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Plan to increase resilience to coastal fl ooding

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Still Shocking: Images from last years’ storms.

Still Shocking: Images from last years’ storms.

A DELIVERY plan to make Wales more resilient to coastal flooding was launched on Monday (Jan 5) by Natural Resources Wales (NRW). Since the devastating storms that hit communities along the coast of Wales 12 months ago the priority has been to repair and restore defences damaged in the storms. The delivery plan issued today outlines how the 47 recommendations made by NRW in April 2014, following an in-depth review into the impacts of last winter’s fl ooding, are being implemented. It details progress to-date and what more needs to be done, by all the organisations involved.

Five of the actions have already been completed with work on another 35 well under way, including: Ongoing work to evaluate improvements at locations around the coast of Wales which either experienced fl ooding or came close to fl ooding during last winter’s storms. For example, local improvements have been made for areas that fl ooded in Rhyl, with work ongoing to evaluate longer term options. The Welsh Government has launched its consultation on ‘Flood and Coastal Investment Programme’, which looks at how future investment in defences should be prioritised. Continued work developing fl ood plans for fl ood risk communities through NRW’s Flood Awareness Wales programme, including signing up a further 1,156 people to the free Floodline Warnings Direct service. A permanent offshore buoy deployed off the Pembrokeshire coast to improve fl ood forecasting. Preparatory work for a major coastal fl ooding exercise in March 2015.

Publication of the assessment of environmental change experienced during the storms. Work on the remaining seven recommendations will begin in January 2015. The storms in January 2014 caused millions of pounds worth of damage, hundreds of homes and businesses were fl ooded and even the natural environment and landscape of Wales were changed. But although the storms were devastating in many places, the existing coastal defences protected around 74,000 properties from fl ooding – avoiding an estimated £3 billion of damage. Also today – as part of the commitment in the plan to sustain investment in defences – the Welsh Government announces £1.9m towards a new flood defence for Rhyl.

The funding marks the final phase of the coastal defence scheme which, once completed, will mean a reduced flood risk to over 2,600 homes and businesses in the area. On a visit to Garford Road and West Rhyl coastal defence scheme, Carl Sargeant, the Minister for Natural Resources, said: “This term of Government will see over £245 million of Welsh Government investment in fl ood and coastal erosion risk management, supported by an additional £50 million from Europe. This demonstrates our commitment to protecting communities by managing the risks of flooding.

“I’d like to commend Natural Resources Wales, who have today published their delivery plan to take forward the recommendations contained within the Coastal Flooding Review. I am pleased to be able to announce an additional £150,000 of funding for NRW in the next financial year to assist in progressing the recommendations.

I look forward to continuing to work with them and relevant organisations across Wales to ensure that we do all that we can to mitigate against the effects of fl ooding and keep our communities safe” Jeremy Parr, Head of Flood Risk Management for NRW, told The Herald: “Although we are 12 months on from the storms which affected so many communities in Wales, people still continue to feel their impact. “And with the risk of coastal flooding likely to increase in the future due to climate change we are likely to see more extreme weather like this in the future so we all have to understand that increased risk and how we can prepare for when it happens again.

“The aim of this delivery plan is to make further improvements to the support to communities before, during and after a flood, working together with local authorities, the Welsh Government, emergency services and responders and with communities.” The delivery plan focuses on six areas: Sustained investment in coastal risk management, improved information on coastal fl ood defence systems, greater clarity of roles and responsibilities of agencies and authorities, assessment of skills and capacity, more support to communities to become more resilient, delivery of locally developed plans for coastal communities.

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Milford Haven School celebrates U14 Pembrokeshire Hockey Championship victory

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MILFORD HAVEN SCHOOL’S Under-14 girls’ hockey team has been crowned Pembrokeshire Champions, delivering an outstanding performance and securing their title after a series of intense matches.

The team, consisting of 14 talented players, demonstrated impressive skill, resilience, and teamwork throughout the competition. Under the guidance of Miss Griffiths, they evolved their strategy and showcased their capabilities with each game.

