FRIDAY september 11th 2026 • ISSUE 679 • ONLY £1.50
suspicious object
Police believe four suspects used a black BMW in the break-in • p9
Boy, 14, arrested P3
church schools
Bishop warns over future P21
9/11
25 years on P17
£57,000 reported stolen in Tenby pharmacy burglary
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Boy, 14, arrested after suspicious object found in Haverfordwest A 14-YEAR-OLD boy has been arrested after a suspicious object was discovered in Haverfordwest. Dyfed-Powys Police received a report that the object had been found in Snowdrop Lane at around 10:40am on Sunday (Sept 6). An Explosive Ordnance Disposal team was alerted and attended the scene to examine the item. Snowdrop Lane was closed while emergency services dealt with the incident, with police saying the measure was necessary to ensure the safety of residents. The force has now confirmed that a 14-year-old boy was arrested on suspicion of attempting to make an explosive device with intent to endanger life. He remained in police custody when the update was issued.
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A spokesperson for Dyfed-Powys Police said: “Dyfed-Powys Police received a report of a suspicious object located in Snowdrop Lane, Haverfordwest, at around 10:40am on Sunday, September 6. “The Explosive Ordnance Disposal team were made aware and attended the scene to examine the item. “The road was closed to ensure the safety of residents, and we would like to thank them for their patience. “A 14-year-old boy has been arrested on suspicion of attempting to make an explosive device with intent to endanger life and remains in police custody.” Police said their investigation remains ongoing.
Coastguard and lifeboats launch search after cries for help near Strumble Head COASTGUARD rescue teams and Fishguard RNLI lifeboat crews were deployed on Sunday afternoon following reports of cries for help near Strumble Head. The alarm was raised at around 1.07pm on September 6, with HM Coastguard tasking teams to the Strumble Head and Carreg Onnen area following concerns that a person could be in distress.
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Coastguard personnel were sent onto the coast path and to an observation point, carrying out a cliff-top search of the rugged coastline. At the same time, Fishguard RNLI lifeboat crews searched the shoreline and waters around the bay for any possible casualty.
Following an extensive search, no person in difficulty was located and all teams were stood down. The incident was subsequently recorded as a false alarm with good intentions. Coastguard rescuers stressed that
members of the public should never hesitate to raise the alarm if they believe somebody may be in danger. Anyone witnessing an emergency at sea, on the coast or cliffs should call 999 and ask for the Coastguard.
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Body found after 15-year-old boy went missing at Marloes Sands
SATURDAY & SUNDAY
Wind: 11mph max
A BODY has been found following the disappearance of a 15-year-old boy who got into difficulty in the sea at Marloes Sands last month. The teenager was reported to have got into difficulty at the Pembrokeshire beach on Sunday, August 30, prompting a major multi-agency
search involving HM Coastguard, RNLI lifeboat crews and other emergency services. Dyfed-Powys Police confirmed on Wednesday (September 9) that a body had now been recovered. A force spokesperson said: “Sadly, we can confirm that a body has been
found during the search for a 15-yearold boy who was reported to have got into difficulty at Marloes Sands, Milford Haven, on Sunday 30 August. “Next of kin have been informed, and our thoughts are with them at this time.” Police said the death is not currently being treated as suspicious. Formal identification is due to take place in due course and support is being offered to the teenager’s family. The discovery comes more than a week after an extensive search operation was launched along the Pembrokeshire coastline and surrounding waters. Emergency crews carried out searches at sea and along the shore after the boy was reported missing, with RNLI lifeboats, coastguard rescue teams and other emergency services taking part. Marloes Sands lies within the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park and is popular with visitors and local residents. Police have not released any further details at this stage.
Banned after cocaine-fuelled crash on A477
A HAVERFORDWEST motorist has been banned from driving after crashing his car after taking cocaine. Glyn Mainprize, 45, was arrested just before 5pm on April 3 after his green Skoda Octavia was involved in a road collision on the A477 at Redberth. Subsequent blood tests showed he had 92 mcg of the cocaine metabolite benzoylecgonine in his system, the legal limit being 50. Mainprize pleaded guilty to drugdriving when he appeared before Haverfordwest magistrates this week. “He’s absolutely devastated to be here today and is very disappointed at himself
for the position he now finds himself in,” commented his solicitor, Alaw Harries. “He had taken a small amount of cocaine the previous day, and didn’t realise it would remain in his system after 24 hours.” Mainprize was sentenced to a 12 month community order during which he must complete ten rehabilitation activity requirement days. He was fined £80 and ordered to pay a £114 court surcharge to support victims of crime and £85 costs. He was disqualified from driving for 17 months,
Convicted sex offender remanded over alleged Tor browser installation SOCIAL LINKS Click to visit our social network channels
A CONVICTED sex offender has been remanded in custody after allegedly installing a tor browser to his phone despite being the subject of a Sexual Ham Prevention Order. Appearing before Haverfordwest magistrates this week was 64-yearold Paul Zuk, of Hamilton Court, Pembroke Dock. The Crown alleges that between June 10 and September 4, 2026, Zuk installed a tor browser to his phone in a bid to protect his internet anonymity and privacy. This was despite a sexual harm prevention order imposed by Swansea Crown Court in 2018 for a
previous conviction. “A monitoring device has been fitted to his phone and sometimes, if it’s not activated, it generates an inquiry by police officers,” explained Crown Prosecutor Sian Vaughan. “When the officers attended, they noted an app had been downloaded and deleted by a device which deletes all searches.” Zuk denies installing the tor browser. After declining jurisdiction as a result of the seriousness of the case, magistrates remanded Zuk in custody. His trial proceedings will now commence at Swansea Crown Court on October 9.
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Historic Haverfordwest motor dealer PMS enters liquidation
ONE OF Haverfordwest’s bestknown motor trade names has gone into liquidation after the closure of its prominent town dealership. Pembroke Motor Services Limited, better known locally as PMS, entered creditors’ voluntary liquidation on August 28, with Gareth Stones of Stones & Co Insolvency Practitioners in Swansea appointed as liquidator. A formal notice of the appointment was published on September 4. The liquidation brings an end to the PMS company, which operated for decades from its highly visible premises at Salutation Square. However, The Herald understands the main car sales operation there had already ceased trading before the company entered liquidation. The former dealership site has since been placed on the market for offers in the region of £1.2 million and is currently listed as under offer. The 9,866 sq ft freehold property has been marketed as potentially suitable for a range of alternative uses, subject to planning permission. Greens Motors remains open The liquidation does not mean the closure of the separate Greens Motors operation at Withybush Business Park. The Herald contacted the Withybush business on Tuesday morning and was told that Greens Motors remains open and trading, while PMS is closed. Greens Motors Ltd is a separate legal company and remains listed as active at Companies House, with its registered office at Unit 19A, Withybush Business Park.
The dealership subsequently became a familiar sight on one of the main approaches into Haverfordwest. Prominent site under offer
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The company provides motor vehicle servicing, repairs and parts, and its website continues to advertise its 16bay workshop and parts distribution operation. The distinction is important because PMS had also previously advertised servicing from the Withybush site, and Nissan was until recently listing Pembroke Motor Services there as a “service only” dealership. Greens Motors continues to use the Withybush workshop and parts operation. Family trading history stretches back to 1843 Although Pembroke Motor Services Limited itself was incorporated in 1991, the Green family’s business history in
Man denies assaulting eightyear-old girl at primary school
A PEMBROKESHIRE man has appeared before magistrates charged with assaulting an eight-year-old girl by beating at a primary school in Haverfordwest. Luke Baker, 33, of Min y Llan, Letterston, is accused of assaulting the child by beating on April 14 of this year.
This week Baker appeared before Haverfordwest magistrates where he pleaded not guilty to the charge. His trial proceedings will now take place at Haverfordwest magistrates court on November 26. Baker was released on unconditional bail.
Haverfordwest stretches much further back. When PMS joined the Nissan dealer network in 2017, managing director John Green said his family had been trading in the town since 1843, when the business began by selling bicycles and iron products. The arrival of Nissan followed a £500,000 redevelopment of the Salutation Square dealership, creating a seven-car showroom and extensive vehicle display areas. At the time, the investment was described as creating six additional jobs.
The future of the Salutation Square property will now attract considerable local interest. The site sits next to Aldi, close to Haverfordwest railway station and on one of the principal routes through the town. Commercial agents describe the property as having three glazed showroom areas, offices, workshops and substantial forecourt space, with two separate entrances. It is being marketed for uses potentially including retail, trade counter, convenience store or drive-through development, subject to the necessary planning permissions. Pembroke Motor Services Limited was incorporated on August 8, 1991, with its principal registered activities listed as the sale of new and used cars and light motor vehicles. Its liquidation represents the formal end of the PMS company, although the Green family’s presence in Pembrokeshire’s motor trade continues through the separately incorporated Greens Motors business at Withybush.
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Council imposes spending freeze as £2.2m overspend forecast
A SPENDING freeze on nonessential expenditure has been imposed at Pembrokeshire County Council after the authority warned it is currently on course to overspend its annual budget by £2.2 million. Cabinet members agreed to the moratorium at a meeting on Monday (September 7), after being presented with the council’s first-quarter financial monitoring report. The authority has an approved net revenue budget of £347.4m for 202627, but current projections suggest spending could reach £349.6m by the end of the financial year.
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Cabinet Member for Corporate Finance and Efficiencies, Cllr Jon Harvey, said several significant pressures were driving the forecast overspend. Among the largest is Additional Learning Needs provision in schools, which is currently expected to exceed budget by around £1.166m. School and college transport is also facing an estimated £600,000 pressure, partly as a result of higher fuel costs. A further £600,000 pressure has
been attributed to changes in mileage payments, after the HMRC-approved rate for cars and vans increased from 45p to 55p per mile, backdated to April. The council hopes additional Welsh Government funding for ALN could eventually reduce the deficit, but no such money has yet been included in the authority’s projections. The report states: “We anticipate that specific funding for ALN will be forthcoming from Welsh Government during 2026-27 to address this.” It notes that the Welsh Government’s proposed First Supplementary Budget had included an additional £40m for
school ALN pressures in 2026-27, with a further £40m proposed in each of the following two financial years. However, that budget was not approved by the Senedd. The council said ALN funding was expected to remain a key issue in any revised proposals, but warned that no additional income could be assumed until funding was formally approved. The position may not become clearer until the Welsh Government’s draft 2027-28 budget is considered on November 17. Cllr Harvey moved that a moratorium be placed on all non-essential council expenditure as part of efforts to bring spending back under control. Such restrictions have not been necessary during more recent periods when the authority was forecasting underspends, but spending freezes were used repeatedly earlier in the decade as Pembrokeshire faced significant financial pressures. Director of Resources Jon Haswell told Cabinet that first-quarter forecasts were often among the most pessimistic of the financial year and said the council’s position could improve as the year progressed. He said any future ALN funding from the Welsh Government could also help reduce the projected overspend. Chief Executive Will Bramble said the wider financial picture remained relatively positive despite the headline deficit. He said it was “encouraging that, other than a few specific areas, the vast majority of our services are down to come in under budget”. Cabinet members agreed to note the financial monitoring report and approved the immediate moratorium on non-essential expenditure.
Kidwelly man given 200 hours of unpaid work after breaching court order A KIDWELLY man has been ordered to complete 200 hours of unpaid work after admitting that he breached a community order. Jamie Hennessey, aged 26, of Hillfield Villas, appeared before Llanelli Magistrates’ Court on Friday (Sept 4). The court heard that Hennessey failed, without reasonable excuse, to attend unpaid-work appointments on June 8 and August 3. He admitted breaching a community order imposed by Newport Magistrates’ Court in October 2025. The original order followed Hennessey’s convictions for assaulting a man and damaging two vehicles in Newport on December 8, 2024. Magistrates revoked the previous order and imposed a replacement community order lasting until
September 3, 2027. Hennessey must complete 200 hours of unpaid work and up to ten
rehabilitation activity days under the supervision of the probation service. He was also ordered to pay £60 in
costs, which will be recovered through deductions from his benefits.
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St Davids man admits years of coercive and controlling behaviour
A ST DAVIDS man has admitted subjecting his former partner to years of coercive and controlling behaviour. Ryan Bowen, 45, of Nun Street, entered a guilty plea when he appeared before Swansea Crown Court. The offence concerned repeated controlling and abusive behaviour towards the woman during their relationship.
Bowen had previously denied the allegation and was due to stand trial. Earlier hearings were told that the prosecution case involved more than 1,000 pages of evidence and a substantial number of witnesses. The allegations included controlling the woman’s finances, dictating what she could wear, where she could work and where she was permitted to sleep. Bowen was also accused of belittling her as a mother, threatening to take her children away and saying he would kill himself if she ended the relationship. Further claims included threats of violence and allegations that he pushed and punched the woman and trapped her leg in a car door. Following his change of plea, the trial will no longer take place. Bowen will return to Swansea Crown Court to be sentenced. A judge is expected to consider a pre-sentence report before deciding what punishment should be imposed. The Herald previously reported that Bowen had strongly denied the allegations when the case came before the Crown Court in April 2025.
Man banned from contacting protected person under domestic violence order A GOODWICK man has been banned from contacting a protected person after magistrates imposed a Domestic Violence Protection Order. Scott Hughes, aged 27 and of no fixed address, was made subject to the order at Llanelli Magistrates’ Court on Friday (Sept 4). The application was brought by Dyfed-Powys Police after a Domestic Violence Protection Notice was served on Hughes on September 2. Under the terms of the 28-day order, Hughes must not use or threaten violence against the protected person or encourage anyone else to do so.
He is also prohibited from intimidating, harassing or pestering the person and must not make contact either directly or indirectly. Magistrates ordered Hughes to leave an address in Goodwick and banned him from entering or going within 100 metres of the property for the duration of the order. He was ordered to pay £292 in costs to Dyfed-Powys Police. Domestic Violence Protection Orders are civil orders designed to provide immediate protection following an alleged domestic abuse incident. The making of an order does not amount to a criminal conviction.
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CANDO expands with new Cardigan support group A VOLUNTEER-RUN support group is expanding its reach across west Wales with a new group in Cardigan and a return to Carmarthen Library. CANDO — Carmarthen Aberystwyth Neurodiverse Outreach — has announced the developments alongside its programme of groups and events in Aberystwyth. The organisation brings people together for support, friendship, information and practical IT help, with every member of its organising team giving their time unpaid. The new Cardigan group meets at the Guildhall, with September sessions advertised for September 9 and 23, from 11:30am to 2:30pm. Meetings will take place on the second and fourth Wednesday of each month, and organisers say everyone is welcome. The next session, on Wednesday, September 23, offers an opportunity for people to meet others and find out what support is available. Founder and chairman Jeremy Rundle said: “CANDO is—and always has been—a 100% volunteer-run group, supported by a small team of dedicated people who give their time freely.” Alongside Jeremy, the team includes fellow founder and deputy chairman Chris Beynon, treasurer G Jones,
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committee member Calvin White and 17-year-old Martha Jones, who serves as secretary and public relations officer. The expansion comes as CANDO receives further support for its work, including donated computers
and financial contributions from businesses. Jeremy said: “We are also delighted to have received more donated computers and additional funding from supportive companies, including businesses as far away as the Midlands.” He encouraged people to share the group’s latest posters with anyone who could benefit from attending.
Saundersfoot woman almost three times drink-drive limit after collision A COURT has heard how a woman asked officers if she could return to her car to retrieve her wine bottle after being found to be almost three times the drink-drive limit. Officers were called to Pennant Avenue, Saundersfoot on April 26 following reports that Gayle Mycroft, 59, had driven her black Toyota Aygo into another vehicle. “Police noted she was particularly intoxicated,” Crown Prosecutor Sian Vaughan told Haverfordwest magistrates this week. “But she then asked the officers if she could go back to her car to collect her wine, which was a bit disconcerting.”
A subsequent blood test confirmed Mycroft had 226 mg of alcohol in her system, the legal limit being 80. Ms Vaughan concluded by stating that this is Mycroft’s second drinkdrive offence in a ten-year period, her previous conviction being in 2017. Mycroft, of Pennant Avenue, Saundersfoot, pleaded guilty to drinkdriving. However, sentencing was adjourned to enable a pre-sentence report to be prepared by the probation service. Her sentencing will now take place on October 6. She was released on conditional bail and an interim driving disqualification was imposed pending her sentence.
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£57,000 reported stolen in Tenby pharmacy burglary POLICE are appealing for information after approximately £57,000 was reported stolen during a burglary at Evans Pharmacy in Tenby. The break-in is believed to have taken place between 1:47am and 1:52am on Wednesday, September 9. Dyfed-Powys Police said the pharmacy’s entrance doors were damaged. No medication was taken. Officers believe four suspects used a black BMW. Police are asking anyone with information, or private CCTV, doorbell or dashcam footage that could assist the investigation, to come forward. Anyone who can help should contact Dyfed-Powys Police through its online reporting service, email 101@dyfedpowys.police.uk or call 101, quoting reference DP-20260909-016. Information can also be passed anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or through its website.
Man jailed after stealing from Co-op while on suspended sentence
A PEMBROKESHIRE man has been jailed after stealing items from a supermarket whilst serving a suspended prison sentence. Fifty-two-year-old Mark Abraham was sentenced to a suspended prison sentence in February of this year and a restraining order was imposed, preventing him from visiting the Co-op store, Pembroke after he was convicted of assaulting a member of staff. But this week Haverfordwest magistrates were told that on July 31, CCTV footage showed Abraham enter the Co-op and make off with goods
valued at £9.50 without making any attempts to pay. The items comprised two cans of Jack Daniels, two Cadbury Star bars and a block of cheese. Abraham, of The Green, Pembroke, pleaded guilty to breaching the restraining order, theft and breaching a suspended prison sentence for the third time since its imposition. He was represented in court by Tom Lloyd who stressed that nine months ago, Abraham had been regularly taking Class A drugs intravenously. “He has dealt with this issue directly and is now providing negative drug tests to the
Dyfed Drugs and Alcohol Service,” said Mr Lloyd. “On July 31 he’d attended a wake and had consumed alcohol which he would previously have been able to tolerate. But because he’s reduced his alcohol intake, he became completely drunk, went into the shop and took the items. He acted stupidly, and did something he completely regrets.” Abraham was sentenced to a total of 22 weeks in custody. He was ordered to pay a £154 surcharge to support victims of crime, £85 costs and £9.50 compensation to the Co-op supermarket in Pembroke.
Hosepipe ban lifted across parts of west Wales after water supplies recover A HOSEPIPE ban affecting communities across west Wales has been lifted after improvements in treated water storage levels. The temporary restrictions covered mid and south Ceredigion, northern Pembrokeshire and northern Carmarthenshire, where exceptionally high demand had placed significant pressure on the water supply network. Dŵr Cymru Welsh Water introduced the ban during what the Met Office described as the hottest summer on record. The company said customers’ efforts to reduce non-essential water use, combined with the work of its operational teams and more favourable weather conditions, had allowed supplies to recover. During June and July, Welsh Water supplied approximately 1,000 megalitres of drinking water each day across its operating area. Treatment works were operated at full capacity, water was transferred around the network and tankers were deployed where necessary. Teams also worked around the clock to identify and repair leaks. Kit Wilson, chief customer officer
at Welsh Water, thanked residents, businesses and visitors for their cooperation. She said: “We know these restrictions were inconvenient, particularly during the summer holidays, and we’re extremely grateful to customers for the way they responded. “By reducing non-essential water use, our customers played a vital role in helping treated water storage recover across the network. “Combined with the tireless work of our operational teams, this has allowed us to lift the restrictions.” Recent rainfall, cooler temperatures, the reopening of schools and the end of the peak summer tourism period have all helped bring demand back to more manageable levels. There are now no water-use restrictions anywhere within Welsh Water’s operating area. However, customers are still being encouraged to use water carefully throughout the autumn and winter. Ms Wilson added: “Small actions taken by lots of people really do make a difference.”
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Man wanted for murder of Milford Haven sisters’ father found dead
TWO Milford Haven sisters are mourning the loss of their father after he was murdered in a Glasgow
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flat – as police revealed that a man they would have sought to arrest over the killings was found dead the following day. Paul Lafferty, 50, was the father of Pembrokeshire Herald journalist Cerys Lafferty and Jade Lafferty, a hair stylist at Roxanne’s in Milford Haven. He was found dead alongside his friend Gary Beaton, 54, at a property in Chancellor Street, Partick, Glasgow, at around 4.40pm on Sunday, August 16. Both men were pronounced dead at the scene. Post-mortem examinations were carried out and Police Scotland subsequently confirmed that both deaths were being treated as murder. For Paul’s daughters, the news brought devastating loss hundreds of miles from their home in Pembrokeshire.Cerys paid tribute to her father in the days following his death, writing: “I will love and miss you every single day for the rest of my life.” Her sister Jade wrote: “I’ll love you for life, lifetimes.” Detectives from Police Scotland’s Major Investigation Team launched a major inquiry, known as Operation Highbar, in an effort to establish who was responsible for the deaths. More than 170 properties were visited during door-to-door enquiries and detectives obtained more than 4,000 hours of public and private CCTV footage. Police also appealed for anyone who had seen Paul or Gary in the days before their deaths to come forward. But the investigation has since taken an extraordinary turn.
Police Scotland has revealed that, at around 1.40pm on Monday, August 17 – less than 24 hours after the two men were found – a 38-year-old man was discovered seriously injured on the Broomielaw, beneath Glasgow’s George V Bridge. Emergency services attended but he was pronounced dead. His death is not being treated as suspicious. Detectives have now established that, had the 38-year-old still been alive, police would have sought to arrest him in connection with the murders of both Paul and Gary. The man has not been publicly identified by Police Scotland. No criminal case can therefore be brought against him and the circumstances surrounding the murders remain the subject of an ongoing police investigation. A report will ultimately be submitted to the Procurator Fiscal. Police have not publicly disclosed the evidence that led detectives to connect the dead man to the two murders. Both families continue to receive support from specialist officers. Detective Superintendent Cheryl Kelly, of Police Scotland’s Major Investigation Team, previously described the deaths as a deeply difficult time for both families and said significant police resources had been committed to finding answers. Paul’s murder has brought a major Scottish criminal investigation painfully close to home for his daughters and their friends and colleagues in Milford Haven.
Cerys Lafferty and Jade Lafferty pictured with their dad Paul on the way to a holiday in Mallorca in 2008
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Former DJ and mayor faces strangulation and coercive control charges A FORMER Pembrokeshire DJ and mayor of Whitland has appeared before magistrates charged with committing financially-motivated crimes against a female including two counts of intentional strangulation. Franklyn Connor-Hughes, 57, is accused of engaging in controlling and coercive behaviour against the female by tracking and monitoring her movements on numerous occasions, knowing his behaviour would have a serious effect on her. Connor-Hughes, of Bishops Wood Grove, Newton, Swansea, is further accused of the intentional strangulation of the female on two occasions between January 1, 2020, and August 31, 2023. “The root of his behaviour was associated with money,” Crown Prosecutor Sian Vaughan told Haverfordwest magistrates this week, when Connor-Hughes denied all three charges. “The complainant is quite a wealthy
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lady with her own businesses, and the defendant intruded on this, resulting in tribunals and threats that were made towards her friends.” The Crown further alleges that as a result of her intentional strangulation, the woman’s breathing became restricted. As a result of the seriousness of the allegations, magistrates declined jurisdiction. Connor-Hughes’s trial proceedings will now commence at Swansea Crown Court on October 9. He was released on conditional bail, the conditions being that he does not contact any of the Prosecution witnesses; does not enter or attend Redwalls Farm, Kilgetty; does not enter the ‘My Dentist’ dental practice in Dew Street, Haverfordwest; does not enter Pembroke Dock and does not enter anything relating to the victim on social media.
Steynton woman sentenced after racially abusing police officer
A BLACK police officer has described how he felt discriminated against by a Steynton woman as a result of the colour of his skin. Addressing Haverfordwest magistrates via a victim impact statement this week was Police Constable Rosario, after he was
branded ‘a black c***’ by Steynton resident, Louise Michelle Whelton. The court heard that PC Rosario was summoned to attend Whelton’s property in Peregrine Close on January 8 after a neighbour noticed smoke emanating from her house. “Police received a call from a
neighbour concerning the defendant’s behaviour,” said Crown Prosecutor Sian Vaughan. “The neighbour could see smoke coming from the defendant’s property and could hear her shouting and swearing. The neighbour was naturally concerned that the fire would spread to her own address.” When the officers arrived at Peregrine Close, they could see Whelton smoking a cigarette in her kitchen. “They were met with aggression and some unpleasant hand gestures, and the defendant began telling them to f*** off,” continued Sian Vaughan. “She also shouted ‘F*** off, you back c*** to one of the police constables.” The incident was captured on body worn footage. In his victim impact statement that was read out to the court, PC Rosario outlined the effect that such behaviour has on his morale. “It’s difficult to tolerate this kind of action,” the officer told the court. “ I take pride in my work, but sometimes the colour of my skin makes people think they can use that in a discriminatory way. It’s not nice to hear people being nasty to me, simply
because of the colour of my skin.” Fifty-seven-year-old Whelton pleaded guilty to the racially aggressive intentional harassment of the police officer. She was represented in court by Jess Hill who said Whelton has been ‘an alcohol abuser’ for many years. “Her actions were impulsive and she instantly regretted her choice of words and apologised for what she said,” commented Miss Hill. “She was alone in the house smoking a cigarette and was not expecting the police to arrive and felt quite intimidated by the number of them who were present. “She has abused alcohol for many years and has become dependent on it. That day, she’d drunk alcohol and taken her prescribed medication,which shouldn’t be mixed.” Whelton was sentenced to a 12-month Community Order during which she must carry out ten rehabilitation activity requirement days. She was fined £120 and ordered to pay a £114 court surcharge to help victims of crime, and £85 costs.
Milford motorist banned after drug-driving at more than twice legal cannabis limit MILFORD motorist Joshua Price has been ordered off the roads after being caught driving with Delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol in his system. The 24-year-old was stopped by officers on March 20 as he drove his Hyundai 130 on Merlins Hill, Haverfordwest. Subsequent blood tests carried out by police officers
showed he had 4.2 mcg of the drug in his system, the legal limit being 2. After pleading guilty to the drugdriving offence before Haverfordwest magistrates this week, Price, of Trafalgar Road, Milford Haven, was disqualified from driving for a total of 12 months. He was fined £120 and ordered to pay £85 prosecution costs and a £48 surcharge.
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Four young people told to leave Silverdale Lodge temporary accommodation FOUR young people staying in temporary accommodation in Pembrokeshire say they had been given only hours to leave, despite having nowhere else to stay. Charles Lynch, 19, Finley Brace, 18, and Benjamin Cullen, 19, contacted The Pembrokeshire Herald on Monday (September 7) after being told they would have to leave Silverdale Lodge in Johnston. Three of the residents say they were told they had until 7pm to vacate, while Mr Cullen was required to leave separately earlier in the day. All four said they have nowhere else to go. ‘Immediate room end’ An official Pembrokeshire County Council letter seen by the Herald confirms that Mr Lynch’s accommodation was ended with what the authority describes as “immediate effect”. The notice, headed “IMMEDIATE ROOM END”, states that Mr Lynch had been allocated Chalet 19 on May 23 and had previously received a first and final written warning in July. It alleges that on September 4 he was seen outside another chalet with a group of residents where cannabis was allegedly being smoked. The letter states that staff asked the group to stop or leave the site and warned that any further incident would be reported. It further alleges that on September 6 Mr Lynch was outside the chalet with a group making excessive noise and playing loud music. According to the notice, staff asked for the music to be turned down and Mr Lynch later became verbally aggressive. The letter refers to conditions covering aggressive behaviour, nuisance, excessive noise, drugs and disruption during quiet hours, and states that the accommodation provider was no longer willing to accommodate him. Mr Lynch was told: “You have until 7pm on 07/09/2026 to vacate your accommodation.” The allegations in the notice represent the council and accommodation provider’s account. The Herald has not independently established the circumstances surrounding them. Residents dispute disturbance claims However, several other people staying at Silverdale Lodge have disputed suggestions that there was loud music, arguing or any significant disturbance at around 5am.
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John Raikes, 71, said he heard no disturbance at the time and told the Herald that other residents had experienced no problem either. Nathan Jackson, who works at a supermarket and also stays at Silverdale Lodge, said he was not disturbed. Malcolm Smith, 71, said he was already awake at around 5am and heard nothing more than people talking. He told the Herald: “At 5am I heard talking, that was it. No arguments, no music, nothing at all really. “I was up anyway, so it didn’t wake me up.” Mr Smith added: “I don’t think they should be evicted. I don’t see why they are having this treatment. “They are good kids. They never cause any trouble. “It’s all wrong. I hope they are able to stay.” MS raises duty-of-care concerns Ceredigion Penfro MS Paul Marr
has also intervened in the case and raised concerns about what will happen to the young people if their accommodation is ended. Mr Marr told the Herald: “I am concerned that these young people are being evicted without a risk assessment being put in place, and I hope that the council are fulfilling their duty of care.” He said he would be contacting Pembrokeshire County Council to see what could be done to help those affected. Journalists asked to leave The situation became tense when the Herald attended Silverdale Lodge to speak to residents. Peter Rawsthorne, a director of Haven Systems Limited, told a Herald journalist that reporters were not welcome to remain in the car park, although he said they were free to speak to residents from the public pavement. When asked about the four young people being required to leave, Mr Rawsthorne said he did not know the circumstances and declined to comment further.
A woman who appeared to be a member of the site’s management team was also heard telling residents who were speaking to the Herald that they were “not helping themselves”. Council asked for urgent answers The Herald has asked Pembrokeshire County Council to confirm whether all four young people have been required to leave, when they were notified and why their placements are being terminated. The authority has also been asked whether alternative accommodation has been offered to each person, whether risk and homelessness assessments have been carried out, and whether any of those affected could be left sleeping rough that night We have further asked whether housing officers or support workers are actively trying to secure accommodation and whether the council can give an assurance that nobody affected will be left without a safe place to stay. At the time of publication, the council had not provided a response.
