News
MP gets helicopter answers


Simon Hart: NPAS has finally offered answers
IT’S TAKEN them three months – but local MP Simon Hart has finally gained some answers from the National Police Air Service (NPAS) to his detailed questions about the future of the Dyfed-Powys helicopter service.
Mr Hart sought reassurances from the head of the police helicopter service that Carmarthenshire won’t suffer if the Dyfed-Powys helicopter ceases to fly from Pembrey next year.
He put a set of detailed questions about response times, refuelling needs and “no fly zones” to the Chairman of the National Police Air Service (NPAS), Mark Burns-Williamson on March 27.
After a three-month delay and repeated chasing Mr Hart has finally received an answer.
“I had originally written to highlight concerns about longer response times if the helicopter was moved further away and to raise fears about gaps in cover,” said Mr Hart.
Estimates based on modelling state that if the helicopter is moved to St Athan in the Vale of Glamorgan then it will take 10 minutes longer than the current 20 minute response time to reach west Wales.
Mr Hart said: “The initial NPAS response I had received to my original queries answered some questions but it also raised others, especially concerning response times and cover during busy holiday periods. I asked for further clarification on these matters.”
He has now been told that the 30 minute flight time figure is based on ‘simulation modelling’ which is being applied for the first time to air support. Mr Burns-Williamson adds that NPAS is reviewing its fuelling points in remote bases and that the modelling ‘does have some limitations and cannot fully replicate real life, nevertheless it is very robust’.
Mr Hart added: “I also raised concerns about the impact that ‘No Fly Zones’ such as Sennybridge Ranges will have on response times and have been told that Air Traffic Controllers make every attempt to allow police helicopters to cross restricted air space when safe to do so.”
Community
Local firefighters to run search and rescue training exercise ‘High & Dry’

MID and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service (MAWWFRS) will be carrying out a realistic Search and Rescue training exercise on Monday (Apr 7), aimed at enhancing emergency response capabilities.
The exercise, named ‘High & Dry’, will take place between 6:30pm and 8:30pm at Crown Buildings, Church Street, Llanelli. The session will allow crews to practise specialist rescue techniques, including Rescue from Height using the Turntable Ladder.
To ensure a lifelike environment, synthetic smoke will be used during the training. Members of the public may notice smoke escaping from windows and doors, or see emergency vehicles and personnel at the scene. The fire service is reassuring residents that there is no cause for concern.
Watch Manager Gavin Wilkins said: “It’s vital to utilise real buildings as it provides a realistic environment and opportunity to prepare our crews to effectively deal with incidents of this nature. We would like to thank the owners of Crown Buildings in Llanelli for the use of the premises for this exercise.”
The service also thanked the public for their cooperation and understanding while crews undertake this important training.
Crime
Fined for dropping cigarette at Milford Haven Tesco

A LLANELLI man who dropped a cigarette outside Tesco in Milford Haven has been fined over £570 after failing to attend court.
Mark Evens, aged 42, of Llys Westfa, Llanelli, was found guilty in his absence at Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on Thursday (Apr 3).
The court heard that on September 3, 2024, Evens discarded a cigarette butt in a public place to which section 87 of the Environmental Protection Act 1990 applied.
He was fined £220 and ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £88 and prosecution costs of £266.66. A collection order was made, and the full balance of £574.66 must be paid by May 1.
Crime
Court adjourns marine enforcement case

A SWANSEA man failed to appear in court after being accused of refusing to comply with a marine enforcement officer.
Ieuan Rhys Davies, aged 29, of Seaview Terrace, Penclawdd, is accused of failing to stop his vessel when directed by Marine Enforcement Officer Matthew Dawkins on June 6, 2024.
The case, brought under the Marine and Coastal Access Act 2009, was adjourned until May 1 at 2:00pm.
Magistrates have ordered that Davies must attend the next hearing or risk a warrant being issued for his arrest.
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