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Rare starfish protected after shipwreck

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CKS

CKS

A SPOKESMAN for Natural  Resources Wales has praised NRW  and other agencies for their handling  of a fishing boat which sank near  a Special Area of Conservation,  threatening an extremely rare  starfish.  The crabbing boat CKS hit rocks  near Sheep Island on October 28.  The collision caused a 2-3 metre gash  below the port side of the boat, which  meant the crew of 5 had to abandon  the ship and be taken to shore by  Angle Lifeboat.

Over the next few days the owners  attempted to salvage the vessel but  were unsuccessful. The ship sank off  the south point of West Angle beach  and was completely submerged at  high water.  The vessel posed a big risk to  shipping so the insurers and The Port  of Milford Haven appointed Braemar  Howells, a local specialist company,  to salvage the wreckage.  The sa yl ors had a choice between  towing the boat to Pembroke Dock  or beaching it at West Angle and  dismantling it there. Both these  options required refloating the vessel.  Because of the deterioration of the  ship there was too much risk of losing  control in the shipping channel from  towing, so the beaching option was  chosen.

Whilst this was the better option  for salvaging the vessel it posed  serious challenges for NRW because  of how close a Special Area of  Conservation (SAC) was and the  potential impact from pollution to the  Asterina phylactica, a tiny cushion  starfish.  It took several days for divers to  attach straps and flotation bags; the  vessel was raised on Friday 6th and  towed into West Angle on the high  tide.  Robert Phillips, Pembrokeshire  Natural Resources Manager, for NRW,  said: “Unfortunately, these kinds of  accidents can happen from time to  time but it’s very important we do  what we can to protect the immediate  environment when they do.

“This incident was handled very  successfully by NRW, we managed  to minimise the potential pollution as  well as avoid any damage to the SAC.  “The starfish colony is one of  two in Wales and one of only 6 in the  UK so it’s great that our work helped  ensure this one was unaffected.”  Dismantling began on the morning  of November 7. The ship was taken  apart in sections that were loaded onto  tractors and trailers headed for the  waste segregation compound set up in  the beach car park.  The larger sections of the ship  were dragged above the high tide line  so that continuous dismantling wasn’t  a problem. Thanks to this the vessel  was moved from the beach to the  compound within 12 hours.

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Tribute paid to ‘kind and caring’ solicitor who died in crash

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THE FAMILY of Emily Thornton-Sandy, a 30-year-old woman from Pontarddulais who tragically lost her life following a collision, have paid heartfelt tributes to a wife and daughter described as an “intelligent, kind, and caring soul.”

Emily passed away after her vehicle was involved in a collision on the A48 between Cross Hands and Pont Abraham on Tuesday (Nov 5) while she was driving home from a veterinary appointment. Her beloved dog, Scout, also died shortly after the crash.

Despite being rushed to the University Hospital of Wales, Emily’s condition worsened, and she died on Monday (Nov 11), with her husband by her side.

Emily’s husband shared his grief in a moving statement: “This still feels unreal, and none of us can take it in. Emily was kind, compassionate, and had so much more to give. She used her intelligence in her work as a solicitor, where she strove to help others affected by industrial disease. Emily loved literature and was passionate about her house plants.

“Her passing has left a hole in our lives that can never be filled. I wake up every morning in disbelief at the fact that I will never see her smile again. Emily deserved a long and happy life, and the thought of what happened to her that day brings the greatest pain to all those who love her.

“Scout was the most gentle, affectionate dog you could ever meet, and I have not been able to grieve for her death as I should. She brought great happiness to both me and Emily, and the world has lost so much joy.

“I wish to thank all emergency services staff and persons at the scene for all the help they provided to Emily and Scout, and to the staff at University Hospital of Wales for doing everything they could for Emily in the days following the collision.”

Emily’s parents also shared their heartbreak in a separate statement:
“The loss of Emily, our only child, is devastating. She meant the absolute world to us, and our lives have been changed forever. Not only have we lost our baby girl, but we mourn the loss of the grandchildren that we will never have.

“Emily has always been our pride and joy, and she achieved so much during her short life. She was an intelligent, kind, and caring soul who touched the lives of so many people, both in life and in death. She will never be forgotten.”

Emily’s death has left a lasting impact on all who knew her, and her family’s tributes reflect the deep love and admiration they held for her.

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Public meeting for Haverfordwest’s new transport interchange

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RESIDENTS of Haverfordwest are invited to attend a public engagement event at HaverHub on Thursday, 21st November from 3:00pm to 7:00pm to meet the team behind the upcoming Public Transport Interchange (PTI) development. The event will provide an opportunity for local people to learn more about the exciting project, which is due to start its rebuild phase imminently.

The PTI scheme forms part of the broader South West Wales Metro project, designed to create a modern, integrated transport hub for Haverfordwest. The new facility will bring significant improvements to local transport infrastructure, including enhancements to pedestrian and cycle access, as well as a more efficient and accessible bus station.

Cllr Paul Miller, Cabinet Member for Place, the Region, and Climate Change, said: “This is another exciting step in the extensive regeneration of Haverfordwest, and we look forward to seeing construction start on this important project.”

The new development will include seven bus bays, upgraded passenger facilities, and a multi-storey car park with around 280 spaces. The car park will also feature electric vehicle charging points, with provisions for future expansion, as well as solar panels on the roof. These green features are part of the project’s commitment to sustainability and the promotion of Active Travel, with a focus on walking and cycling.

Cllr Thomas Tudor, County Councillor for the Castle Ward, welcomed the public engagement event, saying: “This is a great opportunity for residents to come together and learn more about the ongoing regeneration projects that will improve the town for everyone.”

The PTI project will also improve car parking provision and local bus access at Haverfordwest railway station, contributing to a more efficient and sustainable transport network for the town.

Jason Taylor, Regional Director at Kier Construction, said: “We are excited to meet the people of Haverfordwest and share the plans for this important project. Kier is proud of its Welsh heritage and thrilled to contribute to the town’s development.”

Kier Construction, which has been awarded the contract to build the PTI, will also have a presence at Riverside Shopping Centre, where residents can drop in for more information once work begins this month.

Please note that the temporary Riverside car park has closed to make way for the development.

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Police ask for witnesses after single vehicle collision on A477

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A SINGLE-VEHICLE road traffic collision occurred on the A477 between Redberth and Broadmoor, Pembrokeshire, early this morning (Thursday, Nov 21).

Dyfed-Powys Police were called to the scene at around 7:10am. One person was taken to hospital with injuries that are not believed to be life-threatening.

The road was closed while emergency services attended, and the vehicle was recovered. It reopened at approximately 9:20am.

Police are appealing for anyone with information, dash cam, or CCTV footage to come forward.

Contact methods:
🖥️ | Submit online
📧 | Email: [email protected]
💬 | Direct message on social media
📞 | Call 101

Alternatively, you can contact Crimestoppers anonymously by calling 0800 555 111 or visiting crimestoppers-uk.org.

Please quote reference: 034 of 21st November.

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