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£30,000 spent clearing Aberaeron harbour after £35.6m coastal defence project CEREDIGION COUNTY COUNCIL has confirmed that £30,000 has been spent removing shingle and sand from Aberaeron harbour entrance following completion of the town’s £35.6m coastal defence scheme. The harbour entrance required clearance work in February and April 2026, with each operation costing approximately £15,000. The work took place only months after the coastal defence project achieved practical completion on September 30, 2025. The scheme, intended to protect approximately 168 residential and commercial properties from coastal flooding and erosion, finished around £4.007m over budget. The council previously said the additional expenditure resulted from unforeseen ground conditions, third-party constraints and design development during construction. The Herald contacted the authority after concerns were raised about sediment entering the harbour channel and the potential need for repeated maintenance work. In its initial response, the council said the entrance had been dredged in February and April at a cost of approximately £15,000 on each occasion. Following further questions from The Herald, the authority clarified that the £30,000 represented the total amount spent removing shingle and sand from the entrance and was not separate from other sediment-removal costs. No further clearance work has been undertaken since April. The council said some movement of sediment had been anticipated during the design process, although it had not been possible to predict how much material would enter the channel or how frequently intervention might be required. The removal of accumulated shingle was not included within the main construction contract, leaving the council to employ local contractors to undertake responsive maintenance when necessary. Questions also remain over the South Pier rock groyne, which the council’s scrutiny report states was constructed to the same length as the previous timber structure but was not as high. Engineering consultant Atkins is considering whether adjustments or longer-term remedial work are required to reduce the amount of shingle entering the harbour channel. The council told The Herald that the final Atkins report remained due within the four-to-six-month period outlined
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to councillors in June. It said any proposed changes to the groyne would probably require both planning permission and a new marine licence. The report may consequently become public as part of those processes. Asked who would pay if alterations were recommended, the council said it could not yet determine whether responsibility would fall on the authority, Welsh Government, the contractor or the design consultant. A spokesperson said: “The council will need to consider the content and conclusion of the report before it is able to identify who would be required to meet the cost of any alteration to the groyne.” However, the authority said it did not consider alterations to any other element of the coastal defence scheme likely to be necessary. The council maintains that sufficient navigable access was available throughout the summer. It said Aberaeron had always operated as a “half-tide” harbour, with vessels unable to enter or leave until there was sufficient depth of water. The authority explained that the
harbour entrance was considered navigable provided the depth available at the entrance exceeded that available within the harbour itself. It pointed to regattas, yacht races and charity Seagull races held during the summer as evidence that the harbour remained operational. Only one item of correspondence concerning access to the harbour had been received during the summer, the council said, and that was submitted within the past ten days. The project has also generated a substantial increase in visitors. The
new breakwater attracted between 800 and 1,700 people a day during August, according to the council. Council officers have maintained that the positioning and design of the breakwater are correct for its principal purpose of reducing the impact of waves approaching Aberaeron from the north-west. The authority says it will continue monitoring sediment movement, the harbour entrance and conditions within the harbour while awaiting Atkins’ conclusions.
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S P E C IA L INVESTI G ATION
CRACKED INSIDE PEMBROKESHIRE’S COCAINE PROBLEM
A RECOVERING addict, a serving dealer and people who have dealt with the consequences of drug dependency describe the hidden world of cocaine and crack in Pembrokeshire — and the crime, desperation and damage that can follow. It began at a party. There were bags of cocaine, somebody knew how to turn it into crack, and a man who had reached his 30s without using hard drugs decided to try it. It was a decision which would eventually become part of a life consumed by crack cocaine, heroin, homelessness and crime. The man, whose identity The Herald has agreed to withhold, began using hard drugs at the age of 30 and was homeless on the streets of Cardiff between 2021 and 2025. He now lives in Pembrokeshire. “First I tried crack at a party anyway, got some bags of coke, someone else washed it back and we smoked it,” he told The Herald. Perhaps surprisingly, he did not initially think much of the experience. “It wasn’t very good for a while,” he said. So why do it again? “If I could answer that question it would sort life’s biggest problems out.” It was proximity to drugs, rather than an extraordinary first experience, which he believes played a part in what happened next. “My neighbour was selling it. He was selling crack and heroin.” His use developed gradually as he spent more time around people using and selling drugs.
by Rieve Nesbitt-Marr
Then his priorities began to change. “Slowly but surely your life and finances begin to change,” he said. He described progressing from spending his wages on drugs to stealing goods which could be quickly sold for cash. Heroin, in particular, created a dependency which he said dictated every day. “There’s no days off with heroin.”
‘THE MARKET IS THRIVING’ The Herald has also spoken to a man who says he currently sells cocaine in Pembrokeshire. The dealer, whose identity is also being withheld, said he became involved in supplying the drug around two years ago. Asked what the cocaine market in Pembrokeshire was like at present, his
answer was immediate. “It’s thriving.” His customers, he claimed, range from people in their 20s to people in their 60s. Asked why he thought people started taking cocaine, he pointed towards depression, unemployment and boredom. But one of his most striking admissions concerned his own relationship with the drug. “It’s affected my life to the point I think I’m addicted,” he said. “It funds my own habit.” He nevertheless rejected the suggestion that dealers should shoulder responsibility for their customers’ addiction. “The dealers aren’t responsible. They are providing a service.” The contradiction becomes more stark when he talks about people he supplies. Asked whether he had watched
customers reach a point where their use caused obvious harm, he replied: “Yes, loads of them.” “They make me feel bad, but if I don’t sell it to them then they’ll go to someone else.” He said some customers sought increasingly large amounts of cocaine and described seeing drug use contribute to debt, theft, relationship breakdown and violence. Asked how much drug dependency could contribute to those problems, he replied: “A hell of a lot.” “If they haven’t got the money they’ll get it by any means necessary.” Despite continuing to sell the drug, his advice to somebody thinking of using cocaine regularly was unequivocal. “I’d tell them not to do it. It’s a money pit. “Some people would sell their own mother to get a hit.”
“A typical day lasts about 80 hours because you don’t go to sleep with drugs.”
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AN 80-HOUR ‘DAY’
DEATH AND PRISON
For the former homeless addict, dependency eventually dominated almost every aspect of his life. Asked what a typical day looked like at the height of his addiction, his answer was extraordinary. “A typical day lasts about 80 hours because you don’t go to sleep with drugs,” he said. “When junkies sleep they don’t have drugs.” He described periods lasting several days in which the cycle became relentless: steal goods, sell them, buy drugs, use them and begin again. Crack and heroin were often taken together. “There’s no stopping,” he said. The thefts were not about accumulating possessions. Goods were simply a route to cash, and cash was a route back to drugs. It is a pattern familiar to people who have worked around persistent retail theft.
For the former addict, there is nothing theoretical about where that road can lead. Asked what happened to people he knew who became trapped in addiction, his answer was stark. “Death. “Very few people make it out. Death and prison.” Yet one of the most disturbing parts of his account is the difference between how that existence looked from outside and how it felt while he was living it. “On the outside looking in, it looks gross, but on the inside looking out, it’s so much fun,” he said. “You just make an excuse for everything you do.” Recovery, he said, required completely changing the thinking which had come to dominate his life. “You struggle to understand why everyone in society isn’t just high. That’s your mindset.” Today, having left that life behind, he has a simple warning for somebody considering smoking crack for the first time. “There’s two things that are going to happen. “Either you won’t like it, so you shouldn’t have tried it, or you really like it, so you shouldn’t have tried it.”
‘IT’S THE WORST I’VE EVER SEEN’ Scott Thorley spent 14 years working in retail, including as a manager at Sports Direct until May this year. He is now Reform UK county councillor for Hakin. Mr Thorley says the level of shoplifting and drug misuse he encountered towards the end of his retail career was unlike anything he had experienced previously. “It’s the worst I’ve ever seen,” he said. “And it’s not always the people you’d expect.” He believes crack cocaine dependency is one factor behind some repeat retail offending. His attitude towards shoplifters changed over his years dealing with them. “I used to hate them,” he said. “I thought, ‘How dare you steal while people are spending their hard-earned money?’ “But then I started talking to them and listening to their stories and realised they’re trapped in a cycle.” One conversation remained particularly vivid. “I spoke to a man who lost his dad and didn’t cope well, so he turned to crack, and then it just spiralled out of control.” Mr Thorley believes poverty, isolation, homelessness, loneliness and poor mental health can create conditions in which people become more vulnerable to substance misuse. “People are looking for an escape,” he said.
THE REVOLVING DOOR Treatment workers and people with experience of the criminal justice system say punishment alone will not break the cycle when addiction is driving offending. “UNTIL you break the addiction, you don’t break the offending.” After more than 20 years working as a prison officer, followed by eight years delivering NHS drug and alcohol interventions in police custody, Paul Marr says he repeatedly witnessed the relationship between dependency and offending. Mr Marr is now Reform UK Senedd Member for Ceredigion Penfro. “I’ve seen this from both sides of the cell door,” he told The Herald. He believes crack dependency can become a major driver of repeat offending for some users. “People offend to fund the habit, get arrested, and without treatment they’re back within weeks,” he said. “The craving is relentless and it overrides everything: family, freedom, consequences. “Until you break the addiction, you
don’t break the offending.” His comments echo the experience described by the recovering addict interviewed by The Herald, who spoke openly about stealing to finance his own drug use. But treatment data suggests crack cocaine is not simply an issue confined to the criminal justice system.
PEOPLE ASKING FOR HELP Figures already supplied to The Herald by Dyfed Drug and Alcohol Service show that between April and June this year, six people in Pembrokeshire were recorded with crack cocaine as their primary reason for referral. The previous quarter also recorded six. Rob Barker, Campaigns and Communications Lead for Barod, which leads DDAS, said the figures represented an increase compared with previous years. “This does reflect an increase in the amount of people seeking support for crack cocaine use, compared to previous years,” he said. However, the numbers require careful interpretation. They relate only to people who reached DDAS and had crack recorded as their primary substance. They are not an estimate of the total number of crack users in Pembrokeshire. And despite concern about cocaine,
alcohol remains by far the most persistent reason people seek help from substance misuse services in west Wales. “The overwhelming persistent trend we see across Pembrokeshire and west Wales is alcohol being the number one drug for reason for referral and people seeking support from services,” Mr Barker said. The Herald has asked DDAS for a five-year Pembrokeshire breakdown so the recent crack figures can be placed in fuller context. Those figures had not arrived as this edition went to press.
WHY CRACK CAN BECOME SO COMPULSIVE Mr Barker said the way crack cocaine is consumed helps explain why patterns of use can become intensely compulsive. Smoking delivers a drug to the brain very rapidly compared with powder cocaine, which is most commonly snorted. But he stressed that dependency is far more complicated than the properties of the drug alone. Biology, mental health, trauma, environment, poverty, relationships and social circumstances can all play a part. That complexity is reflected in The Herald’s interviews. The
anonymous
“Until you break the addiction, you don’t break the offending.”
dealer
pointed
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THE NUMBERS 0 → 10: Cocaine-related deaths recorded across Hywel Dda, rising from zero in 2020 to 10 in 2024 79: Drug misuse deaths involving cocaine across Wales in 2024 +67.8%: Rise in cocaine and crack treatment assessments among 25 to 49-year-olds in Wales over five years 1.6kg: High-purity cocaine seized during a major investigation into supply across Pembrokeshire and Carmarthenshire £190,000: Approximate street value of the cocaine seized
towards depression, unemployment and boredom. Mr Thorley spoke about homelessness, poverty, isolation and loneliness. The recovering addict described proximity to other users and dealers, and the gradual way drugs came to replace everything else in his life.
CRACK AND HEROIN One significant overlap between the testimony collected by The Herald and DDAS’s experience concerns heroin. “We often see heroin being used alongside crack cocaine,” Mr Barker said. That combination can create additional dangers. DDAS encourages people who smoke crack to carry naloxone because they may also use opioids, or be around somebody who does. Naloxone can temporarily reverse the effects of an opioid overdose. It does not reverse an overdose caused by cocaine or another stimulant. The recovering addict interviewed for this feature described crack and heroin as almost inseparable during the period when his own dependency was at its worst. For him, one drug brought a shortlived high while the other prevented withdrawal. The result was a cycle which became increasingly difficult to escape.
ENFORCEMENT AND RECOVERY Mr Marr argues that an effective response has to distinguish between organised criminals making money from the trade and people whose offending is driven by addiction. “You hold two things at once,” he said. “Enforce hard against the organised crime and county lines networks that exploit people. Go after the dealers relentlessly. “But treat the addicted person as someone who needs a way out, not just a cell.” There is clear evidence of organised groups supplying cocaine into Pembrokeshire, although the recent major police case was described as organised crime rather than specifically as a county-lines operation. Mr Marr said his experience in custody taught him that arrest, without intervention, could simply reset the cycle. “I saw this every week in custody: arrest without intervention just resets the cycle,” he said. “That’s exactly why the NHS put drug and alcohol workers into police custody, to catch people at the moment they hit rock bottom, when they’re most likely to accept help. “Enforcement and recovery have to work together, not against each other.”
WHEN THE PRISON GATE OPENS Mr Marr also believes continuity of support when somebody leaves prison
is critical. “Too many people leave custody without the support to stay clean,” he said. “Someone can come off drugs inside and then walk out the gate with no housing, no continuity of treatment, and straight back into the circumstances that put them there. “Prison can start recovery, but without a proper handover to community services it doesn’t finish it.” Rurality can add another layer of difficulty. Distances between towns, limited public transport and fewer specialist services can make seeking treatment more difficult than in major cities. Mr Marr said the window in which somebody actively wants help can sometimes be extremely short. “From delivering interventions myself, I know the window when someone is ready to change is often narrow, and if treatment isn’t there in that moment it closes.”
THE STIGMA OF ADDICTION DDAS also identifies stigma as an obstacle to people seeking help. Mr Barker said stigma can affect whether somebody adopts safer practices, attempts to stop using drugs or approaches treatment services in the first place. Barod has campaigned for changes which would allow services to provide safer inhalation equipment to people who smoke crack, arguing that it can reduce injuries and risks associated with sharing equipment or
using improvised pipes while giving treatment workers an opportunity to engage with users. For somebody watching from outside, harm-reduction measures can appear counter-intuitive. But treatment workers argue that keeping someone alive and in contact with services can be the first step towards getting them out of addiction altogether. The recovering addict interviewed by The Herald is proof that escape is possible. He has experienced homelessness, theft, crack, heroin and the allconsuming daily search for the next hit. Now living in Pembrokeshire, he can look back at a life which once appeared impossible to leave. His message is not complicated. Don’t start. “There’s two things that are going to happen,” he said. “Either you won’t like it, so you shouldn’t have tried it, or you really like it, so you shouldn’t have tried it.”
WHERE TO GET HELP Dyfed Drug and Alcohol Service provides support across Pembrokeshire, Carmarthenshire and Ceredigion for people affected by alcohol or drug use.
DDAS: 0330 363 9997 Support is also available for family members and others affected by somebody else’s substance use.
“Enforcement and recovery have to work together, not against each other.”
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Twenty-five years after the attacks, Herald editor Tom Sinclair remembers an anxious afternoon in Milford Haven — and reflects on the consequences that reached into Welsh lives. By Tom Sinclair
FOR me, the memory of September 11 begins on Hamilton Terrace in Milford Haven. We were running The Evolution Experience from the old Dr Penn’s dental surgery, organising music events. We rented the ground floor from Bethan, who lived on the upper floors. There was no television in the office. When news of the attacks reached us, we went upstairs. We sat in Bethan’s living room, overlooking the Haven, glued to a large CRT television. We flicked through the Sky channels: Fox News, the BBC, then CNN, trying to understand what we were watching. We stayed for hours, wondering whether a third world war was about to begin. The work downstairs was forgotten. One of our crew, Declan, was in New York for a summer camp. He had told us he was likely to visit downtown Manhattan. We kept trying to call him. That is what I remember most clearly: watching those pictures while knowing someone who might be nearby, with no way of finding out whether he was safe.
The telephone lines were jammed. It was not until the following day that we finally got hold of him. Declan, now an officer with Essex Police, was safe. Our wait ended in relief. For thousands of families, it did not. Another detail has stayed with me, although it was insignificant beside the loss of life. Days before the attacks, we had ordered flyers for our next Evolution Experience event. The design showed a glass skyscraper with the silhouette of an aircraft in the glass. They arrived the day after the attacks. We could hardly believe what we were looking at. A design chosen only days earlier now seemed impossible to use. The flyers were scrapped and replacements ordered. It was a minor inconvenience. But for young people organising music events in west Wales, it brought home how abruptly the world had changed. Something ordinary when we ordered it had become disturbing by the time it arrived. Twenty-five years later, I remember that living room, the view over the Haven and the television we could not turn off. I remember switching channels and trying Declan’s number again. An ordinary day, destroyed Across Wales, others will remember where they were, who told them and whose safety they feared for. At 1.46pm British time on September 11, 2001, the first hijacked aircraft struck
the World Trade Center’s North Tower. Seventeen minutes later, another hit the South Tower. What might initially have been mistaken for a terrible accident was revealed as a deliberate attack. Two further hijacked aircraft crashed into the Pentagon and a field in Pennsylvania, where passengers and crew had fought back. Both towers collapsed. Al-Qaeda’s attacks killed 2,977 people, excluding the hijackers. Behind that number were office workers, cleaners, catering staff, passengers and people who had simply gone to work. Emergency workers entered buildings others were desperately trying to escape. Each had a life beyond the pictures: someone expecting them home, plans for the evening, things left unfinished. Britain already knew terrorism. The world before September 11 was not innocent. But destruction on this scale, unfolding on television in a city familiar even to people who had never visited, brought an overwhelming sense of shock. In Bethan’s living room, we could change the channel. We could not change what was happening. When the consequences came home The attacks happened thousands of miles away. Their consequences reached Wales through more than television. Britain joined the American-led campaign in Afghanistan, where alQaeda had operated under Taliban
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protection. Deployments became years of fighting and anxious waits for families at home. The Ministry of Defence records 456 British military deaths during operations in Afghanistan. Guardsman Craig Roderick, from Cardiff, was 22 when he was killed in July 2012. Guardsman Jamie Shadrake, from Wrexham, was 20 when he died the following month. They had been children when the towers fell. That is a stark measure of how long the consequences lasted: a generation grew up and went to serve in a war that began in the aftermath of an event from their childhood. Across Wales, including Pembrokeshire, service families understood overseas deployments through separation and worry. Those who returned could face injuries, grief and a difficult adjustment to civilian life. When the Taliban returned to power in 2021 and international forces withdrew, the ending raised painful questions about what those years had achieved. Respect for those who served must leave room for those questions. Iraq, invaded in 2003, became another defining conflict of the era. But it must not be confused with responsibility for September 11. The US 9/11 Commission found no evidence that Iraq cooperated with al-Qaeda in developing or carrying out attacks against America. Remembering the victims should sharpen our understanding of what
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followed, including the political choices made in their name. Fear, trust and belonging The changed atmosphere also entered everyday life. Airports became one of its most visible expressions, through tighter checks and restrictions. These developed over successive years and further plots; they did not all arrive the morning after the attacks. Behind them lay a lasting question: how much freedom, privacy and trust should a society surrender in pursuit of safety? For some Welsh Muslims, the aftermath brought another fear. They could share the horror at the murders while facing prejudice from people who held an entire faith responsible. One response emerged in a Llanelli classroom. Pam Evans, then head of religious studies at Coedcae Comprehensive School, founded Peace Mala in 2002. The project grew out of concern about racism, Islamophobia and religious intolerance following the attacks. Its rainbow bracelet encouraged understanding between faiths and communities, with mutual respect at its heart. Here was a practical response to a vast event: begin with how children treat one another. That belongs in the Welsh story too. The aftermath was felt in friendships and playgrounds, and in the work of people determined that fear should not become hostility towards a neighbour. The lives behind the names A quarter of a century creates a divide within families. Parents remember the afternoon vividly; their adult children may have no memory of it.
We owe that younger generation more than repeated footage of collapsing buildings. They should know about the people killed, the courage of those who helped and the survivors and recovery workers whose lives were changed. Illness caused by exposure to the dust and hazards at Ground Zero has extended the human cost far beyond that day. They should also be able to ask difficult questions about the wars and decisions that followed. At the New York memorial, pools occupy the footprints of the towers. Names around their edges bring the scale of the loss back to individual human beings. For bereaved families, twenty-five years means birthdays missed, children growing up without a parent and conversations that never happened. An anniversary cannot bring that grief to an orderly conclusion. Our own experience in Milford Haven was a brief glimpse of the uncertainty others endured. We were able to reach our friend. We went back to our work and ordered new flyers. That distinction matters. Yet I have never forgotten sitting above Hamilton Terrace, with the Haven beyond the window, trying to understand how an ordinary afternoon had become something we would remember for the rest of our lives. Today, we remember those who never came home, those who went to help and those still living with the consequences. Before the wars, the arguments and the security measures, there were people whose lives mattered. Twentyfive years on, they must remain at the centre of the story.
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The day 9/11 became more than history to me Twenty-five years after the September 11 attacks, Rieve Nesbitt-Marr reflects on a teenage visit to Ground Zero — and the moment a tragedy learned about in school became something painfully real By Rieve Nesbitt-Marr
THE FIRST time I saw my dad cry was in front of a staircase. We were visiting the National September 11 Memorial & Museum in New York. I was 15, and until that afternoon, the city had been everything I had dreamed it would be. It was October 2017, and I was on a family holiday. The yellow taxis, the towering buildings, the streets I recognised from films — everything I had spent years watching through a television screen was suddenly outside my window. I could barely contain my excitement. New York was louder, bigger and grittier than I had imagined. Somehow, that made me love it more. There was something freeing about being somewhere so vast, surrounded by people who knew nothing about me. I felt I could be whoever I wanted to be. In the Uber, my face was practically pressed against the window. My parents were talking to the driver about Ground Zero, where he was taking us, but I was too busy looking outside to pay much attention. Then he began talking about his mother. He told us that on the morning of September 11, 2001, he had asked her to go to the bank for him. She had been reluctant, but he had persisted until she agreed. On her way towards the World Trade Center, he said, her car broke down. He believed that breakdown had saved her life. Sixteen years later, the memory still brought him to tears. A stranger was telling a quiet Welsh family how close he believed he had come to losing his mother, and how grateful he was that she had survived. I stopped looking out of the window. Until then, September 11 had belonged to school lessons, documentaries and footage of smoke pouring from buildings. Now I was listening to someone whose family still
lived with the fear of what might have happened. When we arrived, my excitement gave way to discomfort. I worried that visiting as a tourist meant intruding on a place of grief. Only minutes earlier, I had wanted to see everything New York had to offer. Now I felt guilty for having been so excited. Inside the museum, we saw photographs of firefighters who had died trying to save others. There were pictures of families, weddings, children and holidays: ordinary moments from lives we knew were about to be cut short. That was what stayed with me. Before they became faces in a museum, they had been people going about their lives. September 11 had begun as another working day. They had woken up, got dressed and gone to work, expecting to come home. Then we reached the staircase. The Survivors’ Stairs once connected the World Trade Center’s outdoor plaza to Vesey Street. People fleeing the attacks had used them to reach safety. Damaged but preserved, they now stood inside the museum. And my dad cried. I had never seen that before. Watching his reaction made me stop and look again.
These steps had once been an unremarkable part of someone’s daily journey. On September 11, they became a way out. The damage was visible. The people who had escaped down them were gone from view, but standing there, it was impossible not to think about them — frightened, trying to get clear, desperate to reach someone they loved. What had seemed, at first, like a broken staircase became the most powerful thing I saw that day. Outside, we walked towards the memorial pools. In the footprints of the Twin Towers, water poured down the sides of two enormous squares and disappeared into openings below. I had spent the journey marvelling at the size of New York’s buildings. Here, it was the space where two buildings should have been that held my attention. Around the water were the names. The memorial honours the 2,977 people killed in the September 11 attacks in New York, at the Pentagon and near Shanksville, Pennsylvania, alongside the six people killed in the 1993 World Trade Center bombing. But standing beside the pools, I found myself thinking about individual lives rather than the scale of the loss. Each name belonged to someone who had been loved. Someone with routines, favourite meals, private
worries and plans they had expected to carry out. The smell of the water is something I still remember. It brought me back to where I was standing: a place where people had died, and where so many others had come to remember them. At 15, I struggled to comprehend how an ordinary morning could end like that. Those people had not known they were about to become part of history. They had expected an ordinary Tuesday. We had planned to explore more of the city afterwards, but none of us felt ready. The shops and attractions we had been looking forward to could wait. Grey skies hung over Manhattan as we left. The city was still there, carrying on around us, but I felt quieter. Looking back now, on the 25th anniversary of the attacks, it is those small, human moments I remember most clearly: our driver’s tears, my dad beside the staircase, the names around the water. Just hours before that visit, I had arrived believing I had found the most exciting place on Earth. I still loved New York. But when I looked up at its skyscrapers again, I saw them differently. For the first time, I understood how vulnerable even the biggest things in the world could be.
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Bishop warns over future of Pembrokeshire church schools Dorrien Davies says other councils are watching decisions in the county as he calls for Church education to be protected THE BISHOP of St Davids has warned that losing Church in Wales schools in Pembrokeshire could encourage other councils to pursue closures elsewhere. The Rt Revd Dorrien Davies named Manorbier School, Ysgol Cilgerran and Tenby VC School as he urged Church leaders to defend school provision and its place in local communities. Speaking at the Church in Wales’ Governing Body, he said recent challenges involving the three schools showed their future “cannot be taken for granted”. Departing from his prepared address, the bishop delivered a pointed warning about the wider implications of decisions in Pembrokeshire. “The eyes of local authorities are looking upon Pembrokeshire County Council,” he said. “If we fail in keeping Church schools open, others will try to succeed in shutting Church schools.” He added: “It is important that the Christian faith burns within our schools and amongst those in our care.” Rural schools under pressure Bishop Dorrien’s intervention came during an address on the contribution of Church schools and the mounting pressures facing them. He highlighted rising costs, financial constraints and difficulties recruiting and retaining headteachers and foundation governors. Schools were also responding to increasingly complex needs among pupils, including Additional Learning Needs, poverty-related challenges and concerns about wellbeing. He drew particular attention to the long-term sustainability of smaller and rural schools, many of which serve as a focal point for their communities. The Church in Wales has a network of 141 schools educating approximately 27,000 learners. Around 22 per cent are Welsh-medium or bilingual. The bishop said their contribution extended beyond education to supporting the Welsh language, Welsh culture and the sustainability of rural communities. “We must remain vigilant and proactive in advocating for the value that Church schools bring to learners, families and communities,” he told members.
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the preservation of Church school provision where it was at risk. “Church in Wales schools are rooted in Christian values and committed to inclusion, wellbeing and excellence,”
he said. “They make an extraordinary and distinctive contribution to education in Wales.” He stressed that the purpose of education extended beyond academic results. “Education is about more than attainment alone. It is about enabling
every child and young person to flourish intellectually, emotionally, spiritually and socially. It is about nurturing hope, purpose and belonging. “We have a responsibility to protect and sustain this ministry for future generations.”
Call to protect schools Bishop Dorrien urged the Church to maintain a strong voice in education policy and reform, and to argue for
Bishop of St Davids, Rt Revd Dorrien Davies addressing the Church in Wales’ Governing Body
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Dramatic blaze destroys caravan at Fingerpost near Pembroke A CARAVAN was engulfed in a fierce blaze near Pembroke on Tuesday evening (Sept 8), sending a huge plume of thick black smoke into the sky. The fire broke out at the Fingerpost lay-by near Pembroke shortly before 7.10pm. Dramatic photographs sent to The Herald by Ben Wilson show the caravan completely consumed by flames, with fire pouring through its windows and roof as dense smoke rises high above the surrounding countryside. The intensity of the blaze appears to have caused extensive damage to the caravan. The incident happened alongside one of the main routes into the Pembroke and Pembroke Dock area, with passing motorists able to see the fire from the carriageway. It is not yet known whether anybody was inside the caravan when the fire started or whether anyone was injured. Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service said: “At 6.55pm on Tuesday, September 8th, the fire crew
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from Pembroke Dock Fire Station was mobilised to an incident along the
A477 near Cosheston in Pembroke. “The crew responded to a fire involving one touring caravan. Two hose reel jets, two breathing apparatus sets and one thermal
imaging camera were utilised to extinguish the fire. The caravan was completely destroyed by the fire. “The crew left the scene at 7.21pm.”
Monkton man remanded in custody over alleged Pembroke strangulation A MONKTON man accused of intentionally strangling and assaulting another man has been remanded in custody. Luke Probert, 37, of Castle Quarry, Long Mains, appeared before Llanelli Magistrates’ Court on Friday (Sept 4). He is accused of intentionally strangling Thomas Probert in Pembroke on June 1. Probert also faces an allegation that he assaulted the same man by beating him on that date, as well as a further charge of common assault arising from an alleged incident in Pembroke on July 21. He pleaded not guilty to both assault charges. No plea was taken to the intentional strangulation charge, which
can only be dealt with at the Crown Court. Following a full bail application, magistrates remanded Probert in custody. The court record cited concerns that he was likely to commit further offences or cause injury or fear of injury to an associated person. It also referred to the nature and seriousness of the allegations, his previous record and character, alleged offending while on bail and alleged breaches of bail conditions. Probert will next appear at Swansea Crown Court for a plea and trial preparation hearing on October 5. The allegations have not been proven and criminal proceedings remain active.
