News
Book your holiday safely warn Dyfed-Powys-Police
Dyfed-Powys Police is reminding people to be safe and sure before parting with hard-earned cash when booking their holiday.
Reports of travel booking fraud have massively increased nationally where people have handed over money to a travel agent, website or individual, only to discover that the holiday, or sometimes just parts of it, doesn’t actually exist.
Dyfed-Powys Police is supporting the Action Fraud campaign, to highlight to people some of the dangers to look out for and what action they can take to ensure they book their holidays safely.
Paul Callard, of Dyfed-Powys Police’s Financial Crime Team, said: “This is an increasing problem that residents of Dyfed-Powys need to be wary of. Booking a holiday is an exciting time and something to look forward to, so to discover that your hard-earned cash has gone into a black hole is obviously upsetting.
“There are key things people need to be aware of to keep themselves safe with the main piece of advice being not to pay for your holiday by bank transfer of with cash, as these methods of payment can be difficult to trace and are not refundable.”
Behaviours that put you at risk of holiday booking fraud:
- Paying for a holiday, travel, or accommodation via direct bank transfer or cash
- Entering your payment details into a webpage that doesn’t have the padlock icon (https) in the address bar
- Responding to unsolicited calls, emails or texts offering holidays for incredibly low prices.
How to protect yourself:
- If you’re unfamiliar with the travel company you want to book a holiday with, do research online to ensure they are reputable. Check whether the company is a member of a registered trade body such as ABTA.
- Don’t respond to unsolicited emails, texts or calls offering holidays at very low prices. Remember, don’t click on any links within these emails and texts, or open any attachments, as they may lead to malicious websites or downloads
- Whenever possible, pay for a holiday using a credit card as it offers increased protection over other payment methods. Always look for the ‘https’ and locked padlock icon before entering your payment details.
- For more advice on how avoid becoming a victim of fraud, visit Action Fraud’s website or call
To report a holiday booking scam call police on 101 or Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040 or report online at www.actionfraud.police.uk.
Community
Fly-grazing horses finally removed from St Daniels Hill, Pembroke
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THE LONG-RUNNING issue of fly-grazing on St Daniels Hill in Pembroke has finally seen action, as illegally left horses have now been removed from the land. The situation had been causing significant distress to residents and road users alike.
Paul Hay, a local funeral director and landowner, announced in a post on the Pembroke Dock & Pembroke Citizens Forum group on Facebook that the horses, which had been left on his land without permission, were finally removed after a prolonged struggle.
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“After considerable worry and stress, with numerous phone calls and texts from concerned motorists and residents, I am delighted to inform you that the horses have been removed from our land on St Daniels Hill in Pembroke where they have been illegally fly grazing for a considerable time!” Hay said.
Hay explained that, although some believed the land was common land, it has actually been in his family for generations, having previously belonged to his grandfather. He described the ordeal as both a challenge and a nightmare for him and his family as they attempted to go through the proper channels with the police and the council. He also called for new legislation to be pushed through Parliament to enhance the safety of both road users and the animals themselves.
Growing concerns
The seriousness of the problem was highlighted this week by a post on The Pembrokeshire Herald Facebook page. Caroline Briggs said: “My dad hit and killed an Irish coloured cob in Kilgetty. There were two loose horses on the A477 in the dark. He wrote his car off and was taken to Withybush and sustained head injuries. The police did not pursue the case. Something MUST be done about this problem.”
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The ongoing issue of fly-grazing in Pembrokeshire continues to spark frustration and safety concerns among residents, with local authorities working to find a resolution.
County Councillor Jonathan Grimes (Pembroke St Mary South & Monkton) has been engaging with residents, Pembrokeshire County Council, and Dyfed-Powys Police to address the increasing problem of loose horses, particularly on St Daniels Hill. The presence of unmonitored horses poses a significant risk to road users and property owners.
One affected resident shared their experience, expressing frustration over repeated incidents involving loose horses damaging their property. “All I can say is when I looked out the window, I saw two horses running around my property and ran outside, where I saw the police. I told them that they were not mine and that it was the second time the horses had been at my property in less than 24 hours. It took the police and members of the public around 30 minutes to catch them. The road on St Daniels Hill was closed off. What happened to the horses afterwards, I couldn’t tell you, as I was trying to keep my children and dogs inside the house while the police dealt with it.”
