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‘If we are in, we are open’

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public accessIT 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.”

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Crime

Crown Court backlog at a record high, Victims’ Commissioner warns

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THE VICTIMS’ Commissioner for England and Wales, Baroness Newlove, has voiced profound concern over the escalating backlog of cases in the Crown Court, which has surged to a record 67,573 outstanding cases. This latest figure not only signifies a 1% increase from the previous quarter but also marks a staggering 65% rise from pre-pandemic levels and a near double increase since June 2019.

Baroness Newlove, reflecting on the dire statistics, emphasized the intolerable delays victims are facing, often stretching to years, before their cases are heard in court. With 27% of all outstanding cases now pending for over a year, the situation has reached a critical point, resulting in unprecedented strain on victims and the frontline services supporting them.

The duration from the receipt to the completion of cases at the Crown Court remains significantly above pre-pandemic figures, showcasing an 82% increase from the end of March 2020 and an 84% rise from the end of June 2019. Specifically troubling is the average completion time for rape cases, which now stands at 393 days, surpassing all previous records and highlighting a 52% increase from before the pandemic.

The Victims’ Commissioner pointed out the growing burden on victim services and the potential for increasing numbers of victims to withdraw from the process due to prolonged wait times. The statistics reveal a 14% victim withdrawal rate post-charge in the latest quarter, coupled with 26% of cases being adjourned on the day of trial, further exacerbating the challenges faced by those seeking justice.

Baroness Newlove criticized the apparent systemic issues within the judicial process, noting that despite a 4% decrease in new case volumes, the backlog continues to rise, with completed cases also experiencing a decline. This situation underscores the critical need for systemic reforms to address the inefficiencies plaguing the court system, ensuring that victims do not continue to suffer from prolonged delays in obtaining justice.

As the Crown Court backlog hits another record high, the call for urgent action to alleviate the pressure on victims and the judicial system has never been more pressing, with justice delayed increasingly equating to justice denied.

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Entertainment

Easter Extravaganza: ‘Into The Woods’ takes the stage in Pembs

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THE FISHGUARD and District Drama Society (FADDS) is set to dazzle audiences with its latest production, “Into The Woods”. Theatre enthusiasts across Pembrokeshire are in for a treat as the show embarks on a captivating three-day run at Theatre Gwaun starting Thursday, April 4th.

The production, which premieres at 7:00pm on Thursday, promises an exciting journey through a modern twist on beloved fairy tales, with additional performances scheduled for the following dates and times:

  • Thursday, April 4th at 7:00pm
  • Friday, April 5th at 7:00pm
  • Saturday, April 6th at 2:00pm and again at 7:00pm

Tickets are swiftly selling out, urging potential spectators to secure their seats promptly by booking through Theatre Gwaun’s official website.

For over three decades, FADDS has been a cornerstone of the local theatre scene, bringing a plethora of productions to life at Theatre Gwaun. Their adaptation of Stephen Sondheim’s “Into The Woods” marks yet another milestone, enriching Pembrokeshire’s cultural tapestry. Since its Broadway debut in 1987 and subsequent West End premiere in 1990, “Into The Woods” has been a fixture in the theatre community, even inspiring a Walt Disney film adaptation in 2014.

The story weaves a tapestry of fairy tale quests, exploring the intertwined fates of beloved characters as they venture into the woods, each harboring their own desires and secrets. Questions abound: What binds a cow as white as milk to hair as yellow as corn? Can Cinderella attend the King’s Festival? Will Rapunzel escape her tower? And who is the mysterious figure obsessed with greens?

FADDS promises a show brimming with intrigue, laughter, and the timeless music of Sondheim, delivering a “fast-paced, super fun” interpretation of these classic tales. This amateur production, orchestrated in collaboration with Music Theatre International (MTI), guarantees a magical night out for families and theatre aficionados alike, blending nostalgia with the thrill of live performance.

Don’t miss the opportunity to experience this vibrant take on “Into The Woods” – a theatrical journey where fairy tales and reality collide, revealing the heart and humour of these age-old stories.

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Education

Second Pembrokeshire Chess Tournament celebrates youth and skill

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THE SECOND Pembrokeshire Chess Tournament drew participants from 21 schools across the region, culminating in a day of intense competition and camaraderie.

The tournament, reported by Vicky Brown, saw young chess enthusiasts gather for a day marked by strategic gameplay and exceptional talent. Henry Burton from Redhill emerged victorious, claiming the top spot in a closely contested field. The duo of Steffan Hughes and Huw Holliday, also from Redhill, followed closely in second place, while Osian Griffiths (Ysgol Caer Elen), Bryn Williams (Milford Haven Community School), and Iolo Hughes (Redhill) shared the third place, showcasing the depth of talent present among the participants.

In recognition of outstanding sportsmanship, Carys Callan from Redhill was honoured with the ‘David Pinch Award’, embodying the spirit of fair play and respect that marked the tournament. A special mention was given to Tyler Davison-Hall from Johnston CP School for participating in the Game of the Tournament, further highlighting the event’s competitive yet friendly atmosphere.

The tournament benefitted significantly from the expertise of Ian Eustis from the Welsh Chess Union, who served as Arbiter, ensuring the smooth running of the games. The event was also supported by Martin Jones and Scott Hammett, who took on the roles of stewards, and the Friends of Redhill (FOR), who managed the refreshments, contributing to the day’s success.

The local chess community, including participants and spectators, expressed their appreciation for the organisational efforts that made the event possible. For those interested in furthering their chess skills, the Pembrokeshire Chess Club extends an invitation to meet on Tuesday evenings in Steynton. Martin Jones, contactable at 07884384131, is available for further details regarding membership and participation.

Looking ahead, Redhill is poised to host its next chess tournament on Saturday, 8th June, promising another opportunity for young chess players to demonstrate their skills and passion for the game. The success of this event not only highlights the thriving chess scene in Pembrokeshire but also sets the stage for future tournaments that continue to inspire and engage the youth in the noble game of chess.

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