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RSPCA calls for more flexible beach dog rules as Tenby footage reignites debate
RSPCA CYMRU has called on councils across Wales to rethink blanket restrictions on dogs at beaches — just weeks after Pembrokeshire’s own approach was questioned and fresh footage showed dogs apparently ignoring prominent “NO DOGS” signs in Tenby. The animal welfare charity said on Wednesday (September 9) that local authorities should provide “greater flexibility” for responsible dog owners, warning that outright or year-round exclusions can reduce opportunities for dogs to exercise and display natural behaviours. Its intervention relates directly to proposed restrictions in Neath Port Talbot and Conwy, but the organisation says its position applies to councils across Wales. Senior Public Affairs Manager BillieJade Thomas said dog restrictions were an “emotive issue” and urged authorities to consider alternatives before imposing exclusion zones. She said councils should examine options including allowing dogs on leads during busy periods and favouring seasonal restrictions over year-round bans. The comments are particularly relevant in Pembrokeshire, where the operation and enforcement of beach dog restrictions has already become a political issue this summer. Pembrokeshire restrictions questioned Dogs are banned completely from Tenby North Beach and Whitesands between May 1 and September 30, while partial restrictions operate at a number of other beaches including Tenby Castle and South Beach, Saundersfoot, Newgale, Broad Haven North and Dale. At Pembrokeshire County Council’s July meeting, Cllr Rhys Jordan questioned the authority over the legal basis, publication and enforcement of the restrictions. He asked who had formally authorised the council’s 2026 “warn and inform” approach and who was responsible for enforcement following the end of the
authority’s arrangement with private enforcement company WISE. Cllr Jordan has previously described blanket restrictions on some Pembrokeshire beaches as “overly punitive on dog owners”, arguing that responsible owners should not necessarily face the same restrictions because of the behaviour of a minority. The council confirmed this summer that it was continuing with a warning-led approach. That policy represents a marked change from 2024, when the authority reported that 198 fixed penalty notices had been issued between May 1 and July 19 alone for breaches of beach dog restrictions. ‘No Dogs’ sign — but dogs on the beach The debate comes as The Pembrokeshire Herald has been supplied with footage from Tenby showing dogs on a beach overlooked by a prominent bilingual “NO DOGS / DIM CŴN” sign. The footage opens with the sign, which warns of a maximum £500 penalty, before panning across the beach where a number of dogs can be seen. It was supplied by Mark Setterfield, who questioned whether the rules were being adequately enforced. Mr Setterfield also alleged that he witnessed one owner covering dog mess with sand rather than removing it. The Herald has not independently verified that allegation from the footage. The Herald has already asked Pembrokeshire County Council how many warnings and fixed penalty notices have been issued for beach dog offences during 2026, including the number relating specifically to Tenby. We have also asked whether enforcement arrangements have changed since concerns were raised last year and whether the authority believes its current system is working. RSPCA urges different approach RSPCA Cymru argues that councils
should consider whether formal exclusion measures are always necessary to protect public health. Ms Thomas sad: “Local authorities should instead offer greater flexibility when it comes to allowing dogs on and around beaches, especially in terms of blanket exclusions and year-round measures.” She said such restrictions risked “punishing responsible dog owners for the actions of the less responsible”. The charity suggested that alternatives could include requiring dogs to remain on leads during busy summer periods rather than excluding them altogether. Its intervention follows consultations in Neath Port Talbot and Conwy over proposals that could extend or introduce restrictions at Aberavon and Rhos on Sea. A debate Pembrokeshire may now have to confront Pembrokeshire has more than 50 beaches and the overwhelming majority remain open to dogs throughout the year. The restrictions are concentrated mainly on some of the county’s busiest tourist beaches. The council has previously said the measures are intended to ensure everyone can enjoy the coastline and that some restrictions are also linked to requirements associated with Blue Flag beaches. But the combination of the RSPCA’s call for greater flexibility, councillors questioning the existing system and footage apparently showing restrictions being ignored raises a broader question. If blanket bans cannot be consistently enforced, should Pembrokeshire continue with the present approach — or would lead-only areas, shorter seasonal restrictions and tougher action against
fouling provide a better balance? An RSPCA spokesperson said: “The RSPCA is supportive of owners having the opportunity to walk their dogs on all beaches in a responsible and considerate manner. Many beaches are busier during the summer months and we acknowledge the need for this to be considered by local authorities when determining appropriate measures. “However, blanket bans on dogs on beaches at any time of the year could prove restrictive to owners who live nearby, as well as those visiting Wales with their dogs. We would therefore encourage all local authorities to consider allowing dogs on leads on beaches during busier times as opposed to excluding them entirely. “This would help ensure that beaches remain accessible for all dog owners, including those with accessibility issues, while also assisting owners whose dogs are prone to separation anxiety or cannot be left for long periods of time by enabling their dogs to join them and their families on days out. “We believe that the use of fixed penalty notices for dog fouling is appropriate and the picking up of dog mess is a part of responsible dog ownership. Requiring owners to pick up their dog’s mess, and enforcing such measures via the use of fixed penalty notices, helps local authorities mitigate the risks associated with allowing dogs on beaches. “While our latest calls are in relation to the new measures being proposed by two local authorities, we routinely respond to similar consultations. While each response is tailored specifically for the measures proposed, we consistently advocate against blanket bans of dogs on beaches and other types of public land such as marked sports pitches.” The Herald is seeking further comment from both Pembrokeshire County Council.
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Police close investigation into Corinna Baker’s death
POLICE have closed their criminal investigation into the death of 21-year-old Corinna Baker, whose body was discovered at a Cardigan boatyard last November. Dyfed-Powys Police confirmed that no further action will be taken
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against a 29-year-old man arrested on suspicion of murder during the investigation. Corinna was found at Netpool
boatyard on the River Teifi at around 12.35pm on Saturday, November 15, 2025. The force said its decision followed a comprehensive review of the evidence, including the findings of a post-mortem examination. A file is now being prepared for HM Coroner ahead of an inquest. A police spokesperson said: “Following a comprehensive review of the evidence in this case, including
the findings of the post-mortem examination, the police investigation into the death of Corinna Baker has been closed. “No further action is being taken against the 29-year-old man who had been arrested on suspicion of murder, and the criminal investigation has been finalised. “A file of evidence is now being prepared for HM Coroner in preparation of an inquest. “Corinna’s family have been informed of this decision, and our thoughts remain with them at this difficult time.” The announcement confirms the end of the criminal investigation, but the statement does not explain how Corinna died. Police have not disclosed the post-mortem findings or said whether her death is now being treated as non-suspicious. An arrest on suspicion of an offence is not a finding of guilt. Police have expressly confirmed that the man arrested during the investigation faces no further action. The Herald has asked Dyfed-Powys Police to clarify the basis for its decision and what can be made public about the circumstances of Corinna’s death ahead of the inquest. Following her death, Corinna’s family described her as a “much loved” young woman who was “greatly missed by her whole family and all those who were blessed to have known her”.
Three teenagers arrested following Neyland vehicle and arson incidents THREE teenagers have now been arrested as police continue investigating an attempted vehicle theft and a series of arson incidents in Neyland. Dyfed-Powys Police has confirmed that two further arrests have been made following incidents in the town during the night of Sunday, August 23, and the early hours of the following morning. Officers were called to Springfield Close at around 10pm after reports that three people were attempting to steal a car. The suspects had left the area before police arrived and the vehicle was not taken. Around three hours later, at approximately 1am, three mopeds were discovered near Neyland Vale after they had been damaged by fire. Police believe the incidents are linked. A 13-year-old boy from the Milford Haven area was initially arrested on suspicion of taking a motor vehicle without the owner’s consent and arson. Police have now confirmed that a 17-year-old boy from Milford Haven
has also been arrested on suspicion of taking a vehicle without the owner’s consent. A 15-year-old boy, also from the Milford Haven area, was arrested on suspicion of arson, taking a vehicle without the owner’s consent and aggravated vehicle taking. All three teenagers have since been released on bail while enquiries continue. Police are appealing for anyone who witnessed suspicious activity in the area, or who may have information about either incident, to come forward. Residents and businesses with CCTV, doorbell or dashcam footage from the relevant locations and times are also being asked to review it for anything that could assist officers with their investigation.
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Residents urged to have their say on future local services PEMBROKESHIRE residents are being encouraged to take part in a county-wide survey aimed at helping shape future council services. Pembrokeshire County Council has launched its Let’s Talk: Living in Pembrokeshire survey, asking people about their experiences of living in the county and the issues that matter most to them. The council says responses will help it better understand residents’ priorities, their experiences of local communities and how people view and interact with the authority. The survey contains 11 short sections and is expected to take around 10 minutes to complete. Cabinet Member for Residents’ Services, Cllr Rhys Sinnett, said: “We want to hear from as many Pembrokeshire residents as possible. Whether you’ve lived here all your life or have recently moved to the county, your views and experiences matter.
“The feedback we receive through this survey will help us better understand what is important to people, what is working well in our communities, and where we need to improve. “It is a valuable opportunity for residents to have their say and help shape the future of local services. “Every response counts, and the more people who take part, the better informed we will be as we plan for the future of our county.” The council is also encouraging residents to share the survey with family, friends and neighbours in an effort to secure responses from as wide a range of people as possible. Residents can complete the survey online through Pembrokeshire County Council’s Have Your Say webpage. The closing date for responses is November 1. Paper copies can be requested by contacting the council’s Customer Contact Centre on 01437 764551 or by emailing policy@pembrokeshire.
gov.uk. Easy Read versions are also available, while paper and Easy Read
copies can be collected from County Hall reception, local libraries and leisure centres across Pembrokeshire.
Haverfordwest man admits causing £1,020 of criminal damage A HAVERFORDWEST man has admitted causing more than £1,000 of damage to another person’s property. Michael Harries, 40, of Barn Street, appeared before Llanelli Magistrates’ Court on Friday (Sept 4). He pleaded guilty to causing criminal damage valued at £1,020 at premises identified in the court record as the Olive Branch. The charge states that the damaged property belonged to a man named in court as Mr Perfect. The offence occurred on July 9,
Court Reporter
although the court report contains conflicting information over whether the year was 2025 or 2026. Magistrates withdrew an outstanding warrant after being told that Harries had surrendered voluntarily. He was released on unconditional bail and will appear before Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on Monday (Sept 7), when the case is expected to be dealt with alongside other matters.
Milford Haven to honour mine depot workers and wartime crews A COMMEMORATION honouring Milford Haven’s mine depot workers, minelayer and minesweeper crews, and paratroopers who lost their lives in Italy will take place on The Rath this Sunday (September 13). The event will be held at the Milford Haven Mine Memorial at 11am, bringing together remembrance of those who worked ashore and served at sea. It will commemorate the workers of the town’s mine depot and the crews of Milford Haven’s minelayers and minesweepers. Tributes will also honour members of the 6th (Royal Welch) Parachute Battalion who died at Taranto, Italy, during the Second World War. The battalion suffered losses when the Royal Navy minelayer HMS Abdiel
was sunk by mines in Taranto harbour on September 10, 1943. The ship was carrying British airborne troops during the Allied landings in southern Italy, and both soldiers and sailors died in the sinking. This year marks the disaster’s 83rd anniversary. Sunday’s commemoration links that wartime loss with the contribution of Milford Haven’s mine depot workforce and the men who crewed its mine warfare vessels. The memorial, featuring a naval mine, provides a focal point for remembering those recognised in the event’s dedication. The commemoration takes place at Milford Haven Mine Memorial, The Rath, on Sunday, September 13, at 11am.
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Replacement for suspended councillor announced
PEMBROKESHIRE County Council’s planning committee saw a fresh face at the September meeting,
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a “short-term” replacement for Councillor Alan Dennison who has been suspended from his post until late November. At the start of the September 8 meeting of Pembrokeshire County Council’s planning committee, members heard Cllr Anji Tinley was to replace Cllr Alan Dennison on the committee “in the short term”. Back in May, at an extraordinary meeting of Pembrokeshire County Council’s standards committee, Milford Haven North county councillor Alan Dennison was found to have breached the code of conduct for members, and was suspended from office for a period of four months. However, Cllr Dennison was able to keep performing his role as a county councillor while an appeal he lodged with the Adjudication Panel for Wales against the decision was in process. That concluded on July 28, all seven of his grounds for appeal failing. The May committee found Cllr Dennison failed to declare personal and prejudicial interests in relation to a call by an applicant known to him, who he had lent money to and holidayed in Mexico with, to have a planning application decided by committee rather than by officers. The May 2026 special standards meeting heard of a long string of connections between Cllr Dennison and Mr Bridges. These included the councillor had been secretary, from 2018-2022, of the local Masonic Lodge which owned the
building where the works took place, and becoming director of Imperial Hall Ltd, the applicant’s company, from 2020-2023 after providing a sincerepaid loan to him. The meeting also heard Cllr Dennison was aware of the planning history regarding the applicant, who he and his family had gone on a two-week holiday with the applicant and his family to Mexico, their connection “more than a casual acquaintanceship”. The committee also heard the issue of a potential prejudicial interest was raised with Cllr Dennison by the council’s monitoring officer, advising him to withdraw representations at the delegation meeting due to a “perception of bias and predetermination”. Defending himself personally, Cllr Dennison said he, as a councillor, was “driven for the benefit of the people of Pembrokeshire,” with his councillor salary donated to a dogs’ hospital charity in Sri Lanka. The Adjudication Panel for Wales application for permission to appeal identified seven grounds of appeal, none of which Judge Meleri Tudur of the Adjudication Panel for Wales in a July 28 report considered to have a reasonable prospect of success. Cllr Dennison will not be entitled to undertake any duties as a councillor, attend meetings of the council or its committees, or represent the council in any official capacity until he resumes his duties on November 29.
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Contentious gypsy traveller site scheme submitted a third time FRESH PLANS have been Bruce Sinclair submitted for a new ‘traveller site’ Local Democracy Reporter on the outskirts of a Pembrokeshire seaside village, which had been introduce caravan development in twice refused by the national park an area of the National Park without and was due to face enforcement landscape capacity. action. A resubmitted application, aimed At the start of this year a scheme at addressing previous concerns, was previously refused in 2025 for the again refused on similar grounds to creation of a traveller site of one previously at the January 28 meeting of static caravan, one touring caravan, Pembrokeshire Coast National Park’s day/utility room and ecological development management committee. enhancements (partly retrospective) Members heard the authority had on land at Froghall Yard, Moreton served an enforcement notice on the Lane, Saundersfoot was again turned site, which requires its return to its down. previous condition. Nearly 300 people had signed a Following that second refusal, petition against the scheme and the members of the September 2 committee objection to the application by David meeting were recommended to ‘Dai’ Evans of Pontypool, through consider enforcement action due to agents Hayston Developments & “ongoing failure to comply with the Planning Ltd, was also shared by enforcement notice” due to a shed Saundersfoot’s community council. and caravan sited without permission A supporting statement remaining. accompanying the application stated However, members were told that, the applicant belongs to a long- since a report for the meeting was standing Romany Gypsy family, completed, the enforcement conditions currently at an overcrowded Traveller had been complied with. site in Pontypool. Members also heard a third planning It said Mr Evans and family have application had now been submitted. stayed in a touring caravan at the The third application for Froghall Saundersfoot site during the summer Yard states that “many aspects of the months since the late 1980s; Mr Evans site clearance were undertaken before purchased the site in 2023, clearing the current owner/applicant bought and refurbishing it. the land” in 2023, adding: “It is totally The application was refused on the unreasonable and unacceptable by the grounds it was considered to result authority to place all the blame on the in unacceptable landscape impacts, applicant for these works. a lack of information on whether the “The ecological baseline has now proposal will unacceptably disturb been clearly established. Extensive species and habitats, and it would damage was due to other parties. Mr
Fire service seeks community volunteers MID AND WEST WALES FIRE AND RESCUE SERVICE is inviting community-minded residents to join its growing team of volunteers. Opportunities are available across the Service’s Northern, Western and Southern Divisions, with volunteers helping to support community engagement, fundraising and public safety activities. Based within Community Safety Hubs, volunteers will work alongside fire service staff and other members of the team to raise awareness of important safety messages and strengthen links with communities throughout the region. The varied role could include helping at fire station open days, supporting charity car washes, representing the Service at community events and assisting with safety campaigns, fundraising and public engagement activities. No previous experience is required,
with full training and ongoing support provided to successful applicants. The Service is looking for reliable and enthusiastic people who enjoy working with others and want to make a positive difference in their communities. Anyone interested can find further information and apply through the MAWWFRS current vacancies page. Alternatively, prospective volunteers can contact Deputy Safeguarding and Volunteer Officer Sian James by emailing volunteer@ mawwfire.gov.uk.
Evans accepts some clearance, and chippings were re-laid, however, this was not significant.” It adds the applicant and partner are currently living on a Gypsy site known as Upper Race on the outskirts of Pontypool, which it says “is very crowded and cramped with very poor facilities and is often a dangerous place to reside on due to frequent family feuds”. It went on to say there are no
alternative sites in that locality and the applicant had “the opportunity to purchase this site to enable himself and partner to reside in a tranquil and safe environment close to friends and acquaintances,” adding: “The applicant has therefore identified and demonstrated an urgent need for appropriate alternative accommodation.” The latest application will be considered by planners at a later date.
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Valero gets go-ahead to move laboratory and workshop PLANS for a new laboratory and workshop at Valero’s Pembroke refinery have been approved, allowing staff to move out of the site’s designated “blast zone”. Pembrokeshire County Council’s planning committee unanimously granted conditional approval for the development at Rhoscrowther on September 8. The new buildings will replace existing laboratory and workshop facilities within the blast zone, relocating their activities to an area outside it. Local councillor Steve Alderman, who moved approval, welcomed the safety benefits. “I think it’s a good development, particularly from a health and safety point of view, to move people from a ‘blast area’,” he told the committee. Valero Energy Ltd’s application includes a single-storey laboratory on higher ground and a two-storey workshop on a lower part of the site. The laboratory will have a gross external floor area of 2,161 square metres, while the workshop will cover 1,887 square metres. Access will be from the western boundary, adjoining the existing access point serving the refinery’s fire hall. Both buildings will have parking
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areas and space for vehicles to turn, with landscaping and an earth bund proposed along the southern boundary. Planning officers recommended approval, describing the buildings as “functional yet contemporary”
and similar in appearance to the neighbouring fire hall. Their report said the rooflines, curved eaves and proposed mix of materials and colours would contribute to the quality of the design. Outdoor areas would be predominantly hard-surfaced to meet operational requirements, with some landscaping.
Permission for an earlier laboratory proposal was granted in 2019 but was never implemented and expired in 2024. A separate application to relocate spoil associated with the laboratory and workshop development remains under consideration and will be decided by officers under delegated powers.
Sale of part of garden of council property to councillor backed A CALL to sell part of the garden of a north Pembrokeshire council-owned property to a county councillor has been given the go-ahead. In a report before Pembrokeshire County Council’s cabinet, at its September 7 meeting, members were asked to allow a parcel of council Housing Revenue Account (HRA) garden land at Bryn Golau, Trefgarn Owen to be declared as surplus to enable the asset to be disposed of. The would-be purchaser was neighbour, county councillor Mark Carter. The report for members, presented by Joint Cabinet Member for Communities Cllr Aaron Carey, said Cllr Carter intended to acquire the 183.7 sqm of garden land to facilitate an extension to his existing dwelling; the HRA property currently vacant following extensive improvement works. It said: “The council’s usual disposal process would involve declaring the land surplus to operational requirements and undertaking a standard internal valuation. “The council does not currently have a specific policy governing land disposals to serving councillors or senior employees so consequently, a policy is currently being developed. This policy will include additional scrutiny and transparency measures, including the
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requirement for an independent external valuation and Cabinet consideration of the proposed disposal. “In line with this proposal, an external valuation has been completed and this matter has been referred to Cabinet for approval.” It stressed: “The proposed purchaser is a serving elected member of the
council. Whilst members are entitled to enter into property transactions with the council, any such transaction must be conducted in accordance with the Council’s Constitution, Members’ Code of Conduct and all applicable legislation. “The purchaser has had no involvement in the consideration, valuation, negotiation, preparation or decision-making processes relating to the proposed disposal.”
It added: “Housing Services have been consulted and have confirmed their support for the proposed disposal. Bryn Golau benefits from an unusually large garden when compared with the remainder of the estate.” It said the reduced garden size would create “a more manageable garden area for future tenants, comparable to that of neighbouring properties,” with “no long-term plans to develop this parcel of land, as it is not of sufficient size to accommodate a detached dwelling and any such development would adversely affect neighbouring properties”. It went on to say: “An independent valuation was undertaken by an RICSregulated firm of chartered surveyors. The valuation was based upon the firm’s own comparable market evidence and assessed the market value of the land at £13,788, equating to approximately £75 per sqm. This figure is consistent with the council’s own internal land disposal evidence.” Members backed the recommendation for the disposal and sale of the land, which is “is expected to generate the highest capital receipt whilst also reducing future maintenance responsibilities associated with the retained HRA property”. It was moved by Cllr Carey and seconded by Cllr Jon Harvey.
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Team Wales torch relay builds on Pembrokeshire’s skills success
A TORCH relay celebrating Wales’ next generation of skilled workers has begun its journey across the country, as Team Wales looks to build on national success that included seven medals for Pembrokeshire College students last year. A total of 124 learners and apprentices from across Wales have secured places at the WorldSkills UK National Finals, which Wales will host from November 18 to 20. The competition will test their abilities in disciplines ranging from engineering, welding and advanced manufacturing to hospitality, construction, digital technologies and the creative industries. Pembrokeshire College students enjoyed a strong showing at the 2025 finals, securing three gold medals, three silvers and a bronze, alongside two highly commended awards. Among the medallists was welding competitor Mason Aitchison, who reached the national finals after winning silver at Skills Competition Wales. His success highlighted the opportunities available to local learners and apprentices to test their skills against competitors from across the UK. This year’s Team Wales torch relay will visit communities, colleges and training providers, celebrating the finalists and the educators, employers and families supporting their preparations. Starting at Cambrian Training, the relay forms part of the countdown to November’s finals. It is led by the Welsh Government through the Inspiring Skills Excellence in Wales programme. Organisers hope the journey will encourage more young people to explore vocational courses, apprenticeships and skills competitions as routes into employment and further training.
For Tegan Thomas, 18, from Bridgend College, selection for this year’s finals has already brought benefits beyond the competition itself. “Being selected for the WorldSkills UK National Finals is an achievement I’m incredibly proud of and has exceeded all my expectations,” she said. “The competition has helped me develop new skills and confidence, while opening my eyes to opportunities I hadn’t previously considered. I’m looking forward to meeting other competitors, making new connections and gaining experiences that will help me in my future career in health and social care.” Cefin Campbell, Deputy Minister for Skills and Tertiary Education, said the relay would recognise the effort behind Wales’ achievements. “This year’s torch relay is an opportunity to celebrate the talent, ambition and dedication being shown by learners and apprentices in communities across Wales,” he said. “As the torch travels across the country, it will shine a spotlight on the network of colleges, training providers, employers and families helping young people develop the skills they need to succeed.” He added: “Wales has an incredibly proud track record of success in skills competitions, and this year’s competitors represent the very best of that talent. I wish every member of Team Wales the very best as they prepare to compete at the UK’s biggest vocational skills competition and represent Wales on a national stage.” For learners and employers in Pembrokeshire, Carmarthenshire and Ceredigion interested in getting involved, information about skills competitions and opportunities to support competitors is available at Inspiring Skills Wales.
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Hero officers awarded bravery medals after rescuing woman from burning house
TWO Dyfed-Powys Police officers have been recognised for outstanding bravery after entering a burning house and rescuing a young woman who was asleep inside. PC Taylor Rees and PC Guto Dafydd, both based in Carmarthen, have been awarded bronze bravery medals by the Society for the Protection of Life from Fire following the dramatic rescue in November last year. Dyfed-Powys Police is highlighting their actions to mark National Emergency Services Day today (September 9). In the early hours of Monday, November 17, 2025, police received an incomplete 999 call in which the caller said: “Mansel Street. Mansel Street, Carmarthen. You need to get there now,” before the line was disconnected. Moments later, a second caller contacted police raising concerns for the welfare of a person at a property in Mansel Street. Officers immediately responded under emergency conditions and arrived to find a fire rapidly spreading across the first floor of the home. The person who had been the subject of the initial welfare concern
had managed to get safely outside. However, fearing that other people could still be trapped inside, PC Rees and PC Dafydd entered the burning building without hesitation. Woman found asleep as bedroom next door burned Inside the smoke-filled property, the officers discovered a young woman asleep in bed. The bedroom immediately next to hers was already completely engulfed in flames. The officers woke the woman and brought her safely out of the house before the fire could spread further. PC Rees then attempted to tackle the blaze himself, but was forced to withdraw after struggling to breathe as thick smoke filled the property. Moments after everyone had been accounted for, both upstairs bedroom windows shattered under the intense heat, sending glass falling into the street below. Firefighters subsequently arrived and brought the blaze under control. A man was later arrested and convicted of arson being reckless as to whether life was endangered. Both officers suffered smoke inhalation and burns during the rescue and required medical treatment.
Despite their injuries, they remained on duty to complete their shift. Bravery recognised PC Rees and PC Dafydd were presented with bronze bravery medals from the Society for the Protection of Life from Fire by Chief Constable Ifan Charles at Dyfed-Powys Police Headquarters. The Chief Constable also presented both officers with Chief Constable’s commendations in recognition of their actions. Chief Constable Ifan Charles said: “PC Taylor Rees and PC Guto Dafydd showed great courage, professionalism and compassion in difficult circumstances. “Their willingness to act quickly and put the needs of others first helped ensure the safety and wellbeing of a vulnerable member of the public. “Their actions are a reminder of the outstanding work carried out by officers across our force every day. I am very proud of both officers and pleased to see their commitment and dedication recognised through these awards and commendations.” ‘A real eye-opener’
PC Guto Dafydd said the incident happened less than two months after he had completed his classroom training. He said: “Attending this incident within two months of completing my classroom training was a real eyeopener. “We are prepared to deal with all sorts of scenarios in our training, but you still never truly know what you will be faced with until you’re there at scene. “I am grateful to PC Rees, my tutor, for leading on this incident which, thankfully, came to a safe conclusion.” PC Taylor Rees said their priority throughout the incident had been protecting those inside the property. He said: “Our whole focus was on protecting the life of those in the property and making sure everyone was safely removed from the house before the situation could escalate further. “When faced with unexpected circumstances, I think your instincts just kick in, and you do what you need to do to keep everyone safe. “It was a real honour to be recognised alongside PC Dafydd following this incident.”
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WEDDINGS AND EVENTS 2025 & 2026
For information on our wedding packages or to book a meeting at the venue please email: jenna@nelsonmilford.com
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Riptide Festival responds to noise complaints in Manorbier
ORGANISERS of Riptide Festival in Manorbier have responded publicly to complaints about noise, saying they recognise the event causes disruption but are asking residents to “make room” for the three-night festival. In a statement posted on social media, organisers said they were aware Riptide brought disruption to the village and apologised to those affected.
They wrote: “Three nights out of 365. We know Riptide brings some disruption, and we’re sorry for that. We’re simply asking for a little perspective.” The festival went on to defend the role of live music and artistic expression, arguing that culture had particular importance during a period of global uncertainty. The statement said: “Throughout history, when we’ve struggled to
understand the world, we’ve turned to artists. Our museums, galleries, theatres, literature and music record that. “Riptide is all for artistic expression. We give artists a stage, an audience and the freedom to say what they have to say.” Organisers also acknowledged that staging the event came with responsibilities towards those living nearby.
They said the festival worked within regulations, monitored sound levels and made efforts to respect the surrounding community. “We know that brings responsibility,” the statement continued. “We work within the regulations, monitor the sound and do our best to respect the village around us. “Three nights out of 365. That’s what we’re asking Manorbier to make room for.” The post, headed “Addressing noise complaints”, was accompanied by the message: “Please Read. We love you Manorbier.” The public response suggests organisers have received complaints or concerns about noise associated with the festival, although the post did not specify how many complaints had been made or exactly what issues had been raised. Riptide Festival is staged in the Manorbier area and brings live music and entertainment to the village. The Herald has approached the organisers and relevant authorities for further details about the complaints, including whether any formal noise complaints have been received and whether sound monitoring has identified any breaches.
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Civic leaders gather in St Davids for Mayor Making ceremony CIVIC leaders from across Pembrokeshire gathered in St Davids for the city’s traditional Mayor Making ceremony, marking the appointment of Cllr Sarah Foster as Mayor of St Davids. The occasion brought together representatives from towns across the county, with mayors, councillors and other civic dignitaries joining the celebrations in Britain’s smallest city. Among those attending were the mayors of Milford Haven, Pembroke, Pembroke Dock, Neyland, Narberth and Fishguard and Goodwick, alongside representatives from Haverfordwest and Pembroke Town Council. Those pictured included Cllr Mark Woodward, Mayor of Milford Haven; Cllr Jonathan Grimes, Mayor of Pembroke; Cllr Tony Wilcox, Mayor of Pembroke Dock; Cllr Peter Hay, Mayor of Neyland; Cllr Elizabeth Rogers, Mayor of Narberth; and Cllr Stephen Hughes, Mayor of Fishguard and Goodwick. Haverfordwest was represented by Sheriff Cllr Dani Thomas-Turner, while Cllr Randell Izaiah Thomas-
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Turner of Pembroke Town Council was also among those attending. Cllr Thomas-Turner described the event as “a wonderful afternoon in St Davids” and said it had been a privilege to join civic colleagues from
across Pembrokeshire. He said one of the highlights was seeing representatives from so many different communities gathered together, adding that although each serves a different town, they share a commitment to representing and supporting local people. He congratulated Cllr Foster
on taking up the mayoral role and thanked St Davids City Council for its welcome and for hosting the occasion. The Mayor Making ceremony is an important part of the civic calendar in St Davids and formally marks the beginning of the new mayor’s term of office.
Torch Theatre launches appeal to secure future of dementia-friendly Cradle Choir A MILFORD HAVEN choir which provides friendship, music and support for people affected by dementia is appealing to local businesses and organisations for help securing its future. The Cradle Choir, now supported by the Torch Theatre, is seeking around £4,800 to enable its programme of regular singing sessions and community activities to continue. The dementia-friendly choir has been running for seven years and currently has 42 members, with a significant and growing number coming from Milford Haven and the surrounding area. Its aim is to improve the health and wellbeing of people living with dementia, Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s, as well as their carers, friends and families. Sessions include vocal and physical warm-ups, breathing and diction exercises, “brain gym” activities designed to encourage mental agility and coordination, and singing from a wide range of musical styles. However, organisers say the social benefits extend well beyond rehearsals. Members have developed their own support network, often meeting after sessions for coffee and conversation, while summer meet-ups, Christmas dinners and informal performances have become an important part of the
Rieve Nesbitt-Marr
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choir’s calendar. The Torch Theatre says the group provides participants with opportunities for social connection and creative expression while helping combat isolation. Tim Howe, Senior Manager for
Youth and Community at the Torch Theatre, said: “Over the past seven years, Cradle Choir has become a valued part of our community engagement work, providing a welcoming, inclusive and supportive space for people living with dementia, their carers, families and friends. “Through regular singing sessions, participants enjoy opportunities
for social connection, creative expression and shared experiences that contribute positively to wellbeing and help combat social isolation.” The theatre is providing substantial support itself, including rehearsal space, staff time, marketing assistance and organisational oversight, estimated to be worth around £4,000 each year. But additional outside funding is needed to meet the choir’s running costs. Rather than seeking the whole £4,800 from one organisation, the choir hopes a number of businesses, charities and other organisations with connections to Milford Haven may each be able to make smaller contributions. Mr Howe added: “While the Torch Theatre remains fully committed to the choir’s future, support from local businesses and organisations plays a vital role in ensuring that programmes such as this can continue to thrive and reach those who benefit most from them.” The choir also hopes to continue developing links with local schools and the wider community through shared concerts and activities. Businesses, organisations or individuals interested in supporting the Cradle Choir can contact the Torch Theatre on 01646 694192 or email info@torchtheatre.co.uk.
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Welsh public energy company could keep profits and jobs in Wales
PEOPLE across Wales are being invited to help shape plans for a new publicly owned energy company intended to retain more of the financial benefits generated by the nation’s renewable resources.
