News
Marine Energy Hub opens in Milford
A NEW Marine Energy Hub has been created in Pembrokeshire this month as Marine Energy Pembrokeshire and the Port of Milford Haven have teamed up in order to share knowledge and facilities.
The joint initiatives between Marine Energy Pembrokeshire (MEP) and the Port of Milford Haven will be located on the doorstep of one of the world’s best marine energy resources.
The hub is a dynamic work site where marine energy companies can come together and share space, facilities and knowledge to unlock the sector’s full potential.
David Jones, MEP’s Project Director, explains “We know how great Pembrokeshire’s resources are and sharing this knowledge has always been at the heart of our activities. The creation of a Marine Energy Hub simply formalises this activity and allows any business to come and directly benefit from Pembrokeshire’s proposition. It’s not just an abundance of marine energy resources; there is also an experienced supply chain.
“Skilled in delivering the needs of the traditional oil and gas sector, the supply chain has already successfully diversified into the marine energy sector, fabricating and delivering Wales’ first tidal stream device with more projects in the pipeline. There is also a deep water port offering test, fabrication and deployment opportunities. The Port is hugely supportive of the marine energy sector and is the development home of Tidal Energy Ltd’s DeltaStream device.
“Of equal importance is the availability of funding. With €100.4 million of EU structural funding prioritised for marine energy in Wales, Demonstration Zones in Pembrokeshire and Anglesey, seabed agreements in place for three separate tidal stream projects, and a number of proposals for significant tidal range projects, Wales is well positioned to play a global leading role in marine energy.”
Set up in 2010, initiatives of this kind are at the heart of the Marine Energy Pembrokeshire proposition.
A strong voice in the industry, working tirelessly to highlight Pembrokeshire’s and Wales’ incredible proposition, MEP will become a vital resource within Pembrokeshire.
The working group meetings are vibrant exchanges, regularly breaking new ground, and the MEP annual seminar has become a key event in the UK marine energy calendar.
They are passionate about marine energy and the importance of collaboration – and they don’t just talk, they act. Users of the Marine Energy Hub will be able to tap into this knowledge base.
First to join the Marine Energy Hub is Marine Space. Their Technical Director, Joseph Kidd, said: “Marine Space has established itself as one of the leading companies in Wales providing development and consenting support to the marine energy sector, and having an office in Pembrokeshire has been a key part of that success.
“We are delighted to now be moving to the new Marine Energy Hub and see it as a great opportunity for us to work even more closely with developers and other organisations involved in marine energy to help push the sector forward.”
Overlooking the magnificent Milford Haven Waterway, the Marine Energy Hub’s office is owned by the Port of Milford Haven, a key supporter of the marine energy sector.
The Port’s Energy Manager, Tim James, said: “Collaboration is at the core of our operations, so MEP’s proposition really aligns with the Port’s aims. We know that Pembrokeshire has a strong future in marine energy and the creation of a Marine Energy Hub is an important step forward in helping more developers realise and access its benefits.”
Holly Pretious, Marine Energy Pembrokeshire Coordinator, rounds off by confirming that there’s more to come from MEP this year with some exciting plans underway: “The team’s overall aim is to establish Pembrokeshire and Wales as a ‘centre of excellence’ for a sustainable marine energy generation. We are looking at some important developments at the moment so it’s a great place to be. We’d encourage anyone who wants to explore how the Hub can add value to the growth of their business to get in touch.”
Crime
Forces in Wales to have more cash to fight crime
WALES’ four police forces will be ‘better supported by the UK Government’, it was announced this week
Secretary of State for Wales Jo Stevens met the chief constables of the four Welsh police forces and the four Police and Crime Commissioners for the first time together last week, days after Home Secretary Yvette Cooper announced more than half a billion pounds of additional UK Government funding for policing next year to support the government’s Safer Streets mission, including an increase in the core grant for police forces and extra resources for neighbourhood policing.
The reforms will restore community patrols with a Neighbourhood Policing Guarantee, create an enhanced role for Police and Crime Commissioners to prevent crime and crack down on anti-social behaviour. The government has also pledged to recruit 13,000 more neighbourhood police and PCSOs, delivering additional resources for Welsh forces.
On Saturday (23 November) the Welsh Secretary joined South Wales Police officers on patrol in Cardiff following the Wales v South Africa Autumn Nations Series rugby international in the city.
She saw the force’s control room in Cardiff Bay Police Station before joining officers from South Wales Police’s Neighbourhood Policing Team on patrol in the city centre as well as meeting other organisations who operate there including Cardiff Street Pastors.
Welsh Secretary Jo Stevens said: “I joined the Neighbourhood Policing Team in Cardiff on Saturday to better understand the issues they see on the front line and I have spoken to all the Welsh chief constables and PCCs and heard about the challenges they face.
“We know the public wants to see neighbourhood policing restored and for it to be properly resourced to tackle crime.
“That’s what this government will deliver and we have already announced that we will recruit 13,000 neighbourhood police officers and PCSOs to do that.
“Officers and the Welsh public can be clear that the UK Government will deliver improvements across our policing and justice system that will make a real difference.”
Assistant Chief Constable Joanna Maal said: “We are pleased that the Secretary of State for Wales has taken up the opportunity to see first hand the scale and complexity of policing our capital city on a busy international match day.
