Ex-Pembrokeshire member says he will offer voters a straight-talking independent alternative at the Senedd election

FORMER Pembrokeshire county councillor Paul Haywood Dowson has announced that he is standing as an independent candidate in the Ceredigion Penfro constituency at the Senedd election.

Dowson, who previously served on Pembrokeshire County Council after being elected for the Pembroke Dock Central ward in 2017, says he is entering the race because he is frustrated by what he sees as poor decision-making and weak representation.

He later stood in the Pembroke Dock Bush ward at the 2022 local elections but was not returned.

In campaign material, Dowson presents himself as a confrontational, pro-Wales candidate prepared to take on issues others avoid and challenge what he sees as an out-of-touch political establishment.

He says his priorities include cutting waste, directing more spending towards frontline NHS services and Welsh communities, backing farmers, and opposing what he describes as restrictive and costly policy schemes affecting rural areas.

Dowson’s political career in Pembrokeshire has divided opinion, but he has remained a well-known figure in local public life. During his time on the council he spoke out strongly on a number of contentious local issues and built a reputation as a politician willing to speak bluntly and court controversy.

His latest campaign message stresses straight talking, real action, and putting Welsh communities first.

Dowson’s leaflet says he was born and raised in the constituency and is “not afraid of conflict when local people are being ignored”.

The campaign also places strong emphasis on Welsh identity, with Dowson arguing that decisions affecting Wales should be taken in the interests of Welsh people and communities.

A DRAMATIC rescue at Newgale Beach is featured in the first episode of a new RNLI podcast marking the 25th anniversary of the charity’s lifeguard service.

The podcast, titled We Are Lifeguards, tells the story of how Pembrokeshire lifeguard Matty McLeod helped save the life of holidaymaker Joanna Hicks after she got into difficulty in the sea at Newgale in July 2023.

Joanna lost consciousness in the water and her life was in danger, but Matty was able to respond quickly thanks to his RNLI training.

The five-episode series has been launched by the Royal National Lifeboat Institution to celebrate 25 years since the organisation rolled out its beach lifeguarding service. It features interviews with lifeguards and people they have rescued, while also exploring how the service has helped make beaches safer since 2001.

The first episode, WE ARE LIFEGUARDS: Saving lives on the beach with the RNLI, focuses on the Newgale rescue and also gives listeners an insight into the demanding training RNLI lifeguards undergo to prepare for the summer season.

RNLI lifeguards have been helping to keep beaches in Pembrokeshire safer since 2008.

Over the past 25 years, RNLI lifeguards across the UK have carried out more than 48 million preventative actions, attended more than 330,000 incidents and aided more than 440,000 people on beaches in the UK and Channel Islands.

In Pembrokeshire, RNLI beach lifeguards have saved 164 lives, the highest number recorded anywhere in Wales. Since the service began locally in 2008, lifeguards have also aided 15,513 people and carried out 1,799 rescues.

Peter Dawes, General Manager of Lifeguard Operations, said: “Since our lifeguarding service began in 2001, we’ve seen more people visit our beaches and enjoy the water.

“Our highly-trained, capable and skilled lifeguards spend their time talking to people, sharing our safety advice and educating visitors about the dangers, as well as carrying out rescues and providing first aid.

“The launch of this podcast not only marks our 25th anniversary, but also the return of lifeguards to beaches ahead of what will be another busy summer. If you are heading to the coast, be sure to choose an RNLI lifeguarded beach.”

The podcast is available through the RNLI website and major podcast platforms.

To find your nearest RNLI lifeguarded beach, visit the RNLI website.

Investigation continues after four teenagers were injured in late-night railway station violence

TWO people arrested after four teenagers were stabbed during violence at Tenby railway station have been released on bail while police continue their investigation.

British Transport Police are leading the inquiry into the incident, which happened at around 9:50pm on Tuesday (Apr 7). Officers were called to reports of disorder involving a group of youths at the station.

Four teenagers, aged between 13 and 17 and all from the Pembroke area, suffered stab wounds and were taken to hospital for treatment. Police have since confirmed that their injuries were not life-threatening or life-changing, and that all four have now been discharged.

A 16-year-old boy and a 19-year-old man were arrested on suspicion of grievous bodily harm. Both have now been released on bail pending further enquiries.

Police said they believe the incident was isolated, but there will be an increased officer presence in the area to reassure the public.

Detectives are urging anyone who witnessed the violence, or saw what happened in the lead-up to it, to get in touch. They have also asked members of the public not to speculate online or share footage while the investigation remains ongoing.

Anyone with information is asked to contact British Transport Police by texting 61016 or calling 0800 40 50 40, quoting reference 916 of Apr 7.