News

Pembrokeshire weak for mobile connectivity as landowners launch mast policy campaign

Published

1 month ago

March 12, 2026

Campaigners say mast rent reforms have damaged cooperation between operators and landowners as rural Wales continues to struggle with patchy mobile coverage

CAMPAIGNERS representing rural landowners have launched a new website aimed at gathering evidence about what they describe as a “broken mast policy”, which they say is contributing to poor mobile coverage across parts of Wales, including Pembrokeshire.

The campaign comes amid fresh analysis highlighting persistent connectivity problems in rural areas. Research by broadband intelligence firm Ookla shows that large parts of West Wales continue to lag behind the UK average for mobile download speeds. In many parts of Pembrokeshire, typical mobile data speeds are reported to sit in the mid-teens to low-twenties megabits per second, with widespread mobile “not-spots” where coverage drops out altogether.

Local residents and businesses have long complained about unreliable signal in rural parts of the county. Coastal communities, farming areas and smaller villages often struggle with patchy reception, particularly during busy tourist periods when networks come under additional strain.

Campaigners say the situation has been made worse by changes introduced under the Electronic Communications Code reforms in 2017, which significantly altered the way telecoms operators pay landowners who host mobile phone masts.

Before the reforms, landowners typically received commercial rents for hosting telecommunications infrastructure. However, the updated legislation aligned mast rents more closely with the value of the land itself rather than the commercial benefit to the operator. In many cases this has led to payments being reduced by as much as ninety per cent when existing agreements are renewed.

Landowner groups say the changes have damaged relationships between network operators and site providers, making negotiations over new sites and renewals more difficult.

A spokesperson for the campaign said the new website will allow landowners across the UK to submit evidence and case studies about how the policy has affected the rollout of mobile infrastructure.

They said: “Many rural landowners feel they have been pushed into a David versus Goliath battle with telecoms operators. The reforms drastically reduced mast rents and undermined long-standing agreements, which has damaged cooperation just at the time when better mobile connectivity is needed most.

“We are launching this platform so that landowners can record what is actually happening on the ground. Without fair relationships between site providers and operators, the rollout of modern mobile networks will continue to face unnecessary barriers.”

The campaigners argue that the breakdown in trust between operators and landowners risks slowing the expansion of mobile networks in rural areas, including the rollout of newer technologies such as 5G.

Although mobile companies say the reforms were intended to reduce the cost of infrastructure and accelerate deployment, critics argue that in practice the changes have led to legal disputes, stalled negotiations and delays to upgrades.

For counties like Pembrokeshire, where the geography is already challenging, the issue has particular significance. The county’s rugged coastline, dispersed rural settlements and areas of national park land can make it more difficult and expensive to install new masts or upgrade existing ones.

Industry and government have acknowledged the scale of the rural coverage problem. The UK Government’s Shared Rural Network programme is currently working with mobile operators to extend coverage across the countryside by upgrading existing masts and building new sites.

The programme aims to eliminate many of the UK’s so-called “partial not-spots”, where customers can only access one mobile network. However, much of the initiative is focused on expanding 4G coverage rather than directly funding widespread 5G deployment.

As a result, many rural communities are still waiting for the faster speeds and lower latency promised by next-generation mobile networks.

Local businesses say improved connectivity is increasingly essential to the county’s economy. Tourism operators rely heavily on mobile networks for bookings and contactless payments, while farmers and rural enterprises are increasingly using digital tools and connected equipment that require reliable mobile data.

Campaigners behind the new website say they hope the evidence gathered from landowners will help policymakers better understand the practical challenges facing rural connectivity.

They warn that unless the policy framework governing mast sites is reviewed, ambitions to expand mobile infrastructure across rural Britain may be harder to achieve.

Industry bodies and government officials maintain that the reforms were designed to make it easier and more affordable to deploy digital infrastructure. Landowner groups, however, insist that the changes have had unintended consequences and may ultimately slow the rollout they were meant to accelerate.

For communities across Pembrokeshire still struggling with unreliable signal, the debate over mast policy could play an important role in determining how quickly faster and more reliable mobile coverage arrives in the years ahead.

Community

Doorstep warning issued after reports of suspicious callers in Pembrokeshire

Published

1 hour ago

April 14, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Residents in Haverfordwest and St Davids urged to watch out for vulnerable neighbours after social media alerts

A WARNING has been issued to residents in parts of Pembrokeshire after separate social media reports of suspicious doorstep callers in both Haverfordwest and St Davids.

In Haverfordwest one resident said a man called at his home at around 6:10pm on Tuesday (Apr 14), claiming he was an ex-convict from South Shields selling cheap household goods in an effort to get his life back on track.

The Merlins Bridge resident said the man claimed there was a wider team operating in the area in a similar way. He reported that the caller then knocked at several more homes along Venns Close before heading towards Greenhill Drive and the roundabout.

The man was described as wearing black waterproof trousers and a royal blue waterproof coat, with dark medium-length hair and no hat. He was also said to be carrying a large holdall, possibly containing items for sale.

In a separate post circulating online, residents in St Davids were also warned to be cautious after reports of men wearing backpacks and baseball caps going door-to-door.

The post claimed police had been in the area several times during the day looking for the individuals. Residents were urged to keep doors locked and to contact police if they saw anything suspicious.

While none of the claims have been independently verified by The Herald, the reports have prompted calls for people to remain vigilant, secure doors, gates and vehicles, and check in on elderly or vulnerable neighbours.

Residents suggested the activity may be linked to so-called “Nottingham Knockers”, a term often used to describe cold callers selling goods door-to-door, sometimes amid concerns that vulnerable households may be targeted.

He said he had reported the Haverfordwest incident to Dyfed-Powys Police via the force’s website. The reference number given was CDS-76190-26-6300-002.

