News
Tenby road flood warning system ‘doesn’t like wet,’ councillors hear

A ‘FULL commitment’ to improve warning systems on a flood-prone road on the approach to Tenby was given after Pembrokeshire councillors heard the current system appears to not like working when its wet.
Back in January, Storm Henk led to flooding across the region – including in and around Tenby, Gumfreston, Heywood Lane and the Clicketts. while a red alert was issued for the River Ritec, with water being described as “Jeep deep”.
In a submitted question heard at the October 17 meeting of Pembrokeshire County Council, Councillor Rhys Jordan asked: “As we approach the autumn and winter months, which will likely bring further disruptions for residents and visitors entering and exiting Tenby via Gumfreston, can the Cabinet Member for Resident Services update us on the progress made toward improving the flood warning system in the Gumfreston area?”
Responding, Cabinet Member for Residents’ Services Cllr Rhys Sinnett said, following discussions with Natural Resources Wales, it was looking at consultants producing a long list of options for a potential flood risk management scheme for the River Ritec catchment area, with outfalls to the sea acting as “throttle points” to the river.
“NRW already has a flood warning system in place for the river, I would urge all users of the road and all local residents to sign up to receive flood alerts,” Cllr Sinnett said, adding an automated warning sign system was already in place, with plans for an additional water depth gauge to be installed.
In a supplementary question, Cllr Jordan asked: “Can you give me an assurance that the flood warning system will actually work this autumn and winter?
“Only yesterday [October 16] the road was flooded and no warning signs were on; it seems to work when the road is not flooded, but they don’t like operating when its wet.”
He described it as “probably the most closed road in the county,” but one where there was the least communication on.
Cllr Sinnett, who later deferred to Director of Transport and the Environment Darren Thomas, said: “If there are problems with the system, we need to sort that out; members of the public need that reassurance that things are working the best they can.”
Mr Thomas told councillors there had been difficulty with the supplier of the signs, despite regular discussions, with the council considering a change of supplier.
“It’s not something we’ve left lying; you have a full commitment that officers are trying to get this fixed,” he told members.
Crime
Tenby man charged after robbery incident

A MAN is due to appear at Swansea Crown Court next month after being charged in connection with a late-night incident in Tenby town centre.
Dyfed-Powys Police confirmed that no one was injured during the disturbance, which took place at a restaurant in Tudor Square on the evening of Sunday, March 30.
Mohammed Miah, aged 44, has been charged with robbery, possession of a bladed article in a public place, and criminal damage.
He appeared before Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court earlier this month, where he was remanded in custody ahead of his next hearing at Swansea Crown Court on Friday, May 2.
Farming
Pembrokeshire Show elects first joint presidents

DAIRY FARMERS TIM AND MARGARET JOHNS HONOURED BY AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY
HAVERFORDWEST dairy farmers Tim and Margaret Johns have been unanimously elected as the first joint Presidents of the Pembrokeshire Agricultural Society.
The couple, who farm at Pencnwc in partnership with their son Graham, represent the third generation of their family to work the land. Their 550-acre holding in Castlemorris includes dairy cattle and the cultivation of both winter and spring cereals.
Margaret and Tim have a long-standing association with the Pembrokeshire Agricultural Society and the County Show. Margaret, in particular, has achieved considerable success in equestrian showing at events including Royal Windsor, the Great Yorkshire Show, and the Royal Cornwall Show. She also founded and continues to run Castlemorris Equestrian and Pet Supplies from the farm.
Speaking following their appointment, Tim said: “Margaret and I work as a partnership. The County Show is a major part of Pembrokeshire and is an integral part of farming in the county. We are looking forward to the year ahead. We have chosen RABI and the Pembrokeshire Agricultural Society as our charities to support over the next 12 months.”
During the Society’s Annual General Meeting, held recently at the Pembrokeshire Showground, Mr and Mrs James Evans were voted in as Presidents Elect.
Other appointments for 2025 include Miss Alys Owens, who was named as the Society’s Ambassador. Alys, who lives in Haverfordwest and works for Castell Howell, is an active member of Llysyfran YFC. She served as Club Secretary last year, a role for which she was named Club Secretary of the Year at County level. A talented musician, Alys plays the cornet with Goodwick Brass Band.
Outgoing President Adam Thorne used the occasion to thank all those who had supported him during his term in office.
Alys Owens, the 2025 Ambassador, is pictured between Margaret and Tim Johns, the 2025/26 Joint Presidents.
News
Casualty airlifted after fall on rocks at Manorbier

A PERSON was flown to hospital with a suspected broken ankle after falling on rocks at Manorbier on Sunday afternoon (April 13).
Emergency services were called shortly after 1:30pm, with Tenby RNLI, the Wales Air Ambulance, land paramedics, and coastguard teams from Tenby and St Govans attending.
Tenby’s inshore lifeboat launched first, with two crew members going ashore just as the air ambulance arrived to land nearby. They were soon joined by a land ambulance and coastguard rescue officers.
A stretcher was brought ashore from the all-weather lifeboat, and RNLI crew assisted in stabilising the casualty and carrying them up the beach for transfer into the waiting helicopter.
Once the airlift was complete, both lifeboats were stood down and returned to station.
It was the third call-out of the weekend for Tenby RNLI volunteers.
The first incident took place at 2:20pm on Friday (April 11), when the all-weather lifeboat was diverted from a training exercise following a report of paddleboarders possibly in difficulty near Manorbier. As the lifeboat arrived, the paddleboarders were confirmed safe ashore and the crew resumed their exercise.
Later that evening, at 9:15pm, the lifeboat launched again to assist the operator of a seven-metre rigid inflatable boat that had broken down around a mile south of Old Castle Head. The boat was towed safely back to Freshwater East, from where it had launched earlier in the day.
(Photo: File image)
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