling for greater support for neurodivergent children, young people and their families.

Mr Skates added: “Plaid Cymru have made promises to families in need and are now shying away from their responsibility to them.

“We want to support a government that is doing the best it can for families in Wales, but this funding is our red line.

Welsh Labour will continue to hold this government to account until they do the right thing for children in Wales.”

Plaid Cymru has previously argued that local authorities need additional support to deal with rising ALN pressures, including the cost of specialist staff, transport and provision for pupils with complex needs.

Campbell, who had argued that more financial support was needed for pupils with additional learning needs.

Mr Skates said: “Over 40,000 pupils in Wales have additional learning needs. These are the pupils Plaid Cymru have previously said need support.

“While in opposition, Plaid Cymru

The Welsh Government has said it continues to support local authorities with the implementation of ALN reform and has pointed to more than £170m invested since 2020, along with capital funding for specialist provision.

The Herald has approached Plaid Cymru and the Welsh Government for comment.

Carmarthenshire rapist jailed for 22 years for child sex offences

a CarMarThenshIre man has been jailed for 22 years for the repeated rape and sexual abuse of a child over a number of years.

Damien Jones, 40, was sentenced at Swansea Crown Court on Monday, July 6, after being convicted following a trial earlier this year.

Jones was found guilty by a jury on May 6 of 16 sexual offences against one victim, who was a child at the time.

The offences took place between 2013 and 2021.

He was convicted of:

• Four counts of rape of a girl under 13

• Two counts of sexual touching of a girl under 13

• Three counts of sexual assault by penetration of a girl under 13

• Four counts of inciting a girl under 13 to engage in sexual activity without penetration

• Three counts of inciting a girl aged 13 to 15 to engage in sexual activity with penetration

In addition to the 22-year prison sentence, Jones was made subject to an indefinite Sexual Harm Prevention Order and an indefinite restraining order in respect of the victim.

Victim praised for “incredible courage”

Detective Constable Leanne Morris, of South Powys CID, praised the bravery of the victim in coming forward and giving evidence during the trial.

DC Morris said: “I would like to take this opportunity to first and foremost commend the bravery shown by the victim in this case.

“They have shown incredible courage to provide their account to us, as well as appearing in court to give evidence during this trial.

“We are incredibly grateful for their strength and fortitude in ensuring that Jones has been brought before the courts and ultimately sentenced.”

She added: “Jones is clearly an incredibly dangerous individual, and today’s sentence reflects the nature of his depraved crimes.

“Thankfully, he is now no longer a danger to the public.

“The investigation team in this case have shown excellent professionalism and hard work in obtaining this result.”

Dyfed-Powys Police said anyone affected by rape or sexual offences can access support and advice through the force website, including information on how to report offences.

Victims of sexual offences are granted automatic lifetime anonymity under the law.

Reform MS warns new WDA must not be ‘another layer of bureaucracy’

A REFORM Wales MS has urged ministers to put business wales at the heart of the proposed new Welsh Development Agency, warning that the new body must not become “another layer of bureaucracy” for firms already struggling to navigate a crowded support system.

Jason O’Connell MS, Reform Wales’ Shadow Economy Minister, said businesses across Wales needed a single, clear route to advice, finance, export support and investment opportunities.

His comments came after Cabinet Minister for Enterprise, Connectivity and Energy Adam Price set out further details in the Senedd on the Welsh Government’s plans for a new national development agency.

The proposal has revived one of the longest-running debates in Welsh economic policy: whether Wales needs a new version of the old Welsh Development Agency, or whether another public body risks adding further complexity to an already crowded landscape.

The original WDA was created in the 1970s to attract investment, support business development and help regenerate the Welsh economy. It was abolished in 2006, with its functions absorbed into the Welsh Government.

Supporters of reviving the agency argue that Wales has lacked a clear national economic brand and a dedicated body to sell the country to investors. Critics argue that any new agency must prove it will deliver better outcomes, rather than simply create another quango.

Mr O’Connell told the Senedd that the current system was already difficult for businesses to navigate.

He pointed to Business Wales for advice, the Development Bank of Wales for finance, and a range of other local, regional and national programmes, arguing that firms needed “one front door” for support.

He said: “The Welsh Government needs to come clean on details regarding the WDA. We’ve heard big promises, but taxpayers and business owners still haven’t been told what this agency will actually deliver and how.

“Wales needs one organisation focused on attracting investment, growing exports and creating jobs.

“Bring Business Wales into the new agency, give businesses one front door for support, and make it a condition that inward investors build Welsh supply chains and back Welsh SMEs.”

Mr O’Connell said Business Wales already had a strong record, citing Welsh Government figures showing that it generated up to £18 in gross value added for every £1 invested.

He argued that, rather than creating a separate structure above existing services, ministers should build the new agency around what already works.

The Welsh Government’s own Business Support Review has described Business Wales as a trusted one-stop shop with strong brand recognition and high levels of client satisfaction. But the same review also warned that the wider business support landscape in Wales can feel fragmented, with overlap between different organisations and programmes. That is likely to be one of the key tests for the new agency.

For many small firms, particularly in rural areas such as Pembrokeshire, Carmarthenshire and Ceredigion, the issue is not whether support exists, but whether it is easy to find, simple to apply for, and joined up with other help. Businesses can face different rules, forms and eligibility criteria depending on whether they are seeking advice, skills support, export help, grants, loans, innovation funding or local authority schemes.

Mr Price told the Senedd there was “common ground” on the need for a single front door for business.

He said the new agency would be designed to improve productivity, create better jobs, raise living standards and help more Welsh-owned firms grow into resilient, competitive businesses.

He also confirmed that Jonathan Lewis, who has extensive business experience and is chair of Associated British Ports, would chair an expert advisory panel to help shape the agency’s remit and operating model.

Mr Price said the Government was not seeking to recreate the old WDA, but wanted a more agile arm’s-length body with innovation at its core.

He said the agency would be expected to support businesses with growth potential, help them navigate finance, attract inward investment and ensure Wales was promoted more effectively internationally.

But the debate also exposed concerns

over how the new body will sit alongside the Development Bank of Wales, city and growth deals, local authorities and other economic development programmes.

Mr O’Connell also warned that inward investment should not be judged simply by the number of companies attracted to Wales.

He said the real test was whether new investment became rooted in Welsh communities, supported local supply chains, and created lasting opportunities for Welsh small and medium-sized businesses.

That issue has particular resonance in parts of Wales where communities have previously seen laarge employers arrive with public support, only for jobs to disappear when production moved elsewhere.

Mr Price said he agreed that the success of inward investment should be measured by more than headline announcements.

He said ministers wanted investment to support Welsh supply chains and long-term economic growth, rather than simply bringing in companies without lasting local benefits.

The new agency is part of the Welsh Government’s wider economic mission to halve Wales’ productivity gap with the UK within ten years.

However, the detailed questions remain unanswered.

Ministers have yet to confirm the agency’s final remit, budget, staffing, relationship with existing bodies, or whether Business Wales will formally become part of the new structure. For Welsh firms, the question is simple: will the new agency make it easier to grow, export and win investment, or will it become another name in an already complicated system?

The answer will determine whether the revived WDA idea becomes a serious economic tool, or another political promise lost in the machinery of government.

Pembrokeshire pioneers Safe Route for Palestinians

Far away wars can have devastating effects locally. For many the impact is personal.

Some of us share the daily anguish of watching close friends in Gaza struggling to keep their kids alive. Some like me have grandparents who died in the last holocaust, seeing it return is simply unbearable. For all of us, watching our taxes, weapons industry and military contribute to the slaughter is incomprehensible. What can we do?

Through our votes we have driven major change In the UK government and a 100 year transformation of Welsh government. Fear of our will has triggered tyrannical clamp down on freedom of speech and expression, not seen in Britain since the religious persecutions of centuries ago.

The pain deepens in Gaza and the killing is spreading to new countries. Doing nothing is more dangerous than withstanding the spread. To reassert our

humanity, and freedom, communities in the UK and especially in Wales are preparing to welcome friends from Gaza to help them to start to live again. At the bottom of the Pandora’s box of a UK immigration bill lay a sliver of hope, the Named Sponsorship safe route. It is this that has enabled communities to do the detailed work to prepare to host a family in their midst. They each need to find a home, a team to do 10 hours training, raise £thousands, and

get through many other hoops to be accepted as community sponsors. There are teams forming around the UK and especially in Wales and in Pembrokeshire where community muscles are the best developed. MPs are getting behind this surge of determined compassion. It is dawning on us that we cannot fight darkness with darkness, only light will do that. Get in touch if you want to join or form a sponsor teams.

The tiny garden in the heart of Pembrokeshire feeding many souls

A summer week in the garden with –a Dad’s group, an alternative to school centre, a horticulture course and two care centres, they all held sessions in

this post industrial community garden last week. So many losing their problems, growing their skills, at one with the real world of nature.

Havergardd is managed by a group of volunteer gardeners with motivated project leaders. The town council leases it to the group via Grwp

Welsh Government pledges ‘concrete action’ to grow Welsh speaker numbers

The welsh governMenT has promised a new focus on delivery as it seeks to secure the future of the Welsh language and reach its target of one million Welsh speakers.

Cabinet Minister for Education and the Welsh Language Anna Brychan told the Senedd on Tuesday (July 7) that the Government would now move from “ambition to action” after years of discussion about how best to strengthen Cymraeg across Wales.

At the heart of the plan is a commitment to build a clearer Welshmedium education pathway, from childcare and the early years through to post-16 learning.

Ministers say the Welsh Language and Education Act will be implemented in full, with the aim of ensuring every child has a fair opportunity to become a confident and independent Welsh speaker.

An urgent review of Welsh in Education Strategic Plans is already under way. Its findings will shape a new national framework designed to ensure that half of all children in Wales begin their education journey through the medium of Welsh by 2050.

The Welsh language will also form part of the Government’s planned childcare offer, which will provide 20 hours of funded childcare each week for every child aged between nine months and four years. Ms Brychan said the aim was to make Welshmedium provision available from the earliest stages of a child’s life, while also expanding opportunities for teenagers and young adults to continue learning, working and living through Welsh after the age of 16. The announcement will be closely watched in west Wales, where Welshspeaking communities remain a vital part of local identity but where concerns have been raised for many

years about housing, migration, school reorganisation, transport, employment and the long-term sustainability of the language in daily life.

The Welsh Government says work has already begun with local authorities to decide how areas with a higher density of Welsh speakers should be formally designated, with the aim of strengthening everyday use of the language in those communities. Ministers are also looking at further legal and non-legal measures to support Welsh-speaking areas in the long term.

However, the Government says its plans are not limited to traditional Welsh-speaking heartlands. It says the language must also grow in areas where there are currently lower or medium levels of Welsh speakers.

A cross-government response is being developed following the second phase of the Commission for Welsh Communities.

Ms Brychan said responsibility for the language could not sit with one minister or department alone. She said housing, health, transport, the economy, local government, culture and sport all had a role to play in meeting the target.

The Minister also confirmed that Welsh language standards will be extended to new sectors, including UK Government bodies.

She said she is writing to major technology companies to press them to ensure new digital developments support the Welsh language, amid growing concern that artificial intelligence and online platforms could either help or hinder minority languages.

Work is also under way to standardise and record Welsh place names, while options for protecting them in law are being explored.

Ms Brychan said: “People from all parts of Wales are proud of our language and want to see it thrive.

“Cymraeg belongs to us all, and we should move away from seeing ourselves as ‘Welsh-speaking’ and ‘non-Welsh-speaking’ Welsh people. We are all somewhere on the same journey, and we all belong.

“The existing goodwill and ambition provide us with a strong foundation, but the challenges are real and the

coming years will be critical.

“Our focus now is on turning ambition into action and securing the strongest possible future for the Welsh language in our schools, our communities and our workplaces. We have already started this work within our first 100 days.”

She added: “The future of the Welsh language depends on people as well as policy. I encourage everyone to use whatever Welsh they have, to support one another in learning and using the language, and to play their part in building a Wales where the Welsh language belongs to us all.”

The Welsh Government’s longstanding ambition is to reach one million Welsh speakers by 2050. The latest announcement signals that ministers want to put education, childcare, community planning and digital policy at the centre of that effort.

For many communities, the key question will now be whether the Government can turn those commitments into practical change, including enough teachers, childcare staff, post-16 courses, affordable housing and local job opportunities to make Welsh a living language for the next generation.

Hywel Dda reaffirms commitment to Armed Forces community

hywel dda unIversITy healTh board has reaffirmed its commitment to the Armed Forces community by re-signing the Armed Forces Covenant. The covenant was signed at the Wales National Armed Forces Day 2026 event, held at Pembrey Country Park on Saturday, June 27. It was signed on behalf of the health board by Armed Forces Champion and Independent Board Member Michael Imperato, alongside Lisa Gostling, Deputy Chief Executive and Director of Workforce and Organisational Development.

The Armed Forces Covenant is a national promise to ensure that members of the Armed Forces community are treated fairly. It supports serving personnel, veterans, service leavers and their families, with a veteran defined as anyone who has served for at least one day.

By re-signing the covenant, Hywel Dda says it is continuing its role as an Armed Forces friendly employer and healthcare provider across west Wales.

This includes supporting the recruitment and employment of

veterans, recognising military skills, providing additional support for reservists, offering flexible working for service families, working with partner organisations, supporting cadet groups and Armed Forces charities, and improving access to

healthcare for veterans.

Anyone currently serving, or who has previously served in the Armed Forces, can find out more about the support available through Hywel Dda University Health Board’s Armed Forces Covenant pages.

Staff who are part of the Armed Forces community can also access support through the health board’s Armed Forces Staff Network by contacting StrategicPartnerships. HDD@wales.nhs.uk.

Drink driving near Nolton

A FORMER serviceman has been banned from the road after being caught driving a bMw Z4 while three times over the drink-drive limit.

Robert Seymour, 56, was seen driving between Portfield Gate and Nolton Haven at around 9.15pm on June 13 after police were alerted by a member of the public concerned about his driving.

“The Z4 had been seen swerving all over the road,” Crown prosecutor Sian Vaughan told Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court.

Officers found the car around ten minutes later, reversing slowly out of a caravan park before moving forward.

Ms Vaughan said Seymour had removed the keys from the ignition when officers approached.

“He was very intoxicated and was slurring his words,” she said.

“There was also a very strong smell of alcohol emanating from the vehicle.”

Seymour, of Chestnut Tree Cottage,

Portfield Gate, Haverfordwest, gave a positive roadside breath test and was arrested.

At the police station, he gave a lowest breath reading of 105 microgrammes of alcohol in 100 millilitres of breath. The legal limit is 35.

Seymour pleaded guilty to drink-driving. Defending, solicitor Michael Kelleher said Seymour had served in the military for nearly 30 years and was now employed as a public servant with the Department for Work and Pensions.

“His full-time work takes him to various centres all over Dyfed,” he said.

“This is going to have a huge effect on his life, however his employers have said that he is going to retain his job.”

Magistrates fined Seymour £750 and ordered him to pay a £300 surcharge and £85 costs, making a total of £1,135. He was disqualified from driving for two years.

Cat owners warned after suspected antifreeze poisoning in Hakin

Heartbroken owner says her five-year-old cat died after being found fitting near Picton Road, amid concerns over possible poisonings in the area

Pembroke Dock woman turned up to probation appointment ‘on drugs’

a peMbroke doCk woman has narrowly avoided immediate custody after turning up for a community order appointment while heavily under the influence of drugs.

Shannon Charge, 30, was made subject to a 12-month community order on February 2, which required her to attend regular drug rehabilitation activities.

But Haverfordwest magistrates heard this week that she failed to attend an appointment on April 28. Then, on May 26, although she did arrive for a rehabilitation activity, she was heavily under the influence of drugs.

“The order was made after she breached a previous order which had exactly the same requirements,” probation officer Julie Norman told the court.

“So two breaches have taken place.

“We know that the defendant has recently gone through some personal difficulties and obviously we’re here to help her, but she has been out of contact for some time.”

Ms Norman said there remained a reasonable prospect that the probation service could continue to support Charge.

Charge, of Pater Court, Pembroke Dock, pleaded guilty to breaching the community order. She was represented in court by Tom Lloyd.

“My client knows that any further breaches will mean an immediate term of imprisonment, and this is not the place she wants to be,” Mr Lloyd told magistrates.

“The last two months have been extremely traumatic for her and she desperately needs help. She is a drug addict with massive problems and she knows she is in a bad place.”

Magistrates sentenced Charge to 12 weeks in custody, suspended for 18 months.

She must complete 20 rehabilitation activity requirement days, including a nine-month drug rehabilitation programme. She was also ordered to pay £60 costs.

a hakIn cat owner has warned others to be vigilant after her five-year-old cat died following a suspected antifreeze poisoning.

Lucy Harris said her much-loved pet was found fitting by a neighbour near Picton Road after the family had recently moved nearby.

He was rushed to the vets, where attempts were made to save him, but his kidneys failed and the family had to make the devastating decision to have him put to sleep.

Lucy said she has since been told there are concerns about a possible spate of poisonings in the Picton Road and Picton Close area.

She told The Herald: “Please put this in your paper. The vets said there’s a spate of cats being poisoned on Picton Road and Picton Close.

“The RSPCA inspector has been notified by the vets and will investigate.

“Within an hour of ingesting antifreeze it can be too late. They have seizures, heavy panting, and then the kidneys, liver and brain shut down. It is a horrible, painful death.

“To watch a poor, defenceless, loving cat go through that pain was heartbreaking. At the end of all that

pain and upset we had to pay nearly £500 trying to save him, only to then have him put to sleep because he was suffering too much.

“People need to be made aware and be cautious. It is a very quick poison that kills if not treated immediately.”

Lucy said the incident has left her family devastated, but she is determined to raise awareness so other owners know how quickly suspected antifreeze poisoning can become fatal.

She added: “I’m determined to find out what has happened. I’d be more than happy to speak about it because people need to know.”

Pet owners in Picton Road, Picton Close and the surrounding Hakin area are being urged to monitor their animals closely and seek immediate veterinary help if a cat shows signs of poisoning.

Symptoms can include seizures, vomiting, weakness, heavy panting, confusion, collapse, or sudden changes in behaviour.

Anyone with information about suspected animal poisoning in the area is asked to contact the RSPCA, Dyfed-Powys Police, or their local vet.

Council buys housing over £6.5m covered mostly by grant support

peMbrokeshIre’s council has made 17 purchases of housing in various sizes and a building to be used as a children’s home, amounting to just over £6.5m, but the council will pay a fraction of that thanks to grant support.

At the July 6 meeting of Pembrokeshire

County Council’s Cabinet, members backed a recommendation to note a report covering larger acquisitions and disposals which have completed between last November and March of this year.

A report presented by Joint Cabinet Member for Communities Cllr Aaron Carey listed 18 separate groups of acquisitions, totalling £6,526,967, along with one disposal of the former contact centre, Argyle Street, Pembroke Dock, at £415,000.

For those purchases, grants have been secured to the tune of £6,440,179, the report said.

These acquisitions, all for housing stock in various sizes and amounts, are: 22

The Glebe, Tenby £200,000, with a grant

of £119,419; 12 Gay Lane , Marloes, £180,000 (£129,728); 5 St Mary’s Road, Pembroke Dock £125,000 (£76,764); 51 Augustine Way, Haverfordwest £105,000 (£69,126); 82 Heywood Court, Tenby £115,000 (£87,633); 19 Maes Ewan, Solva £220,000 (£165,155); 29 Heol Penlan, Goodwick £132,000 (£86,393); 1 Churchill Close, Tenby £125,000 (£83,571); 3 Westaway Park, Rosemarket £142,000 (£93,134); 22 Churchill Close, Tenby £125,000 (£83,571); 31 Haroldston Close, Merlins Bridge £110,000 (£62,318); 28 Flemish Court, Lamphey £160,000 (£114,597); 7 Precelly Place, Milford Haven £125,000 (£81,578); 17 Newell Hill, Tenby 170,000 (£120,098).

Larger acquisitions are: 3 Rose Haven, The Beacon, Rosemarket, of four two-bed houses and six three-bed houses £2,601,967 (£1,725,179); 32, 33, 34 and 35 Harcourt Close, Hook four two-bed semis £864,000; 36 and 37 Harcourt Close, Hook two threebed semis £552,000, with a grant of £2,821,760 covering 15 units in the case of the latter two.

An additional purchase of Sentry Cottage, Jordanston for a children’s residential home at £475,000, with a £580,152 grant was also listed. Planning permission for that scheme was granted back in February.

Cabinet member Cllr Jon Harvey pointed out the grants received offset the costs “quite substantially” for the purchases, the majority of which will “provide much-needed affordable housing”.

Last November, Cabinet members heard a similar report, covering April 1 to October 31 of 2025, which included includes the purchase of 16 properties for housing stock, to the tune of £3,470,000 and the disposal of two industrial estate plots, at some £278,400.

Van driver banned after drug-driving conviction

A HAVERFORDWEST man has been banned from the road for more than three years after admitting drugdriving.

Paul Smith, 39, of Cormorant Close, Haverfordwest, appeared before Llanelli Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday (Jul 8). Smith pleaded guilty to driving a white Ford Transit on Crowhill Road, Haverfordwest, on January 25 with cannabis in his system.

The court heard that a blood test showed 17 microgrammes of Delta-9Tetrahydrocannabinol per litre of blood, exceeding the legal limit.

Magistrates imposed an obligatory driving disqualification of 38 months. Smith was also fined £120 and ordered to pay £85 prosecution costs and a £48 surcharge.

The court made a collection order, with deductions to be taken from benefits.

A community legacy of vision care in Pembrokeshire

NESTLED between the coastal communities of Fishguard and St Davids, Concept Eye Clinic is much more than a place to update a prescription.

Situated in one of Wales’ most picturesque settings - a landscape forever associated with Dylan Thomas’ Under Milk Wood - the practice has spent more than three decades serving the eye care needs of local families, often across multiple generations.

Concept Eye Clinic combines the warmth of a traditional local practice with the benefits of cutting-edge

optical technology. Patients can access advanced eye examinations, specialist contact lens fittings and a carefully curated collection of designer eyewear, including the latest collections from Barcelona-based Kaleos.

Yet technology and products tell only part of the story. The practice’s greatest strength lies in its people. Visitors are greeted with a genuine welcome and a level of personal service that reflects a deep commitment to the community.

As Practice Manager, Kate Wilson, puts it: “It’s a joy to serve our local

community and provide them with the very best in vision care.”

That commitment is reinforced through partnerships with industry leaders such as Rodenstock, whose pioneering biometric lens technology creates lenses tailored to the unique characteristics of each individual eye. The result is not simply clearer vision, but a meaningful

improvement in quality of life.

At its heart, Concept Eye Clinic embodies a simple philosophy: it is not about the practice itself, but about the people it serves. In doing so, it remains a shining example of how modern healthcare and traditional community values can work hand in hand.

Tory MS attacks petition to rename Wales as Cymru

a ConservaTIve senedd Member has criticised a petition calling for wales to be officially renamed Cymru, warning that the move would risk excluding non-Welsh speakers.

Andrew RT Davies, Member of the Senedd for Pen-y-bont Bro Morgannwg, said the name Wales was part of the nation’s history, identity and culture, and claimed attempts to scrap it should be resisted.

The petition, submitted to the Senedd, calls for “Cymru” to replace “Wales” as the official name of the nation. It also calls for English place names to no longer be used where Welsh names already exist.

It argues that the name Wales was imposed from outside and says the country should present itself internationally through the Welsh language.

The petition states: “Wales is not the name of our nation,” adding that now is the time for the country to assert how it is seen across the world.

Supporters of the proposal say adopting Cymru would strengthen Welsh identity, promote the language and bring Wales into line with other countries that have changed the way they are officially known internationally.

The petition also points to the use of Welsh names by national parks, including Eryri and Bannau Brycheiniog, as examples of Welshlanguage names gaining wider recognition.

But Mr Davies said the proposal went too far and would alienate many

Sinclair editor@herald.email

people in Wales.

He said more than 80 per cent of people in Wales do not speak Welsh, warning that removing the Englishlanguage name would leave many people feeling excluded from their own national identity.