Anyone who sees suspicious behaviour is advised to report it to Dyfed-Powys Police.

Crime

Romino’s licence revoked after illegal workers found and fire risks exposed

Published

3 hours ago

April 14, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Takeaway in Cardigan ordered to shut by 11:00pm after council hearing backed by immigration officials, police and fire service

A TAKEAWAY in Cardigan has lost its premises licence after repeated enforcement visits uncovered illegal working and serious fire safety failings.

Ceredigion County Council’s Licensing Sub Committee decided to revoke the premises licence for Romino’s Pizza and Kebab following a hearing held on Monday, April 7.

The review was brought by Home Office Immigration Enforcement and supported by Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service and Dyfed-Powys Police.

During four separate visits to the business, officers found a total of eight people said to be working illegally at the premises.

Fire safety inspectors also identified a number of serious breaches, leading to prohibition notices being issued because of the risks posed to staff, customers and the wider public.

The committee concluded that revoking the licence was proportionate and necessary in order to uphold the licensing objectives, in particular the prevention of crime and disorder and the protection of public safety.

As a result of the decision, the business will now be required to close at 11:00pm unless an appeal is lodged.

A spokesperson for Ceredigion County Council said: “We welcome the Licensing Sub Committee’s decision to revoke the Premises Licence for Romino’s in Cardigan. This reflects the seriousness of the issues identified and the clear risks posed.”

The action follows earlier enforcement steps taken in March.

On March 5, immigration officers visited the premises and found two Turkish men allegedly working there illegally. A closure notice was issued at once, preventing access to the site and stopping any work from taking place.

The Home Office said that on three previous visits, a further six people had been found working illegally at the same business. Those responsible were handed fines totalling £135,000.

An illegal working compliance order was later granted at Llanelli Magistrates’ Court on March 6. Such orders place strict conditions on a business, including requirements to carry out right-to-work checks and permit ongoing inspections.

Although the takeaway later reopened, the Home Office pressed ahead with its application for a licence review on the grounds of preventing crime and disorder.

A spokesperson said illegal working harms lawful businesses, drives down wages and can be linked to organised immigration crime.

Business

Sauna Uno brings coastal wellness experience to West Wales

Published

5 hours ago

April 14, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Bespoke mobile sauna offers sea views, cold-water immersion and private group bookings along the Pembrokeshire coast

A UNIQUE mobile sauna experience is bringing a fresh take on relaxation and wellbeing to the West Wales coast, combining traditional heat therapy with sea air, cold-water immersion and some of the region’s most dramatic views.

Sauna Uno is a custom-built mobile sauna designed to offer guests the benefits of a Nordic-style sauna experience in a striking coastal setting. Operating from selected locations in West Wales, it allows visitors to step from the warmth of a wood-fired sauna into the open air, with the option of a cold plunge or sea swim as part of the ritual.

Set against the backdrop of beaches, cliffs and Atlantic skies, the experience is built around contrast — intense heat followed by cold water, shared conversation followed by quiet reflection, and the comfort of the sauna against the raw beauty of the Pembrokeshire coastline.

Designed for comfort

Inside, Sauna Uno has been carefully designed to create a welcoming and practical space for both individuals and groups. The sauna includes a spacious seating area, large viewing windows, heated changing facilities, and a selection of herbal teas, cold water and natural essential oils to enhance the experience.

The aim is to combine the health benefits of sauna use with the calming effect of the coastal environment, creating something that feels both restorative and memorable.

Its owners say the concept is about more than simply getting warm.

Sauna Uno is intended to offer people the chance to slow down, reconnect with nature and enjoy a moment of calm in a busy world — whether that is after a sea swim, as part of a wellness session, or simply as a social experience with friends.

Popular for groups and private hire

The mobile sauna has proved especially popular for group bookings, with enough space for friends, families and small parties to enjoy the experience together.

Bookings are regularly made for birthdays, private gatherings, group wellness sessions and retreat-style coastal days out. The setting, combined with the shared nature of the sauna experience, has made it an increasingly attractive alternative to more traditional celebrations.

To encourage group celebrations, Sauna Uno is currently offering a ten per cent discount on birthday group bookings.

That offer is expected to appeal to those looking for something a little different — an occasion centred on wellbeing, the outdoors and spending quality time together rather than the usual restaurant or nightlife options.

A growing wellness trend

Sauna culture has grown in popularity across the UK in recent years, with more people turning to heat therapy, cold-water immersion and outdoor wellness experiences as a way to support both physical and mental health.

Regular sauna use is commonly linked to improved circulation, muscle recovery, reduced tension and stress relief. Many enthusiasts also say the combination of heat and cold helps improve mental clarity, resilience and overall wellbeing.

At coastal sites, that effect can be heightened by the surrounding landscape, fresh air and sea views, turning a sauna session into a more immersive experience.

Visitors to Sauna Uno have praised the quality of the heat, the design of the sauna and the peaceful atmosphere created by the coastal locations. Sunset sessions and winter bookings have proved particularly popular, with many describing the combination of hot sauna and cold sea air as both invigorating and deeply calming.

Making the most of the coast

By operating as a mobile unit, Sauna Uno is able to make use of carefully chosen coastal spots across West Wales, bringing the experience closer to the sea and giving guests access to some of the area’s most scenic locations.

For many, that sense of place is what sets it apart.

Rather than being tucked away indoors, Sauna Uno makes the natural environment part of the experience itself — offering a way to enjoy the coast in all seasons, whether under clear skies, in the golden light of sunset, or with wild weather rolling in off the Atlantic.

With interest continuing to grow and weekend sessions often booked in advance, organisers are encouraging people to plan ahead for private hire, birthday bookings and group visits.

For bookings and enquiries, their Facebook page can also be found by searching Sauna Uno.