Community

Cardigan tops Wales’ slow broadband list as digital divide deepens

Published

1 year ago

December 5, 2024

CARDIGAN’S BROADBAND WOES
THE B4570 in Ponthirwaun, Cardigan, has been revealed as Wales’ slowest street for broadband, with residents struggling with average speeds of just 2.28Mb. This cripplingly slow connection contrasts sharply with the fastest street in Wales, Chamberlain Row in Dinas Powys, where speeds soar to 735.81Mb — an astonishing 323 times faster.

DAILY FRUSTRATIONS FOR RESIDENTS
For those living in Cardigan’s B4570, everyday online activities become daunting tasks. Downloading a high-definition film takes nearly six hours — a glaring reminder of the growing digital divide across Wales.

WINNERS AND LOSERS IN WALES’ BROADBAND RACE
The findings, published by Broadband Genie, highlight the stark disparity in connection speeds across the country. While some streets, like Chamberlain Row and Llanasa Road in Gronant, enjoy lightning-fast speeds, others, including Cardigan’s B4570, lag far behind.

UNUSED SUPERFAST POTENTIAL
Ironically, many of the slowest areas in Wales, including Cardigan’s B4570, have access to superfast broadband, capable of delivering speeds over 30Mb. Some even have full-fibre connections capable of reaching 1Gb. The low uptake raises questions about whether residents are aware of these options or find them affordable.

A CALL FOR ACTION
Broadband Genie’s strategist Alex Tofts urged residents to take action: “No one should have to endure such slow speeds, especially as providers continue to increase prices. If your broadband underperforms, contact your provider and ensure you’re getting the speeds you’re paying for.”

BRIDGING THE DIGITAL DIVIDE
Cardigan’s broadband struggles reflect broader issues facing rural Wales. While full-fibre broadband is available to 72% of premises, many rural areas are slow to adopt it. Bridging this digital divide is vital to ensure all communities have the connectivity they need to thrive in today’s digital age.

Community

Community gathers to remember Corrina Baker

Published

3 hours ago

December 17, 2025

Tom Sinclair

Lanterns and balloons released in emotional acts of remembrance

FAMILY, friends and members of the local community came together to remember Corrina Baker at a series of moving events held across west Wales this week.

Corrina’s funeral took place on Monday (Dec 15), a month after her death, with a public service held at St Mary’s Church. Mourners lined the route as her coffin was carried on its final journey in an elegant horse-drawn carriage, before a private cremation later took place at Parc Gwyn crematorium in Narberth.

Later that evening, shortly after 6:00pm, friends and relatives gathered at the Quayside in Cardigan for the first of two acts of remembrance to celebrate her life. Lanterns were lit and released into the night sky above the town as some of Corrina’s favourite songs were played.

On Tuesday afternoon (Dec 16), a second tribute was held near the location where Corrina was found. Twenty-one pink balloons — one for each year of her life — were released into a clear blue sky, each carrying personal messages in her memory.

Floral tributes continue to be laid at the Netpool, while a GoFundMe appeal set up in Corrina’s memory has raised more than £2,300. She has been described by those who knew her as “funny and bright”.

Dyfed-Powys Police have confirmed that their investigation into the circumstances surrounding Ms Baker’s death is ongoing. A 29-year-old man who was arrested on suspicion of murder has been released on bail while inquiries continue.

(Photos: Stuart Ladd/Herald)

Community

Six untaxed vehicles seized in Milford Haven police operation

Published

4 hours ago

December 17, 2025

Tom Sinclair

SIX untaxed and abandoned vehicles were seized during a joint roads policing operation in Milford Haven on Tuesday morning.

Officers from the Milford Haven Neighbourhood Policing and Prevention Team (NPPT) worked alongside the Pembrokeshire Roads Policing Team as part of targeted enforcement across the town.

In addition to the vehicle seizures, a number of traffic offence reports were issued to drivers during the operation.

Police said the action formed part of ongoing efforts to improve road safety and tackle vehicle-related offences in the Milford Haven area.

Community

Candlelit carol service brings community together in Milford Haven

Published

4 hours ago

December 17, 2025

Tom Sinclair

ST KATHARINE and St Peter’s Church in Milford Haven hosted its annual Candlelit Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols, bringing together members of the community for a traditional celebration of Christmas.

The service featured readings from the Mayor of Milford Haven, representatives of the Soroptimists, Milford Haven Amateur Operatic Society, the Headteacher and Head Prefects of Milford Haven School, Milford Haven Town Band, and NCI Wooltack Point.

Music for the evening was provided by organist Seimon Morris, Milford Haven Town Band and the Milford Haven Cluster Band, whose performances added to the atmosphere of the candlelit service.

The Friends of St Katharine and St Peter’s Church thanked all those involved and wished the community a happy Christmas.