DYFED-POWYS POLICE has launched Operation Apex ahead of the Easter Bank Holiday, with officers stepping up efforts to keep motorcyclists safe on roads across the region.

The force says more riders are expected to take to the roads over the long weekend, prompting increased patrols, targeted enforcement on routes considered high-risk, and engagement with bikers at key locations.

Police are urging riders to take extra care by keeping their speed down on corners, watching carefully for other road users, and treating rural roads with caution, as conditions can change quickly and surfaces are often less predictable.

As part of the operation, motorcyclists are also being encouraged to sign up for a BikeSafe workshop. The police-led initiative offers expert advice as well as an observed ride aimed at helping bikers improve their skills and confidence on the road.

Officers are also reminding riders to carry out basic safety checks before setting off, particularly if their motorbike has not been used for some time. Tyres, brakes, lights, chain condition, oil and fuel levels should all be checked before any journey.

The warning comes as recent wet weather has left some road surfaces badly damaged, with potholes posing an extra hazard. Police also noted that while spring temperatures are improving, chilly mornings can still bring frost or icy patches in places, alongside the usual unpredictability of Welsh weather.

Dyfed-Powys Police said riders should enjoy the Easter weekend, but make safety and getting home safely their top priority.

A SENIOR member of the Welsh Government has been accused of “passing the buck” for declining a call to directly intervene in contentious changes to Withybush hospital.

Last year, Hywel Dda University Health Board consulted with its communities on options for change in critical care, dermatology, emergency general surgery, endoscopy, ophthalmology, orthopaedics, stroke, radiology and urology.

It said its Clinical Services Plan focuses on nine healthcare services that are “fragile and in need of change”.

The proposed changes included an option for Withybush patients needing specialist critical care being transferred to Glangwili.

At a recent two-day meeting, the board, amongst its many other decisions, backed changes into emergency general surgery which will see no emergency general surgery operations taking place at Withybush, but a strengthening of the same-day emergency care (SDEC).

Members stressed the changes would not happen overnight.

Following the decision, calls for intervention have also been made by local Senedd members Paul Davies and Sam Kurtz, who wrote to the Cabinet Secretary for Health & Social Care to urge him to intervene and stop the Health Board removing services from Withybush.

That response from the cabinet secretary has been criticised by Mr Kurtz.

In his letter of response, Cabinet Secretary for Health and social Care Jeremy Miles MS stressed planning and delivery of local health services, in this case “scheduled to begin in the next Senedd term, with a time horizon of up to four years to complete,” were, under statutory arrangements for NHS Wales, “the responsibility of health boards”.

Responding, Sam Kurtz said: “The response from the Welsh Health Minister is regrettably, though perhaps unsurprisingly, deeply disappointing. Rather than demonstrating leadership and using the powers that he has as Health Minister, he appears to be passing the buck to the health board despite the profound impact these decisions will have on services in Pembrokeshire.

“There is clear and justified concern among residents. After years of cuts to services at Withybush Hospital, this response will do little to reassure our communities.

“People deserve clarity, accountability, and a meaningful voice in decisions affecting vital services. Paul Davies and I will continue to stand firmly in defence of healthcare provision across West Wales.”

The Minister’s letter added: “Since the decision was taken, both the First Minister and I have set out the Welsh Government’s position in answers to questions from members of the Senedd and in debates. We have been very clear that decisions of this nature rest with the health board.”

It went on to say: “In your letter, you raise points about services within the scope of the [Clinical Services Plan] as well as the future of the emergency department at Withybush Hospital. I want to be very clear that emergency department services were not part of the CSP decision.”

The county council has also debated the downgrade plans for Withybush.

A petition to the Senedd against the changes has been created by Crymych resident Ajay Owen, entitled Urgent Pembrokeshire Healthcare & Resident Safety – Withybush Hospital & Health Board Intervention.

The petition, running to August 23, has attracted more than 11,000 signatures to date.

A SAPLING descended from the famous Sycamore Gap tree has been planted at Carew Castle, giving fresh life in Pembrokeshire to one of Britain’s most cherished natural symbols.

The young tree was planted on Thursday (Apr 2) as Pembrokeshire Coast National Park joined the UK’s other National Parks in a shared act of remembrance and renewal.

The original Sycamore Gap tree, which stood beside Hadrian’s Wall for more than 150 years, was felled in 2023, sparking sadness across the country. Cuttings and seeds salvaged after its destruction were carefully nurtured by the National Trust at its Plant Conservation Centre before being distributed to all 15 UK National Parks.

Now, one of those saplings has found a new home at Carew Castle, linking Pembrokeshire with landscapes across the country through a living symbol of resilience, heritage and hope.

The planting was attended by Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority Chair Dr Madeleine Havard, Vice Chair Cllr Claire George, Authority Member and local county councillor Vanessa Thomas, Chief Executive Tegryn Jones, and Director of Nature and Tourism James Parkin. Local children also took part in the event.

The Park Authority said the planting reflected a shared duty to care for special places and to pass them on to future generations.

Dr Havard said: “The Sycamore Gap tree was a powerful symbol of our connection to nature and heritage. While we cannot replace the landmark that was lost, planting this sapling at Carew Castle ensures its legacy grows here in Pembrokeshire.

“It serves as a living reminder of our role as guardians of these landscapes and our commitment to the generations who will enjoy them in the years to come.”

Carew Castle was chosen as the planting site because of its rich history and its importance within the National Park.

National Parks said each of the 15 saplings will be cared for by local teams, creating a lasting symbol of the enduring strength of nature in some of the UK’s most treasured places.

Caption: A descendant of the Sycamore Gap tree is planted at Carew Castle by National Park representatives and local children.