The Pembrokeshire Herald 26/06/2026

Fresh concern after new animal shootings in Milford Haven RSPCA

says police are also investigating after further reports in same town

FRESH concerns have been raised in Milford Haven following reports of new animal shootings in the town.

The RSPCA has confirmed it is aware of further incidents and said Dyfed-Powys Police are also believed to be involved.

An RSPCA spokesperson said: “This is concerning and our hearts go out to anyone who has been affected by these incidents.

“Anyone with any information is asked to contact the RSPCA appeals line number on 0300 123 8018 and refer to incident number 01751732 or please contact the police who are also investigating.”

The latest reports follow earlier incidents in the Hakin area, where cats and wildlife were targeted with an air gun.

Earlier this month, the RSPCA issued an appeal after a cat died after being shot for a second time. A pigeon was also put to sleep after being found with an airgun pellet injury, while several cats had previously been shot in the area.

The charity said anyone caught deliberately using an air gun to injure an animal can face up to five years in prison and an unlimited fine under the Animal Welfare Act.

Deliberately injuring or killing wild birds is also a criminal offence under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981.

The RSPCA added that cats and wildlife are particularly vulnerable because they are often outside with nobody to protect them.

Anyone with information should contact the RSPCA appeals line on 0300 123 8018, quoting incident number 01751732, or contact DyfedPowys Police. Tom Sinclair editor@herald.email

Police confirm arrest following sexual assult allegation

A MOTHER of a pupil at Ysgol Harri Tudor has contacted The Herald claiming her child was sexually assaulted at the school in May.

Dyfed-Powys Police, responding to Herald questions about an alleged incident at the school, confirmed that a report of sexual assault was made on May 12, 2026.

A 61-year-old man was arrested and

has been released on conditional bail while an investigation is carried out.

The force said it was not confirming the identity of anyone involved in the allegation.

The Herald understands that police have interviewed the pupil as part of the investigation.

Pembrokeshire County Council has been contacted for comment.

Ice cream helps keep refinery working

GELATIERE Martin McGeown has been doing his bit to keep workers cool and hydrated during the heatwave, serving ice creams

and cold drinks to staff at one of Europe’s largest refineries.

With temperatures soaring across Pembrokeshire, workers queued in

the sunshine for a welcome break from the heat.

A small but important service — and a very popular one.

Spittal man to stand trial accused of ABH

A SPITTAL man is to stand trial accused of assaulting a man and causing actual bodily harm.

Robert Hedley, 41, of Wesley Way, Spittal, Haverfordwest, is charged with assaulting Liam Morley-Trivett at St Clears on August 30, 2025.

The case was before Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on Thursday (Jun 18).

Hedley was granted unconditional bail and is due to stand trial at the same court on Monday, June 29.

The trial is listed for 10:00am and has been given a time estimate of twenty minutes.

Father stole groceries amid cost-of-living struggle

A HAVERFORDWEST man who stole more than £90 worth of groceries from Iceland has been sentenced after a court heard he was struggling to support his family during the costof-living crisis.

Michael Tomlin, 41, of Coronation Avenue, Haverfordwest, entered the town’s Iceland store on March 21 and removed a number of items from the shelves before leaving without paying.

Staff witnessed the incident and CCTV footage later showed Tomlin exiting the store without making any attempt to pay for the goods. The total value of the stolen items was £93.62.

Tomlin appeared before Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court this week, where he pleaded guilty to theft.

Representing him in court, solicitor Alaw Harries said Tomlin and his wife had been experiencing significant financial difficulties while trying to provide for their two young children.

“At the time, he and his wife were struggling financially while trying to support their two young children,” she said.

“But the weekly food shop has become more difficult. When he entered the store, he fully intended to pay for the items, but it was a foolish, split-second decision that he made to steal.”

The court heard that Tomlin made a full admission when interviewed by police. Magistrates fined him £80 and ordered him to pay £93.62 compensation to Iceland. He was also ordered to pay £85 court costs and a £32 victim surcharge.

Police watchdog referral made after fatal A4075 crash

A VOLUNTARY referral was made to the Independent Office for Police Conduct following the fatal A4075 crash which claimed the life of 22-year-old Callum Hanson.

Dyfed-Powys Police has confirmed the referral was made because a police vehicle was in the vicinity of the collision, which happened between Canaston Bridge and Yerbeston on Wednesday (Jun 17).

The force said the referral was made to ensure full transparency and independent oversight.

However, police have stressed that there is no suggestion of an active pursuit or any contact between the police vehicle and the motorcycle at the time of the incident.

The IOPC has now referred the matter back to Dyfed-Powys Police for an internal investigation by the force’s Professional Standards Department.

A Dyfed-Powys Police spokesperson said: “A voluntary referral was made to the Independent Office for Police Conduct in relation to this case, due to the presence of a police vehicle in the vicinity.

“This was to ensure full transparency and is a standard requirement in order to ensure independent oversight.

“There is no suggestion of an active pursuit or any contact between the motorbike and the police vehicle at the time of the incident.

“Due to this, the IOPC have referred the matter back to Dyfed-Powys Police for an internal investigation by the

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Professional Standards Department.

“While PSD carry out their enquiries it would not be appropriate to comment on the matter further.

“The thoughts of Dyfed-Powys Police remain with Callum’s family and friends at this time, and we would still ask that anyone with information about the incident contacts the force.”

Callum, from Haverfordwest, died in hospital following the collision involving a grey Kia Sorento and a white Yamaha motorcycle. A 22-yearold woman who was travelling as a pillion passenger was also taken to hospital.

His family later paid tribute to him as a “kind, loving” young man who lived life to the fullest despite his own personal challenges.

They said he was deeply caring and had spent the last month looking after his grandad, who had also recently passed away.

Callum had a passion for gaming and motorbikes and was training to become a mechanic at college.

Police are continuing to appeal for witnesses or anyone with dashcam footage from the A4075 between Canaston Bridge and Yerbeston at around 6:15pm on Wednesday (Jun 17).

Anyone with information is asked to contact Dyfed-Powys Police online,

Tributes paid to Callum Hanson

Callum died in hospital on

Wednesday (Jun 17) following the

His family described him as a kind and caring young man who lived life to the fullest despite personal challenges. They said he had spent the last month devoted to caring for his grandfather, who had also recently passed away.

A keen gamer and motorbike enthusiast, Callum was training to become a mechanic at college and had his whole future ahead of him.

He is survived by his mum Joanne, dad Carl, sister Kacey, nan Heather, girlfriend Emily, and a wide circle of family and friends.

Dyfed-Powys Police are continuing to appeal for witnesses who were travelling on the A4075 between Canaston Bridge and Yerbeston at around 6:15pm on Wednesday (Jun 17).

Our thoughts are with Callum’s family and loved ones at this difficult time.

Senedd backs call to rule out hospital downgrades

Reform UK amendment passes as West Wales hospital fears remain central political issue

THE SENEDD has backed a call for the Welsh Government to rule out hospital closures and service downgrades during the current Senedd term, following a heated debate over the future of the NHS in Wales.

The motion was originally tabled by the Welsh Conservatives and called on ministers to rule out “any hospital closures and downgrading of hospital services for the duration of the Seventh Senedd.”

The original wording was defeated, but a revised version was later passed after Labour added wording that any decisions must prioritise patient safety.

The final motion agreed by MSs called on the Welsh Government to rule out hospital closures and downgrading of hospital services “with all decisions prioritising patient safety.”

Reform UK also played a significant role in the debate. James Evans MS moved an amendment, tabled in the name of Llŷr Powell, calling on the Welsh Government to set out how much it intends to spend tackling the NHS maintenance backlog to prevent reductions in service delivery.

The amendment was passed by 44 votes to 42 and became part of the final agreed motion, making it one of Reform’s first significant interventions on NHS policy since the Senedd election.

WITHYbUSH CONCERNS

The debate comes amid continuing concern in Pembrokeshire over the future of services at Withybush Hospital.

has “given the green light” to hospital closures is a political interpretation of the vote rather than a decision to close any specific hospital.

Following the debate, Mr Davies said, “Communities across west Wales are deeply concerned about the future of their local hospital services and they want the Welsh Government to intervene and stop the local Health Board from centralising their services further afield –especially when the party of government campaigned against the Health Board’s proposals during the Senedd elections.

“Patients living in Pembrokeshire and Ceredigion deserve safe, accessible healthcare closer to their homes – they should not have to travel further afield for vital services.”

Earlier this year, Hywel Dda University Health Board approved changes to emergency general surgery, meaning patients at Withybush who need emergency operations would be transferred to Glangwili Hospital in Carmarthen.

The health board has said Withybush will retain same-day emergency surgical care, but campaigners and local politicians have described the change as a serious downgrade.

During the Senedd debate, Preseli Pembrokeshire MS Paul Davies said the removal of emergency general surgery from Withybush was not a minor change, but a fundamental alteration to hospital services in west Wales.

He called on the Welsh Government to intervene and warned that communities in Pembrokeshire had already seen services centralised away from Withybush over many years.

POLITICAL ROW

The Welsh Conservatives accused Plaid Cymru ministers of failing to give patients certainty over the future of local hospitals.

Natasha Asghar MS, Welsh Conservative Shadow Cabinet Secretary for Health and Social Care, said: “It’s deeply worrying that Plaid Cymru failed to support our commitment to no hospital closures and no downgrading of services during this Senedd term.

“Patients deserve certainty that vital services will remain open and close to home when they need them most.”

Plaid Cymru has rejected the Conservative attack, arguing that NHS service decisions must be clinically led and based on patient safety.

Plaid MS Anna Nicholl also told the Senedd that protecting services at hospitals including Withybush and Bronglais was a priority.

The Conservative claim that Plaid

“We know that previous Welsh governments stood back and did nothing, and I hope this new Welsh Government doesn’t choose to go down the same route. We need urgent intervention from the Welsh Government to safeguard services and ensure they stay put at Withybush and Bronglais hospitals.”

What the debate does show is a clear divide over how far Welsh ministers should go in ruling out future service changes.

WEST WALES bATTLEGROUND

The issue is especially sensitive in west Wales, where the future of hospital services was one of the defining issues of the Senedd election campaign.

Concerns over Withybush, Bronglais and the distance rural patients must travel for emergency care helped shape the political mood in Ceredigion Penfro, where former First Minister Eluned Morgan lost her seat before resigning as Welsh Labour leader.

For communities in Pembrokeshire, the issue is not abstract. Withybush Hospital has been the subject of repeated campaigns over maternity, paediatrics, emergency surgery and other services, with many residents fearing that gradual centralisation is making healthcare less accessible in one of Wales’ most rural counties.

The Welsh Government and Hywel Dda have consistently argued that services must be safe, sustainable and clinically viable.

But campaigners say that in rural areas, distance itself is a safety issue, particularly when patients face long journeys to Carmarthen or beyond in an emergency.

The final Senedd vote means MSs have now formally backed a call to rule out hospital closures and downgrades, but with an important patient safety caveat. For Withybush, the practical question remains whether that political vote will have any impact on decisions already made by Hywel Dda, or on future plans for hospital services in west Wales.

Nursing leaders demand urgent action to end corridor care

RCN Wales joins doctors, patient groups and charities in call for national reporting before summer recess

NURSING leaders, doctors, patient groups and charities have called on the Welsh Government to take urgent action to end corridor care in Welsh hospitals.

A joint letter signed by Age Cymru, BMA Cymru Wales, Carers Wales, Llais, Marie Curie Cymru, Royal College of Nursing Wales, Royal College of Emergency Medicine Wales, Royal College of Pharmacy and Royal College of Physicians sets out a series of steps ministers are being urged to take immediately.

The organisations want the Welsh Government to publish a formal definition of corridor care, introduce national reporting, monitor the issue as a patient safety indicator, and require health boards to produce local plans focused on the most vulnerable patients.

They have also called for a coordinated approach across health and social care, warning that the problem cannot be tackled properly unless it is measured consistently across Wales.

The groups want a public commitment from the Welsh Government before the Senedd’s final sitting day before the summer recess on July 17.

‘UNSAFE AND UNACCEPTAbLE’

Corridor care refers to patients being assessed, treated or cared for in inappropriate areas such as corridors, waiting rooms, ambulance bays or other spaces not designed for clinical care.

Health bodies have repeatedly warned that the practice can put patients at risk, reduce privacy and dignity, and leave staff unable to provide the level of care they know patients need.

RCN Wales Executive Director Nicola Williams said corridor care was still happening every day across most hospitals in Wales.

She said: “Earlier this month, we welcomed the Cabinet Minister for Health and Care’s determination to address corridor care following England’s first publication of corridor care statistics.

“I have also been encouraged by the verbal commitments I have received from Welsh Government officials that echo our priorities of a clear, consistent definition of corridor care across Wales, and the development of a data set for use across NHS Wales for public reporting.

“Corridor care continues to happen every day across most hospitals in Wales, putting patients’ wellbeing and lives at risk and affecting the morale of

to leave hospital can be discharged safely.

departments and ambulance services are already under pressure.

nursing staff who cannot give the care that patients deserve.

“We must be able to quantify this problem if we are to eliminate it.”

Ms Williams added that the RCN must be involved in efforts to eradicate corridor care because nurses are “at the forefront of this crisis and a vital part of the solution.”

WALES bEHIND ENGLAND

The call comes after NHS England began publishing national corridor care data, giving a clearer picture of how often patients are being treated in inappropriate settings.

In Wales, there is still no formal national definition of corridor care and no routine public reporting.

RCN Wales has argued that without consistent data by health board, it is impossible to know the true scale of the problem, identify trends or hold the system properly accountable.

The issue has been raised repeatedly by nursing and medical bodies in recent months. In January, RCN Wales published a briefing calling for care delivered to a patient in a chair for more than 24 hours to be treated as a “never event.”

The RCN and BMA Cymru Wales have also called for reductions in hospital beds to be paused, for capacity to be reviewed nationally, and for greater investment in community and social care so patients who are medically fit

Healthcare Inspectorate Wales has also warned that corridor care should not become normalised, saying care in non-clinical spaces can compromise patient safety, dignity and the quality of care.

WEST WALES CONCERNS

The issue is particularly relevant in west Wales, where hospital capacity, ambulance handover delays and the future of local services remain politically sensitive.

Hywel Dda University Health Board has faced repeated criticism over pressures at Withybush, Glangwili, Bronglais and Prince Philip hospitals, with patients in rural areas often facing long journeys for emergency treatment.

The call from nursing and medical bodies comes days after the Senedd backed a motion calling on the Welsh Government to rule out hospital closures and service downgrades during the current Senedd term, with patient safety prioritised.

That debate was dominated by concerns over Withybush Hospital, where changes to emergency general surgery mean some patients who need emergency operations will be transferred to Glangwili Hospital in Carmarthen.

Campaigners argue that distance is itself a patient safety issue in rural Wales, particularly when emergency

WIDER NHS PRESSURE

Corridor care is widely seen as a symptom of wider problems across the NHS, including delayed discharges, lack of social care capacity, pressure on emergency departments, workforce shortages and too few available beds.

Doctors and nurses say patients can end up stuck in emergency departments because hospital wards are full, while patients on wards cannot leave because care packages or community support are not available.

The result is a system where pressure builds at the hospital front door, leading to long waits, ambulance queues and patients being cared for in unsuitable spaces.

The Welsh Government has previously said it recognises the seriousness of the issue and is committed to improving urgent and emergency care.

But professional bodies say recognition is no longer enough and that Wales now needs clear national data, local health board plans and public accountability.

The joint letter places fresh pressure on ministers to act before the Senedd breaks for summer.

For patients and staff, the message from Wales’ leading health organisations is blunt: corridor care cannot be ended until Wales properly defines it, measures it and treats it as a major patient safety issue.

Grandmother banned after cocaine drug-drive offence

A GRANDMOTHER has been banned from the roads after being caught behind the wheel with 800 mcg of a cocaine metabolite in her system.

Eleri Phillips, 57, was stopped by police in the early hours of December 18 as she drove her Audi Q5 along Derwent Avenue, Steynton.

A roadside drugs swipe proved positive, and further blood tests carried out at the police station showed she had 45 mcg of cocaine in her system and 800 mcg of benzoylecgonine, a cocaine metabolite.

The legal limits are 10 mcg and 50

mcg respectively.

Phillips, of Brook Close, Steynton, Milford Haven, pleaded guilty to two drug-driving charges when she appeared before Haverfordwest magistrates. She was legally represented by solicitor Michael Kelleher.

“She is absolutely ashamed of what has happened,” Mr Kelleher told the court.

“She had been out with friends that evening and someone offered her cocaine. Very foolishly, she took it.

“As a result, she is now going to be disqualified from driving, which is

going to cause problems not only for her but for her family, as she regularly helps look after her grandchildren with general pick-ups from school.”

Phillips was disqualified from driving for 12 months and fined £120. She must also pay £85 court costs and a £48 surcharge.

Father and son lifeboat volunteers answer emergency call

FATHER’S DAY celebrations were interrupted for several Tenby RNLI crew members on Sunday afternoon (Jun 21) after a fivemetre RIb suffered engine failure off broadhaven South and began drifting dangerously towards rocks.

The casualty vessel issued a Pan Pan call, prompting a Coastguard tasking to Tenby Lifeboats.

Among those responding were Coxswain Gary and his son Eddie, who still managed to spend part of Father’s Day together — although not quite in the way they may have planned.

The lifeboat was quickly launched and made best speed to the reported

Tom

Sinclair

editor@herald.email

position, around nine miles west of Tenby Lifeboat Station.

When the crew arrived on scene, the engine of the casualty vessel had been restarted. However, with those on board concerned it could fail again, the Coxswain decided to escort the RIB back towards the entrance of the Milford Haven Waterway.

Once at the mouth of the waterway, the occupants were confident they could safely continue to their mooring without further assistance.

The lifeboat was then stood down and returned to station, arriving back at 5:50pm.

Bomb hoax allegation lands Carmarthenshire man before court

A CARMARTHENSHIRE man has appeared before magistrates accused of making a bomb hoax and assaulting police officers.

Anthony Mold, 38, of Sandy Road, Llanelli, appeared before Llanelli Magistrates’ Court on Thursday (Jun 18).

Mold is charged with communicating false information by alleging that a bomb or other explosive substance was present at Dafen Police Station. The allegation relates to an incident on May 6 this year.

The defendant also faces charges of assaulting two police officers, damaging a police vehicle, and breaching a Community Protection Notice.

Court records show the damage charge relates to a Dyfed-Powys Police vehicle.

Mold entered guilty pleas to the offences before the court.

District Judge M Layton remanded him in custody for the preparation of reports ahead of sentencing.

The case was adjourned until Thursday, July 2, when Mold is due to be sentenced at Llanelli Magistrates’ Court.

Coastguard callout payments axe sparks fears

VOLUNTEER coastguards across the UK are set to lose callout payments, prompting concern over the future resilience of emergency cover in coastal areas such as Pembrokeshire and Ceredigion.

The Maritime and Coastguard Agency is ending payments of about £11 an hour for Coastguard Rescue Officers attending emergency incidents, following a Court of Appeal ruling that paid callouts meant volunteers could be classed as “workers”.

The decision affects around 3,000 volunteer coastguards who form the backbone of the Coastguard Rescue Service, responding to cliff rescues, mud rescues, missing person searches, water incidents and other emergencies around the UK coastline.

In Pembrokeshire, where communities from St Dogmaels to Tenby, Angle, Dale, Milford Haven, Fishguard and St Davids depend heavily on rapid coastal response, the move is likely to cause serious concern.

Coastguard Rescue Officers are

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volunteers, but until now have been able to claim modest payments when called away from work, family life or rest periods to attend incidents.

The MCA says the change is needed to protect the volunteer model, while unions and campaigners argue that removing payments could damage recruitment, retention and availability.

GMB Union has described the move as “reprehensible”, saying coastguard officers are often called out in dangerous conditions and at unsociable hours to protect the public.

A parliamentary petition has also called for legislation allowing emergency volunteers to be remunerated without losing volunteer status.

The issue is due to be debated at Westminster on Tuesday (Jun 30), with coastal MPs expected to raise concerns about the possible impact on public safety.

For Pembrokeshire, the debate

is particularly relevant. The county has one of the most heavily used coastlines in Wales, with busy beaches, dangerous cliffs, strong tides, mud flats, harbours, marinas and large numbers of visitors during the summer months.

HM Coastguard says the service will continue to provide a robust search and rescue response and that volunteers will still be able to claim expenses.

But critics say the removal of callout payments risks making it harder for ordinary working people to remain in the service, particularly those who lose income when leaving their jobs to attend emergencies.

The Herald understands that concern is growing nationally that the decision could narrow the pool of volunteers able to serve, making the service less

representative of the communities it protects.

A spokesperson for the MCA said the agency “deeply values” coastguard volunteers and recognises the significant service they provide. They added that HM Coastguard would support volunteers during the transition and continue to maintain an effective search and rescue response around the UK coastline.

However, campaigners say the question remains simple: if coastal communities rely on these volunteers to save lives, should they be expected to do so entirely unpaid?

With the summer season now underway, the decision is likely to be watched closely in coastal counties such as Pembrokeshire, where the coastguard is not a distant national service, but a vital part of daily life.

Dock woman given mental health treatment order after supermarket thefts

A PEMbROKE DOCK woman has been placed on a mental health treatment requirement after repeatedly stealing meat, cheese and other grocery items from local supermarkets.

Lisa Stewart, 45, admitted three theft offences when she appeared before Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court this week.

The first offence took place on March 11, when Stewart stole Vanish, Lenor and three packs of Persil capsules from Home Bargains in Pembroke Dock, with a total value of £58.41.

The following month, she stole four small beef joints, four steaks and three blocks of cheese from Asda in Pembroke Dock, worth £55.68.

Seven days later, she stole four legs of lamb from Farmfoods in Pembroke Dock, valued at £99.96.

Stewart, of Truscott House, London Road, Pembroke Dock, also pleaded guilty to failing to surrender to police bail on or around May 26.

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

She was represented in court by solicitor Alaw Harries, who told magistrates the thefts involved items of relatively low value and were not the result of “sophisticated offending”.

“The defendant has had an exceptionally difficult time, as last year she lost her partner to cancer and has struggled profoundly to process that grief,” said Ms Harries.

“Instead, she has attempted to cope by taking more of her prescribed medication than she should. And this is what has led her to be here today.”

Ms Harries said Stewart is now motivated to address her issues.

Magistrates sentenced Stewart to an 18-month community order.

She must complete 15 rehabilitation activity requirement days, a 12-month mental health treatment requirement and a 12-month drug rehabilitation requirement.

The order will include monthly reviews in court.

Stewart must also pay £214.05 compensation to the supermarkets, together with a £114 surcharge and £85 costs.

Cabinet standing by original decision of crematorium services

A CALL to look at alternative ways of delivering Pembrokeshire’s crematorium services, which included the potential option of them being privately run, will not be preceded with following a decision by senior councillors.

At a special meeting of Pembrokeshire County Council’s Cabinet on June 22, members considered a May Cabinet decision on crematorium services in the county.

A report for members presented by Cabinet Member for Residents’ Services Cllr Rhys Sinnett said, at the March meeting of the council’s Services Overview and Scrutiny Committee, it was resolved to recommend that Cabinet undertake a review of fees and charges at Parc Gwyn Crematorium, with particular regard to the cost of direct cremation, and that Cabinet commission a comprehensive review of the crematorium’s future operational model, with the findings to be reported to the committee for consideration and scrutiny prior to any final Cabinet decision.

At the May meeting of Cabinet, members agreed to review fees and charges at Parc Gwyn along with a review of service delivery, efficiency and value for money, excluding alternative operating models, the report says.

An extraordinary meeting of Services Overview and Scrutiny Committee was held in response to a call-in from 11 councillors, all member of the council’s Conservative group, saying the Cabinet report materially altered the original scrutiny recommendation, the decision was not supported by sufficient evidence or benchmarking, financial considerations relating to “surplus”

and “profit” were improperly weighted, alternative operational models were prematurely excluded, and that further scrutiny is required.

That committee agreed the matter be referred back to Cabinet for reconsideration.

The report for Cabinet members said: “Members who requested the call-in were dissatisfied with the way the issue was presented to Cabinet in regards to the second recommendation, which although was presented in full in the Cabinet paper, the officer recommendation removed the element relating to the review of the operating model.

“Members queried if Cabinet were

given a fair opportunity to consider the merits of a full operational review. It was suggested that the officer report led Cabinet towards their conclusion by recommending against the operating model review.

“Whilst referral was made to the callin not being in relation to privatisation, members in the previous services overview and scrutiny committee meeting had discussed this as a potential future option which resulted in the recommendation to review the operating model.”

The report says there “are wellestablished and unavoidable cost factors associated with any change in delivery model,” adding: “Should Cabinet now agree to include this aspect of the recommendation, Members should be aware that this will require the

commissioning of an external consultant to carry out the review, expected to cost an estimated £30,000, financed from existing crematorium reserves.”

At the meeting, Cllr Sinnett said initial benchmarking of 18 of Wales’ 22 local authorities showed Pembrokeshire had the third lowest costs, with a full report expected for scrutiny in early 2027 followed by a Cabinet report expected next March.

Moving the original Cabinet decision be backed, he said he did not feel an alternate operating model would bring material benefits and would consume officer time, adding that any changes would also involve Carmarthenshire County council as a stakeholder in the crematorium.

Members unanimously backed the original decision.

Milford man threatened to smash parents’ windows, court hears

A MILFORD HAVEN man who repeatedly asked his parents for alcohol and money has admitted threatening to damage their home.

Christopher Sizer, 38, threatened to smash windows and kick in doors at his parents’ property in Shakespeare Avenue, Milford Haven, on March 3. Haverfordwest magistrates heard there had been long-standing issues between Sizer and his parents.

“There have been long-standing issues between the defendant and his parents, and he’s constantly asking them for money,” said Crown Prosecutor Sian Vaughan.

“If they don’t give it, then he makes threats. But this is impacting them significantly. It just can’t go on.”Ms Vaughan said Sizer had arrived at the property initially asking for alcohol.

“He had friends with him and then asked them for pizza, but this was a drain on their finances,” she said.

“It was at this point that he threatened to damage their property with a hammer that was readily available, and naturally

they were concerned about that.”

The court was told Sizer’s mother had provided a victim impact statement, saying she and her husband could no longer cope with his behaviour.

“If we don’t give him what he wants, he threatens to kill himself, and if we have a night away he’ll phone me constantly, asking for money,” she said.

“My husband has had to get a night job to get extra money and we’ve also had to take out a loan. We can’t cope with his behaviour any more.”

Sizer, of Precelly Place, Milford Haven, pleaded guilty to making threats to damage or destroy property.

Magistrates requested a pre-sentence report from the probation service before sentencing and adjourned the case until July 14.

Sizer was released on conditional bail. He must not enter his parents’ property in Shakespeare Avenue, must not enter the Ty Hotel in Milford Haven, and must not contact his parents by any means, either directly or indirectly.

Wales inactivity rate rises as opposition warns economy is ‘flatlining’

ALMOST one in four working-age people in Wales are economically inactive, according to the latest labour market figures.

The Welsh Government’s June labour market overview shows the economic inactivity rate in Wales was 24.8% for people aged 16 to 64.

That is down 0.6 percentage points on the previous quarter, but up 0.6 percentage points over the year. The UK rate stood at 21.0%.

Economic inactivity refers to people who are not in work and are not classed as unemployed because they are not actively seeking work or are not available to start.

The figures have prompted criticism from the Welsh Conservatives, who said Wales’ economy was failing to grow strongly enough.

Janet Finch-Saunders MS, Shadow Minister for Enterprise, Connectivity and Energy, said: “These latest figures show the Welsh economy has continued to flatline with too many people economically inactive.

“We urgently need welfare reform to get people off benefits and into work, where they can pay their taxes and help generate more revenue to invest in better public services.

year. The UK unemployment rate was 4.9%.

“The new Plaid Cymru government needs to focus relentlessly on creating the conditions for businesses to start up and expand because this is the only way to grow the Welsh economy and make Wales more prosperous.”

The latest statistics also show Wales’ unemployment rate was 3.8%, up 0.3 percentage points on the quarter but down 0.9 percentage points over the

The Welsh Government said evidence from a range of sources suggested the Welsh labour market was following a similar trend to the UK as a whole. It also said Cabinet Minister for Enterprise, Connectivity and Energy

Adam Price was keen to meet the Office for National Statistics to discuss the reliability of labour market data for Wales.