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The Welsh Government has launched a consultation on proposals to establish a single national public
energy company owned by the people of Wales. Under the plans, existing publicly backed energy organisations would be brought together, with the new company seeking to increase Welsh ownership of renewable energy projects. Ministers say this could ensure that more of the jobs, investment and profits generated by Wales’s natural resources benefit local communities, businesses and public services. The proposed company would also aim to help communities and public bodies make better use of energy generated within Wales. However, it would not replace existing energy suppliers or directly determine the prices paid by households. The Welsh Government says greater public ownership of energy projects could nevertheless help reduce costs over the longer term
while allowing more revenue to be reinvested in Welsh communities and services. Cabinet Minister for Enterprise, Connectivity and Energy Adam Price said: “Wales has huge potential to generate clean energy from our natural resources. “We want to make sure the benefits of that energy are felt by people and communities across Wales, both in jobs and growth, and eventually in lower bills too. “Wales is on the verge of another energy revolution, and this time we want to make sure we keep more of the benefits here. “This consultation is about how we can build a stronger Welsh energy sector, support local ownership and create lasting value for future generations. “It’s about cheaper, cleaner energy that is made and owned in Wales. “We want to hear from people, communities, businesses and organisations across Wales about how this company should work and what it should deliver.” The consultation comes amid continuing pressure on household finances caused by high energy costs. The Welsh Government says it is investing more than £37 million in its Nest scheme this year to help lowincome households improve the energy efficiency of cold and damp homes. Fuel vouchers, heating assistance and the Claim What’s Yours service are also available to eligible households. The consultation on establishing a consolidated Welsh public energy company will remain open until November 30, 2026. Responses can be submitted through the Welsh Government website at: https://www.gov.wales/ formation-consolidated-welsh-publicenergy-company
Cabinet Minister for Enterprise, Connectivity and Energy Adam Price
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Carmarthen community band marks 30 years with anniversary concert
A COMMUNITY wind band with strong links to Pembrokeshire is preparing to celebrate its 30th anniversary with a major gala concert featuring more than 100 performers. Carmarthen Symphonic Wind Band will mark three decades of music-making at the Lyric Theatre, Carmarthen, on Saturday, September 26, at 7pm. The amateur community band includes musicians and supporters from across west Wales, including Pembrokeshire, and the anniversary concert will bring together singers,
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dancers, actors and instrumentalists for one of the largest performances in its history. More than 50 musicians will form the heart of the concert, with more than 100 performers expected to take to the stage during parts of the evening. The programme will include musical theatre, film music, popular classics and specially arranged collaborations celebrating the band’s 30-year history.
Among the guest performers will be Y Llais finalist Bethany Williams-Potter, who will join the band for a number of vocal performances. Musical theatre performer Gareth Morgan, who has previously appeared as Jean Valjean in Les Misérables at Swansea Grand Theatre, will also take part. Carmarthenshire-based LA Dance will perform alongside the band during
numbers from Chicago and Libertango. The group, founded by LesleyAnn Evans, works with dancers of all ages and abilities and has supported performers who have gone on to compete at championship and World Championship level. Young performers from Centre Stage Theatre will also join the anniversary celebrations, including for a medley from the musical Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. Poet and performer Mel Perry will meanwhile feature in a special collaboration using a new musical arrangement by the band’s musical director, Chris Potter. Organisers said the evening would celebrate not only the band’s music but the friendships and community connections built during its 30-year history. They said: “From the opening notes to the final curtain, this will be a celebration of 30 years of music, friendship and community, bringing together an extraordinary mix of musicians, singers, dancers and young performers.” The Carmarthen Symphonic Wind Band 30th Anniversary Gala Concert takes place at the Lyric Theatre, Carmarthen, on Saturday, September 26, at 7pm.
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Bishop Dorrien installed as first Dean of Royal Chaplaincy for Wales Tom Sinclair
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THE BISHOP OF ST DAVIDS has been formally installed as the first Church in Wales Dean of the Royal Chaplaincy for Wales during a historic service at St Davids Cathedral. The Right Reverend Dorrien Davies was installed during a special Accession Day service on Tuesday (Sept 8), following his appointment by His Majesty The King to lead the newly established Royal Chaplaincy for Wales. The appointment marks a significant moment for the Church in Wales, with King’s Honorary Chaplains drawn from its clergy for the first time. The occasion began with a procession from Cross Square to the Cathedral, accompanied by members of the Yeomen of the Guard. Children from Ysgol Penrhyn Dewi also played a part in the celebrations, waving flags and bunting as the procession made its way towards the Cathedral. Following the service, Bishop Dorrien said: “It is a huge privilege and a great honour to have been appointed by His Majesty The King as Dean of the Royal Chaplaincy for Wales. “I am deeply conscious that
The procession brought a large crowd to the City of St Davids (Pic: Darth Marty Media)
Yeomen of the Guard
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St Davids Cathedral Choir performed at the event Chaplains — one from each of the six this appointment is not simply a King and Wales. dioceses of the Church in Wales — As the longest-serving Prince of personal honour, but one which with Bishop Dorrien serving as Dean. Wales, His Majesty developed strong reflects the historic and continuing The chaplains are the Revd links with Welsh life, language and relationship between the Crown, the Llewelyn Moules Jones, Diocese culture. Church in Wales and the people and of Bangor; the Revd Julian Gray, Since becoming King, Welsh has communities we are called to serve. Diocese of Monmouth; the Revd continued to feature prominently “To have been installed here at St Canon Michael Balkwill, Diocese of St at Royal occasions, including the Davids Cathedral, a place with such Asaph; the Ven Mark Preece, Diocese Coronation. The Cross of Wales was profound connections to the history, of Llandaff; the Revd Dr Emma Louise also commissioned for the Coronation faith and story of our nation, made the Whittick, Diocese of Swansea and procession, while the tradition of occasion especially meaningful. appointing a Royal Harpist has Brecon; and the Revd Canon Michael “I look forward to serving in this role continued. Huw Rowlands, Diocese of St Davids. alongside my fellow King’s Honorary The Royal Chaplaincy for Wales The six senior clerics were Chaplains and to playing our part in consists of six King’s Honorary appointed in recognition of their the civic, national and spiritual life of Wales.” Honorary King’s Chaplains have traditionally been appointed from the Church of England and the Church of Scotland, although clergy from other denominations can also be chosen. The establishment of the Royal Chaplaincy for Wales marks the first time clerics from the Church in Wales have been formally appointed to these roles. St Davids Cathedral itself has centuries-old connections with the Royal Family, including strong links with the Tudor dynasty. In one particularly unusual tradition, the Sovereign continues to hold an official place within the Cathedral Chapter, reflecting the longstanding relationship between the Crown and St Davids. The new Chaplaincy also reflects The bishop alongside Honorary Chaplains the close relationship between The
distinguished service and received their insignia of office directly from The King during the historic Royal Maundy service at St Asaph Cathedral in April. King’s Honorary Chaplains wear a distinctive scarlet cassock together with a badge bearing the Royal cypher. During their period of appointment, each may be invited to preach at a Royal Chapel and can also be asked by His Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenants to take part in national, civic and local occasions and Royal visits across Wales.
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£270,000 available for Welsh community projects as grant applications open CHARITIES and community groups across Wales can apply for a share of £270,000 to support young people and make community buildings more energy efficient. Principality Building Society has opened applications for its Future Generations Fund and Retrofit for the Future Fund, delivered in partnership with Community Foundation Wales. Organisations have until Monday, October 5, 2026, to submit applications. The Future Generations Fund has £185,000 available this year for organisations and projects working to improve outcomes for children and young people. Since 2022, the fund has distributed more than £2 million to charities and community groups across Wales. Previous recipients include Cariad Communities CIC, which works to tackle social isolation, support families and build healthier communities in Neath Port Talbot, and Stepping Stones North Wales, which provides one-to-one counselling for survivors of childhood trauma. Rhondda Netball has also received support to help girls gain qualifications and training to become coaches and role models. A further £85,000 is available through the Retrofit for the Future Fund, which helps organisations improve the energy efficiency of community
buildings or buy environmentally friendly, energy-efficient equipment. The funding aims to help groups reduce running costs, cut carbon emissions and keep community spaces sustainable for the years ahead. Iain Mansfield, chief executive of Principality Building Society, said the funding reflected the mutual’s commitment to reinvesting in Welsh communities. He said: “By running a strong, sustainable business, driven by the
needs of our Members, we’re able to keep investing in the places we call home and support communities across Wales to thrive.” Katy Hales, director of philanthropy at Community Foundation Wales, said the partnership was helping local organisations develop skills, improve wellbeing and create opportunities. She said: “The Future Generations Fund shows what can be achieved through partnership. Thanks to Principality’s continued support,
funding is helping local organisations build confidence, develop skills, improve wellbeing and create better futures for people across Wales.” Charities, community groups and social enterprises interested in applying can find eligibility criteria and application details on the Community Foundation Wales website by searching for the Principality Future Generations Fund or Principality Retrofit for the Future Fund.
Carew, Newport and Neyland public toilets given reprieve from closure threat THREE PUBLIC TOILETS in Pembrokeshire facing the potential threat of closure are being given a breathing space in the hope agreements in their future running can be made. A report presented to members of Pembrokeshire County Council’s Cabinet meeting of September 7 by Cabinet Member for Residents’ Services Cllr Rhys Sinnett, said the council currently directly manages and maintain 54 public conveniences through a cleaning and maintenance contract with Danfo (UK) Ltd. Back in 2023, negotiations for alternative funding streams, including community council and national park funding to keep toilets open were entered into with some toilets closing after that date. The national park has agreed to continue to fund 10 toilets, the report said: (Little Haven, Manorbier Beach, Newport Traeth Mawr, Saundersfoot Regency, Poppit Sands, Angle Beach, Broad Haven, Freshwater East, Solva, and St Brides) for the next two years at £122,896.37 per annum. Since the 2023 consultations Marloes, Burton, The Grove St Davids, Newgale South, Cresswell Quay, and Penally have closed. Asset transfers have taken
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place to town/community councils at: Llanstadwell, Porthgain, Nolton, Moylegrove and Nevern, St Davids Bryn Road, Cwm yr Eglwys, and Kilgetty, with Newgale North sold and reopened as a café/ toilet. Back in late 2023 the potential fate of three further toilets facing the threat of potential closure was included. Carew was facing closure by April 2024 unless alternative funding was found, to allow time for the Community Council to reconsider its position on potential funding; a date later extended.
Cabinet members at the September meeting were recommended to back writing to the community council setting out the previous decision and that if there is no alternative funding agreed before November 31, the toilets will be closed. The Parrog, Newport has faced a similar extension of timelines, with the town council are continuing to liaise with the landowner in relation to land transfers /purchase; if no conclusion is made by next March, it is recommended the toilets will be closed. In Neyland, the town council and the authority have actively been dealing with the transfer of this facility; a cut-off date of November 1 recommended.
Members were also asked to scope out options for Tenby’s North Beach toilet and Haverfordwest’s Castle Lake toilets. In the case of North Beach, it is recommended to continue funding it but to “investigate income generating opportunities such as charging to use or linking to other sources of funding,” adding: “This toilet has very high footfall is a very busy toilet linked to the beach. It is now proposed to scope out options for this facility to ensure it meets current demand and future proof and revert to Cabinet with a business case in early 2027.” In the case of Castle Lake, it is proposed to undertake a full review and report back to Cabinet in early 2027 with a business case of either upgrading the existing facilities or closing them and build new ones within Castle Lake car park, offering an opportunity to enhance the car park. Speaking at the meeting, Cabinet Member for finance, Cllr Jon Harvey disputed “a narrative we’ve been closing toilets left-right-and-centre,” saying that “the reality is we’ve shut six toilets with a potential for another three; the reality is we haven’t shut very many at all.” Members backed the recommendations in the report.
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Office in ‘unviable’ commercial area allowed to become home A CALL to convert Pembrokeshire town centre office space which had a “low likelihood” of “finding another viable commercial use” to a home has been given the go-ahead. At the September 8 meeting of Pembrokeshire County Council’s planning committee, members were recommended to approve an application by Pembroke Design Ltd for a change of use of an office to a dwelling at Wesley House, 16 Meyrick Street, Pembroke Dock. The application was before the committee rather than being decided by officers as it was recommended for approval despite being contrary to a policy of the development plan. The site is located within the Pembroke Dock Conservation Area next to the Grade-II*-listed Zion Free Church, described as ‘a 1846-8 Wesleyan Chapel, now Zion Free Church. An officer report said: “The council’s retail survey (September 2023) for town centres indicates a vacancy rate of 19 per cent for A1, A2 and A3 use class units for Pembroke Dock. This is considerably above the UK national vacancy rate (13.9 per cent in 2023) and Wales’ vacancy rate (16.9 per cent
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in 2023) and increases the likelihood of long-term vacant commercial premises with the town centre. “The vacancy rate is considered to be a significant material consideration as it provides evidence of the low likelihood of the premises finding another viable commercial use. The property is currently on the market, but has generated no serious interest for commercial use from potential buyers. “The application is supported by a letter from the applicant’s estate agents, West Wales Properties, which confirms the extremely low demand for commercial properties within Pembroke Dock and explains that any developers that may consider the property would be seeking to convert it to residential use. “The environmental benefit of the change of use of this property for residential use is a further reason in support of the proposal as it would contribute towards the viability and vitality of the town centre.” Moving approval, Pembroke Dock county councillor Tony Wilcox said, unlike his late fellow Pembroke Dock
councillor Brian Hall, he was unable to provide a “potted history” of the building but was supportive of the proposal which would “encourage footfall into the town centres”. Committee chair Cllr Mark Carter said he was supportive of the proposal:
“The only way we’re ever going to regenerate these smaller towns is by people living there,” adding more residents would boost local businesses. Members unanimously approved the change of use.
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St Davids ‘bug farm’ expansion approved by national park PLANS for works at a Pembrokeshire ‘bug farm’ to allow it “to maintain its high-quality farming, research, and educational facility” have been given the goahead. In an application to Pembrokeshire Coast National Park, Dr Sarah Beynon of Doctor Beynon’s Bug Farm Ltd, Lower Harglodd, St Davids, through agent Pembroke Design Ltd, sought permission for the removal and replacement of a shed on site with a modern one, which the applicant says will “allow the business to extend its season to the visitor experience”. Dr Beynon’s Bug Farm, just outside St Davids, is the vision of Dr Sarah Beynon, who wanted to combine her love of farming, academic research and education by setting up a centre of excellence in her hometown of St Davids. It offers a ‘friendly quirky and unique attraction’ for nature lovers and foodies set on a historic Welsh farm. It boasts a tropical bug zoo, a bug museum, a recently opened nature recovery centre, a farming history museum, a farm trail across wildflower meadows, wetland and woodland, a peaceful walled garden, an art gallery, an indoor play barn and gift shop. The farm is also home to Grub
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Kitchen, the UK’s first edible insect café, which offers a nature-friendly menu created from largely organic and local produce, with plenty of noninsect options too. A supporting statement accompanying the application says the post-war shed, originally used for farm machinery by the applicant’s uncle has long passed its ‘sell by
date’, and is not practical or feasible to repair; its replacement “will allow the Bug Farm business to continue to use it to provide educational opportunity and match the building to the rest of the farm buildings”. It went on to say: “In creating the nature reserve Sarah has created an educational facility to showcase the work done and to explain the effects it has on improving the wildlife habitat. It has been a huge success. “The existing proposed Nature
Discovery Centre is an educational space to enthuse people about nature and what they can do to reverse the declines of wildlife by discovering just how fascinating it is. “Over the last few years, work has been carried out on the Nature Recovery Education Centre. Phase 2- Fit Out is due to commence shortly. “The current proposal to replace the shed will allow the site to maintain its high-quality farming, research, and educational facility.” It finished: “Once complete the site will enhance the great agricultural, research and educational destination for schools, universities, conservation/ farming groups and day visitors alike.” An officer report recommending approval said: “The proposed development is considered by officers to represent an acceptable form of development, in planning terms, and would be unlikely to adversely impact the special qualities of the National Park. “The proposal is recognised to be well designed in terms of material, scale, and siting as it successfully imitates the existing shed to which it will replace.” The application was conditionally approved by Park planners.
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Future of broadcasting in Wales to come under MPs’ scrutiny LEADING figures from S4C, BBC Cymru Wales and ITV Cymru Wales will face questions from MPs next week as part of an examination of the challenges confronting Welsh broadcasting. The House of Commons Welsh Affairs Committee will hold a one-off evidence session at Westminster on Wednesday, September 9. MPs are expected to examine how Welsh broadcasters are responding to the rapid growth of streaming services, changing audience habits and the continuing need to support television production and creative employment in Wales. The hearing will also consider the renewal of the BBC’s Royal Charter and the possible consequences for broadcasting in Wales. The charter, which establishes the BBC’s public purposes, governance and funding arrangements, is reviewed every ten years. The next charter is due to take effect at the beginning of 2028. S4C chair Delyth Evans and chief executive Geraint Evans will appear before the committee during the first panel, beginning at 2.30pm. As S4C receives its public funding through the television licence fee, MPs are expected to question its representatives about the charter renewal process and the future of minority-language broadcasting. The Welsh-language broadcaster’s role in supporting the language, reaching younger audiences and competing with global streaming platforms is also likely to feature in the discussion. Representatives of BBC Cymru Wales will give evidence from 3pm. Interim director Garmon Rhys and head of corporate affairs Rhys Evans are expected to be questioned about the BBC’s presence in Wales and its contribution to the Welsh economy.
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The committee is also likely to explore the opportunities the broadcaster provides for independent production companies, journalists, performers and other creative workers based in Wales. The final panel, beginning at 3.30pm, will hear from ITV Cymru Wales head of news and programmes Zoe Thomas and ITV director of strategy, policy and regulation Magnus Brooke. MPs will seek to understand the commercial pressures facing broadcasters as viewers increasingly turn towards subscription streaming platforms and online video services. The hearing will be chaired by Ruth Jones MP, chair of the Welsh Affairs
Committee. The committee scrutinises the work of the Wales Office and UK Government policies affecting Wales. It is a cross-party parliamentary committee rather than part of the Government.
The evidence session will begin at 2.30pm on Wednesday, September 9, in the Macmillan Room at Portcullis House. Members of the public can watch the proceedings live through Parliamentlive.tv.
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Award-winning Ivy Bush: Narberth’s proper local with plenty going on COLD pints, live sport, good music and familiar faces are all part of the welcome at The Ivy Bush, an awardwinning Narberth pub where locals and visitors alike can settle in, relax and enjoy themselves. Situated at 5 High Street, The Ivy Bush has been part of Narberth’s social scene for generations. The building is packed with character, including a striking stone fireplace believed to date back to the 1500s, while today the pub combines that history with a lively atmosphere and a strong sense of community. And that community spirit has earned The Ivy Bush some impressive recognition. The pub has been crowned Best Local Pub for two years running in the competition organised by the then local Senedd Member Samuel Kurtz MS. After taking the title in 2025, The Ivy Bush successfully defended its crown in 2026 following another huge show of public support. More than 150 nominations were received for the Narberth pub, putting it comfortably ahead of the other venues taking part. Its reputation has also been recognised on the national stage. In 2026, The Ivy Bush was named Highly Commended in the prestigious National Pub & Bar Awards, joining a shortlist of just over 250 pubs and bars
from across the UK invited to the Grand Final in London. The recognition reflects what regular customers already know: there is much more to The Ivy Bush than simply somewhere to stop for a drink. Whether you are calling in for a quiet daytime pint, meeting friends for a catchup or heading out for an evening of entertainment, there is usually something going on. The well-stocked bar serves a wide selection of beers, spirits, cocktails, soft drinks and hot drinks, while the cosy Cwtch Bar offers a comfortable spot to sit back and unwind. For sports fans, The Ivy Bush is also a great place to catch the action. Major
rugby matches, football fixtures, derbies and other sporting events are shown live on Sky Sports and TNT Sports, bringing supporters together for the kind of matchday atmosphere that is difficult to recreate at home. Entertainment is another big part of life at the pub, with a varied programme running throughout the week. Regular events include poker nights, pool league fixtures, darts and karaoke, while Sundays feature free pool and a free jukebox. Friday nights bring even more fun, with the Ivy Shot Clock, Wheel of Fortune and Ivy Raffle, alongside special live music and entertainment events throughout the year.
The pool table and darts board provide plenty of opportunity for friendly competition, while karaoke nights bring together everything from hidden talents to enthusiastic first-timers. But while the entertainment keeps the calendar busy, it is the atmosphere that remains at the heart of The Ivy Bush. The pub prides itself on being the sort of place where regulars know one another, visitors are made to feel welcome and newcomers can quickly find themselves feeling at home. That combination of history, character and community spirit has helped The Ivy Bush remain an important part of Narberth life — and two consecutive local pub titles, together with national recognition, suggest its customers are far from alone in thinking so. Whether you are looking for live sport, a night of entertainment, a game of pool or simply a well-earned drink in good company, there is always a warm welcome waiting. Pop in, pull up a chair and discover for yourself why The Ivy Bush has become one of West Wales’ most celebrated locals. The Ivy Bush 5 High Street, Narberth, SA67 7AR Telephone: 01834 450007 Website: theivybushnarberth.co.uk
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Welsh science teachers least likely in UK to recommend profession
SCIENCE teachers in Wales are the least likely anywhere in the UK to recommend the profession, according to a major new survey by the Royal Society of Chemistry. The Science Teaching Survey 2026, which gathered responses from 2,000 science teachers and technicians across the UK and Ireland, found that just 23% of science teachers in Wales would recommend teaching as a career to a friend. That was the lowest figure recorded among the four UK nations, compared with 34% in England, 41% in Scotland
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and 54% in Northern Ireland. The findings come during a period of major change in Welsh education, with schools continuing to adapt to curriculum reforms and preparing for new qualifications. The survey also points to a fall in teachers’ confidence when teaching chemistry. Confidence in teaching chemistry at progression step 4 fell from 95%
in 2025 to 75% this year, while confidence at progression step 5 dropped from 76% to 63%. For post-16 chemistry, the proportion reporting confidence fell from 46% to 36%. Workload and funding pressures were also identified as significant concerns. More than four in five respondents in Wales, 86%, said a lack of noncontact time for activities such as lesson planning and preparing practical work had negatively affected student learning outcomes during the past year. A further 70% said insufficient departmental funding had also had a negative impact. The survey raised additional concerns over equality of access to science qualifications. Just 53% of Welsh science teachers said pupils at their school were able to choose their GCSE science pathway, meaning almost half reported that learners did not currently have that choice. The Royal Society of Chemistry said the findings raised questions over whether pupils across Wales have equal access to science opportunities. Laura Daly, Education Policy Programme Manager at the Royal
Society of Chemistry, said: “It is concerning that fewer than a quarter of science teachers in Wales would recommend the profession. “Teachers play a vital role in inspiring future scientists, but persistent pressures around workload, funding and support risk making recruitment and retention more difficult. “At the same time, every young person should have access to science qualifications that reflect their interests and ambitions. Opportunity should not depend on which school a student attends.” The Royal Society of Chemistry is calling for sustained investment in teacher recruitment and retention, professional development and practical science provision to ensure pupils can access high-quality science education. Ms Daly added: “Teachers are navigating a period of significant change while continuing to support learners every day. “For reforms to deliver their intended benefits, schools need adequate staffing, specialist expertise and practical science resources to ensure every learner has access to high-quality science education and the opportunities that come with it.”
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Pembrokeshire car run takes to the road for Paul Sartori An impressive collection of vehicles took to the county’s roads today (Sunday, September 6) for the annual Paul Sartori Pembrokeshire Car Run. Cars assembled at the Pembrokeshire County Showground in Haverfordwest from 8.30am, with the first vehicles setting off at 10.30am in groups of around 30. The scenic run covered approximately 45 miles before finishing at the Dyfed Shire Horse Farm in Eglwyswrw. Detailed maps of the route were supplied to those taking part, with spectators gathering at locations along the way to watch the vehicles pass. Entry cost £5 per car, with proceeds supporting the Paul Sartori Foundation and its hospice-at-home services for people living with life-limiting illnesses across Pembrokeshire.
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South Wales Male Choir to return to St Davids Cathedral for 37th concert
AROUND 80 choristers will fill St Tom Sinclair Jenkins won the Bryn Terfel The choir has enjoyed major Davids Cathedral with the sound of editor@herald.email Scholarship in 2019 and was named success at the National Eisteddfod Welsh male-voice singing later this MOCSA Young Welsh Singer of the and Côr Cymru, and has performed month, as Côr Meibion De Cymru in the space of a single day, with the Year in 2021. at prestigious venues including the returns for its 37th conert at the challenge led by Elaine Robins. He is currently a member of the Royal Albert Hall. historic venue. The concert takes place at St Acclaimed Welsh tenor among International Opera Studio at Oper The South Wales Male Choir will special guests Köln in Germany, where he regularly Davids Cathedral at 7.30pm on perform at the cathedral on Saturday, Joining the choir will be Welsh performs in professional productions. Saturday, September 19. September 19, at 7.30pm, continuing tenor Rhydian Jenkins, a graduate of Also appearing will be Parti Tickets can be bought in advance an association with St Davids the David Seligman Opera School at Llwchwr, the acclaimed Welsh ladies’ through TicketSource or the South stretching back more than three the Royal Welsh College of Music and choir from the Llwchwr area near Wales Male Choir website, and will decades. Swansea. also be available on the door. Drama. The concert will feature a larger choir of around 80 voices and will also mark the first St Davids performance under the choir’s new Musical Director, D Huw Rees. Chairman Gwynlais Phillips said St Davids remained an especially important venue for the choir. He said: “This is a very special venue for CMDC – we have been performing concerts here for over 37 years. “The setting is trly inspiring and the acoustics in St Davids Cathedral are magnificent. “We have a larger choir this time and, to a man, we are looking forward to it with great excitement and anticipation.” £15,000 for Alzheimer’s Society Cymru The evening will also have a major charitable element. During the interval, choir members will present a £15,000 cheque to Alzheimer’s Society Cymru, raised through the choir’s inaugural Ten Bandstands Challenge earlier this summer. Members travelled across South Côr Meibion De Cymru – The South Wales Male Choir – will return to St Davids Cathedral for its 37th concert on September Wales and performed ten short 19. Pic: CMDC. concerts at ten different bandstands
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Cleaner air is exposing a dirtier problem
THERE is a particular talent in modern politics for taking a complicated scientific finding and squeezing it into a misleading slogan. The discovery that cleaner air can contribute to rising temperatures was always going to be irresistible. So here comes the argument: we cleaned up pollution, the planet got hotter, and therefore tackling pollution was the mistake. Anyone who remembers industrial fumes, damaged woodlands or the misery of breathing dirty air should smell something suspicious. The science behind this apparent contradiction is fascinating. It also carries a warning that matters here in Pembrokeshire, where our coastline, countryside and energy industries place us firmly inside the climate debate. Two pollutants, different effects Burning fossil fuels releases carbon dioxide, which traps heat. But burning coal and oil also produces sulphur dioxide, which can form tiny airborne particles called sulphate aerosols.
These particles reflect some sunlight into space. They can also make certain clouds brighter, helping them reflect more sunlight. While carbon dioxide has been warming the planet, sulphur pollution has been concealing part of that warming. Think of driving with your foot on the accelerator while the handbrake remains partly engaged. Release the handbrake and the car speeds up. That does not mean the accelerator was innocent. For decades, countries have reduced sulphur pollution because it damages health and contributes to acid rain. Those efforts represent a substantial environmental achievement. Nobody should wish to return to poisoned air. But sulphate particles disappear from the atmosphere within days or weeks. Carbon dioxide’s influence lasts much longer. Removing the particles therefore takes away their cooling effect quickly, while the accumulated greenhouse pollution continues doing its work. Cleaner air is exposing more of a problem we had already created. What the clouds are telling us As Justin Rowlatt explains in the BBC’s examination of this issue, declining sulphur pollution accounts for only part of the recent acceleration in warming. Greenhouse gases remain the dominant influence. The more troubling question concerns clouds. Low clouds over the ocean reflect sunlight. If warming reduces some of that cloud cover, more sunshine reaches the darker water beneath, where energy is absorbed. That extra heat can then encourage further changes. Scientists are investigating how much of the observed change comes
from cleaner air, how much from natural variation, and how much from warming itself. Those influences are difficult to disentangle. Some recent research suggests the climate could respond more strongly to greenhouse gases than central estimates have assumed. One analysis suggests roughly 25 per cent more warming from the same emissions.
That is a research finding, not a settled revision of every climate forecast. The observations cover a relatively short period, and significant uncertainties remain. But uncertainty gives us reason to investigate carefully. It offers precious little comfort if we have been underestimating the consequences. Why Pembrokeshire should care Read about global temperatures and it is tempting to picture somewhere else: a burning American hillside, a drought overseas, a distant melting glacier. Here, the questions are closer to the kitchen table. How well will homes cope with heat? Are roads and drains ready for intense rainfall? How should farms prepare for weather that disrupts planting, grazing and harvesting? Along our coast, decisions about buildings, infrastructure and protection must account for conditions over decades. A development approved today may still be occupied long after its original planning committee has been forgotten. None of this means every flooded lane or miserable summer can automatically be blamed on climate change. Weather varies. Individual events need proper analysis.It does mean that using the past as our
only guide to the future becomes increasingly risky. Pembrokeshire also understands something that national arguments often overlook: changing an energy system involves people’s livelihoods. Workers, families and communities need credible investment, training and a future they can recognise. Public support will not grow from lectures delivered to households already struggling with bills. It grows when improvements are practical, affordable and fairly shared. Keep cleaning up The response should be to tackle both problems together: keep improving air quality while cutting the greenhouse gases driving longterm warmig. Locally, that means asking useful questions about warmer, more efficient homes, dependable transport, flood preparation and energy projects that deliver clear benefits to their host communities. It also means demanding honest explanations. Politicians should acknowledge costs and choices. Campaigners should distinguish established findings from emerging research. Neither helps by pretending the difficult bits do not exist. We should welcome the scientific work testing whether previous estimates need adjusting. Finding a potentially greater risk is precisely what monitoring and research are supposed to do. The lesson of cleaner air is that one successful repair can reveal damage previously hidden beneath it. We have improved the air we breathe. Now we must deal with the heat our pollution has left behind.
