News

Airport a ‘huge asset’ to county

Published

10 years ago

May 14, 2015

‘Come and see’: Jonathan Rees wants the council to visit the airport

FLY WALES’ Jonathan Rees wants Pembrokeshire County Council to come down to Haverfordwest airport to see what it is all about.

The council has recently approved a consultation on the future of the airport but Jonathan Rees told the Herald that closing the airport would have a big impact on Pembrokeshire.

Jonathan has invested heavily into the business and says that the airport is an asset not just to businesses but to the people of Pembrokeshire as well.

One option that was mentioned at the cabinet meeting in April was the possibility of using Brawdy as an alternative but that idea was also dismissed by Jonathan.

He said: “No one has taken the time to know what is actually going on here, so for them to say this needs to be closed, they should at least come up to the airport first to see what is going on and the jobs it has created and if it did close, the jobs that would be lost directly. We do a lot of NHS work which involves a lot of organ flights all over the UK from Haverfordwest. We may go to pick up surgical teams from London or Newcastle to fly out to wherever the donor is, retrieve the organs and go back to where they are needed. Haverfordwest is able to offer a 24- hour service because we’ve already got the infrastructure of the lighting as a lot of the organ retrievals are done in the evenings. On Saturday evening there was an organ which left here at 11.30 and that was flown to Edinburgh and another that went to Edinburgh on Tuesday morning. The Charter also flies companies around Pembrokeshire. The LNG oil refinery does use this facility and it does use it to fly in people whenever something major is happening. When Marks and Spencer was being built in Haverfordwest, they were flying in and out as well. The packaging companies that are processing, they use us to fly in the buyers for Tesco, Morrisons and Asda. All these companies are quite large employers for the county of Pembrokeshire. We also do work for the MOD in Aberporth. Whilst there is an airfield at Aberporth it is used for the UAV’s which means they can’t use commercial transport. We’ve seen an increase of over 300% in Pilot training, up on where we were last year, bearing in mind we are coming out of one the most severe recessions. We are actually now attracting people and we’ve got students coming over to learn to fly at Haverfordwest from Hong Kong in May. As well as being good for the economy of the airport this will also be good for the local economy with accommodation and services that are provided being used. People do use the facility for pleasure flights whilst on holiday and one comment I’ve had is that it was the icing on the cake of their holiday and they would want to come again.”

He continued: “Brawdy is not an option because, going back to the charter, from the minute we have a phone call, until the craft is airborne, has to be 45 minutes and that’s 24- 7. For us to be out in Brawdy, there are no lights, there is no runway lighting, no control tower, and no security facility. The infrastructure at Brawdy means it is just not an option. The airport has made a loss of £46,000 but my view is that whilst we are getting busier, we are going to be buying more fuel, we are going to be making more profit so that loss will slowly diminish. The airport shouldn’t be looked at as a separate entity because other jobs are supported by the airport. It isn’t just a playground for people. It is a proper business.”

Jonathan also revealed that the area in which they operate could soon be expanding to areas in Iceland, Russia and Yemen.

He continued: “Before the council talks about closure and before they suggest something like Brawdy, why don’t they come up and see what really happens at the Haverfordwest Aerodrome. What I would like is for the council to come up to Haverfordwest airport to have a discussion about what the airport does, what services go from here and who it is provided for. It is a huge asset for the businesses and even to the people of Pembrokeshire and it is a huge asset to encouraging investment. If the airport was to close it would definitely have an impact. I would close the aviation site and I wouldn’t relocate as it wouldn’t be viable. It works here because we can guarantee that aircraft will be airborne within 45 minutes. Everything is close at hand and this is why we are very good at what we do.”

Community

Mid and West Wales Fire Service launches recruitment drive

Published

16 mins ago

January 23, 2025

Tom Sinclair

THE MID AND WEST WALES FIRE AND RESCUE SERVICE has announced it is halfway through its recruitment window for Wholetime Firefighters. The service is actively seeking individuals from diverse backgrounds to join their ranks and contribute to the safety and well-being of communities across Mid and West Wales.

Chief Fire Officer Roger Thomas KFSM emphasised the evolving nature of the firefighter’s role, stating, “The role of a Wholetime Firefighter goes far beyond tackling fires, road traffic collisions and water rescues. Modern-day firefighters play a crucial part in educating the public and working to prevent risks to life and the environment.”

The MAWWFRS is keen to attract applicants with a wide range of skills and experiences, recognising the diverse challenges faced by today’s fire service. “We encourage people from a variety of backgrounds to apply, emphasising the diverse skill set needed for this challenging yet rewarding career,” added Thomas.