A Day of Victories

The team’s first game against YBP was a close battle, with Milford Haven securing a narrow 1-0 win.

  • Goal Scorer: Lola P
  • Players’ Player: Annabelle G
  • Coaches’ Player: Lilly J

In their second match, they faced Haverfordwest High and dominated with a strong midfield play and clinical finishes, achieving a 6-0 victory.

  • Goals Scored: Olivia D (3), Ruby D, Lola P, Ameila C
  • Players’ Player: Olivia D
  • Coaches’ Player: Ruby D

After a brief interval, Milford Haven went on to face YHT, focusing on using the field’s width, which led them to a 4-0 win.

  • Goals Scored: Lola P (2), Annabelle G, Olivia D
  • Players’ Player: Annabelle G
  • Coaches’ Players: Lola P and Macy B

In their final game of the day, the team played YGB, finishing with a decisive 7-0 win and showing relentless energy.

  • Goals Scored: Ellie M (2), Olivia D (2), Annabelle G, Lilly J, Ruby D
  • Players’ Player: Annabelle G
  • Coaches’ Players: Lacey N and Ellie M

Miss Griffiths expressed her pride in the team’s achievements and her excitement for their future development: “It’s been fantastic to watch the team grow today, and I can’t wait to see how they progress.”

Thanks were also extended to Evans Coaches for sponsoring the team’s kit and ensuring safe travel throughout the competition.

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News

St Katharine Church launches ‘Come and Make Angels’ challenge

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As part of an ambitious “Come and Make Angels” challenge, the church has set a target to fill its sacred space with over 6,500 angels. Community members of all ages and backgrounds are encouraged to participate by making and decorating their own angels. These creations will contribute to a record-breaking display that celebrates hope, unity, and the joy of the Advent season.

Workshops are being held every Saturday from 10:00am to 2:00pm at the St Katharine’s Church Hall, where participants can come together for a “creative Christmas cuppa” and join in this festive project. Free activities and refreshments will be provided, making it a wonderful opportunity for families and friends to create lasting holiday memories. Those under 14 are asked to attend with an adult or older sibling.

For those wanting to take part from home, the church has provided angel templates, along with simple instructions to cut, decorate, and assemble. Once completed, these angels can be brought to the church and added to the display, which will officially be unveiled on December 14.

The community is invited to visit and witness the spectacle of thousands of angels “flying” within the church, symbolising peace and goodwill.

In addition to the angel-making challenge, the Advent and Christmas calendar at St Katharine and St Peter’s is packed with events designed to bring joy and reflection during the festive season. All are welcome to attend and share in the warmth and spirit of Christmas.

For more information about the “Come and Make Angels” challenge, or other Advent and Christmas activities at the church, please visit the Roose Local Ministry Area Facebook page or contact Rev. Nicola Davies at 07508 915 432.

The church is also preparing to light up the Christmas season with its much-loved Annual Candlelit Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols, set to take place on Sunday, December 15, at 7:00pm.

And of course, the event promises to be even more magical this year, with a unique display of thousands of handmade angels crafted by members of the community.

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Community

Bishop Joins Street Pastors on Pembroke Outreach

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PEMBROKE’S Street Pastors received a visit from Bishop Dorrien over the weekend as he joined their outreach efforts to witness their work within the local community.

The Street Pastors, active in both Pembroke and Haverfordwest, provide pastoral and practical support to people using the town’s pubs and clubs. Their assistance ranges from offering water to the dehydrated, tissues to those in distress, and even flat shoes to help patrons make a safe journey home. Most importantly, they offer a compassionate ear, comfort, and prayers to those in need.

Supported by a dedicated prayer team, the Street Pastors take breaks to pray and gather strength, reflecting on their encounters with the community. Bishop Dorrien praised their work, describing it as a witness to Christ’s command to love our neighbours.

The Bishop noted the warm reception the team received during their rounds and the affection the community holds for their ministry. He blessed their ongoing service, acknowledging its positive impact on the lives of many.

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