One of Pembrokeshire’s best loved summer visitors given a helping hand to recovery

Published

2 years ago

October 28, 2024

One of Pembrokeshire’s best loved summer visitors is being given a helping hand to recovery thanks to 46 new swift boxes which have been erected at the County Hall, Haverfordwest.

The boxes have been purchased by Pembrokeshire Nature Partnership as part of a project fully funded by the Welsh Government’s ‘Local Places for Nature’ grant.

Swifts have seen a sharp decline in the last 30 years, with their population decreasing by as much as 60 per cent. Breeding Bird Survey data has documented a significant decline in their populations, the reasons most likely being because of poor summer weather, a decline in insect food and a continued loss of suitable nesting sites. As a result, the swift has now been included on the UK’s red list of Birds of Conservation Concern.

The long-distance migrant chooses to nest in holes in buildings, however most modern buildings don’t have suitable crevices unless they are incorporated into the design. The problem is further exacerbated by existing nesting opportunities in older buildings which are becoming increasingly scarce as they are lost when the buildings are refurbished.

The PNP Swift box project aims to provide breeding opportunities for swifts while also enhancing the biodiversity value of County Hall and its surrounding area.

In addition to the swift boxes, the PNP is creating insect friendly habitats at County Hall and in the wider environment through changes to mowing regimes and habitat management practices. These will help boost the insect population in Pembrokeshire, on which the swift depends for food

Swift call speakers have also been installed which will broadcast calls out of office hours during the breeding season, to encourage swifts to investigate the boxes.

Crime

Police probe ball bearing damage in Haverfordwest

Published

22 minutes ago

May 18, 2026

Tom Sinclair

POLICE are investigating reports of criminal damage in Haverfordwest after suspected metal ball bearings were used to damage a vehicle and a property.

Dyfed-Powys Police said damage was caused to the wing mirror of a blue Range Rover Evoque on Glenfields Road sometime between 11:10am and 11:20am on Sunday, May 10.

Officers believe metal ball bearings may have been used.

A second incident was reported at around 2:30pm on Tuesday, May 12, when the window of a property on Glenfields Road was allegedly struck by a suspected metal ball bearing.

Police said local officers are continuing to speak with residents after receiving a number of calls about ball bearings being found in the Glenfields Road and Old Hakin Road areas.

Anyone who witnessed anything, or who has information that could help the investigation, is asked to contact Dyfed-Powys Police online, by emailing [email protected], or by calling 101.

Information can also be given anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or via crimestoppers-uk.org.

Quote reference: 26*375605.

Crime

Stolen vehicle investigation after late-night crash in Waterston

Published

2 hours ago

May 18, 2026

Tom Sinclair

A VEHICLE involved in a late-night single-vehicle crash in Waterston, Milford Haven, is believed to have been stolen, police have confirmed.

Dyfed-Powys Police said officers received a report of the collision at around 11:55pm on Sunday (May 17).

The vehicle was recovered at approximately 1:15am on Monday (May 18), but nobody was found at the scene.

Following enquiries, police established that the vehicle had reportedly been stolen at some point during Sunday evening.

Officers said enquiries into the incident are ongoing.

News

Labour names Senedd spokesperson team after election defeat

Published

2 hours ago

May 18, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Ken Skates says group will focus on holding new Welsh Government to account

INTERIM Welsh Labour leader Ken Skates has unveiled the party’s Senedd spokesperson team following its defeat in the recent election.

Mr Skates will act as interim leader of Welsh Labour and spokesperson for health, care and national security.

He said the Labour group would draw on “extensive experience” while bringing “fresh energy and ideas” to its work in opposition.

The party said its Senedd group was committed to holding the new Welsh Government to account and pushing for practical results for the people of Wales.

Jayne Bryant MS has been appointed spokesperson for housing, communities, public and preventative health, with women’s health also included in her brief.

Mike Hedges MS will cover culture, sport, local government and legislation.

Vikki Howells MS becomes Chief Whip and spokesperson for environment, farming, energy and transport. Her portfolio also includes planning.

Lynne Neagle MS has been named Business Manager and spokesperson for children, education and lifelong learning.

Shav Taj MS will cover employment, equalities and economic transformation, including social partnership.

Huw Thomas MS has been appointed spokesperson for finance, democracy, citizenship and the Welsh language. Regional and city deals will also fall within his brief.

Welsh Labour said Sarah Murphy’s portfolio will be announced when she returns from maternity leave.

A photo call with the Welsh Labour Senedd Group is due to take place in Cardiff Bay on Tuesday (May 19), although no interviews will be available.