News

Local Conservatives launch campaign with pledge to protect local health services

Published

3 months ago

April 2, 2026

THE WELSH CONSERVATIVE team has officially launched its campaign for the new Ceredigion Penfro constituency, pledging to protect vital local health services including Withybush Hospital and Bronglais Hospital.

Leading the campaign are current Senedd Members Paul Davies and Samuel Kurtz, who were joined by members of the Welsh Conservative team and fellow Ceredigion Penfro candidates Claire George, Brian Murphy, Jill Evans and Claire Jones.

At the launch, held outside Withybush Hospital, the team set out its vision for improving healthcare provision across west Wales. The campaign will focus on protecting and strengthening services at Withybush Hospital in Haverfordwest and Bronglais Hospital in Aberystwyth, both seen as essential lifelines for rural communities in Pembrokeshire and Ceredigion.

Paul Davies said: “Residents across Pembrokeshire and Ceredigion deserve access to high-quality healthcare close to home. We have consistently stood up for Withybush Hospital and will always fight to defend it. Any attempt to downgrade services is simply unacceptable.”

Samuel Kurtz added: “Labour has overseen the downgrading of local health services, while Plaid has enabled it by propping up Labour budgets in the Senedd. Reform has been silent on cuts to Withybush and Bronglais hospitals. Only Paul, myself and the Welsh Conservatives are standing up for our local health services, from Withybush and Bronglais to GP and dental access.”

The Welsh Conservatives said their campaign would focus on protecting and improving services at both hospitals, cutting waiting times, improving access to GPs and dentists, securing fairer healthcare funding for rural areas, and ensuring local voices are heard in decisions about health provision.

They said rural healthcare needs tailored solutions and long-term investment, rather than further centralisation of services away from local communities.

Paul Davies added: “This campaign is rooted in the priorities of local people who have trusted us to deliver. We have a strong track record of action, and we will continue to stand up for our hospitals, support local businesses and farmers, and fight for a healthcare system that works for everyone, no matter where they live.

“This election is about making sure west Wales has a strong, experienced voice focused on what really matters – our NHS, our economy and our future.

“After more than two decades of Labour running Wales, too many public services are still falling short, especially in rural areas like ours.”

Mr Kurtz said: “Paul and I have experience, and we have put that experience into practice by working hard for our communities. That experience will matter in a larger Senedd. We are ready to hit the ground running and fight for west Wales, no matter who ends up running the Government.”

The campaign will now continue across the constituency, with candidates meeting residents and listening to their priorities.

Aled Thomas, Chair of the Pembrokeshire and Ceredigion Conservative Federation, said: “With six Senedd Members representing the new constituency under the new voting system, every vote matters, and every vote for the Welsh Conservatives can help return Paul and Sam.

“Both Paul and Sam are well known locally, with years of experience standing up for west Wales. They understand the issues that matter, they are proud to serve, and they have consistently worked hard to get results.”

Photo caption: Welsh Conservative candidates Paul Davies, Samuel Kurtz, Claire George, Brian Murphy, Jill Evans and Claire Jones launched their Ceredigion Penfro Senedd campaign on Wednesday (Apr 2) with a pledge to protect local health services.

Crime

Man in critical condition after serious assault in New Quay

Published

3 hours ago

July 4, 2026

Tom Sinclair

A 20-YEAR-OLD man remains in a critical condition in hospital after being seriously assaulted in New Quay.

Dyfed-Powys Police said the incident happened at around 12:51am on Saturday (July 4) in Margaret Street, leading to Uplands Square.

The victim suffered serious, life-threatening injuries and was taken to hospital, where he remains in a critical condition.

A 37-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of grievous bodily harm and remains in police custody.

Police said enquiries are progressing, led by CID and the Major Crime Team. A visible police presence is expected to remain in the area over the coming days.

Officers are appealing for witnesses, or anyone with information, to come forward.

Anyone who can help is asked to contact Dyfed-Powys Police online, by emailing [email protected], by direct message on social media, or by calling 101.

Quote reference: DP-20260704-028.

Community

Kilgetty and Begelly tractor run raises funds for local charities

Published

5 hours ago

July 4, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Around 70 tractors joined the annual charity road run, hosted by the Begelly Arms Hotel

THE ANNUAL Kilgetty and Begelly Charity Tractor Run brought a colourful convoy to the roads around the Narberth area on Saturday (Jul 4), with around 70 tractors taking part.

The event was hosted by the Begelly Arms Hotel, where farmers, families and supporters gathered before the start of the run.

Entrants were treated to bacon rolls and coffee by the hosts before setting off, while many families took the opportunity to pose for photographs alongside the tractors.

The road run once again proved to be a popular community event, bringing together local farmers, vintage tractor enthusiasts and supporters for a good cause.

The sight of dozens of tractors heading out together made an impressive display as the convoy travelled through the local area.

Organisers said local charities are set to benefit from money raised at the event.

The annual run has become a well-supported fixture in the local calendar, with farming families turning out in force to take part and support the fundraising effort.

For further information, contact Peter Adams at the Begelly Arms on 01834 812601.

Pictures: Malcolm Richards

Community

Pontrhydfendigaid Carnival brings village together for colourful celebration

Published

5 hours ago

July 4, 2026

Tom Sinclair

PONTRHYDFENDIGAID Carnival returned in style on Saturday, with a strong community turnout as villagers, families, children and young people gathered on the Village Green before the procession moved on to Bont Pavilion.

The afternoon was full of colour, music and community spirit, with bunting, balloons, decorated floats and smiling faces helping to create a true village celebration.

Among the highlights were the children’s and young people’s entries, which showed real creativity, confidence and effort. Farmyard scenes, animal costumes, a Noah’s Ark-themed float and brightly decorated tableaux all helped bring the carnival to life.

Organisers praised the work that had gone into the displays, competitions and activities, with many families clearly spending hours preparing costumes, props and entries.

The carnival programme featured a wide range of competitions, including floats and tableaux, children’s age-group entries, adverts, pairs, “anything on wheels” and the ever-popular welly throwing competition.

The mix of Welsh and English throughout the event reflected the strong local identity of Pontrhydfendigaid and the importance of keeping village traditions alive for the next generation.

Thanks were also paid to the organisers, volunteers, presidents, compères, families and all those who gave their time behind the scenes. Events of this kind take a great deal of work, and the turnout showed how much the carnival continues to mean to the community.

Pontrhydfendigaid Carnival 2026 proved to be a joyful reminder of what can be achieved when a village comes together.

Photographs and report by Jeremy Rundle