Three charges relate to navigation of vessel in Milford Haven

A NEWPORT man is due to return to court later this month in connection with an alleged collision involving a vessel in Milford Haven.

Nolan Orford, of Bishton Village, Newport, appeared before Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court charged with three offences relating to the navigation of a vessel within the harbour.

The court heard that the charges arise from an incident on June 4, 2025, involving a vessel named ‘Andy 02’. It is alleged that the vessel was navigated in a manner or at a speed that caused damage, danger or inconvenience to other harbour users, and that it collided with another vessel.

Mr Orford is also accused of failing to report the collision to the harbourmaster and of carrying out an act said to have injuriously affected the safety of navigation within the harbour.

Mr Orford pleaded not guilty to the charges. Magistrates adjourned the case until February 17 for a case management hearing, which the defendant is required to attend.

FAMILIES across Wales will soon have access to a broader range of affordable childcare options after the Welsh Government unveiled plans for a new voluntary approval scheme aimed at widening support and reducing costs.

The Voluntary Approval Scheme, due to launch in April 2027, will allow eligible parents to use Tax-Free Childcare and Universal Credit childcare payments with more providers than is currently possible.

Ministers say the move will increase the number of approved settings, making it easier for families to find care that suits their needs, working hours and location.

Under the scheme, childcare, play and activity providers that are not required to register with Care Inspectorate Wales will be able to apply for approval, provided they meet strict standards. These include safety checks and mandatory training developed by Social Care Wales, designed to give parents added confidence when choosing a provider.

Clear guidance will also be published to help families understand the difference between providers approved under the voluntary system and those formally registered with Care Inspectorate Wales.

The decision follows a public consultation held between August and November last year, with further development work now underway ahead of the rollout.

Children and Social Care Minister Dawn Bowden said: “We are moving forward with this important scheme, which will make a real difference to families right across Wales.

“It will help support parents and improve children’s access to enriching childcare, playwork and activity opportunities by expanding the pool of approved providers.”

The Welsh Government says the scheme forms part of wider efforts to ease pressure on working families and improve access to flexible, high-quality childcare across the country.

Court hears offences relate to failure to ensure regular school attendance

TWO parents have been fined after failing to ensure their child attended school regularly, Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court heard.

The court heard that the offences related to a 12-year-old child of compulsory school age who failed to attend school regularly during the summer term of 2025.

Between May 2 and July 18, 2025, the child did not attend school as required. Both parents entered guilty pleas under the single justice procedure.

Magistrates fined each parent £60. They were also ordered to pay a £24 victim services surcharge and £100 in prosecution costs.

Collection orders were made in both cases, with the outstanding balances to be paid by March 5.