News

County flooding chaos follows ‘biblical’ storm

Published

12 years ago

January 16, 2014

GALE FORCE winds coupled with unusually high tides have caused widespread flooding along the mid and West Wales coast in the past week.

Areas of Fishguard, Cardigan, Aberaeron, Amroth and Laugharne have all been affected.

Dyfed-Powys Police posted on Twitter that it had closed a number of roads in Amroth, Newgale, Aberystwyth and Borth. Drivers were also advised to avoid coastal areas and told not to attempt driving through flood water.

Rebecca Evans AM has welcomed the news that Minister for Natural Resources, Alun Davies AM, has ordered a review into the recent flooding.

Mrs Evans said: “I wrote to the minister on Saturday asking how the Welsh Government intends to review the recent flooding, so I am pleased that

the minister has responded so quickly by announcing that he has asked Natural Resources Wales to carry out a swift review with the immediate priority being to identify and assess any damage so that repair work can be prioritised.”

Mrs Evans continued: “My thoughts are with everyone who has been affected by the flooding. I am grateful to the staff of Natural Resources Wales, local authority staff, and the emergency services across the region for the way in which they have sought to prepare for the flooding, and keep everyone informed and safe during what has been a very tough few days for people living in coastal areas.

“I am also grateful to the many community groups, volunteers and good neighbours who have pulled together to offer shelter and assistance to residents and business owners affected by flooding along the mid and West Wales coast.”

“It is important that repair work is completed as soon as possible, before the start of the main tourist season in the spring.”

AM Joyce Watson met with Fishguard residents and Pembrokeshire Council’s chief highways officer to discuss the on going situation this week. Councillor Pat Davies took Mrs Watson to the worst affected area of Lower Fishguard to speak to residents.

Mrs Watson said: “Mr Randal Davies, of Bridge Street, said it is the worst flooding he has seen in 47 years.

“In Quay Street, Mr and Mrs Jackson told us it is the worst storm for 63 years. Their house was flooded and Mrs Jackson, who relies on her stair lift, was stranded upstairs when the electricity was knocked out. Thankfully, the fire service and local contractors responded quickly, and the heating and power is back on.

“It is heartening that neighbours are rallying to help and support each other – strong community spirit makes all the difference at a time like this.”

On Tuesday, a specialist team from Natural Resources Wales started work at Newgale Beach, to clear the Brandy Brook from sand and shingle, which has completely blocked the brook following days of extremely high tides.

THE WORK was in conjunction with Pembrokeshire County Council, who has also started work to clear the coastal road at Newgale, which has been closed since last Friday after waves left rocks and debris blocking access.

storm special 16

Natural Resources Wales teams are also continuing work to clear large volumes of shingle and debris from the Tresilley Stream on Amroth Beach.

The Royal Voluntary Service has also asked members of the public to call on their older friends, family and neighbours to check that they are safe and have everything they need.

David McCullough, Chief Executive of Royal Voluntary Service, said: “Severe weather can have a devastating effect on the health and safety of older people, so it’s vital that friends, family and neighbours check in on older people in their town and offer to help where they can. Simple things like making sure older people have enough food in the house and offering someone a lift to a doctor’s appointment or to the shops can make a huge difference during the inclement weather.”

Royal Voluntary Service volunteers will continue to provide services in the local area through the bad weather, as well as assisting the emergency services team by offering refreshments and comfort to people affected by the storms, floods and power cuts.

Woman rescued from swollen river

A YOUNG woman had to be rescued from a river in the early hours of the morning on Thursday, January 9.

Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service were called to rescue the woman from Freeman’s Way near the County Hall Offices at around 1.14am. It comes as the Met Office put out another weather warning for most of Wales following more heavy rain.

A Welsh Ambulance Service spokesperson said: “We were called at 1.09am to an incident near County Hall, Haverfordwest.

“An emergency ambulance was dispatched to the scene, and a woman in her 20s was taken to Withybush General Hospital.”

Charity issues urgent warning following extreme weather

THE ELECTRICAL SAFETY Council is issuing a warning in Pembrokeshire following extreme weather conditions that has led to flooding in many areas. The charity is urging all residents whose homes have been affected by high water levels to take care when cleaning up, especially around electricity which can cause further damage or put people at risk. Water and electricity can be a lethal combination, and with more rain on its way the Electrical Safety Council wants all homeowners to be aware of the risks of combining the two. Wiring and electrical appliances that have been affected by water can at best stop working and at worst cause an electric shock.

