News

Pembrokeshire County Council Leader’s latest update on coronavirus

Published

6 years ago

March 17, 2020

COUNCILLOR David Simpson, leader of the Authority, has issued the following statement: “I gave an update on Friday about what the Council’s response has been. Given the unprecedented situation and high level of interest, I intend to provide regular briefings.
“I would urge everyone to follow the latest health advice from NHS 111 online at: https://111.nhs.uk/ or from Public Health Wales at https://phw.nhs.wales/topics/latest-information-on-novel-coronavirus-covid-19/
“Over the weekend there has been a lot of discussion in both the press and social media about community self-help. We are aware that community groups are setting up in Pembrokeshire and welcome these, and I commend those people actively working on this. It is important that this work is linked and ties in with other wider measures, and a working group within the Council has been organised to coordinate this. My colleague Cllr Neil Prior will be sitting on this working group to provide a direct Cabinet Member link. We are determining the best way to co-ordinate the significant volunteering support that Pembrokeshire residents will want to offer, working with our public sector partners (including Health and PAVS), so we will announce a mechanism and guidance as soon as we can.
“We are currently in a phase where there is heightened concern when anyone develops a temperature or new continuous cough. Some of this is resulting in pupils understandably being removed from the school environment. Pupils who are not displaying the symptoms of coronavirus COVID-19 should attend school as normal. Please note that schools remain the first point of contact for queries related to their setting. Some of the social media feedback relating to schools is disruptive and unhelpful, and I would please urge that if you are using social media to do so in an informed and constructive manner, and with reference to the factual information available on line or at your school.”
“We are starting to see a rise in general queries from businesses seeking help and advice. I understand this is an extremely worrying time for many businesses. If you are a business owner with any queries or concerns, the Welsh Government have useful sources of information to help business. Similar to the community self-help work already started, we are looking at this and will provide further briefing on the matter as soon as we can.”

Useful links:

www.pembrokeshire.gov.uk/coronavirus
https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/coronavirus-covid-19-list-of-guidance
https://phw.nhs.wales/topics/latest-information-on-novel-coronavirus-covid-19/self-isolation-advice/

Community

Port launches waterway safety competition with monthly prizes

Published

3 hours ago

March 30, 2026

Tom Sinclair

THE PORT OF MILFORD HAVEN has announced the launch of its first Waterway Safety Competition, set to begin in April.

The initiative aims to promote safe and responsible use of the Milford Haven Waterway, one of the busiest and most diverse waterways in Wales. The waterway is used daily by paddleboarders, kayakers, sailors, swimmers, and large commercial vessels, making safety a key priority.

As part of the competition, participants are invited to showcase their own interpretation of the waterway through any creative medium. All art forms are welcome, and entries will be judged monthly.

Each month, winners will receive prizes designed to support water safety, including lifejackets and training sessions.

The Port hopes the competition will encourage greater awareness of safety while celebrating the unique character of the waterway.

For more information or to enter, visit: https://www.mhpa.co.uk/waterway-safety-competition/

News

Reform UK unveils Carmarthenshire Senedd candidates

Published

3 hours ago

March 30, 2026

Tom Sinclair

REFORM UK Wales has announced its full list of candidates for Sir Gaerfyrddin (Carmarthenshire) ahead of the Senedd election on Thursday, May 7.

Leading the list is Gareth Beer, the party’s Carmarthenshire chairman, a local businessman, father of four and Kidwelly town councillor. In the 2024 General Election, he came within around 1,500 votes of winning the Llanelli seat — Reform UK’s strongest result in Wales.

Beer said the party had assembled “a strong team of decent, hard-working people” ready to represent the county.

He said: “We have already started campaigning strongly across the constituency, and the reception we are receiving on the doorstep has been overwhelmingly positive.

“People have had enough of the lies they hear from politicians and want to give a new party a genuine chance to make real changes.”

He added that key issues raised by voters included NHS waiting lists, education standards, the economy and the cost of living.

Full candidate list

The Reform UK candidates for Sir Gaerfyrddin are:

Gareth Beer – Businessman, Kidwelly town councillor and Carmarthenshire chairman for Reform UK.

Carmelo Colasanto – County and community councillor with a background in retail, compliance and multinational business operations.

Sarah Edwards – Retired dental professional and smallholder, known for campaigning on rural and environmental issues.

Christopher Brooke – Retired engineer and manager with more than four decades’ experience in manufacturing.

Alan Cole – Former senior corporate leader and business owner who has worked with small businesses across South Wales.

Michelle Beer – Marketing and PR professional and Reform UK county councillor for the Lliedi ward, elected in a 2025 by-election.

The party said the team brings experience from business, engineering, healthcare and public service.

Reform UK Wales said its campaign in Carmarthenshire would focus on reducing NHS waiting times, improving education, supporting small businesses and addressing the rising cost of living.

The party is positioning itself as an alternative to what it describes as the political “status quo” in Cardiff Bay.

News

Police watchdog investigates after gunshot fired inside Milford Haven flats

Published

3 hours ago

March 30, 2026

Tom Sinclair

A POLICE firearm was discharged inside a block of flats in Milford Haven during an incident on Saturday evening (March 28), it has emerged.

Dyfed-Powys Police confirmed a single shot was fired at around 6:32pm after officers were called to reports of disorder at Bunkers Hill involving a person believed to be carrying a knife.

The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) has now confirmed it has been notified. A spokesperson said the force had made a voluntary conduct referral, which will be assessed before any decision is made on further action.

Police have stated that the firearm was not directed at any individual and that no injuries were reported.

A witness close to the matter told The Herald that the shot was fired as an officer entered the flats and moved up the stairs, with the bullet striking a breeze block wall. This account has not yet been officially confirmed.

When Herald reporters attended the scene on Sunday afternoon, a significant police presence remained, with officers seen going in and out of the building and carrying out checks around the rear of the flats.

The precise circumstances leading to the discharge remain under investigation.

More to follow.