Mr Davies said: “I was born and brought up in Wales and have lived

here my whole life.

“The name Wales is an important part of our history, identity and culture.

“This attempt to scrap it must be resisted.”

Census 2021 figures showed that 17.8 per cent of people aged three and over in Wales reported being able to speak Welsh, meaning more than four in five did not.

The petition has already passed the 250-signature threshold needed for consideration by the Senedd’s

Petitions Committee once it closes. If it reaches 10,000 signatures, it could be considered for a debate in the Senedd.

The row comes amid continuing debate over the use of Welsh-language names in public life, with some arguing that greater use of Cymraeg is vital to protecting national culture, while others say Wales’ bilingual identity should be preserved.

The petition remains open until December.

Residents asked for views on second-home and empty-property tax

peMbrokeshIre CounTy

CounCIl is asking residents, property owners and stakeholders to have their say on the future level of Council Tax premiums for second homes and long-term empty properties.

The consultation will help shape the council’s approach for the 202728 financial year, with any agreed changes due to take effect from April 1, 2027.

Council Tax premiums are additional charges placed on top of standard Council Tax bills, which also include the precepts set by Dyfed-Powys Police and Crime Commissioner and town and community councils.

The council says the consultation will gather views on what level the premiums should be set at in future, as well as how any income raised should be used to support local priorities in Pembrokeshire.

Cllr Jon Harvey, Cabinet Member for

Corporate Finance and Efficiencies, said: “We want to hear from as many people as possible on this important issue. “By taking part in the consultation, residents and stakeholders can help

shape future decisions and ensure that a wide range of views are considered before any recommendations are made.

“Please have your say by the closing date of Monday, August 10, 2026.” The consultation includes background information on Council Tax premiums, the current position in Pembrokeshire and the legal framework within which the authority must operate.

Residents can take part online through the Pembrokeshire County Council website.

Paper copies are also available by calling 01437 764551 or emailing revenue.services@pembrokeshire. gov.uk.

A final decision on the options, including how any funding raised through the premiums will be used, is expected to be made by full council at its meeting on October 15, 2026. Any decision agreed at that meeting will come into effect from April 1, 2027.

Council failed Welsh language standards over school closure

CarMarThenshIre CounTy

CounCIl failed to properly assess the Welsh-language impact of plans to close Ysgol Llansteffan before moving to publish a statutory closure notice, the Welsh Language Commissioner has found.

The adjudication follows a complaint by Cymdeithas yr Iaith over the council’s handling of the future of the Welsh-medium school, which is due to close formally on August 31, 2026.

In correspondence with Cymdeithas yr Iaith, the Commissioner said the council had accepted that its original Welsh Language Impact Assessment was insufficient.

The Commissioner did not uphold every part of the complaint. Cymdeithas had argued that there was insufficient capacity in other Welsh-medium schools in the Carmarthen town area, and that some pupils could be pushed out of Welsh-medium education. However, the Commissioner said it was not within her powers to investigate school-place data in that way.

But she did find that the council’s original assessment failed to deal “conscientiously” with the effect that closing the school would have on the community of Llansteffan.

Cymdeithas yr Iaith had argued that

it was unreasonable for the council to describe the language impact of closing what it called the most important Welsh-medium institution in the village as “neutral”. The group

The Commissioner found that Carmarthenshire County Council had failed to comply with Welsh Language Standards 88, 89 and 90, which require public bodies to assess the impact of policy decisions on the Welsh language.

Her adjudication says the council later revised its Language Impact Assessment during the course of the investigation. However, the Commissioner made clear that such consideration should have formed part of the decision-making process from the outset.

The Commissioner said: “To comply with the standards, it is essential that consideration of Welsh language effects forms an integral part of the policy-making process from the outset, rather than being separate from the decision itself or addressed at the end of the process.”

She added that the council’s process flow chart should include a clear requirement for the Welsh-language effect of a proposed school closure to be considered from the very start.

The Commissioner does not have the statutory power to overturn the school closure decision itself. Her role is to determine whether the council complied with the Welsh Language Standards and to require future compliance.

Speaking on behalf of Cymdeithas yr Iaith in Carmarthenshire, Ffred Ffransis said the decision confirmed that the council’s process had been flawed.

He said: “The simple truth of the matter is that the Cabinet of Carmarthenshire County Council in November 2025

took the decision to issue a Statutory Closure Notice for Ysgol Llansteffan based on a defective Language Impact Assessment.

“The fact that they took later steps to amend and mitigate does not compensate for the harm done by this injustice to the pupils and the local community.

“We have already been informed that one young family has put their house on the market to move to an area which has a school.

“We shall be drawing the attention of the Chief Executive Officer, Wendy Walters, to the lack of a strategic approach across departments.

“There is an application to build affordable homes in the village, but attempts to revive the community by attracting young families are being undermined by the closure of the school by another council department.”

The council’s Cabinet decided on November 17, 2025, to issue a closure notice for Ysgol Llansteffan using the shortened process available for schools with fewer than ten pupils. Cymdeithas says the number of pupils had risen from eight to 17 during the process.

The full council later agreed to close the school after considering the objections report at the beginning of March 2026. Cymdeithas says councillors were not told at that meeting that a complaint had been made about the original Language Impact Assessment.

Parents have already had to register their children at other schools for the next academic year.

A legal challenge to the closure decision is understood to be due to be heard in August, shortly before the school’s formal closure date.

Animal Aid criticises Pembrokeshire plan to rear guinea pigs for food

a peMbrokeshIre smallholding plan involving guinea pigs, rabbits and pigeons being reared for food has been criticised by animal welfare campaigners.

The scheme, at Walnut Grove near Jeffreyston, was approved by Pembrokeshire County Council’s planning committee last month (Jun 30) as part of a One Planet Development.

The proposal is not for a commercial guinea pig meat farm. The animals would be reared for the applicants’ own household consumption as part of a self-sufficient, low-impact lifestyle.

There is also a cultural divide. In parts of South America, especially Peru, guinea pigs are known as cuy and have been eaten for centuries. They are still served as a traditional dish, particularly in the Andean region around Cusco.

Travel and food accounts from Peru often describe cuy as being served whole, sometimes in a traditional presentation, before being cut up and eaten by hand because of the small bones. The meat is commonly compared to a cross between chicken and rabbit.

That context may explain why the proposal has provoked such a strong reaction in Britain. What many people here see as a family pet is regarded elsewhere as a normal source of food.

Animal Aid has said the idea raises serious questions about animal welfare and what should be considered sustainable living.

In a letter to The Herald, Elizabeth Davenport, Senior Campaign Manager at Animal Aid, said: “I’m sure your readers have already heard about the off-grid couple in Pembrokeshire

editor@herald.email

planning to breed, kill, and eat guinea pigs, rabbits, and pigeons as part of a so-called sustainable living project.

“Aside from the obvious concerns, who will ensure that welfare laws are followed? It’s clear that if this is what sustainability looks like, we have truly lost our way.”

Guinea pigs are widely kept as pets in the UK, which has made this part of the proposal especially controversial.

Animal Aid says the issue is not simply whether guinea pigs are eaten elsewhere, but whether breeding and killing animals should be promoted as part of a sustainable future.

Ms Davenport said: “These One Planet Developments are built on the simple truth that we only have one

Earth and must live within its limits. But recognising this should mean respecting our fellow animals, not expanding the menu of those we exploit.

“Too often, individuals get lost amongst the sustainability argument. Guinea pigs, like cows, experience bursts of excitement and hop and skip in the air; pigeons, just like chickens, are devoted parents. We lose so much when we reduce them to the latest sustainability fads and trends.”

The One Planet Development policy is intended to support low-impact rural living, where people meet a significant proportion of their basic needs from the land.

In this case, the applicants’ plans include food production from the land, including fruit, vegetables and other produce, alongside small-scale livestock for personal use.

Animal Aid argues that a genuinely sustainable future should involve reducing reliance on animal farming rather than adding new species to the menu.

Ms Davenport added: “If we are serious about protecting the planet, the evidence is clear: reducing our dependence on all animal farming and embracing a plant-based food system offers far greater sustainability benefits.

“I urge local residents to contact Pembrokeshire County Council. Decisions made in the name of our shared future should be for everyone, including animals.”

Pembrokeshire County Council approved the application subject to conditions.

National Park Authority confirms leadership roles after AGM

peMbrokeshIre CoasT naTIonal park auThorITy has confirmed its Chair, deputy Chair and key Development Management Committee roles following its Annual general Meeting.

Dr Madeleine Havard has been reelected as Chair of the Authority, with Cllr Claire George continuing as Deputy Chair.

Cllr Dr Simon Hancock has also been re-elected as Chair of the Authority’s Development Management Committee, with John Hogg MBE confirmed as Deputy Chair of that committee.

The appointments were agreed by Members at a meeting of the National Park Authority held on Wednesday, June 24.

The Authority is made up of 18 Members.

Twelve are county councillors appointed by Pembrokeshire County Council, while six are appointed by the Welsh Government. Together, they oversee the work of the Authority and make decisions on matters affecting the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park.

Dr Havard said: “It is an honour and a privilege to continue serving as Chair of Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority.

“Our National Park is one of Wales’ most treasured landscapes, and the Authority has an important role in protecting it for future generations while supporting the communities who live and work here.

“I look forward to continuing to work with all Members, staff, partners and local communities as we respond to the opportunities and challenges facing the National Park.”

Cllr Dr Simon Hancock said he was pleased to continue as Chair of the Development Management Committee, which considers planning matters within the National Park.

He said: “The Committee’s work requires careful judgement, balancing the need to conserve and enhance this

special landscape with the needs of local people.

“I look forward to continuing to work with fellow Members and officers in carrying out this responsibility.”

Members spend an average of two days a month on formal committee business, as well as representing the Park Authority at a range of formal and informal events.

These include Welsh Governmentrelated meetings, workshops and seminars, formal launches, and presentations by the Authority and partner organisations.

The current Members of Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority are: Cllr Maureen Bowen, Cllr Di Clements, Ms Fiona Day, Cllr Claire George, Dr Madeleine Havard, Ms Helen Gwenllian, Mr John Hogg MBE, Sarah Hoss, Cllr Dr Simon Hancock MBE, Cllr Mike James, Mr Gwynn Angell Jones, Cllr Huw Murphy, Cllr Bethan Price, Cllr Sam Skyrme-Blackhall, Cllr Anji Tinley, Cllr Vanessa Thomas, Cllr Chris Williams BEM and Cllr Michael Williams.

Kilgetty and Begelly tractor run raises funds for local charities

The annual kilgetty and begelly Charity Tractor Run brought a colourful convoy to the roads around the Narberth area on Saturday (Jul 4), with around 70 tractors taking part.

Entrants were treated to bacon rolls and coffee by the hosts before setting off, while many families took the opportunity to pose for photographs alongside the tractors.

The road run once again proved to be a popular community event, bringing together local farmers, vintage tractor enthusiasts and supporters for a good cause.

The sight of dozens of tractors heading out together made an impressive display as the convoy travelled through the local area.

Organisers said local charities are set to benefit from money raised at the event.

The annual run has become a wellsupported fixture in the local calendar, with farming families turning out in force to take part and support the fundraising effort.

MP praises Haverfordwest supermarket for supporting local families

HENRY TuFNELL MP has praised staff at Morrisons in Haverfordwest after visiting the store and hearing about the work being done to support local families.

The Mid and South Pembrokeshire MP said he was “blown away” by the range of community initiatives being run by the supermarket team.

During the visit, Mr Tufnell met the store’s Community Champion and learned about schemes including free fruit and Kellogg’s breakfasts for children during the school holidays.

The store also works with customers and local groups to help collect and distribute essential items to food banks, supporting families who may be struggling with the cost of living.

Morrisons in Haverfordwest also runs monthly 50p paperback book sales in the foyer, raising money for Marie Curie.

Mr Tufnell thanked the team for

welcoming him and praised their contribution to the town.

He said: “Had a great visit to Morrisons and was blown away by everything they do to support local families.

“They provide free fruit and Kellogg’s breakfasts for children through the school holidays.

“They work closely with the community to help customers donate and distribute essentials directly to local food banks.

“They also run monthly 50p paperback book sales in the foyer to raise vital funds for Marie Curie.

“Thank you so much to the team for welcoming me. You are truly champions of our community.”

The visit highlights the growing role supermarkets and community champions play in supporting families, charities and food banks across Pembrokeshire.

Mid and West Wales fire service helps deliver life-saving aid to Ukraine

MId and wesT wales fIre and resCue servICe has helped deliver a major convoy of firefighting vehicles and equipment to ukraine, four years on from the start of the full-scale Russian invasion.

The latest convoy, the ninth of its kind, left the UK on Monday, 29 June and reached the Polish border with Ukraine on Thursday, 2 July, where vehicles and equipment were handed over to Ukrainian partners.

The operation was sponsored by the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government and FIRE AID, and delivered through a national partnership involving National Resilience, the National Fire Chiefs Council, UK International Search and Rescue, and fire and rescue services from across England and Wales.

The convoy delivered 21 fire vehicles, including 17 fire engines, as well as more than 2,300 pieces of essential firefighting equipment. The donations will help replace critical resources lost during the war.

Since 2022, the UK fire and rescue community has donated 169 vehicles and more than 220,000 pieces of equipment to Ukraine.

Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service was represented on the convoy by Watch Manager Robert Kershaw.

He said: “I am incredibly proud of our Service’s commitment to supporting the charity and helping get vital aid to Ukraine.

“This mission holds a very special place in my heart, as my family hosted a Ukrainian family for a year, who we now consider our own.

“Knowing the impact of this conflict first-hand makes me even more grateful to work alongside colleagues who are dedicated to helping Ukrainian emergency services protect lives.”

Previous donations from UK fire and rescue services are already making a significant difference on the ground.

Vehicles delivered through earlier convoys have responded to more than 6,000 incidents, while more than 2,500 Ukrainian firefighters have been equipped with fully operational PPE and breathing apparatus.

Ukrainian fire and rescue services continue to face severe pressure.

According to the State Emergency Service of Ukraine, 481 fire stations have been destroyed, with a further 106 in occupied territories. A total of 1,792 fire vehicles have also been lost.

Since the full-scale invasion began, 122 firefighters have been killed and 629 injured, with three still in captivity.

The figures were correct as of 22 June 2026.

Despite these losses, Ukrainian firefighters continue to work on the frontline, saving lives, protecting infrastructure and responding to emergencies while under constant threat.

Around 80 volunteers from across the UK fire and rescue community took part in the convoy, giving their time to prepare, drive and deliver the appliances and equipment.

Fire and rescue services involved included Derbyshire, Essex, Hampshire, Hereford and Worcester, Kent, Lancashire, London, Merseyside, Mid and West Wales, North Wales, North Yorkshire, South Wales, South Yorkshire, Staffordshire, Surrey, West Midlands and West Yorkshire.

National Fire Chiefs Council Chair Phil Garrigan said: “The UK Fire and Rescue community remains unwavering in its support for colleagues in Ukraine.

“Four years on from the start of

Ty Hotel named accommodation partner for Big

The bIg peMbrokeshIre panToMIMe has announced Tŷ Hotel Milford Waterfront as its official accommodation partner for 2026.

The pantomime team thanked the hotel for its support after members of the cast were provided with a onenight stay last week.

Organisers said they were grateful for the “fantastic hospitality” shown by the team at Tŷ Hotel and said they were delighted to be working with the Milford Waterfront venue throughout 2026.

The partnership marks another boost for The Big Pembrokeshire Pantomime as preparations continue for next year’s production.

the full-scale invasion, Ukrainian firefighters continue to operate in the most challenging and dangerous conditions imaginable.

“This ninth convoy demonstrates the enduring commitment of UK fire and rescue services to stand shoulder to shoulder with our Ukrainian counterparts.

“The equipment being donated will help replace vital resources lost during the conflict and ensure firefighters can continue their life-saving work.

“This is about firefighters supporting firefighters. It is a powerful example of friendship that transcends borders.

“It is crucial we recognise the challenges our colleagues face and that we continue to play our part.”

FIRE AID Ukraine Lead Oksana Romanukha said: “We are once again seeing the extraordinary solidarity of communities right across the UK with Ukraine.

“These vehicles and equipment are lifelines, helping to save lives, protect firefighters and strengthen the resilience of communities under constant threat.

“We are deeply grateful to everyone across the fire and rescue community, and all those involved, who have made this collective effort possible.”

Minister for Building Safety, Fire and Democracy Samantha Dixon said: “Ukraine has faced unimaginable suffering, and we remain unwavering in our support.

“This convoy will deliver the critical equipment needed to help Ukraine’s Fire Service save lives, respond to attacks and protect their communities.

“I’m proud of the brave volunteers from across our Fire and Rescue Service, as well as all the organisations which have played a role in mobilising these vital assets, making sure support reaches those who need it most.”

Pembrokeshire

Global spirit fills the Pavilion at Llangollen Eisteddfod

THERE are some evenings at the llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod that perfectly capture the spirit of the festival. global rhythms: Made in Wales was undoubtedly one of them, bringing together outstanding welsh talent, global influences and an atmosphere that turned the Pavilion into one enormous celebration.

The evening opened with Band Pres Llareggub, who describe themselves as a “Bronx hip hop-inspired, New Orleanstinged North Walian brass band with attitude”. It is a bold claim, but one they more than lived up to.

Their infectious blend of driving brass, hip hop grooves and New Orleans flair had the audience moving from the opening number. At the same time, their outstanding musicianship was evident throughout a set that was polished, energetic and exhilarating.

A few songs in, the band peeled off their trademark jackets to reveal matching “Straight Outta Llareggub” T-shirts. It was a moment that perfectly summed up their irreverent sense of fun and drew a huge cheer from the crowd, but the humour never overshadowed the quality of the performance. Every player impressed, delivering a tight and confident set full of technical skill and infectious enthusiasm.

They were joined by Sage Todz, whose distinctive flow and commanding stage presence added another exciting dimension to the performance. The collaboration between brass and hip hop felt fresh, inventive and entirely natural, showcasing the confidence and creativity of Wales’s contemporary music scene

Earlier in the evening, the Young Choir of the World Final once again highlighted the extraordinary standard of young singers from across the globe. Warm congratulations went to Côr Iau

instrumentalist whose music draws on his family’s griot tradition while embracing jazz, indie, pop and funk influences.

The trophy was presented by Dr Rhys Davies. Dr Davies and his wife have generously donated the prize money for the Young Choir of the World Awards in memory of their son, Owen Davies, adding a deeply personal and poignant note to one of the festival’s most prestigious competitions. Their generosity continues to support and celebrate exceptional young choral talent from around the world.

By the time headliner N’famady Kouyaté stepped onto the stage, the Pavilion was already buzzing, but he took the atmosphere to another level.

Opening with the title track from his latest EP, Aros I Fi Yna, Kouyaté first strapped on an electric guitar, immediately showing that he is far more than a virtuoso balafon player. Later in the set, he switched seamlessly to the balafon, the traditional West African wooden xylophone that lies at the heart of his musical heritage.

Originally from Guinea and now based in Cardiff, Kouyaté is a gifted multi-

His growing reputation has seen him emerge as one of Wales’s brightest musical talents, winning the prestigious Glastonbury Emerging Talent Competition before earning a coveted Pyramid Stage slot. It is easy to understand why

Throughout a set featuring Nadjeli, When I See You, Ti a Fi, Demousolini, Balafô Douma and Tama, he demonstrated remarkable versatility. The shimmering sound of the balafon intertwined effortlessly with guitars, percussion and soaring vocals.

There was a particularly poignant moment during Balafô Douma, a song that celebrates the instrument that has shaped his musical journey since childhood. Taught to play the balafon by his parents, Kouyaté performed with the pride of someone carrying a cherished family tradition onto an international stage.

It was a performance rooted in heritage, but entirely contemporary in its sound and outlook.

What stood out most, however, was the sheer joy of it all. Kouyaté’s infectious smile and boundless energy radiated across the Pavilion, encouraging the audience to clap, dance and sing along.

Before long, dozens of competitors from around the world had gathered in front of the stage, transforming the Pavilion into one huge party. It was impossible not to be swept along by the optimism running through his music, a reminder that the finest performances do more than entertain. They bring people together.

Global Rhythms: Made in Wales was more than a concert. It was a celebration of a modern, confident Wales that embraces its own traditions while welcoming influences from around the world.

From the swagger and precision of Band Pres Llareggub, to the lyrical brilliance of Sage Todz and the irresistible rhythms of N’famady Kouyaté, this was an evening that left the audience smiling long after the final notes had faded.

Pembrokeshire College students complete three-day Silver expedition

peMbrokeshIre College students have been congratulated after completing a challenging three-day expedition in sunny Pembrokeshire.

The group spent three days carrying all their own kit while navigating across the county using maps and compasses.

Simon and David have now successfully completed their Silver Awards, while Mason and Makenzie are close behind, with just one more expedition to complete before securing theirs.

There was also a birthday celebration along the way, with Mason spending his special day out on expedition.

A Pembrokeshire College spokesperson said: “What an achievement. Three days in sunny Pembrokeshire, carrying all their kit and navigating with maps and compasses, and the hard work has paid off. Congratulations to Simon and David, who have now completed their Silver Awards. Mason and Makenzie are almost there too, with just one more expedition to go.”

Barclays urged to bring back branches to west Wales

barClays has been urged to reopen bank branches in west Wales after reports that the banking giant is preparing to rebuild its high street presence.

Paul Davies MS, Senedd Member for Ceredigion Penfro, has written to Vim Maru, Chief Executive of Barclays UK, calling on the bank to restore full branch services in Pembrokeshire and Ceredigion.

Mr Davies said Haverfordwest and Aberystwyth should be treated as priority locations, with Tenby and Cardigan also considered as part of any future review.

The call comes after reports that Barclays is looking again at its high street network, including opening new branches, expanding some existing sites and reviving the traditional role of local bank manager.

Mr Davies said west Wales should not be overlooked if Barclays is serious about returning to communities.

Barclays closed its Haverfordwest branch in May 2024, while branches in Aberystwyth and Cardigan also shut that year. The closures left many customers in Pembrokeshire and Ceredigion without access to a full Barclays branch.

Mr Davies said the loss of faceto-face banking had hit residents, small businesses and community organisations across two largely rural counties.

He said: “It’s extremely disappointing that Barclays Bank

currently has no branches in either Pembrokeshire or Ceredigion. This represents a significant reduction in service provision for both personal and business customers across the two counties.

“However, I welcome the bank’s recent announcement and have written to the Chief Executive to encourage Barclays to take this opportunity to

restore banking services in our area by reopening branches in Pembrokeshire and Ceredigion.

“Access to face-to-face banking services remains vital for many residents, businesses and community organisations, and I hope the bank will give serious consideration to reopening the high street branches in west Wales.”

The withdrawal of bank branches has become a growing concern in towns across Wales, particularly for older residents, people without reliable internet access, rural customers who depend on public transport, and businesses that need to deposit cash.

While some banking services are available through the Post Office, Barclays Local sites and banking hubs, campaigners have argued that these do not always provide the same service as a fully staffed branch.

Mr Davies said Barclays now had an opportunity to show that rural communities would not be left behind.

He is asking the bank to place Haverfordwest and Aberystwyth at the front of the queue if it proceeds with plans to expand its branch network.

The Herald has contacted Barclays for comment.

Pembrokeshire council 2025-26 £5.6m budget underspend

peMbrokeshIre County

Council ended its recent financial year underspending its budget by more than £5.5m after massive overspends in recent years, the savings being set aside for initiatives which it is hoped may help further savings.

In a report before the July 6 meeting of Pembrokeshire County Council’s Cabinet, presented by Cabinet Member for Corporate Finance and Efficiencies Cllr Jon Harvey, members heard the council ended the 2025-’26 financial year with an underspend of £5.6m,

£1.6m better than the end-of-year forecast at the end of the third quarter of the financial year of £4m.

This was set against a net expenditure of £321m from a budget of £326.6m.

Speaking at the meeting, former leader Cllr Harvey said the majority of the council’s services were in, or below, budget, with more than 95 per cent of

budget savings targets achieved.