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“When faced with flooding damage it can be tempting to jump straight in as it’s natural to want things back to normal as quickly as possible”, explains Penny Walshe from the Electrical Safety Council, “but it is important to make sure your home is electrically safe before you do anything else.

“If the water damage to electrics is relatively minor and caused by clean water, i.e. from a burst water pipe or tank, then the cables will need to be dried and affected electrical accessories such as sockets, switches and plugs will need to be replaced. But if there is major flooding damage caused by contaminated water, i.e. sewage, then there is a chance that affected parts of the house will need to be rewired. Take a step back and call in a registered electrician to assess the damage before you try and fix anything else.”

The Electrical Safety Council is urging homeowners affected by floods to follow these top tips to deal with the damage quickly and safely:

Don’t touch any sources of electricity – such as switches or appliances – when standing in flood water.
Ask your supplier to turn off your electricity and don’t turn it back on until it is safe to do so.
Make sure all electrical equipment affected by flood water has been checked by an electrician before you use it again.
Ask a registered electrician to carry out an Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR)* to check the condition of electrical wiring in your home.
If your home needs to be rewired, ask about raising the height of newly installed electrical equipment above any future expected flood level.

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Charity

Salvation Army calls for more volunteers across Wales

Published

8 hours ago

May 30, 2026

Tom Sinclair

THE SALVATION Army is encouraging more people to get involved in their local communities as Volunteers’ Week marks its 42nd anniversary.

Volunteers’ Week runs from Monday, June 1 to Sunday, June 7, recognising the contribution made by volunteers across the UK.

Across Wales, volunteers play a vital role in The Salvation Army’s community services. They help run activities and classes in community centres, prepare and serve food at lunch clubs and community cafés, support charity shops, and provide meals for people who might otherwise spend Christmas Day alone.

Lyddia Kibaara, The Salvation Army’s Volunteering Manager said: “We’re incredibly privileged to have the support of so many dedicated, kind people who keep our community services running.

“Time is the only non-renewable resource we have, and our volunteers give it generously. Their time transforms the communities we serve.

“We have families who have volunteered with us through the generations, students who are looking for their first volunteering experiences, people who can cook for a crowd, help others with debt advice, or share their digital skills to make sure others aren’t left behind.”

A chance to help others

Anne Evans, 74, began volunteering at The Salvation Army shop in Newtown after retiring and looking for something worthwhile to do.

She said the experience had opened her eyes to the problems faced by people in her community, including poverty, loneliness, relationship breakdowns and employment issues.

Anne said: “I enjoy talking to people who pop into the shop as everybody has a different story to tell. It makes you realise that you don’t know how many problems people can face.

“They are glad to have someone who listens to them and takes an interest in their lives.

“Also, with the rising cost-of-living, people appreciate that we sell items at affordable prices. That’s such an important thing for people right now. Life is becoming more expensive.”

‘More than just a shop’

The Salvation Army supports some of the most disadvantaged people in communities across Wales, including those experiencing homelessness, older people, people affected by drug and alcohol addiction, and those looking to develop skills for work.

Gary Chapman, 43, volunteers at The Salvation Army charity shop in Llanelli.

After his marriage broke down, Gary experienced homelessness for a number of years. He said volunteering at the shop had changed his life and helped him support others.

Gary said: “We are more than just a shop. We are a meeting place. A focal point in the community.

“We offer support, love and care in so many ways, whether through a friendly chat, a listening ear over a cup of tea, or practical help in someone’s hour of need.

“There could be one person comes through the door who is really struggling. Hopefully I can be there for that person.

“I enjoy interacting with people and helping them if I can. That’s what we are here for in The Salvation Army. We are here to help people. We are here to listen to their concerns.”

How to volunteer

Volunteers’ Week is an opportunity to thank those who give their time, passion and skills so generously, while also encouraging others to get involved.

Anyone interested in volunteering with The Salvation Army can visit: www.salvationarmy.org.uk/volunteer

News

St Davids lifeboats launched twice in one day after yacht damaged and kayaker rescued

Published

8 hours ago

May 30, 2026

Tom Sinclair

BOTH St Davids RNLI lifeboats were launched on Wednesday (May 27) after separate incidents involving a damaged yacht in St Brides Bay and a kayaker who had become separated from his craft in Ramsey Sound.

