News

Pembroke: Emergency services out in force as woman threatens to jump into Mill Pond

Published

9 years ago

January 5, 2016

Sarah-Jane Absalom

Fire service rescue boat in Pembroke on Saturday (Pic: Mike Hillen/Herald)

A FEMALE who was threatening to enter the water at the Mill Pond in Pembroke was detained by the police for her own safety on Saturday night.

Dyfed-Powys Police, Coast Guard officers and the Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service rib, Rescue One, attended the incident. An ambulance was also sent to the scene.

When emergency services arrived they found the woman in a distressed state on the water’s edge.

A witness at the scene gave an unconfirmed account that the incident had been proceeded by an argument, a claim that The Herald cannot verify.

The witness added: “I think that this large emergency services response is in part due to the tragic deaths which have occurred recently at the Mill Pond. Nobody wanted to take any chances.”

The police told The Herald in a statement: “Police responded to a report of a female in need of assistance after entering Mill Pond at approximately 11.10pm on January 2.”

The spokesman added: “They attended the area and found a distressed female on the water’s edge. She was detained for her own safety.

After a thorough search of the pond was conducted by police and fire using a heat source detector and speaking to the original caller again, it was established that the correct female had been detained and that no one else had entered the water.”

In November, coroner Mark Layton raised concerns with Pembrokeshire County Council over safety at the Mill Pond.

The move came after an inquest into the death of Robert Mansfield, who drowned at the Mill Pond while celebrating his eighteenth birthday.

The inquest heard that Mr Mansfield had “a bit of an infatuation with Pembroke Mill Pond” as well as “a history of messing about in water when drunk”.

A Pembrokeshire County Council risk assessment, provided at the request of the coroner, said that there was a low risk of slips, trips and falls into the water at the Mill Pond. However signs were to be erected advising people not to swim and a life ring to be installed by the barrage.

The council’s assessment had been disputed by Robert Mansfield’s family who have been campaigning for better safety measures at the Mill Pond.

An inquest into the drowning of a 52-year-old man in Pembroke’s Mill Pond on New Year’s Day 2015 ruled his death was accidental.

At a hearing in October, deputy coroner Gareth Lewis concluded that the death of Wayne Anthony Young, of Olivers View, Pembroke on was a ‘tragic accident’.

An eye witness statement said Mr Young was seen tumbling down a bank into the Mill Pond. A concerned member of the public retrieved a life ring from The Royal George pub and threw it towards Mr Young but there was no response, the inquest heard.

The witness then entered the pond to bring Mr Young out of the water. He died on the day of his birthday.

An ambulance on stand by at the scene (Pic: M Hillen/Herald)

A big response: Rescue teams were out in force on Saturday (Pic M Hillen/Herald)

Emergency teams were responding to a call that a woman was going to jump into the Mill Pond (Pic: M Hillen/Herald)

Entertainment

Newport Winter Wonderland is the ideal treat for the family this Christmas holiday

Published

16 hours ago

December 24, 2024

Tom Sinclair

THERE is still a chance to attend the Newport Winter Wonderland and experience a magical winter experience. Located next to Friars Walk Shopping Centre (NP20 1UH), the festive attraction opened its doors on Thursday, November 21, and will run until Sunday, January 5, closing only on Christmas Day and Boxing Day.

Visitors can look forward to a real ice rink under cover, ensuring skating fun whatever the weather. Alongside the rink, a large Christmas funfair offers thrills and entertainment for all ages, while stalls serving various Christmas foods promise festive treats to keep everyone warm and satisfied.

For those looking to unwind, a fire pit provides a cosy spot for roasting marshmallows, and a licensed bar offers seasonal drinks to enjoy. Entry to the Winter Wonderland is free, with tickets required only for specific attractions.

Families can also meet Santa Claus himself, making it a perfect outing for creating cherished holiday memories.

For more details, including ticket bookings and opening hours, visit www.newportwinterwonderland.co.uk.

Make sure to wrap up warm and head down to Newport Winter Wonderland for a truly festive day out this Christmas season.

Festive fun: Newport Winter Wonderland features an ice rink, funfair, and Santa Claus (Pic: Herald).

Crime

Arrest after fatal Carmarthenshire hit-and-run

Published

17 hours ago

December 24, 2024

Tom Sinclair

A MAN has been arrested following a fatal hit-and-run collision in Llanpumsaint, Carmarthenshire, on Monday (December 23), which claimed the life of 38-year-old Aaron Jones.

The incident happened near Caer Salem Baptist Chapel between 6:45pm and 7:45pm while Aaron was walking his dog. Police said the vehicle involved, a blue car with noticeable damage, was travelling northbound through the village at the time of the collision.

Dyfed-Powys Police confirmed that the vehicle believed to have been involved has now been located, and a 27-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving, failing to stop for a collision, and failing to report a collision.

Specially trained officers are supporting Aaron’s family, who have asked for privacy during this difficult time.

A spokesperson for Dyfed-Powys Police said: “We are appealing to anyone who may have seen the vehicle or has dashcam footage from the area during the relevant times to contact us immediately.”

The road remains closed while investigations continue, and residents can expect an increased police presence in the area.

Anyone with dashcam footage, doorbell camera recordings, or CCTV footage from the area is urged to check their recordings and contact Dyfed-Powys Police immediately using the details provided in the comments.

Community

Lord Nelson Hotel refunds lucky couple the full cost of their wedding day

Published

23 hours ago

December 24, 2024

Tom Sinclair

WHAT an amazing Christmas present!

In an extraordinary gesture of generosity, the Lord Nelson Hotel delighted one lucky couple by refunding the full cost of their 2024 wedding. Abby and Simon Hooper, who tied the knot at the historic venue on August 3, were thrilled to learn they were the winners of this year’s giveaway.

The initiative was part of a special promotion open to all couples who celebrated their weddings at the Lord Nelson in 2024. The winners were selected through a random draw using a fair generator system, with the Hoopers emerging as the fortunate recipients.

The hotel has announced plans to continue the tradition in 2025, offering next year’s couples the same opportunity to win their wedding costs back.

A spokesperson for the Lord Nelson Hotel said: “If you’re planning to get married in 2025, it’s not too late to book with us and secure your spot in next year’s draw.

“We are thrilled to celebrate love and create moments to cherish, and this is just one of the ways we give back to our incredible couples.”

Known for its elegant venue spaces and exceptional wedding team, the Lord Nelson Hotel remains a top choice for couples seeking a perfect wedding day. This annual giveaway further cements their commitment to delivering unforgettable experiences.

Abby and Simon Hooper shared their gratitude after their special day: “From start to finish, the team at the Lord Nelson Hotel was incredibly helpful, and nothing was too much to ask.

“The day went smoothly, the food was fantastic, and the staff were polite, hardworking, and attentive. Mia and Jenna, in particular, stood out for their thoughtfulness and attention to detail.

“We couldn’t have asked for a better experience.”