The issue is likely to remain

politically significant because economic inactivity affects the size of the workforce, business recruitment, tax receipts and pressure on public services.

Across Wales, inactivity can include people out of work because of longterm illness, caring responsibilities, study, early retirement or other reasons. For rural and coastal areas, including Pembrokeshire, the challenge is often linked to the availability of suitable jobs, transport, skills and seasonal work.

Hakin man stole Tesco goods to fund drink and gambling addictions

A 35-YEAR-OLD man stole almost £800 worth of goods from Tesco Extra in Haverfordwest to fund his alcohol and gambling addictions, a court has heard.

Five thefts from same store Luke Brunton, 35, visited the store on five separate occasions between February and May 2025, taking items including pillows, duvets, Lego sets, Pokémon cards, alcohol, crisps and a saucepan set.

The first theft took place on February 27, when Brunton stole four packs of pillows, a double duvet, a cool pillow, a cuddle cushion, a Batman Lego set and a BMW Lego set, worth £167.50.

On March 1 he returned and stole Pokémon cards valued at £144. Three days later, he stole Baileys, vodka, Jack Daniel’s, three pillows, crisps and a saucepan set, worth £192.69.

The final offence took place on May 21, when Brunton again stole alcohol, pillows and toilet roll. The value of those items was not given to the court.

Addictions reduced Brunton, of St Lawrence Close, Hakin, Milford Haven, appeared before Haverfordwest magistrates this week, where he pleaded guilty to five charges of theft.

The court was told the offences also breached a conditional discharge imposed by Kent Court for previous theft matters.

His solicitor, Michael Kelleher, said: “At the time, he was drinking to excess and was also gambling to excess.

“The shoplifts funded those habits, both of which were addictions.”

Mr Kelleher said Brunton’s drinking and gambling had significantly reduced since the offending.

Brunton was sentenced to a 24-month community order. He must complete 15 rehabilitation activity requirement days and 66 hours of unpaid work. He must also pay £761.79 compensation to Tesco, a £114 surcharge and £85 costs.

Woman sentenced over neglect of child at Haverfordwest property

A 40-YEAR-OLD Pembrokeshire woman has been sentenced after admitting assaulting, ill-treating, neglecting and abandoning a child in a manner likely to cause unnecessary suffering.

The woman, who cannot be named for legal reasons, appeared before Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court this week.

Crown Prosecutor Sian Vaughan told the court that at around 11:00pm on July 28, 2025, police officers on duty in Haverfordwest town centre saw the defendant attempting to make her way along the road.

“She was clearly under the influence of drink and drugs,” Ms Vaughan said.

Officers escorted the woman back to her property, where she struggled to find her keys.

“At this point, she stated there was a child, aged between eleven and twelve,

inside the property who had been there for around two hours, between 9:00pm and 11:00pm,” said Ms Vaughan.

The defendant pleaded guilty to assaulting, ill-treating, neglecting and abandoning the child.

She was represented by solicitor Jess Hill, who told the court the woman had begun using alcohol as a coping mechanism to deal with childhood trauma.

“But since then she has significantly reduced her alcohol intake and now wants to engage with the Dyfed Drug and Alcohol Service to help her further,” said Ms Hill.

After considering a detailed probation report, magistrates fined the defendant £80 and ordered her to pay a £32 surcharge.

No prosecution costs were awarded due to the length of time it had taken for the case to be brought before the court.

Local engineering student wins £5,000 South Hook scholarship

A FORMER Ysgol Penrhyn Dewi pupil has been awarded a £5,000 scholarship by South Hook LNG.

Henry Raymond, who is in the second year of a five-year Chemical and Environmental Engineering degree at the University of Nottingham, is the latest recipient of the company’s annual scholarship award.

South Hook said Henry had shown strong academic performance, a clear work ethic, and a keen interest in the role of engineering within the energy sector.

The scholarship is aimed at supporting local students as they progress in higher education, particularly in engineering, science and business-related subjects.

Applicants are assessed through a written application and an informal interview, with the award forming part of South Hook LNG’s wider commitment to supporting education and young people in the local area.

Henry was invited to South Hook earlier this year, where he was presented with a certificate and the £5,000 award. The funding will help with student costs over the remainder of his studies.

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Hamad Al Samra said: “We are pleased to have once again received applications from so many committed and capable young people.

“The team involved in the selection process at South Hook were particularly impressed by Henry’s dedication and commitment to his chosen subject.

South Hook LNG’s General Manager,

Henry said: “I’m very grateful to South Hook to have received this award. The financial support will make a huge difference to life as a student, and it’s incredible to have this kind of backing from a major player in the energy industry.”

Milford Haven builder banned for second drug-driving offence

A SELF-EMPLOYED builder has been banned from the road after committing his second drug-driving offence in ten years.

Robert Duncan, 44, was stopped by police at around 6:00pm on January 31 as he drove a Ford Focus along Steynton Road, Milford Haven. Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court heard this week that officers had been observing the vehicle before requesting it to stop.

Duncan provided a positive roadside drugs wipe, and later blood tests showed he had 10mcg of Delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol in his system. The legal limit is 2mcg.

Crown Prosecutor Sian Vaughan told magistrates that this was Duncan’s second drug-driving offence within ten years.

Duncan, of Meyler Crescent, Milford Haven, pleaded guilty to drug-driving.

He was represented by solicitor

Michael Kelleher, who said Duncan had believed the drug would have left his system by the time he got behind the wheel.

“He believed the drug would have been out of his system when he was driving, but it can take a considerable length of time to go,” said Mr Kelleher.

“In fact, this is the drug that takes the longest amount of time.”

Mr Kelleher said Duncan worked as a self-employed builder, but was currently unable to work large amounts of time because of family commitments.

Magistrates disqualified Duncan from driving for three years. He was also fined £80 and ordered to pay £85 court costs and a £32 surcharge.

“We are pleased to offer our support and wish him the very best in his future studies.”

South Hook LNG’s Scholarship Programme encourages applications from local students seeking higher education in engineering, science or business-related disciplines.

Details of how to apply for the 2026/27 award will be available on the company’s website during September.

No jumping warning as youths continue to eneter water

THE PORT of Milford Haven has issued a renewed warning after receiving further reports of young people jumping into the water from the Mackerel Stage and surrounding areas.

The marina says the activity is strictly prohibited, with access to the Mackerel Stage for jumping purposes classed as trespassing.

Parents and guardians are being urged to speak to children about the dangers, which include cold water shock, hidden underwater hazards, changing depths, moving vessels and the risk of serious injury from boat propellers.

Marina officials say even strong swimmers can quickly find themselves in difficulty, particularly around working pontoons and busy boating areas.

Boat users are also being asked to remain vigilant when navigating near the Mackerel Stage and to exercise extra caution in case anyone enters

the water unexpectedly. The warning comes as warmer weather attracts more people to the

Warning over ‘deeply concerning’ E.coli levels in local rivers

CONCERNS have been raised in the Senedd over water quality in Ceredigion Penfro, following local

citizen science work which has indicated seriously concerning levels of E. coli in waterways.

Speaking during yesterday’s Reform UK debate on the Welsh Rivers Act, the local Member of the Senedd said river health in the area had been shown to be declining, with sewage discharges contributing to increased phosphate and nitrate levels.

They said water quality was crucial not only for public health, but also for wildlife, the environment and future generations.

The MS warned that the current timetable for changes to national water policy does not reflect the urgency of the situation, and called for Natural Resources Wales and the Welsh Government to take the warning signs seriously.

They added that residents and families across Wales were “rightfully worried” about the condition of rivers and streams.

The debate also saw criticism of other parties, with the MS saying it was disappointing to see the issue

used for political point-scoring rather than focusing on public concern and practical action.

Milford man accused of rape

A MILFORD HAVEN man has appeared before magistrates accused of rape and sexual assault.

James Kershaw, 46, is charged with raping a woman in Milford Haven between February 1, 2013, and March 31, 2014.

He also faces a charge of sexually assaulting a female over the age of 13 by penetration with his finger between December 1 and December 30, 2012.

Kershaw appeared before Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on

Tuesday (Jun 23) by video link and denied both charges.

Due to the seriousness of the allegations, magistrates declined jurisdiction and sent the case to Swansea Crown Court, where Kershaw is due to appear for a pre-trial hearing on July 24.

He was released on conditional bail, with the sole condition that he must not contact the complainant.

Tenby Spectacular row continues as organisers say key question still remains unanswered

Round Table says legal clarity over pedestrian access is still holding up event plan

TENbY ROUND TAbLE has welcomed Pembrokeshire County Council’s statement that it wants the Tenby Summer Spectacular to go ahead, but says one key legal question remains unanswered.

The council said on Wednesday (Jun 24) that it had not requested or directed that the event should be cancelled, and that it wanted to see the Spectacular proceed if safety requirements could be met.

But organisers say they are still waiting for a detailed response from council officers on how pedestrian access to the licensed event area at Tenby Harbour can be lawfully managed.

Tenby Round Table said volunteer members were “working tirelessly” to prepare the information needed to finalise the Event Management Plan.

However, it said the final version could not be completed until the question of lawful pedestrian access had been answered by Pembrokeshire County Council.

In a statement, Tenby Round Table said: “We welcome Cllr Miller’s statement. We obviously share his desire to see these events go ahead, they are important for the community and for the charities that benefit from them.

“We would like to clarify the position of where we are in the process however. Volunteer members of Tenby Round Table are working tirelessly to prepare all the information required to finalise our Event Management Plan.

“The reason we cannot produce the final version of this is the one outstanding question, how pedestrian

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access to the licensed event area will be lawfully managed, which only PCC can answer.

“A detailed response to this, backed up with a legal framework, is what we have been waiting for nine months for from PCC.”

Round Table said its most recent email on the issue was sent on Monday and had not yet been acknowledged or answered.

It said that email was itself chasing a response which had already passed an extended deadline.

The statement added: “This response is the single most important element currently holding up our EMP submission and our ability to confirm the events can proceed.

“We would very much welcome Cllr Miller’s and Cllr Skyrme-Blackhall’s encouragement of the relevant PCC officers to respond by the deadline set, as to date this press release has been our only communication from PCC since our announcement.”

Earlier, Pembrokeshire County Council Deputy Leader Cllr Paul Miller said the authority had supported the Spectacular for nearly 15 years and had not sought its cancellation. He said: “The Spectacular is a muchloved event with significant number of attendees. As a result, we have an important duty to make sure the event can take place safely to address the concerns formally raised by the Responsible Authorities under the Licensing Act, which include the blue light services.

“Tenby Harbour is a working harbour and a key community asset – and just as every year this event needs to be licensed, and the organisers need to provide important information on how they plan to safely manage the event.”

Cllr Miller added: “As a council, we very much want this event to go ahead but we have to make sure the event is safe for the public, with the right safety measures in place.

“Once the organisers provide the required information, the Licensing Sub-Committee, currently scheduled for July, will consider the event application, in exactly the same way they consider the large number of other events which occur across Pembrokeshire each year.”

Local member Cllr Sam SkyrmeBlackhall also said she wanted to see the Spectaculars go ahead. She said: “It is important for locals and visitors alike to celebrate Tenby, have fun and raise money for worthy causes.

“I am really encouraged from meetings that I have had with senior officers that everyone is ready to do all that they can to enable these events to go ahead.”

The future of this year’s Tenby Spectaculars now appears to rest on whether the outstanding legal question over pedestrian access can be resolved in time for organisers to submit their final Event Management Plan ahead of the Licensing SubCommittee hearing expected in July.

Carpenter banned after drug-driving in camper van

A PEMbROKESHIRE carpenter has been banned from driving after being caught behind the wheel of his camper van while five times over the drugdrive limit.

James Toulouse, 35, was stopped by police shortly before midnight on December 20, 2025, as he drove his white Mercedes Vito along Buttermilk Lane in Pembroke.

“There was a strong smell of cannabis coming from the vehicle and the driver, who was James Toulouse, appeared glazed, as his eyes were red and bleary,” Crown Prosecutor Sian Vaughan told Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court.

A roadside drug swipe proved positive. Further tests showed Toulouse had

11mcg of Delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol in his system. The legal limit is 2mcg.

The court heard this was Toulouse’s second drug-driving offence in ten years.

Toulouse, of Clarence Street, Pembroke Dock, pleaded guilty to drugdriving. He was represented by solicitor Michael Kelleher, who said the defendant works as a carpenter.

“Obviously it’s not going to be easy for him to carry on with his work, but he’s fully intending to do so,” he said.

Toulouse was disqualified from driving for 36 months. He was fined £350 and ordered to pay £85 court costs and a £140 surcharge.

Pembrokeshire school wins national climate innovation award

A PEMbROKESHIRE school has been recognised at a prestigious Wales-wide climate awards ceremony after pupils impressed judges with innovative ideas to tackle biodiversity loss and water pollution.

Ysgol Penrhyn Dewi was named the winner of the Protect and Restore Nature category in Keep Wales Tidy’s Climate Challenge Cymru competition, inspired by The Earthshot Prize

The school earned the award for a series of creative environmental solutions, including proposals for solarpowered systems designed to help protect rivers and lakes while improving local biodiversity.

Pupils and staff travelled to Cardiff to receive the award during a special ceremony held on Wednesday (June 17), where they were presented with their trophy by ecologist and nature campaigner Joe Wilkins.

Climate Challenge Cymru invited primary and secondary schools from across Wales to submit short videos showcasing innovative ideas to tackle one of five major environmental challenges, known as the Earthshots. These included creating a waste-free world, improving air quality, tackling climate change, protecting nature and restoring the world’s oceans.

The Pembrokeshire school’s winning entry stood out for its imaginative

sustainable technology.

approach to protecting natural habitats and improving water quality through

Lucy Vaughan, Geography Teacher and Leader of Pupil Voice at Ysgol Penrhyn Dewi, said: “I have been so impressed with all of the amazing entries that have been shared at this prestigious event and am immensely proud of our pupils for winning this challenge.

“The creativity, passion, teamwork and commitment they have shown have been truly inspiring. Their innovative ideas and determination to make a positive difference for the environment give me real hope for the future.”

Keep Wales Tidy Chief Executive Owen Derbyshire praised the standard of entries from schools across Wales.

He said: “It has been a privilege to spend the day at Climate Challenge Cymru, surrounded by the ideas and ambition of young people from right across Wales.

“The projects on display are a testament not only to their creativity but to their resolve to make a real difference in Wales and beyond. Seeing the next generation lead with such confidence gives me every reason to be optimistic about what lies ahead.”

The competition is organised by Keep Wales Tidy’s Eco-Schools team in partnership with the Welsh Government and is inspired by The Earthshot Prize, the international environmental initiative launched by Prince William to encourage practical solutions to the world’s biggest environmental challenges.

The success of Ysgol Penrhyn Dewi highlights the growing role Pembrokeshire’s young people are playing in developing innovative ideas to tackle environmental issues, particularly those affecting the county’s rivers, coastline and wildlife.

Police appeal after reported rape

POLICE are appealing for witnesses after an allegation of rape at a Young Farmers Club rally in builth Wells.

Dyfed-Powys Police said the incident was reported to have taken place at Wernhalog Farm on Saturday, June 13.

Officers said it happened in the portaloo area sometime between 11:00pm and 11:45pm.

Anyone who witnessed anything, or who has information which could help

the investigation, is asked to contact police.

Reports can be made online through the Dyfed-Powys Police website, by emailing 101@dyfed-powys.police.uk, or by calling 101.

Information can also be given anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or through the Crimestoppers website.

Quote reference: 26*472649.

Heroes used hammers to free passengers after X11 bus overturned near Kidwelly

NINETEEN people were injured after a bus overturned near Kidwelly, sparking a major emergency response and leaving witnesses describing the scene as “like a warzone”.

The X11 service crashed on the A484 near the Parc y Bocs roundabout at around 12:20pm on Tuesday (Jun 23). Six people were taken to hospital and 13 others were treated and discharged at the scene. Dyfed-Powys Police said none of the injuries were believed to be life-threatening.

A major incident was declared, with police, fire crews, ambulance teams and two Wales Air Ambulance helicopters sent to the scene. The incident was later stood down at around 5:30pm

Among the first to help were Martyn Pope, from Ferryside, and Dean Hollands, from Mynydd y Garreg, who were travelling behind the bus in a van.

The pair, who work at Bryn Illtud and Erw Hir care homes, grabbed hammers from their vehicle and rushed into the field to help trapped passengers.

Mr Pope said: “As we came around the corner the coach was in the field.

“We’ve got tools in the back of the van so we grabbed a couple of hammers and dashed down onto the field.

“People were crying and screaming.”

Mr Hollands said adrenaline took over as they began breaking through the bus to reach those inside.

He said one woman was lying on broken glass because the vehicle had come to rest on its side.

“Martyn went to the front, I went to the back, pulled one old lady out and an old chap. Then me and Martyn took the doors out,” he said.

They also helped a man with a baby and a dog escape from the bus.

Inside the vehicle, food shopping, debris and disabled walkers were scattered across the smashed windows, making the rescue even more difficult.

Mr Pope said passengers had suffered cuts, head injuries, dislocations and broken bones, while many were badly shaken.

The men later discovered that one of the elderly women they helped was the mother of a colleague from the care home. She had suffered broken ribs and a broken hip.

A rest centre was set up at the John Burns Centre, where welfare arrangements were made for those involved.

Hywel Dda University Health Board warned at the time that A&E waiting times were likely to be longer as hospitals dealt with those most in need.

One passenger, 17-year-old Connor Morgan Smith, had been travelling to Swansea to meet friends.

His mother, Sally-Ann Morgan Smith, said she received a call from him at

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1:50pm.

She said: “From what he told me, a car overtook a bike and the bus braked hard. The bus was juddering and then it hit the verge and went over.”

She described the journey to reach her son as “the longest journey ever”.

“He might be 17, but he’s still my baby,” she said.

Connor was taken to Glangwili Hospital after his pulse became very high. He was later said to be shaken but recovering, with a bad knee, a bad arm and aches across his body.

His mother said she was “100% proud” of him after he activated the emergency exit shortly after the crash.

Local farmer Jacko Thomas, who rents the field where the bus overturned, said he had been due to mow there that day.

He helped move injured passengers away from the scene using his pickup and John Deere farm buggy.

He said: “The bus was on its side and bodies were everywhere. I was gobsmacked. Honest to God, I was just going to go mow that field.”

Mr Thomas said he had long feared a serious crash on that stretch of road.

“The roads aren’t fit for purpose,” he said.

“They’re not wide enough for buses or lorries.”

Dyfed-Powys Police are continuing to investigate the circumstances of the crash.

Argument outside Tenby hotel ends in conditional discharge

A MARRIED woman who threw her shoes and a flower pot at her husband during an argument outside a Tenby hotel has been given a conditional discharge.

Haverfordwest magistrates heard that Kerry Mayne, 35, had been out for a meal with family friends on May 9 and had drunk wine before meeting her husband, Ryan Mayne, outside the Tenby House Hotel.

Her solicitor, Aled Owen, said Mr Mayne had also been drinking after a night out in Saundersfoot.

Mr Owen told the court that Mr Mayne runs a security firm involved in training door staff and recognised two men working on the door at the premises.

“He recognised two men who were on duty at the pub as people he had trained,” said Mr Owen.

“This was when he grabbed the defendant from behind and told them to take her out because she was too drunk.

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

“Maybe this was his way of showing off to his past pupils who were at the door.” Prosecutor Sian Vaughan said Mayne then “saw red”.

“She took offence at what he’d done and took her shoes off to throw them at her husband, but fortunately they did not make contact,” she said.

“She then reached up to a pot of flowers that had been placed on the windowsill and threw them at Ryan Mayne.”

Mayne, of Trem y Coleg, Carmarthen, pleaded guilty to assault by beating and causing £35 worth of criminal damage to a plant pot owned by the Tenby House Hotel.

After viewing CCTV footage of the incident, magistrates sentenced her to a 12-month conditional discharge. She must also pay £85 prosecution costs and a £26 surcharge.

Fined after missing drug assessment

A PEM b ROKE motorist has been fined after failing to attend an initial drug assessment following a positive test for a class A drug.

Bradley Bostock, 27, was told to attend the assessment centre in Haverfordwest on December 16, 2025, but failed to do so.

His non-attendance led to his appearance before Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday (Jun 23), where he pleaded guilty.

“In all honesty, it completely went out of my mind,” Bostock told the bench.

“I didn’t get out of the cell until three o’clock in the morning, and there was so much going on, I simply forgot. But I’m more than willing to go.” Bostock, of Corston Cottages, Axton Hill, Pembroke, was fined £80 and ordered to pay £85 court costs and a £32 surcharge.

Who is Andy Burnham, the Prime Minister-in-waiting?

The Greater Manchester mayor has spent years outside Westminster, but

Starmer’s

resignation has placed him on the brink of Number 10

ANDY bURNHAM has spent years being described as Labour’s future. Today, that future appears to have arrived.

Following Sir Keir Starmer’s resignation announcement, the Mayor of Greater Manchester is now widely regarded as the overwhelming favourite to become Labour leader and Britain’s next Prime Minister. For many people outside politics, Burnham is best known as the outspoken mayor who challenged Boris Johnson’s government during the COVID-19 pandemic. But his political career stretches back more than twenty years and includes some of the most senior jobs in government.

Born in Merseyside in 1970, Burnham grew up in a working-class family and has always remained closely associated with his northern roots. A lifelong Everton supporter, he has often spoken about the importance of community, public services and opportunity for ordinary families.

After studying English at Cambridge University, he worked briefly in journalism before entering politics. He was elected Labour MP for Leigh in Greater Manchester in 2001 and quickly became one of the party’s rising figures.

Under Tony Blair and Gordon Brown, Burnham climbed the ministerial ladder. He served as Chief Secretary to the Treasury, Culture Secretary and later Health Secretary, giving him experience across some of the most important departments in government. His first bid for the Labour leadership came in 2010, after Labour’s general election defeat. He lost to Ed Miliband, but the campaign raised his profile significantly. Five years later, he ran again, only to be defeated by Jeremy Corbyn in the contest that transformed Labour politics.

Rather than remain on the Westminster backbenches, Burnham

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made a bold move in 2017 by standing for the newly created role of Mayor of Greater Manchester. He won comfortably and went on to become one of the most recognisable regional politicians in Britain. His national profile grew sharply during the pandemic, when he publicly challenged the UK Government over restrictions and financial support for northern cities. His confrontation with Downing Street won him praise from voters who felt their communities were being ignored by Westminster.

Supporters say Burnham’s appeal lies in his ability to connect with traditional Labour voters while remaining acceptable to the party’s centre ground. They see him as authentic, approachable and more in touch with everyday concerns than

Westminster politicians. Politically, Burnham has championed greater devolution, arguing that power should be moved away from London to regions and nations across the UK. He has also backed transport reform, stronger public services and economic policies aimed at spreading growth beyond the South East of England.

For Wales, a Burnham premiership would be watched closely. He would inherit a Labour Party still reeling from its collapse in the Senedd election, where Plaid Cymru emerged as the dominant force in Welsh politics.

His emphasis on devolution may be welcomed in Wales, but he would face immediate pressure to show that any new relationship with the nations of the UK is more than rhetoric.

Critics argue that Burnham can be short on detail and long on broad messages. Others point out that he has spent nearly a decade outside

Westminster and would need to rebuild relationships quickly in Parliament. Despite those concerns, few figures in Labour possess his combination of experience, public recognition and electoral success. His victory in the Makerfield by-election returned him to the House of Commons and immediately intensified speculation about Starmer’s future.

Now, with Starmer stepping aside, that speculation appears close to becoming reality.

If Burnham secures the Labour leadership without a serious challenger, as many expect, he will become Britain’s next Prime Minister and inherit a government facing economic pressure, political division and a public increasingly impatient for change.

For a politician who has spent years waiting in the wings, the moment may finally have arrived.

Uxbridge motorist banned after Pembrokeshire drug-drive stop

A WEST London motorist has been banned after being caught driving on the A477 in broadmoor with a cocaine metabolite and cannabis in his system.

Danny Small, 32, was stopped by police carrying out routine checks at around 11:30am on January 28.

After providing a positive roadside drug swipe, Small was taken to a police station, where blood tests showed he

had 157mcg of benzoylecgonine in his system. The legal limit is 50mcg. He also had 2.9mcg of Delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol in his system. The legal limit is 2mcg.

Small, of Little London Close, Uxbridge, appeared before Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court this week, where he pleaded guilty to two drug-driving offences.

Probation officer Julie Norman told

the bench that Small had been visiting his former girlfriend in Pembrokeshire and was driving home to Uxbridge at the time of the offence.

Ms Norman said Small was a regular cannabis and cocaine user.

“This helps treat his undiagnosed ADHD,” she said.

“He didn’t think the drugs would still have been in his system, as he’d consumed the drugs several days

earlier. But drugs can often remain in the system for several weeks.”

Small was sentenced to a 12-month community order, during which he must complete 15 rehabilitation activity requirement days.

He was fined £80 and ordered to pay a £114 court surcharge and £85 costs. He was disqualified from driving for 15 months.

Government fraud squad hunts down Covid loan scams

A NEW government counterfraud squad has begun investigations into suspected Covid loan scammers as ministers step up efforts to recover billions of pounds lost during the pandemic.

The Public Authorities Fraud Investigation and Enforcement Service (PAFIES) has been launched with what ministers say are the strongest investigatory powers in a generation.

The new unit will be able to search the premises of suspected fraudsters, seize assets, compel information from third parties, and recover money directly from bank accounts and wages where debts are not repaid.

The window for pursuing civil claims relating to Covid fraud has also been doubled from six years to twelve years, meaning suspected fraudsters can be pursued until 2032.

The crackdown follows the government’s response to the Covid Counter Fraud Commissioner’s final report, which found that £10.9 billion was initially lost to pandemic fraud and error.

Nearly 2,000 company directors have already been banned and 86 criminals prosecuted.

The government says counterfraud measures introduced in the 2024 and 2025 Budgets have protected £7.5 billion of public money over two years.

Chancellor Rachel Reeves said: “In contrast to the last government, who left the door open to £10.9 billion of pandemic era fraud and error, we have taken action to protect £7.5 billion of public money.

“My message to those who owe the

public purse money is clear — those who profited, will pay.”

Satvir Kaur, Parliamentary Secretary in the Cabinet Office, said: “Those who chose to exploit a national crisis to line their own pockets now have nowhere left to hide.

“Our decision to go after those who have cheated the system as part of our wider crackdown on fraud against public services has already helped save £7.5 billion.

“We will use every tool at our disposal to protect public money and fund the frontline services the British people rely on.”

The new powers are contained in the PAFER Act 2025, which gives investigators enhanced search-andseizure powers, stronger informationgathering powers, civil financial penalties, and direct recovery powers following a Public Sector Fraud Authority investigation.

Those who failed to respond to the Voluntary Repayment Scheme last year are expected to face enforcement action from the autumn.

A Covid fraud reporting website, launched in September, has already received more than 1,000 reports of suspected fraud.

Domestic abuse specialists to join Dyfed-Powys 999 control room

A LAW introduced after a woman and her mother were murdered despite repeated 999 calls is to be rolled out in the Dyfed-Powys Police control room.

Domestic abuse specialists will be placed alongside emergency call handlers under the second phase of ‘Raneem’s Law’, giving officers and control room staff real-time advice when victims call for help.

The scheme is named after Raneem Oudeh and her mother Khaola Saleem, who were murdered in Birmingham in August 2018 by Raneem’s former husband after police failed to respond properly to repeated emergency calls.

Dyfed-Powys Police and North Wales Police are among twelve additional forces across England and Wales selected to join the scheme, bringing the total number taking part to seventeen.

For west Wales, the move means callers from Pembrokeshire, Carmarthenshire, Ceredigion and Powys should have domestic abuse risks assessed at the first point of contact, rather than later in the process.

The specialists will help identify high-risk cases, advise call handlers and responding officers, review risk assessments and ensure victims are referred quickly to specialist support services.

Early reports from forces already using the scheme suggest it has improved confidence among call

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handlers and officers, helped identify high-risk domestic abuse cases sooner, and led to faster safeguarding action.

The UK Government says the expansion comes six months after the launch of its Violence Against Women and Girls Strategy, which aims to halve violence against women and girls within a decade.