Threats against journalist and councillor
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After posting an article about this issue over the weekend, The Herald received a very nasty phone call. Editor Tom Sinclair explained: “We received a threatening phone call from a male claiming to be the owner of the horses asking us to remove our story. The call included threats of violence and intimidation. The caller was also threatening violence against Cllr Grimes for trying to help the community with this problem. We do not remove newspaper articles on threat of violence. When asked if anything was inaccurate in the article the caller couldn’t think of anything, just kept ranting. The owner needs to sort their horses out, not threaten journalists doing their job to highlight the dangers of these animals running wild.”
Authorities have assured residents that they are working on a solution to prevent further occurrences. However, questions remain as to whether enough is being done to tackle the persistent problem.
Residents affected by fly-grazing incidents are encouraged to report concerns to Pembrokeshire County Council and Dyfed-Powys Police as efforts to address the issue continue.
Business
Pure West Radio appoints new commercial director
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ALISON Lewis-Belton has been appointed as the new Commercial Director of Pure West Radio, bringing extensive experience in tourism, marketing, and business development to the role.
Ali has held key positions, including Director of Helicharter Wales, CEO of Pembrokeshire Tourism, and MD of her consultancy, Outsource Me. Most recently, she served as Head of Marketing and Operations at Celtic Holiday Parks. Her expertise in strategic planning, sales, and revenue generation, along with her strong connections in both local and national business communities, is expected to play a crucial role in the station’s future growth.
Speaking about her appointment, Ali said: “For me, business growth isn’t just about numbers; it’s about the journey—and there’s no place I’d rather take that journey than here in Pembrokeshire. While I’ve worked extensively across Wales and beyond, this county has always been my home, my base, and the heart of everything I do. Pembrokeshire is in my DNA. I relish the opportunity to work with the outstanding people at Pure West. It’s a privilege to be part of the next chapter of the station’s growth.”
Toby Ellis, Station Manager at Pure West Radio, said Ali’s appointment marks an important step forward for the station.
He told The Herald: “Ali joining the team is a real game-changer for us. She brings an incredible passion and fresh energy that align perfectly with our ethos. It personally means so much that someone of her calibre believes in our vision and journey. We know she’ll play a key role in driving new opportunities for local businesses and strengthening our connection with the community. With Ali on board, the future of Pure West Radio looks brighter than ever.”
Pure West Radio, Pembrokeshire’s leading digital and community radio station, continues to expand through DAB broadcasting, live events, and business collaborations. With Ali leading commercial operations, the station aims to further strengthen its role in the local media landscape.
News
Crymych Football Club launches £90,000 fundraising campaign to secure new pitch
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Crymych Football Club – Clwb Pel-droed Crymych – has announced plans for a major new fundraising campaign in a bid to raise £90,000 to fund a new football pitch.
The ambitious project aims to provide an accessible pitch for the club, which currently boasts two senior teams with 90 signed-up players and a newly formed rapidly growing junior section, attracting over 80 youngsters.
Since its inception just six years ago, Crymych Football Club has gone from strength to strength. In 2023, the club achieved a significant milestone by purchasing its own clubhouse at the Crymych Arms Pub, a hub for players, supporters, and the wider community. Now, the club is turning its attention to securing a dedicated football pitch to further its development and ensure a bright future for football in the Crymych area.
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Club Chairman Gary Phillips said: “This is an incredible opportunity for the community to come together and support a project that will benefit generations to come. Our junior section has grown exponentially, and having our own pitch will allow us to nurture local talent and provide an additional focal point for the village. We’re offering a win-win situation – a great return for investors and a lasting legacy for the Crymych area.”
To raise the necessary funds, the club is now inviting individuals to lend £1,000 over three years at an attractive annual interest rate of 4%. This investment opportunity also comes with the added benefit of 30% tax relief under the Enterprise Investment Scheme (EIS), making it a financially rewarding way to support local sports.
With the 4% interest guaranteed, this scheme offers a better return than leaving £1,000 in a traditional savings account. By participating, supporters will not only earn a competitive return on their investment but also play a vital role in securing the future of football in the Crymych Area.
The pitch project is being supported by the community charity PLANED which supports local charities and associations in purchasing and asset transferring property for community benefit. The football club also has support from the Football Association of Wales in developing the new site.
The new pitch will not only serve as a home for the club’s senior and junior teams but will also become a valuable community asset, hosting local events and fostering a sense of pride in the area.
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With the support of the community, Crymych Football Club is confident of reaching its £90,000 target and securing a bright future for football in the area.
Those interested in supporting the campaign can find full details of the lending scheme by visiting www.cpdcrymych.cymru. Alternatively, application forms are available at the Crymych Arms Pub or Siop Sian in Crymych.
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