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BADGER AND THE ROSE-TINTED SPECTACLES
THIS month, the exciting new Haverfordwest Bus Shed and Outdoor Urinal will open for its first users. There will be the obligatory photo-op featuring members of the Cabinet in HiViz jackets and, doubtless, a photo or two of a construction manager pointing at a piece of concrete while councillors around him goggle in amazement at the ability of a local authority to spend millions of pounds of public money on a car park - “an integrated transport solution”, in newspeak. Badger doesn’t have anything against councils spending the money they wangle out of the Welsh and UK governments. What he does object to is the Welsh and UK governments telling councils what they can spend that money on. Badger has been here before: central government is conning the public and wasting millions from local government budgets, forcing local authorities to compete for extra money to do what central governments think councils should do. The list of what councils should do includes funding social care, funding education, and running other essential council services. Bluntly, “improving the streetscape”, “providing active travel opportunities”, and creating glorified bus shelters with parking attached are so comparatively inessential that the amount councils should devote to them should be measured in the hundreds of pounds and not the hundreds of thousands, or millions, of pounds. At the risk of Badger repeating himself, central governments must provide enough money to local authorities to deliver core services, and not hold back money to give to the councils with the most political clout or the fiction-weavers who write grant applications in High Jargonese. Councils must focus on local priorities, not those dreamed up by national politicians with their heads in the clouds and a focus group to placate. If you put all of the money that the Welsh Government has made councils bid for to variously “regenerate”, “revitalise”, and “renew” town centres into a pile, and compared it to the value of the outcomes that money has delivered, you might reasonably conclude that it would
have been better doused in petrol and set ablaze. It has done that much good. It’s been much the same tale for the past twenty-odd years. Pembrokeshire, let alone Haverfordwest, is not unique in this regard. If you go to any number of towns around England and Wales, the horrors of street art, pedestrianisation, and brightly coloured examples of (ugh) streetscape design are everywhere. Many years ago, Badger lived in Exeter. The Cathedral Green in the city centre is an oasis of peace and beauty. The only thing that spoiled Exeter was most of the rest of the city centre. Badger regards Bill Bryson’s observation about Exeter as a touchstone for most town and city centres that Badger has visited: what the Luftwaffe didn’t get, town planners did. To Bill Bryson’s comment, Badger adds his own: what the Luftwaffe and town planners didn’t get, central and local government grant funding finished off. Oases of calm beauty exist in almost every urban environment. However, when you’re otherwise surrounded by either concrete and glass or self-conscious and twee cod-heritage, and walking on cobbles placed in the last forty years to create “olde worlde” charm-lessness, it’s a case of looking upon town planners’ work and despairing.
It’s enough to make Badger relish the cleansing power of napalm. Cllr Paul Miller had a point when he said people must have a reason to visit town centres. Stroll down Bridge Street in Haverfordwest. Count the charity shops; count the white-out windows of empty retail outlets. They show market forces at work. Supply of town centre premises outstrips demand for their use. And it’s no use moaning at the Council now; the die was cast decades ago. All those millions of pounds spent creating allegedly vibrant and viable town centres were about as much use as putting a sticking plaster on a severed femoral artery. Town centres must become destinations for things supermarkets and out-of-town retail sites cannot deliver. There are several ways to do that: reimagining them as cultural and leisure hubs; stopping the creation of soulless business start-up units on brownfield sites, which could drive small enterprises into unused town centre buildings; and designating town centres as enterprise hubs (thereby reducing business rates for small start-ups). Those are just three ideas off the top of Badger’s greying head. However, it occurs to your furry chum that before anything meaningful happens, people
must discard a few illusions and approach the issue realistically. First, strip away the idea that one approach fits all. Second, kill stone-dead the idea that Bloggs the Butcher will ever make a return to the town centre to sell his pig products, or that Mrs Quaint will reopen her sweet shop to sell humbugs by the quarter. Finally, understand that business rates and commercial rents are beyond councils’ control. The Welsh Government sets and collects business rates using calculations that beggar description and defy common sense. Moreover, the UK Government is remarkably resistant to nationalising privately owned commercial property below the level of steelworks in marginal seats. Besides, and baldly put, it serves some property owners as well to leave a property untenanted as it would to let it out. Badger has heard the point of view that where private enterprise is somehow deficient in meeting public expectations, the public sector - including local government - must step in. That has some merit when considering nationally important strategic businesses (for example, steelworks). However, it ignores the fact that old town centres were founded on profitable small businesses meeting public demand for their goods. If shops are empty, it is because demand for their services is absent at a level that would make them profitable. Times change, lifestyles change, working patterns change, and, as a result, shopping habits change. Throughout our lives, we change. Change is good. Frightening, but good. But we start by understanding that most change is inevitable. Only then can we begin to address the real challenge of what pubic money could do and, more importantly, what it should do to create flourishing town centres. Even in Pembrokeshire, a place awash with rose-tinted spectacles whose wearers are focused on half-remembered and half-imagined pasts, Badger suspects most voters think their councillors should focus on running core services rather than tarting up towns for tourists.
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County Hall marks Merchant Navy Day with Red Ensign THE RED ENSIGN was raised outside County Hall in Haverfordwest this week as Pembrokeshire joined communities across the UK in marking Merchant Navy Day. Pembrokeshire County Council hoisted the flag on Thursday, September 3, to recognise the vital role played by Merchant Navy seafarers and to highlight the UK’s continuing dependence on those who work at sea. The Red Ensign — widely known as the “Red Duster” — is flown by British merchant and civilian vessels and has long been associated with the country’s maritime history. Taking part in the ceremony were the council’s Armed Forces Champion, Cllr Simon Hancock, and Pembrokeshire County Council’s Armed Forces Champion Cllr Simon Hancock and Regional Armed Forces Covenant Regional Armed Forces Covenant Liaison Officer Hayley Edwards with the Red Ensign outside County Hall, Haverfordwest. Liaison Officer Hayley Edwards. That maritime connection commemorations taking place across Merchant Navy Day is held transporting food, fuel, equipment is particularly significant in Britain, with councils, public bodies and each year in early September and Tom Sinclair editor@herald.email Pembrokeshire, where the sea, maritime organisations encouraged to provides an opportunity to remember ports and shipping have shaped the fly the flag in recognition of serving the contribution made by merchant county’s economy and communities and former members of the Merchant seafarers in both peacetime and and other essential supplies around for generations. Navy. conflict. The raising of the Red Ensign at Merchant crews have played a the world, often while working in County Hall formed part of wider crucial role throughout British history, dangerous conditions.
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New company registrations fall 15% across Wales
NEW company registrations in Wales fell more sharply than across the UK in the second quarter of 2026, despite a decline in insolvency-related activity. Figures published by insolvency and restructuring trade body R3 show 4,922 companies were registered in Wales between April
and June — down 15% from 5,796 during the same period last year. The total was also 8% lower than in the first three months of 2026, when 5,330 companies were registered. Across the UK, new company registrations fell by 6% year on year, suggesting the slowdown in
Wales was more pronounced. R3’s Quarterly Business Health report, based on Creditsafe data, also recorded 191 instances of insolvency-related activity in Wales. That was down 22% from 245 a year earlier and 10% from 212 in the previous quarter. Bethan Evans, chair of R3 in Wales, said the figures pointed to easing business distress but continued caution among entrepreneurs. “R3’s latest Business Health report suggests that while business distress has eased across Wales, many entrepreneurs and business owners are continuing to take a cautious approach to growth and investment,” she said. “The reduction in insolvencyrelated activity is encouraging and reflects the resilience shown by many Welsh businesses. However, the significant fall in new company registrations suggests that economic uncertainty continues to influence decisions around starting a new venture.” Ms Evans said increased
operating costs, economic uncertainty and changing consumer demand continued to make it harder for businesses to plan and invest. She urged owners to monitor cashflow closely and seek professional advice at the first signs of financial difficulty, when more options may be available. The Welsh figures broadly followed the UK trend. Nationally, 184,873 new companies were registered during the quarter, down 6% year on year and 2% from the previous quarter. Insolvencyrelated activity fell by 6% year on year to 6,854. However, separate, more recent Insolvency Service figures cited by R3 showed company insolvencies across England and Wales rose by 5% in July compared with June, reaching 1,931. Those monthly figures cover a different geographical area and measure from the report’s Welsh quarterly data, but suggest financial pressures on businesses have persisted.
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GAMING With eddie the game guru
Those children are now adults, many with young gamers of their own. When the remake arrives this autumn, two generations will enter Kokiri Forest together.
Nintendo turns back time as Zelda masterpiece returns for a new generation Nearly three decades after it first transported players to the fields, forests and temples of Hyrule, The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time is being completely remade for Nintendo Switch 2, giving millions of grown-up fans the chance to relive one of gaming’s greatest adventures alongside their own children. For a generation of players, only a handful of sounds can unlock childhood memories quite as quickly. The gentle notes of Zelda’s Lullaby. The galloping hooves of Epona crossing Hyrule Field. The chime of a treasure chest opening. Navi shouting “Hey!” as she desperately tries to attract Link’s attention. Now, 28 years after The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time first changed the face of gaming, Nintendo is preparing to take players back to Hyrule. A full remake of the celebrated Nintendo 64 adventure will be released exclusively for Nintendo Switch 2 on November 5, 2026, featuring completely reimagined graphics, a refreshed soundtrack, modernised controls, voiced cutscenes and a host of new features. For those who first played the game as children in 1998, it promises to be far more than another major release. It will be an opportunity to return to a world that has remained lodged in their memories for almost three decades, this time with sons and daughters sitting beside them. Across the world, dads who once stayed up late trying to escape the Forest Temple, defeated Ganondorf on bulky bedroom televisions and spent hours searching for the last elusive Gold Skulltula will soon be able to introduce their children to the adventure that helped define their childhoods. Some will remember receiving the game for Christmas, tearing open its distinctive gold box and inserting the cartridge into a Nintendo 64. Others will recall swapping playground stories about secret locations, arguing over how to complete the Water Temple or discovering, without the help of YouTube, that playing Epona’s Song could summon Link’s horse.
The adventure begins again Nintendo first revealed the remake during a Nintendo Direct presentation in June before unveiling a much more detailed look as part of celebrations marking the 40th anniversary of The Legend of Zelda series. Long-time Zelda producer Eiji Aonuma described the project as a “faithful interpretation using modern technologies”, suggesting that Nintendo has resisted the temptation to completely rewrite a game that many regard as close to perfect. The fundamental story remains unchanged. Link begins life as a young boy living among the Kokiri, the only child in the forest without a fairy companion. When he is summoned by the dying Great Deku Tree and joined by the fairy Navi, he is drawn into a struggle to prevent the Gerudo king Ganondorf from seizing the Triforce and taking control of Hyrule. His journey stretches across two eras, with Link pulling the Master Sword from its pedestal and awakening seven years later as an adult in a kingdom transformed by Ganondorf’s rule. Along the way, players meet Princess Zelda, Impa, Saria, Darunia and Princess Ruto, explore dungeons and temples, solve elaborate puzzles and battle some of the most memorable bosses in
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Nintendo history. Nintendo says the remake will feature new dialogue and fully voiced cinematic sequences, bringing its cast of characters to life in a way that was impossible on the original hardware. The company has also confirmed reimagined visuals, a refreshed soundtrack and HDR support on compatible televisions. Early footage has shown familiar locations rebuilt with dramatically greater detail while retaining the atmosphere and identity of the 1998 adventure. Kokiri Forest is once again filled with tree houses, streams and wandering children, while the Great Deku Tree towers above Link with a scale the Nintendo 64 could only suggest. A familiar Hyrule with modern controls Nintendo is making several significant changes to ensure the game feels natural to players raised on modern adventures. For the first time, Link will be able to jump manually at the press of a button. In the original, he automatically leapt when running towards a ledge, a system that became one of the game’s distinctive features but could occasionally make movement feel restrictive. A new dash ability will allow players to cross Hyrule more quickly, while free camera movement will offer greater control when exploring the world. Weapons and items can be switched more conveniently during play, and motion controls can be used to aim bows, slingshots and other equipment. One new feature, known as the Threads of Time, will provide a recap of the story, display current objectives and build a visual tapestry charting Link’s journey. It should prove useful for younger players as well as busy parents returning to the adventure after several days away. It also addresses one of the few barriers presented by the original game, which offered little assistance to anyone who forgot what they were supposed to be doing. However, the temples, puzzles, weapons and traditional structure appear to remain at the heart of the experience. Players will still travel between childhood and adulthood, using items available in each era to overcome obstacles and uncover secrets. The Kokiri Sword, Deku Shield, Fairy Slingshot, bombs and boomerang all return, alongside the legendary Master Sword and other equipment revealed later in the adventure. And, of course, there is the ocarina itself. Players will once again learn magical songs capable of opening new routes, changing the time of day, altering the weather and transporting Link across Hyrule. The melodies can be played with the controller, but the remake will also allow players to hum them into the Switch 2’s built-in microphone. Nintendo even suggests that musicians can try playing the songs on a real ocarina, adding a wonderfully playful link between the game and the world outside it. The game that changed everything When Ocarina of Time arrived in 1998, three-dimensional games were still in their infancy. Nintendo had already demonstrated the possibilities of 3D movement with Super Mario 64, but Ocarina of Time faced an even greater challenge. It had to translate Zelda’s mixture of exploration, sword combat, puzzles, storytelling and discovery into a completely new dimension. Its solutions would influence action and adventure games for decades. The innovative Z-targeting system allowed Link to lock on to enemies and move around them during combat, solving one of the fundamental problems of fighting in a 3D space. Variations of the same system can still be found in modern games. Nintendo’s original developers later explained that the mechanic helped shape Navi herself. What began as a visual marker showing which enemy had been selected eventually became Link’s fairy companion and an important part of the story. The game also featured a living day-and-night cycle, context-sensitive controls, horseback travel, cinematic storytelling and music that was woven directly into the gameplay. Koji Kondo’s soundtrack became every bit as famous as the adventure. Rather than simply accompanying the action, music allowed players to interact with the world. Short melodies became keys, spells, memories and emotional connections between characters. The moment Link first stepped from Kokiri Forest into the vast openness of Hyrule Field remains one of gaming’s great memories. By modern standards, the landscape may appear modest, but in 1998 it seemed enormous: a kingdom stretching towards the horizon and promising mystery in every direction. Nintendo said the original release set new standards and broke existing videogame
pre-order records. Its critical reputation has barely faded. Ocarina of Time holds a Metacritic score of 99, placing it at the summit of the review aggregator’s all-time rankings. Guinness World Records continues to recognise it as the most critically acclaimed videogame ever recorded on the platform. The adventure returned in 2011 as Ocarina of Time 3D, an enhanced handheld edition which introduced updated graphics, stereoscopic 3D and a more convenient inventory system. Yet the 2026 version represents a much more ambitious reconstruction, using Switch 2 technology to rebuild Hyrule for modern televisions and handheld play. Passing down a legend The wider Legend of Zelda series is celebrating its 40th anniversary, having begun on Nintendo’s Famicom system in Japan in 1986. In the decades since, Link, Zelda, Ganondorf and the Triforce have become some of the most recognisable figures in popular culture. More recent adventures such as Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom gave players enormous open worlds and extraordinary freedom, introducing millions of younger fans to Hyrule. Yet Ocarina of Time occupies a unique place in the series. It was the game that established how Zelda would look, sound and feel in three dimensions, influencing almost every major instalment that followed. That makes the remake something of a family reunion. Parents will be able to watch their children meet the Great Deku Tree for the first time, creep past the castle guards, encounter Princess Zelda, descend into Dodongo’s Cavern and finally ride Epona across Hyrule Field. They will also have to resist revealing the solutions to puzzles they can still remember after 28 years. The children may laugh at their parents’ detailed knowledge of the Lost Woods or wonder why the opening notes of the title-screen music produce such an emotional reaction. Before long, however, they may be humming Saria’s Song around the house and discovering their own favourite corners of Hyrule. The remake will also connect to Zelda Notes through Nintendo’s smartphone app, allowing players to keep a record of achievements, test their knowledge and create and share ocarina melodies. Young Link and Young Zelda amiibo figures are planned for 2027 and will unlock special masks when used with the game. Nintendo has not yet displayed a UK price on its official game page, although the company has confirmed that the title will carry a PEGI 12 rating and will be playable in handheld, tabletop and television modes. It will be exclusive to Nintendo Switch 2, meaning owners of the original Switch will need the newer console to play it. The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time will arrive November 5th on the Nintendo Switch 2.
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HOROSCOPES ARIES This is an excellent day for a practical discussion with someone older or more experienced. This might happen by talking to a partner, close friend or a member of the general public. It’s a positive day to schmooze. Check the Moon Alert if spending money. TAURUS Co-workers are supportive today, which is why you’ll be productive. However, romance and dealings with your kids might be challenged because of today’s Full Moon, which is an intense Lunar Eclipse. You’ll be forthright and direct in all your communications. GEMINI You might feel a tug-of-war between authority figures and the demands of home and family. You can’t keep both these areas happy, which means you have to make a choice. Your choice today has to be in favor of home and family and your personal life. CANCER Because the Moon is your ruler, naturally you will feel the energy of today’s Full Moon. Be careful, because it could introduce an accident-prone tendency. Therefore, pay attention to everything you say and do. Think before you act. LEO Something to do with your finances might come to a head today. As a result, you’ll see that there’s a light at the end of the tunnel, and it’s not a train. This can be a productive day! You’re charming with everyone. Be aware of the Moon Alert. VIRGO The Sun is in your sign opposing the Moon in PISCES, creating today’s Lunar Eclipse. This could make you feel that something has evolved to a point of fruition. It could pertain to your sense of responsibility for others. It also might deal with a shift in your values. LIBRA This is a productive day! You’re ambitious, and the energy of today’s Full Moon makes you want to tackle unfinished business because you have lots of brainpower. Actually, you always have lots of brainpower, which is why many of you are in the legal profession. SCORPIO Issues related to a friend or a member of a group might come to a head today. If so, you can expect a resolution, one way or another. Whatever happens will probably make you look good in the eyes of everyone because your reputation is solid this year. Lucky you! SAGITTARIUS Dealings with bosses, parents and authority figures might be challenged because of the Full Moon energy today. You can’t ignore their demands. This could relate to a dispute about your property or shared expenses. Whatever the case, be charming and conciliatory. (Do your friendly, breezy thang.) CAPRICORN Pay attention to everything you say and do. This is a mildly accidentprone day for you because of the Lunar Eclipse. You might find yourself in an argument with someone. Be smart and steer clear of controversial issues. Be patient with spouses, partners and friends. AQUARIUS Today the Moon is in your sign lined up with Pluto, which can make you emotionally intense. In fact, you might feel overwhelmed by something. You also might feel obsessed with an idea. (This can make one jealous in love.) Be ready for a surprise invitation! PISCES Today the Full Moon is in your sign, which can make dealings with those who are closest to you a bit stressed. Be accommodating. But be aware that today you can be productive and get a lot done!
THE GENTLEMEN: SEASON 2
Guy Ritchie’s criminal underworld is back as The Gentlemen returns for a darker and more dangerous second season, with Theo James delivering a commanding performance as a transformed Eddie Horniman. More than two years after Netflix introduced viewers to its stylish world of aristocrats, gangsters and organised crime, The Gentlemen is back with considerably higher stakes. When viewers last saw Eddie, he was still adjusting to life as the Duke of Halstead while dealing with his chaotic older brother Freddy (Daniel Ings) and becoming increasingly involved in the cannabis empire operating from beneath his family’s sprawling estate. The operation is controlled by imprisoned crime boss Bobby Glass (Ray Winstone) and his formidable daughter Susie (Kaya Scodelario). Initially out of his depth, former Army captain Eddie gradually discovered he had a natural talent for the criminal world. Season two shows just how much that world has changed him. The opening finds Eddie badly injured and dragging himself through
a muddy field, a far cry from the calm aristocrat audiences first met. The story then jumps back three months to reveal how he got there. Now firmly established within the Glass empire, Eddie has bigger ambitions. He wants to reclaim land surrounding his 15,000-acre family estate, expand operations into Italy and secure a foothold in the potentially lucrative legal cannabis market. His plans involve political manoeuvring and a possible partnership with Italian mobster Marco Moretti (Sergio Castellitto) and his unpredictable associate Cico Maldini (Michele Morrone). But Bobby remains firmly in charge and has little interest in Eddie’s plans to embrace cannabis decriminalisation. That creates growing tension. Both Eddie and Susie are becoming frustrated at living under Bobby’s thumb, particularly as the veteran gangster begins behaving increasingly erratically and focusing more on his spiritual awakening than the future of his empire. While Susie remains reluctant to openly defy her father, Eddie
becomes increasingly emboldened by his growing power. His charm and kindness, once among his greatest strengths, are now qualities he fears others mistake for weakness. Visually, The Gentlemen remains unmistakably Guy Ritchie, packed with eccentric characters, gun battles, outrageous schemes, dark humour and plenty of bloodshed. But beneath the spectacle is Eddie’s transformation. Episode four, The Bigger Picture, becomes a major turning point as his frustrations finally erupt, revealing a side of the Duke that changes how both the Glass family and viewers see him. The parallels with Michael Corleone are increasingly difficult to ignore: a seemingly respectable man drawn into organised crime before discovering he may be more ruthless than those around him. Season two is darker and more sombre, but remains hugely entertaining. Eddie is rapidly becoming a genuine crime boss, and the biggest question is no longer how powerful he can become, but how much of himself he will destroy getting there.
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The fate of the free world has rarely looked as fragile, or as waterlogged, as it does in Pressure, the gripping World War II historical drama rolling out across UK cinemas 9 September 2026. Following its star-studded European premiere at London’s Odeon Leicester Square on 1 September, director Anthony Maras’s film turns a forgotten corner of military history into a heart-pounding, high-concept race against time. The film focuses on the highstakes, 72-hour window leading up to D-Day, where the success of Operation Overlord hinged not on bullets or bombs, but on the British weather.
At the center of the storm is Captain James Stagg, Britain’s Chief Meteorological Officer, played with razor-sharp intensity by Andrew Scott. Stagg predicts a catastrophic Atlantic storm that could devastate the Allied fleet. However, his findings spark a deadlocked argument with rival American meteorologist Irving Krick (Chris Messina), who insists the weather will hold.Left in the middle of this meteorological crossfire is Supreme Allied Commander Dwight D. Eisenhower, portrayed in a powerful, commanding turn by Brendan Fraser. Eisenhower is faced with an impossible dilemma: delay history’s largest seaborne
invasion and risk tipping off German intelligence, or launch the fleet into a potentially deadly storm.Critics have heavily praised the film’s ability to turn boardroom debates into a claustrophobic psychological thriller, earning the movie an impressive 87% Tomatometer score on Rotten Tomatoes. The electric chemistry between Scott and Fraser has drawn particular acclaim, grounding the sweeping historical event in deeply human stakes. Featuring a stellar supporting cast including Kerry Condon and Damian Lewis, Pressure is distributed by Focus Features and is available to watch nationwide.
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The alternative view By Mike Dello Hello and welcome to my alternative take on August. For many years Nigel Farage has rarely been far from the headlines. His success with UKIP, the Brexit Party and now Reform UK made him a beacon of hope for many people who believed the political establishment had stopped listening to them. But after a couple of remarkable years in the opinion polls, the cracks are beginning to show. Farage has found himself under continuing scrutiny over a £5 million gift, and his extraordinary decision to resign as MP for Clacton and trigger a by-election appeared designed to demonstrate that his constituents were still firmly behind him. He won – comfortably – but what followed was hardly the triumphant coronation he might have imagined. With Labour, the Conservatives, Liberal Democrats, Greens and other major parties choosing not to contest the seat, no fewer than 34 candidates appeared on the ballot paper. Farage took 63.3% of the vote, but the real star of the night was surely Count Binface, who somehow managed to collect 9,455 votes and almost 27% of the total. Only British politics could produce a result like that. Even stranger was Farage’s absence from the declaration. He said he had concerns about an organised attempt to disrupt proceedings, but Essex Police later made clear that candidates had not been advised by officers to stay away. Whatever the explanation, for the winning candidate not to face the people of Clacton at the declaration was, in my view, a poor show. Reform chairman Lee Anderson was left trying to turn the occasion into another attack on the established parties, but the question remained: who had really bottled it? Meanwhile, the British right remains badly divided. The Conservatives are still trying to rediscover what they stand for, while Reform’s seemingly unstoppable rise has stalled. Andy Burnham, by contrast, has so far avoided the sort of weekly political catastrophes that helped finish off his predecessor. Labour has even edged back ahead of Reform in some recent polling, with one Opinium survey putting Labour on 27% and Reform on 25%. Farage may yet recover – nobody sensible should ever write him off – but at the moment he appears to be doing Burnham rather a lot of favours. I wouldn’t entirely rule out an early election if Labour becomes convinced the political wind is blowing firmly in its direction. And speaking of Andy Burnham... On Friday, August 14, millions of phones across England and Wales
suddenly emitted that unmistakable emergency-alert screech. The Government was warning people about the extreme wildfire danger following weeks of hot and exceptionally dry weather. There was also a ban on disposable barbecues. Now, perhaps I am old-fashioned, but did we really need the nation’s mobile phones screaming at us to explain that lighting barbecues and throwing cigarettes into tinder-dry grass might cause a fire? Apparently we did. For some people these emergency alerts are reassuring. For others they are an unnecessarily intrusive way for governments to communicate with millions of people at once. I fall firmly into the second camp. There is a danger that if the emergency alert system is used too readily, people will eventually stop treating it as an emergency. The boy who cried wolf eventually discovered that problem. Putin’s war grinds on Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine is now into its fifth year – a war which Vladimir Putin clearly expected to conclude far more quickly. Instead, Ukrainian forces have increasingly demonstrated their ability to strike deep inside Russian territory. In August, a Ukrainian drone attack on Nizhnekamsk, roughly 800 kilometres east of Moscow, killed civilians as Ukraine continued targeting Russian energy infrastructure. That creates a dangerous new dimension. For years ordinary Russians could view Putin’s war largely through television screens. Increasingly, some are experiencing the consequences much closer to home. The question is what Putin does next.
His original strategy has clearly failed to deliver the quick victory the Kremlin expected, yet Russia continues to throw enormous resources into the war. A humiliated dictator is not necessarily a defeated dictator – and that makes the next stage of this conflict particularly dangerous. Spain faces the reality of mass migration Spain also received an enormous shock at the end of July when tens of thousands of people attempted to cross from Morocco into the Spanish enclave of Ceuta in North Africa. The scale was extraordinary. Spanish and Moroccan security services were overwhelmed and dozens of people died in the initial chaos, while huge numbers subsequently returned to Morocco. The government of Pedro Sánchez has generally pursued a more liberal approach to immigration than many governments elsewhere in Europe. But there is a world of difference between discussing migration policy from a government office and suddenly having tens of thousands of people arriving at one tiny border enclave. For supporters of tighter immigration controls, Ceuta offered a brutal illustration of what happens when numbers overwhelm the ability of any state to cope. For supporters of a more welcoming policy, it demonstrated something else: just how desperate people can become when they believe crossing a border offers the possibility of a better life. Either way, Ceuta showed that slogans are easy. Reality is considerably harder. Harry, Meghan... and Albert Square? And finally to something slightly less apocalyptic. Prince Harry and Meghan have
returned to Britain after six years based in the United States, with Meghan apparently looking again towards an acting career. Naturally, this has got me thinking. Perhaps EastEnders could sign her. Picture the scene. A black cab pulls into Albert Square. The door opens. At first we see only a pair of expensive shoes. Cue the drums. The mysterious newcomer is an American actress who marries a British prince, falls out spectacularly with sections of his family and ends up at the centre of an international media circus. Unfortunately, producers would probably reject it. Far too unbelievable – even for Albert Square. And finally... the weather Yes, I have finally reached the subject Britain talks about when everything else becomes too exhausting: the weather. What a summer. An extraordinary dry spell, repeated heatwaves, drought warnings, hosepipe bans, wildfires and ground baked so hard in places that you could almost believe somebody had quietly moved Britain several hundred miles south. For weeks rain seemed like a distant memory. Then, a few days ago, the temperatures dropped and some rain finally appeared. And what did I hear the weather presenter on GB News solemnly announce? There was... “A risk of showers.” A risk? After the summer we’ve just had, I would have called it a promise. Love it.
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Giant whale to lead Fishguard parade celebrating Moby Dick at 70
THE GIANT Moby Dick lantern will take centre stage in the ‘Fish and Ships’ procession on Friday, September 25, accompanied by handmade fish and sailing ships. The parade opens a weekend of music, theatre, film and literature across Fishguard and Goodwick, with the 70th anniversary of John Huston’s 1956 film providing a major theme. Starring Gregory Peck as Captain Ahab, Moby Dick brought Hollywood filmmaking to the Pembrokeshire
Tom Sinclair
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coast. Seven decades after its release, the film remains a muchloved part of the area’s history. Running from September 25 to 27, Ar Ymyl y Tir — On Land’s Edge — will celebrate that connection with a special anniversary screening alongside its wider arts programme. Small World Theatre is creating
the whale lantern and has worked with local schools on lantern-making
workshops. Schools involved include Ysgol Bro Gwaun, Ysgol Glannau Gwaun, Holy Name and Ysgol Wdig. The festival also includes a project supported by the National Lottery Heritage Fund to collect and preserve local memories of the production, working with Hanes Abergwaun and Ein Hanes. Saturday’s programme includes a community sea swim at the Parrog and a screening of Moby Dick at Theatr Gwaun. Music, literary events and a workshop with artist Raul Speek also feature across the weekend. The celebrations build on the twin towns’ established arts scene, which includes Theatr Gwaun, live music venues Ffwrn and Peppers, galleries and artist-led spaces. Beyond the festival, visitors can explore the area’s film connections through locations on the Fishguard Heritage Trail and local street art. The Art Afoot trail also showcases artists’ work around the towns and surrounding coastal landscape. For programme updates and booking information, visit onlandsedge.co.uk.
