News
Government report criticises the police
A NEW government report into child protection by the police has highlighted failings in the way Dyfed-Powys police operate. Children were detained in Police custody ‘unnecessarily’ overnight, and in some cases delays in high tech support meant that the phones and computers of sex-offence suspects were not analysed for several months.
In cases involving teens, Child Sexual Exploitation was ‘not routinely considered,’ and in a number of cases the report said: ‘The behaviour and demeanour of the child was not recorded.’ It was noted that there was no system in place for ‘flagging’ records of children subject to the child protection plan, which could lead to control room staff and frontline officers not being aware of a child’s circumstances.
However, the report, by Her Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary praised Dyfed-Powys police for their efforts in improving the protection of children, and singled out the rapid initial response when child safety was at risk, and added that ‘safeguarding remained central to efforts while officers pursued criminal investigative opportunities.’
It also acknowledged the high workloads of a small specialist team, and accepted that the ‘large geographical area policed by the force posed an extra challenge.’
Of 33 cases reviewed by the Inspectorate, 12 were shown to demonstrate good practice. However the work on nine cases was considered inadequate.
Dru Sharpling of the HMIC said: “I was pleased to find that Dyfed-Powys Police has a strong commitment to improving the protection of children. For instance, a number of the cases we looked at where children had gone missing from home showed that the risk of child sexual exploitation had not been considered. In one case this resulted in children being referred to as ‘attention seekers’ which left them exposed to the risk of sexual exploitation. Dyfed-Powys needs to reduce the delays in investigations. We found in a number of cases that despite good initial investigative work, too often there were delays that would have an impact on the welfare of the children. I encourage Dyfed-Powys Police to act on our recommendations as a matter of urgency, and I have asked that within six weeks it provides me with an action plan to demonstrate how it will take forward our recommendations for improvement.”
Det. Superintendant Andy John ‘welcomed’ the findings. He said: “It is pleasing to see that the HMIC acknowledge that staff are highly committed, knowledgeable, and dedicated to providing the best possible outcomes for children.”
Over the course of the next two years, every police force in England and Wales will be assessed in how efficiently they safeguard children and young people who are at risk.
News
Body of missing woman found near Llanwrtyd Wells
Dyfed-Powys Police have confirmed the discovery of a woman’s body during the search for 62-year-old Sally, who was reported missing from Llanwrtyd Wells on Monday (Nov 18).
A spokesperson for the police said: “We are saddened to confirm the body of a woman has been found during the search for Sally.
“Formal identification has not yet taken place, but her family has been informed. Our thoughts are with them at this difficult time.”
Investigations into the circumstances surrounding the death are ongoing.
Officers are urging anyone with information that might assist the investigation to come forward.
Sally was last seen at her home around 1:30pm on Monday.
Anyone with relevant information is asked to contact Dyfed-Powys Police via social media, email at [email protected], or by calling 101, quoting reference DP-20241118-296.
Entertainment
Carew Castle’s ‘Glow’: A festive wonderland of light and music awaits
CAREW CASTLE is thrilled to invite families and visitors of all ages to experience Glow – a magical event illuminating the season every Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 29 November to 15 December, between 4:30pm and 7:30pm.
Upon arrival, guests will be greeted by a stunning display of lights throughout the Walled Garden, creating an enchanting atmosphere that leads into the heart of the festivities. At Nest Tearoom, visitors can indulge in seasonal treats, adding warmth and flavour to the experience.
This year’s event brings new areas and captivating displays, transforming the Castle into a Christmas wonderland with fresh elements designed especially for the 2024 season. Children are invited to join Santa’s Workshop Trail, an interactive adventure where they can hunt for clues hidden around the Castle, with a special treat awarded upon completion. Entry to the trail costs £2 per child.
Committed to sustainability, Glow’s impressive display uses only the most energy-efficient LED lights, designed to minimise environmental impact while maximising visual impact. The lighting setup uses approximately 85% less energy than traditional bulbs and can even operate from a single household socket.
Visitors will notice that all lighting is focused on the Castle’s east face and east range, illuminating beautifully preserved rooms such as the Lesser Hall, undercroft, chapel and kitchen, all decorated for the season and open to explore. To safeguard the resident bats, who have their own spaces within the Castle and are cherished members of the Carew community, lighting and access to certain areas are limited at night.