The all-weather lifeboat Norah Wortley was first tasked at 3:12pm to assist a yacht in St Brides Bay after its mast snapped and its sails were lost during gusts in a thunderstorm.

The lifeboat launched at 3:27pm and made its way to the scene, encountering patches of fog and thundery showers en route. Conditions were otherwise described as smooth to slight, with good visibility and winds of between three and five knots.

The volunteer crew arrived at 4:00pm and found the yacht had also lost engine propulsion. A tow was established and the vessel was taken safely to a mooring in Dale.

The yacht was secured to a buoy before the lifeboat departed at 7:00pm. The crew returned to station at 8:00pm and the boat was back on service by 8:15pm.

While the all-weather lifeboat was still at sea, St Davids’ inshore lifeboat was tasked at 5:18pm to a kayaker who had become separated from his kayak.

The crew launched at 5:35pm and headed to the south end of Ramsey Sound, off Treginnis Head. The casualty was located on Shoe Rock, where crew members helped him aboard and carried out a medical assessment.

The kayaker had been wearing a buoyancy aid and had a means of calling for help, allowing him to dial 999 and ask for the Coastguard after becoming separated from his kayak.

He and his craft were safely returned to Porthclais Harbour, and the inshore lifeboat returned to station, where it was back on service at 8:00pm.

RNLI inshore lifeboat helm Chris Limbert said: “This rescue was a brilliant example of why it’s so important to always wear a buoyancy aid and carry a means of contact.

“If the kayaker had been without a buoyancy aid, he may have struggled to stay afloat and get himself safely onto the rock.

“He was also carrying a mobile phone which allowed him to call 999 and ask for the Coastguard.

“Our crew of volunteers are on call 24/7 to go to people’s aid. Never be afraid to call for help.”

Pic: RNLI/Rosie Rees

Crime

Haverfordwest sex offender jailed over child abuse material

Published

12 hours ago

May 30, 2026

Court Reporter

Registered offender used library computers to hide social media accounts

A HAVERFORDWEST sex offender who used public library computers to exchange child abuse material and discuss the sexual abuse of minors has been jailed for 20 months.

Euwyn Draper, aged 22, of Hill Street, Haverfordwest, appeared at Swansea Crown Court after admitting four breaches of a sexual harm prevention order.

Recorder Greg Bull KC told him the courts had “bent over backwards” to assist him in the past, but said those efforts had failed.

He told Draper: “I’m not going to lecture you because I would be wasting my breath. You knew you had to comply with the order.”

Secret accounts

The court heard that Draper had been made subject to a 10-year sexual harm prevention order in 2024 after earlier convictions for possessing and distributing indecent images of children.

The order banned him from holding social media accounts in any name other than his own and required him to disclose relationships or friendships to police when asked.

Despite this, Draper secretly maintained accounts on a number of platforms, including X, formerly Twitter, Instagram, Snapchat and BlueSky. The BlueSky account had been registered under a false name.

His use of Snapchat was specifically prohibited because of the platform’s auto-delete function.

Library computers

Prosecutor Megan Williams said Draper’s latest offending came to light on May 5 this year during a routine meeting with his offender manager at Haverfordwest police station.

When asked about his internet use, Draper claimed he only went to the library to watch YouTube and listen to Spotify. He denied having any social media accounts or communicating with anyone online.

But as questioning continued, he became “flustered” and admitted he had been chatting to a male online and had an X account which had not been disclosed to police.

Officers attended the library with Draper the following day to examine his digital activity.

After he logged in using his library ID and opened his Google account, police reviewed his X profile and found sexually explicit conversations between Draper and another male in which the pair discussed sexual activity involving children aged five and above.

The court heard that explicit photographs had also been exchanged.

Police also discovered that Draper had reinstalled Instagram after previously deleting the account in front of officers.

Previous offending

Draper has three previous convictions for 14 offences.

In April 2024 he was given a suspended prison sentence and made subject to the sexual harm prevention order for possessing and distributing child sex abuse images.

Within months, he breached the order by maintaining an undisclosed social media account. In September 2024 he was jailed for 16 months for possession of further indecent images.

When interviewed about the latest breaches, Draper answered “no comment” to all questions.

‘Immature young man’

Alex Scott, defending, described Draper as an “immature young man” who lived an isolated life in rented accommodation and acted “impulsively” in relation to social media.

He said Draper had co-operated with police by accompanying officers to the library and recognised the need to address the underlying causes of his behaviour.