Minister for Safeguarding and Violence Against Women and Girls, Natalie Fleet, said: “Last year, one in

eight women experienced domestic abuse, sexual assault, or stalking. No society that tolerates this level of violence can claim to be safe for women.

“That’s why we are rolling out the pioneering ‘Raneem’s Law’ to forces in Wales because every victim, no matter where they live, should be able to rely on a system that truly supports them.

“But we will not stop there. We will deploy the full power of the state to make this country safe for women and girls.”

Nour Norris, lead campaigner and the aunt and sister of Raneem Oudeh

and Khaola Saleem, said: “When my sister Khaola and my niece Raneem called for help, they should have been heard, understood and protected. Instead, our family lost two beautiful lives in circumstances that should never have happened.

“Every step forward for ‘Raneem’s Law’ is deeply emotional for me because it comes from unimaginable pain and loss.

“‘Raneem’s Law’ is more than a policy. It is a legacy built on love for my sister and niece and on the determination that their voices, and the voices of all victims of domestic abuse, are never ignored again.”

Secretary of State for Wales Jo Stevens said: “The UK Government is working to make our communities safer and it is vital that we reduce violence against women and girls to achieve this goal.

“We know that a specialist focus on preventing domestic abuse works, and I am pleased that this new approach is going to be rolled out across two of our Welsh police force areas.

“Victims of appalling abuse across North Wales and Dyfed-Powys will now have the greater protection they deserve.”

The Government has committed to rolling out ‘Raneem’s Law’ across every police force in England and Wales by 2029.

Armed Forces flag flies over County Hall

THE ARMED FORCES flag is flying proudly at County Hall this week ahead of Armed Forces Day on Saturday, June 27.

Leader of Pembrokeshire County Council, Cllr Tessa Hodgson, and the Council’s Armed Forces Champion, Cllr Simon Hancock were among those who marked the flag raising on Monday morning (June 22).

Also present were the Chairman of Council, Cllr Delme Harries, the Chief Executive, Will Bramble and the Regional Armed Forces Covenant Liaison Officer, Hayley Edwards.

Cllr Hancock said: “It is always a very proud moment to see the Armed Forces Flag flying over County Hall.

“Armed Forces Day is a chance to show our deep appreciation for the men and women who serve, as well as the families and communities who support them.

“Our county has a rich history of connection with the Armed Forces, and we are proud to uphold and strengthen that bond.

“As a Council we are committed to ensuring that members of the Armed Forces community in Pembrokeshire receive the recognition and support they truly deserve and we are proud to be a Defence Employer Recognition Scheme Gold Award holder.”

Manorbier: Council’s payout just £63,777

PEMbROKESHIRE COUNTY

COUNCIL has accepted an insurance settlement which leaves it with just £63,777.07 after the catastrophic fire which destroyed Manorbier School.

The figure, confirmed in a director’s decision notice dated Tuesday (Jun 23), is likely to appal parents, taxpayers and campaigners who have fought to save the village school.

The council accepted the insurer’s full and final settlement offer of £263,777.07.

But after a £200,000 excess was deducted, the net payment to the authority was only £63,777.07.

Before the fire: Primary school in Manorbier

The fire broke out on October 10, 2022, during roofing works at the school. The council’s own document states that the blaze followed the use of flame torches and caused extensive damage to the

original school building and adjoining schoolhouse, destroying the pitched roof structures.

Nearly four years later, the school has been discontinued, the building has not been rebuilt, and the insurance payout left to the council is less than the price of many family homes in Pembrokeshire.

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The revelation raises devastating questions about how a public building used by young children could be left so exposed.

It also raises wider concerns about whether other schools and council-owned public buildings in Pembrokeshire are properly insured against catastrophic loss.

COUNCIL LEADER CALLS FOR REVIEW

Council leader Cllr Tessa Hodgson has now written to Dr Norma Barry, chair of the Governance and Audit Committee, formally requesting a wider review of the authority’s insurance arrangements.

Cllr Hodgson: Wants ‘formal, thorough and more general review’ In her letter, Cllr Hodgson said it was “difficult to explain and to understand” how there could be such a wide gap between the value of the damage to the asset and the value of the settlement figure.

She asked the committee to undertake a “formal, thorough and more general review” to provide assurance that insurance arrangements across the authority are “fit for purpose and robust”. That request will now place the council’s insurance policies, risk management and decision-making under intense scrutiny.

Church dispute

The issue is made even more explosive by the fact that Manorbier School is a Church in Wales voluntary controlled school.

The Church has previously made clear that it expects the building to be reinstated, and solicitors acting for the Diocese have already accused the council of using the school closure process to avoid responsibility for rebuilding the fire-damaged premises.

The Diocese has demanded full structural reinstatement and has warned that legal action, including judicial review, could follow.

If the Church continues to insist that the school must be returned to its prefire condition, the council could yet face a much larger bill than the £63,777.07 it will receive from the insurer.

CONTRACTOR qUESTIONS

There are also unanswered questions about the roofing contractor working at the site when the fire broke out.

The council document states that the fire occurred during roofing works

following the use of flame torches.

Former Schools Overview and Scrutiny Committee chair Cllr Huw Murphy has questioned where the contractor’s public liability insurance was, and why the consequences of the fire appear to have fallen back on the council.

He said there were “serious concerns” over the lack of insurance cover in place for such a catastrophic incident.

Cllr Murphy said the fire not only rendered the school unusable, but also destroyed an attached schoolhouse, leaving a tenant requiring rehousing by the local authority.

He said: “If there was a template on how not to deal with a catastrophic incident then Pembrokeshire wrote it for Manorbier.” Wider public concern

The Manorbier case now raises a stark question for every parent in Pembrokeshire: if another school suffered a major fire tomorrow, would the council be able to rebuild it?

A large insurance excess may not be unusual for a local authority, but residents will want to know whether the council had the right cover, the right reserves, and the right legal protections in place.

Had Manorbier School been rebuilt, Pembrokeshire would at least have retained a valuable public asset capable of serving future generations. Instead, the community has lost its school, the building remains unrestored, and the council is left with a net insurance payment of just £63,777.07.

The Herald has asked Pembrokeshire County Council whether all school buildings are insured for full reinstatement value, what excesses apply, whether any claim has been pursued against the contractor or its insurers, and what legal advice has been received in relation to the Church in Wales’ position.

UPDATE 24.06.2026:

Pembrokeshire County Council has confirmed that the Governance and Audit Committee review will examine whether the authority’s insurance arrangements are “robust, fit for purpose and provide

value for money”.

The council said the review follows the acceptance of the Manorbier School insurance settlement and will assess whether current insurance arrangements ensure public assets are “appropriately valued, insured, and restored in the event of loss or damage”.

Council leader Cllr Tessa Hodgson said: “We have a duty to ensure that all public assets are properly protected

and insured. This review will provide assurance to residents and stakeholders that our insurance arrangements are effective and that public money is being safeguarded.”

The statement does not address why the Manorbier settlement left the authority with a net payment of just £63,777.07 after a £200,000 excess, nor whether the council is pursuing any claim against the contractor or its insurers.

Ambulance delays and blocked beds putting Welsh patients at risk

AMbULANCE handover delays, long waits in emergency departments and delays discharging patients from hospital are continuing to put people at risk across Wales, Audit Wales has warned.

The public spending watchdog said urgent and emergency care remains under “constant pressure” despite extra funding and new policies aimed at improving joined-up working between the NHS, ambulance service, councils and social care providers.

In an article published today, Monday (Jun 22), Audit Wales said its work since 2024 had examined how health boards and the Welsh Ambulance Services NHS Trust manage demand for urgent and emergency care, as well as how health boards and local authorities support timely discharge from hospital.

It found that pressures across the system are increasing patient safety risks and driving up costs.

Key problems identified include ambulance handover delays, lengthy waits in emergency departments, underused new services despite extra funding, and delayed hospital

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discharges which continue to result in hundreds of thousands of lost bed days each year.

Audit Wales also said workforce problems across health and social care remain a major factor in delayed discharges.

The watchdog warned that data is still not being shared effectively across the system, making it harder for public bodies to make informed decisions and manage pressure.

The findings will add to growing concern about the state of urgent and emergency care in Wales, with patients, families and frontline staff repeatedly warning that delays in A&E and problems arranging social care packages are leaving people waiting too long for treatment or stuck in hospital after they are medically fit to leave.

Audit Wales said staff and leaders across the system had made clear that “something must change”.

It has set out six questions for the Welsh Government, NHS Wales and local authorities to consider as they look at how urgent and emergency

care can be improved.

The Auditor General for Wales is the independent statutory external auditor of the devolved Welsh public

sector and is responsible for auditing most public money spent in Wales.

The Herald has asked the Welsh Government and Hywel Dda

Celebrate Climate

THE weekend 4-5th July are the dates, Scolton Manor is the place for the Creative Climate Fest.

Humans accept climate as one of the things we cannot control. We can control everything else: We kill each other, conquer land and sea, rip out its riches for our consumption. But we always looked up at the weather and climate with a sigh, as God given, inevitable.

For nearly half a century we have known we are destroying climate balance, burning our life raft for short term gratification. But as the whole world needs to act to stop it, it’s a case of After You.

Lawrence Mathias has inspired local artists to come to the rescue with vision and love, facing the

problem, sampling the solutions. His paintings allow us to look the various catastrophes in the world in the face with humanity and gentle humour. It’s a very Welsh - homely and compassionate. The Creative Climate festival, now in its second year, brings together local artists, musicians, crafts people and nature groups. There will be workshops, tours, on Sunday Haida’s well loved wood fired Pizzas cooked on the spot, creative activities for children, woodcrafts, discussions on how we will manage as the big system lets us down, and music! Scolton manor has so much for whole families. This weekend it will have even more. Entry is free but bring a full purse.

Welsh gold prize helps Cancer Research Wales mark 60 years

A DIAMOND-set Welsh gold necklace donated by Clogau will headline a special fundraising raffle marking 60 years of Cancer Research Wales.

The award-winning jewellery brand has gifted the necklace as the grand prize in the charity’s inaugural 60th Anniversary Diamond Raffle, which will raise funds for research, diagnosis and treatment projects across Wales.

The prize was unveiled at Clogau’s Cardiff store by Cancer Research Wales ambassador and Miss United Kingdom Millie-Mae Adams, who received it on behalf of the charity.

Clogau, founded in North Wales, is internationally known for jewellery containing rare Welsh gold. Its heritage is closely linked to the Royal Family, with Welsh gold from the Clogau St David’s mine used in royal wedding rings for more than a century.

Ben Roberts, Managing Director of

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Clogau, said: “We are incredibly proud to support Cancer Research Wales as it celebrates this remarkable 60-year milestone.

“As a Welsh business with deep roots in our communities, we recognise the impact cancer has on families across the country and the importance of investing in research that can save and improve lives.

“We hope this beautiful Welsh gold necklace will help generate significant support for the raffle and encourage people to get behind the charity’s vital work.”

Millie-Mae, a proud Welsh speaker and doctor in training, is also the founder of Exeter Street Doctors, a charity which equips young people with lifesaving first aid skills.

She said: “As a proud ambassador of the charity, it is my privilege to

play my part in Cancer Research Wales’s 60th anniversary and be here today to unveil the first prize in the 60 Anniversary Diamond Raffle – a stunning, diamond-set gold necklace, generously donated by Clogau.

“The gift of life and time with our loved ones is the most precious thing in the world, so please show your support for Cancer Research Wales’s life-saving and life-prolonging work today by entering the raffle.

“You could win this stunning Clogau gold necklace while helping to fund vital cancer research here in Wales.”

Millie-Mae also advocates for health education through her Medic Millie Mondays social media series and delivered the first Welsh-language Street Doctors session. Her work with Cancer Research Wales is shaped in part by her own family’s experience of cancer.

Lisa Buckley, Head of Income Generation at Cancer Research Wales,

said: “I’m very grateful to Clogau and Millie-Mae Adams for supporting us to launch our 60 Anniversary Diamond Raffle – our first ever raffle, as we celebrate 60 years as the independent Welsh cancer research charity and 60 years of innovation in cancer diagnosis and treatment.

“Since 1966, we have invested £41.68 million to push the boundaries of cancer research discoveries here in Wales and we couldn’t have done that without the kindness of the Welsh public and our fantastic business community.

“Thank you for your support over the years and together we will unite Wales against cancer.”

Cancer Research Wales says the raffle will help support projects aimed at improving cancer outcomes for people across the country.

To enter the raffle, visit www. cancerresearch.wales.

Carmarthenshire pensioner, 86, accused of causing prostitution for gain

AN 86-YEAR-OLD Carmarthenshire pensioner has appeared before magistrates accused of causing or inciting prostitution for gain.

Hywel Charles, of Rhandirfelin, Llanelli, appeared before Llanelli Magistrates’ Court on Thursday (Jun 18).

Charles is charged under the Sexual Offences Act 2003 with intentionally causing or inciting another person to become a prostitute for, or in expectation of, gain for himself.

The allegation relates to an incident said to have taken place at Llanelli on October 9, 2025.

Complainant protected

The complainant in the case is

protected by automatic anonymity under the Sexual Offences Amendment Act 1992.

Charles appeared before District Judge M Layton at a ground rules hearing.

He was represented by John Allchurch, of Goldstones Solicitors, while Nia James prosecuted for CPS Wales.

The defendant was remanded on conditional bail.

He must not contact a named person directly or indirectly.

Charles is due to appear again at Llanelli Magistrates’ Court on Thursday, August 6, for a further case management hearing.

Milford Haven woman spared jail despite string of shop thefts

A MILFORD HAVEN woman who admitted a series of shop thefts committed over a matter of weeks has been handed a suspended prison sentence by magistrates.

Marion Picton, aged 46, of Hawthorn Path, Milford Haven, appeared before Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday (Jun 18) and pleaded guilty to eight theft offences and a drugs-related offence.

The court heard that Picton carried out a string of thefts at stores across Milford Haven between April and June this year.

Among the offences, Picton admitted stealing meat from Food Warehouse on Apr 23, food worth £60 from Victoria Filling Station on May 29, groceries from Home Bargains on Jun 7 and Jun 8, food from Victoria Filling Station on Jun 7 and Jun 9, groceries and non-food items worth £51.09 from Tesco on Jun 16, and food worth £32.50 from Food Warehouse on the same day.

She also admitted failing to attend an initial drugs assessment after testing positive for Class A drugs, including cocaine and opiates.

Magistrates were told the offences

represented persistent repeat offending and had been committed while Picton was already subject to a court order.

The bench imposed an eight-week prison sentence, suspended for 18 months.

As part of the order, Picton must complete up to 15 rehabilitation activity days under the supervision of the Probation Service.

The court ordered her to pay compensation to several of the businesses affected, including Tesco, Home Bargains, Food Warehouse and Victoria Filling Station.

In sentencing, magistrates said the offences were serious enough to justify immediate custody but suspended the sentence because there was a realistic prospect of rehabilitation and Picton appeared motivated to address her addiction issues.

Picton was warned that any further offending during the 18-month suspension period could see the prison sentence activated. Court Reporter

Mayor to hold drop-in session for Haverfordwest residents

HAVERFORDWEST residents will have the chance to raise ideas, concerns and local issues directly with the town’s mayor this week.

Cllr Randell Izaiah Thomas-Turner will hold a Talk to Your Mayor session on Thursday, from 12:00pm until 2:00pm.

The initiative is aimed at giving residents an opportunity to speak directly with the mayor about matters affecting the town and wider community.

Cllr Thomas-Turner said communication and engagement were “vital”, adding that the session was about listening to local people,

working together, and ensuring every voice had the opportunity to be heard.

Anyone wishing to book an appointment is asked to contact the Haverfordwest Town Council town clerk.

The mayor said: “Together, we can continue building a stronger and more connected community. Together we

Fishguard celebrates business boom as 25 new firms open

FISHGUARD is marking Small business Week with a major vote of confidence in the town’s future, after 25 new businesses opened in just 18 months.

North Pembrokeshire Trade and Tourism said the milestone shows the town is enjoying a period of renewed energy, with two further businesses also set to launch this month.

The organisation said the growth reflects increasing confidence in Fishguard’s local economy and its continuing development as a vibrant place for residents, visitors and entrepreneurs.

TOWN’S TRANSFORMATION

Representatives from NPTT recently took to the stage at the It’s Your Pembrokeshire event in Narberth, where they shared the story of Fishguard’s transformation and the work being done to promote the town.

NPTT said its efforts have helped complement the vision and determination of local business owners who have chosen to invest in Fishguard despite difficult trading conditions across the wider economy.

The group’s promotion of Fishguard can now be seen across the county through visitor information points and marketing initiatives highlighting the town’s attractions, independent traders and coastal setting.

This month, Fishguard is also being featured in Visit Pembrokeshire’s county-wide promotional campaign.

‘TREMENDOUS ACHIEVEMENT’

NPTT Chair Andy Linforth said: “The opening of 25 new businesses in just 18 months is a tremendous achievement for Fishguard.

“It demonstrates the resilience, creativity and confidence of local entrepreneurs and shows that our town is an increasingly attractive place in which to live, work and invest.

“We are delighted to celebrate their success during Small Business Week.”

SENEDD INTEREST

The town’s growing reputation has also attracted political interest.

This week, Kerry Ferguson MS, Deputy Presiding Officer of the Senedd, will spend much of a day with

NPTT and local businesses to discuss the opportunities and challenges facing the small business sector.

NPTT said Ms Ferguson has a longstanding interest in small businesses and will hear directly from traders about the realities of running independent businesses in a coastal town.

LOCAL ECONOMY

The organisation believes the continued growth of independent businesses is strengthening Fishguard’s local economy, creating employment opportunities and improving the town’s appeal as a yearround destination.

NPTT said the new start-ups show that Fishguard is not only holding its own, but building momentum as one of north Pembrokeshire’s most distinctive town centres.

A community legacy of vision care in Pembrokeshire

NESTLED between the coastal communities of Fishguard and St Davids, Michael Charlton Optometrists is much more than a place to update a prescription.

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

Michael Charlton Optometrists combines the warmth of a traditional local practice with the benefits of

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

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

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

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

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

improvement in quality of life.

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

Eaton-Evans & Morris: a local law firm with modern approach and traditional values

A LOCAL law firm says its close links with t he community remain at the heart of its work, as it continues to serve clients from offices in Fishguard and Haverfordwest.

The Herald spoke to members of the Eaton-Evans & Morris team about working in Pembrokeshire, the importance of face-to-face advice, and why local knowledge still matters.

Kirsty Hughes said the Fishguard office was valued because it allowed the firm to build trusted professional relationships with clients.

She said: “The reassurance that we are on their doorstep if needed is perfect, set on Fishguard Square, making it easy for clients to attend for appointments or pop in to sign documents.”

Evelyn Jones said one of the best parts of working for the firm was the community spirit.

She said: “Everyone is so welcoming and friendly. People will walk in to see what the building is like, as it used to be an old newsagents.”

Callum James said he enjoyed working with colleagues and being part of a small office with a close group of staff.

He added that access to a local law firm remained important for Fishguard and Goodwick.

He said: “It is important because it is good to build a rapport with clients and for them

to be able to meet with their solicitor face to face.”

The team said Eaton-Evans & Morris stood out because of its approachable style and strong local roots.

A spokesperson said: “The staff are all local, many are Welsh speaking, and there is a strong client care ethos.”

Eaton-Evans & Morris provides services for businesses and

families, including agricultural and rural affairs, commercial disputes, employment law, wills and probate, conveyancing, family law, lasting powers of attorney and civil dispute resolution.

Sea shanties and street food bring crowds to Cardigan RNLI festival

SUNSHINE, sea shanties and street food helped draw hundreds of visitors to Cardigan RNLI Lifeboat Station on Saturday (Jun 20).

The station’s Sea Shanty and Street Food Festival brought together families, supporters and visitors from across the region for a day of maritime music, food and community spirit.

Traditional sea shanty groups performed throughout the event, with songs echoing around the lifeboat station, while street food vendors served a range of refreshments.

The event also gave visitors the chance to learn more about the lifesaving work carried out by the RNLI and its volunteer crews.

Cardigan RNLI thanked the performers, food vendors, volunteers, sponsors and supporters who helped make the day a success.

Bruce Harris, Launch Authority and event organiser, said: “It was wonderful to see so many people come together to support the station, enjoy the entertainment, and celebrate our maritime heritage.

“The atmosphere throughout the day was fantastic, and we are incredibly grateful to everyone who attended, performed, volunteered, and contributed to such a memorable event.”

The RNLI is the charity that saves lives at sea. Its volunteers provide a 24-hour search and rescue service around the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland coasts.

Children most at risk in Dyfed-Powys TikTok-linked crime cases

CHILDREN were the largest group of victims in Dyfed-Powys crimes where TikTok was mentioned, new Freedom of Information figures have revealed.

Data obtained by JF Law shows that Dyfed-Powys Police recorded 131 TikToklinked violence, stalking and harassment offences between 2023 and 2025.

Of those, forty-two victims were under the age of eighteen.

Pembrokeshire recorded 32 incidents over the three-year period, with eight in 2023, thirteen in 2024 and eleven in 2025.

Across the force area, Carmarthenshire recorded the highest number of incidents, with 51. Powys recorded 29 and Ceredigion recorded thirteen.

Stalking and harassment made up the vast majority of the Dyfed-Powys cases, accounting for 128 of the 131 offences. Three were recorded as violence with injury.

Wales-wide concern

The figures were obtained through Freedom of Information requests covering Welsh police forces.

South Wales Police recorded the

highest number, with 2,034 crimes where TikTok or Tik Tok was mentioned in police records between 2023 and 2025.

Those figures rose from 488 in 2023 to 656 in 2024 and 890 in 2025.

Gwent Police recorded 373 incidents, while North Wales Police recorded 199.

The North Wales data included cases of harassment, malicious

communications, blackmail, sexual grooming, sexual activity involving a child under sixteen, exposure and voyeurism, and threats to kill.

Police forces stressed that the figures do not mean TikTok caused the crimes. The data relates to cases where the platform was mentioned in the modus operandi field or investigation summary.

‘Digital hunting ground’

Ellie Lamey, a Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority specialist at JF Law, said: “The sheer volume of these cases is a stark warning to parents and authorities alike.

“We are seeing everyday platforms being weaponised by predators to target our youngest and most vulnerable, turning what should be a harmless online space into a digital hunting ground.

“The trauma inflicted by cyber-stalking, harassment, and online-facilitated abuse has profound, real-world consequences that can completely shatter a family’s sense of security.”

She added: “It is crucial that victims know there are concrete legal avenues available to fight back.

“Nobody should have to navigate this nightmare in silence, and we are committed to helping survivors secure the protection, justice, and support they need to move forward.”

JF Law provides legal support and advice to those affected by online harassment, abuse and related crimes. Their website is www.jflaw.co.uk.

The gentle giant behind the tattoos

JOSH Davies is hard to miss.

With tattoos across his head, face, neck and hands, he is the kind of man people notice before they know anything about him.

But those who know him, work with him, or have simply crossed paths with him after a long night on duty, tell a very different story.

They describe him as a gentleman. A grafter. A man with a big heart. Someone who would do anything to help another person.

Now Josh, who completed his Door Supervisor course with RM Training and Security Solutions last year, is being praised for the way he has built a career in the security industry and become a valued member of the team.

The Pembrokeshire-based company said Josh had gone “from strength to strength” since gaining his licence, working across licensed venues, events, customer-facing roles, response duties and other security work.

A spokesperson for RM Training and Security Solutions said: “From day one, Josh showed a natural ability for the security industry.

“Since gaining his licence, he has thrown himself into every opportunity presented to him, working across a variety of roles including licensed venues, events, customer-facing positions, response duties, and much more.

“There genuinely seems to be nothing Josh cannot turn his hand to.

Cerys Lafferty cerys@herlad.email

His willingness to learn, adaptability, reliability, and positive attitude have made him a valued member of the RM team.”

But it is not only his employers who have noticed.

After RM Training shared Josh’s success story online, dozens of people came forward to praise him, with many saying his appearance should never be mistaken for the man underneath.

One woman said she had met Josh on a Sunday morning after he had finished a night shift.

She said: “He was an absolute gentleman. Someone you would say from first impression of meeting, nice guy, good guy.”

Another person, who said she had known Josh since he was young and treated him like a son, said: “I can’t thank him enough for what he has done for me in my life. He is one in a million.

“People look at him like a big boy, but he has got a heart and he will do anything to help anyone.”

Others described him as a “great bloke”, “absolute gentleman”, “sound bloke”, and someone who was “built to be a doorman”.

In an industry where first impressions, calm judgement and public confidence matter, RM Training said Josh’s professionalism had become one of his strongest qualities.

The company added: “What stands out most is his professionalism. Whether dealing with members of the public, clients, colleagues, or challenging situations, Josh consistently demonstrates the highest standards expected within our industry.

“He represents both himself and RM Training & Security Solutions exceptionally well at all times.

“We are incredibly proud to have Josh as part of the team and look forward to watching his continued growth and success within the security industry.”

Security staff are often seen only when something goes wrong, but much

of the work involves preventing problems before they happen, reassuring the public, supporting event organisers, and knowing how to deal with difficult situations calmly.

Josh’s story has struck a chord because it challenges the quick assumptions people can make.

To some, the tattoos may be the first thing they see.

To those who know him, they are simply part of a man who has worked hard, taken his chance, and earned respect through his attitude and actions.

One supporter summed it up simply: “Life loves a grafter.”

Mum takes on half marathon to give back to NHS

KATE DAVIES is taking on the Wales Half Marathon to say thank you to the NHS services that supported her during a difficult time.

Kate, a mother of one who works in operational workforce at Withybush Hospital, is heading to Tenby on June 28 to take on the Wales Half Marathon at Long Course Weekend Wales to raise funds for Cilgerran Ward at Glangwili Hospital.

Having been in good health for much of her life, Kate has been fortunate to not need many Hywel Dda University Health Board services until recent years.

Kate said: “The journey to becoming a parent wasn’t straightforward, and I experienced several difficult and emotional setbacks along the way. Throughout this time, I was supported with great care, kindness and compassion by various services across the health board, for which I will always be grateful.

Cerys Lafferty cerys@herlad.email

“In December 2023, under the care of Glangwili consultants, I gave birth to a healthy baby girl. I’m incredibly

grateful and fortunate that I have a fantastic, healthy and happy twoyear-old daughter.

“To celebrate, I have signed up to

take part in the Long Course Wales Half Marathon! I would love to raise money to give back to the health board that was there when I needed it.

“I can think of nothing better than reaching the finish line in good health, with my daughter waiting for me, knowing I have raised funds and given back to say thank you. Thank you from the bottom of my heart to everyone who has donated.”

Tara Nickerson, Fundraising Manager, said: “What a heartfelt story. A huge thanks to Kate for taking on the Wales Half Marathon to support a service so close to her heart. We look forward to cheering her on!

“The generous charitable donations we receive don’t replace NHS funding. Instead, they are used to provide items and activities above and beyond core NHS expenditure, such as more welcoming surroundings for patients, families and staff, and research into, and the development of, treatments.” You can donate to Kate’s fundraiser here: https://hyweldda.enthuse.com/ pf/kate-davie

Crackwell Street set to reopen after five-month closure

ROADWORKS linked to structural repairs at Goscar House in Tenby are nearing completion, with Crackwell Street expected to reopen to through traffic today (Wednesday, June 24).

Scaffolding has now been removed from the property, with contractors carrying out a general clearance of the area.

The road has been closed for around five months while structural repair work has been taking place.

Local residents, businesses and visitors are expected to welcome the reopening, with Crackwell Street forming an important route through the town.

Pembrokeshire County Council has indicated that, all being well, the road will reopen later today.

Gareth Davies, of Gareth Davies Photography Tenby, said it was “good to see the removal of scaffolding today and general clearance on the property”.

He added that locals and visitors would be “so pleased” to see the road open once again.

UPDATE 4pm, 24/6/2026

Crackwell Street in Tenby has reopened to traffic today (Wednesday June 24).

Scaffolding was removed this

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morning after extensive structural work on the building was completed.

Pembrokeshire County Council acknowledges that work on the private property has taken longer than originally expected and the road closure has caused disruption to residents and visitors.

Delays were caused by greater structural work being required than first envisaged and weather affecting the rendering process.

