News

Public urged not to feed foxes

Published

13 years ago

November 21, 2013

DON’T FEED foxes is one of the key recommendations in a new document entitled Urban Foxes: Guidelines on their management launched today.

The publication produced by a coalition of public health bodies and conservation organisations provides the most up to date advice and guidance on practical methods to control the urban fox population.

With so many differing views and opinions on the management of urban fox populations, the Chartered Institute of Environmental Health (CIEH)and its National Pest Advisory Panel (NPAP) called on specialist knowledge and expertise to help produce this science-based document. The guidance incorporates the views of public health practitioners, pest controllers and conservationists.

Few doubt that left unchecked urban foxes can cause disturbance, nuisance and in rare cases a public health threat. The urban environment in our cities provides a very suitable environment for foxes to live, breed and in many cases thrive.

Poor food waste management at fast food outlets and restaurants, overgrown back gardens, gaps under sheds and house foundations and broken air vents are all contributory factors to the successful colonisation of urban areas of foxes.
Some people enjoy seeing foxes in their gardens and actively encourage them by providing food and harbourage. By addressing these two core areas, public health campaigners say it is possible to lessen the risk of foxes becoming a problems in the first instance.

Key recommendations in the document include:

Do not feed foxes, either intentionally or unintentionally, as this can disrupt the ‘natural order of things’ and artificially sustain populations. Store rubbish, especially food waste (including composted food waste), in fox proof containers made of materials such as metals
Ensure foxes cannot access food put out for other wildlife or pets
Always clear away spilt food from under any bird feeder
Clear overgrown areas of gardens, especially where there are brambles
Ensure that gaps under sheds and house foundations are suitably proofed to prevent ingress

Commenting on the document, Bob Mayho, CIEH Principal Policy Officer, said:

“While there is no single solution to managing fox problems, I am confident that this document can help the public, public health professionals and pest controllers with enough solid guidance to help manage ‘fox problems’ in a practical and humane way.

“Foxes are a natural part of our urban environment but their numbers do need to be controlled to avoid them causing a nuisance or a potential public health problem.

“Digging, defecating and bin raiding habits of foxes can cause considerable nuisance and disturbance. The risk of catching infections from a fox in the UK is low but care should be taken to avoid direct contact with faeces. Do not handle droppings with bare hands and ensure that children and adults always wash their hands after spending time in the garden.”

Education

Haverfordwest High closes early after heat raises safety concerns

Published

31 minutes ago

July 13, 2026

Tom Sinclair

HAVERFORDWEST VC HIGH SCHOOL has closed early today after extreme heat affected wall-mounted soundproofing boards around the building.

The school said several of the boards, including some positioned at height, could become unsafe and fall from the walls.

Pupils were initially moved to safe areas and placed under supervision while the situation was assessed by the school’s site management team and Pembrokeshire County Council maintenance officers.

Following discussions, a decision was made to close the school early so the boards could be removed safely.

School buses were due to arrive at 1.15pm to transport pupils who normally travel home by bus. Children attending a trip at Scolton Manor were expected to return to the school by 1pm.

Parents and carers who usually collect their children were asked to do so from 1.30pm.

Pupils who normally walk home were only permitted to leave after receiving parental permission. Parents could provide permission by sending their child a text message to show their form tutor or by contacting the school reception.

The school said it expected the affected boards to be removed today, allowing the school to reopen as normal tomorrow, Tuesday, July 14.

Parents will be updated through ParentMail if the work cannot be completed as planned.

Entertainment

Open-air theatre brings mystery and musical adventure to Carew Castle

Published

2 hours ago

July 13, 2026

Tom Sinclair

SUMMER evenings at Carew Castle will be filled with mystery, music and family entertainment as two much-loved stories are brought to life in the historic castle grounds.

Audiences are being invited to pack a picnic, bring a rug or low-backed chair and enjoy professional touring theatre in one of Pembrokeshire’s most atmospheric settings.

Hot drinks and ice creams will also be available during the performances.

The first of this summer’s open-air productions takes place on Thursday, July 30, when the critically acclaimed Pantaloons Theatre Company presents a new adaptation of Sherlock Holmes and The Hound of the Baskervilles.

Featuring live music, audience interaction and inventive theatrical comedy, the production follows Holmes and Watson as they investigate the deadly secret behind the Baskerville family curse.

Suitable for all ages, although parental guidance is advised, the show promises an evening of suspense, mayhem and laughter.

The entertainment continues on Tuesday, August 4, when Immersion Theatre brings its trademark energy to a musical adaptation of The Jungle Book.

Packed with original songs, audience participation and larger-than-life characters, the production follows Mowgli, Baloo and Bagheera on a fast-paced jungle adventure.

The story features cheeky monkeys, a slithering snake and the fearsome tiger Shere Khan.

Recommended for children aged four and above, the show promises a funny, exciting and entertaining evening for the whole family.

Daisy Hughes, manager of Carew Castle, said: “What works so well about outdoor theatre at Carew Castle is the relaxed, sociable feel of it.

“People can bring a picnic, settle in with family and friends, and enjoy professional touring theatre without the formality of a traditional auditorium.

“This year’s productions offer two very different experiences, from the suspense and humour of Sherlock Holmes and The Hound of the Baskervilles to the colour, music and energy of The Jungle Book.

“They are exactly the kind of performances that work beautifully outdoors, with plenty for families and theatre fans to enjoy.”

Gates will open at 5.30pm for Sherlock Holmes and The Hound of the Baskervilles, with the performance beginning at 6.30pm.

The show will run for approximately two hours, including an interval.

For The Jungle Book, gates will open at 4.45pm and the performance will begin at 5.30pm.

The show has an approximate running time of one hour and 25 minutes, with an interval between acts.

Tickets cost £16 for adults and £12 for children aged between three and 16.

A family ticket, covering two adults and two children or three adults and one child, costs £50.

Booking is essential through the Carew Castle website.

Tickets are non-refundable and performances will go ahead in wet weather. Visitors are advised to wear warm, waterproof clothing and bring a torch.

Caption: Live theatre returns to Carew Castle this summer, bringing stories, songs and suspense to the historic grounds.

Crime

Operation Lion returns to tackle summer antisocial behaviour in Tenby

Published

2 hours ago

July 13, 2026

Tom Sinclair

A JOINT policing operation aimed at tackling antisocial behaviour in Tenby and across Pembrokeshire will return during the busy summer holiday period.

Operation Lion brings together Transport for Wales, Dyfed-Powys Police and British Transport Police to provide an increased visible presence in the area as visitor numbers rise.

The annual operation, first launched in 2015, will run throughout the six-week school summer holidays, with dedicated patrols every Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

British Transport Police officers will patrol Tenby and the surrounding area, working alongside Dyfed-Powys Police to respond to incidents and reassure residents, businesses and visitors.

Transport for Wales security teams will also patrol train services between Tenby and Pembroke Dock, while additional cover will be provided on the final service to Carmarthen.

The operation aims to reduce antisocial behaviour, public disorder and vandalism, while improving public safety through a visible police and security presence.

Organisers say the initiative has helped reduce summer incidents in previous years and has received positive feedback from businesses and communities in Tenby.

Transport for Wales security manager Simon Turton said: “We’re proud to once again support Operation Lion alongside our colleagues from British Transport Police and Dyfed-Powys Police.

“This initiative is a great example of partnership working in action. Through a proactive, community-focused approach, we have helped reduce antisocial behaviour in Tenby and across Pembrokeshire over the years, and we are committed to building on that success again this summer.

“Our aim is simple: to ensure that residents and visitors can enjoy everything these fantastic areas have to offer in a safe and welcoming environment.”