News

Tufnell reflects on first year as MP for Pembrokeshire

Published

6 days ago

July 4, 2025

‘Still so much to do, but I’m proud of what we’ve achieved so far,’ says Labour MP

PEMBROKESHIRE MP Henry Tufnell has marked the first anniversary of his election by reflecting on a year of activity, pledges delivered, and ambitions for the future.

Mr Tufnell, who won the seat for Labour in July 2024, said he remained “proud to stand up for our community” after spending the past twelve months listening to residents, visiting groups and local services, and working to address key issues.

“Every conversation reminds me why I’m so proud to serve,” he said.

Among the highlights of his first year, Mr Tufnell pointed to progress on housing, investment, broadband, the environment, and NHS accountability.

Tackling housing and jobs

He said the number of people on the housing waiting list in Pembrokeshire had dropped by around 2,000, with new social and affordable homes now under construction. The county has also been identified as a key growth region by the Welsh Labour Government, unlocking investment in skills training and job creation.

Health and the environment

Mr Tufnell has launched surveys across the constituency to gather views on GP and dental access, and said he had secured a commitment from the Health Board’s Chief Executive to deliver “transformative change”—though he acknowledged more work remains.

In his role on the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Committee, the MP also said he had taken Welsh Water to task over pollution, poor service, and what he called “extortionate” executive pay.

Investment and infrastructure

Over £10 million has been committed to Pembrokeshire through Labour’s Transforming Towns programme, according to Mr Tufnell, alongside nearly £109 million of broadband funding through Project Gigabit, which will bring high-speed connectivity to over 4,000 rural homes in the area.

Support for farmers and consumers

Mr Tufnell has also raised concerns in Parliament about the ECO4 insulation scheme, which he said left too many householders with poor work and no recourse. His efforts, he says, helped lead to new protections being introduced.

He has also called on government ministers to delay proposed inheritance tax reforms impacting family farms.

Reflecting on the past year, Mr Tufnell said: “We’ve made great progress, but there’s still so much to do. I’m here for you.”

Residents are encouraged to get in touch with the MP via [email protected].

Community

Milford Haven paddling pool open daily at 10:00am — safety reminder issued

Published

5 hours ago

July 10, 2025

Tom Sinclair

Town council urges parents to supervise children at all times

MILFORD HAVEN TOWN COUNCIL has reminded visitors to the children’s paddling pool on The Rath that the facility opens daily at 10:00am, and that children must be supervised by a responsible adult.

In a bilingual safety poster shared online, the council set out simple but essential rules to help ensure the pool remains a safe and fun space throughout the summer holidays. While the pool is popular with families, the council warns that it is not officially supervised, and users do so at their own risk.

The key rules include:

Children must be accompanied by an adult.
No running or diving in or around the pool.
No food, drink, or glass bottles in the water area.
No dogs are allowed within the paddling pool zone.
Littering is strictly prohibited.

A council spokesperson said: “Hi everyone, a polite request: we ask that all children be supervised by a responsible adult while using the pool. Thank you.”

There is no formal age limit for the pool, but younger children will be given priority, especially during busy times.

Local families have praised the pool since it reopened, with one visitor, Linda Phillips, commenting: “We’ve just spent two hours there. Great effort everyone! The youngsters are really enjoying it.”

Milford Haven Town Council thanked her for the feedback, calling it “lovely to hear.”

Opening times or access arrangements may change due to weather or maintenance — updates will be posted on the council’s official Facebook page.

Caption:

Splash safely: Milford Haven Town Council’s new bilingual poster reminds families to supervise children and follow the rules while enjoying the paddling pool on The Rath this summer (Pic: Herald).

News

Stricken boat rescued off Ramsey Island after gearbox failure

Published

10 hours ago

July 10, 2025

Tom Sinclair

Off-duty RNLI crew member steps in to assist with tow to safety

ST DAVIDS RNLI all-weather lifeboat launched at 6:20pm on Wednesday (July 9) to assist a 28-foot motorboat that had suffered drive shaft failure near Ramsey Island.

The vessel, which had departed from Porthclais harbour with two people on board, was left without propulsion due to gearbox issues and was drifting dangerously close to cliffs.

The call for assistance was received at 6:09pm, and the lifeboat was launched just over 10 minutes later. Calm sea conditions allowed the volunteer crew to reach the scene swiftly. A local recreational boat from Voyages of Discovery had been standing by the stricken vessel until the lifeboat arrived.

Given the boat’s proximity to the cliffs and inability to manoeuvre, the coxswain made the decision to tow it back to Porthclais. However, the harbour is inaccessible to the RNLI’s all-weather lifeboat.

Fortunately, off-duty crew member Robin was nearby on his own vessel and was able to take over the tow and bring the motorboat safely into the harbour.

The lifeboat and crew returned to station by 7:40pm.

Crime

Motorist sentenced over crash that left biker with life-changing injuries

Published

11 hours ago

July 10, 2025

Court Reporter

A PEMBROKESHIRE man who caused life-changing injuries to a motorcyclist in a serious crash at Merlin’s Bridge has been sentenced at Swansea Crown Court.

JAMES IAN PUTTOCK appeared before the court on Wednesday (July 2), where he pleaded guilty to causing serious injury by careless or inconsiderate driving, contrary to section 2C of the Road Traffic Act 1988.

The collision occurred on December 20, 2022, at Merlin’s Bridge, near Haverfordwest, and involved a red Suzuki Splash driven by Puttock and a motorcyclist.

The rider suffered what police described at the time as “life-changing injuries” and was airlifted to the University Hospital of Wales in Cardiff. The road was closed for several hours while crash investigators examined the scene.

Puttock had originally been due to stand trial, as previously reported by The Pembrokeshire Herald in January 2024. However, he entered a guilty plea ahead of trial.

At sentencing, the court imposed the following:

20 weeks’ imprisonment, suspended for 12 months
10 Rehabilitation Activity Requirement (RAR) days
12-month driving disqualification

The Herald understands the crash had a profound impact on the injured rider and their family, who are still dealing with the long-term consequences of the incident.