This recruitment initiative is seen as a vital step in ensuring the service has the necessary personnel to respond effectively to emergencies and maintain safety standards across the region. The MAWWFRS covers a vast area, encompassing nearly two-thirds of Wales, making it the third largest Fire and Rescue Service in the United Kingdom.

Prospective candidates are encouraged to visit the MAWWFRS website for detailed information on fitness requirements, the application process, and how to apply. The online registration window closes at 12pm on Monday, 27th January 2025.

As the service continues its mission to create safer communities, this recruitment drive offers an opportunity for individuals to become part of a team that makes a real difference in people’s lives.

Citations:
[1] http://eastwoodacademy.co.uk/docs/How%20to%20write%20a%20newspaper%20article.pdf
[2] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mid_and_West_Wales_Fire_and_Rescue_Service
[3] https://midwestwalesfire.moderngov.co.uk/documents/s5689/HR%20People%20and%20Well-Being%20Update%20Report.pdf
[4] https://nickdale.me/2023/05/31/how-to-write-a-newspaper-article/
[5] https://www.gov.wales/find-your-local-fire-and-rescue-service
[6] https://www.mawwfire.gov.uk/eng/join-us/current-vacancies/
[7] https://www.superprof.co.uk/resources/questions/english/broadsheet-articles.html
[8] https://www.mawwfire.gov.uk
[9] https://www.mawwfire.gov.uk/eng/join-us/
[10] https://www.whatdotheyknow.com/body/mid_and_west_wales_fire_and_rescue_service

News

Residents urged to check eligibility for Warm Homes scheme

Published

23 mins ago

January 23, 2025

Tom Sinclair

PEOPLE living in Mid and West Wales are being urged to check if they are eligible to join the 11,550 homes across the region which have already been adapted to make them warmer, greener and fit for the future under a Welsh Labour Government scheme.

Between 2011 and 2024, 82,000 households benefitted from measures in their homes through the Welsh Labour Government’s Warm Homes Nest Scheme.

Joyce Watson MS, Labour Senedd Member for Mid and West Wales, said:

“I know that many of my constituents in Mid and West Wales are worried about their energy bills. The Welsh Labour Government recognises this and is spending £30 million this year to help cut bills.”

First Minister Eluned Morgan MS, Labour Senedd Member for Mid and West Wales, added:

“Thousands of eligible homes in Mid and West Wales have already benefitted from the Warm Homes Scheme, and yours could be next.

“In 2022-2023, the original scheme saved families on average £422 a year on their energy bills – real money that can make a real difference to people’s lives.”

The Warm Homes Scheme works by offering free, impartial advice to anyone and practical upgrades to eligible homes. These upgrades could include heat pumps, solar panels and better insulation, while appliances such as boilers can be repaired and replaced.

The Welsh Government also offers interest-free loans through the Green Homes Wales scheme, for homeowners who want to save energy but can’t afford the initial costs. 2,500 people in Wales have already engaged in the scheme.

Upgrading home energy efficiency is not just about saving money, but also helps save our environment. Reducing the energy that we use in our homes is one practical way to help the Welsh Government reach its commitment to net-zero by 2050.

Find out what support you may be eligible for by visiting the Welsh Government Nest Cymru website and the Green Homes Wales website.

Crime

Police investigate as spate of burglaries hits West Wales communities

Published

27 mins ago

January 23, 2025

Tom Sinclair

DYFED-POWYS POLICE have said they are investigating a series of burglaries that occurred in the St Clears, Narberth, and Haverfordwest areas on 22 January 2025. The incidents, which police believe are linked, have resulted in property damage and the theft of valuable items including cash, jewellery, and power tools.

Detective Inspector Owen Lock has reassured the public that enquiries are ongoing and the force is committed to apprehending those responsible. He urged residents to report any suspicious activities, emphasising the importance of community vigilance.

“No matter how insignificant it may seem, please report all suspicious activity to police immediately, and don’t assume someone else would have notified us,” DI Lock stated.

In light of these events, police are advising residents and second-home owners to check their properties, ensure they are secure, and safeguard valuables by using protective marking and secure storage.

This recent spate of burglaries follows an attempted break-in at a flat above the Welsh Bakery in Robert Street, Milford Haven, between 18 and 20 January 2025.

The proximity in time and location suggests a possible surge in criminal activity in the region.

Residents are encouraged to remain vigilant and report any concerns to Dyfed-Powys Police via their website, email, social media, or by calling 101. For those wishing to remain anonymous, Crimestoppers can be contacted on 0800 555111 or through their website.

As investigations continue, local authorities are working to enhance community safety and prevent further incidents. Residents are advised to review their home security measures and stay informed about crime prevention strategies available on the Dyfed-Powys Police website.