Community
Murco engineers make new start


InSite Technical Services: Providing employment opportunities for
Murco taskforce
SIX engineers at the Murco oil refinery in Milford Haven, who lost their jobs following its closure last year, have set up a new business in Pembrokeshire with help from the Welsh Government.
Operating out of Pembroke Dock in the Haven Waterway Enterprise Zone, InSite Technical Services have six directors who boast more than 100 years engineering and project management experience in the process industry.
They will operate in three business areas, offering project design and engineering, operational services and technical consultancy. The company also want to find new opportunities for the wealth of technically skilled people that are now in the area after forty years of refining in Milford Haven.
InSite Technical Services Managing Director Jean Martin said: “The closure of the oil refinery in Milford Haven was a devastating blow for the area, with so many people employed there and other jobs associated with the supply chain. But with so many highly-skilled, experienced and talented people working at the refinery and the number of energy industry companies in Pembrokeshire we saw an opportunity to start something new.
With advice and support from the Welsh Government on starting up a new company, from Murco who provided office equipment and Pembrokeshire Council providing the office space we’ve been able to get off the ground quickly. Hopefully we can establish ourselves and grow in Pembrokeshire to ensure there continue to be engineering career opportunities for young people here.”
Economy Minister, Edwina Hart said: “I am very pleased to hear about the establishment of InSite Technical Services and the support they received from the Murco Taskforce. The effects of the Murco closure were felt throughout Pembrokeshire and beyond, so it is encouraging to see new opportunities being created locally. The Murco Taskforce’s work didn’t stop following the closure of the refinery. Since the closure was announced, 41% of the Murco employees have found new work and half of them within Pembrokeshire. The Taskforce and the Welsh Government will continue to do all they can to support those affected by the closure.”
Community
Family gathers at Pembroke Dock to honour RAF airman

FAMILY members from across the UK have travelled to Pembroke Dock Heritage Centre to view a new exhibit honouring a wartime RAF airman who served aboard the Sunderland flying boat T9044.
Brother and sister Ross Burrows, from Grimsby, and Nikki Soysa, who travelled from the Hebrides, joined their cousin Shirley Shelley Hutchinson, from Yorkshire, and Ross’s wife Dianne, to view the poignant display dedicated to Wing Commander David Burrows. David was the navigator aboard the Sunderland T9044 on its final mission to Pembroke Dock in November 1940, which tragically sank in the Haven shortly after its arrival.
The family has generously donated Wing Commander Burrows’ logbook, uniforms, and other treasured memorabilia, now thoughtfully incorporated into the Centre’s collection, alongside other artefacts from the T9044.
Ross Burrows praised the Centre’s efforts, saying: “The museum team has created a wonderful exhibit about dad and his story. Their enthusiasm shines through clearly. We’re excited to encourage more family members to visit.”
The Pembroke Dock Heritage Centre is open Monday to Friday, from 10:00am to 4:00pm.
Community
Carmarthenshire honours local heroes at British Empire Medal ceremony

A SPECIAL presentation ceremony took place at County Hall on 29 May to honour two remarkable individuals who have been awarded the British Empire Medal (BEM) in recognition of their outstanding service. The event, hosted by the newly appointed Chair of Carmarthenshire County Council, Cllr Dot Jones, marked her first official engagement and was attended by Her Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant of Dyfed, Miss Sara Edwards, who presented the honours on behalf of His Majesty The King.
The British Empire Medal, first established in 1917 and reintroduced in 2012, recognises individuals who have demonstrated hands-on, impactful contributions to their communities. Nominations come directly from the people who witness these contributions every day; colleagues, neighbours and friends, making the honour personal and meaningful.
Mrs Marian Louise Evans was recognised for services to business. As founder and Managing Director of Elevate Business Consultancy, Mrs Evans has delivered transformational change across the sector. As a multi-award-winning professional, she has been widely acknowledged for her leadership, particularly in championing women in business. During the COVID-19 pandemic, she offered vital support to over 2,000 businesses through free resilience sessions and online content, reaching over 300,000 people each month. Her voluntary work has earned her titles such as UK Mentor of the Year and Inspirational Woman of the Decade. She received her medal from the Lord-Lieutenant and was presented with flowers on behalf of Carmarthenshire County Council by Lord-Lieutenant Cadet Chloe Faulkner.
Miss Judith Harvey received the British Empire Medal for services to the Bannau Brycheiniog National Park. Having begun her career as one of the UK’s first female wardens, she has dedicated her life to conservation, land management and inspiring the next generation of environmental leaders. As Head Warden since 2012, Miss Harvey has mentored countless apprentices and volunteers, led significant restoration projects and worked passionately to protect the park’s ecosystems and heritage. She was presented with her medal by the Lord-Lieutenant and flowers from Lord-Lieutenant Cadet Zuzzana Radkowska, before addressing the audience in a moving speech.
Closing the ceremony, the Chair of the Council praised both recipients for their service and reflected on the importance of role models in public life, especially for women and girls. She noted the growing presence of women in leadership roles, while recognising that progress must continue at all levels of local democracy. Their achievements, she said, lay a strong foundation for others to follow.
Cllr Phillip Hughes, Cabinet Member for Organisation & Workforce, said: “These awards are a true testament to the power of local action and leadership. Marian and Judith exemplify the values of dedication, service and inspiration. We are proud to celebrate their success and the example they set for others in our communities.”
Community
Public feedback on Newgale Coastal Adaptation Plan under review

PEMBROKESHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL confirmed that feedback gathered during the recent statutory consultation on the Newgale Coastal Adaptation Phase 1 proposals is now being reviewed.
The Statutory Pre-Application Consultation (sPAC) ran from Monday, April 14, to Sunday, May 11, in line with the Town and Country Planning (Development Management Procedure) (Wales) Order 2012 (as amended).
The council has thanked all residents and stakeholders who submitted responses. The project team is now carefully considering the feedback as it prepares the planning application, which will be submitted to the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority. All comments received during the consultation will be included as part of the submission.
The Newgale Coastal Adaptation Plan is a major infrastructure project aimed at managing long-term coastal change in the area, which has faced repeated flooding and road closures due to severe weather events.
Further information, including the background to the project, stakeholder engagement updates, technical assessments, and a project timeline, can be found on the Newgale Coastal Adaptation website.
A detailed Q&A section is also available, and members of the public are encouraged to register via the ‘Contact Us’ page to receive future updates.
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