News
New way of operating safeguards Milford Coastguard jobs

Big changes: Milford Haven Coastguard
MILFORD HAVEN Coastguard Operations Centre (CGOC) is to become part of the new Coastguard national network for the very first time this week.
Work has been carried out at the search and rescue coordination centre to upgrade the technology and introduce new systems. This means Milford Haven CGOC will be connected to the National Maritime Operations Centre (NMOC) in Hampshire and other Coastguard stations around the country, which will be able to offer mutual support during busy periods.
From March 6 Milford Haven CGOC and the new national network will start to take on operations from Swansea Coastguard.
The changes to Her Majesty’s Coastguard will see the NMOC and 10 other CGOCs around the UK work together to manage the workload. There will be no reduction in rescue resources. The availability of Coastguard Rescue Teams, lifeboats, rescue helicopters and other rescue units will be unaffected.
Carl Evans, Maritime Operations Controller at Milford Haven CGOC, said: “The way we deliver the coordination of search and rescue operations on our coast and out at sea is changing. But the public won’t notice any difference. If you call 999 and ask for the Coastguard, or issue a mayday broadcast, we will still be here to help you.”
VHF FAILURE

Last week, questions were raised about the new Maritime and Coastguard Agency communications system last week, after a three hour long VHF failure.
The fault, which affected the area between the English Channel and the Mull of Galloway in Scotland, happened at around 1pm on February 8. It is unclear why the VHF system, which is used to respond to Mayday calls, stopped working. The fault is thought to have originated at the National Maritime Operations Centre in Fareham, Hampshire. The Herald understands that communication was carried out through mobile phones until the fault was resolved.
All stations affected were members of the new Coastguard national network, based at the National Maritime Operations Centre. Milford Haven has joined this network this week, along with ten other coastguard operations centres across the country. Eight coastguard operation centres are set to close.
The Transport Select Committee Chair Louise Ellman has summoned the MCA chief executive to answer questions regarding the incident. ‘My committee has expressed serious concerns over the transition to a new national system,’ she said.
Announcing the new system, Maritime Operations controller for Milford Haven Coastguard Carl Evans said: ‘The way we deliver the coordination of search and rescue operations on our coast and at sea is changing. But the public won’t notice any difference. If you call 999 and ask for the coastguard, or issue a mayday broadcast we will still be there to help you.’
Crime
Armed police attend knife-related incident in Fishguard street
ARMED police were deployed to a residential street in Fishguard this evening following reports of a teenage boy with a knife.
The incident happened in the Dan y Bryn area on Sunday evening (Mar 23).
Armed police negotiated with the suspect, persuading him to hand over the weapon. He was subsequently detained, handcuffed, and taken away in an ambulance.
The situation was brought under control without any reported injuries.
There is currently no official statement from police, and the Herald has contacted Dyfed-Powys Police for further information.
News
Control of £547m Local Growth Fund returns to Wales
CONTROL of a £547m Local Growth Fund has been returned to the Welsh Government, with ministers setting out plans to use the money to boost the nation’s economy over the next three years.
During a visit to Ebbw Vale on Friday (Mar 20), First Minister Eluned Morgan is expected to outline details of a new Investment Plan, endorsed by both the Welsh and UK governments. The plan sets out how funding will be allocated across priority areas and within Wales’ four economic regions.
The fund will focus on three key areas: supporting productive and competitive businesses, improving skills and helping people into work, and investing in infrastructure.
Ministers say the programme is designed to empower regional decision-making while targeting areas with the greatest economic need. The aim is to increase productivity, support business growth and create better-paid jobs across Wales.
Funding will be distributed based on tailored regional plans, reflecting local strengths and opportunities, including sectors such as advanced manufacturing and clean energy.
The First Minister, Eluned Morgan said: “I’m really pleased decisions on this post-EU funding, which is so important in supporting regional and local economic growth in Wales, are being returned to the Welsh Government.
“We want to use all the levers we have to stimulate economic growth, especially in parts of Wales where economic inactivity and unemployment are higher and wages are lower.”
The Cabinet Secretary for Economy, Energy and Planning, Rebecca Evans added: “The Local Growth Fund for Wales will help create and secure jobs in key industries, providing exciting opportunities for people to develop high-quality, long-term careers.
“We will work with local government and other partners to ensure the fund is used effectively to create jobs, unlock growth and deliver for Wales.”
Secretary of State for Wales, Jo Stevens said: “This transformational funding will create jobs, boost productivity and support economic growth across all parts of Wales.
“Decisions about how funding is used in Wales are best made in Wales, and this agreement delivers our commitment to return control of post-EU funding to Wales.
“It is another example of the UK and Welsh governments working together to deliver for our communities.”
News
Calls for further A477 safety improvements
SAMUEL KURTZ MS has renewed calls for urgent safety improvements along the A477, urging residents across south Pembrokeshire to share their experiences of the road.
The push follows ongoing concerns about accidents, near-misses and speeding on the busy route, particularly at Red Roses, Cosheston and through Milton.
Improvements at the Nash Fingerpost junction have already reduced collisions and improved traffic flow, with Kurtz now confirming further progress after discussions with the Welsh Government.
Safety works are set to be carried out at Red Roses junction, while a full review of speed limits through Milton village has also been agreed.
Despite this, Kurtz warned that several stretches of the A477 remain dangerous and require further attention.
He said: “The A477 is a lifeline for our communities and local economy, but too many sections remain unsafe. Red Roses is a clear example of a junction that may meet technical criteria on paper, yet in practice poses real dangers to motorists.
“These improvements build on the successful work at Nash Fingerpost, which shows that practical changes can make a real difference. But there is more to do, particularly at Cosheston and other high-risk points along the route.”
The MS is now calling on residents, commuters and businesses to help build the case for further action by submitting their experiences of using the road.
He added: “Community evidence matters. Your experiences will help push for stronger, comprehensive safety measures and ensure the Welsh Government acts quickly. Together, we can make the A477 safer.”
A short public survey has been launched, asking road users to report concerns including speeding, dangerous junctions, poor visibility and near-misses.
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lilly watts
October 8, 2025 at 8:09 pm
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