He also referenced the report which said: “Additional council tax income has resulted in £2.4m more than anticipated being collected during 2025-26,” which would have effectively increased the underspend to £8m.

“A large proportion of this relates to the Valuation Office Agency (VOA) backlog in assessment of self-catering properties, with a continued increase in properties moving from Non-Domestic Rates (NDR) and qualifying for Second Home Council Tax (SHCT) premium as a result of not meeting the required 182day occupancy threshold.”

It said that council tax arrears had increased to £19.5m, with a £2.1m second homes premium level of arrears, relating “specifically to properties that have transferred from NDR to council tax and are currently subject to appeals to the Valuation Office, with the aim of reverting back to NDR”.

It added: “There is likely to be additional debt within this category that has not yet been quantified. It would be prudent therefore, for an element of the £2.4m surplus to be held in reserve for likely refunds following VOA determination and to support the collection of outstanding council tax arrears, and this is recommended.”

Members backed a recommendation to note the report, and to approve the appropriation of the £5.6m budget

underspend to the initiative fund to provide resources for improvement and prevention projects to make further potential savings.

They also backed £1m of the additional council tax collected to make provision for repayment of second homes council tax premiums to those who successfully appeal the 182-days occupancy threshold with the Valuation Office Agency; the remaining £1.4m appropriated to the Initiative Fund reserve.

The previous £4m underspend prediction, back in February, In the previous financial quarter report, back in February, compared with a predicted end-of-year underspend of £1m in the previous financial quarter, and predictions of a £2.2m underspend from figures from the first quarter of the financial year.

Pembrokeshire County Council ended the previous 2024-’25 financial year underspending by £2m, in part due to an extra £1.2m raised through second homes tax.

In recent years the situation has been far bleaker, with third quarter projections for the 2023-24 budget of an overspend of £6.6m, £3m up from quarter two’s £3.6m, which in itself was a reduction of the previous quarter one figure of a £4.8m predicted overspend. The end of the 2024 financial year reduced that to a £3m overspend.

Milford Haven Carnival brings colour, music and crowds to the town

MIlford haven was filled with colour, music and community spirit on Saturday as the town’s annual carnival brought crowds onto the streets.

The Milford Haven Round Table Carnival returned on Saturday, July 4, with the procession leaving Waterloo Square at 1pm before making its way across Hakin Bridge, along Hamilton Terrace and Charles Street, and down towards Milford Waterfront.

Families lined the route to watch the floats, walkers and performers pass through the town, with spectators cheering and waving as the procession made its way through Milford Haven.

Despite grey skies overhead, there was a strong turnout from local residents and visitors, with many gathering early to secure a good view of the parade.

One of the most eye-catching entries was Queen Bee’s Jubilee, a colourful bee-themed entry by St Katharine’s Stratford Players.

The float was decorated with sunflowers, yellow and black bunting, and performers dressed in matching costumes. Walkers accompanying the float continued the theme, carrying large sunflower props and helping to bring a bright splash of colour to the procession.

St Katharine’s Stratford Players later confirmed that Queen Bee’s Jubilee had been crowned the overall winner of Milford Haven Carnival 2026. The group also took first place in Category B.

In a post after the event, the group said they were “absolutely buzzing” to have won, and thanked all those who had helped build, paint, create, carry, organise, dress up, dance, walk and cheer them on.

They also gave special thanks to Dave Morgan and Ben Bryce for their support, and thanked Milford Haven Round Table for organising what they described as a great community event.

The group said: “It takes a whole

Tom Sinclair editor@herald.email

hive to make something this special, and we couldn’t be prouder of ours.”

The event also had a strong musical element. Public posts ahead of the carnival listed live performances from Milford Haven Town Band, Swansea Pipe Band and Samba Doc, while other carnival posts referenced visiting Isle of Wight performers, including Vectis Corps of Drums Marching Band, Medina Marching Band and The Ventnor Comic Jazz Band.

The sound of drums, brass and carnival music helped create a lively atmosphere as the parade travelled through the town.

Milford Haven Round Table, which organises the carnival, had appealed to residents in Hakin and Hubberston before the event to help keep roads clear for the procession. Organisers said a large number of lorries, floats and support vehicles were expected to take part, and thanked the community for its support.

After the parade, the celebrations continued at Milford Waterfront, where visitors were able to enjoy live music, food and drink, stalls, a funfair, mini golf and family entertainment.

The Kids Activity Zone included Animal Cwtch, the Big Science Project, face painting, Maisie Moo Music, Mr Jon Jon Kids Entertainer, Buzzard Chris Bushcraft, The Bubbleologist, a magician and the new Round Table mascot bear.

There was also entertainment on the water, with a Svitzer tug display and Angle Lifeboat listed as part of the day’s programme.

Street food was also part of the waterfront line-up, with Junkyard Dogs and Market Street Burgers among those named in the official event listing.

The carnival was followed by a free after-party at the Lord Nelson Hotel, organised by Westpresents and The Lord Nelson Hotel in partnership with

TCW Productions. The event was due to run from 3pm to 11pm, with live performances, outdoor bars, a face painter and a large LED screen.

Milford Haven Carnival remains one of the town’s best-loved summer events, bringing together local families, volunteers, businesses, performers and community groups.

Saturday’s turnout showed the continued strength of support for the event, with residents turning out in numbers to celebrate a day that has become a key part of Milford Haven’s community calendar.

pics: Mike knight/herald

Additional ‘red bag’ just for soft plastics to be introduced

peMbrokeshIre is to introduce an additional separate kerbside waste collection service for soft plastics following a backing by senior councillors.

At the July 6 meeting of Pembrokeshire County Council’s Cabinet, members backed a recommendation to introduce a weekly kerbside soft plastics collection service for all households in Pembrokeshire, joining the existing recycling collections.

The service will enable the separate collection of soft plastic packaging such as carrier bags, food wrap, and plastic film alongside the council’s existing kerbside recycling system, in line with Welsh Government expectations, a report for members said.

Cabinet was asked to approve the scheme be implemented by the end of March 2027 and to procure the necessary materials and treatment arrangements to support delivery.

At present soft plastics are not included in the ‘core’ set of materials collected by Pembrokeshire County Council.

A report presented by Cabinet Member for Residents’ Services Cllr Rhys Sinnett said the four UK

governments have previously stated that “recyclable plastic film and flexible packaging is to be collected for recycling from both households and businesses across the UK by March 31, 2027”.

The Pembrokeshire proposal could generate approximately 419 tonnes of recyclable soft plastics a year.

Residents will be issued with an initial supply of red tie-handle bags (equivalent to 52 weeks’ supply), the same colour as the existing plastics and cans recycling bags; the proposed plastics bags collected on a weekly basis alongside existing kerbside recycling.

The additional plastics bags will be placed inside the existing red cans/ plastics bags for collection, Cabinet members heard.

In order to meet the Welsh Government’s target implementation deadline of March 31 of next year, it is proposed that bag distribution will take place from mid-February, with free additional bags available after the initial roll-out.

The report says, at present, the recycling costs for soft plastic is above the cost for the material to be sent to Energy from Waste, but it is anticipated that the cost difference will decrease over time, with all costs for rollout and recycling offset through Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) funding.

The report added: “The cost of implementation is expected to be lower than the long-term financial risk of non-compliance, including increased residual disposal costs (following the introduction of the Emissions Trading Scheme in 2028) and loss of EPR income.”

It was recommended to approve the introduction of the scheme, along with a procurement exercise for the supply of soft plastics collection bags and a supporting offtake arrangement for the treatment of collected materials, with an estimated contract value of £272,000.

Members heard from Cllr Sinnett the changes would improve recycling performance by some 0.7 per cent, adding that, although the figure sounded small, it would be “significant in terms of overall waste” collected, with “around half a black bag” per collection that could be included in the new red bags.

He said “doing nothing isn’t an option,” citing the reasons given in the report, adding there would be no additional costs to the council in adopting the scheme.

Hywel Dda rolls out new tool to help patients stay independent in hospital

HYWEL DDA university Health board is among the first in wales to introduce a new approach to spotting and preventing hospitalrelated decline in patients.

The Deconditioning Early Warning Indicator, known as DEWI, helps staff identify early signs that a patient may be losing strength, mobility or confidence during a hospital stay.

The aim is to make sure patients remain as active and independent as possible while receiving care, helping them return home at the same level of independence they had before admission, or even before they became unwell.

Deconditioning can develop quickly, even during a short stay in hospital, and can affect a patient’s physical, mental and emotional wellbeing.

The DEWI tool uses a structured set of indicators to build a picture of each patient’s abilities and to highlight any changes at an early stage. This allows staff to put timely support in place, including help with movement, nutrition, hydration and confidence.

Developed by NHS Wales Performance and Improvement, the tool has been tested across a number of health boards and was formally launched in November 2025. It is now being rolled out across Hywel Dda hospital sites.

More than 650 patients have already been supported using the DEWI tool during their hospital stay, with early indications showing positive trends in maintaining or improving function during admission.

Sharon Daniel, Executive Director of Nursing, Quality and Patient Experience, said: “We recognise that deconditioning can cause significant harm to our patients, often developing quickly and impacting independence and recovery during a hospital stay.

“It is therefore highly encouraging to see the Health Board leading the way in embedding the DEWI tool, alongside the development of a complementary Action Bundle which helps patients to stay active and independent.”

Across Hywel Dda, ward teams are now building the tool into everyday care. This includes the use of visual information boards and activities designed to encourage patients to remain active, engaged and independent.

Estelle Williams, Sister on the Acute Frailty Unit at Withybush General Hospital, said the tool was already helping staff focus on practical steps.

She said: “From a ward perspective, the DEWI tool has been

really useful in helping our staff think about deconditioning as part of everyday care.

“It keeps things simple and focuses on practical actions we can take, like supporting patients to stay mobile, encouraging independence and paying attention to nutrition and hydration.

“It also fits nicely alongside the initiatives we already have in place, including the use of fortified milkshakes, bringing everything together in a more joined-up way.”

James Severs, Executive Director of Allied Health Professions and Health Science, said preventing deconditioning was central to improving outcomes for patients.

He said: “Preventing deconditioning is fundamental to improving patient outcomes and reducing the long-term impact of illness.

“This work highlights the vital role all ward staff have in keeping people active, supporting recovery and maintaining independence throughout their hospital stay.

“By identifying risks early and intervening promptly, we are helping patients recover faster and return home with greater confidence.”

The Health Board said future phases will focus on further developing the DEWI tool and embedding it as part of standard care before, during and after hospital admission.

Council confirms 4,662 second homes but says enforcement results ‘not recorded’

peMbrokeshIre CounTy

CounCIl raised more than £12m from second-home council tax premiums last year, but says it does not record how many additional properties have been uncovered through compliance or enforcement work.

undeclared second homes or holiday lets.

In response, Pembrokeshire County Council said: “All reasonable steps are taken to ensure second homes are accurately identified.

“If accounts are identified as evading or having evaded the premium through data analysis, records are corrected. This is applied not only going forward but also retrospectively.”

The council added that where circumstances are unclear, its “default position” is to apply the second-home premium.

It said: “The customer then has the opportunity to provide evidence to the contrary if they feel this decision is incorrect. Ultimately an appeal to the Valuation Tribunal can be made.”

Asked whether it cross-references information from short-term holiday letting platforms, planning records, electoral roll data, business rates or other sources, the council said: “All available avenues are used to confirm the accuracy of data held.”

The figures, released under the Freedom of Information Act, show that 4,662 properties were registered as second homes in Pembrokeshire as of June 1, 2026.

Of those, 3,798 were liable for the second-home premium.

The council confirmed that the debit raised from second-home premiums in 2025/26, including police and town and community council precepts, was £12.035m.

But when asked whether any additional second homes or holiday lets had been identified following compliance or enforcement activity in the last 12 months, and what extra revenue had been recovered, the authority replied: “Information not recorded.”

The answer is likely to raise questions over how effectively the council is measuring the success of its checks at a time when second homes remain one of the most contentious issues in Pembrokeshire.

The county has some of the most desirable coastal communities in Wales, but many local people say they are increasingly priced out of the places where they grew up.

Second-home premiums were introduced to help address the impact of empty and periodically occupied properties, while also raising funds for local services.

However, the Herald asked the council whether it was confident it was identifying all properties liable for the premium, and what checks were being used to spot potentially

But the authority did not provide a breakdown of what those checks involve, and did not hold figures showing how many properties had been identified through compliance activity.

The council also confirmed that the number of second homes in Pembrokeshire has increased since the second-home premium was introduced.

Questions about whether current legislation gives councils sufficient powers to identify and enforce second-home premium liability were refused on the grounds that they did not amount to a valid FOI request for recorded information.

The council also declined to give a broader view on the impact the premium is having on housing availability, local communities and council finances, saying this would require it to create new information or give an opinion or judgement not already recorded.

The figures show the scale of the issue facing Pembrokeshire.

Nearly 4,700 properties are now registered as second homes in the county, and the premium has become a major source of council tax income.

But the council’s admission that enforcement outcomes are not recorded leaves a key question unanswered: how many second homes are still slipping through the net?

For residents struggling to buy or rent in their own communities, and for those paying the premium on declared second homes, that question is unlikely to go away.

Pembroke male voice choir enjoys busy summer concert week

peMbroke and district Male Voice Choir has continued its summer season with three concerts in six days across its home communities.

The choir first performed at the Armed Forces service held at Pembroke Dock Heritage Centre on Saturday, June 27, under the direction of Deputy Musical Director Ian Williams.

The following Tuesday, the choristers were welcomed to St John’s Church, Pembroke Dock, by the Vicar, the Rev Alex Grace. On Friday, July 3, they performed at Monkton Priory Church, Pembroke, where the evening was introduced by the Rev Heidi de Gruchy.

Musical Director Juliet Rossiter selected a similar programme for both church concerts, with Bev Davies making her debut as accompanist at all three performances.

The programme included Working Man, with solo parts performed by long-serving baritone Ron Rees, along with two numbers from The Cheeky Boys, a group of ten singers drawn from the choir’s four sections.

The church concerts also marked the first local appearance of the choir’s newest recruit, first tenor Paul Williams, who was introduced to the audience as “Uncle Paul” by MC Matthew John, his nephew.

Cadw

unveils

Also performing locally for the first time were first tenor Paul Owen and bass Martin Harries, although both

had taken part in the choir’s recent tour of Ireland. Martin is the son of the late Frank Harries, who is fondly remembered as a chorister of more than 60 years.

Thanks were extended to the

church ladies for the excellent refreshments provided after the concerts.

The choir’s next male voice concert will be held at Cresswell Quay, Cresselly, on Friday evening, July 17.

more than 70 family events across Wales for the summer holidays

faMIlIes across wales are being invited to step back in time this summer as Cadw launches a packed programme of more than 70 events at castles, abbeys and historic landmarks during the school holidays.

The programme, running throughout July and August, includes medieval festivals, living history weekends, archaeology sessions, storytelling, craft workshops and hands-on activities designed to bring Welsh history to life for visitors of all ages.

Several events are taking place in West Wales, including living history demonstrations at Laugharne Castle, medieval knight activities at Kidwelly Castle, and archaeology experiences

for young historians at Strata Florida Abbey.

Dr Kate Roberts, Chief Executive of Cadw, said: “Summer is the perfect time for families to step outside and explore Wales’ incredible heritage, and our events programme makes those visits even more memorable.

“Whether it’s stepping into the shoes of medieval characters, discovering ancient traditions or simply spending time together in remarkable settings, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Plus, with free child entry for adult members, it’s a fantastic way to make lasting memories over the school holidays.”

At Laugharne Castle, Historic Echoes will take place on Saturday,

August 1 and Sunday, August 2, from 11am to 4pm. Visitors will be able to step into the early 15th century, discover how castles were attacked and defended, handle replica weapons and armour, and learn about medieval medicine through expert demonstrations.

Kidwelly Castle will host Hysterical History on Saturday, August 1 and Sunday, August 2, from 11am to 4pm. The interactive event will give visitors the chance to explore the skills, training and traditions of medieval knighthood through hands-on activities with Sir Roland De Preaux.

At Strata Florida Abbey, a Children’s Activity Day will be held on Thursday, August 13, from 10am to noon. Online pre-booking is essential. Young historians will be able to take part in hands-on archaeology experiences while learning about the lives of the Cistercian monks and the medieval abbey’s wider landscape.

Other Welsh highlights include the Medieval Festival at Beaumaris Castle over the August bank holiday weekend, featuring knights, lords and ladies, musicians, jesters, combat demonstrations and family entertainment.

Caerphilly Castle will host Go Wild from Saturday, August 29 to Monday, August 31, with nature-themed quests and craft activities inspired by the natural world.

At Castell Coch, visitors can take part in A Victorian Excavation on Wednesday, July 29 and Thursday, July 30, where families can uncover medieval artefacts and learn about archaeological techniques.

Conwy Castle will host Conwy Medieval Magic every Wednesday between July 22 and August 19, with live performances, Welsh mythinspired storytelling, crafts and interactive workshops.

Cadw is also offering guided tours at a number of sites throughout the summer, including Castell Oxwich, Castell Cilgerran, Bryn Celli Ddu, Segontium Roman Fort, Rug Chapel, Castell Cricieth and Hafoty Medieval House. Pre-booking is required for these tours.

Cadw membership offers free entry to events and unlimited access to more than 130 historic places across Wales. Children go free with adult memberships.

More information and tickets are available from the Cadw website.

British Empire Medal ceremony held at County Hall

an InspIraTIonal Pembrokeshire woman has been presented with the british empire Medal at a special ceremony at

County Hall.

His Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant of Dyfed, Miss Sara Edwards, presented the BEM to Mrs Lynne McCutcheon during the ceremony, which was held in the Council Chamber on June 22.

Mrs McCutcheon received the honour for services to disadvantaged children in Nepal and India.

The British Empire Medal is awarded for meritorious civil or military service worthy of recognition by the Crown. It recognises sustained local contribution, or innovative and high-impact work within a community.

Mrs McCutcheon was honoured in

recognition of her 22 years as funding trustee and chairman of New Futures Nepal, through which she has helped transform the lives of disadvantaged children, many of them living with disabilities.

Her voluntary leadership has supported care, education and opportunities for vulnerable young people, helping to create lasting change and improve thousands of lives.

Mrs McCutcheon said: “I am deeply honoured to receive this award, but it really reflects the efforts of many people.

“My heartfelt thanks go to fellow trustees, partner charities in Nepal and India, and all the donors, volunteers, friends and family whose support has made our work possible.

“I accept this recognition on behalf of everyone who has trusted us to change lives and bring hope to those most in need in Nepal.”

Mrs McCutcheon was joined at the ceremony by family and friends, along with Council Chairman Cllr Delme Harries.

Miss Edwards said: “It was both an enormous privilege and a huge pleasure to present Pembrokeshire resident Mrs Lynne McCutcheon with her British Empire Medal for her many years of commitment to helping disadvantaged children and young people in Nepal.

“Her dedication to supporting and improving the lives of these young people, ensuring that they all have better futures in Nepal, is truly inspirational. I warmly congratulate her on her very deserved honour.”

Assisting the Lord-Lieutenant during the ceremony was Pembrokeshire Lord-Lieutenant Cadet Aeron James.

Social care system in Wales ‘putting older people at risk’, commissioner warns

OLDER people in Wales are being let down by a fragmented social care system which is putting their wellbeing, quality of life and independence at risk, according to the Older People’s Commissioner for Wales.

Rhian Bowen-Davies said the reality of many people’s experiences appears to be falling short of the ambitions set out in Welsh policy and legislation.

New research carried out on behalf of the Commissioner found that older people and their families are often left dealing with poor communication, delays, duplication and a lack of coordination between services.

The findings are based on the experiences of 268 people from across Wales, including older people receiving social care and family members or friends who often provide significant unpaid care and support.

Participants were asked about key standards relating to social care in Wales, including the quality of support provided by local authorities. Some also took part in detailed interviews to explain their experiences further.

The Commissioner said many people valued the work of care and support staff, but warned that the wider system was leaving too many older people and their loved ones under unacceptable pressure.

Rhian Bowen-Davies said: “Social care plays a crucial role in the lives of tens of thousands of older people across Wales, offering invaluable support that should enable individuals to live safely and independently, and have the best possible quality of life.

“But issues and concerns about social care are frequently raised with me, both through my Advice and Assistance Service and at community engagement events, which indicate that in many cases people’s experiences seem to be falling short of what they might expect based on the policy and legislation we have here in Wales.

“That’s why I wanted to explore the day-to-day realities of older people’s experiences in more detail in order to determine where action and improvements might be needed, and I’d like to thank everyone who responded.”

The research highlights a number of common problems, including gaps in information and communication, delays in receiving support, repeated assessments, and a lack of joined-up working between services.

It also points to the heavy demands placed on unpaid carers and family members, some of whom described supporting their loved ones as a “continual battle”.

The Commissioner said the findings raise serious questions about whether older people’s voices are being properly heard when local authorities assess and report on the quality of social care services.

Only a small number of annual reports reviewed as part of the research included direct feedback from older people about their experiences.

Ms Bowen-Davies said: “The

from older people about their direct experiences.

“This raises questions about the extent to which these are informed by those who use services, and whether they provide a sufficiently robust picture of the quality of services.”

The Commissioner has shared the findings with organisations responsible for social care in Wales, including the Welsh Government, local authorities, health boards and Regional Partnership Boards.

She said she wants to see decisive action in areas where improvements can be made without waiting for major long-term reform of the social care system.

Ms Bowen-Davies added: “I have shared my findings with key organisations with responsibilities for social care in Wales, setting out a number of areas where decisive action would deliver significant improvements without the need for large-scale, long-term social care reform.

research indicates that older people’s voices are often not reflected in assessments or reporting on the quality of social care services by local authorities, with only a handful of annual reports including feedback

“I will also continue to ensure that the voices of older people receiving social care are heard, alongside scrutinising the action and decisions taken in response to my findings, to drive positive change across Wales.”

St Davids RNLI honours Dai John after 40 years of lifesaving service

sT davIds rnlI has paid tribute to Dai John after an extraordinary 40 years of dedicated service to the lifeboat station and the wider community.

Dai joined the crew in 1986, continuing a proud family tradition. His father served as coxswain at St Davids, while his grandfather was also a member of the crew.

Over the past four decades, Dai has been involved in countless rescues and emergency launches, serving as coxswain for 16 years and helping to save lives in some of the most challenging conditions off the Pembrokeshire coast.

Among the many incidents remembered by the station are the 14hour rescue of the trawler Western Belle and her five crew during a night of rough seas and gale-force winds, and the dramatic rescue of three fishermen from the burning Yves Marie Amil near South Bishop Lighthouse in 2004.

Reflecting on his 40 years of service, Dai thanked current and former crew members for their friendship, support and dedication. He also extended his thanks to RNLI fundraisers, supporters, neighbouring lifeboat crews and the emergency services he has worked alongside throughout his time with the charity.

Although his time at St Davids RNLI has now come to an end, Dai hopes to continue serving the charity by transferring to Penarth Lifeboat Station as a Launch Authority and shore crew member.

In a statement, St Davids RNLI said: “From everyone at St Davids RNLI, thank you, Dai, for 40 years of selfless service, dedication and friendship. We wish you every success in your next chapter and fair winds for the future.”

Dai also recalls his very first launch, which was to a crashed jet while serving aboard the old wooden lifeboat Ruby and Arthur Reed. His service also included major incidents such as the Sea Empress disaster, as well as many other rescues which have left a lasting impression on him and his fellow crew members. His contribution to St Davids RNLI has extended far beyond emergency call-outs. Dai was coxswain during the construction of the new lifeboat station, welcomed the arrival of the Norah Wortley lifeboat to St Davids, and helped mark the station’s 150th anniversary in 2019.

Pembrokeshire couple celebrate £1m Lotto win with plans for ‘a big M&S shop’

a MarrIed couple from Pembrokeshire are celebrating after winning £1 million on The National Lottery’s Lotto game. The couple, who are in their seventies and have played Lotto for many years, matched five main numbers and the bonus ball in the draw on wednesday, May 6, 2026.

