News

Diabetes sufferers in Pembrokeshire nearly 7,000

Published

10 years ago

June 22, 2016

Tom Sinclair

Diabetes sufferers in Pembrokeshire nearly 7,000

A STAGGERING 6950 people in Pembrokeshire are now estimated to be living with diabetes, a health charity has announced today, on the launch of Diabetes Week 2016 (June 12-18)

Diabetes UK Cymru is highlighting the scale of the ‘diabetes epidemic’ as Wales now has the highest prevalence of diabetes in the UK as 7.1 per cent of people aged 17 and over are living with the condition.

The charity is also forecasting that by the end of Diabetes Week 4,500 people in the UK will have been diagnosed with this life-changing condition.

As the number of people living with the condition in the area and across Wales continues to grow the charity is hoping to raise more awareness of the condition. Throughout the next week, Diabetes UK Cymru and people living with diabetes will be highlighting the many myths and misconceptions that surround this complex and often misunderstood condition in order to drive up awareness.

Worryingly, new research released today by Diabetes UK shows there is still a lack of understanding surrounding diabetes, with many people not recognising the seriousness of the condition. A recent survey of 1,491 GB adults aged over 15 found that 53% of people are unaware that poorly managed diabetes can lead to often devastating complications such as heart attack and strokes. The poll also found that one in three people, when asked, thought that it was true that Type 1 diabetes was linked to being overweight, when in fact it is not linked to lifestyle whatsoever and there is nothing that can be done to prevent it.

The charity is concerned that confusions such as this could lead to people making false assumptions about the condition and are calling on everyone to become diabetes aware by urging them to take some time this week to learn about the signs and symptoms, especially when Type 2 diabetes can take up to ten years to be diagnosed, unlike Type 1 where symptoms tend to develop rapidly.

Diabetes UK Cymru’s Director Dai Williams said: “This Diabetes Week we are setting the record straight and focusing on the realities of living with the condition. There is still a lack of understanding when it comes to people being aware of the seriousness of diabetes and this worries us at Diabetes UK.

“There are now the highest ever number of people estimated to be living with diabetes in Pembrokeshire, which really highlights the current scale of the crisis.”

Despite the stark warning, the charity is also using the week to share many stories from people living with diabetes but who do not let the condition hold them back.

Dai Williams continued: “Diabetes Week is a time to share our concerns about the scale and seriousness of diabetes, but it is also a fantastic opportunity to highlight that with the right healthcare, support and management, diabetes doesn’t have to hold anyone back.”

High profile supporters are backing the week, including Eastenders star Jonny Labey, who has Type 1 diabetes and the Hairy Bikers, as well as singer and stage star Alexandra Burke.

Alexandra understands more than most how the condition can be misunderstood. Alexandra’s mother has Type 2 diabetes and is on kidney dialysis as a result of her condition. Alexandra said, “The biggest misconception I feel people have around Type 2 diabetes is that it can just be left and not treated.”

Crime

Drug and weapon charges after Pembroke Dock arrest

Published

2 hours ago

April 10, 2026

Court Reporter

Man remanded in custody following Diamond Street vehicle search

A MAN has been remanded in custody after appearing at Swansea Crown Court charged with drug, weapon and driving offences following an arrest in Pembroke Dock.

Dyfed-Powys Police said officers from Pembrokeshire Roads Policing and response teams searched a vehicle on Diamond Street on Saturday (Apr 4).

Following the search, Zamurd Hussain, 43, was arrested on suspicion of possession with intent to supply Class A drugs.

Hussain was later charged with possession with intent to supply a controlled drug of Class A, possessing an offensive weapon in a public place, and driving a motor vehicle otherwise than in accordance with a licence.

He appeared at Swansea Crown Court on Monday (Apr 6), where he was remanded in custody.

His next court appearance is due to take place at Swansea Crown Court at 9:00am on May 8.

Crime

Woman fights order taking four dogs from her

Published

2 hours ago

April 10, 2026

Rieve Nesbitt-Marr

Swansea Crown Court hears appeal after long-running barking dispute in Trefin

A PEMBROKESHIRE woman has told Swansea Crown Court that complaints about her dogs are unfair as she appeals against the sentence imposed on her by magistrates, including the order that led to four of her dogs being taken from her.

Julia Goodgame appeared before His Honour Judge Simon Hughes on Friday (Apr 10) in the latest stage of a long-running case arising from complaints by residents in Trefin about persistent dog barking.

The appeal follows a ruling by Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court in December, when Goodgame, of Bryn Y Derwydd, admitted breaching a Community Protection Notice issued by Pembrokeshire County Council.

Magistrates ordered the immediate forfeiture and seizure of four Border Collies, which Goodgame said were the only dogs in her possession.

The court heard on Friday that residents had complained of constant barking, with only short breaks of around 30 minutes, sometimes continuing until 10:00pm.

The dogs have reportedly remained in kennels since December while the appeal is dealt with.

Goodgame told the court: “My dogs are exceptionally well behaved.”

She also raised concerns about the conditions the animals are being kept in, saying the kennels were exposed to the weather and did not provide a suitable environment.

Goodgame said she had attended conflict resolution classes and had tried her best to resolve the issues raised by neighbours, but said she could not understand why the dogs had not been returned.

The original case followed months of complaints from residents in Trefin about dog noise and control. In addition to the forfeiture order, magistrates imposed a fine, costs and a Criminal Behaviour Order.

The case continues.

News

Plaid Cymru commits to review 182-day rule

Published

2 hours ago

April 10, 2026

Tom Sinclair

SUPPORTING local tourism businesses is key, Plaid Cymru said as it launched its manifesto and confirmed it would review the 182-day threshold for holiday accommodation in Wales.

The party said it would also introduce clear and reasonable national exemptions in cases where accommodation should not be treated as a private home.

Plaid Cymru says many holiday-let business owners in Ceredigion and Pembrokeshire are struggling to meet the 182-day threshold each year due to factors beyond their control, including poor weather, and that this is having a serious impact on both their businesses and their wellbeing.

Under the party’s proposals, national exemptions would be introduced to ensure genuine holiday-let operators are treated fairly and given the support needed to help their businesses succeed.

Kerry Ferguson, Plaid Cymru Senedd candidate for Ceredigion Penfro, said: “As a business owner myself, I know how much financial pressure small businesses are under at the moment and the toll that can take on owners, their friends and families.

“We have heard directly from many furnished holiday-let owners in both Ceredigion and Pembrokeshire that lowering the 182-day threshold for overnight stays would make a huge difference to their businesses.

“I am pleased that Plaid Cymru has committed to reviewing the 182-day rule for non-domestic rates in Wales and to introducing national exemptions to help genuine businesses that are unfairly affected by the rule, while excluding self-catering accommodation that cannot be used on the open housing market.”