News

MP presses Labour over Pembrokeshire ‘not-spots’ as Tenby misses on latest upgrades

Published

3 months ago

January 14, 2026

MID and South Pembrokeshire MP Henry Tufnell has pressed the UK Government for action on poor mobile connectivity in Pembrokeshire — with Tenby namechecked in Parliament just weeks after the town was left out of the latest round of publicly announced rural coverage upgrades.

Mr Tufnell asked Ministers what steps are being taken to improve mobile connectivity in Mid and South Pembrokeshire including Tenby, amid growing frustration from residents and businesses about unreliable signal and slow data in parts of the county.

The intervention follows recent reporting by The Herald highlighting that a UK Government announcement promising improved mobile coverage across rural Wales did not include Tenby, despite longstanding complaints about not-spots in the busy seaside town — particularly as it prepares for another visitor season.

***Mr Tufnell asked Ministers what steps are being taken to improve mobile connectivity locally***

Independent performance data has also added weight to local concerns. Analysis by Ookla, which tracks real-world mobile experience through millions of user tests, reported that UK-wide median mobile download speeds increased in 2025 — but found Wales remains the slowest-performing UK nation overall. Pembrokeshire was among the weaker-performing areas identified, with typical median speeds in the mid-teens to low-20s Mbps and fewer than half of samples reaching 25 Mbps.

Responding in a written Parliamentary answer, Labour MP Kanishka Narayan, speaking for the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology, said the Government’s “ambition is for all populated areas to have access to higher quality standalone 5G by 2030”, including villages and rural communities. He said delivery is expected through commercial rollout by network operators, with Government working closely with firms to support continued investment.

However, industry and landowner groups warn that the ambition could be undermined by policy decisions affecting the cost of hosting mobile masts — a particular concern for rural counties where coverage depends on securing and maintaining sites on private land.

Under changes linked to the Product Security and Telecommunications Infrastructure Act, campaigners say the valuation model used for telecoms sites is being extended, with some landowners reporting rent reductions of up to 90% and warning the approach risks driving providers away from hosting masts or refusing new ones.

Ted Hobbs, based in New Tredegar, described the impact of renegotiation attempts on long-running agreements, saying: “My 1995 Vodafone lease was £3,500 yearly. It expired in May 2025 – now they demand a slash. This is confiscation, not partnership.”

The row comes as the UK’s Shared Rural Network programme continues to fund upgrades in remote areas, with earlier milestones showing dozens of mast improvements completed in Wales — leaving some communities questioning why local blackspots, including in Pembrokeshire, are still waiting to see tangible improvements.

For Pembrokeshire, the issue is not simply about convenience. Businesses reliant on card payments, visitors navigating the county, and residents needing reliable access for work, healthcare and emergencies have repeatedly raised concerns about patchy coverage — and Tenby’s omission from the latest upgrade announcement has sharpened calls for clearer answers on when and where improvements will actually arrive.

Crime

Alleged pay TV fraud case due before Haverfordwest magistrates

Published

7 minutes ago

April 20, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Milford Haven man faces three Fraud Act charges linked to apps, electronic data and adapted Amazon Fire TV sticks

A MILFORD HAVEN man is due to appear before Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday (Apr 21) charged with three offences under the Fraud Act 2006.

Michael David Barrow, 48, of Priory Road, Milford Haven, is listed to appear before magistrates in connection with allegations relating to software and devices said to have enabled unlawful access to pay television content.

According to the court list, it is alleged that between October 19, 2019 and February 22, 2024, at Haverfordwest and elsewhere in Pembrokeshire, Barrow made applications, known as apps, and/or other electronic data which enabled access to pay television content without appropriate payment being made to those entitled to it.

He is further accused of supplying applications, apps and/or other electronic data intended to be used to commit, or assist in the commission of, fraud.

A third charge alleges that he supplied Amazon Fire TV Sticks which, when adapted, enabled access to pay television content without appropriate payment being made to the rights holders, intending them to be used to commit, or assist in the commission of, fraud.

All three charges are brought under Section 7 of the Fraud Act 2006.

Community

Tributes paid to teenager killed in Ceredigion crash

Published

2 hours ago

April 20, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Family say 19-year-old Lee Barber will be remembered for his kindness, strength and positive attitude

THE FAMILY of a 19-year-old man who died in a road traffic collision in Ceredigion last month have paid tribute to him.

Lee Barber, from Aberaeron, died after the vehicle he was travelling in was involved in a collision on the A482 between Lampeter and Ciliau Aeron on Tuesday, March 24.

In a statement released through Dyfed-Powys Police, his family said: “There are no words that can describe the pain we are feeling as a family. The loss of our son, Lee, has devastated us and has deeply affected the whole community.

“Lee was a loving son who lived life to the fullest. He will be remembered for his kindness, his strength, and his positive attitude. He had a way of bringing people together and made a lasting impact on everyone who knew him.

“We want to take this opportunity to thank everyone in the local community and further afield for the overwhelming support we have received. The messages, stories, memories, and photos that have been shared with us mean more than words can say.

“Our boy Lee will live on forever in our hearts and minds. We now kindly ask for privacy as we take time to grieve.”

Police confirmed the collision happened on the A482 between Lampeter and Ciliau Aeron and that Lee died at the scene.

If you want, I can also turn this into a tighter Herald news update version.

Community

Pembrokeshire Chess Club welcomes AI opponent on historic visit

Published

3 hours ago

April 20, 2026

Cerys Lafferty

PEMBROKSHIRE’S thriving chess community witnessed a unique blend of tradition and technology last week, as Pembrokeshire Chess Club hosted a special guest: “Rook to D2” – an AI-powered chess robot from the Welsh Chess Union.

The visit marked the first stop of the robot’s tour across Wales, making it a historic moment for the county. Club members, both young and old, gathered at Kensington Court in Steynton to experience the future of chess firsthand.

Excitement filled the room as the club’s President officially opened proceedings by making the first move against the robotic challenger. From that moment on, it was “game on,” with 15 junior players eagerly taking turns to test their skills. Several adult members also joined in, creating a lively and inclusive atmosphere.

The evening proved especially memorable for the club’s younger players, who relished the chance to play against cutting-edge technology. Their enthusiasm was matched by club officials, including the Chairman and President, who welcomed the opportunity to introduce innovation into the local chess scene.

Club representatives described the atmosphere as “amazing,” highlighting how advancements in technology are enhancing traditional games like chess and inspiring a new generation of players.

Pembrokeshire Chess Club continues to meet weekly at Kensington Court, Steynton. Junior sessions are held every Tuesday from 5:30pm to 6:30pm, followed by sessions for more experienced juniors and adults. The club prides itself on being family-friendly and inclusive, catering to all abilities – from casual players seeking a friendly game to those aiming to compete in league and tournament chess.

Following its successful debut in Pembrokeshire, the AI chess robot is expected to visit other clubs across Wales in the coming weeks, bringing the same sense of excitement and innovation to chess communities nationwide.