News
EU employment investments for Pembrokeshire youth

A £19 MILLION EU investment, expected to boost prospects for young people within Pembrokeshire, has been announced this Wednesday (Jul 20) by the Welsh Government Finance Secretary, Mark Drakeford.
The major project will provide individually-tailored programmes of support, training, volunteer opportunities and paid work placements for more than 4,500 people over the next three years, targeted at young people not in education, employment or training.
Young people aged between 11 to 24 years based in the South West Wales area will be the ones that benefit from Pembrokeshire County Council’s £19 million Cynnydd scheme, funded proportionately by £13 million of EU funds.
Professor Drakeford said: “I’m delighted to announce EU funding for this project, which will translate into improved skills, prospects and new opportunities for thousands of young people helping them to reach their potential.
“This is an important project benefitting from the millions of pounds Wales receives from the European Union, which in turn is helping people into work and training; supporting businesses; improving our roads and infrastructure and helping to regenerate communities.
“This is why it’s essential that we get a guarantee from the UK Government that Wales will not lose a penny of this funding as a result of leaving the EU.
”While arrangements are being made for the UK to leave the EU, we are pressing ahead with the delivery of our existing EU programmes in Wales, investing in projects to ensure continuity for citizens, communities and businesses.”
The Cynnydd scheme aims to help young people progress further in education and training and improve their future job and career prospects. The scheme will provide support such as individual mentoring, coaching and counselling, courses to improve basic skills, self-esteem and life skills as well as work experience and volunteering opportunities.
The investment in Cynnydd follows £30 million of EU funds invested earlier this year for similar schemes to support young people in North Wales, the South Wales Valleys and South East Wales.
Pembrokeshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for the Economy and Communities, Councillor Keith Lewis, said: “The new Cynnydd project is a wonderful opportunity for us to improve the future for young people who without this support might have struggled against life’s challenges.
“This isn’t a one-size-fits-all project, but one that will be tailored to the needs and aspirations of each young person.”
Crime
Haverfordwest man sentenced for offensive online messages

A HAVERFORDWEST man has been handed a community order after admitting to sending offensive messages via social media.
Steven Butler, aged 39, of Douglas James Way, Haverfordwest, pleaded guilty at Llanelli Magistrates’ Court to a charge under the Communications Act 2003.
The court was told that between October 23 and October 29, 2024, Butler sent a series of grossly offensive and menacing messages intended to cause distress to the recipient, a female we have chosen not to name
He was sentenced to a 17-month community order, including 25 rehabilitation activity days and 200 hours of unpaid work to be completed within 12 months.
A restraining order was also imposed, prohibiting Butler from contacting the woman or referring to her online, except via legal representation in relation to any proceedings.
The restraining order remains in force until November 14, 2026.
He was also ordered to pay £85 in prosecution costs and a £114 victim surcharge.
Crime
Teenager faces Crown Court trial for knife threat in private home

A TEENAGER from Haverfordwest is facing trial at Swansea Crown Court after being accused of threatening a man with a kitchen knife in a private property.
KIAN KELLY, aged 20, of Milford Road, Haverfordwest, appeared before Llanelli Magistrates’ Court charged with threatening a person with a bladed article in a private place.
The court heard that on March 8, 2025, Kelly allegedly threatened Benjamin Kelly with a kitchen knife at 22A Hill Street, Haverfordwest, in a way that posed an immediate risk of serious physical harm.
He also faces a separate charge of possessing a bladed article in a public place without good reason, and another charge of criminal damage to household items belonging to Margaret Kelly.
He pleaded not guilty to the knife charges and guilty to the criminal damage offence during a previous hearing on April 11.
Kelly was remanded on conditional bail with strict terms, including a nightly electronically monitored curfew from 8:00pm to 8:00am, and a prohibition from entering Hill Street or contacting any prosecution witnesses.
He is next due to appear at Swansea Crown Court for trial on September 18, 2025.
Entertainment
Musicians unite for climate concert in Cardigan

TWO local musicians are joining forces to raise awareness of the climate and nature crisis through a special concert at Cardigan Guildhall on Saturday, May 31.
The event, titled Singing for Life, will begin at 7:00pm and will feature original compositions by singer-songwriter and classical pianist Rosalind Powell, alongside music from Matthew Douglas, who performs under the name Drift.
Powell, well-known in the area for her piano recitals and songwriting, said she felt a strong desire to do something meaningful in response to environmental concerns. “Music can bring people together in powerful ways,” she said. “This event is about raising our voices — quite literally — for a cause that affects us all.”
Douglas, who shares Powell’s passion for protecting the natural world, was quick to support the idea. His performances under the moniker Drift combine reflective lyrics with a contemporary sound, offering a contrast to Powell’s classical influences.
The evening is being held in aid of Cardigan Extinction Rebellion (XR), with all proceeds going to support their local campaigning work. Tickets will be available on the door, with a suggested donation of £8. Refreshments will be served during the interval between the two acts.
Organisers say everyone is welcome, regardless of political affiliation. “This is about raising awareness, sharing music, and connecting with one another,” Powell added.
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