Their winning ticket came from a free Lucky Dip, which they had received after winning an entry in a previous draw.

The couple said the life-changing win would allow them to support their family and enjoy a few treats of their own, including doing the M&S shop with “a trolley, not just a basket”.

Speaking after the win, they said: “It’s lovely to know that our family will always have financial security.”

Andy Carter, Senior Winners’ Advisor at Allwyn, operator of The National Lottery, congratulated the Pembrokeshire couple.

He said: “Congratulations to our lucky couple on their million-pound win. It’s always so heart-warming to see winners so generously helping their families after they win, so enjoy your big M&S shop – you’ve earned it!”

The win comes as Lotto has recently undergone changes designed to create more winners and more millionaires.

Since June 10, the game has given players two chances to win from a single £2 line under a new two-round format. The changes are expected to

improve the odds of winning any prize from 1-in-9.3 to 1-in-4.9, and more than double the number of Lotto millionaires from around 140 a year to around 345. National Lottery players also help raise around £33 million each week for good causes across the UK. Since The National Lottery launched in 1994, more than £53 billion has been raised, helping to fund hundreds of thousands of projects in communities across the country.

Players can buy and check tickets online via The National Lottery app or website, or in retail stores. Tickets bought online are checked automatically, while retail tickets can be scanned using the app.

Players must be aged 18 or over.

Visitors laugh, reminisce and shed a tear at Cardigan exhibition

a unIQue exhibition at oriel Cardi bach in Cardigan is bringing back memories, laughter and unexpected emotion, as visitors are invited to step inside the aftermath of a typical 1970s working-class party.

Narrative artist and storyteller Sue Dewhurst has transformed part of the gallery into an immersive experience where people are encouraged to do far more than simply look at paintings.

Visitors can scan QR codes to hear playlists inspired by each character, smell the perfumes and aftershaves of the era, browse shopping lists and handwritten notes, discover favourite recipes, and even add their own memories to Menna’s Teapot.

Sue said: “It’s lovely watching people realise they’re allowed to interact. Once they start exploring the boxes and reading the stories, conversations begin.

“Suddenly they’re telling me about their auntie, their neighbour, or someone they’d completely forgotten until that moment.”

The exhibition celebrates the humour, resilience and quiet dignity of ordinary working-class lives, drawing inspiration from people and memories from Northern Britain and rural West Wales.

What begins as a smile at the characters often becomes something deeper, as visitors recognise fragments of their own families, streets and childhoods in the stories.

One visitor described the exhibition as so moving that she joked she “needed therapy” afterwards. Many others have already left their own memories in

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Menna’s Teapot, creating a growing collection of local stories alongside the artwork.

From the Outside Looking In brings together several connected bodies of work.

A Bit of a Do revisits the colourful characters Sue observed at family weddings and parties as a child, complete with a ceramic buffet featuring sad sausage rolls and a half-eaten cheese and pineapple hedgehog.

The Chapel Girls explores how modern rituals have replaced traditional worship, as glamorous women hurry past chapels on their way to bottomless brunches, bingo, shopping trips and pamper sessions.

Ghost Town reflects on the bittersweet experience of returning to your hometown, only to discover that it has moved on without you.

The exhibition is completed by Sue’s new Cardigan Bay series, in which she explores the area’s rich maritime heritage through the eyes of an affectionate outsider.

Sue hopes visitors will leave having laughed first, then remembered someone they thought had been forgotten.

From the Outside Looking In continues at Oriel Cardi Bach on Cardigan High Street, next to The Hive Ice Cream Parlour, until July 30.

Visitors are invited to slow down, explore the stories and perhaps leave one of their own.

The £264bn climaTe gamble hiding in plain sighT

a governMenT looking for money does not usually have to search very far. It can start with the expensive mistakes already sitting on the books.

Carbon capture and storage, known as CCS, is one of them.

On paper, it sounds like a neat answer to the climate crisis. Carry on burning fossil fuels, capture the carbon dioxide before it reaches the atmosphere, pipe it away and bury it underground. The public gets reassured. The energy industry gets to keep its business model. Ministers get to claim they are being practical.

The problem is that the numbers, and the record so far, tell a very different story.

The UK Government has promoted a £21.7bn carbon capture programme stretching to 2050. That figure is large enough on its own. But climate analysts Dr Andrew Boswell and Simon Oldridge have examined the wider data used by the Climate Change Committee and argue the full cost of the programme could reach £264bn by 2050.

That is not a rounding error. That is more than a quarter of a trillion pounds.

Some of that cost would fall directly on government. Much of the rest would be pushed onto consumers through energy bills. The House of Commons Public Accounts Committee has already warned that the public is being asked to carry considerable risk for technologies which remain expensive, complex and, in many cases, unproven at the scale required.

This matters in places like Pembrokeshire and across West Wales, where households and small businesses already feel every increase in energy costs. Climate policy cannot be judged only by whether it produces impressive press releases. It has to pass a simpler test: does it cut emissions, protect the public and reduce long-term costs?

On CCS, the answer is far from convincing.

Supporters say carbon capture is essential for industries where emissions are hard to avoid, such as cement, chemicals and some heavy manufacturing. There may be a limited role there. Nobody serious about

climate policy should pretend every industrial process can be cleaned up overnight.

But that is not where the bulk of the planned programme appears to be heading. Much of the proposed CCS build-out is linked to fossil gas power stations, biomass plants and hydrogen made from fossil gas. In other words, it risks becoming a lifeline for continued fossil fuel use rather than a genuine route away from it.

That is the central problem. CCS is being sold as a bridge to a cleaner future, but it may end up extending the life of the very system we need to leave behind.

The argument becomes even weaker when you look at alternatives. Renewable energy is getting cheaper. Battery storage is advancing quickly. Grid management is improving. Green hydrogen, made using renewable electricity, is expected to become far more competitive than hydrogen made from fossil gas with carbon capture.

So why spend vast sums building infrastructure that depends on continued gas use?

The answer may be less about

climate science and more about lobbying.

Oil and gas companies have a direct interest in CCS. It offers them a way to argue that fossil fuels can remain part of the system for decades. If carbon can supposedly be captured and stored, then new gas power stations, new gas production and new gas-linked hydrogen schemes can be presented as “low carbon”.

That is convenient. It is also dangerous.

The UK has already seen several carbon capture projects collapse or stall after costs rose and practical difficulties mounted. The Public Accounts Committee has described the Government’s approach as high risk. That should concern every taxpayer and every bill payer.

There is another issue too. More gas use means greater reliance on imported liquefied natural gas. LNG carries heavy emissions before it even reaches Britain, particularly because of methane leaks during production and transport. Those emissions may not show up neatly in the UK’s domestic carbon accounts, but the atmosphere

does not care where the pollution was measured.

Climate change is not fooled by accounting tricks.

If the aim is to cut emissions, the priority should be clear. Use less fossil fuel. Build more renewables. Invest in storage, insulation, grid upgrades and clean industrial processes. Support households and businesses to reduce energy demand. Put public money into technologies that move us away from oil and gas, not ones that keep us tied to them.

There may be a narrow place for carbon capture in genuinely hard-toabate sectors. But that is very different from turning it into a vast, publicly backed rescue package for fossil fuel infrastructure.

The public deserves honesty. If ministers believe CCS is worth hundreds of billions of pounds, they should say clearly who will pay, how much will land on household bills, what emissions will actually be cut, and what cheaper alternatives have been rejected.

They should also explain why the same level of urgency and funding is not being directed at energy efficiency, home insulation, community renewables and storage technologies that would reduce bills as well as emissions.

For years, carbon capture has been treated as a get-out-of-jail-free card. It allows politicians to promise climate action without confronting fossil fuel dependence. It allows energy giants to talk about transition while protecting their old business. It allows difficult choices to be delayed.

But delay has a cost. So does wishful thinking.

A £264bn gamble on carbon capture would be one of the most expensive climate bets in British history. If it fails, the public pays twice: once through taxes and bills, and again through the worsening effects of climate change.

The smarter course is not complicated. Stop using public money to prolong the fossil fuel era. Spend it instead on the clean energy system we already know we need.

That would cut emissions. It would lower bills. And it would be a far better use of a quarter of a trillion pounds.

BADGER AND FARAGE’S LOAD OF OLD RUBBISH

BADGER got halfway through writing a column which said something nice about Reform in the Senedd. Then Nigel Farage decided to hog the news for reasons unrelated to his inability to lie straight in bed.

Oh well, readers. Badger takes it as a salutary lesson. Never find something sensible that a Reform politician does until you’ve checked that Nigel Farage is not going to demonstrate what a total arse he is.

Faced with two investigations by the Parliamentary Commissioner for Standards, one relating to his undeclared property holdings, the other to an undeclared £5m “gift” for purposes Nigel can’t get straight in his head, and with another potential banana skin regarding his relationship with a convicted fraudster and an undeclared rentfree apartment overlooking The Mall, Monsieur Farage has decided to prove his innocence by resigning his seat and forcing a by-election.

A by-election costs between £250,000 and £400,000 to organise. Taxpayers pay for that. You and yours will pay for Nigel’s need for publicity.

The public-school-educated millionaire career politician, who once worked as a commodities broker in the City of London before discovering a more rewarding grift, described his resignation as “sticking two fingers up to the establishment”. Badger finds the idea of Nigel Farage wandering the streets of Clacton-on-Sea sticking two fingers up at his reflection in shop windows, rather tragic. Of course, that might not happen. First, Reform’s owner and leader will have to find his constituency.

Other commentators have suggested that Farage’s resignation is an act of political folly. Less generous ones have claimed the Reform UK leader’s decision is a desperate effort to obscure the amount of shit he is potentially in about the way his personal affairs intersect with his parliamentary obligations. Far fewer others have stepped forward (eg., The Daily Telegraph, Daily Mail and assorted online loons) to suggest

that Mr Farage’s desire to accept the office of the Manor of Northstead is a principled stand against a conspiracy to undermine him by self-righteous prodnoses who have no business wondering whether the Reform leader’s fondness for crypto currencies has anything to do with the sources of his recent increased wealth.

Badger disagrees with all of those analyses.

Consequential though his presence in national politics has been, Nigel Farage is a deeply unserious politician. He cosplays as a plain-talking, hard-drinking, fag-smoking man of the people. He adopts the manner of a legate of the poor and left behind while living the life of Riley, high on the hog and rubbing shoulders with the hangerson of dictators, plutocrats, and their shills. It’s all a pose, readers. Everything about Nigel Farage is a thin veneer of pretence overlaid on a reality of funny money, dodgy gifts, and dubious contacts. He’s a spiv with a silver spoon in his mouth. As far as politics goes, he’s as real as the knock-offs Delboy Trotter sold out of the back of a Robin Reliant.

Badger is reminded of a line from a Wallace Stevens poem:

Let be be finale of seem.

The only emperor is the emperor of ice cream.

It is, at least to Badger’s mind, clear. Nigel Farage is an unserious politician. He is unused to being challenged (and occasionally walks out when he is, see UKIP). He treats his political activities as an opportunity for personal enrichment. He can’t get the lies he tells in the moment to run consistently with those he’s uttered in the past (What was that £5m for? Nigel Farage has said different things at different times).

Nigel Farage isn’t running to stick two fingers up at the establishment. He’s forced a by-election in a fit of pique after getting narked by pointy questions he’s OBLIGED to answer because he is obliged to follow the same rules as other MPs.

Nigel Farage is performatively outraged by many things. What really outrages him is the idea that rules exist and that he is obliged to follow them.

Farage has a long record of playing fast and loose with parliamentary rules, both in

Strasbourg and in Westminster. He was caught out for misusing his MEP expenses. Since his election in 2024, he has been hauled up for making late declarations of his income from extra-parliamentary activities and outside interests on at least 17 occasions. There’s also the mystery of how his current domestic partner managed to pay cash for a rather nice house when she has no independent means or family money to fall back on.

If any other politician, Labour, Conservative, Green, LibDem or Monster Raving Loony, conducted their affairs in the same way as him, Nigel Farage would be bouncing up and down demanding their head on a pike. Evil Kermit would make sure that his semi-sozzled chums with more tattoos than brain cells would spew their outrage at such perfidy through countless acts of slander and malice. Meanwhile, his friends on the lunatic fringe of journalism (eg The Daily Telegraph and Daily Mail) would start going through politicians’ bins and social media (the same thing, really) to heap more opprobrium on top of Farage’s pretended indignation.

Think about this, please, readers. If “they’re all the same” and “they’re all up to it”, does that excuse Nigel Farage from being the same as “them”? Put it another way: how double are your double standards if you think it does?

As it happens, there are now two other candidates who propose standing against Nigel Farage. Former actor Laurence Fox is standing for Reclaim. Count Binface (alias Jon Harvey. And, no, not that one!) will also stand. Discounting the comedy candidates, Count Binface is the only sane choice for Clacton’s voters. Especially as, if Nigel Farage is returned to Westminster, a further by-election could soon be necessary if the Standards Commissioner throws the book at him.

One of Badger’s friends suggested that Count Binface isn’t a real Count. To which Badger responded that it was better to have a phoney count as an MP than a phoney MP who’s not quite a count himself.

Crymych Arms to host weekend of local music, food and drink

a CoMMunITy-owned pub in north Pembrokeshire is set to welcome visitors for a weekend celebrating local music, food and drink, with all proceeds from voluntary donations supporting charity.

The Crymych Arms will stage its annual free-entry festival on Friday, July 10, and Saturday, July 11, transforming the pub’s car park into an outdoor entertainment space complete with performance areas, seating, outside bars and food stalls.

Organised by the pub’s volunteers and committee, the event will showcase a line-up of local musicians alongside Pembrokeshire and Welsh beers, craft gins and street food. While admission is free, organisers will be collecting donations throughout the weekend in aid of Motor Neurone Disease (MND) charities.

Music gets underway at 5.30pm on Friday with Chris Kelly, followed by the Tom Collins Band Duo at 7.30pm and Rosanna at 9.00pm.

Saturday’s programme begins at 2.00pm with Alex English before performances from Hari Harmonies, Gwen Fel ‘Na Mai, Garfield, The Collective, and Tin Man Revolution, who take to the stage at 9.00pm.

Visitors are encouraged to bring folding chairs, although seating will also be available on site.

A selection of street food will be served from outdoor counters throughout the event, while outside bars and gin trailers will offer a range of

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locally produced drinks.

The Crymych Arms reopened in 2023 after being purchased by the local community through a share offer that attracted investment from 285 people.

The former village pub underwent a

major refurbishment before reopening as a community-owned social enterprise and now also serves as the clubhouse for Crymych Football Club. The venue has since become a

focal point for community events, with the annual music weekend highlighting local performers and producers while raising money for good causes.

gaming

assassIn’s Creed black Flag Resynced is exactly the kind of remake fans have been hoping for. Rather than simply giving the 2013 classic a fresh coat of paint, ubisoft has rebuilt one of the most beloved entries in the series from the ground up while preserving everything that made it such a memorable adventure. The result is a game that feels familiar yet modern, delivering the same swashbuckling pirate fantasy with visuals, gameplay mechanics and technical improvements that finally allow Edward kenway’s journey to shine on current hardware.

The first thing that immediately stands out is just how stunning the Caribbean has become. Crystal-clear turquoise waters stretch endlessly towards lush tropical islands, bustling colonial settlements feel more alive than ever, and dense jungles are packed with environmental detail that simply wasn’t possible over a decade ago. Dynamic weather transforms the seas from calm and inviting to violent storms that make every naval battle even more dramatic, while improved lighting and ray tracing create breathtaking sunsets and moonlit oceans that constantly remind you why Black Flag has always been regarded as one of the most beautiful games in the franchise.

Performance across PS5, Xbox Series X and PC is excellent, with smooth frame rates making both exploration and combat feel more responsive

than ever before. Loading times have been virtually eliminated, allowing you to seamlessly sail between islands without breaking immersion, while modern hardware finally lets the world feel as expansive and uninterrupted as it always deserved to be. The DualSense controller on PS5 also adds another layer of immersion, with subtle haptic feedback and adaptive triggers making everything from climbing rigging to firing the Jackdaw’s cannons feel satisfyingly tactile.

Combat has received some of the most meaningful improvements. The original’s flashy but often simplistic counter-based system has been refined into something more engaging, requiring better timing, positioning and awareness while still allowing Edward to look every bit the deadly pirate assassin. Sword fights flow naturally, enemy encounters offer greater variety and stealth mechanics have been modernised without sacrificing the freedom that made the original so enjoyable. Whether you’re silently clearing an enemy fort or charging into battle with pistols blazing, the gameplay feels smoother and more rewarding throughout.

Of course, Black Flag has always been about more than assassinations. Sailing the Jackdaw remains the true star of the experience, and naval combat is every bit as addictive today as it was back in 2013. Broadside cannon duels, boarding enemy ships and upgrading your vessel continue to provide one of

gaming’s finest pirate fantasies. Improved water simulation, enhanced ship physics and more dynamic environmental effects make every voyage feel spectacular, whether you’re peacefully exploring hidden coves or desperately fighting through towering waves during a tropical storm.

Edward Kenway remains one of Assassin’s Creed’s greatest protagonists because he doesn’t begin as a hero. He’s selfish, ambitious and driven by personal gain, making his gradual transformation into someone who truly understands responsibility and sacrifice far more satisfying than many of the series’ more traditional heroes. His supporting cast is equally memorable, filled with legendary pirates whose personalities bring warmth, humour and tragedy to the adventure. Their stories still carry genuine emotional weight, and the updated presentation only strengthens those moments.

Exploration continues to be one of the game’s biggest strengths. Hidden caves, underwater shipwrecks, mysterious islands and countless side activities constantly tempt you away from the main story. Hunting wildlife, discovering buried treasure, collecting sea shanties and hunting legendary ships all provide meaningful distractions that rarely feel like filler. The world rewards curiosity in a way few open-world games manage, making every journey across the Caribbean feel worthwhile.

Disney’s live-action adaptation of Moana arrives with the daunting task of reimagining one of the studio’s most beloved modern animated classics, and while it never quite captures the effortless charm and vibrant energy of the original in every moment, it still delivers an entertaining, visually spectacular adventure that celebrates Polynesian culture, family, courage, and self-discovery. Rather than attempting a scene-for-scene recreation, the film expands certain character moments and emotional beats, allowing the story to breathe in new ways while remaining faithful to the heart of Moana’s journey.

The film’s greatest strength is undoubtedly its breathtaking visual presentation. The sweeping ocean vistas, lush tropical islands, and beautifully realised practical environments blend seamlessly with cuttingedge visual effects, creating a world that feels both magical and grounded. The ocean itself once again becomes a character in its own right, playful, mysterious, and emotionally expressive without losing its sense of wonder. The mythical creatures and largerthan-life set pieces are brought to life with impressive detail, making this one of Disney’s most visually ambitious liveaction productions to date.

The performances help anchor the spectacle with genuine emotion. The actress portraying Moana brings warmth, determination, and quiet confidence to the role, successfully capturing the character’s inner conflict between duty to her family and the irresistible pull of the sea. Her performance never feels like an imitation of the animated version, instead finding its own balance between vulnerability and fearless leadership. Dwayne Johnson slips comfortably back into the role of Maui, bringing his trademark charisma, humour, and commanding screen presence. While some of the exaggerated comedy naturally feels more restrained in live action, his chemistry with Moana remains one of the film’s biggest highlights, evolving from reluctant allies to trusted friends in a believable and heartfelt way.

The musical numbers are handled with care, offering fresh arrangements while respecting the songs that audiences have come to love. Some numbers soar thanks to the emotional commitment of the cast and the grandeur of the cinematography, while others inevitably lose a little of the animated original’s playful freedom. Even so, the soundtrack remains emotionally engaging, and the

music continues to reinforce the film’s themes of identity, heritage, and finding one’s own path.

One of the adaptation’s strongest qualities is its willingness to spend more time exploring Moana’s relationship with her family and her responsibilities as the future leader of her people. These quieter scenes provide greater emotional depth and make her eventual journey feel even more meaningful. The story’s emphasis on respecting nature, preserving tradition, and embracing change resonates just as strongly today, giving the adventure an emotional core that extends beyond its fantasy elements.

Not every aspect translates perfectly into live action. Certain moments that felt effortlessly whimsical in animation can appear slightly awkward when recreated with real actors and photorealistic visual effects. A handful of comedic sequences lack the same spontaneity, and some supporting characters are given less opportunity to leave a lasting impression. The pacing also occasionally slows during the expanded dramatic scenes, particularly in the middle act, although the narrative quickly regains momentum as it builds toward its emotionally satisfying conclusion.

Tech and Taff

Age checks, porn sites and the £630,000 lesson

THERE are some sentences you never expect to write in a respectable newspaper, and “Ofcom has fined the operator of fapello £630,000” is very much one of them.

But there we are, butt. Modern Britain.

The regulator has slapped the company behind the pornography site with a hefty penalty after it failed to put in proper age checks for UK users. Since July 2025, sites carrying adult content have had to use what Ofcom calls “highly effective” age assurance to make sure visitors are over 18.

In plain English, that means the old “click here if you are 18” button is no longer enough.

And quite right too.

For years, the internet has worked on a ridiculous honour system. A child could get past adult content warnings with the same level of scrutiny required to say “yes” to cookies or confirm they had read a 47page privacy policy. Everyone knew it was nonsense. The only surprise is how long it took regulators to say so properly.

Ofcom says Fapello had not introduced age checks and then failed to respond to requests for information on time. That earned the company a £600,000 fine, plus another £30,000 for not playing ball with the regulator.

That is not a parking ticket. That is Ofcom turning up with a clipboard, a stern look, and a bill big enough to ruin the week.

The important point here is that the age check rules are no longer theoretical. They are being enforced. Other adult site operators have also been fined in recent months, including penalties of £600,000 and £1.35m. Ofcom is clearly trying to send a message to

the industry: if you want UK users, you follow UK rules.

That is the easy bit.

The more difficult question is how these checks should work without turning the internet into a surveillance machine.

Ofcom says sites can use methods such as credit card checks, photo ID matching, or age estimation using a selfie. That may sound sensible, but it also raises obvious questions.

Who holds the data? How securely is it stored? Could it be leaked? Could people be tracked across sites? And will nervous adults simply avoid legal services and end up using darker, less regulated corners of the web?

That is the uncomfortable balance, boyo.

Protecting children online matters. Any parent, teacher, police officer or youth worker will tell you that easy access to extreme adult content has done damage. It shapes attitudes, relationships and expectations long before young people are

mature enough to understand what they are seeing.

But privacy matters too. Adults using legal websites should not have to hand over sensitive identity details to every operator with a payment processor and a promise that “your data is safe with us.” We have all heard that one before, usually shortly before an email arrives saying the company has suffered a “cyber incident”.

The best systems will be the ones that prove age without revealing more than necessary. The technology exists. The question is whether the industry will use it properly, and whether Ofcom can keep up with companies that may be based overseas, unresponsive, or happy to block UK visitors rather than comply.

This is the wider problem with online regulation. Passing the law is one thing. Enforcing it on global websites, shell companies and anonymous operators is another. The internet is not a shop in

Haverfordwest where Trading Standards can knock the door and ask to see the paperwork.

Still, the direction of travel is clear. The days of pretending age gates work are over. If a site is making money from UK users, it should not be allowed to shrug when asked how it keeps children out.

Ofcom will need to be firm, consistent and technically sharp. The adult industry will need to stop pretending that child protection is someone else’s problem. And the public will need reassurance that age checks do not become another excuse to gather more personal data.

Because that is the real test here.

The aim should not be a nosier internet. It should be a safer one.

And for once, that means asking websites to do something more intelligent than trusting a 13-year-old to tick a box marked “I am definitely 18”.

