Over 1,200 Pembrokeshire pupils took part in longest-running initiative of its kind in Wales

AGENCIES from across Pembrokeshire have gathered at the South Hook LNG Terminal to review the continued success of Crucial Crew — widely regarded as the county’s most important safety education event for young people.

The thirty-second Crucial Crew programme, the longest-running initiative of its kind in Wales, took place over two weeks before Christmas at Scolton Manor, welcoming more than 1,200 pupils from thirty-nine schools. The event is organised by Pembrokeshire County Council’s Road Safety Team with financial support from South Hook LNG Terminal.

Representatives from partner agencies and Scolton Manor were invited to South Hook recently to reflect on the delivery of the latest programme, evaluate feedback from teachers, and consider ways the initiative can continue to evolve to meet the needs of young people.

Since its launch in 1993, more than 40,000 Pembrokeshire schoolchildren have benefited from the interactive workshops, which remain a key part of the final year of primary school education in the county.

The event brings together emergency services and specialist organisations to provide practical safety advice across a range of real-life situations. Topics include water, fire, road and rail safety, electrical hazards, school bus evacuation, online safety and dog awareness, with pupils guided through realistic scenarios designed to build confidence and awareness.

Organisations delivering sessions include Pembrokeshire County Council’s Road Safety and School Transport teams, National Grid, Network Rail, Welsh Ambulance Service, Dyfed-Powys Police, Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service, the John Burns Foundation, HM Coastguard and the RNLI.

A spokesperson said the continued partnership approach ensures the event remains relevant and impactful for future generations of young people in Pembrokeshire.

Photo caption: Partners and agencies involved in Crucial Crew meet at South Hook LNG Terminal to discuss ongoing improvements to the annual safety event (Pic: Supplied).

Health experts call for reform as Conservatives warn proposals are “dangerous”

PLAID CYMRU’S policy to decriminalise the possession of small amounts of drugs for personal use has come under renewed scrutiny ahead of the Senedd election in May, as debate grows over how Wales should tackle addiction and drug-related harm.

The party set out proposals in its 2024 General Election manifesto calling for a shift away from criminal penalties for personal possession and towards a public health approach focused on treatment, harm reduction and support services.

Plaid Cymru has argued that existing laws have failed to reduce drug misuse and that criminalisation can worsen outcomes by pushing people away from help. The party has previously pointed to international models, including Portugal, where decriminalisation was combined with significant investment in treatment and recovery programmes.

While criminal drug laws are not devolved and remain the responsibility of the UK Government, the Welsh Government controls health services and substance misuse treatment. Plaid has argued that greater powers over justice would allow Wales to adopt a more effective approach.

The debate is particularly relevant in Wales, which has recorded some of the highest drug-related death rates in Europe in recent years. Campaigners and health professionals have long warned that rural areas, including parts of West Wales, face additional challenges due to limited access to specialist treatment services and support.

Calls for reform have also come from sections of the medical community. Organisations such as the Royal College of Physicians and the Faculty of Public Health have previously argued that drug misuse should be treated primarily as a health issue rather than a criminal justice matter, with greater emphasis on prevention and recovery.

Some Welsh Labour figures have also supported exploring alternative approaches. Former First Minister Mark Drakeford has previously suggested that current drug laws are not working and has called for consideration of different models, although ministers have acknowledged that powers over criminal law remain reserved to Westminster.

However, the proposals have drawn strong political criticism.

Welsh Conservative leader Andrew RT Davies MS warned that decriminalisation would send the wrong message and risk increasing harm.

He said: “This is yet another extreme policy from Plaid Cymru separatists. Illegal drugs ruin lives and a zero tolerance approach is required.

“Green Party leader Zack Polanski wants to legalise all drugs – this policy shows Plaid Cymru separatists are just as dangerous.”

The exchange highlights widening political divisions over how Wales should respond to drug misuse, with some parties emphasising enforcement and deterrence while others argue that a public health-led strategy offers better long-term outcomes.

With opinion polls suggesting Plaid Cymru could play a significant role in forming the next Welsh Government after the May election, the issue is likely to remain a key point of debate in the months ahead.

POLICE have increased patrols and deployed additional resources following a rise in youth-related antisocial behaviour in Haverfordwest and Pembroke Dock, with particular concern centred on the former Tasker Milward School site.

Dyfed-Powys Police say they have received an influx of reports in recent weeks about large groups of young people gathering in certain locations, causing harassment, alarm and distress to residents and local businesses.

Officers have also raised concerns about alcohol use and incidents where young people have sustained injuries after entering unsafe, disused buildings.

Neighbourhood policing and prevention teams are carrying out targeted patrols and working closely with partner agencies and local businesses to tackle the issue.

Pembrokeshire County Council is also strengthening security at the former school building. Measures include replacing damaged boarding and fencing panels, installing anti-climb paint and defender strips, and clearing debris from the site to reduce opportunities for trespass and minimise the risk of harm.

Police say additional resources — including response officers and specialist units — have been allocated to provide what they describe as a robust response to the situation.

Officers are using a range of powers under antisocial behaviour legislation, including requiring individuals to provide their details under Section 50 of the Police Reform Act and directing people to leave an area for up to 48 hours under Sections 34 and 35 of the Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act.

Superintendent Louise Harries, BCU Commander for Pembrokeshire, said the behaviour was having a significant impact on communities.

She said: “The impact of this antisocial behaviour on our communities and local businesses cannot be underestimated. We want to reassure residents that we are taking robust action by using the powers available to us as police, and working closely with partner agencies.

“Regarding the former Tasker Milward School building, I want to be absolutely clear that breaking into a building could not only amount to a crime but is also extremely dangerous. Children have already been injured at the site, and we cannot allow this to continue.

“We are asking parents and carers to speak to their children about their behaviour, where they are spending their time, and who they are associating with. Many of the groups involved are travelling from different areas in Pembrokeshire, and it is important that parents are aware of this.”

She added that antisocial behaviour and criminal offences can have long-term consequences for young people, including potential impacts on education and future employment.

“Early intervention is key to preventing this, and we are asking for parents and carers to support our efforts in keeping these children, and our local community, safe,” she said.

Where criminal offences are identified, police say positive action will be taken and prosecutions pursued where appropriate.

Parents and carers concerned about their child’s behaviour can seek support through the Pembrokeshire Families’ Support Network or by contacting their local neighbourhood policing team.

Residents are encouraged to report antisocial behaviour via 101 or online. In an emergency, always dial 999.