Throughout this closure the Council has been in close contact with the property owners and stressed the importance of the work being completed at the earliest opportunity.

The Council thanks residents and visitors for their patience while the work has been completed and scaffolding removed.

Local Member Cllr Sam SkyrmeBlackhall, said: “The road closure has been a difficult situation for lots of people, but I am very relieved it has now re-opened. I add my appreciation to all residents and visitors for their patience during the closure period.

“Many thanks to those who have gone the extra mile in getting Crackwell Street re-opened today.”

Main Street Music to close retail shop as owner focuses on handmade guitars

A POPULAR Pembrokeshire music shop is changing the way it operates, with Main Street Music confirming it will no longer trade as a retail shop from September 1.

The business said there will be an immediate 15% sale on all stock, but stressed that Main Street Music is not disappearing completely.

The owner said the decision had been made “with a heavy heart”, adding that the shop’s closure as a retail outlet would be a loss for Pembrokeshire as the county’s last professional guitar dealership

He said his long-term passion had always been making musical instruments, something he had done since his teenage years, later receiving scholarships and a fellowship for his studies.

After college, he was given the opportunity to buy the business at the age of 24.

He said: “I have had an amazing time running this shop, giving it everything I’ve got, met some wonderful people and sold some incredible guitars.”

Although the business itself remains successful, he said tighter retail margins, dealership pressures and rising costs had made it difficult to grow in a way that would allow him to employ others and spend more time in the workshop.

The shop will eventually reopen as an appointment-only workshop and showroom for handmade guitars and repairs.

case-by-case basis by appointment only.

Current repair work will continue on

Street Music thanked

for their support over recent years, saying the owner was proud of where the shop had been taken.

Net Zero Week puts Pembrokeshire at heart of green jobs debate

NET ZERO WEEK will put Pembrokeshire at the centre of one of the biggest economic and environmental debates facing Wales — how to cut emissions without leaving rural communities, households and local businesses behind.

From Milford Haven’s energy terminals to family farms, older village homes and the Celtic Freeport, the county has more at stake than most parts of Wales.

For supporters, the move to net zero offers a chance to bring new investment, skilled jobs and cleaner industry to an area already central to the UK’s energy supply.

For others, it raises difficult questions about cost, planning, rural transport, household bills and whether the promised benefits will actually reach local people.

PEMBROKESHIRE has long been one of the UK’s most important energy counties.

Milford Haven Waterway has played a major role in oil, gas and power generation for decades, with facilities including Valero, South Hook LNG, Dragon LNG and Pembroke Power Station forming part of the county’s industrial landscape.

Now the question is whether the same waterway can lead the next phase of the energy story.

Floating offshore wind, hydrogen, cleaner shipping, grid upgrades and industrial decarbonisation are all being discussed as part of the county’s future.

The Celtic Freeport, linking Milford Haven and Port Talbot, has been promoted as a major opportunity to attract investment, create skilled jobs and support the development of a lowcarbon economy.

But local people will want more than promises. The key test will be whether projects create real employment, apprenticeships and supply-chain work for Pembrokeshire firms.

FOR many households, net zero is not about slogans. It is about the cost of heating a home.

Pembrokeshire has many older rural properties, stone cottages, coastal homes and farmhouses which are difficult and expensive to insulate.

Some households are also off the mains gas grid and rely on oil, LPG or

solid fuel.

That makes the transition more complicated than in urban areas. Heat pumps, insulation, solar panels and battery systems may cut bills in the long term, but the upfront costs can be far beyond the reach of families already under pressure.

Net Zero Week is likely to renew calls for clearer advice, better grant support and practical schemes aimed at rural Wales.

Without that, there is a risk that the people most in need of help with energy bills are the least able to afford the changes being asked of them.

FARMING is another major part of Pembrokeshire’s net zero debate.

Farmers are being asked to reduce emissions, protect rivers, improve biodiversity and adapt to more extreme weather.

At the same time, many are already facing higher costs, bovine TB pressures, changing support schemes and tight margins.

There are opportunities in renewable energy, better soil management, tree planting, slurry management, local food production and nature recovery.

But farmers will want policies that are practical, properly funded

and shaped with the industry — not imposed from Cardiff or Westminster without understanding the reality of rural life.

In Pembrokeshire, a fair transition means recognising that food production, landscape management and climate action must work together.

ONE of the strongest arguments for net zero in Pembrokeshire is the potential for new employment.

If floating offshore wind and hydrogen projects move ahead, the county could need more engineers, welders, electricians, technicians, marine specialists, planners, construction workers and environmental experts.

That could be a major opportunity for young people who currently feel they must leave Pembrokeshire to build a career.

But that will only happen if training routes are put in place early.

Schools, Pembrokeshire College, local firms and major energy companies will all have a role in making sure local people can compete for the jobs being promised.

The county has heard grand claims about regeneration before. Net zero will be judged on whether it

delivers visible benefits in places such as Milford Haven, Pembroke Dock, Haverfordwest, Fishguard, Tenby and rural communities across the county.

Pembrokeshire County Council has previously declared a climate emergency and set out ambitions to reduce its own emissions.

That work includes cutting energy use in buildings, improving street lighting, looking at fleet vehicles and considering how services are delivered.

The council’s own carbon footprint is only part of the wider picture, but it has influence through planning, housing, transport, procurement and waste.

Decisions on new developments, active travel routes, public transport, school buildings and council housing will all shape how realistic net zero feels to ordinary residents.

There is also a balance to strike. Climate targets must be pursued without making daily life harder for people in communities where buses are limited, journeys are long and cars are often essential.

The phrase “just transition” is often used in climate policy. In Pembrokeshire, it means something simple: the move to net zero must not leave rural communities worse off.

That means recognising lower wages, older homes, limited transport, agricultural pressures and the importance of small businesses.

It also means making sure major green projects do not simply use Pembrokeshire as a backdrop while profits, contracts and skilled jobs go elsewhere.

Net Zero Week will bring national speeches, campaigns and pledges.

But in Pembrokeshire, the test is practical.

Will homes be warmer? Will bills come down? Will farmers be supported? Will young people get skilled jobs? Will local firms win contracts? Will the county benefit from the energy transition it is being asked to host?

If the answer is yes, net zero could become one of Pembrokeshire’s biggest opportunities.

If not, it risks becoming another policy that feels as though it is being done to rural Wales, rather than with it.

Power Your Property for Less with Solwr Wales – Cut Energy Costs by Up to 70%

In today’s climate of rising energy prices, both homeowners and businesses are searching for smarter, more sustainable ways to take control of their electricity costs. That’s where Solŵr Wales comes in—Pembrokeshire’s trusted solar energy specialists, helping customers dramatically reduce their bills while embracing a greener future.

A SMARTER WAY TO SAVE

Solar power is no longer a luxury—it’s a practical, cost-effective solution. Thanks to major advances in solar technology and falling installation costs, modern systems are more efficient and accessible than ever before.

By generating your own electricity from daylight, you can significantly reduce reliance on the grid. With the right system design, many Solŵr Wales customers can save up to 70% on their energy costs, making solar one of the most powerful tools for protecting against rising utility bills.

Tailored for Homes and Businesses

Whether you’re a homeowner looking to cut monthly outgoings or a business aiming to improve your bottom line, Solŵr Wales delivers bespoke solutions designed around your energy usage.

• Residential customers benefit from lower household bills, increased energy independence, and optional battery storage to keep power flowing after dark.

• Commercial clients can unlock even greater savings, with largescale systems, grant funding opportunities, and even fully funded solar installations through Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs)—meaning zero upfront cost for qualifying businesses.

MAxIMISE EVERY UNIT OF ENERGY

Solŵr Wales systems go beyond just panels. By integrating battery storage and EV charging solutions, customers can make the most of every kilowatt generated:

• Store unused energy for use at night

• Charge electric vehicles with renewable power

• Reduce exposure to peak-time electricity prices

This intelligent approach ensures you’re not just generating energy—you’re using it efficiently.

GRANTS, FUNDING & FREE ENERGY REPORTS

Switching to solar doesn’t have to mean a large upfront investment. Solŵr Wales helps customers access a range of funding options, including:

• Government-backed schemes like the Warm Homes Plan

• Interest-free loans through Green Homes Wales

• Local carbon reduction grants for businesses

To make things even easier, their team offers a free, no-obligation energy

report, giving you a clear projection of your potential savings and system performance.

TRUSTED LOCAL ExPERTISE

With over 20 years of experience, Solŵr Wales has built a reputation for delivering high-quality, reliable solar installations across Pembrokeshire and beyond. Their fully accredited team ensures every system is designed for maximum efficiency, long-term performance, and real financial return.

TAKE CONTROL OF YOUR ENERGY FUTURE

With energy prices unlikely to fall any time soon, there’s never been a better moment to invest in renewable power. Whether you’re looking to cut household bills or transform your business’s energy strategy, Solŵr Wales offers a proven path to lower costs, reduced carbon emissions, and long-term savings. Discover how much you could save today.

Transforming homes across west Wales: why quality windows, doors and conservatories matter

A HOME is more than just bricks and mortar. It is where families gather, memories are created, and comfort matters most.

As homeowners across Pembrokeshire, Carmarthenshire and Ceredigion look for ways to improve energy efficiency, security and curb appeal, investment in high-quality windows, doors and conservatories continues to rise.

For more than 30 years, C4W has been helping homeowners throughout West Wales enhance their properties with durable uPVC and composite products designed to withstand the unique challenges of coastal living. The company offers a comprehensive range of windows, doors and conservatories, combining modern performance with attractive design options that suit both traditional and contemporary homes.

Windows play a critical role in the comfort and efficiency of any home. Modern glazing systems can significantly improve thermal performance, helping homeowners reduce heat loss while creating a more comfortable living environment throughout the year.

Today’s homeowners have access to a wide range of styles, including casement,

tilt-and-turn, flush sash, bay and bow windows, allowing them to achieve the perfect balance between functionality and aesthetics. Whether renovating a period property or updating a modern home, selecting the right window system can dramatically improve both appearance and performance.

The front door is often the first feature visitors notice, making it one of the most important design elements of any property. However, appearance is only part of the equation.

Modern composite and uPVC doors offer enhanced security, weather resistance and energy efficiency.

C4W’s range includes residential doors, composite doors, French doors, sliding patio doors, bi-folding systems and aluminium options, giving homeowners the flexibility to create a welcoming entrance while maintaining peace of

mind. The company also highlights the use of Yale security hardware, a globally recognised name in home security.

Conservatories: creating more living space

For many homeowners, moving house is not always the preferred option when additional space is required. A welldesigned conservatory can provide an elegant and cost-effective solution.

Modern conservatories have evolved significantly from the seasonal glass rooms of previous decades. Advances in glazing technology, roof construction and thermal efficiency mean today’s conservatories can be enjoyed throughout the year. C4W offers a variety of styles, including Victorian, Edwardian, Lean-to, Gable End, Combination and DoubleHipped designs, allowing homeowners to tailor their extension to both their property and lifestyle requirements.

Beyond adding valuable living space, a carefully designed conservatory can create stronger connections between indoor and outdoor areas, bringing more natural light into the home and enhancing overall property appeal.

When it comes to home improvement projects, local knowledge can make a significant difference. West Wales

properties face unique environmental conditions, including coastal winds, rain and salt-laden air. Products that perform well elsewhere may not always be the best solution for homes in this region.

As a family-run business based in Pembroke Dock, C4W combines local experience with British-manufactured products and a personalised approach to customer service. The company focuses on helping customers select solutions that meet their specific needs rather than adopting a one-size-fits-all approach.

Home improvements should be viewed as long-term investments. High-quality windows, doors and conservatories not only improve daily comfort but can also enhance energy efficiency, increase property value and reduce maintenance requirements over time.

For homeowners considering upgrades, the key is to work with experienced specialists who understand both the technical requirements and design considerations involved. By combining quality materials, expert installation and local knowledge, businesses such as C4W continue to help homeowners across West Wales create warmer, safer and more attractive living spaces for years to come.

Biomass Heating: A Home-Grown Energy Solution for Pembrokeshire’s Future

As businesses, farms and community organisations across Pembrokeshire look for practical ways to manage rising energy costs and reduce reliance on imported fuels, biomass heating systems are increasingly becoming part of the conversation.

While renewable technologies often grab headlines for their environmental credentials, the real story behind biomass is one of resilience, local economic benefit and long-term energy security.

Pembrokeshire has always been a county closely connected to the land. Agriculture, forestry and rural enterprise play a vital role in the local economy, making biomass heating a particularly natural fit for the region.

Unlike many energy sources that depend on international supply chains and global market fluctuations, biomass fuel can often be sourced much closer to home.

This creates opportunities for local suppliers, transport operators and landowners while helping to keep energy spending within the Welsh economy.

One of the strongest advantages of biomass heating is its suitability for larger buildings and properties with significant heat demand. Rural hotels, holiday parks, schools, agricultural buildings and community facilities often require consistent heating throughout the year. Biomass systems excel in these environments, delivering dependable heat output even during

the coldest months when demand is highest.

For many organisations, energy independence has become just as important as sustainability. A biomass heating system allows businesses to reduce their exposure to volatility in oil and gas markets. In a county such as Pembrokeshire, where many properties remain off the mains gas network, this can provide greater certainty when planning operating budgets and future investment.

Biomass technology has also evolved considerably over the past decade. Modern systems are highly automated, with sophisticated controls that can adjust output to match demand, integrate with existing heating infrastructure

and provide detailed performance monitoring. This means users can enjoy the benefits of renewable heating without sacrificing comfort or convenience.

The local economic impact should not be overlooked. Investment in biomass heating supports skilled engineering, servicing and maintenance roles within the region. It encourages the development of specialist expertise and helps create jobs that cannot easily be outsourced elsewhere. As Pembrokeshire continues to diversify its energy sector - from offshore wind ambitions in the Celtic Sea to community-led sustainability projects - biomass represents another valuable piece of the renewable energy puzzle.

Driving the Future: How Leapmotor Range is Powering a Greener Tomorrow

As the world accelerates toward a cleaner, more sustainable future, electric vehicles are no longer a niche choice—they are becoming the smart, responsible standard. At the forefront of this shift is Leapmotor, a forward-thinking electric vehicle manufacturer redefining what drivers can expect from efficiency, performance, and environmental impact.

One of the most impressive aspects of the Leapmotor range is its commitment to reducing emissions without compromising on practicality. Unlike traditional petrol or diesel vehicles, Leapmotor cars produce zero tailpipe emissions. This means cleaner air in our towns and cities, reduced greenhouse gases, and a direct contribution to tackling climate change.

But the environmental benefits go far beyond just eliminating exhaust fumes.

ENERGY EFFICIENCY THAT MAKES A DIFFERENCE

Leapmotor vehicles are engineered with cutting-edge battery technology, allowing for exceptional energy efficiency. Electric motors convert a significantly higher percentage of energy into motion compared to internal combustion engines. The result? Less wasted energy and more miles per charge—reducing overall energy demand and supporting a more sustainable transport system.

LOWER CARbON FOOTPRINT OVER TIME

While all vehicles have an environmental footprint during manufacturing, Leapmotor’s electric models quickly offset this through their cleaner operation. As the UK

continues to expand its renewable energy infrastructure—such as wind and solar—charging an electric vehicle becomes even greener.

Over its lifetime, a Leapmotor car can significantly reduce your carbon footprint compared to a conventional vehicle.

qUIET, CLEAN, AND COMMUNITYFRIENDLY

Another often overlooked benefit is noise pollution. Leapmotor vehicles operate almost silently, helping to create calmer, quieter streets— particularly in residential and urban

areas. Combined with zero emissions, this makes them ideal for communities aiming to improve quality of life while reducing environmental impact.

DESIGNED FOR THE FUTURE

Leapmotor doesn’t just build electric cars—it builds smart mobility solutions. With advanced software integration, efficient battery management systems, and a focus on innovation, the brand is shaping the future of transport. Choosing a Leapmotor vehicle isn’t just about driving—it’s about making a conscious decision to support sustainability.

A SMARTER CHOICE FOR DRIVERS AND THE PLANET

As more drivers look for ways to reduce their environmental impact without sacrificing convenience or performance, Leapmotor offers a compelling solution. With impressive range, modern design, and a clear environmental advantage, it represents a step forward in responsible motoring.

The road ahead is electric—and with Leapmotor, it’s cleaner, quieter, and more sustainable than ever.

Bargain Hunt presenter Eric Knowles return to film at the Llandeilo Antiques and Vintage Fait

bbC’s bargain Hunt returns to film at the Llandeilo Antiques and Vintage Fair , on Saturday 4 th July , which means the fair will be setting some high standards.

They will be filming their popular BBC day time television programme at the Llandeilo Civic Hall fair, where it has always turned up some surprises over the years , with different celebrities turning up. This is the third time that Bargain Hunt has chosen this venue to film their show , which is aired at lunchtime on BBC1 and is watched by millions of viewers each day.The presenter on the day is Eric Knowles and the experts are Irita Marriott and John Cameron

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

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

At the auction, as each item is sold, the host compares the auction sale price to the price originally paid by the team. If the final total shows a profit, the team receives that profit in cash; otherwise, the team receives nothing.

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

The experts Irita and John will aid the contestants in their choice of items.

Irita Marriott is an antique expert and dealer, known for her role as an expert on BBC1’s Antiques Road Trip,Celebrity Antiques Road Trip, Bargain Hunt and Channel 4’s The Greatest Auction.

Irita, from Latvia, came to the UK at the age of 20 .

She has spent nearly a decade working in the antiques and dealing industry. She previously worked as a cataloguer and a valuer in a leading auction house based in Derbyshire. Now, she deals with the precious and beautiful items full time.

Irita was first seen on the TV screens in the UK in 2021 when she joined the Antiques Road Trip team and then became one of the presenters on Bargain Hunt.

In 2023, she opened Irita Marriot

Auctioneers and Valuers – one of very few female-led auction houses in the uk

The other expert John Cameron ,is a familiar face on our screens thanks to his regular appearances on BBC One’s Bargain Hunt .The antiques expert began his TV career two decades ago on Cash in the Attic and Put Your Money Where Your Mouth, making him a permanent fixture of the BBC’s daytime schedule.

While John initially trained as a carpenter and joiner, a back injury forced him to change careers and follow in his grandfather’s footsteps. He grew up around antiques as his

grandfather was a dealer, however, on leaving school ,he served a fiveyear apprenticeship as a carpenter/ joiner. A re-occurring back problem forced him to give up his physical job and return to college ,where he undertook a three-year degree course at Southampton, studying fine art valuation he later became a chartered surveyor of antiques and fine art ,after further studying.He has become a regular expert on Bargain Hunt.

It is the popular presenter Eric Knowles who is in charge on the day. Eric Knowles was born in Nelson Lancashire, in 1953 and worked in

both engineering and for a firm of antique shippers in the early 1970s. His love of antiques, inherited from his parents, came to the fore in 1976, when he joined Bonham’s, the London auctioneers, working first as a porter in the ceramics’ department, before becoming head of the department in 1981.

Eric has also become a regular face on TV. His appearances include BBC Bargain Hunt, Antiques Road Show, Antiques Master to name but a few. Eric is a writer. He is resident Sunday Times Antiques Expert and a frequent contributor to the BBC Homes and Antiques magazine. Eric has lectured extensively in the UK and both in the USA and Canada.

As well as presenting and appearing on radio and TV, he has written books on subjects such as Victoriana, Art Nouveau, Art Deco and Royal Memorabilia.

However it’s on BBC Bargain Hunt that we regularly see Eric as one of the team of presenters ,who took over from Tim Wonnacott. This lunch time favourite sees Eric encouraging 2 teams plus their experts ,to go out and find a bargain at various fairs around the country.

We were delighted to have the Bargain Hunts teams at the Llandeilo fair and it will be exciting to see what bargains the contestants discover at this popular fair.The programs will be aired later in the year.

The Llandeilo Antiques and Vintage Fair can be located in the heart of Llandeilo, close to the main car park. Here you will find a bustling, vibrant Fair with lots of antiques and vintage to wet your appetite. The fair now includes a vintage element with a touch of retro.

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

Attractive displays of gardinalia has proved extremely popular at the fair, including watering cans , wheel

barrows and garden tools and large garden pots and urns.

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

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

Campaigner’s MBE for supporting families affected by child-to-parent abuse

A PEMbROKESHIRE-born campaigner who has dedicated her career to supporting families affected by child-to-parent abuse has been recognised in the King’s birthday Honours List.

Michelle John, who grew up in Pembrokeshire and now lives in Shropshire, has been awarded an MBE for services to family support and advocacy.

Michelle is the founder of PEGS, a social enterprise established in 2020 to help parents and carers experiencing abusive behaviour from their children. The organisation also works with professionals, policymakers and employers to improve understanding of Child to Parent Abuse (CPA), an issue believed to affect up to one in ten households across the UK.

Since launching PEGS, Michelle has built a specialist team that has trained police officers, teachers, social workers and other frontline professionals to recognise the signs of CPA and provide effective support to affected families.

The organisation has also developed a range of services for parents, including daily practitioner-led support sessions, peer support networks and one-to-one assistance for those considered most at risk.

Michelle’s work has gained national recognition, with PEGS helping to shape policy discussions and working alongside government departments to raise awareness of the issue. The organisation also launched a Child to Parent Abuse Covenant for employers in partnership with the Department for Work and Pensions.

Tom Sinclair editor@herald.email

In addition, Michelle has advised organisations including the Home Office, the BBC and Channel 4, helping inform storylines and coverage designed to increase public understanding of childto-parent abuse.

Responding to the honour, Michelle said: “This honour is also shared with the parents who have trusted me along the way: they drive me, inspire me and I will always stand with them.

“I feel proud, privileged and very grateful – and I’d like to thank everyone who has supported me and PEGS along the way.

“There is much more to come for PEGS, and we will continue to work every day for the parents and carers who have been or continue to be affected by CPA.”

Reflecting on receiving the award, she added: “Being told I’d received an MBE will always remain a truly incredible moment that I’ll remember forever.”

The award recognises more than six years of campaigning, support work and advocacy aimed at bringing greater awareness to a problem that often remains hidden behind closed doors.

Child-to-parent abuse can include physical violence, verbal abuse, coercive control, intimidation, property damage and financial abuse directed towards parents or carers by their children.

Michelle’s work has helped shine a light on the issue nationally, ensuring that more families receive the support they need while encouraging

professionals to better understand the challenges faced by those affected.

For many in Pembrokeshire, the

honour will be a source of pride as one of the county’s own receives national recognition for helping vulnerable families across the UK.

Lord Rhys continues historic journey through Cenarth and Newcastle Emlyn

LORD RHYS continued his journey through west Wales today, Sunday (Jun 21), as communities in Cenarth and Newcastle Emlyn welcomed the giant puppet procession marking 850 years since the first recorded Eisteddfod.

The striking figure of Lord Rhys

was seen crossing the historic bridge at Cenarth, surrounded by woodland, banners and crowds of onlookers.

Later, the procession continued into Newcastle Emlyn, where music and performance formed part of the travelling celebration.

The event is part of Taith yr Arglwydd

Rhys, a cultural journey commemorating the legacy of Rhys ap Gruffydd, the Welsh prince who held a gathering of poets and musicians at Cardigan Castle in 1176.

That gathering is widely regarded as the first recorded Eisteddfod and remains one of the most important moments in Welsh cultural history.

Photographs from today show the giant puppet towering above the streets and bridges of west Wales, creating another memorable scene after Friday’s misty launch in St Davids. The journey will continue towards Cardigan, where the anniversary celebrations will reach their finale.

Tributes paid to South West Wales SSAFA volunteer Valerie Griggs

COLLEAGUES across SSAFA are saddened to share news of the death of Valerie Griggs, a dedicated volunteer whose commitment to the Armed Forces community spanned many years.

Valerie joined SSAFA following her retirement from a career in healthcare administration and quickly became a valued member of the charity’s volunteer network in west Wales.

Over the course of her volunteering career, Valerie supported countless serving personnel, veterans and military families through her work as a caseworker, Divisional Secretary for Pembrokeshire, Branch Secretary for Dyfed, and later Branch Secretary for South West Wales.

Known for her professionalism, compassion and organisational skills, Valerie worked tirelessly behind the scenes to ensure those in need received support and guidance during some of the most difficult periods of their lives.

Her dedication to SSAFA was recognised nationally in 2023 when she was invited to SSAFA’s Annual General Meeting in London and installed as an Honorary Life Member of the Association, one of the charity’s highest honours for long and distinguished service.

Valerie’s commitment to supporting the Armed Forces community reflected a lifetime spent alongside military service. As the wife of a Royal Navy submariner, she experienced firsthand the challenges faced by military families during postings across the UK and overseas, including Scotland, Hampshire and Gibraltar.

Away from SSAFA, Valerie was active within her local community, serving as Treasurer of her local Royal Naval Association branch, Secretary of St David’s Church and Lady Captain of her golf club.

Valerie passed away on May 17, 2026 at home in Pembrokeshire, with her husband David by her side.

Stephen Boswell, SSAFA Wales Regional Manager, said: “Valerie was one of those volunteers who quietly made an enormous difference. Her commitment to SSAFA, her compassion for others and her willingness to help wherever she was needed earned the respect and admiration of everyone who worked alongside her.

“Over many years she supported countless members of the Armed Forces community across west Wales and helped strengthen SSAFA through her dedication and professionalism. She will be greatly missed by friends and colleagues throughout SSAFA.

Our thoughts are with David and all of Valerie’s family at this difficult time.”

New town map unveiled in Fishguard

A NEW town map has been installed in the heart of Fishguard to help residents and visitors discover more of what the area has to offer.

The map, created by Visit Fishguard & Goodwick’s in-house graphic designer, has been placed on the Abergwaun Hotel tunnel, near Offshore Surfwear’s new shop.

The group said it was “incredibly proud” of the finished result and thanked

the building owner for allowing the map to be installed on the premises.

Visit Fishguard & Goodwick is now hoping to create a similar map for Goodwick and is asking for help from a centrally located building owner who may be willing to host it.

Anyone who can help, or knows of a suitable location, is being asked to get in touch with Visit Fishguard & Goodwick.

Sea Cadets who beat Gregory Peck in Moby Dick race recall their Hollywood triumph

TWO members of the Fishguard Sea Cadets rowing crew who famously raced Hollywood stars during the 1954 filming of Moby Dick have recalled the epic ‘David v Goliath’ showdown.

Huw Lewis was stroke of the boat which powered to a shock victory in the 1.5-mile race in September 1954, while Gareth Rees was second stroke.

Elstree Productions felt a win for the boat coxed by Gregory Peck (Captain Ahab) would be great publicity for John Huston’s movie.

But the Hollywood A-lister and his crew were left trailing as Huw and Gareth and fellow oarsmen Gordon Lewis, Gordon Brooks and Ben Masey triumphed against the odds.

Organisers of Fishguard’s Ar Ymyl a Tir 2026/On Land’s Edge Festival had set out to try and trace the five after being shown a commemorative oar at TS Skirmisher.

“I remember it like it was yesterday,” says Huw – a retired civil engineer and builder – who, along with Gareth, will be a special guest at a Moby Dick exhibition at Fishguard’s Theatr Gwaun on September 1.

“The crew of the ‘Pequod’ challenged us. One was an ex-wrestler named Tom Clegg – so they were big men!

“Hundreds of people had turned out to watch and there was a lot of betting on the outcome.

“The boats used were 27-ft long ‘whalers’ – the ones in the film. We rowed one and the Pequod crew had two – so it was a three-boat race.

“We were all about 17 or 18, but those in the other boats were full-grown men.”

A humbled Peck and Huston subsequently attended an awards presentation evening at Fishguard Yacht Club.

“Huston presented Peck with a large

package,” recalls Gareth, a retired Esso oil refinery shift supervisor.

“On opening it Peck found a large and bloody lump of whale blubber which he then flung at Huston from across the room!”

Huw also remembers a scene where an actor had to fall off the yardarm and into the sea.

“But he chickened out,” he says.

“A local nutcase called Iago Phillips took the actor’s place.

“He didn’t jump off the lower yardarm, nor the middle or higher one – but right off the top!

“And that is who you see in the film!”

Meanwhile, Jane and Kate Masey – daughters of the late Ben Masey –recently enjoyed a tour of TS Skirmisher, where an oar signed by the Pequod crew and bearing the cadets’ names remains a prized exhibit.

