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.

SHERIFF’S BILTONG, the award-winning Welsh snack brand co-founded by former Wales and British & Irish Lions captain Ken Owens and West Wales food producer Ruth Davies, has been named as a finalist in the prestigious Wales Food and Drink Awards 2026, in the category of Farm to Fork Producer of the Year, sponsored by NFU Mutual.

The nomination recognises Sheriff’s Biltong’s unwavering commitment to sourcing, producing and celebrating the very best of Welsh food. Made exclusively with PGI (Protected Geographical Indication) Welsh beef, the highest standard of provenance for Welsh red meat, and crafted using only minimal natural ingredients with no additives or preservatives. Every bag provides 16 grams of protein and tells a story that begins on Welsh farms and ends on the shelves of some of Wales’ most iconic locations and biggest retailers, from Cardiff Airport and the Snowdon Summit Café to over 50 Tesco Superstores and Extra stores across the nation.

The brand’s journey began when long-time friends Ken Owens and Ruth Davies struck up a conversation over the garden wall. Ruth, who has more than 15 years of experience in the food industry and learnt traditional curing techniques in Italy, was looking to diversify the charcuterie business she ran with her husband Andrew. Ken, already a loyal customer, became involved in developing the product from the ground up, not just lending his name, but helping shape the product itself.

Since launching, Sheriff’s Biltong has gone from strength to strength, securing a major Tesco listing, attending the Gulfood sourcing event in Dubai, and now earning recognition at one of Wales’ most respected food and drink industry events.

Ruth Davies, co-founder of Sheriff’s Biltong, said: “We started Sheriff’s Biltong because we believed Wales had something truly special to offer, world-class beef and a genuine pride in our food heritage. To be recognised by the Wales Food and Drink Awards in the Farm to Fork category means everything to us.”

Ken Owens, co-founder, said: “I’ve always been proud to be Welsh and proud of what Welsh farming stands for. Sheriff’s Biltong was built on those values, honest ingredients and nothing unnecessary. Being shortlisted for this award is a huge honour and shows that when you back Welsh produce wholeheartedly, people notice.”

The Farm to Fork category, sponsored by NFU Mutual, specifically celebrates producers who demonstrate a transparent and traceable journey from field to finished product, values that sit at the very heart of the Sheriff’s Biltong story.

The winners of the Wales Food and Drink Awards will be announced at a black-tie ceremony hosted at the Swansea Building Society Arena, Swansea, on 16th April 2026.

Concerns raised over public spending as £70m project faces uncertain future

A MAJOR rail testing project in south Wales must not be allowed to repeat the mistakes of the failed Circuit of Wales development, a senior Conservative politician has warned.

South Wales Central MS Andrew RT Davies raised concerns during Senedd proceedings on Tuesday (Feb 24) about the proposed Global Centre of Rail Excellence (GCRE), a multi-million-pound rail innovation and testing facility planned for the Dulais Valley.

Mr Davies said ministers needed to ensure the project delivered results after significant public funding had already been committed, warning taxpayers across Wales could ultimately bear the cost if it failed.

He pointed to the Circuit of Wales motorsport project near Ebbw Vale, which collapsed after consuming millions of pounds of investment, as a cautionary example.

Speaking in the chamber, Mr Davies said: “Senedd ministers have a poor track record wasting money.

“Under Plaid Cymru separatists and Labour, costs always soar out of control.

“The Global Centre of Rail Excellence is an exciting prospect – it must not go the same way as the failed Circuit of Wales.”

He told members that around £70 million of public funding had already been invested but that the site remained largely undeveloped when he visited in the autumn.

Mr Davies also warned that a future government could face a requirement to secure around £330 million to make the project viable, raising concerns about long-term affordability and delivery.

Responding, First Minister Eluned Morgan defended the Welsh Government’s investment in rail infrastructure, highlighting improvements to the South Wales Valleys lines and new rolling stock.

She said the Global Centre of Rail Excellence represented a “major strategic opportunity” for the Dulais Valley and confirmed both the Welsh and UK governments had committed funding, with private sector investment also being pursued.

The First Minister added that a final investment decision would ultimately be taken by the next government following the Senedd elections.

The project has been promoted as a flagship regeneration scheme aimed at creating jobs and boosting Wales’ rail sector, although questions remain about funding and delivery timelines.