PLANS for specialist MoD air traffic radio direction finding equipment works at Pembrokeshire’s Cawdor barracks, where a ‘DARC’ deep space radar facility is proposed, have been submitted to the council.

Cawdor barracks, Brawdy, is occupied by the 14th Signal Regiment who are due to vacate the Barracks in 2028.

A formal screening opinion call, under Environmental Impact Assessment Regulations, submitted to Pembrokeshire County Council by agent Montagu Evans on behalf of the ministry of Defence (MoD) has been submitted relating to renewal works to be undertaken to the air traffic equipment at Cawdor Barracks.

A supporting statement says: “The Ministry of Defence are progressing a full planning application with associated Environmental Statement for a Deep Space Advanced Radar Capability (DARC) Facility on part of the barracks site.

“ This project has yet to be submitted for approval and is being brought forward independently of the renewal works to the Radio Direction Finder.

“The Cawdor Barracks airfield includes a Directional Finder (DF) which forms part of the service operated under a requirement from the National Air Traffic Services (NATS) and the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA).

“It forms part of the nation-wide system automatic triangulation and distress, and diversion network regulate by the CAA on behalf of NATS. It is located towards the centre of the airfield.

“The network of DF installations is a civilian rather than military requirement, and allows bearing data to be provided to the Distress and Diversion Cell at NATS Swanwick. This is a national service which locates and supports aircraft in distress and manages the diversion of other aircraft.

“The current DF equipment comprises a 0.5m cabinet for electronics, a counterpose mounted the building which holds the ultra-high frequency antennas and a mast upon which the antenna array of 18 antennas is mounted.

“The existing DF equipment is reaching the end of its operational life and must be replaced at a manner which allows for continued operations. It is to be replaced with a High-Resolution Direction Finder (HRDF) which is being managed under the Ministry of Defence’s MARSHALL programme.

The new equipment will allow signals to be received from aircraft up to approximately 90 nautical miles (Nm) from the site, providing maximum coverage of the area through including the Bristol Channel and St Georges Channel.

“The existing DF will remain operational during installation of the new equipment. Once the HRDF is operational, the existing system will be decommissioned and removed from the site. Works are to commence in early 2026 and completed by early 2027.”

Guilty plea entered at Swansea Crown Court after fatal hit-and-run days before Christmas

A MAN has admitted causing the death of a Carmarthenshire dog walker after striking him with a car and leaving the scene.

Daniel Wyke, aged 28, of Carmarthen, appeared before Swansea Crown Court on Monday (Feb 16) where he pleaded guilty to causing death by dangerous driving.

The victim, Aaron Jones, aged 38, from Llanpumsaint, was discovered in a churchyard near Caer Salem Baptist Chapel on December 23, 2024 — just days before Christmas.

The court heard that Mr Jones, a father of two, had suffered catastrophic injuries after being struck by a vehicle at around 7:20pm. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

Prosecutor Ian Wright told the court there was extensive damage to the windscreen of the vehicle involved, consistent with a serious impact.

Mr Jones’ body was found after his dog was discovered wandering alone by a passer-by, who contacted his wife and raised the alarm, prompting a search of the area.

Wyke was arrested the following day.

In addition to the fatal collision, he had also faced a separate allegation of dangerous driving on Water Street in Carmarthen. That charge was denied and remains outstanding.

His Honour Judge Paul Thomas KC granted Wyke bail but imposed an immediate driving disqualification.

A provisional sentencing date has been set for March 30.

Creative Festival of the Sea sessions offer hands-on fun for families at Waterfront Gallery

CHILDREN will have the chance to create their own magical sea creatures next month as part of Milford Waterfront’s popular Festival of the Sea celebrations.

The Waterfront Gallery, based in the Old Sail Loft on Discovery Quay, Milford Haven, will host free Fantasy Sea Creatures workshops on Sunday (Mar 1).

The sessions will run from 10:30am to 12:30pm and 1:30pm to 3:30pm, with two activities taking place at the same time, led by resident artists Lesley Dearn and Gina Hughes.

Designed as drop-in sessions suitable for children aged four and over, each 30-minute workshop will accommodate up to six children at a time. All materials and tools will be provided, although children must be accompanied by an adult.

Gina Hughes will lead a clay modelling activity where participants can explore textures while creating fish and small sea creatures inspired by those found along the Pembrokeshire coastline. Children will be able to take their creations home after the session.

Meanwhile, Lesley Dearn’s workshop will introduce simple watercolour printing, blotting and stencilling techniques to help children design magical fantasy sea creatures. Participants will then bring their designs to life using drawing, painting and collage, producing artwork to keep.

Organisers say the workshops offer a valuable opportunity for children and families to enjoy creative, screen-free time together while exploring imagination and artistic materials in a relaxed environment.

The Waterfront Gallery is one of southwest Wales’s leading art venues and is a registered charity. Run by artist volunteers, it is also home to the Wales Contemporary Annual Competition.

For more information, contact Nicola Schoenenberger via email at [email protected].