News

West Wales: Flooding and bad weather set to continue

Published

9 years ago

December 21, 2015

Llechryd Bridge: Water covers the bridge entirely

FIRE CREWS were hard at work this weekend tackling a number of floods across West Wales.

The River Towy burst its banks in Carmarthen, flooding land and vehicles near the Quay. In Abergwili the floodgate was closed to stop water from entering High Street.

Crews from Carmarthen and Llandeilo worked overnight on Saturday in the Pontargothi area, and made ‘steady progress’ pumping water away from properties.

Elsewhere in the county, fire crews spent more than eight hours in the centre of Cynwyl Elfed pumping water away from properties.

Three people had to be rescued from a car near Spydders Bridge on Saturday night by crews from Kidwelly and a wading team, as well as a tractor driver who was on the scene, and Cardigan crews released one person from a car that was trapped by flood water in Llechryd, Pembrokeshire.

On Sunday, Lampeter crews dealt with flooding in the Llanybydder area, and a Carmarthen crew attended after flooding in the Tregunnor area. In Llandysul, crews attended a vehicle which was stuck in flood water.

Following a number of stuck vehicles, MAWWFRS issued a warning to drivers. Chris Margetts, Head of Protection and Prevention said:

“Don’t drive through deep water. If you are unsure of the water depth just don’t do it, you are putting yourself and others at unnecessary risk:

Just one foot or 30cm of moving water can float your car;
An eggcup-full of water going into your engine is enough to wreck it;
Three-quarters of cars that get stuck in flood water are written off.

“Flood water can be deceptively powerful – it can literally rip up the road surface and dislodge manhole covers and kerbstones – and its depth and flow rate can quickly change with the weather.”

Heavy rain is set to continue this week, with weather warnings in place on Tuesday (Dec 22). Wednesday is set to be a brighter day, but Thursday and Friday see the rain returning, with strong winds and a risk of gales.

Crime

Mother admits to killing seven-year-old son in Haverfordwest

Published

16 hours ago

November 22, 2024

Luke Sinclair

A mother has admitted to the manslaughter of her seven-year-old son at their home in Haverfordwest, citing diminished responsibility.

Papaipit Linse, 43, appeared at Swansea Crown Court on Friday (Nov 22), where she denied murder but pleaded guilty to manslaughter in connection with the death of her son, Louis Linse. Prosecutor Caroline Rees KC confirmed the manslaughter plea would be accepted, stating it “did not come as a surprise” to the prosecution.

The incident occurred on 10 January when police were called to a property on Upper Market Street. Louis was rushed to Withybush General Hospital but tragically died shortly afterwards.

During the hearing, Linse, who spoke only to confirm her name and enter her pleas, was informed that she would be sentenced on 13 December. Judge Paul Thomas KC described the case as “clearly a very sensitive as well as a very tragic case.”

The court was told that Linse is currently receiving treatment at the Caswell Clinic, a mental health facility in Bridgend. Psychiatric evidence is expected to be presented during the sentencing hearing to provide further insight into the circumstances surrounding the case.

Community

Council warns of icy conditions as temperatures drop

Published

1 day ago

November 21, 2024

Tom Sinclair

ROAD users in Pembrokeshire are being urged to exercise caution tonight as temperatures are forecast to dip below freezing.

Pembrokeshire County Council has announced that road surface temperatures could reach as low as -2°C, with the possibility of sleet or snow on higher ground. In response, precautionary salting of the county’s primary routes will be carried out this evening and overnight.

A spokesperson for the council said: “Road users are advised to take care if travelling on untreated roads.”

Motorists are reminded to plan ahead and drive carefully, particularly in areas that may not have been treated.

Stay tuned to The Herald for updates on road conditions and weather warnings.

Community

Stallholders wanted for Milford Haven Christmas Market

Published

1 day ago

November 21, 2024

Tom Sinclair

MILFORD HAVEN BUSINESS CIRCLE is calling for stallholders to join the town’s festive Christmas Market, set to bring holiday cheer on Friday, December 6, and Saturday, December 7, 2024.

The market will take place at the Lower Charles Street Car Park, promising a vibrant mix of stalls and attractions. Organizers are seeking a variety of vendors, including those offering gifts, children’s toys and games, food, cakes, flowers, and more.

There’s also an open invitation for someone with small children’s rides to add to the festive fun. A highlight of the event will be the Grinch’s Grotto, offering an entertaining twist to this year’s celebrations.

If you’re interested in having a stall, contact the Milford Haven Business Circle via email at [email protected] for more information.