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A lifeboat crew is not Border Force - and Pembrokeshire knows the difference
THERE are few organisations more deeply woven into the life of Pembrokeshire than the RNLI. We know the lifeboats, we know the stations and, in many cases, we know the people who crew them. They are our neighbours, friends, fishermen, tradespeople, business owners and parents. When the pager goes, they leave whatever they are doing and head for the station because somebody, somewhere, may be in trouble. Last year Pembrokeshire’s lifeboat stations launched 264 times and aided 186 people. Tenby was among the busiest stations in Wales and St Davids crews saved four lives. Around here, those figures are not simply statistics in an annual report. Most of us have seen a lifeboat heading out, heard one returning to harbour or known somebody who has served. For me, that connection is particularly personal. My grandmother founded the Milford Haven Hakin Point branch of the RNLI and my father later served as its chairman. My grandfather was lost at sea in 1959. The sea, and the people prepared to go out in it when others are in trouble,
have therefore always meant something in our family. Perhaps that is why the sight of RNLI volunteers being branded “traitors” for rescuing migrants struck such a nerve. The scenes in Portsmouth at the weekend were ugly. RNLI crews had been tasked by HM Coastguard to assist around 120 people aboard a small boat which had made an unusually long crossing towards the Isle of Wight. Protesters gathered near the harbour, Portsmouth lifeboat station was locked down for hours and, afterwards, some of the anger moved online. Crew members were identified, photographs circulated and volunteers were called traitors and collaborators. Personal details were reportedly shared through private groups. The RNLI has since reminded its volunteers that there may be circumstances in which it is safer not to wear RNLI-branded clothing in public. That should give all of us pause. For more than 200 years the RNLI badge has been something worn with pride in coastal communities. The idea that a volunteer might now think twice before wearing it because somebody could regard it as a political symbol is a depressing measure of how poisoned parts of the immigration debate have become. There is a serious argument to be had about illegal migration, and pretending otherwise helps nobody. Britain’s asylum system is under immense strain. Successive
governments have failed to stop dangerous small-boat crossings. The public is perfectly entitled to demand stronger borders, quicker decisions, the removal of people with no right to remain and much more effective action against the criminal gangs making money from these crossings. Protest against government policy is also legitimate. What is not legitimate is transferring that anger to the volunteer standing on the deck of a lifeboat. The RNLI does not set immigration policy. It does not decide who is granted asylum, who is allowed to remain in Britain or who should be returned. Its crews are tasked by HM Coastguard when somebody is believed to be in danger at sea. They go out, they rescue them and, where migrants are involved, those people are handed over to the immigration authorities. The scale of the RNLI’s involvement has also been badly distorted in some corners of social media. Of 9,058 RNLI launches in 2025, just 109 (1.2 per cent) involved small boats in the Channel. Almost 95 per cent of those making the crossing were picked up by Border Force. Claims that the RNLI is effectively operating a migrant taxi service simply do not survive contact with the facts. Neither do the more bizarre rumours that it houses asylum seekers or secretly moves migrants around the country. RNLI chief executive Peter Sparkes put it plainly this week: illegal immigration is a political issue; the
RNLI exists to save lives at sea. Pembrokeshire understands that distinction instinctively. If Angle is tasked in the middle of the night to a vessel taking on water, the crew does not ask for the nationality of those aboard. Tenby does not establish someone’s immigration status before launching. St Davids does not decide whether a casualty has made wise choices before pulling them from the sea. The question is much simpler: is somebody in danger? Our crews routinely launch into darkness and foul weather. They search for missing people, assist fishing vessels, tow boats away from rocks and travel miles offshore in response to distress calls without knowing what they will find when they arrive. The casualty might be a local fisherman, an experienced yachtsman, a holidaymaker or somebody who has simply made a terrible mistake. The lifeboat goes just the same. That is not weakness. It is not a political position. It is one of the oldest obligations of those who go to sea. Britain does need to get a grip on illegal migration. Governments should be held responsible when they fail. Ministers should be challenged, policies scrutinised and political parties judged at the ballot box. There is nothing inconsistent about demanding secure borders while also believing that a person in danger of drowning should be rescued. My grandfather went to sea in 1959 and never came home. Families all around this county know, in one way or another, what the sea is capable of taking from you. Perhaps that is why communities such as ours have always understood the value of those who are willing to go out when somebody else is desperate to get back. The RNLI does not need to know your politics before it saves you. It does not need your passport. It does not need to approve of the decisions which put you in danger. It needs to know only that you need help. We can argue about everything else once everyone is safely ashore.
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Tech ‘n Taff
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You might kill us all? Hang on a minute, butt DUW, duw. You leave these people alone for five minutes and suddenly the chatbot might finish off civilisation. I only wanted help getting a spreadsheet to behave. Evan Hubinger, a safety researcher at Anthropic, reckons there is a greater than ten per cent chance that artificial intelligence could wipe out humanity within the next decade. Well, there’s cheerful. Pass the Welsh cakes, love. Apparently we needn’t worry about saving any for Thursday. Anthropic makes Claude, which you may know as the polite little box that helps with emails and computer code. Behind that reassuring manner, some of its own researchers are having serious doubts about where this business is heading. Now then. Before Dai starts boarding up the shed, let us get the important bit straight. That ten per cent is Hubinger’s personal judgement. It is not an established scientific probability. Nobody has run a thousand identical Earths through an experiment and counted how many came back. He also says the danger from today’s models is low. His worry concerns future systems becoming capable enough to improve themselves, with humans struggling to keep up. There is a difference between your chatbot making a mess of the minutes and a powerful machine getting beyond meaningful human control. Although, having read certain committee minutes, I can understand the temptation to surrender. What caught my eye was Hubinger’s admission about “alignment”. Ah yes. Alignment. Sounds like something Gareth at the garage checks before telling you both front tyres need replacing, doesn’t it? In this context, it means making sure an AI system behaves in accordance with human intentions and values, even when nobody is standing over it saying, “Oi, pack that in.” Hubinger says they do not yet have a plan to solve alignment for superintelligence. Sorry, butt. You’re building
something that might become cleverer than all of us, and keeping it reliably under control remains unfinished homework? That deserves more than a thoughtful nod at a technology conference. Human instructions are slippery things. Tell a person to “do whatever it takes” and you generally expect a bit of judgement about what you actually meant. Tell a badly designed autonomous system the same thing and the limits may need spelling out. Imagine one instructed to keep a computer service running. Might it interfere with an authorised shutdown because stopping would prevent it completing its task? That is a hypothetical example of a control problem. It does not require the machine to develop a grudge against Mrs Evans. Getting the objective wrong could be dangerous enough. Mind, we must keep our own thinking switched on. Hubinger did not set out a specific route to human extinction in the comments reported by the BBC. A frightening number is grounds for questions, not an excuse to stop asking them. Dame Wendy Hall has raised
another uncomfortable possibility: some of this could involve publicity and marketing. There’s a thought to spoil your tea. “Our invention could become overwhelmingly powerful” might terrify you in Milford Haven while sounding rather attractive to somebody holding an investment prospectus. I am not saying these researchers are pretending to worry. I am saying their employers’ commercial interests deserve a proper looking at. You cannot sell the astonishing power on Monday and complain that people are asking awkward questions about it on Tuesday. More than 1,300 employees of leading AI companies have signed an open statement seeking international arrangements to pace advanced AI development. It describes the pressure on companies and countries to keep racing. Nobody wants to slow down first. We know that one in Wales. Usually it involves two drivers, a narrow lane and somebody eventually reversing past a sheep. The answer here needs more than hoping the other fellow shows sense. Independent researchers need access to test powerful systems. Serious failures need reporting. Governments need people who
understand the machinery well enough to challenge the sales patter. And the more freedom an AI gets, the stronger the evidence should be that it can use that freedom safely. Helping me write a birthday card is one thing. Being allowed to move money or change essential software requires considerably more supervision. Useful AI could do a great deal for Wales, including supporting Welsh language services and helping small businesses. I want that progress. I’m a professor of technology, mun. I haven’t spent my life wrestling computers just to recommend we all return to pencils. But cleverness is no substitute for accountability. If the people making these systems believe humanity could be at risk, they should explain precisely what they are doing differently because of it. “We’re trying our best” will not do. That is what you tell the boys after another disappointing afternoon of rugby. When the possible consequence is no boys, no rugby and no planet worth living on, I’d like something a little firmer. Before Thursday, preferably. Those Welsh cakes won’t keep.
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All that squawking about foreign influence… SQUAAARK! Nearly dropped my battered sausage when I heard the news. There I was, on a roof in Milford Haven, conducting an independent review of somebody else’s lunch, when word reached the waterfront that police were investigating allegations about foreign donations to Reform UK. Reform! The party that makes more noise about protecting Britain than I make when a spaniel approaches my chips. Feathers everywhere, readers. Had to sit on a chimney until the dizziness passed. Now, before somebody sends a solicitor up here with a ladder: Reform denies wrongdoing and says it will cooperate fully. Police are investigating allegations. Nobody gets convicted because a bird with greasy feet writes a column. But politically? Awk! That’s an awkward landing. The Channel 4 undercover operation involved supposed overseas donors and senior Reform figures discussing funding arrangements. Nigel Farage says no laws were broken and calls it entrapment. Entrapment, eh? I once followed a trail of chips into a beach shelter and discovered a child with a water pistol. Humiliating. However, even I subsequently reviewed my procedures for accepting gifts from strangers. And I have a brain roughly the size of a pickled walnut. You would hope a political organisation seeking to run the country might manage something similar. Perhaps a little sign above the donations desk: “STOP. CHECK WHOSE CHIP THIS IS.” Works on several levels. Anyway, the moment foreign influence enters the conversation, a familiar name flaps into view here in
Wales. Nathan Gill. Former Welsh MEP. Former Reform Wales leader. Jailed for tenand-a-half years last November after admitting taking bribes to promote pro-Russian positions while in the European Parliament. His offences came before his leadership of Reform Wales. That was no misunderstanding over who bought the fish supper. It was serious, proven corruption involving an elected representative. Let us keep our claws on the facts: Gill’s case and this donations investigation are separate. No connection between them has been established. His conviction proves his guilt, nobody else’s. But you can understand why Welsh voters might now want more than a vigorous flapping of patriotic bunting. Once a fox has been discovered in the henhouse, sensible management checks the fence. It does not simply commission a larger picture of a hen. SQUARK! From this roof, patriotism looks rather straightforward. Care about
the place. Treat its people decently. Keep an honest account of who is paying for what. Yet modern politics sometimes gives the impression that loving your country is a competitive shouting event, with bonus points for looking furious beside a flag. I can do furious. Ask the gentleman who tried eating a pasty on the promenade last Tuesday. But nobody suggested putting me in charge of the Treasury afterwards. Plaid Cymru’s Liz Saville Roberts came swooping in after the broadcast, demanding an investigation and accountability for any proven lawbreaking. On September 4, she also predicted “the end for Farage”. Welsh reaction Steady, Liz. I have announced the end of the enormous gull from the next warehouse at least seven times. He remains there. Fatter. Louder. Somehow in possession of a whole baguette. Predictions are risky in our line of work. The demand for answers,
however, is sound. And Dan Thomas, as Reform’s Welsh leader, ought to recognise that this is an opportunity to explain the safeguards. Who checks donations? Who raises concerns? What lessons were learned from Gill? Proper answers, please. Something we can get our beaks into. Welsh voters have enough to worry about without needing a forensic accountant to establish who might be influencing the people asking for their trust. We want functioning services, decent prospects and politicians who remember our existence between photo opportunities. A flag cannot answer the telephone at your surgery. Believe me, I have watched one outside a public building for hours. Absolutely useless. Mostly twists itself around the pole. And the same standard applies to every party. Labour, Conservatives, Plaid, the lot. Change the colour of the rosette and I shall still inspect the sandwich. Calling yourselves different creates an obligation to demonstrate it. It does not automatically disinfect everything beneath your wings. Let the police follow the evidence. Let the parties answer questions. Let voters judge facts rather than volume. Meanwhile, I shall remain on this roof, defending the nation’s coastline against unattended bakery products. My funding arrangements are transparent. One pensioner. Half a sausage roll. No policy concessions. Although she does expect me to stop shouting. Unreasonable foreign interference, obviously. SQUAAARK!
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Greyhound industry rejects calls for phased wind-down of Welsh racing
PETS CORNER
GREYHOUND racing organisations have rejected claims that commercial interests are being placed ahead of animal welfare as Wales prepares to bring the sport to an end. Greyhound Rescue Wales has warned that maintaining racing at present levels before closing the Valley Greyhound Stadium on a fixed date could lead to a sudden influx of animals requiring homes. The charity has argued instead for racing to be gradually reduced, allowing rescue organisations more time to find suitable homes for dogs leaving the industry. But Valley Greyhound Stadium, the Greyhound Board of Great Britain and betting content supplier SIS have now all defended the industry’s approach. Valley Greyhound Stadium said welfare remained its “absolute priority”, but argued that reducing racing progressively was more complicated than it might appear. The stadium said greyhounds were owned and trained by individuals rather than by the track itself, meaning Valley could not simply decide when each dog should stop racing. It said: “A gradual reduction in racing may sound straightforward, but in practice it presents significant operational challenges.” Valley said a clear closure timetable would instead allow trainers, staff, owners and rehoming organisations to plan ahead. The stadium also confirmed it had taken part in discussions with rehoming organisations through the Welsh Government’s implementation process, including talks about the number of dogs involved, available capacity, funding and the timing of rehoming. It added: “We strongly reject any suggestion that commercial interests are being placed ahead of greyhound welfare.” The stadium said responsible planning also required consideration of staff and trainers whose livelihoods depended on racing and claimed the Welsh Government had not given sufficient consideration to those impacts. separate dispute has developed over financial support available when greyhounds retire. Greyhound Rescue Wales says rehoming an individual dog can cost between £2,200 and £2,800 and has criticised arrangements under which some organisations opposed to racing do not receive payments
through the industry’s Greyhound Retirement Scheme. The scheme includes a £420 contribution towards the cost of rehoming eligible retired racing greyhounds. The Greyhound Board of Great Britain confirmed to The Herald that organisations which actively campaign against racing would not normally be funded through the scheme. Abbie MacGregor, GBGB’s Corporate Affairs Director, said more than £7 million had been invested through the retirement scheme since it was established. She said more than 100 approved homing centres worked with GBGB and insisted the welfare of retired greyhounds remained the organisation’s highest priority. Ms MacGregor said approved charities held a range of views about racing, but added: “The scheme is funded by racing owners and supported by our bookmaking partners, so therefore it is plainly unreasonable to expect the sport to fund the small number of organisations that actively campaign against them and their livelihoods.” She accused some opponents of racing of seeking to dismantle an industry which, she said, funded rehoming, veterinary research and welfare infrastructure. SIS, which supplies racing content to betting operators around the world, also backed Valley’s position. A company spokesperson said greyhound welfare was “of huge importance” and said SIS was working with Valley Stadium on plans for the transition. SIS said: “Logistically and economically, a phased reduction in racing is not possible.” It said a responsible plan should instead provide certainty for trainers, owners, employees and rehoming organisations.
The company also criticised the process which led to the ban, describing it as rushed and claiming insufficient consideration had been given to the wider economic and community impact. Until racing ends, SIS said it remained committed to supplying what it described as a “highly regulated greyhound offering” to betting operators worldwide. Greyhound Rescue Wales has also raised concerns that racing activity has increased following the closure of tracks elsewhere in Britain and that dogs continue to arrive from Ireland to race in Wales. Valley did not provide figures showing whether racing had increased since legislation to ban the sport was approved. It said racing had continued legally and added that dogs from
Ireland had historically formed an important part of the British racing population. The Welsh ban is expected to be implemented before April 2030. The central dispute now facing ministers is how racing should be reduced before closure, how hundreds of affected animals will ultimately be rehomed, and who should bear the cost. Greyhound Rescue Wales maintains that a managed reduction in racing is the safest approach for the dogs. Valley, GBGB and SIS disagree, arguing that a fixed and clearly planned transition offers greater certainty and can protect both animal welfare and the livelihoods of those working within the sport.
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and reviewed the school’s environmental work. In feedback following the assessment, she said: “I received a warm welcome during the assessment and it was a pleasure talking to Miss Colligan, the staff, and the pupils. “The school’s enthusiasm for environmental teaching was inspiring and showed many opportunities to develop Eco topics throughout the school. “Winning the EcoSchools Platinum Award is an exceptional achievement. Reserved for schools that have run the programme for over eight years, it celebrates a high level of dedication to pupil-led environmental improvement, and an invaluable commitment to the future of our planet. “The whole community of your school should feel extremely proud of the hard work and commitment shown.” Among the initiatives undertaken by pupils are regular litter picks around Milford Haven, helping
children develop pride in their community while improving the local environment. The school has also established a Pre-Loved Uniform Shop, allowing families to donate and buy second-hand school clothing. The project aims to reduce waste while also providing families with a more affordable option for uniform. A dedicated Eco-Club, involving children from Reception through to Year 6, helps drive environmental improvements throughout the school. Pupils monitor electricity use and encourage classmates and staff to make more environmentally conscious choices. Environmental issues are also incorporated into lessons, with children studying subjects including climate change, biodiversity and the protection of the natural environment. With support from local businesses and families, growing areas have been created within the school grounds where pupils can
learn about food production and sustainability. Children now hope to expand the growing project further, with ambitions eventually to produce fruit and vegetables which could be sold within the community. The school also stages enterprise fairs throughout the year, challenging pupils to design and make sustainable products, often using recycled or repurposed materials. Teacher Laura Colligan said the school was delighted that the work of its children had received recognition. The Platinum Green Flag reflects the combined efforts of pupils, staff, families and members of the wider community who have supported the school’s environmental projects. St Francis Catholic School said it was immensely proud of the achievement and was looking forward to continuing its environmental work for many years to come.
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PUPILS and staff at St Francis Catholic School in Milford Haven are celebrating after achieving the prestigious Eco-Schools Platinum Green Flag Award – the highest recognition available through the programme. The award recognises the school’s long-term commitment to sustainability, environmental education and climate action, with pupils taking a leading role in projects both within the school and across the wider Milford Haven community. Eco-Schools Wales is the national programme encouraging schools to take practical action on environmental issues. Platinum status is reserved for schools which have successfully run the programme for more than eight years and demonstrated sustained pupil-led environmental improvement. The award followed an assessment visit by Bethan Evans-Phillips, Education Officer for Keep Wales Tidy, who met pupils and staff
EDUCATION
St Francis pupils celebrate prestigious Eco-Schools Platinum award
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Farmers urged to watch for summer mastitis as fly numbers rise
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FARMING
DAIRY farmers across Pembrokeshire are being urged to remain alert for signs of summer mastitis following warm weather which has helped sustain fly populations. The condition, sometimes known as “August Bag”, is a bacterial infection of the udder which primarily affects dry cows and in-calf heifers and can cause permanent damage if it is not identified and treated quickly. With Pembrokeshire home to a significant dairy farming sector, producers are being advised to pay particular attention to replacement heifers grazing in areas where flies are prevalent. Alison Clark, from dairy hygiene specialists Progiene, said vigilance was particularly important during periods of warm weather because early treatment could prevent the loss of an udder quarter or more serious consequences. She said: “Summer mastitis, or ‘August Bag’, is a bacterial infection of the udder, with the bacteria being spread by biting flies, like the head fly. “Where possible, it is best to avoid keeping heifers in areas where flies are most likely to be a problem, and steps should be taken to control flies.” Farmers are advised to regularly examine udders for early warning signs including heat, swelling or changes in behaviour, particularly where cattle appear unusually agitated by flies. Any suspected infection should be discussed with a veterinary surgeon as soon as possible. Ms Clark said: “If there are any
indications of heat or swelling, consult your vet as this may be the early stages of summer mastitis. “The condition will be treatable, with no long-term effects, if caught early.” Other preventative measures can include moving vulnerable animals away from areas with particularly high fly populations, maintaining effective flycontrol programmes and considering physical barriers which prevent bacteria entering the teat canal. Progiene recommends the use of an external teat sealant in higher-risk situations. Its Uddershield Dry product, formerly marketed as T-Hexx Dry, is applied to cleaned and disinfected teats and forms a physical barrier over the teat end. The company says the coating can remain effective for up to seven days
and is intended to complement, rather than replace, other mastitis prevention measures. Ms Clark said particular care should be taken with replacement heifers because of the considerable investment farmers make in bringing them into the milking herd. She added: “In most cases, dairy farms will have invested in the breeding and rearing of replacement heifers for at least two years, with their entry into the milking herd much anticipated. “Having one calve down three-quartered, as a result of summer mastitis, would be a severe blow and a significant loss of future performance and profitability.” Farmers concerned about an individual animal should seek advice from their own vet rather than waiting for symptoms to worsen.
Unit 18b, Withybush Ind Est, Withybush, Haverfordwest, Pembrokeshire, SA62 4BS
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Calls to expand Biomass business which provides fuel for Bluestone
CALLS to expand a Pembrokeshire biomass fuel business, whose clients include Bluestone, Aberglasney Gardens, Folly Farm, schools, hospitals, and Haverfordwest Leisure Centre, have been lodged with county planners. In an application to Pembrokeshire County Council, PBE Fuels Ltd, through agent Hayston Developments & Planning Ltd, seeks permission for a farm diversification with two new storage sheds for bio-mass fuel and agricultural product at New House
Farm, Canaston Bridge. A supporting statement says the two sheds at the 600-acre New House Farm are required for their use by PBE Fuels Ltd, a business concerning the production of biomass fuels for a range of clients within Pembrokeshire and the adjoining counties. It says that, among the users of biomass fuel chips are “the larger enterprises including Bluestone and the Bluestone Lagoon (across the road and very much the initiator in the bio-mass fuel business), Aberglasney
Gardens, Folly Farm and a Bug Farm, care homes, schools, hospitals and hotels and the Haverfordwest Leisure Centre,” with smaller-scale users burning pellets. It says the farm has grown from an original 250 acres to its current 600, the stone outbuildings adjacent to the farmhouse now house the administrative offices of nearby Bluestone holiday complex, with sheds to the rear of the offices used as storage for both agricultural products and in connection with the production
of biomass. It adds the two proposed sheds will be used for the dual purpose of drying and storing both cereals and biomass; the biomass converted into wood chip and pellets from forestry, and ‘wet’ wood from sawmills and smaller operations which are dried on-site. It says PBE Fuels Ltd, which is based at New House, “is currently short of facilities for both storage for wood chip and for sawdust and for the means of drying the ‘wet’ wood and sawdust delivered to the site”. It says operations at New House employ 14 staff, persons, calling for “the proposed expansion of this successful enterprise, which is itself a leading example of sustainability and one that supports the improved sustainability of a wide range of businesses within and adjacent to Pembrokeshire”. In the case of Bluestone, the supporting statement says and agreement was reached back in 2005 with Mr McNamara of Bluestone who “was seeking a partner capable of providing an environmentally and economically sound solution to meet the substantial heat demand associated with the Blue Lagoon Water Park,” with permission for biomass storage granted in 2007, adding: “Nearly 20 years later, Mr Ratcliffe [one of the applicants] continues to manage the supply of dry wood chip to heat the Blue Lagoon.” The application will be decided by county planners at a later date.
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FUW seeks nominations for ‘Outstanding Contribution to Agriculture 2026’ award
The Carmarthen branch of Farmers’ Union of Wales (FUW) is seeking nominations for the 2026 FUW - United Counties Agriculture and Hunters Society Award for a person judged to have made the most Outstanding Contribution to Agriculture in Carmarthenshire during the past few years.
The award was won last year by Carmarthenshire farmer, Haydn Evans, in recognition of his outstanding contribution to agriculture in Carmarthenshire and Wales. Previous winners of the award include Castell Howell Foods founder, Brian Jones (2017), Ffermio Presenter, Meinir Howells (2018), and current
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FUW President, Ian Rickman (2019). The award will be presented at the FUW’s prestigious Eve of the Welsh Dairy Show event on Monday 19 October 2026. The judges will include representatives from the FUW and the United Counties Agricultural and Hunters Society. Opening the nominations process, FUW Carmarthen Member Services Manager David Waters said: “Carmarthenshire’s farming community is the very backbone of our county’s social and economic fabric. This award is a fantastic opportunity to publicly honour an individual who has tirelessly dedicated themselves to advancing this vital industry and supporting their fellow farmers.” Mr Roger Evans, Chair of the United Counties and Hunters society, added:
“The United Counties Agricultural and Hunters Society is proud to continue our partnership with the FUW to honour the remarkable individuals who are the backbone of our rural community. This award is a testament to the hard work and dedication that drives Carmarthenshire’s agricultural sector, and we look forward to celebrating a new recipient who has gone above and beyond for our industry.” Nominations should be in the form of a letter or citation giving full details of the work and achievements of the nominee and need to be emailed to the FUW Carmarthen office; carmarthen@fuw.org.uk or sent by post to FUW Carmarthen, Suite 10, Tŷ Myrddin, Old Station Road, Carmarthen, SA31 1LP by close of play, Friday 9 October 2026.
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UK carrot growers face 15–30% yield losses after exceptionally dry season
UK carrot growers are facing significant yield losses and sharply increased production costs following repeated heatwaves and prolonged dry weather, the British Carrot Growers Association has warned. The Association estimates that carrot yields are likely to be 15–30% below expectations this season, with some crops particularly badly affected where access to irrigation water has been restricted or exhausted. Early heatwaves during
May and June caused serious establishment problems, killing newly germinated carrots in some areas and forcing growers to re-drill fields. As well as the additional cost of seed and field operations, crops planted later in the season are unlikely to achieve the yields originally anticipated. Subsequent periods of extreme heat and drought have compounded the problem, with growers irrigating crops more frequently than ever before in an effort to protect yields and quality. This has brought substantially higher costs for water, labour, fuel and machinery. Rodger Hobson, Chair of the British Carrot Growers Association, said: “This has been an extraordinarily difficult growing season for many UK carrot producers. The heat in May and June hit crops just as they were germinating, meaning some growers had to re-drill significant areas at considerable cost. These crops are already at a disadvantage because the later establishment inevitably affects yield. “Since then, the continuing heat and lack of rainfall have meant we have had to irrigate more than ever before. Irrigation is extremely expensive, and where water has run out or abstraction has been restricted, some crops have been severely compromised. “We estimate carrot yields will be down by between 15%
and 30%. The real concern is that growers have spent considerably more money producing considerably less crop. Additional seed, irrigation, diesel, labour and crop management costs all have to be absorbed by businesses already operating on very tight margins.” The challenges extend across the wider root vegetable sector, with some parsnip growers reporting yields 25–60% below expectations, depending on soil type and location. Alongside reduced yields, growers are facing increased costs for re-drilling, irrigation, fuel, straw and additional crop management. These exceptional costs are putting further pressure on farm cash flow and profitability. Rodger added: “There may be individual crops and areas that have performed better, but we need to be clear about the wider picture. For many growers this has been a very challenging and expensive season. “We need recognition throughout the supply chain, and particularly from retailers, of the exceptional pressures growers have faced. British carrot production has to remain sustainable for the long term if growers are continually expected to absorb rising costs and the financial impact of increasingly volatile weather, then viability of the sector may be in question.”
During the summer the FUW launched a new report calling on the Welsh Government to take further action in strengthening Welsh food procurement and improve long term food security in Wales. Our report sets out several proposals, including the introduction of a Welsh public procurement framework that prioritises Welsh food, food security and local economic value. It calls for minimum Welsh sourcing requirements for meat, dairy, eggs and horticultural produce within the public sector. This would strengthen links between food production, education and public health, whilst providing greater investment in regional sourcing hubs and Wales’ small abattoir network to help support Welsh food producers. The FUW is calling for the establishment of a Cross Party Group on food system resilience to provide oversight of Wales’ food security, as well as annual reporting by public bodies against Welsh targets to improve transparency and accountability. The Welsh Government has set ambitious targets around increasing the amount of Welsh food bought by the public sector. That’s something we welcome, but for those ambitions to become a reality they need to be combined with practical policies that support Welsh farmers and the wider supply chain. Public procurement is one of the biggest opportunities we have to strengthen Welsh
agriculture. By sourcing more Welsh meat, dairy, eggs and horticultural produce for our schools, hospitals and other public institutions, we can create reliable markets for farmers while keeping more of the economic value of our food production here in Wales. Our report states that increasing public sector procurement of Welsh produce must go hand in hand with investment in the infrastructure needed to support local supply chains. It highlights the importance of education, regional sourcing hubs, improved food processing capacity and protecting Wales’ small abattoir network to ensure farmers across the country can benefit from new market opportunities. We also call for a clear definition of “Welsh food” across procurement frameworks and transparent reporting to ensure public money is genuinely supporting Welsh producers. Food security is something we can’t take for granted. We need a long term approach that supports food production, strengthens local supply chains and gives Welsh farmers the confidence to invest in the future. The FUW looks forward to working closely with Simon Wright who has been tasked with developing a National Food Strategy for Wales. Our proposals will help build a more resilient food system, support rural jobs and communities, and ensure that public money delivers the greatest possible benefit for Wales.
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CHERY UK’s August sales figures deliver highest UK market share to date at 2.53%
MOTORS
Chery had another record month in August, registering 2,380 vehicles and achieving its highest UK market share to date of 2.53%. Having launched in the UK only a year ago, this latest success establishes a clear foundation for the brand’s longterm growth and investment in the market. Chery Super Hybrid (CSH) models accounted for two out of every three registrations, demonstrating clear and on-
going demand for electrified powertrains. CSH plug-in hybrids combine all-electric running for day-to-day journeys with the convenience and flexibility of a highly efficient petrol engine for longer trips. Farrell Hsu, Managing Director at Chery UK, said: “August was another record month for us. Achieving a market share of 2.53% in the UK reflects not only strong customer demand, but also the time and investment we’ve
made in ensuring that customer service and aftersales care are exceptional too – as we’ve demonstrated with the recent upgrades to our seven-year vehicle warranty. “I’m also very proud of the contribution that the UK has made to Chery Group’s continued worldwide growth. Between January and August, the company exported more than 1.3 million vehicles, which represents incredible growth of 68.1 per cent year-on-year.
And to date, Chery Group has exported more than seven million vehicles in total, becoming the first Chinese manufacturer to do so.” The Chery line-up in the UK comprises the TIGGO 4, 7, 8, and 9. Each one is backed by a seven-year vehicle warranty, with CSH models also benefiting from an eight-year hybrid battery warranty, reflecting the brand’s commitment to quality and customer confidence.
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VAUXHALL CORSA - 2015
1.4i ecoFLEX Energy Hatchback 5dr Petrol Manual Euro 6 (a/c) (90 ps) ** PETROL....... 5 SPEED.......1 PREVIOUS OWNER.........LOW MILEAGE ONLY COVERED 70,530 MILES......... SERVICE HISTORY 6 STAMPS........£35 ROAD TAX......... LOW INSURANCE GROUP 6............67 MPG..
£5,495
BMW 1 SERIES - 2015
KIA SPORTAGE - 2014
TOYOTA IQ - 2010
FORD FIESTA - 2008
2.0 CRDi KX-2 SUV 5dr Diesel Auto AWD Euro 5 (134 bhp) ** DIESEL......... AUTOMATIC 6 SPEED........4 WHEEL DRIVE.........LOW MILEAGE ONLY COVERED 72,293 MILES.........SERVICE HISTORY 9 STAMPS. .
1.33 Dual VVT-i 3 Hatchback 3dr Petrol Manual Euro 4 (s/s) (98 ps) ** PETROL......6 SPEED....... 1 PREVIOUS OWNER...........LOW MILEAGE YES ONLY 43,016 MILES..........SERVICE HISTORY 11 STAMPS.........£35 ROAD TAX........ 67 MPG........
1.25 Zetec Hatchback 5dr Petrol Manual (133 g/km, 81 bhp) ** PETROL.........5 SPEED........LOW MILEAGE ONLY COVERED 35,537 MILES...........SERVICE HISTORY......... 2 KEYS........£170 ROAD TAX.....
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CITROEN C3 PICASSO -2013
1.5 116d Sport Hatchback 5dr Diesel Auto Euro 6 (s/s) (116 ps) ** AUTOMATIC 8 SPEED.........DIESEL........LOW MILEAGE ONLY COVERED 79,471 MILES..........£20 ROAD TAX........ . 2 KEYS....... 78 MPG.......
