News

Health Board encourages lower alcohol consumption

Published

9 years ago

January 6, 2017

pint-beer LOCAL health professionals are encouraging people to think about how much alcohol they drink a week, and advising on the best ways to cut down or give up the booze this January.

Whether you’re giving up alcohol for the month by taking part in Dry January or Dryathalon, or simply looking at the number of units you consume, there is plenty of support and help available.

The challenge to stop drinking for one month can help people to feel healthier, lose weight, sleep better and save money but cutting down on alcohol longer term can provide lasting health and wealth benefits.

On average, 38% (Carmarthenshire 38%, Ceredigion 39%, Pembrokeshire 37%) of adults living in Hywel Dda have reported drinking above guidelines on at least one day in the past week, and 21% (Carmarthenshire 22%, Ceredigion 22%, Pembrokeshire 20%) have reported binge-drinking on at least one day in the past week.

Alcohol is a major preventable cause of death and illness with around 1,500 deaths in Wales related to alcohol each year. Alcohol can also have a major negative impact on our communities; alcohol fuelled crime, domestic violence, vandalism and anti social behaviour can lead to unemployment, loss of driving licence and higher car insurance costs.

Rhys Sinnett, Principal Public Health Practitioner for Hywel Dda Public Health Team said: “Whilst most people enjoy a tipple from time to time, many are not aware of the health impacts of consistently drinking over the weekly recommended limits.

“It’s a lot easier than people think to develop a habit of using alcohol as a means of reducing stress or as a reward. One glass can sometimes turn into two or three and if that happens regularly you could be putting your health at risk.

“The good news is that there are lots of ways you can cut back on alcohol, without cutting it out. Look at the number of units in what you are drinking, stick to the weekly sensible guidelines and have at least two alcohol free days a week.

“And if you are taking part in an alcohol free January, enjoy the benefits you’ll find to your health and wellbeing.”

If you are concerned about your level of alcohol consumption or someone else’s, help and advice is available from the Wales Drug and Alcohol Helpline on 0808 808 2232.

Crime

Police stop car in Pennar as three arrested in drugs investigation

Published

8 hours ago

March 24, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Suspected drug driver report leads to major police response and multiple arrests

DRAMATIC scenes were reported in Pennar on Monday afternoon (Mar 23) after multiple police vehicles were deployed to stop a car.

The incident happened at around 5:00pm near Pennar Court, Pembroke Dock, where officers located a stationary vehicle following reports of a suspected drug driver in the area.

Police attended and pre-emptively stopped the vehicle, also blocking a second car nearby.

Officers carried out searches of both vehicles and discovered suspected controlled substances.

A 32-year-old woman and a 47-year-old woman were arrested on suspicion of possessing class A and class B drugs with intent to supply. A 31-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of drug driving and possession of class A and class B drugs with intent to supply.

The 32-year-old woman has been released under investigation, while the 31-year-old man and 47-year-old woman have been released on unconditional bail.

Dyfed-Powys Police confirmed the incident followed reports of a man believed to be driving under the influence in the area earlier that afternoon.

Crime

Sex offender jailed for sending explicit messages to ’14-year-old’ girls

Published

8 hours ago

March 24, 2026

Sarah Jane Absalom

A MAN has been jailed after sending sexual messages on Snapchat to three girls he believed were aged 14.

Ciaran Carmody, aged 21, appeared before Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court via video link from HM Wrexham prison, where he admitted three offences of attempting to engage in sexual communication with a child under 16.

The court heard the messages were sent on three separate occasions to accounts posing as 14-year-old girls, which were in fact part of an undercover police operation.

Prosecutor Nia James said each of the girls made their age clear, but the messages sent by Carmody were sexual in nature.

The offences took place between April 25 and May 5, 2025.

Finance

Haverfordwest savers encouraged to seek clarity ahead of ISA tax year end

Published

9 hours ago

March 24, 2026

Tom Sinclair

TWO in three savers say a fixed interest rate would give them greater peace of mind when planning their finances, according to new research from Principality Building Society*, as people in Haverfordwest are encouraged to review their savings ahead of the ISA tax year deadline.

The research, conducted with more than 1,500 people, also found that while many savers feel comfortable managing their money independently, a significant number still value the reassurance of speaking to someone when making important financial decisions.

Meanwhile, around one in six people mistakenly believe they must open a new ISA every tax year, highlighting ongoing confusion around how ISAs work. In many cases, particularly for variable savings products, savers may be able to continue paying into an existing ISA.

With the tax year end approaching, Principality Building Society is inviting Members and local savers to speak with colleagues at its High Street branch in Haverfordwest to better understand their options and make informed choices about how to use their ISA allowance.

The research also highlights the appeal of certainty when it comes to savings. Two in three savers say a fixed rate would give them peace of mind, reflecting the reassurance that comes from knowing exactly what return they will receive over a set period. Fixed rate Cash ISAs can provide that certainty, making it easier for some savers to plan ahead.

Vicky Wales, Chief Savings and Lending Officer at Principality Building Society, said: “ISA season can often feel busy and confusing, particularly against the backdrop of changes in the wider financial environment. Many people value the opportunity to talk through their options and feel confident they’re making the right decision.

Every saver’s situation is unique, so having a conversation can help people better understand their choices and how these align with their longer-term plans. Understanding the differences between savings products – including fixed and variable rates – can help savers make the most of their ISA allowance, and ensure their money is working in a way that suits their individual goals.”

Principality Building Society is encouraging anyone in Haverfordwest who would like to review their savings ahead of the tax year end to visit their local branch for a supportive conversation about their options, and how they can make the most of their savings.

Source: Principality Building Society’s own online community, Member Pulse, survey on Cash ISAs, March 2026 (total respondents: 1,544)