“Dad always talked about Fishguard – it was the best time of his life,” said Kate.

Ben, who died in 2016, moved to Newhaven where he worked as a skipper in the Merchant Navy and, latterly, as a deep water pilot.

Father-of-four Gordon Brooks, a mechanic and builder who later worked on the Fishguard-Rosslare ferries, passed away in Fishguard in January 2021 at the age of 81.

“He was quite a character,” recalls his son, Adrian. “Always the life and soul of a party, even though he didn’t drink – he didn’t need it!”

The fifth member of the crew, Huw Lewis’s younger brother Gordon – a former commodore of Aberaeron Yacht Club and ‘social legend’ – died in Cardigan in September 2016.

See onlandsedge.co.uk and https:// www.hanesabergwaun.org.uk/ for further info.

Pirates take over Pembroke Dock maritime museum

VOLUNTEERS at West Wales Maritime Museum were praised after another successful Pirates Party brought crowds to Pembroke Dock.

The family event was held at Hancock’s Yard, Front Street, on Saturday (Jun 20), with visitors enjoying a day of maritime-themed entertainment, stalls, refreshments and fancy dress.

The museum, run by the West Wales Maritime Heritage Society, hosted the event with the help of volunteers, with activities including a tombola, raffle, barbecue, face painting, children’s games and a prize for the best-dressed pirate.

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There was also live entertainment from the Cantabile Singers and the Barti Waves.

One of the highlights of the afternoon was a musket firing display by the H.M.S Wales Re-enactment Group, which drew strong interest from those attending.

County councillor Jonathan Grimes, who represents Pembroke St Mary South and Monkton, was among those who visited the event.

He said it had been “a fantastic afternoon” and praised the volunteers who had worked hard to put on “another brilliant event”.

Cllr Grimes said: “There was plenty to see and enjoy, but my personal highlight had to be the musket firing display from the H.M.S Wales Re-enactment Group — a real crowd-pleaser with live firing.

“It was wonderful to see so many people coming along and supporting yet another successful event at the museum.”

He also thanked Peter Kraus and everyone involved for their dedication in bringing the event to life.

The West Wales Maritime Museum is based at the historic Hancock’s Yard and is run by volunteers who work to preserve Pembroke Dock’s maritime heritage.

The society restores and maintains classic boats, operates a museum of maritime artefacts and offers visitors a chance to learn more about the town’s long connection with the sea.

The museum has become an increasingly popular community venue, with events such as the Pirates Party helping to bring families into the town while celebrating Pembroke Dock’s seafaring past.

Swiss granddaughter returns to Pembroke Dock to honour wartime heroine

A SWISS woman has returned to Pembroke Dock Heritage Centre to see a special display celebrating her grandmother’s remarkable wartime work helping Allied servicemen who escaped into neutral Switzerland.

Therese Burckhardt, from Zurich, is the granddaughter of Mrs Beryl Schaerer Morse, a former Pembroke Dock woman who was awarded the King’s Medal in 1952 for her service during the Second World War.

The rare medal, one of only around 2,500 awarded, is now on display at the Heritage Centre alongside photographs, family records and an information panel telling Mrs Schaerer Morse’s story.

Beryl Schaerer Morse was born in Pembroke Dock in 1887, the daughter of Mr and Mrs Thomas Harrison Morse, who lived in Pembroke Dock and later Tenby.

After marrying a Swiss banker in 1913, she settled in Switzerland for the rest of her life, but always regarded Pembrokeshire as home. She returned for many summers to the family’s house in Tenby, which her grandparents had

Tom Sinclair editor@herald.email

built in the 1930s.

During the Second World War, Mrs Schaerer Morse led an organisation assisting Allied servicemen who had escaped into neutral Switzerland. Her work was later recognised with the award of the King’s Medal.

Therese first visited the Heritage Centre last summer with childhood friend Penny Tighe, of Pembroke, bringing the medal and family records with her. She has now returned with further documents and family photographs to add to the centre’s archive.

Joining her again was Penny Tighe, along with Ruth Waddington, who now lives in the Tenby house where Therese spent many happy childhood holidays with her brother Roland, known affectionately to his grandmother as “Chips”.

Mrs Schaerer Morse died in 1967 and had expressly wished to be buried near her father at Llanion Cemetery, Pembroke

Dock.

Therese said: “I am very pleased with how my grandmother’s medal and her story are displayed at the Heritage Centre, and also pleased to bring more records to add to the archive there.”

Pembroke Dock Heritage Centre is based at the Royal Dockyard Chapel and tells the story of the town’s maritime,

aviation, military, social and community heritage.

Pembroke Dock was Wales’ only Royal Dockyard, a major garrison town, and during the Second World War was home to the largest flying boat station in the world.

The centre is currently open Monday to Friday, from 10:00am to 4:00pm

Why this heatWave feels Worse than the last one

THE REASON this heatwave feels worse is simple: it is not just the heat, it is the lack of relief.

High daytime temperatures are difficult enough. But when humidity rises and nights stay warm, the body has less chance to recover. That is when a hot spell becomes a public health concern.

Britain is still poor at dealing with heat. We treat it as a novelty, not a risk. Schools, care homes, workplaces and public transport are often badly prepared. Many homes are built to retain warmth in winter, not stay cool in summer.

That may once have been a minor inconvenience. It is now becoming a serious weakness.

This week’s conditions show the problem clearly. Humid air makes sweating less effective, so people can overheat more quickly. Warm nights mean poor sleep, dehydration and extra strain, particularly for older people, babies and those with existing health conditions.

For Pembrokeshire and the rest of Wales, this is not an abstract climate issue. It affects farm workers, tourism staff, delivery drivers, school pupils, hospital patients and care home residents. It affects water use, roads, public services and emergency planning.

Climate change does not mean every hot day is caused by global warming. But it does mean extreme heat is becoming more likely and more severe. A warmer atmosphere can also hold more moisture, making some heatwaves feel more oppressive than the dry heat people may remember from the past.

messages matter, but they are not enough.

The response cannot be limited to warnings about drinking water and staying out of the sun. Those

Councils, health boards, schools and employers need proper heat plans. Buildings need better ventilation and shade. Vulnerable people need checking on. Outdoor and indoor workers need sensible protection.

Heatwaves are no longer rare summer talking points. They are part of the climate Wales now has to plan for.

BADGER AND THE SAME OLD GAME

AT THE time of writing, Keir Starmer is still PM, but he is on the way out of 10 Downing Street.

In the eleven years since the 2015 General Election, the UK has had six prime ministers and will soon have a seventh.

Cameron, May, Johnson, Truss, Sunak and Starmer have come and gone (or have come and will go). May, Truss, Johnson, and Sunak all became PMs without going through the rigmarole of winning a General Election first, and the same will go for whoever succeeds Starmer.

Some commentators have opined that the turnover of PMs is a sign that the UK is, in some way, “ungovernable”. Rubbish. It’s Parliament or, more specifically, parliamentary party politics that are at fault. Even more specifically, it’s the character or lack thereof of MPs and the various creatures and critters that hang around them that is to blame.

Badger can’t help thinking that there is something superficial about many of those who represent us in the House of Commons. It’s rather like the late Clive James’s observation about the television series “Edward and Mrs Simpson”. The problem with the drama, Clive James observed, was that the excellence of the script and the acting suggested Edward VIII’s character had undiscovered depths, whereas, in reality, he had only hidden shallows.

On the campaign trail in Makerfield, Andy Burnham banged on about representing the local community and its concerns. When asked by a Radio 4 journalist what he thought Mr Burnham should do as a first priority in Parliament, one voter stated that he should ensure a dilapidated road is fixed. Badger can’t wait to see how long it takes Andy Burnham to get that road fixed. It needs tarmac, not “hope”.

Thus, we come to an issue that Badger believes lies at the heart of voters’ detachment from parliamentary politics and their cynicism about MPs, Ministers, and Prime Ministers. Voters don’t care about “ambitions”, “plans”, “missions”, “values”, or the 101 other

buzzwords politicians like bandying around to suggest they have big ideas. What they want is someone to make sure that what they want done gets done. And in many cases, that’s things like road repairs and not creating a truly equal society or a Global Britain.

Keir Starmer’s original error was telling people that there were no easy solutions to what he said ailed the nation and that there would be pain ahead before things improved. Well, readers, that went down like a bucket of cold sick with the electorate. It was poor judgment and bad politics. He burned off any chance of a honeymoon period in one ill-judged speech.

He made the massive assumption that voters would absorb a little hardship in the name of the collective good. That might appear to be a small price to bear if you’re a well-heeled professional living in London (as many Labour MPs are; at least, when they’re not in mummy’s holiday home or daddy’s Cotswolds estate). It’s rather less appealing when you’ve already got bugger-all money to spare, whether you live in Milford Haven or Makerfield.

It’s true that immigration, unemployment, and inflation are all down. It’s true that the economy is growing (albeit very slowly). It’s true that Labour has enacted legislation to extend workers’ rights, nationalised the railways, and begun spending more on defence.

It’s also true that more pensioners will pay tax, that the hike in National Insurance for employers is crippling small businesses, that frozen thresholds for income tax represent tax rises by stealth, that the cut to the NI threshold penalises those on lower wages, and that the UK’s energy (both domestic and industrial) is too expensive and likely to get dearer as a direct result of government policies on energy generation and renewables.

Then, readers, consider the government’s missteps: trying to ram through a Private Member’s Bill on Assisted Dying; mucking around with the Winter Fuel Allowance; ignoring a Supreme Court rulling

on the scope of the Equality Act; trying to stuff the UK’s farmers with punitive business taxes and getting rid of the IHT exemption; appointing Peter Mandelson; marching to the top of the hill over welfare benefit reform and scuttling away when it got too hot for them. One of those would be ill-conceived. Two of them would be politically toxic. Take all of them together, and you’re looking at politics being done by people who are crap at politics.

And all of that accompanied by the hectoring tone of a PM who is only too willing to say what “I/ we will not tolerate” and bang on about “shared values” to underline his peevish moralising. It’s politics done by people who are hot on “the process” and think that following it exempts them from any negative reaction to their policy choices. It’s politics done by people who are crap at politics.

Process does not exist separately from context and fact. Imagine if Rachel Reeves rocked up at your mum’s house with a machete and proceeded to hack the old dear into bloody chunks. Now imagine if her defence was that she had followed “the correct process” before doing so. And now make Peter Mandelson Ambassador to Washington DC. Starmer’s problem was the same as his predecessors’ over the last

dozen or so years. It’s all very well to have a plan, but events require nimbleness of thought and deed. When Macmillan was asked to identify the greatest challenge he faced as Prime Minister, he replied, “Events, dear boy. Events.”

People think of Thatcherism as a single, continuous process, but it wasn’t. Although there was a strong ideological motor, as Michael Portillo observed, Margaret Thatcher was also cautious. It wasn’t until her late “Imperial” phase, surrounded by a court of fawning no-marks, that Thatcher abandoned the grip on political reality that had helped her win three General Elections.

As soon as a politician starts believing their hype, their fate is sealed. Hype and the resulting arrogance of power consumed Thatcher and swallowed Blair whole. Today’s politicians have leapt straight past the legislative grind and straight into the behaviour of late-period Thatcher. No wonder they can’t last the course.

Soon, Andy Burnham will enter Number 10 as Prime Minister, having won this particular round of the Game of Thrones. He should remember that the King in the North in that series pushed for the throne, but ended up with his head on a pike.

Call for works at St Mary’s Church to improve accessibility

A CALL for works at a historic Pembrokeshire town centre church to make it more accessible has been submitted to county planners.

In an application to Pembrokeshire County Council, The Parochial Church Council of St Mary’s Church, Pembroke, through agent Arnold Bartosch Ltd, is applying for the removal of existing steps with replacement steps and a ramp at the grade-I-listed church.

A supporting statement says the church, heavily restored in the 19th century, “is thought to have been built for Gilbert de Clare, first Earl 1138-48 or his son Richard Strongbow, 114876, but is likely to be contemporary with the major building at the castle by William Marshal, first in Pembroke between 1204, and 1219”.

Of the proposed scheme it says: “The current access consists of a sloping pathway and three steps up. The steps deny access to the church for wheelchair users and those with impaired mobility. The proposed arrangement will provide a level platform allowing access for all into the church and churchyard.” It adds: “The existing access from the churchyard into the West Porch also consists of steps. The proposals will include for the installations of a new landing at the west doorway which will provide access for all into the church.”

The west entranceway was itself

Bruce Sinclair Local Democracy Reporter

listed back in 2005, as grade-II.

The supporting statement adds: “The access should be altered as it currently restricts access for all. The alterations will improve public access of the church whilst retaining the grade-IIlisted piers and gates. The alterations will be carried out to a high standard befitting a grade I Listed Church setting and grade-II-listed gates and railings.

“The relocation will involve minimum disruption and no loss of historic fabric. We believe this proposal is acceptable and a reasonable part of the site’s evolution concurrent with modern requirements and can be justified as minimal harm.”

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

A successful fundraising campaign was held at St Mary’s for the restoration of three church bells and associated works, with a blessing of the bells service and dedication taking place back in May attended by the Rt Revd Dorrien Davies, Lord Bishop of St Davids, new mayor of Pembroke Cllr Jonathan Grimes and Mayoress Cllr Deborah Willcocks.

The three new bells dedicated were the Lingard Family Bell, the Rogers Family Bell, and the Morgan Bell.

Waldo lounge praised for charity work

A HAVERFORDWEST venue has been praised for raising more than £2,600 for local charities through a series of community events.

Castle Ward county councillor Thomas Tudor visited The Waldo Lounge in Haverfordwest with Henry Tufnell MP, where they met manager Stephanie Davies.

Cllr Tudor said Stephanie had “truly embraced” her role in the community, organising events including a duck race, sports quiz, Mad Hatter’s tea party for Little Loungers, a bake sale and a drag night show.

Together, the events have raised £2,637 for local good causes.

Charities to benefit include The VC Gallery, Tŷ Hafan and Adam’s Bucketful of Hope Cancer Support Centre.

Cllr Tudor said: “It was lovely to introduce Henry Tufnell MP to Stephanie Davies, manager of The Waldo Lounge in Haverfordwest.

“Stephanie has truly embraced her role in the community of Haverfordwest, running many exciting initiatives and raising a staggering £2,637 for local charities.”

The fundraising continues this week, with Rock ’n’ Roll Bingo and a Wild West country and western night featuring a rodeo bull.

gaming

Dead or Alive 6 Last Round represents an interesting return for Team Ninja’s long-running fighting series, delivering a package that feels both celebratory and somewhat conflicted. At its heart lies one of the most enjoyable 3D fighting systems available today. Matches are fast, fluid and highly accessible, allowing newcomers to perform flashy combinations with relative ease while still rewarding experienced players who master the timing of holds, counters and environmental hazards. The Break Gauge mechanics add another layer of strategy, giving combatants access to powerful offensive and defensive options without overwhelming the core rockpaper-scissors philosophy that has always defined the franchise.

The roster is impressive, bringing together the original cast alongside previously downloadable fighters such as Nyotengu, Momiji, Rachel, Phase 4 and Tamaki, resulting in a varied selection of martial artists, ninjas, wrestlers and eccentric personalities. Each character feels distinct in motion, with beautifully animated attacks and

satisfying impact effects that make every successful counter or stage transition feel dramatic. Visually, the game remains attractive, with detailed character models, dynamic lighting and arenas packed with destructible objects and danger zones. The newly added Photo Mode is a welcome bonus, allowing players to capture elaborate action scenes and character poses with considerable freedom.

However, Last Round cannot entirely escape some of the criticisms levelled at the original release. While the fighting mechanics are stronger than ever, some longtime fans may still miss features from earlier entries, particularly tag battles and certain side modes that helped previous games feel more complete. The story mode remains fragmented and lacks the focus needed to make its narrative compelling, often serving merely as a vehicle to move from one fight to the next. Online play can be enjoyable when connections are stable, but the absence of more modern features expected from contemporary fighting games may disappoint dedicated competitors.

Even with these shortcomings, Dead or Alive 6 Last Round succeeds because it understands what has always made the series special. Beneath its sometimes controversial presentation lies a deeply entertaining fighter built around speed, precision and spectacle. It may not be the definitive evolution some fans hoped for, but it is nevertheless a polished and engaging experience that showcases why Dead or Alive continues to occupy a unique place within the fighting game genre. For newcomers it offers an accessible gateway into 3D fighters, while veterans will find plenty to appreciate in its refined combat system and expanded character lineup. Overall, Dead or Alive 6 Last Round is a strong return that proves the series still has plenty of fight left in it, even if it falls just short of true greatness.

SUPERGIRL is exactly the shot in the arm that DC needed, delivering a cosmic adventure that feels refreshingly different from the usual cape-and-cowl formula. Director Craig Gillespie embraces the offbeat, road-movie energy of the source material and crafts a film that is as much about grief, identity and belonging as it is about flying punches and heat vision. Rather than presenting Kara Zor-El as another endlessly optimistic hero, the film introduces a scarred young woman carrying the trauma of Krypton’s destruction, and that emotional weight gives the story far more resonance than many recent superhero outings.

Milly Alcock proves to be inspired casting, bringing a rebellious streak, dry wit and underlying vulnerability to Supergirl that immediately sets her apart from her cousin. She captures Kara’s loneliness and anger without ever making her unlikeable, and her chemistry with Eve Ridley’s determined

Ruthye provides the heart of the film. Their relationship evolves naturally over the course of the journey, grounding the more fantastical elements with genuine emotion. Jason Momoa’s arrival as Lobo injects a welcome dose of chaotic fun, stealing several scenes without overshadowing the central narrative.

Visually, Supergirl is striking, trading familiar cityscapes for strange alien worlds filled with colour, grit and personality. The action sequences are energetic and inventive, while the soundtrack adds a rebellious edge that suits Kara’s attitude perfectly. Not everything lands; the villain lacks the depth needed to become truly memorable, and some pacing issues in the middle act prevent the film from reaching greatness. Even so, the emotional payoff is strong enough to overcome these shortcomings.

What ultimately makes Supergirl succeed is its willingness to let its heroine be messy,

impulsive and flawed. This isn’t a story about becoming a symbol of hope overnight, but about learning to move forward after unimaginable loss. It’s a bold, characterdriven addition to the new DC Universe, and while it may divide viewers expecting a more traditional superhero spectacle, those willing to embrace its rougher edges will find an engaging and surprisingly heartfelt adventure

Tech and Taff

Apple’s price bite shows AI is eating everyone’s chips

THERE was a time when buying a new laptop in Wales meant three things.

You checked the price, sucked air through your teeth, and said: “I’ll wait until after Christmas.”

Now, thanks to the artificial intelligence boom, you may need to wait until after the next Senedd election.

Apple has announced price rises on some MacBooks and iPads, blaming the soaring cost of memory and storage chips. In plain English, the same global scramble powering all those shiny AI data centres is now making ordinary computers more expensive.

So there we are, mun. You ask a chatbot to write a poem about a dragon eating bara brith, and six months later your iPad costs another hundred quid.

That is technology for you. The clever stuff never stays in Silicon Valley. Sooner or later, it turns up in Swansea, St Davids, Skewen or Splott and puts its hand in your pocket.

Apple says the industry is facing an “unprecedented challenge” because demand for chips has rocketed. These chips are not just going into laptops and tablets. They are being swallowed by enormous data centres running AI systems, cloud services, search engines, apps, and all the digital wizardry we now expect to happen instantly.

The cloud, let us be honest, is not a cloud. It is a shed full of hot computers somewhere, probably

humming away like a substation outside Merthyr.

And those computers need memory. Lots of it.

The result is simple supply and demand. If the biggest technology firms in the world are buying up chips by the lorry-load, the price goes up for everyone else. Apple, despite having more money than some small countries and at least three Welsh councils combined, says it can no longer absorb all the extra cost.

That is quite something. When Apple says things are expensive, you know the calculator has started crying.

The increases affect some MacBooks and iPads, with some rises reportedly close to 20%. For Apple loyalists, this may not be the end of the world. Some people would buy a MacBook if Tim Cook delivered it in a black cloak at midnight and asked for payment in gold sovereigns.

But for families, students, small businesses and schools, this matters.

A laptop is not a luxury any more. It is homework, banking, tax returns, job applications, invoices, video calls, coursework, council forms, hospital letters, farming paperwork, Universal Credit journals, and the thing your child needs because “everyone else has one”.

In rural Wales, where public transport is often imaginary and services are increasingly pushed online, digital access is not a nice extra. It is basic infrastructure.

It is no good telling people in Pembrokeshire, Powys or Ceredigion to “go online” if the device needed to do it costs more than the car outside.

The AI boom has been sold to us as a revolution. It will make us faster, smarter and more productive, apparently. It will write emails, generate images, analyse data and perhaps, one day, explain why no printer in any Welsh office has ever worked properly when you are in a hurry.

But AI is not magic. It runs on real hardware, real electricity, real cooling systems, real land, real water and very real supply chains.

And those supply chains are now squeezing ordinary buyers.

Other manufacturers are likely to follow Apple. Some may raise prices openly. Others may reduce discounts, cut storage, push customers towards premium models, or make the cheaper options just a little bit worse.

The technology industry loves this sort of thing.

“Good news,” they say, “the new model is thinner.”

Yes, because you removed the ports, the charger, the headphone socket and half my will to live.

Gamers are already feeling the same pressure. PCs, consoles and handheld systems all depend on the same global component market. If memory and storage stay expensive, the cost of gaming, editing videos, running a small business or studying from home will all rise.

For Wales, the question is not just whether Apple fans can afford the latest shiny rectangle.

It is whether the digital divide gets wider.

We already have communities where broadband is patchy, mobile signal disappears behind the first wet hedge, and older residents are expected to navigate online systems that would confuse a NASA engineer.

If devices become more expensive too, the gap grows.

Those with money get the newest tools, the fastest machines and the best access to AI. Those without money make do with an old laptop that sounds like a tractor climbing Bwlch y Groes.

So what should people do?

First, do not panic-buy. If your current laptop works, keep it going. Clear out old files, update it, back it up, and treat it with more respect than the Welsh Government treats a rural bus timetable.

Second, think carefully before paying for storage you do not need. Technology firms make a lot of money from persuading people they need more memory than they will ever use.

Third, look at refurbished machines. A good refurbished laptop from a reputable seller can be better than a brand-new bargain model with the processing power of a damp Welsh cake.

Finally, be honest about what you need. Unless you are editing films, developing software, running a design studio, or pretending to be a tech influencer in a Cardiff coffee shop, you may not need the top model.

The bigger question is where all this is going.

AI is expanding at astonishing speed. Data centres are growing. Energy demand is rising. Chip supplies are under pressure. Consumer prices are starting to feel it.

Technology always promises the future.

The trouble is, the invoice arrives in the present.

Apple’s price rises are a warning. Artificial intelligence may be clever, but it is not free. The machines doing the thinking still need chips.

And, as usual, tidy like, the rest of us are being asked to pay for them.

CliCK TO

Season two of Netflix’s liveaction Avatar: The Last Airbender is a confident and often thrilling continuation that feels far more comfortable in its own skin than the first season. Expanding into the Earth Kingdom allows the series to embrace a larger sense of scale, with impressive locations, richer world-building and a growing sense that the war with the Fire Nation is beginning to affect every corner of the world. The arrival of Toph injects fresh energy into the story, with her sharp wit, stubborn independence and formidable earthbending skills making her an instant standout, while the core dynamic between Aang,

Katara and Sokka remains engaging and heartfelt.

The season also benefits from stronger character work, particularly for Zuko, whose internal struggle between honour, family loyalty and finding his own path continues to provide some of the show’s most compelling moments. The action sequences are more ambitious and visually striking, making good use of the different bending styles, and the political intrigue surrounding Ba Sing Se adds an intriguing layer of mystery and tension. Not every episode maintains the same momentum, and some long-time

fans may still miss the quieter character beats and eccentric charm that made the animated series so beloved, but the adaptation has clearly learned from the criticisms aimed at its debut outing. By balancing spectacle with emotional growth and setting up an exciting path towards its final chapter, season two succeeds in feeling less like an interpretation trying to prove itself and more like a fantasy adventure confidently carving out its own identity. It is an entertaining, visually impressive and emotionally satisfying return that should leave viewers eager to see how the story concludes.

HOROSCOPES

VIRGO

The

pusher

planet could try every single trick in their arsenal, but you won’t be having any of it. This ironclad conviction will serve you well, and it may even afford you a position of power.

LIBRA

If you wake up in the wrong frame of mind, it could turn into one of those days when it feels like everyone is trying to get in your way. To avoid this frustration, you need to start the day as socially as possible. Get yourself used to the energy of strangers. Visit a busy coffee shop, run some morning errands, or take public transportation. Being alone too long in the morning will make you too sensitive to outside stimulation.

SCORPIO

No matter what needs to be done today, remember that you can take all the time you need. Don’t assume that you’re being held to a certain calendar or time expectation when you aren’t. Travel the path you’re on one step at a time, at the pace that best suits you. You know what needs to be done, and how to do it. Don’t rush yourself.

SAGITTARIUS

As you continue on a path of passivity, you’ll begin to notice things you never had the time to notice before. These revelations will teach you something new about someone you’ve known for a while. The change in this person’s behavior has a reasonable explanation, so resist the urge to make any assumptions. Avoid any confrontations at all right now, and just keep experiencing everything around you in a new way.

CAPRICORN

Communication will bring you an exceptional amount of joy now, so it’s in your best interests to initiate discussions whenever and wherever you can. Strangers are only friends you haven’t met yet, and while new friendships might not be what you’re looking for, you should try to break the ice in a public situation. It will add pleasantness to your day and remind you that everyone is essentially the same inside.

AQUARIUS

The most solid-looking brick wall is not a real obstacle today. Just step closer and

Voices at the Castle hailed a huge success for Paul Sartori Foundation

A MEMORAbLE evening of music, warmth and community spirit filled Pembroke Castle as Voices at the Castle was hailed a huge success.

The event, held on Saturday (Jun 13), brought together local performers, an international star and a strong audience in one of Pembrokeshire’s most iconic settings, all in support of the Paul Sartori Foundation.

Set against the dramatic backdrop of the historic castle, the evening offered an uplifting celebration of live music and charity. Organisers said the relaxed atmosphere, sunny setting and quality of performances helped make it a night to remember.

The event opened with Pembrokeshire Pop Voices, who entertained the audience with an upbeat set including their charity single Love the Bones of You.

They were followed by Pembroke and District Male Voice Choir, who delivered a rousing selection of classic male voice choir favourites, with many in the audience joining in.

The Paul Sartori Community Choir also impressed in one of its first outdoor performances, with a confident and spirited set which included a standout rendition of an ELO classic.

Bella Voce added to the occasion with a varied programme of melodic songs, their harmonies carrying beautifully around the castle walls.

Headline act Russell Watson brought the evening to a powerful close, captivating the crowd with his humour, warmth and remarkable voice.

disappointed that Rock the Ramparts, due to take place on the Friday evening, could not go ahead.

conditions.

Special thanks were extended to staff at Pembroke Castle for their continued support and for providing the setting, as well as Wayne and the team at EPS, Magnum Sound, Bluesky Marquees, Merts Medical, Elite Security, Joshua Bennet and David Halsted for their contributions to food and drink provision.

The charity also thanked Ian Richards for photographing the event on behalf of Paul Sartori.

A spokesperson said Voices at the Castle stood as a testament to what could be achieved through collaboration, dedication and a shared love of live music, adding that organisers hoped the night would live long in the memory of those who attended.

The Paul Sartori Foundation, which operates as Paul Sartori Hospice at Home, provides end-of-life care and support for people with life-limiting illnesses across Pembrokeshire.

His set included a mixture of classical and contemporary songs, with the audience joining him for a singalong of Volare before dancing along as the evening built to its finale.

He ended the night with a moving dedication to Paul Sartori staff, performing Someone to Remember Me.

Organisers also praised compere Rod Haynes, whose warmth, humour and natural stage presence helped the event run smoothly and created a welcoming atmosphere for all.

The charity said it remained extremely

High winds meant it was not possible to safely install the stage roof and associated sound equipment, forcing the cancellation of the event on health and safety grounds.

The charity thanked the bands The Candy Skulls, The Cleddau Kings, Milly and The Bandits, and Saltwater for their understanding, generosity and the time they had put into rehearsing and preparing.