HOROSCOPES

I’m Not Afraid is one of those rare Netflix dramas that quietly pulls you in before tightening its grip with every episode. Rather than relying on constant twists or over-the-top action, it builds suspense through atmosphere, strong character work and an ever-present sense that something is deeply wrong beneath the surface. The series captures the vulnerability of childhood with remarkable authenticity, contrasting moments of innocence with increasingly unsettling discoveries that challenge everything the young protagonist believes about

the adults around him. The performances are excellent across the board, particularly from the younger cast, whose emotional honesty makes every moment feel believable and impactful. Visually, the rural setting becomes a character in its own right, with beautiful landscapes hiding dark secrets that create an almost haunting contrast throughout the story. The pacing is deliberately measured, allowing tension to simmer rather than explode, which makes the emotional payoffs all the more effective. While some viewers may find its slower approach

demanding, those willing to invest will be rewarded with a thoughtful, emotionally resonant thriller that explores themes of trust, fear, courage and the loss of innocence with surprising depth. It’s a series that lingers long after the final episode, proving that the most powerful stories are often those that rely on human emotion rather than spectacle. Thoughtprovoking, beautifully crafted and genuinely gripping, I’m Not Afraid is a compelling watch that stands out as one of Netflix’s more mature and emotionally engaging dramas.

attitude. Positive thinking will empower you and encourage you to take chances. Things need to be attempted in life - even if they can’t always be mastered.

CANCER

Someone close to you is going through some major mood swings right now, so beware that a giggle may turn into tears with little (if any) provocation. Do not take it personally if you seem to trigger this sort of surprising reaction. There are a lot of things going on that you may not be aware of, and these extreme changes in behavior are the start of a trend that may rub off on you. Ride your emotions as if you were on a thrilling roller coaster: With your hands held straight up!

LEO Use your ears today! Take extra time to listen for important clues, comforting compliments and juicy rumors! People around you are talking, and they are not watching what they say. This is a wonderful time to gain extra insight and get the information you need to see the bigger picture. You are bound to discover some things that you are not supposed to know. Treat this data with the greatest amount of dignity that you can. Don’t rush to cash in.

VIRGO If things have been getting silly instead of serious between you and another person, today is the day to push things into a decidedly more romantic realm. If you want things to grow, you will have to nurture them. Surround yourself with candlelight, soft music, and exotic fragrances - and dress in an outfit that you know will get you noticed. Create a comfortable situation that is conducive to talking about your feelings and talking about where to go next.

LIBRA

Someone who is usually a source of bright sunshine in your life is feeling a bit depressed right now - and you hold the key to lifting her or his spirits. Touch base with this person throughout the day, with silly jokes and goofy gossip. And make sure that lines of communication are open. Your attempts will be greatly appreciated. Just try to avoid making this person feel like the object of pity or sadness.

SCORPIO

If you stop and think about it today, you’ll realize that the greatest battles of your life have been little more than battles of wills. So if you encounter conflict today, keep that in mind. If you can focus on achieving one goal today, nothing and no one can stop you. Do not accept compromise merely to spare another person’s feelings - move forward with your ideas. If you display all the confidence you feel, you won’t ruffle any feathers - you will inspire people.

SAGITTARIUS

Prioritize your expenditures today - are you putting all your resources into the right places? You don’t have to cut back on all your expenses - spending money isn’t wrong, but you do have to make sure that you’re opening your wallet at the right times (and for the right reasons). The things that will bring you longterm results are still wise investments. Avoid tossing around too much money on insubstantial things - like fancy food and convenient cab rides.

CAPRICORN

The cold, hard truth is quite simple: You can’t have a positive outcome if you put in only negative energy. So today, make sure that everything you do is focused around the good things that you’re trying to accomplish - and not the bad things that you’re trying to avoid. This is a wonderful time of hope in your life, so do your best to tap into the wistful, romantic side of your personality. It will help you keep a sunny outlook - and create beautiful things.

AQUARIUS

Last Invasion of Britain re-enactment returns to Fishguard this month

HuNDREDS of visitors are expected to descend on Fishguard later this month as the town marks the anniversary of the last Invasion of britain with a spectacular free historical re-enactment.

The two-day event, taking place on July 18 and 19, recreates the dramatic events of 1797, when French troops landed near Fishguard in what remains the last invasion of mainland Britain.

Running from 10:00am to 5:00pm on both days, the event will feature living history camps, military displays, horse demonstrations, battle reenactments and the recreation of the

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historic French surrender outside the Royal Oak Pub.

Visitors will be able to meet costumed re-enactors portraying British and French soldiers, explore authentic military encampments and discover what life was like for troops more than 225 years ago through interactive displays.

The day’s programme begins at 10:00am with the living history camps opening to the public. Horse displays will take place on Goodwick Beach Foreshore from 1:00pm, before the

main beach battle gets underway at 2:45pm.

The event concludes with a parade of the surrendered French forces through Fishguard before the symbolic signing of the surrender treaty outside the Royal Oak Pub, where the original surrender negotiations took place following the failed invasion.

The Last Invasion of Britain reenactment has become one of Pembrokeshire’s best-loved heritage events, attracting history enthusiasts and families from across Wales and beyond.

Visitors making a weekend of it can also explore the new Fishguard and

Goodwick Heritage Trail, launched this summer. The free self-guided trail links 46 sites across the twin towns and tells the story of more than 2,000 years of local history, from Iron Age settlements and the Women’s Suffrage movement to the filming of Moby Dick.

The Last Invasion of Britain reenactment is free to attend.

For the full programme of events, visit visitfishguard.co.uk.

More information about the Fishguard and Goodwick Heritage Trail is available at northpembrokeshiretours.co.uk/ fishguard-heritage-trail.

Farage can win clacTOn, buT The quesTiOns will remain

nI gel Farage is the strong favourite to win the Clacton byelection he says he intends to trigger by resigning as MP.

But victory there, however comfortable, would not amount to exoneration.

Nor would it grant him a national mandate or erase legitimate scrutiny over his finances.

The political theatre is already in motion. Farage wants the contest framed as “the people versus the establishment” - a vote against the media, Westminster, rival parties and critics asking questions about his funding.

That narrative may well work in Clacton. It has worked for him before.

But a by-election in friendly territory cannot become a national referendum on standards in public life. It cannot bind voters in Wales, Scotland, Northern Ireland or the rest of England. And it cannot make questions about money, influence

and transparency disappear. Farage is entitled to defend himself. He is entitled to say he has done nothing wrong. He is also entitled to complain about press intrusion, especially when it involves family. No politician’s children should be dragged into public life, and personal safety concerns must be taken seriously.

Yet family privacy does not cancel public accountability.

When politicians receive substantial financial backing, voters are entitled to ask basic questions. From whom? Why? On what terms? And were the proper rules followed?

That is not persecution. That is democracy.

Farage has built much of his career on attacking what he calls an evasive establishment. Many people in Wales understand that anger. They have seen banks close, buses disappear, hospital services come under pressure, high streets decline

and secure work become harder to find. They have been told for years that things are improving when their own communities suggest otherwise.

That is why Reform’s rise matters.

In Wales, Reform is no longer a protest vote on the edge of politics. It is now the second-largest party in the Senedd. Its breakthrough reflects a deep frustration with the old order and a demand for something different.

But success changes the rules.

A party that wants to be taken seriously as a force in Welsh politics cannot behave forever like an insurgency. It cannot demand accountability from Labour, Plaid Cymru and the Conservatives, then treat scrutiny of its own leadership as enemy action.

The same standard must apply to everyone.

Labour’s record in government should be questioned. Plaid Cymru’s promises should be questioned. Conservative legacies should be

questioned. Reform’s leadership, finances and judgment should be questioned too.

That is not bias. It is the job.

There is also a danger for Farage’s opponents. If they overstate the case, they will help him. If they pretend a Clacton by-election is a grand national verdict on Farageism, they walk straight into the story he wants to tell.

He wants to be the man under siege. He wants the cameras, the confrontation and the language of betrayal. He wants every question about transparency to sound like an attack from the establishment.

The wiser criticism is simpler.

A win in Clacton would show that Farage remains popular in Clacton. It would give him a political boost and dominate the headlines. It may even strengthen his grip on Reform.

But it would not answer every question about money, influence or judgment.

That matters in Wales because Reform’s success here is now part of the country’s political future. Its Welsh representatives have to show whether they are building a serious Welsh movement or simply acting as a regional outpost for one man’s permanent campaign.

There is a fair argument that the old parties have failed many Welsh communities. There is a fair argument that voters are tired of managed decline, broken promises and unaccountable failure.

But none of that makes Farage and his party immune from scrutiny.

Harry picked a fight with the Mail, and the Mail flew off with his chips

sQuark! There are few sights in this life sadder than a gull who has misjudged the wind, except perhaps a prince who has misjudged the High Court. And this week, butt, Prince harry has come flapping back from his great battle with the Daily Mail looking less like a crusader for truth and more like a bird who dived for a chip and hit the side of a ferry. It has not been a vintage few days for the Duke of Sussex. He came back to Britain with all the usual drama trailing behind him like a carrier bag caught on a lamppost. Would he see his father? Would he stay in a palace? Would there be reconciliation, healing, understanding, a soft-focus photograph and perhaps a carefully worded briefing from someone close to someone who definitely was not briefing? In the end, none of that mattered much, because the real story was that his legal campaign against Associated Newspapers, the people behind the Daily Mail, Mail on Sunday and MailOnline, had gone down like a pasty dropped in the harbour. Now, Stephen Seagull is no defender of the tabloids. I have spent enough time around bins, back alleys and public car parks to know a scavenger when I see one, and some newspapers have made a fine living out of pecking at other people’s misery. Phone hacking was real. Intrusion was real. Families were hurt. Grieving people were treated disgracefully. There are editors and executives who should not lecture anyone about morality unless they are

doing it from the naughty step. The British press has behaved appallingly before, and nobody with feathers or a conscience should pretend otherwise.

But, and it is a big but, court is not the same as a Netflix series. It is not a podcast, not a memoir, not a royal interview with sad piano music and a big window looking out over California. You cannot win a case because you are angry, because you have suffered, or because the people you are suing have a reputation for being about as cuddly as a wet herring. A judge wants evidence. Hard evidence. Documents. Witnesses. Facts. Not feelings wrapped in expensive legal paper.That appears to be where Harry came unstuck. He has spent years presenting himself as a man on a mission, the wounded prince taking on the dark forces of Fleet Street with the simple sword of truth in his beak. It sounds grand. It sounds noble. It also sounds very risky when the sword turns out to be made largely of inference, memory, suspicion and old grievance. The High Court is not impressed by a good narrative if the proof does not follow behind it.

And this is where the whole thing becomes especially awkward for Harry. His central complaint, in public life, is that his privacy has been invaded, exploited and sold. Fair enough. A lot of people understand why he feels that. But he has also made a second career out of telling the world private things. Family arguments, palace rows, brotherly bustups, therapy sessions, frozen body parts, dog bowls, necklaces, tears, texts and traumas have all been placed before the public like scraps outside a chippy. Then, when the public gathers round to look, Harry seems surprised that everyone is still staring.

You cannot flap down onto the roof, squawk “respect my privacy” through a megaphone, and then release another chapter on what happened behind the curtains. That is not privacy, butt. That is a subscription model.

The sad thing is that Harry’s anger did not fall from the sky. He was a child when his mother died, and the press’s role in the circus around Diana is burned into the national memory. Even an old dock gull like me remembers that small boy walking behind the coffin. There is a deep wound there, and it is not

made up. But sympathy, like chips on the sea wall, does not sit there forever untouched. Leave it out too long and the mood changes. People who once felt for Harry now increasingly feel exhausted by him.

Every visit becomes a drama. Every legal case becomes a morality play. Every silence becomes an announcement about silence. Every statement about healing arrives with another jab at the family, the press, the palace, the country, the police, the system, or whoever is nearest the blast zone that day. After a while, even the most patient bird on the railings starts thinking: my son, are you trying to move on or are you just circling the same bin?

The Daily Mail, of course, will be unbearable about all this. It will strut around like a gull with a whole tray of sausage rolls. It will talk about vindication, freedom of the press, justice and principle, while printing enough pages about Harry to wallpaper Pembroke Dock. The Mail being selfrighteous is not a pretty sight. It is like watching a seagull give a lecture on table manners while standing on top of a stolen burger. But this week, whether anyone likes it or not, the Mail won.

That matters. It matters because Harry has not just lost a public argument. He has lost a legal one, and legal losses come with bills. Great big bills. The sort of bills that flap overhead like buzzards. With a hearing on costs still to come, the numbers being talked about are enough to make even a prince check whether Elton John has left his wallet on the piano. And Harry was not alone in this fight. Baroness Doreen Lawrence, Sir Elton John, David Furnish, Elizabeth Hurley, Sir Simon Hughes and Sadie Frost were also claimants. This was not one man charging across the sand with a bucket and spade. This was a celebrity legal flotilla, and it has just hit the rocks.

Where does that leave Harry? Back in California, probably, with Montecito sunshine, security worries, family frost, royal distance and the Mail cackling behind him from the rooftops. It is not exactly exile on a bare rock, mind. Stephen has seen sad lives, and most of them do not involve mansion gates, global fame and Californian weather. Still, there is something bleak about

the whole scene. A prince who wanted freedom but cannot stop fighting the old battles. A man who wanted privacy but keeps feeding the machine. A son who wants reconciliation but seems unable to stop reopening the wound.

Then there is the business of royal privilege. Harry wants to be out, but not entirely out. He wants independence, but also protection. He wants distance from the Firm, but still some of the Firm’s old shelter when he lands back in Britain. Down the docks, butt, we have a simpler arrangement. If you leave the flock, you cannot keep coming back at lunchtime demanding first peck at the battered sausage. You either live by the pecking order or you take your chances with the rest of us.

None of this means the tabloids are angels. They are not. Some of them would nick your last chip and run a leader column on why it was in the public interest. But Harry’s problem is that he keeps choosing battlefields where hurt is not enough. He may be right about much of the culture he despises, but being broadly right about the ugliness of the press does not mean you win every specific case you bring against it. That is a brutal lesson, and this week it has landed on his head like a gull dropping from a great height.

The real shame is that Harry could still do something useful with all this. Invictus matters. Veterans matter. Mental health matters. Press abuse matters. He has a voice that could help people who do not have titles, platforms, California gardens or friends with private jets. But to do that, he may need to stop making every cause orbit around Prince Harry’s hurt. Not forever. Not by pretending the past was fine. Just long enough to let the rest of us hear something other than the same squawk of grievance.

So here is Stephen’s advice from the dock wall, for what it is worth. Stop flapping. Stop feeding the beast. Stop mistaking public sympathy for an unlimited buffet. If you must fight, pick your fights better. And if you sue a newspaper, make sure your evidence is sharper than your beak.

Till next week, keep your wings dry, your chips close, and never go diving into the High Court unless you can see exactly what you are landing on.

‘Dog lockdown only way dogs can beat the heat,’ says RSPCA

The RSPCA is calling on dog owners to implement an urgent routine change next week with more extreme hot weather forecast across England and Wales.

The charity is urging dog owners to prepare for another spell of high temperatures, warning that even without the extreme 35°C highs seen last month, upcoming conditions could still be very hazardous for pets.

Pet experts are recommending a ‘dog lockdown’ for the hottest coming days, highlighting that temperatures in the high 20s still pose a serious threat to pets and should be treated with careful caution.

The call comes as the Met Office predicts inland temperatures will rise again next week (from 6 June) with parts of England potentially reaching low 30s°C (80°F) in the South East.

Dr Samantha Gaines, dog welfare expert at the RSPCA said: “Whenever temperatures rise we must think about the impact on our pets. While the recent extreme heat was tough for everyone, we must be careful not to become complacent as warmer temperatures return. Just because we’ve become accustomed to the higher temperatures, it doesn’t mean our pets are any less affected.

“We need to take extra precautions regardless of an official weather warning, which is why we’re still recommending a temporary ‘dog lockdown’ during this next bout of very hot weather- it’s the only way to beat the heat.”

Sam advises that dog owners should think of the extreme weather like a temporary lockdown for their pets - including skipping walks, not chasing the ball or playing fetch, or exposing pooches to energetic exercise.

She advises it’s far better for dogs to miss a few walks completely than to suffer the potentially fatal consequences of overheating,

or heatstroke.

“One of the biggest risks during periods of extreme heat is treating them like any other summer day” Sam continued.

“We’re urging dog owners to make this a Summer of Kindness - and focus on keeping dogs cool, comfortable and calm at home until temperatures start to ease. Fresh water, air flow, shade and mental enrichment can make all the difference during this intense period of extreme heat.”

The charity says owners should be ready to change their normal routines and prioritise keeping pets cool, calm and comfortable until temperatures ease, and offers these five tips:

1.Move exercise to the coolest possible times - or skip it altogether

These are not normal summer temperatures and for many dogs, missing a walk for a day or two is far safer than risking overheating. If you don’t have access to a garden, nip your dogs out briefly to the nearest grassy area for them to toilet and head straight back into the cool.

2. Swap physical exercise for mental stimulation

Your dog may naturally want to sleep more during hot weather, but when they are awake you can encourage them to use puzzle feeders and snuffle mats, or play calm gentle training games and scent work indoors. This can be a great temporary substitute for outdoor time.

The heat could also potentially make dogs more irritable or frustrated, so be sure to keep an eye on their body language and give them space to allow them to keep cool on their own terms.

3. Create cool zones throughout the home

Keeping your home as cool as possible is key. Close curtains on sunny rooms, use fans safely, provide access to cooler floors and let

dogs choose where they rest. Consider laying out a special dog cooling mat, or a cold damp towel, for your dog to lie on.

4. Refresh water regularly and offer it in multiple locations

Instead of having just one bowl of water available, offer fresh water throughout the day in multiple bowls around the home and garden. You can consider adding one or two ice cubes where appropriate.

5. Keep air moving

A breeze can work wonders to make your dog (and you!) feel more comfortable and ease the discomfort of extreme heat. Open windows when safe to create airflow through the home. Use fans where suitable and close off stuffy conservatories and enclosed spaces.

Ysgol Glannau Gwaun celebrates prestigious Gold Active Travel award

pupils at ysgol glannau gwaun have been celebrating after their school became one of only nine in Wales to achieve gold active Travel status

The Fishguard school recently travelled to the Senedd in Cardiff to receive its prestigious Walk, Wheel, Cycle Gold Active Travel Award, recognising the work pupils and staff have done to promote walking, cycling and scooting.

It was the second time pupils from Ysgol Glannau Gwaun had travelled to the capital to present their active travel projects to a range of audiences.

The school now has a fleet of 60 scooters and 40 bicycles, allowing children from Nursery through to Year 6 to build their confidence and skills.

Through a range of grants and funding opportunities, weekly cycling and scooter sessions are now offered to all pupils, regardless of age or ability.

In 2023, only 11 of 41 pupils were able to complete their Level 1 and 2 cycle training, as many did not have access to a bicycle.

Since then, the school has worked hard to change that. Thanks to investment in school bikes, every pupil can now take part in cycle training.

Older pupils have also taken on leadership roles, supporting younger children with balance bike and scooter sessions.

Progression Step 3 pupils have designed a 1.5km community scooter trail, beginning at Fishguard Library and finishing in Goodwick. The route has been created not only for pupils, but for the

wider community.

To further encourage active travel, the school also loans scooters to families, helping to ensure everyone has the opportunity to take part.

Staff help run a walking bus to after-school music activities at the secondary school, while the School Senedd regularly develops new ideas to promote active travel.

One recent initiative was a six-hour scootathon, which raised £1,000 for the RNLI.

To mark the Gold award, the school held a special celebration day for all pupils. Fusion Extreme delivered BMX workshops, while British BMX champion Matti Hemmings

impressed pupils with a spectacular display of skills.

Pupils also presented their journey to achieving Gold status to parents, governors and community partners, including Transition Bro Gwaun, which helped fund the school’s bicycle fleet.

Headteacher Mrs Mari Jones said: “I am incredibly proud of our pupils, whose enthusiasm, leadership and commitment have driven many of the initiatives that contributed to this award.”

Deputy Headteacher Mrs Sharon Osborne added: “We are extremely grateful to the Pembrokeshire Road Safety Team, Alice from the Walk,

“Their funding and resources have enabled our pupils to develop exceptional cycling and scooting skills, alongside valuable leadership and communication skills.

“This has culminated in pupils confidently presenting their achievements to a wide range of audiences.”

Pupils say their active travel journey does not end with the Gold award, with more ideas already being planned.

As they proudly put it, nothing stands still at Ysgol Glannau Gwaun.

Outer Hebrides stickmaker to make final Royal Welsh Show appearance

A RENOWNED stickmaker from the Isle of harris in the Outer Hebrides is preparing to make one final journey to the Royal Welsh Show later this month, as he competes in what he expects to be his last season on the agricultural show circuit.

David Broadbent, known as The Harris Stickmaker, has spent almost half a century perfecting the traditional rural craft, winning numerous championship titles and awards at agricultural shows across the UK.

Originally from Halifax in West Yorkshire, David moved to the Isle of Harris in 1972 while working as a carpenter. It was there that he met his wife.

After several years living on the mainland, the couple eventually returned to the family croft where

she was born.

His passion for stickmaking began in 1976, when he bought a handcrafted stick from a local crofter for £5. Captivated by its decorative handle, he decided to try making one himself.

Nearly 50 years later, David is regarded as one of the UK’s most respected stickmakers.

His success has also brought him into contact with members of the Royal family. During celebrations marking the 100th anniversary of the Harris Tweed Orb trademark, he presented the then Prince of Wales and Duchess of Cornwall, now King Charles III and Queen Camilla, with handcrafted walking sticks. He has also met The Princess Royal through the International Sheep Dog Trials.

David’s distinctive sticks are

made from materials including ram’s horn, Highland cow horn and buffalo horn, combined with native woods such as hazel, blackthorn and cherry. Each piece is individually shaped and finished by hand.

For many years, David had dreamed of competing at the Royal Welsh Show, but felt the 600-mile journey from the Hebrides was simply too far. That changed when his granddaughter became engaged to a hill farmer near Oswestry, giving him a base from which to travel to Mid Wales.

He finally fulfilled his longheld ambition by competing at the Royal Welsh in 2023.

Now 74 and facing deteriorating health, David has decided that 2026 will likely be his final year in competition. He is entering the Royal Welsh, the Royal Highland and the Great Yorkshire, which he describes as the three top shows in the country.

David is also keen to pass the craft on to the next generation. He teaches youngsters on the island, as well as his granddaughter when she visits.

In recent years, much of his stickmaking has focused on charity work, with sticks donated to fundraising auctions in support of Prostate Cancer UK and the British Heart Foundation.

Among the classes David will enter at this year’s Royal Welsh Show is the unique Lady’s and Gentleman’s class, which requires competitors to produce a matching pair of intricately crafted sticks.

For the class, David has created a pair from Shetland sheep horns, decorated in striking black and gold.

He said: “Stickmaking is not an easy craft to take on and the judging can be extra critical. However, it is a true passion of mine and something I find incredibly satisfying.

“I can whittle away the hours in my shed, surrounded by vices, presses and a clutter of tools, and it brings me immense joy.

“I’ve been making sticks for nearly 50 years and I’ve met wonderful people through the craft. I want to go out with a bang and, if I could finish by winning at the Royal Welsh, that would be something very special.”

The stickmaking competition remains a popular feature of the Royal Welsh Show, attracting skilled craftsmen from across the UK and helping to preserve a traditional rural craft.

The classes will be judged on the opening day of this year’s show, which takes place from July 20 to 23 at Llanelwedd, Builth Wells.

Slaughterhouse given urgent improvement rating after audit failure

Official data shows major and critical non-compliances at Welsh meat plants, as Animal Aid claims the figures expose serious welfare and hygiene concerns

a peMbrokeshIre slaughterhouse was given the Food Standards Agency’s most serious audit rating after inspectors recorded major and critical noncompliances, official data shows.

The latest FSA meat establishment audit data, published as of July 1, 2026, lists Euro Farm Wales, Haverfordwest, as requiring “urgent improvement necessary”.

The audit data records 16 minor, four major and five critical noncompliances at the site.

Critical non-compliances are the most serious category used in FSA audits and can involve immediate risks to animal welfare, public health or hygienic production.

The figures come after animal rights group Animal Aid analysed FSA slaughterhouse audit records and claimed that almost every operational UK slaughterhouse had recorded at least one non-compliance.

