MULTIPLE sources are reporting that several people have been taken ill after taking suspected recreational drugs in the Haverfordwest area over the Easter weekend (Friday, April 18 – Sunday, April 20).

Emergency services were called to a number of incidents, with individuals believed to have been hospitalised after becoming seriously unwell.

There are growing concerns that a dangerous batch of drugs, possibly laced with an unknown or highly toxic substance, may be circulating locally.

One man is believed to have died following a suspected drug-related incident, although this has not yet been confirmed by the police.

A concerned resident told The Herald: “It’s awful. People are talking about a bad batch of pills doing the rounds – People need to be really careful.”

Public health warning

Anyone who has taken drugs in the area over the weekend and feels unwell is urged to seek immediate medical assistance. Even a single tablet or dose of an unknown substance can be fatal, especially if it contains powerful synthetic opioids such as pentynyl or fentanyl, which are often undetectable until it is too late.

Parents and carers are encouraged to speak openly with young people about the dangers of recreational drugs. The Talk to Frank website (www.talktofrank.com) offers accessible and up-to-date information about a wide range of substances, their risks, and how to seek help.

What to do in an emergency:

• If someone becomes unwell after taking drugs — especially if they collapse, have trouble breathing, or lose consciousness — call 999 immediately.
• Stay with them, try to keep them awake, and place them in the recovery position if they are unconscious.
• Do not be afraid to tell medical professionals or paramedics what has been taken. This information could save a life and will not lead to criminal charges for those seeking help.

General advice:

Avoid taking drugs alone — there is no one to help you if something goes wrong.

Don’t mix substances — combining drugs or alcohol increases the risk of overdose.

Be wary of pills or powders that are sold as MDMA or ecstasy but may contain far more dangerous substances such as synthetic opioids.

If you or someone you know is struggling with substance use, support is available locally through Dyfed Drug and Alcohol Service (DDAS) and other charities.

Contact information:

DDAS: 03303 639997 or visit www.ddas.org.uk

Talk to Frank: 0300 123 6600 or text 82111

Crimestoppers (anonymous tip line): 0800 555 111

The Herald will continue to follow this developing story and publish official updates as soon as they are available.

A PETITION has been launched to save Oriel y Parc, the landscape gallery in St Davids, amid fears that its future as a dedicated fine art space is under threat.

Concerned members of the community and supporters of the arts have rallied against proposals by the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority (PCNPA) to repurpose parts of the gallery, which currently houses important artworks including those by the renowned British artist Graham Sutherland.

Campaigners say that the authority’s plan to downgrade the Pembrokeshire Landscape Gallery and convert it into a National Park Discovery Centre represents a significant departure from its original purpose. The gallery was created using £3.3 million in public and EU funding and was designed specifically to showcase the landscape and art of Wales.

The petition, launched on Change.org by the Pembrokeshire Landscape Gallery Working Group, has already attracted 519 verified signatures. It calls on PCNPA to reinstate the full gallery space for continuous exhibitions from the National Collection and maintain the rotating display of Graham Sutherland’s works, a core feature of the gallery since its opening.

Dozens of people have signed the petition in recent hours, with local residents and visitors alike voicing their support. Notable recent signers include Joanna Burke, Anne Crowley, Joanne Miles, Phil Thomas, and Patricia Karen Rathbone.

Campaigners argue that the decline in visitor numbers in recent years is not due to public disinterest in art, but rather to the lack of high-profile exhibitions since 2018. They point to previous successes—such as exhibitions of works by Graham Sutherland and John Constable—that attracted tens of thousands of visitors, boosted the local economy, and enriched the cultural life of the region.

Speaking to BBC Wales Today on March 27, Tegryn Jones, Chief Executive of PCNPA, defended the changes, saying:

“The gallery has to change. You know, 15 years – all organisations evolve and develop; their audience tastes develop during that time. I think we would be rightly criticised if we hadn’t evolved and tried to meet the needs of current visitors and current residents.”

While campaigners acknowledge that change is necessary, they say that abandoning the gallery’s artistic mission would be a mistake.

“The building was purpose-built to house art,” the petition states. “Instead of abandoning its original purpose, we urge PCNPA to work with the National Museum of Wales and the wider arts community to restore and reinvigorate Oriel y Parc’s programme.”

The petition also stresses the gallery’s importance to schools, families, artists and tourists, and warns that converting it into a discovery centre would strip St Davids of one of its most valuable cultural assets.

Supporters are calling on the public to sign the petition and urge decision makers to protect the architectural integrity and artistic role of Oriel y Parc for future generations.

To sign the petition or learn more, visit Change.org and search “Save Oriel y Parc”.

DOG owners visiting Pembrokeshire off-season have been able to enjoy unrestricted access to the county’s stunning coastline – but that freedom is about to end.

From May 1, seasonal dog bans will come into force on several popular beaches, as part of the county’s annual summer restrictions.

Outright bans will apply to Tenby’s North Beach and Whitesands in St Davids, while partial restrictions will be in place at parts of Lydstep, Newgale, Saundersfoot, Tenby Castle Beach, South Beach, Amroth Beach and Promenade, Poppit Sands, Broad Haven North, Dale, and Coppet Hall, where a voluntary exclusion zone operates.

The rules are in place each year from May 1 to September 30, covering the busiest visitor months.

With more than 50 beaches across the county, the majority remain dog-friendly year-round – but the council advises walkers to check signage and maps before setting off.

This summer, Pembrokeshire County Council is trialling a more lenient approach, focusing on education over enforcement. Dog walkers who breach the restrictions may receive a warning instead of an immediate fine.

However, the council has warned that dog fouling will still be strictly enforced, both on beaches and in public spaces.

A council spokesperson said: “We are looking to prioritise awareness and responsible dog ownership. This trial only applies to dogs on restricted beaches – fouling remains a serious issue and will not be tolerated.”

Maps and further guidance on beach dog zones are available via the council’s website.