NATURAL Resources Wales (NRW) has updated a flood alert for the Pembrokeshire coast, warning that flooding is possible between St Dogmaels, Cardigan and Amroth over the next two days.

The alert, which covers the stretch of coast from St Dogmaels down to Amroth, was first issued on Friday (Dec 5) and was updated around midday today (Sunday, Dec 7). NRW says the risk comes from a combination of high tides, large waves and unsettled weather, with the greatest impacts currently expected around Tuesday’s tides.

Flooding of low-lying land and roads is expected around the time of each high tide on Monday (Dec 8) and Tuesday (Dec 9). A further spell of wet and windy weather is also expected to keep river and surface water levels high across parts of south-west Wales.

Residents in coastal communities and estuary areas are being urged to be prepared and to take some simple precautions. NRW’s advice includes:

What people are being urged to do

• Follow your household flood plan if you already have one.
• Check where your loved ones and pets are, and think about how you would move them to safety if water starts to rise.
• Move sentimental items, important documents and valuables to higher shelves or upstairs where possible.
• Keep your mobile phone charged and switched on so you can receive warnings and updates.
• Make sure you know how to turn off your electricity, gas and water supplies.
• Pack a small grab-bag in case you need to leave home in a hurry – including medication, phone and charger, warm clothing, baby and pet supplies, sanitary products and insurance documents.
• Consider moving cars, livestock and equipment away from low-lying or exposed areas that are likely to flood.

What not to do:

Officials are again stressing that people should not drive or walk through floodwater. Just 30 centimetres (around one foot) of fast-moving water can move a car, and as little as 15 centimetres can knock an adult off their feet.

• For the latest official information on this alert, residents can visit the NRW flood warning page for the Pembrokeshire coast (area code 102WABT02), or call Floodline on 0345 988 1188 and use quick dial number 503013.
  

Up-to-date river, rainfall and sea level data is also available via the ‘river, rainfall and sea data’ pages on the Natural Resources Wales website.

Government invests £820m to tackle rising youth unemployment, with targeted support across south-west Wales

YOUNG people on Universal Credit in West Wales will be offered new training and work experience placements in sectors such as construction, hospitality, and health and social care, as part of a UK Government drive to bring down rising youth unemployment.

The programme – funded from the £820m announced by Chancellor Rachel Reeves in last month’s Budget – will create 350,000 training and work-experience places across the UK, and guarantee 55,000 jobs in areas judged to be most in need from spring 2026. South-west and south-east Wales are among the regions singled out for focused support.

Ministers say the measures aim to move young people aged 16–24 off long-term benefits and into stable work. Almost one million young people across the UK are currently classed as NEET (not in education, employment or training), a figure that has been rising steadily since 2021.

Work and Pensions Secretary Pat McFadden said the new pathways would give out-of-work young people “a fair chance to make something of their lives”. The support will include a dedicated work session for every claimant aged under 25, followed by four weeks of intensive coaching before they are placed on one of six routes: paid work, work experience, an apprenticeship, wider training, classroom learning, or a workplace-based training scheme with a guaranteed interview.

Focus on sectors vital to the West Wales economy

For West Wales – where seasonal work, rural isolation and limited transport links have long affected youth employment – the concentration on construction, hospitality, and social care is likely to be significant. These industries remain major employers across Pembrokeshire, Carmarthenshire and Ceredigion, with businesses regularly reporting difficulties recruiting local staff.

The Herald understands that officials expect more than 1,000 young people nationally to move into jobs within the first six months, with additional programmes promised as the government prepares to publish its national youth strategy.

Political dispute over the impact

The Conservatives accused the Chancellor of “driving youth unemployment up” through recent tax decisions, claiming the new scheme “gives with one hand while taking with the other”. However, ministers insist the investment represents a “downpayment on young people’s future” and will help address the rise in long-term sickness and disability among under-25s – one of the biggest barriers to work.

Further announcements are expected next week, including new details on the government’s pledge to make apprenticeships for under-25s at small and medium-sized businesses completely free.

A YOUNG carer from Haverfordwest was among those welcomed to a special Christmas carol service at Westminster Abbey on Friday (Dec 5), hosted by the charity’s patron, HRH The Princess of Wales.

Ambassadors, staff and young people supported by Action for Children were invited to the fifth annual Together at Christmas service, held to recognise and thank people across the UK who are showing love, compassion and community spirit in their daily lives.

Among the guests was sixteen-year-old Meghan, from Haverfordwest, who helps care for her younger sister, who has autism, OCD and a learning disability. She attended the event with Vikki Phillips from Action for Children’s Pembrokeshire Young Carers service.

The service brought together a 1,600-strong congregation, including Members of the Royal Family, and offered a moment to reflect on the importance of love in all its forms — within families, friendships, communities and even moments shared between strangers.

Meghan said: “Being invited to Westminster Abbey felt amazing – it’s something I’ll never forget. The carol service was so festive and uplifting, and it made me feel proud to be part of a community that cares so much about helping others. It was lovely to see everyone come together to celebrate love and kindness.”

Vikki Phillips added: “It was an incredible honour to be part of such a special occasion at Westminster Abbey. The service was a beautiful reminder of how love and kindness can transform lives, and it was inspiring to see so many people celebrated for the positive impact they make in their communities. For our young carers and families, moments like this show that their efforts and resilience truly matter.”

Action for Children said it was thrilled to have such dedicated young people and staff representing the charity at the event, demonstrating its commitment to building a more caring and connected society. Further details on guests can be provided on request.

The carol service was filmed for broadcast and will air as part of a special programme on ITV and ITVX on Christmas Eve.