Adding to the festive spirit, local choirs and musical groups will fill the Lesser Hall with seasonal melodies each weekend, bringing an extra touch of holiday magic to the experience.
Due to high demand, visitors must pre-book arrival slots to secure entry. Tickets are available online, priced at £2.50 for adults and £1.50 for children aged 4-16 years. This nominal fee helps maintain and enhance Glow each year, ensuring it remains affordable for the community.
Free entry is offered to holders of annual passes, Carew parish residents, wheelchair users, and accompanying carers, though these visitors must also book online and present proof of eligibility.
Visitors purchasing tickets for daytime admission to the Castle and Grotto are welcome to attend Glow on the same evening without further booking.
For a full schedule of live performances, and for Castle and Nest Tearoom opening hours through November and December, please visit www.carewcastle.com
News
Snow falls in Wales: School closures, road blockages, and weather warnings
THE FIRST significant snowfall of the year has fallen across Wales, with snow covering parts of north-east Wales overnight. The weather has caused major disruptions, including the closure of 130 schools, road closures, and the issuing of weather warnings for snow and ice.
On Monday night (Nov 18), part of the A55 was closed at Caerwys due to what Traffic Wales described as a “collision and heavy snow.” The snow has continued to cause problems on the roads, with the A44 in Powys closed on Tuesday morning between the A470 at Llangurig and the B4343 at Dyffryn Castell due to snow accumulation. Drivers are advised to avoid travel in these areas unless absolutely necessary, as conditions are expected to remain hazardous throughout the week.
In the south of Wales, heavy rain has led to flood warnings being issued by Natural Resources Wales, particularly along the River Ely. The heavy rainfall and subsequent flooding have created additional risks for drivers, particularly those using rural or coastal roads.
School closures across Wales
The heavy snow has forced the closure of around 130 schools across Powys, Flintshire, Denbighshire, and Wrexham. Schools have been forced to close for the day as a result of unsafe conditions for students and staff. In some areas, like Llanfair-Dyffryn-Clwyd in Denbighshire, snow has blanketed farms and rural areas, making it difficult for buses and staff to reach schools.
For those needing information about school closures, local authorities are providing up-to-date lists, and parents are urged to stay informed about the situation in their area.
The Met Office has issued multiple weather warnings across the UK, including a yellow alert for snow and ice that will last until Wednesday. The snow, combined with icy conditions, is expected to cause disruption in parts of Wales, particularly in the north, and could lead to delays for drivers, train services, and other transport routes. The warnings are in place for areas including Powys, Wrexham, and Denbighshire, as well as parts of northern England and Scotland.
Dan Suri, a chief meteorologist at the Met Office, explained that the disruption was caused by a low-pressure system that moved eastwards on Monday night. This system brought a mixture of cold air and wintry conditions, which has resulted in widespread snow and ice. The system is expected to continue affecting the UK through the week, with additional updates to the warnings likely as conditions change.
The forecast for Tuesday predicts cold temperatures with occasional wintry showers, though some areas will experience breaks of sunshine in the afternoon. However, conditions are expected to remain cold, with a widespread frost likely overnight, especially in rural areas. Drivers are warned that icy patches are likely to form on untreated roads, increasing the risk of accidents.
Tips for navigating winter conditions
With snow and ice continuing to affect travel in Wales, it is important for motorists and residents to take precautions:
- Check Your Vehicle: Ensure your car is winter-ready with properly inflated tyres, a full windscreen washer reservoir, and working lights.
- Stay Updated: Regularly check weather updates and traffic reports for your area. Follow Traffig Cymru and Traffic Wales for real-time information on road closures and conditions.
- Drive Safely: Reduce your speed and increase the distance between vehicles. Avoid sharp turns, sudden acceleration, or harsh braking, as these can cause skidding on icy surfaces.
- Emergency Kit: Carry a winter emergency kit in your vehicle, including blankets, warm clothing, food, water, and a phone charger, in case you get stranded.
With these winter conditions expected to persist, it’s crucial for residents and travelers in Wales to stay informed and prioritize safety when navigating the roads.
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Tomos
March 3, 2015 at 5:57 pm
I wonder if the police after this kick up the *** will investigate why Pembrokeshire County Council sacked a whistle blower reporting a paedophile rather than investigate the complaint and why the Police did nothing for years?