Animal Aid said its analysis of June 2026 data found 3,716 failures across 246 operational UK slaughterhouses, with only one site having a completely clean record. It said more than 40 per cent of sites had at least one major non-compliance.

The group said the figures challenged claims that the UK meat

industry operates to consistently high welfare standards.

Alex Harman, Campaign Manager at Animal Aid, said: “The British public has been fed a marketing myth that UK slaughterhouses are gold standard of animal welfare. This data proves that ‘humane slaughter’ is a bureaucratic lie.

“When the government’s highest rating allows for hundreds of systemic violations, and high-risk facilities are left to operate in the dark without required audits, the system isn’t just failing, it is working exactly as intended to keep the assembly line of death moving at all costs.”

Animal Aid said the answer was not simply tougher rules, but a move away from animal agriculture and towards plant-based food systems.

The FSA data also lists other Pembrokeshire-linked slaughterhouses with recorded noncompliances.

Capestone Organic Poultry Ltd, Haverfordwest, is listed as “generally satisfactory”, with 15 minor and two major non-compliances.

Lloyd West Ltd, Pembrokeshire, is also listed as “generally satisfactory”, with 14 minor and one major noncompliance.

Across Wales, the July dataset

lists 18 slaughterhouses with 261 total non-compliances, including 26 major and five critical non-compliances.

The FSA audit system covers approved meat establishments, including slaughterhouses, cutting plants and game handling establishments. Audits examine areas including hygiene, animal welfare, food safety systems, maintenance, cleaning, handling, traceability and the management of animal byproducts.

The agency grades audit outcomes using categories including “good”, “generally satisfactory”, “improvement necessary” and “urgent improvement necessary”.

Animal Aid said one of the concerns raised by the data was that sites could still receive positive or mid-level ratings despite recording numerous non-compliances.

The campaign group pointed to examples elsewhere in the UK where slaughterhouses were rated “good” or “generally satisfactory” despite having multiple recorded failures.

However, the FSA has previously said overall animal welfare compliance in abattoirs is very high. In a June 2026 Food Standards Agency blog post, the agency said there were 542 animal welfare breaches in abattoirs

in England and Wales during 2025/26, affecting 33,679 animals out of more than one billion animals processed. The agency said this meant 0.0032 per cent of animals were affected.

Animal Aid argues that the audit data still shows systemic problems, particularly because breaches were recorded at sites subject to official checks, veterinary oversight and CCTV requirements.

David Magna, a former slaughterhouse inspector quoted by Animal Aid, said: “After years working as a slaughterhouse inspector, I came to understand that the failures I witnessed were not isolated incidents, they were the predictable consequences. Success is measured by production.”

The FSA dataset does not, in its headline table, provide detailed narrative descriptions of each individual non-compliance at each site.

Further clarification would be needed from the FSA and the operators involved to establish the exact nature of the major and critical findings, whether enforcement action followed, and whether the issues have since been addressed.

First Minister joins MSs to mark Welsh Farming Week

NFu Cymru has welcomed Members of the Senedd from across wales onto farms during its fifth annual Welsh Farming Week campaign, with rhun ap Iorwerth’s visit to a farm in his bangor Conwy Môn constituency providing a landmark moment for the initiative.

Rhun ap Iorwerth who became Wales new First Minister in May joined NFU Cymru members at Castellior, Menai Bridge, Anglesey as part of a programme of on-farm visits designed to give Senedd Members first-hand insight into the contribution Welsh farmers make to food production, environmental management and rural communities. The visit marked the first time NFU Cymru has hosted a First Minister onfarm during Welsh Farming Week since the campaign was launched five years ago.

Hosted by Dylan Jones and family, the visit showcased a highly efficient beef finishing enterprise that demonstrates how productivity and sustainability can work hand-in-hand. By adopting a fully home-grown forage system, the business has increased output while reducing emissions, providing a practical example of how Welsh farms are innovating to meet economic and environmental objectives.

Mr Ap Iorwerth’s visit formed part of a wider programme of engagements

held across Wales, with MSs visiting farms in Ceredigion, Pembrokeshire, Clwyd, Gwynedd Maldwyn, Brycheiniog Tawe Nedd, Blaenau Gwent Caerffili Rhymni and Glamorgan. Farmers used the opportunity to discuss both the achievements and challenges facing Welsh agriculture.

Across the country, a number of common themes emerged. Discussions centred on the future evolution of the Sustainable Farming Scheme, the impact of increasing regulation and bureaucracy on farming businesses, the need for policies that support productive farming, and the importance of maintaining a thriving domestic food production sector. Farmers also highlighted concerns around bovine

TB, water quality regulations and the challenges facing new entrants to the industry.

In Ceredigion, dairy farmer Gethin Hughes discussed the barriers facing new entrants, the frequency of farm inspections and the continued impact of bovine TB on farming businesses.

In Knighton, NFU Cymru members highlighted the complexity of the Sustainable Farming Scheme and the difficulties arising from cross-border regulation, stressing the need for greater flexibility within future agricultural support policies.

our farm is already doing a great deal to become environmentally sustainable.”

Meanwhile, at Nantymoel Farm in the Ogmore Valley, discussions focused on the important role livestock farming plays in landscape management, reducing wildfire risk and delivering environmental outcomes, alongside the importance of a multi annual budget for farming, , rural crime and regulatory pressures.

Speaking following the visit to Castellior, host farmer Dylan Jones said: “While this meeting presented an opportunity for us to discuss some of the challenges facing our farming businesses, it was also great to be able to share our ambitions and visions for the industry.”

NFU Cymru Deputy President Paul Williams said: “This is the first time NFU Cymru has hosted a First Minister on farm during our annual Welsh Farming Week since the campaign’s inception five years ago. It is fantastic that Rhun ap Iorwerth has been willing to give up his time to join us at Castellior and hear from farmers in his constituency about their day-to-day work, their challenges and hopes for the future.”

At Whitehall Farm near Nelson, host farmer Andrew Edwards demonstrated how herbal leys are being used to improve soil health, livestock performance and biodiversity, while also calling for a reduction in unnecessary bureaucracy and regulatory burdens on farming businesses.

During the visit to Trefnant Hall Farm, host farmer Marc Jones provided MSs with an overview of the working farm and an insight into the day-to-day work of Welsh farmers and the role they play in feeding the nation, whilst also caring for and enhancing their local environment.

Mathew Roberts of Ty Draw Farm hosted the MSs in the Clwyd constituency and he said: “I welcomed the chance to explain how entering the Sustainable Farming Scheme has meant compromises for us who even though

NFU Cymru President Abi Reader added: “On-farm meetings like this provide such valuable engagement for us at NFU Cymru. These opportunities provide the perfect platform for our members to illustrate how they are delivering for the people and communities of Wales, whether that be food production, environmental management or boosting the local economy.”

Welsh Farming Week was established by NFU Cymru to celebrate the contribution of Welsh farmers and to encourage greater understanding of the role agriculture plays in producing food, caring for the countryside and supporting rural economies. The 2026 campaign saw Senedd Members from across the political spectrum visit farms throughout Wales, allowing farmers to showcase their work and discuss the policies that will shape the future of Welsh agriculture.

Working Carmarthenshire farm opens gates to visitors with new holiday cottages

a faMIly-run cattle farm in Carmarthenshire has opened its gates to visitors for the first time after launching a new holiday cottage business offering guests a hands-on taste of rural life.

Carnau Mawr Holiday Cottages, based at Brynawelon, has created two high-quality three-bedroom holiday lets alongside its existing beef farming operation.

The project was supported by a £150,000 loan from the Development Bank of Wales through the Wales Flexible Investment Fund.

Owned by Robert and Emily Currell, the farm now combines traditional livestock production with a growing rural tourism venture. The cottages give visitors the chance to stay on a working farm and learn more about day-to-day agricultural life.

The investment was led by David Knight, Investment Executive at the Development Bank of Wales.

Robert and Emily said: “Diversifying into holiday accommodation has been an enjoyable experience for us. It has given us a way to bring in

additional income alongside the farm, while making full use of the land we already have.

“Neither of us had a background in hospitality before this, but we have found that we really enjoy welcoming people here.

“One of the most rewarding aspects has been giving visitors a chance to see how a working farm operates. For many children especially, it is their first real insight into farming, and that educational side has been incredibly positive.

“The Development Bank of Wales was excellent to work with.

The team were approachable, supportive and made the whole process feel very personal. It really felt like dealing with people who understood what we were trying to achieve.”

The investment comes amid growing demand for high-quality rural accommodation in west Wales, while also highlighting how farming businesses are looking at new ways to diversify and strengthen their long-term future.

Nakeja Howell, Portfolio Executive at the Development Bank of Wales, said: “Carnau

Farming is one of the most rewarding professions in the world, but it also remains one of the most dangerous.

The risks associated with working in agriculture have long been recognised. Historically, those working in the sector have been around 21 times more likely to suffer a fatal workplace accident than employees in most other industries. Those dangers were once again highlighted last week with the publication of the HSE’s provisional work-related fatal injury statistics.

incidents - and many of these accidents are preventable. By taking simple precautions and following safe working practices, we can all play our part in protecting ourselves, our families, our employees and members of the public.

Before using any vehicle or piece of machinery, carry out routine checks on safetycritical components such as brakes, tyres, mirrors and seatbelts. Regular maintenance is equally important, particularly on farm machinery, and all guards should be fitted correctly and kept in good working order.

Mawr is a strong example of how farms across Wales are adapting and evolving.

“By diversifying into tourism, Robert and Emily have created a business that not only strengthens their own income but also contributes to the wider rural economy.

“Projects like this highlight the value of flexible finance that works alongside the realities of running a farm. By taking a relationship-led approach, we aim to provide funding that is practical, accessible and tailored to individual businesses.

“We are pleased to support Carnau Mawr as they establish their holiday accommodation offering and open up their farm to visitors, creating new opportunities for both the business and the local area.”

The £150,000 loan came from the Wales Flexible Investment Fund, which is financed by Welsh Government.

The £500m fund supports Welsh businesses with terms of up to 15 years. Loans, mezzanine finance and equity investments are available from £25,000 to £10m.

The figures show that agriculture, forestry and fishing recorded 22 workplace fatalities during 2025/26, making it the seconddeadliest industry after construction. Of the 126 workers who lost their lives in work-related incidents across all sectors during the year, 17% were employed in agriculture, forestry and fishing.

Behind every statistic is a person, and behind every number is a family, a community and a farming business left to deal with the devastating consequences of a life lost too soon. Every fatality is a tragedy and a powerful reminder of why improving safety on our farms must remain a priority.

Vehicles and machinery continue to play a significant role in many of these fatal and serious

When operating vehicles and machinery, always remain aware of your surroundings. Keep pedestrians well away from moving vehicles, never carry passengers unless the vehicle is designed to do so, be mindful of blind spots, and always wear your seatbelt.

Every one of us has a role to play in making farming safer. By taking the time to assess risks, maintain equipment and adopt safe working practices, we can help prevent avoidable tragedies and ensure everyone returns home safely at the end of the day. That message will once again be at the heart of Farm Safety Week, taking place from 20–24 July, which the FUW is proud to support as we continue working to raise awareness and reduce the number of lives lost on our farms.

OMODA&JAECOO UK continues rapid growth with another strong month

OMODA&JAECOO uk has recorded another strong month for car sales, registering a total of 9,754 vehicles in June 2026*, according to the latest results from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) today. The dual-brand house also achieved a 4.58%* market share during a strong month for the uk new car market, as registrations rose by more than 11% year-onyear.

These figures underline the momentum behind the rapidly growing dual-brand house, with demand continuing to accelerate less than two years after OMODA launched in the UK and just eighteen months after JAECOO entered the British market.

The hugely popular JAECOO 7 once again led the way for the dual-brand house, recording 3,145 registrations in June alone, coming in at seventh place in the top ten and retaining its position as the company’s bestselling model. Meanwhile, the smaller OMODA 5 – available in ICE, SHS-H (pure hybrid) and EV – saw registrations of over 2,000.

These latest results reflect the success of OMODA&JAECOO’s strategy of bringing designled, technology-rich vehicles to the UK market at exceptional value. With an expanding product range spanning multiple powertrains, vehicle segments and specification levels,

alongside a rapidly growing retailer network, the dual-brand house continues to strengthen its position in the UK automotive landscape as more customers choose OMODA and JAECOO.

Commenting on the results, Victor Zhang, Managing Director of OMODA&JAECOO UK, said:

“Achieving another strong month of sales here in the UK proves that the appetite for these cars is continuing to grow. Almost 10,000 registrations in June reflects the increasing awareness of our brands and the confidence that customers have in our products, our retailer partners and our long-term commitment to the UK market.

“The continued success of our models, especially the JAECOO 7, and now alongside the more compact OMODA 5, demonstrates the strength and breadth of our product offering. With three models in the top ten best-selling cars for June, and as we continue to grow, our focus remains firmly on delivering exceptional customer experiences, expanding our network and bringing even more innovative products to the market.”

The OMODA&JAECOO UK retailer network currently stands at 144 dealerships across Great Britain, providing customers with comprehensive nationwide coverage.

Total OMODA UK registrations in 2026 now stand at 18,761*, while JAECOO UK has recorded 34,067* – with combined registrations for the two brands having now reached 52,828* in 2026.

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Kia thunders into summer with new Storm grade and customer offers

kia is proud to announce its latest set of customer offers designed to help customers get into a new car. The quarterly value-giving retail customer offers include the new Storm grades and offers across kia’s entire fully electric line-up.

Kia summer offers run from 1 July to 30 September 2026, unless otherwise stated, and are available across the Kia UK dealer network, online and at PBV Centres for PV5 Passenger orders[1].

STORM OFFERS

The Sportage has already taken the world by storm, with more than half a million sales since its UK launch 31 years ago, and having become the nation’s favourite family SUV. Kia is now proud to launch new Storm grades across both the Sportage petrol and hybrid models, and the allelectric EV5.

Introductory retail offers for both the Sportage petrol and hybrid Storm are available with 5.9% APR finance offers [2]. This offer will only be available until 31 August 2026. The petrol-powered SUV is available with a generous £2,500 Finance Deposit Contribution (FDC), while the hybrid gets an even larger £3,000 FDC towards a deposit, £1,000 extra than the rest of the line-up for both powertrains respectively. The Storm customer offers are additionally available with Kia’s ‘Sportage Finance Upgrade’ offer, which provides a further £1,000 loyalty incentive for existing Sportage finance customers looking to get into a new Sportage.

Like Kia’s other fully electric models, the EV5 Storm is available with a 3.9% APR finance offer. The EV5 Storm also receives an impressive £2,000 FDC towards a deposit, £500 more than the rest of the line-up.

Both the Sportage and EV5 Storm models sit between existing GT-Line and GT-Line S grades.

The Sportage Storm comes as standard with a host of premium features including 18-inch alloy wheels, LED lighting, and premium paint as standard, to name but a few. The Kia Sportage Storm with petrol power costs from £34,395 onthe-road with the six-speed manual transmission, and £36,095 with the automatic seven-speed DCT. The Sportage Hybrid Storm costs from £37,895 on-the-road.

Expanding Kia’s EV5 line-up to four different grades, the EV5 Storm features the same long-range

81.4kWh battery pack and front-wheel drive powertrain as the others. Many exterior design elements have been taken from both the Air and GT-Line variants, including body-coloured door mirrors from the Air, and gloss black detailing (such as wheel arches) from the GT-Line. Amongst other premium specifications, standard equipment on the EV5 Storm includes new 19-inch alloy wheels, privacy glass on rear windows and tailgate, automatic flush door handles, all-around LED lighting, a satin chrome belt and waistline, and premium paint. Pricing for the EV5 Storm starts at £43,145 on-the-road.

sporTage fInanCe upgrade

The UK’s favourite family SUV, the Kia Sportage, continues to prove its popularity in the UK, offering the space and equipment that families love, housed in an appealing, premium and stylish design.

For existing Sportage customers looking to get into the latest version, Kia is proud to offer a loyalty saving of £1,000 off the on-the-road price[3]. Kia’s most popular model also benefits from 5.9% APR across finance offers[2].

The loyalty offer is available in addition to the finance deposit contributions across the range, offering £1,000 off each of the three available powertrains: petrol, hybrid (HEV) or plug-in hybrid (PHEV). In addition, there’s a large £2,500 and £3,000 FDC available for the new Sportage Storm grade petrol and hybrid respectively.

kIa reservaTIon savIng

The Kia EV2 continues to be available with the Kia Reservation Saving offer. This provides retail customers with a £3,750 Kia Reservation Saving for EV2 ‘Air’, ‘GTLine’ and ‘GT-Line S’.

The Kia Reservation Saving offer provides a deduction in the on-theroad cost. The offer values are aligned to the Government Electric Car Grant, which is expected to be approved for the Kia EV2 in the coming months. Separately, the EV2 First Edition was announced as eligible for the Band 2 £1,500 Government Electric Car Grant on 10 April 2026.

Reservations for the Kia EV2 are open now across the Kia dealer network and online, with the line-up starting from £24,245 on-the-road (OTR), including the £3,750 Kia Reservation Saving [4].

St Davids micro-bakery scheme and alterations backed

plannIng application has been approved to convert an outbuilding into a micro-bakery and carry out upgrades to a grade II-listed property in st davids.

A PLANNING application has been approved to convert an outbuilding into a micro-bakery and carry out upgrades to a Grade II-listed property in St Davids.

Construction& Maintenance

The proposal, submitted to the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority by Richard Francis and Sue Benge through agent Pembroke Design Ltd, relates to Manor House at 19 High Street, located within the St Davids conservation area.

The application sought permission for the refurbishment and change of use of an existing outbuilding to form a small-scale bakery, as well as a series of alterations and extensions to the main listed building.

The applicants aim to develop a plantbased bed and breakfast and microbakery business that serves the St Davids community, with a commitment to sustainability at the core of the project.

A supporting statement said: “It is the client’s goal to improve and upgrade the listed building, to reduce the carbon impact of the building by the removal of fossil fuel energy, improving energy efficiency and insulation, installing solar and heat pumps, thereby creating a sustainable, plant based bed and breakfast and micro bakery business serving the community of St Davids.”

The proposed bakery will be operated on a limited basis by the occupants of the property, typically opening two days a

have a detrimental visual or environmental impact on the surrounding area.

week.

Sales will be available through online order and collection only.

Other works include a modest singlestorey rear extension, new heritageappropriate timber double-glazed windows and doors, internal alterations, and the installation of rooflights.

Plans also include reinstating a historic window opening, fitting an air source heat pump, and other energy efficiency upgrades.

Additional proposals include solar panels on the outbuilding, a greenhouse in the rear garden, and other external works.

St Davids City Council supported the application, noting that it is unlikely to

Planning officers recommended approval, noting that the scheme has been carefully designed to respect the character and heritage value of the listed property.

An officer report stated: “The proposed development has been carefully designed to respect the character, appearance and significance of the listed building and its setting.

“The proposed rear extension is modest and subservient in scale, whilst the alterations to the existing building have been designed to improve its functionality, energy efficiency and long-term viability without causing unacceptable harm to its special architectural or historic interest.”

The micro-bakery was described as a “beneficial re-use” of the outbuilding.

Popular Newgale surf shop and home works approved

A SCHEME to improve a Pembrokeshire seaside village home and surf shop, while also removing an unlawful part that was subject to an enforcement notice, has been given the go-ahead.

In an application to Pembrokeshire Coast National Park, Bruce Sanderson of New Surf, through agent A D Architectural Design Consultants LTD sought permission for internal and external alterations to dwelling and surf shop, at New Surf, Newgale, including the removal of an un-lawful use of part of the ground floor as a shop.

The proposals were supported by Nolton and Roch Community Council.

An officer report recommending approval said: “The proposal returns the dwelling building to full residential use only. The application site is in a particularly sensitive location and appropriate mitigation has been sought and conditions imposed to preserve protected sites and species.”

It added: “The property known as Newsurf is a two-bedroom dormer bungalow with adjoining surf shop opposite the shingle bank of Newgale beach. The surf shop is positioned southeast of the bungalow and comprises a

pair of pitched roof store buildings with linking flat roof section to the dwelling. Prior to being a surf shop, the application site was a filling station.

“The southern ground floor area of the dormer bungalow has been in retail use without planning authorisation and the remaining ground floor as residential use. Plans show two bedrooms and a storage area on the first floor of the dwelling.”

It detailed the proposals addressed the unauthorised aspects of development relating to a 2022 national park enforcement

notice.

It concluded: “The proposed scheme is considered acceptable in how it responds to landscape setting, visual, aesthetic, historical, cultural and ecological aspects and also the physical characteristics of the site.

“The proposal preserves and enhances the character of the dwelling and by doing so will not create an unacceptably detrimental impact on the special qualities of the National Park. It is not considered that the development will cause an unacceptable impact upon privacy or amenity of neighbouring properties.”

The application was conditionally approved.

The Newsurf site also features in plans by a Vodafone phone company subsidiary to bring fibreoptic cables across the sea from Ireland to Pembrokeshire; the onshore part of a project to bring a fibreoptic cable onshore from Kilmore Quay, Wexford, Ireland to a site at Newsurf shop car park, Sands Café Car Park and the Duke of Edinburgh Inn, Newgale.

No decision has yet been made on that application.

Haverfordwest Creamery wins top honours at world’s largest cheese show

fIrsT MIlk’s haverfordwest Creamery has celebrated major success at this year’s International Cheese & Dairy Awards, after helping the farmer-owned cooperative secure 26 awards at the world’s largest cheese show.

First Milk won eight gold medals, 11 silver medals, one bronze medal and six major trophies at the prestigious awards, with cheese produced at Haverfordwest Creamery securing four of the competition’s top honours.

The Pembrokeshire creamery won the CHR Hansen Trophy for Champion Double Gloucester, the Tetra Pak Tebel Award for Best Extra Mature Creamery Block Cheddar, the ICDA Award for Best Medium Creamery Block Cheddar and the First Milk Past Masters Trophy.

The results underline the quality and consistency of the cheese produced at the Haverfordwest site, which continues to play a key role in First Milk’s award-winning cheesemaking operation.

Held annually, the International Cheese & Dairy Awards attracted its highest number of entries in several years, with many of the creamery cheddar classes receiving between 30 and 40 entries.

First Milk was recognised across a wide range of cheddar and regional

Tom Sinclair editor@herald.email

cheese categories, including Double Gloucester, Red Leicester, Welsh cheese, vegetarian cheese and English creamery cheddar.

Jack Eade, Customer Quality Manager at First Milk, said the awards reflected the hard work of teams across the business.

He said: “These awards are incredibly hard won and reflect the dedication, expertise and passion of everyone involved in producing our cheese.

“To receive recognition across so many categories at one of the world’s most respected cheese competitions is something everyone at First Milk can be enormously proud of.

“While our grading team selects

and prepares the entries, none of these achievements would be possible without the commitment of our farmer members producing exceptional quality milk, and the highly skilled teams at our creameries transforming it into consistently award-winning cheese.”

The latest success continues First Milk’s long-standing record at the International Cheese & Dairy

Lamphey camping and glamping farm expansion approved

PLANS to expand facilities at a Pembrokeshire camping and glamping farm which hosts outdoor festivals have been given the goahead by Pembrokeshire County Council.

Dewslake Camping Limited, of Dewslake Farm, The Ridgeway, Lamphey, in an application through agent Argent Architects, sought permission for a change of use of the main barn at the farm to provide support facilities for camping and events.

The application was recommended for approval at the June 30 meeting of Pembrokeshire County Council’s planning committee.

A supporting statement accompanying the application said: “While remaining a working farm, camping, glamping and facilities for dining and refreshments are among the services provided. Outdoor festivals are held on the site periodically during the summer season.

“The main barn is centrally located within the farm and serves as overflow storage for the various activities and events offered at Dewslake. The campsite’s sanitary facilities are located

Sinclair Local Democracy Reporter

in temporary structures at the perimeter of this building.