1.6 VTi Exclusive MPV 5dr Petrol EGS6 Euro 5 (120 ps) ** AUTOMATIC 6 SPEED...............PETROL....... LOW MILEAGE YES ONLY COVERED 42,607 MILES........FULL SERVICE HISTORY 10 STAMPS.........1 PREVIOUS OWNER........2 KEYS........ 58
VOLKSWAGEN UP! - 2014
RENAULT CAPTUR - 2019
1.0 High up! Hatchback 5dr Petrol Manual Euro 5 (75 ps) ** PETROL.......5 SPEED.......LOW MILEAGE ONLY COVERED 60,320 MILES.........SERVICE HISTORY 5 STAMPS........LOW INSURANCE GROUP 2..........£20 ROAD TAX..
0.9 TCe ENERGY Iconic SUV 5dr Petrol Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (90 ps) ** PETROL.......5 SPEED........ 1 PREVIOUS OWNER........98,541 MILES......... SERVICE HISTORY....
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FORD FOCUS - 2015
1.0 ZETEC 5d 124 BHP ** PETROL......6 SPEED......ONLY COVERED 69,115 MILES FROM NEW.......£20 ROAD TAX.........60 MPG.......ZETEC EDITION.......MEDIA SCREEN........ BLUETOOTH.......AIRCON........STOP START.........ALLOYS.......NICE EXAMPLE
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VAUXHALL CORSA - 2015
1.2i Sting Hatchback 3dr Petrol Manual Euro 6 (70 ps) ** PETROL.........5 SPEED...........LOW MILEAGE ONLY COVERED 70,388 MILES..........SERVICE HISTORY 10 STAMPS........ 2 KEYS.........LOW INSURANCE GROUP 2........ 62 MPG.........STING EDITION...
£4,795
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TOYOTA YARIS - 2016
BMW X1 - 2015
FORD B-MAX 2014
1.33 Dual VVT-i Icon Hatchback 5dr Petrol Manual Euro 6 (99 ps) ** PETROL.......6 SPEED...... 1 PREVIOUS OWNER......YES ONLY COVERED 29,354 MILES........SERVICE HISTORY 4 TOYOTA MAIN DEALER STAMPS.
2.0 20d M Sport SUV 5dr Diesel Auto xDrive Euro 5 (s/s) (184 ps) ** AUTOMATIC 8 SPEED..........DIESEL........ 97,029 MILES.........SERVICE HISTORY 9 STAMPS......... 2 KEYS...
1.4 Zetec MPV 5dr Petrol Manual Euro 5 (90 ps) ** PETROL.......5 SPEED.........1 PREVIOUS OWNER.........92,834 MILES...........SERVICE HISTORY 8 STAMPS........£195 ROAD TAX......
HONDA HR-V - 2017
MINI CONVERTIBLE - 2016
BMW Z4 - 2011
1.5 Cooper Convertible 2dr Petrol Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (136 ps) ** PETROL........CONVERTIBLE......6 SPEED.......£35 ROAD TAX........57 MPG.........2 KEYS.........COOPER EDITION........HALF LEATHER SPORTS SEATS.......MEDIA SCREEN.
2.5 23i M Sport Highline Edition Convertible 2dr Petrol Manual sDrive Euro 5 (204 ps) ** PETROL.......CONVERTIBLE......6 SPEED........MILEAGE 115,991 .........SERVICE HISTORY 8 STAMPS...
£8,995
1.6 i-DTEC EX SUV 5dr Diesel Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (120 ps) ** DIESEL......6 SPEED.... 1 OWNER FROM NEW.......111,320 MILEAGE..... FULL HONDA MAIN DEALER SERVICE HISTORY 11 STAMPS.......2 KEYS.......£200 ROAD TAX.......... 72 MPG.
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£6,495
£5,995
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DACIA SANDERO 2017
AUDI A1- 2012
DACIA SANDERO STEPWAY 2015
VOLVO XC60 - 2015
1.0 SCe Ambiance Hatchback 5dr Petrol Manual Euro 6 (75 ps) ** PETROL........5 SPEED......... 1 OWNER FROM NEW........FULL SERVICE HISTORY......... LOW INSURANCE GROUP 4..........67 MPG.........AMBIANCE EDITION....
1.4 TFSI Sport Hatchback 3dr Petrol Manual Euro 5 (s/s) (122 ps) ** PETROL.......6 SPEED.........1 PREVIOUS OWNER.......SERVICE HISTORY..........2 KEYS....... £170 ROAD TAX...........64 MPG........SPORT EDITION.
0.9 TCe Ambiance Hatchback 5dr Petrol Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (90 ps) ** PETROL.......5 SPEED......... 1 OWNER FROM NEW.........LOW MILEAGE YES ONLY COVERED 63,951 MILES........... SERVICE HISTORY 6 STAMPS...
2.4 D4 SE Lux Nav SUV 5dr Diesel Auto AWD Euro 6 (s/s) (190 ps) **DIESEL.........6 SPEED AUTOMATIC......... SERVICE HISTORY 6 STAMPS......... CAMBELT AND WATER PUMP DONE AT 113,000 MILES.......2 KEYS........£215 ROAD TAX..
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AION V drives the new standard for electric SUV value with zero-deposit, zero percent finance offer This September, the spacious and luxurious AION V electric family SUV is available with a limited-time PCP offer from £399 per month with 0% APR, and a deposit of £2,199. For customers who want to avoid the initial outlay, the AION V is offered with zero customer deposit and 0% finance from £449 per month, as part of a suite of flexible finance tailored to customer needs*. Available through AION Financial Services, the September offer brings the AION V’s class-leading range, rapid charging, generous equipment and industry-leading ownership proposition together with the attractive finance offer. Jon Wakefield, Managing Director, AION Auto UK, said: “The AION V is designed to challenge expectations of what an electric SUV should deliver. This September, we’re taking that proposition one step further. From just £399 a month, we’re making the AION V even more accessible, while continuing to do things differently driving a new standard for electric SUV value and customer experience in the UK.” Priced from £36,450 OTR, the AION V offers the practicality of a family SUV with a premium interior and a longrange capability of up to 317 miles. Inside, the AION V delivers a spacious, high-quality environment with luxury-grade soft-touch materials and an extensive standard specification, including a full-length panoramic roof, 14.6-inch touchscreen and multi-shade ambient lighting to create an open and premium-feeling cabin.
Comfort is prioritised throughout, with electrically adjustable, heated and ventilated front seats, heated reclining rear seats and a heated steering wheel. An optional Premium Pack – only £20 extra per month on PCP – adds leather seating, massage front seats, the unique 6.6-litre AION CoolHot Box and a rear seatback tray table. The AION Great 8 Promise gives customers eight years’ peace of mind across warranty, servicing, MOT and
roadside assistance. Attached to the vehicle’s VIN, rather than the individual owner, every AION vehicle registered in the UK receives the same level of support whether privately purchased, leased or operated as part of a fleet. As AION continues to develop its UK retail network, customers will have nationwide access to servicing, maintenance and repair through a partnership with the AA, including its network of accredited workshops
and more than 100 mobile service technicians. AION will also introduce its second UK model, the AION UT, this month, expanding the brand’s proposition into the B-segment. Priced from £28,950, the AION UT brings premium features and design to the supermini segment, tuned for UK roads and with styling created at the brand’s European design centre in Milan.
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BUSINESS
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North Beach, Tenby mobile sauna scheme refused by park planners
BUSINESS
PLANS for an outdoor sauna by Tenby’s North Beach have been refused Pembrokeshire’s national park. In an application to Pembrokeshire Coast National Park, Tenby-based David Jones sought permission for the siting of a mobile sauna unit on a raised concrete hard-standing area above the breakwater wall and slipway at the far north end corner of North Beach, Tenby. The scheme, if approved, would be situated below the Park Hotel, North Cliff, the site in private ownership as part of the Park Hotel estate. A supporting statement accompanying the application said the site has most recently
been used as the base for a paddleboard tour and rental business, and has also been utilised to store watercraft and recreational beach equipment. Of the scheme itself, it said: “We aim to provide a close to nature sauna experience and in so doing make sauna culture’s physical, mental, and social health benefits accessible to the local community and its visiting guests. “We aim to operate a yearround service that offers an immersive and nuanced experience that only nature and the changing seasons can provide. We aim to provide a sauna service set within a natural setting with direct access for sea bathing as
an integral part of the sauna experience. We aim to provide an experience with a low environmental impact and high physical, mental and social gains.” An officer report recommending refusal said: “It is considered by officers that the proposal would negatively impact the Tenby Conservation Area by proposing a commercial element in a quiet and secluded part of Tenby North Beach. “The contrast between both ends of North beach is notable, and whilst the proposed use may be regarded as acceptable in principle; the location is not considered acceptable.” It added: “As previously
mentioned, the proposed site is currently recognised as a quiet and secluded area of Tenby, which lacks the presence of commercial enterprises. “The proposed sauna and associated buildings are considered to detract from these elements and would, in turn, negatively alter the character of the Tenby Conservation Area and the immediate site.” Recently, a previous temporary grant of an outdoor sauna at Saundersfoot’s harbour was refused a permanent location by Park planners. Back in June 2024, a temporary two-year permission for a mobile wood-fired sauna overlooking the sea at Saundersfoot harbour was granted by Pembrokeshire Coast National Park’s development management committee. Since then, a further application by Kerry Evans of Hwyl Outdoor Sauna to make the siting permanent was submitted to national park planners, which was refused following an officer recommendation at the July committee meeting. While planners expressed their regret at the refusal of that scheme, one of the issues based on location, they hoped a compromise may be reached with another location in the harbour area.
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Nautico’s reopens under new ownership with familiar team staying on
A POPULAR Pembrokeshire restaurant has reopened its doors under new ownership, with customers assured that the familiar team will remain in place Nautico’s Restaurant has announced that Ryan and Shannon have taken over the business, marking a new chapter for the waterside venue. The Milford Waterfront restaurant reopened on Monday (September 7), welcoming customers back for breakfast, lunch, coffee, cakes and drinks. In a message to customers, the team said they were “so excited” to be open again and confirmed that diners would
continue to see many of the same staff they already know. Opening hours for the first day were 10am to 4pm, with breakfast served between 10am and midday and lunch available from midday until 3pm. The new owners said: “We can’t wait to see you all again — come in, say hello and celebrate with us.” The reopening will be welcomed by regular customers, with Nautico’s enjoying a waterside setting and views across the marina. Further details about the restaurant’s plans under its new ownership are expected to be announced in the coming weeks.
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Businesses could tap into National Wealth Fund investment PEMBROKESHIRE businesses developing major clean-energy, infrastructure and manufacturing projects could be eligible for financial backing from the National Wealth Fund. The opportunity remains open to suitable projects across the UK despite Pembrokeshire not forming part of a new strategic partnership announced between the Fund and Cardiff Capital Region. The Cardiff agreement will give regional leaders in south-east Wales direct access to the Fund’s investment knowledge and expertise. It is intended to help develop major projects, attract public and private finance and deliver infrastructure supporting employment and economic growth. Similar partnerships have been announced with South Yorkshire, Liverpool City Region and the North East, adding to existing arrangements involving Greater Manchester, Glasgow, the West Midlands and West Yorkshire. However, the National Wealth Fund also considers approaches from individual businesses and project promoters outside those partnership areas. It can provide loans, financial
guarantees and equity investment for qualifying capital-intensive projects, businesses and assets. Investments must support economic growth or clean-energy objectives, attract private capital and be expected to deliver a financial return for taxpayers. That could make the Fund relevant to Pembrokeshire projects involving marine and renewable energy, hydrogen production, port infrastructure, manufacturing, transport and associated supply
chains. The county is already home to significant investment programmes through the Celtic Freeport and Swansea Bay City Deal. The £66m Pembroke Dock Marine programme includes £28m of City Deal funding and is intended to establish a marine-energy and engineering hub supporting the design, testing, manufacture and deployment of new technology. Meanwhile, the Celtic Freeport,
centred on Milford Haven and Port Talbot, has unlocked £25m in seed capital to address infrastructure gaps and help attract further private investment. National Wealth Fund chief executive Oliver Holbourn said: “To unlock the UK’s future we need to grow regional economies. “This announcement signals our continued commitment to expanding our partnerships with leaders across the UK, providing tailored support based on local needs and opportunities, creating jobs and spreading the lasting benefits of investment to the local communities they serve.” The Fund has £27.8bn of capital available and aims to mobilise more than £100bn of public and private finance over the longer term. While the newly announced partnership applies specifically to Cardiff Capital Region, eligible Pembrokeshire businesses and infrastructure promoters can approach the National Wealth Fund independently to discuss potential investment. Further details about its investment criteria are available through the National Wealth Fund website.
Housing scheme behind Dinas Cross fuel station refused PLANS to build new homes on land behind a Pembrokeshire village’s fuel station which didn’t include the expected 50 per cent affordable housing contribution have been refused. In an application submitted to Pembrokeshire Coast National Park, Cardigan-based CAD Properties, through agent Harries Planning Design Management, sought permission for a new residential development of four homes and an access road on land to the rear of Dinas Cross Service Station, Dinas Cross. A supporting statement accompanying the application said: “This application seeks full approval for four dormer bungalows. The proposed dwellings will comprise four twobedroom units. The proposal seeks to create a new access off Spring Hill, set back off the highway to allow for visibility.” It said no affordable housing contribution is offered, the application submitted alongside a viability report “which highlights that due to constraints and cost of development, delivering affordable housing within this site is unviable”. It concluded: “This proposal is
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considered to offer an acceptable form of residential development, making best use of windfall land within the centre boundary of Dinas Cross. The siting of the access is deemed acceptable for four dwellings and allows the land to be built upon, securing required open-market housing within PCNPA’s jurisdiction.” Dinas Community Council objected to the proposals and several representations from the public, including a petition, raised concerns including the potential impact upon
residential amenity, flooding, increase in traffic, little need for properties of this type, and it being a development of open countryside. An officer report recommending refusal raised two bones of contention: The lack of an affordable housing contribution, 50 per cent in the case of the Newport area, and the visual impact of the proposed scheme. On the affordable housing aspect, it said: “Officers have considered whether or not the specific circumstances and any other material considerations justify granting planning permission without an affordable housing provision and have concluded that it is not warranted in this
case. “There are no exceptional circumstances in this case such as historic buildings at risk, or other material considerations which would justify the lack of provision of any affordable housing contribution on this proposed new build site.” It also said the scale and dormerbungalow form “would be out of keeping with the predominantly single-storey character of Spring Hill, causing harmful visual effects within the street scene and the wider national park landscape, contrary [to planning policies].” The application was refused on those two grounds.
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Doctors warn Wales risks raising ‘unhealthiest generation in decades’
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HEALTH
CHILDREN in Wales risk becoming one of the “unhealthiest generations in decades” unless urgent action is taken to reverse worsening health outcomes and deepening inequalities, leading paediatricians have warned. A major new analysis by the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health paints a troubling picture of childhood health across Wales, with record levels of overweight and obesity among young children, falling vaccination coverage, widespread tooth decay and growing demand for mental health support. The Wales briefing from the State of Child Health 2026 report examines 12 key indicators ranging from infant mortality and immunisation to asthma, obesity and emotional wellbeing. Nearly a decade after the RCPCH’s first State of Child Health review, the college says outcomes in Wales have either worsened or stalled across almost all major indicators, with children in poorer communities often experiencing the worst outcomes. Among the most striking findings is that 27.3 per cent of four and five-year-olds in Wales were overweight or living with obesity in 2024/25 — the highest level recorded in Wales and the highest rate among the four UK nations. Measured obesity was also around 75 per cent more prevalent in the most deprived communities, at 15.6 per cent compared with 8.9 per cent in the least deprived areas. The report warns that paediatricians are increasingly seeing conditions in children which were previously more commonly associated with adults. More than a quarter of children have tooth decay More than one in four five and six-year-olds — 27 per cent — had obvious tooth decay in 2024/25. The figure rose to 37.6 per cent among children living in the most deprived areas, almost twice the 19.8 per cent recorded in the least deprived communities. Very few routine childhood vaccinations now meet the 95 per cent uptake target, with uptake of the second MMR dose standing at 89.5 per cent in 2024, down from 92 per cent in 2020. The inequality gap in vaccination uptake by the age of five has also widened to its largest level since reporting began. 135,000 young people living with mental health condition
The RCPCH estimates that 135,000 children and young people in Wales are living with a diagnosable mental health condition. That equates to around one in six eight to ten-year-olds, one in five aged 11 to 16 and one in four aged 17 to 24. The proportion of eight to 24-year-olds estimated to have a mental health condition has doubled over the past two decades, from around one in ten in 2004 to one in five in 2023. Young people consulted for the report also described difficulties accessing emotional wellbeing services, with support often unavailable until problems reach crisis point. Sharp rise in asthma admissions The report also highlights a dramatic rise in hospital admissions for asthma at the start of the school year. There were 110 hospital admissions among children aged five to 14 in September 2024, compared with 23 the previous month — an increase of 378 per cent. An estimated 59,000 children in Wales have asthma. The report says doctors are increasingly examining environmental factors such as air quality when treating children with respiratory conditions. Child mortality among one to 15-year-olds has fallen substantially since 2018, from 13 deaths per 100,000 children to 6.4. Wales now has the lowest child mortality rate among the four UK nations, according to the RCPCH analysis. A YouGov poll commissioned by the RCPCH found considerable concern among families. Just 27 per cent of respondents
in Wales believed the Welsh Government was doing enough to support children’s health, while only 18 per cent believed NHS spending on child health was “about right”. Around 68 per cent said the cost-of-living crisis was having a negative effect on children’s health. The poll questioned 1,049 people in Wales between August 10 and 14. The RCPCH says failure to act now risks leaving children with lifelong health problems, poorer educational outcomes and entrenched inequalities. RCPCH Co-Officer for Wales Dr Dana Beasley said: “This report exposes the deeply concerning state of child health in Wales and the widening inequalities experienced by families across the country. “Behind every statistic is a child whose health, wellbeing and opportunities in life can be affected for years to come. “We cannot accept a situation where a child’s chances of growing up healthy are so heavily influenced by where they live or the circumstances they are born into. “As paediatricians, we know that poor health and inequality are not inevitable. With the right investment and sustained action, we can change the trajectory for children and young people in Wales.” The RCPCH is calling for a dedicated Children’s Health Plan for Wales, built around better data, measurable targets and greater investment in paediatric services. Its recommendations include expanding free school meals to secondary school pupils, increasing CAMHS funding, improving access to dentists,
extending community vaccination services and investing in cleaner air and better housing for children with asthma. RCPCH Co-Officer for Wales Dr Lizzy Nickerson said: “Wales urgently needs a clear and ambitious Children’s Health Plan that puts prevention, early intervention and reducing inequalities at its heart. “This must be evidence-based, data-driven and shaped by the expertise of clinicians alongside the voices and experiences of children and young people themselves. “Children’s health cannot be an afterthought — it must be a long-term priority for the Welsh Government.” Children’s Commissioner for Wales Rocio Cifuentes said: “Children have the right to the highest attainable standard of health, yet this report shows that too many children in Wales are being let down by widening inequalities and inconsistent access to support. “The findings echo what children and young people have consistently told me: that support often comes too late, that access to services such as mental health and dental care can be difficult, and that healthy choices are not always the easiest choices. “The new Welsh Government must prioritise children’s health, listen to children’s voices, and deliver long-term action that gives every child a fair opportunity to live a healthy life.” The RCPCH says its 12 health indicators should now provide a framework against which the Welsh Government can measure progress, warning that without urgent intervention Wales risks raising “one of the unhealthiest generations of children in decades”.
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NHS details clinical concerns behind Welsh gender surgery pause Cardiff and Vale University Health Board had established dedicated arrangements to provide information, advice and support. Separate reviews under way
FEWER Welsh patients referred for some gender-affirming procedures were progressing to surgery than patients referred by English services, NHS commissioners have revealed. The finding was among a series of concerns which led to the immediate suspension of new surgical referrals, assessments by surgical providers and scheduled operations involving Welsh patients. The NHS Wales Joint Commissioning Committee said information from clinicians and correspondence it had received also raised questions about whether aspects of the pre-referral assessment process had been completed appropriately. Those concerns included whether some patients met basic surgical requirements, such as body mass index and overall fitness for an operation, and whether their wider health needs had been fully considered. The committee has stressed that the suspension is temporary and does not amount to a permanent change to the Welsh Gender Service. However, it has not published the underlying figures, disclosed how many patients are affected or said when the urgent independent review is expected to finish. Concerns identified during NHS checks The decision followed routine NHS quality and safety checks conducted during July and August 2026. Data supplied by the Gender Dysphoria National Referral Support Service, which manages, validates and routes NHS referrals for genderaffirming surgery, showed that Welsh referral rates during 2025-26 were significantly higher than those
recorded by gender identity clinics in England. For some procedures, including masculinising genital surgery, the proportion of Welsh patients subsequently progressing to an operation was significantly lower than among patients referred by English services. The NWJCC said this raised questions about why Wales was referring more patients and whether those who did not subsequently undergo surgery had been appropriately assessed beforehand. The committee has not said that patients were wrongly referred or that anyone suffered harm. Without the underlying data, it is also not possible to establish why some patients did not progress following referral. Commissioners said further concerns were raised through clinical information and correspondence, but have not disclosed who contacted them or provided details of individual cases. The Quality, Safety and Outcomes Committee decided to place the Welsh Gender Service into Level 3 escalation following a meeting on August 24. Level 3 is a formal NHS quality and assurance process used when significant concerns require enhanced oversight, additional assurances and senior-level management. The committee ordered: • • • •
A pause on Welsh Gender Service referrals to surgical providers. A pause on assessments undertaken by those surgical providers. A pause on scheduled surgery. An urgent independent clinical review of patients on the surgical waiting lists. The review will be conducted
by experienced gender clinicians, although the reviewers have not been named. The NWJCC said: “The decision has not been taken lightly. Our priority is to ensure safe, high-quality care. “This pause is to allow an urgent independent clinical review to take place, a precautionary step taken on clinical advice to ensure referrals for gender-affirming surgery are supported by arrangements that help make sure care is safe and of a high standard. “To emphasise, this is a pause and not a permanent change to the service.” What continues during the pause? The Welsh Gender Service remains open and its general assessment services continue. Hormone therapy, endocrine care, psychological support and speech and language therapy are not affected. The suspension also does not apply to clinically necessary followup care for patients who have already undergone surgery. Those part-way through a planned series of procedures, requiring treatment for complications or needing other necessary aftercare should continue to receive treatment. This clarifies earlier NHS information which referred broadly to “surgical assessments” being paused. The latest statement makes clear that assessment by surgical providers has been suspended, rather than all assessment work undertaken by the Welsh Gender Service. Operations for Welsh patients are commissioned through NHS England and carried out by specialist providers in England. The NWJCC said affected patients were being contacted directly and that
The urgent examination of patients currently on surgical waiting lists is separate from a wider independent review of the Welsh Gender Service. The waiting-list review will consider individual surgical referrals, while the broader review is examining the service’s assessment, referral and governance arrangements. Neither review currently has a publicly confirmed completion date. The NWJCC said it was working with experienced gender specialists to begin the urgent review as quickly as possible and minimise delays. It has not revealed the number of operations stopped, whether patients will retain their original priority or whether the review’s terms of reference and findings will be published. Campaign organisation TransActual previously criticised the suspension, arguing that higher referral rates alone did not demonstrate inappropriate clinical practice and that differences between Welsh and English services could contribute to the disparity. The latest NWJCC statement sets out a broader justification, including lower progression to certain procedures and concerns raised by clinicians. It does not, however, provide the figures required for those claims to be independently examined. Welsh Conservative Shadow Health Minister Natasha Asghar MS welcomed the review and said it must determine why referral rates were substantially higher. She said: “Patients experiencing gender dysphoria deserve compassion, support and the highest possible standards of clinical care, particularly when life-changing and irreversible procedures are being considered. “Patient safety must come first and these questions need clear answers.” The Welsh Government said the Health Minister understood the concerns of those affected and expected the health board and NWJCC to provide appropriate support and take any necessary action as a priority. For patients facing postponed treatment, the key unanswered questions remain how long the investigation will take, when surgery may resume and whether they will retain their place in the pathway.
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Reform says it’s ‘ready to govern Wales’ as donations row overshadows conference
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POLITICS
REFORM UK has declared itself ready to take control of the Welsh Government as its annual conference was overshadowed by allegations concerning political donations and the suspension of two senior party officials. Dan Thomas, Reform UK’s leader in Wales and Leader of the Opposition in the Senedd, used his conference appearance in Birmingham to argue that the party had already demonstrated its ability to influence events in Cardiff Bay. Mr Thomas said Reform’s Senedd group had become the only credible alternative to the minority Plaid Cymru administration following May’s election. He highlighted three Reform motions which secured support during the new Senedd’s opening months, covering bovine tuberculosis, legal protection for care leavers and the creation of a statutory register of lobbyists. Reform also helped defeat the Welsh Government’s supplementary budget after Plaid Cymru failed to secure sufficient opposition support. Mr Thomas warned that if
the government continued to struggle to pass its financial measures, it could be unable to survive for the full Senedd term. He said: “We’ve shown since the election that we can build consensus in the Senedd, and that we can give a voice to the voiceless. “Meanwhile, Plaid Cymru have been unable to secure support for their financial measures in Cardiff Bay. If that trend continues, it’s hard to see how this Welsh Government will last the duration of the term. “As the largest and most effective opposition in the Senedd’s history, we are prepared to take the reins and govern in the interests of Wales.” Reform secured 29 per cent of the vote at the Senedd election and returned more than a third of the members in the newly expanded Welsh Parliament, making it the official opposition. The party has since faced criticism over the conduct and comments of some of its newly elected members. Mr Thomas also announced that Reform would table a motion during the first week
of the new Senedd term calling for Wales to receive greater representation in the UK Independent Inquiry into Grooming Gangs. He said the case for a stronger Welsh presence in the inquiry had grown since the election and called on other parties to support the motion. However, the conference was dominated by questions surrounding Reform’s finances following an undercover investigation into discussions about funding from an overseas donor. Two senior party figures — Dan Jukes, a close aide to Nigel Farage, and Reform’s head of policy James Orr — stepped down pending an internal investigation after being secretly filmed discussing arrangements involving a wealthy American. The investigation involved £30,000 reportedly paid for polling commissioned by Reform and subsequently published in national newspapers. Foreign individuals and companies that do not meet UK eligibility requirements are prohibited from donating directly to British political parties.
Mr Farage has denied wrongdoing and said he understood the proposed funding to be coming through a legitimate UK-based family office. He said he had not been paying attention to parts of the meeting at the centre of the allegations. The Metropolitan Police is assessing evidence following a complaint alleging potential breaches of political funding legislation. Reform and those involved deny breaking the law. Mr Farage has described the affair as part of an attempt by “the establishment” to damage the party. Responding to Mr Thomas’s speech, Welsh Labour accused Reform of attempting to distract voters from the controversy. A Welsh Labour spokesperson said: “Dan Thomas can talk up his party’s record all he likes. The truth is that Reform in Wales has focused on flags, hand dryers and campaigning against a bin in Clacton. “Reform’s summer of financial scandals is spilling into autumn, and the people of Wales deserve answers.” The reference to “flags” and “hand dryers” relates to campaigns pursued by Reform representatives in Wales, while the Clacton remark concerns a local dispute in the Essex constituency represented by Mr Farage. Despite the controversy, Reform sought to use its national conference to present itself as a government-inwaiting. The party announced plans to raise the income tax personal allowance from £12,570 to £15,000 within its first 100 days in government. Reform claims the measure would remove millions of people from income tax, although questions remain over how the multibillion-pound cost would be funded. Mr Farage closed the conference by acknowledging that the growing party would make mistakes but insisted it would recover from setbacks and continue its attempt to win the next general election.
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Senedd constituency boundaries to be redrawn again ahead of 2030 election
WALES’ new Senedd constituencies are to be reviewed again ahead of the 2030 election, with boundary commissioners given significantly greater freedom to redraw the electoral map. The Democracy and Boundary Commission Cymru has launched the next review of the 16 constituencies used for the first time at this year’s Senedd election. Unlike the previous exercise, however, commissioners will no longer be required simply to combine pairs of Westminster constituencies. Instead, boundaries will be drawn using an electoral quota, with each constituency required to contain an electorate within 10% of the Welsh average. The change means alterations to the current map are inevitable, although the Commission has been instructed to minimise disruption wherever possible. The review follows the major restructuring of the Senedd for the 2026 election, when the number of Members increased to 96 and the previous 40 constituencies were replaced by 16 larger seats, each returning six Members. Those constituencies were produced by pairing Wales’ 32 Westminster parliamentary seats. For the 2030 review, commissioners will have considerably more flexibility. As well as electorate numbers, they will be able to consider local government boundaries, geography and existing community ties when deciding
where constituency lines should fall. They must also consider the inconvenience that boundary changes could cause and seek to minimise unnecessary alterations. However, the Commission will not consider the potential effect of its proposals on election results, or unrelated administrative issues such as postcodes and access to public services. Public will have three chances to respond Initial proposals are expected to be published in early 2027, triggering an eight-week public consultation. Responses to that consultation will then be published before a second consultation period, during which members of the public will be able to support or challenge proposals and arguments submitted by others. Public hearings will also be held, giving residents and organisations an opportunity to make representations directly to commissioners. If the Commission subsequently changes its proposals, revised boundaries will be published and subjected to a further four-week consultation. Final determinations must be submitted to Welsh Ministers before December 1, 2028, before taking effect for the 2030 Senedd election. The Commission will also be responsible for deciding the names of all 16 constituencies.