Thanks were also given to the staging and lighting teams, who worked throughout the day in an effort to make the event happen despite the challenging

The charity says it is keen to dispel the belief that it is only a cancer charity, with almost a third of those it supports having a non-cancer diagnosis.

It operates an open referral system, with referrals coming from patients, family members, friends, district nurses, palliative care specialists and hospital staff.

The foundation was established in memory of Father Paul Sartori, a muchloved local priest who recognised the need for hospice care before his death from cancer at the age of 39.

you can’t fix corridor care Without fixing rural healthcare

FOR PEMbROKESHIRE patients, corridor care is not just about what happens inside a hospital. It is about what happens before they even get there.

When politicians talk about corridor care, they often focus on patients waiting on trolleys, ambulances queuing outside Accident and Emergency, and nurses treating people in corridors because there is nowhere else to put them.

Those scenes are shocking. They should never become normal.

But corridor care is not the disease. It is the symptom.

The real problem starts much earlier, and in west Wales it begins with a question too many decisionmakers in Cardiff Bay fail to answer: what does healthcare look like when you live an hour or more from the nearest major hospital service?

DISTANCE MATTERS

Pembrokeshire people have been here before.

Maternity, paediatrics, consultantled services and emergency surgery at Withybush Hospital have all been fought over. Each change is presented as isolated. Taken together, they feel to many residents like a slow retreat

from a full district general hospital.

Health boards describe these changes as creating safe and sustainable services. Campaigners describe them as downgrades.

Both arguments have merit.

Medicine has become increasingly specialised. Concentrating some services can improve clinical outcomes, particularly for complex procedures where specialist teams deal with larger numbers of patients.

But that is only part of the picture.

Rural Wales is not Cardiff, Newport or Swansea.

When a service moves from Withybush to Glangwili, it is not simply relocating down the road. It can mean another hour in an ambulance. It can mean anxious relatives travelling from Haverfordwest, Milford Haven, Pembroke Dock, Tenby, Fishguard or St Davids to Carmarthen in the middle of the night.

It can mean winter roads, tourist traffic, tractors, roadworks and accidents.

A decision that looks manageable on a Cardiff Bay spreadsheet can feel very different to a family following an ambulance across county lines when the worst has happened.

Distance is not an inconvenience in rural healthcare.

times.

POLITICAL DIVIDE

This week’s Senedd debate reflected the political divide.

The Conservatives accused the Welsh Government of leaving the door open to hospital downgrades.

Plaid Cymru argued that decisions must remain clinically led.

Labour insisted patient safety must remain the overriding principle.

Reform UK focused on the maintenance backlog affecting NHS buildings.

Each party highlighted part of the problem.

None can claim to have solved it.

If we are serious about ending corridor care, we must also be serious about rebuilding community healthcare, expanding social care, supporting ambulance services and recognising that rural health provision cannot simply mirror urban models.

It is part of patient safety.

A WIDER CRISIS

The latest intervention by the Royal College of Nursing Wales and eight other health organisations shines a light on another uncomfortable truth.

Wales still lacks a national definition of corridor care and does not routinely publish figures showing how often it happens.

England now does.

That should concern everyone.

If you cannot measure a problem, you cannot honestly claim to be solving it.

More importantly, focusing solely on corridor care risks missing the wider crisis.

Patients are not ending up in corridors because nurses suddenly forgot how to run hospitals.

They are ending up there because emergency departments cannot move people onto wards.

Wards cannot free beds because patients who are medically fit to leave cannot always be discharged.

Many are waiting for care packages, rehabilitation, community nursing or places in residential care.

The blockage runs through the entire system.

By the time a patient reaches a

Patients in rural Wales should not receive a thinner version of the NHS because they live further from Cardiff, Swansea or Carmarthen.

Places at the end of the road

For west Wales, this matters more than almost anywhere else.

Communities here already travel further for healthcare than much of the rest of the country. Every service moved further away increases pressure elsewhere in the system.

Closing the corridor begins long before a patient reaches hospital.

It begins with ensuring people can access care closer to home, hospitals have the beds they need, patients can be discharged safely, and rural communities are not treated as an afterthought when health policy is made.

If ministers want to end corridor care in Wales, they should start by listening to the places at the end of the road.

In Pembrokeshire, healthcare is not only about beds and staffing charts. It is about distance, time, ambulances, families and whether Withybush remains a hospital people can rely on when the worst happens.

Until those issues are addressed, corridor care will remain exactly what it is today: not the cause of the crisis, but the place where every weakness in the NHS becomes impossible to ignore.

Squawking from the top of the Tory skip

AWK! AWK! boys bach, there’s been another human falling out of the big nest in Downing Street.

Six prime ministers in ten years, butt. Six! I’ve seen more long-term planning in a Greggs bag blowing down Charles Street.

Starmer came in with a majority the size of a trawler and still managed to beach himself like a confused seal outside the fish docks.

He had no song, see. No squawk. No proper cry from the belly.

He wanted to look serious, but ended up sounding like a wet council agenda left on the dashboard of a minicab.

And all the while, Farage was up on the harbour wall, flapping his wings, shouting: “It’s them! It’s them! It’s always them!”

Migrants. Judges. Europe. Civil servants. People with reusable coffee cups. Anyone but the boys who promised Brexit would fill the baskets and then handed us a dead crab.

AWK! Take back control, they said.

Control of what, butt? The potholes? The hospital waiting list? The price of a sausage roll? The buses that vanish like chips in a gale?

Even the gulls down Milford Marina know when someone’s nicked the bait.

And that’s the thing, see. Humans love a slogan. They’ll put it on a bus, slap it on a leaflet, shout it through a microphone, and then look surprised ten years later when the roof still leaks.

Down the docks, if a man says he’s going to mend the net, you expect to see a needle in his hand. You don’t want a speech about the historical importance of net-mending while the fish are swimming away laughing.

Starmer was like that. Always explaining the shape of the bucket while the water poured out.

Then, when Farage started screeching louder, Labour tried to screech back in the same tune. Big mistake, boys bach. You don’t beat a gull in a shouting contest by becoming a worse gull.

Farage has been dining out on grievance for years. He’s like one of those old birds who sits on a chimney pot telling every chick that the harbour was better before the tourists came and the bins had proper lids.

But what has he actually built?

Nothing. Not a pier. Not a shelter. Not a warm place for people to sit while waiting for a doctor. Just noise, feathers and blame.

Now they say Andy Burnham might be next.

Well, good luck to him. If he wants to last longer than a chip on the Rath, he’d better stop trying to sound clever and start sounding useful.

People don’t need another speech polished smooth as a mackerel. They need wages, doctors, buses, houses, and a bit of hope that doesn’t come wrapped in a Union Jack and blamed on the nearest foreigner.

Patriotism isn’t shouting at strangers from the promenade.

It’s looking after your own without kicking someone else’s nest into the sea.

It’s making sure your town still has a school, a surgery, a bus stop, a few

decent jobs, and somewhere for the young ones to live without needing a banker’s wage or a miracle from St Govan.

Because let me tell you, boys bach, people are tired.

They’re tired in Milford. They’re tired in Pembroke Dock. They’re tired in Haverfordwest, Neyland, Fishguard, Tenby, and every place where the promises arrive shiny and leave smelling of old bait.

So if Burnham wants the big nest, he needs to remember this: the country doesn’t need another king gull strutting around the roof.

It needs someone who knows where the holes are, who is brave enough to patch

them, and who doesn’t blame the rain on the poor dab trying to shelter underneath.

AWK! That’s enough politics for one day.

Now pass me the chips. Stephen Seagull

Animal lovers urged to call 999 if pets are trapped in hot cars

THE RSPCA has urged people to call police immediately if they see an animal trapped in a hot car during the heatwave.

The charity says members of the public should not call the RSPCA first in an emergency, because only police have the legal power to force entry to a vehicle to rescue an animal in distress.

Lauren Bennett, animal welfare expert at the RSPCA, said: “The RSPCA does not have the legal power to enter a vehicle to rescue an animal in distress — only the police have the power to do this.

“So please, if you see a dog or any other animal inside a hot car, call 999 immediately. Every second really does count in this situation and it is vital to get the animal out of that environment and safely cooled down as soon as possible.”

The warning comes as high temperatures continue to pose a serious risk to pets, wildlife and farm animals.

The RSPCA said a car can become a “death trap” for dogs, even on a warm or cloudy day, with temperatures inside vehicles rising rapidly in just a few minutes.

Ms Bennett said: “This is not a new warning, but sadly too many people still do not appreciate how dangerous it can be to leave a dog in a hot car, conservatory or caravan.

“Many people think it will be fine just to leave their pets for a minute or two, but we know that this is all it takes for temperatures inside a car to soar to dangerous levels.

“A hot car can be a death trap for dogs, it is as simple as that.”

The charity is also urging pet owners to keep animals cool, calm and comfortable by making sure they have constant access to fresh water, shade, ventilation and cooler areas away from direct sunlight.

Owners are being reminded to watch for signs of heatstroke, which can include heavy panting, drooling, lethargy, confusion, vomiting, collapse or seizures.

The current advice, endorsed by the Royal Veterinary College, is known as “Cool First, Transport Second”.

Anyone who believes

an animal is suffering from heatstroke should stop all activity, move the animal away from the heat, begin cooling it with water cooler than body temperature, and then take it to a vet in a cool, well-ventilated vehicle while continuing the cooling process.

The RSPCA says people should call ahead to let their vet know they are coming.

Figures from inspiring vet care, which has recently partnered with the RSPCA, show its vets dealt with 355 suspected heatstroke incidents in 2025. Of those, 234 happened during the summer months.

The number of suspected heatstroke cases was up 28 per cent on 2024, when 277 incidents were recorded.

The charity said it is not only dogs that are at risk. Cats, rabbits, guinea pigs, ferrets,

poultry, horses, fish and reptiles can all suffer in extreme heat.

Rebecca Ashman, Head Vet at the RSPCA, said cats and rabbits can also suffer sunburn, particularly white-furred animals or those with little or no hair.

She said: “To keep them safe, you can gently apply some petsafe, waterproof sun cream — at least factor 30 — to the front and back of the tips of your pet’s ears and a bit on the furless part of their nose.

“Signs of skin cancer in pets include redness and soreness, especially on the tips of the ears, or crusting around the ears — so if you notice this, it is important to take your pet to the vet.”

The RSPCA is also asking people to help wildlife by leaving out bowls of fresh water, checking long grass before mowing or strimming, searching bonfires before lighting them, and keeping ponds topped up during hot weather.

Pet owners are advised to provide shade throughout the day, keep indoor areas well ventilated, avoid exercising dogs during the hottest parts of the day, check small animals and poultry twice daily for flystrike, and keep fish tanks out of direct sunlight.

The charity said outdoor event organisers should also warn visitors about the dangers of heat-related illness in dogs and encourage owners to leave pets at home during very hot weather.

Mobile phone restrictions for Welsh schools as minister sets out education priorities

SCHOOLS across Wales are to receive statutory guidance on restricting pupils’ mobile phone use during the school day, the Welsh Government has announced.

The move follows a consultation and a workforce survey which found strong support for national direction on the issue. Although most schools already have

mobile phone policies, the survey found there was no consistent approach across Wales. It also found that 82% of respondents supported statutory restrictions.

The new guidance for local authorities and schools will set out clearer expectations on how phones should be used during the school day. It will be evaluated over the school year, with ministers leaving open the option of strengthening the rules further if required.

Cabinet Minister for Education and Welsh Language, Anna Brychan said: “Our 100-day plan was clear that we would act, and I have listened to the calls for stronger clarity on this issue.

“This is why the government will publish statutory guidance to provide clear national expectations on how mobile phones are used in schools.

“I want to be clear: as Cabinet Minister, I fully support — and strongly encourage — headteachers to introduce clear and robust restrictions on mobile phone use during the school day, up to and including a full restriction across the school site.

“I am mindful some children will always need exceptions, for medical reasons for example.

“By consulting on guidance at the start of the school year I am giving schools the clarity they want quickly, and creating a safer learning environment by reducing distractions now.”

The Welsh Government said it would also consider the implications of UK Government plans for new restrictions on under-16s’ access to social media.

said ministers were committed to protecting young people online and would work with school leaders and partners across the education system in Wales as the proposals develop.

The announcement came as the Education Minister set out wider priorities for the sector, including raising standards, strengthening Welsh language provision, improving skills and creating what she described as a system that works for everyone.

The Welsh Government said it would develop a new Foundational Literacy and Numeracy Plan before the end of the summer and review the curriculum.

Other priorities include reducing workload for education staff, expanding Welsh-medium education, ensuring learners have more opportunities to use Welsh beyond the classroom, and reviewing how universities are funded.

Ms Brychan added: “Education is the key to unleashing our nation’s potential and there is no shortage of talent, energy and innovation in Wales.

“If we want to unlock this potential and build a stronger Wales, we need a stronger education system.

“We will raise standards, strengthen the Welsh language, develop skills and build a system that works.

“By working together, we can provide opportunity, ambition and excellence for all learners, in all parts of Wales and support the workforce that makes it possible.

“This Government has made education a priority because the future of Wales depends on it.”

NFU Cymru warns livestock farmers as extreme heat puts animals at risk

FARMERS across Wales are being urged to take urgent steps to protect livestock as extreme heat warnings raise serious concerns over animal welfare.

The Animal and Plant Health Agency has issued hot weather guidance, warning that heat stress can pose a severe risk to animals and affect productivity during prolonged periods of high temperatures.

NFU Cymru is reminding livestock keepers to check water supplies daily, with animals able to double their water intake during extreme heat. Farmers are also being advised to use extra troughs where needed to reduce competition.

The union says housed animals should have good airflow, with fans used where appropriate and buildings kept well ventilated. Outdoor livestock should have access to natural or artificial shade.

Farmers are also being urged to avoid moving or handling animals unless absolutely necessary. Where transport cannot be avoided, it should take place during the coolest part of the day, with

loading density reduced by at least 30 per cent and vehicle airflow maximised.

NFU Cymru has also warned farmers to remain vigilant for blowfly strike in sheep and metabolic diseases such as CCN in cattle.

Rob Lewis, NFU Cymru Livestock Chair, said: “With unprecedented day and night temperatures expected over most of Wales in the next few days, I urge all livestock keepers to follow the APHA guidelines mentioned above to protect the welfare and the well-being of their stock.

“In particular, avoid livestock moves during the hottest parts of the day.”

Anna Nicholl MS calls on Welsh Government to value farmers as equal partners

CEREDIGION Penfro MS Anna Nicholl has welcomed the Welsh Government’s broad ambition to strengthen rural resilience and sustainability, but has warned that farmers and local communities must be involved in shaping the detail if policies are to work in practice.

Speaking during a Senedd debate on June 23, Ms Nicholl referred to a recent visit to a farm in Pembrokeshire with the Farmers’ Union of Wales, where she heard first-hand about the significant challenges facing the sector.

She highlighted examples of farms working with Farming Connect to reduce emissions, boost biodiversity and increase profits at the same time.

Ms Nicholl welcomed some of the Government’s stated priorities, including tackling bovine TB, reforming nitrate vulnerable zone regulations and cutting red tape, saying they had given the industry “fresh hope”.

But she pressed ministers on how they would work with farmers when drawing up the detail of future policy.

In response, the Cabinet Minister for Rural Resilience and Sustainability said the Sustainable Farming Scheme was being refined following feedback, with an emphasis on working with the sector, making the system easier to navigate and offering greater long-term certainty.

Ms Nicholl said: “It’s clear that change is needed to respond to the climate and nature crises, but that change must happen with our rural communities, not against them.

“It’s not just farming that matters here – it’s about keeping our food system

strong, supporting local businesses, and securing jobs in our rural areas.

“Farmers in Ceredigion and Pembrokeshire want to see a system that is fair, simple to navigate, and provides real financial security, while also tackling the nature and climate crisis.

“It’s positive to hear that the Government is talking about less bureaucracy and more partnership. I look forward to seeing that happen in practice now.”

Farmers urged to protect themselves as heatwave brings health risks

NFU Cymru is urging farmers and agricultural workers across Wales to take extra care during the current spell of hot weather, warning that prolonged exposure to heat and the sun can pose serious risks to health.

While livestock welfare remains a major concern during heatwaves, the union says those working outdoors should not overlook the dangers to themselves. Farmers, contractors and farm workers often spend long hours exposed to direct sunlight, increasing the risk of dehydration, heat exhaustion, heat stroke and skin cancer.

According to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), ultraviolet (UV) radiation is recognised as an occupational hazard for people who work outdoors. Occupational exposure to UV rays is linked to around one death and five new cases of skin cancer every week in Britain.

NFU Cymru is encouraging employers to ensure staff have access to sunscreen, drinking water and shaded rest areas, while workers are being advised to protect themselves by covering exposed skin and avoiding the hottest part of the day wherever possible.

The union recommends using sunscreen with a minimum SPF15 and reapplying it regularly throughout

the day. Wearing lightweight longsleeved clothing, wide-brimmed hats or neck-flap hats, and taking breaks in the shade can significantly reduce exposure to harmful UV rays.

Hydration is equally important, with workers advised to drink plenty of water throughout the day. Alcohol and excessive amounts of caffeinated drinks should be avoided, as they can

contribute to dehydration. Farmers are also being reminded to monitor their skin for unusual moles or changes in existing marks, particularly those with fair skin, freckles, light-coloured eyes or a large number of moles, who are at greater risk of developing skin cancer.

As temperatures continue to rise, NFU Cymru warns that heat

exhaustion can develop quickly. Early symptoms include headaches, dizziness, nausea, muscle cramps, heavy sweating, rapid breathing, intense thirst and a body temperature above 38C. Without prompt action, heat exhaustion can develop into lifethreatening heat stroke.

To reduce the risk, outdoor work should be planned for cooler parts of the morning or evening where possible, with frequent breaks taken in shaded or well-ventilated areas. Workers should also slow their pace during periods of extreme heat, wear loose-fitting light-coloured clothing and eat foods with a high water content, such as fruit and salads.

The union is also encouraging employers to review working practices during periods of hot weather by introducing additional shaded work areas, increasing the availability of drinking water, allowing workers to remove unnecessary protective clothing during rest breaks where safe to do so, and ensuring staff recognise the warning signs of heatrelated illness.

With high temperatures forecast to continue across Wales, NFU Cymru says taking simple precautions now can help prevent serious illness and ensure farms continue to operate safely throughout the summer.

Amended slurry lagoon plans approved after being moved due to mine workings

AMENDED plans for a rural mid Pembrokeshire slurry lagoon have been given the go-ahead after an initial scheme was altered due to the presence of mine workings.

In an application to Pembrokeshire Coast National Park, Owen Thomas, through agent Preseli Planning Ltd, sought permission for the excavation of an earth bank nutrient ‘slurry lagoon’

store of 60 by 48 metres near to New House Farm, some one kilometre from the village of Cresselly.

“It is not the applicant’s intention to increase stock levels at the holding. The existing slurry store on the farmstead following the deduction of rainfall and freeboard has a capacity of 1,178 cubic metres.”

It said the required capacity would be 5,481 cubic metres over a five-month period, leading to a current shortfall of 4,303 cubic metres, which the proposal would address.

It added: “A further environmental benefit bought by the development is the nutrient store would allow the spreading of nutrients during suitable weather conditions, rather than needing to be disposed of in unfavourable weather conditions.”

Local community council Jeffreyston raised no objections but noted concerns about its size, although recognising the development is required to meet legislation, requesting all appropriate mitigation measures would be explored and implemented.

The Coal Authority objected to the original proposed location, owing to the presence of a recorded mine shaft and associated zone of influence, leading to an amended scheme moving the store some 150 metres.

A supporting statement said: “The dairy farming operation at New House Farm covers approximately 290 hectares of mixed tenure land with the herd comprising of 250 milking cows, which have a yield of between 6-9 thousand litres per cow and associated youngstock.”

It added: “The current slurry storage arrangements at New House are insufficient based on the livestock numbers to accommodate a five-month slurry storage capacity. The purpose of the proposal is to increase the slurry and dirty water storage capacity for the farming enterprise to be compliant with the control of Agricultural Pollution (Wales) Regulations 2021 (CoAPR) requirements.

An officer report recommending approval for the amended scheme said: “The principle of the development is considered acceptable, given its direct functional relationship with the agricultural enterprise and the demonstrated operational need for additional storage capacity.

“The proposal would remain closely associated with the existing farm holding and would not result in the introduction of an unrelated use within the countryside.”

It added: “The proposal would improve slurry management arrangements at the holding and assist in reducing the risk of pollution incidents associated with insufficient storage capacity.”

The application was conditionally approved.

Clarkson diagnosis highlights health dilemma faced by farmers

JEREMY CLARKSON’S prostate cancer diagnosis has highlighted a problem familiar to many farming families — what happens when serious illness collides with the daily demands of running a farm.

The presenter revealed in the latest series of Clarkson’s Farm that he had been diagnosed in 2025 with an aggressive form of prostate cancer. He has since confirmed that he is in remission.

But his comments about worrying that treatment would clash with a busy period on his Cotswolds farm have struck a chord with farmers across the country.

For many in agriculture, illness is not just a personal health crisis. It can also raise immediate questions about livestock, crops, machinery, bills, family income and who will carry out essential work if the farmer is forced to stop.

Bridgette Baker, a fifthgeneration farmer from Montacute, near Yeovil, said the dilemma was one many farmers would recognise.

She said: “Farmers calculate how many days they would be off and think, ‘how far back in my jobs list am I going to be?’”

Miss Baker, 25, works on

her family’s beef and arable farm at Windmill Farm. With no outside employees, she said covering daily duties during periods of illness could be extremely difficult.

She added: “Sometimes you’d think the priority is to get the treatment, but sometimes farmers like to put their farm first to get the jobs done.”

The issue is particularly serious in family-run farms, where the business, home and livelihood are often closely linked. A period of illness can affect not only the patient, but the whole family operation.

The Farming Community Network, which supports farming families, is working with Macmillan Cancer Support to improve help for those affected by cancer in rural communities.

The charity said farmers often faced barriers in accessing cancer services and support because of long working hours, rural isolation and the practical demands of farming.

A spokesperson for FCN said cancer could have a serious impact on a family business, especially where livestock needed immediate care or where the farm employed others.

They said: “That can have

And there we have it. Monday brought what many had come to see as the inevitable resignation of Sir Keir Starmer as Prime Minister. Once, the office of Prime Minister was associated with stability. Yet now, Starmer becomes the sixth Prime Minister to fall in the decade since the brexit referendum.

avoid political damage. The episode left the government looking out of touch with rural communities and undermined confidence in its judgement. Ultimately, it was not an isolated incident, but part of a wider pattern of policy reversal and inconsistency that came to define Starmer’s premiership.

significant impacts on an individual and their families, including their housing and extended family situation or immediate welfare issues for livestock.”

Clarkson’s Farm, which launched in 2021, has become one of Amazon’s most successful factual entertainment series. It follows the former Top Gear presenter as he attempts to run Diddly Squat Farm in Oxfordshire, highlighting the financial pressures, red tape, weather problems and practical challenges facing British agriculture.

His diagnosis has now brought another farming issue into the public eye: the difficulty of putting health first when the land, animals and business cannot simply be paused.

Health charities continue to urge men to seek advice if they are concerned about prostate cancer, particularly if they are over 50, have a family history of the disease, or are at higher risk.

Farm support groups say the message is simple: farmers should not delay seeking medical help because of work pressures, and families should reach out for support before a health crisis becomes unmanageable.

The contrast with the previous era is striking. The six Prime Ministers before him spanned four decades, from when James Callaghan succeeded Harold Wilson in 1976 to the resignation of David Cameron in 2016. Six Prime Ministers in forty years; six in just ten. The revolving door at Downing Street has become one of the defining features of Britain’s post-Brexit politics.

Of course, agriculture is largely devolved, so questions remain about the impact of Sir Keir’s resignation on Welsh farming policy, though any direct effect is likely to be limited.

However, there is little doubt that his government’s approach to farming weakened his hand. The ill-thought out inheritance tax proposals affecting family farms were a particular misstep, creating uncertainty and anger across rural communities from the outset. Equally damaging was the perception that ministers were unwilling to properly engage with the sector’s concerns.

While the eventual, hard-fought for U-turn was the correct decision, it came too late to

Of course, it is easy to criticise with the benefit of hindsight. To Starmer’s credit, his efforts to realign relations with the European Union, with food trade and agricultural exports as a key part of that process, were a welcome recognition of the importance of reducing friction for businesses, including farmers. For a sector heavily dependent on import and export markets, particularly in Wales where lamb remains a flagship product, closer cooperation with European partners offered genuine opportunities.

Few industries think in longer timescales than farming. Decisions taken today can shape businesses for decades to come. The challenge facing the Prime Minister’s successorwhether by coronation or contest - is not simply to restore stability to the government, but to restore confidence in it.

After years of upheaval, Welsh farmers will not be looking for grand promises; they will be looking for consistency, clarity, and a government that knows where it is going.

New Renault Megane E-Tech electric: more character, technology and efficiency

RENAULT has unveiled the new Megane E-Tech electric, bringing a sharper design, improved electric performance, enhanced onboard technology and a simplified trim line-up.

First launched in 2022, Megane E-Tech electric marked the start of a new generation of Renault electric vehicles. In a fast-moving and highly competitive market, the new Megane E-Tech electric has been upgraded in four key areas: more dynamic exterior design, improved electric efficiency and charging performance, enhanced connected technology and driver assistance, and a simpler, more generously equipped range.

More than two in three Megane E-Tech electric buyers are new to electric vehicles, and the latest version has been developed to make that transition easier, with technology designed to support daily use as well as longer journeys.

The new Megane E-Tech electric is built in Europe at Ampere ElectriCity. The vehicle and battery are assembled at the Douai plant in northern France, while the electric motor is manufactured at Renault Group’s Cléon site in Normandy.

Sharper design and a simplified range

The new Megane E-Tech electric features a more dynamic exterior design, with a remodelled front end and stronger road

presence. Apart from the headlights, all front-end components are new.

The more prominent bodycoloured front bumper gives the car a sportier appearance, while the former side air intakes have been replaced by a new light signature featuring eight diamond-shaped elements in a chequerboard pattern. Positioned at the outer edges of the bumper, they help make the car appear wider and more planted.

The closed grille, with its gloss black finish and diamond pattern, forms part of the new visual identity, as does the Renault logo, now positioned beneath the bonnet to emphasise the car’s forward-leaning stance. The daytime running lights feature a new diamond pattern, while the rear lights retain their fullwidth layout, designed as 3D elements without a covering lens.

Megane E-Tech electric is also slightly taller, by 20mm, due to its larger battery. It retains key design features from the original model, including a generous wheelbase, large 19or 20-inch wheels, distinctive wheel arches, a sloping roofline, high waistline and flush door handles.

The range has been restructured around two trim levels: techno and esprit Alpine. techno features a dynamic exterior look, body-coloured front bumper trim and new 19inch alloy wheels. esprit

Alpine adds specific 20-inch alloy wheels and distinctive design details.

The new Megane E-Tech electric is available in six body colours, including a new Satin Blue shade, with two-tone configurations also available. Inside, techno gains a TEP dashboard finish, while esprit Alpine receives updated interior styling including a new spectral grey door panel trim. LED ambient lighting can be personalised by the driver.

Improved electric performance

The new Megane E-Tech electric is powered by a woundrotor synchronous motor that uses no rare earth materials. Manufactured at Renault Group’s Cléon site in France, it develops 220hp and 300Nm of torque.

It is paired with a new 67kWh usable LFP battery, delivering a WLTP range of up to 310 miles*. The battery uses new-generation lithium iron phosphate chemistry and a cell-to-pack architecture with 232 closely packed cells, improving packaging efficiency and usable battery capacity.

Charging performance has also been improved. DC rapid charging power increases to 165kW, allowing the battery to charge from 15% to 80% in around 24 minutes.

The electric ecosystem includes Google Maps route planning, which takes charging requirements into account to optimise journey times, as well as a heat pump and battery pre-

conditioning to help maintain battery performance in different conditions.

New Megane E-Tech electric is equipped with an 11kW AC charger. Vehicle-to-load capability allows users to power a 220V device of up to 3,700W using an adaptor, while vehicleto-grid functionality, depending on market availability, can feed electricity back into the grid and help reduce home charging costs.