“The applicant wishes to expand the facilities offered on the site. The barn has the spatial capacity to accommodate a range of different events, both commercial and private. The idea is to bring in the operational capacity to service functions and events in the building and on the wider site, in the form of overflow catering, sanitary facilities and office and reception

space.”

It says it is intended to create “a building that is inclusive, easy and enjoyable in use for all,” with wheelchair parking in the area currently occupied by the temporary facilities.

It says further expansions to Dewslake are also planned.

“The growing business model requires considerable on-site management and maintenance. The long-term plan is greatly invested in ecological enhancements and trades on this in the marketing approach taken in promoting the campsite.

“This approach requires a particular intensity in the management of the land, which when coupled with the day-to-day running of the campsite, increases the need for a round-the-clock management presence.

“The applicant is therefore intending to make a separate pre-application enquiry for the addition of a permanent farmhouse to serve this function.”

An officer report for planners said: “The proposal involves the comprehensive internal reconfiguration of the building and associated external alterations. The footprint of the existing structure would be largely retained, with development primarily focused on enclosing and extending into an existing open lean-to section along the building’s side (west) elevation.”

Approval was moved by Cllr Alec Cormack, described it as “an excellent use of the building,” with vice-chair of the committee Cllr Simon Hancock describing it as an “excellent application,” which was “entirely appropriate in the site”.

The application for conditional approval was unanimously approved by committee members.

NHS at 78: A moment to give back to the service Wales helped create

AS THE NHS marks its 78th birthday on Sunday, July 5, NHS charities are urging people to use the anniversary as a moment to support their local NHS charity.

For Pembrokeshire, that means Hywel Dda Health Charities, the official charity supporting NHS services across Pembrokeshire, Carmarthenshire and Ceredigion.

The NHS has a particular resonance in Wales. It was founded in 1948 by Aneurin Bevan, the Labour Minister for Health and MP for Ebbw Vale, on the principle that healthcare should be free at the point of delivery and available to all, regardless of income.

That founding ideal remains one of the defining achievements of post-war Britain. It brought security to families who had previously feared the cost of illness, injury or childbirth. In Pembrokeshire, as across Wales, generations have relied on that promise.

But as the NHS turns 78, it does so under intense pressure.

Hywel Dda University Health Board serves a population of around 385,000 people across west Wales, covering hospitals, community services, mental health care and primary care across a large rural area. Demand continues to rise, while the challenges facing the health service grow more complex.

Wales has an ageing

population, higher levels of long-term illness and areas of significant deprivation. Those pressures place greater demand on health and care services. At the same time, workforce shortages, waiting lists and financial strain continue to dominate debate about the future of the NHS in Wales.

The Welsh Government recently announced an extra £145m for NHS Wales this financial year, including funding aimed at reducing waiting times, developing surgical and diagnostic hubs, and tackling maintenance across the NHS estate.

But the wider financial picture remains difficult. Audit Wales has reported that all seven health boards in Wales again failed to meet their break-even duty in

2024/25, underlining the scale of the challenge.

That is why NHS charities say the birthday should not only be a celebration, but also a chance to give something back.

NHS Charities Together says more than 220 NHS charities across the UK collectively invest around £1.5m in the NHS every day. That funding helps support patients, staff and communities, paying for projects and equipment which go beyond core NHS provision.

Hywel Dda Health Charities allows donors to support a general fund for the areas of greatest need, or to direct donations to a particular hospital, ward, department or service. Funds can help provide medical equipment, staff training, research, patient comforts and

community-based support.

Other local organisations also play an important role in supporting health and wellbeing in Pembrokeshire, including the VC Gallery in Haverfordwest, Honeyborough HOPE Therapy Centre and Pembrokeshire Samaritans. Their work in areas such as mental health, veterans’ support, therapy and community care helps ease pressure elsewhere in the system.

The NHS remains one of Wales’ most important institutions. It was created by a Welshman, built on a principle that still matters, and continues to serve people from birth to the end of life.

On its 78th birthday, the message from NHS charities is simple: celebrate it, value it, and support it where you can.

Mental health waits hit post-pandemic high

More than 9,000 people in Wales are waiting for specialist psychological therapies, with almost half waiting longer than six months

MORE than 9,000 people with moderate to severe mental health conditions are waiting to access specialist psychological therapies in Wales, according to new figures obtained by Mind Cymru.

The charity says the number of people waiting for treatment is now at its highest level since the Covid-19 pandemic.

Freedom of Information data gathered from all seven local health boards shows that, as of December 2025, almost half of those waiting, around 47%, had been on the list for longer than 26 weeks.

Mind Cymru said more than 4,300 people had been waiting more than six and a half months for specialist psychological therapies by December 2025.

That figure has almost doubled since March 2024, when 2,305 people were waiting more than 26 weeks.

The charity is now calling on the Welsh Government to make mental health a priority during the next Senedd term, with a focus on reducing waiting times and improving early access to support.

Aled Edwards, from Bangor, said he was told he faced a two-year wait to see a psychologist as an

outpatient at a mental health hospital near his home, despite experiencing depression and suicidal thoughts.

The father-of-two was instead placed on a list to see a psychiatrist in the hope he could access support more quickly, but said it still took another 18 months before he finally received the help he needed.

Aled, who was later diagnosed with a male form of post-natal depression, said: “This was at a point in my life where I had already tried to take my own life and I was considering trying again, so this time I went to ask for help instead.

“I was experiencing some really dark thoughts and I was desperate for support.

“When I did get to see a psychiatrist, they left their job after three sessions and I went back into the system to wait for a further six months before starting trauma therapy with another doctor.

“Finding the skills to cope with the kind of intrusive thoughts I was having in the meantime was really hard, and I feel fortunate that I had the means to access private counselling support to keep me going during that period, where so many others might not.”

Mind Cymru has requested the

same waiting list data from local health boards three times since 2020, as part of its campaign for improved access to specialist psychological therapies in Wales.

Its original Too Long To Wait report called for more investment in specialist psychological therapies, stronger governance around how local health boards collect and submit waiting time data, and for the figures to be made publicly available.

The charity says those recommendations remain relevant, but that urgent action is now also needed to transform the mental health system so people can access support earlier.

Simon Jones, Head of Policy and Campaigns at Mind Cymru, said the findings showed that mental health must be a central priority for the Welsh Government.

He said: “There’s clearly a very real and growing need for increasing numbers of people to receive specialist psychological support for their mental health in Wales.

“These are people living with moderate, severe and enduring mental health conditions, and those most in need of support.

“That so many are waiting too

long to access therapies is placing further demand on a system already under pressure, and there’s a need for significant investment to be made at all levels to help people access the support they need, when they need it.

“With plans already in place to transform Wales’ mental health system and help deliver open access care, we need now to ensure these plans are prioritised and invested in so that we can start to see that positive impact as soon as possible.

“No one should be waiting longer than six months for support with a serious mental health issue. With this in mind, Mind Cymru is calling on the new Welsh Government to make mental health a priority across the next Senedd term.”

Specialist psychological therapies are structured, evidence-based treatments delivered by trained clinicians for specific mental health conditions or complex psychological needs.

They include therapies such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing, Cognitive Analytic Therapy and Dynamic Interpersonal Therapy.

Commission quizzed on home working, GB News, and Senedd costs

THE SENEDD Commission faced questions on hybrid working, gb news, and the cost of running the Welsh Parliament during its first scrutiny session of the new term on Wednesday 1 July.

The commission, chaired by Llywydd Huw IrrancaDavies, defended its policies after members challenged it on broadcasting rules, home working arrangements and spending at the Senedd estate.

Conservative Andrew RT Davies, Welsh Labour’s Vikki Howells, Reform’s Laura Anne Jones, and Plaid Cymru’s Peredur Owen Griffiths also serve on the commission.

The members appointed to the commission act as the “governing board” for the Welsh Parliament, and are responsible for overseeing the delivery of its aims.

As such the Senedd commission takes questions on its work once every four week in the Siambr.

Catherine Cullen, Reform MS for Blaenau Gwent Caerffili Rhymni, questioned the commission on access to GB News across the Senedd estate.

Mr Irranca-Davies responded by clarifying that a “wide range” of television channels and radio stations, including GB News, can be accessed using the Senedd IT network on laptops and other Senedd commission-issued devices.

He noted that the main function of the internal TV system on the Senedd estate is to “broadcast feeds of the Siambr and committee rooms, so that staff can follow business proceedings.”

Adding: “Under our existing policy, only those channels which have public service obligations, as set out in the Communications Act 2003, can be accessed, with the one addition of Sky News to ensure plurality of news programmes.”

Declaring an interest as a member of the Free Speech Union, Ms Cullen told the Siambr that the decision to “evict” GB News sets a “dangerous precedent”

She said: “It’s simply not good enough to say that we can access it using our own personal devices.

“The commission, in my opinion, should allow free and equal access to all major broadcasters across the Senedd estate.

“Freedom of the press and speech is not about agreeing with every opinion that is aired, but is about defending the principle that people should be free to access competing perspectives.”

She called on the commission to consider “a fair and reflective approach to all news channels, for the sake of fairness, free speech and the free expression of the media.”

In response, Mr IrrancaDavies reiterated that competing perspectives can be accessed, by all members, on the devices provided to them.

He said: “The purpose of monitors around the building are not to watch either news or daytime TV or whatever. They’re to follow the business of the chamber and committees.”

Jane Dodds, leader of the Welsh Liberal Democrats, said it was important to “be clear” about why GB News was banned from the Senedd estate in 2023.

She said: “It was following comments made by presenter Laurence Fox asking what, and I quote, ‘self-respecting man’ would ‘climb into bed’ with journalist Ava Evans.

“And he then went on to say, quote, ‘Who’d want to shag that?’”

Ms Dodds continued: “That went unchallenged. The situation was further worsened when Conservative Member Andrew RT Davies commented live on GB News that former Llywydd, Elin Jones, was too busy doing her hair to appear on the show.”

She told the Siambr that she finds it “perplexing” that members might want to the lift the ban, given it was “not about its political stance, but about misogyny and sexism”.

Mr Irranca-Davies noted that he had “little to add” to Ms Dodds contribution, but noted that GB News was “originally removed from the Senedd Commission’s internal TV network, following a broadcast that was deemed by Ofcom to break broadcasting rules, to protect viewers from offensive content.”

He told his Senedd colleagues that the broadcast was deemed “deliberately offensive to women in public life, in particular, and to dignified public debate more generally.”

Reform MS Jason O’Connell followed Ms Cullen’s question by pressing the Senedd Commission on its plans to reduce operating costs and provide “better value for taxpayers”.

Responding, Mr IrrancaDavies noted the commission is “tightly managing costs while protecting the services the Senedd needs”.

Commenting that the Senedd

Commission is “not known for its fiscal efficiency”, Mr O’Connell drew attention to its lease on Tŷ Hywel – the red-brick building next to the Senedd which houses MSs and staff

He said: “The lease on the building is due to expire, with planned renovations costing the commission several million pounds to complete. This comes at great cost to the taxpayer, who we all answer to.”

Mr O’Connell called on the commission to reveal what action it is taking to keep costs down, including whether it is negotiating the rent.

Mr Irranca-Davies noted that while the commission does not have “an explicit efficiency target” it does set its budget in accordance with the needs of the Senedd in “full transparency”.

On Tŷ Hywel, he said commissioners are “fully focused” on making sure costs involved in things like renovations and leasing buildings are “fully factored into decisions” that can be debated in “full transparency”.

He added: “We all have an interest in making the most effective use of the money available to us, and you can rest assured that that’s what we’re seeking to do.”

Janet Finch-Saunders, of the Welsh Conservatives, raised concerns about commission staff working from home.

Ms Finch-Saunders asked the commission how many of its staff work five days a week on the Senedd estate.

Janet Finch-Saunders, Conservative spokesperson for enterprise, connectivity, and energy

Noting the commission does not collect information on daily rates of working from home by its staff, Mr Irranca-Davies told the Siambr it does actively manage and review the performance of

staff against “strategic goals, service requirements, and individual objectives”.

He added that, with the exception of those who cannot work outside of the estate such as security, porters, and front of house staff, all other roles can work from home when it “supports service delivery and management agreement”.

Ms Finch-Saunders said she has “seen differences […] where a number of staff are working from home”, and claimed staff are “harder to contact”.

She continued: “We’ve now got 96 Members, and £2.7 million is paid by the Senedd Commission on the rent of Tŷ Hywel alone.

“Apart from Tuesdays and Wednesdays, it’s fair to say that this building sometimes seems relatively empty. Often, only a handful of cars are in the car park, especially on a Friday.”

The Conservative MS asked what the commission is doing to encourage staff to return to working on the Senedd estate, adding: “Frankly, we need to see our staff coming back to work.”

In response, Mr IrrancaDavies said: “This place will not only be operating on Tuesday and Wednesday.

“It has already started work on Monday and Thursday with the committees. And some poor members are on two committees, so they will be here four days a week. The staff required to service those committees and the work they’re doing will be available.”

He continued: “If members feel that the operational effect is affecting them, let us know.

“But I have to say that the feedback we have consistently is that our ways of working, where staff can work, for example, with hybrid working, or here onsite, but making themselves available to the outcomes that members need, are very effective indeed.”

Lib Dems take Powys seat after hard-fought battle with Reform

The welsh lIberal DEMOCRATS have won a closely watched Powys byelection, taking the Yscir with honddu Isaf and llanddew seat after a hard-fought contest with Reform uk

Local farmer Colin Millichap topped the poll for the Lib Dems with 297 votes, securing 39.6 per cent of the vote. Reform UK’s Dawn McIntosh finished second with 259 votes, or 34.5 per cent.

Local farmer Colin Millichap wins Yscir with Honddu Isaf and Llanddew by-election

THE WELSH LIBERAL DEMOCRATS have won a closely watched Powys byelection, taking the Yscir with Honddu Isaf and Llanddew seat after a hard-fought contest with Reform UK.

Local farmer Colin Millichap topped the poll for the Lib Dems with 297 votes, securing 39.6 per cent of the vote. Reform UK’s Dawn McIntosh finished second with 259 votes, or 34.5 per cent.

Plaid Cymru came third with 96 votes, followed by the Welsh Conservatives on 68, the Green Party on 15 and Welsh Labour on 14. Turnout was just over 51 per cent.

The result is politically significant because the ward had previously been represented by Iain McIntosh, who was elected

as a Conservative before later sitting as a Reform councillor. Mr McIntosh has since been elected to the Senedd.

The contest was one of three Powys County Council byelections held on Thursday, July 2, after sitting councillors were elected to the Senedd in May.

Reform UK held Llanyre with Nantmel, where Gareth Hughes was elected with 359 votes.

The Liberal Democrats finished second there with 226 votes, ahead of the Conservatives on 210.

Plaid Cymru also successfully defended Glantwymyn, where Rwth Hughes secured a comfortable victory with 513 votes. Reform UK finished a distant second on 63 votes.

The Yscir result will be seen as a boost for the Liberal Democrats ahead of next year’s full council elections in Powys, where the party is already part of the ruling minority administration.

Welsh Liberal Democrat MP for Brecon, Radnor and Cwm Tawe, David Chadwick, described the result as “phenomenal” and said it showed the party could challenge Reform in rural Wales.

He said: “This is a phenomenal result for Colin and a massive win for the Welsh Liberal Democrats. Winning in Reform’s own backyard proves

bLUE vIEW

Cllr Mark Carter

I have been a County Councillor for over 9 years representing solva and currently I am hearing from the businesses I represent that they are finding trading conditions the most challenging for years. One of the biggest industries in Pembrokeshire is hospitality and tourism and it seems noticeably quieter. World events are affecting locals and visitors alike and it appears that visitors now come to Pembrokeshire for a few days rather than a week thus reducing the booking days achieved.

new Welsh Government revisits this legislation a more sensible approach is taken and that the time taken by the Valuation Office to determine disputes is reduced to a sensible timeframe.

that when it comes to the next council elections, the real choice is between the Lib Dems and Reform.

“The political dividing line for our communities is now crystal clear. It is a choice between the Welsh Liberal Democrats, who work hard, focus on practical solutions, and are determined to get things done for local people, versus those who simply look to complain, manufacture anger, and channel rage from the sidelines without offering any real answers.

“Colin’s victory shows that voters are rejecting empty populism in favour of local champions who actually care about delivering results. We will carry this momentum straight into next year’s local elections in Powys.”

Mr Millichap is a wellknown local farmer who lives in Llandefalle with his wife Mandy. The couple have four children and two grandchildren.

He farms with his wife and three sons at Llandefalle and Yscirfawr, Merthyr Cynog, running a sheep flock and suckler cow herd.

He is a former chairman of NFU Cymru in Brecon and Radnor, has served on the organisation’s Livestock Board, and currently sits on the Less Favoured Area Board.

One of the toughest stories I hear is the small accommodation provider who is finding it difficult to let their cottage for the prescribed 182 days and are facing being penalised with a 3 year back dated bill for Council tax at the Second Homes Premium rate. In most cases these are micro-operators who just want to supplement their income with a familyowned property or annexe but are presented with bills of ten thousand pounds or more, enough to ruin their business. The previous Welsh Government made a token gesture of a 3 year average of 182 days to avoid paying the premium but I really hope when this

Hospitality businesses are also suffering badly and in my view what is needed is a long term VAT reduction for small pubs and eateries. Any business that turns over £90,000 per annum is obliged to be registered for VAT so turnover of £91,000 will force them to become VAT registered and thus lose over £15,000 in the process. Small hospitality businesses are vital to our community as they provide a traditional facility for visitors and are often the first steps into paid employment for our teenagers. However, they rely so heavily on the success of the accommodation businesses that draw people to Pembrokeshire in the first place.

In my view our Council and the new Plaid Government needs to apply pressure to Westminster to assist small hospitality business operators and remove any unnecessary taxation. I really look forward to the new Government and also the new Council leader supporting change.

W ITH ANDREW LYE

In response to adenoch’s speech where she challenged andy burnham to avoid a summer of chaos and to take steps to grow the economy, Daisy Cooper MP, Liberal Democrat deputy leader, said:

“This is a bit rich coming from the Conservatives who plunged Britain into so many crises, from Brexit, the Liz Truss Mini-budget, dodgy covid contracts and a costof-living crisis.

“The Conservatives have done more to damage our economy than anyone else. They are the last people who should be anywhere near the public purse.

“If Badenoch is concerned about stopping chaos, she should rule out a chaotic coalition with Farage that would without a doubt torpedo our economy.”

This leads into “Clearing the Way for Growth” - the Liberal Democrat campaign to ‘axe 100 pieces of red tape’ and get Britain growing again.

Liberal Democrat MP and spokesperson for Investment and Trade, Joshua Reynolds launched a major campaign aimed at unleashing the potential of British businesses and supercharging economic growth.

The campaign will see Liberal Democrat MPs across the country hosting roundtable discussions with local small and medium sized firms (SMEs) and business leaders in their communities, to identify administrative and compliance burdens that are stifling growth.

The sessions will form the evidence base for Liberal Democrats to advocate practical cost-saving measures that will have realworld impact for consumers and businesses – especially SMEs.

The party said the aim of the campaign is to draw up 100 measures that would cut, consolidate and streamline regulations and reporting

requirements, to unleash UK business growth, while safeguarding consumer protections, workers’ rights and our ability to do business with our biggest trading partners in Europe.

Joshua Reynolds said the campaign is all about cutting bureaucratic deadweight that costs businesses time and money, not removing protections that matter.

The campaign launch comes a week after the Liberal Democrats announced bold plans to boost trade with Europe, including joining the Single Market and a customs union, to tear up paperwork and burdensome border checks.

Previous Liberal Democrat analysis based on research by the Chartered Institute of Export & International Trade found that Brexit has created nearly two billion extra pieces of paperwork for British businesses - enough to wrap around the world 15 times.

Liberal Democrat spokesperson for Investment and Trade, Joshua Reynolds MP said:

“Small businesses are the backbone of the UK economy and our biggest growth engine.

“It’s no wonder that economic growth has eluded both the current Labour and previous Conservative Governments, who hit our businesses with unfair tax rises and piled mountains of paperwork and red tape on them.

“British businesses are not struggling because they lack ambition or talent. They are struggling because the system keeps getting in the way. This campaign is all about changing that.

“The country needs to be enabling businesses to fill in orders and find more clients; instead, the Government leaves them filling in forms and facing a maze of complex rules. This can’t go on and Liberal Democrats are driving that change.”

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

Senedd unites behind calls for better childhood trauma support

A SENEDD Member who lost her birth mother at just three weeks old has spoken about her childhood experiences during a debate on the lasting impact of adverse childhood experiences.

Reform’s Sarah CooperLesadd discussed her adoption in a debate tabled by Plaid Cymru’s Beca Brown, with the Senedd hearing calls for a ‘traumainformed’ approach to services.

The debate called on the Senedd to “recognise the profound and lasting impact of trauma on individuals throughout their lives.”

Ms Cooper Lesadd said: “My story did not start with adoption. It began with loss.

“My birth mother died when I was three-weeks-old. She had postnatal psychosis, a severe, frightening and treatable condition, and she did not get the help she needed in time.

“Today, with her history known, she might have been seen before crisis ever came, supported through pregnancy, monitored in the weeks that followed, kept safe.

“She fell through every gap the system had, and the highest price was paid by her and by a threeweek-old baby, me, who entered care because the mother who loved her could not be saved.”

The Pen y Bont Bro

Ella Groves, ICNN Senedd Reporter

Morgannwg MS continued: “My birth father took me in for a time, and then he gave me up too. So, before I was old enough to understand the world, I’d already been let go of twice.”

“I was not told how she died until I was ten. People sometimes assume you cannot grieve someone you never really knew. You can. You mourn not who they were, but everything you never got to be.

“I have grieved my mother my entire life. I have two photographs, and never once heard her voice.”

Ms Cooper-Lesadd told the Siambr that she comes to this debate not from reading policy papers or briefings but as “the child in the file, the case number, the placement”.

Discussing the importance of support for care-experienced children, she said: “The difference between a care-experienced child who thrives and the one who does not is rarely talent, and never worth.

“It is about whether someone in the system chooses to see them. And this is what traumainformed practice means – not a slogan, not a toolkit gathering dust, but a culture in which the midwife, the teacher, the nurse, the social worker are equipped to

see the person, not just the case.”

Ms Cooper-Lesadd called for three things; for traumainformed training to be standard for professionals on the frontline; for individuals to have to tell their story only once not to “relive the worst of their life at every new desk”; and for recognition that trauma does not end at 18.

Concluding her statement, she said: “If my being here means anything, let it mean this – that we build a Wales that sees a struggling mother and the frightened child before it is too late. That Wales might have saved her.”

During the debate, the Senedd Commission – the body responsible for the Senedd’s property staff, and MS support services – faced calls to “adopt trauma-informed approaches across all Senedd activities and services” and to “promote approaches that place individuals at the centre of services”.

The debate was opened by Beca Brown who told the Siambr “far too many people” are living with complex trauma that is often related to adverse childhood experiences (ACE).

ACEs are associated with an increased risk of poorer mental and physical health, an increased risk of substance misuse, and an increased likelihood of suffering from chronic conditions in later

life.Ms Brown noted the importance of a secure home for all, reciting the words of Shelter Cymru – ‘A home is everything’.

Yet, she told her colleagues how being homeless, or experiencing housing insecurity, is often overlooked as an adverse childhood experience.

She said: “A home is essential for a child to feel safe. It’s more than just bricks and mortar, and it’s at home that a child learns to relax and to close the door on the troubles of the world.

“When that foundation is not available to a child, temporary accommodation can create, exacerbate and perpetuate trauma.”

The Plaid Cymru MS went on to discuss the rates of child sexual abuse, noting that an estimated 25,000 children and young people are sexually abused in Wales each year.

Ms Brown shared the story of Venus, who was referred to the Rape and Sexual Abuse Support Centre North Wales by Sussex Police during an investigation into prolonged childhood sexual abuse.

Ms Brown shared Venus’ own words about her experience: “’I never felt like I wasn’t believed. I was always treated with respect, and my experiences were never referred to as allegations before the trial.

“The support I received was centred on me and the feelings I was experiencing, rather than trying to fit me into labels or clinical models.

