News

Concerns raised as council social worker charged with child sex offences

Published

2 years ago

December 1, 2023

A WOMAN, whose grandson is being helped by social services and is classed as a vulnerable child, is one of a number of people who have contacted The Herald concerned about the safety of children attending a children’s activity centre in Pembrokeshire.

The source made a number of serious allegations in relation to the Llanion Cove activity centre.

The centre says that its mission is to provide a quality residential experience with safe, meaningful, fun activities implemented by licensed activity providers. However, as this newspaper reported in March, its most well-known outdoor activities instructor, Sean Golder, 54, was jailed for inciting sexual activity with a boy of 14, and child grooming.

The Herald now understands that there are fresh allegations relating to a second individual. A social worker employed by Pembrokeshire County Council, and who was working at Llanion Cove, has now been charged with several child sex offences.

As a council employee, he was not employed by Llanion Cove, although is employment with the council has bought him in contact with the centre.

The Herald also understands that he may have been working under a false name or after having changed his name.

We have not named him at this stage for legal reasons.

Our source said on the telephone, on condition of anonymity: ‘My grandson has been sent to this club – I am more than very concerned. I have tried to call the council several times about this, but I have not been able to make any progress. I am also concerned about another member of staff who works there and has very close connections to Sean Golder, who is in jail.’

Pembrokeshire County Council told The Pembrokeshire Herald in a statement today (Dec 1) that they are aware of the charges. The official statement reads: “We are aware that an individual formerly employed by the Council has been charged with several child sex offences.

“It would be inappropriate at this time to comment further on what is still a live criminal investigation. We are also aware that another individual connected to a canoe club has been convicted of child-related sex offences including grooming and is currently serving a custodial sentence as a result.

“That individual was not and is not an employee of the Council. As with any investigation into child sexual abuse, the local authority cooperated with the criminal investigation and takes all steps to ensure that any children impacted by such offences are identified and supported.

“Anyone who has a concern about the welfare of a child can contact police on 101, the child care assessment team on 01437 764551, or in an emergency, dial 999.”

Community

Port launches waterway safety competition with monthly prizes

Published

1 hour 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

1 hour 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

1 hour 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.