News
No extra funding for National Marine Plan
THE WELSH GOVERNMENT announced its new Welsh National Marine Plan on Tuesday, November 12. However, it will provide no extra resources to already over-stretched planning authorities to fund the extra workload imposed by it.
Councils and other planning authorities will be left to fund the Government’s grand vision from existing resources.
Speaking ahead of the launch of the Welsh National Marine Plan, Minister for the Environment Lesley Griffiths said the plan aims to ensure our seas are ‘abundant with life’ and can provide ‘clean, green, and safe energy’ for people across Wales for the next 20 years.
The Government hopes its plan will put Wales at the forefront of tackling climate change through renewable energy sources and help safeguard and manage important fishing stocks and aquaculture production. It claims harnessing natural assets will make a significant contribution to achieving the Welsh Government’s target of net zero emissions by 2050, whilst also protecting marine ecosystems and minimising the impact on the environment as the seas get busier.
The plan contains policies targeted to the key uses of Welsh seas from fishing, to tourism and recreation, ports and shipping, undersea electronic cables and the collection of sand for use in construction. These policies aim to ensure the coastline and abundant ecosystems work alongside developments, rather than compete for marine space.
The Welsh National Marine Plan will work in tandem with the forthcoming National Development Framework, which is also a 20-year plan.
The Welsh Government claims that the two plans will ensure strategic planning for both land and sea.
The plan also develops closer relationships with neighbouring countries to ensure the sustainability of the seas around Wales, particularly on cross border areas like the Severn and Dee estuaries.
From Tuesday (Nov 12), planning decisions by local authorities and other relevant bodies with the potential to affect the Welsh Marine Plan Area will need to be taken in consideration of the Welsh National Marine Plan.
Minister for Environment, Energy and Rural Affairs, Lesley Griffiths, said: “This is our first step in ensuring we utilise our seas to the best of their potential, without harming our marine and coastal environment.
“It’s important to point out this is a living, active plan, not a plan to be put on a shelf to gather dust and be forgotten.
“The far-reaching plan has been developed through extensive collaboration with those working in the marine sector and is a significant milestone in our ambitions for the sustainable management of our seas.
“This plan sends a clear message on how we are planning for a more prosperous and resilient Wales where our seas will be abundant with life, as well as providing us with clean, green, and safe energy that will enrich the lives of the people of Wales.”
Clare Trotman, the Marine Conservatory Society’s Policy and Advocacy Manager (Wales) said: “We welcome the first National Marine Plan for Wales. This marks a significant step in the management of Welsh waters, providing guidance to regulators and developers on how Welsh seas should be used over the next 20 years. The Marine Conservation Society has worked hard to ensure that this first plan recognises the need to protect wildlife and marine natural resources for future generations, and avoiding the growth of marine industry ‘at any cost’.
“The tough job now will be to ensure that the Plan is implemented and used by regulators and other marine users, and not left on a shelf to gather dust! Resource from the Welsh Government should, therefore, be provided to support understanding and use of the plan, as well as for monitoring and updating.”
The Herald asked the Welsh Government what extra resources it would provide to councils and other planning authorities to follow through on the policy’s aims and ensure local compliance with the demands of a policy made by the national government over such a long period.
A Welsh Government spokesperson said: “We have been working with local authorities and other decision-makers to ensure they are aware of developments within the Marine Plan and the implications this would have for them when the plan is adopted. The WNMP provides guidance to support existing regulatory processes and no additional funding is necessary to support implementation.”
News
Local rugby talent Osian Williams selected for Wales Under-20 clash with England
A FORMER Haverfordwest Blues junior has earned international honours after being selected to represent Wales Under-20 rugby union team in their fixture against England.
Osian Williams, who began his rugby journey at Haverfordwest Rugby Football Club, will pull on the red jersey this evening in what marks a proud milestone for both the player and the Pembrokeshire club that helped develop his talent.
Club members said the call-up reflects years of hard work, commitment and steady progress through the ranks, with Williams recognised locally for his determination and performances on the pitch from a young age.
A spokesperson for Haverfordwest RFC said the whole club is “incredibly proud” to see one of their own step onto the international stage.
They added that it is always special to watch former junior players progress to represent their country, describing Williams’ selection as “fully deserved” and an inspiration to the next generation coming through the Blues’ youth setup.
The match against England provides a stern test for the young Welsh side, but for Williams and his family it is also a moment to savour after years of dedication to the sport.
Friends, coaches and former teammates are expected to be cheering him on from Pembrokeshire as he makes his mark in Welsh colours.
Photo caption:
Osian Williams has been selected to play for Wales Under-20s against England (Pic: Supplied).
Crime
Man arrested for murder following death of pensioner in Pembroke Dock
Officers called to Hawkstone Road property as investigation continues and residents urged to come forward
DYFED-POWYS POLICE officers have launched a murder investigation following the sudden death of an eighty-five-year-old man at a property in Hawkstone Road, Pembroke Dock.
Emergency services were called at approximately 1:30pm today (Friday, Feb 6).
Officers attended the scene and enquiries are ongoing to establish the full circumstances of the death.
A man in his forties has been arrested on suspicion of murder and remains in police custody.
Residents can expect to see an increased police presence in the area while the investigation continues.
Anyone with information that could assist officers is urged to come forward.
Information can be provided online, by 101.
Quote reference: 212 of February 6.
Alternatively, reports can be made anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555111 or via their website.
Education
Second west Wales school placed in lockdown within days
Precautionary measures activated at Ysgol Brynteg after morning disturbance outside gates
CARMARTHENSHIRE pupils were kept inside classrooms after a precautionary lockdown was triggered at Ysgol Brynteg on Friday morning (Feb 6), marking the second west Wales secondary school to enter lockdown in the same week.
Police were called shortly after 9:00am following reports of a verbal altercation outside the school grounds.
Officers from Dyfed-Powys Police attended and the Llanelli school activated its safeguarding procedures while the situation was assessed.
No weapons were reported, no injuries have been confirmed and there have been no arrests at this stage. The incident is understood to have involved a dispute outside the site rather than inside the school itself.
Pupils remained indoors under staff supervision while officers made checks. Once police were satisfied there was no ongoing risk, the lockdown was lifted and lessons continued as normal.
A spokesperson said the measure was purely precautionary.
The incident comes just days after armed officers were deployed to Milford Haven School following a serious assault on a teacher, prompting a temporary closure and widespread concern among parents.
While the circumstances in Llanelli were far less severe, the two events occurring so close together have heightened anxiety among families across west Wales.
Schools routinely use lockdown procedures when there is any uncertainty or potential threat nearby, even if the risk later proves minimal. The approach is designed to err on the side of caution and protect pupils while emergency services investigate.
Parents were informed that Brynteg was safe and operating normally once the situation had been resolved.
There is currently no indication that pupils inside the school were directly involved in the disturbance.
The Herald understands enquiries are ongoing.
Both incidents underline how quickly everyday school days can be disrupted, and how safeguarding responses are increasingly becoming part of standard practice across Welsh schools.
Anyone with information about the Llanelli incident is asked to contact police.
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