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Dyfed-Powys Police backs campaign to make running safer for women this winter

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Force supports Welsh Athletics’ ‘Own The Night’ initiative as darker evenings return

DYFED-POWYS Police has pledged its support for a new Welsh Athletics campaign aimed at making running safer for women during the winter months.

The Own The Night / Ein Nos Ni campaign recognises the growing concerns women have about personal safety when running after dark and encourages both practical action and cultural change across Wales.

The campaign aims to:
• Raise awareness of women’s safety concerns when running at night or in the early morning.
• Empower women to continue running through the winter months with confidence.
• Educate running communities and the wider public on allyship and practical ways to support women.
• ‘Reclaim the streets’ by encouraging clubs and groups across Wales to host a group run on Sunday, October 26, the day the clocks go back.

Hannah Baulch, Head of Participation at Welsh Athletics, said:
“Running in Wales is experiencing fantastic growth at the moment, with 293,000 adults participating regularly through organised and informal activity. We’re delighted that since 2020, female runners have made up more than half of our membership — something that’s rare in other sports.

“However, we know that female runners face challenges during the winter months. It’s not just about cold weather or slippery roads — it’s about safety. Research by This Girl Can shows that almost three-quarters of women in the UK change their outdoor activity routines during winter, and a recent Our Streets Now survey revealed that 93% of women have experienced public sexual harassment while running. This simply isn’t acceptable.

“We’ve asked Welsh Government for a commitment to make our streets safer, but we also want communities across Wales to support one another by being the light for other runners, showing respect, and calling out bad behaviour. Together, we can make a real difference.”

Dyfed-Powys Police is backing the campaign by sending Neighbourhood Policing and Prevention Teams to local running clubs and events to hear directly from runners about their experiences.

Detective Superintendent Wayne Bevan, the force’s lead for protecting vulnerable people, said:
“Women should not feel that they have to change their running habits during the winter months, but sadly many do. Everyone deserves to be safe, and to feel safe. It’s not right that women feel fearful to run their usual routes once the darker evenings set in.

“We’re pleased to support this campaign by Welsh Athletics and hope it will empower women to keep running throughout the winter. We’ll be visiting local clubs, Parkruns and running events to speak to runners and listen to their concerns.

“Anyone who experiences harassment or intimidating behaviour while running should report it to the police so we can investigate. If you feel unsafe due to environmental issues such as poor lighting, please report it via the StreetSafe website.”

StreetSafe allows people to report safety concerns like poorly lit streets or vandalism, although it is not for reporting crimes.

Report a safety concern: StreetSafe | Dyfed-Powys Police
Report a crime:
• Online: www.dyfed-powys.police.uk/contact
• Email: [email protected]
• Call: 101
• In an emergency, dial 999.

To find out more about the campaign and how to take part, visit: www.welshathletics.org/en/page/own-the-night

Community

Annual charity carol service raises funds for good causes

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MID and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service held its annual Charity Carol Service on Wednesday (Dec 10) at Ebeneser Baptist Chapel in Crymych.

The event brought together members of the local community alongside Fire Service staff for an evening of carols, readings and festive refreshments, marking the Christmas season in a warm and inclusive atmosphere.

This year’s service supported two important charities — the Fire Fighters Charity and Cancer Research Wales — with all proceeds going directly towards their ongoing work.

A total of £597 was raised on the night, which will be shared equally between the two charities.

The Service thanked the congregation at Ebeneser Baptist Chapel for hosting the event, as well as everyone who gave their time, support and generosity to make the evening such a success.

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Community

3 Amigos toy bike run under way across Pembrokeshire

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Castle Inn fun runners back festive charity event

THE ANNUAL 3 Amigos Christmas toy bike run is under way this afternoon (Saturday), with hundreds of motorcyclists setting off from Pembroke to raise funds for children’s services.

Riders gathered at The Commons car park in Pembroke from around midday before departing shortly after 1:00pm. The festive convoy is travelling along its traditional route, taking in Pembroke Dock and continuing through parts of the county including Neyland, Milford Haven and Haverfordwest.

The event is organised by the 3 Amigos and Dollies Motorcycle Group and has become a much-anticipated Christmas tradition in west Wales, with toys and donations collected for children receiving care within the Hywel Dda University Health Board area.

Also supporting the event are fun runners from the Castle Inn in Pembroke, who have been fundraising in aid of the 3 Amigos. The group are pictured alongside participants from today’s run.

The 3 Amigos have been raising funds for children’s wards and health charities for more than twenty-five years, with their Easter and Christmas events continuing to make a positive difference to young patients and their families.

Organisers have thanked the public for their support and asked road users to be mindful of the large convoy as it passes through towns and villages this afternoon.

Photo caption:
Festive fundraising: Fun runners from the Castle Inn, Pembroke, pictured supporting the 3 Amigos Christmas toy bike run (Pic: Martin Cavaney/Herald)

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Community

Special delivery of thanks as MP visits Haverfordwest sorting office

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Christmas cheer for posties working through the festive rush

A CHRISTMAS message of thanks was delivered in person this week as Preseli Pembrokeshire MP Henry Tufnell paid a visit to Royal Mail staff at Haverfordwest Sorting Office.

The MP met postal workers during one of the busiest periods of the year, praising staff for their hard work in ensuring cards, parcels and gifts reach homes across Pembrokeshire in the run-up to Christmas.

Mr Tufnell said postal workers were going “above and beyond” throughout the year, but particularly during the festive period when demand is at its highest and delivery rounds are often made in challenging weather conditions.

He described postal staff as “unsung heroes”, highlighting their role in keeping communities connected and helping families stay in touch at a time when it matters most.

Speaking after the visit, Mr Tufnell said: “Our posties play a vital role in our community, and at Christmas that importance is felt more than ever. They work incredibly hard to make sure gifts and cards from loved ones arrive safely and on time.”

Staff at the Haverfordwest site were pictured alongside the MP, with some embracing the festive spirit in Christmas jumpers and seasonal outfits while continuing their daily work.

The MP also extended his thanks to postal workers across the whole of Pembrokeshire, acknowledging the dedication required to keep services running smoothly during the seasonal rush.

Royal Mail experiences its highest parcel volumes in December, with thousands of additional items passing through local sorting offices each day as Christmas approaches.

Delivering Christmas cheer: Henry Tufnell MP with staff at Haverfordwest Sorting Office during a festive visit (Pic: Facebook).

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