Under the legislation, constituencies should normally have a single-language name unless the Commission considers that approach unacceptable. All 16 of the current Senedd constituencies have singlelanguage names. ‘Some changes will be necessary’ Shereen Williams MBE OStJ, Chief Executive of the Democracy and Boundary Commission Cymru, said the new system would give commissioners greater scope to reflect local views. She said: “The Commission is looking forward to holding a full review for the Senedd’s constituencies, with a greater opportunity for people to share their views and impact the proposals. “Whenever the Commission holds a review, the public’s feedback, especially on their local area, is vital to making sure our determinations are the strongest possible. “The move from pairing parliamentary constituencies to using an electoral quota does mean that some changes will be necessary at this review, but it also gives us an opportunity to respond with greater flexibility to the public’s views, while ensuring that we minimise changes wherever we can.” The Commission’s full guide to the 2030 review will be published on its website following the lifting of the embargo.
blue view
With Cllr Jonathan Grimes As County Councillor and Mayor of Pembroke, I was recently invited to Castlemartin Camp to visit the Dyfed and Glamorgan Army Cadets Annual Camp, where more than 300 young people were taking part. From shooting, archery and orienteering to a remarkably realistic medical emergency exercise, the range of activities was impressive. But what stood out most was the enthusiasm, confidence, teamwork, and commitment of these young people. They were developing practical skills, building friendships and gaining experiences that will stay with them for life. It was a powerful reminder of what young people can achieve when they are given the right opportunities, aspirations and choices. I believe strongly that where you come from should never determine where you can go. Pembrokeshire has enormous potential. We have talented young people, ambitious businesses and opportunities across tourism, hospitality, agriculture, engineering, energy, the Armed Forces and countless other sectors. But potential alone isn’t enough. We need to create opportunities and give young people the confidence and freedom to take them. This is at the heart of the Conservative approach: aspiration, hard work, personal responsibility and opportunity. This means high standards in our schools, discipline and accountability, better careers advice and ensuring young people leave education with the skills employers actually
need. It also means giving businesses the freedom to grow, invest and create jobs — rather than burdening them with unnecessary bureaucracy. As Welsh Conservatives, we also recognise that university is not the only route to success. An apprentice learning a skilled trade, an entrepreneur starting a business, a young person joining the Armed Forces, or someone building a career in engineering, agriculture, construction, tourism, hospitality or healthcare is contributing just as much to our economy and our community every pathway to success should be valued. Our young people are not simply Pembrokeshire’s future. They are its future workforce, entrepreneurs, community leaders and custodians and we owe them more than warm words - we owe them opportunity. The Welsh Conservative vision is simple: a Pembrokeshire where every young person, whatever their background, has the chance to aspire, work hard, get on, and build a future they can be proud of.
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positively liberal With ANDREW LYE
Welsh Liberal Democrat MP for Brecon, Radnor and Cwm Tawe David Chadwick has joined more than 120 MPs and peers from across the political spectrum in calling on the Government to urgently reform the student loan system. David Chadwick signed a cross-party letter to the Chancellor calling for a review of the current student loan repayment system amid growing concerns over the financial burden being placed on graduates. No Welsh Labour MP signed the letter. The cross-party letter calls for an urgent review of the system to ensure student finance is fair, sustainable and does not act as a barrier to aspiration or higher education. The Committee has called on the UK Government to reverse its decision to freeze the repayment threshold for Plan 2 student loans, arguing that graduates should be able to expect the terms on which their loans were originally presented to be honoured without the Government changing them after they have accepted the terms. Whilst Welsh students are currently unaffected by the freeze in the threshold, they are being hit by large repayment rates and annual increases to their student loan debt that run far beyond the inflation rate. In Wales, tuition fees were raised in 2007 by Welsh Labour and again in 2012 by Welsh Labour. The annual increases from 2024 onwards were also made by Welsh Labour. In Wales, the Welsh Government has, so far, not frozen the repayment
threshold. But Welsh graduates are still being hit by extremely high repayment rates and significantly aboveinflation increases to their student loan debt. David Chadwick has warned the current setup is stifling many young people economically, meaning they cannot afford to buy a home, start a family or spend money in the wider economy. David Chadwick MP said: “Young people were encouraged to go to university with the promise that doing so would open up opportunities and allow them to build successful careers. Instead, far too many graduates now find themselves facing enormous debts under a system where the rules can be changed after they have already signed up. “Whilst we need to ensure an equal focus is placed on vocational and technical training as on university, we also need to ensure that those who do choose to pursue higher education are not saddled with an unfair and evergrowing financial burden. At a time when young people are already struggling with the cost of housing and the wider cost of living, we should not be making it harder for them to get on in life. It’s not only a drag on the ambition of our young people, but also on the economy. The Government should listen to the growing cross-party concern, reverse the freeze on Plan 2 repayment thresholds and undertake a proper review of the student finance system so that it is fairer, more transparent and sustainable for future generations.”
If you have any issues or comments, please contact me at andrew.lye@pembslibdems.wales
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Burnham rejects welfare cuts to fund defence in PMQs clash
ANDY BURNHAM rejected calls to fund higher defence spending through welfare cuts during Prime Minister’s Questions on Wednesday (Sept 9), warning that reducing housing support would leave more families homeless. Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch challenged the Prime Minister to explain how he would increase military spending, arguing that Britain’s security threats demanded faster action. Her proposals include taking £4 billion from housing benefit and reinstating the two-child benefit cap to help fund defence spending of 3% of national income by 2030. Burnham said the housing benefit reductions would risk unprecedented homelessness, with hundreds of thousands of children in temporary accommodation. He told MPs that national
security “cannot come at the expense of social security”. Badenoch accused him of being unwilling to make the decisions needed to fund the armed forces. She questioned why voters should believe his commitment to reach 3.5% of GDP by 2035 when he would not commit to 3% by 2030. Burnham said the spending review would set out the route to the higher target, alongside a date for reaching 3%. He also argued that building more council housing and improving education, employment and mental health support for young people offered a better way to reduce welfare spending. The exchange left the central funding question unresolved: Burnham reaffirmed his defence commitment, but MPs will have to wait for the spending review for the detailed timetable.
There was also a direct Welsh intervention, with Plaid Cymru’s Westminster leader Liz Saville Roberts calling for a cut in hospitality VAT. The Dwyfor Meirionnydd MP said local businesses were essential to growth in coastal communities and urged the Government to ensure areas far from London and Manchester were supported. Burnham said more help was needed for hospitality and directed her towards the Budget. However, he stopped short of promising the VAT reduction she requested. The distinction matters for Welsh pubs, restaurants and accommodation businesses: the exchange signalled the possibility of further support, rather than a confirmed tax change. International affairs also featured, with Burnham defending the Government’s decision to block imports from Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank. He presented the measures as action to support a twostate solution and oppose injustice. Israel has responded by closing Britain’s consulate in East Jerusalem and banning 12 Britons from entering the country. Although Badenoch had criticised the measures, she did not directly challenge the Prime Minister on them during her questions.
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Wales remains bottom of UK education rankings as maths scores fall again WALES remains the lowestperforming nation in the UK across mathematics, reading and science following the publication of the latest international PISA results. The 2025 figures show Welsh 15-year-olds recorded average scores of 456 in mathematics, 459 in reading and 476 in science. Wales was significantly outperformed by England, Scotland and Northern Ireland in all three subjects. The gap with England is particularly pronounced. Pupils there scored 492 in maths, 497 in reading and 516 in science. Northern Ireland recorded scores of 473, 482 and 492 respectively, while Scotland achieved 467 in maths, 488 in reading and 491 in science. Maths performance falls The most concerning movement for Wales is in mathematics. The average Welsh maths score has fallen from 466 in the previous PISA assessment in 2022 to 456 in 2025 — a decline researchers found to be statistically significant. Reading fell from 466 to 459, although that movement was not considered statistically significant. Science provided the one brighter point, rising slightly from 473 to 476, although again the change was not statistically significant. The results also mean a previous ambition to improve Wales’ performance in reading and mathematics compared with 2022 has not been achieved. Around 3,400 Welsh 15-year-olds from more than 100 schools took part in the assessment last autumn. PISA — the Programme for International Student Assessment — is run by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development and examines how well young people can apply their knowledge to real-world problems. More than a third below basic maths benchmark The headline averages are only part of the picture. Around 36% of Welsh pupils were below PISA’s Level 2 benchmark in mathematics, compared with 25% in England, 30% in Northern Ireland and 32% in Scotland. In reading, 31% of pupils in Wales were below the benchmark, while in science the figure stood at 27%. Wales also had fewer pupils reaching the highest levels of attainment than England across the subjects assessed. The findings add to long-running concerns about educational standards
in Wales and the gap between Welsh pupils and their counterparts elsewhere in the UK. Minister admits results ‘not where we want them to be’ The Welsh Government acknowledged that the results were not good enough but warned against responding with sudden policy changes. Education Minister Anna Brychan said the figures were “not where we want them to be” and said improving literacy and numeracy remained a priority. The Welsh Government has also pointed to evidence within the PISA data suggesting Wales performs comparatively well at limiting the impact of socioeconomic disadvantage on pupils’ results. Ministers say further work is planned on literacy and numeracy and have stressed that the pupils assessed in 2025 were the final cohort not to have been taught throughout secondary school under the new Curriculum for Wales. Reform calls for urgent action Gareth Beer MS, Reform UK Member of the Senedd for Sir Gaerfyrddin, said the results should trigger urgent action. He said: “These latest PISA results are stark and deeply concerning. We simply cannot go on with a situation where pupils in Wales are consistently falling behind their counterparts in other parts of the United Kingdom.” Mr Beer said Reform UK wanted national diagnostic testing reinstated and more education funding directed towards frontline teaching. His office said the figures represented the consequences of
years of failed education policy and warned that another generation of Welsh pupils risked being left behind. Conservatives blame different approach to England Welsh Conservative MS Andrew RT Davies also attacked the record of education policy in Wales, arguing that successive governments had pursued a different direction from England without delivering better results. Mr Davies described the figures as “completely unacceptable” and said Plaid Cymru should also accept responsibility for supporting many of the policies pursued in Wales over recent years. He said: “Plaid Cymru separatists may not have been in power when these results were recorded, but given this is a legacy of an approach they pushed for and endorsed, they must take responsibility.” School leaders warn against ‘quick fixes’ Teaching unions, however, have cautioned politicians against treating PISA as the only measure of the success or failure of the Welsh education system. NAHT Cymru national secretary Dr Graham Gault said the findings would be disappointing but should not come as a surprise. He pointed to years of financial pressure, teacher recruitment difficulties, increasing levels of additional need and the continuing effects of the Covid pandemic. Dr Gault said: “PISA provides a useful international benchmark, but it is only one measure of an education system. “The response must be thoughtful and evidence-based rather than driven by quick fixes or headline-grabbing reforms.” He called for sustained investment
in staffing, support services, professional development and school resources. NEU says schools are struggling NEU Cymru Wales Secretary Nicola Fitzpatrick also warned against treating the international rankings as a definitive measure of education quality. She said wellbeing, social and emotional development and wider environmental factors all affected pupils’ ability to learn. Ms Fitzpatrick said: “Schools are struggling and rather than obsess over league table positions politicians must address the crisis of underfunding, they must tackle unsustainable workload levels and take serious action to address the recruitment and retention of teachers in all parts of Wales.” The union said meaningful comparisons with higher-performing countries needed to take account of the wider conditions in which children are being educated. Pressure now on ministers Despite the different explanations offered for Wales’ performance, there is broad agreement that the latest figures present a significant challenge. Wales remains behind every other UK nation in all three core PISA subjects, while the significant fall in mathematics will put particular pressure on ministers to explain how standards will be improved. For families, teachers and pupils across Carmarthenshire and the rest of Wales, attention will now turn to whether the next round of education reforms can begin to close a gap which has persisted for years.
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LETTERS & NOTICES
send your letters to: The editor, 11 hamilton terrace, milford haven, Pembrokeshire, sa73 3al email us at: editor@herald.email
Picture of the week! Milford Haven by Nigel Shinner
Renewable energy must work in harmony with our environment DEAR SIR,
I fully support green energy. In an ideal world, I would love to generate power through a microhydroelectric system using the river bordering my property. I would like to see small industries reintroduce waterpower to generate sufficient energy for their needs, alongside bespoke turbines serving farms, factories, villages and towns. I would also welcome solar panels on commercial buildings—particularly if they were manufactured in this country using materials sourced here. So much could be achieved in harmony with our environment. What I do not support is the pursuit of renewable energy on an industrial scale. Renewable energy is not necessarily green. In its current form, it can be exploitative and destructive. It threatens the very heart of our country and may not deliver the benefits many people have been led to expect. The definition of renewable energy refers only to its source— one that naturally replenishes itself. It does not necessarily mean that the methods used to generate it are environmentally sustainable. Large-scale wind and solar developments can affect peatlands, wildlife habitats, flora and fauna, the landscape and, last but certainly not least, the communities living alongside them.
I am conscious that those of us who campaign vigorously against— and I must emphasise this— industrial-scale renewable projects do so from a position in which our access to electricity has, on the whole, remained uninterrupted. I am also conscious that many of those calling for the immediate cessation of fossil-fuel use occupy the same comfortable position—for now. What rarely seems to be discussed amid demands for an immediate ban on fossil fuels is our dependence on oil-derived products. Wind and solar power cannot themselves produce clothing, fabrics, medical supplies, electronic devices, chemicals, fertilisers, solvents, bitumen, jet fuel or even the lubricants used in turbines. Of course, it would be no bad thing if we finally developed sustainable alternatives to plastic products. We should at least look on the bright side. We are being warned that future energy supplies may— and probably will—be disrupted because our system of generation and transmission is becoming increasingly complicated and unwieldy. Meanwhile, companies with little concern for our country are exploiting its natural resources. Our governments behave like Chicken Licken, warning us that the sky is falling while simultaneously granting permission for power-hungry data centres. Those companies will not bear the consequences. Governments will ensure that their own work is not disrupted, and the data centres
will not have their electricity and water rationed. It will be ordinary individuals who suffer. We cannot industrialise our way out of the environmental damage caused by previous industrialisation. What was once done to the Welsh Valleys is now being visited upon the Welsh hills. Both the UK and Welsh governments need to undertake a fundamental rethink—and begin an open and honest conversation with the people whose lives and landscapes will be affected.
Mari Mitchell Carmarthen
On sanctioning Israel DEAR SIR, I was deeply concerned to hear the Foreign Secretary’s recent statements about the situation in Gaza, which in my view did not give sufficient weight to information provided by Israel’s Coordinator of Government Activities in the Territories (COGAT). Inflammatory or inadequately evidenced rhetoric from senior politicians can have consequences far beyond foreign policy. Statements on such a grave and contentious issue should be based on evidence and should acknowledge conflicting accounts where they exist. The Foreign Secretary has said that life-saving humanitarian aid and access in Gaza have been routinely blocked, and has referred to accounts from doctors
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and humanitarian workers about children dying while awaiting medical treatment. However, the Israeli authorities dispute the suggestion that medicines are being prevented from entering Gaza. COGAT says that more than 22,500 tonnes of medical supplies have entered the Strip since the ceasefire began, alongside medical equipment delivered in coordination with the United Nations and other international organisations. Whatever one’s views of the Israeli government or its conduct during the war, these competing claims deserve careful scrutiny rather than one side’s account being presented without adequate consideration of the other. We should also consider the wider consequences of Britain’s deteriorating relationship with Israel. The measures announced by the Government are aimed specifically at Israeli settlements in the occupied territories, rather than at Israel itself, but the wider diplomatic relationship between Britain and Israel extends far beyond the present dispute. Israel is an important contributor to pharmaceuticals and technology. The UK Government has previously described Israel as supplying around one in seven medicines used by the NHS, while Israeli-headquartered pharmaceutical company Teva says its generic medicines save the NHS approximately £2.4 billion each year. Israel is also a major technology centre, and Israeli innovation has contributed to numerous technologies used around the world. Less visible, but equally important, is the national security and intelligence cooperation between Israel and the United Kingdom. Both countries have longstanding shared security interests, particularly in relation to terrorism and regional threats. The UK is entitled to disagree with the Israeli government and to criticise its policies. Our Government also has a responsibility, however, to ensure that its decisions are based on reliable evidence and that their longer-term consequences are properly considered. I also fear that inflammatory rhetoric surrounding Israel can contribute to an atmosphere in which antisemitism, already a serious problem in Britain, becomes more prevalent. At a time of intense division at home and abroad, the British public deserves honesty, balance and evidence from those who represent us. Foreign policy should be guided by facts and Britain’s longterm national interest, rather than rhetoric or claims which have not been properly tested.
Sylvia Forman
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Death Notices Olive Maureen ChoYoung
missed and fondly remembered by all her family and friends. A service in celebration of her life will be held at 2.30pm on Thursday September 17th in St David’s Church, Brawdy followed by cremation at 4.00 pm, Parc Gwyn Crematorium, Narberth. Family flowers only, donations in memory of Doreen may be made payable to Tŷ Hafan Children’s Hospice and sent c/o Mr R. Evans, 20 Victoria Avenue, Fishguard, SA65 9DJ. All enquiries to Robin Folland (01437) 763821.
Peacefully on Wednesday, 26th August, at The Bush Nursing Home, Pembroke, Olive, formerly of Blaen Dolau, Llandissilo, Clunderwen. Beloved wife of the late Christopher, dear sister of Eirlys and John, and sister-in-law of the late Geoff and Kathryn, cherished aunt of Michelle and Aled, Emily, Laura and James, treasured great-auntie of Morgan and Menna. Funeral Service at Parc Gwyn Crematorium Narberth, on Thursday, 10th September at 1.45p.m. Family flowers only. Donations Catherine Plews if so desired towards Bush House, Care Home,( cheques payable to Peacefully at home on Bush House Pembroke Ltd please) Saturday 29th August 2026, Mrs. received by Ken Davies & Sons, Catherine Plews aged 85 years, of Funeral Directors, Clunderwen, Pelcomb Bridge, passed away. Phone: 01437 5633 19. Beloved wife of Tony. Mother to James and David and mother-in-law Doreen Thomas to Claire and Sarah. Grandmother to Mabel, Annabel, Eloise and Ivy. Doreen passed away peacefully The funeral service will be held on at home, in the presence of her Wednesday 23rd September at St. daughters, on 26th August, aged 92 Michael’s R.C. Church, St. Davids at years. 11.00am. Beloved wife of the late Glan, much A private cremation will be held. loved mother of Diane and Debbie, There will be family flowers only dear mother-in-law of Rob and Neil, with donations in memory for Paul devoted grandmother of Evan and Sartori Hospice at Home c/o E. C. Harvey and much respected step- Thomas and Son, Zoar Chapel Funeral grandmother of Angharad and Rhodri. Home, Llanteg, Narberth SA67 8QH Much loved, she will be greatly (01834) 831876 and 21 Main Street,
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Pembroke SA71 4JS (01646) 682680 in memory of Liz for the ‘Paul Sartori or via www.ecthomasandson.co.uk Foundation’ or ‘Westgate Evangelical Chapel’ via the link below. (Cheques payable to ‘Paul Carmel Bolger Sartori Foundation Ltd’ or ‘Westgate Evangelical Chapel’ can be sent to Suddenly at her home on 25th John Roberts & Son Funeral Directors, August, Carmel, aged 78 years. 51 Bush Street, Pembroke Dock) Dearly loved partner of Frank, elizabethmonsen.muchloved.com loving mother of Mary, Eddie and Paula, stepmother of Tracey and Mark. A much loved grandmother and Robert ‘Basher’ Lewis great grandmother. She will be greatly missed by all her family, neighbours and friends. Peacefully at his home, Funeral service Friday 11th with his loved ones at his side, September at 10.30am St.Michaels on Wednesday, August 19, Catholic Church, New Street, 2026, Robert Daniel John Lewis, St.Davids followed by family interment Northfield House, Narberth aged 71 in St.Davids Cemetery. years. Donations for St.Davids Coffee Devoted and much-loved husband and Chat c/o W.G.Bernard Mathias & of Patsy, beloved and proud ‘Dad’ of Daughter, 64 New Street, St.Davids Clare and Sarah, respected fatherSA62 6SU in-law of Rhys and Aled, adored ‘Grandpa’ of Elin, Mari, Anwen and Elsie, a much-loved brother of the late Elizabeth ‘Liz’ Ann Richard, brother-in-law, uncle and a Monsen great friend to many. Public funeral service on Friday, Passed away peacefully at home September 18 at Parc Gwyn on Wednesday, 19th August 2026, Crematorium, Narberth at 2.45pm. aged 63. She will be greatly missed Following the service, the family by her family and friends. warmly invite you to join them for light A celebration of Liz’s life will be refreshments at Narberth RFC. held at Westgate Evangelical Chapel, Donations, if desired, to ‘Cancer Pembroke on Friday, 11th September Research Wales’ c/o Colin Phillips at 1pm, followed by interment in St and Daughters Funeral Directors, 4 Michael’s Cemetery. Morgan Street, Cardigan, SA43 If desired, donations will be 1DF Tel: 01239 621192. gratefully received in lieu of flowers
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Justin Riele targets Ironman glory
Las Vegas professional heads to Tenby after breaking both clavicles and shoulder blades in separate crashes during a punishing 2026 season
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PROFESSIONAL triathlete Justin Riele will line up in Tenby this Sunday hoping to complete an extraordinary comeback season with a strong performance at IRONMAN Wales. The 32-year-old from Las Vegas arrived in Pembrokeshire this week ahead of one of the toughest and most celebrated races on the IRONMAN calendar — after a year in which simply reaching the start line represents an achievement in itself. Riele, who studied neuroscience at Vanderbilt University, only discovered triathlon at the age of 23 but progressed rapidly through the amateur ranks. He won his age group at the 2021 IRONMAN World Championship before earning his professional licence and establishing himself on the international circuit. His career has since included victories at IRONMAN 70.3 Santa Cruz, Ohio and Coeur d’Alene, while a strong 2025 season brought three further podium finishes — second at IRONMAN 70.3 Cozumel and third-place finishes in Boise and Peru. But 2026 has tested him in an entirely different way. Two crashes, two broken shoulders Earlier this year, Riele suffered a
serious crash during the bike leg of IRONMAN 70.3 Oceanside after a front tyre blowout sent him heavily to the ground. The impact cracked his helmet and left him with a fractured right clavicle and scapula. Surgery was required to plate the shoulder, beginning what would become a lengthy rehabilitation. Having recovered and returned to training, Riele then endured a remarkable second setback when he crashed again during a training ride. This time the injuries were almost a mirror image of the first accident: a broken left clavicle and scapula. He opted against surgery on the second occasion, allowing the fractures to heal naturally before once again beginning the process of rehabilitation and rebuilding his fitness. Despite everything, Riele has now made it to Wales and is preparing to tackle the notoriously demanding Tenby course as part of his return to full-distance racing.
Full-time professional career His appearance in Pembrokeshire also comes during an important year away from the course. Having previously combined elite racing with a career in marketing, including a senior position in the technology sector, Riele made the decision in 2026 to concentrate on triathlon as a full-time professional athlete. That business background has also given him an insight into the realities
facing modern professional athletes, where race results sit alongside the need to build commercial partnerships, attract sponsors and create a sustainable career in the sport. Riele will spend the days leading up to Sunday’s race familiarising himself with the course and completing his final preparations around Pembrokeshire. Residents may therefore spot the Las Vegas athlete training on the county’s roads before race day.
Tenby challenge awaits IRONMAN Wales will once again see an international field descend on Tenby, with competitors facing a 2.4-mile sea swim, a gruelling 112-mile cycle through Pembrokeshire and a full 26.2-mile marathon before reaching the famous red-carpet finish. The combination of an exposed swim, relentless hills and huge roadside crowds has helped establish Tenby as one of the most distinctive events on the global IRONMAN circuit. For Riele, Sunday’s race will carry additional significance. After two major crashes and two long recoveries in the space of a single season, reaching Pembrokeshire already represents an impressive comeback. But he has not travelled from Las Vegas simply to reach the start line. After everything 2026 has thrown at him, Riele will be hoping there is still one more chapter to write in Tenby.
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Bluebirds dig deep to halt Nomads’ run HAVERFORDWEST COUNTY brought Connah’s Quay Nomads’ five-match winning streak to an end as the Bluebirds battled to an impressive 1-1 draw in Flintshire on Friday night. Tony Pennock’s side travelled to the Essity Stadium facing one of the division’s form teams, with the Nomads sitting third in the Novira Cymru Premier after winning five consecutive league matches. The hosts had also been among the most potent attacking sides in the league, scoring 17 goals in their opening six games— joint-highest in the division before kick-off. County, meanwhile, went into the fixture sitting 12th but with renewed confidence after finally securing their first league victory of the campaign against Trefelin BGC on Bank Holiday Monday. Second-half goals from Dan Hawkins and Jack Wilson had given the Bluebirds a 2-1 victory at the Dynamite Bridge Meadow Stadium, with Callum Saunders replying for Trefelin in added time. Friday’s trip north therefore represented a considerably tougher examination. Connah’s Quay had recovered
from an opening-day 2-1 defeat against Caernarfon Town by rattling off victories against Holywell, Trefelin, Ammanford, Cambrian United and Flint Town United. But Haverfordwest refused to be overawed. In a hard-fought encounter, the sides could not be separated, with the match finishing Connah’s Quay Nomads 1-1 Haverfordwest County. The point is likely to be viewed as one of County’s most encouraging results of the campaign so far, particularly considering the gulf between the teams in the table beforehand. It also continued a recent tradition of entertaining encounters between the clubs in Flintshire. When Haverfordwest last visited the Nomads in October 2025, they produced a remarkable comeback to draw 3-3, recovering from 2-0 down at half-time and then 3-1 behind with only 13 minutes remaining. Late goals from captain Dylan Rees and Ben Ah-Mun rescued a point on that occasion. Friday night’s result means the Bluebirds have now taken four points from their last two league outings and, perhaps more importantly, gives
Pennock’s side something tangible to build upon after a difficult opening few weeks. County now return to Pembrokeshire for consecutive home fixtures. They host Briton Ferry Llansawel at the Dynamite Bridge Meadow
Stadium next Friday, September 11, before welcoming Holywell Town seven days later. The club summed up Friday night’s performance by saying the Bluebirds had shown their “fighting spirit” to earn what could prove to be a valuable point.
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Goodwick strike early blow in title race GOODWICK UTD 2 HAKIN UTD 1 TWO expertly taken penalties from Kyle O’Sullivan proved decisive as Goodwick United laid down an early marker in the Pembrokeshire title race with victory over reigning champions Hakin United, writes Fraser Watson. It was not a contest packed with clear-cut chances, but the large crowd, intensity and competitive edge so often associated with this fixture were all present. And ultimately, Goodwick were worthy winners. The hosts edged the midfield battle, defended resolutely and rarely allowed the Vikings the freedom to build sustained attacks. Both sides were without their most prolific forwards of recent years, with Rhys Dalling and Ashley Bevan missing through injury, and it was perhaps no surprise that the respective defences initially held the upper hand. Jordan Kilby was the first to test home goalkeeper Nick Jones with an effort from 20 yards, before Goodwick went desperately close at the other end. The lively Will Haworth saw a deflected strike loop towards goal before crashing back off the crossbar.
The breakthrough arrived after 25 minutes. Haworth, O’Sullivan and Danny Hopkin had begun to exert their influence and it was a run and pass from Haworth which released Adam
Lawrence, who was brought down inside the area by Kieran King. Hakin’s players were adamant Lawrence had been offside in the buildup, with Jake Merry’s protests earning him 10 minutes in the sin bin. Rory Williams guessed correctly from the resulting spot-kick, but O’Sullivan’s penalty was drilled confidently into the bottom-left corner beyond his reach. Hakin struggled to muster a meaningful response until the closing seconds of the half, when a Mark Jones header forced his namesake in the Goodwick goal into a smart diving save. Williams pays the penalty Hakin boss Scott Davies shuffled his pack at half-time, introducing Ryan Wilson and Leon Luby, with the latter adding greater threat down the right. But within minutes of the restart, Goodwick had another penalty. This time there was little argument as Williams raced from his goal and brought down Mason Jones as the Goodwick man bore down on goal. O’Sullivan stepped up again and produced an almost identical finish, although this time Williams went the wrong way as Goodwick established a commanding 2-0 advantage. The Phoenix Boys remained relatively comfortable until the closing stages, although Ben Steele almost handed Hakin a route back into the contest when he badly misjudged a back-pass across his own goal.
Substitute Liam Parks was presented with the opportunity from six yards but miskicked his effort. Kilby then saw a close-range attempt blocked by Scott Delaney before Goodwick passed up the chance to put the result beyond doubt, with Tom Jago taking one touch too many inside the area and eventually being crowded out. When Hakin finally found a way through, it came with an excellent finish. Jay Power sent a long diagonal ball towards the edge of the penalty area, where Camron Thomas met it with a superb first-time header which sailed over the stranded Jones and into the net. But the goal came too late to spark a comeback and Goodwick successfully negotiated the remaining moments to secure a significant three points. The victory leaves Matt Fox’s side with six points from their opening two games and, more significantly, serves notice that any suggestion this season’s title is simply Hakin’s to lose may be premature. Goodwick had already drawn first blood against their old rivals in the Jubilee Cup earlier this month, although history suggests the outcome of that traditional curtain-raiser rarely provides much indication of what will follow during the league campaign. Drawing second blood against the champions, however, will have felt considerably more significant for Fox and his players.
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Sport Pembrokeshire Awards mark 20 years as nominations open PEMBROKESHIRE’S sporting community is being invited to put forward its stars of 2026 as nominations open for this year’s Sport Pembrokeshire Awards. The annual awards are celebrating a major milestone this year, marking their 20th anniversary after two decades of recognising sporting achievement, dedication and service across the county. The 2026 ceremony will take place at Folly Farm on Friday, November 27, bringing together athletes, teams, coaches, volunteers and club organisers from across Pembrokeshire. Nominations opened today, Monday, September 7, giving residents the chance to recognise people who have excelled in competition or made an important contribution behind the scenes during the past year. Cllr Rhys Sinnett, Cabinet Member for Residents’ Services, said the anniversary demonstrated the strength of grassroots and competitive sport throughout the county. He said: “For two decades, these awards have celebrated excellence at every level, from young athletes taking their first steps in sport to individuals who have dedicated years of service to their clubs and communities. “We look forward to another memorable evening at Folly Farm and hope to see another record number of nominations as we recognise the incredible sporting talent and commitment that exists across Pembrokeshire.”
This year’s categories include Coach of the Year, Female Sporting Achievement, Male Sporting Achievement, Boys Under-16 Sporting Achievement, Girls Under-16 Sporting Achievement, Disability Sport Award, Junior Under-16 Disability Sport Award, Unsung Hero, Club Organiser of the Year, Team Achievement of the Year,
Junior Under-16 Team Achievement of the Year, Young Volunteer of the Year, Club of the Year and Lifetime Achievement. A separate Schools Award will also be announced on the night, recognising a local school which has gone above and beyond to make sport and physical activity fun, inclusive and innovative
while developing strong links with its community. Nominations close on Sunday, October 11. The awards are supported by Valero, Pure West Radio and Folly Farm. Residents can submit nominations through the Pembrokeshire County Council website.
Haverfordwest youngsters celebrate narrow Dewar Shield victory YOUNG rugby players from Haverfordwest RFC have been congratulated after taking part in a winning start to the Dewar Shield campaign. The under-16 boys were involved in a 15–14 victory over Swansea West in the opening round, with just one point separating the sides at the final whistle. A social media post celebrating their involvement praised the boys for a “great performance” and congratulated them on the result. The accompanying photograph shows six young players together under the floodlights following the occasion. The narrow victory provides a positive start to their Dewar Shield campaign and a proud moment for those supporting the Haverfordwest youngsters.
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Bluebirds dig deep to halt Nomads’ winning run with battling draw