News

Elected Representatives discuss air support for Dyfed-Powys Police

Published

10 years ago

July 11, 2015

Chief Constable Simon Prince outlined the operational requirements for force air support

THIS WEEK Chief Constable Simon Prince met with a number of MPs, AMs and Councillors to share with them information on the proposal from the National Police Air Service (NPAS) for an air support service for Dyfed-Powys Police.

Mr Prince outlined the operational requirements for the force; the proposed service from the NPAS, which included the rational for using a rotary aircraft and a fixed wing; the cost and the service level agreement. He also shared information on response times and time spent on task to locations throughout the force area from NPAS bases and from the existing helicopter support unit in Pembrey.

Speaking after the meeting Mr Prince said, “I wanted to provide local Members of Parliament, Assembly Members and County Councillors with an operational briefing and the facts about our requirements for air support in Dyfed-Powys. Whilst no decisions have been made, I think it is important that I ensure as many people as possible are aware of the proposal from NPAS, our operational requirements and the information that we are using to ensure we get the best possible service for our communities.

“We have to balance our operational requirements against the cost of the service, remembering that our helicopter crew currently provide a vital service for all of our communities.

“There are important decisions to be made in the coming months and I have asked for the support of all our elected members in Dyfed-Powys to help me ensure we get the best possible air support service.”

The meeting was held as the First Minister stepped in the police chopper debate.

The Dyfed-Powys Police helicopter is a valuable service making a difference to communities “every day”, the first minister has said.

The base in Pembrey, Carmarthenshire, is closing in 2016 due to cuts by the National Police Air Service.

Mr Jones said the issue was not devolved and “we wouldn’t be where we are if it was”.

He added: “Once again we’re seeing Wales lose out because of the fact that policing is not devolved.”

When the NPAS announced in February it was cutting the number of bases across Wales and England to 15, it said it faced budget cuts of 14% over three years on top of 23% savings already made.

Community

Community gathers to remember Corrina Baker

Published

7 hours ago

December 17, 2025

Tom Sinclair

Lanterns and balloons released in emotional acts of remembrance

FAMILY, friends and members of the local community came together to remember Corrina Baker at a series of moving events held across west Wales this week.

Corrina’s funeral took place on Monday (Dec 15), a month after her death, with a public service held at St Mary’s Church. Mourners lined the route as her coffin was carried on its final journey in an elegant horse-drawn carriage, before a private cremation later took place at Parc Gwyn crematorium in Narberth.

Later that evening, shortly after 6:00pm, friends and relatives gathered at the Quayside in Cardigan for the first of two acts of remembrance to celebrate her life. Lanterns were lit and released into the night sky above the town as some of Corrina’s favourite songs were played.

On Tuesday afternoon (Dec 16), a second tribute was held near the location where Corrina was found. Twenty-one pink balloons — one for each year of her life — were released into a clear blue sky, each carrying personal messages in her memory.

Floral tributes continue to be laid at the Netpool, while a GoFundMe appeal set up in Corrina’s memory has raised more than £2,300. She has been described by those who knew her as “funny and bright”.

Dyfed-Powys Police have confirmed that their investigation into the circumstances surrounding Ms Baker’s death is ongoing. A 29-year-old man who was arrested on suspicion of murder has been released on bail while inquiries continue.

(Photos: Stuart Ladd/Herald)

Community

Six untaxed vehicles seized in Milford Haven police operation

Published

7 hours ago

December 17, 2025

Tom Sinclair

SIX untaxed and abandoned vehicles were seized during a joint roads policing operation in Milford Haven on Tuesday morning.

Officers from the Milford Haven Neighbourhood Policing and Prevention Team (NPPT) worked alongside the Pembrokeshire Roads Policing Team as part of targeted enforcement across the town.

In addition to the vehicle seizures, a number of traffic offence reports were issued to drivers during the operation.

Police said the action formed part of ongoing efforts to improve road safety and tackle vehicle-related offences in the Milford Haven area.

Community

Candlelit carol service brings community together in Milford Haven

Published

7 hours ago

December 17, 2025

Tom Sinclair

ST KATHARINE and St Peter’s Church in Milford Haven hosted its annual Candlelit Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols, bringing together members of the community for a traditional celebration of Christmas.

The service featured readings from the Mayor of Milford Haven, representatives of the Soroptimists, Milford Haven Amateur Operatic Society, the Headteacher and Head Prefects of Milford Haven School, Milford Haven Town Band, and NCI Wooltack Point.

Music for the evening was provided by organist Seimon Morris, Milford Haven Town Band and the Milford Haven Cluster Band, whose performances added to the atmosphere of the candlelit service.

The Friends of St Katharine and St Peter’s Church thanked all those involved and wished the community a happy Christmas.