The new Megane E-Tech electric is based on the dedicated RG medium 1.0 platform, formerly AmpR Medium. The battery remains positioned under the floor, supporting balanced weight distribution and a low centre of gravity. The multi-link rear suspension improves stability and control, while the steering has been optimised for a more direct response. To accommodate the new battery, the springs and dampers have been redesigned and the steering retuned.

Renault also offers a One Pedal function, allowing drivers to accelerate and slow to a complete stop using only the accelerator pedal. Four levels of regenerative braking, complemented by One Pedal mode, can be selected using the steering wheel paddles. Connected technology and driver assistance

The cockpit is centred around Renault’s openR link system, with an inverted L-shaped twin-screen layout combining a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a 12inch multimedia screen as standard across all versions.

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The BMW i3 50 xDrive First Edition – orders now open

bMW enters an exciting new era of driving pleasure with its second Neue Klasse model, the new bMW i3. Since its unveiling in March, the trailblazing all-electric saloon has already generated strong customer demand and, from today, customers have an early opportunity to place an order with the new bMW i3 50 xDrive First Edition (WLTP, combined [EnVKV]: energy consumption 16.1–13.5 kWh/62 miles; CO2 emissions: 0 g/mile; CO2 class A) and offers a range of 471 – 563 miles1).

Jochen Goller, Member of the Board of Management of BMW AG, Customer, Brands, Sales, said: “The new BMW i3 is a groundbreaking car for us. As a fully electric model, it will be competing in a high-volume segment and is therefore extremely significant for the BMW Group. At the same time, we can already tell from the high level of interest in this model that it will be very well received by our customers. The start of orders on 18 June in First Edition form – ahead of the official market launch – is an important next step here.”

Building on the BMW i3 50 xDrive’s comprehensive standard specification, the First Edition adds further standard-fit equipment. Based on the M Sport model, it includes M Sport exterior and interior design elements alongside features such as BMW Iconic Glow, the BMW 3D HeadUp Display and AC Charging Professional – increasing the AC charging rate from 11 kW to 22 kW. The BMW i3 50 xDrive First Edition is available to order now, priced from £57,905 OTR.

At its official market launch in autumn 2026, the BMW i3 50 xDrive (WLTP, combined [EnVKV]: energy consumption 16.1 – 13.4 kWh/62 miles; CO2 emissions: 0 g/mile; CO2 class A) will be priced from £53,005 OTR, offering

a single-charge range of up to 567 miles1 (WLTP).

Mike Reichelt, Head of Neue Klasse BMW, explains: “The BMW 3 Series has been an icon of our brand for seven generations and therefore more than five decades. It encapsulates pure driving pleasure, innovation and timeless design. With the Neue Klasse and its technology clusters, we are literally skipping a vehicle generation. This is the DNA of our sporting saloon in a completely new vehicle concept as we write the next chapter in the BMW 3 Series success story.

The BMW i3 exemplifies the new BMW design language: focused on the essentials in a modern, unmistakable style.

With its 2.5-box design, the new BMW i3 offers a modern take on hallmark BMW saloon proportions and is immediately recognisable as a BMW 3 Series. Its silhouette is characterised by a long wheelbase, glasshouse set well back and short overhangs. The BMW-typical four-eyed face receives a modern interpretation, while the Neue Klasse design language guides a fresh front end. The BMW kidney grille and twin headlights merge as an innovative light signature into a single stylistic piece. The horizontal rear lights feature an L-shaped design in a new, abstract form which extends far into the shoulder area. Prominently flared wheel arches amplify the model’s broad, sporty stance.

Taking BMW’s hallmark driver focus to a new level.

Inside, the new BMW Panoramic iDrive with BMW Operating System X offers a unique display and operating system optimised around the driver. At its heart is the BMW Panoramic Vision, which projects content across the entire width of the lower area of the windscreen.

large language model technology (LLM, Alexa+) results in a dialogue-based verbal interaction, enabling intuitive and intelligent exchanges.

BMW i3 takes a technological leap forward with sixth-generation electric drive system.

The BMW i3 50 xDrive is powered by two electric motors, one on each axel, resulting in a combined system output of 469 hp, a peak torque of 645 Nm and 0-to-62-mph acceleration in 4.7 seconds. The First Edition features identical motors and performance figures.

haptic and voice-based interactions. The BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant plays a key role, enabling numerous vehicle functions, as well as navigation and media content, to be controlled using natural language. The introduction of

In the new BMW i3, highly efficient sixth-generation BMW eDrive technology teams with the Heart of Joy control computer and BMW Dynamic Performance Control software stack to provide precise, effortless and assured driving characteristics. The Heart of Joy responds ten times faster than previous systems and reduces the number of control interventions necessary. Meanwhile, the Soft Stop function ensures the smoothest stopping action in the history of BMW, bringing the vehicle to a complete halt without any jerking or braking noises through precise control of the electric motors. The result is a whole new level of Sheer Driving Pleasure.

Activate West Wales expands its team with appointment of Business Manager

MARIE brings more than 10 years’ experience across the Pembrokeshire countryside, conservation, and visitor experience sectors, having worked with organisations including the National Trust, Pembrokeshire County Council and Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority. Her work background spans operational support, compliance, health and safety, finance and stakeholder engagement, alongside experience contributing to senior leadership and regional working groups.

Marie joins the Activate West Wales team, which is working closely with local authorities, health boards and wider sector partners to encourage crosssector cooperation, to increase engagement in sport, physical activity and active recreation so that it can become part of normal everyday life for everyone nearly four months since it released its State of the Region report, which gave an insight into the sports participation in the region.

Marie, a native of Pembroke Dock, will play a key role in advancing Activate West Wales’

ambition to create healthier, happier communities across the region, regardless of age, background or ability.

On her appointment Marie said “I’m delighted to begin working with a team that is so committed to making a positive difference to people’s lives. Throughout my career across the conservation and visitor experience sectors, I’ve developed a strong passion for creating opportunities that support people’s wellbeing. I’m really looking forward to bringing that experience into this role and working with partners to help build healthier, more active communities across West Wales.”

Marie adds: “Spending time away from screens and being active can be incredibly rewarding. I love getting out with my children and supporting them to take part in sport, it’s been amazing to see how it’s boosted their confidence and helped develop their social skills. Even simple activities like this can bring a real sense of happiness and are so important for overall wellbeing.”

Jamie Rewbridge, CEO of Activate West Wales, said on

Marie’s appointment: “We’re delighted to welcome Marie to Activate West Wales. She brings a wealth of experience working with local communities and partners, and we’re confident she will make a significant contribution to our efforts of making physical activity part of everyday life, for everyone across West Wales. Her appointment strengthens our ability to support healthier, happier communities across the region.”

New showroom for car dealership approved by county planners

PLANS for a new showroom for a Pembrokeshire car dealership which has recently acquired a new Isuzu vehicle franchise, have been given the go-ahead

In an application to Pembrokeshire County Council, Gareth Hughes Motors of 25 Burton Road, Sardis, through agent Hayston Developments & Planning Ltd, sought permission to replace a temporary canopy with fixed permanent minishowroom.

A supporting statement said:

“Gareth Hughes Motors is a family run enterprise, established in 1982. In order for the business to respond to the latest technological advancements, especially those related to the transition to hybrid and electric vehicles, additional space and different resources will be required.

“Approval of this application will assist in the delivery of these required resources, associated

staff training and recruitment for the servicing of electric vehicles will also lead to the retention and provision of skilled employment.”

It says the extension will be designed to allow sufficient space to display Isuzu vehicles, an additional motor franchise recently acquired by the dealership, with no changes proposed to the existing access from the C3007 as the minishowroom would take place to the rear of the site and replace an existing canopy structure.

It added: “The environmental

impacts from the proposal are minimal as the replacement structure takes place on a concreted/bitumac surface which is currently used for the parking of cars. In addition, the design and use of materials complements that of the current showroom and repair shop and by the addition of a bird and bat box on the southeast of the proposed extension.

“The proposed new minishowroom will accommodate a maximum of two vehicles and would take place to the rear/ side of the site and would be constructed in materials which complement those of the existing showroom and service bays.

“Although Gareth Hughes Motors is located within a group of residential properties it is considered that there will be no significant negative impacts on those neighbouring properties because of their distance from the application site, the orientation of the buildings.

“The securing of an additional franchise at this Sardis site will both help secure the future of the existing staff and create opportunities for additional employment in the motor trade.”

The application was conditionally approved by county planners.

The Cheesecake Guy Ltd plans withdrawn following community council objections

PLANS for what could have been the third store in the country for Welsh cheesecake business The Cheesecake Guy Ltd at Saundersfoot’s Coal building interpretation centre have been withdrawn.

In an application to Pembrokeshire Coast National Park, Craig Taylor of Merthyr Tydfil-based The Cheesecake Guy Ltd sought a change of use of part of Saundersfoot’s Cambrian Terrace Coal Building interpretation centre to create a small retail unit.

On its website, The Cheesecake Guy says of its business and products: “Established in 2019, The Cheesecake Guy is all about delivering indulgent, handcrafted cheesecake desserts with a twist. While we offer a range of sweet treats, our specialty — and customer favourite — is the signature cheesecake jar.

“Made with quality ingredients and packed with rich, creamy layers, our jars are the perfect dessert for any occasion. Whether you’re treating yourself or sharing with others, The Cheesecake Guy brings a spoonful of happiness to every bite.”

Bruce Sinclair Local Democracy Reporter

While no supporting statement was published for the Saundersfoot proposal, the application said the scheme, if approved, would employ two

full-time members of staff, operating 10am-6pm Mon-Sat, and 10-5 on Sundays and bank holidays.

Of the scheme itself it said it would involve “retail sales of pre-prepared desserts and merchandise,” adding there will be “no on-site manufacturing

or heavy processing,” with “equipment limited to display fridges and freezers”. If approved, the Saundersfoot site would have been the third outlet for The Cheesecake Guy, with sites in Merthyr, and, more recently, Newport Market.

For its Newport site, The Cheesecake Guy says: “We specialise in creating a wide variety of cheesecake desserts that cater to all tastes. Our menu features popular favourites that have won the hearts of many, alongside exciting new creations designed to keep your taste buds satisfied.

“Whether you’re a classic cheesecake lover or an adventurous foodie, we promise a cheesecake experience like no other. Each cheesecake is made with the utmost care, ensuring a rich, creamy texture and a burst of flavour in every slice (or jar!).”

Since the application was submitted, Saundersfoot Community Council objected “on the basis that the harbour is diluting the original intention of this area, which was designed to be an educational section of the development”.

The application is now, as of June 19, marked as withdrawn.

Amended Fishguard children’s home scheme approved

AN AMENDED scheme for a children’s care home on the edge of Fishguard has been approved after a previous call was refused.

In an application to Pembrokeshire County Council, Martin Leahy of Ty Caredig Ltd sought a certificate of lawfulness permission for the use of

a dwellinghouse to a residential care home for up to two children at Bryn Delyn, Y Fraich, Fishguard. Last November, a similar call to allow Bryn Delyn to be used as a

children’s home, which raised fears from local objectors the scheme was being ‘rubber stamped’ by the council, was refused.

In that application to the council, Cardiff-based Ty Caredig Ltd sought permission for a Certificate of Lawfulness on the basis the use was not materially different from the property’s existing lawful use.

Residents had accused the council of “pushing through a highly controversial children’s home application behind closed doors”.

A supporting statement for that scheme, with many redacted parts, said the four-bed property had a lawful use as a dwelling house; saying the use as a care home did not require planning permission through a change of use.

However, planners said the use of the dwelling as a care home “would represent a material change of use requiring the benefit of planning permission”.

Since then, amendment to the scheme, for a lawful change of use was submitted, a supporting statement saying Ty Caredig Ltd operates homes throughout Wales that provide specialist care for children, the latest scheme “seeks formal confirmation that the proposed use of Bryn Delyn as a children’s care home for up to two children (plus care staff) would not require planning permission”.

Fishguard Town Council objected,

on the grounds of highway safety and parking issues.

It also raised points of “apparent discrepancies between the planning application and the information available on the website,” but stressed it did support provision of suitable accommodation for vulnerable young people and children “with the correct infrastructure in place”.

Local county councillor Cllr Par Davies has said the scheme has her “full support,” as did the certificate call, adding: “Rumours abound regarding this application with objections concerning the usage of the property as a care home for young people. The application states that only two young people would be cared for in the property.

“This type of property is needed as we often talk as councillors for the need for Pembrokeshire children in care to remain in Pembrokeshire instead of the alternative of moving them to other areas in the country and this application fulfils that need.”

The application was approved by planners, the approval stating “Based on the information submitted and on the balance of probability it is considered that the use of the property as a residential care home for up to two children would not result in a material change of use from the lawful use of the property as a dwellinghouse and as a result a certificate of lawfulness for a proposed use should be granted.”

Welsh Government refuses to halt Withybush and Bronglais service review

THE WELSH GOVERNMENT has declined to intervene in controversial plans affecting services at Withybush and bronglais hospitals, prompting fresh criticism from local Senedd Member Paul Davies.

In a letter dated June 19, Health and Care Cabinet Secretary Mabon ap Gwynfor said responsibility for planning and delivering NHS services rests with local health boards and confirmed that Hywel Dda University Health Board should continue its consultation

process on proposed service changes.

The response follows concerns raised by Mr Davies on behalf of constituents in Pembrokeshire and Ceredigion over the future configuration of clinical services, including stroke care.

While acknowledging strong public concern about access to healthcare in rural communities, the Minister stopped short of offering any commitment to block or reverse the Health Board’s proposals.

Instead, he stressed that

any changes must be supported by robust evidence, maintain patient safety and demonstrate improved outcomes.

The Minister wrote: “Responsibility for planning and delivering health services rests with local health boards, including decisions about how services are organised.”

He added that proposals must improve outcomes for patients, maintain safe and equitable access to care and be supported by thorough impact assessments.

Paul Davies MS described

the response as disappointing.

Posting the letter on social media, he said: “This letter tells me that the Welsh Government is not going to stand in the way of the Health Board’s plans.”

He added that he would raise the issue in the Senedd chamber next week and continue pressing ministers to intervene.

The exchange comes as Hywel Dda University Health Board continues a public consultation on proposed changes to stroke services across west Wales.

The consultation, which opened on May 28, is due to run until July 26.

In his response, the Minister stated that anyone suffering a stroke should receive treatment “as quickly as possible in the most appropriate setting” and said the current model of stroke care in Wales must evolve if national standards are to be achieved.

The comments are likely to fuel concern among campaigners opposed to the proposed changes, who fear services could become increasingly centralised and further away from rural communities in Pembrokeshire and Ceredigion.

Medicine shortages now ‘most severe on record’, health leaders warn

PATIENTS are facing some of the worst medicine shortages ever seen in the UK, with pharmacists warning the situation now poses a serious risk to safety.

The National Pharmacy Association said shortages affecting commonly used medicines are becoming more frequent, lasting longer, and causing increasing disruption for patients, GP surgeries and pharmacies.

The warning comes as Serious Shortage Protocols for Creon, used by people with pancreatic cancer and cystic fibrosis to help digest food, have been in place since May 2024 and have now been extended until July 10, 2026.

HRT treatment Estradot has also been under a Serious Shortage Protocol since December 2024, with the current extension also running until July 10.

Patients travelling between pharmacies

A survey by the National Pharmacy Association found that 98 per cent of pharmacies had encountered patients who had visited several pharmacies in one day to find a prescription.

It also found that 96 per cent of pharmacies believed the current situation posed a serious risk to

patient safety, while 89 per cent said they had been unable to dispense a medicine at least once a day because of supply problems.

Some pharmacy teams have also faced anger and abuse from patients unable to obtain medication.

Olivier Picard, Chair of the National Pharmacy Association, said: “Medicine shortages are becoming more frequent, lasting longer and causing increasing disruption for

patients.

“These shortages are some of most severe the UK has experienced.

“It is deeply distressing to find patients who have travelled from pharmacy to pharmacy to find the medicines they need without success.”

CALLS FOR URGENT TASKFORCE

The NPA is calling on the government to convene an emergency

taskforce involving manufacturers, wholesalers, clinicians and pharmacists.

It also wants changes to rules which currently stop pharmacists from making simple substitutions, such as changing a tablet to a capsule or a cream to an ointment, even where a safe alternative is available.

Professor Victoria Tzortziou Brown, President of the Royal College of GPs, said medicine shortages were frustrating for patients, GPs and pharmacists, and added pressure to already stretched services.

She said the College supported pharmacists being able to make limited changes to prescriptions where a medicine is unavailable and a safe alternative exists.

She added: “The most important thing is that patients are able to access the medication they need safely and without delay.”

The Cystic Fibrosis Trust and Pancreatic Cancer UK have also raised concerns about the impact of shortages of pancreatic enzyme replacement therapy, including Creon, on people who rely on the medication to digest food, maintain weight and stay well enough for treatment.

Wales most aware of alcohol addiction, but experts warn summer habits carry danger

MORE people in Wales recognise alcohol as addictive than anywhere else in britain, new research has found, but health experts are warning that awareness alone may not be enough to prevent harmful drinking habits.

The findings come ahead of the busy summer period, when pubs, beer gardens, festivals, barbecues and outdoor events often lead to increased alcohol consumption.

According to YouGov data, 86% of people in Wales describe alcohol as addictive — the highest figure recorded across Britain and above the national average of 78%.

Only 14% of Welsh respondents said alcohol was either “not very addictive” or “not addictive at all”. By comparison, London recorded the lowest level of awareness, with 69% of respondents recognising alcohol as addictive.

Health professionals say the results show that while many people understand the risks, regular drinking can still become habitual, particularly during periods of increased socialising.

Official figures suggest adults consume an average of 10.7 litres of pure alcohol per person each year, equivalent to around 21 UK units per week. That is around nine pints of beer or seven large glasses of wine, and is significantly above the recommended maximum of 14 units a week.

Nearly one in five adults are also said to drink at hazardous levels or above, with men more than twice as likely as women to fall into that category.

Dr Karen Faulkner, Associate Medical Director at Panthera Clinic, said alcohol occupied a “unique place” in British culture because it was both legal and socially encouraged.

She said: “What’s particularly interesting is that most people understand alcohol can be addictive, yet many still underestimate how easily regular drinking can become habitual. Dependence often develops gradually and doesn’t always fit the stereotypes people associate with addiction.

“During the summer months,

drinking can become even more normalised through holidays, beer gardens, barbecues, festivals and sporting events.

“The challenge isn’t necessarily a lack of awareness about alcohol’s risks. It’s recognising when a socially accepted habit has crossed the line into something that’s beginning to have a negative impact on your health, wellbeing or daily life.”

Dr Faulkner said people wanting to cut back should consider planning alcohol-free days, alternating alcoholic drinks with water or soft drinks, setting limits before social events, and keeping track of their weekly intake.

She also urged people to watch for signs that alcohol may be becoming more important than intended, including finding it difficult to relax, socialise or enjoy an event without drinking.

Panthera Clinic has launched a free online Alcohol Health Calculator to help people assess how their drinking habits may be affecting their health and wellbeing.

Dr Faulkner added that low and noalcohol alternatives had become more widely available, making it easier for people to reduce their intake while still taking part in social occasions.

Senedd Members walk out after Reform MS’s comments

COMMENTS made by a Reform MS led to a walkout in the Senedd during a debate on the Welsh Government’s international spending.

A Reform motion, calling for an end to all Welsh Government international spending, was rejected by Senedd Members on Wednesday June 17.

Wednesday’s plenary opened with Llywydd Huw Irranca-Davies reminding members to mind their language and tone when contributing, following clashes between Reform UK’s Joe Martin and the First Minister in Tuesday’s proceedings.

Mr Irranca-Davies said: “Robust disagreement is part of democratic debate, but it must always be grounded in respect and we must avoid using language that has the potential to inflame debate or to increase tensions.”

The debate was opened by Reform’s shadow minister for finance and government efficiency, Cai Parry-Jones, but it was the contribution made by Caerdydd Penarth MS Joe Martin which sparked the most controversy.

Reform MS Cai Parry-Jones

Announcing to his colleagues that he had “good news”, Mr Martin began his statement by sharing that he had “found the £9 million” needed for Plaid’s “childcare idea”.

However, Mr Martin then added that the “bad news” was to get the money the government would have to stop funding “some of the most pointless schemes known to man”.

One example Mr Martin gave of these so-called “pointless schemes” was a beekeeping scheme in Uganda designed to advance gender equality.

The scheme, run by Bees for Development and their partner organisation, The Uganda National Apiculture Development Organisation, aimed to enhance women’s

economic empowerment through beekeeping.

It challenged gender norms in the industry, increasing the visibility of women in technical and policy leaderships roles.

Mr Martin then suggested Wales had won the “Who can find the stupidest use of taxpayer money?” competition because of a scheme supporting tree planting in Uganda.

He said: “We actually asked some Ugandan people what they thought about Wales’s scheme to send them money for trees and they said, ‘Why are you sending us money for trees?’

“We then asked the same question to some Welsh students who had been through our underfunded education system, but we didn’t get a reply because we had e-mailed them and they couldn’t read.”

Mr Martin went on to criticise the money spent on mini embassies abroad.

He said: “In India, one of the functions of those mini embassies is to recruit nurses to come and work in our NHS, which is great because it means that the Welsh people who would have otherwise become nurses can instead go on universal credit.”

The Reform MS then added: “I have enquired as to why we can’t just have an enormous pit where we burn all the money, but apparently that’s not compliant with net zero.”

At this point in Mr Martin’s statement Plaid Cymru’s Zaynub Akbar, of Caerdydd Ffynnon Taf, announced she was going to leave the Siambr.

She said: “I don’t accept any of this and I don’t want to be a part of it, so I’ll be leaving the chamber.”

She was followed by numerous other Senedd Members, including Trefnydd and chief whip Heledd Fychan.

Mr Martin was then reminded by the Llywydd of Senedd rules, which mandate respect in the chamber, before he could

continue his contribution.

He concluded his speech to the Senedd by saying: “In Westminster, the Tory party doubled foreign aid whilst imposing austerity. There are now only seven of them in this chamber. The same fate awaits any party that insults taxpayers by frittering money overseas on feel-good vanity projects.

“So, I want to encourage the Party of Wales to be nationalist, to put Wales first. Spend your constituents’ money on your constituents. That way, when someone is lying in a hospital corridor and they ask you, ‘are you really the Party of Wales?’, you’ll be able to say ‘yes’.”

At the end of the debate, the Llywydd directly addressed Mr Martin calling for him to “reflect” on his remarks and contributions, noting that it was “not in line with [his] expectations”.

Mr Irranca-Davies described it as “particularly disappointing” given the comments he made at the beginning of plenary.

Senedd Llywydd Huw Irranca-

Davies

He said: “Going forward, I think we all need to reflect on this and make sure that we comply with our conduct within this chamber and the way we comport ourselves in light of my remarks.”

Welsh Conservative leader Darren Millar expressed his support for the Reform-backed motion, saying it is a debate about where responsibilities lie.

He said: “It’s very clear that foreign relations, international development are matters for the UK Government, not the Welsh Government, and as a result of that, I believe that we respect devolution and can expect respect for devolution back when we respect the boundaries of our legislative competence and the competence of the Welsh Government’s position as well.”

Mr Millar highlighted that his party has continuously argued against the development of “mini embassies” and “overseas offices”.

The Conservative leader did clarify however that he is not “anti-international aid”, and noted the “generous” nature of the people of Wales.

But he added: “I do not believe that when people are dying waiting for ambulances, when we’re at the bottom of the educational tree as far as the league table of the United Kingdom is concerned, and when our road infrastructure isn’t working, our transport infrastructure is creaking, that it’s right to spend those millions of pounds on those things, when the Welsh Government should be focused on the things for which it is responsible.”

Taking an intervention from Labour’s Huw Thomas, Mr Millar was questioned on whether he recognises that the majority of international spending is on economic development for Wales.

Mr Millar once again referred to the role of the UK Government, noting that it is their responsibility to bring inward investment to the

UK as a whole.

He said: “We will always want to be an internationalist country, looking out and seeking to influence the world, but we do that as part of the United Kingdom, an integral part of the United Kingdom.

“And I’m proud to be a member not only of the Welsh Conservative Party, but of the Conservative and Unionist Party, and I believe in the union of the United Kingdom, and that these foreign relationships and international development are done better as a United Kingdom as a whole.”

Plaid Cymru’s Gwyn Williams shared a notably different perspective to that of his Conservative and Reform colleagues.

Prior to being elected to the Senedd, Dr Williams was a consultant ophthalmologist specialising in retina care at Swansea Bay University Health Board.

Speaking as someone who has worked within the Welsh NHS Dr Williams said: “Wales has long been a country that looks beyond our own horizons, looking to make a difference in the world and help where we can, but also we rely on help coming in to us as well.

“Many, many healthcare workers, of course, come from abroad, especially here in Wales, and every hospital in the country would crumble if all the international workers went home.”

He continued: “In Singleton Hospital in Swansea, in the eye department, I am the only Welsh-speaking, Welsh-origin consultant there, and much as I like to convince myself that I can do the work of ten people, I cannot, especially now because I am here.

“Chronic shortages in these sectors increase hospital discharge delays, reduce bed availability and create bottlenecks across the healthcare system.

“At a time when the NHS is struggling, we need the support from abroad as well, though we also, of course, need to grow our own ability.”

Concluding his statement Dr Williams said: “This whole debate tries to position international investment and domestic investment as a zero-sum game. It isn’t.

“Looking outwards does not come at the expense of looking inwards. I suggest that such a simplistic outlook

condescends to the people of Wales and stymies science.”

The cabinet minister for government effectiveness, Dafydd Trystan Davies, called for reflection on the tone of the debate, suggesting that the “standard of this debate [had] descended to the level of a public house, not of a national Senedd”.

He said: “My friend the leader of the Welsh Conservatives made a speech, and I disagree with more or less all of it, and yet it was conducted properly and in line with the standing orders and the procedures of this Senedd.

“I think we should all take our duties properly as parliamentarians, whatever views we agree or disagree on.”

Dr Trystan Davies highlighted that international spending makes up just 0.03% of the Welsh Government’s overall budget, which he described as a “small contribution” to “building our prosperity, protecting our public services, strengthening our culture, and promoting our values”.

He said: “Our international work turns that belief into action, creating jobs and investment, exports and partnerships, life-changing experiences for students, new colleagues for our NHS and enabling communities in Wales and beyond to learn from one another.

“When Wales works internationally, Welsh people benefit. Our businesses reach new markets, universities build global partnerships, young people return home with skills and confidence, and Wales’s reputation grows.

“We should be proud of that, not in a narrow way, not with our backs turned to others, but proud to be generous and outwardlooking, proud to share, proud to learn – internationalist, not isolationist.”

The motion to end all Welsh Government international spending, tabled in the name of Blaenau Gwent Caerffili Rhymni’s Reform MS Llŷr Powell, was rejected by the Senedd with 37 members for and 48 against.

The Siambr then agreed Plaid Cymru minister Heledd Fychan’s amendment, which proposed the Senedd “regrets Reform UK’s isolationist approach to Wales’s place in the world” and “celebrates Wales’ reputation as an internationalist, tolerant and outward-looking nation open for business, which is enhanced by its international engagement, including spending.”

The amended motion was agreed with 48 in favour and 37 against.

bLuE VIEW

With Paul Davies MS

Improving rail connectivity in west Wales: A need to be on the right track in this Senedd

Pembrokeshire Herald

readers know that rail connectivity has long been a source of frustration for communities, businesses, and passengers in west Wales. Rail services play a crucial role in connecting communities across Wales and beyond, but here in west Wales action to improve services has been slow and inconsistent.

Many readers will be aware of the recent news reports of plans by Transport for Wales to increase services from Fishguard or Milford Haven to Bristol.

Unfortunately, those plans have been paused as another provider, Great Western Railway, have made objections, arguing that proposals would have a significant effect on its revenue. This is not acceptable and I’ve urged the providers to adopt some common sense and work out an arrangement, so that people living in west Wales can benefit from more services. I’ve also raised this with the new Deputy Minister for Transport, and he has pointed to ongoing work with Transport for Wales to enhance services and strengthen links across the network - but while recognition is welcome, delivery is what matters. The Welsh Government must step up and help deliver tangible improvements that passengers can see and feel.