“Cardiff plays host to major events throughout the year, including high-profile music and sporting events, and we are proud to play our part in keeping visitors safe.
“However, this has to be done in addition to the significant demands of policing the wider city and communities of South Wales.”
Detailed spending plans for police forces in Wales and England for the financial year 2025-26 will be confirmed at the upcoming police funding settlement in December.
North Wales Police is one of 11 UK forces involved in a pilot of a new training programme for neighbourhood policing officers to improve standards and consistency.
The Neighbourhood Policing Pathway will help officers build on the skills they need to tackle the issues communities face every day. When fully rolled out, the training programme will be available to police forces across the country to enrol any neighbourhood officer or PCSO on.
Charity
Streaming and betting driving greyhound racing surge in Wales, say campaigners
ANIMAL welfare advocates have raised concerns over a sharp rise in greyhound races at Valley Stadium, Wales’ only licensed track. Greyhound Rescue Wales claims that streaming contracts are a major factor behind this increase, which has sparked renewed calls for a ban on the sport.
The Valley Stadium in Hengoed, licensed by the Greyhound Board of Great Britain (GBGB) in August 2022, hosted 42 races in November 2023. That number surged to 168 last month. The GBGB, however, argues this growth reflects the benefits of regulation, ensuring formal welfare measures are in place for the first time.
Welfare concerns linger
Tim Doyle, CEO of Greyhound Rescue Wales, dismissed the notion of greyhound racing as a harmless evening pastime. He said: “The main output of the Valley track, like most tracks in the UK, is to serve live streaming contracts, not to entertain crowds at the venue.”
Mr. Doyle, alongside gambling reform advocate Matt Zarb-Cousin, criticised the industry’s reliance on betting revenues, which they claim disproportionately come from individuals with gambling problems. Both campaigners also raised alarms over the welfare of racing dogs.
“It’s not regulation; it’s self-regulation,” said Mr. Doyle, pointing to GBGB data showing over 18,000 injuries and 2,000 fatalities on regulated tracks between 2018 and 2021. He also highlighted the challenges of rehoming retired greyhounds amid rising living costs and vet bills.
Calls for a phased ban
The Welsh government is expected to respond soon to a consultation exploring a phased ban on greyhound racing. This follows a petition signed by 35,000 people and a Senedd committee recommendation for gradually ending the sport in Wales. However, a counter-petition in support of greyhound racing garnered more than 10,000 signatures.
The GBGB defended its role, emphasising improved welfare standards at the Valley Stadium, including on-site veterinary care and robust rules to ensure safety and integrity. A spokesperson said: “British licensed greyhound racing contributes £166 million to the economy and remains a popular product for broadcasters worldwide.”
Industry divided
A Betting and Gaming Council spokesperson welcomed the improvements at Valley Stadium, noting: “Last year, our members voluntarily donated over £7m to the British Greyhound Racing Fund for welfare.”
The Valley Racetrack declined to comment. Meanwhile, welfare groups, including Greyhound Rescue Wales, continue to push for an end to what they describe as an “antiquated” industry, citing the harm caused to both animals and vulnerable gamblers.
The debate is likely to intensify as the Welsh government publishes its findings, potentially shaping the future of greyhound racing in Wales.
Community
Step into a magical festive adventure at Oriel y Parc
FAMILIES are invited to embark on a magical journey this winter with the launch of the Winter Festive Nature Trail, opening Saturday 23 November at Oriel y Parc, National Park Discovery Centre, St Davids. Perfect for explorers of all ages, this enchanting trail combines nature, fun and festive cheer in an outdoor adventure.
Visitors will uncover seven glowing animals, each hidden within a unique habitat. Armed with a special magic torch, participants will reveal and collect glowing animals as they follow the trail. Once completed, families can return to the desk to reunite the animals with their festive homes and claim a Nature Adventurer’s treat.
This engaging event runs daily from 9.30am-3.30pm until Friday 20 December. Entry is £4 per child, making it an affordable and memorable activity for families.
Adding to the festive magic, Oriel y Parc welcomes the return of its North Pole Post Box. Children can write letters to Santa, sharing their festive wishes, and drop them into the special post box. After three days, families can return to pick up a personalised reply from Santa along with a surprise from the elves’ workshop. The Free Post Office will operate from Saturday 23 November – Thursday 19 December, spreading holiday cheer to visitors of all ages.
The festivities continue with the highly anticipated Christmas Market on Saturday 7 December from 10am to 3pm. This market is a perfect opportunity to embrace the holiday spirit while browsing an array of local craft and food stalls. Live music performances by the Solva Ukulele Pirates and the Barn Howlers will create a lively atmosphere throughout the day.
Visitors will find a wide selection of unique handmade gifts and treasures from talented local makers and producers, perfect for Christmas shopping. Seasonal food will be available from the new team at The Brunch House, offering warming and delicious dishes to enjoy during the event. With free entry and parking, the market is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the season and support local artisans.
Oriel y Parc is delighted to welcome visitors to these special seasonal events, offering something for everyone to enjoy. From magical trails to festive shopping and Santa’s special deliveries, the holiday season at Oriel y Parc promises to be unforgettable.
For more details on Christmas events and The Brunch House opening hours throughout November and December, visit www.orielyparc.co.uk.
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