News

Residents invited to have their say on drone use in Ceredigion

Published

1 month ago

January 13, 2026

Public consultation launched on draft policy to support community safety

Residents across Ceredigion are being invited to share their views on how drone technology could be used to support community safety and local services.

The consultation, which runs until the evening of 14 January 2026, seeks feedback on a draft Drone Policy as public services explore new ways of tackling anti-social behaviour, supporting inspections and improving emergency response.

Under the proposals, drones could be used to monitor hotspot areas, assist with inspections, gather evidence safely and improve the efficiency of local services. However, the potential use of the technology also raises important questions around privacy, data protection and public accountability.

The consultation asks residents for their views on how, when and where drones should be deployed under the draft policy, as well as what safeguards should be put in place to ensure their responsible and proportionate use.

Councillor Matthew Vaux, Cabinet Member for Partnerships, Housing, Legal and Governance and Public Protection, said drones could be a valuable tool but stressed the importance of public trust.

He said drones had the potential to improve public safety and support enforcement, but transparency, trust and appropriate safeguards for residents were essential. He added that the consultation was specifically focused on the draft policy and provided an opportunity for residents to help shape its contents before any final decisions were made. He also noted there could be cost and efficiency benefits in other areas, such as surveying and structural inspections.

As part of the consultation, residents are being asked for their views on when and where drones should be deployed, how any data collected should be stored and used, and what measures should be in place to protect privacy.

Feedback gathered through the consultation will be used to help shape the final policy and ensure that any introduction of drone technology is necessary, proportionate and transparent.

Residents are encouraged to take part by completing the online survey, emailing their views to the council, or submitting paper feedback forms available at local libraries and council reception areas.

Crime

Police appeal after man injured in St Davids incident

Published

1 hour ago

February 18, 2026

Tom Sinclair

DYFED-POWYS POLICE are appealing for witnesses following an incident in St Davids which left one man injured.

The incident happened in Nun Street at around 11:10am on Tuesday, December 30. The injured man was taken to hospital for treatment.

Officers confirmed that a man has been arrested on suspicion of assault in connection with the incident.

Police are now asking anyone with information, dash cam footage, or CCTV that could assist the investigation to come forward.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Dyfed-Powys Police online at:
https://www.dyfed-powys.police.uk/contact/af/contact-us-beta/contact-us/

Alternatively, email [email protected], send a direct message via social media, or call 101 quoting reference DP20251230094.

Information can also be provided anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555111 or via crimestoppers-uk.org.

Crime

Sexual assault allegation to be tried

Published

2 hours ago

February 18, 2026

Tamsin Mathias

Accused granted conditional bail

A SEXUAL assault allegation has been listed for trial following a hearing before magistrates.

David Fletcher, 45, of Chestnut Way, Mount Estate, Milford Haven, Pembrokeshire, appeared before magistrates in Llanelli on Thursday (Feb 12) charged with sexual assault, contrary to section 3 of the Sexual Offences Act 2003.

The charge alleges that on March 16, 2025, at Johnston, Pembrokeshire, he intentionally touched a woman aged 16 or over and that the touching was sexual when she did not consent and he did not reasonably believe that she was consenting.

The matter was adjourned for trial and Fletcher was remanded on conditional bail.

The trial is listed for March 9, 2026 at Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court. Bail conditions prohibit him from entering a specified premises in Johnston, from contacting directly or indirectly the complainant or any prosecution witnesses, and from posting any information relating to the investigation on social media. The conditions were imposed to prevent further offending and to prevent interference with witnesses or obstruction of justice.

Crime

Drink drive allegation denied

Published

3 hours ago

February 18, 2026

Tamsin Mathias

Trial date fixed by magistrates

A MOTORIST has denied a drink-driving allegation when the case came before magistrates.

Michael Miles, 39, of Milford Road, Johnston, Haverfordwest, appeared before Llanelli Magistrates’ Court charged with driving a motor vehicle when the alcohol level was above the prescribed limit.

The court heard that on January 24, 2026, it is alleged that Miles drove a Ford Transit on the A477 at Jordanston after consuming so much alcohol, that the proportion in his breath was 52 micrograms of alcohol in 100 millilitres of breath, exceeding the legal limit of 35.

Miles entered a not guilty plea on February 10, 2026.

The matter was adjourned for trial on May 21 at Llanelli Magistrates’ Court. He was remanded on unconditional bail.