Now, here in west Wales, for years there have been calls from all political parties for improvements to rail services. I’m regularly contacted by constituents who face issues with reliability, delays and limited frequency and even cleanliness. These are not abstract concerns; they are concerns with

services that often have impact on their travel to work, education, and other essential services. And whilst major infrastructure investment is needed nationally, we must also ensure that there are improvements in the dayto-day services that people rely on. Local connectivity matters. Whether it is the frequency of trains, the reliability of timetables or the quality of rolling stock, passengers in west Wales need and quite frankly, deserve a service that is fit for purpose, and I will keep pushing this agenda at the Senedd.

Now, in my view, there’s a wider point about fairness. For too long, west Wales has not received the same level of attention or investment as other parts of the country when it comes to rail services. Back in 2024 the then Welsh Government issued a statement on transforming Wales’ railways that included most parts of Wales - except of course, west Wales wasn’t even mentioned. In my view, that blind spot over west Wales has real consequences for our communities. Poor connectivity can limit economic growth, restrict tourism potential and does nothing to attract young people to stay in west Wales after their studies. If Wales is serious about building a balanced and inclusive economy, then west Wales must not be an afterthought.

And so now is the time to deliver meaningful change, by investing in major upgrades, but also ensuring that local services are more frequent, more reliable and better connected to key hubs. The challenge for the new Welsh Government is clear: to move beyond promises, address the historic neglect, and finally deliver the modern, reliable rail network that west Wales needs.

Every time the Labour Government makes a deal with the EU to improve the disastrous brexit deal imposed on us, the Conservatives comes out with the ludicrous comments that Labour are unravelling brexit. brexit is a sacred cow to them and Reform.

The Liberal Democrats unashamedly propose joining the single market to boost growth and cut the cost of living.

They also support establishing a new European Security Council to counter threats from Putin and Trump.

Ed Davey’s speech to the European Movement set out the Liberal Democrats’ plan for a new comprehensive Growth and Defence Partnership with the EU.

Ed Davey also challenged Andy Burnham to scrap Labour’s red lines on the customs union and single market if he becomes Prime Minister and begin talks immediately for an ambitious new deal with the EU.

The last decade has shown that Nigel Farage and Boris Johnson’s “Brexit experiment” has failed and that a new approach is urgently needed to turbocharge growth and guarantee the UK’s security.

The plan would include the UK beginning talks immediately on joining the EU’s single market and customs union in order to tear down barriers for business and boosting trade with Britain’s biggest market. This would help to reverse the catastrophic economic damage wrought by the Conservatives’ botched Brexit deal, which estimates suggest cost the country £90bn in lost tax revenue alone.

The Liberal Democrats have called for much deeper defence cooperation between the UK and European partners. This

Claire Archibald and Paul Marr meet

Valero over Pembrokeshire jobs

would include establishing a European Security Council, which would improve the coordination of Europe’s rearmament drive and ability of allies to deliver NATO’s operational requirements.

The mounting global threat posed by an aggressive Vladimir Putin and an unreliable Donald Trump underlines the critical need for closer collaboration on defence.

On the damage done by Brexit, Ed Davey said:

“We hear it on the doorsteps. We see it in the polls. We feel it in our communities. People are fed up.

“They know the hard truth that most politicians won’t admit: the Conservatives’ Brexit experiment has failed. And it’s failed all of us. £90 billion a year. That’s how much it’s costing us all as taxpayers. £90 billion, every year. Gone. That’s £250 million every single day.

“Taken away from our schools, our hospitals, our Armed Forces. Taken out of everyone’s pockets, in the form of unfair tax rises.

“A bold new deal that will make Britain richer, safer, and stronger. Including a Customs Union, but alsocrucially- taking Britain back into the Single Market.

“The best hope our country has to stop the chaos and end the crisis. And the biggest step we can take back towards membership of the EU. The best future for Britain.”

Welsh Liberal Democrat Westminster Spokesperson David Chadwick MP said:

“Wales was one of the hardest hit parts of the UK by the failed Brexit experiment that was masterminded by the likes of Farage and Johnson.

“We shouldn’t have to live with the bad deal they’ve lumped us with. People deserve far better than that”.

If you have any issues or comments, please

CONCERNS over the future of skilled industrial jobs in Pembrokeshire have been raised following a meeting between two Senedd Members and Valero.

Claire Archibald MS and Paul Marr MS met with a senior representative from Valero to discuss the future of Pembroke Refinery, apprenticeships, and the pressures facing the UK refining industry.

Pembroke Refinery is one of the most important industrial sites in Wales, supporting hundreds of direct jobs as well as many more through contractors, suppliers and local businesses.

Speaking after the meeting, Claire Archibald MS said the refinery was “hugely important” to Pembrokeshire.

She said: “It supports skilled jobs, apprenticeships, contractors, local businesses, and families across the county. These are exactly the kind of well-paid, long-term jobs we should be protecting in west Wales.

“Valero raised serious concerns about the pressure being placed on UK refining, particularly through carbon costs and the UK Emissions Trading Scheme.

“If we make it too expensive to produce fuel here, we risk pushing jobs, investment, and production overseas. That would be bad for Pembrokeshire, bad for UK fuel security, and would not help the environment if the same fuel is simply imported from elsewhere.”

Ms Archibald said the Welsh Government had a role to play in supporting major industrial employers.

She added: “Ministers cannot just stand back and say this is nothing to do with them. They have responsibilities around economic development, skills, planning, regulation and infrastructure, and they are also part of the UK ETS framework.

“I will be pressing the Welsh Government to engage properly with Valero, listen to the concerns being raised, and

treat Pembroke Refinery as the strategically important site it is.

“Pembrokeshire has already lost too much industry over the years. We should be doing everything sensible to protect skilled jobs, support apprenticeships and keep major employers investing here for the long term.”

Paul Marr MS said Pembroke Refinery remained a vital part of the local economy.

He said: “The message from Valero was clear: if we want to keep major industry in Wales, we have to make sure the policy environment allows businesses to invest, compete and plan for the future.

“We cannot afford to take sites like Pembroke Refinery for granted.”

Ms Archibald said she will now raise the concerns with the Welsh Government and ask what action ministers are taking to support Pembroke Refinery, protect skilled jobs and secure future investment in Pembrokeshire.

Welsh Conservatives criticise Plaid budget priorities

THE WELSH Conservatives have accused Plaid Cymru of setting the wrong priorities in its Supplementary budget, claiming it fails to address key pressures facing businesses, agriculture, schools and the NHS.

Darren Millar MS, Leader of the Welsh Conservatives, said Plaid could not distance itself from previous Labour budgets, arguing that its support for four of the last five had contributed to long waiting lists, poor ambulance response times and a backlog of repairs across the NHS estate.

Mr Millar said: “Plaid Cymru can’t disown their record. They supported four of the last five Labour budgets, which got the NHS into this mess in the first place, with crumbling hospitals, poor ambulance performance and the longest waiting lists in Britain.

“This budget fails to face up to the challenges Wales faces. Not a penny for businesses to help them cope with the excessive burden of business rates and National Insurance contributions imposed by Labour. Not a penny for farmers, who are facing unnecessary red tape and Labour and Plaid’s ‘unsustainable’ farming scheme.”

He also criticised the handling of

additional funding linked to pupils with Additional Learning Needs in England, saying schools in Wales should not be treated as a lower priority.

Mr Millar added: “It’s also disappointing that money intended for pupils with Additional Learning Needs is not being passed on to schools in Wales. Why should they be any less of a priority than their peers in England?

“This budget has the wrong priorities and is taking the same failed sticking plaster approach of the last

Labour government. It’s time for Plaid to focus on the priorities of the people of Wales.”

However, supporters of the Supplementary Budget are likely to argue that it is designed to stabilise public services during a period of significant financial pressure, with the NHS, councils and schools all facing rising costs and demand.

Welsh ministers also have discretion over how UK Government consequentials are allocated,

meaning money arising from spending decisions in England is not always ring-fenced for the same purpose in Wales.

Meanwhile, Huw Thomas, Welsh Labour’s Finance Spokesperson said: “What stands out in this supplementary budget is not what’s included, but what’s missing. Despite every Welsh council, teaching unions, and schools calling for it, Plaid Cymru have failed to commit any of the over £300 million that’s available for children with additional learning needs.

“We are clear that Plaid’s uncosted promises should not be paid for by Welsh pupils and teachers.”

A Plaid Cymru spokesperson said: “This Supplementary Budget is about putting Wales’ priorities first and making every pound work harder.

“It provides targeted investment in key public services, including action to reduce NHS waiting times, support childcare, extend free school meals, invest in schools and strengthen social housing.

“After years of financial pressure, our focus is on practical measures that help families, protect frontline services and begin the work of delivering a fairer, more ambitious Wales.”

Call for Wales to consider national prostate cancer screening programme

PAUL DAVIES MS has called on the Welsh Government to set out whether it will consider introducing a national screening programme for prostate cancer in Wales.

Mr Davies said he had requested a formal statement from ministers on prostate cancer services, including whether screening could be introduced to help improve early diagnosis.

He has also asked for an update on whether Stereotactic Ablative Radiotherapy, known as SABR, will be made available to patients in Wales. The treatment is already available to some patients in England.

Mr Davies said: “Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in men in Wales, and it is vital that patients have access to the very best treatments to improve outcomes.

“We need to understand whether the Welsh Government will consider a national screening programme, and whether Welsh patients will be given access to treatments that are already available across the border.”

The call comes amid continuing concern about cancer waiting times and access to specialist treatment in Wales.

SEND YOUR LETTERS TO: THE EDITOR, 11 HAMILTON TERRACE, MILFORd HAVEN, PEMBROKESHIRE, SA73 3AL

EMAIL US AT: editor@herald.email

DOGS IN HOT WEATHER

DEAR SIR,

I am increasingly concerned by the number of people I have seen walking their dogs in Pembrokeshire during the current hot weather, including in the middle of the day.

Dogs of various breeds have appeared exhausted and distressed, and I have also seen people running with dogs attached to waist harnesses in the heat. This is irresponsible and puts animals at serious risk of heatstroke.

Hot pavements, paths and even beach sand can also burn dogs’ paws and cause real pain.

I would urge dog owners to be sensible and avoid walking their pets during the hottest parts of the day. Early morning or late evening are much safer times.

Please think carefully before taking your dog out in extreme heat.

NSPCC SCHOOLS SERVICE

DEAR SIR,

The NSPCC Schools Service works with schools across Wales to help children and

young people understand their rights, recognise when something is wrong, and know where to turn if they ever feel worried or scared.

Our Speak out Stay safe safeguarding programme, available in Welsh, English and British Sign Language, gives primary-aged children the knowledge they need to help keep themselves safe from abuse and neglect. With the support of our age-appropriate mascot Buddy, the programme helps children understand abuse in all its forms, including bullying and neglect, and reinforces the message that abuse is never a child’s fault.

The programme provides resources for primary schools, home educators and practitioners in alternative provision, supporting children aged five to eleven to recognise unsafe situations and know how to seek help, including through Childline.

Since 2013, our Pantosaurus campaign has also helped more than six million parents Talk PANTS with their children. Using child-friendly language and a familiar character, the initiative helps children understand that their body belongs to them, that they have the right to say no, and that they can speak to a trusted adult if something makes them feel uncomfortable or unsafe.

Our aim is to reach every primary-aged child in the UK, so that children feel confident speaking out and accessing support when they need it.

standards appear to have slipped. I would urge Hywel Dda University Health Board to inspect these facilities urgently and take immediate action.

To make matters worse, the journey from Milford Haven took well over an hour because of traffic, adding further stress to an already poor experience.

Hywel Dda must do better for patients, visitors and staff.

Ian Sturley

ARE OUR CHILDREN SAFE THIS SUMMER

DEAR SIR,

We are currently inviting primary schools across Wales to get in touch through the NSPCC Learning Schools form to find out more about the NSPCC Schools Service and how we can work together to help keep children safe.

Rhian Jones NSPCC Cymru Schools Service

DEEPLY CONCERNED ABOUT HOSPITAL

DEAR SIR,

A visit to Glangwili Hospital yesterday left me deeply concerned about the state of the site and whether it is currently fit for purpose.

Parking was chaotic, with far too few spaces available for patients and visitors. Inside the hospital, corridors were overcrowded, patients appeared to be waiting in difficult conditions, and there was not enough seating for everyone.

Most concerning, however, was the poor standard of cleanliness and hygiene I witnessed, particularly in the toilets near the main reception. One urinal appeared not to have been properly cleaned for some time, the toilets smelled strongly of stale urine, and bins were overflowing.

Hospitals should be places where people go to recover, not places where basic hygiene

SUMMER is here. As thousands of our young people prepare to attend music events with friends and family, I find myself remembering the victims of the Manchester Arena bombing.

Saffie-Rose Roussos was just eight when a suicide bomber claimed her and 21 others. Today she would be 17, perhaps looking forward to one of the festivals that define our summer. Her loss remains a painful reminder that joy and celebration can become targets for those driven by hatred and fanaticism.

Music has a unique ability to bring people together across backgrounds, faiths and cultures. Yet extremists who despise the freedoms we cherish often view such gatherings differently. That reality should give us pause.

Recently, I visited the Nova Exhibition, commemorating the victims of the Nova music festival massacre in Israel on 7 October 2023 – where young people from different backgrounds and faiths — Muslims, Christians, Buddhists, Druze, Jews and others — had gathered to celebrate music, friendship and shared humanity. It was a sobering reminder of how quickly joy can be turned into horror.

Our threats are different, but our own tragedy teaches us that complacency comes at a terrible cost. Let us not wait for another atrocity before asking difficult questions.

death notices

H OWARD W ELSENAER

PEACEFULLY on Friday 5th June at Withybush Hospital, Howard of Fishguard.

Beloved husband of Janet, loving father of Josie, Stuart and Mathew, and a much loved grandfather of Jade, Amber, Alfie and Lilly.

Funeral service on Friday 3rd July at Parc Gwyn Crematorium, Narberth at 2:30pm.

No formal dress required.

Family flowers only with donations, in lieu if desired, for ‘Wales Air Ambulance’ c/o Paul Jenkins & Sons Funeral Directors, Feidr Castell, Fishguard, SA65 9BB. Tel: 01348 873250.

W INSTON J OHN R OY E VANS

PEACEFULLY on Thursday 11th June at Withybush Hospital, Roy of Newport.

Beloved husband of the late Cilla, loving father and father-inlaw of Christopher & Shân, Philip & Jane, Andrew & Allison, much loved grandfather and great grandfather and a dear brother.

Private funeral service.

Immediate family flowers only.

Donations in lieu if desired, made payable to ‘Ty Hafan’ c/o Paul Jenkins & Sons Funeral Directors, Feidr Castell, Fishguard, SA65 9BB. Tel01348 873250.

dAVI d PARR

ON Thursday, 4th June, at Withybush Hospital, Haverfordwest, David of Cwmgarw, Mynachlogddu.

Beloved husband of Jan.

Funeral Service at Parc Gwyn Crematorium, Narberth, on Monday, 29th June at 11.30a.m.

No flowers.

Donations if so desired towards Prostrate Cancer or the Greyhound Trust Wales, received by Ken Davies & Sons, Funeral Directors, Blaenwern, Bro Waldo, Clunderwen. Tel: 01437 563319

DAWSON S MITH

PEACEFULLY at his home in St.Davids on June 9th, Dawson, aged 80 years.

Beloved husband of Mary, dearly loved father of Scott.

He will be sadly missed by all his relatives and friends.

Funeral service Tuesday 30th June 12.15pm in Parc Gwyn, Narberth followed by a Memorial Service at 2.00pm in St.Davids Cathedral.

Family flowers, donations if desired to “Charitable fund ILD team”(which is the respiratory team, Pembrokeshire) c/o W.G.Bernard Mathias & Daughter, 64 New Street, St.Davids, SA62 6SU.

E LIZABETH ‘M EL ‘ M ELROSE A NN J OHN J OHN

WITH deep regret we report the passing of Mel on Sunday 7th June at Withybush Hospital.

Beloved wife of Keith, loving mother of Darrel, Lisa, Christopher and Jason, much loved grandmother and great grandmother, dear sister and friend to many.

Funeral service on Friday 26th June at Parc Gwyn Crematorium, Narberth at 1pm.

Please wear a dash of green, as this was Mel’s favourite colour.

Family flowers only.

Donations in lieu if desired, made payable to ‘MIND’ or ‘NRAS’ (National Rheumatoid Arthritis Society) c/o Paul

Jenkins & Sons Funeral Directors, Feidr Castell, Fishguard, SA65 9BB. Tel - 01348 873250

E NID G EORGE

ENID passed away peacefully at Withybush Hospital on 26th May 2026 aged 91 years.

Dearly loved, she will truly be missed by all her family and many friends.

Her funeral service will take place on Thursday 25th June 2026, 10.45am at Parc Gwyn Crematorium, Narberth.

Family flowers only.

Donations for the ‘David John George Memorial Fund’ can be made payable to “Cardiff University” and sent to: Esther Liu, Development and Alumni Relations, Cardiff University, Main Building, Park Place, Cardiff, CF10 3AT.

Please include a covering letter mentioning the ‘David John George Memorial Fund’ Or by Bank Transfer to Account Name: Cardiff University –Donate | Sort Code: 306764 | Account Number: 17853660.

All enquiries to Roy Folland & Son Funeral Directors (01437) 763821Beloved wife of

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Adam Muskett memorial football tournament returns to Tenby

FOOTbALLERS, friends and families from across Pembrokeshire will come together next month to celebrate the life of a muchloved local sportsman at the second Adam Muskett Memorial 7-a-side Tournament.

The event, organised by Tenby AFC, will take place at The Clicketts Playing Fields on Saturday, July 25, bringing together teams for a day of football, remembrance and fundraising in memory of Adam Muskett.

Adam, 27, tragically lost his life alongside his girlfriend, Katie Worrell, 25, in a road traffic collision in June 2024. The tournament was established by his football club as a lasting tribute to his passion for the game and the impact he had on those around him.

Last year’s inaugural event proved a great success, raising £620 for Wales Air Ambulance. Following the positive response from players, supporters and the wider community, Tenby AFC has committed to making the tournament an annual fixture.

Recently, Adam’s parents, Helen and Andrew Muskett, joined Tenby AFC secretary

presenting a cheque to Wales Air Ambulance Regional Fundraising Manager Mike May.

Speaking ahead of this year’s tournament, Helen and Andrew said: “As a family, we are extremely grateful to Gareth and the members and players at Tenby AFC for setting up this

tournament as a tribute to Adam, and for all their support over the last two years.

“In particular, Gareth has been amazing and has worked incredibly hard, in such a respectful and considerate way, to support us in this and other matters.

“Last year’s tournament was such an enjoyable day, and we want to thank everyone who attended or contributed in any way. We especially want to thank the participating players, the referees, and those who helped at the entrance and with refreshments. It was wonderful to see so many families there.

“It really was a very special day that meant an awful lot to us as a family and a fitting tribute to Adam, who was passionate about football.”

Supporting a lifesaving charity

The family said they were keen for Wales Air Ambulance to remain the main beneficiary of the fundraising efforts.

They added: “We wanted Wales Air Ambulance to benefit from the funds raised because they helped Katie at the time of the collision, and Adam would have wanted them to be the first benefactor of the tournament.

“Our heartfelt thanks go to everyone involved, and we hope the tournament will continue for many years to come.”

Wales Air Ambulance is a consultant-led service that brings hospital-standard emergency care directly to patients across Wales. Working in partnership

with the NHS Emergency Medical Retrieval and Transfer Service (EMRTS), its crews can provide advanced critical care at the scene of an incident, including anaesthesia, blood transfusions and minor surgical procedures.

Mike May, Regional Fundraising Manager for Wales Air Ambulance, said: “It’s humbling to hear that Adam’s club, family and friends will continue to come together to hold an annual tournament in his memory. It’s a touching tribute.

“We are deeply grateful that Adam’s family has chosen to support Wales Air Ambulance through this tournament following the care provided at the time of the collision.

“We hope as many people as possible support this event in honour of a very popular young man who was passionate about football.”

TEAMS INVITED TO ENTER

The tournament is open to registered senior men’s football clubs. Each squad can register up to ten players and the entry fee is £50 per team.

Organisers are hoping for another strong turnout and a day that not only celebrates football, but also keeps Adam’s memory alive while supporting a charity that provides lifesaving care throughout Wales.

For more information or to enter a team, email tenbyafc1@ gmail.com or call 07815 189374.

Long Course Weekend set to bring thousands to Pembrokeshire

TENbY is preparing to welcome thousands of athletes and spectators from across the UK and around the world as the Long Course Weekend returns to Pembrokeshire from Friday, June 26 to Sunday, June 28.

Now firmly established as one of Europe’s largest participation sporting events, Long Course Weekend Wales combines swimming, cycling and running challenges over three days, attracting everyone from elite athletes to first-time competitors.

Unlike a traditional triathlon, competitors can enter one, two or all three disciplines, choosing distances that suit their ability. Those who complete the full long-course distances across all three days earn the coveted fourth medal, one of the event’s most sought-after prizes.

THREE DAYS OF ENDURANCE

The weekend begins on Friday evening with the Wales Swim off Tenby’s famous North Beach.

Athletes will take to the waters of Carmarthen Bay in a range of distances, including the iconic 2.4-mile swim, while younger participants will have the chance to get involved through the popular LC Kinder event.

Saturday is dedicated to cycling, with thousands of riders expected to tackle the Pembrokeshire countryside during the Wales Sportive. Routes cater for a variety of abilities, from recreational cyclists to seasoned endurance competitors taking on the full longcourse challenge.

The weekend reaches its climax on Sunday with a series of running events, including a 5K, 10K, half marathon and full marathon.

The marathon route is regarded as one of the most scenic and demanding road races in Wales, taking runners through some of Pembrokeshire’s most spectacular coastal and rural scenery before the final run back into Tenby and the cheers of thousands of spectators.

A MAJOR bOOST FOR THE LOCAL ECONOMY

Long Course Weekend has become one of Pembrokeshire’s most important annual events.

Hotels, guest houses, campsites, restaurants, cafés and shops across Tenby, Saundersfoot and the wider county benefit from the influx of visitors, many of whom stay for several nights.

For many businesses, the event provides a welcome boost at the start of the summer season, filling accommodation and generating significant spending across the local economy.

The event has also helped establish Tenby as one of Britain’s leading destinations for endurance sport alongside the annual Ironman Wales competition.

SPECTATORS WELCOME

One of the defining features of Long Course Weekend is the support provided by local communities.

From the swim start on North Beach to villages along the cycling and running routes, competitors are encouraged by thousands of spectators throughout the weekend.

The finish-line atmosphere in Tenby is widely regarded as one of the highlights of the event, with runners and cyclists greeted by packed crowds as they complete their challenge.

Families, residents and visitors are encouraged to come along and support participants, with viewing areas available throughout the course.

ROAD CLOSURES AND TRAVEL ADVICE

Residents are being urged to plan

journeys carefully throughout the weekend.

Organisers have confirmed that the Wales Sportive cycling event will once again operate without full road closures, although motorists should expect increased numbers of cyclists on roads across south Pembrokeshire and are urged to drive with extra care.

Traffic restrictions and road closures will, however, be in place around Tenby and along parts of the running routes on Sunday.

Drivers should allow extra travel time and check the latest information from organisers before setting out.

Emergency access arrangements will remain in place throughout the weekend and organisers have worked closely with emergency services, local authorities and transport providers to minimise disruption while ensuring participant safety.What to expect

For three days, Tenby becomes the centre of the endurance sports world.

Visitors an epect a festival atmosphere throughout the town, with athletes arriving from across Britain and overseas, cafés and restaurants bustling with activity, and competitors of all ages taking on personal challenges. Some will be chasing podium places. Others will simply be aiming to cross the finish line.

Whatever their goal, Long Course Weekend continues to showcase Pembrokeshire at its best, combining world-class sporting competition with some of the finest scenery in Wales. As thousands gather once again on the county’s coastline this weekend, organisers are promising another unforgettable celebration of endurance, determination and community spirit.

LONG COURSE WEEKEND 2026 AT A GLANCE

Friday, June 26

Wales Swim LC Kinder children’s events

Saturday, June 27

Wales Sportive cycling events

Sunday, June 28

5K run

10K run

Half marathon Full marathon

Location: Tenby and surrounding Pembrokeshire routes

Spectators: Free to attend

Advice: Check road closure information before travelling and allow extra time for journeys throughout the weekend.

Pembroke County Cricket League: Week nine round-up

SAUNDERSFOOT strengthened their position at the top of Division One in the Thomas Carroll Pembroke County Cricket League with a convincing 145-run win over burton.

Tom Mansbridge led the way with 86 as Saundersfoot posted 219-6, before Burton were bowled out for 74. Ollie Cook finished unbeaten on 20 and took 3-17, while Sam Franklin added 20 and 2-17.

Carew also enjoyed a strong afternoon, bowling Herbrandston out for 77 before reaching 79-2 to win by eight wickets. George Waters was the standout performer with 7-15, while Morgan Grieve made an unbeaten 61.

Cresselly kept themselves in the Division One chase with an eight-wicket win over Lawrenny. Mike Shaw took 4-10 before Tom Murphy’s unbeaten 105 saw Cresselly home.

Narberth beat Whitland by 103 runs, while St Ishmaels defeated Neyland by four wickets.

Hook stay top in Division Two

HOOK remain top of Division Two after a dramatic one-wicket win over Johnston.

Johnston were bowled out for 137, with Callum James taking 4-26 and Brennan Martin 3-37. Hook then edged home on 141-9, helped by Aled Phelps’ 68.

Haverfordwest kept up the pressure with a seven-wicket win over Pembroke. Simon Williams took 5-11 and Fin Ateyo 4-19 before Ben Field’s unbeaten 43 guided Haverfordwest to victory.

Cresselly II beat Llangwm by 11 runs, Fishguard defeated Pembroke Dock by 18 runs, and Llechryd beat Llanrhian by 71 runs.

Laugharne lead Division Three LAUGHARNE stayed top of Division Three with a five-wicket win over Carew II.

Carew II were bowled out for 128 before Laugharne reached 129-5. Callum Collins-Davies took 4-13, Joe

Hodges claimed 3-33 and finished 21 not out, while Matt Tait made an unbeaten 53.

Hundleton beat Kilgetty by one wicket in a close contest, Lamphey defeated Stackpole by eight wickets, Pembroke II beat Burton II by seven wickets, and Haverfordwest II beat Saundersfoot II by 43 runs.

Cresselly III stay unbeaten CRESSELLY III continued their unbeaten Division Five campaign with a 15-run win over Llangwm II.

III made 190-6, with Steffan Jenkins scoring 57, Ollie Toy 47 and George Davies 32. Llangwm II replied with 175 all out, despite Toby Asson’s 68 and Bill Brant’s 40.

Llanrhian II beat Pembroke Dock II by three wickets, helped by Michael Lawrence’s unbeaten 43 and 2-6. Pembroke III defeated Whitland II by 67 runs, with Harry Penniket making 48. Haverfordwest IV lead Division Six ONLY one Division Six match was completed, with Haverfordwest/

beating Lamphey II by eight wickets.

Lamphey II were bowled out for 89 before Haverfordwest/Cresselly reached 90-2. Tom Rowlands was unbeaten on 66, while Dan Cole finished 12 not out and took 2-13.

Whitland III’s match with Haverfordwest IV was abandoned, as was Kilgetty II’s fixture against Laugharne II. Neyland III had a bye.

Thomas c arroll Pembrokeshire league Table

Fixtures 27th June

Divison 1

Carew v Burton

Cresselly v Saundersfoot

Herbrandston v Lawrenny

Narberth v St Ishmaels

Whitland v Neyland Divison 2

Fishguard v Cresselly II

Llangwm v Hook

Llanrhian v Pembroke

Llechryd v Haverfordwest

PDock v Johnston Divison 3

Burton II v Carew II

Hwest II v Kilgetty

Pembroke II v Laugharne

Sfoot II v Lamphey

Stackpole v Hundleton Divison 4

Hdwest III v Crymych

Hook II v Carew III

Lawrenny II v Herbrandston II

Neyland II v Llechryd II

St Ishmaels II v Narberth II Divison 5

Cresselly III v Pembroke III

Hundleton II v Llangwm II

Llechryd III v Whitland II Divison 6

Lamphey II v Kilgetty II

Laugharne II v Neyland III

Whitland III v Haverfordwest IV