News
Returning officer issues postal vote instructions following printing error
POSTAL VOTERS in the three constituencies of Ceredigion, Preseli Pembrokeshire and Carmarthen West and South Pembrokeshire have now received the second issue of regional ballot papers for the
Welsh Assembly election on May 5. The original postal vote ballot papers for the Mid and West Wales Region – which were sent out several days ago – contained a printing error which rendered them invalid.
In the instructions at the top it incorrectly stated ‘vote for only one candidate by putting a cross (x) in the box next to your choice’.
The instruction should have read: ‘vote only once by putting a cross (x) in the box next to your choice’.
Postal voters are requested to destroy the original regional ballot paper only and to complete and return the reissued Mid and West Wales Regional Ballot paper in the envelope provided.
If postal voters do not return the reissued ballot paper, their vote will not be counted.
Any of the original, incorrect postal ballot papers which postal voters may already have completed and returned, will not be counted.
The remaining ballot papers received by postal voters – namely for the constituency and the Police and Crime Commissioner election – are unaffected and should be returned as originally instructed.
Postal voters in the Ceredigion, Preseli Pembrokeshire and Carmarthen West/South Pembrokeshire constituencies who have queries on this matter should ring the following telephone numbers:
01545 572032 (for Ceredigion)
01437 775844 (for Preseli Pembrokeshire and Carmarthen West/South Pembrokeshire).
Crime
Haverfordwest bank clerk accused of theft and fraud

A HAVERFORDWEST bank clerk has appeared in court accused of stealing a customer’s bank card and committing fraud by abuse of position.
Mary Roberts, 47, of Coronation Avenue, Haverfordwest, is charged with stealing a bank card belonging to Keith France on November 22, 2023.
She is also accused of dishonestly abusing her position while working as a bank clerk, intending to cause financial loss while in a role where she was expected to safeguard her customer’s interests.
Roberts appeared at Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday (March 11), where she entered not guilty pleas to both charges.
Magistrates declined jurisdiction and sent the case to Swansea Crown Court for a plea and trial preparation hearing next month.
The offences are alleged to be contrary to the Theft Act 1968 and the Fraud Act 2006. If convicted, Roberts faces a maximum penalty of 12 months’ imprisonment and an unlimited fine.
Business
Cardigan shop wins St David’s Day competition

CARDIGAN Curiosities has won the St David’s Day shop window award for the Cardigan division, an accolade presented by Menter Iaith Ceredigion.
High Street businesses and Guildhall shops embraced the festivities, decorating their windows in a vibrant display to celebrate the national day of Wales and the arrival of spring. The event, which highlighted the Welsh language, saw enthusiastic participation from across Ceredigion.

To mark the occasion and show appreciation for the community, Cardigan Curiosities is offering the chance to win an exclusive piece of local artwork. The prize is a one-of-a-kind watercolour painting of the nave of St David’s Cathedral, created by a Pembrokeshire artist. The framed artwork measures 74×95 cm.
To enter the competition, participants must:
- Visit the Cardigan Curiosities Facebook or Instagram page
- Like the competition post
- Comment with their favourite Welsh word
The winner will be drawn on March 20 by “Ddraig Goch” from inside a dragon egg, with the announcement made that evening on social media.
For those interested in viewing the artwork or the decorated shop window, Cardigan Curiosities is located at 32A Cardigan High Street and is open Thursday to Sunday, from 10:00am to 5:00pm.
Community
Haverfordwest fire station hosts community engagement event

HAVERFORDWEST FIRE STATION welcomed County Councillor Thomas Tudor for a community engagement event alongside Emyr and Amy from Gwasanaeth Tân ac Achub CGC / Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service.
The event focused on the Community Risk Management Plan (CRMP) 2040, a strategic initiative aimed at enhancing public safety across Mid and West Wales. The fire service is encouraging residents to take an active role in shaping the plan by providing feedback through an online survey.
Councillor Tudor praised the initiative, highlighting the importance of community involvement in developing a safer and more resilient region.
Residents can participate in the consultation by visiting: www.mawwfire.gov.uk.
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