“Their trauma-informed approach meant they recognised how trauma can affect trust, communication, emotions and day-to-day life. It helped me understand myself better.’

“They worked at my pace and I felt understood as a person, rather than defined by something that had happened to me.”

Venus emphasised the importance of a “safe, non-judgemental space” in her recovery, as well as the knowledge that the support wouldn’t end abruptly.

She said: “Knowing there was continuity and that I wouldn’t suddenly be discharged gave me a sense of security and stability – an important part of my recovery.”

Ms Brown called for the Welsh Government to commit to “supporting positive childhood experiences and prioritise opportunities for trusting, therapeutic relationships”

She continued: “We could embed relational health across Welsh Government and public services, ensure trauma-informed practice prioritises positive relationships, strengths and collaboration with people, rather than transactional or process-driven services.

We can invest in prevention by promoting positive childhood experiences, PCEs, create policies that strengthen parent-child relationships, therapeutic relationships and family strengths, and recognise the impact of poverty on relational health.”

Highlighting the importance of treating others with “kindness and empathy”, Labour’s Lynne Neagle drew attention to the benefits of traumainformed practices in schools.

Discussing her visit to Ysgol Gyfun Llangefni last year, Ms Neagle noted children at the school are met off the bus each morning by staff – an example of the trauma-informed practices in place there.

She said: “The purpose of that is so that those young people know there is always an adult keeping them in mind, and the power of that, especially to a child who doesn’t have strong relationships at home, is incalculable.”

The former education minister told the Siambr that one of the last things she did as minister was to announce new funding for additional mental health and wellbeing support in schools, as well as new funding to develop the introduction of trauma-informed practice in schools.

She called on the new Plaid government to ensure those initiatives continue, adding: “I think there is consensus around supporting our young people with strong relational practice, and I hope that, regardless of political differences, we can all agree on that.”

Sam Rowlands, the Conservative spokesperson for families, spoke of the importance of funding for organisations supporting those living with trauma.

Mr Rowlands shared his experience meeting Stepping Stones – a charity supporting adult survivors of child sexual abuse in his Fflint Wrecsam constituency.

He said one issue the charity raised with him was that it operates with “significant uncertainty” due to much of their funding being allocated on an annual basis.

Mr Rowlands said: “I appreciate that public finances are under pressure, but organisations delivering essential trauma-informed services should not have to spend so much time worrying about whether they will still exist the following year.

“As I say, the people who require that support need to know that services are there into the future as well.”

He called on the cabinet minister for social justice and equality to consider “whether longer term funding arrangements could be introduced for charities”.

He added: “If we’re serious about supporting people who’ve gone through these adverse childhood experiences, we must be serious about providing that sustainable support for the organisations doing this work day-in and day-out.”

Deputy First Minister Sioned Williams said it is “quite clear” action must be taken on adverse childhood experiences – and said preventing ACEs is “not only critical to the health and wellbeing of individuals, it’s crucial to the wellbeing of our nation”. Ms Williams, who is also social justice and equality minister, continued: “The cost of not doing so impacts not only the individual in terms of the lost opportunity to enjoy a long, happy, healthy and productive life, but is also felt by families, communities, public services, and our economy.

“One study that looked at the financial cost of ACEs in England and Wales estimated that the annual costs were nearly £43 billion, equivalent to around £1,800 per household per annum. So, as well as a moral obligation, we have an economic imperative to act on ACEs.”

Ms Williams pointed to Plaid’s early years programmes, which aim to

identify and prevent adverse childhood experiences early and offer timely support.

She recognised the importance of “taking a cross-Government, systemwide, holistic approach to tackling childhood adversity and trauma, guided by the evidence and best practice.”

Concluding her response she added: “A commitment to working in an ACE and trauma-informed way is already embedded within Welsh Government policies, programmes and strategies, but I will continue to encourage and push for this as new policies and programmes are developed, and to ensure good practice is continued and shared.”

Huw Irranca-Davies responded to the debate in his role as Llywydd and chair of the Senedd Commission.

Describing the debate as one of “profound importance”, Mr IrrancaDavies stressed the impact of trauma on individuals and Welsh society as a whole.

He told his colleagues in the Siambr the Senedd Commission “firmly recognises” the importance of considering how working practices, services, and engagement can reflect an understanding of trauma.

The Llywydd emphasised the commission’s commitment to both increasing awareness of the impact of trauma among MSs and promoting the approaches that put individuals at the centre of services.

Closing his response, Mr IrrancaDavies said: “The matters raised in this motion highlight not only the challenges associated with trauma, but also the opportunity and the responsibility for public bodies to respond thoughtfully and effectively.

“The Senedd Commission will continue to reflect on how its role, responsibilities and services can contribute to this aim in a manner consistent with its duties and its resources.”

The motion was agreed with no objections.

SEnD yOUR LETTERS TO: THE EDITOR, 11 HAMILTON TERRACE, MILFORD HAVEN, PEMBROKESHIRE, SA73 3AL

EMAIL US AT: editor@herald.email

& no T ices

The week!

THAnK yOU FOR COVERING THE EDM ON ANIMAL TESTING

dear s I r ,

I wan T ed to thank you for your reporting on the recent parliamentary action regarding generic service licences and toxicity testing. It was helpful to see this issue covered in a way that makes the licensing system and its implications easier for readers to follow.

Your piece highlighted something that often stays hidden from public view - how these licences allow tests to be approved without specifying the substances involved, and how that lack of detail affects both oversight and accountability. Bringing attention to the FOI data and the scale of animal use under these licences is important, and I appreciate the care you took in presenting it. Thank you again for covering

this topic and for helping readers understand why MPs are pressing for reform.

S ARA C RANE TORONTO

SUSPICIOn IS nOT PROOF, EVEN WHEN NEWSPAPERS ARE UnPOPULAR

dear s I r ,

The High Court judgment involving Prince Harry, s ir e lton j ohn, b aroness Lawrence and others should give everyone pause for thought.

Many people have strong views about the national press, especially the tabloid press. There is no doubt that parts of the industry have, in the past, behaved disgracefully. Phone hacking, blagging and intrusion damaged public trust and caused real harm to people who were already under intense scrutiny.

money. If the reports about the legal bill are anywhere near accurate, the sums involved are beyond the imagination of most people in Wales. Ordinary people with genuine privacy complaints would never be able to fight litigation on this scale.

That should concern us. Justice should not be a game only the wealthy, famous or heavily insured can afford to play.

This judgment is not a love letter to the press. Nor is it a humiliation only for the claimants. It is a warning to both sides.

Newspapers must obey the law. But those who accuse them of breaking it must prove their case.

g emma f arleyfor your reporting

VIOLENCE SPILLING ON TO OUR PREvIOUSLy-QUIET STREETS

dear s I r

As a Milford Haven resident, I am disgusted by the level of violence now being seen on our streets.

But this case is a reminder of something important. In a court of law, suspicion is not enough. Anger is not enough. A pattern of bad behaviour elsewhere is not enough. Serious allegations have to be proved.

The claimants in this case made grave accusations against Associated Newspapers. The judge did not say the newspaper world has always behaved honourably. He said these particular claims had not been proved on the evidence before him.

That distinction matters.

It matters because the law must apply equally to everyone, whether the person bringing the claim is a prince, a pop star, a campaigner, a politician or an ordinary member of the public. It also matters because journalism, however unpopular it may be at times, cannot be judged on assumption alone.

There is another uncomfortable point. Cases like this cost staggering amounts of

The recent incident on Marble Hall Road, where a man was reportedly knocked unconscious, has left many people deeply concerned. While the police investigation must take its course, there is a growing feeling in the town that drug-related behaviour, intimidation and violence are making some areas feel unsafe, particularly in the evenings.

Milford Haven is a proud town with decent, hard-working people. Families should not have to worry about walking home, young people should not be exposed to this kind of behaviour, and residents should not feel that disorder is becoming normal.

The police need the public’s support, and anyone with information or CCTV should come forward. But we also need a wider response. Drug dealing, violence and antisocial behaviour cannot be allowed to take root in our community.

Milford Haven deserves better than this.

Johnny Lee

death notices

V IVIAN DAVIES

PEACEFuLLY at Williamston Nursing Home on 27th June, Viv aged 83 years.

Beloved husband of Joy, dearly loved father and father-in-law of Annette and Steve.

He will be missed by all his family and friends.

Funeral Service Monday 13th July at the W.G.Mathias Chapel of Rest, St.Davids at 2.00pm.

Family flowers.

Donations if desired for Greenacres Animal Rescue, Ebbs Acres Farm, Talbenny, SA62 3XA.

M ARGARET Y VONNE B ERRY

YVONNE passed away peacefully at withybush g eneral h ospital, Haverfordwest on Thursday 18th June, aged 71 years.

Much loved, she will be sadly missed by all family and many friends.

Funeral Service, Thursday 16th July, 1:45pm at Parc Gwyn Crematorium, Narberth.

The family would welcome a splash of colour to celebrate Yvonne’s life.

Family flowers only.

Donations in lieu for Haverfordwest Cricket Club Junior and Disability Section can be sent c/o Mr Andrew Phillips, 118 Haven Park Crescent, Haverfordwest, SA61 1DS. Please make cheques/payments to

Haverfordwest Cricket Club.

All enquiries to Roy Folland & Son Funeral Directors. (01437) 763821

J EA nn IE R UTHERFORD

PEACEFuLLY on Tuesday 16th June, Jeannie of Newport.

She will be sadly missed by all her family and friends.

Funeral service on Thursday 16th July at Parc Gwyn Crematorium, Narberth at 2:30pm.

No flowers by request.

Donations in lieu if desired for ‘Water Aid UK’ via pauljenkinsandsons. co.uk/donations.

Further enquiries to Paul Jenkins & Sons Funeral Directors, Fishguard. Tel: 01348 873250.

M ARY P RITCHARD

PEACEFuLLY on Friday 26th June at Withybush Hospital, Mary of Fishguard.

Beloved wife of the late Alun, loving mother, grandmother, great grandmother, great great grandmother and a dear sister-in-law and aunty.

Funeral service on Saturday 11th July at the Chapel of Rest, Feidr Castell, Fishguard at 2pm followed by interment at Tabernacle Cemetery.

Family flowers only. Donations in lieu if desired for ‘Wales Air Ambulance’ via pauljenkinsandsons. co.uk/donations

Further enquiries to Paul Jenkins

& Sons Funeral Directors, Fishguard. Tel: 01348 873250.

B ERYL G EORGINA A LICE YORK

PEACEFuLLY at Torestin Care Home, Tiers Cross on Wednesday 17th j une 2026, Mrs. b eryl york passed away aged 90 years.

Beloved wife of the late Ken York and loving mother to Malcolm, Debbie and Jackie, mother-in-law to Sandra, Gary and Peter. Much loved Nanny Beryl to Adam, Elinor, Matthew, Martyn, Daryl and Christian. Great Nanny to Jasmine, Elsie, Dottie, Griff, Rhun and Gethin.

Beryl will be greatly missed by all her family and friends.

A Celebration of her life will take place at Parc Gwyn Crematorium, Narberth on Friday 10th July at 10.45am.

Family flowers only, if desired, donations in memory of Beryl to the Alzheimer’s Society c/o E. C. Thomas and Son, Zoar Chapel Funeral Home, Llanteg, Narberth SA67 8QH (01834) 831876 and 21 Main Street, Pembroke SA71 4JS (01646) 682680 or via www.ecthomasandson.co.uk

V IVIAN T HOMAS

PEACEFuLLY at Withybush Hospital, Haverfordwest on Saturday 20th June 2026.

Mr Vivian Thomas known as Viv of Castle High, Haverfordwest, aged 83 years.

Beloved Husband of Jan. Dearly loved Dad to Vicky and Andrew, Daughter-in-Law to Linda, Gaggy to Teigan and Bampy to Ben.

The Funeral Service will take place on Friday 17th July, 11:30am at Parc Gwyn Crematorium, Narberth.

Family Flowers only.

Donations if so desired made payable to Cancer Research UK may be sent c/o Mr Andrew Thomas, 38 Shelley Road, Haverfordwest, SA61 1RX.

Further enquiries to F. G. Rees & Sons, Haverfordwest. Tel: 01437 764418.

G WENDOLINE T HELMA BEVAN

Su DDENLY at Withybush Hospital on Monday 15th June 2026 g wendoline Thelma b evan of Haverfordwest formerly of Hayscastle Cross aged 85 years.

Thelma will be sadly missed by all her family and friends.

The funeral service will take place on Wednesday 29th July, 11:30am at Parc Gwyn Crematorium, Narberth. Family flowers only.

Donations in lieu, if desired, in aid of Withybush General Hospital may be sent c/o Mrs Maureen Jenkins, 37 Bagley Court, Thornhill, Cwmbran, Torfaen, NP44 5TW.

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TQuestions raised over Hamilton Academical finances after club’s Haverfordwest friendly

FRESH questions are being raised over the football ownership network behind Haverfordwest County AFC after a Scottish report claimed Hamilton Academical are facing growing anger over unpaid pension contributions.

The Daily Record and Lanarkshire Live have reported that rival SPFL clubs are frustrated by what they see as a lack of action over Hamilton’s alleged pension issues, with claims that the League One side is gaining a sporting advantage while continuing to sign players.

Hamilton Academical and Haverfordwest County are both linked through Morley Sports Management, the group associated with Haverfordwest chairman Rob Edwards (pictured).

The issue has now taken on a direct Pembrokeshire angle because Hamilton travelled to Haverfordwest earlier this month for a pre-season friendly at the Ogi Bridge Meadow. Haverfordwest County described the fixture as a first meeting between two clubs under the Morley Sports Management umbrella, while Hamilton said the trip was

an opportunity to strengthen connections on and off the pitch across the MSM team.

Hamilton won the friendly 4-0 on Saturday, July 4.

The Scottish reports claim that current and former Hamilton players have been chasing pension contributions, while rival clubs are concerned that the Accies have continued to recruit players and offer contracts despite unresolved financial questions.

One unnamed SPFL club official quoted by the Daily Record described the situation as an “absolute scandal” and claimed clubs who meet their obligations are being placed at a disadvantage.

There is no suggestion that Haverfordwest County players or staff are affected by the pension allegations. However, the latest claims are likely to increase scrutiny of the wider Morley Sports Management football model at a time when Haverfordwest County are moving towards a hybrid first-team structure, with some young players training on a full-time basis.

The Bluebirds have previously said the hybrid model is intended to provide a pathway

for talented Pembrokeshire players and help the club continue its push for success in the Cymru Premier.

Hamilton’s off-field difficulties have been well documented. In February, the SPFL confirmed that the club had received a sixpoint deduction after admitted breaches relating to unpaid wages and tax obligations. The SPFL said at the time that those breaches related to the period before the current ownership took control of the club. In May, Hamilton said outstanding historic HMRC liabilities had been settled and that a winding-up petition against the club would be withdrawn. Rob Edwards said at the time that the matter was the club’s “last major hurdle” and that Hamilton could now focus on the future.

The latest pension claims, however, have reignited concerns among Scottish clubs over financial compliance, sporting integrity, and the enforcement of league rules.

The Herald has asked Haverfordwest County AFC, Hamilton Academical, the SPFL, the Football Association of Wales, and The Pensions Regulator for comment.

From boccia to boxing: ALN multisport events give youngsters chance to try activities

young people from across Pembrokeshire have enjoyed two successful Additional Learning Needs multisport events, giving them the chance to try a wide range of activities in a welcoming and inclusive environment.

Thirty children from the south of the county attended the first event at Pembroke Leisure Centre on June 16, while a further 19 children from north Pembrokeshire took part in a second event at Fishguard Leisure Centre on June 30.

Both events were supported by main sponsor Valero.

Children were able to try a variety of sports and activities, including rugby, cricket, dance, boccia and boxing, with basketball also included at the Fishguard event.

The sessions were designed to provide inclusive sporting opportunities for young people with additional learning needs, with a focus on participation, enjoyment and building confidence.

Throughout the events, children were encouraged to learn new skills, make friends and experience different activities in a fun and supportive setting.

Organisers said the events were made possible thanks to the support of dedicated coaches, whose enthusiasm and encouragement

events.

helped ensure every child felt welcome and able to take part.

Thanks have also been extended to JK Lewis & Son of Crymych for sponsoring bottled water for both events, and to Valero for its valued support.

Elgan Vittle, of Sport

Pembrokeshire, said: “Days like these demonstrate the power of sport to break down barriers and create positive experiences for all young people.

“The energy, excitement and enjoyment shown by every participant made the events truly memorable.

“It was fantastic to see so many children from across Pembrokeshire trying new activities, building confidence and having fun.

“We are extremely grateful to the coaches, volunteers and sponsors whose support helped make these opportunities possible.”

bluebirds give new home strip first run-out

Haverfordwest County AFC’s new Tor Sports home kit made its first appearance on the pitch at the weekend

HAVERFORDWEST COuNTY

AFC’s new home strip has been seen in action for the first time.

The Bluebirds wore the new Tor Sports kit during Saturday’s fixture, giving supporters a first proper look at the design on the pitch.

The strip keeps Haverfordwest’s traditional blue colours, with yellow detailing on the sleeves and shorts, while the club badge sits prominently on the front.

The club shared photos of the kit on social media, asking supporters: “How good?!”

The images show the squad walking out and in match action, with the new strip already getting plenty of attention from fans.

Haverfordwest County, who continue to proudly use the slogan #PlayingForPembrokeshire, will wear the kit as their home strip for the new campaign

Rising rally star claims maiden Mini Rally Challenge victory

rIsIng rally star henri Cynwyl has claimed his first outright victory in the r53 Mini rally Challenge after an impressive performance at the greystoke stages rally in Cumbria.

The young driver from Newcastle Emlyn, who recently made his gravel debut at the Plains Rally, wasted no time in showing his potential on one of the toughest events of the season.

In only his second gravel rally, Henri delivered a composed and determined drive over rough and demanding terrain. Despite difficult conditions and damage to the car during the event, he secured victory in the R53 Mini Rally Challenge, finished an outstanding 15th overall, and took second in Class 3 in the over 2000cc category.

The result further strengthens Henri’s reputation as one of rallying’s brightest young prospects and marks another major step forward in his developing career.

Speaking after the event, 18-year-old Henri said: “This was my second outing at a gravel event and I’m absolutely delighted with the win, especially on very rough and challenging terrain.

“It was my first time at Greystoke

and although it was rough, I really enjoyed it. I knew I just had to get back to service for the win with a one minute 30 second lead.”

For the apprentice electrician, finishing inside the top 15 overall and second in class capped off a superb weekend.

Henri added: “A huge thank you to my support network and sponsors,

who has a wealth of knowledge and gives me valuable advice.

“From the service crew to my mum, they have all been terrific. It was also brilliant to have the support and help from other Mini Rally Challenge members, who went above and beyond to help fix my damaged

radiator.

“I really appreciate all the phone calls and messages from family, friends and sponsors. They all mean a lot to me.”

Henri also paid tribute to his codriver Dilwyn John, whose experience proved invaluable throughout the event.

He said: “Having Dilwyn John as my co-driver was super. He is very experienced at gravel, stage and night events, and reading the maps over the weekend suited him perfectly.

“Thirteen-year-old Wil Parry also came along to service. He is very much part of the team now. It was his 13th birthday and he worked so hard with Mark to make sure the car was running well. Top job!

“I would also like to thank all of the organisers for a great event. We will be back next year.”

With a podium finish on his gravel debut followed immediately by his first outright Mini Rally Challenge victory, the future looks bright for Henri. If these early performances are anything to go by, the Newcastle Emlyn youngster is certainly one to watch as his rally career continues to gather momentum.

Pembrokeshire cricket weekend round-up: Week 11 keeps title races alive

a weekend of tight finishes, big individual performances and important wins kept the promotion races moving across the Thomas Carroll Pembroke County Cricket League.

Saundersfoot remain top of Division One after a dramatic tie with Neyland, while Carew kept up the pressure with victory at St Ishmaels.

Hook continue to lead Division Two, Laugharne are still the team to catch in Division Three, and Lawrenny II remain out in front in Division Four.

Lower down the pyramid, Cresselly III stay top of Division Five despite defeat to Whitland II, while Lamphey II lead Division Six after another strong win.

dIvIsIon one: saundersfooT held In neyland ThrIller

Saundersfoot remain unbeaten at the top of Division One, but they were made to work hard in a dramatic tied match against Neyland.

Both sides finished on 207-8. Paul Murray made 69 and Ross Hardy added 68 for Neyland, while Tom Mansbridge hit 64 for Saundersfoot and Sam Franklin made 39.

Carew stayed second with a

six-wicket win over St Ishmaels. Herbrandston were emphatic winners over Narberth, winning by 157 runs, while Lawrenny picked up a valuable 88-run win over Whitland.

dIvIsIon Two: hook sTay Top as johnsTon keep Chase alIve

Hook remain top of Division Two after an eight-wicket win over Haverfordwest.

Haverfordwest made 187-8, with Ben Field scoring 64 and James Marchant unbeaten on 57. Hook chased it down on 190-2, Lewis Miller making 61, Mikey Jones 52 and Aled Phelps 50 not out. Johnston remain close behind after an eight-wicket win over Llangwm, while Fishguard edged one of the closest games of the weekend, beating Llanrhian by just two runs.

dIvIsIon Three: laugharne reMaIn ouT In fronT

Laugharne continue to lead Division Three after an eight-wicket win over Haverfordwest II. Haverfordwest II reached 152-6, with David Haynes making 45, Jac Peters 47 and Doug Johnson 28. Laugharne replied with 155-2, Matt Tait finishing unbeaten on 76 and Harry Clapperton

making 49.

Lamphey beat Burton II by six wickets, Saundersfoot II were convincing ninewicket winners over Pembroke II, and Kilgetty kept their promotion push alive with a seven-wicket win over Stackpole.

dIvIsIon four: lawrenny II lead afTer daley dIsplay

Lawrenny II remain top of Division Four after a 26-run win over Llechryd II.

Rhys Daley was the key man, making 75 before taking 4-32. Narberth II stayed in touch with a 63-run win over Neyland II, while Hook II were sevenwicket winners against St Ishmaels II.

dIvIsIon fIve: Cresselly III beaTen buT sTay Top

Cresselly III remain top of Division Five despite a 35-run defeat to Whitland II.

Whitland II made 162-6 before bowling Cresselly III out for 127. Connor Beynon produced one of the performances of the weekend, hitting an unbeaten 110 as Hundleton II beat Llangwm II by 36 runs.

Pembroke III also enjoyed a strong chase, beating Pembroke Dock II by six wickets.

dIvIsIon sIX: laMphey II lead afTer eIghT-wICkeT wIn

Lamphey II remain top of Division Six after beating Haverfordwest IV by eight wickets. Haverfordwest IV were bowled out for 191, with Tom Baker making 47 not out, Stef Ateyo 43 and Brandon Dewstowe 30. Lamphey II replied with 193-2, John Sture finishing unbeaten on 82 and James White also making 82. Kilgetty II picked up a 48-run win over Haverfordwest/Cresselly, with Iwan Godwaltz making 101 and taking 2-39.

Thomas Carroll Pembrokeshire League Table

Fixtures 11th July

Divison 1

Burton v Herbrandston

Carew v l awrenny

Cresselly v Whitland

Narberth v Neyland

Saundersfoot v St i shmaels Divison 2

Hook v Pembroke

Johnston v Fishguard

l langwm v l lechryd

l lanrhian v Haverfordwest

P Dock v Cresselly ii Divison 3

Haverfordwest ii v l amphey

Hundleton v l augharne

k ilgetty v Saundersfoot ii

Pembroke ii v Carew ii

Stackpole v Burton ii Divison 4

Herbrandston ii v Narberth ii lawrenny ii v Haverfordwest iii llechryd ii v Hook ii

Neyland ii v Carew iii St ishmaels ii v Crymych Divison 5

Cresselly iii v Pembroke Dock ii llechryd iii v llangwm ii Pembroke iii v llanrhian ii

Whitland ii v Hundleton ii Divison 6

lamphey ii v kilgetty ii Whitland III v H’west-Cresselly