News

‘If we are in, we are open’

Published

12 years ago

January 23, 2014

IT IS a priority for the Dyfed-Powys Police Chief Constable and the Police and Crime Commissioner to ensure that the public know how, where and when they can contact their local police, and both are committed to promoting and improving our accessibility to communities.

The public can access the police in their local community and there are several ways of contacting the police, in person at local meetings/briefings or by visiting a station, or by dialling 101 and asking to speak to the local neighbourhood team.

You can also find your nearest police station on the force smartphone app. Each station and mobile station is plotted on a map of the force area.

Residents can keep up to date with what is going on locally online by putting in their post code or choosing their local area. You can find out who is in your local team, what residents have asked them to tackle in each community as well as the work they have undertaken to deal with each issue.

You can also download newsletters with the latest statistics for crimes and incidents in the community.

All this information is available on the Dyfed Powys smartphone app that is available for iPhones and androids from the app store and google play search for Dyfed Powys Police.

Chief Constable Simon Prince said, “It is really important to us that people can access their local officers, in particular in our more rural communities. What makes this part of Wales so beautiful, also brings the biggest challenges the geography.

“We have listened to the public, and we have reviewed our police stations and mobile police stations, and whilst we want officers to be out and about in communities, we also recognise that people will want to visit them in our stations. This is why we have taken a new approach to our opening hours. If we are in the station, and we are free to meet people then we will. People have told me that they know when they can call into the station as the police car is outside and they can see officers there. Now we will make sure that if this is the case, then the door is open.

“We know that people will dial 999 if they need our help in an emergency, but our role is wider than that. It is about helping people to feel safe as well as be safe. Knowing how to contact us when it isn’t so urgent is all part of this.

“We have the 101 phone number where you can reach your local neighbourhood team as well as regular local meetings with the neighbourhood teams in communities. We are also improving the way people can keep up to date with local work being undertaken, initiatives to prevent crime and statistics about crime in their areas through our website, community newsletters and via our free smartphone app.”

Inspector Craig Templeton said: “We are here to help people feel safe and to deal with issues and concerns that matter in communities. We want people to be able to contact us in a way that is suitable and convenient for them. We know that this means different things for different people, so we are working to offer a range of ways for people to get in touch with us. Information will be available in each community that says where the nearest station and mobiles stations are, as well as the time, date and locations of meetings or briefings on our website and through our social media channels.”

Dyfed-Powys Police and Crime Commissioner Christopher Salmon said:

“I’m confident the people of Dyfed-Powys will warmly welcome this initiative by our police force.

“Enhanced access to policing services is a priority of my strategic Police and Crime Plan; the public can now be confident of having clear lines of communication with officers.

“Good access to the police is vital for community confidence. Knowing that officers are there when you need them and being able to contact them in a way that meets your needs offers community reassurance.”

Education

Paul Davies MS opposes proposed closure of Ysgol Clydau

Published

20 minutes ago

December 10, 2025

Tom Sinclair

Senedd Member criticises ‘deeply concerning’ timing of consultation

LOCAL Senedd Member Paul Davies has spoken out against Pembrokeshire County Council’s proposal to close Ysgol Clydau, warning that the timing of the public consultation — launched in the weeks before Christmas — is “deeply concerning” and unfair to affected families.

Mr Davies said the school plays a vital role in the community, and that any attempt to close it would have a damaging impact locally, including on efforts to promote and protect the Welsh language.

“Ysgol Clydau is a crucial part of the local community, and its closure would have a huge impact on the local area,” he said. “It’s unacceptable that this consultation has been launched without any discussion with local stakeholders, and announcing it just before Christmas is very disappointing.”

He pointed to the school’s strong record, noting that Estyn inspectors highlighted positive relationships between staff and pupils and praised a curriculum that makes purposeful use of the surrounding area to inspire curiosity.

“Closing this school would be to the detriment of local families, and it would also undermine efforts to protect and promote the Welsh language in the community,” he added.

Mr Davies urged Pembrokeshire County Council to ensure the consultation is meaningful by “genuinely listening to local voices” and working with parents, representatives and the wider school community to find a constructive way forward.

Community

Narbelles WI celebrate successful AGM and present charity cheque

Published

37 minutes ago

December 10, 2025

Rieve Nesbitt-Marr

MEMBERS of Narbelles WI gathered this November for a warm and lively Annual General Meeting, marked by friendship, fundraising and a touch of friendly competition.

The meeting opened with a heartfelt President’s Address delivered by Kayla, setting an uplifting tone for the evening. Laughter soon followed as members took part in an entertaining quiz, ultimately won by the aptly named No W-Idea team — Alyson, Sharon and Jo — who secured bragging rights for the night.

A highlight of the AGM was the visit from Rosie-Faye Hart, attending on behalf of the Paul Sartori Foundation. She received the group’s 2025 fundraising cheque for £333, raised through the Narbelles WI’s sunflower bucket collection during Narberth Civic Week as well as proceeds from their September guest talk on the Ocky White Finds. That talk was delivered by Fran Murphy of Heneb, The Trust For Welsh Archaeology and proved both popular and informative among members.

The Narbelles WI look ahead to the coming year with pride in their community efforts and gratitude for the continued support that makes their charitable work possible.

Crime

Man accused of assaults, false imprisonment and threats to kill to stand trial

Published

1 hour ago

December 10, 2025

Court Reporter

Swansea Crown Court sets trial for April 2026

A MAN accused of a string of violent offences against a woman in the west Wales area over several months has pleaded not guilty and will face trial at Swansea Crown Court next spring.

Patrick Smyth, born in 1975 and formerly of Oaks Avenue, Romford, appeared before Swansea Crown Court this (Dec 10) where he denied all charges put to him.

The case follows an earlier appearance at Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court in November 2025, where the allegations were first sent to the Crown Court due to their seriousness.

Multiple allegations across several dates

Smyth is accused of assault occasioning actual bodily harm on multiple occasions, with alleged incidents said to have taken place on September 25, October 24, and October 26 this year.

He also faces two counts of false imprisonment, with the prosecution alleging that a woman was unlawfully detained on July 9 and again on October 26.

In addition, Smyth is charged with engaging in controlling or coercive behaviour between November 2024 and November 2025, an offence brought under the Domestic Abuse Act.

Prosecutors further allege that Smyth made threats to kill and that he threatened a person with a bladed article or offensive weapon on October 26.

No details of the evidence were opened during today’s short plea hearing.