News
Batten down the hatches!
NATURAL RESOURCES WALES urged people to take action yesterday (January 2). People in West Wales should be prepared as high tides combined with strong winds could lead to coastal flooding over the coming days.
Most of the Welsh coastline is likely to experience stormy conditions, and the effects are likely to be worst with the high tides from Thursday evening through to Saturday, with tidal surges and large waves potentially causing localised flooding.
This is likely to lead to a large number of coastal Flood Warnings and further Flood Alerts being issued across the Welsh coastline.
People living near the coast should be prepared, and should be careful not to walk or drive too close to the coast during high tide.
People are advised to stay clear of promenades and should not stand too close to the sea front as they could be swept away by large waves or hit by debris.
A spokesperson for NRW said:
“Emergency response workers will be at key sites checking that Natural Resources Wales coastal defences are in good working order and making sure any drainage grids and screens are clear, to reduce the risk to people and their homes.
“Officers are also working closely with relevant local authorities and emergency services to make sure that all areas are prepared ahead of the forecast.
“Flood water can be extremely dangerous, and people should not attempt to walk or drive through it unless instructed by the emergency services.
Charity
Local car enthusiast donates treasured classic to Paul Sartori Hospice at Home
THE PAUL SARTORI FOUNDATION is celebrating an act of generosity from local classic car enthusiast Roger Handcock, whose donation of a cherished Mazda MX5 has helped raise £5,500 plus Gift Aid for end-of-life care across Pembrokeshire.
Roger made the decision to donate his 1990 MX5 after a period of ill health over the summer meant the car was no longer being driven. He said he wanted it to be enjoyed — and properly cared for — by someone who would appreciate it as much as he had.
A long-standing member of the Pembrokeshire Classic Car Club, Roger said: “I was ill this summer and my 1990 MX5 was not getting any use, so I decided to part with it in the hope that it would bring some enjoyment and be maintained properly. However, I didn’t have the energy to try to sell it for the highest possible price.
“Being a member of Pembrokeshire Classic Car Club, I decided to donate the car to Paul Sartori Hospice at Home which is one of their favoured charities. In the end a great price was secured for the vehicle, and I am pleased to say that it will still be seen on Pembrokeshire’s roads.”
The Foundation said donations like Roger’s provide a vital source of income, helping to fund free hospice at home support for people nearing the end of life. The service enables patients to remain in the comfort of their own homes, supported by specialist equipment and professional care, while also offering help to families at an incredibly difficult time.
A spokesperson for the Paul Sartori Foundation said they were grateful for Roger’s kindness, adding that the impact of his gift would continue long after the MX5 begins its next chapter on Pembrokeshire’s roads.
Brave donation: Roger Handcock with Paul Sartori Events and Fundraising Officer Joanne Lutwyche (Pic: Paul Sartori Foundation).
Community
Anti-Welsh graffiti targets Tenby’s bilingual signs
Welsh-language text spray-painted at North Beach and other tourist hotspots as council arranges clean-up
TENBY’S Welsh-language signage has been targeted by vandals in a spate of graffiti attacks across the town.
Black spray paint has been daubed on a number of bilingual information boards at some of the resort’s busiest visitor areas, including around North Beach. In each case, the markings appear to focus on the Welsh-language text, while the English information has been left untouched.
Signs affected include those giving practical guidance to visitors – such as parking instructions, motorhome information and notices about dog restrictions on local beaches.
A newly formed campaign group, Mudiad Eryr Wen, said it felt “compelled to respond” after images of the vandalised signs circulated online. The group – which describes itself as youth-led and focused on defending Wales and campaigning for independence – claimed the graffiti amounts to an attack on the Welsh language itself.
In a statement, a spokesperson said the incidents differ from previous cases where Welsh place names were targeted, arguing that this time the Welsh wording on everyday public signage appears to have been deliberately singled out. The group alleged the vandalism was driven by anti-Welsh sentiment and criticised figures and parties it believes have helped to fuel hostility.
Pembrokeshire County Council confirmed it is aware of the damage and said arrangements are being made for signs to be cleaned or replaced where required.
A council spokesperson said: “Pembrokeshire County Council is aware of the vandalism of a number of signs around Tenby. The Council is currently arranging for the signs to be cleaned or replaced where necessary. Deliberate vandalism of this kind diverts time and resources away from important public services.”
Tenby’s Mayor, Cllr Dai Morgan, also condemned the graffiti, describing it as unacceptable and costly.
He said: “Tenby Town Council strongly condemns graffiti and vandalism anywhere in our town. Such behaviour is unacceptable. It damages property, spoils public spaces, and costs the community time and money to put right.
“It shows a lack of respect for Tenby and for the people who live, work, and visit here. The vandalism will be reported, and we encourage anyone with information to do the same.”
News
First Minister warns UK could break up as Starmer faces pressure ahead of elections
Eluned Morgan says there is a “real possibility” the Union could fracture as Labour braces for losses and Prime Minister’s leadership comes under scrutiny
FIRST MINISTER Eluned Morgan has issued a stark warning that the United Kingdom could be at risk of breaking up, as Labour braces for political pressure ahead of the 7 May elections across Wales, Scotland and English councils.
Morgan made the comments during an appearance on Sky News’ Sunday Morning with Trevor Phillips, where she was asked about recent remarks by Scotland’s First Minister John Swinney, who suggested the May elections could prove decisive for Sir Keir Starmer if Labour performs badly.
When asked whether she agreed that the vote could be the “end of the road” for the Prime Minister, Morgan said that would ultimately be “a decision for the parliamentary group,” but added she believed pressure would be inevitable if Labour suffers heavy losses.
Her intervention comes as Labour faces a difficult political landscape in Wales, where the party has been in government in some form since the creation of the Senedd in 1999. Recent polling has suggested Welsh Labour support has fallen sharply, with rival parties gaining ground ahead of what could be a historic contest.
Morgan argued that the stakes extend beyond party politics, warning that the consequences of the May elections could reach into the future of the UK itself. Asked directly whether the country could fracture if nationalist leaders were to control devolved institutions, she said she believed there was a “real possibility” of that, and urged people to recognise it as a genuine risk rather than a remote scenario.
She pointed to the wider constitutional picture, with Northern Ireland already led by Sinn Féin’s Michelle O’Neill as First Minister in the power-sharing executive, and Scotland’s SNP continuing to press its case for independence. Morgan suggested that if nationalist parties were to secure or strengthen their position in devolved governments, the political centre of gravity in the UK could shift further — increasing pressure on Westminster and any Prime Minister struggling with authority after a poor set of election results.
The Welsh First Minister’s comments were made as she continues to outline Welsh Labour’s policy priorities ahead of the campaign, including a proposal to boost pay for school support staff such as teaching assistants, cooks, cleaners and caretakers. The policy, she has said, is intended to improve conditions for key workers who keep schools running and tackle in-work poverty — though opponents argue that public spending promises must be matched by clear long-term funding plans.
With voting day now approaching, Morgan’s warning sets a sharper tone for the election campaign — linking devolved politics to the stability of the Union, and signalling that Labour expects the May results to be treated as a major test of Starmer’s authority and political direction.
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